《His Beloved Treasure》


 Chapter 1 - 01 Birth of a daughter_1

    Chapter 1 - 01 Birth of a daughter_1


    "Let''s be together, let''s be together!"


    Qin Mu looked at the man kneeling before her, holding a big bunch of fiery red roses.


    She was brought here by classmates, and then...


    Was he proposing to her?


    There were also candles lit on the ground, their light flickering in her eyes, brightening and dimming.


    Suddenly, the man kneeling in front of her stood up and delivered the big bunch of roses he had prepared into her arms.


    Qin Mu had always been rather indifferent in relationships, although she hadn''t been short on confessions, this was definitely the first time such a grand gesture had been directed at her. She was a bit stunned!


    The man directly wrapped his arms around her slender waist: "I love you!"


    Wow!


    A sound of astonishment came from the crowd.


    Love?


    Handsome and wealthy, with impressive talents, there were people who would line up around the entire square to marry him. Why would he set his sights on her?


    The sudden closeness of his breath made her frown subconsciously.


    Not out of nervousness, but disgust!


    She suddenly realized that his distance from her was as close as a whisper!


    "Could you stay a bit further away from me, please?"


    She asked angrily, but the voices around were too loud, it seemed like no one cared about her voice at all!


    The boy, hugging her, was about to kiss her when she was just about to raise her hand to push him away¡ª


    Suddenly, a few cars drove over and stopped on the road next to the square. A firefighter in uniform opened a hydrant and aimed the hose at the candles scattered on the ground spraying them.


    "Hey, what are you doing?"


    Qin Mu looked at the chaotic scene in front of her, backed away into the crowd, and from the beginning to the end, she was not in the right state of mind. And it was even less probable that she would accept his proposal.


    Walking towards her rented small apartment, the early autumn night brought a hint of chill. There were few pedestrians on the road at this time, and although it was not a long walk, she hurried back, allowing the cold wind to clear her somewhat muddled mind.


    She hadn''t walked far when she looked back, feeling an unusual sensation.


    It was as if someone was following her.


    This feeling had started a few days ago and hadn''t gone away.


    Finally, at the bottom of the apartment building, she relaxed a little.


    A tall figure suddenly walked towards her!


    Before Qin Mu could react, she was pinned against a wall. The strong force was like a cage, trapping her tightly, the warm breath enveloping her completely.


    "Why didn''t you refuse?"


    His dark eyes bore into hers as he arrogantly questioned her, hand pinching her chin.


    Forced to tilt her head back, Qin Mu''s head rested against the cold wall behind her, looking up in utter panic at the tall man towering over her.


    How could he be in Paris? Was it another business trip?


    "Answer me, why didn''t you reject him? Craving a man, huh?"


    "I¡ªIt''s none of your business."


    Her hand pressed against the wall rose to push Mu Yichen away, instinctively turning her face to the side.


    "I originally thought you were still young, but it seems I was mistaken!"


    He chuckled softly, his gaze on her growing more profound.


    ¡ª


    Ten months later, in a private hospital room in Paris.


    "You are awake, it''s a girl!"

 Chapter 2 - 02 Goodbye_1

    Chapter 2 - 02 Goodbye_1


    She flew back to Rongcheng from Paris for her mentor''s first fashion show in her home country.


    The night in Rongcheng was so dazzling, and a wave of indefinable emotions surged in her heart as she looked at the colorful lights outside. It was like a fire growing stronger and hotter; her heart began to feel tight, and her focus started to blur.


    Qin Mu stood in front of the full-length window in her hotel room, looking out at the night scene and unconsciously jutting her chin up a bit, her thoughts drifting.


    She couldn''t remember what the sky in Rongcheng used to look like. She lost her mother at seven and was sent to Paris at eight, and not even a few days had passed between the two events.


    A team of seven, four men and three women, arrived. They dropped off their luggage, took showers, and went to the Chinese restaurant for a group dinner. Except for her and Xiaomei, all were good-looking foreigners with a passion for Chinese food, even more than her and Xiaomei.


    "Sister Qinqin, there''s a beauty over there who''s been watching you all the time," Xiaomei whispered to her. Xiaomei was her assistant, beautiful in her own right, hardworking and observant, and the type that was as delicate as jade.


    Qin Mu instinctively looked up towards the window, where two women sat looking at her with puzzled eyes.


    Their stares were uncomfortable, as if wanting to dissect her, which was why she coldly returned the gaze of one particularly brazen girl who had been eyeing her.


    "Why do I have this strange feeling that I''ve seen her before?"


    "Maybe you have indeed seen her."


    The one asking was Rongcheng''s most esteemed leader''s darling, Qin Mingzhu; the one replying was Rongcheng''s top actress, Jing Qing. Both girls were pretty, but the actress was more elegant, while Mingzhu came off a bit frivolous and overbearing.


    "Why isn''t brother-in-law here yet? He''s not standing us up, is he?"


    "No, he always keeps his word, he must have been held up by something." Jing Qing held her tea and took a sip, her eyes expectantly looking towards the staircase.


    A few minutes later, the man Jing Qing had been expecting finally appeared. Jing Qing was overjoyed, yet she calmly put down her teacup and smiled towards the direction he came from.


    "Brother-in-law!"


    Qin Mingzhu waved and called out loudly, seeming even happier than Jing Qing.


    The surrounding people, including Qin Mu''s table, curiously looked over.


    They had actually met occasionally, but this was their first meeting in Rongcheng.


    Today, he wore a black coat, black trousers, and spotlessly clean black leather shoes.


    Hmm, he was undeniably more charming than before, with sharp and handsome features, and a figure that could captivate thousands of women. Yet, he seemed unaware of it, his stride only pausing at someone''s expectancy.


    He suddenly turned around, his brows slightly furrowed, but then he quickly strode towards the table diagonally opposite the window, where seven people of different skin colors sat, all looking at each other in confusion as to why he approached them.


    Qin Mu stayed seated, just looking up at the man who was walking toward her.


    He carried with him an icy chill, so sharp and clear that it made people afraid to get close to or think too much about it.


    "When did you get back?"


    "Tonight!"


    He used the word "back," which made Qin Mu''s heart feel somewhat damp, not knowing why she felt so sad as she kept gazing at him.


    "Jing Sister, what''s up with brother-in-law? Why did he walk over there? Who is that vixen?"


    Jing Qing, of course, knew who she was, but simply smiled and said, "I don''t know who that girl is, let''s go take a look."


    "Good, let me check out what this cheap temptress who dared to allure my sister''s man is like."


    "You know, can''t you be less abrasive?"


    "She''s trying to snatch my sister''s man and you expect me to talk nicely to her? Come on."


    Mingzhu said arrogantly as she looped her arm through Jing Qing''s and they walked towards them.


    Qin Mu wasn''t used to this kind of fuss, and just as she was guessing their identity, she heard a sharp voice addressing her first.


    "Hey, where are you, the vixen from? What''s your relationship with my brother-in-law?"


    Sitting there, Qin Mu looked quite lower than them, but her presence overpowered both of them without any words; just a sharp look made the just-spoken Qin Mingzhu swallow her saliva.


    "Mingzhu, don''t talk nonsense. I''m sorry, she''s young and doesn''t know better," Jing Qing apologized.


    Qin Mu coldly laughed and did not engage.


    "Yichen, aren''t you going to introduce her?"


    Jing Qing appeared friendly and smiled at her for a moment and then turned to look at Mu Yichen and asked.


    "She is someone irrelevant to the two of you. Aren''t you hungry? Go have your meal first," Mu Yichen said, mentioning nothing about who she was, his voice filled with patience.


    He was someone who never had patience for those unrelated to him, so these two girls must be of considerable importance to him.


    Qin Mu subconsciously observed the three of them.


    Jing Qing''s hand instinctively wrapped around Mu Yichen''s arm, and then she followed his lead and turned her head.


    "This is my territory, Qin Mingzhu''s. If you want to seduce my sister''s man on my turf, be careful I''ll have someone take care of you," Mingzhu warned.


    "You''re the cherished Qin Mingzhu of the Qin Family?"


    "Hmph, scared now?"


    "Then she must be the second young miss of the Jing Family?"


    Mingzhu was startled and then scoffed disdainfully, "My sister just won the Best Actress crown. Have you never seen the world before? Not just anyone can come into our hotel."


    If it weren''t for seeing Qin Mu surrounded by posh-looking foreigners, she would have doubted whether Qin Mu was some uninformed nobody.


    After Mingzhu left, Qin Mu remained silent for a long while, her friends worriedly asking her if she was okay. She slightly smiled, "Let''s eat."

 Chapter 3 - 03 Rival Encounter_1

    Chapter 3 - 03 Rival Encounter_1


    "Hello!"


    Qin Mu had run into Jing Qing again while washing her hands, and Jing Qing still greeted her with that same graceful smile.


    "Hello!" Qin Mu replied indifferently and continued to wash her hands with her head bowed low.


    "Are you... Qin Mu?"


    Qin Mu instinctively looked up at the woman standing beside her. Jing Qing was also looking at her through the mirror, her eyes seemingly filled with concern.


    "I am! Are you Miss Jing?"


    Qin Mu didn''t want to deny it falsely or pretend she didn''t recognize her. Since Jing Qing seemed intent on acknowledging her, she went with the flow and admitted it.


    "It really is you! I felt a familiarity and closeness the moment I first saw you. Let me see how you''ve changed over the years."


    Jing Qing excitedly grabbed her hand and pulled her over, her eyes seemingly moist with emotion.


    "Xiaomu, I''ve been worried all these years that you haven''t been doing well. You were just taken away like that, and everyone missed you terribly."


    "All banquets must come to an end, no?"


    Compared to Jing Qing''s warmth, Qin Mu appeared much colder, not just in her words but also lacking any sisterly affection on her face.


    "But you were so young back then."


    Jing Qing looked at her, hesitated, then gently pulled her into an embrace. Qin Mu went along without resisting, although she didn''t like being so intimate with a stranger.


    "How long will you stay this time? Oh right, have you seen Uncle yet?"


    "I''m leaving in half a month, and I won''t see that man again."


    "A lot has happened over the years, and it''s not like Uncle never missed you. Since you''re back, why not stay a little longer so we can spend more time together?"


    "I probably can''t. I''m back for my master''s fashion show and will have to go to other countries afterwards."


    "Fashion show? Master? You''re not Jian Yan''s apprentice now, are you? I''ve heard a long time ago that he took on a young apprentice, and it''s you?"


    "You''re not only beautiful but also smart."


    "You little rascal, here I thought you were actually praising me. It''s no small feat to have Jian Yan, that old guy, take you as his apprentice."


    "It''s because Master couldn''t stand having me block his doorway every day."


    "Don''t belittle yourself. I''m a few years older than you, and I''m pretty good at judging people. You must be a very smart girl who knows how to please others, right?"


    To please?


    Qin Mu smiled faintly, as if inadvertently pushing her hand away.


    "My friends are still waiting for me, shall we talk some other time?"


    "Sure, why don''t you give me your phone number? I need to find you and have a good chat in the next few days."


    Qin Mu reluctantly gave her phone number and then exited with Jing Qing. Mu Yichen was standing at the top of the stairs, and he glanced up to see the two of them coming out together.


    "Yichen, you don''t have to tell me, I already know. She''s our little Xiaomu," Jing Qing said, releasing Qin Mu and walking forward to loop her arms around his as she boasted about having found Qin Mu.


    "Nothing can escape the Movie Queen."


    Mu Yichen laughed helplessly and said with his eyes downcast, yet he was looking at the person behind Jing Qing. Qin Mu had already returned to her team''s table and was speaking with someone.


    Jing Qing wanted to call Qin Mu back to say more, but seeing Qin Mu walk away in the opposite direction without so much as a greeting felt surprisingly good. In a place where Mu Yichen couldn''t see, her eyes flashed briefly with disdain, then she looked back at Mu Yichen with a smile as warm as spring.


    As the night deepened, she put on her pajamas and was ready for bed when she heard her phone ring. She walked to the bedside, picked it up, and gathered her hair to one side.


    "Hello?"


    "Open the door!"


    Qin Mu''s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly looked towards the door. After ensuring her appearance was decent, she went to open it. He stood like a statue right in the center of the entrance.


    "Let''s talk inside."


    Mu Yichen gave her an indifferent glance and walked in.


    Qin Mu didn''t know what he intended to do, but it didn''t really matter. After knowing him for so many years, she wasn''t afraid of anything he might do.


    "What have you been busy with these past few months?" He took off his coat, neatly draped it over the arm of the sofa, and then seated himself in the center as if he were a king surveying his realm.


    "I went to Milan with Master, didn''t do much else."


    Her voice was flat, and she sat across from him, her hands in the pockets of her high-quality pajamas.


    "Sit closer!"


    "Why?"


    "What do you think?"


    Qin Mu had no desire to play his game. Why should she do whatever he wanted? Especially when he had seemed quite cozy with that pearl in his palm and some major star.


    The so-called pearl was even calling him brother-in-law, hmph.


    "Getting more defiant, are we?"


    "What do you take me for? A pet that comes when called and leaves when dismissed? Or your mistress whom you keep in the shadows? Why should I do anything you say?"


    She wasn''t complaining but making an outright accusation!


    "Fine, if you won''t come here, I''ll go there. That should be okay, right?"


    He seemed unperturbed. After shedding his coat and left with only trousers and a dark shirt, he looked even more dignified. Qin Mu refused to look at him, but when he sat down beside her, she muttered, "Bully!"


    "The bully wants to get in your bed."


    His arm lazily reached out to hook around her shoulder, and he whispered a suggestive notice in her ear.


    "Brother-in-law? You''re already someone else''s brother-in-law and you still want to get in my bed?"


    Qin Mu turned to meet his gaze, her eyes conspicuously unimpressed and even slightly disdainful.


    "If she likes calling me that, I''ll respond. You''re her real sister, so of course I''m her real brother-in-law."


    "My mother certainly didn''t give birth to such an arrogant little sister for me, so don''t go assigning daughters to my mom."


    "Can''t wait, it hurts a bit."


    Qin Mu...


    The topic shifted too quickly for her to catch up.


    The next moment, he scooped her up from the sofa and headed straight to the bedroom.

 Chapter 4 - 04 Comfortable_1

    Chapter 4 - 04 Comfortable_1


    She didn''t want to deny it verbally, because her body would give the most sincere response.


    So she urged him, hurry up.


    This time it was intense and thorough, afterwards she lay limp in his arms, "How can you still be so rough after all this time?


    "That just means we don''t do it enough. Have you ever seen a man who can be satisfied with plain broth after getting a taste of meat?"


    Mu Yichen''s eyes were suggestive as he looked at her, his voice soft but made her dare not agree.


    "You''re not trying to tell me I''m the only woman for you, are you? Tell me the truth, how old were you when you lost your virginity?"


    Mu Yichen...


    "Alright, if you don''t want to talk about it, never mind."


    Qin Mu got out of bed to take a shower, and Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, then got up to look for his pants.


    Later, he stood at the window in a black robe with silver trim, smoking, and watched her lying lazily on the bed playing with her hair. "If you don''t want to see Uncle, how about coming home with me?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him subconsciously, then feigned a smile, "Is it because the Best Actress won''t go back with you so you''re settling for me as a substitute?"


    Mu Yichen took a drag of his cigarette but didn''t speak, his expression both dark and gloomy.


    "I''m not anyone''s replacement. I''m having a great time right now, willing to be with¡ªah, ouch!"


    She was lying in bed, talking about her wonderful life, suddenly she got pinned down.


    "Having a great time, are you? Want to have a great time with someone else? Hmm?"


    He ravaged her willfully, almost dislocating her bones, yet she only smiled at him.


    "Mu Yichen, if you get married, how about I make your groom''s suit?"


    Everything went quiet all of a sudden; he lay on top of her, listening to her softly speak.


    "Shall I make the bride''s while I''m at it?"


    "Sure, but I''ll have to charge for the bride''s," she said with a low chuckle, then lifted her brilliant eyes to look at him, gentle as water, but in an instant, whimsical in a way that only he could see.


    "I see that I haven''t made you comfortable enough yet."


    Mu Yichen was displeased, and once again suppressed her beneath him to savor finely.


    In the middle of the night, after everything, Qin Mu kicked him out, her reasoning simple. With him and Jing Qing being gossiped about by the outside world, if the media captured him being intimate with some unknown woman, it would surely make the headlines, and she didn''t wish for such trivial matters to put her on the front page.


    The next day, at breakfast.


    "Miss Qin, our boss specially instructed the kitchen to prepare this breakfast just for you."


    The manager, with a group of waiters holding food, bent over near her with a pleasant smile as he spoke.


    "Thanks!"


    Qin Mu politely expressed her gratitude, but her eyebrows were slightly furrowed. In her opinion, there really was no need for this.


    "It''s our pleasure. Not only that, but our boss has also instructed that all expenses of Miss Qin''s team during their stay in Rongcheng are to be covered by him. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to tell me, and I will take care of it immediately."


    The foreigner''s Chinese was not pleasant to the ear nor easily understood, but Xiaomei at her side had been listening carefully. After the manager left with his staff, she immediately asked, "Qinqin, aren''t you going to explain to us your relationship with their hotel''s boss?"


    "I lived here when I was a child," she said without much explanation.


    "Just like that? But the owner of this hotel is Mu Yichen, one of the world''s most eligible young billionaires, always at the forefront of fashion."


    "So I can''t have some connection with him?"


    Qin Mu knew that to many people, an orphan without parents like herself couldn''t possibly be acquainted with such influential figures. Being able to know her master Jian Yan was already her biggest stroke of luck.


    But, it just so happened that she did know a few major figures in China.


    "Of course not, but could our little princess possibly have an incredible daddy?"


    "Whether she has an incredible daddy, I don''t know, but she definitely has a mommy who''s raised her very well."


    In a moment, French rang out across the table as if they were squabbling, and, understanding their temperament, Qin Mu chose to remain silent, bowing her head to eat her porridge and food, and soon all was quiet.


    By nine in the morning, the team was in the meeting room with the hotel staff to confirm the final details of their business.


    That day, Mu Yichen arrived at his office looking as if spring had come. His subordinates were privately discussing, speculating that it might be the upcoming good news with the Best Actress.


    However, his secretary was terrified. The boss who was usually cold and difficult to deal with had suddenly changed his stripes, and even his suits became much brighter, leaving her no clues to guess, even recalling the idiom¡ª


    Great joy followed by great sorrow. With her boss so happy now, could it be that a storm was waiting for her? So she carefully checked her work several times.


    When Qiao Yi returned to the office from a business trip, he saw Mu Yichen comfortably reading the newspaper and couldn''t help chuckling, "What good news has made you so happy these past few days?"


    "There is good news!" He replied with a raised eyebrow and a questioning look, his gaze still on the newspaper.


    "As soon as I entered the company I heard rumors flying around; is it true that things are progressing with Jing Qing?"


    Mu Yichen only lowered his newspaper to give a serious look to the man who had already sat across from him when he heard the name Jing Qing.


    "If it''s not Jing Qing, I really can''t think of¡ªha, don''t tell me you''ve got a new flame already. As your childhood friend, if you dare wrong Jing Qing, I''ll be the first to object."


    "What if it were Qin Mu?" He shifted slightly in his chair so Qiao Yi couldn''t see his expression.


    "Qin Mu? ¡ªShe''s back?" Qiao Yi''s face immediately darkened, his voice losing the casual tone it had before.


    "Yep! She''s back to help Jian Yan with a fashion show, staying at our hotel."


    "What?" Qiao Yi''s eyes nearly popped out, and he stiffened in his chair, gripping the armrests tightly.


    Mu Yichen didn''t say any more, just turned to look at Qiao Yi.


    Qiao Yi was utterly crestfallen, his face a picture of disbelief.


    "Then¡ªdoes Jing Qing know?" Qiao Yi suddenly became agitated.


    "What does it have to do with her?" Mu Yichen asked indifferently, then turned away again.


    "Everyone thinks you two are a couple, and everyone around knows she loves you the most!"


    "So I''m supposed to dedicate my life to her because of that?"

 Chapter 5 - 05 Civil Affairs Bureau Registration_1

    Chapter 5 - 05 Civil Affairs Bureau Registration_1


    The half-month sped by, and the prominent designer Jian Yan only arrived on the morning of the show, clearly very confident in his apprentice.


    With half an hour to the evening show, many fashion-forward individuals from both inside and outside Rongcheng arrived one after another, Jian Yan leading Qin Mu and several key members to the front to greet some acquaintances.


    When Mu Yichen and Qiao Yi arrived, they saw a handsome foreigner with his arm around Qin Mu''s waist, standing shoulder to shoulder with her, talking animatedly to people in front of them, which immediately caused Mu Yichen''s eyebrows to furrow.


    The fashion show lasted for nearly an hour, and at the subsequent celebration, everyone unavoidably drank a few too many. Qin Mu, staggering, was helped back by Xiaomei, only to see the lights on in the room.


    Xiaomei shivered; the man sitting on the sofa had a murderous glare fixed on the woman she was supporting, making her feel as if her arm had been chopped off by his gaze.


    "Qinqin, Qinqin..." she called softly.


    Drowsy, Qin Mu opened her eyes and lifted her head to see the person in the sofa.


    "Oh, seems like, it''s Mu Yi!" Qin Mu squinted her eyes, slightly tipsy, then let go of Xiaomei''s neck and headed towards the sofa.


    Xiaomei immediately realized she should not stick around and left without a word.


    Qin Mu plopped herself down beside him and, resting her head on his shoulder, gazed at him with a foolish smile: Is it really you? Why are you here again?


    "Did I disturb you?" he asked in a cold voice, his gaze lowered.


    If she hadn''t been drunk, she would have definitely sensed the stern anger in his voice¡ªunfortunately, she was.


    "Not at all, why do you, busy with so many important things, still come to dote on me every day? I''m overwhelmed by the special attention."


    She continued to laugh insouciantly, subconsciously raising her hand to cup his chiseled features and squeezing hard.


    The next morning when she woke up, she had no recollection of the previous night. Her first thought was a throbbing headache; her second was aching all over.


    Just as she got up, she saw the man returning from outside, dressed neatly as if he had made a particular effort to freshen up.


    "Awake?"


    In his hand, he held documents as he approached her.


    "When did you get here?" she couldn''t remember.


    Mu Yichen rubbed his brow, remembering her tendency to forget things after drinking.


    "Last night. Get up quickly and wash up; we need to go somewhere."


    "Ah? Where are we going?"


    Mu Yichen didn''t answer; his authoritative look filled her with unease.


    Forty minutes later, as the two of them were on their way to the Civil Affairs Bureau, Qin Mu didn''t recognize the road and had no idea where they were going, but she couldn''t help licking her lips as she looked at the two IDs placed beside her.


    "Um, don''t you plan to tell me what we''re going to do?"


    "We''re here!"


    Qin Mu...


    She looked outside to see not far from the steps a sign erected next to them: Civil Affairs Bureau, Marriage Registration Office!


    Qin Mu did not get out of the car; her legs felt as if they were nailed inside. Mu Yichen came to her side, opened the car door, and began to pull her out, but she firmly resisted.


    "Tell me what we''re doing here first before I decide whether to go with you or not."


    "Get out, immediately!"


    Mu Yichen wouldn''t tolerate her being capricious and kept pulling on her.


    Qin Mu''s heart raced with panic; she always had a bad premonition that he was going to take her inside to do something she wouldn''t like.


    "I won''t; what exactly are you planning to do by bringing me to this place?"


    She hadn''t been without fantasies of one day coming to such a place, but definitely not with him.


    Sometimes, the closer someone seems to be, the more you fear taking a step further.


    Just as others say, being friends is always longer-lasting than being lovers.


    She actually thought she would never marry in her life, but she thought there might be an accident, might come a day when she''d need to find a man to take on the role of Huanhuan''s father, a man gentle and refined, refreshing as a spring breeze, but definitely not the arrogant and domineering CEO before her.


    "Marriage!"


    Mu Yichen, fearing he might hurt her, could only let go of her to explain.


    "Marriage?" Qin Mu screamed in shock, then instantly licked her dry lips, mocking, "Have you lost your mind?"


    "I''m giving you one minute to walk out here on your own and go in with me, or let me handle this my way."


    "Your way? Mu Yichen, we''re just¡ªfriends with benefits!"


    Qin Mu thought of countless relationships, but what came out of her mouth in the end were these two words.


    Mu Yichen''s face turned dark instantly, no longer caring whether she was willing, he stepped forward, bent down into the car, and directly carried her out.


    "Hey, Mu Yichen, what are you doing? You can''t force me to marry you like this."


    "Fine, then tell me what reason you need to go register."


    "I¡ª, it''s you who wants to register with me, it''s certainly for you to persuade me."


    Qin Mu was put down at the door, where the two of them stood their ground, stubbornly arguing.


    "Then let me tell you, first, by marrying me you''ll no longer be alone."


    He started talking seriously, his earnest gaze fixed straight on her angry eyes.


    "Second, after we marry, I''ll protect you, take care of you, and no one will dare to bully you anymore."


    Qin Mu felt her heart pound, as if something quietly sank.


    "Third, I will help you become the world''s most famous designer."


    He crossed his strong arms in front of him, his expression very solemn.


    Qin Mu shook her head subconsciously: Although the conditions were tempting, you still haven''t convinced me.


    "Then there''s only one way left."


    "What?"


    "I''ll carry you in, or I can use my connections to get a marriage certificate without the parties concerned."


    Qin Mu...


    "Aren''t you and Jing Qing getting along well? Rumors say you two are about to get married," Qin Mu had to change the direction.


    She couldn''t understand. Jing Qing was such an outstanding woman that if she married him, she would definitely make a good mistress for the Mu Family, assuredly reliable both at home and outside, and she might even support him in various ways, whereas she, a person who has nothing, what use would he have for her?


    He mentioned a few conditions, but they were all favorable to her, and he didn''t stand to gain anything. How could such a savvy businessman make a deal without profit?


    "There''s nothing between Jing Qing and me," he said.


    "How is that possible? You two have been flaunting your relationship at so many events over the years, entertainment gossip and even formal media have reported on you guys."


    "Only what I say out of my mouth counts, you don''t need to pay attention to the rest."


    "How can I not pay attention? Women are very sensitive, very fragile creatures, hearing such news will make them believe it''s true."


    "That can''t be your reason for rejecting me." He stepped forward, already somewhat losing patience.


    "I really can''t go in with you, if you really want to get married I suggest you still look for a girl who matches your social status."


    She knew his temper, but still rationally refused.


    How could there possibly be anything between them?

 Chapter 6 - 06 Cohabitation_1

    Chapter 6 - 06 Cohabitation_1


    "Matchmaking by family status?"


    Mu Yichen scrutinized her, his gaze steady and forceful.


    "Unequal people won''t last long."


    She had never considered marriage, but now she found herself using these phrases typically uttered by marriage-minded women in a bid to stop him.


    "So you think you and I are unequal?"


    "Yes!"


    "In that case, I have even less reason to continue this pointless conversation with you."


    Mu Yichen snorted coldly, his eyes like daggers, and in the next moment, he directly scooped her up and entered the marriage registration office.


    In the crowd, other couples instinctively made way for them, then buzzed with discussion.


    When the staff member asked if they were marrying of their own free will, the two people responded in unison.


    "Yes!"


    "No!"


    Mu Yichen immediately turned to look at her unhappily and then flashed the staff member a smile, remarking that she had been playing hard to get these days.


    Qin Mu...


    The staff member nodded with an understanding look and then stamped their documents, as if they thought the pair were perfectly matched and had been in love for many years.


    And the name Mu Yichen on the marriage certificate...


    The most preposterous thing Qin Mu had done in over two decades wasn''t the night she spent with him two years ago but getting married to him today.


    After they came out, Mu Yichen toyed with the marriage certificate in his hand and then put it into his jacket pocket, as if to safeguard it.


    Qin Mu stared at him dumbfounded, "Mu Yichen, you''re going to regret this."


    "Then save yourself the trouble of worrying about it!" He couldn''t care less.


    Through this incident, Mu Yichen realized that Qin Mu truly despised him. She even had the audacity to say the word "fuck buddies," clearly indicating she had no intention of having a lasting relationship with him.


    He felt like he had been feeding a thankless wolf all these years.


    "We''ll have a banquet at the hotel tonight, invite your team to dine with us."


    "Why have a meal?"


    "Who doesn''t celebrate their wedding?"


    After getting into the car, he started the engine and glanced at her.


    Seriously, like he was discussing business.


    "Celebrate? You want the whole world to know I was coerced into signing those papers at the Civil Affairs Bureau?"


    Qin Mu felt like she was being driven mad by him, her previously docile demeanor in front of him gone, now looking every bit like a little leopard provoked to anger.


    Mu Yichen, with a poker face, kept his eyes on the road, playing the role of the driver perfectly.


    How could a grown cheetah be afraid of a little leopard? Especially one he had trained himself.


    When they reached the hotel and she refused to get out of the car, Mu Yichen said, "Get out, move your luggage to my place."


    "I won''t get out! Mu Yichen, you''re tricking me into marriage, do you understand?"


    Mu Yichen laughed helplessly, then started the car and drove off. He called the hotel, "Have Miss Qin''s belongings packed up and sent to my apartment at Central Scenic."


    How could Qin Mu forget this was his turf, where managing her luggage was but a simple request for him?


    What she least expected was still to come.


    "Jian Yan, Qin Mu can''t go back to France with you."


    She didn''t even know how he got Jian Yan''s number, and then, half an hour later, she stood in his apartment.


    "This is my own apartment; the door code is your birthday. I have a meeting this afternoon, so I''ll be back later, and we can talk then."


    As he spoke, he stepped forward. Qin Mu immediately retreated, but Mu Yichen wasn''t annoyed; he just helplessly sighed, "Well, feel free to look around then. The study is upstairs on the right, there are many novels there that you like."


    After he left, Qin Mu immediately called Jian Yan, but the call didn''t go through. She then called Xiaomei, who was panting heavily, "Qinqin, we''re on our way to the airport now. I heard you''re staying for a while. Don''t worry, I''ll take good care of Huanhuan for you."


    From the moment she woke up this morning until now, Qin Mu felt like she was in a dream.


    From going to the civil affairs bureau to get the marriage certificate to now, after hanging up Xiaomei''s call, until she remembered her daughter who had just started walking, her heart suddenly ached.


    How could she stay here?


    She must return to Paris.


    Huanhuan was still there, waiting for her, ¡ª¡ª


    Looking up at the spacious house and thinking of her small apartment, she suddenly found it absurd.


    Why did she end up getting married here just because she came back to help her master with a show?


    They needed to have a good talk; she had always thought Mu Yichen wasn''t the kind of man who wanted to marry early.


    She remembered the years after she had gone abroad; they initially kept in touch through video calls, then later he went there to study, only returning to the country after university. Throughout those years, their relationship was harmonious. She always felt he was like an older brother from next door, holding an important place in her heart, but definitely not in this way.


    She never intended to ensnare him.


    That night two years ago, her normally subdued self was provoked by him, and in response to his repeated humiliations, she ended up pushing him down.


    Afterward, their contact actually lessened, with occasional calls, occasional meetups, and they were no longer at her small apartment.


    But how did they suddenly end up getting married?


    The man she had always tried to avoid had become her husband.


    She lowered her eyes to look at her ten slender jade-like fingers, then became increasingly silent and sullen.


    The New Year was approaching, and then she would be twenty-three.


    She hadn''t expected to get married at the age when she had just become eligible to wed, and that her husband would be him.


    Suddenly unsure whether to feel ironic, lost, or fortunate, she let out a laugh, weak and pitiful.


    She went to the study room he mentioned; indeed, there were many novels she liked, along with collections of her favorite authors.


    Had he been planning to marry her all along?


    Her luggage arrived, and she nodded with a smile to thank the staff. After the hotel staff left, she gently pushed her luggage behind the door, not taking it upstairs to unpack.


    Still curious, she visited his bedroom and there, she discovered their photographs together.


    Qin Mu sat on the edge of the bed, quietly looking at the frame on the nightstand, and then helplessly laughed, "This guy¡ª"


    She couldn''t help biting down on her own lip.


    When Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu arrived at the entrance of his apartment building, they saw the hotel''s guest services manager just leaving, prompting an involuntary suspicion. Jing Qing asked in a low voice, "Did you see clearly just now?"


    "Yes, it was the guest services manager, Wang Yin."


    "What''s she doing here?" Jing Qing murmured in doubt, suddenly having a bad feeling, and then she started walking inside.


    Qin Mingzhu hadn''t figured out why Jing Qing was unhappy; seeing her walk away, she quickly followed.


    "Sister, why aren''t you saying anything? Do you suspect Wang Yin has something going on with brother-in-law?"


    "Of course not, Wang Yin is not Yichen''s type."


    It was the first time Jing Qing hated hearing this girl call Mu Yichen brother-in-law, but still, she didn''t show it, maintaining her always composed and dignified demeanor.


    Qin Mingzhu pondered with puffed cheeks but still couldn''t figure out the reason for Jing Qing''s displeasure, and stepped out of the elevator following her.


    Qin Mu, tired from sitting, simply lay down in the middle of the big bed, a habit when she needed to think things through.


    The doorbell downstairs rang, and Qin Mu instinctively turned her head to look.

 Chapter 7 - 07 Mu Yichen, I have something called_1

    Chapter 7 - 07 Mu Yichen, I have something called_1


    Qin Mu went to open the door and saw the man standing outside; he couldn''t help but ask in confusion: "Why didn''t you just open the door yourself?"


    Mu Yichen didn''t speak and walked in, then immediately turned to look at the suitcase next to him.


    Qin Mu also saw where his gaze was fixed and, noticing his expression, quickly explained with a turn of her eyes: "It''s from the hotel."


    "Why didn''t you let them carry it up for you?"


    He turned to look at her as he asked, his tone both cold and grave.


    "Wouldn''t it be more troublesome to carry it down again?"


    "The luggage you had during your days in Paris will also be sent over, so you might as well retrieve the heart you left in Paris now."


    Just as Qin Mu was about to argue, her phone rang from the couch; she picked it up and frowned involuntarily at the unfamiliar number, still from Rongcheng.


    "Hello!"


    She answered the call, kneeling on one leg on the couch with her head bowed, while Mu Yichen approached, taking off his coat.


    "Miss Jing?"


    "Why are you calling me Miss Jing again? Didn''t we agree that you would call me Sister, just like Mingzhu does?"


    Jing Qing looked up subconsciously toward the twelfth floor from the bottom of the apartment building when she heard Qin Mu answer the phone.


    "Are you at the hotel now? I''ll come to find you."


    "Oh, no, I''ve already left."


    Qin Mu felt somewhat guilty, then involuntarily glanced at the man beside her.


    "Really? Have you returned to Paris?" Jing Qing asked excitedly.


    "No, I went somewhere else."


    In fact, the moment she answered the call, Qin Mu had a feeling it would be Jing Qing¡ªaside from Mu Yichen, only Jing Qing had her number in Rongcheng, but she regretted answering it too late.


    "You''re still in Rongcheng? Right, my grandfather''s eightieth birthday is tomorrow, and since you''re still here, you must come."


    Before Qin Mu could refuse, Jing Qing had already hung up the phone. Qin Mu put down the phone with composure, then let out a helpless sigh: "Jing Qing wants me to attend her grandfather''s birthday feast."


    "I don''t mind."


    He laughed suddenly and turned to roll up his sleeves and head to the kitchen.


    "Mu Yichen, I do mind."


    She suddenly stopped him and told him quite seriously.


    Mu Yichen turned around, his dark eyes piercing as he looked at her: "And then?"


    "Let me go back to Paris. I have no intention of getting between you two; let''s pretend this never happened."


    Even though she was five years younger than him, and even though she was still inexperienced with emotions, she knew that staying here would definitely pull her into a vortex she never wanted to enter¡ªa path that could leave her utterly exhausted or even in unbearable pain.


    So, she bargained, she pleaded, ready to talk in any way he wanted just for him to let her go.


    "I won''t hold a press conference to announce our marriage, but gradually, everyone in Rongcheng¡ªand eventually the whole world¡ªwill know you are my wife. Do you think it''s just going to go away if you pretend it never happened?"


    He said, seriously, his restraint reminding her.


    "I don''t know why you went to get a certificate, but Mu Yichen, you certainly didn''t do it for love, did you? You just wanted to experience walking into the marriage registration office, or maybe you just wanted to experience being a husband? Or are you just playing a simple joke on me? I¡ª"


    "In your mind, am I that boring?"


    He erupted suddenly, his voice not loud, but his eyes were lethally piercing. The question asked, he turned and reached for his coat to leave.


    Qin Mu turned his head to look at the retreating figure with questioning eyes, suddenly feeling that this afternoon was really...


    At seven o''clock in the evening, heavy snow had arrived.


    He hadn''t returned, and she had nowhere to go.


    A cup of boiling water was steaming on the coffee table, and she sat on the sofa, idly playing with her cellphone, then flipped to a photo of her daughter.


    Huanhuan was an exceptionally fair little girl who smiled just a few hours after being born, big eyes so dark and bright, very much like him.


    Her fingers gently swiped across the phone screen, landing on a photo of Huanhuan at a hundred days old, wearing a Donald Duck hair clip, donned in a pink dress, and also wearing a diaper.


    Her lips slightly moved, and as she looked at her daughter''s picture, she felt a wave of calm wash over her.


    Mu Yichen, Qiao Yi, and Jing Feng were out drinking, but the snowfall outside made it hard for Yichen to focus.


    Because of what he had heard from Mu Yichen the other day, Qiao Yi had been feeling very anxious lately and didn''t dare to ask around, only occasionally casting glances at Mu Yichen, and also at Jing Feng who was sitting beside him.


    Noticing something off about Qiao Yi, Jing Feng focused on him for a moment, "Out with it, what is it?"


    Startled, Qiao Yi looked up, his eyes nearly popping out of his head.


    "What what? I''m fine!"


    Qiao Yi laughed nervously and quickly picked up his drink to chug it down.


    Mu Yichen took out a cigarette, lit it, and sat back down.


    In front of the big screen, three men sat separately, each preoccupied with their own thoughts.


    Mu Yichen glanced at Qiao Yi and then towards Jing Feng, noting that Jing Feng''s observation skills seemed even sharper since becoming a prosecutor, narrowing his eyes, "Have you done something to wrong my sister?"


    "Even if I did something, what''s it got to do with your sister?"


    His arrogance was such that after hearing his response, Jing Feng felt the urge to punch him and discuss the relationship.


    "I heard Qin Mu came back for a show, and you met with her," Jing Feng said in a protective elder brother manner, remembering the few words Jing Qing had mentioned to him.


    "Do we have to report to you when we meet? Or do we also need your permission to sleep?"


    Jing Feng didn''t respond, watching Mu Yichen take a drag from his cigarette with a certain cockiness, he narrowed his eyes again.


    Seeing the brothers about to fight, Qiao Yi immediately raised his hand, "Hey hey hey, aren''t we closer than real brothers? If there''s an issue let''s discuss it calmly and peacefully."


    "I don''t care how you treat Qin Mu, but if you dare to make my sister sad, I definitely won''t let you off," Jing Feng said calmly but firmly.


    "Am I really in debt to you and your sister?" Mu Yichen scoffed and then stood up to leave.


    Jing Feng remained leaning on the couch, shifting his gaze to Qiao Yi as soon as Mu Yichen had left.


    Jing Feng knew about Qin Mu; on the day she was born, he had gone to the hospital with Mu Yichen and Jing Qing to see her. After that day, Mu Yichen always liked to take care of the little girl, even changing her diapers.


    However, Qin Mu''s parents later divorced, and after her mother''s death, she was sent to Paris.


    Jing Feng thought about what happened afterwards and frowned, "Tell me what you all know."


    When Mu Yichen got home, she was already asleep on the sofa. The big snowflakes outside continued to fall, seemingly unconnected to her.


    Standing there watching her, he even doubted that she was living in this house.


    Then, he took off his coat, walked over, and sat next to her. Seeing her curled up on the sofa, looking frozen, a sour feeling surged in his heart, and he gently picked her up.


    "Yichen..."

 Chapter 8 - 08 Old Acquaintances_1

    Chapter 8 - 08 Old Acquaintances_1


    It seemed like this way, by tomorrow they could go their separate ways, and she would owe him no more.


    Before the sun even rose, Mu Yichen had woken up, his dark eyes gazing at the woman beside him, his gaze quietly trailing from her forehead down, as memories of last night surfaced, he got out of bed.


    Later, he leaned against the window and smoked a cigarette, his mind still filled with their past.


    He started smoking in his eighth grade year, back then he was trying to be cool, brandishing a cigarette in front of her while giving her orders and asking her to call him "Brother Yichen." Remembering the way she looked at him then, like a delinquent, he couldn''t help but let out a laugh.


    When Qin Mu woke up, he had already made breakfast.


    Standing in front of the dining table, looking at his cooked breakfast, she felt a bit awkward as expected, as she wasn''t very good at cooking Chinese cuisine.


    "It smells delicious."


    One''s voice softens when they eat another''s cooking, she complimented with a smile as she sat down.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, his eyes clearly cold, yet his gaze made her shiver.


    "You should be mentally prepared for the people you might see at the banquet tonight."


    As Qin Mu was appreciating his graceful manner of eating, his words made her lose her appetite.


    "I''m not going," she said stubbornly, looking down, and focused on eating her meal.


    Mu Yichen looked at her, knowing the reason why she didn''t want to go, but some people had to be faced eventually.


    "This is our hometown, we have no reason to avoid anyone, and those who have hurt you are not worth your evasion."


    He was indeed a few years older, even his words sounded so reasonable.


    Qin Mu lifted her watery eyes, then, feeling helpless, she put down her spoon and looked at him earnestly, sighing as she asked, "Why do I have to meet those people and get myself in a bad mood?"


    "We are married now, I''m here, and naturally, you should be here too, and we will have many more opportunities to meet people in the future."


    He spoke frankly, his gaze so sincere that it took her breath away.


    "Mu Yichen, Brother Yichen, why on earth did you marry a girl like me, who has nothing and is as irritable as hell?"


    Qin Mu asked, unable to help but smile wryly.


    "Who knows? Perhaps it''s habit."


    He watched her for several seconds before he replied, then lowered his head to continue eating, no longer interested in continuing the conversation.


    Qin Mu also lowered her head, feeling that to ask further would be to degrade herself.


    Was it the habit developed over those years of being together?


    A memory of the night she was thirteen suddenly surfaced.


    Unexpectedly, her mind drifted to that far-off era, and when she snapped back to reality and looked up, she found him looking at her. She asked in a voice that involuntarily quieted, "What''s wrong?"


    "What are you thinking about?" he asked, rather than answering.


    "Nothing, just thinking about what to do after breakfast."


    "Get your hair done, then go buy a dress."


    "For my hair, yes, but I''ve brought my own dress."


    She thought she could wear it the night of the fashion show; initially too busy to prioritize comfort, and once she was free, too lazy to change.


    Unexpectedly, it would come in handy tonight.


    Qin Mu genuinely couldn''t understand; he didn''t even cajole her, just laid out the logic plainly, but his logic was based on the premise that she would settle down in Rongcheng, which she had not planned on in her heart.


    Yet, that evening, she found herself standing arm in arm with him in this unfamiliar place.


    The Jing Family had moved to a more opulent residence over time; naturally, the household was more luxurious. The Jing family was involved with government departments; the money, ostensibly all thanks to the famous actress Jing Qing, although that wasn''t entirely the case.


    Seeing those once familiar people, Qin Mu felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness.


    Because these people were no longer familiar to her; strangers, distant.


    Why did she come here after all?


    "Xiaomu."


    They had just stepped in and stood for a few seconds when Jing Qing spotted Qin Mu and immediately pulled her away from Mu Yichen''s side.


    "Yichen, grandfather wants you to have a chat over there, I''ll take Xiaomu to greet some old friends first."


    Jing Qing was very considerate, and her eyes showed a forthright sincerity when she looked at Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen subconsciously looked at Qin Mu with his eyes, asking if she would be okay on her own. Qin Mu nodded slightly, allowing him to leave.


    "I''ll be right back," he whispered reassuringly, then left.


    "Do you want to take off your coat?" Jing Qing asked softly, still very much like a sister.


    "Sure!"


    The server came forward, and Qin Mu took off her black overcoat, which the server then took away.


    Jing Qing, however, changed expression slightly at the sight of Qin Mu''s purple V-neck gown but quickly laughed it off when she realized her own look was amiss: You look stunning tonight, like an orchid fairy descended to earth.


    Qin Mu didn''t feel that the image of an orchid fairy suited her and merely smiled faintly.


    "Let''s go, Yang Bo, Rong Tian, and Helian Hao are waiting for you over there," Jing Qing said, taking Qin Mu''s hand and leading her into the crowd.


    The people around them were quietly sizing up the unfamiliar girl in the purple gown. Walking beside the famed actress, she didn''t look dimmed or overshadowed in the least; her calm and composed demeanor was striking.


    "Guess who I''ve brought to you?"


    A few pairs of men and women, all in expensive suits and gowns, looked curiously in Jing Qing''s direction.


    Jing Qing was tall, but Qin Mu was also quite tall. Standing together, Qin Mu''s slender figure made her look even more outstanding.


    However, the past events involving the Qin Family had made this stunning beauty someone people felt they couldn''t approach or no longer wanted to.


    It had been many years.


    Qin Mu certainly felt that way too: she had spent several years with them as a child, but once she had gone abroad, not one of them had taken the time to ask after her. So now, aside from Mu Qingchen, she wouldn''t talk about feelings with anyone, just nodding and returning greetings, her black eyes shrewd, not initiating conversation or making any indiscreet moves.


    The more reserved she was, the more puzzled and rejecting the looks she received were. But what did that matter?


    "You are Qin Mu?"


    "Hello, I''m Qin Mu!"


    Why hadn''t she changed her name later on? Her mother''s surname was Mu, and her parents had been deeply in love. Her name had been a source of pride to her mother, and although she had contemplated changing it a thousand times, she ultimately didn''t, fearing it would sadden her mother in the afterlife.


    But the name brought her pain.


    Helian Hao sighed helplessly at the way everyone was looking at her, then stepped forward and said faintly, "You finally deigned to return."


    Qin Mu looked at her and inexplicably smiled.


    "You brat, not even letting Yichen give me your contact information."


    Helian Hao raised her hand to give Qin Mu a gentle push, and just when she seemed on the verge of bursting with frustration, she suddenly threw herself into Qin Mu''s arms.


    Helian Hao and Qin Mu were born on the exact same day and had been best friends as children. When Qin Mu was sent away, Helian Hao had chased the car down the street, crying non-stop from the heartache.


    The old friends didn''t say a word, just watched the two embrace in public, even shedding tears.


    Jing Feng came over and asked quietly, "What''s happening?"


    Only then did Helian Hao let go of Qin Mu, wiping away her tears but still gripping Qin Mu''s hand, not willing to let go: "Well, I''ve waited for her."


    When Helian Hao said those words, she sounded particularly proud, as if her lover had finally returned to her arms. Jing Feng just smiled faintly, "Is it Qin Mu?"


    Qin Mu didn''t greet him, merely holding his gaze with calmness. There was hostility in his eyes towards her, so she saw no need to exchange pleasantries, and his tone was also quite cold.


    Mu Yichen arrived behind Jing Feng, and seeing Qin Mu''s distant expression towards others, he came to her side and took her shoulder with ease: "Everything alright?"


    Qin Mu smiled faintly and looked up at him, then calmly faced the hostile gazes before them.


    Everyone was united in the impression that when Mu Yichen was by her side, it was as if he saw no one else, as if he had embraced her many times before, like he was holding his most cherished treasure.


    "Mr. Jing, Mr. Mu, Mr. and Mrs. Qin have arrived," the butler reported, prompting everyone to instinctively look in that direction, but no one noticed her body suddenly stiffening except for the person holding her shoulder.

 Chapter 9 - 09 Clearly understands_1

    Chapter 9 - 09 Clearly understands_1


    The Jing Family patriarch''s eightieth birthday was attended by old friends, as well as their children, but that evening, the reunion of some old acquaintances was obviously not a pleasant one.


    When Qin Haiming saw Qin Mu, his expression was as if his heart had been shot, his mouth opened but no words came out.


    Mrs. Qin stood by the side, looking over Qin Mu: This girl looks so familiar.


    "Is it just familiar? Qinqin, come over here."


    Mu Yichen''s voice was indifferent as he addressed Mrs. Qin, but then he turned and gently called the girl who was standing beside Helian Hao to come over to his side.


    After the Jing Family patriarch came downstairs, everyone gathered around to wish him well. At this moment, he sat in the central main seat, and the others sat in their respective places according to their status and identity, with the younger generation, including Mu Yichen, standing.


    But this made him all the more conspicuous.


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes, which remained undisturbed by honor or disgrace, and looked at him, not wanting to go over, but Mu Yichen reached out and held her wrist, gently pulling her to his side, where he firmly held her shoulders.


    Jing Qing''s face turned an angry green, and her twin brother Jing Feng, who was a senior prosecutor, also had an unsightly expression.


    The rest were incredulous at the sight, even the parents of Mu Yichen were stunned, completely clueless as to why their son was holding another girl''s hand in front of his official girlfriend.


    Little did they know that their precious son had already secretly registered for marriage with this girl they were no longer familiar with.


    "Is this... Xiaomu?" The Jing Family patriarch finally deigned to raise his eyes and look at her properly, his brows furrowed with doubt that outweighed the distance in his voice.


    "Grandfather, happy birthday, I wish you happiness and longevity," Qin Mu greeted politely and neither humbly nor arrogantly.


    "Hm! I didn''t expect you to have grown so much."


    The old patriarch said to her, while Qin Haiming sneaked glances at her from the side, his brows also full of worry.


    It was as if no one wished to see her there.


    Qin Mingzhu stood behind her parents, watching everyone''s attitude as they spoke to Qin Mu, and suddenly she remembered the childhood stories her mother told about her father having a daughter who was sent away. As she looked at Qin Mu, her heart suddenly leaped.


    "Mom, is she that vile girl?"


    Qin Mingzhu bent over to whisper in her mom''s ear, her eyes filled with defense and resentment.


    As if the girl opposite them shouldn''t have come to this city, better off dead.


    "Behave yourself, we''ll talk about it when we get home," Mrs. Qin said in a low voice, soothing her daughter while slightly turning to face her.


    "She''s not here to steal my place, is she? Mom, I hate her, I hate her to death," Mingzhu said.


    "Calm down."


    Mrs. Qin seemed afraid her daughter would lose her temper as a spoiled young lady and hastily patted her daughter''s hand on her shoulder to calm her.


    The Mayor of Qin City slightly cleared his throat to signal to his wife and daughter to stop their antics, Mrs. Qin immediately sat up straight, and Qin Mingzhu also stood upright, but her gaze towards Qin Mu was filled with even more dissatisfaction and hatred.


    Qin Mu only felt a piercing gaze on her and subconsciously looked back, meeting Qin Mingzhu''s jealous eyes.


    "Grandfather, I invited Xiaomu over this evening, so please don''t be angry," Jing Qing went behind her grandfather, massaging his shoulders while speaking softly to him.


    "I''m not angry, but even if we were to meet, there''s a time and place for it," the old patriarch turned his head and looked affectionately at his granddaughter before frowning at the girl in front.


    "I..."


    "I have something else to do later, so I''ll take my leave after wishing Grandpa a happy birthday,"


    Just as Qin Mu was about to speak, Mu Yichen pre-empted her with those words. Qin Mu instinctively looked up at him.


    "Yichen, don''t be inappropriate," Jing Feng instinctively warned Mu Yichen.


    "I''m fully aware of what''s important. Let''s go," Mu Yichen said coldly, glancing at the people diagonally across from him, then took Qin Mu''s hand and started walking out.


    Suddenly, several of the elders in the hall looked towards their retreating backs in shock, and the Jing Family patriarch was extremely frustrated.


    "Please calm down, Grandfather. Yichen must have an emergency which is why he is hurrying off. I will make sure he comes to apologize and make amends tomorrow as soon as he has time," Mu Yichen''s father immediately assured the patriarch.


    "Hmph! What do I need his apologies for? If he doesn''t know what he is doing, it is your duty as parents to remind him," the patriarch coldly said, his voice considerably chiller than before.


    "Yes, yes, yes!"


    "Grandpa, I already said Qin Mu was invited by me. What are you doing?" Jing Qing asked discontentedly, her face falling.


    "Child, does your grandfather not know who you are? You''ve been with Yichen for so many years without any formal status. If you want to pursue him, do so without involving matchmakers. Fine, go ahead and chase him. But aren''t you naively pushing him towards another girl?"


    The words of the patriarch also reflected the thoughts of the other elders present. Jing Qing hung her head low and stopped talking.


    "How could Qinqin be just another girl? We grew up together,¡ªeven though she was sent away later." Helian Hao began but was cut off by a glance from his mother, forcing him to shut up. Still, he looked resentfully at Qin Haiming''s family.


    "This girl is talking nonsense¡ªwhat growing up together?" Helian Hao''s mother said with a laugh, although somewhat tense.


    Qin Haiming kept his head down and did not speak. The patriarch just snorted: Her mother was an ill-mannered woman, and it was not hard to imagine that she wouldn''t be much better. The Mu Family had better remind that boy properly not to go astray.


    "Ah!" Upon being singled out, Mu Yichen''s mother lifted her eyes and quickly agreed, realizing what had been said.


    As Qin Mu''s biological father and once the husband of the disrespected woman who had passed away, Qin Haiming''s gaze grew unfathomable when he heard these words.


    Madam Qin watched her husband''s every subtle expression: Perhaps that girl won''t stay long once she returns. After all, this isn''t her home.


    Her words seemed to defuse the tension, but on closer listening, they hinted at something else.


    The patriarch nodded, as if a huge weight slowly lifted from his heart.


    Only when the birthday cake was brought in did the birthday banquet regain some semblance of cheer.


    Qin Mu suddenly called for a stop on the way. When Mu Yichen stopped the car and looked outside following her gaze, he turned his attention out as well.


    "Wait here for me, I need to buy something from the pharmacy."


    He suddenly remembered the night when they first got intimate at the hotel; Zhao Huai had told him she went to buy emergency contraception on her own.


    Subconsciously, he wondered if she had also gone to buy birth control on her own after that night more than two years ago?


    He hadn''t used a condom for the past several days. He really disliked wearing them, and each time he remembered only after penetration. Since they didn''t have any at home, he went ahead without.


    He had heard that taking birth control pills could cause significant harm to a woman''s health...


    Tonight...


    She got back in the car: "We can go now."

 Chapter 10: Size 10 is too small_1

    Chapter 10 - Size 10 is too small_1


    "Mu Yichen!"


    "Yes?"


    "Don''t do too much for me."


    The two who had returned to the apartment were entangling each other on the bed, yet their conversation was remarkably rational.


    "How so?" he softly kissed her lips, nipped at her chin, forcing her to tilt her head up to get closer to him.


    "Just like tonight, don''t do things that will offend the Jing Family for my sake anymore."


    "Does it bother you?"


    "Yes!"


    He suddenly chuckled lowly, his dark eagle-like eyes staring directly at the woman beneath him. She still tilted her chin up sexily, meeting his gaze without a hint of resistance, her eyes gentle as water.


    But he, more than anyone else, knew that this woman had a clear head on her shoulders.


    "I like it when you feel bothered. What did you just buy at the drugstore?"


    Mu Yichen quickly changed the topic, Qin Mu''s lower half was still pinned by him, but she moved her upper body to the side to grab the box of condoms, then returned under him, their position becoming even more ambiguous.


    "When a man is thinking with his lower half, a woman needs to remind him to take precautions, to protect herself."


    He looked down at the box and then chuckled lightly, "Why be so formal, isn''t having a child nice?"


    A tremor ran through Qin Mu''s heart, and her gaze suddenly froze, still maintaining the tender look as she watched him.


    Having a child would of course be wonderful, but she already had Huanhuan.


    "Do you really like kids?" she suddenly asked, her hands fiercely ripping open the packaging.


    "If they are born to you and me."


    "It doesn''t matter if it''s a boy or girl?"


    "Yes!"


    "But not now."


    "You do it yourself!" she demanded assertively after opening the packaging, especially with those clear, piercing eyes that hid no trace of her certainty.


    Mu Yichen''s mischievous gaze lingered on her, "I don''t need protection, whoever needs it should do it themselves."


    "Mu Yichen you¡ª"


    In the end, Mu Yichen complied with her wishes, and watching her bite her lip in embarrassment, he found he didn''t want to trouble her further. However, he soon found himself unable to endure any longer.


    "The smallest size?"


    "Uh! There are sizes for this thing too?"


    "What do you think?"


    Qin Mu licked her dry lips, clearly unaware of such details, "So what do we do now?"


    "I could kill you!" he sighed in frustration, like a petulant child wanting to scold her but not willing to go through with it.


    At this point, Qin Mu was a bit resentful towards Mu Yichen, they had done it several times and he had never worn one before. Now, he was getting impatient and frowning in disdain because of the wrong size of condoms she had purchased.


    "Sleep."


    So she watched him for a while, guessing that he wouldn''t go buy more and she certainly wouldn''t either, so she simply lay down, turned her back to him, and pulled up the blanket to sleep.


    "Qin Mu you..."


    ----


    By the time Qin Mu got up in the morning, Mu Yichen was already gone; she ate the breakfast he had prepared for her in the dining room alone.


    She felt a little uncomfortable, a tightness in her chest, thinking about how he had complained the night before that, as Mrs. Mu, she was not fulfilling her duties, and then collapsed beside her with a look of utter desolation.


    Later, when the doorbell rang, she thought she was hallucinating, but when she opened the door and saw the woman standing there, she froze involuntarily.


    "Mrs. Mu!"


    This was the real Mrs. Mu, Mu Yichen''s mother, dignified and composed, the dark-colored cheongsam she wore seemed very comforting.


    Mu Yichen''s mother was clearly taken aback, but then she smiled slightly, "May I come in?"


    "Please."


    She immediately made way, and although she was very nervous, she had no choice but to follow Mu Yichen''s mother back into the room.


    Mu Yichen''s mother sat down on the sofa designated for elders, her demeanor and actions proper, even her gaze upon the person before her managed not to offend.


    "Even though I was somewhat prepared, seeing you here still startled me."


    "Yes, I am very sorry."


    Qin Mu truly didn''t know what to say, but this was Mu Yi''s mother, so she could only cautiously give her responses, enduring her apprehensions.


    "How long have you and Yichen been together?" Mu Yichen''s mother asked softly, her eyes still on her.


    Qin Mu pursed her lips and looked up at her, "We... I am just staying at Mr. Mu''s place for the time being, I will leave soon..."


    "Don''t give me that kind of polite talk. I probably know better than you, the person involved, how he feels about you."


    Qin Mu no longer had the courage to meet her gaze and lowered her eyes, hiding the sparkling tears.


    "I''ve heard of you. You came back this time for a fashion show, didn''t you? That day I went with a few friends, but I had to leave early due to some matters, so I didn''t notice you."


    "Yes, that''s correct. I came for that show," she replied.


    Qin Mu looked up again, this time with obedient but resolutely clear eyes.


    "Then why didn''t you leave with your team?"


    That question left Qin Mu choking on her words. How could she tell this elder it was her son who insisted on keeping this person she didn''t approve of?


    Or should she just say your son has already married me through a civil ceremony, and I am legally his wife?


    "My mother''s death anniversary is in a few days, and I was thinking of leaving after that."


    So she pondered for a while and then replied unhurriedly.


    It was then that Mu Yichen''s mother didn''t immediately ask anything further but slightly tilted her head, as if remembering something.


    "It''s been over ten years since your mother passed away."


    "Yes!"


    "You must have been only seven or eight years old back then. Mumu, Auntie has -- thought of you over these years. Auntie also knows that Yichen treated you differently than other friends. He liked taking you with him since he was little. But Mumu, now you''re both grown up, and you must be over twenty now, right?"


    "Yes!"


    "These days, we''ve been discussing Yichen''s marriage with Jing Qing with the Jing Family. No matter what you think in your heart or if I''ve wronged you, I just hope you won''t disrupt the life he is supposed to continue. I''m asking you as an aunt, okay?"


    Qin Mu listened with her head down and then suddenly smiled slightly, "Yes!"


    Truthfully, she wanted to leave.


    "Auntie would like to thank you on behalf of the Mu Family and the Jing Family! Exchange phone numbers with me, and if you ever find yourself in trouble, just call. I will definitely help you, okay?"


    Mu Yichen''s mother smiled as she picked up her own phone and opened it first.


    Qin Mu inwardly refused to exchange numbers with this elder, but still replied softly, "Please wait a moment, I''ll go upstairs and get my phone."


    Later, she regretted going upstairs. She headed to Mu Yichen''s room, and any elder wouldn''t fail to realize that it was her son''s room.


    But just as Mu Yichen''s mother said herself, Qin Mu thought maybe the elder knew much but simply didn''t want to make it awkward for her by confronting it directly.


    ¡ª¡ª


    As she walked out with her phone, she searched online for the earliest flight to Paris that day, but then she suddenly heard the elder downstairs say, "Shall I arrange another house for you?"


    Qin Mu looked up and then walked downstairs calmly.


    "I''ve already got a ticket for the earliest flight to Paris today. If you''re available, maybe you could take me to the airport."


    Mu Yichen''s mother stood by the sofa looking at the phone in her hand; the ticket had just shown as purchased successfully. She was suddenly at a loss for words, only managing to raise her eyes and give an indescribable look towards the young girl.


    "Mumu..."


    "If you don''t mind, I''d like to call you Auntie. Yichen has been the only friend who still keeps in touch with me over the years. I might have crossed a line, but I promise not to cling to him."


    For some reason, even though she was smiling and speaking kindly, her eyes inexplicably blurred with tears.


    "Let Auntie take you to the airport!"


    Her departure was silent and unnoticed by some; she didn''t even take luggage with her, just some personal belongings as she set out for the airport.

 Chapter 11 Deserters_1

    Chapter 11 - 11 Deserters_1


    Some things can still be bought back when lost, but some things, once lost, can never be found again.


    "Will you come back for your mother''s death anniversary? Auntie will send someone to pick you up, ok?"


    Qin Mu nodded smilingly as she got out of the car to say goodbye and then turned to walk inside.


    "Go and walk her in," Mu Yichen''s mother instructed the driver, who had been driving, after she left. He nodded and got out of the car to follow her.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Mu Yichen failed to get through to her phone all day and didn''t attend the evening''s engagements, feeling annoyed and agitated as he returned home to look for her.


    All the lights in the room were off and his heart crazily pounded with the premonition that she had already left.


    "Qin Mu!"


    He pushed open the bedroom door, one hand supporting the doorframe and the other reaching for the wall, accidentally touching the switch. The light flicked on, revealing a clean bed and a quiet room as if no one had ever been there.


    The punch, whether fueled by anger or urgency, struck the switch harshly, plunging the room back into darkness.


    After a while, he came out and dialed Jing Qing''s number, "You saw Qin Mu today."


    "No, I''ve been on set all day."


    Mu Yichen hung up the call and then drove aimlessly around, knowing he wasn''t going to find her that night.


    The car finally stopped at the airport. Watching people go in and come out, he knew she had left.


    He suddenly mocked himself internally, but in the end, just clenched his jaw and turned his head to look in another direction.


    The car swiftly turned around and headed back to the city, the night deepening.


    As soon as Qin Mu got off the plane, she returned to the apartment. As she opened the door, she heard the sounds of toys and children running. As she closed the door and turned around, she saw the little girl with four pigtails.


    Little Huanhuan suddenly stopped in her tracks, looking at her excitedly but unable to open her mouth to call out to her.


    Xiaomei was holding a color-changing dinosaur toy, playing chase with her. Coming out, she was also startled to see Qin Mu, "Sister Qinqin, is that really you?"


    "Who else would it be?"


    Qin Mu smiled helplessly and then put down her bag to kneel and slowly embrace her daughter tightly.


    "Baby, did you miss Mommy?"


    Huanhuan was still in a daze, just staring at her foolishly, as if unsure how to express her feelings, and also a bit nervous.


    Qin Mu held her for a long while before things felt familiar again. Xiaomei came out from inside with a bowl of noodles, "You should eat something first, how come you suddenly came back without even a call?"


    "The timing was just right, so I came back," Qin Mu answered calmly, then set her daughter aside to comfort her for a while before starting to eat the noodles.


    "So, you and Mr. Mu... I mean, have you two settled things?"


    "Settled what?" She took a bite of her noodles and looked up sharply at the girl sitting opposite her.


    Xiaomei suddenly closed her mouth and shook her head vigorously.


    "I haven''t even settled the score with you yet. You and Mu Yichen agreed on this, didn''t you? You did it on purpose, not bringing me back."


    "Not at all, it was Master..."


    Xiaomei spoke too quickly and immediately covered her mouth with her hand, forcibly.


    Qin Mu looked up at her, her eyes flashing with a touch of helplessness before she lowered her head to eat her noodles again.


    Actually, she had anticipated it. The master chose his hotel for the show presumably not because of the hotel''s fame. They must have known each other for a long time.


    "Huanhuan, is she Mr. Mu''s daughter?"


    Xiaomei tried again, having not noticed before, but after meeting Mu Yichen, she came back and discovered this immense secret ¨C father and daughter had particularly similar eyes, those long eyelashes, and a certain charm in their expressions.


    Qin Mu choked on her noodles and, while Xiaomei waited for an answer, she set down her bowl and coughed her way to the restroom.


    Little Huanhuan clutched her Barbie tightly, her eyes seemingly saying: Mommy is acting strange.


    But the child was not yet skilled in speech, only watching with that unusual look as her mother left.


    "Your mommy is definitely avoiding the topic on purpose."


    Little Huanhuan suddenly burst into laughter.


    That evening, after Xiaomei finally gained the freedom to go out and unwind, Qin Mu and Huanhuan had dinner and lay in bed gazing up at the night sky.


    It was the year she became pregnant that she suddenly changed her mind and started taking on skincare and perfume advertisements. Discovered by a talent scout at eighteen while walking down the street, she was quite nervous about the big changes unfolding in her life. Thankfully, she did not disappoint the scout over those two years.


    She did it for Huanhuan; she didn''t want Huanhuan to live in that cramped house of hers.


    It was Huanhuan who gave her the motivation, renewing her expectations for life.


    After taking on a few advertisements and earning some money, she immediately moved to a new house, so Huanhuan had been living there since she was born.


    Gentle apricot eyes flickered, suddenly remembering the phone in her bag had been off the entire time.


    It wasn''t until Huanhuan was nearly asleep that she turned it on. Huanhuan sat up from the bed, her spirited eyes fixed on the direction her mother had returned from.


    Seeing several calls from Mu Yichen and Jing Qing on her phone, Qin Mu looked up to find her daughter anxiously watching her, as if afraid she would leave again.


    "Huanhuan seemed to have just fallen asleep, didn''t she? It seems Mommy was fooled."


    She climbed back onto the bed and lay down with her daughter, who quietly wrapped her little hands around her chest and nestled her small head in her embrace.


    "Huanhuan, would you like to have a daddy?"


    Her hand gently stroked her daughter''s hair as she softly asked.


    Huanhuan didn''t speak, as if she didn''t understand, yet also as if waiting for her to continue, tilting her head up with her big eyes gazing at her.


    "Your daddy, well... he and mommy got married!"


    After saying it, Qin Mu felt as though she was carefully revealing the news, her heart beating nervously.


    She couldn''t understand why she felt so anxious about a marriage she hadn''t anticipated, so thrilling and emotional; she instinctively looked at her daughter and found her wearing a face full of expectation.


    In the quiet of the night, it was so tranquil.


    Mother and daughter looked at each other, yet no one spoke for a long time.


    Huanhuan suddenly moved her lips as if she feared losing her mother.


    "Huanhuan, Mommy won''t fall in love with anyone else besides you, don''t worry."


    She raised her hand to gently touch her daughter''s face and hair, softly kissing her forehead with the same tenderness he had when he kissed her.


    Her heart had been resistant to affection ever since the moment her mother passed away.


    "He is very good, but unfortunately, your mommy doesn''t have the confidence to handle him!"


    Huanhuan didn''t understand, only snuggling closer into her embrace as sleepiness made it hard to keep her eyes open, and her little hands instinctively went to rub them, which Qin Mu gently moved away, patting her to sleep.


    Later, as Huanhuan slept, she lay in bed staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.


    Coming back gave her an unreal feeling, especially the thought of them getting married over the past few days¡ªit was just like a dream.


    Late into the night, she at last managed to drift to sleep, but in her dreams it was Mu Yichen searching for her everywhere.


    At eight in the morning, she was in the kitchen preparing breakfast and answered the phone without seeing who it was: Hello?


    "Is this how you become a deserter?"

 Chapter 12 sending ring_1

    Chapter 12 - 12 sending ring_1


    She was certainly not a deserter.


    In the upcoming month, she''d be busy designing performance gowns for a renowned musician in Paris.


    That day, Jian Yan was discussing some details about several gowns with her when the ringtone of the cell phone interrupted their conversation.


    "Girl, it''s your Aunt Mu. Have you booked your flight for the day after tomorrow, which is your mother''s death anniversary? Tell Auntie the time, and I''ll come to pick you up personally."


    "Thank you, Auntie, for remembering, but I''ve been quite busy recently and can''t make it back."


    She responded with a smile, and only after hanging up did she notice that Jian Yan had been watching her the whole time.


    "Was that a call from Rongcheng?"


    "Mm."


    "Are there any decent elders left in Rongcheng for you?"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes to look at her mentor, then sighed helplessly, "It''s Mu Yichen''s mother."


    "She called you? Did you come back because of her?"


    Jian Yan''s complexion turned slightly unpleasant, displeased that an elder had intervened to hurt his apprentice.


    "I came back because I didn''t want to live in that city filled with only painful memories."


    If she had wanted to stay, Mu Yichen''s mother couldn''t have driven her out no matter what she said; it was her own choice.


    "What about Huanhuan then? Do you plan to keep Huanhuan from her father for a lifetime?"


    Qin Mu just gazed at him.


    "You don''t still intend to deny that the child has nothing to do with Mu Yichen, do you?"


    Indeed, there was nothing to deny. She lowered her gaze to earnestly observe the gown she was designing, troubled by some minor details.


    Jian Yan sighed helplessly, knowing he shouldn''t interfere too much in many matters, and at most, he could only play a small part in encouraging her, but her solitary temperament was worrying him.


    Back in the domestic scene.


    Jing Qing was meeting with Mu Yichen''s mother in a cafe?. Hearing that Qin Mu wouldn''t be returning relieved her, and then she softly added, "Actually, I think Mumu isn''t an unreasonable girl, perhaps just too young."


    "You, always so kind-hearted, but she probably has an ulterior motive for coming back. Though I managed to send her away for now, there''s no guarantee that she won''t come back in the future. I advise you to seize Yichen as soon as possible."


    "Seize him?"


    "Turn raw rice into cooked rice. If you bear a son or a daughter, would you still worry about him running away?" Mu Yichen''s mother instructed earnestly.


    "Auntie, this... isn''t appropriate."


    "Don''t tell me you don''t want to. I won''t believe it," Mu Yichen''s mother said, barely holding back a laugh, and Jing Qing blushed, lowering her head without speaking.


    "I''m going to talk with Yichen later. He''s turning twenty-eight soon; it''s time for the two of you to settle down."


    "Thank you, Auntie!" Jing Qing could only respond softly with thanks.


    When Mu Yichen''s mother arrived at her son''s office and found him absent, she took the opportunity to question his secretary.


    After Mu Yichen returned from a meeting, seeing his mother seated on a sofa in the office sipping tea, he uttered tersely, "What brings you here?"


    "Can''t I come and see my son?"


    Mu Yichen had no suitable reply; of course, as a mother, she had the right to visit. So he sat down behind the desk, picked up a document, and began to flip through it casually.


    His mother looked at him, sighing helplessly, "You, always engrossed in work. You''re nearly twenty-eight; aren''t you going to consider your own matters?"


    "If you have something to say, please speak plainly," Mu Yichen darkened his gaze.


    "You should give Jing Qing an answer after all these years she''s waited for you, and besides, our families have been close for generations. In all of Rongcheng, I see no other match for you but Jing Qing, don''t you agree?"


    The matriarch of the Mu Family sat upright on the sofa, lightly tasting her tea after speaking.


    "I won''t deny the relationship between our two families, but to use that to coerce me into marriage¡ªthen I can only disappoint you."


    His gaze, however, never left the document on the desk, his voice neutral but devoid of warmth or peculiarity.


    "Give your mother a reason. What about Jing Qing don''t you find suitable?" his mother pressed with a headache.


    "There''s no suitability in emotions. Your son doesn''t love her!"


    "Then who do you love? That Qin girl? If she had a good relationship with Uncle Qin, it''d be another matter, but now look, it''s that mother and daughter calling the shots in the Qin Family, where does that girl have any standing?"


    "She doesn''t need any standing in the Qin Family!"


    "Then what does the Mu Family want with her?"


    "When you and my father married, what did my father want from you?"


    "Our families were well-matched."


    "So my father didn''t love you when you married? Can you swear to that?"


    "Certainly not, we married for love."


    After saying this, Mu Yichen''s mother suddenly found herself at a loss for words, and Mu Yichen stopped looking at her, returning his gaze to scrutinize the documents.


    "In any case, you and Qin Mu are impossible."


    "I hope you have not said anything to Qin Mu that would demean your status!"


    Mu Yichen suddenly looked up again, his cold and precise gaze aimed at his own mother.


    His mother visibly trembled, turning pale.


    "You have always been the mother I respect most. I hope that will be the case in the future too!" These were the last words he said to his mother in the office.


    The girl he liked, of course, had to be respected by everyone, including his parents.


    Some tried their utmost to win him over, while others avoided him at all costs.


    He heard she was now busy designing a stage outfit for a singer. He couldn''t imagine her heartless demeanor, only feeling an incessant itch in his heart, and he couldn''t help but raise his hand to press forcefully on that spot.


    He arrived home nearly at ten o''clock after drinking at a club. Leaning on the bed for a while, he couldn''t resist reaching to open the bedside table drawer.


    His slender fingers with prominent knuckles stilled upon pinching a marriage certificate in the drawer, because three unused condoms lay inside.


    "Damned woman!" He clenched the marriage certificate and leaned back against the headboard, then took labored breaths.


    She had bought a box of condoms and left after using just two.


    ----


    One day, Qin Mu received a package from back home, containing a ring.


    "Hurry back after this month is over!" The note with the gift held only this sentence.

 Chapter 13 Paris Coexistence_1

    Chapter 13 - 13 Paris Coexistence_1


    For an entire month, she hadn''t even left the doorstep of her house; exhausted after finishing work, she would cradle her coffee while leaning against the windowsill, gazing at the tranquil streets outside.


    In the stillness of the night, the streets were so cold and clear they left an aching emptiness in one''s heart.


    Glancing down, she indeed spotted the ring he had sent her still on her finger; wearing it for the first time, she hadn''t felt any discomfort whatsoever.


    Thinking about the words his mother had said to her, thinking about her own mother''s experiences¡ªlove was less about longing than about apprehension.


    Just like the song by Zhou says, love that moves too fast is like a tornado.


    Later, planning to take a bath before joining Huanhuan in bed, she had just come out of the bathroom when the doorbell rang. She looked at the clock on the wall¡ªit was already past eleven. Who could be visiting her at this hour?


    It must be Xiaomei, that girl sometimes came over to stay when she was tired from playing around here.


    "Don''t you know the passcode?" she asked herself as she went to open the door.


    "When did you ever tell me the passcode?"


    Qin Mu raised her eyes to look at him, then in an instant, with a snap, she closed the door.


    It suddenly fell silent outside the door, but inside, everything was in a dizzying flurry.


    The shoe cabinet was filled with children''s pretty shoes; the sofa held her daughter''s toys, photographs, and all kinds of clutter, instantly giving her a splitting headache.


    He patiently knocked on the door: "Qin Mu..."


    "Wait a second!" she called out from inside, picking up her daughter''s treasures and putting them in the dirty laundry basket while calling Xiaomei: "I don''t care what you''re up to, come over here quickly."


    It was an emergency, she couldn''t afford to say more.


    Coincidentally, the weather was freezing, and Xiaomei, having just had drinks with friends, had intended to spend the night at her place.


    Xiaomei arrived and was taken aback, but to Qin Mu, it was as if she had been granted a major reprieve.


    "This is Mr. Mu, you know him, right?" Qin Mu introduced him to Xiaomei, feigning nonchalance.


    "Uh... yes, I know him!" Xiaomei did recognize him, but at that moment, she was completely clueless.


    "You''ve been drinking again? Go wash up and sleep early, I''m going out with Mr. Mu for a bit."


    "Uh, will you be back tonight?" Xiaomei blinked subconsciously.


    "Not coming back!"


    Qin Mu had changed her clothes and was holding onto Mu Yichen''s wrist; Mu Yichen stood by the door with furrowed eyebrows and drooping eyes, looking at her. He had been standing there for almost half an hour and she hadn''t even let him sit down in the apartment, and now they were leaving?


    Xiaomei didn''t dare to push too far, after all, there was a bomb in the house.


    "Then have fun."


    Qin Mu''s face was red as blood, and in an instant, she hugged his shoulder and walked out.


    "Have you been living with her all this time?"


    "Yeah, to share the rent," she said lightly.


    Mu Yichen didn''t ask anymore; he was just pushed by her onto the quiet path, his heart quieting down quite a bit as well.


    "How¡ªhow did you find this place?"


    "I have my ways," he replied.


    Mu Yichen let her cling to his arm, his hands tucked in his coat pockets as he strolled leisurely forward.


    In truth, he had been to the small apartment where she used to live, but someone new had moved in there.


    He called Jian Yan, and after Jian Yan made several conditions, he gave him this address.


    And yet, they ended up in a hotel without even having the chance to enter her place.


    She spoke to the hotel owner in French; he stood by, merely extending a polite greeting without another word.


    She spoke quietly to the owner, but he heard one sentence very clearly: she said he was her husband.


    He had tossed and turned in bed unable to sleep just the night before, yet today they ended up being together so suddenly.


    A short while ago, the two of them walked down the street, she was holding onto him as if they had been doing so for many years.


    Mu Yichen couldn''t help but gaze at her intently.


    "All set, you can go up now!"


    She turned around, and upon lifting her gaze, she found herself caught up in his dark eyes, frightening her to the core.


    His gaze was so deep, as if by simply turning around, she had accidentally fallen into an abyss.


    For sure, the room wasn''t as spacious as his suite, but it was very clean, and after she entered and looked around, she raised her eyes to him: "I''ve already taken a shower at home, you go ahead."


    Mu Yichen remained silent, simply gazing down at her.


    Qin Mu felt his gaze was peculiar that night, nervously trying to brush it off with a laugh: "Why do you keep looking at me like that?"


    A month had gone by, and it felt like almost a century had passed.


    He took off his coat and handed it to her; only after she took it did he turn and head to the bathroom, while she, out of boredom, held his coat and sat on the edge of the bed.


    He had actually come here, he surely didn''t come especially for her, did he?


    Suddenly, she remembered the day, a month ago, when she''d received the ring, he had said that if she didn''t come back to him in a month, he would come find her.


    He really did come, but she wasn''t ready to go back with him.


    The sound of running water from inside finally disturbed her train of thought; putting aside those vexing matters about emotions, the thought of his body made Qin Mu''s heart race, and then she hung up his clothes and began to undress herself.


    There was no denying it, she had missed him, his body, quite a bit.


    Mu Yichen, finished with his shower, saw her already lying on the bed, the blanket covering the essentials, her long, beautiful legs exposed.


    "Mr. Mu!" she called, her hand caressing her leg lifted in a gentle hook.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Come here!"


    Her eyebrows were clear and her appearance unmatched; she was incredibly beautiful to begin with.


    That moment, with her seven parts charm, he was utterly enticed, his heart in a mess.


    Just now at her apartment, she couldn''t avoid him fast enough, locking him out; now, she was being so proactive. He smiled helplessly for a moment, then swiftly his towel dropped from his waist.


    Qin Mu wasn''t unashamed, but at that moment, if she allowed herself to be bothered by bashfulness, it truly would have been pointless.


    "I really can''t figure you out!" he pressed on top of her, gazing intently at her as he spoke.


    "Then feel free to explore more," she responded.


    She lifted her hand to hook around his neck and kissed him on her own initiative.


    "You little enchantress, do you believe that tonight I might just disassemble your bones?" he teased.


    "I believe it, but you must not do it, okay?"


    "I listen that well?"


    "Mmhmm, mmhmm..."

 Chapter 14 Why give me a ring_1

    Chapter 14: 14 Why give me a ring_1


    In the early morning, Mu Yichen cradled her beautiful back, his hand gently caressing her ring.


    Qin Mu nestled in his embrace, quietly feeling the spot he touched, when a certain inexplicable emotion suddenly rose in her heart.


    "Why give me a ring? You make it seem like we¡¯re really getting married."


    Qin Mu turned around, her fingers subconsciously tapping on his chest as a game.


    "Getting married should look the part. Do you think I¡¯m joking around with you?"


    "Then why me?"


    He had just lifted his hand to show her the ring on his, when she, hugging his hand, covered the ring and asked him.


    "Why can¡¯t it be you? Am I not good enough?"


    "Not bad, I guess? It¡¯s just too sudden."


    She released his hand, thought for a moment, and then turned back to lie down.


    "Just okay? Only just okay?"


    He hugged her tightly in his arms, coercing and tempting her.


    "It is okay, very good. Is that not good enough for you?"


    "Too late!"


    "Ah!"


    Being late meant that she had to join him in morning exercises.


    Later, after receiving a phone call, she hurried to take a shower and leave. Mu Yichen leaned against the bathroom door, watching her apply lipstick: Am I still staying here tonight?


    Qin Mu, half-way through applying, turned to look at him: You¡¯re still here today?


    "Mhm!"


    As if he had a thousand words to say, but it all ended with a mhm.


    As emotions swirled in Qin Mu¡¯s eyes, she finished applying her lipstick: Otherwise, you can find a nicer hotel to stay at.


    "What about you?"


    "I¡¯ll join you, after I finish what I¡¯m busy with."


    "You don¡¯t plan to invite me to your apartment for a visit?"


    Qin Mu...


    Once she finished packing, she turned around to face him, his eyes filled with grievance. She lifted a hand to pat his face: No, there are too many girls¡¯ personal items inside, it¡¯s not convenient for you to see.


    "What haven¡¯t I seen of yours?"


    "What about Xiaomei?"


    She shook Mu Yichen off and quietly returned home. Xiaomei asked if she should put Little Huanhuan¡¯s things back to where they belonged.


    "No, no, let¡¯s wait until he leaves in a few days."


    "But what if he makes a surprise visit and sees Huanhuan? How should I explain it?"


    Xiaomei really feared she wouldn¡¯t be able to explain well enough, which could mean game over.


    "Just say it¡¯s the neighbor¡¯s kid." Qin Mu¡¯s hand, holding the document, paused for a moment before she hastily replied.


    "The neighbor... But isn¡¯t it a single, handsome young man who lives next door?"


    Xiaomei loved to roam around due to the foreign handsome young man next door.


    "You know who lives next door, Mu Yichen doesn¡¯t." Qin Mu looked at her helplessly, then turned around to pick up her daughter with her documents.


    "Go play with Aunt Xiaomei, and mommy will come to join you after finishing work, okay?"


    "Okay!" Little Huanhuan slowly nodded, seeming a bit unhappy but also very sensible and understanding.


    "Good girl!"


    Seeing how sensible her daughter was, the mother pressed a firm kiss on her face and left.


    In the morning, Jian Yan discussed some details with the project lead on Qin Mu¡¯s behalf, and at noon, the two of them went out for lunch together: Did President Mu come?


    "Master!"


    "Mhm?"


    "Why did you tell him where I live?"


    "He flew all the way from Rongcheng to see you, could you bear not meeting him?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but lower her gaze at her master¡¯s questioning gaze, contemplating inwardly.


    What was there for her to hold on to?


    The reluctance now will be her own pain in the future.


    Jian Yan lowered his gaze, his lips hooked slightly, and then he looked earnestly at his disciple: "He¡¯s here to take you back to Rongcheng, go back with him."


    "Why?" Qin Mu was shocked. Did her master no longer like her?


    "Haven¡¯t you wanted to strike out on your own for a long time?"


    "But I didn¡¯t plan to do it in Rongcheng."


    "You were born there, and your misfortune happened there too. Doesn¡¯t China have an old saying that goes ¡¯wherever you fall, you must rise up¡¯?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just picked up the red wine on the table and drank it all in one gulp.


    That place had caused her a lifetime of unforgettable pain, and once she went back, how many people would make things difficult for her?


    Last time, she went to do a show and so many people were wary of her, looked down on her, what if she went back to grow a business...


    "If your mother knew you were running away from the past like this, that you were so afraid of people from the past, how disappointed she would be with her once most beloved daughter."


    "Master!"


    Qin Mu called out helplessly, poured herself another glass from the bottle, and drank it all again.


    "If your mother was still alive, she would surely want you to grow up and go back, to take back everything those people stole from you, and even if you couldn¡¯t do that, at least live better there than anyone else."


    She had never thought her master would see things this way.


    Her master hardly ever brought up her affairs, but now he was giving her such a vivid lesson.


    "As a child, you were sent here against your will. Now that you have the ability, Mumu, your master hopes you can bravely face your life."


    "My life is to go to Rongcheng and get involved in intrigues?"


    "No, you are just going back to live out your own future, for Huanhuan and for your mother as well."


    That afternoon, Qin Mu was still thinking about how she was supposed to live her life.


    She had only wanted to do fashion design in Paris and achieve something someday, live a good life with her daughter. She didn¡¯t know where she went wrong with her plan.


    When Mu Yichen pulled up beside her in his car, she turned her head, her dejected eyes not quick enough to hide, and saw him leaning over to open the door for her: "Get in."


    "How did you find me? Did you borrow the car from the hotel?"


    "What were you just thinking about?"


    Qin Mu turned her head in confusion to look at him, but instead of answering her, he threw the question back at her.


    "Master said I should go back to Rongcheng with you."


    "Hmm! Your master does have some insight."


    Qin Mu laughed helplessly and then looked out at the familiar streets: Paris is quite nice!


    "But I¡¯m not here."


    She lowered her head, looking at the ring on her hand.


    It was he who wasn¡¯t here, not that the home wasn¡¯t here.


    Qin Mu felt much more at ease, then turned to look at him: "If I go back with you, I might have to bring someone along."


    "Whatever!"


    Qin Mu watched him and said nothing more, then smiled again and looked out the car window.


    That night, Qin Mu went home to pick up her clothes and then returned to the hotel with him, but as soon as the two entered, they saw two people of the same skin color.


    "Brother-in-law!"


    "Yichen!"


    "What are you two doing here?"


    "We came for Hai Semei¡¯s concert, we¡¯re her loyal fans."


    Qin Mingzhu boasted, though her gaze was fixed on Qin Mu.


    "I didn¡¯t expect you to be in Paris too; are you on a business trip?"


    "No! I came to find Qin Mu."


    He said it and immediately pulled the woman who was just a step away from him into his embrace.


    Qin Mu looked up at him in shock, at his domineering and indifferent demeanor.


    "Brother-in-law, really, in front of your sister!" Qin Mingzhu couldn¡¯t help but complain on behalf of Jing Qing.


    "Mu Mu and I are as close as siblings, so don¡¯t talk nonsense," Jing Qing explained sensibly to Qin Mingzhu.


    "In the past, her mother fought with my mother for my father, and now she¡¯s competing with you for brother-in-law, and you still treat her like a sister?" Qin Mingzhu rolled her eyes.


    "What did you say? Speak up."

 Chapter 15: Go back to _1

    Chapter 15: Go back to _1


    "I¡¯m saying you and your mother have no shame! Ah!"


    "Smack!"


    The entire hall fell silent, the sound resonating sharply!


    Qin Mu forcefully pushed the man beside her, stepped forward, and indifferently delivered a slap.


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s head spun, her cheek burning with pain, and in the vast space, no other voices could be heard.


    "Playing the thief while shouting ¡¯catch the thief¡¯? Does your conscience not hurt at all?"


    Qin Mu advanced, her slender fingers jabbing one after another into the area above her heart.


    Mingzhu retreated, she advanced!


    "If I hear that kind of talk again, it won¡¯t just be a slap. Do you hear me clearly?"


    "You... you..."


    Qin Mingzhu, covering half of her face, struggled to utter a complete sentence. Since childhood, she had only bullied others; no one had ever laid a finger on her.


    "Did you hear me or not?"


    At that moment, Qin Mu was genuinely furious to the point of boiling over, her voice several decibels higher than usual.


    "Heard, I heard!"


    Qin Mingzhu was terrified, responding in a trembling voice.


    The pitiful creature that seemed isolated could actually be so wicked.


    Low murmurs now filled the previously solemn hotel lobby. While the conversations were in foreign languages, they did not escape the ears of Qin Mu and Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen, completely disregarding others¡¯ stares, stepped forward and held her shoulder, "Did it hurt your hand? Let me see."


    Mingzhu¡¯s eyes nearly popped out as she saw her brother-in-law treating that status-grabbing wretch with such tenderness. Subconsciously covering her face, she turned to look at Jing Qing.


    Jing Qing¡¯s complexion wasn¡¯t looking any better, just barely contained due to the crowd.


    "Let¡¯s go upstairs,"


    Mu Yichen said softly, his departing gaze cold and sharp towards the girl who had just slandered his woman.


    "Sis, is she crazy or what? Are you just going to let her take your husband away?"


    Qin Mingzhu turned and looked at Jing Qing in confusion.


    "What should I do then?"


    "Fight! Fight back the way she took him; what¡¯s your status, and what¡¯s hers? Mom and dad have always said you¡¯re smart, so why are you doing such a dumb thing?"


    Mingzhu looked at her unknowingly, then walked out in disappointment.


    Jing Qing remained silent, letting out a helpless smile before leaving.


    Dumb?


    "If I were like you, that would truly be dumb."


    Jing Qing caught up with Qin Mingzhu and, on the street, wrapped an arm around her shoulder, cooing in a low voice, "How about sister takes you for some tasty food? After eating, we can shop at the luxury stores. We shouldn¡¯t leave empty-handed, right?"


    "I can¡¯t afford that luxury."


    "But your sister can."


    Paris¡¯ nights were not very cold, and very quiet.


    After returning to the room, Qin Mu was unusually silent, sitting in the living room with her head down like a child who had done wrong.


    Mu Yichen took off his coat and walked over, Qin Mu looked up, "Mu Yichen."


    "Let¡¯s go take a bath."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, merely fixating her gaze on him.


    "You¡¯re taking Qin Mingzhu¡¯s words to heart?" he asked her softly.


    "Shouldn¡¯t I?"


    "I heard it took you a good three months following Jian Yan before he accepted you as an apprentice. Why were you so adamant?"


    "Because he¡¯s one of the few great designers, both domestically and internationally."


    "If all you wanted was a stable life, did you really need to make him your mentor?"


    After coming out, she sat on the carpet in front of the glass wall, drying her hair, and he went to take a phone call before coming back with a hairdryer to stand behind her.


    The outside window showcased a brilliant starry sky, while the inside was undoubtedly serene.


    "When do you plan to return home?"


    She tilted her head slightly, while his eyes were lowered, focused intently on her hair.


    "Trying to rush me out?"


    "Just asking."


    His movements in drying her hair paused slightly, his eyes lifted, but then he continued his task as if it were nothing.


    "Anytime!"


    "I¡¯ll take you to the airport when it¡¯s time."


    Her hair was nearly dry, she looked up at him: What¡¯s up?


    "Are you serious?" he asked quietly.


    In those dark eyes, a light shone that was heartbreaking.


    "Mhm!"


    Their gazes met, one resilient and enduring, the other silent as still water.


    He suddenly chuckled but said not a word more, simply cradling her face in his hands.


    Mu Yichen stayed in Paris for three days, but ultimately didn¡¯t take her back to Rongcheng.


    She stood alone in the empty guest room, sunlight streaming in, looking up through her fingers at the rays of light, and then at the ring on her hand.


    Her heart, suddenly stirred.


    Her long eyelashes fluttered gently, her eyes filled with surprise and the melancholy that comes with knowing the truth.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qin Mu continued her life in Paris, which she considered free and happy, until three days later when she received a call from the mayor of Qin City.


    "Your aunt¡¯s health has taken a serious turn for the worse, Xiaomu, does it really matter where a person is buried when they die anyway?"


    The man who had doted on her as a child spoke to her like this now.


    She could still summon memories from her childhood, a time when he had loved her mother.


    Back then, she often saw him embracing her mother in every corner of their home, declaring his love for her.


    But in a flash, other women came knocking at the door.


    She remembered coming home from school one day to find the couple that always appeared so loving, fighting fiercely, and then the man storming out.


    She remembered her mother¡¯s heart-wrenching sobs.


    And she could never forget the sight of her mother lying dead in a pool of blood.


    "So, for that person who¡¯s going to die anyway, why do you care where she¡¯s going to be buried?"


    "Xiaomu, I hope you understand your dad."


    "I really wish my ¡¯dad¡¯¡ªwas already dead!"


    Understand?


    Soon after her mother died, that woman moved into their house, slept in her mother¡¯s bed, and when he sent her abroad he also said please understand your dad.


    The call hadn¡¯t ended, but she could no longer make out what the person on the other end was saying.


    She didn¡¯t understand before, but she understood later.


    Wasn¡¯t it all for his own selfish desires?


    All those mistakes made in the heat of the moment were not worth understanding.


    She hung up on Qin Haiming and booked the earliest flight back home, saying to Xiaomei before leaving, "I¡¯ll bring Huanhuan over as soon as possible, please take care of her for these few days."


    "Sure, rest assured about Huanhuan. But you must take good care of yourself," Xiaomei advised in a low voice, seeing her eyes redden.

 Chapter 16 Mutual Warming_1

    Chapter 16: 16 Mutual Warming_1


    "Miss, are you back to settle down or just staying temporarily?"


    ¡ª¡ª


    The wind in Rongcheng was still cool. The driver helped her with her luggage and departed, and she stood on the side, looking at the luxurious residential area.


    She hadn¡¯t expected to come back again.


    She was unable to answer the driver¡¯s question. So far, everything had been done to her passively.


    She didn¡¯t press the doorbell; she heard a deep voice fade away into the living room as the door opened.


    He was standing next to the sofa, holding a glass of wine and talking on the phone. At the sound of the door, he turned his eyes instinctively.


    She turned on the light, dragged her suitcase in, closed the door, and then positioned herself perfectly behind the door panel.


    "I¡¯m here to take care of some things."


    She tried to smile, but it didn¡¯t elicit any response from him.


    "I guess you wouldn¡¯t want me to stay elsewhere, so..."


    "No need to say more!"


    She looked up at him, and at that moment, she wasn¡¯t even sure if he wanted her to stay or to leave.


    After all, on the day he left for Paris, she hadn¡¯t even gotten out of bed.


    She felt a bit like a wanderer, or maybe a lost soul?


    Especially when she looked into his dark eyes and couldn¡¯t understand what he was thinking.


    That night, he¡¯d held her and made love until the sky was almost light. She had gotten up early in the morning while he was still asleep and left the house in plain clothes.


    Helian Hao had been waiting for her outside. Once she got into the car, he took her away.


    "I overheard my parents talking by chance. Are you saying your father is really planning to move your mother from the Qin Family cemetery?"


    "I won¡¯t let him succeed."


    "Appearances are deceiving. I never realized Uncle Qin could be so ruthless."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak and arrived at the Qin Family cemetery.


    She had thought about her mother leaving the Qin Family cemetery, but not in the way these people wanted.


    There weren¡¯t the overgrown weeds she had expected in front of her mother¡¯s tombstone; instead, it was very clean.


    Helian Hao waited for her below while she stood alone above.


    Looking at the face on the tombstone, so similar to her own, she suddenly remembered that her mother had also been in her early thirties when she left.


    In that car accident, the one who deserved to die hadn¡¯t, and her mother had lost her life instead.


    Sometimes, Qin Mu felt it really wasn¡¯t worth it. With such good years ahead of her, she could have done anything else. Why did it have to end in utter ruination?


    Perhaps, it was because the woman had loved too deeply back then that led to such profound hatred.


    So foolish!


    She bowed her head in melancholy, hoping she would not follow in her mother¡¯s footsteps.


    She had learned to forget the times when her parents were in love.


    She had learned to remember, to remember how her father let that woman move into their house after her mother¡¯s death, to remember he wanted to move her mother from the Qin Family cemetery.


    From then on, Qin Mu and Qin Minghai had been at odds.


    On the way back to the city, Helian Hao asked her, "You¡¯re back to settle down, right? Since they all don¡¯t like you being here, why don¡¯t you stay and live better than any of them, just to spite them?"


    "That sounds pretty good."


    Qin Mu smiled, turned to look at Helian Hao, feeling the care Helian Hao had for her as if they were twin sisters, so genuine that it ran through her blood, so much that she dared not believe it.


    Whenever she met with Mu Yichen before, she would always be mentioned. At the time, Qin Mu had a resistance to the people of Rongcheng and had never allowed Mu Yichen to tell anyone. This time coming back...


    Actually, it was pretty good.


    Qin Mu looked at Helian Hao and suddenly felt quite fortunate.


    At noon, Qin Mu treated Helian Hao to lunch at Mu Yichen¡¯s hotel. When Helian Hao sat down, she sighed, "Eating here and you¡¯re paying? Who would dare take your money?"


    Qin Mu pursed her lips and smiled without speaking. As Helian Hao looked down, she noticed the plain ring on her finger: "Do you know what it means to wear a ring on that finger?"


    Curious, Qin Mu looked at her and then lowered her gaze to the ring on her own finger.


    "Married!"


    Helian Hao emphatically uttered two words, and Qin Mu smiled helplessly, "I¡¯m just wearing it for fun."


    His tone was light and casual, so Helian Hao naturally believed him.


    Who would think such a young girl was already married, and after she had been abroad for years, receiving a Western education; she probably wouldn¡¯t be keen on marrying early.


    "But is that ring from Mu Yichen?"


    Qin Mu...


    "I saw him here the night before last; he was wearing one similar to yours. I was too far away to see clearly, but it felt like they were alike."


    Qin Mu...


    With Helian Hao¡¯s keen observation, Qin Mu was so frightened she dared not make any expression.


    "Be honest, how long have you secretly been dating?"


    "Ah?"


    "I picked you up at his apartment this morning," Helian Hao reminded her not to lie.


    "Can you call it dating?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know how to describe their relationship, she obviously couldn¡¯t tell Helian Hao that they were already married. But in her heart, she didn¡¯t think of it as a big deal; she wondered if what they had from the first time they had been intimate until now was dating or just a mutual need for each other¡¯s bodies.


    "What do you think? If it¡¯s not dating, then what is sleeping together? Are you supporting him or is he supporting you?"


    "Of course, he¡¯s supporting me."


    Helian Hao didn¡¯t say anything but kept looking at her with a sharp gaze.


    Qin Mu smiled awkwardly, "Just kidding."


    "I must warn you, Jing Qing¡¯s really got her eye on him. If you don¡¯t cherish him and he gets stolen away, it¡¯ll be your own fault."


    "Yes, yes, yes!"


    Qin Mu nodded continuously, truly not wanting Helian Hao to worry about this matter.


    "The Jing Family has intentions to become in-laws with the Mu Family. With Mu Qingxin not returning from Africa, naturally the marriage falls to Mu Yichen and Jing Qing. Jing Qing truly loves him, so think about it, unless Mu Yichen is resolute, Jing Qing capturing him is only a matter of time."


    Qin Mu nodded subconsciously, which irritated Helian Hao, frowning, "Do you even understand what I¡¯m saying?"


    "I do understand."


    "What¡¯s with your attitude then? I get it, you don¡¯t see me as a friend, do you? That¡¯s why you don¡¯t want to have a genuine conversation with me?"


    "How could you think that? Of course, I trust you, I just think what you¡¯re saying makes a lot of sense."


    Helian Hao...


    "Me and you... It¡¯s like the emperor isn¡¯t in a hurry, but his eunuch is!"


    "You¡¯re not a eunuch, you¡¯re the beloved consort."


    Helian Hao...


    Qin Mu suddenly smiled mischievously; it had been a long time since she had teased someone like this.


    When she took Helian Hao¡¯s hand, Helian Hao became slightly calmer, but still glared at her angrily.


    "I understand what you mean, but is marriage really that important?"


    "You don¡¯t love Mu Yichen?"


    Thud!


    It was as if something had fallen from a great height onto the floor, the loud crash made her heart ache.


    Love?


    Qin Mu dared not speak of love, even though he made her feel very secure.


    "We¡¯re just keeping each other warm, at most."


    "You¡ª¡ª"


    Helian Hao was about to lecture her, but then he thought of her parents¡¯ issue and swallowed back the words that had reached his lips.


    Some people, once they witness some dark events, might live with shadows from those events for a lifetime.

 Chapter 17 Mu Yichen, Let’s Have a Secret Marriage_1

    Chapter 17: 17 Mu Yichen, Let¡¯s Have a Secret Marriage_1


    "It¡¯s good to see Miss Qin enjoying herself. Just before our boss, Mu Yi, left, he instructed that from now on, all your expenses here will be on his account,"


    Later, the restaurant manager told her that Mu Yichen had been sitting at a nearby corner table.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª


    That night, Qin Mu stood at the kitchen door, munching on an apple and watching Mu Yichen cook inside, suddenly feeling like she was in a dream.


    "Why would you be interested in cooking?"


    She asked out of curiosity.


    "Are you interested in cooking?"


    He asked while washing vegetables, not even turning back to look at her.


    "No!"


    Qin Mu answered immediately and then looked at the hand holding the apple, thinking to herself that this hand was meant for writing and cutting, not for cooking.


    "Were you also there when I dined with Xiaohao today?"


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s dark eyes stared at him unblinkingly, yet she held her breath and didn¡¯t ask another question.


    Mu Yichen finished washing the vegetables, drained the water, and prepared to start cooking. He turned to glance at her, "Wait outside."


    "It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll keep you company here,"


    She said with a smile, feeling confident about her social graces.


    "I¡¯m not used to it,"


    Qin Mu quickly retreated to the sofa, munching on her apple while watching a drama, but her appetite soon faded as the drama¡¯s romantic leads appeared too happily in love.


    When Mu Yichen came out, he saw her face was red.


    "Umm...have you eaten already?"


    "There¡¯s one more soup that isn¡¯t ready. What were you watching just now?"


    She sat on the sofa, looking up, her eyes glued to the television, dead serious.


    Mu Yichen stood behind her, his hands resting on the back of the sofa.


    "It was just a man and a woman communicating their feelings," Qin Mu said nonchalantly, then looked up at him.


    His dark eyes made her submit.


    The living room was so quiet it seemed as though even the sound from the TV had disappeared, and the two of them just continued to gaze at each other.


    She had thought he didn¡¯t care about what she said until they finished eating.


    After becoming sensible, this man was the only one close to her. People say it¡¯s a pity to only have one partner in life, but at twenty-three, she was content to have only him.


    As the night grew quieter, the bed, once cold, began to warm up quietly.


    The next morning, someone knocked on his apartment door, and as Mu Yichen opened it, he saw his mother. Instinctively, her gaze drifted upstairs.


    "Why are you here?"


    "Of course I came to see if my foolish son is living well on his own,"


    Just as Qin Mu was about to come downstairs, she heard the familiar voice and without thinking, slipped back into her room as quickly as a shadow, her heart pounding.


    "I haven¡¯t been living alone just since yesterday,"


    Mu Yichen said as he went to fetch himself a glass of water in the kitchen, his expression somewhat aloof.


    "Did you have someone clean the place recently? It¡¯s so dirty,"


    His mother commented while she began straightening the pillows on the sofa and then looked upstairs, "Your room must be filthy as well, right? Boys don¡¯t know how to be clean. I¡¯ll go clean up for you."


    The woman upstairs immediately felt a chill down her spine, yet there was still no response from the man in the living room.


    "I¡¯ve been telling you to move back home. At home, you just need to eat well; you wouldn¡¯t have to worry about anything else. Living alone, isn¡¯t this house too eerily quiet?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s mother wasn¡¯t a fool. When her son remained silent, she could sense that her son hated people rummaging through his space, especially when she had a particular motive.


    So, the person at the top of the stairs retreated, "Fine, if you want to hide someone, I won¡¯t interfere. But we have been discussing your marriage to Jing Qing between our families, and you must consider the bigger picture in that matter."


    At the sofa, Mu Yichen held a cup in his hands, his elbows resting on his knees, his sharp contours looking somewhat stern.


    After his mother had left, Qin Mu cautiously came downstairs. He still sat in the same position, his expression unchanged.


    "Did Auntie just come?" she asked softly.


    "I also want to ask you, how long do you plan to hide?"


    He suddenly looked up at her with a gaze that was both cold and fierce.


    "Hide? Where am I hiding?"


    "Then I¡¯ll announce our marriage right now."


    "Don¡¯t!"


    She promptly protested, sitting beside him, her hands clutching his arm tightly.


    "Give me a reason?" He looked at her, patience straining in his eyes.


    "A reason? A reason..."


    She lowered her head, let go of his arm, and slowly got up.


    Why does everything need a reason?


    She hated this question, but now she couldn¡¯t ignore it.


    It seemed he didn¡¯t like Jing Qing; otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have gone to get a marriage license with her.


    Could he be pulling her along to get a marriage license just to avoid marrying Jing Qing?


    Qin Mu felt unsettled, looking at the overcast sky outside the window and then at Huanhuan. She turned to look at the man who was standing up, watching her and waiting for her answer.


    Suddenly she remembered the first time they met in Paris when she was little. That day, she cried uncontrollably in his arms, thinking she was abandoned, thinking no one would care for her, thinking she would have to grow up alone in that unfamiliar environment for many years to come.


    She was terrified until he told her he would be studying there for many years.


    He dried her tears, soothing her gently time and again, calling her a little fool, telling her not to be afraid, that he would always protect her.


    They should have had nothing in common, being five years apart, and he, being so noble. But if it weren¡¯t for him, she might not have survived to this day.


    It seemed destined for them to be together, then and in the future.


    She just quietly looked at him, quietly reminiscing about their past until everything clicked.


    "Mu Yichen, let¡¯s have a secret marriage!"

 Chapter 18 Stay, at Mu Yichen’s place_1

    Chapter 18: 18 Stay, at Mu Yichen¡¯s place_1


    That morning, Mu Yichen left the house huffily, while she quietly drew in the study.


    She couldn¡¯t comprehend what there was to be angry about such a good proposal.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Mumu, I need to ask for your help," Jing Qing said.


    "Go ahead!" Mumu replied eagerly.


    "Next month, I have a very important event, and I¡¯d like you to design a dress for me with Chinese elements. Do you think you could do that?"


    She was deeply engrossed in drawing that morning when she received Jing Qing¡¯s call. After thinking it over, she agreed: Sure!


    "That¡¯s wonderful. Shall I send my measurements to you? Here¡¯s the thing, I hope you could personally make the dress after designing it. Don¡¯t worry about the cost; I¡¯m willing to pay whatever it is," Jing Qing explained, always so understanding.


    "Where are you right now? I¡¯ll come to you," Mumu offered.


    Jing Qing didn¡¯t expect Mumu to agree so readily. She glanced at the woman sitting across from her, Mu Yichen¡¯s mother, who was watching her solemnly without interruption.


    After hanging up, Mumu picked out an outfit and left the house with her black bag. She could almost guess that Jing Qing knew about her situation in Rongcheng. Of course, she hadn¡¯t intended to hide it from anyone this time.


    Some things had to be faced; there was no need to avoid them.


    After hanging up, Jing Qing felt a palpitation: It seems she has guessed that I know she has come to China.


    "This only proves she¡¯s a woman with deep thoughts. Although she¡¯s younger than you by a few years, I don¡¯t think her schemes are any lighter than yours. Be careful when dealing with her," Mu Yichen¡¯s mother, Feng Fanghua, advised.


    "Mhm," Jing Qing acknowledged.


    In fact, Jing Qing was also considering that the twenty-three-year-old girl couldn¡¯t possibly be as foolish as Qin Mingzhu. She must have returned for the matter concerning the Qin Family¡¯s grave relocation, Jing Qing concluded, deciding to keep Mumu under her watch.


    "I should get going then, to avoid arousing her suspicions," she said.


    "Alright, Auntie, please take care," Jing Qing stood up to see her out.


    After Feng Fanghua left, Jing Qing sat in the cafe?, lost in her tumultuous thoughts. She even considered calling Qin Mingzhu to come, knowing that Mingzhu would bristle like a hedgehog at the sight of Mumu. It would indeed be quite a scene, but then she remembered her purpose for today and gave up the idea.


    She entered like a gust of wind, dressed plainly with a simple bag and her hair cascading like a waterfall, gently pushing open the cafe? door.


    The men discussing work inside merely glanced up, immediately captivated by her presence.


    The man in the light-colored suit turned to his secretary: Have you seen this woman before?


    The secretary shook his head, and the man regretfully had to divert his attention back to his work after only a few seconds of looking at Mumu.


    Mumu sat across from Jing Qing, the two women looking at each other. Jing Qing smiled warmly while Mumu merely offered a faint smile before getting down to business.


    "You¡¯re going overseas for the red carpet?" Mumu inquired.


    "How did you know?" Jing Qing was taken aback.


    "Chinese elements, I guessed!" Mumu replied with a light raise of her eyebrows and a smile.


    "Yes, I heard that all the outfits for Aila¡¯s concert were designed by you. Mingzhu and I were so dazzled at her performance that I truly wanted to invite you sincerely to design this dress for me," Jing Qing spoke earnestly about her reasons.


    Mumu knew the concert would help her, but she didn¡¯t expect Jing Qing to be the first to seek her out.


    "The dazzle isn¡¯t necessarily from the dress itself, but also from the person wearing it. If you don¡¯t have the right presence, the finest gown won¡¯t shine on you," Mumu pointed out.


    "Do you believe I can pull it off?" Jing Qing asked with a patient smile.


    "Certainly, whether it¡¯s looks or presence, you¡¯d be up to it," Mumu assured her.


    "Then I¡¯m entrusting this to you!" Jing Qing expressed her gratitude.


    After reaching an agreement, they began discussing the design concept and some details.


    Mumu finished a cup of cappuccino in half an hour and then ordered an Americano.


    Nearing the end of their chat, Jing Qing smiled: Now that you¡¯re in Rongcheng, where are you staying?


    "Stay, at Mu Yichen¡¯s place!"


    Qin Mu had intended to keep it a secret, but then she thought there was no need to do so.


    If she didn¡¯t tell the truth, Jing Qing would surely investigate her, so it might be better to confess on her own.


    Jing Qing¡¯s expression turned cold and hard for a moment, but she quickly smiled again.


    Amazed by her quick change of expression, Qin Mu once again marveled at how deserving Jing Qing was of the title of best actress.


    "Miss Jing!"


    "President Liu!"


    "Is it convenient to sit?"


    Jing Qing invited the man who had just been scrutinizing Qin Mu to sit next to her, then smilingly introduced: Mumu, this is President Liu Jingyuan, our foremost real estate tycoon here.


    Qin Mu watched him with a slight smile but did not speak.


    "This is from the Qin Family... May I say? Mumu?" Jing Qing suddenly turned to Qin Mu, as if hesitating out of consideration for her.


    "I am Qin Mu, from Paris!" Despite there being nothing inconvenient to mention, she thought she would prefer that this President Liu learn of it in her absence.


    "Qin Mu, not bad." He looked at Qin Mu¡¯s keen starry eyes and his lips curled into a small smile.


    "Of course, she¡¯s not bad. Mumu is now a somewhat famous designer in Paris and her master is the renowned domestic and international master designer Jian Yan."


    "Oh? So Miss Qin was the one who planned the show a while ago."


    "If you¡¯re referring to the show that took place at President Mu¡¯s recently, it was my master who was the planner, I was simply learning."


    Qin Mu felt that this man in his thirties seemed rather complicated and thus was not keen on engaging in warm conversation.


    After a few more words, Liu Jingyuan stood up to leave, and Qin Mu also got up to say goodbye. Jing Qing remained seated alone, lifting her coffee cup again to finish off the last bit of coffee, her eyes seemingly declaring: The real drama has just begun.


    In the evening, she stood in the kitchen, staring at the carrot shreds she had arranged into the shape of a dress. When Mu Yichen came back and found her in the kitchen, looking at the cutting board, he couldn¡¯t help but laugh: Looking for inspiration in the kitchen?


    At the sound of his voice, Qin Mu turned to look at him, her voice clear and paired with that refreshing face was just perfection.


    "Today, Jing Qing asked me to design a gown for her; I must do well on this order."


    She declared with certainty, and Mu Yichen nodded: Hmm, you¡¯ll definitely do well.


    However, the expression on his face as he turned away wasn¡¯t entirely supportive of her.


    Qin Mu washed two apples and brought them out. He was just on the phone by the window and took the beautiful apple she handed over with a delay.


    His hands were also exceptionally attractive; Qin Mu subconsciously drew back her hand, as if the spot accidentally brushed by his fingertips had been zapped with electricity.


    "What would you like to eat tonight? I¡¯ll make it."


    "Hmm, whatever you eat, I¡¯ll eat."


    "I have to step out tonight. How about I accompany you for dinner tomorrow night, hmm?"


    "Uh, OK!"


    In fact, she hadn¡¯t insisted on eating with him, but it seemed she was just misunderstood that way. Qin Mu laughed awkwardly, yet he indulged her by cradling her face in his hands and leaning down to kiss her.


    After he went to the kitchen, Qin Mu was still pinching her face forcefully, pursing her lips. Then, involuntarily, she gently licked them, as every time he kissed her, it seemed like he was about to hook out her heart.


    By the time he arrived at the hotel, it was after 8 pm. Jing Feng, Qiao Yi, and a classmate named Jiang Zhiyuan had been waiting for him.


    Jiang Zhiyuan joked with a smile: He wouldn¡¯t happen to be hiding a beauty at home, hence his reluctance to come out, would he? Today is the big day for honoring me.


    "His private life, who knows?" Qiao Yi sighed.


    Although he worked close to Mu Yichen, he had to admit that Mu Yichen¡¯s personal life was always very discreet; he could never get a hold of anything substantial.


    "He should be with Qin Mu right now."


    Jing Feng spoke up, and Jiang Zhiyuan and Qiao Yi both looked at him curiously.


    Qin Mu, the girl they only remembered after hearing from Mu Yichen himself.


    "Qin Mu is back in the country? Are they living together now?" Jiang Zhiyuan asked in disbelief.


    "Qin Mu herself told Jing Qing, so it shouldn¡¯t be false."

 Chapter 19: She is a monster, and he is the Great Demon King_1

    Chapter 19: She is a monster, and he is the Great Demon King_1


    "But I¡¯ve always heard it was your sister who was with Mu Yichen, wasn¡¯t he pursuing Qin Mu unsuccessfully?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan looked at Jing Feng with curiosity and asked, Jing Feng¡¯s complexion wasn¡¯t looking great.


    The door was suddenly kicked open from outside, and a tall, dark figure walked in, as if a gust of cold wind poured into the mouths of the three people in the private room.


    "You¡¯re finally here, we were just talking about your illegal cohabitation with Xiaomu, can you explain how you managed to get her to live with you?"


    "You¡¯d be better off minding your own business."


    As soon as Young Master Jiang returned to the country, he was forced to go on blind dates, which really annoyed Mu Yichen now that he¡¯s finally got some free time.


    "Haha, my little issue isn¡¯t worth worrying about. Your situation, however, seems more pressing. Surely you haven¡¯t foolishly abandoned our gentle and kind actress to provide for that little monster?"


    Monster?


    Mu Yichen¡¯s cold gaze swept over the three men sitting there: You call her a monster?


    "Isn¡¯t she, though? I¡¯ve heard Uncle Qin beg her many times to come back, and she never does. If she¡¯s not a monster, then what is she? A fool?" said Jiang Zhiyuan.


    Not long after, he met Qin Mu herself and regretted what he said today.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s chilly eyes did not waver, with only a slight curve at the corner of his lips and a wicked laugh, he clapped Jiang Zhiyuan on the shoulder: If she¡¯s a monster, then I¡¯m the Great Demon King.


    Jiang Zhiyuan was so frightened by his not-so-light touch that he nearly jumped out of his skin.


    Jing Feng and Qiao Yi exchanged glances, they both knew Mu Yichen was hooked on the little monster, Qin Mu.


    "What about Jing Qing?"


    "Jing Qing? Don¡¯t you know why I helped her? From now on, her issues are none of my business, and you, as her brother, should step up and protect her."


    Mu Yichen looked at Jing Feng, and in the presence of Jing Feng¡¯s sharp gaze, his own was even more composed, unfazed by intimidation.


    Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan didn¡¯t dare to speak rashly, just quietly speculated in their hearts, watching the two men, barely able to stand each other.


    "Yichen, do you really like that little monster? No, Xiaomu," Jiang Zhiyuan still broke the steely atmosphere.


    "Yes!" He admitted.


    Jiang Zhiyuan then looked towards Jing Feng: I think you need to have a serious talk with Jing Qing.


    Jing Feng was well aware of the seriousness of the issue. He had discussed it more than once, but his beloved sister was so deeply ensnared that she couldn¡¯t extricate herself, not until today, when she heard Qin Mu was living with Mu Yichen and came home crying for him to help.


    "The person who needs to make things clear to Jing Qing likely isn¡¯t me." Jing Feng raised his eyes to look at Mu Yichen.


    "Fine!" Mu Yichen agreed.


    In fact, hadn¡¯t Mu Yichen already made his feelings clear to Jing Qing? Everyone around him knew he had someone in his heart, so how could she not know?


    But there had to be an honest heart-to-heart, so that things that happened afterward wouldn¡¯t spiral out of control.


    When Mu Yichen got home, Qin Mu was already asleep. He lay beside her and gently kissed her cheek, his breath, heavy with the scent of alcohol, spraying onto her rosy face.


    "Go wash up!" She was a light sleeper and quickly stirred from the cool touch of his lips.


    Her voice was somewhat muffled, yet he was pleased.


    "Yes, my Mrs. Mu!" He whispered in her ear and then quietly went to the bathroom.


    Qin Mu shifted slightly and continued to sleep. By the time he returned to bed beside her, she was already fast asleep.


    And Mu Yichen didn¡¯t need her to stay awake waiting for him to return, just this much, he was already very content.


    Only with her there, would he not suffer from insomnia.


    He never wanted to experience insomnia again.


    Lying behind her, he gently took her into his arms, his nose slowly burying in her cascading hair, breathing in the fresh scent that made his heart warm, and gradually drifted to sleep.


    The night grew thicker, and the room was as silent as water.


    The two bodies entangled involuntarily, taking in each other¡¯s deep warmth without realizing it.


    When Qin Mu woke up in the morning, she felt a warm weight on her chest and couldn¡¯t help but lift her beautiful eyelids, to find Mu Yichen¡¯s noble face before her.


    He slept serenely, but she was wide awake.


    Just watching him sleep in silence, not knowing how long it was, she suddenly let out a tender smile.


    Gently stroking his brows and lashes with her fingers, she murmured softly: "Mu Yichen, good morning!"


    She vaguely remembered last night he called her Mrs. Mu; it really was like a dream!


    That morning, she prepared a simple breakfast, and he walked over to stand by her side and watch: "Is this what you usually eat?"


    "In the morning! The simpler, the better!"


    Mu Yichen gave her another look but didn¡¯t say anything, sitting down to join her for the meal.


    "How is it? Does it taste good?" she asked expectantly, leaning forward with her hands resting on the edge of the table, looking at the man opposite her.


    "If my thinking isn¡¯t wrong, none of this is actually made by you, right?"


    So what does it have to do with you whether it¡¯s good or not?


    "But I did heat up the milk."


    "Mm, it¡¯s the right temperature."


    Qin Mu...


    That man could be terrifyingly stingy with praise, just compliment her a bit; say something about her being virtuous or whatever.


    "From now on when I¡¯m here, you won¡¯t have to make do with just this for breakfast."


    "Oh!"


    "I need to go to the company later, what will you do at home?"


    "Designing a gown for the award-winning actress¡ªoh, and meeting with Qin Haiming later."


    Mu Yichen then looked up at her with a hint of concern: "Do you want me to accompany you?"


    "No need, I have more than enough to handle him by myself."


    "If there¡¯s any trouble, call me. Also, whenever you go out during this time, call Zhao Huai; he¡¯ll be your driver for now."


    "Thank you!"


    He gave her Zhao Huai¡¯s business card and then left.


    Qin Mu stood at the door watching as he left but then leaned against it, her hands resting on the frame as she gently leaned in, her chest rising and falling in rhythm, the depth of feeling in her eyes growing increasingly serene and fitting.


    Could it be that they too might have a few years of leisurely life just like a normal couple?


    But the thought of her mother¡¯s death would come to mind in an instant, and she¡¯d immediately jump out from the hole she had just fallen into, enter the house, and shut the door.


    Outside was momentarily quiet, but inside, sighs were heard without end.


    At noon, she met with Qin Haiming in a private restaurant.


    Qin Haiming sat alone inside, and on hearing the door open, he looked up to see the girl coming in, almost seeing before him the gentle figure of her mother walking in.


    Those years...


    "It seems you¡¯ve been here for a while," Qin Mu said as she sat down, referring to his half-empty glass.


    He chuckled lightly and raised his eyebrows, but couldn¡¯t hide his fatigue.


    Qin Mu gave him a cold glance, seeing how different he was from before, and then turned her eyes away.


    There was nothing left to say between father and daughter if it weren¡¯t for the recent affair involving the relocation of a grave.


    "Are you with Yichen now?" he asked softly, a thin smile on his face.


    "Do you think I would have the nerve to find another man after you betrayed my mother? To have him betray me too?"


    "Mumu, it¡¯s not what you think between your mother and me."


    "What then? You didn¡¯t betray her? Mingzhu is not your daughter? Or maybe this is all a dream, and we¡¯re still in the year I turned eight?"


    "Mumu!"


    Qin Haiming certainly didn¡¯t expect his once gentle and sweet daughter to be so aggressive now, making his heart immensely heavy.


    "For that woman, you want to remove my mother¡¯s grave from the Qin family cemetery, and you still want to play the role of a loving father here?" Qin Mu asked, holding back her rage with a choked voice.


    "No matter what I do, you¡¯ve never been willing to forgive me, never willing to see me again. You have long stopped seeing me as your father, haven¡¯t you?" Qin Haiming asked, taking a sip of his drink, his voice tinged with annoyance, his eyes growing sharp.


    "Yes!"

 Chapter 20 Announce marriage with me_1

    Chapter 20: 20 Announce marriage with me_1


    "Qin Mu! Regardless of whether you admit it or not, you have my blood, Qin Haiming¡¯s blood, flowing in your veins, and for your whole life, you are my daughter, Qin Haiming¡¯s daughter."


    Qin Haiming, enraged, slammed the wine glass he had just picked up onto the table, stood up, and looked at her with bloodshot eyes, seeking affirmation.


    "Then do you dare to acknowledge me as your daughter in front of the entire city?"


    Her icy gaze met the man before her, who was no longer the loving father she once knew. She still remembered being held high in his arms as a child, but in the blink of an eye...


    The coldness of the world had taught her to be callous and disloyal.


    "You¡¯re speechless? Let me say it for you, you don¡¯t dare, because when the whole city has forgotten that you have a daughter, in your heart, you had already decided that I must have died along with my mother."


    "You..."


    Qin Haiming was so furious that his whole arm trembled, and he was nearly incapable of speech.


    "But you have no right to move my mother¡¯s grave. If you really dare to do that, I¡¯ll make sure the Qin Family can¡¯t live in peace. By then, you¡¯ll know whether or not you can continue to be mayor."


    "You... Are you with Mu Yichen just to spite me?"


    "If that¡¯s what you think!"


    She found it amusing in her heart, and yet felt incredibly fortunate that, finally, their first official encounter as father and daughter had ended with their relationship torn apart.


    She was also immensely grateful that, while people assumed she was using Mu Yichen to take on the Qin Family, she actually had an indissoluble bond with Mu Yichen.


    She stood like a heartless person in front of an older man.


    "Qin Mu, no matter how aggrieved you are, your mother is already dead."


    Qin Haiming, deflated and filled with a voice that couldn¡¯t suppress the despair and impatience.


    "I admit it!"


    "You admit it? If I were the one who had died back then, would you have also opposed your mother like this?"


    "I wouldn¡¯t. My mother would never have sent her young daughter abroad to be with another man. She would not have betrayed!"


    Qin Mu bowed her head as she thought of her mother, then looked up at her father with a mocking smile after speaking.


    What had happened in the past made it impossible for her to let go even now. In her midnight dreams, her heart felt as though it was being torn apart repeatedly. Her mother had simply died, and yet this man appeared to be living so freely.


    "I understand. Then stay here, and keep a close eye on your mother¡¯s grave. Don¡¯t give me the chance to succeed."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak. Qin Haiming left first, and once the private room was empty, she sat alone in the chair, enveloped in silence.


    Before long, someone came to serve the dishes. She looked at the array of meals, her mouth twitching slightly, and then she suddenly laughed out loud ¨C without realizing it, her face was streaming with tears.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t leave until she had finished eating, her favorite food from childhood now seldom consumed.


    At some point, her feelings towards Qin Haiming became so indifferent, she even felt apathetic towards everything he provided.


    Back then he continued to send her money, but she no longer had any reason to accept his charity and used the money she earned from modeling to pay back every cent she had ever taken from him.


    At that moment, she had determined that only when she no longer used his money could she negotiate with him on equal footing.


    In the evening, Mu Yichen refused to go out for social engagements and came home early with groceries. At that time, she was nestled on the sofa, drawing in her sketchbook, expressionless as she worked, while he thought she looked focused and intelligent.


    Qin Mu, hearing the sound of running water in the kitchen, snapped back to reality. She put down her sketchbook and pencil and walked to the kitchen, only to see him already preparing dinner.


    "Mu Yichen, cooking is one of your great hobbies, isn¡¯t it?"


    She leaned against the door frame and asked him nonchalantly.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, then continued washing the vegetables attentively. Straightening up and looking back at her, he asked, "Should the two of us eat takeout when we¡¯re home?"


    Qin Mu blinked unconsciously, thinking it was not a bad idea.


    "Have you seen Mayor Qin?"


    He went back to his tasks while casually asking her.


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Mu looked down, knowing that this topic was not her forte.


    "Given your temperament, I thought you¡¯d have a full-blown fight with him."


    "Is my temperament really that bad? In Paris, my team members always said I have a good temperament."


    He laughed but did not respond, yet Qin Mu saw him smile.


    It seemed as if his smile brought the entire spring to her eyes, blooming with such beauty that her heart blossomed.


    "Mu Yichen, what will I do without you in the future?"


    She stepped forward, pressing her face against his back, and gently wrapped her arms around his waist, her voice turning as soft as water.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s body stiffened, then he acted as if nothing was wrong.


    His long eyelashes fluttered slightly as he chopped vegetables, looking down.


    "Then just stay by my side."


    His voice was clear and steady.


    Her face involuntarily stayed pressed against his back, his back seemed like a great mountain sheltering her small self, or so she believed.


    "Won¡¯t you get annoyed? I don¡¯t know how to do anything."


    Finally, he got the soup going, let go of her hands, turned around, and looked at her seriously, his hands gently resting on her shoulders, "Mrs. Mu, even if it annoys me to death, I have no intention of letting you go."


    Qin Mu looked up at him, saw the twinkling light in his dark eyes, and then she smiled slightly.


    "What did Mayor Qin say?"


    "He didn¡¯t say much, just reminded me of a few facts."


    "Like what?"


    His brows furrowed, worried about her.


    "Just¡ªthat I might need to stay here for a long time."


    Looking up at him, she suddenly felt a great emptiness inside when she said this, it was agonizing.


    It was as if she feared his disagreement, as if she feared his rejection, even though they were already married.


    "Qin Mu, why are you so lacking in confidence? Do you still think that I married you just for fun?"


    He sighed helplessly, his hand gently stroking her long hair as he asked in a low voice.


    She shook her head vigorously, looking at his bittersweet smile, she just held him tightly, standing on tiptoe.


    She suddenly realized that here, he was her only pillar.


    It turned out, she was so afraid, afraid that he would reject her.


    After dinner, the two sat on the couch, and she brought her drawings up to him: "What do you think?"


    Mu Yichen looked away from the TV screen at the drawings she brought to his lap: "Not bad, it has a strong Chinese element."


    "That¡¯s the actress¡¯s request. If she wears it to the Oscars, then I won¡¯t have to worry about lacking work in Rongcheng at the very least."


    "You trust her that much?"


    Qin Mu looked at him quizzically, their shoulders touching lightly as she had to look up due to her shorter height.


    "Did she ask you to craft it personally?"


    "How did you know?"


    "Just common sense. Want to hear my advice?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s serious gaze made her realize the importance of the situation, suddenly recalling the actress¡¯s acting skills, her heart thundered within.


    "Definitely!"


    After listening to his words, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but be moved: "That¡¯s your old flame, huh? You miss her that much?"


    "I don¡¯t have an old flame, I only have a wife!"


    His seriousness scared her into bursting with laughter.


    But before she could laugh for two seconds, she was pinned down on the couch: "Announce our marriage to the public!"

 Chapter 21 Persuade her to leave_1

    Chapter 21: 21 Persuade her to leave_1


    Marriage, for some people, is a taboo.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Announcing our marriage will only be beneficial for you!"


    "I don¡¯t want it!"


    "Why are you so stubborn?"


    He pressed down on her soft body, his hand unconsciously reaching under her clothes.


    "If we keep our marriage a secret, you won¡¯t let me take advantage of you?"


    The two were clearly engaged in that act, yet they remained so clear-headed, their eyes locked with each other, both filled with their own obstinacy, their determination.


    Afterward, he suddenly lowered his head, biting and sucking hard on her snow-white neck since words failed to communicate.


    Silence, a prelude to a future outburst.


    Mu Yichen was not unaware of why she was unwilling to acknowledge their marriage; he sometimes comforted himself that her return should be enough for him.


    Was it not already an improvement not to lie alone in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep? Was that not enough?


    But sometimes, he was indeed very angry.


    The next day, Mu Yichen was called into the mayor¡¯s office, but the topic of discussion was not work-related.


    "I¡¯ve heard you two are living together now?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Haiming looked at the younger man sitting on the couch in front of him and suddenly felt a sense of powerlessness.


    How could he not know that Mu Yichen was not as easily controlled as other young family members, that Mu Yichen was in fact uncontrollable by anyone?


    "But everyone in Rongcheng knows you¡¯re supposed to enter into a marriage alliance with the Jing Family. Isn¡¯t being with Xiaomu right now harming her?" Qin Haiming questioned.


    "Are you concerned about the daughter you kicked out of your house long ago?"


    He felt there was nothing to explain about his situation with Jing Qing, but this elder, who caused him grief because he couldn¡¯t announce his marriage, truly made his teeth itch with irritation.


    Indeed, all the problems originated with this elder, in Mu Yichen¡¯s heart.


    Qin Haiming leaned back into his chair, his back straight, his expression becoming more troubled.


    "Perhaps when you¡¯re a bit older, you¡¯ll understand why I sent her abroad back then."


    "Wasn¡¯t it just because Qin Mingzhu¡¯s mother couldn¡¯t tolerate her?" Did he really need to get older?


    "Yichen, love might seem paramount to you now, but in a few years, you¡¯ll understand that love sometimes can¡¯t bring you what you want."


    "So you¡¯re suggesting I give up Qin Mu for Jing Qing?" he scoffed involuntarily.


    No one could comprehend how there could be a father so indifferent to his own daughter.


    "I¡¯m not asking you to give her up. She¡¯s my daughter, and of course, I want her to marry well. But can you make her happy? Marrying you, she has to face the criticism of so many people, the rejection, and she might end up deeply wounded. I don¡¯t want her to walk the same path as her mother. Do you understand?" Qin Haiming sat up straight and seriously spoke.


    "I am not you. How could I let her walk the same path as her mother?"


    "You..."


    "In this life, I only acknowledge one woman, and I keep my word."


    Mu Yichen stood from the couch: "Since we¡¯re not discussing development issues, I¡¯ll be taking my leave."


    Deep down, Qin Haiming felt even more troubled, frowning all the more tightly.


    He knew how serious Mu Yichen¡¯s statement had been, but the situation at home was now severe; the proposal to remove Qin Mu¡¯s mother¡¯s grave from the Qin Family¡¯s cemetery could cause an uproar, and he knew it better than anyone.


    Originally, the people of Rongcheng had long forgotten he had an ex-wife, that he had another daughter. But what about the future?


    Qin Mu had returned, and she was living with Mu Yichen.


    As soon as the media reports it, all the citizens will remember that he has a daughter who grew up abroad, Qin Mu even threatened him, saying that if he dared to touch her mother¡¯s grave, she would make sure the Qin Family would not have peace. Qin Haiming couldn¡¯t help but lower his gaze and clutch at his forehead with his hand.


    As soon as Mu Yichen left the municipal building, he returned to his company. Qiao Yi followed him into his office: Are you really planning to be with Xiaomu?


    "Do you object?"


    Scared, Qiao Yi immediately shook his head, chuckling foolishly: I wouldn¡¯t dare, I was just asking.


    "Qiao Yi, you all know there is no one else in my heart, so why do you insist on making me acknowledge a woman I have never liked?" Mu Yichen stood behind his desk, tall and upright.


    "It¡¯s just that now Jing Qing is going to be hurt." Qiao Yi couldn¡¯t help but lower his head and laugh ruefully.


    "If you like her, go ahead and pursue her boldly."


    After finding a document, Mu Yichen sat down, his expression remaining impassive throughout.


    "How could I be worthy of Miss Jing Family?" Qiao Yi suddenly looked as lowly as a stray little monkey.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes looked at him, then closed the file he had opened: Since you think you¡¯re not worthy, you should give up early.


    Even though Qiao Yi knew that Mu Yichen was always straightforward, the words still hurt him: I mean, Yichen, do you have to be so direct?


    "Then what do you want to hear? There¡¯s no such thing as unworthy in this world. There¡¯s only daring and not daring."


    Qiao Yi...


    "Uh, the president of Ming¡¯an Group is arriving tomorrow, are you going to dinner tonight?"


    "You go, I won¡¯t."


    "Are you going to stay at home with Xiaomu?" Qiao Yi sounded a bit more defeated than before.


    "Yeah!"


    He never disguised his feelings for Qin Mu, which made the people around him feel that he was setting himself too low in front of that woman.


    "No wonder Jing Feng is so angry. These past few years, he has considered you his brother-in-law, only for you suddenly to cohabit with another girl."


    "He never thought he had just one sister."


    Mu Yichen loosened his tie, slightly frustrated, as his secretary knocked on the door and entered: Mr. Mu, Mr. Qin, the meeting starts in ten minutes.


    By the time they went to the meeting room, Jing Feng was already sitting with Qin Mu in the teahouse.


    Jing Feng¡¯s sharp gaze stayed on her for several long minutes before he relaxed a bit, leaned over to pour her a cup of tea, while she sat composedly across from him the whole time, until he poured the tea for her and she softly said, "Thank you!"


    "When you were little, you followed behind me, calling out ¡¯brother¡¯, Qin Mu. Now, as your brother, I¡¯m asking you for a favor. Will you help me?"


    "Speak!"


    Qin Mu had a premonition and tried to maintain her composure, her gaze evasively looking outside the window.


    "Leave Yichen!"


    He said it with determination, and Qin Mu instinctively turned her eyes to look at him, still breathing gently.


    "You just mentioned being a brother¡ª is this how you treat your sister?" Qin Mu¡¯s gaze was restrained yet forceful, neither humble nor arrogant.


    "You may feel it¡¯s unfair, but you have to realize that Rongcheng isn¡¯t the place you think it is. The people here will not be friendly towards you."


    "How would you know what I think Rongcheng is? And how do you know that I have to be friendly towards you all?"


    Jing Feng frowned as he looked at her. She was smart-mouthed, as if giving no quarter, which annoyed him.


    "As a brother, I understand you speaking on behalf of your sister, but as a woman, I despise your sister for using her brother to oppress me, to coerce me."


    She stood up, feeling there was nothing left to say, and went to grab her bag, ready to leave. However, as she turned around, a cup of warm tea was splashed onto her face.


    "Mingzhu!" Even Jing Feng was enraged.


    "Bitch!"


    "Slap!"

 Chapter 22 Daughter’s Call_1

    Chapter 22: 22 Daughter¡¯s Call_1


    "You, an abandoned girl, dare to slap me? Do you believe I can find someone to beat you up so bad you¡¯ll be searching for your teeth on the ground?"


    "Smack!"


    Another swift, precise, and ruthless slap echoed crisply.


    Was she an abandoned girl? Just like that, she deserved to be looked down upon?


    In over ten years of living on her own, she might not have been outstanding, but no one had ever dared to splatter her with dirty water. From the day she left the country, she knew life wasn¡¯t easy, but she never allowed herself to be so humble that people could bully her without consequence.


    Her mother died so foolishly, yet she would never choose that way out.


    Even if she were a lone grass under a heavy stone, she would still strive to sprout tender green shoots through the cracks.


    She firmly believed in the saying: "Out of extreme adversity comes salvation!"


    "Mind your own mouth, or don¡¯t blame me for slapping you every time I see you."


    "You..."


    "Mingzhu, don¡¯t make a scene."


    Jing Feng restrained Mingzhu by her wrist when she was about to go at it with Qin Mu, sternly stopping her.


    Qin Mu looked down at her clean clothes and cast a powerful glance at the two of them before turning on her heel and striding away.


    It wasn¡¯t until after she left that Jing Feng slowly released Mingzhu¡¯s wrist, not paying attention to whatever she was complaining about. His only thought was that if Qin Mu complained to Mu Yichen, who knows how she would exaggerate the story.


    "I don¡¯t care why you showed up today, but if you continue to act rashly and hurt yourself, don¡¯t blame me for not warning you."


    As Jing Feng walked out, he took out his phone and dialed a number.


    Qin Mu returned home and went straight upstairs to the bathroom to shower. By the time she changed into her pajamas and came out, Mu Yichen still hadn¡¯t returned. She waited in the bedroom for a while and then subconsciously picked up her phone.


    Her composed eyes drifted over the familiar number she had dialed these past few days, her fingers gently brushing the screen, yet she hesitated to actually dial it.


    It was as if after a lifetime of searching, she still couldn¡¯t find a sense of security.


    Call him to ask what time he would be home?


    The corners of her lips curved with a bitter sweetness as she thought, once becomes twice, and if worrying about him turned into a habit, how would she save herself one day?


    Her face no longer held the cold indifference she had shown Jing Feng and Mingzhu earlier but now revealed a hint of timidity.


    When she rose with her phone in hand and approached the window, a dark-colored sedan was slowly approaching from a distance.


    Was it his car?


    His car was actually quite understated, but truly too expensive, truly too many.


    The view from the twelfth floor must be quite good, but as it faded from her sight, she turned and walked out the door.


    When she reached the first floor, he was just entering the door. Upon seeing him, a sweet smile instinctively graced her lips: You¡¯re back!


    "Hmm!"


    He responded with a hum, walked up, and stopped in front of her, examining her.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what he was looking at, but she couldn¡¯t help feeling self-conscious, thinking that although Mingzhu had splashed her face with tea earlier, the tea leaves weren¡¯t too hot, so there was no damage and she had already showered, so there should be no flaws, right?


    "What made you so guilty all of a sudden?" he murmured, his slender hand lifted to cradle her face gently.


    "No, not at all. Why would you ask that?"


    It was because of his question that she felt even guiltier.


    He didn¡¯t speak but only smiled at her, then went upstairs to change clothes.


    Qin Mu watched his retreating figure as he ascended the stairs, and suddenly her heart pounded sharply.


    His silhouette felt lonely, as if in it she saw her own.


    Her lips moved involuntarily, words she wanted to say on the tip of her tongue, but she didn¡¯t know where to begin.


    As for the unpleasant encounter today, she figured there would be more in the future. If she brought up everything to him, he would probably get annoyed.


    She subconsciously headed to the kitchen. Usually, he prepared dinner, but today she felt like giving it a try herself.


    However, she had only been in the kitchen for a couple of minutes when he, having changed into casual home clothes, appeared behind her.


    Both of them preferred light-colored clothes, which kind of looked like a couple¡¯s matching outfits.


    "You¡¯re not going to tell me?"


    He leaned against the doorway, looking at her with a questioning tone.


    Qin Mu turned her eyes to him, and a thousand emotions surged in her heart in an instant.


    "What do you want to eat? How about I cook dinner tonight?"


    "Cooking dinner doesn¡¯t need your involvement, come here to me."


    He slightly arched his upright back but still casually leaned on the doorframe with his arms crossed, a posture that was too casual yet deeply unsettling.


    "What for? I can hear you just fine from here." She said with a smile and then bent her head down to wash the vegetables.


    "Qin Mu, do you plan to live your whole life in silence?"


    Qin Mu paused in her vegetable washing.


    "Too bad that even if you wanted to, you couldn¡¯t manage it."


    Indeed, sometimes you can¡¯t live a peaceful life simply because you wish to.


    After washing the vegetables and setting them aside, Qin Mu wiped her hands on her apron, front and back, turned to face him, and walked towards him with a forced smile.


    She looked up at him with a smile: What¡¯s wrong? Why so serious?


    "What if I want to slap you?"


    He suddenly asked in a low voice. His gaze was clearly cold, but deep down there was a devilish charm that sent shivers down the spine.


    "Such a naughty girl, Mumu, I really want to slap you."


    His hand went to caress her face, his thumb rubbing it over and over, his eyes deeply and precisely invading the depths of her pupils.


    "What if I just gently pat you?" She asked softly, her almond eyes swirling.


    If he truly slapped her skin, it would definitely hurt.


    So she negotiated, hoping a gentle pat or two would suffice, but he suddenly laughed, a laugh filled with both resignation and scorn.


    "You like patting?"


    He asked softly, his gaze growing more suggestive.


    At that thought, Qin Mu¡¯s face flushed red: Mu Yichen, you...


    "Behave and let me slap you, or else let me do it while you confess the truth."


    "If you already know, what truth is there to confess?"


    "If you don¡¯t tell me, I might not control my strength when I slap you, and if I¡¯m harsh, you might cry."


    "Mu Yichen, you beast."


    He laughed while his hand hooked around her waist and lifted her gently; Qin Mu¡¯s world spun, and by the time she came to her senses, she was already hoisted onto his shoulder.


    No sooner had the two of them reached the living room that Qin Mu¡¯s phone rang, and it was a video call at that. The tall man carrying the woman turned around, then reached into the pocket of her pajamas to pull out the phone.


    "Baby?"


    Mu Yichen set Qin Mu down, glanced at the two characters on the phone, and then looked at the woman in front of him with furrowed brows.


    "Who is ¡¯Baby¡¯?"


    A wave of green washed over Qin Mu¡¯s face¡ªit was Huanhuan, that young girl. She stuttered, flustered, as the anger in the man¡¯s eyes before her became ever clearer.


    "It¡¯s..."


    She slowly licked her dry lips, her eyes quickly shifting.


    Truth be told, she had thought about bringing Huanhuan in front of him after returning, to let him know about Huanhuan¡¯s existence, but then this call came today, and she found she was utterly unprepared.


    The phone continued to ring persistently, over and over.


    Mu Yichen looked at her with irritation, then bent down intending to check the phone himself.


    "Don¡¯t!"

 Chapter 23 Mom introduces someone to you_1

    Chapter 23: 23 Mom introduces someone to you_1


    "Who exactly is it?"


    "Just a friend."


    The phone finally stopped ringing, but the entire space was filled with a cold and gloomy silence.


    In the dim light, he watched the woman in front of him with a nervous expression and the way she blurted out ¡¯Just a friend.¡¯ He stared at her intently for a moment, then let out a scornful laugh. Throwing the phone carelessly to the floor, he strode away with long steps.


    Qin Mu looked in shock at the phone that, though still intact, was spinning on the ground, then heard the door close with a ¡¯bang¡¯ from the outside.


    By the time she looked toward the doorway, he had already left. She helplessly bent down to pick up the phone from the floor and, without a trace of anger, sat on the ground and turned it on.


    The entire living room quieted down, and so did she, without a sound.


    There wasn¡¯t a single problem, and while marveling at the high quality of the phone, she redialed the call. Soon, the video showed the face she had been missing.


    "Mommy!"


    "You didn¡¯t answer the phone just now, we didn¡¯t disturb you, did we?" Xiaomei¡¯s face appeared tensely behind Huanhuan.


    "No, how are you guys?" She bent her knees and hugged them, smiling, though her eyes looked somewhat empty.


    "We¡¯re fine; it¡¯s just that Huanhuan missed you, so we called you. But then I thought about the time difference, and if it¡¯s nighttime there, it¡¯d be bad if you were together."


    "You hung up at just the right time," Qin Mu said softly, with a wry smile.


    "Mu Yi doesn¡¯t know about Huanhuan¡¯s existence yet, right? Sister Qinqin, are you really going to bring Huanhuan to meet him?"


    Yes, was she really going to bring Huanhuan to meet him?


    But she wanted to stay in China, and Huanhuan had to be with her.


    Having grown up without the care of her own parents, could she let her own daughter grow up alone as well?


    No, she must bring her daughter back, but as what identity should her daughter meet him?


    Her daughter?


    "She definitely has to meet him."


    "But it seems like you have no intention of telling Mu Yi."


    Qin Mu...


    It wasn¡¯t that she had no intention; she just hadn¡¯t figured it out yet.


    If Huanhuan came to China, what if she moved out to live elsewhere?


    But Mu Yichen would definitely be able to find her, and then dealing with that would be... troublesome.


    She hated complications, so after much thought, she decided to bring Huanhuan back and right to his doorstep.


    "Mu Yichen¡¯s birthday is in a few days. By then, you can help me bring her back."


    Could it be considered a birthday present for him?


    Just wondering what his expression would be like at that time, would he faint from anger?


    "Are you sure about this?"


    "Mhm!"


    "Mommy, I miss you!"


    "Mommy misses you too. Let Auntie bring you to see Mommy in a few days, okay? Mommy wants to introduce someone to you."


    "Okay! Mommy, Mommy..."


    Her daughter¡¯s repeated calls of ¡¯Mommy¡¯ nearly left her breathless, yet her smile grew even more tender.


    After soothing her daughter for a while, she moved to the kitchen to stir-fry the vegetables she had just washed. Although she looked very serious, it was all just an appearance, because when she was alone with the dish, and the moment it reached her mouth, she spat it out immediately; it was truly inedible.


    She wasn¡¯t sure what had gone wrong; she didn¡¯t even know what she had been thinking just now.


    Where had he gone?


    Mu Yichen had arranged to drink with Qiao Yi, but unexpectedly Qiao Yi was accompanying Jing Qing.


    Each of the three harbored their own thoughts, Qiao Yi glanced at Jing Qing and then at Mu Yichen, hesitating awkwardly.


    "Yichen, your birthday is coming up soon, how about we all charter a plane and go out to have some fun?" Jing Qing suggested softly.


    "Yeah, your birthday is coming up. We¡¯ve always partied hard. This year should be no exception."


    Mu Yichen was merely holding his glass, staring down at the hustle and bustle below. It was almost his birthday again. With her around this year, where else did he need to go?


    But who is the darling in her phone? She¡¯s always been alone, hasn¡¯t she?


    The thought of that missed video call filled him with annoyance, and he began to pour the alcohol into himself, tilting his head back to slowly gulp down the contents of the bottle.


    Jing Qing and Qiao Yi exchanged a glance, their hearts in disarray.


    "I¡¯m gonna head to the restroom for a sec."


    As if understanding Jing Qing¡¯s gaze, Qiao Yi stood up and left.


    But as soon as he left, Jing Qing took a bottle of alcohol and walked over: Why are you drinking alone? I¡¯m not just a decoration.


    Mu Yichen looked down to see the bottle in Jing Qing¡¯s hand, a flash of concern in his eyes. Watching her performance before him, he knew of Jing Qing¡¯s feelings for him; he was even less willing to waste her time: "Jing Qing, don¡¯t waste your time on me! ¡ª Don¡¯t love me!"


    His bottle gently touched hers, but Jing Qing felt as though her heart had shattered.


    He added those last three words, fearing that she wouldn¡¯t understand, as he proudly drank alone.


    "Not to love you? It¡¯s easy to say those three words, but do you know how insignificant I feel in front of you? Yichen, do you know how much pain I¡¯m feeling inside right now? ¡ª I can agree to you supporting her, as long as you marry me." She looked up at him, her voice low and pitiful, tightly hugging the bottle with both hands.


    Although the bar was noisy, at that moment, it seemed so quiet that the sound of a wine glass falling to the ground could be heard between them.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes were fixed on her: I can¡¯t marry you.


    "Can¡¯t? Are you so sure about her?"


    "I have only loved her my whole life, from the moment she was born."


    Tears immediately filled Jing Qing¡¯s eyes, but she stubbornly met his gaze for a moment, then stood up and left with pride.


    Qiao Yi came back at just the right time and asked, seeing Jing Qing¡¯s retreating figure: What happened? Did the young miss get angry?


    Mu Yichen looked back down at the floor again, uncertain of what to say to her.


    That woman wanted a secret marriage with him; what could he do?


    He wished he could immediately announce to the whole world that he, Mu Yichen, had married the little enchantress Qin Mu, but the thought of her world collapsing stopped him; he couldn¡¯t bear it.


    But did she even know about the restraint he was exercising for her sake?


    "Why did you make her angry? You could have said some nice words to coax her, even if you didn¡¯t mean it in your heart."


    "I don¡¯t want to harm her."


    He took another swig of alcohol, irritation apparent on his face.


    "You¡¯re so stubborn, no wonder Xiaomu doesn¡¯t like you."


    Qiao Yi had to admit that Mu Yichen was a very responsible man but sometimes being too responsible made one the most heartless.


    He reached for a drink and had just taken a few sips when he noticed Mu Yichen staring at him fiercely, scaring him into choking on his drink and not daring to repeat the offense. He could only put on a smile and say: I misspoke, I¡¯ll punish myself with a whole bottle.


    Mu Yichen glanced at him and then looked away.


    She doesn¡¯t like him?


    As if!


    "But what exactly did you say to the young miss? Given her infatuation with you, she would never have left if you had just made some sentimental small talk."


    But how would he know which of his words had hurt her?


    He had said several!


    Mu Yichen finished the remaining alcohol in the bottle, irritated by the blaring music that hurt his ears. He slammed the empty bottle on the table with precision and force, stood up, and suavely put on his coat.


    "You¡¯re leaving too? Stay and have a drink with me for a bit longer."


    "I need to go back and get some answers from that little enchantress."

 Chapter 24 I’m waiting for you_1

    Chapter 24: 24 I¡¯m waiting for you_1


    Qiao Yi stood there, staring up at him with a blank expression, and as he seriously put on his coat, she even detected the scent of adultery.


    "Clarify what?"


    "None of your business!" Mu Yichen glanced at him indifferently and left without caring about the ambiguity in his eyes.


    That night, when he returned, Qin Mu was still sprawled on the sofa waiting for him. Seeing him come back, she unconsciously stood up from the sofa, her demeanor already weakened by half.


    "You¡¯re back!"


    "Why haven¡¯t you slept yet?"


    He walked up and stood in front of her without touching her, hands in his pockets, brows furrowed, and just coldly looked at her.


    "I was waiting for you."


    Suddenly, Mu Yichen lowered his head and chuckled softly, "Still waiting for me when you already have a darling?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s words, he didn¡¯t believe them at all.


    He knew she dared not love, nor would she love, and he found himself damned well knowing everything.


    Earlier at the bar, he had planned to come back and settle scores with her, but now, looking at her tired eyes, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to be harsh.


    Qin Mu was also nervous. Seeing how little he trusted her made her feel extremely anxious. In the end, she just smiled faintly, "I will explain everything about the baby to you, but can you wait a few more days?"


    "Wait a few days? How many is a few days?"


    "Your birthday?"


    Mu Yichen finally found himself unable to speak, his dark eyes narrowing.


    Qin Mu felt he was in disbelief, and she thought he seemed very hurt. The sharpness in his gaze appeared to be defensive.


    But she was already speaking to him so gently, even more so than she had ever tried to negotiate with her master¡ªthe man who trained her to the peak of the pyramid.


    Yet now he was so cold, Qin Mu instinctively lowered her gaze, "I think I¡¯d better go to sleep."


    "You dare!"


    He said through clenched teeth, blocking her path so she couldn¡¯t leave.


    Left with no choice but to look up at him under duress, Qin Mu said, "You..."


    "If I let you get out of bed tomorrow, then my name, Mu Yichen, can be written backwards."


    So, he didn¡¯t rest all night.


    So, she really couldn¡¯t get out of bed the next day.


    Because he didn¡¯t either, holding on to her and sleeping all along, his phone rang countless times, and he simply didn¡¯t pick up.


    Later, Qin Mu, annoyed by the noise, reached for his phone, squinting her eyes to make out the number¡ªsince there was no name displayed, she gave him a worried look, "Five seven three six, should I answer it?"


    "Whatever!" he said indifferently, rubbing his forehead on her shoulder.


    "Hello, good morning!"


    "Hello..."


    The secretary of President Mu was so frightened she hardly dared to breathe, thinking the hoarse female voice on the line sounded like she had interrupted something intimate.


    "Mu Yi is resting. Do you need me to pass on a message?"


    "Yes, well, there¡¯s a social event at our hotel this noon and..."


    "With whom?"


    Qin Mu asked directly, looking down at the person on her shoulder.


    "Some leaders from the city."


    "I see, I¡¯ll tell him¡ª"


    "Not going!"


    Qin Mu was about to hang up and tell him when she heard his annoyed muffled voice.


    "Why not go?"


    "To be with you!"


    She hadn¡¯t hung up the phone yet...


    "Alright, I understand. Madam, goodbye!"


    Madam? Qin Mu instinctively looked at Mu Yichen again, then holding the phone, she pushed his shoulder, "Mu Yichen, this person is your secretary, right?"


    "Hmm!"


    He didn¡¯t even open his eyes, insisting on continuing to sleep on her.


    "Is it dinner with Haiming?"


    "I don¡¯t want to see him today."


    "But what if it¡¯s about business?"


    "Even then, no. I hate the Qin family¡¯s people right now."


    Qin Mu seriously suspected that ¡¯the Qin family¡¯s people¡¯ definitely included her. Is it because she didn¡¯t tell him who the baby was last night?


    She just felt that if she told him now, the surprise would be ruined.


    After she picked up Jian Yan¡¯s call last night, she told Jian Yan that she was considering starting to develop her career here. Jian Yan nodded in agreement and said, "I¡¯ll assign Xiaomei to you and move a few others from here who will work well with you."


    "Hmm, I¡¯ll look for a place these next few days. I¡¯ll contact you once I find one."


    "Alright, Mumu, your master hopes you will face your heart."


    After hanging up, Qin Mu heard that notification and her heart really pounded¡ªlike the moment when fireworks burst into the sky.


    By the time she had calmed down, he was already dressed and heading downstairs. Qin Mu felt that his presence was truly overpowering, easily suffocating her.


    "Come out with me for dinner."


    He stood in front of her, his voice crisp.


    "Don¡¯t feel like cooking today?"


    Qin Mu seriously wondered if he was completely spent from last night!


    "There are a few people you need to meet."


    Instinctively, her almond eyes sought his, asking with her gaze who they were.


    "I know you don¡¯t want any more contact with them, but tonight you must come with me."


    "Okay, I¡¯ll go!"


    Mu Yichen looked at her, surprised. She smiled slightly, "Let me change into something presentable."


    And indeed, she changed into something presentable¡ªa black knee-length dress paired with a white coat.


    At the hotel, the staff greeted them at the door.


    But as one went to open the car door for her, Mu Yichen stopped him with a look. Qin Mu got out and immediately saw him standing solemnly to the side, causing her to take an extra glance at him involuntarily.


    She felt the urge to laugh, for some reason sensing that he was giving unusual importance to this dinner.


    "Why do you want me to meet them?"


    She still remembered how their last meeting at the Jing Family elder¡¯s birthday banquet was far from pleasant.


    "There are some things they must be made aware of."


    Qin Mu¡¯s hand instinctively looped through his arm, but as he finished speaking, she suddenly let go and stopped moving forward.


    His shiny leather shoes rooted to the ground as he turned to look back at her, his gaze dark and irrefutable.


    "You promised me," she reminded in a low voice, her eyes reflecting a lack of security.


    He needed others to be compliant to talk properly, and she had always followed the spirit of accommodating him, but she would never let him reveal their secret marriage.


    "What did I promise you?" he asked quietly, his eyes narrowing, cunning and almost smiling.


    Qin Mu stopped talking, just gave him a sorrowful look, and realizing there was no need to waste time arguing with him, she turned to walk away.


    "Did I say you could leave?"


    He caught up in a few quick steps, gripping her arm firmly, his assertiveness making her feel uneasy.


    "I don¡¯t want to argue here with you."


    She truly didn¡¯t want to argue in a crowded place; Xiaomei said she seemed somewhat autistic at times, and now she thought, maybe!


    "I will fulfill what I promised you. What are you afraid of?"


    His anger was evident, yet he had to suppress his temper.


    Even the wide hotel lobby couldn¡¯t contain his strong presence.


    Her heart quivered, but she faced his firm stance defiantly. As for what he would say at the banquet, she didn¡¯t know. But she knew that it would determine their future.

 Chapter 25 Extremely Respectful_1

    Chapter 25: 25 Extremely Respectful_1


    "What are you two doing?"


    Just as they were at an impasse, several well-dressed young men arrived at the door.


    Qin Mu turned around subconsciously and saw the familiar Helian Hao, which relaxed her a bit.


    "When has Mr. Mu ever been so rough with girls? Let her go quickly!"


    Helian Hao stepped forward to help Qin Mu out, freeing her from Mu Yichen¡¯s clutches.


    "Do you know why Mu Yichen brought you out to show you to his brothers?"


    Helian Hao quietly asked Qin Mu as they walked behind the others.


    "He only said I had to meet you guys."


    But it felt very bad.


    She had agreed to come to get acquainted with his brothers, hoping to gain an advantage in her real estate business, but now it seemed she needed to prioritize her own safety.


    "Among the brothers, there¡¯s an unspoken rule that if someone has a girlfriend, he has to bring her out for a meal together."


    Two women were whispering before taking the elevator. After hearing this, Qin Mu looked at Helian Hao with a stunned expression, and Helian Hao gave her a confirming glance.


    At that moment, she felt a darkness in her mind, as if she would get lost.


    If he had just introduced her as his girlfriend to his friends, it would have been alright, but if he carelessly let slip that they had secretly registered their marriage...


    A big round table, ten people, the atmosphere was strangely eerie.


    As soon as the dishes were served, everyone¡¯s face fell, only Helian Hao and Qin Mu looked at each other, wondering what unpredictable event might occur, yet nothing happened.


    It was just that someone suddenly called her "little sister-in-law", and Qin Mu looked in surprise at the person toasting her.


    "Little sister-in-law, we¡¯ve almost forgotten our childhood incidents, but from now on, with just one word from you, your brothers would walk through fire and water for you."


    "Qinqin is three years younger than you. Aren¡¯t you afraid that calling her ¡¯little sister-in-law¡¯ will shorten your lifespan?" Helian Hao teased.


    "I¡¯m scared indeed, but if I don¡¯t call her that, I¡¯m afraid brother Yichen will cripple me!"


    "If it¡¯s not a bother, you can call me Qin Mu."


    If everyone sincerely wanted to get along, naturally it would be good for her. Qin Mu understood this clear distinction, so she was sincere.


    "Ah Qin Mu, that we really can¡¯t dare to call."


    "How about we call you ¡¯Qinqin¡¯ like Xiaohao does, is that alright?"


    About the nickname ¡¯Qinqin¡¯, in reality, close ones called it ¡¯qin qin¡¯, which means ¡¯dear¡¯, but now...


    "Is that okay?" Mu Yichen helped her with her food, squinting his eyes at the brother speaking across from him, seeming good-tempered but asking with an intimidating presence.


    "Of course it¡¯s not okay, the title ¡¯little sister-in-law¡¯ isn¡¯t something we can just casually call out, heh heh."


    Those who liked to hang out with him understood him well, and they were good at reading his mood and agreed with him accordingly. However, Qiao Yi, Jing Feng, and Jiang Zhiyuan, being of the same age but more independent, had their own opinions.


    The air conditioning was strong, and after a while, Helian Hao took off her coat. Beneath was a light blue dress that matched her understated elegance. But as soon as she took off her coat, Jing Feng subconsciously caught it and placed it behind her, making Qin Mu suspect that there was something going on between them.


    "Do you want to take yours off?"


    Mu Yichen asked the woman beside him quietly.


    "Sure."


    However, as Mu the manager earnestly helped her take it off halfway, his sharp eyes caught a glimpse of her sensuously open back.


    His movements paused, and he put it back on her.


    Everyone was watching them...


    Qin Mu looked at him with a puzzled expression: What¡¯s wrong?


    "The weather¡¯s cool, you should keep it on for now."


    Qin Mu...


    Everyone chose not to point it out, but the meaning behind Mu Yichen bringing a girl to dine with them for the first time was obvious.


    "By the way, why didn¡¯t Qing sister come? It feels like we are missing a backbone without her." Someone curiously asked.


    Helian Hao glanced over there and asked with a smile, "What, are you still carrying a torch for our queen actress?"


    "Heh heh, Xiaohao, don¡¯t always joke about your brother," the boy two years older than her said shyly.


    "She¡¯s attending an event." Jing Feng said indifferently and then glanced at Mu Yichen and Qin Mu, but with Helian Hao in-between, Jing Feng felt for the first time that the distance between him and his brother had grown by leagues.


    Qin Mu could see Jing Feng¡¯s hostility towards Mu Yichen but pretended not to notice and lowered her gaze.


    "Shall we go to the restroom?" Jing Feng proposed to Mu Yichen.


    The two gentlemen put down their chopsticks and stood up to leave together.


    As soon as they left, the others immediately livened up. Helian Hao and Qin Mu introduced them one by one: "He used to chase after you when you were little, remember? Gongzhi Ping¡¯an."


    That name...


    "He lives up to his name. He¡¯s actually working in the police station now. If you have any issues in that area, feel free to reach out to him."


    "Xiaohao¡¯s right, you can come to me for anything," Gongzhi Ping¡¯an responded with a genuine smile.


    Before the age of eight, she had almost forgotten her playmates, but if they could get reacquainted, it might not be worse than being tied together like in the past.


    When the two men returned, they found everyone was playing a finger-guessing drinking game, and Qin Mu, having taken off her jacket, was playing energetically with her long hair untied.


    "What are you guys doing?"


    Mr. Mu thought of her exposed back being seen by others and his face immediately darkened.


    "Finger guessing game. Yichen, Xiaomu is incredibly good, but I¡¯ll make sure she loses a round!" Jiang Zhiyuan was particularly excited.


    The people at the table had already moved to one side; who was still eating?


    They were all gathered there for the fun, Mu Yichen kicked Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s chair with annoyance.


    "Ah!" Jiang Zhiyuan fell on the ground with a painful shout, and everyone immediately scattered, growing silent out of guilt.


    "Mu Yichen, what are you doing?"


    Mu Yichen, however, ignored him, just taking Qin Mu by her slender wrist and putting her coat on her, then hugging her in his arms: "I make this clear, and I¡¯ll only say it once, this woman, you all need to show her absolute respect."

 Chapter 26th Birthday Coming_1

    Chapter 26: 26th Birthday Coming_1


    "That year, after we had sex, I found out that I was pregnant with her. I wanted to tell you, but..."


    Or should I say, "Hey, Mu Yichen, this is the daughter I gave birth to for you years ago!"


    Or should I say, "Happy, aren¡¯t you? She has grown up so much without your care!"


    Or should I say, "Mu Yichen, this is my friend¡¯s daughter. She¡¯s been incredibly busy so she sent her over for me to take care of for a few days..."


    Qin Mu lay awake the whole night, silently watching him from behind until her head started aching.


    When he got up in the morning, she was already gone.


    Mu Yichen instinctively frowned, hastily got out of bed, grabbed the bathrobe that had fallen on the floor, put it on, and went downstairs to look for her.


    According to northern traditions, the birthday person should have longevity noodles for breakfast on their birthday. As his secret wife now, she felt it was her duty to make them for him.


    When Mu Yichen came downstairs, he heard noises from the kitchen and was about to check it out subconsciously when the doorbell rang at just the right moment, leaving him reluctantly going to answer it.


    He almost thought these past few days had been a dream until he heard her in the kitchen.


    "I¡¯m here to bring longevity noodles for the birthday boy," his mother stood at the doorway, holding an expensive food box, with Jing Qing following behind her.


    Seeing Mu Yichen in pajamas, Jing Qing¡¯s face instinctively flushed with a hint of embarrassment, yet she still smiled and wished him, "Happy Birthday!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even say thank you. He didn¡¯t want them to disturb him, but they still came in.


    "The birthday boy should just wait outside for the meal."


    Qin Mu rolled out the noodles without looking up.


    Her hands were covered in flour, and some even got into her hair; she did not look like the image of a good wife at all, more like a child who couldn¡¯t cook, playing in the kitchen. This immediately made Mu Yichen¡¯s mother frown.


    Jing Qing coughed softly, standing to the side with her eyes cast down.


    It was then that Qin Mu realized something was wrong. As she turned her head, she saw the two women present.


    She unconsciously gripped the rolling pin in her hands tightly, but her expression quickly became composed, "Auntie, ... you¡¯re here."


    "What are you doing? If you can¡¯t cook, then don¡¯t mess around. Look at the mess you¡¯ve made in the kitchen."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s mother scolded with furrowed brows and then stepped forward.


    "Mumu, come here," Mu Yichen called her softly.


    Qin Mu had been watching his mother, and only when he called her did she look at him, seeing his outstretched hand and then walking towards him.


    Standing beside them, Mu Yichen wrapped his arm around Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder and asked softly, "What time did you get up?"


    "Just a little while ago."


    When he woke up, her side was already cold, and yet she claimed it was just a little while ago.


    Qin Mu lowered her head in embarrassment, not daring to speak since her cooking skills indeed lacked finesse, and she truly turned the kitchen into a mess.


    "Mumu certainly doesn¡¯t cook, does she?" Jing Qing asked with a smile, her voice also gentle.


    "Not that I can¡¯t. I¡¯m pretty good at Western cuisine," Qin Mu considered and said responsibly.


    Because no matter how she thought about it, she was confident that the fruit salad she made was good, the vegetable salad too, and she could also cook a decent steak.


    "No wonder, you grew up abroad, so it¡¯s understandable that you¡¯re not familiar with our Chinese cooking," Jing Qing said with understanding.


    Qin Mu gave her a glance, not really liking her, so she didn¡¯t respond but looked back at the kitchen.


    "Auntie, I¡¯ll help you."


    Jing Qing walked towards the kitchen.


    Qin Mu watched, astonished, as the two women, looking like a mother and daughter, made longevity noodles for him in the kitchen. She could never have imagined that the matron of the Mu Family would cook, but she could understand many people from that era knew how. However, seeing Jing Qing working with such proficiency in the kitchen genuinely baffled her.


    Mu Yichen pulled her upstairs, and Qin Mu looked at him as he looked for clothes for her, asking with confusion, "We don¡¯t have to dress so formally at home, do we?"


    "We¡¯re going out today."


    He said as he already took out her clothes, a pair of trousers and a sweater, seeming not to worry at all whether she looked feminine enough.


    Qin Mu took the clothes and looked at him, knowing it was a bit troublesome to ask him to go out, so she decided to change in the restroom, but he stopped her: "Just change here."


    Ha ha!


    Mu Yichen quietly led her out of the house.


    Jing Qing heard the sound first, but by the time she went out, the spacious living room was empty.


    "What¡¯s wrong?" Mu Yichen¡¯s mother, Feng Fanghua, asked curiously.


    "It seems like they¡¯ve gone out," Jing Qing whispered.


    "What?" Feng Fanghua immediately put down the tools in her hands and walked out of the kitchen.


    "Go check upstairs!" Feng Fanghua ordered Jing Qing, one hand on her stomach in anger.


    Jing Qing looked up at the stairs: Is that appropriate?


    "Go!" Feng Fanghua insisted.


    But once upstairs, Jing Qing regretted it even more.


    She gently pushed open the ajar door, and the bed inside slowly came into her view. She was no stranger to the pain that felt like a knife stabbing her heart; she had felt it many times over the years, but now...


    It was as if her heart was bleeding rivers.


    The man she deeply loved had made love to that woman on this bed.


    She had known there would be no one in the bedroom, yet it was getting harder and harder to breathe. She couldn¡¯t help but raise her hand to cover her chest: Mu Yichen, is she really that good?


    That morning, in his private room at the top floor of the hotel, Qin Mu prepared longevity noodles for him. They were unevenly made, but he enjoyed them thoroughly.


    Qin Mu felt it was inappropriate for the two of them to leave those two women at home and run out by themselves, but she didn¡¯t want to stay with them either, so she didn¡¯t ask him anything, just watched him finish the noodles she cooked and couldn¡¯t help but tease him: "Are you dumb?"


    Mu Yichen put down his bowl and looked up at her: "If I weren¡¯t dumb, how could I have fallen for you?"


    Qin Mu...


    At noon, he received a call from Jiang Zhiyuan, suggesting they drink together that evening. Mu Yichen glanced at the woman lying on his legs: "Forget it this year."


    His hand caressed the soft hair behind her ear. Where else would he want to go?


    As Qin Mu calculated the time Huanhuan and Xiaomei¡¯s flight would land, the tension in her heart grew unbearable; she couldn¡¯t focus on listening to him or watching him until he hung up the phone and took her face into his hands, his features magnifying before her eyes, and she snapped back to reality.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    "Uh! I have to go to the airport to pick up two people this afternoon."


    "Hmm?"


    "Do you have any other plans today? I mean, don¡¯t your brothers want to celebrate your birthday?"


    Mu Yichen frowned and glared at her!


    The air around them began to solidify, silencing!


    Qin Mu instantly shut up, feeling the chill in his eyes, making this spring especially cold.


    "So, the explanation you mentioned that day is to leave me behind?"


    "No! Of course not!"


    Today was his birthday. How could she leave him behind?


    She hadn¡¯t yet properly celebrated a birthday with him; she had always been too perfunctory before.


    "What is it, then?"


    "If you¡¯re not entertaining tonight, wait for me at home, okay?"


    Qin Mu gently coaxed him, negotiating in a good-natured manner.


    Mu Yichen frowned and looked at her, pacing behind the sofa after she left, thinking for a long time. After much contemplation, he called Jing Feng: "Have everyone come over tonight, I have something to announce."

 Chapter 27 Princess Royal makes an entrance_1

    Chapter 27: 27 Princess Royal makes an entrance_1fr§Ö?e¦Øeb?ovel.com


    Since Qin Mu was not familiar with the city streets, she called Zhao Huai to accompany her to the airport.


    "Mommy! Mommy!"


    After coming out of the VIP passage, Little Huanhuan saw Qin Mu and ran to her while Xiaomei followed behind, afraid she might fall.


    Qin Mu, missing her child so much she was about to cry, hurried to catch Little Huanhuan and hugged her tightly, lifting her up securely: Mommy¡¯s good baby!


    "Sister Qinqin!"


    "Um, thank you for your hard work, let¡¯s go!"


    It was already late, but suddenly Qin Mu felt very warm.


    After she led everyone out of the airport, Zhao Huai was shocked and shakily dialed Mu Yichen¡¯s number: Boss, there¡¯s big trouble.


    After ending the call, Zhao Huai hurriedly got out of the car to help them with their luggage. Xiaomei stood by, expressing her thanks; he just smiled, but his gaze involuntarily kept drifting toward the little one in Qin Mu¡¯s arms.


    Qin Mu said with a smile: My daughter, isn¡¯t she beautiful?


    Zhao Huai chuckled, but he looked like he had been struck by lightning, tender on the inside but charred on the outside, close to fainting.


    On the road, Qin Mu held Huanhuan in the back, while Xiaomei sat in the front and greeted Zhao Huai: Hi, my name is Chen Xiaomei, everyone calls me Xiaomei.


    "Zhao Huai!" Zhao Huai drove seriously and greeted her with forced calmness.


    Xiaomei nodded her head, and then there was no more conversation between them.


    "Huanhuan has missed you so much, she has been dreaming of ¡¯Mommy¡¯ these past few days," Xiaomei turned her head and said to Qin Mu.


    "Really? You missed Mommy that much?" Qin Mu held her daughter in her arms, gently rubbing her hair and kissing her.


    "Mmm, Mommy, I really, really missed you!"


    Although her words were not fluent, the child¡¯s voice was so sweet and heartwarming.


    ¡ª¡ª


    In the apartment, Mu Yichen was brooding with a cold expression.


    In his hand, he held the marriage certificates of two people, thinking about the day they got married and how she adamantly refused.


    He also remembered her face full of mistrust, suspicious that he married her just because he was used to her.


    He remembered she said she would explain, remembered she said she was going to pick up two people, not one.


    He remembered she said she would not leave him behind.


    He remembered her eyes, full of tenderness and comfort.


    He remembered she told him to wait for her at home.


    The call from Zhao Huai didn¡¯t provide details, but from the sound of it, it seemed to be really serious.


    Standing tall in front of the screen watching the outside darken little by little, his slender fingers slid into his trouser pocket.


    If time could torture a person...


    He didn¡¯t know what she was going to bring him; he thought he knew her well, but what she did always caught him off-guard.


    So, he had to be one step ahead of her.


    Qin Mu, Xiaomei, and Little Huanhuan got out of the car and Zhao Huai brought them to the elevator: "Sister-in-law, do you want me to take you upstairs?"


    "No need, thank you for today!" Qin Mu expressed her gratitude, still holding a smiling one in her arms.


    Zhao Huai forced a bit of a smile, his eyes unconsciously scanning the little one in Qin Mu¡¯s arms.


    "Then I¡¯ll be going first, call me if you need anything."


    In reality, Zhao Huai truly couldn¡¯t stay any longer; he needed to find a place to properly vent his currently tense emotions¡ªit felt like he had stumbled upon an enormous secret.


    And once out of the elevator on the twelfth floor, she and Xiaomei, holding hands with Huanhuan and toting their luggage, stepped out.


    She suddenly didn¡¯t dare to walk any further.


    It wasn¡¯t that she wasn¡¯t afraid.


    She was afraid he didn¡¯t like children, afraid he would drive her and her daughter out.


    She was afraid he dreaded being constrained, afraid he would from then on never see her again.


    Qin Mu looked down at her daughter, holding her hand, and couldn¡¯t help but smile at those pure, large eyes.


    "Qinqin, perhaps we should still leave!" Xiaomei said nervously, wanting to back out.


    "But we¡¯re already here!" Qin Mu was also hesitant, her voice so low she could barely hear herself.


    "But what if President Mu doesn¡¯t like it, then... what do we do?"


    "I don¡¯t know," she said, "but I promised to let him see Huanhuan today!"


    She hadn¡¯t spelled out who it was, but she had assured that today he would know the answer.


    "Why am I the one sweating bullets over something that¡¯s your problem?" Xiaomei couldn¡¯t resist rubbing her hands vigorously on her coat.


    Qin Mu was hardly any less anxious herself.


    He had never seen him interact with children, and he himself was a temperamental young master. With the child¡¯s arrival, who knew how he might change?


    Anxious, or perhaps despondent?


    She just couldn¡¯t picture him with Huanhuan.


    And what would Huanhuan feel towards him?


    Would she be scared?


    Apart from Jian Yan, Huanhuan rarely interacted with other men.


    Watching the little girl licking her lollipop, Qin Mu¡¯s feelings grew more and more oppressive, and she was petrified of the door just a few meters away.


    When the doorbell rang, someone¡¯s heart was lashed viciously.


    Qin Mu pressed the bell again in a panic, with unconcealed anxiety in her eyes.


    Was he not home?


    Had he been called out to celebrate just as it was getting dark?


    If that were the case, it would be better; she would have more time to think about how to explain Huanhuan¡¯s issue to him.


    The person outside pondered, then glanced at the woman and child beside her before licking her dry lips and entering the passcode.


    Xiaomei spoke in a low voice, "Maybe I should go first."


    Every time she was nervous, she liked to lick her lips. Seeing her under such pressure, Xiaomei worried that she hadn¡¯t managed to take this step in over two years, so these few minutes surely wouldn¡¯t be enough for her to prepare.


    "No need. You stay here, and we¡¯ll talk about moving out once you find an apartment," she said, her head bowed as she opened the door.


    Xiaomei still felt uneasy. Meeting the illustrious Mu Yichen, it would be strange if this lackey of hers wasn¡¯t nervous.


    Qin Mu bent down to pick up her daughter, "We¡¯re going in!"


    Xiaomei dragged two suitcases and followed the mother and daughter inside.


    "Oh, you¡¯re here!"


    Despite feeling utterly guilty, she managed a seemingly carefree greeting.


    She turned on the lights with a casual flick of the switch, holding Huanhuan, with Xiaomei by her side, and looked at the tall man in front of the opposite glass screen.


    "I just went to pick them up; this is my treasure," she said, forcing a joyful smile, then looked at her daughter.


    "Mommy kisses!"


    Little Huanhuan, having licked her lollipop, moved her tongue to lick her mother¡¯s face, prompting Qin Mu to give her a big kiss, appearing happier than ever.


    She held Huanhuan closer, "Xiaomei needs to stay here to help me with work, but she hasn¡¯t found a place yet, so she¡¯ll stay with us for a few days if that¡¯s okay with you?"


    "Mr. Mu, sorry to bother you!" Xiaomei ducked her head, deeply apologetic and incredibly anxious.


    That was because his face was as dark as if she had indebted him by billions.


    Indeed, it wasn¡¯t indifference or arrogance, but rather that stance of ¡¯if a stranger approaches, they will be met with death¡¯.


    "What¡¯s wrong with you?" Qin Mu put down Huanhuan on the couch and squatted in front of her, looking up at him.


    The doorbell rang again, and Qin Mu instinctively looked towards the door, "Is there another guest?"


    "Get out!" he said.


    Qin Mu stared at him blankly. His voice wasn¡¯t loud, but his commanding presence seemed to threaten, ¡¯those against me will perish.¡¯


    Xiaomei too was stunned, but the last shred of her sanity urged her to regain her composure, "Oh, okay, I¡¯m going out now."


    Qin Mu stood up, "What are you doing?"


    After Xiaomei stepped outside, she saw several men and women looking strangely at her, prompting her to press herself against the door, not daring to move, "Hi! Hello there!"


    "Is it inconvenient to come in now?" Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s mouth twitched as he asked.


    Xiaomei nodded fiercely in response.

 Chapter 28 Admitting daughter_1

    Chapter 28: 28 Admitting daughter_1


    "Do you prefer her to call you Daddy or Dad?"


    Settling her emotions, Qin Mu clasped her hands together, rubbing them to suppress her nervousness and asked him with a giggling inquiry.


    Mu Yichen stared coldly at the little girl on the sofa licking a lollipop, "What do you think?"


    "If you don¡¯t like either, then how about ¡¯Papa¡¯?"


    Qin Mu knew his mood couldn¡¯t be good right now, but she had to take a stance, or they couldn¡¯t move forward.


    "Papa!"


    The little girl licked the sweet taste from her lips, yet her voice was crisp and moving.


    At once, Mu Yichen frowned and shifted his shoulders back.


    "Huanhuan is such a good girl!"


    Qin Mu touched her daughter¡¯s forehead and praised her with a smile, "Say it a few more times to get your Papa used to it."


    "Papa! Papa! Papa! Papa..." Her tone was clearly coaxing.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the little girl; he was truly taken aback by Qin Mu¡¯s explanation.


    "You don¡¯t like her?"


    Qin Mu was secretly amused, but when she saw Mu Yichen¡¯s face, she subconsciously put away her playfulness and asked in a low voice.


    "Where did she come from?"


    He asked coldly, his gaze on Huanhuan conveying rejection.


    "Oh! I adopted her!"


    That moment, the words burst forth."


    That moment, she heard a ¡¯bang¡¯ sound¡ªit was the sound of a heart breaking.


    He didn¡¯t like children!


    She couldn¡¯t keep up the pretense any longer, even feeling somewhat despondent.


    She thought to herself, it doesn¡¯t matter, they were bound to separate sooner or later anyway, it¡¯s better to just let him remain unaware.


    "Throw her out!"


    "No! I mean, haven¡¯t you noticed how much we look alike?"


    His cold command truly frightened her, and she quickly sat down beside her daughter, embracing her, then held her own face close to her daughter¡¯s for comparison.


    "You adopted a child in Paris? Qin Mu, do you think your life is too easy?"


    Finally, he erupted, accusing her mercilessly.


    Qin Mu knew she had to come up with a reasonable explanation for him to accept.


    "Of course not, but I have no family left, and you went back to the country. I was alone, facing that cold place¡ªyou have no idea how lonely I was."


    She suddenly stood her ground against him, word by word, neither hurried nor slow, but it hurt like a dull knife slicing flesh; she lowered her head in grievance, on the verge of tears.


    Huanhuan licked her lollipop, glanced at her mom, and then at Mu Yichen. She did not quite understand what the adults were discussing, but it felt wrong.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s heart clenched, seeing her eyes brimming with tears, and inadvertently looked at the little girl and noticed she was also looking at him.


    Perhaps, everything was fate!


    "I¡¯m not unkind, you just really frightened me."


    He walked over to Huanhuan and squatted down in front of her. After saying those words, it took him several seconds to place his hand on her cheek and squeeze a difficult smile.


    The child, startled by him, licked her lollipop twice more out of nervousness, her little pink lips glistening and almost dripping with saliva.


    Seeing that he finally smiled, Huanhuan stuffed the almost finished lollipop¡ªsaliva and all¡ªstraight into his mouth and slid off the sofa to his side, "Here¡¯s some candy for Papa!"


    Mu Yichen instinctively clenched his mouth in disgust, but Huanhuan¡¯s call of ¡¯Papa¡¯ easily broke his resistance.


    After Huanhuan successfully planted the lollipop in his mouth, she looked up at him with a naive and innocent laugh, her bright eyes squinting into slits.


    Mu Yichen remembered the Qin Mu of his childhood, how her smile was just as... sunny.


    But the Qin Mu of now...


    She didn¡¯t even dare to love him!


    Standing on the side and watching the little interaction between the father and daughter, to be exact, between the daughter and him, Qin Mu¡¯s eyes suddenly became moist.


    Fool, who could she be?


    Do you really think I¡¯d casually adopt a child? My life is already tough enough.


    Of course, she is your daughter!


    Mu Yichen tentatively tried to pick up Huanhuan. Before this, he had not held any child other than Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu just stood there silently, watching as he picked up Huanhuan and stood up.


    At that moment, her heart felt relieved. Whether Huanhuan was real or not didn¡¯t seem that important anymore; being together was what mattered.


    "Do you accept her?"


    "What do you plan to do if I don¡¯t accept her?" he asked her.


    "Move out with her!" Qin Mu shrugged.


    If he didn¡¯t agree, her only choice would be to move out with her daughter.


    "If she makes you feel less lonely, it seems like I can only accept that."


    The look he gave her was one of utter indulgence.


    That kind of indulgence, not showy, not loud, but emanating from the bones.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but raise her head and smile at him, moving forward to tightly embrace them, father and daughter, excitedly saying, "Then from now on, we¡¯ll live together!"


    "Mommy, Daddy!"


    Huanhuan happily called out to them and firmly kissed each of them on the face.


    Afterward, the brothers called over by Mu Yichen stood silently in their living room.


    The atmosphere was eerily quiet; Jing Feng suddenly addressed the woman beside Mu Yichen, "We need to talk privately."


    "Okay!" Qin Mu nodded, then went upstairs with Xiaomei.


    Huanhuan, clinging to her daddy¡¯s neck, wouldn¡¯t leave, and seeing the expressions on these uncles¡¯ faces, she suddenly stuck out her tongue mischievously.


    Everyone...


    The ever-serious president Mu actually burst into laughter at her little gesture, and Huanhuan happily kissed her daddy¡¯s face again.


    Everyone...


    Mu Yichen helplessly furrowed his brows, yet his eyes betrayed his undeniable indulgence.


    Jiang Zhiyuan: "Is this child you and Qin Mu adopted?"


    "No, it¡¯s a child that Qin Mu adopted in Paris," he answered truthfully.


    Everyone looked at him and Huanhuan, at the contrasting faces of the father and daughter, then exchanged glances, some moving slightly closer to them.


    "So what¡¯s next, are you planning to adopt both mother and daughter?"


    Qiao Yi asked curiously. He hadn¡¯t believed it when Zhao Huai had called him, and now it still felt unreal, as if he had stepped into another world to witness it all, as if it were all fake.


    "I¡¯m going to co-parent her with Qin Mu, to be her parents."


    "Daddy, Huanhuan wants candy!" Huanhuan clung to his neck and began her whining.


    "Eating lollipops all the time will give you worms in your stomach, and besides, we¡¯re about to eat cake. Can you wait a bit?"


    "Okay!"


    Little Huanhuan, coaxed by his words, nodded in imitation of her mother, more vivacious because she had never known pain.


    "Have you ever thought about it, whether or not this child is one you and Qin Mu adopted, once the media finds out, she will be labeled as your illegitimate daughter¡ªthen how will you explain it?" Jing Feng asked with a furrowed brow in frustration.


    Everyone was looking at him, after all, an unmarried man with a woman and a child would indeed arouse speculation.


    "Then she is my and Qin Mu¡¯s daughter! And you don¡¯t need to clarify anything to others, just say as I do."


    "Have you lost your mind, Mu Yichen?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan asked him in shock, questioning how could a man not yet married admit to having a child, and with such arrogance.


    "She gives Qin Mu a sense of belonging. Her value is higher than mine, so I acknowledge her, and you must acknowledge her too!"

 Chapter 29 Condition_1

    Chapter 29: 29 Condition_1


    "Is this your child with Qin Mu?"


    When Jing Qing arrived, she heard him announcing that he recognized Huanhuan as his daughter, which sent an immense buzzing noise through her head.


    "Yes!"


    "Impossible!" Jing Qing glared at him, her eyes instantly brimming with tears.


    "Let¡¯s go call Mommy to have cake together!" He didn¡¯t spare Jing Qing another glance but softly spoke to the little girl in his arms who was already becoming bored.


    "Yay!" Little Huanhuan clapped her hands in agreement.


    His attitude made it clear that he would not allow anybody to gossip about his people. After making his point, he went upstairs with the child in his arms!


    At that moment, no one explained to Jing Qing. Jing Feng had wanted to take his sister aside to explain, but Helian Hao stopped him: "You¡¯re not going anywhere right now, you¡¯re staying right by my side."


    Jing Feng sighed helplessly, "Are you sure?"


    Helian Hao didn¡¯t speak but nodded forcefully. The relationship between the two was never exposed, she had never relaxed her stance, and now, having her say this made Jing Feng feel elated.


    Helian Hao¡¯s gaze never left the woman who was dispirited and extremely angry. Yet now, she indeed wanted Jing Qing to taste that despair of not being able to get what she wanted.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Upstairs, in the master bedroom.


    "You think I don¡¯t want him to know? Didn¡¯t I bring my daughter before him precisely to acknowledge each other? But he didn¡¯t recognize her!"


    "So¡ª¡ª, you¡¯re doing this on purpose, not exposing their relationship?"


    "All banquets must come to an end, and with his status today, even if he got me, how long would he continue to like me?"


    She suddenly thought of Jing Qing, and leading the pack, there must be many other women constantly trying to climb into his bed. She was not without sorrow, for the thought of monopolizing him was nothing but wishful thinking.


    That¡¯s why she never dreamed those dreams¡ªof having him, of monopolizing him for a lifetime!


    "Then, what about your feelings for him?"


    For him?


    For him...


    "I... I think of him as family!"


    Qin Mu unconsciously licked his burning lips.


    "Just family?"


    Xiaomei¡¯s eyes told her that she didn¡¯t believe her.


    "What else? I don¡¯t believe in love. I will never fall in love with any man,¡ªI can swear to that!"


    She was irritated, she walked away, and when she turned her head to look back at Xiaomei, she lifted her right hand.


    She was afraid Xiaomei wouldn¡¯t believe her, or perhaps more afraid that she wouldn¡¯t believe herself.


    The door was pounded on loudly, not like an adult due to the softness of the knocks.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes swiftly moved toward the door, and the room suddenly fell quiet.


    Listening to her heart pound, she opened the door and sure enough, she had to look down to see who had knocked.


    "Mommy, cake, let¡¯s have cake!"


    The innocent Little Huanhuan happily called her to eat cake, but...


    How did she climb up here by herself? And how did she find the bedroom so accurately?


    Qin Mu instinctively looked into the distance, her heart churning fiercely.


    Xiaomei whispered behind her, "Could President Mu have been here just a moment ago?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes flickered, but he picked up Huanhuan without any evasion, "Let¡¯s go eat the cake first."


    Today was after all Mu Yi¡¯s big day. When Qin Mu went downstairs, his mood had already adjusted, smiling brightly as a flower.


    If he had heard something just now and was upset, she would coax him a bit. All these years, it had always been him soothing her. In the future, she would rely on him; cooing him was only logical.


    All the lights downstairs were off; the childhood friends all stood behind Mu Yichen. Qin Mu, holding her daughter and standing with Xiaomei, watched as Jing Feng and Jiang Zhiyuan lit the candles. The tall and majestic Mu Yi accepted everyone¡¯s birthday song with blessings.


    Little Huanhuan was so excited she hummed along, her little hands clasped together under her chin, her round eyes fixed on her daddy.


    As the birthday song ended, Little Huanhuan leaned forward and gave her daddy a big kiss on the face, "Daddy, happy birthday!"


    Huanhuan laughed, looking at him as if sunshine had poured into his heart full of wounds.


    Mu Yichen reached out to hug Huanhuan, and everyone blew out the candles and ate the cake together.


    During this time, Mu Yichen didn¡¯t spare Qin Mu another glance; the looks of goodwill she cast his way several times were all ignored by him.


    Later, as everyone sat down to eat the cake, Jiang Zhiyuan, looking at the little girl in Mu Yichen¡¯s arms, then at Qin Mu, eventually settled his gaze on the faces of Mu Yichen and Qin Mu, "You two already have a child. Don¡¯t you plan to get married?"


    "No rush!"


    Just as Qin Mu was thinking of an excuse to respond, Boss Mu coldly spoke first.


    No rush?


    Everyone looked around and fell suddenly silent; the air thick with tension, they finished their cake and hurriedly scattered.


    Xiaomei automatically took on the task of cleaning up. After tidying up and seeing the two people sitting on the sofa, not communicating, then looking at Little Huanhuan in Mu Yichen¡¯s arms, Xiaomei approached, fighting back her fatigue, "I¡¯ll take Huanhuan to sleep first, oh, I already know where the guest room is."


    When Qin Mu moved to help, Xiaomei immediately spoke up and then took the child from Mu Yichen¡¯s arms and went upstairs.


    After holding back for half the night, at last, only the two of them remained.


    Qin Mu turned her gaze toward him, "Aren¡¯t you happy with so many people helping you celebrate your birthday?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, just finally leaned back against the sofa.


    Qin Mu sighed helplessly, then suddenly lifted her hips, leaned over and straddled his long legs, sitting on his knees, her hands on his shoulders as she looked intently into his eyes.


    At that moment, those dark eyes slowly lifted as well, deep and cold, invading her warm eyes.


    "Cheer up a little, Birthday Boy, or else I¡¯ll feel guilty."


    He didn¡¯t speak, but his hands resting on the sofa slowly lifted to rest on her waist, like a king high above, waiting for the ministrations of his bedchamber maid.


    Qin Mu felt his lazy yet authoritative gaze essentially saying: you have indeed committed a sin.


    "How about I sing you a birthday song just by myself? There were too many people just now, you probably didn¡¯t notice I was actually the best singer, right?"


    He watched her for a long time, then finally let out a resigned chuckle.


    "You¡¯re laughing? Ha ha, you¡¯re finally smiling. Do you know how good you look when you smile?"


    She excitedly cupped his face, gazing steadily at him for a few seconds, unable to outstare him, so instead she fervently kissed his face.


    "Qin Mu, I accept Huanhuan. As a condition, you need to give me another child soon," he suddenly said, pulling on her arm to push her down onto the sofa, one hand moving to her chest, the other pressing down on her hands, his gaze sharp and ruthless as he captured her heart from her eyes.


    In that moment, Qin Mu¡¯s gaze flickered, but she suddenly didn¡¯t know how to respond.


    Because he was angry, and by talking terms with her now, if she didn¡¯t agree, she could almost imagine him storming out the door, perhaps never to return, branding a big ¡Á on her.


    Yet her heart was also so heavy, how could she have another child for him.


    Now the two faced each other, everything transparent.


    Her hand lifted gently, stroking the tufts of hair at his forehead, her eyes tender and pained.


    "Alright!"

 Chapter 30: Future Mrs. President_1

    Chapter 30: Future Mrs. President_1


    At the moment she uttered her feeble "okay," he abruptly and crudely silenced her with his lips.


    He was venting, not because of Huanhuan, not because she didn¡¯t let him announce their marriage, but because she said that all banquets must come to an end.


    Their entanglement ended after midnight, and the two of them lay on the bed, each on one side.


    ¡ª¡ª


    In the morning, he left as soon as he got out of bed, while she was preparing breakfast with Xiaomei in the kitchen.


    "What are we making today?" Xiaomei asked her, noticing she looked a bit tired.


    "Looking for a house."


    Xiaomei nodded and continued to help with breakfast. After eating, the two women put Huanhuan into the stroller and took her out with them.


    They didn¡¯t need the most luxurious location; they preferred somewhere quieter, more comfortable. Based on a few good spots they found online, they took down the addresses and set off to find them.


    The landlord came out to greet them. He couldn¡¯t help but be surprised by the clean-cut little girl they brought with them, but he soon invited them in without losing politeness.


    "My house is empty anyway, so I certainly won¡¯t be asking for the moon. You mentioned on the phone that it¡¯s for a studio, which I consider most suitable."


    The house had two floors, but it was spacious. Both levels had transparent partitions, and there was a place on the first floor covered with pebbles and clear water.


    Qin Mu was very satisfied with the environment. Before leaving, the landlord mentioned drafting the contract soon and then contacting them for signing.


    Unexpectedly liking the first house they saw, Qin Mu felt somewhat elated and couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    "Isn¡¯t it too smooth, haha!" Xiaomei also said.


    "Smooth is good. Do you want it to be bumpy all the way?" Qin Mu glanced at her, picked up Huanhuan, put her back into the stroller, and then pushed it towards the car.


    Zhao Huai saw them coming out and curiously asked, "That was quick, you¡¯re done?"


    "Mmm, just waiting for the landlord to finish the contract for signing," Xiaomei said contentedly, quite pleased with the interior.


    "A smooth start, a good omen!" Zhao Huai said while helping them fold the stroller.


    However, for two consecutive days, the relationship with Mu Yichen didn¡¯t improve, and that landlord didn¡¯t call her back, either.


    Xiaomei nervously asked her, "Could there be a hitch? Maybe the landlord thinks we¡¯re too easy-going and wants to hike the price by deliberately stalling?"


    "I¡¯ll call to ask."


    Qin Mu also felt it was odd; the landlord had been eager, saying that the contract would be ready within a day, but two days had passed and they hadn¡¯t heard anything.


    "Mr. Wang? This is Qin Mu. I made an appointment with you to rent a house a couple of days ago."


    "Oh, Miss Qin, well, the thing is, a friend bought my house yesterday, I am really sorry."


    Although the other party¡¯s words were polite, no amount of courtesy mattered now. After listening, Qin Mu slowly put down her phone, suddenly having an ominous premonition.


    "What¡¯s wrong?" Xiaomei asked, curious about Qin Mu¡¯s serious expression.


    "It was bought!" Qin Mu replied, repressing her voice.


    "What? But he promised to rent it to us. How can he do this?"


    Xiaomei immediately smacked the table in anger.


    Qin Mu instinctively looked elsewhere, then reached for her phone again: Time to keep looking.


    Over the next week, they found two more suitable places, both agreed upon to sign the next day, and Qin Mu even paid a deposit to prevent them from backing out. But still, the next day, the deposits were returned.


    She couldn¡¯t help but calmly consider, had she offended someone?


    But after careful thought, had she not only offended Mr. Mu these past few days?


    But why would Mu Yichen give her such a hard time?


    Qin Mu¡¯s mind went into a chaotic whirlwind, as Xiaomei found a nice apartment. Since a few colleagues would be coming over later, the apartment was two stories. While helping her move, Qin Mu called Mu Yichen.


    He hadn¡¯t been home at all these past few days. Could it really be him?


    Mu Yichen was in his office discussing a collaboration with Qiao Yi and Yangfan Group when he saw the blinking number on his phone and his gaze involuntarily lingered on the screen.


    Qiao Yi also stopped speaking, subconsciously looking towards Mu Yichen.


    "Hello?" Mu Yichen answered, his voice somewhat indifferent.


    "Are you coming home tonight?"


    "Are you sure that¡¯s still my home?"


    Qin Mu knew he didn¡¯t like Xiaomei and Huanhuan being around, but if he was suggesting that the place was no longer his home...


    "I have something I need to discuss with you. If you¡¯re not coming home, I¡¯ll go to your company right now," Qin Mu said frankly, not in the mood for jokes.


    "Whatever!"


    He hung up the phone.


    Qiao Yi instinctively frowned: What¡¯s the matter? Did you have a fight with Xiaomu?


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t answer, just looked up at him.


    "Ah, they say even the best relationship can¡¯t stand a third person meddling, do you particularly dislike that tag-along?"


    Speaking of Huanhuan, Mu Yichen sighed helplessly: It¡¯s not that!


    He didn¡¯t dislike Huanhuan; in fact, he even missed her. The little girl loved to smile at him, shining like sunshine upon him, and even made him occasionally feel an illusion.


    But he hadn¡¯t been home to stay these past few days and didn¡¯t know if Huanhuan was doing well.


    He was in a cold war with Qin Mu, and she was well aware of it, so how could he be unaware?


    Finally, he had awaited her call, but the tone of her voice...


    "You really don¡¯t dislike that little girl? Impossible, right? She¡¯s not your biological daughter, although you two do look a bit similar," Qiao Yi couldn¡¯t help but laugh as he spoke of their resemblance.


    He genuinely saw a resemblance, and that day after him and a few brothers had left his place and were smoking downstairs, they all nodded in agreement that Mu Yichen and Huanhuan had a high degree of similarity.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze turned even colder and more penetrating, making Qiao Yi quickly shut his mouth, not daring to speak carelessly.


    Qin Mu really did go to his company that afternoon, but he wasn¡¯t there. The secretary treated her carefully, as though she were the boss¡¯s wife, and couldn¡¯t help but curiously observe her because she was a stranger.


    Qin Mu smiled helplessly: I¡¯m the person who spoke with you on the phone that day. Since he¡¯s not here, I¡¯ll leave first.


    The secretary watched Qin Mu nod as she said goodbye and then nodded back, sending her on her way. Afterwards, she touched her own small heart: Oh my goodness, this is our future madam president!


    Qin Mu changed her phone number that afternoon, since she¡¯d be living in the country for a while, naturally, she couldn¡¯t keep using her Paris number.


    Huanhuan was taken out shopping by Xiaomei, while she herself curled up on the sofa, only thinking about two things.


    One was that Jing Qing¡¯s dress had been designed, and she needed to confirm it with her before they could start making it.


    The other was that she couldn¡¯t understand why he would avoid her even if he didn¡¯t want to see her.


    Could it really be him who had bought those houses?


    But it didn¡¯t make sense. He wouldn¡¯t be so unreasonable; he always supported her work.


    By 7:30 in the evening, the sky outside had darkened. While she stood by the sofa, holding a glass of water, at a loss for answers, the door was opened from the outside.


    She turned her head, and his tall figure carried a chill as he closed the door and turned to look at her.

 Chapter 31 Carefree_1

    Chapter 31: 31 Carefree_1


    "Why can¡¯t I get through to your phone?"


    He strolled over, his voice leisurely yet impossible to defy.


    "I switched to a local number because I¡¯ll be staying in the country for a while."


    She held up her phone, shook it, and smiled at him with forced ease.


    Mu Yichen reached out for her phone without a word, intending to check it, only to find it locked and requiring a password or fingerprint.


    "What¡¯s the password?"


    He looked up at her, then back at the phone.


    "Let me do it!"


    Qin Mu turned and unlocked the phone with her thumb while standing beside him.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but glance at her, noticing her comfortable demeanor¡ªnothing like that of a woman who had been given the cold shoulder for a week.


    He even wondered if she had been secretly happy while he wasn¡¯t at home.


    "What did you want to talk about when you called today?"


    He dialed his own number, and without checking his phone, he casually sat down on the sofa, still holding hers.


    Qin Mu got sidetracked by the change in topic and forgot about the phone, pondering her earlier thoughts and looking seriously at him where he sat.


    "I¡¯ve been house hunting recently, but... did you have someone keep an eye on me?"


    "Why would I keep an eye on you?"


    He raised his eyes to glance at her, his look frank.


    "Every house I like gets bought by someone else; for one of them, I even paid a deposit."


    As Mu Yichen¡¯s fingers entered his fingerprint, he looked up at her, his brows slightly knit. Are you saying someone is preventing you from finding a studio?


    "Yeah!"


    With just that brief exchange, Qin Mu trusted him completely.


    With no more apprehension, she sat down beside him. If it¡¯s not you...


    "Were you just now suspecting it was my doing?"


    Qin Mu gaped at him, at a loss for words, and awkwardly chuckled.


    "I¡¯ll look into this matter."


    He couldn¡¯t guess who might be meddling with her finding a studio, but as her man, he would naturally smooth out any obstacles in her path.


    "Actually, I suspect someone!"


    "Who?"


    "Jing Qing!"


    Mu Yichen looked at her skeptically, his gaze quite intimidating.


    "I know you might not believe me; after all, it¡¯s just a suspicion."


    She shrugged helplessly and then looked up at him with fetching eyes.


    "And then?"


    Mu Yichen looked into the soft glow in her eyes, and the agitation he felt those past few days dissipated, calming him instantly.


    "As long as it¡¯s not you, I¡¯m relieved. Don¡¯t worry about the rest¡ª"


    She had just wanted to reconcile with him but then remembered they had been giving each other the cold shoulder recently, so she shut her mouth and just looked at him deeply.


    Suddenly, Mu Yichen chuckled evilly, forcefully pulling her head close to his. "You heartless woman."


    "This heartless woman will be exhausted to death by you eventually."


    Qin Mu retorted.


    "I can¡¯t bear that, but living in agony might be possible."


    He smirked more wickedly, forehead pressed against hers.


    He was so well-proportioned that Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but stare at him, entranced.


    "When will we have our own baby?"


    He suddenly envied that little girl who called him daddy, how fortunate she was to have him and Qin Mu as parents. He really wanted a child of his own now.


    "Hmm?"


    "A child!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s mind boomed at the thought. The day he left, she had gone to buy birth control pills.


    Seeing his earnestness now, she naturally didn¡¯t dare tell him, but the secret made her nervous.


    "Haven¡¯t we got Huanhuan? Isn¡¯t that enough?"


    "I¡¯ll love her, but we need to have a child of our own."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what to say, her heart pounding chaotically.


    Huanhuan is indeed their biological child, and besides, they haven¡¯t announced their marriage publicly. If she suddenly got pregnant, people would think she was using the child to force him into marriage.


    But now wasn¡¯t the time to ponder such things, especially since she didn¡¯t want to have another child with him.


    Huanhuan was an accident, but her favorite accident.


    Such accidents could only happen once, and they must only happen once.


    In their lifetime, the complications between them were already enough.


    One day, she would leave; she was convinced they were bound to break up.


    How could he always be good to her? Even if he could support her forever, he wouldn¡¯t cherish her this much in a few years.


    The image of her mother discovering her father¡¯s infidelity, her mother lying dead in a pool of blood, haunted her¡ªshe didn¡¯t believe in enduring love.


    She believed more in bodily desires, momentary impulses, sparks ignited by chance.


    The man who was so cold that night, almost shattering her bones, didn¡¯t seem like him.


    But just as they were about to do something, they heard voices outside the door. Mu Yichen instinctively covered her, and Qin Mu listened intently before explaining to him: It was Xiaomei and Huanhuan returning.


    Mu Yichen sighed reluctantly: Indeed, it¡¯s not lonely, but really inconvenient.


    Qin Mu could only smile at him, her eyes seeming to say: We¡¯ll just have to manage.


    "Be good, pacify Huanhuan for a while. She missed you a lot when you weren¡¯t here."


    "Was it just her who missed me?"


    Although he also missed the little one, he was far from content.


    "Her mom missed you so much she could die!" she soothed him before opening the door, a bit happier.


    Later that night, with Huanhuan asleep between them, Mu Yichen watched the little girl, glanced at the woman across and sighed affectionately.


    Qin Mu looked up at him: Go to sleep already!


    "We¡¯re not done yet!"


    Qin Mu immediately shut up and closed her eyes, intending to sleep.


    Because if she didn¡¯t sleep, Mu Yichen, in his state tonight, would surely be lethal.


    Ever since they started being intimate a few years ago, he always managed to make her cry for mercy with his vigor.


    In the dark, his finely chiseled jaw rested on her shoulder.


    "Here, or shall we go to the next room?"

 Chapter 32 Mu Yichen’s Merit_1

    Chapter 32: 32 Mu Yichen¡¯s Merit_1


    At dawn, Mu Yichen placed Huanhuan on his shoulders and twirled her around.


    Qin Mu, wearing a loose bathrobe, stepped out, resting her elbow on the railing and bending over to watch the father and daughter playing in the living room downstairs, inadvertently breaking into a silly grin.


    "Mommy, good morning!"


    Little Huanhuan looked up and cheerfully greeted the person upstairs.


    "Baby, good morning! ¡ª¡ª Yichen, good morning!"


    Yichen felt somewhat unconvinced, but that call of "Yichen" made him feel oddly tender.


    As a child, he didn¡¯t know better and had forced her to call him Yichen, never expecting that in the many years to come, she would render that title so irresistibly tender and deep.


    "This morning, I¡¯ll make breakfast for you guys."


    Qin Mu hurried downstairs happily, cluelessly planning to prepare breakfast.


    "Your so-called breakfast isn¡¯t just bread and milk, is it?"


    Mu Yichen blocked her path.


    "Er, how about adding ham?" Qin Mu thought he was suggesting that the meal was nutritionally inadequate.


    "You¡¯d better stay outside with Huanhuan. I¡¯ll go."


    He didn¡¯t expect her to be particularly skilled at making breakfast.


    He handed Huanhuan to her and headed to the kitchen. Mother and daughter embraced, watching his retreating figure, and Qin Mu sighed, "Your dad is really capable, isn¡¯t he?"


    "Mhm!" Little Huanhuan nodded in sincere agreement.


    Qin Mu looked up, "What about Mommy? Mommy is capable too, right?"


    Huanhuan lowered her gaze toward her mommy, and after a long pause, she pursed her lips.


    Qin Mu...


    Was this really the child she had raised with so much hardship and effort?


    ¡ª¡ª


    After going to work, Mu Yichen still made a phone call first, instructing someone to discreetly investigate who had been monitoring Qin Mu recently, and to do it as quickly as possible.


    Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu appeared in Mu Yichen¡¯s apartment at ten in the morning. Qin Mu, Xiaomei, and Huanhuan were all sitting on the couch while Jing Qing couldn¡¯t help but stare at that little girl.


    Qin Mingzhu was also staring blankly at Huanhuan. She had only heard that Qin Mu had brought a child back with her, but what she heard was about an adopted girl¡ªyet...


    "You go play with Huanhuan in the toy room for a while," Qin Mu softly told the person beside her.


    "Okay!" Xiaomei stood up and took Huanhuan by the hand, "Auntie will take you to the toy room to play."


    "Mhm! Bye Mommy!" Little Huanhuan turned her head back to wave goodbye to Qin Mu knowingly.


    "See you later." Qin Mu waved back sweetly at her daughter, but her demeanor immediately turned serious when facing Jing Qing, even the smile on her face becoming more indifferent.


    Jing Qing withdrew her gaze from Huanhuan and returned it to Qin Mu, also smiling slightly, "I didn¡¯t expect you to have the design ready so quickly."


    "Take a look first and see if it meets your expectations!"


    Qin Mu, all business, handed over the blueprints and then opened her laptop.


    "I don¡¯t believe this woman could produce any serious work," Qin Mingzhu muttered beside Jing Qing, then turned her head to look at the blueprints with her.


    Qin Mu glanced briefly at Qin Mingzhu, then lowered her head to open a file. Inside were the colored three-dimensional drawings she had made, which lacked nothing but Jing Qing¡¯s face overlaid on them.


    "This is the effect after completion!"


    Qin Mu flipped the notebook towards Jing Qing. Jing Qing put down the drawing she was working on and looked at the notebook. Her eyes lit up, but at the same time, a sense of inexplicable pressure rose in her heart.


    She had to admit Qin Mu had some talent. Jing Qing maintained a stiff smile and said softly, "Indeed, it¡¯s impressive. No wonder so many big stars are willing to use you."


    Qin Mu smiled slightly, "Thanks for the compliment!"


    After willingly accepting Jing Qing¡¯s grudging praise, she immediately received a glare from Qin Mingzhu. Qin Mu looked at her, "Miss Qin disagrees?"


    "Ha, what¡¯s there for me to agree or disagree with? I¡¯m not studying design," she said defiantly while continuing to roll her eyes.


    "Don¡¯t take her words to heart. After you left, she became the Qin Family¡¯s beloved treasure. Uncle and auntie hold her in the palm of their hands."


    "I can imagine."


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t troubled by those words, because she could indeed foresee that outcome.


    Isn¡¯t that what the woman moved into that house for? To become the lady of the house, to have her word be law, to turn her daughter into a true princess.


    The woman succeeded, but whether having her daughter become a princess was a blessing or a curse was debatable.


    Looking at Qin Mingzhu¡¯s pretentious demeanor, Qin Mu felt the future was still very long; it was uncertain whether this girl even had a future.


    Unless that certain person could protect her for a lifetime.


    "What can you imagine? Don¡¯t think you understand me or my family," warned Qin Mingzhu, not willing to concede.


    Qin Mu cast her a fleeting glance and then stood up upon hearing noise from the kitchen, "Coffee is ready, ladies. Give me a moment."


    Later on, Jing Qing followed her into the kitchen and asked, "Are you planning to turn Yichen¡¯s place into your studio?"


    As Qin Mu poured the coffee, her long lashes hung down, hiding the scene in her eyes. However, her mind was bustling with thought at that moment.


    In the end, she still smiled and handed the cup of coffee to Jing Qing. Only after Jing Qing took it did she look up and say, "Lately someone has been stopping me from buying a house, so I have to work here. Fortunately, Mu Yichen listens to everything I say."


    Others call him Director Mu, Yichen, or just Chen, but she insists on calling him Mu Yichen in front of these people.


    She may be younger than them, but no one has decreed that a younger person cannot use someone¡¯s full name, and she takes pride in that.


    Jing Qing didn¡¯t understand why Qin Mu could exert such a strong presence. She also laughed softly, bringing the coffee to her nose and taking a gentle sniff, "It smells wonderful."


    "Is Miss Jing complimenting me? I will gladly accept it."


    "There you go again. Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d call me ¡¯sister,¡¯ like Mingzhu does?"


    "To be my sister comes with a lot of responsibilities. You¡¯re better off staying as Miss Jing."


    Qin Mu offered the reminder kindly and then turned to pour herself some coffee. The pure white coffee cup was very smooth, giving a sense of completeness and comfort.


    She slowly filled the coffee cup, and the rich aroma made her feel comfortable.


    "Oh? Do tell," urged Jing Qing, leaning in curiously, her gaze fixed on her with interest.


    "A master should teach craftsmanship, a man should teach love, my mother is no longer here, and the eldest sister should be like a mother. Naturally, she should do my laundry and cook for me, add clothing when I¡¯m cold, fan me when I¡¯m hot. Now that I have Little Huanhuan, of course, she should take care of Huanhuan properly and coincidentally do all the housework."


    Qin Mu smiled beautifully as she watched the usually unflappable Miss Jing lose her composure, yet she managed to articulate her words with such ease and grace.


    It took Jing Qing a long while before she could laugh in amazement, "Oh my, I didn¡¯t expect you¡¯d be so delightful now."


    "Humph, Mu Yichen trained me well!"


    "What does it have to do with Yichen?"


    "He taught me, of course. He says he loves it when I¡¯m cute."


    All Jing Qing could do was let out a laugh and walk out slowly with her cup of coffee.

 Chapter 33 Boss goes home to take care of the child_1

    Chapter 33: 33 Boss goes home to take care of the child_1


    Qin Mu leaned against the counter, staring at that figure for several seconds, her eyes sharp and indifferent.


    She couldn¡¯t think of Jing Qing as a good person, even if Jing Qing wasn¡¯t the one sabotaging things from behind, but it was certain that Jing Qing saw her as a rival in love.


    "I just received a WeChat message, I need to arrive at their place in two days, can you get it done within these two days?"


    Jing Qing sat on the sofa, placed down her coffee cup, and asked softly, a playful look also apparent in her eyes.


    "I can!"


    As their gazes met, Qin Mu smiled.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t expect her sudden change of heart, but her master had encountered such situations many times, and she had long been accustomed to these sudden cases from following Jian Yan around all the time.


    "Hmm! I believe in your ability, but there is one thing I want to remind you of, there could be accidents on the red carpet like someone¡¯s high heels stepping on the hem of my dress, or I could fall down myself, and the dress type is off-shoulder, so I hope there won¡¯t be any accidents."


    Qin Mu still smiled, but then she started her speech very seriously, she was just a designer, and even though she could make clothes, the clothes she made were an inanimate object.


    "Firstly, for situations like someone stepping on the hem of your dress with their high heels, if your assistant can¡¯t follow and remind you in time, you better be careful of the people around you to avoid embarrassing situations; next, if you accidentally fall and reveal your breasts, you¡¯d better stick two nipple covers under your dress just in case; lastly, we¡¯ve signed a contract, you can¡¯t back out of this deal, you know."


    Who couldn¡¯t act tough when needed?


    But she had gone through so much effort to get the money, if this woman suddenly wanted to break the contract, Qin Mu would definitely not agree to it.


    "Of course, I remember that we signed a contract, you make it sound like I¡¯m about to breach it. I have something to do this afternoon, so I won¡¯t disturb your work anymore," Jing Qing said sensibly as she stood up.


    After leaving, Qin Mingzhu couldn¡¯t help but ask curiously, "Sis, why did you say that just now?"


    "Do you not know what happens when I wear her designs out? But why are you so docile today? Didn¡¯t you dislike her?"


    "But her slap really hurt," Qin Mingzhu said, her head bowed and her hand subconsciously touching the side of her face that Qin Mu had slapped.


    Jing Qing frowned and then shook her head and left.


    "Sis, wait for me!" Qin Mingzhu hurried after her.


    Meanwhile, Xiaomei in the apartment was firmly opposed to Qin Mu continuing to work on this project.


    "Just let it go and stop worrying about it. When the time comes and she has no gown to wear, let¡¯s see what she does."


    "If I¡¯ve promised to do it, I will definitely do it, and I will do it to the best of my ability. Besides, why should I give her a chance to change her mind? I¡¯ve set my sights on her money, her reputation, and I¡¯m not letting go."


    Xiaomei had not thought that far; she only wanted to see Jing Qing embarrassed. But how could Jing Qing be humiliated? At most, the gown for the day would just lack novelty. It was precisely because Qin Mu had seen through this that she insisted on making Jing Qing wear her own creation, so when the time came, Qin Mu¡¯s name would naturally be remembered by celebrities both domestic and international again. This concerned her future, and she would not let go.


    Besides, Jing Qing had brought this opportunity to her.


    In the afternoon, Qin Mu called Zhao Huai to ask him to take her to the garment factory. On the way, she called her former agent: "Sister Xiao, it¡¯s Qin Mu...That¡¯s right, I¡¯m a bit short on cash lately, do you have any advertisements I could take on?...Great, I¡¯ll wait for your call!"


    Zhao Huai looked at the woman in the backseat, and after she hung up the phone, he asked, "Miss Qin, you still have the potential to be an advertisement star?"


    Qin Mu smiled and said nothing.


    "Actually, in my opinion, why go model for advertisements when you could just ask President Mu for money, wouldn¡¯t that be faster?"


    Qin Mu looked up at the road ahead, the smile still on her face: "But if I use his money, wouldn¡¯t that make me someone kept by him?"


    Zhao Huai suddenly found himself speechless, but in his mind, he thought, Do you think there¡¯s any difference now between you and someone who¡¯s kept?


    Qin Mu stubbornly adhered to her principles. After thanking Zhao Huai upon arrival at the garment factory, she went inside where people who had been notified earlier were waiting to take her further inside.


    At the same time, in the office, the man received a call from Jiang Zhiyuan confirming who recently had been monitoring Qin Mu.


    "I know, let¡¯s leave it at that for now."


    "Hey, wait, what are you¡ªgoing to do?" Jiang Zhiyuan cut in with concern, interrupting his attempt to hang up the phone.


    "You don¡¯t need to worry about it!"


    After hanging up on Jiang Zhiyuan, Mu Yichen thought for a few seconds. His sharp eyes lifted, and he immediately dialed another number.


    Qin Mu had just entered the workshop with someone and, seeing that it was him calling, he had to ask the person to wait and then picked up the phone: Hello?


    "It was indeed Jing Qing who was sabotaging things. Do you need my help?"


    "Thanks for investigating for me. I don¡¯t need help for the time being. Oh, by the way, I might come back late tonight. Xiaomei is currently helping with Little Huanhuan. If you¡¯re not out for the evening, could you come home early to take over from Xiaomei?"


    "Where are you now?"


    "At the clothing factory. Jing Qing¡¯s dress must be done within two days. I can¡¯t go back on my word."


    "Got it!"


    After Mu Yichen hung up the phone, he packed up and went out. His secretary, who was about to head to his office with some documents, asked out of curiosity, "President, you are¡ª"


    "Going home to take care of the child."


    Secretary Xi...


    When Mu Yichen arrived home, Xiaomei was performing a show for Little Huanhuan, making the little girl burst into silly laughter. That laughter, however, gradually revived his long-dormant memories.


    It was many years ago that she had laughed in the same silly way, but now, even when she¡¯s smiling, he could see the sadness deep in her eyes.


    He gently closed the door behind him, and his dark eyes remained downcast for a long while before lifting again.


    "Daddy!"


    The little girl turned her head, saw him return, and immediately jumped down from the sofa to rush toward him.


    Xiaomei promptly removed her Grey Wolf headgear and, not minding her disheveled hair, bowed her head: "President Mu, you¡¯re off work so early."


    "You go help Qin Mu. I¡¯ll take care of her," Mu Yichen instructed, holding the little girl in his arms.


    "Okay, I¡¯ll go right away!"


    Xiaomei didn¡¯t dare to delay, grabbed her bag, waved to Little Huanhuan, and left.


    That evening, Mu Yichen took Huanhuan out for dinner. Jiang Zhiyuan frowned upon seeing him with a child, "Why do you indulge them so much?"


    "Are men supposed to spoil men rather than women?" Zhao Huai asked with a laugh, then moved back after Jiang Zhiyuan kicked his chair leg. Continuing, he said, "I¡¯m just curious, you could easily give her what she wants, so why let her go through all that trouble?"


    As Mu Yichen fed the little girl soup, he spoke softly, "If I do everything for her, then what would be the meaning of her life? Besides, with her personality, living with me is already giving me a lot of face."


    Other men had never seen a man love a woman so humbly, and they didn¡¯t look favorably upon this relationship.


    "Today, I drove her to the clothing factory. On the way, I heard her talking to some agency or something on the phone about doing an advertisement. It sounded like she¡¯s really short of money."


    Mu Yichen fed another spoonful of soup to Huanhuan. He was naturally aware that she might encounter various situations and the road ahead was fraught with difficulties, but as long as she hoped for him to be there in the background...


    Before the dinner dispersed, Mu Yichen calmly wiped Huanhuan¡¯s mouth, his eyes tenderly watching over her, and said to the departing guest, "Zhiyuan, please relay a message to Jing Feng for me. If his sister continues with her antics, don¡¯t blame me, Mu Yichen, for not considering our past acquaintance."

 Chapter 34 You really think I’m a beast_1

    Chapter 34: 34 You really think I¡¯m a beast_1


    The voice was plain and unremarkable, yet it made the listeners¡¯ hearts jump involuntarily.


    "This..." Jiang Zhiyuan looked at Qiao Yi and Zhao Huai, both of whom dared not ask any questions.


    "What? Don¡¯t you have even this much courage?"


    Mu Yichen raised his eyes to look at the man who was over one meter eighty at the doorway.


    "Tch, who has this young master ever been afraid of? Besides, I am but a messenger, and as the old saying goes, ¡¯don¡¯t strike the messenger in a war between two parties¡¯."


    After Jiang Zhiyuan and Qiao Yi left, Mu Yichen calmly got up with Huanhuan in his arms, "Shall we go see your mommy, or go home to sleep?"


    "See mommy, mommy..."


    "Hmm! That¡¯s what I was thinking too."


    Father and daughter cheerfully left the hotel, but they didn¡¯t head to the clothing factory to find Jing Qing; instead, they went home.


    Huanhuan fell asleep on the way, and seeing her sleep so soundly in the child¡¯s seat, and remembering what Jing Qing had said to him, he decided to go home and rest with Huanhuan.


    That night Jing Qing and Xiaomei worked overtime at the clothing factory, resting by lying down for a while, sleeping a bit, then waking up to continue working.


    After 3 am, when Xiaomei squinted for a little while and then opened her eyes to see Jing Qing still operating the sewing machine, she felt too embarrassed to go back to sleep and squinted through her yawns, "Aren¡¯t you going to sleep for a while?"


    "I also just woke up not long ago. If you¡¯re sleepy, continue to sleep," Jing Qing responded.


    "I won¡¯t sleep either. Your master sent me to help you. If I keep slacking off, he will surely look down on me," Xiaomei replied.


    Hearing this, Jing Qing couldn¡¯t help but laugh, her weary face brightening considerably as she turned to Xiaomei, "Are you that afraid of him?"


    "It¡¯s respect!" Xiaomei answered with a playful laugh.


    Perhaps, just as she felt towards Mu Yichen¡ªwasn¡¯t she horribly scared of him?


    But was that really fear? She had long been clear about it in her own heart.


    Finishing her work five hours early, Jing Qing and Xiaomei changed clothes and then took the dress directly to Jing Qing¡¯s company, only to hear that she was in an interview, so they waited there.


    Jing Qing received a call from Paris; the other party communicated with her in French, mentioning they had found an opportunity for her in China, right in Rong City.


    After hanging up the phone, Jing Qing sat there without speaking again. Xiaomei, a bit tired from waiting and suddenly not hearing her talk, turned her head in surprise and asked, "Qinqin, what¡¯s wrong?"


    "It¡¯s nothing!"


    "You two, come with me!"


    Half an hour later, they were led into the reception room where Jing Qing was located.


    Jing Qing¡¯s hair was swept up neatly, standing beside the chair in a crisp white dress, greeting them with a smile as soon as they met, "I¡¯m sorry to have kept you waiting so long, please have a seat."


    "There¡¯s no need to sit. It would be best to find a place to try on the dress first. If it doesn¡¯t fit, we will make immediate alterations," Jing Qing replied, all business.


    Jing Qing glanced at the box in her hand and then at the toolbox Xiaomei was carrying behind her, shrugged her shoulders, and agreed, "Alright, let¡¯s switch to a different room."


    She lifted her hand and pointed to the camera above their heads.


    With Jing Qing¡¯s assistant included, four people helped Jing Qing change clothes in her room.


    Jing Qing seemed accustomed to being surrounded by so many people, especially when Jing Qing crouched at her feet to adjust her hemline; her eyes shone even more brightly, and she spoke with a courteous smile, "Mumu, why did you choose this line of work?"


    "Poor! I thought back then, ¡¯if you can¡¯t buy it, make it yourself, isn¡¯t that delightful?¡¯" Jing Qing replied.


    "You, Qin Uncle doesn¡¯t fail to give you money, why put yourself through this?" Jing Qing purposefully mentioned Qin Haiming, but Jing Qing wasn¡¯t annoyed. The future would likely bring more people who¡¯d mention her in the same breath as that man, and to that, she looked forward.


    Not for any other reason, but because she intended to make certain people unhappy.


    "Hmph, but now it is to make everyone in the world like the clothes I design and to wear the clothes I design," she said.


    She looked down seriously at the stitches, her voice low, her aura immense.


    Jing Qing didn¡¯t speak, continuing to regard her.


    "Is there any part that feels uncomfortable?" Jing Qing asked, all business.


    "Hmm, not for now!"


    Jing Qing looked up at the mirror, the dress that made her figure appear several centimeters taller seemed to have won her approval.


    "Hmm! Then I wish you all the best on your trip!"


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu was about to leave with Xiaomei, but Jing Qing, with her head lowered, looking at her own belly, suddenly said, "Mumu."


    "Hmm?"


    "Can you come with me? I¡¯m worried about unexpected issues."


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze dropped slightly before she glanced at Xiaomei, who obviously disapproved of her agreeing. Jing Qing¡¯s call of "Mumu" was a clear attempt to cozy up to her and persuade her to accompany her.


    "I¡¯ll go ask Mr. Mu for permission."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t refuse but didn¡¯t agree either, simply leading Xiaomei away.


    Xiaomei, following behind her, couldn¡¯t help but let out a laugh as soon as they exited the door: "Qinqin, you said you¡¯re going to ask Mr. Mu on purpose, right?"


    "You think you know so much. You go back first; I¡¯ve got something else to do and will be back later."


    Having been together for so long, they understood each other¡¯s temperament quite well, so Qin Mu didn¡¯t hide it from her.


    "Alright, but you really shouldn¡¯t go abroad with her. You¡¯re not her errand assistant. We¡¯ve already completed our task."


    "Hmm!"


    Later, Qin Mu visited the CEO¡¯s office. The boss greeted her very politely, standing up to shake her hand: "Hello! I¡¯ve reviewed your resume, and it¡¯s quite impressive!"


    "You flatter me, Mr. Zhang!"


    The two shook hands, and Mr. Zhang invited her to sit on the sofa before taking out some materials he had prepared for her to see.


    By the time she returned, it was already past seven in the evening. She was so exhausted that she lay down on the couch and didn¡¯t move anymore.


    When she woke up again, she was in the big bed in the master bedroom, staring at the familiar ceiling. It took her several seconds to gather her thoughts and remember where she was. She tried to get up but winced in pain and couldn¡¯t move.


    The quiet room made it difficult for her to tell if it was dusk, midnight, or even later.


    He wasn¡¯t there, and Huanhuan wasn¡¯t either.


    She listened to her own heartbeat, thump, thump, thump, as if besides that sound there was nothing else, all her strength spent on supporting that small heart.


    She thought about her efforts over the years and remembered those who had tried even harder. She earnestly soothed herself, but no matter how she comforted, her body seemed to reject the superficial concern of her will and remained weak and powerless.


    "This is the consequence of overexerting yourself; it¡¯s not your first time experiencing it, is it?"


    Qin Mu turned her head and, although he appeared aloof at the moment, as he slowly approached from the doorway, he seemed like her springtime.


    She smiled proudly and turned on her side, clasping her hands under her cheek, her eyes looking up at him as clear and pure as a spring.


    "Yes, you¡¯ve let me experience it quite a few times."


    Suddenly, she remembered it was him who had carried her upstairs, and she felt much better.


    Mu Yichen looked at her with a stern gaze, staying by the bed but not moving any closer.


    Qin Mu, not understanding, blinked at him and reached out a hand. "Won¡¯t you come over?"


    Without a response, he just looked down at her, as if gazing at a treasure he couldn¡¯t conquer.


    "Why aren¡¯t you happy?"


    Qin Mu asked, puzzled. In her mind, he shouldn¡¯t be standing so far away from her at such a time.


    "Is that so?"


    With those two words, he looked at her coldly and detachedly, as if he was an unfeeling person.


    "Yeah, shouldn¡¯t you have pounced on me by now?"


    "Do you really think I¡¯m a

 Chapter 35 I think you are _1

    Chapter 35: 35 I think you are _1


    "I think you are!"


    She lay down, her eyes seducing him.


    Two days without seeing him, she didn¡¯t want to miss him, she missed him too!


    Apart from that, the next moment!


    "Ten minutes, or the food will get cold!"


    He kissed her and then reminded her.


    "As you wish!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was sweet with affection.


    But the man who queried whether she really thought of him as a beast immediately kissed her in such a domineering manner, as if he wanted to devour her, and Qin Mu instinctively hugged him tight.


    After their lovemaking, Qin Mu still snuggled in his warm embrace, "I might have to leave for two days."


    "Why?"


    "Jing Qing is walking the red carpet and fears there may be an incident."


    Mu Yichen remained silent and kept holding her, but his gaze gradually turned cold.


    If you keep warning someone and they continue to turn a deaf ear, then there¡¯s only one solution.


    "I¡¯ll find someone to keep an eye on things for you, so you don¡¯t have to go in person."


    "You¡¯d do that for me? Is it because you don¡¯t want me to tire myself?"


    She struggled to climb on top of him, caressing his chin with her hand and asking him.


    "Aren¡¯t you supposed to be taking on an advertisement? Spend these next few days busying yourself with it here in the city!"


    He caught her hand, indulging her with a soft and affectionate gaze as he brought it up.


    "You already knew?"


    Qin Mu was startled and her expression turned to one of surprise as she looked into his eyes.


    "Were you planning to keep it from me?" Mu Yichen asked her, his eyes inadvertently falling on the teeth marks he had left on her neck, touching them gently.


    "Ouch, why does it hurt a little?"


    Qin Mu instinctively raised her hand to touch it, but Mu Yichen immediately grabbed her hand, teasing her, "In any case, you just stay in the city for now. You can¡¯t leave for a while, got it?"


    Qin Mu looked into his uncompromising eyes and after a few seconds nodded her head, "Okay then."


    She certainly didn¡¯t want to run around everywhere; it was too exhausting.


    Mu Yichen, seeing the woman again nestled against his chest, couldn¡¯t help but curve his lips into a smile and lightly kissed the hand he held.


    "You just touched there, hey!" Mrs. Mu kindly reminded.


    President Mu... kissed her deeply... over and over...


    ¡ª¡ª


    The Jing Family.


    "Are you looking for someone to create trouble for Qin Mu?"


    "Why would you think that? Is your sister that kind of person?"


    In the middle of the night when everyone else was asleep, the siblings were confronting each other at the bar.


    "Do you think it¡¯s alright just because you deny it? Or do you think the name Mu Yichen is just for show? Or perhaps you¡¯re unaware of how extensive his network is within the country?"


    "So what?"


    Jing Feng angrily pointed this out after which Jing Qing challenged him with a question.


    "Jing Qing, do you really want to ruin yourself? Do you think if it hadn¡¯t been for your brother saving his life years ago, he would¡¯ve helped you all these years? Or are you ignorant of the fact that he never had any feelings for you, not even a little bit from the start?"


    Jing Feng continued the argument with a headache.


    "He never had any feelings? How would you know? I¡¯m the person involved and I have the most say in this. He had feelings, more than just a little, and if Qin Mu hadn¡¯t come back suddenly, he would¡¯ve been mine by now."


    "If he¡¯s yours, it doesn¡¯t matter who comes back, do you understand? If he loves you, would he take another look at other women?"


    Jing Qing was fuming as she stared at her twin brother, her teeth gritted with hatred in that moment. "Brother, I don¡¯t care if he¡¯s ever been moved by someone else, I don¡¯t care who he loves now, I just want to be with him, I want to marry him. Even if I can¡¯t have his heart, I must have him."


    "How will you get him? He¡¯s already living with Qin Mu, and you¡¯ve seen that Qin Mu has even brought back a child."


    "What Qin Mu can do, I can do, and even what Qin Mu can¡¯t do, I can do. Mind your own business, I¡¯ll find my own way."


    After saying this, Jing Qing drank the liquor on the bar and then turned and walked away.


    "What did you say? Qin Mu took that perfume advertisement? Why her? She... what?" Back in her room, she received a call from her agent. The advertisement that was supposed to be hers had slipped away, and to make matters worse, it was taken by someone completely unrelated to the entertainment industry, her biggest love rival.


    It took Jing Qing a good while to calm her emotions. After much thought, she sent a message to Qin Mu, its content full of tact and emotion.


    Unfortunately, by that time, Qin Mu had already gone to bed, so the man at her side saw the message.


    Mu Yichen suddenly thought that if their marriage was exposed, Jing Qing might not be so persistent.


    His dark gaze unconsciously drifted towards the woman asleep in his arms.


    He had the room next door renovated into a girl¡¯s bedroom which Huanhuan liked very much, and he had indeed succeeded in coaxing her to sleep there, so now the two of them had the big bed all to themselves.


    This made him much more comfortable; otherwise, sharing a bed with a daughter of someone he didn¡¯t know always made him feel uneasy. Yet, there was still one thing after another that troubled him.


    After reading it, he immediately deleted the message and then lay down and embraced Qin Mu to sleep.


    The next day, Jing Qing was waiting at the airport with her assistant for Qin Mu¡¯s escort but was met by a strange woman instead.


    "Who are you?"


    "I am Jiang Cheng, the chief designer sent by President Mu, responsible for accompanying Miss Jing overseas."


    Jing Qing couldn¡¯t believe it and spoke within a few seconds, "Sorry, I don¡¯t need it, you can go back."


    "I¡¯m sorry too, but President Mu has paid, and I must stay by your side until your event is over," the woman insisted.


    Jing Qing understood why Mu Yichen was doing this, but it made her hate Qin Mu even more. In her mind, if it weren¡¯t for Qin Mu badmouthing her to Mu Yichen, he wouldn¡¯t be in such a hurry to draw clear boundaries with her and be so defensive.


    He had changed, started to ignore her, became cold to her, and now even guarded against her fearful she might pose a threat to Qin Mu.


    A dense mist of pride rose in Jing Qing¡¯s eyes, then she turned and walked inside.


    Qin Mu was resting at home, leaning over the dining table watching Mu Yichen feed porridge to their daughter.


    Huanhuan sipped the porridge her daddy fed her, and after a few mouthfuls, before the spoon reached her mouth again, she pushed her daddy¡¯s wrist away.


    Mu Yichen, puzzled, thought she was full.


    "She wants you to have some, too!" Qin Mu reminded him kindly.


    Mu Yichen was not used to being fed by others, and his eyebrows unintentionally furrowed, but still, he lowered his head and drank the porridge.


    Little Huanhuan looked at him with a sense of achievement, smiling radiantly.


    "Why is she so happy every day?" Mu Yichen asked the woman still leaning beside him, perplexed.


    "Because her name is Huanhuan!"


    Qin Mu propped her hand against her temple, watching their father-daughter interaction and couldn¡¯t help but feel happy too.


    "Come back to the old house with me today."


    "Huh?"


    Qin Mu was taken aback, not because the topic had shifted too quickly, but because the words ¡¯old house¡¯ were very special.


    "The matter with Huanhuan has been a big shock to them; you need to come back with me and give them an explanation."


    Mu Yichen picked up the satisfied Huanhuan from the chair. Huanhuan ran off to play in the living room, and he turned to Qin Mu and explained sincerely.


    "Can I refuse?" Qin Mu¡¯s heart was uneasy, remembering the last meeting with his mother, she really didn¡¯t want to meet that elder again in her lifetime.


    She wasn¡¯t angry, just intimidated!


    She felt she had no luck with elders, never having met one that really liked her ¨C except for Jian Yan.


    "No, you can¡¯t!"

 Chapter 36: Huanhuan is my child_1

    Chapter 36: Huanhuan is my child_1


    No matter what, that night, she still ended up standing in the cold living room of the old house with Mu Yichen, holding Huanhuan in her arms.


    She thought of countless excuses to refuse, but in the end, she came to face the two elders.


    It was a house with ancient charm, three stories high, spacious yet without feeling any area was superfluous.


    Qin Mu¡¯s memories of this place were still from her childhood, blurry enough that she could no longer recall which part was which.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao looked at the little girl sitting between them, their gazes almost fixed, just staring blankly.


    The girl was rumored to have been picked up by Qin Mu, and they believed it, but...


    "What¡¯s her name?" Feng Fanghua, shocked, finally managed to ask after a long while, her voice becoming somewhat frail.


    "Huanhuan!"


    Qin Mu hastily replied.


    "Huanhuan? Did you pick it?"


    Feng Fanghua frowned at Qin Mu, who, after thinking for a moment, still nodded: Mm.


    "No wonder it¡¯s so unrefined!"


    Qin Mu, who was very nervous initially, actually felt a bit better after being disparaged like that.


    Mu Yichen, holding Qin Mu¡¯s hand, sat down opposite them, smiled at Huanhuan, and then started speaking: It¡¯s just a name, and I think it¡¯s quite nice.


    "Hmph, I suppose you think everything that comes out of her mouth is nice, don¡¯t you?" Feng Fanghua scorned her own son.


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s sharp gaze turned to his mother, not denying it.


    Qin Mu subconsciously looked at him, then heard Mu Dad across from her say: Could Xiao Qin take this little girl away for a moment? I would like to speak with Mu Yichen alone.


    When a father calls his son so formally, it¡¯s clear he has something serious to discuss.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed to get up, but was held down by the person beside her.


    "If you have something to say, say it in front of her. There¡¯s nothing I need to hide from her, and she¡¯s not so fragile as to not withstand a few words."


    Qin Mu felt, by bringing her into his home, he must have prepared for the worst.


    He seemed...


    He seemed to want to acknowledge her to his parents.


    He seemed...


    He seemed...


    But how could it be possible?


    She couldn¡¯t help but look up at him continuously, stubborn as if she was holding a grudge against him or herself.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were even more displeased as they glanced at their son, with Mu Zihao¡¯s voice low and indifferent: Do you really want to drag her into our family affairs?


    "If she is my person, she has to share my burdens!" he said definitively.


    "Fine, since you want her to listen, I have nothing more to worry about. We have settled the wedding between you and Jing Qing. The ceremony will be held at our hotel on May First."


    Qin Mu instinctively looked up at the older male, her heart clanging.


    Sometimes you think certain things, certain people, are not so important to you, but when the moment comes, you suddenly realize the importance has far exceeded your capacity to endure.


    "Marry Jing Qing? Do you want your son to commit bigamy?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hawk-like eyes fiercely shot towards his father, with a mocking smile, his voice seemingly calm but incredibly venomous.


    Qin Mu immediately turned her head to glare at him, her heart truly unable to withstand these successive blows.


    Both elders were shocked, looking at him: What did you say?


    "Mu Yichen!" Qin Mu called out to him instinctively.


    "In this lifetime, I will only marry one woman, and that¡¯s the woman I brought back today!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s murderous intent rose in his eyes. He could understand the expression in Qin Mu¡¯s eyes, so although he held back from revealing the truth, his face grew even darker.


    "What?"


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s complexion changed instantly, turning deathly pale with anger.


    Mu Zihao wasn¡¯t faring much better but had long anticipated his son¡¯s refusal.


    "You two can be together if you want, but the daughter-in-law of the Mu Family can only be Jing Qing. I told you this twenty years ago and I am telling you the same today. As for other women, no one should even dream of entering the Mu Family¡¯s door."


    "What¡¯s so great about entering the Mu Family¡¯s door? They¡¯re not even good in-laws, and the house is so cold!" Mu Yichen mocked.


    "Come with me!"


    After realizing that talking to her son was futile, Feng Fanghua suddenly stood up from the sofa and commanded Qin Mu with a stern and indifferent expression.


    Qin Mu raised her eyes slightly. The never-ending troubles were irritating her, but she still followed Feng Fanghua to the room.


    ¡ª


    "How did you promise me at that time? You said you didn¡¯t like my son, you said you definitely wouldn¡¯t cling to my son, have you forgotten all that?"


    As soon as the door closed behind her, Feng Fanghua turned and unleashed a barrage of scolding at Qin Mu.


    "I am very sorry!" Knowing she had broken her original promise, Qin Mu could only apologize resignedly.


    "Sorry? Is it your apology I want? The Mu Family and the Jing Family have been friends for generations, planning to intermarry and continue the relationship for generations to come. Do you think a simple apology is enough to destroy the relationship between these two families?" Feng Fanghua continued to press her aggressively.


    "I don¡¯t have the Jing Family¡¯s background, but Mu Yichen truly doesn¡¯t like Jing Qing."


    "Doesn¡¯t like her? Before you came, the two of them were always together, perfectly fine."


    Feng Fanghua scoffed, talking as if it were the absolute truth.


    Qin Mu looked up at the furious Feng Fanghua, feeling as if her heart was being pricked with needles.


    If she hadn¡¯t returned, would Mu Yichen have married Jing Qing?


    Marriage isn¡¯t necessarily sustained by love; many are based on interests, other entanglements, or even hatred.


    Just like her relationship with Mu Yichen...


    It was all muddled, but also due to interests that she had to be content with the status quo.


    "Besides, whether they get along or not, what does it have to do with you? I can give you money, anything you want, except for Yichen. Really, Qin Mu, if you truly regard me as an elder, then go back to Paris and never set foot in Rongcheng again."


    Feng Fanghua was unrelenting, trying to persuade her with a mix of harshness and coaxing.


    "I am very sorry, but I cannot leave Rong City for a while."


    "Is it about your father wanting to move your mother¡¯s grave out of the Qin Family cemetery? I will solve that issue for you, as long as you agree not to come back, I can meet all your demands."


    Qin Mu stared at the commanding Feng Fanghua, feeling waves of discomfort in her throat.


    It seemed that quite a few people knew about her father wanting to move her mother¡¯s grave from the Qin Family cemetery.


    She curved the corners of her mouth and licked her dry lips before giving Feng Fanghua a slight smile, "Auntie, there are many things I must handle myself."


    "So you refuse to leave?"


    "I can¡¯t leave!"


    Faced with the questioning, Qin Mu replied calmly.


    She had to let the world remember certain things in her own way, and she had to publicly punish those who wanted to erase her and her mother¡¯s memory.


    "Then you¡ªcan you stay away from my son at the least? You¡¯re young and should be striving for a better future, not shamelessly clinging to him¡ª And you even brought back a child from the orphanage that looks like him, using such despicable means to tie him down, do you find that fun?"


    Feng Fanghua was so infuriated she had a headache, looking at the impervious girl and feeling extremely vexed.


    She had thought that once Qin Mu went back to Paris, she would never return. But who expected that she would come back this time with even wilder tactics, bringing a child with her.


    "I¡¯m guessing, do you plan to deceive him into thinking the girl from the orphanage is his daughter when he notices she resembles him? And then play the vulnerable to trick him into marrying you?"


    "Huanhuan is not a child from the orphanage; Huanhuan is my child."

 Chapter 37 Mu Yichen, don’t love me_1

    Chapter 37: 37 Mu Yichen, don¡¯t love me_1


    Both of them skipped dinner and returned to the apartment.


    After the dinner, Huanhuan slept, and she stood alone in front of the glass screen, pondering. Mu Yichen stood behind her, "Don¡¯t you have anything to say to me?"


    Qin Mu turned her head to look at him, saw his serious expression, and smiled.


    "Haven¡¯t we already agreed on a secret marriage?"


    "That¡¯s not what I¡¯m talking about."


    He looked at her calmly, his voice was bland, but his attitude made it difficult for anyone to brush off.


    "Do you want to know what your mother said to me?"


    Mu Yichen did not speak, just looked at her.


    "It¡¯s nothing but telling me to leave you, which you must have guessed."


    "What about the last time you left?"


    The tip of Qin Mu¡¯s heart trembled as she saw his eyes grow colder. She suddenly realized she really couldn¡¯t speak carelessly.


    Because if she didn¡¯t choose her words carefully, he might strangle her or throw her out of the window.


    "Mu Yichen..."


    She wanted to explain, but she exhausted her strength just to call out his name.


    "Qin Mu, let me make it crystal clear to you; your first departure was because you were young, forced and without the power to resist¡ªI forgave you that time! The second time you had the ability to resist, but considering it was a first offense, I also forgave you. The third time¡ªI guarantee, if you leave again without my consent, I will never forgive you again, and for the rest of your life, I will persecute you."


    Whatever she wanted, he would take it away!


    That kind of oath-like warning, a curse.


    Qin Mu watched as he enunciated each word with clenched teeth, his fierce proclamation, while the pressure in her heart grew lower and calmer.


    "Mu Yichen, don¡¯t love me!"


    Her words were as light as a feather, gently falling onto one¡¯s heart...


    He did not speak, his eyes filled with a loathing as if he would never want to associate with her in this lifetime.


    She choked up, her eyes lowered but unable to see the ring on her hand clearly.


    The silence in the bedroom suddenly induced an illusion of suffocation.


    She couldn¡¯t stop him from doing anything; all she could do was to control herself.


    She suddenly regretted going with him to the old house, really detested getting involved in his family¡¯s affairs, really hated facing the criticism and negation from elders, really hated that she couldn¡¯t control herself and couldn¡¯t subdue him.


    Mu Yichen, unable to vent his frustration, stepped forward, held her face, and fiercely kissed her, his lips meeting hers.


    The taste of blood made the person possessing it even more overbearing and domineering. Qin Mu instinctively tried to push him away, but as soon as her hand reached his chest, he caught it and pinned her against the glass screen.


    He gasped with effort, his forehead pressing against hers, his voice trembling with anger, "Want to push me away? And then run away?"


    "Mu Yichen¡ª"


    "I am your man!"


    "Yes, I admit you indeed are, and I have never denied it, have I?"


    She looked up, the two of them confronting each other.


    He bit her as if intending to devour her alive with his dominance.


    "Never denied it?" He loathed the thought of strangling her.


    Qin Mu looked at him, his hateful, itching-to-bite appearance, suddenly felt she was being unfair, raised her hand to hold his face as if it was the flesh of her heart.


    In the depths of her heart, she said to him: Dear, if you feel that going public with our marriage will make you feel a bit more comfortable, then please tell them, okay?


    After she changed into slippers, she was much shorter than him, and the upward look in her eyes seemed even more multifaceted.


    In this world, he indeed became the most important person to her, apart from Huanhuan.


    She suddenly thought, now that things had come to this, what difference would it make to go public?


    Worried that it would look bad if they broke up in the future?


    She could make the whole world unhappy, but why did she want to make this man, the most important to her, unhappy?


    Even though she had repeatedly warned herself not to love him, if anyone tried to hurt him, she would fight for him with her life.


    Mu Yichen suddenly tore her clothes, unable to bear her struggling gaze, he flipped her over and took her from behind.


    This night started out hard for Qin Mu, but later became quite gratifying.


    When she got up to shower in the morning, she found several bite marks on her body. She sighed helplessly, her soft white fingers gently pressing on the bitten areas, the pain making her press harder until it felt numb.


    Huanhuan was playing intently with a toy dog that could run on the floor below, while Mu Yichen was preparing breakfast in the kitchen. When he turned his head and saw her standing at the doorway, he gave her a glance and then continued to focus on cooking.


    Qin Mu¡¯s hand gently rested on the doorframe, and seeing that he was still angry, she slowly walked up and embraced him from behind, wrapping her arms around his sturdy waist.


    "Are you still angry?" she asked him softly, somewhat coaxing.


    "Go keep Huanhuan company. I¡¯ll call you when breakfast is ready."


    "I won¡¯t!"


    She clung to him more tightly, stubborn like a child.


    Mu Yichen looked down at her hand, saw the ring on her finger and eventually sighed lightly, resigned.


    "Qin Mu, don¡¯t act like a child."


    "You¡¯ve known for a while that this is just how I am."


    "I won¡¯t announce our marriage publicly, but you¡¯re not allowed to leave Rong City because of anyone else. That¡¯s the condition."


    "Fine!"


    She looked up at him, leaning against his shoulder and gazing at him infatuatedly. Without thinking, she tiptoed and planted a quick and precise kiss on his face before walking away.


    Huanhuan stood at the kitchen door, eyes wide as she watched her daddy and mommy play with back hugs and kisses. She covered her face with her small hands, then suddenly turned away with a silly smile.


    Qin Mu stood there bewildered until she felt another hot, burning gaze at the back of her ear and then hastily fled.


    Mu Yichen raised his hand to his forehead, rubbing it in frustration, pondering when he had become so unprincipled?


    In the morning, Qin Mu went to discuss an advertisement deal. It was for a quite famous foreign perfume, and fortunately, the current owner of the perfume brand had once commissioned a gown design from her mentor. Unfortunately, the perfume brand had originally wanted to hire an actress with the status of a movie queen for the ad.


    Of course, the movie queen had been playing hard to get and hadn¡¯t accepted the offer, so now it fell into her lap.


    Qin Mu thought that if she accepted the advertisement, she would certainly offend Jing Qing, but after some reflection, she realized she had already offended Jing Qing because of Mu Yichen, whether she took the advertising gig or not.


    So why not just accept it outright, buy the studio first, and then see what happens?


    In the afternoon, as her assistant, Xiaomei accompanied her to the photo studio for the advertisement shoot, but they didn¡¯t expect Mu Yi to visit the set with the child in tow.


    "Overall, you need to perform the courage that this advertisement brings to you, the rebirth after a heartbreak, the courage you find in a desperate situation. Later, you¡¯ll run up the bridge with the skirt in hand, stop in the middle, and make sure your eyes are full of emotion."


    "Mm!"


    Qin Mu looked over the advertisement script¡ªthere wasn¡¯t a single line of dialogue, all depending on the actor¡¯s own performance.


    "I heard you took on other luxury brand advertisements abroad and that the response was quite good. You shouldn¡¯t have a problem with this one, right?"


    "Mm!"


    Qin Mu glanced at the script, suddenly forgetting to speak.


    The director, seeing her getting into character, nodded: Okay, take a moment to immerse yourself in emotion.


    Xiaomei stayed by her side, not daring to disturb her easily, but when she turned around and saw a father and daughter walking in, her mouth hung open in shock.


    "Qinqin!" Xiaomei¡¯s voice trembled with nervousness.


    "Hmm?" Qin Mu looked up briefly at her before returning to the script explanation.


    "Mu Yi..."


    "What about Mu Yi?"


    "Mommy!"


    Many staff members were busy with their tasks, and when they heard that sweet, milky call for "Mommy," they all turned to look in the direction of the voice. A pink and tender little girl appeared in their sight, followed by a figure they recognized all too well, leaving the assistant director so astonished that his script dropped to the floor.


    Wearing a white gown, she stood before him, holding Huanhuan¡¯s hand and looking at him: Why are you here?

 Chapter 38 Illegitimate Daughter (1)_1

    Chapter 38: 38 Illegitimate Daughter (1)_1


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze lingered on her for more than a minute; he had never really considered how she would look in a wedding dress before.


    Until this moment, as he watched her dressed in the pristine wedding gown with her long hair coiffed up, although her makeup was heavy, it was not garish¡ªin fact, it added a touch of enchanting gentleness. Especially the eyeshadow applied over her eyes, which made her eye sockets seem deeper, she was breathtakingly beautiful.


    "Huanhuan is looking for you."


    His indifferent voice wasn¡¯t intentionally perfunctory, it was just that with so many people around and her looking so stunning, he genuinely forgot how to utter cheesy lines.


    Qin Mu instinctively looked at him, observing the complex emotions in his eyes and his adam¡¯s apple that shifted slightly. She lowered her gaze to avoid his.


    "Mr. Mu, it really is you!"


    The director stepped forward, with a script in hand, and extended his hand for a handshake.


    Mu Yichen glanced at Qin Mu, a look that was both helpless and doting, as if to say to her, it¡¯s all for you.


    Qin Mu pleaded with a faint smile, her gaze silently telling him: Since you¡¯ve come, please help out!


    Realizing he must be Qin Mu¡¯s financial backer, Mu Yichen, he hesitantly shook hands with the director: Miss Qin hasn¡¯t been a bother to the crew, has she?


    "Not at all, Miss Qin is obviously a smart person, and she already has a foundation. We¡¯re about to start shooting. Why doesn¡¯t Mr. Mu take a break over there?"


    "Sure! I¡¯ll take Huanhuan over there to wait for you."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say a word, but nodded her head to show agreement.


    However, what was supposed to be a stress-free performance became unexpectedly nerve-wracking for her due to his arrival. Although the staff repeatedly said she was very engaged, she still nervously looked towards Mu Yichen. Only when he unconsciously lowered his eyes to cuddle Huanhuan did she manage to immerse herself once again.


    Xiaomei, who was beside her, couldn¡¯t resist recording a video, then sent it to Jian Yan: Master, doesn¡¯t our Qinqin look beautiful in the wedding dress?


    Naturally beautiful, like a unique fairy in the forest.


    After shooting the advertisement, everyone suggested taking a group photo for memory¡¯s sake, and Qin Mu knew they wanted a picture with Mr. Mu. Since it was rare for him to cooperate with her, she didn¡¯t object.


    That night, Mu Yichen went above and beyond, and Qin Mu nearly fainted from exhaustion.


    But what she didn¡¯t expect was to receive the payment the very next day, which wasn¡¯t usual procedure.


    However...


    What followed was the leak of the photos, depicting Mr. Mu visiting the set with Huanhuan, the three of them standing in the center of the crew looking very conspicuous.


    Gossip magazines immediately speculated wildly, with insiders suggesting that this could be Mr. Mu¡¯s illegitimate daughter, and some media even confidently reported that she was indeed their daughter.


    Qin Mu internally agreed with the one who dared to affirm the relationship of the trio while ignoring his conscience, because that was the only true report. Yet, she worried these rumors would bring turmoil to their lives.


    Upon returning to Rongcheng and learning that Qin Mu had shot that advertisement, Jing Qing immediately stormed into the CEO¡¯s office: What is the company¡¯s meaning? You begged me to do it before, why did it go to someone else as soon as I left?


    "Don¡¯t be angry, take a seat and let me explain it to you slowly."


    "Explain slowly? Fine, then take your time and clarify how the advertisement meant for me ended up with someone else. Does the company not need me anymore?"


    "Why are you so hot-tempered? You are, of course, the company¡¯s pillar, but don¡¯t forget, you have repeatedly declined this advertisement for three months straight. The United States was about to give the advertisement to another company. What choice did I have but to find a last-minute replacement?"


    "Was it Mu Yichen who talked to you?"


    "No! Mu Yichen has never approached me about it."


    "What?"


    The already frustrated actress suddenly froze. Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t talked to him?


    "You didn¡¯t know? It¡¯s always been your brother who¡¯s been in contact with me."


    Jing Qing sat down heavily on the couch, the very picture of fading beauty, looking utterly despondent.


    "How is that possible? He¡¯s always there when we eat."


    Jing Qing¡¯s gaze drifted somewhat.


    "That¡¯s your business. If you don¡¯t know either, I¡¯m guessing it must be your brother who called him. You know, here in Rongcheng, there aren¡¯t many people who can give Mu Yichen orders."


    Jing Qing went straight to Jing Feng¡¯s office, and when Jing Feng returned from work, he saw her sitting on the couch with red-rimmed eyes.


    "What are you doing here?"


    "Do you have some sort of agreement with Mu Yichen?"


    "Why are you suddenly asking this?"


    Jing Feng, dressed in his formal attire, looked exceptionally stern and composed as he sat behind his desk, legs crossed, his shrewd eyes fixed on his sister, guessing at her thoughts as he took off his coat.


    "Mr. Zhang said that Mu Yichen has never approached him, and that it¡¯s been you contacting him all these years."


    "Indeed, that¡¯s the truth."


    Jing Feng didn¡¯t deny it at all, but Jing Qing stood up from the couch, marched over to him, and demanded, "By what right?"


    "By what right? Simply because I¡¯m your brother. I can¡¯t bear to see you get hurt. Since it¡¯s already come to this, I¡¯ll tell you everything. From the beginning, Mu Yichen had no intention of marrying you. He never really did anything significant for you. It¡¯s just that your brother saved his life once, and all he¡¯s done since then has been to repay that debt."


    Jing Qing stared at her brother in shock, as Jing Feng appeared too cold, too pragmatic. Suddenly, she felt as if she were in a nightmare¡ªthat this wasn¡¯t real. Mu Yichen had always been protecting her; perhaps he didn¡¯t love her, but there certainly was a bond of childhood sweethearts between them.


    "The things I told you a few days ago were also Mu Yichen¡¯s words. He truly sees you only as a sister, and if you keep being single-minded, you might not even remain a sister to him."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Aren¡¯t you the one who¡¯s been blocking Qin Mu¡¯s opportunities? You buy up every apartment she wants to rent."


    Jing Qing finally regained some composure but couldn¡¯t help snorting coldly, "So what? Didn¡¯t she still steal my advertisement spot?"


    "Mr. Zhang told me that it was you who kept refusing." Jing Feng looked at his sister with a troubled heart.


    "So what? It was my advertisement spot. Why did she get to take it? What makes her qualified?"


    "You don¡¯t want it, yet you won¡¯t let others have it either. Jing Qing, our family may have a good background, but we can¡¯t tolerate such willfulness." Jing Feng was angry but restrained himself, tapping hard on the desk with his finger.


    "Me, willful? Do you think she, Qin Mu, isn¡¯t willful?"


    "So what? The woman Mu Yichen dotes on is called Qin Mu, not Jing Qing."


    "That¡¯s not true. Only I am worthy of him. Qin Mu is at best a mistress, a home wrecker." After saying this, Jing Qing left.


    Jing Feng helplessly raised his hand to his forehead and picked up his phone to dial a number: "Xiaoqing knows everything now, but I fear she won¡¯t let it go so easily."


    Mu Yichen ended the call and, hearing the scribbling of a pencil on paper, couldn¡¯t help but look up. Holding his phone, he walked over to her: "What¡¯s the theme this time?"


    "Old times!" she said softly, poking at her temple with the end of her pencil in deep thought when she couldn¡¯t continue drawing.


    He sat down beside her and gently pulled her into his arms, looking at the drawing paper in her hand and then back at her. Qin Mu also looked up at him.


    "Whose old times?"


    He asked softly, gazing at her, undisturbed by the media swarm outside.

 Chapter 39 Illegitimate Daughter (2) Edit_1

    Chapter 39: 39 Illegitimate Daughter (2) Edit_1


    "The person who wants me to design a dress with this theme is reminiscing about the old times!"


    "What about you?" he asked, gazing at her beautiful face with tender affection.


    Qin Mu, seeing the look in his eyes, reflexively rose from his embrace and straddled his knees.


    Her hands rested on his shoulders, pressing herself against his sturdy chest, and she held his face, looking at him seductively, "Compared to the old times, I yearn for a beautiful future even more."


    His hands gently caressed her slender waist as he looked up at her with eyes brimming with burgeoning desire, "Is that so?"


    "I should go see if Huanhuan has woken up," she suddenly realized this wasn¡¯t appropriate and, with a quick turn of her eyes, tried to escape from his lap.


    "You should coax me first."


    Her slender body was held tight, unable to move, as if the sound of his voice, as melodious as a cello, made her heart flutter.


    "Why?"


    "Because I need you more than she does right now."


    The sofa was clearly uncomfortable, yet he seemed to really enjoy it.


    It was as if every time they were together on that sofa...


    Hmm, Qin Mu thought it must be psychological.


    After lunch, she stood by the window frowning at the troubling view: "I still need to visit the studio today, what should I do?"


    "I¡¯ll have someone handle it."


    He stood behind her, and dialing his phone as he spoke.


    Qin Mu turned to look at him; with just a few words, he ended the call, then turned to her, "We leave in an hour."


    "Really?" Qin Mu couldn¡¯t believe it.


    "Mhm!"


    In these past few days, Mu Yichen had taken up the role of a nanny, and Qin Mu, along with Xiaomei, increasingly met at the house on the other side that boasted clear hills and fresh waters, where opening a door revealed a lush, green vista.


    From negotiation to contract signing and payment, it didn¡¯t take long at all, and it was not until she held the purchase contract in her hands that her heart felt settled. After seeing off the previous owner of the house, she turned to look at the two-story villa and suddenly burst out laughing.


    From now on, this was where she would start her career.


    "Qinqin, this place is as beautiful as a fairyland."


    Faced with the beautiful scenery before her, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but sigh, a sign of relaxation and joy from finally achieving her heart¡¯s desire.


    Before long, Jian Yan sent people over to her, and thus she settled down in Rong City.


    There weren¡¯t many changes made to the house, just the addition of some desks, sofas, and the tools they needed.


    One morning after a meeting, visitors came knocking; as the staff warmly received the guests, Qin Mu peered down from the second floor and unintentionally caught sight of Qin Haiming¡¯s wife.


    The woman looked up and also saw her.


    Eyes locked, neither of them recognized nor ceded ground to the other.


    A staff member brought tea to the parlor, and Qin Mu, sitting at the head, watched the woman who kept staring intently at her, amused. Surely eyes couldn¡¯t kill, so why stare for so long¡ªdidn¡¯t her eyes get dry?


    "How much money do you want?"


    The woman was very direct.


    "Do I look like someone who lacks money?" Qin Mu picked up a coffee cup, flashing a sharp glance before a sip, and lightly laughed.


    "Then what¡¯s your purpose?"


    "Are you referring to the incident with my mother?"


    "Why else would I come looking for you?"


    "My mother was the first woman Qin Haiming married, the Qin Family¡¯s eldest daughter-in-law. As for my purpose, should I not be the one asking what purpose a mistress like you has?"


    "You..."


    "How did you seduce Qin Haiming back then, what despicable means did you use to get pregnant with his child, and how did you force him to marry you?"


    Qin Haiming¡¯s current wife was left speechless, her face turning pale.


    She hadn¡¯t expected to be the one pressing Qin Mu, only to end up being aggressively silenced by her.


    Qin Mu set down her coffee cup and looked up at the woman, her sharp eyes overlooking the pale-faced woman, arrogantly scrutinizing every expression on her face.


    "If you move my mother¡¯s grave out of the Qiao Family¡¯s cemetery, are you not afraid her ghost will come looking for you? Imagine if before the breast cancer takes you, you¡¯re already locked away by my mother¡¯s spirit. Are you sure you want to compete with a dead person?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s words were imposing, yet she spoke with feigned composure, smiling faintly at the end, "You won¡¯t win, unless Qin Haiming loves you."


    "You, you, you have no right to say he doesn¡¯t love me!"


    "The one he loves was my mother."


    The woman angrily stood up from the sofa, trembling as she tried to contain herself, barely managing a forced laugh, which appeared incredibly ugly, almost as if she didn¡¯t believe her own words: "He loves me, otherwise how could your mother be dead?"


    "My mother is dead because she was too troubled, not because Qin Haiming stopped loving her. From the beginning to the end, his love was for her, a fact that couldn¡¯t be clearer to you and me."

 Chapter 40 - 39 Illegitimate Daughter (2) Edit_2

    Chapter 40: 39 Illegitimate Daughter (2) Edit_2


    "You¡¯re talking nonsense!"


    Qin Mu also stood up, but poised and graceful, "You know in your heart whether I¡¯m talking nonsense or not. Anyway, if anyone dares to touch my mother¡¯s grave, I¡¯ll dig up their ancestors¡¯ graves for eight generations. Just wait and see."


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes were sharp, keen enough to make anyone believe her.


    "Fine, let¡¯s wait and see. I do want to see how you, a child who was abandoned by him long ago, compare to us mother and daughter in Qin Haiming¡¯s heart."


    Mrs. Qin left in a huff, and Qin Mu, standing before the sofa, did not move; she was immersed in thought.


    In her heart, Qin Mu actually knew that her father loved her mother; it was just that he hadn¡¯t resisted temptation.


    She had to admit that her mother¡¯s death was in vain, and she also had to admit that Qin Haiming had once loved her mother, and not the woman who had just come in.


    Afterward, she sat down again, slowly picking up her coffee to take a gentle sip.


    She thought there would be many more people coming to see her soon.


    Fortunately, she was well prepared.


    Later, Xiaomei came in from outside, knocked on the door and opened it herself. Peeking in at Qin Mu drinking coffee, she let out a sigh of relief, "Was that your dad¡¯s young wife?"


    Upon hearing this, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, looking up at Xiaomei, "She was married in an official ceremony, after all."


    "Pfft, she¡¯s still a homewrecker."


    Qin Mu raised an eyebrow; she agreed with that statement.


    "How did she know about our studio?" Xiaomei asked curiously.


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze flickered, but she preferred that as few people as possible knew about this place.


    Other than the clients coming to her for designs, she didn¡¯t want to see any uninvited guests.


    "I don¡¯t know!" She guessed it might have been Qin Mingzhu who told her, but she wasn¡¯t sure. She just thought that Qin Mingzhu, who was always glued to Jing Qing, must have heard something from her.


    If she wasn¡¯t mistaken, Jing Qing was probably still having someone secretly monitor her.


    Later she heard that Jing Qing went to see Mr. Zhang, accusing her, Qin Mu, of stealing Jing Qing¡¯s advertisement. However, just a few days ago, Jing Qing had promptly become a spokesperson for another perfume brand, one that was an international product rivaling the one Qin Mu was working with.


    "Qinqin, Mr. Mu and the little princess are here."


    A colleague came to report, and Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help but giggle, "Mr. Mu really comes every day, punctually."


    Qin Mu glanced at her, holding back a smile as she got up to meet Mr. Mu and his precious daughter.


    She had to admit, Mr. Mu was indeed very punctual every day. Qin Mu stepped out to see him standing in front of a painting, looking up at it with his hands behind his back, his tall figure accentuated by a black suit, looking so handsome that she was captivated.


    "Mommy!"


    Huanhuan, holding a lollipop, ran towards Qin Mu as soon as she saw her.


    Qin Mu squatted down to catch her, "Eating candy again? Be careful, or worms will grow in your tummy."


    "For you!"


    Huanhuan immediately placed the lollipop to Qin Mu¡¯s lips, obscuring her face.


    Looking at the tall man, Huanhuan turned and smiled sweetly at him, as if to say she bought it for her mommy with his money.


    Qin Mu stood up slowly, holding Huanhuan¡¯s hand, Mr. Mu approached, and as they faced each other, Qin Mu glanced at the pink lollipop and then at him, her voice tinged with shyness and embarrassment, "You didn¡¯t really buy this for me, did you? I¡¯m not a child."


    "You¡¯re harder to please than a child."


    His voice was gentle, but Qin Mu was deeply embarrassed, and those around couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    "Back to work, everyone," she said sternly, feigning seriousness.


    The deep, dark eyes watched her blush, refusing to look away.


    Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, Qin Mu had no choice but to lower her head to Huanhuan, "Mommy will take you upstairs to play, okay?"


    "Qinqin, Qinqin, we haven¡¯t played with Huanhuan for a long time. Without Mr. Mu, let¡¯s take Huanhuan to play for a while, huh?"


    Xiaomei hurried over with a female colleague, whisking Huanhuan away.


    Qin Mu...


    "So, may I join you upstairs for a visit?"


    ¡ª


    Mr. Mu indeed visited her office, for the fifth time.


    After closing the door, Qin Mu turned to look at him, "Don¡¯t you think you and your daughter come here a bit too often? People who don¡¯t know might think this is your home."


    "What¡¯s the difference?" he asked her, glancing at the photos of her and Huanhuan on her desk and unconsciously frowning.


    "Of course, there¡¯s a difference," Qin Mu said, looking up at him.


    "Isn¡¯t the difference just the absence of a kitchen that can cook?"


    Qin Mu...


    "I¡¯ve got an interview with the media this afternoon. Do you want to join me?"

 Chapter 41 - 39 Illegitimate Daughter (2) Edit_3

    Chapter 41: 39 Illegitimate Daughter (2) Edit_3


    "Ah?"


    "The matter concerning Huanhuan can¡¯t just be left unresolved."


    "Then you plan to..."


    "Tell the truth!"


    He picked up the desk ornament, his frown deepening even more.


    "Tell the truth?"


    "Say that we felt a connection with her, so we adopted her from the orphanage."


    "This... Otherwise, let¡¯s just drop it, a love child is a love child!


    "How can that be okay? I don¡¯t care, but don¡¯t you care about your own reputation?" He turned to look at her and gently put the ornament back in its place.


    "How can it not be okay? I¡¯ve always treated Huanhuan as my own daughter."


    "But she is indeed not our biological child."


    The two were about to clash when Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare to argue with him any further and, feeling agitated, simply lowered her head and walked to the side, biting her lip forcefully, deep in thought.


    Not biological, not biological, are you stupid? She clearly looks so much like you.


    Qin Mu was so angry she was almost driven insane, but she didn¡¯t dare to show it.


    Mu Yichen walked over and gently wrapped his arms around her soft, slender waist from behind: "How about you join me for the interview this afternoon?"


    "I don¡¯t want to!"


    She rejected the idea without a second thought.


    "But everyone already knows we live together. Since you plan on a secret marriage, at least let people think we are at the stage of discussing marriage. It¡¯s better than letting them write nonsense every day." He continued, coaxing her softly.


    Qin Mu¡¯s big eyes drooped, but her mind was clear.


    "I don¡¯t want to, you can say whatever you want to them, they can write whatever they want, I simply don¡¯t care about any of it."


    She pushed his hands away and then went to stand farther off, her thoughts lingering on Huanhuan. If he went to the media and said Huanhuan was a child they adopted...


    Ha ha ha, she found it amusing to think of Huanhuan one day learning her father treated her like an adopted child. She reckoned Huanhuan would laugh herself to death.


    She wondered what Mu Yichen¡¯s mood would be then.


    She thought, even if Mu Yichen didn¡¯t know for these few years, he would have to find out sooner or later, maybe many years later, or after they broke up. Even if he still hadn¡¯t realized, she would have to let him know everything.


    In any case, it seemed like things were starting to move out of rhythm. Every time she deviated from the original plan, she felt like things were spiraling out of control, feeling irritated, tense, and uneasy.


    Mu Yichen frowned, "If you¡¯re not going, let it be. You say you don¡¯t care about anything?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Replace the photo with one of the three of us from a while back."


    Qin Mu...


    By the time she turned around, he had already slammed the door and left.


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze instinctively went to the desk ornament...


    That afternoon, she watched the live broadcast in her office.


    The reporter wasn¡¯t someone she knew, and the subtitle read "Zhuo Xing."


    Reporter: "So, Mr. Mu means that this young girl is your biological daughter?"


    Mr. Mu: "Correct!"


    Reporter: ¡ª¡ª "So, this young girl is indeed the child of you and Miss Qin?"


    Mr. Mu: "Yes!"


    The reporter straightened his back, clearly frightened by his chilling gaze.


    The surrounding staff dared not approach. When he agreed, the expression on his face showed not a hint of a father¡¯s joy, but instead, indifference.


    The reporter also fell silent for a while before gently asking, "Since President Mu has already fathered a daughter with Miss Qin, why not marry? Have you ever considered giving them the legitimacy of being your family?"


    President Mu raised his eyes, a grim look shooting towards the female reporter as she clutched the microphone tightly, fearing it might damage her reputation. Suddenly, President Mu scoffed, "What I think doesn¡¯t matter; you need to ask the leading lady."


    "So you mean, it¡¯s not that President Mu is unwilling, but the lady is the one who disagrees?"


    "Indeed! However, we are currently cohabiting!"


    Mu Yichen reluctantly raised his eyebrows, his smile tinged with bitterness.


    "It seems like the good news is not far off. When did the two of you meet? Could you share a bit more with us?"


    "When she was just born!"


    "Childhood sweethearts?"


    The reporter had heard rumors but was still pleasantly surprised to hear it confirmed by Mu Yichen himself.


    "Yes!"


    "Alright, thank you, President Mu, for cooperating with this interview. We will report the truth!"


    After the interview, the reporter left with her team. Once they were out the door, everyone was wiping cold sweat and heaving sighs of relief.


    Mu Yichen remained seated in his office, not moving. He sat there for a long time afterward, gazing up at the familiar sky outside.


    He could never bring himself to be harsh on Qin Mu.


    He had indeed prearranged today¡¯s interview; he couldn¡¯t let her handle certain matters as she wished.


    But the thought of her feelings, of her unfortunate experiences, he really feared she would get hurt, become scared, and be unable to continue being with him so calmly and breezily.


    As for Huanhuan¡¯s matters, he wanted her to have a beautiful childhood!


    Meanwhile, Qin Mu was so shocked in the office that she couldn¡¯t move; he said Huanhuan was their daughter? He said they were cohabiting?


    Then why didn¡¯t he just say that they were already legally married?


    The man who was always so prideful and domineering, the man who always controlled the situation, why didn¡¯t he disclose their marriage when it came to that?


    Why did he make himself seem so affectionate?


    When she first returned, her thoughts were simple; she was sure she couldn¡¯t escape his clutches, might as well fulfill his wishes and live with him, then use his influence in Rongcheng as a backer. But now...


    But his interview had relieved her quite a bit. The more he showed on the outside, the less she felt indebted to him.


    It wasn¡¯t until Huanhuan and Xiaomei crept up behind her and scared her with a loud shout that she was nearly frightened out of her wits.


    "Mommy! Haha!"


    "Qinqin, are you okay?" Xiaomei asked with concern, seeing her pale.


    "I¡¯m fine!" Qin Mu replied softly and then forcefully lifted Huanhuan onto her lap, "How have you become so mischievous?"


    "Haha, Mommy, Mommy!"


    Huanhuan kept squeezing her face and calling her.


    Huanhuan¡¯s eyes were crescent-shaped when she smiled and especially sparkling.


    The media in Rongcheng was in turmoil that afternoon.


    Some people¡¯s homes were silent as death that afternoon.


    Some people went mad with frenzy that afternoon.


    Naturally, there were also those who watched the drama unfold and offered their blessings.


    Mu Yichen remained sitting in the office until he thought of their baby, soon to belong to both of them; then his mood lightened a bit.


    By the time he left, the sky had already quietly darkened. He dialed Qin Mu¡¯s number: "Wait for me in the studio!"

 Chapter 42 - 40 I love you the most_1

    Chapter 42: 40 I love you the most_1


    Perhaps it was the gradually warming weather, but the city seemed to become lively and crowded.


    The mother and daughter squatted at the doorstep of the studio, both craning their necks as they watched the black luxury sedan approach.


    "Daddy!"


    Huanhuan was even more eager, sticking out her little butt as soon as the car stopped, waiting for Mu Yichen to get out before immediately chasing after him.


    "Sigh!"


    Qin Mu sat on the wooden steps, sighing helplessly as her precious daughter had her heart so easily stolen away by him.


    Mu Yichen bent down to pick up Huanhuan, his eyes instinctively softening: missed me?


    "Miss Daddy, Daddy kissy!"


    Huanhuan held his face with both hands, tilting her head up to plant a kiss on his cheek.


    Mu Yichen, tickled by the kiss, didn¡¯t dodge. His gaze unintentionally lingered on the one still sitting across.


    "Because of you, she doesn¡¯t even kiss me anymore!"


    "Don¡¯t worry, the one I love most will always be you!"


    Qin Mu, initially feeling jealous, felt awkward as if she was competing with her daughter for him and lowered her eyes.


    Because it was late, the three of them went to the hotel to dine together.


    As soon as the interview was broadcasted, the rumor that Huanhuan was the hotel¡¯s little miss became fact, and immediately, a group of staff members surrounded her, eager to please.


    Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan happened to be there for a drink and pulled the couple up to the club on the upper floor.


    Qin Mu stood in front of the glass screen looking down, thinking that a fall from here would certainly splatter her into a messy pulp.


    The night sky was deep, and everyone settled into the sofas, with the starry sky sprawling beside them.


    "What were you thinking just now?" Mu Yichen asked softly, turning to the woman who sat down beside him.


    "Thinking that if I fell from here, the way I¡¯d die would look very grisly!"


    The two men across were just lifting their glasses when they heard this and almost choked, while Mu Yichen looked at her helplessly.


    "Hehe, I was just thinking aloud." Qin Mu, knowing she made the atmosphere awkward, immediately explained with a silly laugh.


    "Xiaomu, it doesn¡¯t matter if you joke like this in front of us, but if outsiders hear it, they might think something tragic really happened here."


    Ever since Jiang Zhiyuan sparred with Qin Mu, he seemed to have grown quite close to her and no longer seemed to mind her presence, even starting to give her advice.


    Mu Yichen glanced at Jiang Zhiyuan and then looked at Qin Mu: Have a drink?


    "How about a shared cup of wine?"


    Qin Mu was joking, but he took her seriously, his mischievous eyes fixed on her, chuckling as he intertwined his arm with hers.


    Jiang Zhiyuan and Qiao Yi felt their hearts bleeding from the torment.


    "That¡¯s enough from you two, there are single dogs here," Jiang Zhiyuan reminded sourly.


    But Mu Yichen didn¡¯t care, captivated by her clear, watery eyes, he instinctively leaned in.


    Her delicate chin was clasped in his hand, and without regard for others, he claimed her lips directly.


    After the kiss, he pulled her up contentedly, and then turned to the people opposite: What were you saying just now?


    Jiang Zhiyuan...


    Qin Mu awkwardly turned her gaze to the window, the scent of alcohol sweet on her lips, yet her throat felt somewhat fresh and cool.


    "I have a question!" Qiao Yi suddenly turned serious.


    "Speak up!" Mu Yichen said calmly as he sipped his drink.


    "Is Huanhuan truly your biological daughter?"


    "Yes!"


    "No!"


    After they spoke, they exchanged looks of surprise, as if neither had anticipated such a result.


    "So, is she or isn¡¯t she?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s mouth twitched, their answers were wildly inconsistent.


    "No!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even think before he replied again.


    Qin Mu could only close his mouth again, leisurely looking out the window.


    Qiao Yi laughed helplessly, "That little girl looks a lot like you, especially those eyes and mouth."


    Mu Yichen instinctively looked up at Qiao Yi, who touched his own mouth when he mentioned it, while Mu Yichen watched him without speaking, almost as if he could see right through him.


    Qiao Yi instinctively looked towards Qin Mu and, noticing her displeasure, just smiled and refrained from saying anything more.


    "Speaking of which, it doesn¡¯t matter whether the child is yours or not, since she calls you ¡¯mom and dad,¡¯ Yichen, don¡¯t you plan to go get a certificate with our Xiaomu? To give Huanhuan a home?" Jiang Zhiyuan raised his eyebrows suggestively at him.


    Mu Yichen turned his gaze to Qin Mu, who was still looking outside as if she hadn¡¯t heard their conversation.


    Her agile eyes immediately looked towards the distant screen, accidentally meeting those evasive eyes.


    Suddenly, like an arrow shot with lightning speed, it pierced through that thin barrier and straight into the depths of her eyes.


    "We¡¯re already discussing marriage, get your wallets ready!"


    Mu Yichen forcibly pulled her into his arms, his dominance leaving no room for her resistance.


    "We¡¯re getting married, and as your best brothers, shouldn¡¯t they give us big red envelopes?"


    "Of course!"


    "Hehe!"


    Qin Mu laughingly joined the other two, their laughter sending chills down their spines.


    After they left, Qiao Yi, holding a glass of wine, leaned back on the sofa and said to Jiang Zhiyuan, "Let¡¯s make a bet, shall we?"


    "Hmm? On what?"


    "Bet that the little girl is the biological daughter of Young Master Mu."


    Qiao Yi declared confidently.


    "What? How is that possible?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s face was exaggerated, his voice faltering as if Qiao Yi¡¯s words had frightened him.


    "You in or not?"


    "Fine, I¡¯ll take that bet. I say she is definitely not."


    "Good, I bet she is!"


    "You have quite the imagination, how could the child be Young Master Mu¡¯s? What woman would have his child and not let them acknowledge each other as father and daughter?"


    "The lover is often blind!" Qiao Yi said, taking a sip of his drink, reveling in the drama to come.


    On the way there, Huanhuan had fallen asleep. After getting out of the car, Mu Yichen took the initiative to hold her while Qin Mu followed with the bags.


    After exiting the elevator and unlocking the door, Mu Yichen carried Huanhuan upstairs to change her clothes.


    Qin Mu stood by watching, biting her lip in embarrassment.


    When she first had Huanhuan, she hadn¡¯t even dared to touch her, let alone change her clothes, yet he managed these intricate tasks effortlessly.


    "How come you¡¯re so good at changing kids¡¯ clothes? Don¡¯t tell me you were born with the skill?"


    Qin Mu followed him into the bedroom and asked.


    "It was learned," he turned and looked at her.


    They stood by the doorway, Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes fixated on her, as if to say he had practiced on her.


    As if understanding, Qin Mu lightly licked her lips and smiled politely, "Should I go take a shower first?"


    "What¡¯s the rush?"


    Mu Yichen grabbed her, standing against the wall, their gaze smoldering.


    "Are you thinking about it again?"


    Qin Mu winked suggestively at him, her hands stealthily sliding into his shirt.

 Chapter 43 - 41 Maximum DNA Identification_1

    Chapter 43: 41 Maximum DNA Identification_1


    "You seem to understand me more and more!"


    His deep black eyes stared at the girl beneath him.


    He leaned against the wall and did not move.


    "Of course I understand you!"


    She leaned against the edge of the wall, her footsteps moving slightly forward, stopping at his feet.


    Her hand reached behind his back, and her chin rested on his chest.


    Mu Yichen slightly squinted his eyes, raising his hand to gently caress her arm, the shirt sleeve loose.


    He chuckled softly, a strong flame in the dark depths of his eyes.


    "Don¡¯t understand?"


    Mu Yichen laughed softly, his hands gently grasping her slender waist.


    "Mhm!"


    "Then I need to teach you a profound lesson."


    The night was tranquil, and later, the bed was filled with love.


    In the middle of the night, he wrapped his arms around Qin Mu under the covers and asked in a low voice, "Don¡¯t you want to ask me about the interview?"


    "Mhm! You have your reasons!"


    Qin Mu, lying with her head on his chest, drew circles, then lifted her eyes to look at him.


    Mu Yichen smiled gently, unsure if it was trust or indifference that she felt.


    Seeing the profoundness in his eyes, Qin Mu suddenly panicked in her heart: Don¡¯t overthink it!


    "Overthink what? Do you know what I¡¯m thinking?" he asked her in a low voice, smiling at her all the while.


    Qin Mu let go of him and lay on her side, her almond eyes bravely meeting his: I don¡¯t know, I don¡¯t know that female reporter.


    At last, Mu Yichen truly smiled happily: Jealous?


    "Would you do something to make me jealous?" Qin Mu asked him, looking up, her eyes filled with belief.


    "I might!"


    Qin Mu suddenly found herself speechless, just silently staring at him.


    "I hope you¡¯ll never force me to do something that makes you unhappy, never."


    He lifted his hand to lightly stroke her cheek, his gaze warm.


    Yet Qin Mu¡¯s heart trembled, perhaps fearing that day might indeed come, a day when they would be irretrievably estranged.


    "If you were that cruel to me, I would definitely be very sad!"


    This tenderness was not forceful but rather teasing, as if a warning.


    After breakfast, Mu Yichen had to leave early for work, and just as she and Huanhuan were about to go out, they saw the matriarch of the Mu Family arrive as the door opened.


    "Auntie, you... Mu Yichen has gone to work!"


    Seeing Feng Fanghua made Qin Mu somewhat nervous.


    "I am not here to see him; I came to see you and your daughter."


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s tone was exceptionally cold when she spoke to her, but when she looked down at the little girl by her side, she suddenly smiled: Huanhuan, do you still recognize Grandma?


    Qin Mu just stared blankly, making sure she wasn¡¯t dreaming.


    "If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d like to take Huanhuan out for some fun."


    Feng Fanghua touched Huanhuan¡¯s cheek and then looked up at her as she spoke.


    Qin Mu felt a little panic inside, but laughed instead: Sure!


    "Should I bring her back to you in the evening?" Feng Fanghua asked, pulling Huanhuan¡¯s hand closer to herself.


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, then nodded.


    "Huanhuan, would you like to go to the amusement park with Grandma? Grandpa will be there too," Feng Fanghua coaxed, bending down and looking at the little girl with affection.


    Huanhuan subconsciously looked up at her mommy for help and only nodded after she saw Qin Mu smiling at her.


    Watching Feng Fanghua walk away with Huanhuan, Qin Mu unconsciously licked her lips and then turned back to look inside the house.


    She felt that something was not right, but she couldn¡¯t quite figure out what it was.


    She went back in to pick up some materials she had left behind and then headed straight out the door.


    Zhao Huai was waiting for her downstairs. She was out of sorts in the car, prompting Zhao Huai, who could not help his curiosity, to ask, "Where¡¯s Huanhuan?"


    "Mu Yichen¡¯s mother took her away."


    Zhao Huai...


    He had just driven over when he saw a car that seemed to belong to the Mu Family. At the time, he thought he was seeing things because the old lady in the back was pampering a little girl. But hearing Qin Mu confirming it now made him realize it was real, and the more he thought about it, the stranger it seemed, his little heart thumping wildly.


    Helian Hao found time to see her that morning and was shocked to hear that the child had been taken by the Mu Family. He stared at her: "You¡¯re saying you let the elders of the Mu Family take Huanhuan away? Aren¡¯t you afraid there¡¯s some trickery behind it?"


    "What trickery could there be? At most, they would take Huanhuan to the hospital for a DNA test!"


    Helian Hao, shocked, looked at her and was suddenly lost for words, laughing foolishly at her calm and composed demeanor.


    With a resigned sigh, Qin Mu said, "That time, I told Mu Yichen¡¯s mother that the child was my own. I guess she suspects that Huanhuan is Mu Yichen¡¯s daughter."


    "So, Huanhuan, is she really Mu Yichen¡¯s child?"


    "Yes!"


    Helian Hao...


    Qin Mu walked over and hugged her shoulder: "Sorry for keeping this from you for so long! But please don¡¯t freak out, okay?"


    "You¡¯re the one freaking out. I¡¯ve guessed it a long time ago. It¡¯s just that you were so adamant about not telling," Helian Hao immediately gave her a white look.


    Although Helian Hao had suspected it for a long time, her heart still skipped a beat hearing Qin Mu¡¯s confirmation.


    "I won¡¯t blame you for keeping this from me, with me not being by your side all these years, making you feel a lack of trust. But from now on, you¡¯re not allowed to keep anything from me, got it?"


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu softly agreed, understanding in her heart that Helian Hao might become her only close friend in Rongcheng for many years to come.


    "So tell me, when did you and he... when did this happen with Huanhuan?" Helian Hao suddenly felt gossipy again.


    "That year in Paris, he suddenly came to my apartment and lost his temper, and then Huanhuan was conceived."


    Helian Hao...


    This explanation was truly perfunctory.


    However, because it seemed so perfunctory, it made Helian Hao realize how tough those years abroad had been for her.


    "Then why didn¡¯t you tell Mu Yi that Huanhuan is his daughter?"


    "The day I took Huanhuan to him and let her call him daddy, would you believe he foolishly didn¡¯t dare to acknowledge her? Later I thought of some things and just went along with his thinking and made up a story about adopting her from an orphanage."


    Qin Mu truly found it amusing and explained in a rather insouciant manner.


    "Ah, Mu Yi has always been clever but was muddled this once, wasn¡¯t he? He probably never imagined such a huge windfall would fall from the sky."


    Qin Mu...


    "You can¡¯t say that. He probably just didn¡¯t expect to hit the jackpot with a single shot."


    Qin Mu...


    "Mu Yi really is pitiable, hahaha!"


    "Why are you so happy if you think he¡¯s pitiable?"


    Qin Mu looked at Helian Hao burst into laughter and couldn¡¯t resist asking curiously. This woman was truly too much.


    "Uh! Don¡¯t you think he¡¯s foolish? To not even recognize his own daughter."


    Qin Mu...


    "But if the Mu Family elders find out Huanhuan¡¯s identity, will they tell Mu Yi? Then you¡¯re done for. Mu Yi will definitely be furious and might thrash you to death."


    Qin Mu...

 Chapter 44 - 42 I bet he can’t bear to _1

    Chapter 44: 42 I bet he can¡¯t bear to _1


    "How about we make a bet? I bet if Mu Yichen finds out about Huanhuan¡¯s origins, he might just beat you to death."


    "I bet he won¡¯t have the heart to!"


    Watching Helian Hao suddenly act all cheap and sly, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but remind him in a suppressed voice, Helian Hao...


    "Do you have to be so confident? It¡¯s not like he has never been cruel to you except in bed, right?"


    "Mhm!"


    Later, Helian Hao was driven away by her, yet she couldn¡¯t focus on her drawings in the office.


    Would the Mu Family take the child to the amusement park or the hospital?


    If the Mu Family really found out about Huanhuan¡¯s identity, would they tell Mu Yichen?


    Her only bargaining chip was herself, and because the Mu Family didn¡¯t like her, they probably wouldn¡¯t tell Mu Yichen about the child.


    Tired, she leaned her back against the chair, gently stroking the pen in her hand back and forth.


    If Mu Yichen found out...


    Then she would just leave it to fate. On her way here today, she had thought, what could Mu Yichen do if he found out?


    At least it would be good fortune for Huanhuan. Knowing Mu Yichen, he would definitely dote on Huanhuan.


    As for her, if it¡¯s meant to be a blessing, it won¡¯t be a disaster, and if it¡¯s destined to be a disaster, there¡¯s no avoiding it!


    ---


    Indeed, Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua had taken the child to the hospital. The hospital director was very familiar with their family and merely laughed after laying eyes on Huanhuan: You all really don¡¯t need to do this DNA test!


    The two elders looked at each other, having felt a certain way from the first time they saw Huanhuan. Both were incredibly excited deep down and, if not for the girl¡¯s connection to Qin Mu, they might have acknowledged her as theirs right then and there.


    "Still, let¡¯s just do it, for peace of mind," Feng Fanghua said softly, gently kissing Huanhuan in her arms.


    Huanhuan, hugging a big doll, looked up at her grandma and also kissed her on the face, making Feng Fanghua smile as sweetly as if she had eaten honey.


    "Who would have thought that girl would secretly give birth to such a little treasure outside?"


    Feng Fanghua said, embracing Huanhuan.


    "Maybe she came prepared!" Mu Zihao sighed softly.


    "It¡¯s all for your son, after all. There are so many women in the world lining up for him; it¡¯s not surprising."


    "But from what I see, if it really was for Mu, it wasn¡¯t for the money."


    The couple looked up at the hospital director sitting across from them: If it was for money, she could have come back as soon as the child was born. Why wait for more than two years? It¡¯s not easy for a woman to raise a child on her own.


    After thinking for a while, Feng Fanghua then spoke in a low, cold voice: I probably know what¡¯s going on, but that girl is too cunning.


    Mu Zihao glanced at his wife, and because they were outside, he didn¡¯t ask further: Then let¡¯s go, we shouldn¡¯t disturb Director Wang¡¯s work.


    "Mhm!"


    "Alright, I¡¯ll call you immediately when the results come out."


    The hospital director was very polite.


    The couple carried the child out of the hospital, immediately got in their own car, and drove straight to a decent private restaurant.


    Mu Yichen happened to be dining out with Jing Feng, and when they heard that the two were there, they went over to say hello. Mu Yichen was genuinely taken aback when he saw Huanhuan: Why did you bring her here?


    After seeing him, the old couple exchanged a glance, and then Feng Fanghua said indifferently: What¡¯s the matter? You¡¯re not giving us grandchildren, so can¡¯t we borrow one to play with?


    Mu Yichen actually found himself at a loss for words and just watched the couple holding Huanhuan with such affection, somewhat puzzled.


    "Does Qin Mu know?" he asked, almost reflexively.


    "We¡¯re not child traffickers. If you¡¯re worried, just call her," Feng Fanghua said, unable to stand it when he immediately brought up Qin Mu, always protecting her, as if afraid others would slight her.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say much more, took another look at the little girl eating, then softly closed the door and went out, actually calling Qin Mu.


    It took a while before someone answered. Qin Mu and Xiaomei were eating fast food at a nearby restaurant, and Xiaomei had run to bring her her phone from the restroom.


    "Why did it take you so long to answer?"


    He hated having to wait for her to pick up the phone.


    "What¡¯s up?"


    Qin Mu held the phone to her ear, standing off to the side.


    "Did you have Mom and Dad take Huanhuan out?"


    Mu Yichen asked, his mother¡¯s words making him suspicious.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu guessed they must have run into each other.


    "What exactly is going on?"


    "It¡¯s just that your mom came over to our place wanting to take Huanhuan out for a bit, what¡¯s up? Did you run into them?"


    "Yeah, having dinner at Qiantang right now."


    Qin Mu felt flattered!


    Qiantang was a very famous private kitchen in Rongcheng, not somewhere just anyone could get in, yet those old folks actually took her daughter there.


    "Then there¡¯s nothing else!" he said offhandedly.


    "Okay, goodbye!"


    Qin Mu was about to hang up.


    "You¡¯re in such a hurry to say goodbye to me? Aren¡¯t you going to ask if I¡¯ve had dinner yet?"


    "You just said you ran into them at Qiantang, so you must be eating at Qiantang."


    Mu Yichen found himself at a loss for words.


    Remembering Jing Feng was still waiting, he reluctantly went back to the private room.


    After hanging up the phone, Qin Mu let out a sigh of relief, it seemed the old couple already knew, and the thought of her daughter having two more people to love her actually thrilled her a bit.


    "What happened? Who took Huanhuan away?"


    Xiaomei followed her, curiously asking.


    "Huanhuan was taken out to eat by Mu Yichen¡¯s parents!"


    Qin Mu kept walking forward, while Xiaomei, frightened, suddenly stopped dead in her tracks, her expression even more exaggerated.


    "Qinqin, what¡¯s really going on? How come our little princess got taken away by someone else? Was it a kidnapping? Do they want to use Huanhuan to force you out of Rongcheng? I¡¯m telling you, don¡¯t try to handle this on your own, you must tell us, tell Mr. Mu."


    Xiaomei immediately caught up again, and Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    "Qinqin, what are you laughing at? Aren¡¯t you afraid those old folks will try to blackmail you with the child?"


    "The child is their own granddaughter, how would they blackmail me? Would they bear to mistreat their own granddaughter?"


    Qin Mu had no choice but to lay out the facts for her.


    "Right, how could I forget that!"


    Xiaomei slapped her hands together and hurriedly followed Qin Mu back to the dining table to eat.


    She hadn¡¯t been able to concentrate on drawing that morning, but in the afternoon, inspiration suddenly struck, and she couldn¡¯t stop.


    Xiaomei and a colleague stood at the door of her office on the second floor with files in hand, watching her intently drawing inside and listening to the sound of the pencil scratching on the paper, they couldn¡¯t help but feel it was abnormal, just too abnormal!


    "What¡¯s wrong?" her colleague asked curiously.


    "Look at her. Someone¡¯s trying to take her child away, and she¡¯s still in the mood to draw."


    "Who¡¯s trying to take our Huanhuan away?"


    Xiaomei...


    "I didn¡¯t say anything!" she immediately covered her mouth and ran outside upon realizing she was about to spill the beans.


    "Hey, Xiaomei, you haven¡¯t finished your story!" the colleague glanced at the office, feeling conflicted but then decided to chase after Xiaomei for the full story.


    Right before the end of the workday, Qin Mu received a mysterious phone call.


    "Come over to our house!"


    "Okay!"


    She almost instantly recognized the voice as Feng Fanghua¡¯s and subconsciously agreed to Feng Fanghua¡¯s request.

 Chapter 45 - 43 found contraception_1

    Chapter 45: 43 found contraception_1


    She took a taxi to the Mu Family residence and had just arrived at the entrance when she received a call from Mu Yichen asking where she was.


    "I¡¯m going to discuss a contract, I¡¯ll tell you about it when I get back!"


    Qin Mu hung up the phone and entered the mansion, where the butler was waiting for her at the door: Miss Qin, long time no see!


    It was true that she hadn¡¯t seen the old butler the last time she came. Years had passed since their last meeting, and his hair had turned white, but he was still as kind as before.


    The night was refreshing, perhaps the most comfortable time of the year.


    Everything around was quiet, like elders and youngsters greeting each other.


    Qin Mu nodded her head: Are you doing well?


    "Yes, please come in, the master and mistress have been waiting for you."


    Qin Mu politely nodded her head before entering and noticed that inside the living room the couple sat apart, one high and one low, with no sign of Huanhuan.


    "You¡¯re here! Take a seat!"


    Feng Fanghua lifted her eyes slightly and gestured with her chin to the sofa opposite her.


    Qin Mu lowered her head as she walked over, sitting down opposite the elderly couple.


    It was a long conversation, so drawn out that she felt the air was being drained from the room¡ªthe large living room with its high ceilings made the thin oxygen suffocating.


    During the conversation, Mu Yichen called home. Feng Fanghua fobbed him off with a few words and didn¡¯t let Qin Mu and Huanhuan leave until much later.


    But as soon as Qin Mu stepped out of the door, she saw Mu Yichen¡¯s car parked nearby.


    Her heart trembled violently, and a flash of panic crossed her sharp, almond-shaped eyes before she approached with Huanhuan in her arms. He got out of the car to open the door for them, giving her a cold glance without saying anything more.


    But just a steadfast look from him was like a stab in the chest, a fierce one at that.


    The butler, who accompanied her out, was still in shock. It¡¯s rare for someone to reach the family¡¯s doorstep and not enter, and their young master was one of those few.


    Qin Mu put Huanhuan into the safety seat at the back and then seated herself in front. Throughout the journey, Mu Yi didn¡¯t ask anything, and Qin Mu, looking down at the ring on her hand, also remained silent for a long while.


    She was contemplating how to explain to him, and also whether there was any need to explain at all.


    After they got back, he carried Huanhuan up into the building, with Qin Mu following behind. She stopped suddenly as they entered the elevator.


    Huanhuan rested her head on his dependable shoulder as if falling asleep, and he held her gently, his dark hawk-like eyes instinctively looking towards the elevator doors.


    As the elevator doors were about to close, the man holding the child swiftly extended an arm to stop them, his piercing gaze shooting towards the woman standing dazed in the distance.


    Qin Mu snapped back to reality, and with a pounding heart, she immediately moved towards the elevator.


    Then, in the confined space going up to the twelfth floor, something seemed to quietly sink to the dust.


    As the elevator opened with a ¡¯ding¡¯, Qin Mu instinctively looked up, her eyes hollow and sad.


    Mu Yi, however, walked out holding the child without looking back.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what to feel. He didn¡¯t even ask her to open the door; he simply opened it himself, went through, and left her on the outside.


    Qin Mu hesitated for two seconds, her feet feeling as if they were weighed down with a heavy burden, before she followed him inside in the next moment.


    "You go boil some water, I¡¯ll put her to bed."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare say anything else, just feeling very uneasy.


    He didn¡¯t know anything, but it felt scarier than if he had.


    She went to boil water, but she was still so distracted that the kettle was already full.


    The faucet kept running, water relentlessly pouring into the already full kettle.


    When she came back to her senses, she realized it was full, immediately turned it off, wiped it down, and then placed the kettle on the stove.


    When she turned around, she saw him; his hands in his pockets, he was leaning sidelong against the doorway.


    Those dark eyes, powerfully intimidating, bore into her.


    Qin Mu unconsciously swallowed, a nervous motion stirring her lips.


    Mu Yichen turned around, leaning against the door frame as he took a box of cigarettes from his pocket and opened it. He pulled one out, found his lighter, and lit it, drawing in a breath and tilting his head back to exhale a plume of white smoke.


    He wasn¡¯t in a rush for her explanation, but her heart was pounding uncontrollably.


    "Auntie asked me to pick up Huanhuan!"


    "And what else?"


    He lowered his gaze, took a drag on his cigarette, and then turned his cunning eyes back to her.


    "Auntie said she really likes Huanhuan, but she told me to behave myself and not to use Huanhuan to pressure you into being with me."


    Mu Yichen lowered his eyelids and chuckled softly before continuing to smoke in silence.


    He had a devil-may-care attitude when he smoked. Qin Mu stood beside the stove, not daring to get close to him: How did you know I went to your house?


    Without waiting for an answer, he slowly turned and walked towards the outside.


    He was looking down, his shoulders slightly hunched.


    As if he was deep in thought, as if it were a matter of great importance!


    Qin Mu slowly moved to the kitchen door, powerlessly watching the man who walked over to sit down on the sofa, the cigarette now smoked down to more than half.


    He leaned in the sofa, appearing somewhat weary as the hand holding the cigarette pinched the bridge of his nose.


    The thin veil of smoke swirled around him.


    Shortly after, his phone rang, and after he answered, he got up to walk upstairs: Wait here for a moment.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes stayed on him, unsure of what to say to him.


    Mu Yichen opened the drawer of his bedside table, closed it, and then opened it again...


    He didn¡¯t find the documents inside but discovered two boxes of medicine he hadn¡¯t seen before, and the writing on the boxes caught his attention.


    After Qin Mu returned to her room with the documents, she saw the two boxes of medicine lying on the bedside table, and her heart instantly clenched.


    He had already driven away.


    He didn¡¯t come back all night, and the next day¡¯s entertainment news reported that he accompanied Jing Qing to attend a social event out of town.


    As she sat in her office looking at the news, she suddenly remembered their conversation that night. She had asked him if he would do something that would make her jealous, and he had said...


    Yes!


    Indeed, he would!


    And he had done it so quickly!


    She was jealous, overturning the vinegar jar.


    Yet she remained unusually calm, too proud to lose her temper over just a few photos and some lines of the report.


    There she sat, quietly watching, as Jing Qing clasped his arm and shook hands with some high official of an unknown place.


    He acted very gentlemanly.


    The chiseled contour of his face, carefully sculpted, held no warmth but exuded a calm and restrained presence, making people believe he wasn¡¯t the least bit disrespectful.


    Qin Mu accidentally dropped her pen, her eyebrows fell slightly, but she quickly regained her composure.


    She looked at his eyes in the photo, knowing full well what he looked like even though she couldn¡¯t see his face.


    She even thought she knew what his mood was like at that moment¡ªhe must have been annoyed.


    But since he was already there, he played along.


    Who says only actors can act? Everyone has the talent to perform, and everyone is playing a role.


    Later, she slowly leaned back in her chair, breathing softly and slowly.


    She thought again about the day he said he wanted a child. When she agreed to him, it was only to appease him, so she had been secretly taking birth control pills...


    She tried to reach for the armrest of the chair but failed to stretch out her hand several times.


    If she told him they already had Huanhuan, would he still want to have another child with her?

 Chapter 46 - 44 Real Girlfriend_1

    Chapter 46: 44 Real Girlfriend_1


    The next day, Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t returned yet, and Qin Mu felt as if she had been poisoned, so uncomfortable she could barely work.


    Xiaomei stood by watching her throw papers all over the floor, yet didn¡¯t dare to disturb her.


    "Qinqin, a lady claiming to be President Mu¡¯s mother is here to see you."


    It was then that Qin Mu snapped back to reality, subconsciously rising from her chair.


    Feng Fanghua, exuding a strong presence, walked to the door of her office, "I want to talk to you alone."


    Qin Mu glanced at Xiaomei, who nodded and left.


    After Feng Fanghua entered, she looked down at all the papers on the floor, and Qin Mu realized how irritable she had been all morning. She opened her mouth awkwardly, trying to explain but ended up only saying, "Please sit!"


    Feng Fanghua sat on the cyan sofa beside her, examining her for a good while before speaking, "Yichen went on a business trip with Xiaoqing, you¡¯d better not look for him, you hear?"


    Qin Mu unconsciously looked at her but didn¡¯t refute.


    "As long as you don¡¯t interfere with his relationship with Xiaoqing, I won¡¯t care if you remain a lover by his side or whatever."


    "Auntie, do you think, with my personality, I would abase myself to be a man¡¯s lover?"


    Feng Fanghua looked at her incredulously.


    Qin Mu¡¯s large eyes stared at Feng Fanghua, her eyelashes quivering slightly.


    Her demeanor appeared neither servile nor overbearing, yet it exuded a compelling aura.


    "But didn¡¯t you say you didn¡¯t want to marry him?"


    "But now we are together, he doesn¡¯t have another woman, I am his official girlfriend."


    Feng Fanghua...


    "If one day he truly wants to be with Jing Qing, I will leave, and not linger by his side for another minute, my lifelong ambitions do not hinge on a man."


    "You, a girl who has nothing, how can you be so proud?"


    Feng Fanghua was so irritated by her words that she became somewhat incoherent.


    "I just don¡¯t want a woman to die as extreme as my mother did."


    Feng Fanghua...


    "Qin Mu, do you even know your position? If it weren¡¯t for Yichen, do you think you can continue smoothly in Rongcheng?"


    "Fortunately, I have him."


    Qin Mu smiled slightly, she was truly grateful, grateful that he was here.


    Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have returned so quickly.


    "Really... it¡¯s impossible to communicate with you!"


    Feng Fanghua was so angered that she left.


    Qin Mu realized she was quite adept at infuriating people, and also noticed that after Feng Fanghua¡¯s visit and her talk, her mood didn¡¯t seem so sad anymore.


    It seemed... she no longer cared so much...


    Mu Yichen returned to the city that afternoon, with Qiao Yi greeting him at the door. Upon seeing him, Qiao Yi couldn¡¯t help but mockingly laugh, "President Mu, your ability to please both sides is indeed impressive."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t look at him, striding towards his own office.


    "Didn¡¯t you say Qin Mu is the only one you like?"


    "I didn¡¯t deny it!"


    "Then why have you been with Jing Qing these past two days?"


    "Me being with her? We just coincidentally attended an event together, is that called being together?"


    Qiao Yi stared at him but couldn¡¯t speak for a while, the gossip magazines had been so detailed, yet he denied it with a single simple sentence?


    And strangely, Qiao Yi found himself believing him!


    Qiao Yi slumped onto the sofa, resting his hands on the back of it and looked up at him.


    Mu Yichen glanced down at him with a superior air, then pulled out a cigarette case, pinched a cigarette between his lips, and lit it with a lighter.


    "Any issues at the company these past two days?"


    Mu Yichen took a drag, then walked to the side with the cigarette wedged between his fingers.


    "Old Zhang has been inquiring about your whereabouts these past two days."


    "Hmph, he¡¯s as persistent as ever."


    "Why does Old Zhang want to withdraw his shares? Why?"


    "It must be the United States side approaching him; you should find time to fly over and take a look."


    Mu Yichen took another drag, standing in front of the glass screen, narrowing his eyes at the vast cityscape outside.


    "Are you saying the United States side is trying to woo him?"


    "Hmm."


    "Ha!"


    Qiao Yi turned his head to look at him, then settled back into his seat and couldn¡¯t help but scoff.


    Just before the end of the workday, rain suddenly started falling outside. Mu Yichen gazed at the weather and was suddenly reminded that Zhao Huai wasn¡¯t in the city today.


    He thought of that detestable woman who hadn¡¯t given him a phone call or a message during the two days he was away.


    Qin Mu sat behind the desk drawing, attracted by the sound of rain pelting the windows, she glanced over.


    A sudden downpour came out of nowhere.


    She put down her pen, pushed her chair back, and walked to the window.


    She unconsciously wrapped her arms around herself; the rain outside grew heavier, and suddenly her mind blurred with indistinct thoughts.


    Half an hour later, the rain stopped as suddenly as it had started.


    When it was time to leave work, everyone left one by one, but she received a call and had to stay for overtime.


    Xiaomei was playing outside with Huanhuan.


    After dark, the whole house was extremely quiet. She was alone in the office on the second floor drawing when she suddenly heard a sound like a door opening.


    Her sharp gaze immediately went to the doorway, but remembering it was just Xiaomei and Huanhuan, she looked back down.


    The lights downstairs had been turned off early.


    His tall figure stood in the center of the hall, his dark eyes shooting upward.


    Realizing she was still working overtime, he continued upstairs.


    But he didn¡¯t know he brought a chill with him, making the whole house cool because of his arrival.


    Qin Mu raised her eyes again, hearing no sound, it didn¡¯t seem like Huanhuan and Xiaomei had come back.


    Putting down the pen, she stood up neatly and walked toward the door.


    The moment she opened the door, she stood face to face with the tall man on the steps.


    He had apparently stopped when he heard the door open, and the two looked at each other from a distance, eye to eye, each with a different expression.


    Suddenly time and space seemed to spin.


    Mu Yichen was clearly at a lower level, but his presence seemed as vast as the sky above.


    And Qin Mu refused to show weakness.


    "Qinqin, Huanhuan seems to have a fever," Xiaomei said, holding Huanhuan as they came back from outside at the same time the two¡¯s gazes were locked in a standoff.


    As soon as the light turned on, the blinding brightness caused some to squint.


    The next moment, however, everyone looked towards the hall downstairs.


    Xiaomei stood at the door holding Huanhuan, looking nervous and anxious at them, obviously startled by Mu Yichen¡¯s arrival.


    "Why did she suddenly get a fever?" Qin Mu hurriedly walked down the steps, passing by Mu Yichen without stopping.


    Mu Yichen walked ahead of her in just a few steps.


    "I don¡¯t know. I just noticed she was sweating on her forehead, and when I touched her, I realized she was very hot," Xiaomei quickly explained, clearly feeling guilty.


    "Daddy!" The little girl in Xiaomei¡¯s arms brightened up at the sight of Mu Yichen, turning and reaching out for him to hold her.


    Mu Yichen stepped forward, took Huanhuan into his arms, and touched her forehead with one hand, whispering, "To the hospital."


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t expected him to act first and could only follow.


    "Qinqin, um, I won¡¯t go with you, just call me if anything happens to Huanhuan," Xiaomei called out to Qin Mu after a quick thought.


    Qin Mu nodded and left with Mu Yichen.


    Xiaomei went to the door and, seeing them drive away with the child, couldn¡¯t help but breathe a sigh of relief.


    Mu Yichen obviously cared for Huanhuan, even if he didn¡¯t know she was his biological daughter.


    On the way, Qin Mu held Huanhuan in the backseat; Huanhuan, listless, lay on her shoulder murmuring softly, "Mommy..."


    "Huanhuan is good, mommy is here," Qin Mu comforted softly, her heart aching.


    The rain had stopped for a while, but the road was still wet, and it felt cool because it was so late.


    Qin Mu draped her coat over her daughter, and without meaning to, she looked up to the man driving in the front, who from beginning to end, seemed not to want anything to do with her.


    It was unclear when he had returned to the city.


    Latter, Huanhuan fell asleep, and the spacious car became eerily silent.


    He had phoned a familiar doctor on the way, so they were immediately sent for an examination upon arrival.


    Standing on the side, Qin Mu, for the first time, had no chance to learn of her daughter¡¯s condition promptly. Instead, she listened to Mu Yichen, standing in front, asking the doctor about Huanhuan¡¯s condition.


    At that moment, she realized she wasn¡¯t all-powerful!


    She saw how tall he really was!


    So tall she felt tiny by his side, like a little sparrow that could never quite take flight.


    The doctor conducted a thorough examination and reported to him, while a nurse hung an IV for Huanhuan.


    Mu Yichen, after listening, suddenly remembered her and turned to look at her.

 Chapter 47 - 45 I plan to move out_1

    Chapter 47: 45 I plan to move out_1


    "Thank you!"


    After seeing off the doctor and nurse and closing the door, the only ones left in the ward besides the sleeping little girl were the two of them.


    Qin Mu looked up at him, but all she said was these two words.


    While Mu Yichen was as calm as a statue, she was agitated, mixed with anger.


    She couldn¡¯t forget how he and Jing Qing appeared in the newspapers, labeled as a "golden boy and jade girl," which greatly disturbed her.


    "Hmph!" He just gave a cold laugh before turning his head to walk towards the hospital bed.


    Huanhuan¡¯s little face was red, and her beautiful eyes slowly opened as she couldn¡¯t help but call out, "Daddy, Mommy!"


    They both smiled at her, and with a blink, she beamed back at them, then laughed radiantly.


    Mu Yichen slightly tugged at the corner of his mouth and then slowly sat down beside her, gently stroking Huanhuan¡¯s warm forehead.


    He seemed like a good father to Huanhuan, but...


    If only he hadn¡¯t left town because of her medication...


    Qin Mu thought that this man, whom she could never control in her lifetime, she still had to keep clear of.


    "Daddy, Huanhuan missed you, kiss!"


    "Actually, Daddy missed you a little too!"


    He really leaned over to kiss Huanhuan¡¯s feverish forehead.


    Huanhuan smiled happily at him, then looked at her mommy with worried eyes.


    Qin Mu smiled too, sitting gently by the bed, keeping her company.


    This night was wonderful for Huanhuan, but for them, it was destined to be long and hard.


    After Huanhuan¡¯s fever subsided a bit following the injections, the silence was suffocating in the car on the way back.


    Qin Mu sat in the back, holding Huanhuan. Huanhuan lay weakly in her arms as if she might fall asleep at any moment, yet her eyes occasionally opened wide as if worried that Daddy would leave again.


    It seemed they had only just gotten to know Daddy recently, so she did not want to go days without seeing him.


    Mu Yichen had not said a word the entire time. Then, a drizzle began to fall, blurring the car windows so that the night scene outside became indistinct, the lights outside flickering like neon.


    Qin Mu found herself gazing out the window involuntarily. This rain was just like her mood.


    Not exactly heart-wrenching, but truly hard to endure.


    The car drove straight into the underground parking lot. After he got out, he opened the car door for her and took the sleeping Huanhuan from her arms.


    Qin Mu looked up at him, but their hands brushed at her chest as if nothing had happened.


    Suddenly, his serious call to her made her feel...


    It was as if they were only tangled up because of a child, that they had no feelings for each other at all!


    Qin Mu thought, perhaps this was for the best.


    Back at home, he put Huanhuan down and went to cook some late-night snacks, but she had no desire to leave Huanhuan¡¯s room.


    It wasn¡¯t about being hungry or not.


    Instead, she needed to think some things through. She had to make a decision.


    The door was gently knocked twice. She looked at the door instinctively. He pushed it open slightly: "Time to eat."


    She didn¡¯t know how she ended up downstairs and sitting with him in the dining room for a meal.


    Perhaps her stomach had protested, after all!


    But the atmosphere was extremely and utterly oppressive.


    When she went to clean up the bowls after the meal, he was a step ahead: "Let me do it, you go take a shower."


    Take a shower?


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but think wildly, then put down the bowl she had just picked up and turned to go upstairs.


    She indeed went to take a bath and then just lay in bed, tossing and turning.


    He never came back to the room, and by nearly midnight, she couldn¡¯t help but start to feel restless in bed.


    Later, she fell asleep and when she woke up in the morning, he wasn¡¯t by her side.


    Qin Mu got up, her heart racing as her eyes searched for his figure.


    Unable to find him, Qin Mu suddenly felt a headache coming on, and her mood worsened terribly.


    But just as she walked out in her nightgown, and saw him with Huanhuan downstairs...


    All at once, her boiling heart calmed down, and she stared straight at the father and daughter below.


    "Mommy!" Huanhuan called out, waving up at her.


    "Baby, good morning!"


    Qin Mu also immediately smiled and greeted her daughter, but she didn¡¯t greet ¡¯Brother Yichen¡¯ like she used to.


    She just glanced at him, and Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even lift his head.


    Qin Mu went downstairs to join her daughter: Is Huanhuan¡¯s fever gone?


    "Yes!" Huanhuan nodded, and then asked for a hug.


    Mu Yichen stood up and went to the kitchen, Qin Mu held her daughter, forcing a smile until his figure became distant. As she turned to look at his tall back, she couldn¡¯t smile anymore.


    She had figured it all out last night, and now, looking in the direction of the kitchen, she was even more certain about what she had to do next.


    In the morning, it was still Mu Yichen who took her to work. As she got out of the car, she turned back with Huanhuan in her arms: Don¡¯t come to pick me up this afternoon, I¡¯ll go back on my own.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say a word, he just drove off.


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t angry, she turned with Huanhuan and entered the studio.


    Around ten, she called Helian Hao to accompany her to buy a car.


    Helian Hao praised her on their way: Look at you, seems like you¡¯re quite a little rich lady.


    "These past few years, money from filming commercials went into buying a house, and what I¡¯ve made from designing has left me with some to spare, good enough for a car worth three to five hundred thousand."


    Qin Mu thought, she shouldn¡¯t always bother Zhao Huai, nor did she want to be chauffeured around by Mu Yichen forever.


    She had come back after all, independence was inevitable, and sooner rather than later, of course.


    "The gown you designed for Jing Qing must have fetched a nice sum, right?" Helian Hao asked with interest.


    "Most of that money was hers."


    "Ha, using her money to buy a car, you¡¯re quite the extraordinary woman."


    "Hmph, why not use it when it¡¯s offered? Besides, I earned it with my own hands, I didn¡¯t steal or rob."


    "That¡¯s true, but to spend your rival¡¯s money so justifiably, you¡¯re probably the first in Rongcheng."


    The two chattered all the way to the car dealership, where Helian Hao knew the owner, and the car she liked was offered at the lowest price.


    The domestic driver¡¯s license was also thanks to Helian Hao¡¯s help, and Qin Mu only dared to drive after getting her license, Helian Hao stood worriedly by her car: Are you sure you can handle it?


    "Just get on with it!"


    Qin Mu always believed that was the case with everything, all it took was the courage to get going.


    Her driving was indeed terrible, but she could just about make it to her intended destination.


    At the seaside, after Helian Hao got out, he nearly vomited, clutching his chest and suffering for quite a while, while Qin Mu laughed carelessly beside him.


    "Are you and Mu Yichen still okay?"


    After the two women chewed the fat for a bit, they brought up that man again.


    "I¡¯m planning to move out!"


    "Why? Didn¡¯t you always advocate for the warm bed he provided?"


    "Not anymore!" Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh.

 Chapter 48 - 46 Because of guilt?

    Chapter 48: 46 Because of guilt?


    After dinner and coaxing Huanhuan to sleep, Qin Mu finally came downstairs.


    He was on the sofa watching television, propping his forehead with his hand, looking exhausted.


    Qin Mu still decided to talk to him. One should be consistent; if his consent was needed for her arrival, she couldn¡¯t just leave without uttering a word.


    "Would you like a drink?"


    Qin Mu walked over and asked him.


    Mu Yichen lifted his eyes but didn¡¯t speak, and Qin Mu turned to pour two glasses of red wine from the kitchen.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze followed and settled on the woman who sat alone on the large sofa, as if unsure of what she suddenly intended to do.


    "I..."


    She actually found it somewhat difficult to begin, as if by speaking the words, she would be insulting someone.


    Subconsciously, her eyes met his dark hawk-like pupils, and she couldn¡¯t help touching her dry lips, swiftly saying, "I plan to move out."


    Mu Yichen still looked at her with inscrutable eyes, unmoved by her words.


    Qin Mu, after glancing at him twice, avoided his gaze, cradling her glass of wine and pondered for a moment before continuing, "It¡¯s not good for me to always bother Zhao Huai, and your company is not on my way to work..."


    "Didn¡¯t you just buy a new car?"


    He suddenly spoke up, his voice low, questioning her.


    Qin Mu immediately looked up at him, and feeling the intimidation in his eyes, her tense lips twitched.


    "That car is for when I have to go out for office work, and also, my driving skills are not good. I have two decent rooms in my studio, and I plan to move there."


    She continued her previously unfinished topic, even though it was difficult to proceed.


    Suddenly, he smiled faintly with lowered eyes before fixing her with his gaze again. "Are you feeling guilty and trying to escape?"


    Qin Mu...


    She didn¡¯t bring up any issues about the past couple of days when he was outside, yet now she faced such questioning when she wanted to leave.


    Escape?


    "Why should I feel guilty?"


    She asked angrily.


    "You were the one who promised to have kids, and also the one who took the pills. If you don¡¯t feel guilty, should I?"


    His words were precise and firm, pinning all the blame on her.


    Since she had already decided to completely part ways with him, she could temporarily let go of the issue between him and Jing Qing these past few days, but...


    At that time, she only agreed to appease him, didn¡¯t she? Was it not for letting him step down gracefully, for making him feel comfortable?


    Now he was blaming her as if it was a matter of course, thinking she really couldn¡¯t refute?


    "I ¡ª you ¡ª I don¡¯t care, I just want to move out."


    She suddenly stood up, her manner fierce like an immature child.


    "Fine, you move out, and leave Huanhuan with me," he said, swirling the wine in his glass, unruffled.


    "On what grounds?" Qin Mu asked angrily.


    "I don¡¯t like living here alone, and besides, when you brought her here, did you think I¡¯d let you take her away? Not giving me a child and not allowing me to continue adopting?"


    Mu Yichen looked complacent, his gaze at her laden with indolent contempt and detachment.


    Qin Mu was frightened by his line of thinking, completely dumbfounded.


    "You¡¯re being utterly ridiculous! Weren¡¯t you the one who wanted me to throw her out?"


    "Either you stay, or get lost!"


    He leaned forward to place his glass on the coffee table, then stood up.


    His hands slowly slid into his pockets as he looked down on her from his tall stature.


    In that moment, Qin Mu was completely overwhelmed by his presence.


    He apparently had no intention of prolonging the discussion in this area, but Qin Mu was so angry she almost felt like spitting blood.


    "Mu Yichen, you bastard!"


    Qin Mu stubbornly cursed him.


    "Me, a bastard? With you here, I wouldn¡¯t dare accept that title."


    He looked down at her from his height, his voice cold and unequivocal.


    Qin Mu...


    "Are you not going upstairs? Do you want to talk in the living room till dawn?"


    "Mu Yichen, did you hear me when I said I want to move out?"


    She was almost driven insane, and despite trying to restrain herself, she lashed out at him.


    "I said you can either leave now or go upstairs with me. Did you hear me?"


    His words were calm but carried more force.


    "Or do I need to insist on my way to get you upstairs?"


    Qin Mu was internally devastated!


    He said this and began walking toward her, causing Qin Mu to retreat again and again in fright, before turning and running upstairs.


    Unable to beat him, could she outrun him?


    The fact proved that indeed she could not.


    Like a big boy, he caught her in the doorway, "Trying to close the door? Locking me out?"


    "Didn¡¯t you not care about being with me?"


    Qin Mu struggled furiously while arguing with him.


    "I didn¡¯t care?"


    Mu Yichen frowned in confusion, yet his heart felt a lot more relieved.


    He didn¡¯t care?


    Ever since she turned eighteen, he had never slept well, worried that another boy would take her away, worried she would forget about him.


    Wasn¡¯t that when his insomnia started?


    And her?


    It was bad enough that she was heartlessly using him as a stepping stone; now she even dared to think about abandoning him.


    "Otherwise, why didn¡¯t you come in last night?"


    She stubbornly turned her head to ask him, stammering somewhat.


    "Last night?"


    After thinking for a moment, he laughed helplessly, "Last night I had a video conference. When I came back, you were sleeping like a dead pig. I got up early this morning because I was worried Huanhuan might have a fever again. As for you, it¡¯s bad enough you woke up late, but you even dared to behave like this, huh?"


    Qin Mu was completely baffled, her large eyes wide in astonishment, her eyelashes fluttering like lightning.


    "You¡¯re not allowed to take medicine anymore!"


    He whispered commandingly in her ear.


    Qin Mu stiffened, at a loss for words.


    "I will seek your agreement!"


    Qin Mu...


    Gradually, bit by bit, she turned to look at him again, and seeing the tenderness in his eyes, Qin Mu suddenly felt something was off in her heart.


    "You, you weren¡¯t planning to be with Jing Qing..."


    Her heart felt like it was about to jump out.


    She had indeed surrendered to his good looks.


    His deep eyes gazed at her, almost making her forget who she was.


    "That night, an emergency occurred in C City, and I made a trip there. Running into her was an accident."


    So, he was handling official duties!


    Qin Mu was still somewhat in disbelief, not quite daring to believe it.


    Mu Yichen looked at her skeptical eyes and forcefully bumped her forehead with his, "Doubting me?"


    Qin Mu said nothing, raising her hand to rub her forehead where it hurt.


    "You¡¯re not allowed to mention moving out again, understand?"


    It was a threat mixed with temptation, his voice low but compelling.


    Qin Mu unconsciously swallowed and gazed into his eyes, which were as clear and translucent as autumn waters.


    "You... really have nothing with Jing Qing?"


    "Admit that you¡¯re jealous!"


    I¡¯ll tell you!


    He suddenly seemed cheerful, looking at her with an evil smile, pressuring her in a low voice to confess.


    "I¡¯m not jealous."


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart thumped suddenly, as she realized she was captivated by his looks.


    "Oh?"


    If Qin Mu had any anger left in her, it should have been there for a very long time.


    Forget it!


    Leaving would likely not spare her from entanglements anyway!


    The nights he was not around these past two days...


    Qin Mu felt she had developed a fear of sleep.


    She even imagined him with Jing Qing.


    She felt ashamed of her thoughts, yet could not stop them.


    Her heart was truly raging with jealousy.


    ¡ª¡ª


    His phone lying beside him suddenly rang, and both turned to look at it. After glancing at him, Qin Mu picked up the phone, "Jing Qing is looking for you, do you want to answer or shall I?"

 Chapter 49 - 47 What do you want_1

    Chapter 49: 47 What do you want_1


    Seeing her so haughty, he suddenly smiled, "Suit yourself!"


    Qin Mu, full of jealousy, glared at him and then proudly lifted her chin as she answered the phone, "Hello?"


    "Qin Mu? Are you with Yichen?"


    "Mu Yichen is on my bed, if it¡¯s not urgent, call back tomorrow."


    Qin Mu was just annoyed inside, she said it on purpose, just to see what Mu Yichen¡¯s expression would be, what his attitude would be.


    However, all she saw was him raising an eyebrow, looking at her, "Satisfied?"


    ----


    The phone rang again, completely interrupting the two¡¯s sleep that morning.


    Mu Yichen picked up the phone and unconsciously frowned when he saw Jing Qing¡¯s name displayed, "It¡¯s Jing Qing."


    "Humph, are you feeling guilty for making me answer her call last night?"


    "You were the one who didn¡¯t let me announce our marriage, you¡¯re the one who knocked over the vinegar jar."


    Qin Mu just glared at him but couldn¡¯t argue further.


    Mu Yichen, leaning against the headboard, pulled her into his arms before answering the call, "What¡¯s up?"


    "Last night I called you, and Qin Mu answered!"


    "I know! What do you want?"


    He asked with a drooped gaze, but Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but want to laugh at his response, fiercely covering her mouth.


    "There¡¯s an event in the next few days we¡¯d like to host at your hotel. Our boss told me to contact you personally since we¡¯re friends."


    "You have to deal with this kind of trifling matter personally? Just have your company¡¯s people contact Mr. Liu from the hotel."


    "Is that...appropriate?"


    "Let¡¯s leave it at that, I¡¯ve got some other things, hanging up now!"


    Qin Mu got up, her face red from holding back laughter, her eyes challenging.


    Qin Mu threw a pillow at him, and as he caught it, she jumped out of bed and ran away.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, his eyes filled with adoration as he watched her retreat.


    Afterwards, he just lay in bed, discontented as he watched her dressed and ready to leave.


    "Mrs. Mu!"


    "What?"


    Qin Mu, while putting on her earrings, tilted her head and glanced over at him.


    "Come here!"


    "In your dreams."


    With a stingy reminder, she hurriedly walked out.


    He chuckled affectionately, "Indeed, she knows me best, Mrs. Mu."


    At mealtime, Helian Hao called her. Qin Mu, looking at the man sitting beside her feeding Huanhuan, pursed her lips and gently cleared her throat.


    Mu Yichen seemed oblivious, focusing solely on feeding his daughter.


    "I¡¯m not moving for now!"


    On the other end, Helian Hao anxiously awaited her answer, and without being able to explain much in front of Mu Yichen, she pretended to be serious and said so.


    "Not moving? Why not?"


    In Helian Hao¡¯s logic, any big grudge between a man and a woman would disappear after rolling in the sheets.


    "I¡¯ll talk to you about it later, I¡¯m eating right now!"


    Qin Mu quickly hung up the phone, Helian Hao...


    She raised her eyes unconsciously towards Mu Yichen, "Well..."


    "No need to explain, just figure out how you¡¯ll explain it to her."


    Qin Mu...


    She really wanted to move out yesterday, but now, Mr. Mu¡¯s appearance of not forcing her left her helpless.


    In the morning, Qin Mu drove her little car ahead, while Mr. Mu followed with Huanhuan.


    The journey was full of twists and turns, like a mountain road with eighteen bends.


    When she finally made it to the studio downstairs, confidant in the parking lot, she crashed into a colleague¡¯s car in one fell swoop.


    Instantly, her whole body bounced back, stunned, her round eyes staring at the red car in front of her.


    Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t had time to hold Huanhuan and walked up to knock on the car window forcefully.


    The window slid down slowly, and Qin Mu sat inside, leaning against the seat back, dazed yet trying to seem relaxed.


    Mu Yichen, leaning on the car with one hand, sighed and squinted at the small car in front, slightly dented by her bump.


    Thankfully, it was just a little bump.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but scoff before turning to pick up Huanhuan.


    Qin Mu, leaning against the car, heard a colleague from the studio run out and cry out in distress, "Oh, my God!"


    Xiaomei and the others all ran out, some not recognizing the new car until Qin Mu walked out pretending to be cool.


    "Call someone to fix it and put it on my tab!"


    Mu Yichen put Huanhuan down, and Huanhuan ran inside to find Xiaomei, while he stood by helplessly with his hands on his hips.


    What could he do?


    That woman was too arrogant.


    And immune to hard tactics.


    When Helian Hao went to look for her, he just happened to see Mu Yichen¡¯s car driving off. After parking his own car, he saw the accident scene next to him and unwittingly furrowed his brows before hurrying inside.


    "Where¡¯s Qin Mu?" Helian Hao asked anxiously to the people on the first floor.


    "Upstairs!"


    Qin Mu happened to be upstairs in a daze, her spirits lifted at the mention of the visitor.


    Helian Hao rushed up, and only when he saw she was unharmed did he breathe a sigh of relief.


    "What happened to the car?"


    "I didn¡¯t park it well just now," Qin Mu said, shrugging her shoulders helplessly.


    "What about you and Mu Yichen? Did he bully you, so you lost control?"


    Qin Mu pursed her lips, her big black eyes darting around: well...


    What could she say?


    Actually, it seemed like it was her stubbornness that had driven Mu Yichen crazy.


    "You¡¯re dating Jing Feng, aren¡¯t you?"


    Qin Mu glanced at her, then abruptly changed the subject.


    Caught off guard by the sudden shift, Helian Hao¡¯s heart thumped wildly: well... I haven¡¯t agreed to it yet!


    Regarding this matter, Qin Mu felt there was no doubt about it ¨C Helian Hao would definitely be snagged by Jing Feng, the big bad wolf.


    "I don¡¯t like his family!" Helian Hao added.


    "I don¡¯t know his family, but their background matches yours, and more importantly, Jing Feng seems like a decent man."


    "Really? Where did you see that he¡¯s a decent man?"


    "He¡¯s Mu Yichen¡¯s best buddy, definitely a good guy."


    "Haha, are you actually trusting Jing Feng or Mu Yichen?"


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t stand it anymore, falsely cheered up as she thought Qin Mu genuinely found Jing Feng a good catch. But this was plainly just a roundabout way of showing off their love!


    "Of course, I trust Mu Yichen more between the two!"


    "Tsk! Hey, are you changing the subject?"


    Helian Hao suddenly felt something was amiss while sitting on the couch.


    Qin Mu laughed heartily and without a care in the world.


    "But Jing Feng and Jing Qing are twins; if I get with Jing Feng, are you sure you don¡¯t mind?" Helian Hao asked worriedly.


    "Why would I mind? One thing at a time!" Qin Mu said frankly.


    "But I still don¡¯t like it, to be honest, and maybe I dislike Jing Qing even more than you do."


    "The reason?"


    "The reason? She¡¯s been clinging to Jing Feng since we were kids, using him to cause trouble, while pretending to be some refined lady in front of others, and now she¡¯s trying to snatch Mu Yichen from you," Helian Hao¡¯s fingers twisted as she spoke, getting increasingly tangled in her thoughts.


    Qin Mu fell silent for a moment: Mu Yichen is mine unless I give him up, she can¡¯t snatch him away!


    "So will you let her?"


    "Who knows?"


    Qin Mu suddenly smiled weakly; who could tell the future, after all?


    Perhaps one day it wouldn¡¯t be her leaving him, but him growing tired of her?


    A man¡¯s affection, always quick to come and go!


    "Do you really hate Rongcheng that much? But is being in Paris truly better for you?" Helian Hao asked, scrutinizing her seemingly indifferent facade.


    "Better than here!"


    "What¡¯s there for you in that place? However, if you had lived here as a child, maybe your evil stepmother would have tormented you to death. Qin Uncle used to be a good man, too bad he met such a woman."

 Chapter 50 - 48 Wild Rose_1

    Chapter 50: 48 Wild Rose_1


    As for that mayor father of hers, no further comment is necessary!


    So many years had passed that if it weren¡¯t for the blood they shared, she might have long forgotten who he was.


    In the afternoon, she and Xiaomei went out on an errand, and Qin Mu dragged Xiaomei along for a car ride, "Handsome, could you give us directions?"


    Her smile was disarmingly innocent, but it left the man in the driver¡¯s seat utterly dumbfounded.


    Only after they arrived at their destination did Qin Mu reveal, "Tell Jing Qing I¡¯m really touched that she gave me a bodyguard."


    The man was shocked as he looked at her, realizing his cover had been blown long ago.


    Jing Qing, however, almost threw her phone in frustration after receiving the call, "Why did you have to be her driver? You idiot!"


    The driver felt utterly hopeless inside!


    Later, Jing Qing deliberately bought a gift and went to her office, "The gown you made for me was a hit at the event. I¡¯ve been meaning to thank you but couldn¡¯t find the time. This is perfume I had custom-ordered for you from abroad. It smells of the most precious wild roses. See if you like it?"


    Wild roses?


    Indeed, very precious!


    "Miss Jing is too kind!"


    "Look at you, always treating me like an outsider," Jing Qing said with a smile, like a big sister.


    Qin Mu smiled broadly, thinking to herself, I¡¯m wild roses, why would I fancy someone domesticated like you?


    "By the way, Uncle Qin¡¯s birthday is coming up, you¡¯ll go, won¡¯t you?"


    "Oh? I wasn¡¯t aware!"


    She continued to smile, unruffled and dignified.


    Thinking she would be upset, Jing Qing intended to console her, but looking at her expression, she was suddenly at a loss for words.


    "You know, you should forgive when it¡¯s time to forgive. Don¡¯t think that avoiding contact with Uncle Qin is a wise decision. You¡¯re only hurting your loved ones and pleasing your foes," Jing Qing softly advised.


    "Aren¡¯t you and Mingzhu on bad terms?"


    "That girl Mingzhu? How could she compare to you?"


    Qin Mu snorted a laugh but didn¡¯t respond.


    Thinking to herself that Jing Qing was too scheming, too dark, it was better to stay cautious. Just now, she had a spy call her, and Jing Qing had already come knocking with perfume. There was probably more drama to come.


    "That night I ran into Yichen in C City was an accident, I hope you won¡¯t misunderstand," Jing Qing said, lowering her eyes, then continued.


    "Mu Yichen explained everything to me when he got back. Don¡¯t worry, I judge the person, not the situation!"


    Jing Qing didn¡¯t understand, looking at her in astonishment.


    "I mean, I¡¯m only dealing with Mu Yichen. We usually fight at the bed head but make up at the bed end. You really don¡¯t have to worry about us arguing."


    Jing Qing...


    It appeared to be a friendly meeting, but after it ended, someone was happy while someone else was fuming.


    Jing Qing couldn¡¯t help but vent her anger when she got home: What right does she have? How dare she speak to me with such arrogance? Does she think she¡¯s qualified?


    "Miss!" The servants at home looked at her worriedly.


    "She said they fight at the bed head but make up at the bed end. Aunt Zhang, who in Rongcheng doesn¡¯t know my relationship with Mu Yichen? And she dares to say such things in front of me."


    "Then why didn¡¯t you slap her and teach her a lesson?"


    As Jing Qing was ranting, the Jing Family patriarch suddenly stood upstairs, his questioning gaze fixed on his granddaughter.


    "Grandfather!"


    Jing Qing ran up the stairs and started crying on the old man¡¯s shoulder.


    "Are you silly or what? Acting tough at home but getting bullied outside, huh?"


    "But what can I do? Yichen always takes her side!"


    "Humph, I think that boy¡¯s got water in his brain. I¡¯ll go see that girl myself tomorrow," the Jing Family patriarch declared, giving off the air of condescending for his granddaughter¡¯s sake. Jing Qing felt even more aggrieved.


    When Qin Mu arrived home later that night, she sprayed the perfume everywhere. Mu Yichen, upon opening the door, was immediately overwhelmed and had to dodge outside. Then, seeing the woman inside spraying perfume like it was no big deal, he reluctantly frowned and stepped inside, "What¡¯s going on?"


    "The diva gave it to me. Smells great, doesn¡¯t it?"


    Qin Mu sprayed the perfume directly onto his face, and Mu Yichen instinctively dodged.


    "Stop it!"


    Mu Yichen snatched the perfume bottle from her hand, looking down at the label, which wasn¡¯t too bad. But as he checked the ingredients...


    The man who had been frowning from the scent looked back at her once he knew the truth: Go outside first!


    "Why go outside? Doesn¡¯t it smell wonderful?"


    "Then I¡¯ll come back later, you stay at home by yourself."


    Qin Mu...


    "By the way, don¡¯t spray so much perfume in Huanhuan¡¯s room."


    "She¡¯s not here!" Qin Mu muttered.


    Mu Yichen immediately bounced back: Huanhuan isn¡¯t here?


    "Yeah, she went to the amusement park with Xiaomei and the others!"


    The reason was that the amusement park was free in the evening, and a group of girls felt embarrassed to go alone, so they took Little Huanhuan with them, implying it was all for the child.


    However, that wasn¡¯t important because there were finally no kids in the house, and President Mu could finally unleash his true nature.


    "What are you doing?"


    President Mu suddenly started undressing, and Qin Mu stepped back in fright, her large, dark eyes fixed on him.


    "Doing what I¡¯ve been wanting to do!"


    And what he had been wanting to do was her.


    "Hey, hey, hey, didn¡¯t we agree not to be so unrestrained?"


    "Tonight¡¯s different!"


    Mu Yichen hurriedly embraced her and began undressing her.


    "How is it different?"


    "The wild rose scent is strong, I just love you, my wild woman!"


    Qin Mu...


    If Miss Jing knew that a bottle of perfume she gave could lead to so many antics, she would probably be fuming mad.


    The living room really smelled strong, and later President Mu couldn¡¯t stand it and dragged her to the kitchen to play for an hour, then carried her upstairs to the master bedroom.


    "Call your subordinates and tell them not to bring Huanhuan back tonight."


    "Why?"


    He nibbled on her ear, teasing her relentlessly from behind.


    "Because I want to do it all night!"


    Qin Mu...


    Xiaomei and the others were hugging Huanhuan on the pirate ship, watching others play, when the five of them, reluctant to go on the ride because they had a kid with them, were debating whether to send Huanhuan back home when they received a call from Qin Mu.


    "Um, let Huanhuan sleep with you tonight."


    "Ah?"


    "I have something to do!"


    "Ah?"


    "Can you help out?"


    "What¡¯s with the ¡¯ah¡¯? Hang up!"


    Xiaomei...


    Huanhuan¡¯s eyes were following the direction of the pirate ship, while the girls all curiously looked at Xiaomei, trying to confirm the content of the call.


    "Qinqin says we have to accompany the little princess to sleep tonight."


    Everyone...


    Qin Mu was pressed behind the curtains by Mu Yichen and couldn¡¯t help complaining: Can¡¯t you use a normal position?


    "Can a normal position satisfy you every day?"


    Qin Mu...


    Well, that would probably be really boring.


    "Wife!"


    He suddenly bit her ear and called out softly, and just at that sound, Qin Mu¡¯s bones almost melted.


    "Hmm?"


    "I can never get enough of you!"


    Qin Mu...


    "I want to try every position with you!"


    As if someone trapped in love had no reason, she turned her head to kiss him back, jumped onto his waist, and hugged him tightly: The question is whether you can last?

 Chapter 51 - 49 I’m exhausted_1

    Chapter 51: 49 I¡¯m exhausted_1


    "You still don¡¯t know my capabilities?"


    "Then we¡¯ll have to give it a good try!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes blazed with a devouring fire.


    Qin Mu¡¯s face was already flushed red, the flirtatious and chaotic words she blurted out were something she would never normally say.


    Perhaps that bottle of perfume really got to her.


    After the pleasure, he hugged her and asked softly,


    "If Jing Qing bothers you, I can go talk to her!"


    "Forget about it, let her act if she loves to. She¡¯s been giving me money and sending me perfume, who knows, maybe I¡¯ll depend on her to support me in the future?"


    "What can I do for you then?"


    He looked down at her, asking with annoyance.


    "Just don¡¯t make me jealous, that¡¯s all!" She raised an eyebrow, remembering how sour she felt on those two nights he wasn¡¯t at home.


    "Am I that useless?"


    "Hehe, of course not, I just think it¡¯d be silly not to take her money!"


    Mu Yichen watched her with narrowed eyes, this woman was cunning indeed!


    "Besides, you don¡¯t have to worry about me being bullied. I, Qin Mu, definitely take favors and bribes but never any bullying."


    "Then, for now, stick with what you¡¯ve got from me!"


    "Oh no, we can¡¯t do it again, it¡¯s both painful and exhausting!"


    Qin Mu immediately refused with feigned distress and turned over, rolling off the bed.


    Mu Yichen tried to pull her back but was too late. Seeing her lying on the floor under the bed, making desperate humming sounds, he couldn¡¯t help but laugh helplessly.


    A night of indulgence.


    The next day, she couldn¡¯t get up. Xiaomei took Little Huanhuan to school, complaining about their disappointing trip to the amusement park the night before, where they found out children under 1.4 meters were restricted from certain rides.


    Knowing that the young girl didn¡¯t enjoy herself because she was looking after her daughter, Qin Mu immediately generously offered: "Next time you go during the day, I¡¯ll treat you!"


    "Really?"


    "I promise!"


    "We look after your child, and you get to stay home rolling in bed with a man, you better treat us well," Xiaomei suddenly perked up again.


    Qin Mu invited Xiaomei to stay for lunch, mainly because she didn¡¯t want to cook, but she didn¡¯t want Huanhuan to go hungry¨Cyet she didn¡¯t expect an uninvited guest would show up.


    Xiaomei stood at the door, knife in hand, her palms involuntarily tightening at the sight of the elegant lady outside.


    "Mrs., Mrs. Mu!" Xiaomei felt her guts tremble at the sight of Feng Fanghua.


    Feng Fanghua glanced at her and went straight in.


    The cold expression she had moments ago changed instantly to one of affection and warmth upon seeing the little girl playing with her toys next to the sofa.


    "Huanhuan, grandma¡¯s little darling!"


    The woman playing possum on the couch felt a shiver run through her at that voice and sprang up from the sofa.


    "Ah, Auntie!"


    Qin Mu, startled, looked completely unglamorous, like a lazy high school student at home.


    Feng Fanghua looked at her and immediately fell into a foul mood, but only glanced at her briefly, as her attention was on spoiling her little granddaughter.


    "I went to your studio and heard you weren¡¯t at work today, so I came to take Huanhuan out for some fun. Her grandfather is also downstairs; no problem, right?"


    Feng Fanghua spoke with the tone of a strict matriarch from a wealthy family, addressing a daughter-in-law she disapproved of.


    "No problem!"


    Qin Mu shook her head vigorously, very agreeably.


    Feng Fanghua immediately picked up Huanhuan, thankfully the little one was light.


    Qin Mu and Xiaomei watched from the door, wordlessly as Feng Fanghua took Huanhuan away, not daring to say anything more. Afterwards, they looked at each other, still speechlessly staring.


    Only then...


    "Qinqin, let¡¯s have beef for dinner, shall we?"


    Xiaomei was being picky in the kitchen.


    "I¡¯m not eating if Little Huanhuan¡¯s not here, you go ahead," she said.


    Xiaomei...


    Qin Mu went upstairs again, hmm, and slept the whole afternoon away.


    Xiaomei didn¡¯t shortchange herself. Looking at the high-end kitchenware and delicious dishes in the kitchen, she cooked three dishes and a soup for herself. After eating, she conscientiously left a portion for Qin Mu and then happily left.


    Mu Yichen had planned to come home early that evening but was last-minute dragged out by Jing Feng.


    Upon entering and seeing Jing Qing, he subconsciously frowned.


    "It¡¯s been a while since all of us got together, let¡¯s not make a habit of it," he said.


    Jing Feng, being slightly older, was considered the eldest among them.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak and simply sat in his usual spot.


    Qiao Yi, Jiang Zhiyuan, and Zhao Huai each had their own thoughts.


    "As siblings, no matter how many years pass, I hope we can remain the same as before," Jing Feng said, gently clinking his glass on the table and addressing everyone.


    A dozen or so siblings didn¡¯t hesitate to toast together.


    After drinking a glass, Helian Hao said, "Qin Mu is back. Shouldn¡¯t we include her in our sibling group to make it complete?"


    Mu Yichen gave her an extra glance for that and then dropped his gaze again, continuing to be silent.


    "Is she really one of us?" inquired a younger boy curiously, his gaze unintentionally shifting toward those around the table who had more say.


    "She was born right under our watchful eyes, and now she¡¯s my woman. You tell me, does she count or not?" Mu Yichen lifted his eyelids and shot back.


    "Of course, of course. So, do we call her our sister or sister-in-law?" The boy immediately agreed but found himself struggling with the proper title.


    "What do you think?" Mu Yichen looked at him with annoyance.


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but purse his lips, watching Mu Yichen leave the whole room too intimidated to speak, finally losing control and laughing: "Are you sure you want to be our sister?"


    ...


    The previously tense atmosphere instantly lightened up a lot.


    Helian Hao wasn¡¯t used to sitting with Jing Feng. He always seemed to want to avoid him, but nearly always found himself pulled right back to his side, this time being an exception.


    Jing Feng looked up at the girl sitting diagonally across from him and sighed unconsciously. He truly felt helpless when it came to Helian Hao.


    "Yichen¡¯s right. Although she was sent abroad by Uncle Qin, we were all there when she was born. She is also part of our family," Jing Qing spoke up softly.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze remained steady, his mind actually pondering the perfume bottle from the previous night and naturally drifting to the woman who couldn¡¯t get out of bed that morning.


    Jing Feng glanced at his sister. Although she was sitting with Mu Yichen and seemed to follow his lead, she hadn¡¯t managed to endear herself to Mu Yichen even a little.


    Despite all ties being severed between them, she was still stubbornly fixated on marrying Mu Yichen, and Jing Feng felt like a failure as a brother.


    "Jing Qing is right. Next time we have dinner, we¡¯ll invite her along," said Jing Feng.


    Mu Yichen lifted his eyes to look at Qiao Yi, who had spoken: "No need. She doesn¡¯t really like big gatherings."


    To be precise, she doesn¡¯t like you guys!


    The look in ¡¯President¡¯ Mu¡¯s eyes was one of disdain, and everyone else...


    "I went to see her yesterday. Indeed, she¡¯s not fond of lively scenes," Jing Qing nodded as if to say, beyond Mu Yichen, she¡¯s the one who understands Qin Mu best, as if she¡¯s a close older sister referring to a dear younger sibling.


    "Mmm, that perfume bottle you sent wasn¡¯t bad either," Mu Yichen suddenly said with a meaningfully smile as he started making small talk with her.

 Chapter 52 - 50 Poisonous Perfume_1

    Chapter 52: 50 Poisonous Perfume_1


    "Did Qin Mu tell you?"


    Jing Qing¡¯s face immediately became unnatural, but her inquiring voice remained gentle.


    "Are you afraid of me finding out?"


    The sharp eagle eyes lifted, shooting straight into the depths of her eyes.


    Jing Qing¡¯s face instantly dimmed as if his gaze had seen through all her little thoughts.


    "What perfume?" someone curiously asked.


    Mu Yichen glanced at Jing Qing but simply smiled without showing further interest in speaking.


    "Oh, it¡¯s just a brand custom-made from abroad, I just didn¡¯t expect it to use wild roses as the main ingredient."


    She explained softly, but the smile at the corner of her mouth was already somewhat distorted.


    "Wild roses, huh! Our Mumu indeed has a wild persona, a wild heart, and a broad path. Miss Jing really went to a lot of trouble."


    As soon as Helian Hao heard the three words ¡¯wild roses¡¯, he knew Jing Qing intended to use them to shame Qin Mu and immediately retorted fiercely.


    Jing Feng sat there looking at her, and she returned his gaze with an equally fierce one.


    Given Jing Qing¡¯s status and position, she certainly didn¡¯t need to please Qin Mu; Jing Feng glanced at his sister with helpless furrowed brows: "I¡¯m going to the restroom."


    "I¡¯ll go too!"


    Helian Hao immediately stood up and went out with him.


    After the two of them left, the rest of the company noticed the tense atmosphere in the room and promptly changed the subject: "When did Xiaohao start pursuing Jing Feng?"


    "My brother would never date her."


    Jing Qing immediately added.


    The crowd...


    When Mu Yichen came home, Huanhuan was already back, sleeping soundly on the master bedroom¡¯s large bed. Qin Mu held a book in one hand and gently patted her with the other.


    Such a peaceful scene.


    Qin Mu looked up at the sound and lifted her eyes: "You¡¯re back so early?"


    "I¡¯m not the kind of man who¡¯s accustomed to spending the night out."


    "Hmph!"


    After Mu Yichen spoke, Qin Mu glanced at the words in her book and chuckled twice.


    Mu Yichen immediately remembered that he had just spent a couple of nights out and lost his temper, walking over to sit down and leaning in to look at the little girl: "Why did you bring her to the master bedroom?"


    "I thought you were going to sleep outside tonight!" Qin Mu¡¯s bright apricot eyes looked at him, seemingly smiling.


    "If I didn¡¯t come back, wouldn¡¯t you be upset again?"


    Mu Yichen said before getting up to take a shower, Qin Mu pursed her lips in disagreement but didn¡¯t say anything more.


    Looking down at her daughter sleeping so soundly, she put down the book, gently embraced her, and felt ever warmer in her heart the more she looked.


    Despite the striking resemblance between father and daughter, how could he be so foolishly unaware?


    Did he firmly believe she wouldn¡¯t have children?


    Did he think she had lost faith in marriage, thus she would terminate a life?


    By the time he finished showering and came out, just a few minutes had passed, and Qin Mu had also fallen asleep.


    He sighed helplessly, got into bed, and couldn¡¯t help but glance at Huanhuan again.


    For some reason, every time he looked at Huanhuan, his heart would melt, softened by her tender innocence.


    It seemed he hadn¡¯t seen such pure little creature in over twenty years; she really resembled Qin Mu...


    In the dim light, his dark eyes moved from his daughter¡¯s face to the woman beside her, they were identical.


    He lay down gently next to her, and although he didn¡¯t embrace Qin Mu, he surprisingly had a good night¡¯s sleep.


    That night, Qin Mu had a dream in which she was back in her childhood when Qin Haiming celebrated his birthday. At that time, Qin Haiming wasn¡¯t the mayor yet, he was always busy and rarely seen, but he was always there for family birthdays. Of course, no matter how busy he was, he¡¯d always rush back home for his own birthday. Her mother would bake a cake herself, cook a few of her signature dishes, and then she¡¯d sing a birthday song for him with her mom.


    Back then, Qin Mu admired her father immensely, believing he was the handsomest and most responsible man in the world.


    But just a couple of years later, he had an affair, and her kind and virtuous mother passed away.


    She suddenly dreamed of that car accident, the scene of her mother lying in a pool of blood, and her whole body jolted awake from the bed.


    It was four-thirty in the morning.


    In the darkness, her sparkling eyes lost their spirit but were wide open, her head drenched in cold sweat.


    She just sat there on the bed, stunned, until she realized it was just a dream, and gradually relaxed as she slowly looked down at her daughter, and at him.


    Tears fell involuntarily the moment she saw him, as big as pearls.


    Mu Yichen...


    She couldn¡¯t help calling for him in her heart.


    Then she slowly lay back down, not even daring to turn her gaze back to his side.


    The surroundings were so quiet that she could hear the sound of her own heartbeat.


    Her chest felt as if it were going to split open, such a raw ache.


    Ever since her mother¡¯s death, this nightmare had been haunting her.


    But this time, it hurt especially bad.


    She turned her head towards the window.


    She was scared!


    She was scared to death!


    Brushing their teeth together in the early morning, Mu Yichen looked at the woman in the mirror with red rims around her eyes: "Did you sleep poorly last night?"


    "Caught a bit of a cold!"


    Qin Mu dodged his gaze and said in a hoarse voice.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t ask further, but his mood turned somber because of the redness around her eyes.


    He went to prepare breakfast while Qin Mu peeked quietly from the doorway.


    It seemed as if this life wouldn¡¯t last long.


    It seemed as if she was about to lose him!


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help watching him steadily, as if she needed to imprint his image into her very being.


    "Mommy!"


    Not until her daughter appeared, gently tugging at her clothes, calling her.


    Qin Mu lowered her eyes to see her daughter looking up at her with a smile, as if she had a request.


    After breakfast, Mu Yichen drove her to work, and at the studio¡¯s entrance she smiled and said to him, "Don¡¯t come pick me up tonight, I¡¯ll have dinner with Huanhuan and Xiaomei and then take a taxi back."


    "Mmm!"


    He didn¡¯t say much, simply agreed with a word and left.


    Qin Mu held Huanhuan and watched him go, Huanhuan habitually waved her little hand to say goodbye.


    Xiaomei ran out of the studio: "You should go in and take a look, an elderly person has arrived!"


    Qin Mu looked at Xiaomei, hearing her say in a low voice, "Very serious!"


    Her eyes flashing with a sharp light, Qin Mu peered through the nearby glass towards the inside.


    An elderly person? Very serious?


    Could it be the Jing Family¡¯s patriarch?


    But what was he doing here to see her?


    Indeed, he had a formidable presence, the old master sitting alone on the sofa, hands resting on his customized cane, squinting through his reading glasses, yet exerting an overwhelming pressure.


    "Hello," Qin Mu greeted softly, without sitting down.


    Everyone else didn¡¯t dare get close, but Qin Mu stood to one side, unfazed under his scrutiny.


    "Tell me! Why did you come back?"


    The patriarch ignored her greeting, looking at her with eyes filled with mockery and disdain, and his tone was as if he was questioning a servant.


    Qin Mu thought, today she had come with the respect due to an elder, but what if he wouldn¡¯t extend the same courtesy?

 Chapter 53 - 51 commits insubordination_1

    Chapter 53: 51 commits insubordination_1


    Then she had no choice but to create trouble!


    ¡ª¡ª


    "You¡¯d better get the hell back to Paris, this place is no longer where you belong."


    "Do you still think you can call the shots here? I won¡¯t take that even from Qin Haiming, let alone an old man who has nothing to do with me."


    "What did you call me?"


    "I respect you on the condition that you respect yourself first. If you¡¯re here to flaunt your seniority, then you can¡¯t blame me for not showing respect to the elderly!"


    "You..."


    The Jing family patriarch immediately stood up, lifting his cane to smash down on Qin Mu¡¯s head.


    "Stop!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and before she could dodge, she heard a stop from behind her.


    But the strike really did come down.


    Liu Jingyuan, the real estate tycoon, took the blow for her.


    Qin Mu looked at him in shock, and the Jing family patriarch was also startled; the cane came down hard on his left shoulder.


    Qin Mu looked at Liu Jingyuan, who was pale, and before even remembering who he was, she stepped forward to confront the old man: What are you doing? Is this how a venerated elder acts, raising a hand to strike someone so casually?


    She was truly infuriated and turned her face away immediately.


    "Where did a little girl like you get the nerve?" the Jing family patriarch was severely annoyed by her.


    "Why bother, Your Honor?"


    Liu Jingyuan gently lowered his hand from his shoulder, patiently explaining to him.


    "What, you want to stick your nose in this too?"


    "I wouldn¡¯t dare. It¡¯s just that she¡¯s a naive girl; you are highly esteemed, so why stoop to her level?"


    Liu Jingyuan earnestly replied, without a hint of disrespect.


    "I won¡¯t argue with you. Girl, if you don¡¯t leave, I as an elder might really have to play the seniority card!"


    The elder shot back at Liu Jingyuan and then turned to Qin Mu, speaking his piece before leaving with the support of his cane.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but look back at his retreating figure, realizing he had come for his granddaughter.


    She found it inadvertently amusing; it seemed everyone had elders looking out for them.


    Everyone around was too scared to speak until Qin Mu asked Liu Jingyuan to sit down.


    "Are you alright?" Qin Mu asked with concern. If it hadn¡¯t been for him taking that hit, she would probably be lying on the ground by now.


    "I¡¯m fine!" He gave a light response and smiled at her.


    Qin Mu, feeling awkward and unsure what to say, remembered that this was the person she had seen drinking coffee with Jing Qing, Liu Jingyuan.


    "I heard you opened a studio here, so I came to take a look!"


    "To thank you for saving my life just now, how about I design a suit for you?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to owe anyone favors and was very sincere in wanting to express her gratitude.


    "Sure!" Liu Jingyuan laughed and agreed readily.


    Actually, he didn¡¯t know what he had intended to do by coming here; his car had just driven up to this place.


    "What style do you normally like?" Qin Mu asked.


    "What do you think? What style do you think suits me?"


    "Something more structured? Nothing too flashy, right?" Qin Mu observed his build and responded.


    "Hmm, just design according to your own feeling! By the way, why did the Jing family patriarch get so angry with you?"


    Liu Jingyuan asked curiously.


    Qin Mu smiled helplessly, looking down and licking her lips, as if she wanted to say something but thought it unnecessary, only to laugh again.


    "Is it because of Jing Qing?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him and seeing his gaze, she guessed that someone as smart as him could probably easily see the reason behind it.


    Actually, who couldn¡¯t guess it?


    Now the whole of Rongcheng knows that she is with Mu Yichen, and Mu Yichen even said that Huanhuan is their child¡ªit could not be more normal for the Jing Family to find trouble with her.


    After all, he was the one the Jing Family had long since chosen to be their powerful son-in-law!


    "With the prestige of the Jing Family in Rongcheng, you need to be careful."


    "Yes! I do need to be careful!"


    Both of them looked at each other and laughed, before Qin Mu turned her gaze away to look out the window.


    When she first arrived in Rongcheng, she had prepared for the worst. She thought that her hardships in Rongcheng were only just beginning, but she was certain she would overcome all obstacles and emerge victorious.


    If things really didn¡¯t work out, she still had President Mu, didn¡¯t she?


    Thinking of Mu Yichen, she couldn¡¯t help but move her brows and eyes helplessly.


    He was her last card to play, as well as her only one.


    When Feng Fanghua told her not to interfere with Mu Yichen¡¯s relationship with Jing Qing, when the old master of the Jing Family told her to get out of Rongcheng, thankfully, he threatened her not to leave him because of anyone else.


    What was once a somewhat cold heart seemed to suddenly be surrounded by something warm, no longer so indifferent.


    Sometimes she really liked it when he was so domineering in threatening her to stay by his side, as if he was the only one who appreciated her.


    After Liu Jingyuan left, Xiaomei curiously asked if he was also a friend of hers in Rongcheng.


    "I don¡¯t have that many friends in Rongcheng." Qin Mu said with a smile, as if to add, "I¡¯m helpless too."


    But she could count her friends in Rongcheng on the fingers of one hand.


    She thought that Liu Jingyuan must have been hurt just now, but this man was a mix of good and evil. Even if he wanted to befriend her, she didn¡¯t want to risk it easily.


    Besides, she didn¡¯t need to use a man to make President Mu unhappy.


    ----


    She hadn¡¯t expected that right after the old master of the Jing Family and Liu Jingyuan left, two unexpected guests arrived in the afternoon!


    Qin Mu had just stood for a while by the window and was thinking of leaving when, in the blink of an eye, a black car stopped outside and a mother and daughter dressed in luxurious clothes stepped out.


    With Qin Haiming¡¯s birthday approaching quickly, she already had a guess as to why these two had come.


    Qin Mingzhu looked at the de?cor of her studio and although her eyes showed surprise, her mouth was critical: "There¡¯s no taste at all here."


    Mrs. Qin lifted her eyes: "What taste can she have? Her mother was no person of taste either."


    As they entered and sat down, Qin Mu clasped her hands behind her back and slowly walked over to sit down on the couch opposite them.


    At that moment, lacking enthusiasm for anything, her casual manner was like that of a wastrel.


    "Mayor Qin¡¯s birthday is coming up soon. Are the lady and the miss here to deliver an invitation?"


    "You actually remember his birthday?"


    Mrs. Qin asked, rather displeased.


    "I¡¯d like to forget, but it seems every prestigious family in the city is already talking about it, isn¡¯t that so?"


    Qin Mu let out a soft scoff.


    "You¡¯re not thinking of showing up to offer congratulations, are you?"


    Mrs. Qin inquired worriedly, eyes wildly looking at her.


    "Can¡¯t I go?" Qin Mu raised her eyes, appearing utterly indifferent.


    "You really shouldn¡¯t!"


    "So Mrs. Qin didn¡¯t come to deliver an invitation. Could it be that you¡¯ve come to ask me to design a gown? My prices are very high, you know!"


    Qin Mu took on the appearance of a cunning merchant, her eyes brimming with mischief.


    "Who would want you to design any damn gown? My mother and I came to warn you¡ªit¡¯s best if you don¡¯t show up that day."


    Qin Mingzhu, unable to tolerate such a roundabout conversation, immediately spoke up on behalf of her mother.


    "As for that¡ªgo talk to Mu Yichen about it. As long as he agrees, I¡¯m OK!"


    Qin Mu said with a nonchalant lift of her brow, as though conveying that no matter what they planned, she would go along with it!


    "What business is it of mine?"


    Qin Mu looked up, and in a flash, her eyes were filled with an even more splendid expression!

 Chapter 54 - 52 all embraced_1

    Chapter 54: 52 all embraced_1


    Mu Yichen took a seat beside Qin Mu, his presence in a black suit undeniable, exuding an aura of authority that couldn¡¯t be suppressed.


    His dark, hawk-like eyes shot toward the mother and daughter in front, full of deterrence!


    "Mrs. Qin and Miss Qin say I¡¯m not suitable to attend the Mayor of Qin City¡¯s birthday banquet. What do you think?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t care about his powerful presence. She lifted her arm, rested it on his shoulder, looked up at him with a teasing smile, and asked, even carrying a hint of improper suggestiveness.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, knowing she did it for the onlookers, took her hand away, and pulled her into his embrace: Then how about we stay at home and have a world for two of us?


    He lowered his voice, yet it was captivating!


    Qin Mu¡¯s face flushed as she looked at him, her eyes unavoidably shining.


    Seeing Mu Yichen like this made her want to drool, no matter how she looked at him.


    "Your Uncle Qin also said that while others might not attend, you¡¯re the one who must be invited. Forget what I said just now; you both should go when the time comes."


    Mrs. Qin immediately changed her tune and acted very ¡¯affectionately¡¯.


    "Is that so? Well, I¡¯ll think about it when the time comes!"


    Mu Yichen lifted his gaze, his look was one of an amused smile as he briefly turned his eyes towards Mrs. Qin before his burning gaze fixed back onto the small woman in his arms.


    Qin Mu suddenly chuckled: If you keep looking at me like this, I might just eat you up!


    Mrs. Qin...


    Qin Mingzhu was shocked, her eyes wide with surprise, and couldn¡¯t help but think, how could this woman be so promiscuous? She even flirts with a man in front of everyone.


    "Daddy!"


    Little Huanhuan ran inside, holding a bottle of bubble solution in her hand.


    Qin Mingzhu was just as astonished as her mother, turning to watch the little girl jump onto Mu Yichen¡¯s lap, showing much affection.


    "Huanhuan, your hands are so dirty, go wash them!"


    Qin Mu got up from his embrace, becoming much more serious in front of her daughter.


    Mu Yichen turned to glance at her, then back at Huanhuan, who popped the lid off the bottle and began to blow into it.


    Immediately, colorful bubbles filled the entire sofa area, prompting Mrs. Qin to stand up from the couch as if the bubbles could stain her expensive dress.


    "We won¡¯t disturb your family of three then. Yichen, remember to come!"


    Mrs. Qin reminded them again, then left with Qin Mingzhu.


    Huanhuan continued to blow bubbles at their retreating figures, frightening them into quickening their pace and almost tripping down the steps.


    Once outside, Qin Mingzhu was still pale: Mom, did you see how disgusting that slut was? She was shamelessly flirting with my brother-in-law right in front of us.


    "If you could flirt with him, I¡¯d fully support you!"


    "Eh! But hasn¡¯t brother-in-law been engaged to Jing Qing for a long time?"


    "Would they still behave like that if they were engaged? You¡¯re the only one foolish enough to think about ¡¯brother-in-law¡¯ all day long! Besides, no matter whether Mu Yichen marries Jing Qing or that wild girl, do you think it will do you any good? You better start being smart!"


    Mrs. Qin thought to herself, as long as Mu Yichen was still single, whoever gets him, gets him.


    Shyness suddenly overcame Qin Mingzhu, and she took her mother¡¯s arm they both got into the family car.


    In Qin Mingzhu¡¯s heart, that man, who seemed higher than the heavens, surely belonged to Jing Qing. She had never dared to even think about it.


    It wasn¡¯t until this moment, her mother¡¯s words awoke her, and she recalled she too was a woman in need of love¡ªand her familial background wasn¡¯t far off from the Jing Family¡¯s either.


    In the evening after dinner, Qin Mu sat on the sofa drawing sketches while Mu Yichen brought over a glass of milk, standing behind her and bending over to look.


    It was a design for a men¡¯s suit; he glanced at her: Someone has commissioned you to design menswear?


    "Mm-hmm!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s hand, holding the pen, paused for a moment before naturally flowing across the paper again.


    Should she tell him that the old master of the Jing Family had visited her?


    Forget it, he already had enough to worry about!


    She thought to herself that in the future, there would likely be many more important issues requiring his attention. This little matter, since it was already past, would be just fine if he never knew.


    He handed her the milk, "Drink this first!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s hand, which was holding a pen, reached out to receive the milk, and Mu Yichen directly jumped from behind to the front and sat down beside her.


    That action was so abrupt; Qin Mu had not seen him act so lightly for many years, and she subconsciously turned to look at him.


    "What¡¯s wrong?" asked Mu Yichen.


    "It¡¯s nothing!" she wanted to laugh but ended up just bowing her head to drink the milk, hiding her emotions.


    Her heart was thumping wildly, all because of his small movement.


    Qin Mu knew she was beyond saving, finished the milk, and continued drawing.


    Mu Yichen sat next to her, dealing with emails on his phone.


    Qin Mu¡¯s phone rang, and she had no idea how these people got her number; she had changed to a local number, and only a few people knew it.


    Mu Yichen saw her silent with the phone and lowered his eyes, then made a judgment: Qin Haiming.


    "Mm!"


    She knew it was him. Although the two of them had hardly spoken on the phone since her return to the city, perhaps it was because he was indeed a special person.


    Qin Mu could even guess the purpose of his call. She intended to hang up immediately, but her finger lingered on the screen for a long time before she finally answered the call.


    "Hello?"


    "Xiaomu, let¡¯s meet tomorrow."


    "There¡¯s no need, just say it over the phone!"


    Qin Mu lowered her gaze, expressionless.


    The surroundings were so quiet it seemed as though their breathing could be heard. Qin Mu kept her eyes downcast on the drawing paper on her knees, her entire demeanor as cold as ice.


    "I heard from your aunt that you¡¯re going to come with Yichen that day?"


    "If you don¡¯t want to see..."


    "No, you¡¯re welcome to come!"


    Qin Mu was suddenly at a loss for words. The retorts that nearly spilled from her lips became stuck in her throat, leaving her almost breathless.


    "Xiaomu, Dad hopes you will come!"


    There was a voice at the other end, very sincere yet somewhat abject.


    Qin Mu was speechless, quietly listening until the other side hung up, then she numbly put down the phone.


    "Fool!"


    Suddenly, her eyes felt unbearably hot, and she gently leaned on the shoulder of the person beside her, burying her face deeply in his shoulder as tears fell.


    Mu Yichen raised his arm to embrace her, gently caressing her delicate inner arm.


    Listening to her soft sobs in his arms, he felt her body quietly shaking.


    "Yichen, why?"


    In the dead of night, she asked him in a distressed, hoarse voice.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t answer her but just held her tighter.


    He believed Qin Mu understood everything in her heart.


    If there really were a magical box that could control time...


    She had struggled internally, but in the end, she still went there with Mu Yichen.


    It wasn¡¯t a home, but a hotel. They were picked up by the hotel¡¯s car and reached that floor through a dedicated elevator; the entire floor was devoid of outsiders.


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t expected it to be so solemn, and Qin Hai had already been mingling with the guests.


    Wearing a dark long dress and arm in arm with Mu Yichen, she walked in, and numerous eyes were focused on them.


    The Mu Family, Jing Family, Helian Family, and Jia Family, along with many other prominent families she was not familiar with, Qin Mu truly didn¡¯t want to wish him well; indeed, she came to attract attention and indeed to cause trouble.

 Chapter 55 - 53 Making trouble_1

    Chapter 55: 53 Making trouble_1


    If she had to give herself a reason for coming here, she indeed came to stir up trouble.


    To make everyone here remember her, remember her mother!


    To remind everyone how she and her mother ended up where they are today.


    Qin Mu stood by Mu Yichen¡¯s side with a malicious intent she had never had before, listening to Mu Yichen exchange pleasantries with him, not uttering a single word of congratulations.


    "Xiaomu, you¡¯re here!" Qin Haiming smiled weakly, seemingly drained.


    Qin Mu looked at him and immediately averted her eyes.


    "Haiming, this young lady is...?"


    "Oh, don¡¯t you remember? My eldest daughter, Mumu!"


    Qin Haiming made the introduction unbelievably, as if he could casually mention that she was his eldest daughter, without a hint of embarrassment.


    "Mumu?" The man about the same age as Qin Haiming looked at the girl beside Mu Yichen, then at the two holding hands intimately, and immediately cocked his neck.


    "The girl has grown this much already?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just slightly nodded her head as a greeting.


    "Yeah, she was only eight years old when she went to Paris, and in the blink of an eye, she¡¯s grown so much!"


    Qin Haiming spoke comfortably about her, and many curious people started to come over. Qin Haiming gave Mu Yichen a look, and Mu Yichen passed her to Qin Haiming¡¯s care. Qin Mu watched in surprise as he stepped aside.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, today I¡¯m here to introduce someone important, my eldest daughter, Qin Mu!"


    Qin Haiming put his arm around her shoulders and generously introduced her to the surrounding people.


    "Since childhood, she was left overseas by me, but she also made an effort, now she¡¯s the only disciple of the internationally renowned designer Jian Yan, and has also become a fairly well-known designer herself."


    Qin Mu looked straight at him, unable to comprehend how he could be so composed.


    He was so at ease as if nothing bad had happened in the past, as if her mother hadn¡¯t died because of him, as if she was just a daughter whom he sent abroad to study. He talked about leaving her overseas, but there was no hint that he truly left her behind.


    Qin Mingzhu and her mother exchanged nervous glances: Mom, what is Dad talking about?


    "He¡¯s acknowledging that little bitch!" Qin Mingzhu¡¯s mother gnashed her teeth with hatred, but she wouldn¡¯t lose her composure in front of so many people.


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Then she pulled her daughter towards them.


    Jing Feng, Jing Qing, and a few childhood friends stood aside watching the scene unfold. Some were indifferent, while others were clearly anxious.


    The Mayor of Qin City had recognized Qin Mu like this. There was no need to say how great a favor this was for Qin Mu; after this, her life in Rongcheng will likely become even smoother.


    Jing Qing just stood there dumbly, listening quietly, her expression cold and somewhat mocking.


    It seems, from now on, it¡¯s not just in the entertainment industry where she needs to be wary of others; even in this small city, she must be more cautious.


    "I¡¯ve heard that President Mu has recently been cohabitating with a girl, and they even have a child, it can¡¯t possibly be our Miss Qin, can it?"


    "Old Qin, that¡¯s not very fair of you, not to give us a heads-up about such a big event."


    "I only just found out myself!"


    "Don¡¯t worry, everyone. On the day of our wedding, we¡¯ll definitely invite you all to celebrate."


    Mu Yichen really wasn¡¯t shy about speaking out, not hiding anything, as if they were truly going to have a wedding.


    And the surrounding familiar families also started to talk among themselves with confusion: What on earth is going on?


    "Yeah, wasn¡¯t Yichen supposed to marry your family¡¯s Jing Qing?"


    "Right, how come all of a sudden he¡¯s marrying this girl who popped out of nowhere?"


    "Have they really been together for several years, and they truly have a child?"


    Huanhuan didn¡¯t come this evening, but she was continuously mentioned by others afterwards.


    The Jing family elders left the scene in a huff, and Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua hadn¡¯t even started to leave when they were pulled aside for congratulations, forcing them to respond.


    Helian Hao stood beside Jing Feng, smiling and nudging his leg with a gentle kick: Well, how about it?


    "Even if the two of them get married, what¡¯s in it for you and me?" Jing Feng couldn¡¯t muster a smile, but seeing her smug expression, he couldn¡¯t help but chat with her a bit.


    "Miss here is happy, and when I¡¯m happy, you¡¯ll reap the benefits."


    Helian Hao winked at him.


    Jing Feng, looking at the short-haired girl with big eyes staring eagerly at him, unconsciously twitched the corner of his mouth, stepped forward: What kind of benefits?


    "It¡¯s a secret!"


    Helian Hao deliberately circled around, then turned and walked away, with Young Master Jing immediately following her.


    Jing Qing saw Jing Feng leave and quickly strode forward, took a wine glass from a server, and headed to where the crowd was: Excuse me.


    People heard the voice and made way, she walked down the path as if on a red carpet, arriving next to Mu Yichen, smiling slightly drunkenly at the woman beside him: Xiaomu, how can you not tell the truth?


    "You¡¯ve had too much to drink!" Mu Yichen whispered a reminder.


    "I haven¡¯t drunk too much. Didn¡¯t Xiaomu say at dinner with all of us that the child was adopted from an orphanage? How did she suddenly become her own child?" Jing Qing still smiled brightly, staring straight at Qin Mu as she asked.


    The mayor of Qin City furrowed his brows in anger when he heard this: Xiaoqing, what are you talking about?


    "Uncle Qin didn¡¯t know? Xiaomu got scared living abroad alone and adopted a child for company. Yichen likes children and didn¡¯t want the child to be burdened in the future, so he said the child was his during the interview. Now that we¡¯re all family, there¡¯s no need to lie, right?"


    Qin Mu listened to Jing Qing¡¯s words with an unfazed demeanor, like a bystander, and then suddenly smiled: Huanhuan is indeed the child of Mu Yichen and me!


    Jing Qing looked at her in shock, then suddenly burst into laughter: Xiaomu, are you alright? There¡¯s no one else here.


    Mu Yichen also looked up at Qin Mu, his eyes filled with a cold and questioning gaze.


    At this moment, he felt as if his heart was fiercely tugged.


    Her indifferent remark, was it true or false?


    "Since there are no outsiders, then Sister Jing Qing, as long as you¡¯re happy, that¡¯s good!"


    Jing Qing would have never expected someone who never respected her as a sister to suddenly address her as a sister, and even put on a very accommodating demeanor.


    All along, Mu Yichen remained silent, and with Jing Qing¡¯s disturbance, everyone was even more convinced that Huanhuan was their child, followed by a flurry of congratulations and flattery.


    It took a great effort to finish dealing with everyone, and Mrs. Mu tugged at Mr. Mu¡¯s sleeve to escape outside: Mu Yichen, you need to explain to me what exactly happened tonight?


    "What happened? Isn¡¯t everything going as you wanted?"


    "As I wanted?" Qin Mu¡¯s eyes were about to pop out.


    Qin Mu suddenly realized that tonight was a trap, and the two men had conspired to trick her.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "By the way, I want to ask you, you said Huanhuan is an adopted child, from which orphanage did you adopt her?"


    Beside them, a large glass screen reflected the peaceful night sky, stars twinkling. The two of them stood opposite each other, and at that moment, all the air seemed to freeze!

 Chapter 56 - 54 Strategy_1

    Chapter 56: 54 Strategy_1


    "I want to see all the relevant documents for adopting her."


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qin Mu was silent on the way back, even holding her breath.


    He wanted to see the documents related to adopting Huanhuan? All of them?


    But Huanhuan only had a French residency!


    Once home, Mu Yichen stared at her: You brought the adoption documents for Huanhuan, right?


    "Uh! I¡¯ll go look for them!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes appeared especially confused as she turned and headed upstairs.


    Xiaomei was accompanying Huanhuan to sleep when she heard some noise and got up: Qinqin, you¡¯re back so early?


    "Yeah, Mu Yichen wants me to get the adoption documents from the welfare institution," Qin Mu whispered to her as she drew closer.


    Xiaomei...


    "So what do we do now?"


    "Since the lie has been told, we can only keep it up," Qin Mu said, her eyes downcast and serious.


    "Okay, but where can we get the documents he wants?"


    "We¡¯ll have to ask master. You go out and call him immediately to come up with a plan, while I keep Mu Yichen in the dark here."


    "Then I¡¯m off right now, take care!"


    Xiaomei felt that this time Qin Mu was in big trouble.


    She didn¡¯t know if their master had the capability to get hold of any documents.


    Qin Mu emerged from the room, smiling at the man downstairs.


    Mu Yichen glanced up at her, then turned and headed upstairs.


    Qin Mu followed him, then playfully suggested, "Shall we take a bath first? Shall I run a bath for you?"


    Mu Yichen just gave her another deep look, neither consenting nor stopping her.


    Qin Mu took it as consent and immediately slipped into the bathroom.


    She didn¡¯t ask whether tonight had been a trap, and when Mu Yichen entered the bathroom, he chuckled lightly.


    "Those documents are still in Paris; can I call my master tomorrow and have him send them over?"


    "Sure!"


    Without looking at him, she played with the water, her head lowered, pretending to be calm as she spoke.


    Relieved by his agreement, Qin Mu quickly stood up to leave as he approached.


    Who knew he would reach out and block her, Qin Mu, with her head lowered, not daring to look up: You go ahead and bathe...


    "With a bathtub this big, you expect me to bathe alone?"


    Qin Mu...


    They usually didn¡¯t use the bathtub, but the few recent times they had, had indeed been together, her usually pale cheeks flushed red.


    "Tonight, I¡¯ll let you have the tub all to yourself."


    "You¡¯re being so generous?" Mu Yichen looked down at her with a playful smile in his eyes.


    "Yeah!"


    "What should I do? I just love sharing with you!" He leaned in even closer, more amused.


    Qin Mu had to look up at him for a moment, then quickly pushed him away with her hands: Stop it!


    She took the opportunity to dash out when he was caught off guard.


    Mu Yichen turned his head and let out a helpless chuckle, then sensually began unbuttoning his shirt, his toned body sinking into the bathtub for a comfortable soak.


    Meanwhile, Qin Mu pondered how to bluff her way through, wondering if Xiaomei had finished calling their master and what he had decided to help her with.


    Glancing at the tightly closed door of the bathroom, she picked up her phone and quietly left the bedroom.


    Jian Yan was pondering whether to call her, but because he was worried it would be inconvenient for her since she was with Mu Yichen, he had refrained from calling. When she called, he immediately picked up.


    "Mumu!"


    "Master, let¡¯s talk details tomorrow. For now, help me think of a way to get a proof of adoption, I¡¯m hanging up!"


    Jian Yan...


    She always left him with the mess, and he was used to it, even somewhat fond of it.


    But this time, she had indeed presented him with a challenge.


    He hadn¡¯t even had a chance to say a word to her before she finished speaking and hung up on her own.


    Jian Yan couldn¡¯t help but think about how to help her little apprentice handle the crisis. Initially, it was he who encouraged her to go to Rongcheng, but now he was somewhat hesitant.


    She could no longer allow his peace of mind to be disturbed. Without her, he was too unaccustomed.


    But to ask her to come back?


    Jian Yan knew she couldn¡¯t do that. That place was her hometown, where the man she loved was, and the father of her daughter.


    When Mu Yichen came out of the bathroom, she was already on the couch, pretending to read a magazine for a while. As soon as she saw him, she looked up at him and smiled with such flattery and eagerness to please.


    "You¡¯re finished washing!"


    "Mhm, are you okay?"


    Mu Yichen really couldn¡¯t understand how she had suddenly become a completely different person.


    "I¡¯m fine, I¡¯m going to take a bath!"


    Qin Mu put down the magazine and ran towards the bathroom. Mu Yichen turned his head to look at her, troubled, he lifted his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, then sat down where she had just been sitting.


    The page of the magazine she had just been looking at was actually about men inside women¡¯s bodies, and he unconsciously squinted his eyes, pondering those words very seriously.


    After showering, she offered herself willingly, with Qin Mu lying on top of him: "Did you buy condoms?"


    "I did, what¡¯s wrong with you?"


    "Ah? Nothing¡¯s wrong!"


    "You¡¯re really not acting normal!"


    President Mu kindly reminded her, meanwhile, his hands wandered beneath her nightgown.


    "Is that so? ¡ª¡ªI just didn¡¯t want you to be angry about not seeing the documents! I came to Rongcheng without thinking too much, so I didn¡¯t bring the adoption papers for Huanhuan."


    Qin Mu suddenly lowered her gaze, managing to remain composed even while being seduced.


    "I know that!"


    He had known from the beginning that she couldn¡¯t hand over the documents¡ªwho carries that kind of thing on them all the time?


    But her anxiety still made him feel uneasy.


    "You know?"


    Qin Mu looked up, her big eyes staring at him.


    "Silly girl, can you get any dumber?"


    "...I don¡¯t want to, I¡¯m dumb enough already, Mu Yichen, you¡¯re going to be the death of me!"


    She panicked, terrified of giving herself away. She burrowed her head in his chest, her hands clutching his pajamas, shaking them, acting coy.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help laughing out loud, then he directly scooped up her lifted behind and carried her off, taking a few steps towards the edge of the bed.


    "You can keep being silly like this!"


    He whispered in her ear, and the next second, he captured the edge of her ear with his lips.


    Qin Mu trembled, raising her hands to tightly encircle his neck, his black hair.


    When a man starts to seduce a woman, that¡¯s when it really becomes deadly.


    "How can Mu Yichen¡¯s woman be so foolish? I¡¯ve decided to start drinking six walnuts a day from tomorrow to keep up with you!"


    Qin Mu suddenly cradled his face and said.


    Mu Yichen bit her mouth to stop her from ruining the mood anymore.


    Qin Mu kissed him back, passionately.


    If there was one man in the world who could tame her, it had to be Mu Yichen.


    The night passed surprisingly joyfully, and afterward, they slept especially sweetly.


    In the morning, Mu Yichen was preparing breakfast when he heard the doorbell ring and came out of the kitchen to open the door, but he was stunned when he saw the person standing before him: What brings you here?


    "What are you doing? Where¡¯s Qin Mu?"


    "She¡¯s sleeping!" Mu Yichen reflexively answered.


    Following his mother¡¯s gaze, he looked at himself, finding nothing amiss with the pure white apron he was wearing.


    "She¡¯s sleeping? She has the audacity to let a man do the cooking? It¡¯s so late, and she¡¯s still asleep."


    Feng Fanghua was half-dead with anger as she stormed into the house.


    "She was very tired last night!"


    Brother Yichen stated the facts!

 Chapter 57 - 55 is preparing for you_1

    Chapter 57: 55 is preparing for you_1


    "Even if she is exhausted..."


    Feng Fanghua suddenly couldn¡¯t continue speaking, just holding her breath as she looked at her son and then awkwardly turned her gaze away.


    "Why did you come?" asked Mu Yichen, looking at her. It was only seven o¡¯clock.


    "Of course I came to see... to see if you¡¯re all doing well!" Feng Fanghua hesitated for a moment, thinking that this foolish boy still didn¡¯t know that was his biological daughter, and she couldn¡¯t tell him.


    The atmosphere at breakfast this morning was really...


    Qin Mu knew she would definitely have indigestion.


    Feng Fanghua ate in a particularly formal and proper manner, as if she had received special training, making her afraid to drink her congee in big gulps.


    As for Little Huanhuan, she ate so gracefully that it occasionally brought a loving smile to Feng Fanghua¡¯s face, as if to say, "Truly worthy of being my grandchild, even eating looks so lovely."


    Mu Yichen just ate what was in his bowl as if nothing was wrong, occasionally glancing at Feng Fanghua and Huanhuan. He noticed that Feng Fanghua really liked Huanhuan quite a bit, and it seemed that Huanhuan liked her too.


    "Today I¡¯m taking Huanhuan out to play!"


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu subconsciously behaved nicely.


    Mu Yichen gave Qin Mu a look. Was Qin Mu afraid of Feng Fanghua?


    "You¡¯re not afraid of people asking questions if you take her out?"


    "What am I afraid of? Haven¡¯t you all told outsiders that she is my granddaughter?"


    Mu Yichen...


    Feng Fanghua glanced at her son, then turned to gently stroke Huanhuan¡¯s soft hair.


    Qin Mu thought, the difference between son and granddaughter is truly huge.


    She felt a little happy inside, even if she herself was not loved. Seeing her daughter¡¯s grandparents dote on her so much, she was almost moved to tears.


    Mu Yichen watched as Feng Fanghua walked away holding Huanhuan, then lowered his gaze and thoughtfully returned to the room, and Qin Mu, with her bag on her back, came out: Let¡¯s go too!


    "Does my mom often look for Huanhuan?" Mu Yichen asked with confusion.


    "Ah, yes!"


    Qin Mu blinked, not seeing any need to keep it a secret.


    "Aren¡¯t you worried at all?"


    "What do I have to worry about?"


    Mu Yichen...


    "Oh, come on, it¡¯s just that your parents are old and like little kids, and Huanhuan even calls you dad, so they dote on her a bit. Don¡¯t overthink it, let¡¯s go!"


    Qin Mu pushed him to go outside, acting as if it were no big deal.


    And her casual explanation actually made sense. Mu Yichen thought no more of it and just assumed that the old couple had gone crazy wanting a grandchild.


    Also, deep down, he hoped that the elders could care for Huanhuan the same as they would their own granddaughter, so he relaxed and took Qin Mu to work.


    But after he left, Qin Mu stood alone at the door of her studio and thought for a long time, feeling as if she¡¯d fought an unprepared battle. Though she¡¯d won, her body was exhausted.


    Xiaomei was waiting for her downstairs: Where¡¯s Huanhuan?


    "Taken away by Mrs. Mu again!"


    "Eh! Mrs. Mu really does love our little princess!"


    "That¡¯s right, she is her true granddaughter after all."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but feel a little elated unconsciously.


    "Master wants you to call him back."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu returned to the office, put down her bag, and called Jian Yan, who hadn¡¯t gone to bed yet.


    "Master, you haven¡¯t been waiting for my call this whole time, have you?"


    "Yes, do you think I¡¯m as heartless as you? Hanging up the phone after settling matters."


    Qin Mu felt sorry for what had happened last night and playfully stuck out her tongue, although he couldn¡¯t see it.


    "Mumu, are you planning to go back to Paris in the future?"


    Jian Yan asked her suddenly in a low and deep voice, which struck her heart hard.


    Go back to Paris?


    "Master, what¡¯s wrong?"


    She realized that she no longer had the thought of returning to Paris.


    "There¡¯s nothing much, I just want to ask you if you¡¯ve decided to live in Rong City."


    "Master, I don¡¯t know!"


    She turned around and leaned on the edge of the table, bowing her head.


    She didn¡¯t know what the future held for her, she just wanted the people here to remember her, she wanted to make a name for herself in Rongcheng as a way to give her mother an explanation.


    She hadn¡¯t thought about the distant future.


    "If you¡¯re not planning to come back, then tell him!"


    "Master!"


    "He can give you the future you want!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t find the words, just listening to Jian Yan speak on the other end.


    "Mumu, will you ever fall in love with someone else? Besides Mu Yichen?"


    They had talked about such matters before, given her age and him being her master, but it had never been like this, with a tinge of sadness.


    Jian Yan always used to say to her with a smile: if you don¡¯t tone it down, no man will dare to want you, unless you don¡¯t talk.


    Her words could sometimes be particularly vicious.


    Fall in love with someone else?


    Someone other than Mu Yichen?


    Of course not!


    Indeed, she couldn¡¯t deny it, she simply didn¡¯t say it out loud for him to know.


    He was a tree, and no matter how hard she strived and struggled, she was just a blade of grass beside the tree.


    Jian Yan said before hanging up that he would take care of the adoption paperwork, telling her not to worry.


    But Qin Mu sat there motionless all morning, unable to do anything.


    In the afternoon, she handed over the design of the suit for Liu Jingyuan to Xiaomei: "Take this to the factory and have them help with the processing, use the best materials."


    "Okay!"


    Xiaomei left in the afternoon, and Qin Mu sent a message to Helian Hao: "Free to have tea together?"


    Helian Hao arrived as promised, and after sitting down in the teahouse, Qin Mu handed her the menu: "Order whatever you¡¯d like to eat if you¡¯re too busy."


    "Do you still remember the dessert that I liked when I was little?" Helian Hao took the menu but didn¡¯t hurry to open it, instead, she asked Qin Mu.


    "Sha Qima?" Does that count?


    Back then, when Sha Qima was just becoming popular, Helian Hao¡¯s mother brought some back from a business trip, and Helian Hao ran to her with two pieces, saying they were the most delicious sweets she had ever tasted.


    "Hard to believe you still remember! But I stopped eating it after my teens, it made my teeth hurt."


    Helian Hao was happy with her response, then opened the menu to order.


    Qin Mu also smiled, thinking that Helian Hao¡¯s original taste was still so good, just that her palate had also changed.


    People¡¯s taste probably changes many times over a lifetime.


    "Are you saying that your master suggested you tell Mu Yichen that Huanhuan is his child?"


    "Yeah!"


    "And what about you? What do you think?"


    "Me? Anything¡¯s fine!"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes, replying very casually.


    "What the hell does ¡¯anything¡¯s fine¡¯ mean?"


    "Didn¡¯t I say that I hadn¡¯t planned on hiding it from him in the first place? He was bound to find out that Huanhuan is his biological daughter someday, so it¡¯s best to just let things take their natural course."


    "So what then?"


    Helian Hao didn¡¯t understand.


    "So, let things take their natural course!"


    Qin Mu laughed, feeling that the things she couldn¡¯t figure out once she discussed them with her best friend suddenly became clear, she figured it out!


    Even without the best friend needing to find the answer for her, she could find it herself.


    After finishing their tea and dessert, the two went shopping together, with Helian Hao saying, "I didn¡¯t expect Uncle Qin¡¯s birthday banquet was prepared for you."


    It was only then that Qin Mu suddenly remembered the affair of the birthday banquet, and in a fit of anger, she handed all the things she was holding to Helian Hao: "I¡¯m going to find Mu Yichen."

 Chapter 58 - 56 Match Made in Heaven_1

    Chapter 58: 56 Match Made in Heaven_1


    She took a taxi to the bottom of his office building and, looking up at the tallest point, charged inside!


    If it weren¡¯t for Helian Hao¡¯s reminder, she almost forgot that last night he and Qin Haiming had put on quite the show together.


    "Mr. Mu is in a meeting and hasn¡¯t returned yet!" The secretary got a scare from her stern little demeanor.


    Qin Mu nodded her head while her eyes were cast down, earnestly pondering something. Seeing the secretary startled, she realized she had been too rash and smiled slightly, "Then I¡¯ll head back first!"


    Secretary...


    "Qin Mu!"


    Without Mu Yichen around, Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan no longer jokingly called her Xiaomu. However, Jiang Zhiyuan walked up and draped his arm across her shoulder, "Are you here looking for Yichen?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu responded with a one hundred percent smile, but felt uncomfortable with a stranger¡¯s arm around her shoulder.


    "Come on, let¡¯s wait for him inside together, he¡¯ll be back soon."


    The two men could enter and exit the CEO¡¯s office without the secretary daring to stop them, especially since they were accompanied by the CEO¡¯s wife. The secretary immediately went to prepare tea.


    But Qin Mu, having just sat down, stared at them. The looks Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan gave her were mixed with ambiguity, and also...


    Suddenly, the word "cautious" popped into Qin Mu¡¯s mind¡ªthese two seemed to harbor some guarded thoughts against her.


    She instinctively gave them another smile and asked softly, "Why are you two staring at a girl like this? Could it be that you fancy me?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan...


    Qiao Yi...


    "If Mu Yichen heard this, he would definitely kick us to death. Don¡¯t talk nonsense like that again," they warned.


    These two were afraid of Mu Yichen ¡ª things would be easy!


    Qin Mu chuckled, "Then why are you staring at me like that? It doesn¡¯t seem very polite, does it?"


    Both men frowned, this girl was too direct and it really made men feel uncomfortable.


    However, Qin Mu didn¡¯t care whether they felt good about her or not. Besides Mu Yichen, she had never treated any man with kid gloves.


    "I really don¡¯t know what Yichen sees in you?"


    Qiao Yi laughed, then shook his head.


    Thinking about the noble lady Jing Qing and then looking at her, there indeed seemed to be no comparison.


    After all, that was a well-known socialite and movie star, what was she?


    The disdainful look from Qiao Yi was, however, something Qin Mu was used to; ever since she was young, many people had looked down on her. When she first arrived abroad, the white kids in school looked at her as if she were a monkey in the zoo, but didn¡¯t she still stand out in the end?


    Qin Mu felt that as long as her heart was strong enough, no one and no look could hurt her self-esteem.


    "Mu Yichen likes me because I¡¯m the unique Qin Mu, huh."


    Qin Mu replied with a smile.


    Hearing this, Jiang Zhiyuan couldn¡¯t help but laugh. He was beginning to like this girl more and more; she was cheerful, had personality, and was unrestrained.


    The secretary came in to serve tea, and Qin Mu courteously said, "Thank you!"


    "Madam, you¡¯re too kind!"


    Madam...


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes lit up, and she smiled earnestly at her, truly wondering where the secretary had the confidence to call her "madam."


    "They aren¡¯t married yet, you¡¯re brown-nosing too early. What if you¡¯re wrong?"


    "What¡¯s it to you?"


    The secretary, who detested Qiao Yi the most, nodded at Qin Mu and then left.


    "Ah, Yichen¡¯s secretary sure has a personality."


    "You go after her and see," Qiao Yi whispered.


    The word "personality" was really sometimes a compliment.


    "Why would I pursue her? My parents are pressuring me to find someone with a matching social status to marry, wouldn¡¯t chasing her just harm her?"


    Upon hearing the phrase "matching social status," something pricked at Qin Mu¡¯s heart unnoticed; she then leaned back on the sofa, fiddling with her fingers.


    "Speaking of which, Xiaomu, why don¡¯t you marry Yichen? He¡¯s been set on you since he was young."


    Jiang Zhiyuan lifted his chin, asking Qin Mu pointedly.


    Her sharp almond-shaped eyes lifted, and she replied with a sudden smile, "Really?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan...


    "Are you unaware? Or are you just tormenting him on purpose?"


    Qiao Yi was skeptical.


    "Haven¡¯t you heard the saying? The best things are those you can¡¯t have."


    Qin Mu smiled and responded with ease.


    The man standing outside the door unconsciously curled his lips into a slight smile, thinking that what one can¡¯t have is always the best?


    His long eyelashes fluttered slightly, and with his eyes cast down, no one could see what was on his mind anymore.


    In an instant, the door was pushed open from the outside, and the two men opposite looked up to see him enter.


    Qin Mu also turned her head curiously, and when she saw him, she was momentarily stunned; then she stood up as if nothing had happened, "You¡¯re back!"


    "Yeah! Why did you suddenly come to find me? Remember to call next time, so you don¡¯t miss me." He spoke gently, pulling her into a light embrace as they settled onto the couch.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu sat next to him and picked up her coffee, "I haven¡¯t tried this before!"


    Qiao Yi...


    Jiang Zhiyuan...


    If this woman was not feeling guilty because of what she had just said...


    They were also curious whether President Mu had heard it or not.


    "You think I¡¯d drink something you¡¯ve already tried?"


    Mu Yichen asked as he took it from her, whispering softly.


    Qin Mu, feeling the heat from his suggestive gaze, had no choice but to stand up, "Well then, you guys chat, I¡¯m going to leave first."


    Jiang Zhiyuan and Qiao Yi looked up at her curiously, wasn¡¯t she here for something important with Mu Yichen?


    "Oh, we¡¯ll talk about our matter tonight then."


    Qin Mu said to the puzzled looks of everyone, and then left.


    Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t quite reacted yet, his hand lingering on the back of the sofa where she¡¯d been seated, but ultimately, he could only let out a wry smile.


    In the office, now only the three men remained, Qiao Yi, and Jiang Zhiyuan, sent him questioning glances in unison.


    "You heard what she said just now, didn¡¯t you?"


    "Yeah!"


    Mu Yichen sipped his coffee, remaining calm.


    "Huh? She¡¯s deliberately whetting your appetite and you¡¯re not at all upset?" Jiang Zhiyuan asked curiously.


    "What do I have to be upset about?"


    Mu Yichen asked back curiously.


    "Yeah, what do you have to be upset about? As a child, you went abroad for her, as an adult, you strived for her, you literally live for her, how could you be upset?"


    Qiao Yi couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at this fact, clearly defeated by it, and still not understanding what Jing Qing was so persistent about when she clearly knew everything.


    Mu Yichen leaned back into the couch with his coffee cup in hand, looking at the two men opposite, neither of whom seemed too happy with him, and raised an eyebrow as if disappointed: "Qin Mu isn¡¯t as bad as you think, otherwise I wouldn¡¯t like her."


    "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what more is there to say? No matter how unworthy she is in others¡¯ eyes, to you, she¡¯s the apple of your eye," Jiang Zhiyuan said with a shrug, indicating he was beyond help.


    "Since you say so, I needn¡¯t explain further."


    He gently caressed the rim of his coffee cup, as though he were touching her soft lips.


    Why had she come to find him all of a sudden, and why leave just as abruptly?


    That night, he was dragged out for drinks and didn¡¯t get back until past nine; Huanhuan was already asleep.


    He was about to go to his own room, but then turned to look at Huanhuan¡¯s room, before walking over.


    Gently, he pushed open the door to see the little girl lying on the small pink bed and then quietly closed the door, returning to the master bedroom.


    Upon reaching the doorway, he looked up to see a woman standing there, leaning against the door with a pair of clear, bright almond eyes looking at him.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Mu Yichen, feeling a bit unsettled under her gaze, asked with a half-smile.


    "What exactly is wrong?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just stared at him, making his scalp tingle.


    "Are you still sober?"


    Qin Mu asked, detecting the smell of alcohol on his breath.


    "Just a few drinks, they won¡¯t get me drunk!"


    "Good, then I¡¯m asking you, what exactly happened at Qin Haiming¡¯s birthday banquet?"


    Qin Mu leaned lazily against the doorframe, arms crossed, a serious expression on her face.


    "Why are you suddenly asking about that?"


    Still smiling, he inched closer to her.

 Chapter 59 - 57 Self-esteem attacked_1

    Chapter 59: 57 Self-esteem attacked_1


    Qin Mu let him close in, and conveniently turned to stand against the wall, her head tilted back, staring at him.


    Feeling the alcohol on his breath, her gaze became sharp as needles, no longer merely posturing and showing off her influence.


    "Isn¡¯t this what you¡¯ve always wanted? For everyone to remember you?"


    Her gaze forced him to bring up the subject.


    In fact, he didn¡¯t want to mention it, knowing she disliked this method, but it was the simplest and fastest way for people to remember her. It was also something she had to go through upon her return.


    Compared to letting people slowly realize it and then spreading messy rumors, this method was obviously far more appropriate.


    "And then? You tell them we¡¯ve been together for a long time, that we already have a child, that we¡¯re going to marry soon," she asked him, puffing her chest out in a show of bold defiance.


    "Are you angry about that?"


    Clearly, he was more composed, and he didn¡¯t believe she was just angry about this!


    "The most important thing is that you joined forces with Qin Haiming, knowing how much I hate him, you still let him play the doting father in front of those people," she said forcefully.


    These words were heavy as she pointed towards the outdoors and hurled them out, even hatred flickering in her eyes as she looked at him.


    "Isn¡¯t it good for him to play the doting father? Didn¡¯t you want his wife and daughter to be unhappy?" he retorted.


    "Mu Yichen, don¡¯t assume you understand me so well, okay?" Her pride was fiercely attacked, and she almost stomped her foot in anger, shoving him away before opening the door and leaving.


    Hearing the door slam shut with a ¡¯bang,¡¯ he stood there, bowing his head, confirming something without following her.


    No media dared to leak this major news. The mayor of Qin City¡¯s eldest daughter being remembered by everyone could only be an open secret.


    Yet even so, Qin Mu¡¯s heart was still tormented.


    She was furious that he dared to embrace her and call her the daughter he had abandoned, that he dared to express his guilt in front of so many people.


    What right did he have?


    What right did he have to repent in front of so many people?


    He would never be able to earn her forgiveness, even if one day she called him ¡¯Dad¡¯ insincerely, it would definitely not be out of love for him.


    Qin Mu hid in her daughter¡¯s room and slept through the night. The next morning, before she awoke, the little one beside her was already stirring.


    Mu Yichen gently pushed the door open and, seeing Little Huanhuan sit up, made a shushing gesture with his hand before walking in to quietly pick up Little Huanhuan and leave the room.


    Qin Mu continued to sleep, her eyes dry and uncomfortable after a night of insomnia before finally drifting off.


    Mu Yichen quietly got clothes for Little Huanhuan and went to their bedroom to dress her. After they washed up in the bedroom, father and daughter went downstairs together.


    Little Huanhuan was most delighted when Mu Yichen lifted her up high, sitting on his shoulders.


    "You play here, daddy¡¯s going to prepare breakfast, okay?"


    "OK!"


    Little Huanhuan hugged her toy, nodding at him, her smile bright as the early morning sun.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but smile as well, seeing her always grinning so brilliantly, really like the sunshine bit by bit illuminating the dark depths of his heart.


    By the time she woke up, the father and daughter had already prepared breakfast. Coming downstairs and seeing them eating, she couldn¡¯t help feeling a twinge of emotion in her nose.


    "Good morning!"


    She said casually, unsure who it was meant for.


    "Mommy, good morning!" Huanhuan greeted her cheerfully.


    Qin Mu glanced at her daughter and couldn¡¯t resist smiling as she sat down.


    Indeed, Huanhuan was their little sun.


    Mu Yichen only looked up at her when she started to serve herself some porridge to eat, still angry with him but not forgetting to eat, good!


    Qin Mu had a great appetite that morning, drinking two bowls of porridge and eating two egg pancakes.


    Later, she took Huanhuan in her car and left without paying any attention to Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen, feeling helpless, could only follow them quietly.


    "Mommy, Daddy¡¯s behind us!"


    Huanhuan lay in the back looking out, emphasizing the last two words heavily.


    "Sit properly, don¡¯t move around," Qin Mu reminded her daughter gently, obviously aware that he was following them, so she deliberately drove carelessly.


    Huanhuan obediently sat down, looking reassured and content knowing her daddy was behind them.


    When her car reached the studio parking lot, he left without lingering any longer.


    After getting out of the car, Qin Mu opened the door for Huanhuan then turned to look back at the tail of his car, her stubborn gaze mixed with a touch of grievance.


    Grievances stem from his worry.


    She went in to carry her daughter out, then walked straight into the work studio with her back erect.


    A few friends had already arrived, and Xiaomei, brimming with excitement, ran to her side, touched Little Huanhuan¡¯s face, and then, bursting with excitement, said to Qin Mu, "Master is coming over today!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t help but sparkle, "Really?"


    The work studio had been open for a while, and the master had always said he was too busy to visit.


    Xiaomei nodded vigorously, striving to suppress her own excitement.


    In fact, everyone was happy; after working with Jian Yan for a long time, a few days without seeing him felt very empty.


    Qin Mu just hadn¡¯t expected him to come over, and remembering the adoption paperwork he was supposed to handle for Huanhuan, she wondered if he was coming just to deliver that.


    That couldn¡¯t be it; he must be worried about their work studio.


    She also wasn¡¯t used to working alone; she was accustomed to having his support.


    "Decorate the place nicely, order some bouquets of flowers the master likes."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu carried Huanhuan upstairs, while Xiaomei took out her phone to call the flower shop and order flowers.


    She had been diligently drawing designs that morning when she received a call from Liu Jingyuan and felt surprised, "President Liu, your suit will still take two more days."


    "I just wanted to invite Miss Qin out for tea," said Liu Jingyuan with a chuckle.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes fluttered, "Another day, please; I really have other matters today."


    "Oh? It seems I really don¡¯t pick the right times."


    After hanging up the phone with Liu Jingyuan, she noticed Xiaomei standing at the door, looking at her with a mischievous smile, "Qinqin, does that President Liu fancy you or something?"


    "I¡¯m not RMB; not everyone likes me,"


    Qin Mu replied, then put her phone aside and continued drawing.


    "But I always feel that this man is trying to get close to you." Xiaomei approached and presented her with the fruit she had cut.


    Qin Mu took a piece and put it in her mouth, frowning at Xiaomei, then lowered her gaze contemplatively.


    When Jian Yan arrived, it was already two in the afternoon, and all their friends crowded around him. Jian Yan smiled, "Don¡¯t you have work to do?"


    Having agreed to a dinner gathering in the evening, everyone dispersed shyly.


    Huanhuan clung to him and wouldn¡¯t leave his arms. Qin Mu sat beside them looking on, "Everyone just misses you a lot."


    "Yeah, I can see that!"


    While saying that, he lifted his gaze toward Qin Mu who was sitting at the side. Qin Mu let out a helpless sigh, "Don¡¯t say everyone but me; I missed you quite a bit, too."


    After she spoke, she picked up the folder he had brought, opened it, and began surveying the documents within.


    "Really?"


    Jian Yan¡¯s gaze also fell on the documents in her hands.


    "Huanhuan misses you, too!"


    Huanhuan raised her head to look at Jian Yan, eagerly expressing her feelings.


    "Right, the only one here who sincerely misses me is Little Huanhuan." Jian Yan immediately turned his attention to Little Huanhuan, gently rubbing her head.


    "I really hadn¡¯t noticed she possessed a knack for flattery. She¡¯s not at all like me and Mu Yichen."


    Qin Mu shook her head in disappointment and put the documents back into the bag.


    How should she put it? The documents arrived very timely, and Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t even urged her, but her heart...


    Instead of feeling relieved after seeing the documents, she felt somewhat restless and uneasy.


    "Not like you? Have you forgotten how you shamelessly clung to the doorstep of my house back then?"


    Qin Mu...


    "I think Huanhuan¡¯s temperament is very much like yours."


    Jian Yan looked at Huanhuan, liking her more and more with every look.


    Qin Mu felt quite helpless about this; after all, Jian Yan pampered Huanhuan, and it likely wasn¡¯t any less than Mu Yichen.


    That evening, she encountered Mu Yichen and his group at the hotel while welcoming Jian Yan with a dinner, and Jiang Zhiyuan, with a burst of inspiration, quickly became enthusiastic, "Since we all know each other, why don¡¯t we dine together?"


    Jian Yan glanced at Mu Yichen, then at his own disciple, the two of them appearing to be in a cold war, "Then let¡¯s eat together."


    Qin Mu instinctively turned her head to look at Jian Yan, her eyes showing strong disapproval.


    Jian Yan had already walked ahead, and Mu Yichen glanced at the woman beside him who was following Jian Yan into the restaurant without looking up.


    Although Mu Yichen was following behind her, when they entered, he found the seats on both sides of her already taken.


    Jian Yan, as the master, sat at the innermost spot, with Qin Mu on one side and a foreign girl on Qin Mu¡¯s other side.

 Chapter 60 - 58 Love me, love my dog_1

    Chapter 60: 58 Love me, love my dog_1


    President Mu could only sit across from her, and as he looked up, he saw her pouring tea for Jian Yan, who gazed at her with a gentle expression in his eyes.


    Having not married even past his forties, Mu Yichen¡¯s brows furrowed as if someone had pricked his brow.


    "Xiaomu is really so filial!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan, observing Mu Yichen¡¯s sour gaze, couldn¡¯t help but chime in.


    "Of course, once a teacher, forever a father!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan burst into laughter.


    Curious, everyone looked at them. Jian Yan smiled helplessly too, while Mu Yichen maintained a cool expression.


    "Qin Mu hasn¡¯t been causing trouble for President Mu, has he?"


    Suddenly changing tack, Jian Yan looked up at Mu Yichen with an air that said, "You¡¯re my junior."


    "Trouble, indeed, has been caused aplenty."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s response was bland.


    Qin Mu looked up at him, and he looked back at her, yet his gaze was full of disdain.


    "Oh?" Jian Yan turned to look at Qin Mu, waiting for her to reply.


    "How dare I trouble President Mu? If that were the case, I should hurry up and move out of President Mu¡¯s apartment then!"


    Having said that, Qin Mu gave Mu Yichen a sharp glance in reply.


    The crowd...


    Those who didn¡¯t understand Chinese dared not make a sound, while those who did quietly picked up their tea cups.


    A bomb!


    "Fine!"


    Mu Yichen, composed, squinted at her. Though his demeanor was relaxed, his presence was definitely intimidating.


    The two of them locked eyes in front of so many people, causing those around to start feeling pain in their own eyes.


    Everyone was single here. Without even a mutual spat to watch, it felt quite disappointing.


    Even Jian Yan suddenly lost interest, as the arguing pair somehow made him uncomfortable, too.


    "Let¡¯s order!" Jian Yan commanded.


    The waiter, already holding the menu at the ready, sighed in relief at the command and quickly stepped forward.


    A reflex response had him hand the menu to Mu Yichen first, before distributing the rest to everyone else.


    Taking the menu, Qin Mu immediately turned to Jian Yan: "What would you like to eat?"


    Upon hearing this, Mu Yichen looked up, shooting a dagger-like stare at the woman.


    As if to say, "Dead woman, I¡¯ll thrash you at home! You believe me?"


    "Our studio is in Rongcheng, and we rely on everyone¡¯s attention. I¡¯ll drink to you all."


    Jian Yan politely toasted Mu Yichen and Jiang Zhiyuan. Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but smile: "Since when did you start being so polite?"


    "One has to bow their head under someone else¡¯s roof!" Jian Yan said with a smile.


    No more words were exchanged.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t bear their conversation any longer and excused herself to go to the restroom.


    But as soon as she left, she was immediately under surveillance.


    Jing Qing, who always enjoyed dining at Mu Yichen¡¯s hotel, overheard that Qin Mu was hosting a meal there for her master, with President Mu in attendance. She immediately moved from the main hall to the private room next door and stood outside the door, waiting for either Mu Yichen or Qin Mu to emerge.


    She didn¡¯t expect to be spotted so soon, but Qin Mu suddenly turned and caught her gaze.


    Jing Qing, knowing she had been discovered, advanced with a slight smile: "It really is you!"


    "Could you maybe not follow me around like a ghost in the future?"


    Because of Mu Yichen, Qin Mu already felt frustrated, and now she couldn¡¯t tolerate Jing Qing¡¯s eerie manner.


    Jing Qing, however, was startled by her words and smiled: "You seem to really dislike me. Could it be because I¡¯m the Mu Family¡¯s chosen daughter-in-law?"


    The conversation had reached this point.


    Qin Mu stared straight at her, lifting her chin: "What¡¯s there to envy about being a daughter-in-law? Without a man¡¯s touch, you¡¯re just left yearning, no different than an abandoned wife."


    "What? Qin Mu, how can you speak like that?"


    Apart from in scripts, Jing Qing had never heard anyone speak to her that way.


    "Did I say something wrong, or is your heart set on nothing more than the role of the Mu Family¡¯s daughter-in-law? You don¡¯t really love Mu Yichen, do you?"


    "What right do you have to say I don¡¯t love him? I love him more deeply than anyone else does."


    It seemed this was the one thing that Jing Qing couldn¡¯t tolerate.


    "Really? Then why do you always follow me instead of clinging to him? Could it be that your uncontrollable love for him is shifting onto me? Love me because you love him?"


    After saying that, Qin Mu turned and entered the bathroom, slamming the door shut from inside.


    Jing Qing stood in the corridor, so angry her face turned white but had to hold back because people were passing by.


    When she turned around in a huff, she raised her eyes to see Mu Yichen standing there.


    Mu Yichen just gave her a faint glance. Jing Qing, having lost the argument with Qin Mu and now being caught by him, had no choice but to leave, walking right past him.


    Mu Yichen lowered his gaze slightly before moving forward again.


    In the restroom, Qin Mu washed her face and looked at the stubborn girl in the mirror.


    She was pale and beautiful, with a superior air, but that temper of hers really was something...


    Qin Mu, you should learn to be gentler; otherwise, you won¡¯t even know how you might end up dead.


    She warned the girl in the mirror, and then she saw the man in the reflection.


    He closed the door, then appeared behind her, looking down at the girl in the mirror with a disdainful air.


    "What are you doing?"


    She instinctively put up a tough front to guard herself.


    "I came to see if this sharp-tongued girl was really my Qin Mu."


    He moved slightly closer, pressing against her back, and Qin Mu instinctively leaned forward.


    His long arms wrapped around her waist effortlessly, his domineering gaze arrogantly peering into the mirror.


    Qin Mu¡¯s cheeks flushed, as he pressed up against her.


    Her heart swung fiercely, afraid of what he might do next, something not suitable for children, while she was still angry with him.


    "No, don¡¯t just hug anyone. I¡¯ll scream harassment!"


    But he suddenly laughed, nuzzling into her shoulder: Not yours?


    His voice was so low, yet it seemed to flow through her blood to her bones.


    A rush of heat filled her eyes, and Qin Mu didn¡¯t understand why she felt so wronged, only feeling the tears about to spill out.


    "Are you saying I¡¯m not?"


    She stubbornly tried to pry his hands off her waist, but it was futile.


    Hearing her voice choked with tears, he held her effortlessly, "Always so willful. Would it kill you to admit it?"


    "I won¡¯t admit it, I just won¡¯t!"


    Her grievance was on the brink of tears as she bowed her head, refusing to yield and unable to free herself from his grasp.


    Mu Yichen was angry as well as heartbroken, and he subconsciously released her. Then he lifted her with ease onto the washstand, pressing his forehead against hers: "Listen up, Mrs. Mu. Dare to flirt with your master in front of me again, and I¡¯ll take you right then and there, in public."


    He ground his teeth, suppressing his assertive tone, articulating each word clearly, pouring them straight into her heart.


    "You wouldn¡¯t dare!" She looked up, her eyes glistening and defiant, unwilling to back down even an inch.


    "I wouldn¡¯t?"


    He suddenly picked her up and began to carry her out.


    "If you¡¯ve got the guts, then do it. Take me out and have your way," she said, her hands on his shoulders, furious.


    "You think I wouldn¡¯t?"


    He laughed, a laugh so nervous it made her.


    Carrying her to the door, he held her with one hand and opened the door with the other.


    Qin Mu was disheveled on his body, feeling her heart about to leap out, yet she remained defiant, and began unlatching the buttons of his shirt inside his jacket.


    Mu Yichen knew she was bluffing, but he walked out holding her nonetheless.


    Strangely, the hallway was quiet; not even a fly could be heard. He pressed her against the expensive wallpaper, breathing low: "You tell me if I dare or not?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s tears streamed down, yet she remained stubborn: "Go on then, do it. If you¡¯ve got the nerve, just do it."


    She hit his shoulder, pushing him hard, large tears falling down one by one.

 Chapter 61 - 59 The dishes are all cold_1

    Chapter 61: 59 The dishes are all cold_1


    Qin Mu left first.


    Xiaomei and another female colleague had held back outside for a long time. When he came out, they both kept their heads down, not daring to move. After he left, they sneakily glanced at his retreating figure.


    As they took their seats, the perceptive ones immediately noticed that their expressions were off, their postures were off, everything about them was off.


    Even if Qin Mu pretended as if he had done nothing, merely pouring himself a glass of water to drink.


    It was President Mu, though, who seemed intent on making some kind of statement.


    "Cough, cough!"


    Choked by the water, Qin Mu coughed and then glared fiercely at him.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    President Mu innocently looked up at her and asked.


    The people around...


    Qin Mu felt that the most embarrassing moments of her life may continue to pile up, yet what could be more humiliating than this?


    She silently scanned everyone¡¯s faces, then very reluctantly accepted what she had thought: indeed, everyone knew what the two of them had been up to.


    But she had initially gone to wash her hands. How did she first run into Jing Qing, and then get intercepted by him at the restroom?


    Jing Qing must have just coincidentally followed her, but that man opposite her was definitely scheming, harboring ulterior motives from the start.


    Jian Yan saw that Qin Mu¡¯s soul had long been hooked away by Mu Yichen, his mouth unconsciously twitching.


    In fact, over the years, hadn¡¯t her soul always been hooked by President Mu? Jian Yan could only resign to fate.


    "The dishes have gone cold. Do you want to ask them to reheat them for you?"


    Upon hearing her master¡¯s concern, Qin Mu immediately looked up at him: No need.


    "Then at least eat a little," Jian Yan served her some of the still warm dishes.


    Qin Mu bowed her head slightly in thanks and then silently began to eat, allowing so many gazes to linger on her.


    Jian Yan was staying at the hotel; Mu Yichen arranged for the hotel¡¯s car to take everyone back. Jiang Zhiyuan, Qiao Yi, and others drove themselves back. He stood with Qin Mu on the side, his dark eagle eyes sweeping over her: Aren¡¯t you getting in the car?


    "Can I choose not to go back?"


    "What did you say? Are you asking for a spanking?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes, watery and pleading, looked at him. Noticing that there were people all around, she quickly opened the car door and got in.


    Only then did Mu Yichen walk around to the driver¡¯s seat and drove off.


    In the car, Qin Mu regretted it more and more. She could run away¡ªshe didn¡¯t believe that a big boss like him would really chase her down in front of so many employees.


    Why did she let his words scare her into getting into the car?


    A den of thieves, an absolute den of thieves.


    She needed to think of a way to flee quickly. Huanhuan was picked up by Feng Fanghua for dinner, and an idea struck Qin Mu: Go pick up Huanhuan.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t respond to her with a single word, but the car was headed towards the Mu Family.


    However, after they arrived that night, they didn¡¯t leave again.


    Mu Yichen directly imprisoned her in his room: Wasn¡¯t it you who took the initiative to come?


    "I came to pick up Huanhuan!"


    This was the real Mu family ancestral home, not Mu Yichen¡¯s private apartment, the external house.


    "If I wanted to make you have a child, do you think you could escape?"


    He questioned her, thinking she was afraid of having a child for him.


    Qin Mu thought to herself, back then, you weren¡¯t keen on having me bear a child either, who knows?

 Chapter 62 - 60 Compromise?

    Chapter 62: 60 Compromise?


    Qin Mu let out a low groan in pain, and afterward, no matter how excessive he was, she could only endure it by holding him tight, with only broken, muffled whimpers.


    ¡ª¡ª


    The next day.


    Qin Mu had been kept busy until two or three in the morning and couldn¡¯t get up early, while the other members of the Mu Family were already having breakfast in the dining room.


    Mu Zihao looked at his granddaughter feeding herself with a spoon and smiled approvingly: "Huanhuan is really quite similar to you when you were little."


    Mu Yichen...


    "However, you can¡¯t just bring her over to stay the night because of that. What if the Jing Family finds out? How awkward would our situation be?"


    Feng Fanghua complained as she looked at her son.


    "Awkward? I¡¯ve already made it known that I want to marry Qin Mu. Now, everyone in the city with some connections knows I¡¯m not interested in an arranged marriage with the Jing Family."


    "But our relationship with the Jing Family..."


    "Mom, I admit the Jing Family and the Mu Family have always had a good relationship, but if that relationship crumbles just because Jing Qing and I don¡¯t work out, then I can only say the foundation you built in the past wasn¡¯t strong. In other words, the Jing Family is not worth your care."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t want to listen to Feng Fanghua going on about those things and had to lay out the facts.


    Who in Rongcheng didn¡¯t know the standing of the Jing Family? Joining the two families was an excellent move, and many other families aside from the Mu Family would love to secure a marriage with the Jing Family. Jing Feng had been fond of Helian Hao since childhood, and though Helian Hao hadn¡¯t agreed yet, it was a matter of time. Naturally, Jing Qing became the prize many prominent families competed over. Originally, Mu Yichen had to give up, but once Mu Yichen backed out...


    Feng Fanghua believed what her son was giving up wasn¡¯t just a woman, but an excellent backup.


    "But do you really want to marry the girl upstairs?"


    "Yes!"


    Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua exchanged looks, neither very pleased but choosing not to say more. However, when they both looked at their granddaughter, their eyes were filled with extra tenderness, and Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but reach out to stroke Huanhuan¡¯s hair lovingly.


    Mu Yichen was somewhat stunned by Feng Fanghua¡¯s gesture.


    His mother was actually this caring? He had never noticed before. Although Feng Fanghua often engaged in charity, he had never seen her show such genuine affection to any child from the orphanages.


    By the time Qin Mu woke up, he had gone to work, Mu Zihao had taken Huanhuan out, and just as Feng Fanghua was about to follow, Jing Qing happened to visit, so she stayed to entertain Jing Qing.


    Of course, Jing Qing also brought along her follower, Qin Mingzhu.


    "Auntie, you don¡¯t know how shameless that wild girl is. It¡¯s one thing for her to cling to Yichen¡¯s apartment and not leave, but she even dared to slander Jing Qing. Jing Qing and Yichen were engaged since they were very young."


    "What you¡¯re saying is not without reason. She has indeed gone too far, but after all, she is your father¡¯s eldest daughter. Is it appropriate for you to call her a ¡¯wild girl¡¯?"


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s words were light, but the warning in her eyes was not to be taken lightly.


    Qin Mingzhu blinked blankly: What should I call her then? Sister?


    The idea made her want to laugh.


    "Auntie, it would be too much for Mingzhu to call her ¡¯sister.¡¯ She¡¯s been spoiled by Uncle Qin to the point of forgetting about Qin Mu."


    Feng Fanghua suddenly remembered a time long ago, wasn¡¯t Qin Haiming doting on Qin Mu and their mother then?


    But so quickly, he had changed. Feng Fanghua thought of the girl upstairs, who every time she saw her seemed as frightened as a little girl who had done something wrong, and sighed helplessly: Life is truly different for everyone!


    If Qin Haiming had stayed with Mingzhu¡¯s mother from the start and then met Qin Mu¡¯s mother later, things would probably have been very different.


    "Auntie, I actually came today to bring you some fruit. My brother picked these from the orchard on his way back yesterday. They¡¯re especially fresh. You must try them right away."


    A large basket of fresh oranges, Feng Fanghua looked very pleased.


    "You still know best what Auntie likes to eat," Feng Fanghua immediately said happily.


    "Auntie has treated me like her own daughter all these years, it would be unfilial of me not to know what she likes to eat,"


    Jing Qing immediately said.


    "Sister Jing Qing is really thoughtful, I also grew up by Auntie¡¯s side, but I don¡¯t know what she likes to eat," Qin Mingzhu immediately chimed in.


    "You girl!" Feng Fanghua scolded her with a laugh.


    "But from now on, I¡¯ll remember, Auntie likes juicy oranges."


    Qin Mingzhu said, without forgetting to show her eight teeth with a smile.


    Jing Qing hadn¡¯t expected Qin Mingzhu to suddenly be so sweet-tongued, and she was surprised, but then she didn¡¯t think much of it.


    "Miss Qin, you¡¯re awake!"


    "Mm!"


    She actually felt awkward when the servant greeted her, so she nodded her head, lowering her voice.


    She just hadn¡¯t expected to come downstairs and see such a lively scene in the living room; she instantly wanted to find a hole to crawl into.


    Realizing that she probably shouldn¡¯t have appeared, Qin Mu immediately smiled, Should I go back to my room first?


    "What a lack of manners, not coming down to greet the guests when they arrive?"


    Feng Fanghua sat there and ordered with a side glance.


    Qin Mu had no choice but to come downstairs reluctantly.


    Both Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu were frightened, with Jing Qing¡¯s expression just unnatural, but Qin Mingzhu¡¯s eyeballs nearly popped out.


    Nobody had expected that Qin Mu had actually spent the night at the Mu Family¡¯s home.


    What this signified, only a fool wouldn¡¯t understand.


    Jing Qing opened her mouth a few times, unable to successfully pretend to greet Qin Mu graciously.


    Qin Mu timidly stood beside Feng Fanghua and then lifted her hand, Hey, hi to you two young ladies!


    Jing Qing just looked up at her; at that moment, it felt as if she was struck by countless arrows, not all at once, but wave by wave piercing her heart, leaving only fragments of her heart behind.


    Qin Mingzhu stared at her dumbfounded, You... how come you are here?


    "She had too much to drink last night and was mistakenly brought here by the hotel people," Feng Fanghua spoke for her.


    Qin Mu thought to herself, when had she ever drunk too much? Mistakenly brought over by the hotel? She had clearly been forcefully kept here by Mu Yichen while she was completely sober.


    "I see," Jing Qing regained her composure.


    "Then I¡¯ll first..."


    Qin Mu asked to leave.


    "There¡¯s breakfast left for you in the kitchen, go eat,"


    but she didn¡¯t expect Feng Fanghua to actually tell her to go eat; God, she felt her entire worldview had been overturned.


    That woman who hated her the most, the woman who had her secretly become Mu Yichen¡¯s mistress, was actually telling her to go eat, and in front of Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu no less.

 Chapter 63 - 61 Dementia_1

    Chapter 63: 61 Dementia_1


    Qin Mu ate that meal with fear and trepidation. She intentionally delayed leaving until Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu had gone, then awkwardly but politely expressed her gratitude to Feng Fanghua, "Thank you for the breakfast, I really liked it."


    "I didn¡¯t prepare it, so no need to thank me."


    Qin Mu knew she wouldn¡¯t receive any kind words but didn¡¯t get angry. She was silently grateful since Feng Fanghua hadn¡¯t tried to coax her away in front of Jing Qing that day.


    "Aren¡¯t you supposed to go to work?"


    "Oh, yes!"


    Only then did Qin Mu remember the important matter at hand.


    She went upstairs to get her bag, and when she saw a plate of oranges on the table, she sneakily took two while Feng Fanghua had gone. After walking a few steps, she turned back, grabbed another two for her bag, and left.


    Her cautious yet playfully mischievous demeanor made an auntie watching nearby chuckle.


    Qin Mu chuckled too, "You¡¯ve worked hard, goodbye!"


    After she left, the auntie whispered to the butler, "No wonder our young master likes her, she¡¯s really lively and cheeky."


    "Hmm, she was much better when she was little, but now..."


    The butler didn¡¯t finish, only sighed and shook his head.


    Nowadays, Qin Mu had to be enduring, cunning, calculating, extremely cautious, and yet had to pretend - how could she possibly be truly happy?


    After discussing with Jian Yan in the office for a while, when there was a lull, she casually pulled open a drawer and saw a document lying there. Her eyes unconsciously drooped, and then she closed it.


    To give it to him?


    To give it to him would be to deceive!


    And she didn¡¯t truly want to deceive him.


    He hadn¡¯t asked her again about the adoption papers for Huanhuan, so she decided not to take the initiative to bring it up.


    Xiaomei knocked on the door, "Qinqin, President Liu is here!"


    Jian Yan, standing upstairs, unconsciously curved his lips as he saw Qin Mu go down to meet Liu Jingyuan.


    This girl¡¯s situation seemed quite good since returning to the country, with apparently not a few admirers.


    "Check if it fits. There¡¯s a fitting room over there, you can go try it on. If it doesn¡¯t fit, I can alter it for you right away," said Qin Mu, her eyes lowered as she spoke softly to him, seeing Xiaomei open the expensive package.


    "There is no need, I trust you. If there really is a problem, I can find you later," he replied.


    Qin Mu nodded without saying much, but Liu Jingyuan awkwardly laughed for a couple of seconds before asking her again, "Do you have time for a cup of tea today?"


    "Um... I¡¯m sorry!"


    Qin Mu genuinely felt sorry, but her mentor was waiting for her in her office, and she wouldn¡¯t go anywhere else.


    "Alright, then. Wait for when you have the time!"


    After Liu Jingyuan left, Qin Mu stood at the door watching him, then sighed helplessly.


    So many people socializing every day, for salary, for career, some for family, for love. But what about her?


    By the time she was heading upstairs, Jian Yan was still standing where he had watched her earlier, "Who¡¯s this God of Wealth?"


    "Liu Jingyuan, I heard he¡¯s a real estate tycoon from Rongcheng," explained Qin Mu.


    Jian Yan nodded and went into the office first, followed by Qin Mu.


    Of course, when he was there, the place behind the office desk belonged to him. The mentor would always be the highest authority.


    Qin Mu sat opposite him, presenting the designs for Fashion Week she had prepared earlier for him to see. After flipping through a couple of pages, Jian Yan looked up at her, "You haven¡¯t made any progress recently, and it seems like you¡¯ve fallen back a bit."


    Qin Mu...


    Seeing her mentor¡¯s disappointed look, she felt guilty and perplexed, but a closer inspection revealed that her designs indeed lacked heart.


    Since returning, she seemed to have been out of touch.


    Where was her heart?


    Qin Mu gave a wry smile, then looked up at Jian Yan again, "I¡¯ll improve right away!"


    "Mmm!"


    Jian Yan nodded and didn¡¯t say more, getting up to leave.


    Qin Mu spent the entire afternoon adjusting the design drafts.


    At six o¡¯clock in the afternoon, Jian Yan was in the living room with a laptop on his legs, watching the news. Upon seeing a familiar figure walk in, he smiled and said, "President Mu!"


    Mu Yichen also saw him and walked over to sit opposite him.


    When two kings meet for talks, one is sure to get hurt!


    With his legs crossed in front of him, Mu Yichen asked, "How long will you stay?"


    "Let¡¯s see, the scenery here is nice, might stay a few more days," Jian Yan said earnestly, eyes fixed on Mu Yichen¡¯s face.


    Mu Yichen smiled, seeming to understand what he wanted to see.


    But Mu Yichen said nothing, just nodded knowingly.


    "Qin Mu hasn¡¯t been very attentive recently, is it because you¡¯ve been putting too much pressure on her?"


    Jian Yan, recalling Qin Mu¡¯s design drafts, asked again.


    Mu Yichen then took on a more serious demeanor, his brows furrowing, but he remained silent.


    Was he putting too much pressure on her?


    If he was the reason for her distraction, what was the main cause?


    Had she finally had a change of heart, enough to be disturbed by him?


    "Maybe she hasn¡¯t adjusted to being back in the country?"


    Jian Yan, after hearing this, nodded. "Did she go to her father¡¯s birthday banquet?"


    "Yes, exactly," Mu Yichen said. "To be precise, it¡¯s more than just attending a birthday banquet."


    "What else then?"


    "And there¡¯s more..."


    As Mu Yichen finished sharing his plan with Jian Yan, Qin Mu just happened to come downstairs looking for a drink. Seeing the two of them there, she walked over to sit down, picking up Mu Yichen¡¯s teacup to drink from it and curiously asked, "What are you two talking about?"


    No one answered her question, but Jian Yan¡¯s gaze resting on the cup indicated he was quite disheartened.


    "It¡¯s nothing, how¡¯s the revision going?" Jian Li swiftly changed the subject.


    "Not bad, I¡¯ll work late and then you can check it for me," she answered.


    Work late?


    The man sitting beside her was very displeased. Why did she have to work late again?


    "You¡¯re always working late, what about Huanhuan?" Mu Yichen questioned.


    Qin Mu looked up at him. "Right, Huanhuan is still with your parents today. They seem to adore her, so how about we don¡¯t let her come home tonight? I can pull an all-nighter to finish these designs."


    "Don¡¯t even think about it."


    Mu Yichen immediately rejected the idea, watching her absentmindedly focused on the design drafts.


    Qin Mu...


    "I¡¯m not leaving in the next couple of days either, so you shouldn¡¯t stay up all night."


    Jian Yan certainly wouldn¡¯t want his beloved apprentice to keep working through the night, especially when there was no rush.


    Without understanding her mentor¡¯s meaning, Qin Mu blinked instinctively.


    Jian Yan was the kind of person who liked to solve problems immediately. Procrastination wasn¡¯t his style, but this time...


    "Oh, okay then!"


    Qin Mu took another sip of tea and, lowering her gaze as she thought, realized she was using Mu Yichen¡¯s cup and almost cringed with embarrassment.


    "I finished your tea, I¡¯ll pour you another cup."

 Chapter 64 - 62 Too Sweet_1

    Chapter 64: 62 Too Sweet_1


    She wasn¡¯t sorry for having used his cup, nor for finishing the tea he had just cooled.


    She had no idea how intimate it looked when she inadvertently leaned on Mu Yichen¡¯s knee while reaching for the teapot.


    Jian Yan, however, understood very well; she had long become accustomed to everything about Mu Yichen.


    With his eyes lowered, Mu Yichen watched her help pour the tea without giving her any hints, simply leaning back, smugly enjoying the moment.


    He just gently stroked her hair, and Qin Mu instinctively turned her head to look at him, and at his slight smile, her mind went blank.


    What had happened?


    "That¡¯s about enough; the master is still a lonely man,"


    Jian Yan could only remind them verbally.


    Qin Mu was even more flustered¡ªwho was she? What had she done? Why would the master refer to himself as a lonely man?


    Finally, Mu Yichen laughed with satisfaction, prompting a puzzled Qin Mu to ask, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    That question was soft, so soft it hurt the master.


    Jian Yan chuckled, looking at her with an indulgent gaze, "I¡¯ll take a walk outside!"


    After watching Jian Yan leave, Qin Mu looked up at Mu Yichen: "What¡¯s the matter with the master?"


    "It¡¯s nothing¡ªjust that he feels lonely seeing us being so sweet,"


    His laugh was harmless, but it made Qin Mu instinctively move away from him at his mention of being "so sweet."


    But he wasn¡¯t angry, and he just leaned his head back against the sofa, laughing more and more foolishly to himself.


    "He¡¯s gone crazy, really!"


    Qin Mu, puzzled, stood up and went upstairs to continue working.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes grew slightly somber after she left, and his smile quickly faded.


    Only a fool would tell her that another man loves her madly but never mentions it.


    Later, when everyone in the studio had left, Mu Yichen was still waiting for her on the first-floor sofa, quietly listening to the sound of running water below the stairs, quietly smelling the scent of lilies on the table, quietly observing everything on the first floor.


    She had bought flowers because of Jian Yan¡¯s visit, hadn¡¯t she? He hadn¡¯t seen her put them out before in his many visits.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t remember when exactly he realized Jian Yan¡¯s feelings for Qin Mu, but he was sure Jian Yan wouldn¡¯t tell her, so he kept it to himself, until Jian Yan¡¯s visit this time made him feel uneasy.


    It seemed like Jian Yan always knew his boundaries, so Mu Yichen didn¡¯t hint at anything to Qin Mu either.


    Let her think that he¡¯s the only one in the world who likes her. Great!


    Jing Qing¡¯s car was parked outside the studio. Seeing his car there, she just wouldn¡¯t leave.


    She wanted to know just how long he could wait for Qin Mu.


    He certainly had never wasted so much time on any of his brothers or sisters.


    Through the large glass screen on the first floor, she saw the man sitting on the sofa and then took out her mobile phone: "Do me a favor!"


    She watched Mu Yichen answer the phone, watched him leave, and then chuckled to herself.


    She almost thought he would refuse Qiao Yi, almost believed he would steadfastly wait there.


    With the lights still on upstairs, Jing Qing started the car and quietly moved to the side as soon as Mu Yichen got up, waiting for Mu Yichen¡¯s car to leave before turning back around.


    Qin Mu¡¯s car was parked there, and only upon closer inspection did she see it was just a car worth less than five hundred thousand, prompting her to scoff dismissively before leaving.


    Mu Yichen arrived at the nightclub, where everything was calm.


    Brought to Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s table, he kicked the chair beside him with reluctance, sat down with a cold expression, "What¡¯s the situation?"


    "We just wanted to see if we could lure you out at night, and to our surprise, we actually succeeded,"


    Jiang Zhiyuan grinned at him with a beer in hand.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s sharp gaze shot at him: "Amused?"


    "Just a joke! You¡¯re always at home with Xiaomu; isn¡¯t that boring? You¡¯ll grow tired of it after a while. We¡¯re doing this for your own good,"


    "No need!"


    At Mu Yichen¡¯s cold response, he didn¡¯t wait for Jiang Zhiyuan to finish pouring his drink and left.


    Jiang Zhiyuan was still pouring drinks, looking helplessly at Mu Yichen¡¯s departing back, then turned to Qiao Yi: "Indeed, what are we doing this for?"


    "Jing Qing isn¡¯t giving up yet," Qiao Yi¡¯s voice was low, and he picked up the drink Jiang Zhiyuan had just filled to the brim and downed it in one gulp.


    As he drove back, a group of unwelcome guests arrived at the studio.


    Qin Mu, busy drawing upstairs, hadn¡¯t heard a thing until the crashing and smashing noises downstairs reached the second floor.

 Chapter 65 - 63 (Request for first order! Request for monthly ticket!)_1

    Chapter 65: 63 (Request for first order! Request for monthly ticket!)_1


    The men all wore head coverings, each one burly.


    Mu Yichen had a bad premonition as he was driving back, and just before he was about to pass by the motorcycles, he saw them out of the corner of his eye.


    Before he could fully stop the car, he noticed the large glass window on the first floor was broken, the darkness of his eagle eyes instantly turning into a thin line.


    In his mind, countless illusions flashed, but he had only one thought in his heart.


    That she was still alive.


    As long as she was still alive, as long as she had a breath left.


    As long as she didn¡¯t abandon him.


    "Qin Mu!"


    The man, who hadn¡¯t even shut the car door, ran to the entrance and shouted, his face dark as storm clouds.


    He had never been so panicked before, not even when other boys confessed to her.


    Feeling as if he was about to lose her, he looked inside in terror.


    Everything was shattered!


    The impeccably clean floor was now a mess, strewn with glass shards.


    All the transparent glass she liked so much was broken.


    Those glasses were made of special materials; he could imagine the force those people must have used.


    But where was his woman now?


    "I¡¯m okay!"


    That voice sounded fragile yet feigned strength.


    She raised her hand, revealing herself behind the sof on the first-floor landing.


    Though her voice was weak, Mu Yichen, whose heart had been hanging by a thread, was immediately relieved and rushed over to kneel in front of her.


    Looking at her pale face, he couldn¡¯t help but clutch her hand tightly.


    "Are you hurt anywhere?"


    Even though her clothes were clean, he couldn¡¯t help but check her all over.


    "No, they didn¡¯t hurt people, they just smashed things!"


    Qin Mu, looking at Mu Yichen¡¯s anxious demeanor, raised her hand toStroke his face gently.


    Her voice was soft and warm; she could only calm herself for this man who was likely so worried his heart might burst.


    That was exactly what they had said when she rushed out to find the first floor being smashed to bits by five men wearing blue T-shirts and headcoverings, wielding clubs, and those men had warned her not to come downstairs; they were only there to smash things.


    Qin Mu then sat on the stairs, silently listening to the destruction.


    After they finished with the first floor, one of the men said "let¡¯s go," and they all left.


    It was only then that she hugged her knees, feeling afraid like a startled little girl.


    Afterward, she came down from the stairs, wanting to tidy up but realizing she didn¡¯t know where to begin, so she just collapsed on the sofa, pondering the cause of this incident.


    The light reflected off the glass shards on the floor, dazzlingly bright; the glass coffee table in front of the sofa was also shattered, but Mu Yichen knelt there, looking at the serene woman in the sofa.


    He knew she was frightened, despite her composed appearance.


    Qin Mu just remembered the sound, so distinctly clear.


    Before, she had only seen such scenes of shattered glass in TV dramas; today, she witnessed it firsthand, and the sound was incessant.


    She was a bit disheveled and her laughter lacked strength: "Who do you think did this?"


    "I will find out, don¡¯t be afraid, I will be here!"


    He hated how much, just moments ago, had Qiao Yi not suddenly called him about Jiang Zhiyuan getting into a fight and into trouble, this might not have happened¡ªat least he would have been there, and she wouldn¡¯t have had to face it all alone.


    But he hadn¡¯t been there, and she witnessed everything herself.


    He held her hand tightly, simply wanting to give her a greater sense of security.


    "Yes! With you here, I¡¯m not afraid!"


    She leaned on his shoulder, having been truly afraid just now; every time a piece of glass shattered, it was like a bullet hitting her heart.


    So when the first floor had been completely smashed, her heart shattered too.


    The entire first floor had been all glass, clear and transparent; she imagined those people must have found it very satisfying to smash.


    But she was not only afraid, she was also wondering, who had she angered?


    Jing Qing?


    Qin Mingzhu?


    Since returning to the city, she hadn¡¯t made enemies with anyone else but these two.


    But were they, both girls, really that vicious and cruel?


    She couldn¡¯t bear to think that they, with their beautiful faces and dazzling family backgrounds, could be so malicious.


    Or could it be someone else, a competitor in the same industry?


    It was a passer-by who recorded a video and uploaded it online, exposing the incident to everyone¡¯s surprise.


    Even tonight when the two of them went to the Mu Family to pick up Huanhuan, they were ruthlessly rejected.


    "If Huanhuan goes back with you, can you take responsibility if something happens to her?"


    It was well past ten o¡¯clock at night, but Ms. Feng was very alert, sitting on the sofa, every word she uttered was for the sake of her precious granddaughter, and Mu Zihao, sitting next to her, had his head lowered, seemingly deep in thought as if considering some important decision.

 Chapter 66 - 63 (Please subscribe for the first order! Please vote with a monthly ticket!)_2

    Chapter 66: 63 (Please subscribe for the first order! Please vote with a monthly ticket!)_2


    Qin Mu hung her head low, knowing she was powerless to protect her daughter. If someone really wanted to harm them, no matter how she resisted or struggled, she and her daughter would indeed be doomed.


    She was like a little girl who had made a mistake yet remained extraordinarily stubborn.


    "But I am her mother!"


    "A mother? A mother¡¯s responsibility and obligation is to give her child a happy and stable life, can you provide that? Look at the video on the internet, if Huanhuan had been there..., I can¡¯t even bear to think about it."


    Feng Fanghua sounded much more confident and loud compared to Qin Mu¡¯s guilty and meek resistance.


    "Mom!" Mu Yichen called out softly.


    "It¡¯s no use pleading her case, unless the two of you move in with us. Then you can do whatever you want with my granddaughter at home, and I won¡¯t care, but if you insist on living in the apartment, sorry, I can¡¯t hand my granddaughter over to you."


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s tone was resolute and overbearing, yet casual, as if she was just laying out the facts because she was in the right.


    "Mom, Huanhuan is just a child Qin Mu adopted from the orphanage. She¡¯s not actually born from both of us."


    Feng Fanghua looked at her son incredulously, her shoulders moving slightly back.


    Qin Mu raised her eyes subconsciously, but before she could clearly see his face, she turned to Feng Fanghua across from her. Feng Fanghua glared at her, and she lowered her head again, not saying another half-word.


    "I agree with what your mom said. Since you¡¯ve been telling everyone outside that you want to marry ¡¯her,¡¯ why not just move back in?"


    Mu Zihao glanced at his son and then at her, his dissatisfaction apparent, yet that¡¯s what he said.


    Qin Mu was truly frightened at this point, even though they both disdained her, now they wanted to...


    Agree to them being together?


    Heh, Qin Mu felt her heart was too narrow, and she couldn¡¯t fully accept this overwhelming good news.


    Mu Yichen stayed silent, only leaning slowly back against the couch, his sensual finger touching his chin as he turned to look at Qin Mu.


    That look, that posture, made it seem like he had finally got what he wanted!


    With her eyes cast down, Qin Mu didn¡¯t look at anyone. If she moved into the Mu family home, wouldn¡¯t she feel like she couldn¡¯t even take a deep breath?


    She just hoped Mu Yichen would quickly decline, as he seemed to have gotten accustomed to living alone.


    But why wasn¡¯t he speaking?


    Qin Mu anxiously looked up at him, seeing his ambiguous gaze on her, as if he was waiting for her reaction.


    "What¡¯s the matter? Neither of you is willing?"


    Mu Zihao frowned, clearly unhappy with how the younger two were disrespecting his decision.


    Qin Mu quickly turned to look at Mu Zihao, her lips so dry it felt like she was on fire.


    "Let¡¯s discuss this further!"


    Mu Yichen, with great awareness of the situation, ¡¯finally¡¯ spoke up.


    "Ha, you two are really putting on airs."


    Feng Fanghua was so angry her nostrils flared.


    "What else is there to discuss? This girl has caused trouble the moment she arrived in Rongcheng. Will there be any good days ahead?"


    As the senior male figure, Mu Zihao also exerted his authority. The message delivered with his words was clear and implied.


    Mu Yichen was internally excited, but when he thought of Qin Mu, he couldn¡¯t make the decision alone and turned his head to ask for her opinion.


    Qin Mu was completely intimidated by the elders; suddenly, Feng Fanghua stood up: I don¡¯t despise you for being a big trouble, and now you are putting on airs? You, come with me!


    "Mom!"


    Mu Yichen immediately furrowed his brow and called out as Qin Mu had just been frightened earlier that evening, and he didn¡¯t want her to be upset anymore.


    "I know, I won¡¯t eat her up!"


    Feng Fanghua glared at her son and patiently told Qin Mu to follow her to the room.


    As soon as the two left, Mu Zihao said: Since you¡¯ve already announced your marriage to the outside world, just pick a day and go get the marriage certificate!


    ----


    Feng Fanghua called her melodramatic, and she admitted it!


    In her relationship with Mu Yichen, she had always been very melodramatic.


    But she dared not; aside from whether there would be any blessings, just the merciless march of time made her shrink her neck and hesitate to stick her head out.


    She wasn¡¯t a coward; she just didn¡¯t want to lose what she had.


    Still, they ended up living in the Mu family home. Mu Yichen used to hate living with elders, especially with Feng Fanghua, who loved to nag at him.


    However, now he felt a peculiar sense of belonging.


    After taking a shower, Mu Yichen came out to find Qin Mu still sitting on the edge of the bed with her head down, lost in thought, but he felt that she was finally his.


    He walked up to her, his hands moving all her long hair behind her back: What did mom say to you?

 Chapter 67 - 63 (Seeking first subscription! Seeking monthly tickets!)_3

    Chapter 67: 63 (Seeking first subscription! Seeking monthly tickets!)_3


    Qin Mu snapped back to reality upon hearing this, "Topics between women are not for men."


    CEO Mu found it very incomprehensible.


    "Spit it out, what are you really thinking about?"


    "Thinking about those five men, they all look so burly, all muscle on their arms."


    Qin Mu had no choice but to say it.


    "Your husband not up to scratch?" he glanced at her with drooping eyes and immediately cradled her face, forcing her to lift her head.


    "Next time you can compare them, I have a feeling they will show up again."


    Qin Mu said with a laugh, but it was a laugh with no joy in it.


    "Looks like we need to relax first, then think about what happened tonight."


    "Yichen!"


    She called out his name faintly.


    For her whole life, if she wasn¡¯t calling him Mu Yichen, she was cheekily teasing him by calling him ¡¯big brother Yichen¡¯. She had never once called him Yichen in such a tender way.


    The bedside table bore his youthful photo, surrounded by dark wallpaper that was understated yet charming, and not far off, a yellowish floor lamp by the sofa bathed the area in a warm hue.


    Later on.


    She would unintentionally remember the incident of her studio being smashed up today, but Mu Yichen thought she was asleep, so he quietly took the phone next to him and slipped out the door.


    Qin Mu thought he just got up to drink some water and didn¡¯t think too much of it.


    Mu Zihao happened to come out for a smoke and saw him on the phone downstairs, so he called him over for a cigarette.


    The father and son had not spent such a late night together alone for many years, especially not smoking together, such a special occasion.


    They didn¡¯t turn on the light, but the spacious living room was softly illuminated by the moonlight from outside.


    "Who do you think did it?"


    "She doesn¡¯t know many people in Rongcheng, it shouldn¡¯t be hard to find out."


    Mu Zihao took a puff of his cigarette and nodded, "Although your mother and I don¡¯t agree with you being with her, this girl indeed has suffered a lot since childhood. Since you like to protect her, keep doing a good job. Her mother isn¡¯t here anymore, don¡¯t let her down."


    "I know!"


    Mu Yichen could never have imagined that one day, his father would say such words to him, asking him to protect a girl, and that girl was Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu, the girl his parents disliked the most.


    "Could it be the Jing Family? But how could such a large family not accommodate a young girl? If the matrimonial alliance between the Jing Family and the Mu Family doesn¡¯t come to fruition, does that mean our families truly can¡¯t reconcile?"


    Mu Zihao was actually reluctant to believe it; although the Jing Family was domineering, they should not go so far as to bully a young girl.


    "There might be a major conflict!"


    Mu Yichen reminded Mu Zihao, who couldn¡¯t help but wryly smile.


    "Ah, they say business is one thing and friendship is another, but it seems that might not always hold true."


    "There¡¯s also Mu Qingxin. If you really can¡¯t bear it, then marry her off to them. Given Jing Feng¡¯s nature, he¡¯s unlikely to strongly resist the elder¡¯s decree."


    "You want me to harm your sister too? Who doesn¡¯t know that the young lad from the Jing Family is fond of Xiaohao from the Helian Family?" Mu Zihao looked at his son reproachfully.


    Mu Yichen suddenly let out a bad chuckle.


    Naturally, Mu Zihao was reluctant for his children to miss out on true love, but he also did not want to ruin the relationship with the Jing Family if it could be avoided, so he was in a difficult position.


    "Whether it was the Jing Family or not, don¡¯t overthink it for now."


    The night of the young couple¡¯s return, the father and son¡¯s deep conversation into the night filled Mu Zihao¡¯s heart with contentment for a long time after.


    As a father grows older, he likes to chat with his son more often, especially during the late nights when no one disturbs them.


    Sometime later, he returned to the room and found that Qin Mu was actually not asleep yet.


    Actually, it wasn¡¯t until around three or four in the morning that she finally dozed off for a while. At six o¡¯clock, she got up and quietly made a phone call to Xiaomei in the bathroom, not wanting to wake him.


    "First, let everyone know about this but try not to make it sound too serious. Then, contact some reputable renovation companies in the city,"


    Qin Mu spoke to Xiaomei, her head bowed against the washbasin.


    When Xiaomei asked where she was, she thought for a moment and couldn¡¯t help but respond with a wry smile, "The Mu Family!"


    The news that she had moved into the Mu Family would quickly spread throughout Rongcheng, and possibly further afield.


    Soon everyone would know that she was recognized by the Mu Family, even though they may not be aware of their marriage certificate. But they would still conclude that she was the future bride of the Mu Family, his prospective wife.


    Because never before had a girl spent the night at the Mu Family¡¯s house!


    The only girl Mu Yichen ever brought home was probably Jing Qing, but given the relationship between the Jing Family and the Mu Family, even if he didn¡¯t bring her, Jing Qing would often visit on her own.

 Chapter 68 - 63 (Request for first order! Request for monthly ticket!)_4

    Chapter 68: 63 (Request for first order! Request for monthly ticket!)_4


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Oh my God!"


    Having had breakfast and arrived at the studio, Xiaomei, despite having already received Qin Mu¡¯s phone call, was still startled by the scene before her.


    Her colleagues who rushed over were also surprised, as they had stayed up too late last night and thus had not checked their phones. This morning, after hearing the news from Xiaomei, they looked up the video online. Although it looked terrible online, only upon arriving at the scene did they truly understand the meaning of dreadful.


    "I need to give Qinqin another call," Xiaomei said as she rummaged through her bag for her phone.


    "No need to call!" a colleague reminded her, nodding towards the front.


    Qin Mu stepped out of an unfamiliar car, with a man in a black uniform holding the door open for her.


    Xiaomei and her colleagues stood at the door, blinking in disbelief, as four men emerged from the car behind her, each taking a position behind Qin Mu at just the right distance.


    It was like watching a big sister with bodyguards on a stroll, and these were no ordinary bodyguards.


    "Mu Yichen has already had his secretary contact one of Rongcheng¡¯s better renovation companies for us, so you don¡¯t have to look any further. We won¡¯t take new orders until the studio is renovated; let¡¯s just focus on finishing the few orders we currently have," Qin Mu informed them as she secretly wondered why they hadn¡¯t smashed the second floor as well.


    It just so happened that when they moved in, the first floor wasn¡¯t renovated, so they might as well do a major overhaul.


    Throughout the morning, Xiaomei and her colleagues cleaned up the material scattered on the floor while peering outside at the four tall bodyguards, who somehow lightened the previously tense atmosphere without saying a word.


    Indeed, Xiaomei was almost drooling.


    Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu drove to the site, with Qin Mingzhu curiously asking, "Who knows who got offended? Hahaha, but it¡¯s truly thrilling."


    "Don¡¯t get too excited just yet, these little tricks might not be enough to scare her."


    Remembering her own unsuccessful confrontations with Qin Mu, Jing Qing was aware that Qin Mu was not the type to give up just because of a minor setback.


    "But don¡¯t you find it satisfying? She¡¯s always been lording over us, and now someone¡¯s finally putting her in her place. Did you see the video from last night? Those burly men smashed everything inside to bits."


    Qin Mingzhu was so enthused she was nearly clapping her hands. Remembering the slaps she received from Qin Mu and seeing Qin Mu¡¯s current situation, she suddenly felt as if the person smashing Qin Mu¡¯s things had come to avenge her, filling her with joy.


    Since Qin Mu had returned to town, Jing Qing had been keeping an ongoing tally of offenses: the advertisements, the studio, Mu Yichen. As Jing Qing looked inside, her vision clouded, she couldn¡¯t help but admit that in this moment, she too was relishing the chance to vent her spite.


    "My mom said she¡¯s just too high-profile. The moment she came back, she monopolized Rongcheng¡¯s most coveted man, hogged all the limelight, and she still expects a happy ending?"


    Hearing Qin Mingzhu¡¯s words caused Jing Qing¡¯s eyes to flicker and she gave a faint smile: "Good point."


    Seeing her car, the bodyguards approached her, prompting Jing Qing to instantly start the car and leave.


    "Sis, could those guys actually be bodyguards sent by brother-in-law to protect them?"


    "Very likely!"


    More precisely, they were bodyguards sent by Mu Yichen to protect Qin Mu and they would stay until the truth was uncovered.


    ¡ª¡ª


    After finishing his meeting, Mu Yichen rushed over to her studio and then saw that sight.


    "Thank goodness you¡¯re safe! From now on, you¡¯re not allowed to hide such big incidents from me."


    Jian Yan was incredibly worried!


    "It was too late, I didn¡¯t want to disturb your rest, and besides, Mu Yichen was there."


    Qin Mu gently patted her master¡¯s shoulder, feeling a bit guilty for worrying him so much.


    "Mu Yichen is helping you investigate?"


    Upon hearing Mu Yichen¡¯s name, Jian Yan quietly released her hand, a fleeting look of disappointment in his eyes, as he seemed to have lost even the opportunity to show concern and help.


    "Yes! The police are also involved, so there should be news soon."


    The motorcycles had no plates, and their faces were covered the entire time. They deliberately avoided places with surveillance, so it was difficult for the police to investigate.


    "Did I come at a bad time?"


    He walked inside suddenly, and all the busy people turned toward the entrance.


    Jian Yan quietly let go of Qin Mu¡¯s hand and put his own in his pockets, nonchalantly saying to Mu Yi: "Does Mr. Mu really need to pick a moment to make his entrance?"


    Mu Yichen chuckled lightly, stepped up to her, and looked down at Qin Mu¡¯s hands before his fingers interlaced with hers.


    "What are you doing?" Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but curve the corners of her mouth slightly, barely suppressing her laughter.


    It was all too cheeky to flaunt their affection in front of her bachelor master!

 Chapter 69 - 63 (Request for first subscription! Request for monthly ticket!)_5

    Chapter 69: 63 (Request for first subscription! Request for monthly ticket!)_5


    "I just want to hold your hand, so no one else can lead you away."


    Qin Mu...


    Jian Yan laughed, "The ¡¯someone else¡¯ you¡¯re talking about isn¡¯t me, is it?"


    "Every man is a potential rival in love!" He held her hand against his chest, looking disdainfully at the man in front of him as he declared.


    "Do I count too?" Jian Yan chuckled and asked.


    That look seemed to laugh at Mu Yichen¡¯s over-suspicions, as if clarifying with her age.


    Mu Yichen also laughed, some things weren¡¯t suitable to say in front of Qin Mu, he just wanted to check if his wife was in good spirits.


    Qin Mu also felt he was being too dramatic, but deep down she couldn¡¯t help feeling elated, gazing at him with infatuation.


    Both of their luggage was moved to the Mu Family¡¯s place, Feng Fanghua looked displeased with Qin Mu¡¯s luggage but still said, "Send it to the young master¡¯s room."


    "Yes!"


    Watching the servants carry the luggage upstairs, Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but grumble to the butler beside her, "What do I owe her? I wanted to find a well-bred girl for my son, to put my mind at ease, but that boy just had to like her."


    "Madam, Miss Qin is also from a distinguished family, and maybe she is well-behaved too," the butler said to her, bending over and looking submissive.


    "Hmph, look at her, always with her head down as if there¡¯s money on the ground, does that look like a lady of a great house? Well-behaved? How can we talk about being well-behaved when she¡¯s so willful?"


    "Miss Qin might just be afraid of upsetting you, that¡¯s why she¡¯s always bowing her head in front of you, she¡¯s the same as she was when she was little, not the type to bully her own people," said the butler.


    "And the willfulness? You explain that to me," Feng Fanghua lifted her hand and pointed to a patch of empty ground, demanding an explanation. She simply refused to believe that girl had no faults.


    "Miss Qin is still young, compared to that Miss from the Qin Family, she really is sensible," the butler added.


    "Hmph, I see now, I¡¯m the only one in this family who disapproves of her, aren¡¯t I? I must bring Qingxin back quickly, or else you¡¯ll all ostracize me to death," Feng Fanghua more and more felt aggrieved, and had to seek help from her younger daughter.


    The butler chuckled softly to one side, thinking their madam actually had a tough exterior but a soft heart. The luggage was already moved upstairs, clearly showing she had long accepted Qin Mu as her daughter-in-law.


    How could Qin Mu know she would be accepted by the Mu Family so easily? Returning with Mu Yichen, she couldn¡¯t help feeling a surge of excitement seeing the new wardrobe added to their bedroom.


    Mu Yichen leaned to the side, watching her unsure how to react, and couldn¡¯t help but laugh. Qin Mu looked up and felt that in this moment, President Mu¡¯s demeanor was somewhat like a disreputable fortune heir.


    Well, actually he was very proper, just loved posing and acting cool in front of her.


    Qin Mu still wasn¡¯t used to eating in their dining room, too large, too solemn.


    Compared to her, Huanhuan was much more comfortable, eating even more heartily than at her own home.


    Not to mention the furniture, all so expensive she could hardly relax, the atmosphere alone was enough to give her indigestion.


    She never dared to have wild hopes. She didn¡¯t dare to hope Mu Yichen would be hers forever, and naturally, she didn¡¯t dare to hope that the elders of the Mu Family would treat her as one of their own.


    It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want family, but could it really be?


    Feng Fanghua watched her eating the rice from her bowl and after a few glances finally couldn¡¯t help asking, "Does the food not suit your taste?"


    Qin Mu was startled and immediately looked up, "No, it¡¯s very good!"


    "Then why aren¡¯t you eating? Other people will think I, Feng Fanghua, am mistreating you."


    "I¡¯m eating, I¡¯m eating!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s arms trembled from fear, Feng Fanghua was even more exasperated, having heard that she could hold her ground against bad people and even stand out on the runway, but why did she turn into this meek creature in front of her?


    "Mom, can you speak more quietly, please?" Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help defending his wife.


    "Auntie¡¯s not loud at all!" Qin Mu, afraid of causing a conflict, quickly stopped Mu Yichen.


    Who knew her words would leave Feng Fanghua with her mouth open for a long while, unable to speak again? Feng Fanghua knew very well whether her voice was loud or not.


    Mu Zihao had intended to finish the meal expressionlessly, but upon hearing this, he couldn¡¯t help but chuckle softly. Feng Fanghua¡¯s face turned red with annoyance, "Old Mu!"


    "I know, I know!" Mu Zihao hurriedly nodded, acting serious.


    Feng Fanghua hadn¡¯t even mentioned what it was, yet he already ¡¯knew¡¯.


    To Qin Mu, this felt like discovering a new world; Feng Fanghua called Mu Zihao "Old Mu", then what about Mu Yichen? "Little Mu"? Wouldn¡¯t that be the same as her nickname? Ha ha!


    Huanhuan couldn¡¯t help but laugh too, watching this large family eating together for the first time was especially novel.

 Chapter 70 - 63 (Request for first order! Request for monthly ticket!)_6

    Chapter 70: 63 (Request for first order! Request for monthly ticket!)_6


    "Old Mu!" Huanhuan mimicked Grandma.


    "Huanhuan, don¡¯t be disrespectful!" Qin Mu immediately chided in a low voice.


    "Don¡¯t talk to my granddaughter like that, she¡¯s still young, she needs to be taught gently." Feng Fanghua immediately spoke up for Huanhuan.


    Qin Mu suddenly felt her status in this household was extremely precarious, she felt even less important than a young cub, sniffle.


    After dinner, Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua sat on the living room sofa watching the news; as juniors, they naturally had to keep them company for a while, and Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but admire Feng Fanghua in her gold-rimmed reading glasses.


    In fact, as the matriarch of the Mu Family, Feng Fanghua was successful. She might have been a bit fierce, but after all, she had the qualifications.


    Qin Mu thought that she might never have Feng Fanghua¡¯s unattainable lifestyle, but she had to try to live brilliantly as well.


    "Right, did they find any leads on those people? Did they just take nothing? Just went in and smashed things up?"


    Mu Zihao couldn¡¯t help but take an interest in the matter again.


    "They said they were only smashing things, not robbing."


    Qin Mu thought back to the time.


    "Who have you offended in Rongcheng? Think about it yourself."


    Feng Fanghua reminded her.


    "Do you count?"


    Qin Mu immediately bit her lip after speaking, daring not to say anything further.


    Feng Fanghua...


    "She¡¯s been busy with her studio since she came back, she¡¯s had no time to offend anyone. In fact, many people have been against her the moment she returned."


    Mu Yichen looked at his silly wife and couldn¡¯t help but stroke her hair as he spoke.


    "Sigh! How can you be so good at causing trouble?" Feng Fanghua scolded her.


    "Why not say those people are just too petty?"


    His wife was such a tiny person, yet those people couldn¡¯t tolerate her.


    "If the Jing Family really did such a disgusting act, I couldn¡¯t accept it. That would be too despicable."


    Latter on, Feng Fanghua grumbled as she got to the key point.


    Listening to this made Qin Mu¡¯s heart suddenly feel warm, and her eyes became a bit misty.


    Feng Fanghua thought she had scared her again and was not sure whether to scold her or not when suddenly she got up and ran upstairs.


    "Hey, is this girl dumb? Mu Yi, let me make this clear, if you bring home an idiot for a daughter-in-law, I absolutely won¡¯t have it."


    Feng Fanghua was nearly driven mad by her!


    "Idiot or not, she¡¯s still my wife!" Mu Yi said before he got up to chase after her.


    Mu Zihao shook his head helplessly and sighed, Feng Fanghua pointed a finger at where he was sitting: Look at your good son, he never puts my mind at ease.


    "After so many years, you¡¯re still not used to it?"


    Mu Zihao sighed again, this kid had been fixated on one girl since he was young, he was devoted enough, but this girl had personally witnessed her parents¡¯ relationship fall apart and her mother¡¯s death, she dared not talk about love, his son was also born under an unlucky star.


    "How can I get used to it? If either of their siblings was the least bit reassuring, but look at them now..., one doesn¡¯t come home, and the other brings home such trouble when she does."


    Feng Fanghua felt more and more troubled as she thought about it, the tears almost bursting forth.


    She was really annoyed by Qin Mu, but she was also genuinely helpless.


    Latter on, when Mu Yi was alone with her in the bedroom, she pitifully wiped her tears and sniffled, asking him in a disjointed voice, "Does auntie worry about me?"


    "Silly, you¡¯re her daughter-in-law, if she doesn¡¯t worry about you, who will she worry about? You¡¯re upset over this?"


    Mu Yi responded softly, his eyes almost laughing.


    "You¡¯re not allowed to laugh! You know that since my mother died, nobody has ever been so kind to me, don¡¯t laugh, you big jerk!"


    Seeing Mu Yi barely able to hold back his laughter, she immediately slapped at him as a threat, tears falling heavily.


    "Okay, okay, I won¡¯t laugh, I promise!"


    He caught her slender wrists, answered seriously, and then continued laughing.


    Qin Mu glared at him with watery eyes.


    "Mrs Mu, are you plotting to murder your husband?"


    Her face flushed red, Qin Mu wanted to leave immediately, but he restrained her: You can¡¯t run, you can¡¯t escape me for the rest of your life.


    Qin Mu struggled for a moment then stopped moving. She didn¡¯t want to run.


    "There¡¯s one more thing!" He suddenly reminded her.


    "Hmm?"


    "You¡¯re not allowed to hug and cuddle with Jian Yan anymore!"


    Mu Yi was very earnest.


    "Jian Yan? He¡¯s my master! Once a teacher, always a father."


    Qin Mu was about to laugh, her Yichen was being unreasonably jealous, wasn¡¯t he?


    Soon, major media outlets began reporting that Qin Mu had moved into the Mu family¡¯s house. The women who had just joined the production team couldn¡¯t believe it until they saw several newspapers collected by the assistant and had to acknowledge the fact.

 Chapter 71 - 63 (Request for first order! Request for monthly ticket!)_7

    Chapter 71: 63 (Request for first order! Request for monthly ticket!)_7


    "Why?"


    In the spacious lounge, she threw away all the newspapers, yelling indignantly.


    The assistant standing by didn¡¯t dare to speak. Everyone in the company thought she was definitely the young mistress of the Mu Family, but now, the real young mistress had already moved into the Mu¡¯s home, and she was still just an actress.


    "I want to make a call, get out!"


    Jing Qing was trembling all over, glaring fiercely at the assistant, as if the assistant was Qin Mu.


    After the assistant ran out, she hurriedly searched for her phone to call Feng Fanghua, "Aunt, did you really let Qin Mu move into your house?"


    "Xiaoqing, it¡¯s not something that can be explained in one or two sentences, but indeed, I did let her move over,"


    "Why? Aunt, didn¡¯t you say that only I am fit to be your daughter-in-law?"


    "But what can I do? They already have children together, should I forcibly split them apart? Xiaoqing, please don¡¯t be so stubborn, okay?"


    "No, aunt, you can¡¯t treat me like this. You clearly know that I have loved Yichen since I was young, and that I¡¯d marry no one but him."


    "But he doesn¡¯t love you!"


    "I love him. I¡¯m willing to die for him."


    After hanging up the phone, Feng Fanghua was still shaken. Jing Qing¡¯s words were a bit extreme.


    Just then, Qin Mu came downstairs to go to work. She looked up and said, "Wait."


    "Aunt, I¡¯m off to work!"


    "Isn¡¯t your place being renovated?" Feng Fanghua asked, then pointed to the seat opposite her, signaling her to sit down.


    Due to the events of the previous night, Qin Mu was even more obedient, but still kept her head down.


    "Lift your head, do you think I¡¯m a tigress?"


    "No, you are the most adorable person I¡¯ve ever met."


    Qin Mu immediately put her talent for flattering to use, clearly out of practice after a long lapse.


    However, Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help laughing at being called adorable.


    "You really don¡¯t know how to speak!"


    "You¡¯re right!"


    "Sigh, I just want to tell you, Jing Qing just called me to ask about you and Yichen. I¡¯ve already told her to give up. What about you?"


    "Ah?"


    Feng Fanghua was dissatisfied with her staring blankly with wide eyes.


    "Can¡¯t you make a stand? You¡¯ve been sleeping together all this time, why are you still being so coy?"


    "Aunt, I¡¯m scared. I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t have the ability to conquer Mu Yichen!"


    Perhaps because Feng Fanghua was opening up to her, despite her tone still not being so friendly, Qin Mu understood that Feng Fanghua already considered her part of the family, so she was willing to try to share her own thoughts with Feng Fanghua.


    "Why conquer him? When it comes to feelings, it¡¯s enough to just like each other."


    "I like him!"


    She answered immediately, and fearing Feng Fanghua might not believe her, she nodded emphatically.


    "Then what are you hesitating for?"


    "But liking someone doesn¡¯t mean you can possess them. Even if I have him now, in the near future..."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t continue, but Feng Fanghua was already headachy with irritation.


    "Don¡¯t think all men are like your father. My children are definitely not that frivolous."


    "Of course, not all men are like my father, but almost every man likes novelty and tires of the old."


    Before she died of anger, Feng Fanghua had driven her away, and after stepping out of the Mu Family¡¯s door, Qin Mu drove to her studio. The first floor was under renovation, but her office on the second floor was untouched.


    She revised designs all morning until Helian Hao came to find her at noon to go shopping.


    "I heard Uncle Qin is also investigating this matter, Mumu, do you think he¡¯s trying to make amends to you?"


    The two of them roamed through an entire floor of the mall without buying anything until they reached the second floor¡¯s clothing department and finally found a target. Helian Hao spoke of overhearing his father talking with his mother before heading out.


    "Make amends?"


    Qin Mu unconsciously let out a bitter laugh, her eyes brimming with rejection.


    "Uncle Qin probably always feels very guilty towards your aunt, right? Although he is now with another woman."


    "Guilty? Can guilt bring my mother back to life?"


    Helian Hao...


    "Guilty feelings are utterly meaningless!"


    With a helpless sigh, Qin Mu saw a brand she recognized and pulled Helian Hao inside: "I know the designer of this brand."


    "Really?"


    This was an international label, after all.


    "Of course. I can¡¯t even count how many designers I know."


    Helian Hao excited: "Then can you ask this designer to create a dress for me?"


    "Why not ask me?"


    "...But I¡¯ve liked this store¡¯s clothes for so many years now, and I really admire this designer."


    Qin Mu felt like her heart was hurt¡ªcould this girl not speak more carefully?


    Later in the restaurant, Helian Hao glanced at Qin Mu several times and eventually couldn¡¯t resist bringing up the sensitive topic.


    "I probed Jing Feng for you; it doesn¡¯t seem like the Jing Family did this. Could it be Qin Mingzhu? That girl acts rashly, and she¡¯s always been domineering in this city. You stole her spotlight at your father¡¯s birthday feast, so she became unhappy and might have hired someone to hurt you. What do you think?"


    Deep down, Helian Hao didn¡¯t want it to be the Jing Family¡¯s doing, considering Jing Feng was part of the Jing Family, and Qin Mu was the sister she had always wanted to be close to since childhood. She hoped these two could also get along well.


    "Nobody can be sure until the matter is clarified. But did you go torment Jing Feng again?"


    Qin Mu asked while eating her blueberry yam dish.


    "I did it for you, didn¡¯t I!"


    Helian Hao felt a bit unsettled by Qin Mu¡¯s words, but she was genuinely worried for her.


    "With his strong sense of justice and the kind of job he has, even if the Jing Family did this, they wouldn¡¯t let him know."


    "So you suspect the Jing Family?"


    "It¡¯s an intuition. The Jing Family¡¯s old patriarch came to see me before, threatening me that if I don¡¯t leave, then..."


    Qin Mu suddenly fell silent while speaking as she truly remembered the words the Jing Family¡¯s old patriarch had said to her, causing a shiver to run through her.


    Could it really have been the old patriarch of the Jing Family?


    It was just vandalism, without inflicting injury!


    The person giving the order must have had a clear sense of restraint, perhaps even premeditation.


    And the five muscular men who came to smash the place that day didn¡¯t look like typical thugs, could it be...


    ¡ª¡ª


    Jing Qing changed into bright clothes and rushed home from the set, crying next to the old patriarch with swollen eyes. She couldn¡¯t have imagined that the blow she¡¯d dealt Qin Mu would push Qin Mu closer to the Mu Family.


    In the antique living room, the aunt finished a phone call, turned to the person on the sofa opposite with urgency and reported: "Old patriarch, there¡¯s a call from the new house saying that the house is being demolished."

 Chapter 72 - 64 Avengers for Wife_1

    Chapter 72: 64 Avengers for Wife_1


    "Who is so bold? Prepare the car!"


    The old master rose slowly from the sofa, authoritative and unassailable in manner.


    Jing Qing also stood up, wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, and went forward to support the old master, and the two of them left the house together in the car.


    The villa that the Jing Family had just built in Southern City was almost completely demolished by the time the old master and Jing Qing arrived.


    Dressed in a white Tang suit, the old master had barely stepped out of the car and almost collapsed at the sight of the demolition wreaking havoc, his face turning deathly pale in an instant.


    Jing Qing immediately went forward to steady him, calling out with concern, "Grandpa, be careful!"


    Meanwhile, in the dark-colored sports car not far away, Mu Yichen sat inside, watching the scene unfold expressionlessly.


    Even the tightest plan has its flaws.


    Sitting in the back, Qiao Yi looked at the woman outside in high heels supporting the old man, feeling somewhat annoyed: "Did you have to be so ruthless?"


    "If you hadn¡¯t made that call, this wouldn¡¯t have happened!"


    Mu Yichen granted this acknowledgment, but his gaze toward that side remained devoid of any warmth.


    Qiao Yi immediately realized that Mu Yichen had guessed it was Jing Qing who had asked him to make that call that night and suddenly felt awkward.


    "But isn¡¯t this a bit too drastic? The Jing Family invested at least twenty million in that house, while Qin Mu¡¯s studio is worth at most a few million. Moreover, they only smashed a few of her windows."


    "But they frightened my wife!"


    Mu Yichen let out a cold laugh, his gaze slanting out the window.


    Qiao Yi...


    "Wife?"


    "Is there something wrong?"


    Something wrong? Qiao Yi wanted to say, is she really your wife? Have you gotten your marriage certificate?


    But then he thought, if Mu Yi says she is, then she is!


    As Mu Yichen drove away from the ruin that was once a house, Jing Qing turned her head at the sound, a gust of wind tousling her hair and striking her heart fiercely.


    It was Mu Yichen¡¯s car, and when Mu Yichen drove past her, he even deliberately lowered the window.


    He didn¡¯t even glance at her, just drove off coldly and imperiously.


    The old master slowly turned his head and frowned, "Isn¡¯t that little bastard Mu Yichen?"


    "It can¡¯t be, he wouldn¡¯t do this."


    Jing Qing¡¯s denial was feeble and lackluster, her eyes no longer seeing clearly, even her mind a blank.


    "I¡¯m telling you, it was him."


    The Jing Family¡¯s patriarch stamped his cane forcefully into the ground.


    The sky was filled with a faint haze, gloomy and polluted.


    This house, already decorated and furnished, was gone in an instant.


    How much effort had she put into this house, a birthday present for the old master, but now...


    How could she accept such a reality?


    Mu Yichen was so heartless towards the Jing Family, so indifferent to their years of relationship, she simply couldn¡¯t accept it.


    It must be Qin Mu instigating him; it must be her doing. Otherwise, with the history between their families, he wouldn¡¯t do such a thing. Although he was known for being ruthless in business, he had never been like that with her; he even indulged her and did so many things with her, but now...


    Her nails dug fiercely into her palms, close to drawing blood.


    Meanwhile, the two women still together in the studio were startled when they saw the live news report.


    It was inconceivable. Who would dare to mess with the Jing Family¡¯s property, and such a large house at that? It was said the movie star invested nearly thirty million.


    "How could this happen? Who would dare to cross the Jing Family?"


    Helian Hao uttered this without thinking, her mind not catching up.


    Qin Mu dared not answer, as her thoughts immediately went to Mu Yichen.


    "Could it be that Mu Yichen found out that it indeed involved the Jing Family?"


    Helian Hao¡¯s face turned a bit pale, worried about Jing Feng¡¯s relationship with Mu Yichen.


    As the two women speculated wildly, Qin Mu¡¯s phone rang with a call from Mu Yichen.


    With nerves taut, Qin Mu answered the call as Helian Hao looked on, holding her breath.


    "Hello?"


    "Seen the news?"


    "Yes!" Qin Mu responded in a low voice, her guess confirmed.


    "How does it feel? I told you I¡¯d get justice for you."


    The voice over the phone sounded nonchalant.


    "Isn¡¯t this going too far?" Qin Mu asked softly.


    At that moment, personal vendettas were the last thing on her mind, as she worried that a direct conflict with the Jing Family could be detrimental for him.


    "No one is allowed to touch you, not even slightly!"


    After hanging up, Qin Mu looked nervously at Helian Hao, who didn¡¯t ask anything, having heard it all herself.

 Chapter 73 - 64 Avengers for Wife_2

    Chapter 73: 64 Avengers for Wife_2


    How much Mu Yichen adored Qin Mu was clear to Helian Hao.


    "Fortunately, the truth has come to light, and as for the relationship between Mu Yichen and the Jing Family, we two women can¡¯t really do much about it, let¡¯s just wait and see,"


    Helian Hao accepted the reality, helplessly shrugging her shoulders.


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Mu agreed, although she would never just stand by and do nothing if Mu Yichen was in trouble.


    Of course, she was even more aware that it had always been Mu Yichen protecting her.


    But for some reason, she suddenly had a bad feeling. She was usually someone who took things one step at a time, but this time, she suddenly became worried.


    She felt a bit relieved when she saw the bodyguards patrolling outside. With his power and influence nowadays, he wasn¡¯t someone who could be easily targeted, she convinced herself not to be so nervous and looked outside and suddenly laughed, "Xiaohao, do you think he will always be so good to me?"


    "Forever? I don¡¯t know about forever, but I do know that after you went abroad, he immediately arranged to go abroad himself. He was so persistent that he followed you to Paris, where he stayed for over ten years. Even though he returned to the country, he never let go of you,"


    Qin Mu looked up at Helian Hao, her heart warmed by those words and memories, quietly heating up.


    As the workday was about to end, Liu Jingyuan came to their studio, ignoring the mess from the ongoing renovation, wearing the suit she had designed for him and holding a big bouquet of roses in his hand.


    "I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ll like them?"


    He asked her softly as he offered the flowers.


    A bit embarrassed, Qin Mu accepted them: "Thank you!"


    "As long as you like them. You can¡¯t turn down dinner with me again today, can you?"


    Xiaomei walked out from the side and took the flowers from Qin Mu, also slyly winking at her. Qin Mu had an idea and sighed with her eyes downcast, "Look at the state of this place..."


    "That¡¯s exactly why I want to take you out, to help you relax,"


    "Sorry, President Liu, but I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s still not possible today!"


    "Oh? May I ask you a question?" Liu Jingyuan respected her, and even the way he looked at her was very earnest.


    "Ask!"


    "Are you truly planning to become the daughter-in-law of the Mu Family?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him, and although she didn¡¯t expect him to ask such a question, she felt it necessary to answer.


    "I am indeed with President Mu at the moment!"


    Even though it was an answer that the whole world already knew, someone as smart as Liu Jingyuan would surely understand her meaning.


    "Then we can make another appointment in the future!" Liu Jingyuan left with a smile.


    Xiaomei came out of the office and stood beside Qin Mu, looking down at the man descending the stairs: "President Liu really seems to be smitten with you."


    "I hope not!"


    Qin Mu turned and went back inside; she didn¡¯t think having a man smitten with her was something to be happy about.


    Seeing the flowers Xiaomei had put in a vase, she sighed helplessly, "Don¡¯t put these flowers in my office."


    "Why?"


    Xiaomei thought the flowers were innocent and they were so fresh.


    "Mu Yi would be unhappy to see them."


    She didn¡¯t even invite Liu Jingyuan to sit in her office, which was enough to show how clear her intentions were.


    But as soon as she said this, Mu Yi had already arrived at her office, and seeing Xiaomei carrying the vase out, he couldn¡¯t help but ask curiously, "Are those from Liu Jingyuan?"


    Xiaomei stood in front of him dumbfounded, then turned her head woodenly to look for guidance from Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu had just sat down; upon his arrival, she immediately stood up to greet him, "You should go about your business."


    As she spoke to Xiaomei, she had already moved forward to take his hand. Xiaomei nodded her head and quickly retreated.


    Mu Yi looked down at Qin Mu with eyes that seemed a bit cold and distant, "Does he often come looking for you?"


    "I didn¡¯t expect you to walk in on us."


    Qin Mu suppressed a laugh as she spoke to him, then pulled him to sit on the couch.


    Mu Yi looked at her displeased, "Are you trying to kill me with all this attention from others?"


    "How could I? I¡¯m so well-behaved!"


    Qin Mu sat directly on his lap, her arms wrapped around his neck, demonstrating her loyalty.


    "Well-behaved? You¡¯ve been naughty ever since you were a child, always playing tricks on me," Mu Yi complained.


    Because he had just helped her out, Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to argue with him and just wanted to be happy. Seeing him looking all puffed up, she even felt a bit sorry for him, but just as she was about to soothe him, she was interrupted by Xiaomei.


    "Qinqin, the lawyer you hired is here!"


    Xiaomei reminded from the doorway.


    "Ok, I¡¯ll be right there!"


    "You hired a lawyer for what?"


    "You stay here and make yourself comfortable for now, I¡¯ll explain everything to you later!"


    After giving him a fierce kiss on the face, she then got up to greet the lawyer.


    She had left so quickly that his heart felt like it had been hit by a gust of warm wind.

 Chapter 74 - 64 Avengers for Wife_3

    Chapter 74: 64 Avengers for Wife_3


    It hadn¡¯t even gotten warm yet!


    Alone and bored, he sat for a while before going over to her office desk. He had wanted to feel what she was like when she was drawing, but upon opening the drawer, he found something unexpected.


    When Qin Mu came back, Yichen was standing at her desk, holding a document from Paris in his hand.


    Qin Mu approached without much strength in her legs, her heart seemed to be toying with her, thumping loudly without cease.


    "Did you actually have it sent over?"


    He laughed after reading it, looking up at her as if it was nothing and asked.


    Qin Mu walked inside slowly, her mind in turmoil. On one hand, she didn¡¯t know what he thought about it, and on the other, she feared the lies would keep growing.


    "I meant to give it to you a few days ago, but then some things happened and I forgot!"


    She still went over, nervous and somewhat shaky.


    "There¡¯s no need to show it to me, showing it to Ms. Feng would be enough."


    Mu Yichen put the document aside, thinking about how Ms. Feng always doted on Huanhuan like her own granddaughter, which he couldn¡¯t stand. He had always wanted to "expose the truth" but never found a way, and this was the best evidence.


    Qin Mu offered an awkward smile, not daring to say an extra word.


    Lying to him was hard.


    Many times, she would rather not mention a single word than to lie.


    She¡¯d rather live more soberly than to let life stray from the path she had designed.


    However, Mu Yichen was an exception in her life.


    Being with him, it seemed like many things made it impossible for her to remain indifferent.


    That evening, a client unexpectedly visited Mu Yichen¡¯s company, forcing him to leave, and Qin Mu drove back by herself.


    Before she reached the entrance, she saw an old-fashioned car parked to the side and a man making a phone call outside it, which immediately made her feel uneasy.


    She wasn¡¯t eager to go in at that moment, but if the Jing Family patriarch had come specifically for her, wouldn¡¯t it put the two elders of the Mu Family in a difficult position if she didn¡¯t enter?


    She slowly drove up to the entrance, hesitating before finally steering the car into the driveway.


    As she parked and entered the living room, she saw the Jing Family patriarch sitting inside with a cold expression on his face.


    Upon seeing her return alone, Feng Fanghua¡¯s heart skipped a beat: "Why have you come back by yourself? Where¡¯s Yichen?"


    "He¡¯s entertaining guests," Qin Mu replied softly, knowing Feng Fanghua was worried, so she walked over and stood next to her with slow steps.


    When the Jing Family patriarch heard her voice, he raised his head to look at her, his face, already weathered by time, was seriously stern.


    "Go call Yichen and ask him to come back early, tell him the Jing Family patriarch is here."


    Feng Fanghua looked up at her and whispered a reminder.


    "Yes!"


    "No need!"


    Feng Fanghua exchanged a look with Qin Mu, who was about to do as she was told.


    The old patriarch gave Qin Mu a displeased squint from the corner of his eye, those slits seemed as sharp as blades: "You have the face to live in the Mu Family, I underestimated you. Are you planning to stay and not leave?"


    The old patriarch¡¯s tone was mostly high-pitched, and though he had long retired, he still spoke with an official-like cadence.


    "It¡¯s possible!"


    Qin Mu looked at him once, absent of Feng Fanghua¡¯s cautiousness. She was composed and neither humble nor arrogant.


    "Possible? What do you mean by that?"


    "Absolutely cannot let the enemy rejoice!"


    Qin Mu was frank, yet her words infuriated the Jing Family patriarch so much he was nearly fuming with rage.


    "So you are staying with the Mu Family as a means of retaliation?"


    The old patriarch glared at her fiercely, as though she were something unsightly.


    "¡ªThat, I¡¯m afraid, is none of your concern!"


    Qin Mu instinctively folded her hands behind her back like a schoolchild, but her stubborn back was straight, showing no consideration for the old patriarch¡¯s feelings.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao sat to the side, neither daring to interject casually, yet they admired Qin Mu¡¯s interaction with the old patriarch; probably no one had dared to defy him at his age.


    "None of my concern? Mu Yichen was the grandson-in-law I had decided on a long time ago. Tell me, does it concern me or not?"


    The old patriarch looked elsewhere, his irritation nearly uncontrollable.


    "Too bad, the moment I arrived he abandoned the Jing Family," Qin Mu said in a not too loud voice, in fact quite low, but the defiant tone enraged the Jing Family patriarch enough to make his lungs explode.


    "You dare repeat that!"


    The old patriarch raised his cane toward her.


    But Qin Mu didn¡¯t flinch at all, just letting her eyes droop as she defiantly met his gaze.


    Suddenly, she thought of the day he came to the studio to find her, and if Liu Jingyuan hadn¡¯t arrived in time, she would probably still be lying in the hospital, right?


    Feng Fanghua was startled and quickly stood up, opening her mouth and holding back her shock as she spoke: "Old sir, please calm down, she is young and doesn¡¯t understand."

 Chapter 75 - 64 Avengers for Wife_4

    Chapter 75: 64 Avengers for Wife_4


    Qin Mu timely shut her mouth.


    "She¡¯s young? Being young allows her to snatch another girl¡¯s fiance?? Being young allows her to disrespect her elders?"


    "Mumu, apologize to Grandpa." Mu Zihao tried to keep the peace, speaking in a low voice as if commanding his own daughter.


    "Uncle, I don¡¯t know what I did wrong to apologize for."


    Qin Mu knew Mu Zihao had good intentions, but she really couldn¡¯t do it.


    "It seems you prefer punishment over a polite toast."


    "Haven¡¯t you already taught me a lesson?"


    The old master was breathing heavily with anger but still spoke sharply and threateningly.


    However, encountering someone who wouldn¡¯t be cowed, Qin Mu was the type who would resist to the end as the threats escalated.


    "Hmph, completely lawless. Let me be blunt, if that lad really marries this woman, don¡¯t blame me for turning my face against him."


    The Jing Family patriarch dropped a harsh word and left, plunging the Mu Family¡¯s living room into silence for a while.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao both looked grim, and Qin Mu, feeling guilty, lowered her head.


    Mu Yichen got home around ten and immediately sensed something was amiss in the living room.


    Mu Zihao lifted his eyes and upon seeing him, pointed to the sofa: Sit down over here first.


    "What¡¯s happened?"


    Just at a moment when he felt a bit too pleased with himself because Qin Mu had moved in, being suddenly formally summoned by his father made him realize something was seriously wrong.


    His gaze instinctively rose to the upstairs.


    "Qin Mu has moved out!"


    Mu Zihao spoke up after seeing him look upstairs.


    "What?"


    "Yichen, take some gifts tomorrow and apologize to the old master. You were indeed in the wrong to dismantle someone¡¯s house."


    After weighing the options, Mu Zihao instructed, still hoping to downplay the incident.


    "I¡¯m asking you, where is Qin Mu?"


    Mu Yichen glanced at his father, not one to smooth things over, now only wanting to know where his woman had gone.


    "It was reckless of us to let her move in before. After all, you are not married, and the current situation is not looking good for you, so it¡¯s most appropriate for her to move out first!"


    "So you just kicked her out without even asking me?"


    Mu Yichen scoffed before he stood up to leave.


    "Mu Yichen!"


    Mu Zihao called out to him with all seriousness.


    "It was certainly wrong of Jing¡¯s elder to do that, but was it right for you to wreck his new house? You only think about Qin Mu not being wronged, but being young and facing some hardship won¡¯t kill you, will it? But given the Jing Family¡¯s status today, do you think they¡¯d let the public enjoy their family drama? You¡¯ve slapped his face today, but if he wants to make life difficult for you tomorrow, it would be all too easy, and several of your projects need Jing Xianzong¡¯s approval. You really shouldn¡¯t have acted so impulsively at this time."


    "So I should let my woman suffer in silence?"


    "Qin Mu is not unreasonable."


    "That¡¯s all the more reason for me to treat her well."


    Mu Yichen ultimately did not stay at home but turned around and left.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qin Mu moved into Xiaomei¡¯s apartment. Mu Yichen had not gone to see her, nor had he apologized to the Jing Family.


    That morning while everyone was eating, Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help worrying aloud: "Could it be that Mr. Mu doesn¡¯t want you anymore?"


    Qin Mu looked up with those sharp eyes and silently stared at her, scaring Xiaomei into shrinking back, though she still waited expectantly for an answer.


    The colleagues around the dining table stared curiously at Qin Mu, and Huanhuan looked at her concerningly.


    "If he doesn¡¯t want me, then so be it!"


    She muttered defiantly, put down her utensils, and picked up Huanhuan to leave.


    The colleagues didn¡¯t understand; she was actually frightened!


    But...


    If it was only a debt to him, she could betray her conscience no matter how much she owed, but how was she to repay a debt to others?


    She hadn¡¯t slept well for several nights. Helian Hao¡¯s text saying he tried to feel out Jing Feng¡¯s intentions to no avail didn¡¯t help, and she didn¡¯t know if Jing Xianzong allowed Mu Yichen to secure the projects in the end.


    A few days later, when Qin Mu took Huanhuan to work, she saw him from afar leaning against the door of the studio, smoking in his trademark devil-may-care style, something she had not seen for a while.


    "Daddy!" As soon as Huanhuan got out of the car, she eagerly ran towards him, joyfully shouting.


    Mu Yichen put out his cigarette and bent down to pick her up: "Did you miss me?"


    "Yes, a lot!" Huanhuan nodded repeatedly, pouting her small mouth to kiss his cheek.


    Mu Yichen smiled sweetly, then his gaze turned to the woman who approached

 Chapter 76 - 64 Avengers for Wife_5

    Chapter 76: 64 Avengers for Wife_5


    "Mr. Mu, what brings you here?"


    Her indifferent remark, after a glance at him, led her to turn her face away to admire the distant scenery.


    "I came to ask Mrs. Mu to come home."


    He couldn¡¯t help it; his sharp, eagle-like eyes showed a touch of reluctance.


    "Mrs. Mu..."


    She carefully mulled over those words, then walked past him into the interior.


    The first floor had undergone a period of renovation and was nearly complete. The raised area in the center where the sofa for receiving guests used to be had been leveled, the pool had been filled in, and the entire first floor was now even, covered with dark high-quality flooring. A large number of green plants and decorations were purchased, with the guest area moved to the windows, and the office area further inside, making it all appear more orderly and spacious.


    Workers were still fixing the edges and corners. She walked over to the sofa, dropped her bag, sat down, and with her arms wrapped around her elbows, gazed out at the green mountains and blue waters: "I don¡¯t want to live in your house anymore."


    "Why?"


    Huanhuan had been taken out to play by colleagues, and he followed over, sitting opposite her, his voice growing colder.


    "I don¡¯t want to be Mrs. Mu!"


    "And your reason for not wanting to be Mrs. Mu?"


    He gave a cold laugh, clearly not inclined to entertain her answer.


    "I don¡¯t like you!"


    "Are you afraid I can¡¯t protect you? Qin Mu, you¡¯re thinking too much!"


    He was clearly very confident, his gaze full of that arrogant, petulant young master¡¯s air.


    Qin Mu thought the words "I don¡¯t like you" would be enough to make him leave in anger, but she didn¡¯t expect him to say all this nonsense to her.


    His gloomy eyes stared straight at the woman across from him, watching her pale complexion but saying nothing.


    "Mu Yichen, let¡¯s end it here!"


    "If you don¡¯t have a convincing reason, I¡¯ll take it as you being capricious."


    "Sooner or later we¡¯ll separate!"


    Cornered, Qin Mu huffed and stood up to lay it all out for him.


    "Sooner or later? Have you always been thinking about leaving me?"


    Mu Yichen raised his eyebrows, the feigned smile on his face vanishing.


    "Yes! Do you really think you¡¯ll keep me forever? Stop deluding yourself, okay?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, a laugh tinged with irritation, as she reminded him.


    "I know you never considered me as a lifelong partner, but I didn¡¯t expect to see such an expression on your face. Have all these years I¡¯ve been with you been a waste?"


    The last few words pained him deeply, and he clenched his teeth.


    Qin Mu felt even more a pain in her gut, choked up by his words.


    "Qin Mu, have I been too indulgent, making you forget that I am a man with dignity?"


    He suddenly jumped up from the sofa, leaning over in fury, and his slender, beautiful fingers jabbed fiercely at her chest.


    "If you¡¯re so dignified, what are you still doing here? You know full well I never believed love could last, that I never planned to spend my whole life with you from the start; if you¡¯re so dignified, then leave!"


    Each word was forced out from her throat¡ªharsh and crisp.


    By the time she uttered the last two words, her voice had even risen in pitch.


    Mu Yichen left, but before he did, he gave the coffee table a fierce kick.


    The table leg, struck against the floor, made a piercing noise. Qin Mu stood there motionless, her complexion ashen, her gaze empty, with nothing left but the energy to breathe heavily.


    The high-end sports car outside tore off desperately.


    Everything seemed like a dream.


    Afterward, the entire first floor became so quiet that one could clearly hear a pin drop.


    The rest didn¡¯t dare to approach, with only Xiaomei timidly walking to her side: "Qinqin..."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just slowly sat down on the sofa.


    At that moment, she felt drained of strength, defiance, stubbornness, resentment¡ªleaving only regret!


    "Actually, Mr. Mu he..."


    Xiaomei didn¡¯t finish because she saw Qin Mu¡¯s eyes brimming with tears, even though she stubbornly refused to let them fall.


    Qin Mu had never expected it would come so soon; for a while, she even thought they could have a long, good stretch, and she even thought about living quietly and steadily with him until the day he grew tired of her.


    But he hadn¡¯t grown tired yet, and occurrences kept piling up one after another.


    Why should she monopolize him, making him exhaust himself alongside her?


    From then on, they would part ways and each find their own happiness!


    So be it!


    Life just calmed down, day by day.


    Until that day.


    A celebrity wrapped up like a zongzi came to her studio. Qin Mu was called down from upstairs before they pulled away the scarf covering her face.


    "I heard the dress you designed for Jing Qing last time?"


    Qin Mu looked at her, waiting for her to continue.


    "Can you design one for me too? I have an MS fashion show next month. I¡¯ll pay whatever price she paid, but the design must be more spectacular than the one she wore."

 Chapter 77 - 64 Avengers for Wife_6

    Chapter 77: 64 Avengers for Wife_6


    Her voice wasn¡¯t loud, but her expression was spot on.


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze flickered slightly, "Good!"


    The moment the star heard her prompt agreement, they immediately smiled, "That¡¯s the spirit, I love dealing with people like you. If this design turns out well, I¡¯ll come to you for all my gowns in the future."


    "Don¡¯t look down on me now; one day, I will kick her off the stage and take her place."


    Fearing that someone might discover, after instructing Qin Mu to keep it a secret for her, she covered up well again and left.


    It was already June!


    "Isn¡¯t she an actress from the same company as Jing Qing, what¡¯s her name, Hong?" Xiaomei muttered on the side.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t care what her name was; the incident made her realize that she couldn¡¯t just sit around and do nothing.


    That evening, while she was fully immersed in designing, she received a phone call.


    "Go back on your own, don¡¯t make me worry."


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyelashes fluttered subconsciously, but she didn¡¯t utter a word, and the other end of the line quickly fell silent.


    The droning sound from the phone caused her heart to flutter, so she hung up quickly.


    Then she continued to draw; she loved the sound of the pencil on the paper, it made her feel secure.


    As for his orders, she decided not to obey.


    She just didn¡¯t understand how he had gathered the courage to ask her to see him again, especially after she had humiliated him so badly that day.


    She thought, that might not have been easy.


    Living together with Xiaomei and the others was quite joyful.


    By the end of June, the weather was getting progressively hotter, and the central air conditioning in the studio had started to operate.


    That day, the wealthy madam Feng Fanghua stepped into their studio.


    She quite liked the interior decor, which was understated yet conveyed a sense of grandeur.


    Xiaomei poured her some tea, "Qinqin is on the phone with a client, she¡¯ll be down shortly."


    Feng Fanghua wasn¡¯t in a hurry to drink her tea; instead, she pondered how to make Qin Mu agree to let her take away her granddaughter.


    "Grandma!"


    When she heard a little baby calling her, she turned around, her eyes brimming with tears that almost fell out; her lovely granddaughter was running towards her with small steps, looking as though she missed her a lot.


    "Oh, my dear little treasure, grandma has missed you so much!"


    Feng Fanghua hurriedly embraced the little girl who had reached her side, showering her with kisses and affection.


    Qin Mu saw this as she came down, and couldn¡¯t help but smile unconsciously.


    "Auntie, long time no see!"


    After coming down the stairs and seeing the scene, Qin Mu politely went over to greet.


    "Mm! I came to see Huanhuan, and to talk to you about something!" Feng Fanghua habitually looked at her with a less-than-favorable gaze, yet couldn¡¯t help but sit there holding her granddaughter tightly, kissing her.


    Later, it almost led to a fight.


    Qin Mu disagreed naturally when Feng Fanghua suggested taking Huanhuan away to the Mu Family.


    "You work all day and can¡¯t take good care of her. I¡¯m not saying you can¡¯t see her if I bring her to the Mu Family; why are you being so stubborn?" Feng Fanghua asked her unhappily.


    "I¡¯m not being stubborn; I simply can¡¯t let her leave me! Besides, she¡¯s been with me all these years. She¡¯s already used to this life. If you¡¯re worried she won¡¯t be well-off, that¡¯s an unnecessary concern."


    "You, no, it¡¯s not acceptable. She is my granddaughter, had I not known about her existence, it might¡¯ve been a different story. But knowing she¡¯s there, I can¡¯t let her live this hard life anymore."


    "Does she look like she feels she¡¯s living a hard life to you?"


    As Qin Mu spoke, she also glanced at her daughter; the little girl¡¯s happy and contented face showed no sign of hardship.


    Feng Fanghua still took Huanhuan away later, saying she would take her out for fun and then bring her back.


    Actually, Qin Mu felt her daughter was very lucky, with both grandparents loving her so much, and she didn¡¯t want to limit two more people from loving her daughter.


    In her heart, she hoped her daughter could be loved by more people, even if she might never be truly accepted as one of their own by those people.


    ¡ª


    Mu Family.


    That evening, when Mu Yichen returned home, he saw Huanhuan running around in the living room, which cheered him up instantly.


    "The young master is back!" the butler greeted him.


    "Mm."


    He acknowledged, continuing to walk inside.


    "Daddy!"


    Mu Yichen smiled subconsciously, bent down, and picked her up, "When did you get back?"


    "When else? I just picked her up from her place this afternoon," Feng Fanghua came out from the inside to tell her son.


    Mu Yichen, however, looked at her involuntarily, and his gaze made Feng Fanghua both heartbroken and angry.


    "Her mother didn¡¯t come, though."


    Feng Fanghua kindly reminded her son and then stepped forward to take Huanhuan from his arms, "Come with grandma to wash your hands, it¡¯s time to eat!"


    Huanhuan reluctantly left her dad¡¯s embrace to follow her grandmother to wash up.

 Chapter 78 - 64 Avengers for Wife_7

    Chapter 78: 64 Avengers for Wife_7


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but glance out of the window, she really was carefree.


    During dinner, Mu Yichen found Feng Fanghua¡¯s meticulous care for Huanhuan a bit overwhelming, "Have I not told you that she¡¯s not your biological granddaughter?"


    Feng Fanghua glared at him, "Does it matter whether she is or not? I say she is, and that¡¯s that."


    Mu Yichen...


    "This little girl, one look and it¡¯s clear she¡¯s a descendant of our Mu Family."


    Mu Zihao doted on his granddaughter, looking at her with pride in his eyes and voice.


    Setting down his chopsticks and leaning back in his chair, Mu Yichen grew puzzled, "If you dislike Qin Mu so much, why do you like Huanhuan so much? Don¡¯t you believe she was picked up from the welfare institute by Qin Mu?"


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao exchanged glances, and after Feng Fanghua served Huanhuan some soup, she looked at her son, "Do you have any evidence that my granddaughter was picked up from the welfare institute?"


    "You want evidence? Wait for it!"


    After speaking, Mu Yichen got up and headed out, leaving Feng Fanghua, Mu Zihao, and Huanhuan puzzled as they watched his hasty departure.


    "What¡¯s gotten into him?" Feng Fanghua asked.


    Qin Mu was still drawing in her office, staring out into space.


    She knew that Feng Fanghua wasn¡¯t planning to send Huanhuan back to her tonight, and perhaps she would have to personally demand her return tomorrow, which might lead to an argument.


    Her gaze gradually withdrew, and the unaffected almond-shaped eyes returned to the drawing paper in front of her.


    It wasn¡¯t long before she heard someone pressing the doorbell downstairs, and she finally stood up from her chair, went downstairs, and then saw him standing outside the door, at the center.


    Having not seen him for a while, he was as indifferent as the day he had left, as if he had some urgent matter with her.


    She slowly approached, and with a door between them, she asked, "What¡¯s the matter?"


    Even that gentle voice seemed to echo throughout the first floor.


    Both of their eyes held a trace of sullenness and ruthlessness.


    "Open the door!"


    Qin Mu just stared at him, refusing to follow his command.


    "I told you to open the door!"


    Their voices weren¡¯t distinct, yet they both knew what the other had said, even easily reading the dissatisfaction and anger on each other¡¯s faces.


    "I won¡¯t!"


    She stubbornly refused!


    "Qin Mu, I¡¯m telling you for the last time, open the door!"


    Qin Mu hated being threatened and immediately stepped aside to see what he would do next.


    "Take the door off its hinges!"


    Mu Yichen stood to the side, hands on hips, and turned to give an order to the other side.


    Little did she know, the several bodyguards standing guard at the door stepped forward and actually began to take her door off.


    The night sky outside was so beautiful, yet this small space was less than satisfactory.


    "Mu Yichen, you better tell them to stop,¡ª Mu Yichen!"


    She yelled, infuriated.


    Then, in a panic, she went forward and opened the door.


    The man must have gone mad, actually intending to dismantle her door, which had been installed only a few days prior, and at a ¡¯very expensive¡¯ price.


    Everyone immediately backed off, and Mu Yichen just shot her a fierce look, not saying a half-word to her as he walked upstairs.


    "Don¡¯t touch my door again!"


    Qin Mu watched his retreating figure in astonishment but didn¡¯t forget to turn back and command the others, quickly following after him.


    He found the document in her office drawer, checked that everything inside was still there, closed the drawer for her, and was about to leave.


    "Stop right there!"


    Qin Mu stood in the doorway, glaring menacingly at him.


    "Move aside!" he commanded coldly.


    "Why should I move just because you tell me to? This is my place."


    Qin Mu argued back sharply, lowering her eyes to the item in his hand and reaching out to snatch it, but Mu Yichen quickly raised his arm to keep it out of her reach.


    "What do you want with this?"


    Sometimes, her wide eyes really looked like they could devour a person.


    "Why should I tell you? Haven¡¯t we already severed ties? he looked at her coldly, his words merciless, and then with a light push, he moved her aside, blocking her path, and left without emotion.


    Qin Mu¡¯s high heel tilted, and she lost her balance, falling to the side.


    "Ah!"


    Mu Yichen suddenly turned back but only frowned at her from the doorway as she sat on the ground, fiercely rubbing her ankle.


    "Get lost!" Qin Mu picked up her fallen high heel and threw it at him.


    Mu Yichen dodged instinctively, but his hand reflexively caught her shoe. Holding it in hand, he taunted her with a wave, "So I¡¯m taking off then!"


    Bending over, he threw the shoe back to her across the floor before leaving.


    At that moment, Qin Mu wished she could bite off her tongue, but in the end, all she could do was take off the other heel and, holding her high heels, struggle to her feet.


    In pain, sweat beaded on her forehead, but she eventually made it to the window, placing the shoes neatly to the side, and with one hand, gently leaned on the glass to look down.

 Chapter 79 - 64 Avengers for Wife_8

    Chapter 79: 64 Avengers for Wife_8


    His car was still there, and several bodyguards too, but he was nowhere to be seen.


    All sorts of emotions flooded her heart for a moment, and even her faint breathing seemed to ache with the pulling of her muscles and bones.


    "Mu Yichen!" She called out his name through clenched teeth, fiercely slapping the glass with her hand.


    Behind her, a faint laugh suddenly emerged, followed by the sound of a cheerful whistle. Qin Mu turned around excitedly, her face flushed as she looked at the empty doorway.


    Mu Yichen had sent back the adoption materials regarding Huanhuan to the Mu Family, but to no avail.


    ¡ª¡ª


    For several days, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t forget the scene of him waving goodbye next to his car before leaving that night.


    And that cheerful whistle, he seemed very happy?


    So, in the following days, Qin Mu¡¯s foot injury didn¡¯t heal, and her stomach was upset from anger for several days.


    Jian Yan didn¡¯t go to the studio dinner either, only sending a card.


    Xiaomei, thinking they could get a discount at Mu Yichen¡¯s hotel, immediately gathered everyone to rush to AM. When she went to ask the manager for a discount, the manager smiled and said, "No problem, but why didn¡¯t Miss Qin come with you?"


    "She injured her foot and has a stomachache! Thanks a lot, we¡¯ll head over now."


    "All right!"


    Xiaomei, eager to dine, sat down at the prearranged spot with her colleagues and started ordering food. The manager stood at a distance for a while, gave a few instructions, then walked away with his phone.


    The man dining with clients not far away heard the news and continued chatting with his clients indifferently, soon leaving.


    Huanhuan was well taken care of at the Mu Family home, so Qin Mu simply took care of her dreary dinner alone, ordering a cup of rice porridge for takeaway!


    She, working overtime in the studio day and night, had become a workaholic in her colleagues¡¯ eyes, yet she reveled in it.


    Because truthfully, besides drawing, she didn¡¯t know what else she could do.


    However, when she thought her rice porridge had arrived and went to open the door, she was surprised to see Liu Jingyuan standing outside with a food container.


    She couldn¡¯t bear to turn him away at the door, so she invited him into the visiting area on the first floor.


    The takeaway that was delivered was set aside, and she sipped the fish soup he brought, savoring the delicacies prepared by the hotel¡¯s top chefs.


    All the lights on the first floor were on, and the two sat opposite each other by the window, eating. Liu Jingyuan couldn¡¯t help but laugh with delight when he saw how much she enjoyed the food, "Why didn¡¯t you go to dinner with them? Do you want to do everything by yourself?"


    "I suppose I inherited this from my master, he¡¯s like that." Qin Mu responded with a light laugh, continuing to eat heartily.


    "Jian Yan is indeed a genius, but you really shouldn¡¯t follow his example in this respect. I heard you¡¯ve been having stomach issues lately; you need to take care of yourself."


    Only then did Qin Mu look up at him, suddenly remembering the unexpected dinner.


    "Oh right, I haven¡¯t asked you yet, how did you know I was working overtime here? And about my stomachache."


    "I just happened to be at AM dining with a client when I ran into your studio¡¯s ladies."


    So that was it. Qin Mu laughed awkwardly, nodding her head: It must have been Xiaomei; she talks the most.


    "Let¡¯s eat first; don¡¯t let it get cold."


    As Mu Yichen¡¯s car approached the studio, he could see, apart from her car, another vehicle in the parking lot, a dark Bentley. Gazing through the window towards the floor-to-ceiling glass, he saw a man and a woman sitting there, dining and laughing together.


    All of a sudden, he couldn¡¯t help but laugh to himself, thinking he had been concerned she couldn¡¯t take care of herself, but there she was, seemingly enjoying herself immensely.


    Was this the reason she wanted to break up with him? But was she blind? Liu Jingyuan was nothing more than a real estate mogul, while he was an inexhaustible gold mine.


    Mu Yichen felt his breathing become heavier, yet he couldn¡¯t take his eyes off them.


    "Have the bodyguards at the door already been withdrawn?" Liu Jingyuan asked, then looked outside.


    "Yes! The issue has been resolved, so they have left these past two days."


    Liu Jingyuan nodded, then finally noticed the car parked across the way, smiling subconsciously.


    "What¡¯s up?"


    Qin Mu, curious, looked at him, following his gaze to the window...


    Mu Yichen!


    Why was he here?


    "Are you two¡ªhaving an argument?"


    Liu Jingyuan didn¡¯t care if Mu Yichen was there or not, he elegantly looked at Qin Mu and asked.


    An argument?


    No, it was not merely a simple argument.


    Qin Mu thought about the events that had occurred over the past few days, gave a withered smile, but merely lowered her head to drink soup without responding.


    Liu Jingyuan noticed the ring on her hand again, unconsciously shook his head: "Mu Yi really struck it lucky, for you to be so unable to let go."


    It was the first time anyone had said that Mu Yi had struck it lucky.


    "Actually, I was the lucky one to have met him; if not for him... I might have died many years ago."


    People need a source of strength to live, and if it hadn¡¯t been for his timely appearance in Paris, she would likely have died or led a life of degeneration long ago.


    He was the sunshine on the road of her life!


    Liu Jingyuan looked at the sadness in Qin Mu¡¯s eyes when she smiled, and he unconsciously stared: "Is that so?"


    "It¡¯s a long story!"


    Qin Mu shook her head, refusing to continue.


    After finishing the meal, she put the boxes aside. After a while, Liu Jingyuan left, and she stood at the doorway, hands in the pockets of her jeans, looking at the car opposite.


    He neither left nor came closer, interesting.


    After eating, she had no desire to draw anymore, and instead, she drank the untouched rice paste in the second-floor office and watched the car downstairs.


    He seemed to really enjoy driving sports cars lately!


    She took a sip of the rice paste when suddenly her stomach cramped, causing her enough pain that she furrowed her brow.


    The evening was still quite cool, especially after ten o¡¯clock.


    She actually...


    Didn¡¯t dare to open the door.


    It seemed as if the studio was a cage, her umbrella of protection; she didn¡¯t dare to step out because she didn¡¯t know what would happen if she did.


    Or maybe...


    She wasn¡¯t afraid he would devour her, she was just afraid of his weighty words.


    They could no longer converse properly; she heard that there had always been women around him lately, one of them even a subordinate from his company.


    She turned away, leaning gently against the window, and lost the desire to drink the rice paste.


    Later, the rice paste was mercilessly thrown into the trash, and she lay casually on the sofa, resting with her eyes closed.


    If he wouldn¡¯t leave, then she would sleep there.


    It was summer now, after all, not cold.


    Lights in the studio eventually went out, but Mu Yichen¡¯s car remained parked outside.


    Until dawn broke, the two of them slept through the night separated by just one wall, one on the sofa, the other in the car.


    Later, Mu Yichen drove back to the Mu Family home. Feng Fanghua was reading a storybook to Huanhuan when she saw the haggard look on his face, she immediately asked: "Why do you look so worn out?"


    "Daddy!"


    Huanhuan got up to find him. Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even glance at her as he headed upstairs.


    Huanhuan followed the backside of her father with a sense of loss, then continued to call: "Daddy, daddy..."


    "Stop calling me daddy, I¡¯m not your daddy!"


    Mu Yichen suddenly stopped on the stairs, turned his head, and pointed at Huanhuan as he shouted, angry like an overgrown boy.


    "Wuuu..."


    Huanhuan immediately started crying pitifully, covering her eyes with her hands. Feng Fanghua put down the book, moved forward, and crouched in front of her granddaughter, hugging her and yelling at the man upstairs: "Mu Yi, have you gone mad? Get out of here!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t leave; instead, he suddenly came downstairs, snatched Huanhuan from Feng Fanghua¡¯s arms, and strode out while carrying her.

 Chapter 80: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (1)_1

    Chapter 80: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (1)_1


    The reason I was so busy these past few days is that I have to go on a business trip today. Qin Mu stayed up all night again at the studio before returning to the apartment to pack her luggage.


    While she was packing, the doorbell rang. When she went to see who it was, she saw him standing at the door with Huanhuan in his arms, her eyes red from crying.


    "Take her back, and get out of here with her!"


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t even regained her composure when Huanhuan was thrust into her arms.


    No sooner had Mu Yichen left than Qin Mu stepped outside with the child in her arms and watched his resolute departure, feeling an involuntary sense of unrest and confusion in her heart.


    What was that sudden outburst about?


    Huanhuan was uncomfortably sobbing in her arms, crying out, "Wuwu, Daddy doesn¡¯t want me anymore, Mommy...


    "It¡¯s alright, he doesn¡¯t really dislike you. In a few days, he¡¯ll come to apologize to you. Shall we give Daddy a chance to make amends?"


    Qin Mu said while wiping her daughter¡¯s tears and comforting her.


    If it weren¡¯t for Liu Jingyuan who took a beating with a cane for her from Grandfather Jing, she would never have eaten the meal he offered, especially since she would have likely needed to be hospitalized for stomach pains if she hadn¡¯t eaten something at the time.


    If it wasn¡¯t because of Liu Jingyuan, was it because she didn¡¯t take the initiative to tell him to rest that night?


    Qin Mu harbored an indescribable feeling inside her, knowing that she also had to fly to Austria today.


    "Wuwu, Mommy, Daddy was so mean, wuwu!"


    Huanhuan continued to cry intermittently, rubbing her teary, big eyes as she continued to complain to her mother.


    "Mommy will definitely make Daddy apologize later, but before that, would you like to go with Mommy on a business trip now?"


    Qin Mu snapped back to reality, quickly soothing her daughter before closing the door and heading back inside.


    He even told her to take Huanhuan and scram. Qin Mu thought that if Feng Fanghua knew about this, she would probably have a big fight with Mu Yichen.


    Huanhuan was easy to console. Qin Mu had wanted to inform him before leaving, but no one answered her calls, so she let it be.


    Seeing her daughter sitting on the sofa savoring a lollipop while watching "Frozen," Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh¡ªit was all settled with just a lollipop.


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Huanhuan happily licked her sweet-and-sour lollipop and, looking up at her mother¡¯s gentle eyes, nodded, "Ok!"


    "Huanhuan is such a good girl, muah!"


    Qin Mu happily ruffled her daughter¡¯s hair, then grabbed the luggage and took her daughter¡¯s hand as they left the apartment.


    Xiaomei was waiting downstairs for her. Having added Huanhuan to the trip, Qin Mu had called Xiaomei at the last minute to come along and help out.


    Upon arriving at the airport, Xiaomei said to Qin Mu, "Master is still touring the Forbidden City in Beijing; he said we must secure that band."


    "He sure knows how to enjoy his leisure time."


    "I¡¯ve heard that band is notoriously difficult to deal with, not just the lead singer but all of them are peculiar. What should we do? I have no confidence."


    "We will definitely secure this order."


    According to their agent, although these people are difficult, once you have them on board, they can become long-term partners. Moreover, they currently don¡¯t have an option to choose another studio.


    Qin Mu, holding Huanhuan, strode ahead while Xiaomei lagged behind, pulling the suitcases. The two of them, with the child, thus boarded the plane to Austria.


    No sooner had Qin Mu left, the parents of Jing Qing arrived at the Mu Family, wanting to discuss the marriage between Jing Qing and Mu Yichen.


    The senior members of the Jing Family were also figures of high stature, their attire and aura matched those of the Mu Family, with Jing Qing¡¯s mother being more serene.


    Before getting down to business, the four of them chatted about other matters to lighten the mood, but eventually, they had to discuss the important issue at hand.


    At that moment, Mu Zihao glanced at Feng Fanghua, then smiled thoughtfully while looking down.


    "Xianzong, concerning this matter, we elders should let the children make their own decisions,"


    Mu Zihao said earnestly.


    "They make their decisions? Do you really think Yichen would marry obediently? Or are you seriously telling me you no longer wish to be in-laws with me?"


    Jing Xianzong chuckled, feeling that Mu Zihao was beating around the bush.


    "How could I not want to be in-laws with you? Otherwise, shall we arrange Qingxin with Jing Feng?"


    Mu Zihao shook his head and made another suggestion.


    "Why is that?"


    Jing Xianzong asked, perplexed. Knowing his son¡¯s obstinate nature and that he would never yield, and given Jing Feng¡¯s continuous entanglement with the girl from the Helian Family, he knew the most suitable match under the premise that Jing Qing liked Mu Yichen was indeed the two of them.


    "I¡¯ll tell you the plain truth. That little girl is the child of the Qin Family and our Yichen¡¯s daughter."


    After some deliberation, Mu Zihao decided to reveal the truth to Jing Xianzong, knowing he was a relatively level-headed and discreet

 Chapter 81: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (1)_2

    Chapter 81: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (1)_2


    "What?"


    Mr. and Mrs. Jing Xianzong thought they had heard wrong, disbelieving.


    "Xianzong, younger brother and sister-in-law, indeed it¡¯s not that we don¡¯t want to. You know I¡¯ve raised Xiaoqing as if she were my own child since she was little, with the hope that she would become my daughter-in-law when she grew up. But under the current circumstances, I really have no face to bring this up with Xiaoqing anymore."


    Feng Fanghua had no choice but to lower her stance and explain calmly to them.


    "Have you confirmed that the little girl is your child?"


    "We went to the hospital for a DNA test a while ago, and it¡¯s absolutely certain."


    Mr. and Mrs. Jing Xianzong looked at each other, their teacups gently touching as if a string in their hearts had been forcibly snapped. They thought the marriage proposal to the Mu Family was almost certain, but now they had to reconsider everything in light of the current situation.


    "Xianzong, I must apologize to you here, brother. Our families have treated each other as relatives over the years, but I really can¡¯t handle that brat. The girl went abroad at the age of eight, and no sooner had she left than he begged me, under the guise of studying, to send him after her. Finally, when he reluctantly came back, I didn¡¯t expect him to still not have cut ties with her, and... ah, I really feel guilty toward you."


    By this point, Mu Zihao could only resign himself to the situation.


    However, Mr. and Mrs. Jing Xianzong gradually came to understand that the Mu Family was planning to accept Qin Mu as their daughter-in-law.


    Thinking about Qin Haiming introducing Qin Mu at the birthday banquet, and Mu Yichen declaring his intention to marry Qin Mu, up to the day Mu Yichen leveled the Jing Family¡¯s new house to take Qin Mu¡¯s side, they were reluctant to accept the situation, but today they had to let it go.


    "We wanted to apologize to the elder the other day, but his health was not good, and we didn¡¯t get to see him. Is he better today?"


    Mu Zihao knew it was clear now, and it wasn¡¯t appropriate to keep talking about it, so he changed the subject.


    "He¡¯s much better now. The elder has always treated Yichen as his own child, which is why he was so angry with him. It really has nothing to do with you; you shouldn¡¯t worry about it."


    "How can we not worry? Our elder is away taking care of his health in the countryside, and we¡¯ve always respected your elder as one of our own. We really can¡¯t let him continue to be upset. I¡¯ll speak to Yichen again, and make sure he goes to apologize to the elder."


    Mu Zihao had a lot to say to Jing Xianzong, but throughout the conversation, the two women remained silent, accompanying them. Jing Xianzong finished listening, nodded, and then looked at his wife, "Then we should go back. There¡¯s something else we have to take care of later."


    "Yes!" Mrs. Jing nodded and then turned back to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Mu.


    It was only after leaving the house that Mrs. Jing spoke, "Mu Yichen, that boy, is so stubborn; I¡¯m afraid not even eight oxen could pull him back."


    "Yeah, let¡¯s discuss it more when we get back."


    Jing Xianzong sighed, got into the car with his wife, and they left.


    Mu Zihao watched them go, then turned to Feng Fanghua, "Why were you so quiet today?"


    "Well, our son is the one who is in the wrong to begin with. Besides, with you present, how could it be my place to speak on such matters?"


    Mu Zihao chuckled without realizing it and turned to go inside with her.


    Although the marriage proposal ended this way today, both the Jing Family and the Mu Family understood that their relationship could never be the same as before.


    The Jing Family¡¯s marriage proposal wasn¡¯t really met with any joy by the Mu Family. They would have liked to agree, but when they thought of their son¡¯s temperament, neither dared to consent. Yet, they had to give a reason for their refusal, so they had no choice but to bring their granddaughter into it.


    But they never expected the Jing Family to think they would accept Qin Mu as their daughter-in-law.


    Upon returning, Jing Xianzong reported the situation to the elder, who was also shocked: "They admitted it to you in person?"


    "Yes, and they also said that Mu Yichen doesn¡¯t know about it yet."


    "What¡¯s the meaning of this?"


    The elder furrowed his brow and asked.


    "This is something I¡¯ll need to explain slowly to you, but the marriage between Xiaoqing and Mu Yichen is impossible now."


    The elder angrily thumped his walking stick on the ground.


    "How can I just let that wild girl snatch away my granddaughter¡¯s destined husband?"


    "So, what can we do now?" Jing Xianzong was troubled by his father¡¯s determination.


    "Yeah, Dad, what can we do? We know the Mu Family¡¯s child all too well; he¡¯s always been incredibly stubborn. Once he¡¯s set his mind to something, it¡¯s impossible for us to turn him from his course."


    "Hmph, they aren¡¯t married yet, let¡¯s just wait and see."


    But the Jing Family¡¯s elder could not believe that Qin Mu was qualified to marry Mu Yichen.

 Chapter 82: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (1)_3

    Chapter 82: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (1)_3


    Even though Qin Mu had a father who was the mayor, her father now had another family, and she would not be accepted by that family, so he thought it was not a cause for concern.


    That night, Mu Yichen returned to the apartment.


    Alone, doing nothing, he went to the kitchen, took a bottle of wine and a glass, and then went upstairs.


    Before ten o¡¯clock, he was ready to go to bed. He probably hadn¡¯t drunk enough because he couldn¡¯t sleep, tossing and turning restlessly in bed.


    Qin Mu was either brain-damaged or had water in her brain, she was such a fool to abandon such an outstanding man as himself to go on dates with other men.


    It had always been him seeking her out, her letting him stay as if she were bestowing alms. What on earth had he been doing these years? Had he been stupid? He had lost himself for a woman who didn¡¯t even like him.


    The next morning.


    When he woke up it was already past nine o¡¯clock. As he got out of bed, he smelt the strong odor of alcohol throughout the house; his foot stepped on a bottle. Frowning, he looked down and kicked it aside, only then remembering the headache from last night and the few more bottles of wine he had drunk.


    While he drowned his sorrows in drink, where was she?


    A sigh quietly filled the lonely and empty room.


    Suddenly, he hated her, hated her with fury.


    Even during brushing his teeth, when he saw her toothpaste and toothbrush still in front of him, the same ones she had not taken when she moved to the Mu Family, he felt his chest tighten. As he brushed, he picked up her toothbrush and cup and tossed them both into the trash can.


    As the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind!"


    Qin Mu was the best at this, and now he was following suit!


    He skipped breakfast, drank a glass of water, and went straight to the company for a meeting.


    The sunlight was strong; seated at the very front of the meeting room, he felt almost blinded, his discomfort evident as his frown never relaxed.


    He had wanted to invite Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan for a drink after the meeting, but as soon as he finished the meeting and returned to his office, he saw Feng Fanghua standing there. He immediately turned to look at his secretary, who showed a clear sign of negligence and bowed her head, not daring to speak.


    "What brings you here?"


    He went behind his desk to sit down, too annoyed to show much in the way of expression.


    "Does Qin Mu have any other phone numbers?"


    Feng Fanghua went straight to the point, her voice laced with anxiety.


    "What are you looking for her for?"


    Mu Yichen unconsciously looked up at her; Feng Fanghua had always disliked Qin Mu, wasn¡¯t it best if she was out of sight?


    "What am I looking for her for? I¡¯m looking for my granddaughter!"


    Mu Yichen stared at the angry mother of the bodyguard, almost thinking he had mistaken her for someone else.


    "Call her right now, her number is not going through." Feng Fanghua looked away helplessly, her impatience evident.


    "Mom, I showed you Huanhuan¡¯s adoption papers that day, didn¡¯t I?"


    Mu Yichen chuckled softly, subconsciously raising his hand to touch his own seductive lips.


    He was almost driven mad by Ms. Feng; he had never seen his mother show so much compassion, especially for a child with no blood relation to her, desperate for her in her concern.


    "Just call," Feng Fanghua ordered again, no time for nonsense.


    Mu Yichen, seeing her determination, felt he had no other choice, and deep down, he actually wanted to call her.


    He picked up his cellphone and dialed on speakerphone, laying it aside.


    But when he wanted to pride himself on not directly talking to her, expecting to simply toss her a cold, "My mom¡¯s looking for you," and hand it over to Feng Fanghua, the only thing that came through was a mechanical female voice.


    Had she turned off her phone?


    Mu Yichen frowned unconsciously, and Feng Fanghua was also taken aback, then she glanced at his desk: "What¡¯s going on? Why is her phone off when you call? Doesn¡¯t she have another number, try that."


    What other number could she have?


    Dark thoughts flashed through Mu Yichen¡¯s mind, and he suddenly remembered when he had left Huanhuan with her and told her to get lost.


    She couldn¡¯t have...


    "Have you been to her studio?"


    He asked urgently, instinctively sincere.


    "I called her studio, and they said she was on a business trip. I came to you right after. She shouldn¡¯t have turned off her phone even if she is away, do you¡ªknow absolutely nothing?"


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s eyes were bulging, disdain for her son mixing with her frantic longing for her granddaughter.


    Mu Yichen quickly stood up from his chair: "I¡¯m going out for a while!"


    He remembered warning her to never leave Rongcheng, no matter what happened. If she dared to run away, he was determined to bring her back and torment her until she could barely move.


    But the more viciously he thought, the more anxious he became.


    He had already waited for so many years, his heart nearly dead from the waiting.


    If possible, he didn¡¯t want to wait another minute.

 Chapter 83: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (1)_4

    Chapter 83: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (1)_4


    Or he could simply announce their marriage to the public, not caring what she wanted; she wouldn¡¯t be able to run away then, because everyone would know she belonged to him.


    But...


    The most indecisive moments of his life had all involved her.


    Mu Yichen drove to the studio and quickly came out, then directly called the hotel in Austria where they were staying.


    Qin Mu was nestled on the sofa, staring blankly at the beautiful scenery outside, actually troubled by the issue with the band that had yet to be signed.


    The landline phone rang on the table beside the sofa, her long curled eyelashes fluttered, almost thinking it was a hallucination until she turned to look at the landline and leaned over to pick up the call.


    "Hello!"


    Thinking it was the hotel staff.


    "Have you caught the thief?"


    It was his voice!


    As if she were in a dream.


    Qin Mu felt her heart skip half a beat.


    "Not yet¡ª, how did you know?"


    She even felt uneasy speaking.


    Mu Yichen stood under the blazing sun, suddenly feeling a headache, wondering why he was being so petty with her when he knew full well that it was just her nature.


    "Qin Mu, forgive me!"


    He chuckled wearily, thinking he must have really drunk too much the night before.


    Qin Mu felt a surreal sense of disbelief; the scene where he told her to take the child and get lost was still vivid in her memory, yet his call just now sounded like a helpless, heartbroken surrender.


    "I¡¯m coming to find you!"


    Qin Mu was still in shock when he had already hung up and then headed to his car.


    He booked the soonest flight and went straight to the airport.


    Waiting in the VIP lounge, Mu Yichen still couldn¡¯t figure out why she suddenly wanted to separate from him, and why he had just let her have her way.


    For so many years, no matter how she insulted him he had always shamelessly clung to her, so why had he become so irritable now?


    Why couldn¡¯t he accommodate her? Hadn¡¯t he resigned himself to this long ago?


    He could even accept the child she adopted from the orphanage, so why couldn¡¯t he accept her throwing a small tantrum?


    He couldn¡¯t help but introspect and boarded the plane to Austria when the time came.


    But Qin Mu truly hadn¡¯t expected him to actually come; after communicating with the band, she returned to the hotel only to see him sitting in the lobby.


    His clothes were still impeccably neat, but the fatigue on his face was unmistakably evident.


    At first, she didn¡¯t dare to believe it; he had said he was coming, but it was so far away.


    But there he was, truly sitting there.


    Mu Yichen felt a scorching gaze upon him and instinctively lifted his eyes to meet hers.


    The two of them locked eyes with each other as if time and space were revolving.


    "Why did you really come?"


    Qin Mu stepped forward, disregarding the glances of the people around, and stood in front of him.


    Her gaze couldn¡¯t help but linger on his face, a mix of bewilderment and stubbornness, and an indescribable excitement.


    Mu Yichen managed a slight smile, seeing her finally calming his restless heart.


    He slowly stood up, gazing intently at her from afar.


    "The moment I¡¯m not by your side, something happens to you. How can I not come?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart felt scorched in an instant, she then looked down and avoided his gaze: Have you booked a room? Seeing you like this, you should probably take a bath and rest first.


    Having said that, she turned and walked inside, with Mu Yichen following behind her, holding his coat slowly.


    It was as if, having found her, there was no further need to rush.


    Even to love her!


    In the elevator, Qin Mu hung her head low, unsure of where his room was, or perhaps...


    "Huanhuan, Xiaomei, and I are staying in one room!"


    She had to give him a hint!


    He didn¡¯t speak, just lowered his head, lost in thought.


    Qin Mu turned to look at him, and he lifted his gaze slightly, only giving her a small smile.


    Qin Mu, flustered by his demeanor, couldn¡¯t understand why he was so quiet after having come all this way?


    His eyes seemed deeper, as if he hadn¡¯t slept well last night, so she thought better of speaking carelessly.


    When they got out of the elevator, Qin Mu looked back to see him following, and finally couldn¡¯t help but ask: You didn¡¯t book a room?


    "I got here and heard you went out, so I¡¯ve been waiting for you downstairs."


    His eyes seemed to say: Why would I book a room by myself?


    Qin Mu glanced at him again and turned her face away, fighting the uncomfortable feeling in her throat before moving towards her own room.


    With a beep, the door opened, and she stood in the doorway inviting him in before she went in herself.


    What else could she do?


    He had come such a long way, she couldn¡¯t be so pretentious as to deny him even a bath and some rest, could she?


    "The room on the left is mine, it has a separate bathroom."


    He said nothing, just silently watched her, his gaze so intense that she lost the ability to speak.

 Chapter 84: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (1)_5

    Chapter 84: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (1)_5


    She felt a bit unreal under his gaze, until he suddenly stepped forward two paces, gently embracing her, slowly tightening his hold.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t move, her hands hanging naturally by her sides, breathing quietly.


    Her heart quivered lightly, but all she did was part her lips slightly, finding herself unable to speak a word.


    Because of his sudden appearance, the room no longer seemed so empty and cold.


    He suddenly bowed his head, pushed her back a step, and took her hands in his, holding them tightly.


    The ring made Qin Mu suddenly remember, they were already married.


    Even if she wouldn¡¯t acknowledge it, she was already a married woman.


    No wonder she felt different from before.


    So easily tired.


    "Baby!"


    Soon, Mu Yichen whispered in her ear.


    "Calling me baby now? Not telling me to leave?"


    Qin Mu scoffed, looking up at him with eyes slightly unfocused.


    "I can apologize in any way you want."


    "I don¡¯t want your apology!"


    Qin Mu gazed into his dark, starry eyes, which gradually became clearer as she looked on frankly.


    "Then what do you want? Huh?"


    Her eyes were so pained that tears were about to fall, but did she need his apology?


    He had done so much for her, having only told her to leave, without injuring a hair on her head.


    "Qin Mu, say you need me!"


    He cupped her face, obstinately insisting she give him a satisfactory answer.


    "Say you need me!"


    He was almost grinding his teeth, yet reluctant to hurt her the slightest bit.


    "Aren¡¯t we finished? Why are you still looking for me?"


    He chuckled bitterly, she knowingly asked such a pointless question.


    If that¡¯s the case, he might as well just please himself.


    When Xiaomei came back from playing outside with Huanhuan, she saw a man sitting in the living room, his hair still wet from the shower.


    Qin Mu had the hotel prepare a suit for him, although he didn¡¯t seem to like it very much and ignored her, simply smoking in the living room after his shower.


    Xiaomei, frightened, stood at the door not daring to go in, but Huanhuan, excited to see "Daddy," immediately broke free from Xiaomei¡¯s hand: Daddy!


    Qin Mu came out from the bathroom, drying her hair, and saw Xiaomei foolishly standing at the entrance: Don¡¯t you recognize Mr. Mu?


    "Ah? No, not at all!" Xiaomei stammered uncontrollably.


    The way these two looked, it was obvious they had just finished making love!


    Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help but blink.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t pay her any attention, with Huanhuan already running to him: Daddy, Daddy, Huanhuan missed you so much.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t know what had come over him, suddenly feeling so aggrieved, suddenly feeling that this little girl had more conscience than that woman, he picked Huanhuan up onto his lap: Even you missed me, so why doesn¡¯t your mom?


    "Mommy, too, missed you! Mommy!" Huanhuan, hugging Mu Yichen¡¯s neck, turned to call Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu ignored the father and daughter; who complains right after being full from the bed?


    "I certainly don¡¯t have the time to miss him!"


    She thought this girl must be silly. The man just told you to leave the day before, and today you¡¯re hugging him and calling him Daddy, saying you missed him.


    Why miss him?


    To be told to leave again?


    Xiaomei awkwardly made an excuse and went off on her own, feeling quite pitiful as a single person watching the family of three.


    Mu Yichen stayed for dinner that night; Huanhuan excitedly tried to serve him food with a spoon, clumsy yet determined.


    Mu Yichen was suddenly filled with shame.


    Qin Mu glanced at him, Mu Yichen also spared her a glance, but immediately turned his attention back to Huanhuan: Thank you!


    "Eat, Daddy!"


    Huanhuan looked up at him with an ingratiating gaze.


    Not even three years old, and already so adept at pleasing adults, Qin Mu felt the child was nothing like her, a person of such integrity.


    It did make her remember the times as a child when Mr. Mu used to coax her quite often.


    Later, Qin Mu went to prepare the bath for Huanhuan and overheard the father-daughter conversation outside.


    The warm light filled the bedroom, painting a scene too beautiful to seem real.


    Huanhuan sat on the edge of the bed, Mu Yi squatting in front of her.


    "Daddy apologizes for what happened last time; I should have never lost my temper with you no matter what."


    Mu Yichen apologized seriously and with a great sense of earnestness.


    Qin Mu felt a surge of warmth in her heart.


    "Daddy, I LOVE YOU!"


    Huanhuan shyly, in a soft voice, expressed her affection.


    Mu Yichen, looking up at the little girl sitting on the bed, saw the unadulterated sincerity in her pure eyes and unconsciously smiled tenderly, his gaze filled with even more love.


    How could he have spoken such harsh words to a small child?

 Chapter 85: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (1)_6

    Chapter 85: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (1)_6


    In the future, if you¡¯re going to lose your temper, just make that Qin Mu the only one you lose it against.


    Such a cute girl, nobody should bear to shout at her loudly.


    He lifted his hand gently to cradle Huanhuan¡¯s face, moving forward slightly to plant a kiss on her forehead, "Daddy loves you too!"


    "Daddy!"


    Huanhuan suddenly imitated him and called out softly; the word felt a bit unfamiliar, but she liked it as soon as she heard it.


    It seemed like that was what she should call him.


    "Good girl!"


    The father and son instinctively looked towards the bathroom, where that woman was still stretching her neck to watch them, with tears welling up in her eyes.


    Qin Mu realized that the two of them were watching her and awkwardly coughed twice to cover her embarrassment: "Ahem, I mean, you can take a bath now!"


    "Daddy carry you to the bath?"


    "Yeah!"


    Mu Yichen carried Huanhuan off happily to bathe while Qin Mu stood by for a moment. Then, Mu Yichen suddenly stood up: "Your turn."


    Qin Mu looked at him instinctively, just to hear him say dryly, "Men and women are different!"


    Qin Mu...


    Huanhuan couldn¡¯t help but smile joyfully as she watched the two of them standing together, and Mu Yichen turned and left the scene with feigned composure.


    Qin Mu felt she must be hallucinating. How could President Mu be shy? Or maybe it was shame!


    After all, he had frightened Huanhuan so much she cried that day!


    Fortunately, Huanhuan quickly forgot after the event. If he dared to yell like that again when she was bigger...


    Mrs. Mu thought the problem was serious, possibly leading to something like the unaware young girl running away from home.


    Suddenly there were three people on the bed, reuniting after being apart for a while, and he had come from so far to do so; Qin Mu indeed felt strange inside.


    Huanhuan, wearing a white cotton nightgown, twisted and turned between the two of them, glancing at one and then the other, too excited to fall asleep.


    Mu Yichen helplessly lifted his eyelids; he really hoped Huanhuan would fall asleep soon, because he had important things to do with Huanhuan¡¯s mother, but having just admitted his wrongs to Huanhuan, he was too embarrassed to urge her.


    Qin Mu caught a glimpse of his aggrieved expression but felt a small thrill inside.


    It was about time he had a taste of his own medicine. For all she knew, he might just rough her up and tell her to get lost again.


    Not until nearly eleven o¡¯clock did Huanhuan finally fall asleep, and Qin Mu quietly slipped out of bed. Mu Yichen looked up at her: "Where are you going?"


    "Drawing. You stay with her."


    Mu Yichen...


    Xiaomei was binge-watching dramas in the living room, and she saw her come out with her cheeks flushed.


    "Done with what?"


    "Done with what?"


    Qin Mu sat down next to her, took a sip of water from the table, and then asked Xiaomei to hand her the drawing board beside her.


    As Xiaomei handed her the drawing board, she giggled softly, in a hushed voice, "What else could it be? Of course, it¡¯s that. You haven¡¯t been together with President Mu for so long, he couldn¡¯t be finished that fast, could he?"


    Qin Mu...


    This girl seemed to be crossing lines more and more.


    "I need to draw. Are you sticking around, or heading back to your room?"


    "Uh, I guess I¡¯ll... go back to my room!"


    Xiaomei thought for a moment, then turned off the TV with the remote and exited the scene.


    But after she left, Qin Mu suddenly felt the living room was too big, too quiet, and she began to feel desolate.


    Even though he was just in the next room, there seemed to be an emptiness inside her.


    Then she took off her shoes, crossed her legs on the sofa, and earnestly started drawing on her board.


    Suddenly the bedroom door sounded, and Qin Mu instinctively looked over; he emerged from within wearing pajamas.


    "Why aren¡¯t you asleep yet?"


    Seeing him sit beside her like he owned the place, Qin Mu blurted out the question.


    Mu Yichen casually, yet deliberately, draped his hand behind her and cast a lazy glance at her: "Why should I be in a hurry if you¡¯re not asleep?"


    "But I¡¯ve been sleeping well lately, and you look a bit..."


    "What?"


    He leaned in, asking her, with a face that read, "You dare say something reckless."


    "Nothing, suit yourself," she said, shifting her gaze from his face and focusing on her drawing.


    Mu Yichen listened to the sound of the pencil in her hand scratching against the paper, growing more and more frustrated; she could immerse herself in work so quickly, but seemingly not into him.


    Huanhuan slept between them, and Mu Yichen looked at her with a tender yet murderous gaze, causing Qin Mu to turn away and present only her back to him.


    Mu Yichen shifted his gaze to Huanhuan, and seeing her facial features, he suddenly remembered his sister from when she was young.


    Why did Huanhuan bear such a resemblance to Mu Qingxin?


    He recalled his mother¡¯s unreasonable adoration for Huanhuan and Mu Zihao mentioning that Huanhuan was indeed the Mu family¡¯s offspring.


    "Do you prefer her to call you ¡¯daddy¡¯ or ¡¯dad¡¯?"

 Chapter 86: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (1)_7

    Chapter 86: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (1)_7


    That was the first time Qin Mu brought the little girl to him, and his strong heart suddenly started to beat irregularly.


    He then remembered the words between Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan, "Huanhuan really isn¡¯t your daughter?"


    Huanhuan really isn¡¯t his daughter?


    The incident in Paris suddenly assaulted his brain, and then he listlessly got up, propped his hands on his knees, and sat next to the mother and daughter, his gaze filled with shock after the questioning.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Mu Yichen took Huanhuan on the plane home, Xiaomei and Qin Mu went to the studio to discuss clothing issues with the band, and during a break, Xiaomei asked her, "How did you let President Mu walk away holding Huanhuan?"


    "It¡¯s not easy for me to work with Huanhuan around you."


    Qin Mu was thinking about something else and looked up at Xiaomei unconsciously upon hearing the question, responding with composure.


    Xiaomei nodded, then after holding back for two seconds, she spoke again, "I think President Mu¡¯s face was dark when he left, as if he was very angry..."


    "Really?"


    Qin Mu paused, subconsciously recalling his departure, the morning she woke up to find him already up, saying Feng Fanghua missed Huanhuan and asked him to bring her back.


    Understanding that Feng Fanghua truly doted on Huanhuan, she subconsciously agreed, and then after breakfast, he left holding the child.


    It was indeed a hasty visit, but as for his angry expression, Qin Mu felt...


    He seemed to have a stern look the whole time since he had arrived, hadn¡¯t he?


    Except for last night in bed.


    Tch!


    She didn¡¯t have the heart to think about Mu Yichen anymore because, despite discussing with the band for several days, they still hadn¡¯t reached a result. No wonder Jian Yan didn¡¯t come; it was indeed too troublesome.


    Seeing the somewhat familiar instruments in the sound booth through the glass, a string in her mind suddenly twitched.


    When the band finished their drinks and came back to find them still standing there, the leader came forward to greet them, suddenly inviting them inside the sound booth to experience the music.


    An interlude from Nuoding Hill, the lead singer conveyed the song with his magnetizing voice, and Qin Mu unconsciously watched his focused gaze, irresistibly falling into the song, and even more uncontrollably, she snuck a peak into the lead singer¡¯s heart.


    When someone is focused on something, it¡¯s the easiest time for another to enter their heart.


    A few youths around the same age, each with boisterous individualities, hid deep emotions behind them, as well as possessing infectious and distinctive timbres, along with their dreams¡ª it was at that moment that she suddenly had an inspiration.


    Communication was successful, and they signed the contract smoothly.


    The police from the station went to the hotel that day and returned the items that had been stolen from them.


    Except for some cash, everything else was returned, including cell phones.


    Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help but express that if this had been in their own country, they wouldn¡¯t have hoped to get their stuff back once lost.


    The job was completed three days later, and they both had to pack up to return to the city.


    That night, the band invited them to a locally famous nightclub to drink and revel, offering up explosive music.


    Qin Mu could not help but get caught up in the excitement. By the time they¡¯d had enough fun, it was after midnight, and they were actually approached by admirers, frightening Qin Mu and Xiaomei into sneaking away under the pretext of going to the restroom.


    The two of them had a relatively smooth trip, apart from the embarrassing encounter with a thief right at the start.


    After boarding the plane, Xiaomei said, "You¡¯ve been here for more than ten days and haven¡¯t really appreciated the scenery here; it¡¯s really different from back home."


    "Humph! But it seems like you¡¯ve played everywhere!"


    Qin Mu gave Xiaomei, sitting beside her, a sharp glance.


    "Hehe, that¡¯s thanks to our little princess¡¯s blessing!"


    Xiaomei had mainly spent the previous few days accompanying the little princess to various attractions, indeed having seen many of Austria¡¯s beautiful sights.


    Qin Mu felt it was a bit of a pity, but she thought that she would visit this beautiful place again in the future, maybe to attend one of that band¡¯s concerts?


    When she submitted the designs, they had already treated her as a good partner, a feeling she found quite awesome.


    She subconsciously remembered their question, "Is it a wedding ring?"


    It was a wedding ring!


    But at that time, she subconsciously responded, "Just wearing it for fun!"


    So hypocritical! So vain! So pretentious!


    After returning to the city, she decided to give it back to him; she wanted to pursue her career independently. Perhaps it would be best for both of them to maintain enough distance.


    In the city.


    Several not very clear, but very expressive photos were placed on President Mu¡¯s desk.


    So, when they got off the plane, Zhao Huai was already waiting for them, or more precisely, waiting for Qin Mu.


    "Miss Qin, President Mu sent me to pick you up and take you back!"

 Chapter 87: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (2)_1

    Chapter 87: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (2)_1


    "It¡¯s Mr. Mu¡¯s request, I hope Miss Qin won¡¯t make things difficult for me."


    Zhao Huai was being so earnest that it was almost pitiable.


    Zhao Huai didn¡¯t seem to change his suits much, always those two colors, and his smile, too, was always somewhat teasing, and slightly deserving of a punch.


    Qin Mu stared at him for a few seconds, smiling sincerely, hands clasped behind her back, "All right!"


    No matter how Mu Yichen found out about their return today, she couldn¡¯t care less! But she had indeed intended to talk to him.


    "Please, let me help you with your luggage!"


    Zhao Huai stepped forward, taking both of their luggage and walking out.


    "Something seems off, if Mr. Mu knew in advance that you were coming back, why didn¡¯t he come to pick you up himself? Why do I get a creepy feeling?"


    Xiaomei walked shoulder to shoulder with Qin Mu, whispering in her ear.


    "Why not take a free ride? Let him help us send the luggage back to the apartment first."


    Qin Mu whispered back to her.


    Xiaomei nodded vigorously, making the most of the free labor.


    However, when they arrived at their apartment and stopped, Zhao Huai got out to help with the luggage, but only took Xiaomei¡¯s.


    Xiaomei watched Zhao Huai, blinking emphatically, seeking an explanation.


    "Let¡¯s have dinner together when you¡¯re free." Zhao Huai patted her shoulder, giving her a suggestive look before turning to get back in the car.


    Xiaomei stood there with her suitcase, motionless, but couldn¡¯t help watching the car drive away.


    A sense of foreboding suddenly rose within her, probably Qin Mu wasn¡¯t coming back.


    "You¡¯re not taking me to his office, are you?"


    Qin Mu looked up from her email and asked when she saw the direction they were heading.


    "Yes, Mr. Mu is waiting for you there!"


    Zhao Huai responded, watching her in the rearview mirror.


    Qin Mu nodded, her clear, spring-like eyes looking towards that familiar place, suddenly recalling Xiaomei¡¯s words about his departure from Austria.


    Xiaomei said he had a dark expression when he left Austria. If he was so angry, why didn¡¯t he just kick her out? Shouldn¡¯t she be as far away from him as possible?


    Watching Qin Mu¡¯s silently brooding expression from the rearview mirror, Zhao Huai couldn¡¯t help remarking, "In this world, there probably isn¡¯t a man who loves you more than Mr. Mu does."


    Qin Mu subconsciously turned to look at him, though she could only see the back of his head.


    "Does that mean no other man is worthy of loving me?"


    Qin Mu laughed lightly, her eyebrows delicately raised as she asked him, uncooperative.


    "Of course not."


    The city streets were congested, giving her a bit of a headache. She looked down at the ring on her finger, suddenly feeling a warm sensation around the area it encircled.


    Would it feel uncomfortable if she took it off?


    But when she arrived at his office, he wasn¡¯t there.


    The secretary met her with the news: "Mr. Mu had to visit the pharmaceutical plant. He left word for madam to go back to the Mu family home to rest and wait for him."


    "Thank you!"


    ¡ª¡ª


    Zhao Huai was still driving her, and Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help asking, "You said he loves me the most, so why didn¡¯t he call me even once after all this today?"


    Zhao Huai...


    "Of course you don¡¯t know the answer! Even I am not sure."


    Qin Mu finished speaking and looked outside again, he was just intentionally tormenting her, wasn¡¯t he?


    When she arrived at the Mu family house, no one else was at home. The butler told her that Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua had taken Huanhuan out for fun and helped her with her luggage upstairs.


    She greeted them and then picked out pajamas to take a bath¡ªshe had walked out with her child back then, but didn¡¯t have the courage to come back for her luggage.


    Thinking about it, it was convenient now.


    But how to describe this feeling?


    The bed wasn¡¯t too familiar, yet when lying on it, she couldn¡¯t help feeling excited.


    Thinking of him!


    Her mind was filled to the brim with thoughts of this man.


    The woman, freshly bathed and lying in bed, struggled to catch her breath, her dazzling eyes silently gazing at the ceiling, all seeming calm on the surface.


    Later that evening, she went downstairs to find Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao back home, happily drinking sweet soup with Huanhuan on the sofa.


    Huanhuan was sitting on her favorite pink stool, and upon seeing Qin Mu come down, she immediately lit up with joy, put down her bowl, and ran towards her: "Mommy!"


    "Baby!"


    Qin Mu immediately scooped her up, unable to resist kissing her cheeks over and over.


    Huanhuan was delighted: "Mommy, you finally came back, Huanhuan missed you so much."


    Somehow, Huanhuan¡¯s ability to express herself had quietly grown stronger.


    Gently stroking her hair, Qin Mu then led her to greet the elders.


    "Uncle, Auntie, I appreciate how much you¡¯ve taken care of Huanhuan these days."


    "Have a seat!"


    Feng Fanghua gave her a glance, seemingly displeased.


    Qin Mu walked over to take a seat; the aunt immediately served her a bowl of soup, which she thanked them for but held without daring to drink right away, waiting until the elders had started theirs.

 Chapter 88: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (2)_2

    Chapter 88: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (2)_2


    "I heard you went on a business trip to Austria?" Mu Zihao asked.


    "Yes!" Qin Mu answered.


    "Even if you try your hardest, how many lifetimes would it take for you to be better than them?" Feng Fanghua nagged at her while looking over.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu agreed, and surprisingly, she wasn¡¯t angry at all after listening to Feng Fanghua¡¯s words; on the contrary, she was very calm.


    Even though Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t speak nicely, she at least didn¡¯t intend to harm her. Qin Mu was grateful for just this much.


    Feng Fanghua sighed unconsciously after seeing the expression in her eyes and quickly reached for a tissue to wipe off the soup dripping down Huanhuan¡¯s chin.


    Qin Mu felt that in this respect, she truly wasn¡¯t as careful as Feng Fanghua.


    "But it¡¯s not like you can live without ambition, right? You¡¯ve always hated those girls who seek rich men and have no ambition, haven¡¯t you?"


    Mu Zihao whispered to Feng Fanghua.


    "Whose side are you on?"


    "You just never let anyone off the hook."


    Mu Zihao had no solution when it came to Feng Fanghua.


    Even though she could explain the reasons why she had to go herself, she didn¡¯t want to say any more than necessary.


    "So, do you still plan to continue living in the apartment with Huanhuan?"


    After hearing this, Qin Mu unconsciously looked up at Feng Fanghua, who seemed to have more to say but stopped short.


    "Hmm!"


    She replied, then lowered her head and gently stirred the sweet soup in her bowl.


    "That matter, no matter what, still shouldn¡¯t be told to Yichen¡ªIf he comes looking for you again..."


    Feng Fanghua was administering a precaution.


    "I was actually waiting to clear things up with him when he gets back tonight."


    Qin Mu was very nonchalant.


    The living room suddenly fell silent, and in the end, everyone chose to drink their soup in silence.


    But when it was after ten and Mu Yichen still had not returned, Qin Mu saw Huanhuan getting sleepy and didn¡¯t want to wait any longer, deciding to talk to him another day instead.


    Xiaomei and her friend were engrossed in a heart-wrenching family melodrama on TV when they saw Qin Mu descending the stairs leisurely and instinctively called out to her, "Come watch, the annual mother-in-law and daughter-in-law drama battle has officially begun."


    She laughed unintentionally, surprised that people their age enjoyed such senseless plots.


    She walked over and sat down on the single sofa beside the two of them, grabbed a bag of chips from someone nearby, tore it open, and started snacking as she began watching the TV without thinking.


    "You should pay close attention. You might find it useful before long," Xiaomei said, raising her eyebrows and kindly reminding her.


    "The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships in China are really terrifying," the French girl mentioned in French during their conversation.


    "Not all are like that!"


    Qin Mu laughed as she replied, not wanting the girl to be scared of finding a family to marry into in China because of the drama.


    "What do you mean not all? Most of them are like that¡ªchaotic disputes, getting into violent brawls with bloodshed, even ending up in court," Xiaomei contested, dissatisfied with Qin Mu¡¯s mild response, and quickly started sharing the tragic mother-in-law and daughter-in-law stories from China¡¯s five-thousand-year history with her friend.


    Late, the doorbell rang, and the sudden sound scared the three of them into shivering. They looked at each other: Who could it be at this time?


    "Could it be a bad guy? Like in those TV shows, a strong man targeting apartments of single women, pretending to be a delivery guy, and then when the woman lets down her guard, he attacks and commits his crime first before killing!"


    Xiaomei continued talking and even gestured across her own neck with her hand.


    Frightened, her friend paled, shrinking her neck, pursing her lips tightly.


    The whole living room felt eerie as the three women, each with their own thoughts, finally decided to have Qin Mu, the bravest among them, go check the door.


    It was almost eleven o¡¯clock.


    Xiaomei and her friend followed her quietly, each holding a tub of chips ready to be used as a weapon.


    Qin Mu looked through the peephole, then immediately turned back, pressing her hands lightly against her chest, her eyes slightly glazed.


    Xiaomei, seeing her face change color, asked with curiosity.


    "What¡¯s going on?"


    "Is it really a bad person?"


    Without answering, Qin Mu approached the door. The two of them peered through the peephole and involuntarily mimicked her gesture.


    "It¡¯s for you!"


    "Go to your room!"


    The two women said one after another, then proceeded seriously toward their respective doors.


    Qin Mu still stood there, unsure whether to open the door for him.


    "I know you¡¯re there, open the door!"


    With his long arm resting on the doorframe overhead, he leaned close to the door and spoke from the other side.


    Qin Mu slowly turned her head to look but was unwilling to open the door.


    "What are you doing here so late?"


    She turned around, her hands gripping the doorknob as she asked him in a low voice.


    She had intended to clear everything up with him at the Mu Family and return his ring, but he hadn¡¯t come back, and her courage for the night had run out.

 Chapter 89: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (2)_3

    Chapter 89: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (2)_3


    "You¡¯re becoming more and more pathetic!"


    He let out a low, mocking laugh.


    "What do you mean?"


    Her forehead was pressed against the cold, hard door, her voice muffled and suppressed.


    Feeling her forehead burning up, she had no choice but to use the door¡¯s indifference to resist the heat.


    "At least you used to dare sleep with me, now you¡¯re too scared to even see me."


    Indeed¡ª, the evidence was irrefutable!


    At this moment, she didn¡¯t dare open the door, didn¡¯t dare let him in, didn¡¯t dare get close to him.


    Breathing had become somewhat difficult, her chest rose and fell slightly.


    She bit down on a little bit of flesh inside her lip, then raised her head, her heart tortured, but she could only tell him, "Go back, we can talk about whatever it is tomorrow."


    "Are you sure you won¡¯t open the door for me?"


    "Yichen Mu, it¡¯s not that I won¡¯t open it, it¡¯s just that there are many girls living here, it¡¯s inappropriate."


    Even she thought this excuse was absurdly convenient, yet the person outside was smirking with an eerie calm, his long eyelashes seemingly saying: this excuse is really terrible.


    For a long time there was no sound from outside, Qin Mu stood still in that pose, then little by little, his lashes quivered.


    As if he had left...


    Had left?


    Qin Mu subconsciously cracked the door open slightly, really not sensing his presence.


    But just when she stepped through the door and turned around at the entrance, she saw him leaning against the wall.


    Today he wore no coat, his white shirt sleeves rolled up slightly, exposing beautifully lined, muscular arms. His hands were casually stuffed in his trouser pockets, his back against the wall, legs slightly crossed outward¡ªa seemingly lazy posture, yet he made it look entirely different.


    He seemed like the most magnificent landscape next to her door, radiating a strong aura, noble and graceful.


    "I thought you weren¡¯t opening the door?"


    His lazy voice sounded, making the indifferent hallway seem lit by a beam of light.


    Now that the door was already open, Qin Mu sighed without options, "Why are you here this late?"


    He didn¡¯t speak, just gazed at her awkwardly.


    Time passed by second by second, and Qin Mu, looking up, met his pitch-black gaze and immediately felt as if she would be sucked in. She quickly turned her head to leave.


    But just as she stepped in to close the door, the man behind her resisted the door with his body.


    Qin Mu¡¯s ears buzzed, and before she could refuse, he had already come in, the door slammed shut as he was already holding her, not caring whether there were others in the living room, he just went for it.


    The girl who had come down to get a glass of water dropped her cup upon witnessing this scene.


    Only then did the two regain their senses. Yichen Mu¡¯s movements paused, and the next moment he suddenly lifted her: "Which room?"


    His husky voice was dizzying. She bowed her head, not daring to move, not even having the time to feel ashamed because of the onlooker.


    "The¡ª, the second one, upstairs!"


    Her voice sounded very strange, but he still held her and strode toward the upstairs.


    The colleagues just watched, dumbstruck, as Qin Mu rode on Yichen Mu¡¯s back to the second floor, even forgetting to breathe for several seconds.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t even understand how she let him upstairs so easily, nor did she understand why her daughter, who had been asleep in bed just a moment ago, was no longer there.


    On the bed were only the two of them, as he threw her on it.


    At this moment, what¡¯s the harm in losing oneself in drunken reverie?


    Later, the look in their eyes as they faced each other held a determination to stay together through thick and thin, except...


    Later she wanted to leave quietly, thinking he was asleep.


    Without certainty, keep a distance!


    Yichen Mu immediately stepped forward, enveloping her tightly from behind.


    The room was very quiet at the moment, making her pained murmurs all the clearer.


    "Trying to run away again?"


    He had asked her this more than once. There used to be a time when she could banter with him, but now...


    Just thinking about the words the old master of the Jing Family had said to Feng Fanghua and Zihao Mu made her anxious. She knew how prestigious the Mu Family was in the city, but she was equally aware of the not-to-be-underestimated political influence of the Jing Family; she couldn¡¯t selfishly put that family in a difficult position, especially after what Fanghua had told her. She had no choice.


    If it were just one person, she could be fearless.


    If it were just one person!


    She couldn¡¯t be as heartless as before, yet she was colder than ever.


    "Shall we announce our marriage, hmm?"


    "I want to give you back the ring!"


    As he held her, after hearing his gentle plea, she finally spoke those calm words.


    ¡ª


    The next morning he didn¡¯t leave, but since breakfast was only made for a family of three, the girls left with heavy hearts to eat out.

 Chapter 90: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (2)_4

    Chapter 90: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (2)_4


    So, it was just the three of them at home.


    Huanhuan happily ate the breakfast her dad had cooked, and Mu Yichen came out of the kitchen with the last plate, gently setting it down with a smile directed at his daughter.


    Elegant!


    Qin Mu actually thought this man was elegant, though he wasn¡¯t the type to be considered elegant. He seemed more like a major demon, the kind that¡¯s dark, unyielding, and overbearing.


    But now, he had prepared breakfast for her and her daughter and was serving them so attentively.


    After breakfast, he took Huanhuan back to the Mu Family, and she went to work, then received an email.


    She didn¡¯t open her phone to read it carefully until she had arrived at the office. As she sat down, she saw it was from Mu Yichen.


    The few lines above were splendid and succinct, fully conveying his message.


    "The ring was originally non-refundable and non-exchangeable, but if you want to return it, you can."


    "My daughter stays with me, and from now on, you are not allowed to see her, not even once!"


    "If you can do that, come to my office in the morning to sign the agreement, and remember to bring the ring."


    "If you can¡¯t, please move back to the Mu Family immediately. Your man isn¡¯t used to staying out all the time."


    After reading, Qin Mu¡¯s brows involuntarily furrowed. What did he mean by this?


    Oh, his intentions were clear enough!


    But then...


    She burst into laughter out of frustration. He wasn¡¯t agreeing to her returning the ring; he was clearly forcing her to move back to the Mu Family.


    But the Mu Family didn¡¯t want her.


    So she logged into her email and sent him a reply.


    "Mr. Mu, first, Huanhuan is my daughter, not yours! Second, I do not accept any ultimatums."


    She clicked send, then began working!


    Mu Yichen was about to go to a meeting when his phone beeped. He looked down to open the email and saw her reply. The few words weren¡¯t very satisfying, but still he couldn¡¯t help but let out a laugh,


    The sky was a brilliant blue, everything in this city so wonderful and vivid.


    "The ultimatum officially begins!"


    Qin Mu was afraid of his threats, because his were not like anyone else¡¯s.


    Jian Yan finally returned from Beijing, and was lucky enough to hear Xiaomei chatter about her experiences in Austria.


    "Those people were all so pretentious, but then... hehe!"


    "What happened next?"


    Jian Yan asked curiously, involuntarily glancing at Qin Mu.


    "Why do you ask Qinqin and not me, Master?" Xiaomei was hurt.


    "You were the one talking all along," Jian Yan responded helplessly.


    "It¡¯s best if she tells this story, but Xiaomei, are you sure you want to talk about this kind of matter with the master?"


    "Uh!"


    Xiaomei then remembered that it really might not be appropriate to talk about.


    But in the end, she still told Jian Yan about it, though he seemed somewhat displeased: "Next time, I won¡¯t be involving you two girls in such matters."


    "Actually, it¡¯s not that bad, they were just open-minded about sex, very friendly, it wasn¡¯t coercion," she explained.


    Jian Yan was still worried, and then subconsciously looked at Qin Mu: "Come to my office with me."


    Qin Mu was sitting on the couch, staring dumbfounded at the email when she heard Jian Yan call her. She thought she¡¯d heard wrong and instinctively turned to Xiaomei, whispering, "What did Master say?"


    "He wants you to go to his office with him," Xiaomei said gloomily before sitting down on the couch, looking aggrieved.


    When Qin Mu closed the door to the office and saw Jian Yan standing by the window lighting a cigarette, she immediately had a bad feeling.


    He smoked only when he was very confused.


    "What¡¯s wrong, Master?"


    "What¡¯s going on between you and Mu Yi?"


    After hearing this, Qin Mu immediately lowered her head, not knowing how to answer.


    "Is it because the Jing Family is pressuring you?"


    Seeing that she didn¡¯t respond, Jian Yan took another drag on his cigarette, his forehead creasing as his thumb pressed hard against the center of his brows.


    "I¡¯ve been regretting it lately, wondering if I should have asked you to come back to China?"


    He lowered his head, speaking solemnly.


    His almond-shaped eyes, usually so calm, seemed to ripple like a stone had been thrown into a still pond, but they soon settled back to their characteristic tranquility.


    "Master, this has nothing to do with you, it¡¯s my own issue."


    "But if I hadn¡¯t encouraged you to return, to be with him¡ªQin Mu, if you¡¯re really unhappy here, let¡¯s go back to Paris."


    Go back to Paris?


    She unconsciously asked herself, did she still want to go back to Paris?


    "I¡¯ll go back soon, think it over for yourself. As for the studio here, I can send someone else to take over, or I can just shut it down."


    He always spoke as if he had thought everything through, composed and logical. She was used to following his wishes, but this time, her heart was rebelliously disinclined to comply.


    Latter, Jian Yan went to his new office, the one everyone had set up for him recently. Qin Mu stood in front of the glass screen, gazing out at the distant mountains and waters through the window.

 Chapter 91: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (2)_5

    Chapter 91: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (2)_5


    That evening, Qin Mu and Xiaomei were having dinner at a restaurant when she bumped into Jing Qing on her way to the restroom. Jing Qing was taken aback upon seeing her, then walked over with a smile to greet her.


    "I heard you¡¯ve recently been designing a gown for an artist from our company?"


    There was a gleam in Jing Qing¡¯s eyes as she stared intently at Qin Mu.


    "Is there a problem?"


    Qin Mu suddenly remembered her employer¡¯s insistence on secrecy, yet Jing Qing somehow knew about it.


    But having promised to keep it a secret, she chose not to say anything unnecessary and to skirt around the issue.


    "Not really a problem, I just feel like she¡¯s not quite suited for the gown you designed."


    Jing Qing lowered her gaze, smiling softly as she spoke.


    "But I¡¯ve already finished it."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t understand what she meant and didn¡¯t want to know; she just wanted to end this conversation as soon as possible.


    "Qin Mu, we lived together for a few years, do you really have no sentiment left for me? Do we really have to come to blows?"


    Jing Qing suddenly looked up at her with agitation, as if her patience was running thin. She felt she had already lowered herself enough by talking to Qin Mu and hoped Qin Mu would take the hint.


    "Sentiment? If there was any sentiment, would you have let your grandfather trouble me time and again? If there was any sentiment, would you spy on me? Follow me? Persecute me?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but sneer, her gaze on Jing Qing becoming much sharper. She certainly didn¡¯t think she was so low that she couldn¡¯t stand on equal footing with the young mistress. In her view, Jing Qing wasn¡¯t better than her in any way, despite being a leading actress and a young mistress.


    "What do you mean by all this? I only found out about what my grandfather did afterward, and besides, you stole my fiance?, so shouldn¡¯t I be able to follow you?"


    Jing Qing also smiled, not understanding how Qin Mu could be so righteous.


    "Fiance?? Has Mu Yichen acknowledged that? Or did you get engaged early? If not, isn¡¯t that an insult?"


    Insult?


    Jing Qing¡¯s eyes widened, staring at Qin Mu in a daze.


    Qin Mu said she was insulting Mu Yichen? Jing Qing immediately stepped forward: Try saying that again!


    Just that morning, Mr. Mu had tried to blackmail her, and now someone else was actually blackmailing her. Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help thinking that she really was quite the hot commodity, as there seemed to be a line of people waiting to coerce her into doing things.


    "Jing Qing, stop acting beneath your station. Even if I weren¡¯t here, Mu Yichen would never be yours."


    "What?"


    "Especially with me here!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to waste words with her and left the restroom after speaking.


    But upon turning around, she saw him there.


    He was smiling very pleasingly, as if content with his prey.


    "What am I to you?"


    Qin Mu...


    She had just finished talking with Jing Qing, who was still inside. If she contradicted him now, wouldn¡¯t she be slapping her own face?


    So, she put on a smile: Why are you here?


    She walked over, wrapped her arms around his, tilted her head, and looked at him with genuine sincerity.


    "What am I to you?"


    He asked again, this time truly patient.


    "Man oh man!"


    Qin Mu was angry, glared at him, then, letting him have his way, she raised her chin and spoke to him.


    "Oh? So I¡¯m your man?"


    "Psycho!"


    Having reached her limit and unable to pretend any longer, she watched him deliberately provoke her and decided to just let go of him and walk ahead.


    Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t annoyed, but before he left, he glanced toward the restroom, then stood up to follow.


    Jing Qing came out, watching him run off from a distance.


    He actually ran, just to chase after a woman.


    Sometimes, the more heartbroken you are, the more it seems you become angry.


    He had the audacity to sit at the same table with them, and after everyone finished eating and left, he boldly wrapped his arm around her shoulder to see them off together, then turned with a smile to look at her: It¡¯s time for us to go home too!


    Qin Mu struggled fiercely to break free, crossed her arms tightly, and glared at him intensely: Mu Yichen, you are shameless!


    "I admit it!"


    Mr. Mu was not angry; he even smiled in response to her.


    Unexpectedly, he immediately stepped forward to hoist her over his shoulder, and when the car arrived, he opened the passenger side and threw her in.


    Qin Mu instinctively tried to get out of the car, but he blocked the doorway, pointing at the woman trying to escape sideways: If you dare move again, I¡¯ll take care of it right here.


    Qin Mu instinctively shrank back, and with a satisfied smile, Mu Yichen closed the car door for her and then walked around to get in the car.


    The entire way there was complete silence, with not a word exchanged.

 Chapter 92: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (2)_6

    Chapter 92: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (2)_6


    When I got home, I was dragged straight inside. Huanhuan was already asleep, and only the old couple was keeping each other company on the sofa watching the news when I heard a set of unsteady footsteps. Instinctively, I looked back.


    Mu Yichen, supporting Qin Mu, didn¡¯t even greet anyone and headed straight upstairs, dragging him along.


    Qin Mu was dying of embarrassment. Barely managing a smile as a greeting to them, he still couldn¡¯t free himself from his grasp.


    The living room fell into an awkward silence.


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but ask, "What¡¯s going on here?"


    "Can¡¯t you see? Your son is kidnapping that girl."


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s mouth hung open in disbelief, unable to fathom her darling son coming to this.


    "It¡¯s only because this kid and her dad don¡¯t get along. If they did, wouldn¡¯t her old man come over to settle scores with your son?"


    Mu Zihao said, barely holding back his laughter.


    "What kind of talk is that?" Feng Fanghua was immediately annoyed upon hearing this, but then she sighed and said, "But this kid of mine, there are so many women out there who want to be with him, why does he insist on clinging to that girl?"


    "That¡¯s what they call mutual attraction, I suppose," Mu Zihao said with self-mocking laughter, thinking he was no different when it came to the person before him, right?


    The reason couldn¡¯t be anything else but debt.


    "What mutual attraction? I think it¡¯s because there are too many good women around him spoiling him. Just wait a few years, and he will be..."


    "Hey, you can¡¯t just say anything!"


    Mu Zihao immediately interrupted Feng Fanghua, fearful she¡¯d say something inappropriate.


    Feng Fanghua quickly shut her mouth, thinking about how Qin Mu lost his mother at a young age and was sent away due to a broken home. She also had to swallow the momentary pleasure of speaking her mind.


    But that girl promised them, no matter what their son did, she¡¯d never deal with him again. And now...


    Meanwhile, upstairs in the bedroom, Qin Mu was flung onto the bed by Mu Yichen, who was holding his wrist.


    Without even the strength to struggle, her wrist hurting too much, she weakly grasped it and gently stroked it, glaring fiercely at the man stripping in front of her: "Get the hell away from me!"


    Having no strength left in her upper body, she managed to kick his thigh with her foot.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t dodge in time and bent over, holding his leg after being kicked: "Are you crazy?"


    "I think you¡¯re the crazy one," she replied.


    "Fine, I¡¯ll show you crazy," he challenged.


    "No, Mu Yichen, please no!"


    She was close to crying, hurriedly begging him in a pitiful tone.


    "No? Then say something nice, do something to make me happy, and I¡¯ll consider trying it!"


    "I love you! Mu Yichen!"


    She sobbed, pitifully uttering those words, involuntarily, subconsciously.


    And the man suddenly stopped moving, frozen above her, his dark eyes intently staring at the woman beneath him.


    "Say it again!"


    His voice was low and deep, his gaze intense and dark.


    Qin Mu, intuitively lifting her eyes to look at him earnestly, suddenly forgot what she had just said.


    "Say you love me!"


    He commanded in a low voice.


    "I love you!"


    Feeling a tightening on her wrist, she closed her eyes in fright and screamed aloud.


    Whether it was real or fake!


    In the end, it didn¡¯t really matter.


    That night, her biggest fear was not making it to tomorrow.


    Yet after that, he merely held her, not going any further.


    Qin Mu simply thought he was hallucinating. How could he possibly let her go so easily?


    Was it because of excessive indulgence last night?


    But later she realized that he just wanted to use that little bit of restraint to gain even more.


    "No medicine allowed! If you secretly take medicine again this time, I will lock you up at home until you get pregnant."


    Later, she was actually able to sleep and slept so soundly at that.


    She had thought that after his threat, she wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep at all.


    And she was dreamless throughout the night!


    In the early morning, raindrops intermittently tapped against the window.


    When she woke up and turned her head, she couldn¡¯t see anything out of the window because of the curtains, but she could hear very clearly.


    Turning her head again, she couldn¡¯t see his face, yet she heard his even breaths, and...


    His warmth.


    He was so close that his body heat seemed to pass through the sheets to her side.


    The side next to him remained warm for a long time.


    She didn¡¯t move, just quietly faced back toward him, even though she couldn¡¯t see.


    Quietly listening to the rain, listening to her own heartbeat.


    Thinking of him biting her neck and saying he wanted to swallow her, thinking of him saying he wanted to have a child with her.


    He moved, his strong arm draped over her waist, pulling her into his embrace.


    The warmth grew even cozier, in this summer...


    Perhaps it was because of the rain that she didn¡¯t feel too hot? Instead, she felt a sense of security from the temperature.


    It¡¯s just that his heartbeat was so forceful, startling her into a brief trance.


    In the morning, the rain stopped, and everything around the house was so fresh and clean, giving a very comfortable feeling.


    Huanhuan got up early and then clung to playing with her grandparents in their bed. Feng Fanghua gently tugged at her high-quality pajamas and then looked at the man beside her, feeling warm inside.


    The arrival of this little girl brought warmth back to their cold home of many years.


    Thinking back, the last time the house was this lively was when those two siblings were little.


    Feng Fanghua remembered that Mu Yichen became quite reserved after he turned seven, especially serious and even looked down on her. Mu Qingxin was better, clinging to her until her teens, but eventually, she also left her side.


    Now, it was Huanhuan who kept her company. She just hoped Huanhuan could stay with her for more years and bring more warmth to the family.


    "What do you think if they truly got married and gave us another grandson? Wouldn¡¯t that be nice?"


    Mu Zihao looked at Huanhuan standing in the middle, performing, and when he saw Feng Fanghua¡¯s somewhat distracted moment, he came over and suggested.


    Feng Fanghua subconsciously looked at Mu Zihao. Although she did not speak, her eyes showed a hint of surprised delight.


    "How could that be possible?"


    Feng Fanghua shook her head.


    "What¡¯s more important, the business or our son¡¯s happiness?" Mu Zihao pushed the question to Feng Fanghua.


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t speak again, but her face looked somewhat distressed.


    "I¡¯ve been thinking, we shouldn¡¯t have said such harsh words to that girl that day. She has never lost her temper with us," said Mu Zihao, hugging her as they watched their precious granddaughter dance.


    "But her arrival indeed brought trouble to the Mu Family!" Feng Fanghua said immediately, feeling irritated at the thought that some things had changed from before.


    Mu Zihao did not speak again, his eyes much calmer.


    "Grandpa, Grandma, dance with me."


    Huanhuan, wearing a pink dress, clapped her hands and twirled around, then suddenly tired, she lay in front of them, raising both hands and continuing to sway.


    "We, ah, can¡¯t dance anymore!" Feng Fanghua said with an indulgent look, smiling at Huanhuan.


    In the morning, Mu Yichen left for work first, and soon after, Qin Mu was about to leave when Feng Fanghua suddenly called out to her: "Qin Mu, come here; I have something to tell you."

 Chapter 93: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (3)_1

    Chapter 93: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (3)_1


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t focus on her work after she arrived at the studio, as her mind was filled with the words Feng Fanghua had spoken to her that morning.


    Her mood was as gloomy as the foggy weather outside.


    Feng Fanghua had sent everyone away, leaving just the two of them in the spacious living room.


    Today, Feng Fanghua was dressed in a purple qipao, sitting next to her and gazing at her seriously. She looked at her for a long time.


    "Back in the day, I actually had a pretty good relationship with your mother! We even joked that if you two grew up and he still liked you that much, we¡¯d let you get married!"


    With a sigh, Feng Fanghua¡¯s eyes lingered on her face, reluctant to look away, as if she saw the past in her visage.


    Because of the sudden mention of the person, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but shiver, her vision blurred, and a buzzing in her ears, rendering her mind blank and unable to think.


    "Your mother was a straightforward person, but she was too stubborn..."


    Feng Fanghua stopped mid-sentence then, her brows furrowed the whole time.


    "I know Yichen likes you, and I know you had a child for our Mu Family, but Qin Mu, as I said to you that day, maybe our Mu Family really can¡¯t handle you! How many noble houses have fallen because the young masters married the wrong women? Do you understand?"


    ----


    She was out of sorts all morning and later sat with Jian Yan in the visiting area on the first floor to drink tea, which ended up being Jian Yan drinking tea while she propped her cheeks in her hands, staring blankly outside.


    Jian Yan had to clear his throat to remind her of his presence.


    When Qin Mu looked up and saw him, she immediately dropped her hand: Master!


    "So you remember I¡¯m here, huh?"


    Qin Mu laughed nervously, licked her dry lips, and then stared keenly at Jian Yan.


    "Master, why have you never married?"


    Jian Yan...


    "Why the sudden question?"


    "People of your age generally have been fathers for many years, but these past years, you haven¡¯t even had a girlfriend."


    Jian Yan guessed something but didn¡¯t point it out. He laughed, seeing the look in her eyes that she wanted to find an answer from him, he said:


    "We¡¯ve been together for so long and this is the first time you¡¯re concerned about your master¡¯s lifelong matter. I haven¡¯t had a girlfriend these past years, are you planning to introduce one to your master?"


    Qin Mu...


    "It¡¯s only been these few years that I haven¡¯t dated, got older, got tired of it!"


    He leaned back in the sofa leisurely flipping through the newspaper, not waiting for her to answer before speaking again, as if indeed tired as he had said.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t understand, but couldn¡¯t stop observing him, until the newspaper covered his face.


    Later, Jian Yan gently put down the newspaper and went upstairs. As soon as he left, Xiaomei immediately ran over and sat next to Qin Mu: Qinqin, what did you say to the master?


    "I didn¡¯t say anything!" Qin Mu hadn¡¯t come to her senses yet.


    "Then why did the master look so strange?"


    Qin Mu subconsciously turned to look up the stairs, but his figure was long gone.


    Could it be that she had accidentally touched a nerve?


    That afternoon a ¡¯distinguished guest¡¯ visited her office!


    Dressed in a dark suit, Qin Haiming stood straight by the window of her office, his experienced gaze half-closed as he looked outside.


    He was getting old, with several tufts of white hair on his head.


    Qin Mu sat behind her desk, inadvertently watching the back of his head and then was startled by her own discovery.


    Then he turned his head slowly to look at his daughter.


    "Your mother used to like making clothes; I remember she even made a few sets by hand."


    "You have no right to mention my mother!"


    Qin Mu instinctively refused to discuss the past with him.


    Her mother did indeed love to make clothes, only for her father and daughter.


    There was a nice sewing machine at home back then, and she always liked to buy some nice fabric to make clothes for them. Back then, this man in front of her would tenderly tell her not to bother because they could afford to buy nice things.


    Hmph!


    As time passed, why hadn¡¯t those hateful memories faded away?


    Qin Mu glared at him uncontrollably, but Qin Hai didn¡¯t get angry. Instead, he walked up to her desk, his eyes lowered patiently looking at her.


    "Qin Mu, I apologize for the impact that your mother and I had on you, but you can¡¯t go on like this."


    "Mr. Qin, I don¡¯t understand what you are saying!"


    She chuckled lightly, even refusing to look at him again, irritatedly gazing outside.


    "Mu Yichen told me he wants to marry you!"


    Her eyelashes flickered slightly, then she continued just looking outside, without commenting.


    "If you want to marry him, tell dad what dowry you want, I will try my best to prepare everything for you."

 Chapter 94: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (3)_2

    Chapter 94: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (3)_2


    So he came to see her today to talk about this matter. Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what his true purpose was ¨C whether it was genuine guilt and a desire to make amends, or if it was for interest, for the upcoming election ¨C but she didn¡¯t need any of it.


    "Do you think your daughter would have the guts to make the same mistake after you betrayed my mother and caused her to die in a car accident?"


    She asked him with a mocking laugh.


    Her mother had loved him so much that she forgot who she was, only remembering that she was his wife, yet the ending was so tragic.


    "Feelings and marriage might not always last, but a girl should still marry someone."


    "That¡¯s your idea, not mine. If you have nothing else, please leave."


    After she spoke, she picked up a pen that had been lying on the table for most of the day and began to grip it tightly, bowing her head as she looked at the paper.


    "When you get married, your family should fetch you from home; whether you like it or not, don¡¯t let people think you don¡¯t have your own family!"


    But her mother had long since passed away.


    What family could she speak of?


    Moreover, who had agreed to marry Mu Yichen?


    He had actually gone to Qin Haiming, planning to force her into marriage?


    But never mind Qin Haiming, did he even know what his parents were thinking?


    Qin Mu suddenly felt so irritable she almost wanted to flip the sky over.


    Mu Yichen arrived at her office at half-past four in the afternoon, originally planning to invite her out for dinner. Instead, he found that the way she looked at him was as if there was a thorn in her gaze.


    Mu Yichen retracted his hand that had been playing with a trinket on her desk, unconsciously raising an eyebrow while watching her with a smile, hands folded against his chest: "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Nothing at all!"


    Qin Mu responded with a smile, in a manner that was anything but accommodating.


    By forcing this situation upon her and making it public, she realized that Mu Yichen had changed his tactics with her.


    Why did he suddenly want to announce their marriage?


    She found it puzzling.


    Jian Yan happened to come out from his office and saw that the door to Qin Mu¡¯s office was open. Just as he turned his head to walk in, he saw Mu Yichen inside; the two of them were separated by a desk, one sitting, the other standing, but when they looked at each other, it was as if there was no room for anything else but each other in their eyes.


    That gaze was almost blinding.


    "Knock, knock!"


    Still, Jian Yan knocked on the door and simply said, "It¡¯s time to get off work!"


    Mu Yichen glanced outside, and hearing him, Qin Mu rose from her seat. While grabbing her bag and walking out, she said, "Master, let¡¯s have dinner together tonight."


    Mu Yichen just stood there watching her leave, looping her arm through Jian Yan¡¯s as they walked out together.


    Was she ignoring him?


    He still followed them downstairs, where several people were discussing where to eat dinner tonight. Then, glancing up and seeing him trailing behind, they reacted as if they had seen a God of Wealth.


    "Of course, let¡¯s go to AM, since Boss Mu is here!"


    Xiaomei clapped her hands, deciding on the place.


    "Do you even understand the phrase ¡¯don¡¯t bite the hand that feeds you¡¯?" Qin Mu reminded her lazily, hands in pockets.


    "But Boss Mu is your¡ª, he¡¯s not a stranger."


    Xiaomei deliberately matched the unspoken words to Qin Mu¡¯s lip movements, preventing exposure, which left Qin Mu with a stomachache from frustration, yet she said no more.


    Jian Yan turned his head to look at Mu Yichen: "What do you think, Boss Mu?"


    "You all decide; wherever it is, it¡¯s on me!"


    Saying this, Boss Mu stepped forward, positioning himself beside Qin Mu, casually hooking her towards him and holding her shoulder without letting go.


    Qin Mu let out a laugh and said nothing more.


    Most of the time, everyone¡¯s desires are quite simple: just to eat at a particular place, and when someone is eager to treat, of course, it couldn¡¯t be better.


    Especially when it¡¯s free!


    Qin Mu found that upon arriving in Rongcheng, the greatest benefit was that she no longer had to bring Huanhuan along. She seemed to have a lot more time than when she was in Paris, sometimes even feeling like she had nothing to do.


    Once they got to AM and got a private room, the group happily ordered food and drinks, ready to take advantage of Boss Mu¡¯s generosity for the evening.


    Although Jian Yan sat on the inside, he wasn¡¯t as cheerful as everyone else, because diagonally across from him, Boss Mu was forcefully keeping his disciple by his side.


    Qin Mu glared at Mu Yichen, unhappy about sitting next to him.


    In the past, as long as Jian Yan was present, she would sit next to him, but this time Xiaomei took her place.


    Yet Xiaomei was much more attentive than her, constantly pouring Jian Yan¡¯s drinks; every time he set down his glass, she would fill it up, leading Jian Yan to laugh and ask her, "Xiaomei, what are you planning to do with me once I¡¯m drunk?"


    Xiaomei stiffened, looked at him, and then broke into a silly smile, her face turning red, which eventually spread to the base of her neck.

 Chapter 95: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (3)_3

    Chapter 95: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (3)_3


    The studio was full of girls who admired Jian Yan, and Xiaomei was naturally one of them.


    Later, Qin Mu felt that maybe she really shouldn¡¯t sit next to Jian Yan anymore; it was as if she was taking away opportunities from so many girls, yet she didn¡¯t need that chance herself.


    When she thought of a certain phrase, her brows furrowed unconsciously, feeling truly disgusted.


    As a result, she didn¡¯t eat seriously at dinner. Unless Mu Yichen urged her, she would only remember to take a bite.


    Jian Yan, separated by so many people, could only watch her from a distance.


    After dinner, everyone went their separate ways, and Mu Yichen forcibly dragged Qin Mu into the car. Qin Mu didn¡¯t ask where they were going, and the two of them had zero conversation on the road. Qin Mu, having drunk two glasses of wine, felt a bit dizzy, leaning against the seat and nearly falling asleep.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, then silently drove on towards home.


    Back home, Mu Zihao was still reading the newspaper. Hearing the noise, he looked up to see Mu Yichen carrying Qin Mu past. His eyes peered from under the newspaper, unable to stop staring...


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know how she fell asleep, but actually, she woke up when they reached the living room; the light shone right into her eyes. She wanted to wake up, knowing there were others in the living room because of the TV noise, so she resigned herself to bury her head in his chest and play dead.


    Mu Yichen seemed not to notice she was awake, carrying her to the room and gently laying her on the bed. He covered her with a blanket, unconsciously leaning over the edge of the bed to watch her.


    Qin Mu slowly opened her eyes, and in the dim light, the two of them couldn¡¯t help but lock eyes, as if searching for something in each other.


    "Why are you looking at me?"


    Qin Mu asked him first, defiantly!


    "And you? Why are you looking at me?"


    He countered without answering, even more persistent than her.


    Qin Mu glared at him silently. Clearly, he was looking at her the moment she opened her eyes, yet he still dared to bite back.


    "Are you very tired today?" He suddenly asked her, turning to sit by the bed, continuing to stare at her.


    "It¡¯s just that I didn¡¯t have a nap." Plus she drank two glasses and accidentally fell asleep.


    He raised his hand gently to press on her forehead, brushing away the stray hairs on her forehead, then suddenly smiled and moved closer.


    Qin Mu, with her eyes closed, only slowly opened them after feeling him move away.


    "I¡¯m going down to sit with Dad for a bit. You take a shower and go to bed early."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything else, just watched him silently as he left the room.


    After he left, she didn¡¯t immediately go to take a shower. Instead, she flipped over and lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling and zoning out, her jet-black eyes dimmed by tiredness.


    The two of them harbored their own thoughts, truly tired.


    She was afraid that one day, just like last time, he would suddenly tell her to get lost again.


    She didn¡¯t even know how she ended up here again; did he realize that having her here would be a burden to his parents?


    She seemed to have said before that she wanted to return his ring...


    She lifted that hand and found the ring still on her finger. Why was it like this?


    Was her resistance completely ineffective?


    No, she suddenly remembered that he had threatened her in an email, saying if she broke up with him, she would never see Huanhuan again.


    The idiot didn¡¯t even recognize his own daughter right in front of him and still used such threats against her?


    A hand, neither light nor heavy, ¡¯slapped¡¯ onto her forehead, and she felt somewhat more clear-headed.


    Such a silly Mr. Mu, yet she was helpless against him, obediently following his wishes.


    By the time Mu Yichen returned to the room, she had already taken a shower and was lying in bed chatting with Helian Hao on WeChat, wide awake since she had slept in the car earlier.


    Mu Yichen went to take a bath first, then came to bed and lay down next to her, resting against the headboard. Seeing her chatting with Helian Hao, he laughed involuntarily: "You¡¯ve always been so cautious with others, why are you so open with Helian Hao?"


    "Because she truly loves me!" Qin Mu had to tell the truth, then put her phone under the pillow.


    It¡¯s best if men don¡¯t see women¡¯s chat contents, seriously not suitable for men.


    "What about me? Am I fake?" He chuckled, squinting at her.


    "Who knows about that?" Qin Mu raised her eyelids slightly, then turned over, ready to go to sleep.


    Mu Yichen immediately lay down too: "Say that again!"


    "You, let go!"


    "If you brush me off like that again, I¡¯ll really get angry."


    "You getting angry isn¡¯t rare, is it?"


    Qin Mu was determined to properly educate Yichen tonight!


    After wrenching his hand away, she immediately turned and raised her hand to grasp his neck: "Mu Yichen, if you keep torturing me I¡¯m really going to be annoyed."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t move, his neck growing red from her grasp but not pushing her away, just staring straight at her.

 Chapter 96: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (3)_4

    Chapter 96: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (3)_4


    Qin Mu raised her eyes to see herself reflected in his, and suddenly felt all her strength drain away. She let go of him and wanted to get out of bed.


    "Mrs. Mu, running away is the behavior of the weak,"


    he kindly reminded her.


    How dare she lecture him? She was the one being lectured all the time, and that was saying something.


    At six in the morning, Qin Mu got up and went to her daughter¡¯s room, lying in her daughter¡¯s pink princess bed and cuddling with her.


    As soon as Huanhuan¡¯s biological clock went off, she immediately woke up. She opened her eyes to see Mummy trying to suppress an excited giggle while burying herself in Mummy¡¯s embrace: "Mummy, Mummy..."


    Qin Mu helplessly hugged her, looking down with a smile, gently rubbed her head, and softly said, "Good morning, baby."


    "Good morning, Mummy, Huanhuan missed you so much!"


    The last couple of days, she had come back to find Huanhuan already asleep, and this morning Feng Fanghua wanted to discuss something with her and sent Huanhuan away again. Qin Mu was now missing her daughter terribly.


    "Where¡¯s Daddy?"


    After a long embrace, Huanhuan finally remembered Daddy.


    "That jerk is still sleeping!"


    Qin Mu felt irked just mentioning Mu Yichen, rolling over to lie on her side, she gazed at the ceiling sulking.


    "Daddy is a jerk?" Huanhuan sat up and covered her little mouth after she said it.


    Qin Mu...


    The man who just came in couldn¡¯t help but frown either: "Who¡¯s a jerk?"


    Startled by his voice, Qin Mu immediately jumped up: "How did you come here?"


    Mu Yichen, unfazed by her almost bulging eyes, walked to the bed in his light-colored pajamas and picked up Huanhuan: "What did Huanhuan just say?"


    "Daddy is a jerk!" Huanhuan seemed to find the word ¡¯jerk¡¯ very amusing.


    Mu Yichen instinctively gave Qin Mu a sharp look, Qin Mu...


    This girl was betraying her own mother, utterly heartless.


    "Did Mommy teach you this? From now on, don¡¯t learn from Mommy, okay?" Mu Yichen patiently lectured Huanhuan.


    "Okay!"


    "Also, stop calling me Daddy or Dad, just call me father."


    "Yes, Father!"


    After she spoke, Huanhuan didn¡¯t forget to give him a big kiss on the cheek and then climbed down from his arms and ran straight outside.


    "Hey, where are you going?"


    Qin Mu immediately called out anxiously.


    "To find Grandpa and Grandma!"


    Huanhuan turned her head to tell them before tiptoeing to close the door for them.


    Qin Mu...


    "Hehe, kids say the darnedest things, don¡¯t take her words to heart."


    It¡¯s not like I taught her...


    "Really? I tend to think children are more honest than adults,"


    Qin Mu said, swallowing nervously and not daring to argue anymore.


    After Mu Yichen put on his suit, Qin Mu immediately thought of four words: a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing!


    "Get up quickly, breakfast is getting cold."


    He went out first, and Qin Mu hurriedly dressed and followed.


    The three elders had long finished their breakfast downstairs. As they descended, Feng Fanghua gave them a disapproving glare.


    "What is this behavior? Can¡¯t you get up earlier?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare to say much.


    "If you don¡¯t like it here, you can move out."


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t expect her son to retort like that, her face twisting with anger: "Are you threatening me? Did you go to the Jing Family to apologize to the Old Master like I asked?"


    "I haven¡¯t found a reason to go," Mu Yichen replied with a stubborn smile to Feng Fanghua.


    Feng Fanghua...


    Qin Mu...


    "Haha, Daddy¡¯s a baddie!"


    "Huanhuan¡¯s right, your father is indeed a small baddie, a heartless little baddie. I¡¯ve been spoiling him for nothing all these years," she continued to nag as he took Qin Mu to eat.


    Mu Zihao put down the newspaper and looked up at her: "Let¡¯s go to the hot springs today, taking Huanhuan with us."


    "That¡¯s so dirty, no way."


    Feng Fanghua immediately refused.


    Mu Zihao had no choice but to comply: "Then where should we go?"


    "There¡¯s a hillside to the east blooming with many flowers. Let¡¯s take Huanhuan to see them."


    Mu Zihao had no choice but to agree.


    So by the time the two of them finished eating and came out of the dining room, everyone else had already left. Mu Yichen stood in front of her with his hands in his pockets: "When is Jian Yan leaving?"


    "Where to?"


    Qin Mu instinctively asked, not understanding what he meant.


    "Isn¡¯t Paris his home? He¡¯s been in Rongcheng for a while now. Doesn¡¯t he plan to leave?"


    Qin Mu finally understood what he meant, but she really didn¡¯t know when Jian Yan was leaving, nor did she intend to ask such a question for fear her master would think she wanted to hasten his departure.


    "Whether he is here or not, what does it have to do with you? Why do you care so much?"


    The maid already came downstairs with her bag, and she took it and was about to leave.


    Mu Yichen instinctively reached out a hand and grabbed her wrist: "Are you really that naive, or are you just pretending to be?"


    Qin Mu turned to look at him, really naive.


    "Just speak up if you have any grievances. Why are you being passive-aggressive with me?"

 Chapter 97: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (3)_5

    Chapter 97: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (3)_5?§Ôeew§Ö?bnovel.com


    Qin Mu anxiously struggled to free herself from his restraint as she spoke.


    Mu Yichen, however, didn¡¯t continue speaking but instead walked ahead of her.


    "Hey, Mu Yichen, don¡¯t just walk off on your own, my car isn¡¯t at your place."


    Qin Mu suddenly remembered she had taken his car back last night and immediately chased after him.


    ¡ª¡ª


    In the morning, Qin Mu went shopping at the mall with Helian Hao, and as they walked by the scarf counter, Helian Hao suddenly stopped and said seriously to Qin Mu, "I have something to tell you."


    Qin Mu instinctively looked up at her: "Speak!"


    Helian Hao looked serious as if she had something important to share, prompting Qin Mu to blink with curiosity.


    "Jing Feng proposed to me!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement: "Ha, I never expected Master Jing to move so quickly. Congratulations!"


    "I didn¡¯t accept his proposal!"


    After saying this, Helian Hao looked up at Qin Mu, who also looked back puzzled.


    "I think we should wait until things between you and Mu Yichen are stable before discussing my own matters with him."


    "What do our matters have to do with you?"


    "The Jing Family is so against you two being together; they even had someone smash your store last time. I¡¯m afraid they will do something to harm you again."


    "Don¡¯t!"


    Qin Mu immediately rejected Helian Hao¡¯s well-meaning offer.


    "Why?" Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but ask her.


    "We are good friends, but if you say no to Jing Feng because of me, I won¡¯t be able to bear it."


    "But what if the Jing Family does something to you again, then I..."


    "You are you, the Jing Family is the Jing Family. I will never impose the wrongs the Jing Family did to me on you. Helian Hao, if you like Jing Feng, just accept him. By doing this, you are actually helping me, at least Jing Feng will consider me because of you."


    Listening to her words, for the first time, Helian Hao felt that her thoughts were not as mature as she had believed.


    Qin Mu held her hand, emotionally yet rationally she said: "We will be lifelong friends. I didn¡¯t contact you all those years because I was afraid of being reminded of the past. Now I fear nothing, so our friendship won¡¯t change because of anyone or anything, at least not from my side. Will you?"


    "Of course not, if I didn¡¯t care about you, I wouldn¡¯t have been asking Mu Yi for news about you all these years."


    "So..."


    "I¡¯ll tell him."


    Qin Mu suddenly burst into joyful laughter, and Helian Hao, smiling foolishly, embraced her right in front of the counter.


    Qin Mu suddenly felt that it had been a long time since she had smiled so sincerely.


    As the two happily continued their shopping, Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu came out of the opposite women¡¯s clothing counter, watching their joyous backs with hands clenching their bag straps tightly.


    "Come here a minute!"


    Seeing Jing Qing¡¯s expression, Qin Mingzhu then commanded a sales clerk behind her.


    Jing Qing turned her head to see Qin Mingzhu pulling out a thousand yuan in cash from her purse: "This is for you, find an excuse to call that woman with the longer hair to the restroom."


    "Miss Qin, this..."


    "Just do as I say!"


    "Yes!"


    The clerk was a bit frightened, but since the counter belonged to Qin Mingzhu¡¯s mother, she reluctantly took the money and went to do the task.


    "What are you going to do?"


    "I just can¡¯t stand her. You don¡¯t know, recently my parents have been arguing because of her; I must teach her a lesson." Qin Mingzhu muttered while keeping an eye on the scene ahead.


    Jing Qing remembered how not long ago Qin Mingzhu was afraid of being beaten up by Qin Mu and did not dare to make a move, but she was happy to go along with it, as she too wanted to show Qin Mu a lesson.


    "Sister, if I help you deal with Qin Mu, will you help me get a role in a movie?"


    Jing Qing finally understood her intention and took another look at her.


    "Oh, I¡¯ll take any small role. I won¡¯t compete with you for jobs."


    "You think you can compete with me for jobs? If you¡¯re interested, I can talk to the director for you."


    Jing Qing laughed and grabbed her hand while looking ahead.


    Helian Hao casually browsed a brand counter as she waited for Qin Mu to return from the restroom. Qin Mu, upon reaching the restroom, felt something was off but before she could react, she was pushed inside.


    The door to the restroom was then closed.


    Moments later, she saw a middle-aged man exit the men¡¯s restroom and her mind went blank.


    A few minutes later, Helian Hao watched a few casually dressed men and women murmuring and running towards the restroom with their phones, and she sensed trouble.


    Instinctively, she immediately called Mu Yichen: "You need to come to Lexiang Mall quickly, something seems to have happened to Mumu."

 Chapter 98: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (3)_6

    Chapter 98: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (3)_6


    The restroom door opened, filled with all sorts of people, all waiting for what would happen next.


    As Helian Hao had expected, there were indeed paparazzi, a woman turned on her mobile phone for a live stream, nodded to the two men beside her with an OK gesture, and then the door was instantly kicked open by the two men with force.


    "Move aside, move aside..." Helian Hao clamored nervously, squeezing her way inside.


    The mall¡¯s security personnel followed her closely, but they hadn¡¯t managed to squeeze in before the door was kicked open.


    Qin Mu¡¯s dress was torn, but it still covered her body decently, and under the washstand, a man with a bruised face was too scared to come out.


    The paparazzi were dumbstruck, and the onlookers outside began to discuss curiously.


    Qin Mu picked up her purse from the ground and slung it over her shoulder, then turned her head to coldly stare at the ugly faces outside.


    "Miss, may I ask what happened here?"


    The paparazzi continued to hold up the phone.


    "Isn¡¯t it obvious? A middle-aged man acts indecently toward a strange woman in the restroom, only to end up getting beaten till he¡¯s down, searching for his teeth."


    The paparazzi slowly lowered his phone, his eyes filled with fear as he looked at the woman approaching him.


    Even though her hair was disheveled and her clothes somewhat unorderly, her presence was so imposing that it made the surrounding people slowly back away.


    Qin Mu walked up to the woman holding the phone for filming, "Give me your contact information."


    The woman nervously fished out a business card from her pocket.


    Qin Mu glared at her coldly, took the business card and walked past her, with the two men behind her retreating without daring to block her.


    "Mumu! Are you alright?"


    Helian Hao finally squeezed in with the security, and seeing her clothes torn apart, was frightened to the core.


    "Let¡¯s talk outside."


    Qin Mu whispered, then followed as security held back the crowd, with Helian Hao wrapping an arm around her and leading her outside.


    When Mu Yichen arrived, Qin Mu had just changed into a dress in the dressing room of a boutique, while Helian Hao stood beside her with guilt-ridden red eyes. Hearing footsteps, she looked at the door and then immediately greeted him: "Mumu is changing clothes inside."


    "Where is the dressing room?"


    He asked immediately.


    "There!"


    As soon as Helian Hao pointed to the location, he walked briskly toward it without another word.


    Qin Mu was pulling up the zipper at the back of her neck when a breeze passed by, and as she glanced up, she saw his anxious face reflected in the mirror.


    Quickly pulling the curtain shut, he stepped forward to zip her up and turned her around to inspect her carefully, "Are you hurt? Let me see!"


    "Just my leg was pinched a couple of times, and it was by you!"


    Her eyes suddenly warmed, and she instinctively grabbed his hand that was checking her, looking intently into his eyes.


    Mu Yichen frowned at her, "What are you talking about?"


    "Didn¡¯t I say, nobody else is supposed to touch me?"


    Her voice was somewhat weak, yet very serious.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak again, only frowning as he stared at her, and seeing her smile suddenly, he sighed helplessly.


    The two of them came out together, with Helian Hao standing nervously at the side, afraid to come closer: "The mall¡¯s management has come over."


    The person standing behind Helian Hao stepped forward, a woman in her forties with short hair, dressed very simply.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even glance at her, only asking, "Since when has security in your mall become so lax?"


    "Our boss has already made a call, whether to call the police or handle it privately is up to you, Mr. Mu. Additionally, Miss Qin¡¯s losses will be compensated by our mall!"


    "Your mall will compensate? Can you afford it?"


    Mu Yichen finally lifted his gaze, intimidating and resolute.


    The mall¡¯s management inhaled sharply, not daring to say another word.


    The crowd was still around looking at the spectacle, not daring to stir Mr. Mu¡¯s displeasure any further.


    Qin Mu glanced at her, then lifted her eyes to the man beside her; even if Mu Yichen did not stand up for her, she definitely needed an explanation, and with Mu Yichen intervening, it would be much more efficient.


    "Please follow me to the office, Mr. Mu and Miss Qin. I will make sure to cooperate with you both to get to the bottom of this."


    Mu Yichen walked ahead, his arm around Qin Mu, with Helian Hao following behind, and then a crowd moved mightily toward the office.


    The girl was trembling with fear, tears streaming down her face, yet she didn¡¯t dare to utter a word out of place.


    "What exactly happened? Speak up, why did you lure Miss Qin to the restroom? And who is that man?"


    The mall¡¯s higher-ups stood to the side looking at the man across from them with a cold face, immediately prompting the service staff to answer.

 Chapter 99: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (3)_7

    Chapter 99: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (3)_7


    "I, I... Manager Zhang, I didn¡¯t do it on purpose, I really didn¡¯t, I, I don¡¯t know anything."


    "Don¡¯t know? Don¡¯t know who told you to do that, or don¡¯t know whether you can see tomorrow¡¯s sun?"


    Mu Yichen hugged Qin Mu, feeling a surge of hatred in his heart as he looked at the injury on her elbow.


    Unable to listen to the waitress¡¯s melodramatic lines any longer, his gaze, cast in her direction, only reached the small leather shoes on her feet, as if looking at her would dirty his eyes.


    The waitress, terrified, immediately looked up at him, but as she saw his compelling gaze, she shook her head frantically, tears starting to float in her eyes.


    "I, I... It¡¯s all my fault, all my fault. Please, Manager Mu, forgive me, I won¡¯t ever dare again!"


    She stepped forward and knelt beside Mu Yichen, grabbing his trouser leg and pleading for mercy.


    "Get lost!" Mu Yichen, almost reflexively lifted his leg and viciously kicked the waitress away.


    Even Qin Mu was startled by his action and sat beside him, feigning calm.


    Helian Hao had already turned pale, wondering to himself if this girl was foolish, still trying to take the blame for others when her own life was at risk.


    The girl was kicked to the edge of the coffee table, the pain in her back making it so she couldn¡¯t catch her breath, she neither dared to cry nor could she stop her body from twitching.


    "Manager Mu, there might be more to this situation. Let me take care of it, I will explain everything to you."


    The middle-aged leader, sensing that the situation was dire, immediately approached with a request upon realizing some problems. Qin Mu knew that this affair was certainly no simple entrapment, but with Mu Yichen¡¯s way of dealing with it at the moment, this girl was going to be half-dead if not completely so.


    "I¡¯ll take you home first!" he whispered to Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu nodded, originally wanting to immediately find out the cause, but later realized it wasn¡¯t that easy. If this girl was being threatened or something else, getting her to spill the beans wouldn¡¯t be simple, so she got up as Mu Yichen hugged her.


    "Call Jing Feng and have him take full responsibility for this."


    After putting Qin Mu in the car, Mu Yichen turned back and spoke to Helian Hao.


    The weather was overcast, and although it felt cooler in the summer, everyone felt a heavy weight in their hearts at that moment.


    "Miss Helian!"


    Manager Zhang, instinctively asking for help, turned to look at Helian Hao: It would be best if that girl obediently revealed who was behind this.


    "Behind this?" Manager Zhang was taken aback.


    "Otherwise? Could a mere waitress have the capability to devise a rape in such a short span of time? And those professional paparazzi, could a mere waitress get in touch with them?"


    After speaking, Helian Hao took out her mobile phone from her bag, feeling guilty for insisting on shopping with Qin Mu. She immediately called Jing Feng and relayed Mu Yichen¡¯s message to him word for word.


    After Jing Feng hung up the phone, he immediately grabbed his jacket and went to the mall. Helian Hao was still waiting there, and when she saw him, she ran over: "You are finally here, it¡¯s all my fault for insisting on bringing her shopping, and then this happened. You must find out what¡¯s going on."


    The two police officers following him spoke: "You know this isn¡¯t within my jurisdiction."


    "Master Jing, let¡¯s go over there."


    The two police officers led the way, and Helian Hao watched them go, then looked at him: "Did you call them?"


    "Since someone has broken the law, the law enforcers must act."


    With that, Jing Feng walked inside, hugging her.


    Manager Zhang and several directors were terrified, remembering the words of the boss over the phone, and thinking of Mu Yichen and Jing Feng, they were truly troubled.


    ¡ª


    That evening, Mu Yichen was applying medicine to Qin Mu¡¯s wounds. During the scuffle in the mall, she was thrown by that man, and her back had hit the sink, leaving a large patch of bruise now green and purple.


    Mu Yichen, while applying medicine, couldn¡¯t help but sigh: "Cry out if it hurts!"


    "It doesn¡¯t hurt!"


    Mu Yichen felt both pained and resentful, this woman was just too stubborn.


    The mobile phone rang the next second, and both of them turned towards the phone lying aside.

 Chapter 100: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (4)_1

    Chapter 100: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (4)_1


    Mu Yichen had made a phone call when Qin Mu picked up the black slip dress next to her and slipped it on, wearing nothing underneath.


    After hanging up, he placed his cellphone aside but didn¡¯t immediately share the contents of the call with Qin Mu.


    The bedroom suddenly fell silent as if everything around them was quietly converging.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but look at him, "What did Jing Feng say?"


    "That man said he was a third-tier supporting actor in the entertainment industry, he met you once when you went to the studio to shoot a commercial¡ª today, he happened to run into you at the mall and bribed that waiter to do all this."


    When Mu Yichen spoke these words, his eyes never left Qin Mu, who was staring off into space without moving, listening intently to what he said.


    After thinking for a while, she let out a disbelieving snicker and stubbornly said three words, "I don¡¯t believe it!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t respond, just looked wisely into the slender hollow of her neck.


    She turned her gaze to him, both stubborn and sensitive, "Do you believe it?"


    "Jing Feng said that Qin Mingzhu and Jing Qing were also at the mall today."


    Now it was Qin Mu¡¯s turn to be silent, just staring at him strangely.


    A moment later, Jian Yan saw the video of her at the mall online and called her. At that time, she was dining at a restaurant with the elders, Mu Yichen, and Huanhuan all present.


    "Miss Qin, your phone!"


    The aunt came forward with her phone from outside.


    After thanking her, Qin Mu took the phone. Seeing the words "Master" on the screen, she got up gently, "Uncle, Auntie, I¡¯m going to take a call."


    "Go ahead!"


    She politely excused herself before answering the call, but Mu Yichen, after she left the dining room, put down his chopsticks with displeasure.


    Feng Fanghua glanced at his unhappy expression and asked, "What¡¯s wrong? Can¡¯t stand being apart for even a minute?"


    Mu Yichen glanced at the elderly woman but didn¡¯t answer, as she didn¡¯t understand his reasoning.


    "So this incident made it online, did they find out who¡¯s trying to harm her?"


    Mu Zihao knew what his wife was upset about. Mu Yichen incessantly brought Qin Mu to stay over, and she didn¡¯t refuse. But now, he was more concerned about the video incident in the bathroom.


    "No, but Qin Mingzhu and Jing Qing were there at that time," he replied.


    After hearing their son¡¯s calm explanation, the elder couple exchanged glances, as if seeking answers in each other¡¯s eyes.


    "It probably wasn¡¯t Jing Qing. She is older and quite sensible. It could be this young Miss Qin from the Qin Family, though. She might do something like this."


    Feng Fanghua pondered and muttered to herself.


    "Ah, it¡¯s probably because the older one returned. For years, the younger of the Qin Family has been the only child at home. Now with Mumu back, Qin Haiming made certain comments during the birthday feast."


    Mu Zihao couldn¡¯t help but shake his head, feeling that the conflict between the two girls might escalate even further in the future.


    "Can that mother and daughter really not stand her that much? After all, she was a victim in the past incident; aren¡¯t they going a bit too far?"


    Mu Yichen sighed unconsciously as he heard his parents discussing the matter, then turned to see Qin Mu returning after her call.


    The old couple immediately stopped talking, while Mu Yichen asked sourly as she returned, "Jian Yan?"


    Qin Mu glanced at him subconsciously, still not grasping the meaning behind his question but instinctively replied, "Yes!"


    "Jian Yan?" Feng Fanghua asked curiously.


    "Yes, my master was worried about me getting hurt, so he called to check in."


    In fact, Qin Mu felt somewhat guilty because every time it was Jian Yan who took the initiative to call and check if she was alright.


    "Your master is truly good to you. By the way, when you have time, please invite him to our house for tea. We really like his design style," Feng Fanghua said, getting excited while speaking, with Mu Zihao nodding in agreement beside her.


    Mu Yichen frowned as he looked at his parents...


    "Alright!"


    "Alright, what?"


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao both turned to their son, while Huanhuan held her bowl and watched her father, giggling mischievously.


    The dining room fell silent except for the embarrassed rise from the seat, prompted by the laughter of the daughter.


    "What¡¯s with him?" Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but ask, although she understood the reason in her heart.


    "Ah, this son of yours, takes after you!" Mu Zihao leaned slightly towards Feng Fanghua, hinting.


    Feng Fanghua...


    Qin Mu suddenly found the old couple quite amusing but didn¡¯t dare say much, and instead, just slightly curled the corners of her mouth.


    After dinner, when guests arrived at the house, Qin Mu took Huanhuan upstairs to her room. After using the restroom, she came out to find Huanhuan watching cartoons. She sat beside her and watched the animated movie playing on the tablet: "Baby, do you know what you¡¯re watching?"

 Chapter 101: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (4 )_2

    Chapter 101: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (4 )_2


    Huanhuan looked up to Qin Mu with a smile, and even reached out to touch Qin Mu¡¯s cheek, her innocent and brilliant eyes seemed to say, "Mommy, you¡¯re so silly!"


    "Huanhuan, why does Mommy feel like you¡¯re looking down on Mommy?"


    She was really hurt by her daughter¡¯s harmless smile.


    It seemed that ever since they had Daddy, her daughter wasn¡¯t as clingy to her, and often looked at her with the eyes reserved for an idiot.


    "Baby, do you love Mommy more, or do you love Daddy more?"


    Qin Mu leaned in and lay next to her daughter, looking up with serious eyes as she coaxed her daughter.


    "Huanhuan loves Daddy!"


    Huanhuan thought seriously, then after speaking, she hugged her tablet and ignored Mommy.


    As if struck by a sword in the heart, Qin Mu clutched her chest and pretended to be hurt as she fell to the side, but then she immediately sat up and mussed her daughter¡¯s little cheeks: "Do you still love Mommy or not?"


    Yet Huanhuan, amused by her actions, raised her hand to cover her mouth and laughed heartily.


    "Ever since you came here, you¡¯ve been spending all your time with your Daddy, completely abandoning Mommy. He doesn¡¯t even see you as his own daughter."


    The more Qin Mu thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt, but seeing that Huanhuan already managed to hold back her laughter made her realize she might have spoken too profoundly and she immediately shut her mouth to let Huanhuan continue watching her "Frog Prince."


    Later, after the guests had left, Feng Fanghua came upstairs and knocked on the door. Qin Mu sprang up from the bed and stood obediently by the side: "Auntie!"


    "Why are you so nervous? I came to see my granddaughter, not to find you."


    Feng Fanghua looked at her with such disdain, and Qin Mu could see it clearly; Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t even need to say anything for Qin Mu to understand her meaning.


    "Huanhuan, do you want to go play with Grandma and Grandpa? A grandpa just brought some delicious treats for you."


    As soon as Huanhuan heard about delicious treats, she immediately hugged her tablet and got up from the bed.


    Feng Fanghua stepped forward to carry her away, and Qin Mu watched helplessly as her daughter was taken from her.


    Just as she was about to go back to her room, she saw Mu Yichen coming out of the study, his profound gaze making her feel uneasy. She couldn¡¯t help but ask him, "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t respond but walked over, hooked his arm around her neck, and dragged her inside.


    Rough!


    Although he wouldn¡¯t hurt her, it still made her involuntarily cough twice.


    Qin Mu felt he was too rough, not gentle at all.


    By the bed, he raised his hand to remove her coat: "When it¡¯s just the two of us, you can wear less."


    Qin Mu...


    Then the two of them were piled on the bed, and President Mu looked at the woman beneath him with a wicked gleam in his eyes: "Do you know why the person who just left came?"


    "To ask Uncle and Auntie for a favor?"


    "They came to inquire about our marriage!"


    Qin Mu...


    "On the surface, they were here to bring gifts and visit, but in reality, they¡¯re afraid they won¡¯t get an invitation to our wedding."


    Qin Mu...


    "Lately, you and Huanhuan seem to be getting along very well, huh!"


    Qin Mu quickly changed the subject, feeling that if she let him continue, the conversation would again turn towards marriage.


    "Mrs. Mu, how exactly can you trust me?"


    Qin Mu subconsciously looked at him, knowing that changing the subject was useless against him.


    "How about we tell Mom and Dad first? I always feel awkward hearing you call them Uncle and Auntie."


    Qin Mu...


    "How about this, let me announce that we¡¯ve already registered our marriage, or tell Mom and Dad first, you choose."


    Qin Mu was truly startled, either/or?


    She would definitely choose to tell Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao.


    But something was off, wasn¡¯t it?


    Why did she feel like she had fallen into a trap again?


    He was so seemingly generous in offering her two options!


    So righteous and magnanimous!


    But why did she always feel something wasn¡¯t quite right?


    Was it because she had to start calling them Mom and Dad?


    Mom and Dad?


    Lost in thought, Qin Mu was suddenly brought back to reality when someone bit her collarbone hard, making her look up at the man on top of her: "Mu Yichen, what are you doing?"


    "I¡¯ve been on pins and needles for you today, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s only fair to let me have my fun first?"


    "But my back hurts."


    "I don¡¯t need your beautiful back."


    He bit her skin and murmured in her ear, finding his pleasure before she could even come to her senses.


    Thus, very soon Qin Mu forgot the matter he had brought up until the next morning.


    The entire Mu Family seemed bathed in sunshine, the mansion no longer as bleak and noiseless as it once was, truly gaining a sense of liveliness and warmth.


    In the clean European-style living room, the family was called together by the butler, from the servants to the elders.


    Mu Yichen specially found a dignified long dress for Qin Mu to wear before he embraced her and went downstairs.

 Chapter 102: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (4)_3

    Chapter 102: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (4)_3


    Qin Mu almost got himself killed last night, and his brain had long forgotten the matter of his either-or choice.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were holding Huanhuan and sitting in the dignified sofa, watching the two of them come down from upstairs.


    Mu Yichen wrapped his arm around Qin Mu and approached, while the auntie came out of the kitchen holding two cups of tea, arriving in front of Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao just as they did.


    "The Mu Family has a tradition, the new bride must serve tea to the in-laws the morning after entering the door."


    Qin Mu turned his head to look at him as if seeing a monster, startled silly.


    "Yichen, what are you doing?"


    Mu Zihao looked at his son¡¯s posture and had a guess in his heart.


    "Take the little miss away first!"


    Mu Yichen ordered another servant nearby.


    The auntie immediately went forward to take Huanhuan away, and everyone else stood by watching, waiting.


    The butler stepped forward, bringing two red marriage certificates to Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao, and also delivered two red envelopes that Yichen had previously instructed him to wrap.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao looked at each other, both were so startled that they were somewhat dazed, mechanically reaching out to take the red marriage certificates from the butler, and upon opening them, they were even more disbelieving.


    "This, you two... when did this happen?"


    Feng Fanghua was so surprised her vision swirled, she instinctively looked up at them, her speech somewhat incoherent.


    Mu Zihao, however, after inspecting the photograph and then checking the dates below, realized that they had in fact been married for some time, letting out an unconscious hum before slowly closing the marriage certificate.


    "Since that¡¯s the case,¡ªthe tea should indeed be served! Go rewrap two red envelopes."


    Mu Zihao slightly turned and instructed Feng Fanghua.


    Feng Fanghua looked at Qin Mu incredulously, but found herself unable to act on anything.


    It was only then that Qin Mu suddenly recalled what Feng Fanghua had said to her before, and now, like a tangled mess of rope in her mind, she hung her head low to sort out her thoughts anew.


    As for her brother, his head was tilted back, presumably also for Mrs. Mu¡¯s sake.


    Gradually, she began to recall the two options Yichen had given her last night. She had thought that it was just a passing remark and, since she hadn¡¯t nodded in agreement, it was over, but now...


    "Young Master, from now on we all have to change our address to Madam."


    "Yes, we can¡¯t call Miss Qin that anymore!"


    "Actually, I wanted to call Miss Qin Madam the very first day she arrived!"


    "Madam!"


    "Madam!"


    Then a group of people suddenly burst into a babble, disrupting the originally somber living room. Qin Mu first was shocked, then subconsciously twitched her lips at their smiling faces.


    Seeing Feng Fanghua immobile, Mu Zihao himself went to the room to prepare two big red envelopes, and of course, Qin Mu did kneel to serve the tea, and so did Mr. Mu.


    "Please keep this matter a secret until we announce the wedding."


    Mu Yichen later stood with his hands in his pockets beside Qin Mu, instructing everyone with a tone that left some confusion. Mu Yichen merely glanced at Qin Mu with a hint of disappointment.


    Qin Mu also glanced back at him, now was not the time for a quarrel, nor for a confrontation, but...


    Feng Fanghua immediately got up and left, this time she held back her sarcastic and lecturing words.


    Qin Mu knew that Feng Fanghua was really angry this time, but she was still not accustomed to arguing with her elders.


    Mu Yichen was the happiest of them all, cheerfully escorting Qin Mu to the studio.


    Qin Mu got out of the car when they arrived, not speaking a word to him, as if the two of them didn¡¯t know each other.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s lips quirked into a mischievous grin, turned the car around, and rolled down the window, hand hanging outside: "Mrs. Mu, I¡¯ll come pick you up tonight!"


    Qin Mu, irritated, immediately turned to glare at him, those round, big eyes were indeed his greatest delight.


    His defiant gaze zapped her adorably, then he drove off nonchalantly.


    Jian Yan stood at the first-floor window watching her, thinking that in this life, she was probably destined to be entangled with that man. Maybe she would get hurt, but it seemed she couldn¡¯t escape now.


    Jian Yan couldn¡¯t help but bow his head, wondering about himself.


    Would he get hurt? Could he escape?


    "Master, you¡¯re here so early today!"


    Upon seeing him inside, Qin Mu approached to greet him.


    Jian Yan slowly sat on the sofa, gesturing to the opposite seat for her to sit.


    Qin Mu set down her bag and took a seat.


    "Are you okay?" asked Jian Yan, seeing her spirit was not too bad, but he couldn¡¯t help but be concerned.


    "I¡¯m fine, that guy may be tall and big, but he doesn¡¯t have the slightest ability to take action."


    Thinking back on the almost forceful incident at the mall yesterday, Qin Mu spoke of it with an air of nonchalance.


    "You actually wish he had the ability?" Jian Yan looked at her disapprovingly.


    Qin Mu thought about it, then grabbed her hair and laughed awkwardly.

 Chapter 103: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (4)_4

    Chapter 103: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (4)_4


    "In a few days, you¡¯re coming to Paris with me."


    Jian Yan said to her seriously.


    "Hmm?"


    "A client specifically requested you."


    "Okay!"


    Upon hearing it was about work, Qin Mu did not dare to slack off and immediately put away her child-like teasing.


    Xiaomei, cradling some documents, stepped forward to find them and immediately volunteered eagerly, "I want to go back as well."


    Jian Yan glanced up at her, "Do we need you everywhere we go?"


    Xiaomei immediately looked downtrodden, hanging her head without speaking, but she was seething inside.


    "Can¡¯t we take Xiaomei?" Qin Mu asked out of curiosity; she was quite used to having Xiaomei around.


    "This time, you are assisting me, you don¡¯t need assistance."


    Upon hearing this, Qin Mu could only nod: "Alright, then!"


    "So you just don¡¯t want to take me, right? Then¡ªthen Qinqin, could you bring my cactus over from my place?"


    Though unhappy, Xiaomei didn¡¯t dare to lose her temper with Jian Yan and had to ask Qin Mu instead.


    "Cactus?"


    The master and disciple both looked at her with disbelief, while Xiaomei just turned and walked away.


    "Why not leave it in my master¡¯s office for him to take care of?"


    Remembering her affection, Qin Mu immediately called out to the departing Xiaomei, who then couldn¡¯t help but giggle quietly.


    "All this fuss over a pot of cactus." Jian Yan shook his head helplessly.


    "Then you should take care of it. After all, cacti can shield against radiation. It can just sit next to your computer."


    Jian Yan raised his eyebrows slightly, and resignedly agreed.


    Qin Mu knew by looking at Jian Yan¡¯s expression that he was unaware of Xiaomei¡¯s feelings for him, but if Xiaomei did not like him, why would she willingly stay here to be his assistant?


    At noon, Helian Hao came looking for her in her office. Seeing her drawing at her desk, he immediately ran over and hugged her from behind: "Mumu, I¡¯m sorry!"


    Qin Mu startled, then set down her pen and turned to look at her: "What are you doing?"


    "It was all because I insisted on taking you shopping yesterday that you ended up in such trouble."


    Qin Mu had to stand up, looking at the woman with dark circles under her eyes, she gently caressed half of her face with her hand: "Are you silly? It was just a coincidence."


    "Coincidence? But if it wasn¡¯t for me taking you, you wouldn¡¯t have encountered this, right?"


    "You should think positively. If it wasn¡¯t yesterday, it could have been the day after tomorrow, or two days after that; could I have faced something even worse?"


    Helian Hao...


    Qin Mu smiled faintly, gently stroked Helian Hao¡¯s hair, and said, "I have something even more important to tell you."


    "Huh? There¡¯s something even more important?"


    "This morning, Mu Yichen announced to the Mu Family that we¡¯ve registered our marriage!"


    "What?"


    Helian Hao bent over in shock, her eyes nearly popping out.


    "And as of today, the entire Mu Family already knows about it."


    Successfully diverting Helian Hao¡¯s attention, she breathed a sigh of relief.


    Helian Hao...


    "You guys..."


    "When you noticed Mu Yi and I were wearing matching rings, we were actually already married."


    Helian Hao...


    "To be precise, I registered with him the first time I returned to the country."


    After speaking, Qin Mu finally looked up at her, finding the whole thing as unbelievable as Helian Hao.


    Helian Hao opened and closed her mouth several times, wanting to ask something, but after much thought, she simply let go of Qin Mu¡¯s hand, walked to the side, and after pondering for a while, turned back to ask her, "So now, exactly how many people know you two are married?"


    "Apart from the Mu Family, only you!"


    Helian Hao felt her breath growing faint, incredulous that this woman had been married for over half a year while keeping it a secret.


    "Now you must tell me the whole story," Helian insisted, filled with disbelief, pressing Qin Mu to recount the entire process. So the two ordered takeout and chatted while eating in the studio until nearly one o¡¯clock.


    Later, Helian Hao still found it surreal but had come to accept it. Then she remembered Huanhuan, "Then does Huanhuan know?"


    "He probably doesn¡¯t know yet."


    Talking about this, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but sigh helplessly as she sat on the sofa, remembering the last time he came to pick up falsified documents for Huanhuan and finding it funny¡ªhow could he be so foolish about this?


    "Qin Mu, oh Qin Mu, you really are a woman who quietly achieves big things," Helian Hao said with a resigned laugh, shaking her head, still in disbelief.


    How could she have imagined that a girl who dared not date, who feared marriage, had quietly completed it all already?


    "All of this was completely unexpected," Qin Mu said, leaning back against the sofa, looking up at the ceiling, a bittersweet smile on her face.

 Chapter 104: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (4)_5

    Chapter 104: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (4)_5


    Many things truly are beyond expectation!


    "However, that the Mu Family accepted you so quickly is truly surprising to me, and they even agreed to keep your marriage a secret. These two elders have truly earned my deeper respect,"


    "They probably didn¡¯t do so willingly."


    Qin Mu felt a weight lifted off her after saying this!


    ¡ª¡ª


    After work, Qin Mu was taken to AM for dinner. Mu Yichen had called her, saying it was his father¡¯s wish to celebrate together as a family.


    Qin Mu had other thoughts in mind and planned to take this opportunity to speak her mind,


    but she didn¡¯t expect to see the person she least liked as soon as she walked upstairs.


    Mu Yichen was in a meeting, but did he know that Qin Haiming was also invited tonight?


    Mu Zihao saw her standing at the door and called out to her, "Mumu, what are you doing standing outside?"


    Qin Haiming was tinkering with the tea set. Hearing the voice, he looked up towards the door and saw his daughter dressed in breezy and stylish clothes. He straightened his back but was at a loss for words for a moment.


    Huanhuan was eating desserts they had ordered earlier between her grandmother and grandfather. When she saw her mother, she couldn¡¯t help but lick her spoon and called out, "Mommy!"


    "Aren¡¯t you coming in? You¡¯re going to block the waiters when they bring in the dishes,"


    Feng Fanghua irritably reminded her.


    Given her temperament, she should have immediately turned around and left.


    But the next moment, she sat down beside Feng Fanghua.


    "Originally, I planned to invite Yichen¡¯s grandfather too, but since the two of them didn¡¯t want to go public so soon, I thought of inviting the old master over for their wedding. You can¡¯t blame me for this!"


    Mu Zihao said to Qin Haiming.


    Qin Haiming nodded slightly, "What are you talking about? What right do I have to blame you, a man who can¡¯t even be a good father? I should be thanking you for accepting my daughter. Please take good care of her in the future."


    "From now on, we¡¯re family, so let¡¯s skip the formalities, Mumu, call Yichen and ask how much longer he¡¯ll be,"


    Mu Zihao turned his head and said to Qin Mu since the dishes were about to be served.


    Qin Mu nodded and then got up with her phone in hand, leaving with a relieved expression on her face.


    Her hatred was impossible to hide.


    She couldn¡¯t sit there, eating and drinking with Qin Haiming; she didn¡¯t want his compensation. She would rather have him live in guilt and die uneasily for the rest of his life.


    When she left with the phone, she didn¡¯t call Mu Yichen. Instead, she just called a cab and left.


    In the taxi with the windows down, the evening breeze was quite cool, blowing layer by layer across her face.


    She suddenly came to realize that she had really fallen into the trap set by Mu Yichen.


    So, it really was time to end this!


    Then, wave after wave of troubles kept flooding in, leaving her overwhelmed.


    She returned to the Mu Family¡¯s home. The butler was stunned to see her back: "Madam, weren¡¯t you at the hotel for the family banquet?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t respond, just hurried upstairs with increasingly large and fast strides, finally almost breaking into a run.


    The butler thought deeply for a moment and then called Mu Yichen: "Young Master, Madam seems a bit off."


    Mu Yichen had just arrived at the hotel, was waiting for the elevator, and immediately turned around and left after picking up the butler¡¯s call. The elevator dinged open, and he started to run as well.


    Strangely, sometimes, it seems like there is really a psychic connection.


    "Keep an eye on her, don¡¯t let her run out,"


    He drove the car at top speed, rushing back all the way.


    Even though it was summer, by eight in the evening, it was already dark. He sped the car back as fast as possible, and at that time, she was packing her luggage.


    Their marriage brought no benefits, neither to her nor to Mu Yichen.


    Qin Mu, having recognized this, packed her clothes even more quickly, and in the end, she didn¡¯t even fold them properly, just stuffed everything into the suitcase and zipped it closed.


    Mu Yichen ran upstairs and immediately saw her buckling the suitcase.


    "What are you doing?"


    "You can do whatever you like, but I¡¯m leaving here!"


    Qin Mu lifted the suitcase off the bed and said to him while moving towards the door without looking back.


    "Who said I¡¯m letting you leave? Have you lost your mind?"


    He grabbed her by one arm, unable to understand, and looked at her, anger ready to erupt.


    "Mu Yichen, have you really not noticed? Ever since we¡¯ve been together, nothing but bad things have happened. You¡¯ve made enemies with the Jing Family, and I¡¯ve gotten entangled with the Qin Family in a mess of issues¡ªleave me alone, okay?"


    Mu Yichen frowned and stared at her, then suddenly laughed: "I leave you alone?"

 Chapter 105: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (4)_6

    Chapter 105: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (4)_6


    "Just because I let Qin Haiming go out for dinner tonight?"


    "Yes!"


    She lifted her eyes to look at him, and the two stared stubbornly at each other, filled with hatred, pain, and a persistent void in their hearts.


    "Fine, you sign an agreement with me, and then I will let you go," he said.


    He suddenly let go of her and stepped back, his voice softening but still deep.


    Qin Mu just looked at him stubbornly, as if dust were silently settling throughout the room.


    He conceded too quickly, but still, no one knew how long the standoff lasted, one sitting on the couch, the other standing by the door, until the maid came up to knock: Young Master, the lady asks for you to come down.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyelashes trembled slightly, yet she remained seated on the couch, motionless.


    Mu Yichen lifted his tired eyes and then followed downstairs.


    "What on earth is her problem? Isn¡¯t it okay for her to have a meal with her biological father? Does she even understand what this meal signifies? Does she know that if she wants to survive in Rongcheng, she can¡¯t cut ties with Qin Haiming? Aside from our Mu Family, Qin Haiming is her most important support," Feng Fanghua exclaimed, venting at her son, partly intending it to be overheard by someone upstairs.


    Qin Mu¡¯s door was ajar, and she heard every clear word, but she didn¡¯t believe that without the Qin Family, without the Mu Family, she would be helpless.


    Then, she looked subconsciously over at the suitcase by the wall again.


    She had thought she would definitely need Mu Yichen¡¯s help in Rong City, so sleeping with him didn¡¯t make her feel at a loss; in fact, she even thought she had the upper hand.


    But now, she was unable to control the situation.


    It all boiled down to her inability to conquer him. Instead, he was the one conquering her, setting traps step by step for her to fall into.


    Foolish, too foolish to be pitied!


    She seemed to be chewing on something difficult with her mouth, and when she looked down, she saw the ring on her finger and subconsciously touched it with two fingers.


    Perhaps, between them, it should have been limited to sleeping together!


    Perhaps, between them, there should have been nothing.


    Perhaps, she had been wrong from the start!


    That night, they slept back to back in the same bed.


    Not until the next morning did Mu Yichen wake up and, not seeing her beside him, got out of bed, only to find the ring she had left on the coffee table, realizing she had made up her mind to cut ties with him.


    She took Huanhuan with her, along with her luggage.


    She went to her studio; after it was destroyed and then repaired, she had a room set up with a bed and other furnishings.


    Huanhuan, still oblivious to everything, was blending in with everyone happily on the first floor, occasionally wandering around with her doll.


    She was like a happy little princess living in a fresh, new castle.


    Xiaomei stood on the side and said to a colleague who was drawing: "I saw Qinqin bring her suitcase over."


    The working colleague looked up and asked her, "Why?"


    "Strange, you actually understand Chinese?"


    Xiaomei incredulously digressed.


    Around nine o¡¯clock, Qin Mu received a WeChat message from Mu Yichen, asking her to come to the office to sign the agreement.


    Qin Mu subconsciously clenched her phone tightly for a while before firmly sending those two words: I understand!


    Sign the agreement?


    A divorce agreement?


    Qin Mu suddenly realized that besides this agreement, they had nothing else.


    But before leaving, she couldn¡¯t help checking herself in the makeup mirror, only leaving after making sure she looked impeccable.


    The weather was scorching today, and the cold air from the air conditioning caused a slight ache in her slender arms.


    When she arrived at the base of his office building, Qiao Yi happened to be returning from outside. Seeing her, he quickly approached to greet her: "Xiaomu, what brings you here?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him subconsciously, smiling politely: "Your boss Mu called me."


    "Oh? He¡¯s becoming more and more beastly!" Qiao Yi blurted out without thinking, but he hadn¡¯t actually been looking at Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu heard it and looked at him.


    "No, I mean, he¡¯s becoming more and more inseparable from you," he corrected himself.


    Qin Mu subconsciously looked down and said with a smile: "I think the sentence before was pretty good."


    Qiao Yi froze, staring at her in surprise.


    The elevator rapidly ascended, and neither spoke again.


    The secretary saw her coming and immediately took the initiative to greet her: "Miss Qin."


    "Mu called me here."


    "Mu has already instructed that whenever you come, at any time, you can go straight into his office," the secretary explained with a smile, thinking Qin Mu might have misunderstood she wasn¡¯t allowed

 Chapter 106: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (4)_7

    Chapter 106: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (4)_7


    Qin Mu subconsciously glanced at her once more, simply waiting for her to open the door, but as Qin Mu looked inside, he immediately restrained himself.


    "President, Miss Qin has arrived!"


    "You go out first!"


    Mu Yichen had just finished signing a document, put down his pen, closed the file and tossed it aside, then leaned back in his chair, hands clasped together, looking down at her with a supercilious gaze.


    Qin Mu took one look at him and stepped forward, "What agreement am I signing?"


    Going straight to the point.


    Mu Yichen let out a faint smile, "Have a look first!"


    He lowered his gaze toward the desk, where there was an envelope.


    Qin Mu subconsciously looked in that direction and then walked over to the opposite side of the desk to pick up the envelope; upon opening it, she was startled and froze upon seeing the first few words.


    He just looked up at her, his presence domineering, his gaze merciless.


    It took almost a minute for Qin Mu to process the news, then she looked up at him, "You knew it all along."


    "Take a look at this one too!"


    After he spoke, he leaned forward to pick up another document from the desk and tossed it in front of her.


    Qin Mu already had a bad feeling, but she still picked up the document.


    The strap of her bag slipped from her shoulder, her shiny eyes struggling to finish reading the contents of the agreement.


    Of course, she was protesting from the very first word.


    He was party A, she was party B, he wanted her daughter, and he didn¡¯t allow her any visitation.


    This was something he had said before, her almond eyes moved slightly, suddenly remembering the day he mentioned this, and she couldn¡¯t help but glance at him again, "So you knew all along that Huanhuan was your daughter?"


    He sneered, yet his gaze was filled with such ruthless severity.


    "Yes, I, the big fool, all realized she was my spitting image, yet I was kept in the dark. Do you know when I discovered it? It was the night I went to Austria to find you. I suddenly realized this little girl resembled my sister a lot, and my sister looks just like me, doesn¡¯t she?"


    He smiled, yet it was laced with mockery.


    Going round in circles, it turned out, Huanhuan was indeed his biological daughter.


    At that time, he felt like strangling her, yet he held back.


    Qin Mu felt her mouth was a bit dry, even though she had just applied lipstick.


    Her lips moved slightly, and she looked down at the agreement, choking up several times without being able to ask him anything.


    "Before signing the agreement to set you free, don¡¯t you want to explain the origin of this daughter to me first?"


    "Aren¡¯t you smart enough to figure it out?"


    She no longer looked at him, merely placed her bag gently in the chair next to her. She stood there, looking at the critical line on the agreement.


    She wasn¡¯t afraid that he wouldn¡¯t recognize her from then on, but the thought of him taking everything from her was utterly heartbreaking.


    "Almost three years ago, in Paris that night,¡ªso that¡¯s why you didn¡¯t let me go to your apartment later, right?"


    Of course he had thought about it, how could he not? He just couldn¡¯t accept it, this outcome.


    He sat in his chair like a monarch high above, looking disdainfully at her, glaring at her with hatred.


    Every word had been through a thousand reincarnations.


    "Yes!"


    She gave him that one word in response.


    She didn¡¯t know why her mouth tasted bitter, nor why her eyes were blurring.


    Her clean fingers still rested on the line of black text on white paper, which she could not see clearly but had already etched into her mind.


    Those memories, both beautiful and unbearable, between them over the years, from fuzzy to deeply etched.


    "Good, really good, turns out you¡¯re not as fragile as I thought, you¡¯re quite capable!"


    He spread his hands and then rose from his chair.


    Qin Mu subconsciously looked up at him, and Mu Yichen walked around behind her, his gaze filled with deep loathing.


    "So, why have Huanhuan if you dislike emotional entanglements so much?"


    He glared at her profile, her long, tear-dampened lashes, really filled with hatred to the point of clenching his teeth.


    "Because she¡¯s the only family I have left in this world!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice softened and wavered; she carefully chewed over her words as well as the flavor in her mouth, and then slowly, a tear fell inexplicably, making a plop as it landed on the agreement.


    Mu Yichen subconsciously glanced at the paper in her hand but immediately looked away.


    "So it was all for yourself!"


    As if answering his own question, not needing her response, he turned and walked behind the couch, then turned again to look at her, his hands sliding involuntarily into his trouser pockets.


    How could one person hurt another so deftly without exerting any effort, making them completely flayed?


    He was truly living that experience.


    Yet there were some questions he still didn¡¯t understand.


    "I can understand you later coming back to find me for your development in Rongcheng, but what about Huanhuan? If you didn¡¯t plan to acknowledge our relationship from the start, why bring her to see me?"


    She felt almost suffocated by these questions, yet they had repeatedly surfaced in her mind before.


    It seemed she had thought through her words from the beginning.


    But now, when it came time to speak, she found them too hard to articulate.


    It seemed she deeply understood how her words would hurt him, as if she were cutting flesh from her own body.


    But perhaps it was better to lay bare the truth, her innermost thoughts, so that from then on, he would cut his losses and she wouldn¡¯t have to feel guilty about him anymore.


    "Because I couldn¡¯t leave her alone in Paris, because, sooner or later, she had to acknowledge her father."


    "So, I¡¯ve never been part of your life plan."


    She turned to look at him, and he angrily raised his finger toward the couch, accusing her bitterly, word by word.


    "I admit it!"

 Chapter 107: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (5)_1

    Chapter 107: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (5)_1


    "I admit it¡¯s just like you said,¡ªyou were never part of my life plan!"


    She looked up proudly, as if that last bit of pride was maintaining her current demeanor.


    "Qin Mu, you bastard!"


    Her heart burned when he cursed at her, as if boiling water had been poured directly onto her heart, and her lips dried even more.


    "Then why didn¡¯t you just tell me she was my daughter, instead of putting on this whole charade of adoption from the orphanage? Why go through all that trouble?"


    If she told him the reason, Qin Mu was afraid he would tear her apart.


    Right now, he seemed to hate her enough to want to strangle her, and if she continued, he would probably throw her out of the window in front of him.


    Qin Mu guessed if she fell from here, she would definitely turn into a pile of flesh, and the thought of that bloody blur made her nauseous.


    She looked at him slowly, watching him struggle to contain his rage, then calmly reminded him: I never intended to hide it from you, it¡¯s just that you wouldn¡¯t dare to believe that Huanhuan is your daughter.


    "So you kept it a secret from me? Why didn¡¯t you just say she was my daughter so you¡¯d have another chip to hold against me from here on out?"


    "I didn¡¯t want to use my daughter as a bargaining chip; she is the only relative I have in this world, and I wish to always be sincere with her."


    "And what about me? You just throw me away when you¡¯re done using me? When I have no more value, you just pick up your bag and leave, is that it?"


    "In fact, as I see it, even if you like my body now, it won¡¯t last more than three years."


    A man will inevitably get tired of sleeping with the same woman for a long time.


    Three years, of which probably two and a half are being maintained because of past feelings.


    She forgot which movie she¡¯d seen this line in, but it struck a deep chord with her.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but let out a bitter laugh, suddenly realizing that this woman really wouldn¡¯t leave any illusions open for her.


    "Just sign the damn papers; after that, you¡¯re free to go wherever, sleep with whoever, I don¡¯t care."


    He didn¡¯t even want to speak loudly anymore, turning his back on her after finishing.


    This relationship, let it end here!


    For such a woman who completely repels emotions, he truly had lost all hope.


    He had thought that he would occupy some place within her plans, that she had never even fantasized about growing old with him.


    He had naively planned, foolishly thinking that in the end, she would choose to live according to his design, under his protection.


    But now, suddenly he felt weary.


    It was so difficult to strive alone.


    Qin Mu opened her mouth, trying several times to say something more to him, but in the end, she just swallowed stiffly.


    But to just sign the papers and hand over her daughter to him...


    He knew full well that her daughter was the most important person to her, her only support.


    Yet she couldn¡¯t help but laugh, her eyes reddening from the heat, she turned her head again to look at him: Can¡¯t we talk this out?


    "Discuss? I will never compromise when it comes to my daughter."


    He also laughed, not bothering to turn around to look at her, his voice was light but pulsing with power.


    "Anything but Huanhuan, really, anything else you want is fine."


    "If I can¡¯t keep you¡ª, can¡¯t I even keep my own daughter?"


    The voices of both grew quieter, each carrying their own stubbornness.


    "I¡¯m right here in Rongcheng, I won¡¯t leave, why can¡¯t we both love her together?"


    "Are you an idiot? How can two people who don¡¯t love each other, love someone else together?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what to say in response, just watched his stubborn expression baffled about how to continue the conversation. Could it be that their dispute could only be settled in court?


    No, it shouldn¡¯t be that way!


    She could fight to the death with anyone else, but why should they hurt each other this much?


    "I can¡¯t sign this agreement, I have things to take care of at the studio, I¡¯m leaving."


    "Qin Mu!"


    As she approached the door with her bag, he called out to her.


    Qin Mu stopped in her tracks instinctively, yet he didn¡¯t turn around, just stared at his feet: As long as you don¡¯t sign, you¡¯re still mine, and since you¡¯re mine, you¡¯ve got obligations to fulfill!


    "If you¡¯re referring to sex, I can do that."


    She walked away, leaving the secretary and Qiao Yi shocked as they saw her red eyes upon exiting. They exchanged glances watching her leave, heads down, then both turned to look at the office door.


    The door was open, as if a tornado was blasting from inside. The secretary was too scared to move, but Qiao Yi quietly stepped forward.


    "Mr. Mu, are you okay?"

 Chapter 108: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (5)_2

    Chapter 108: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (5)_2


    Qiao Yi knocked on the door and said.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, just smiled.


    What could be the matter?


    She had intended to use her body to repay him for his assistance.


    It really was a mutual exploitation!


    The agreement on the desk was slowly blown to the floor by a breeze from who knows where.


    The office suddenly became as cold as winter.


    After leaving his place, Qin Mu returned to the studio, where Helian Hao and Jing Feng were waiting for her.


    The two had been sitting in the reception area for a while, chatting with Jian Yan, who stood up when she arrived: "I¡¯ll go check an email upstairs."


    But as he turned to leave, he saw Qin Mu returning with her eyes reddened from crying, and his heart pricked as if by a needle.


    As Qin Mu sat down, she smiled: "What time did you two get here?"


    She placed her bag to one side, smiling as she greeted her most sincere friends.


    Helian Hao, having not been told where she¡¯d been, couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of heartache seeing her red-rimmed eyes: "Just got here a bit ago, are you okay?"


    "I¡¯m fine. Just tell me your ideas, and I¡¯ll start designing for you later."


    Helian Hao and her had originally planned to discuss wedding dresses, but moved by Qin Mu¡¯s appearance, Helian felt a pang of sympathy.


    Jing Feng had been quiet, sitting to the side, but when he saw the slight swelling around her eyes, he thought of Mu Yichen. He heard they argued every few days and wondered what enduring grudge they had that wouldn¡¯t let them stop torturing each other over so many years.


    "If you¡¯re not feeling up to it today, we can postpone."


    "No, I¡¯m in a great mood! Just got some wind in my eyes outside."


    Qin Mu replied, leaning over to grab a teacup and pour herself some water.


    Talking with Mu Yichen had really left her thirsty.


    "I heard that the Mu Family had dinner with the Mayor of Qin City at the hotel last night."


    Jing Feng suddenly mentioned.


    Qin Mu¡¯s tea drinking paused, but then she just smiled faintly: "Oh? Is that so?"


    Helian Hao also looked at Jing Feng in surprise, completely unaware.


    Jing Feng didn¡¯t say any more, and the reception area fell into a dead silence.


    "Well, let¡¯s talk about the wedding dress. I want one with a long and voluminous veil, elegant, magical, and grand. It has to be stunningly beautiful."


    Helian Hao thought for a moment and cleverly changed the subject. As she spoke about the wedding dress, she clasped her hands together in front of her chest, her eyes looking up to the ceiling, filled with the beautiful image she had dreamed up.


    Jing Feng couldn¡¯t help but laugh at her demeanor.


    Seeing the affectionate look in Jing Feng¡¯s eyes as he watched Helian Hao, Qin Mu was suddenly reminded of that man.


    If life lacked disappointment...


    But in the end, who can hold onto whom?


    That evening after everyone had left the office, she and Huanhuan, along with Jian Yan, ate takeout in the studio. Jian Yan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle as she watched Huanhuan gobble down her rice: "Huanhuan sure has a good appetite."


    Qin Mu turned her head to look at the girl beside her and couldn¡¯t help but smile, as if Huanhuan¡¯s good appetite had made her feel much better as well.


    "Did you argue with Mu Yi again?"


    "Do we argue a lot?"


    Qin Mu asked subconsciously, her smile slightly bitter.


    "Yeah! But he usually comes looking for you pretty quickly," Jian Yan said as he involuntarily glanced out the window.


    This evening was a little out of the ordinary, so it was safe to assume their argument had been serious.


    Glancing at her hand, the glaring ring was gone, with only faint marks where it had been, Jian Yan looked up at her again: "You could call him, you know."


    "No need, when are we going back to Paris?"


    Qin Mu shifted the subject after taking a bite.


    "Next week. Have you mentioned it to Mu Yichen?"


    If Qin Mu just left like that, it would undoubtedly add frost to the already frosty relationship between her and Mu Yichen.


    "Why should I tell him?"


    Qin Mu raised her eyes, so stubborn and willful.


    Jian Yan didn¡¯t respond.


    After dinner, as Huanhuan lay on the sofa, patting her little belly and suddenly missing her dad and grandparents, Qin Mu saw her off and locked the door before seeing her cute state.


    "Baby, let¡¯s go upstairs!"


    "OK!"


    Qin Mu took her hand and headed upstairs, Huanhuan holding her mother¡¯s hand.


    "Mommy, where¡¯s Daddy?"


    "Do you miss Daddy?"


    "Yes, and Grandma and Grandpa too, Huanhuan misses them."


    The two stood on the stairs, Qin Mu looking down at the earnest little girl looking up at her, so sincere and innocent.


    She knew nothing yet, unaware that her mom and dad were actually...

 Chapter 109: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (5)_3

    Chapter 109: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (5)_3


    She suddenly felt some regret, perhaps she should never have brought Huanhuan back in the first place.


    She bent down to pick up Huanhuan and continued upstairs, praying in her heart that Huanhuan wouldn¡¯t see her parents completely alienated from each other, praying for Huanhuan to have a happy childhood.


    And just after the mother and daughter went upstairs, a red car stopped at the entrance of their studio.


    Jing Qing looked at the room on the second floor with the light on and remembered the phone call mentioning that Qin Mu had moved in with her luggage and daughter this morning.


    It was only when she saw Qin Mu lock the door from inside that she truly believed it.


    When she was about to leave, she received a distress message from Qin Mingzhu on WeChat. Jing Qing glanced at her phone, then threw it back onto the passenger seat and drove away.


    Meanwhile, Qin Mingzhu was trembling and sitting on the couch, her eyes swollen from crying.


    "So it was you who arranged for someone to rape your own sister?"


    As soon as Qin Haiming got home, he heard the conversation between mother and daughter, then he slapped her hard, asking her in disbelief.


    "She is not my real sister. She is that whore¡¯s child."


    "Smack!"


    Another fierce slap. Qin Haiming was almost shaking, feeling numbness in his hand and shivering in himself.


    "Why do you hit her? If you¡¯re angry, hit me! Ever since that girl came back, you have been favoring her in every way. Do you also expect us, mother and daughter, to do the same as you? You not only neglect us but also come to blame us. You¡ªdidn¡¯t you see how that girl treated us?"


    "So it¡¯s right for your daughter to arrange for such a filthy act? Even if you don¡¯t consider Mumu as her real sister, as the daughters of Qin Haiming, do they have to fight and let the whole world know of the unhappiness in Qin Haiming¡¯s family?"


    Qin Haiming looked at the woman shielding her younger daughter and realized just how naive he had been.


    How hard it was to maintain the appearance of peace.


    He just wanted to make it up to Qin Mu a bit, but he found out that the mother and daughter didn¡¯t agree at all.


    Later, Zhang Rujia came to understand but couldn¡¯t swallow her pride. Before sleep, she spoke to Qin Haiming, "Haiming, I¡¯m sorry."


    "Rujia, even if you don¡¯t like Qin Mu, she was cast out since she was young. I already owe her so much. Even for my sake, you need to restrain yourself towards her."


    "Yes, haven¡¯t I always kept out of her way obediently? Mingzhu is still young. Suddenly, a girl appears to compete for fatherly love, she can¡¯t take it, can you understand that? Please forgive her this time, and I will supervise her properly in the future, okay?"


    Qin Haiming turned around to look at the woman changing his pajamas and then nodded: "It¡¯s been hard on you!"


    Zhang Rujia smiled: "Just accept my good intentions."


    But that night, how many people really managed to sleep?


    When Feng Fanghua insisted on taking her granddaughter back, Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t sleep the whole night, and Qin Mu only fell asleep after midnight.


    The summer was too stuffy, from evening to early morning, it remained uncomfortably hot.


    Hence, a heavy rain poured down in the morning,


    And with no delivery available, mother and daughter searched the first floor for pastries and milk brought by everyone else, then squatted on a wooden board, drinking milk and eating pastries, finishing their breakfast that way.


    Seeing Huanhuan eating so happily, Qin Mu felt guilty; everyone had been given the day off, and mother and daughter planned to spend the day reading books and watching cartoons when a black sedan stopped at the front door.


    Someone holding a black umbrella walked to the back of the car to welcome the person inside out.


    Mother and daughter stood in front of the glass screen watching. In fact, as soon as the person stepped out, Qin Mu could guess it was Feng Fanghua without looking at the face.


    From her feet to the hem of her skirt, there was no concealing her noble bearing.


    Feng Fanghua, like her name, carried a sense of elegance.


    "Grandma!"


    Upon seeing her grandmother, Huanhuan immediately ran forward. Feng Fanghua walked in and immediately took her hand: "My good granddaughter, how I¡¯ve missed you."


    Now, Feng Fanghua felt something lacking in her heart just by not seeing her for a day.


    Qin Mu invited her to sit inside, then seeing a few bags of desserts on the coffee table, immediately went to tidy up.


    "You¡¯re feeding my granddaughter this?"


    Feng Fanghua immediately asked in displeasure upon seeing them.


    "Ah! It started raining suddenly, so the delivery couldn¡¯t come this morning, and we made do."


    "I don¡¯t care what you did before and it was not possible for me to interfere, but from now on, if you feed my granddaughter these un-nutritious junk foods again, don¡¯t bother bringing her."

 Chapter 110: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (5)_4

    Chapter 110: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (5)_4


    Feng Fanghua immediately issued a warning with her words.


    Qin Mu knew she was distressed for her granddaughter, and thus she didn¡¯t say much, even though she harbored different thoughts in her heart.


    "What you wish to do with Yichen is none of my business, and if you want to move out¡ª, I might even say I¡¯ve actually been looking forward to your divorce, but as for my granddaughter, don¡¯t even think about taking her away and keeping her from seeing me."


    "Then you take her home!"


    Qin Mu said in a low voice.


    Feng Fanghua was hardly seated long enough to warm up her seat, lecturing her until her mouth was dry, and was even more unbelievably upset upon hearing that sentence, frowning as she looked at her: What do you mean by that?


    "I have to go to Paris with my master on Monday, so it would be much better for Huanhuan to stay with you rather than with me lately."


    Feng Fanghua...


    Qin Mu still stood beside her, watching Feng Fanghua looking at her with eyes full of disdain, yet she could do nothing but bow her head and accompany her.


    "What are you going back to Paris for?"


    "There¡¯s an event there, and a movie¡¯s costume design has invited my master, so I¡¯m going to be his assistant."


    Once Feng Fanghua understood the truth, most of her anger dissipated: So, you and Yichen, are you separating or divorcing?


    "As long as I don¡¯t lose the right to see my daughter."


    Feng Fanghua thought this girl really had some gall.


    Later, standing at the door, Qin Mu breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Feng Fanghua holding Huanhuan and getting into the car, and unconsciously touched the spot where her ring used to be, then felt a pang in her heart.


    The ring was long gone.


    That evening, Mu Yichen was called back for dinner, and the moment he entered the living room, he saw Huanhuan running toward him: Daddy, Daddy!


    He instinctively bent down and picked her up, then walked inside while asking, "Did you go looking for Qin Mu?"


    "Why would I look for her? I was just looking for my granddaughter."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak to her anymore and just sat there holding Huanhuan, unable to stop himself from feeling a headache as he looked at Huanhuan¡¯s foolish appearance and was suddenly reminded of the heartless words that woman had said to him.


    Feng Fanghua glanced at him, then at her own granddaughter, holding back some words that were on the tip of her tongue.


    The affairs of those two were something Feng Fanghua truly didn¡¯t want to meddle in anymore.


    After dinner, Mu Yichen coaxed Huanhuan to sleep and then took his coat and went downstairs. Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were talking about him, and they stopped when they saw him descending the stairs.


    "I¡¯m stepping out a moment!"


    He said casually, grabbing his coat and heading out.


    After Feng Fanghua processed what happened, she turned her head to look at his retreating figure: Where are you going, huh?


    "Where else? The two of them are truly a match made in adversary heaven," Mu Zihao couldn¡¯t help but shake his head.


    "This girl is unreliable. I¡¯ve also felt that there¡¯s something off with Jing Qing lately. Have you noticed that among our acquaintances of a similar age to him, there are quite a few girls left?"


    Upon careful thought, Feng Fanghua worried her son might have too strong a need in that aspect, and thought maybe it would be better to find him a woman to date. Perhaps after being with someone else, he wouldn¡¯t keep fixated on his past relationship.


    "What are you planning to do? Didn¡¯t we agree not to meddle in their affairs?"


    "But look at him, he had just said harsh words, and in less than a few minutes, he¡¯s off to find her again. It¡¯s not good for this to keep going on like this."


    "He has his own family now, why are you in such a hurry? Just let him deal with it."


    "But..."


    "Who knows, maybe he¡¯ll bring you another grandson someday?"


    Mu Zihao hinted, and Feng Fanghua looked into his eyes, then immediately blushed, not knowing what to say.


    Mu Zihao suddenly laughed, "Do you still remember over twenty years ago when we had Qingxin?"


    "You still have the nerve to mention it?"


    Feng Fanghua grumbled, still holding a grudge over Qin Mu¡¯s actions, yet there were things she truly didn¡¯t know how to proceed with since she couldn¡¯t grasp them.


    Those times long past, those stubborn moments of youth.


    Outside, the rain continued to drizzle down, as Qin Mu had a bowl of wontons alone in a nearby snack shop, then walked back with a blue umbrella over her head.


    The wind was strong, threatening to take the umbrella away at any moment. She held it tightly, completely blinded to the road ahead.


    She didn¡¯t have time to notice whether there was a car following her or not.


    Just as she was about to reach the studio, she walked by a puddle and unfortunately stepped right into it.


    She managed to save her foot but not the umbrella in her hand, and as the wind quickly blew it away, she could only watch helplessly. Then, she fixed her crooked shoe and limped forward.


    Upon reaching the studio¡¯s door, she promptly entered the password, and then she heard a car stop behind her ¡ª to be precise, she heard the sound of its door opening.


    He had followed her all the way, watching her struggle and thinking she deserved it, but still, he had followed her.

 Chapter 111: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (5)_5

    Chapter 111: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (5)_5


    It¡¯s just...


    "Yichen!"


    She had just turned around when she saw him, impeccably dressed in a suit, stepping forward, when a gentle female voice also called out to him from behind.


    Qin Mu subconsciously looked towards the source of the voice, before she even had time to think about why he was suddenly behind her.


    "Yichen, my car broke down nearby, can you give me a lift back?"


    Jing Qing, in her high heels and evening gown, ran up to him and casually wrapped her arm around his, her voice soft as water.


    Qin Mu subconsciously turned her head and pushed the door to go in.


    Mu Yichen stood there watching her cold departure before turning to the woman beside him: "What are you doing in this neighborhood?"


    "I had a little drink with some friends. There¡¯s a nice bar over there. I was planning to find Qin Mu to give me a ride home, but since you¡¯re here, I don¡¯t need to bother her."


    Qin Mu watched them leave from upstairs, then helplessly shrugged and laughed at herself.


    Qin Mu, oh Qin Mu, you¡¯re the one who didn¡¯t want him, so from now on, no matter what he does with Jing Qing, you have no right to be angry. You have no right.


    She had to remind herself then went back to her room and lay on the bed with a book, trying to distract her thoughts.


    The rain seemed to have no end, continuing to patter down past ten o¡¯clock.


    Later, she found all the snacks from her colleagues and ate them all, eating wherever she could find them, which explained some scattered trash on the first floor.


    But she didn¡¯t care, because even without reading much, she felt content after stealthily eating everyone¡¯s snacks like a naughty child.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t come to find her again. He really went out to have a drink with Jing Feng and then returned to the apartment.


    On Monday, Qin Mu boarded the flight to Paris with Jian Yan, of course not before ordering lots of snacks online to be sent to the studio as compensation to everyone.


    Jian Yan laughed as he looked at her: "You¡¯re just going to leave the kid here like this?"


    "Yeah, Huanhuan is happier with his grandparents than with me. I¡¯ve found that letting them get to know each other has this unexpected benefit."


    "What benefit?"


    Qin Mu found a comfortable position, leaned back, and replied while resting her eyes: "I finally don¡¯t have to worry about Huanhuan not eating well with Xiaomei."


    Jian Yan laughed involuntarily. Xiaomei indeed was not very good at taking care of children.


    "Think about the past two years, Xiaomei has really worried a lot because of me, not to mention Huanhuan."


    "She is paid to do the job, of course, she has to do something."


    Qin Mu suddenly turned to look at the man sitting beside her: "Master, haven¡¯t you noticed something different about Xiaomei?"


    "Different?"


    "Yeah, don¡¯t you like her even a little bit?"


    After saying this, Qin Mu didn¡¯t forget to wink at him, but Jian Yan seemed not to understand and asked the flight attendant for a newspaper to read.


    Qin Mu...


    That evening, after dinner, Yichen felt the urge to go out again, but Feng Fanghua finally stopped him: "Are you going to look for Qin Mu again?"


    Yichen turned around: "What do you want to say?"


    "She should have already arrived in Paris by now!"


    Feng Fanghua hadn¡¯t wanted to say it, but she couldn¡¯t bear the thought of him wasting more money on fuel.


    Yichen turned around, looking at his mother with an indifferent gaze subconsciously.


    "You knew she was going to Paris, didn¡¯t you?"


    "Yes, I went to see her. She left Huanhuan with me, saying she felt more at ease with Huanhuan being with me."


    "Then let her never come back to see her daughter for the rest of her life."


    Yichen fiercely dropped his jacket to the ground and then turned to go upstairs.


    Feng Fanghua...


    Such temper, really out of place.


    "Why are you taking your anger out on me? I¡¯m not the one who ran off with someone."


    Feng Fanghua knew exactly why her son was angry, yet after shouting, she couldn¡¯t help but laugh to herself.


    He¡¯s twenty-eight years old, still so childish.


    Miserable all day long because of a woman.


    Mu Zihao came home and, upon learning that his son was sulking, was going to go up to talk to him, but then decided to just enjoy his own life instead.


    That night, Yichen tossed and turned, unable to sleep, as if he had gone back to those years.


    Leaving her alone abroad, not knowing whether she was doing well or what kind of men were around her, his anxiety kept him from sleep.


    But what about her?


    Always so carefree, as if as long as she and her daughter were fine, everything was fine.


    She never thought to put him in her heart for once.


    As soon as Qin Mu arrived in Paris, people who had sought her out for advertising work invited her out, asking her to do another ad. She talked it over and went back to Jian Yan to discuss it. Jian Yan said, "Take it."


    "Take it?"


    "Yeah! This time, design the gown you¡¯ll wear for the ad yourself and put our studio¡¯s logo on it."

 Chapter 112: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (5)_6

    Chapter 112: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (5)_6


    Qin Mu looked at Jian Yan with shock, but after understanding, he immediately confirmed with the other party.


    "If this advertisement is broadcast in the country, it¡¯ll undoubtedly be good publicity for you, so you must put your heart into it and show your uniqueness,"


    Jian Yan pondered as she sat on the couch with a teacup in her hand.


    "But just broadcasting it domestically will surely stir up trouble again,"


    "Are you afraid?"


    "Now that the Mu Family is protecting Huanhuan, I really have nothing to fear being on my own."


    Qin Mu shrugged, speaking candidly.


    "Then go for it with confidence, and in the future, no matter how many studios we open domestically, I¡¯ll leave them in your hands,"


    Jian Yan smiled, confident in her disciple.


    Qin Mu nodded, thinking about the many studios they would develop at home, imagining many people wearing their designs. He couldn¡¯t help but get excited.


    "I think, in the future, we should not only do high-end but also let ordinary people wear the clothes we make. Just thinking about it fills me with a sense of achievement,"


    Qin Mu sprang up from the couch, walking to the window, muttering to himself with hands clasped behind his back.


    Jian Yan continued to sit there, quietly watching him dream about his future, like the cool sunshine of a 7 or 8 o¡¯clock morning, shining into his heart.


    Perhaps he chose to mentor her because even she didn¡¯t realize the limitless dreams she possessed. She really rekindled inspiration in him, almost dried up as he was.


    She¡¯s only twenty-three, such a wonderful age.


    He thought that she should have a good relationship, a man who adores her. Only then would her youth be complete.


    He thought he had to admit, couldn¡¯t deny, that Mu Yichen truly loved her, really cherished her.


    Gradually, he lowered his gaze and stopped looking at her, as if the passion of nearly forty years was being slowly suppressed by him because of some factor.


    Qin Mu, still by the window, imagined a beautiful future for the small Flower in its pot¡ªwhile there was much uncertainty about Mu Yichen, his career and his daughter gave him great hope.


    Whenever they had time, the two would come together to design. That day, she had gone to the studio to shoot an advertisement.


    After she changed into her own simple but stylish clothes and came out, she unexpectedly found reporters waiting for her, even asking if she would endorse the clothing.


    She said she would, endorsing their own brand.


    That day she received a call from back home.


    "When are you coming back?"


    "In a few days!"


    He called her every few days, but each time just asked that one question before hanging up.


    She felt somewhat powerless to respond, but thankfully the calls were short and she could immerse herself in work again.


    As night fell, Mu Yichen played with Huanhuan on his large bed, and suddenly remembered how much he once resented the little tyke.


    Now he laughed at himself unconsciously and felt relieved that luckily she was still oblivious to the past and remembered nothing.


    Leaning against the headboard, he picked up Huanhuan and placed her on his lap, asking involuntarily, "Do you know what your mom is doing right now?"


    "Mommy? Painting."


    Huanhuan replied instinctively. In her little mind, Mommy was always busy painting, which is why she also liked to scribble with pens.


    "Painting? How could that silly woman create something others would like? Don¡¯t you think?"


    He mocked her, derided her, and even wished she was sitting by the bed right now to hear his words.


    But the only response came from his beloved daughter. Huanhuan leaned on him, with small hands hugging him, laughing as she asked, "Where¡¯s Mommy? Want Mommy to hug."


    Hug?


    "She¡¯s eloped with someone long ago, she wouldn¡¯t want to hug you!"


    She doesn¡¯t even want me, despite how good I am.


    Yichen¡¯s eyes, filled with the disillusionment of a life unlived, began to grow empty. Huanhuan touched her face and felt very troubled looking at his expression.


    It seemed to ask, what was the big deal, anyway!


    He had always wanted to roll around in bed with her, but now he could only hold his daughter.


    Only after the daughter fell asleep did he suddenly realize that everything was so beautiful.


    She had secretly given birth to a daughter for him, he was angry at her secrecy, yet he couldn¡¯t help but feel excited.


    Even though she said it was for him, the warmth that surged in his heart when he looked at Huanhuan was still undeniable.


    From that moment on, he was no longer a man without attachments; this little tyke...


    He couldn¡¯t help but gently stroke her little head and then broke into a foolish smile.


    As for his future with Qin Mu, he thought perhaps they would torture each other to death, but he would never let go because of fatigue.

 Chapter 113: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (5)_7

    Chapter 113: Huanhuan said: Dad found out! (5)_7


    On Monday afternoon, Mu Yichen drove to the studio. He went upstairs amidst the surprised gazes of Xiaomei and her colleagues and entered the room where Qin Mu had slept.


    "Quickly call Qinqin."


    Xiaomei¡¯s eyes darted around, and she immediately turned to look for her phone.


    It seemed that Mu Yichen¡¯s visit to the studio was more exciting to them than receiving a few orders.


    However, Qin Mu didn¡¯t have her phone with her at work that day, so Xiaomei instead left her a message on WeChat right away.


    Just before closing time, Liu Jingyuan drove to their studio, clutching a light-colored toy bear in the hand behind his back.


    He stood not far from the entrance in a light-colored suit, calmly and elegantly surveying the busy people inside.


    Xiaomei just finished briefing her colleague when she looked up and saw him standing in the distance. She speculated about the reason for his visit and went up to greet him, "President Liu, long time no see!"


    "Hmm! Is Miss Qin here?"


    He asked Xiaomei with an elegant smile.


    "Qinqin has gone to Paris on a business trip; she won¡¯t be back for a while. Do you have any business, or is there anything I can pass on for you?"


    "Then never mind!"


    He responded with a smile, then turned to leave but looked back over his shoulder. Before Xiaomei could recover from her surprise, he looked down at the bear in his hand, "This was originally meant for Miss Qin. Please pass it on for me."


    "Sure!"


    Xiaomei foolishly agreed, and after he left, she couldn¡¯t help twitching the corners of her mouth as she looked at the little bear. This man was actually giving such a cute little thing; was he sure it was meant for Qinqin? Why did she feel it was more suitable for Huanhuan?


    When she looked up again, he was already getting into his car, ready to leave. Xiaomei felt this man was somewhat like a whiff of wind that comes and goes.


    However, when she turned around with the bear in hand, she saw Mu Yichen standing upstairs. She stopped dead in her tracks.


    "Mu, President Mu!"


    "Was that Liu Jingyuan just now?"


    He strolled down the stairs languidly, asking casually.


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen, dressed in a dark shirt, walked down the stairs and frowned upon seeing the bear in Xiaomei¡¯s hands, uncertain of what to do with it, "Do you know where this should be disposed of?"


    "Uh! I know, I know! I¡¯ll throw it away right now."


    Xiaomei felt it was a pity to throw away such a cute bear.


    But with Mu Yichen wearing that expression, she really didn¡¯t dare object to his will.


    Xiaomei went to the door and threw the bear inside; then he turned around and went back upstairs, continuing to lie on her bed with his eyes closed, resting.


    Every time he called to ask when she would return, the answer was always the same, "In a few days."


    And so, many "few days" had passed, and he truly wanted to discipline her, to let her know what "a few days" meant. More than ten days is "a dozen days," more than twenty days is "more than twenty days."


    And "a few days," is within ten days!


    He couldn¡¯t count how many times he had waited for her to return; this time, he wouldn¡¯t go looking for her again.


    In the evening, Jing Feng and Qiao Yi invited him for a drink, so he went straight from the studio to the hotel.


    After having dinner with the hotel manager on the top floor, he went down around nine o¡¯clock. Jing Feng, Qiao Yi, and Jiang Zhiyuan and Zhao Huai were already waiting for him.


    As soon as he entered, he heard the casually dressed Young Master Jiang say, "Right now, we are all still bachelors, but soon, Prosecutor Jing Jian is getting married. Our group of brothers might have one less drinking buddy in the future."


    "Even if I don¡¯t get married, I can¡¯t always accompany you for drinks," Jing Feng remarked, holding a glass of wine before taking a sip.


    Jiang Zhiyuan dramatically clutched his chest with a wounded expression, "Brother, can¡¯t we be a bit more tactful?"


    "Why are you just arriving?" Qiao Yi looked up and greeted Mu Yichen.


    Jiang Zhiyuan and Jing Feng also turned to look, then subconsciously raised their hands, "Brother, Prosecutor Jing Jian is bullying me, are you going to stand up for me?"


    "I won¡¯t intervene if he¡¯s bullying you!"


    "Dammit, then who would you stand up for?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan felt wounded by these two men.


    "Isn¡¯t that obvious? Naturally, it would be our little sister Xiaomu!" Qiao Yi whispered, giving Jiang Zhiyuan a meaningful glance.


    Jiang Zhiyuan nodded in understanding, then chuckled, "Then I dare not compete with little sister Xiaomu."


    "But it seems like little sister Xiaomu hasn¡¯t shown up for a while. I heard she moved out of the Mu Family¡¯s house, is that true?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan finally found an opportunity to seek confirmation.


    However, just after Mu Yichen had just sat down, he heard this and glared at Jiang Zhiyuan, then picked up the untouched bottle of wine next to him and took a swig.


    "She¡¯s on a business trip in Paris!"


    Then he propped his elbows on his knees, holding the wine bottle, and remarked indifferently.


    It was as if they were still together as before, and he was merely informing his friends about her recent whereabouts.


    However, everyone looked at him with an expression that seemed as though they were reluctant to hurt him.


    Mu Yichen, still wearing the dark shirt from the daytime, slowly leaned back on the sofa, gently swirling the bottle in his hand.


    As if he were a lamb to the slaughter, he was indifferent to whatever gazes or emotions people directed at him.


    For even he felt pitiful himself.


    So he just let them look their fill.


    "The other day, Xiaohao and I visited her studio. You two are having a dispute, aren¡¯t you?"


    Jing Feng speculated and asked.


    Mu Yichen looked at him, and smiled faintly, "Yeah! Don¡¯t we always have disputes?"


    "The ring on her finger was missing!"


    Jing Feng directly pierced through his pretentious answer.


    Suddenly, silence enveloped the surroundings. The men all cautiously watched the expression on Mu Yichen¡¯s face, which indeed turned sour upon hearing that, as if a spring pond had suddenly frozen over.


    "Whether you admit it or not, you¡¯ve broken up!"


    Jing Feng continued to strike at the very depths of his heart.


    Jiang Zhiyuan, Zhao Huai, and Qiao Yi didn¡¯t dare speak, torn between wanting to stop Jing Feng and wanting to watch the drama unfold, yet feeling a war was about to erupt if they didn¡¯t intervene.


    "Broken up?"

 Chapter 114 - 70 Chen Ge is here again (1)_1

    Chapter 114: 70 Chen Ge is here again (1)_1


    Mu Yichen suddenly laughed, then clenched his teeth as he looked away.


    But the murderous intent in his eyes was somewhat intense.


    "You may not admit it, but she indeed doesn¡¯t love you as much as you love her, and she really does want to get rid of you."


    Perhaps it was his line of work that made Jing Feng blunt enough to say each word that struck deep into the heart!


    Mu Yichen leaned forward to gently place the bottle on the table, then slowly stood up and turned his head to look at the man sitting closest to him.


    Jing Feng looked up unafraid, and very openly met his gaze.


    In a flash, a solid punch swung out, hitting Jing Jian on the side of his face.


    Jing Feng immediately tilted towards the side of the sofa.


    "Why does she want to get rid of me? Isn¡¯t it all thanks to your Jing Family?"


    His voice wasn¡¯t loud, just choked with anger.


    The resentment that had been building up in Mu Yichen¡¯s heart burst out that night.


    "You say thanks to the Jing Family? Why don¡¯t you think about whether it¡¯s because you didn¡¯t give her enough security? Or is it because of her twisted mindset from childhood that she keeps wanting to abandon you?"


    Jing Feng forcefully rubbed his sore gums, making no attempt to hide his thoughts.


    The two men who were usually the most composed suddenly started fighting, and the others hurried to break it up.


    But by the time they calmed down, more than half an hour had passed.


    The outside was full of staff, but no one dared to enter and intervene, only quietly retreating after the disturbance inside had stopped.


    "We¡¯re all brothers here. Isn¡¯t it embarrassing in front of outsiders if we fight like this?" Zhao Huai said once he saw them calm down a bit.


    "Who dares to laugh?"


    Mu Yichen and Jing Feng said in unison, then glared at each other once again.


    Everyone...


    "That¡¯s it, no point in talking anymore today! Let¡¯s just drink!"


    Qiao Yi said as he helped himself to a drink, with others following suit.


    Afterward, several of the men got thoroughly drunk, just with Mu Yichen insisting on going to the room Qin Mu had previously stayed in.


    Though Qin Mu no longer stayed there, that guest room had not been used by anyone else since.


    But the next morning when Mu Yichen woke up, he found himself sprawled on the floor, confusedly staring at the two men on the bed, then looking around, he immediately got up and ran out.


    On the living room sofa, Qiao Yi and Zhao Huai were still lying there, thankfully still dressed.


    He looked down at himself, his vision a bit blurry so he blinked hard, and the events of the last night slowly surfaced in his mind.


    That morning he quickly returned to the Mu Family, whereas Zhao Huai and Jing Feng had ended up together, mistaking each other for a woman, and immediately started shouting upon opening their eyes.


    Especially Jiang Zhiyuan, who reacted as if he had come back from the dead.


    "What on earth did you do to me, Mu Yichen? If you have beef with Jing Feng, why take it out on me?"


    In the morning, Mu Yichen received a call from Jiang Zhiyuan complaining, and the whining yell was so loud he had to hold the phone away from his ear.


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t returned to the country yet, and the advertisement she shot in Paris had already aired in the domestic market. That evening, the Mu Family was watching the news in the living room, and right after the news ended, they saw Qin Mu¡¯s handbag advertisement. Huanhuan excitedly wriggled free from her grandmother¡¯s side: It¡¯s Mommy, it¡¯s Mommy!


    Mu Yichen, his gums aching, looked up at the TV screen when he heard his daughter¡¯s voice. Seeing the scene of her confidently walking forward with the bag, his brow instantly furrowed with pain.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were also surprised; they had seen their daughter-in-law on TV before. Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but curiously ask her own foolish son sitting alone on a single sofa: Is Huanhuan¡¯s mom planning to make a career in the entertainment industry?


    "I don¡¯t know!"


    He replied dismissively and got up to go upstairs.


    Feng Fanghua had no choice but to look at her husband, but she didn¡¯t get the answer she was seeking. Mu Zihao just gestured to have his granddaughter come over to him: How about we video chat with your aunt?


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu was packing up to return home when she received his call and immediately put everything aside.


    Right then, she felt both lonely and helpless, or maybe just eager to hear his voice, sitting quietly on the bed as she took his call.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Strange, today you¡¯re not asking when I¡¯ll be back."


    "Come back or not, it¡¯s up to you!"


    Qin Mu noted the hoarseness in his voice, his indifference palpable.


    "Are you okay? Do you have a cold?"


    She subconsciously thought that he must be delirious with a fever, which is why he was calling her in such a huff.


    "A cold? I just got into a fight with Jing Feng, that¡¯s all."

 Chapter 115 - 70 Chen Ge is here again (1)_2

    Chapter 115: 70 Chen Ge is here again (1)_2


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart skipped a beat, but he subconsciously avoided the topic.


    "What are you doing? What time is it over there in the afternoon? Are you with Jian Yan?"


    "Why so many questions? I¡¯m... tidying up the house."


    She glanced at the bed and casually lied.


    "Mrs. Mu, your home is in Rongcheng, not Paris."


    "Why did you call me in the first place? If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯m hanging up."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t stand him bossing her around on the phone.


    "Just talk to me some more, say anything, it¡¯s fine."


    In his frustration, he still managed to retain a bit of reason to soothe her.


    "You¡¯re not really sick, are you? Have you taken your medicine? If you¡¯re feeling unwell, go have some water."


    Her heart rose to her throat; he sounded quite serious.


    "You finally remember to care whether I live or die! Hmm!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s thoughts flashed back.


    "Mu Yichen, what are you up to?"


    "Hanging up!"


    How could he do this, mocking and taunting her over the phone.


    Jian Yan didn¡¯t return to Rongcheng with her; she took the flight back to Rongcheng alone.


    At three twenty in the afternoon, she stood outside the airport, wearing a dark casual outfit, her long hair loose, then was dumbstruck to see Liu Jingyuan standing there waiting for her.


    "I just happened to be passing by, heard from your colleague that she was coming to pick up someone at the airport, she seemed very busy, so I volunteered. You¡¯re not upset, are you?"


    Liu Jingyuan was driving and talking to the woman in the passenger seat.


    To be exact, she was indeed not very pleased, but after all, it was a kind gesture, so she still smiled: "How could I be?"


    She didn¡¯t even want to probe further. If before she could tell herself that Liu Jingyuan had no ulterior motives towards her, now she could no longer deceive her own conscience.


    A CEO purposely driving to pick someone up, especially a woman, clearly indicated his intentions were more than just friendly.


    "I saw the advertisement you recently endorsed the other day."


    "Oh? How did it feel?"


    "Very good!"


    He answered, exactly as she had thought.


    For some reason, she suddenly disliked being in the same car with him, especially at such close range.


    Even though he was well-spoken and personable.


    But she seemed to prefer Mu Yichen¡¯s way, who could tease her at any time, was mean when angry, and tender when happy...


    Ha, she was thinking about him!


    She found herself thinking about him for no apparent reason.


    Realizing she had thoughts she shouldn¡¯t, she subconsciously turned her face away to look out the window.


    LIttle did she know that as soon as the two reached the studio, they saw Xiaomei standing outside. She was just about to confront Xiaomei when she got off the car and saw Xiaomei pointing towards the parking lot.


    Subconsciously following the direction of her finger, she saw his blue sports car parked there. He cast a sidelong glance at her, then reversed the car.


    After Liu Jingyuan got out of the car, he helped her with her luggage. Then, seeing her gaze fixed elsewhere, he followed her gaze just in time to see Mu Yichen¡¯s car passing in front of them.


    It passed by like the wind.


    Mu Yichen looked displeased, his gaze was even colder and murderous.


    He glanced at Qin Mu again, only to find she had come to her senses and pulled her luggage by herself, smiling and greeting him: "I really appreciate Mr. Liu for giving me a ride back today. Next time, let¡¯s have Mr. Mu treat Mr. Liu as a thank you."


    "Goodbye!"


    He maintained that gentle smile from start to finish, and after hearing her speak, he sincerely said goodbye and left.


    Xiaomei immediately ran down the steps: "I was about to leave when he happened to come by, then he offered to go pick you up."


    "So why didn¡¯t you inform me in advance that Mu Yichen was coming?"


    "It was already too late!"


    Xiaomei looked aggrieved; everything was beyond her expectation.


    "Forget about it, don¡¯t dwell on it!"


    Qin Mu thought it over; Mu Yichen already misunderstood that she wanted to hook up with Liu Jingyuan, so letting him misunderstand one more time didn¡¯t matter.


    "Hmm!" Xiaomei quickly nodded, helping her with her luggage.


    Everyone was working hard, but Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but stand in the middle of the first floor and grin foolishly at everyone: "So you guys won¡¯t blame me anymore for sneaking your snacks, right?"


    Everyone also couldn¡¯t help but laugh: "Qinqin, next time you give us something to eat, you have to earn our opinion; taste is very important."


    Now their Chinese had improved quite a bit, and Qin Mu nodded in response: "Okay! Then I¡¯ll go upstairs to take a shower and change, and I¡¯ll see everyone later."


    It was only when she went upstairs and returned to the bedroom that she found out, he had indeed been there.


    Clutching his dropped suit jacket in her hand, she remembered when Xiaomei texted her that Mr. Mu had stayed in her room for a long time, she couldn¡¯t help but keep staring at the jacket in her hand.

 Chapter 116 - 70 Chen Ge is here again (1)_3

    Chapter 116: 70 Chen Ge is here again (1)_3


    Thinking back to the murderous look in his eyes when he saw her outside just now, she unconsciously moved her lips.


    Finally, she hung his coat in the closet nearby, then found a loose dress to lay on the bed and went to the bathroom.


    That evening, a group of people dined at AM, Qin Mu leaned back in her chair and watched them chatting so happily that she couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Can we choose somewhere else next time?"


    "This is the most luxurious place in Rongcheng."


    Xiaomei and the others protested immediately.


    The most luxurious place in Rongcheng was being stepped into by them day after day.


    Qin Mu felt helpless, worried about running into him or his friends here.


    Moreover, they didn¡¯t choose a private room; the restaurant manager recognized Xiaomei right away and politely asked if she wanted a private room. Xiaomei grandiosely waved her hand as if a rich second-generation rejected the countryside: "No need, no need. We¡¯re fine outside, it¡¯s spacious and comfortable."


    The manager nodded and bowed, allowing her to arrange as she pleased.


    "Hey, isn¡¯t that our Xiaomu? When did you come back, Xiaomu?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan suddenly popped up with one hand on her shoulder, looking very much the playboy.


    "Young Master Jiang!" Qin Mu instinctively leaned to the side but still couldn¡¯t avoid his hand.


    "With all the beauties here, would it be alright if you add another pair of chopsticks for me?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan was in high spirits and pulled up a chair to sit down next to them.


    With seven people already there, his addition didn¡¯t make the table feel crowded.


    The waitstaff quickly brought over a set of utensils, and Jiang Zhiyuan, holding a drink, looked at the beauties and then turned to Qin Mu, laughing when he couldn¡¯t help noticing how relaxed she was, "Did you and Yichen really break up?"


    Qin Mu instinctively looked up at him. As they were sitting closest, she scooted her chair a bit before smiling at him and saying, "Yeah."


    Actually, she was a bit baffled. What did he mean by really breaking up?


    "Good for you. Without him, there are plenty of men in Rong City waiting for you. The grass ahead is all blooming for you."


    ...


    Everyone didn¡¯t quite get his point except Qin Mu and Xiaomei. Qin Mu couldn¡¯t smile; she had heard Mu Yichen mention before how Young Master Jiang¡¯s Mandarin wasn¡¯t very good, and today she had seen it for herself.


    Xiaomei¡¯s lips twitched: "Young Master Jiang, your Mandarin is even worse than our colleague¡¯s."


    Jiang Zhiyuan turned his head to look at her, smiling and asking, "Really?"


    A few words of a foreign language amused the foreign girls at the table, and they couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    However, a few of the boys next to them looked somewhat embarrassed. Qin Mu unconsciously pursed her lips, truly wishing someone would come and drag him away right now.


    "Xiaomu, tell me, if you didn¡¯t come back, would a heartless man like Yichen really marry the Jing family¡¯s second young mistress?"


    Qin Mu awkwardly smiled, picked up the wine glass beside her, and took a sip of red wine.


    "You¡¯re asking the wrong person."


    Hearing that familiar voice, everyone reflexively turned to look back; Qin Mu glanced up and saw him. He gave her a cold look and then kicked the leg of the chair next to him: "Go move a chair for yourself."


    Jiang Zhiyuan became displeased upon seeing him and began to act spoiled: "I won¡¯t! This is my spot, you find your own place if you¡¯re late."


    Young Master Jiang, recalling the scene when he woke up that morning, wished he could beat this man to a pulp, but since he couldn¡¯t, he had to find fault with his woman instead. He hadn¡¯t expected him to follow so quickly, angrily holding the back of the chair, refusing to move.


    The few girls watched Young Master Jiang¡¯s ¡¯coquettish¡¯ behavior with fascination, their eyes lighting up.


    "Do you want everyone to know you spent the night with Jing Feng?"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue with him, but once he said that, the table fell silent...


    Xiaomei looked shocked, her eyes nearly popping out, while Qin Mu instinctively moved back again.


    "Damn it! Mu Yi, I hope you two never have a good life!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan, upon seeing everyone¡¯s expressions, immediately stood up, slammed the table, threw down some harsh words, and left.


    Mu Yichen pulled out a chair and sat down, turning to look at the woman next to him who was still shocked by what had happened with Young Master Jiang.


    Qin Mu quickly regained her composure, harmlessly glanced at him once more, then sat up straight, refusing to look at him again.


    Mu Yichen said nothing, and the waiter quickly stepped forward: "President Mu, would you like me to change your tableware?"


    The few girls quietly exchanged glances, then all looked at Mr. Mu.


    "No need!"


    He said, then picked up the wine glass beside her: "I¡¯ll toast to everyone at this table first, I¡¯m paying for this meal."


    Both beauties and handsome guys stood up, except for Qin Mu.

 Chapter 117 - 70 Chen Ge is here again (1)_4

    Chapter 117: 70 Chen Ge is here again (1)_4


    She sat there calmly watching him show off his wealth.


    Just opening his mouth and he¡¯s offering to treat everyone, no wonder Xiaomei immediately ordered a big portion of crayfish and a thousand-dollar fish after he left.


    She couldn¡¯t eat a bite, just watching Xiaomei eat made her feel full.


    Who knows what that girl was thinking, eating with no control as if there would be no next meal.


    "Qinqin, you should eat too, we don¡¯t usually get to eat such big crayfish; even the master doesn¡¯t order them this big for us."


    "Are you trying to say the master is stingy?"


    Qin Mu reacted subconsciously and asked.


    Xiaomei had her mouth full of crayfish and looked at her when she heard this, then blinked: No!


    While shaking her head saying "No" and being eager to eat more crayfish, she couldn¡¯t be bothered to explain.


    After the meal, Qin Mu drove towards the Mu Family home, even though she had bought gifts for the elders, she still didn¡¯t know how to face them.


    But what could she do?


    She had to pick up her daughter!


    Huanhuan must be missing her terribly, and just thinking of Huanhuan made her unconsciously speed up.


    Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua were enjoying the cool in the yard with their granddaughter, with Feng Fanghua and Huanhuan gently swinging on a pink swing and Mu Zihao sitting at a nearby table watching them.


    Qin Mu parked her car at the side, then got out carrying the gifts.


    When Huanhuan saw it was Qin Mu, she immediately pulled her grandmother down from the swing: Mommy, Mommy, Mommy...


    Running all the way to her mother.


    Feng Fanghua stood aside watching: This girl can never forget that woman no matter what.


    "Qingxin doesn¡¯t seem to care about us much. Weren¡¯t you furious because of her?"


    Feng Fanghua gave Mu Zihao a glare, watched Qin Mu coming over with Huanhuan, and sat down in the chair next to Mu Zihao with high regard, looking at Qin Mu as she approached.


    "Uncle, Auntie!"


    "You¡¯re back!"


    Mu Zihao greeted her with a smile.


    "Yes! Oh, this is a gift I brought back from Paris for uncle and auntie."


    It was the most famous perfume in France, a couple¡¯s set for men and women.


    Mu Zihao liked it at first glance: I haven¡¯t used perfume in years.


    "Then you should try it again, uncle. If you like it, I can ask someone to bring a few more bottles back for you."


    Qin Mu immediately said.


    Feng Fanghua naturally liked it too, especially when she saw it was a set for couples. She loved having matching items with Mu Zihao, even their toothbrushes had to be from the same brand, but her face did not show her liking.


    "After being away for so long, you surely didn¡¯t forget to buy a gift for your daughter, did you?"


    Feng Fanghua coldly questioned.


    "Of course, I bought her a gift. Huanhuan¡¯s gift is with me¡ªAuntie, I¡¯d like to take Huanhuan back to sleep with me tonight."


    Qin Mu paused, but still stated her purpose of coming.


    Feng Fanghua immediately looked more displeased: How could you do that?


    "Auntie, please forgive me, but a daughter should be with her mother."


    "Then you ask Huanhuan."


    Feng Fanghua was prepared, knowing Qin Mu was stubborn, she simply left the decision to Huanhuan.


    "Huanhuan, do you want to sleep with Mommy?"


    Qin Mu bent down and looked at her daughter, then crouched beside her and asked softly while holding her little hand.


    "Huanhuan wants to, wants to sleep with Mommy and Daddy, and also with Grandpa and Grandma."


    Huanhuan answered very seriously, but everyone who heard it was not happy, only Mu Zihao laughed and said: There are too many people to fit in one bed, Huanhuan wants to sleep with Mommy and Daddy, right?


    Huanhuan¡¯s pure and big eyes looked at grandpa, then she excitedly nodded hard.


    Qin Mu...


    The night was beautiful, but people were always tangled up in one thing or another.


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t expect this little darling to play out of step; she had clearly taught her to sleep with grandma, but this little darling wanted to sleep with everyone.


    However, just as they were in a dilemma and Qin Mu stubbornly planned to take her away directly, Mu Yichen¡¯s car returned.


    "Mommy, Daddy¡¯s back!"


    Huanhuan saw Mu Yichen¡¯s car and told Qin Mu, and of course, Qin Mu knew it was his car, so she was even more troubled, bending down to pick up Huanhuan immediately.


    "Uncle, Auntie, I¡¯m leaving now!"


    Qin Mu greeted and then carried Huanhuan away.


    "Mommy, Daddy said he likes Huanhuan a lot."


    Huanhuan, hugging Mommy¡¯s neck tenderly, told Qin Mu what Mu Yichen had said to her.


    Just as Qin Mu was about to leave, she saw his car stop right in front of her.


    Mu Yichen got out of the car, looking at her with utmost disdain.


    "Either you stay and accompany Huanhuan, or you sign the agreement and leave here alone. It¡¯s a simple multiple-choice question. Haven¡¯t you decided yet after all this time?"

 Chapter 118 - 70 Chen Ge is here again (1)_5

    Chapter 118: 70 Chen Ge is here again (1)_5


    He heartlessly repeated his request, Qin Mu angrily stared at him and couldn¡¯t help but retort, "It¡¯s just a choice, either leave Huanhuan or get a divorce. What¡¯s your choice?"


    Mu Yichen suddenly laughed, hands on hips as he looked down at his own feet. The light was too dim for him to see what was on the floor. Then, he raised his gaze to her and went forward to forcibly take Huanhuan from her arms.


    "Go find Grandma!"


    He whispered to Huanhuan after giving her a kiss on the cheek.


    As soon as Huanhuan¡¯s feet touched the ground, she ran to find Feng Fanghua. Qin Mu watched in shock. Had the little girl just abandoned her?


    Just as she was about to cry from feeling wronged, Mu Yichen suddenly picked her up.


    "Hey, Mu Yichen, what are you doing? Put me down."


    Feng Fangfei and Mu Zihao stood by with Huanhuan, watching their precious son carry a woman inside.


    He threatened as he walked, "Kick again and I¡¯ll spank you."


    The butler stood at the door, bowing his head when he saw them coming.


    He felt ashamed.


    The bedroom door was slammed shut fiercely.


    "Why aren¡¯t you being coy now? Weren¡¯t you about to go your separate ways?"


    He pressed her for an answer.


    Qin Mu was angry too; it was always like this.


    That night, she didn¡¯t run away but went to her daughter¡¯s room instead.


    While Mu Yichen himself lay on the bed and slept comfortably, feeling as if it had been lifetimes since he had the big bed all to himself. So soft that one just wanted to sleep upon lying down.


    When she woke up in the early morning to the sound of rain outside, Qin Mu opened the curtains to look at the green grass and then went back to lie next to her daughter.


    As soon as Huanhuan opened her eyes and saw her, she happily pressed down on her. One small hand clutched her while the other touched her angular face, "Mommy, good morning."


    "Sweetheart, good morning."


    Qin Mu kissed her daughter¡¯s forehead.


    Mu Yi got jealous as soon as he entered the room; the mother and daughter were too close.


    Despite his jealousy, he had no choice but to lift his daughter up into his arms and then casually sit on the edge of the bed.


    Qin Mu flinched instinctively to protect herself from his movements, and he ended up lying exactly where she had been just before.


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Yi¡¯s actions were so seamless, so dashing...


    Huanhuan giggled, "Daddy, you¡¯re so naughty!"


    "Didn¡¯t we agree to call me ¡¯Dad¡¯ from now on?"


    "Dad, Dad, haha, Daddy!"


    Mu Yi...


    Huanhuan switched around, not sure what to call him anymore, then turned to him with a silly smile and looked back at her beloved Mommy, "Mommy!"


    This time, the name was quite clear.


    Actually, what she called him wasn¡¯t essential, but Qin Mu realized that Mu Yi¡¯s affection for Huanhuan had changed ever since he knew she was his biological daughter.


    Before, he treated Huanhuan well out of obligation. Now, it was genuine affection.


    Qin Mu wondered whether he had secretly regretted not being better to Huanhuan in the past.


    Mu Yi felt her gaze on his face and couldn¡¯t stand it, so he immediately turned to look at her.


    Qin Mu flipped over immediately, facing the wall to contemplate.


    Mu Yi¡¯s lips curled into a light smile: "Dad will pick out clothes for you, okay?"


    "Okay!"


    After placing Huanhuan on the bed and roughing up her soft hair, he went to find clothes for her. Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but turn back around and noticed he wasn¡¯t too bad at these tasks.


    He quickly changed Huanhuan¡¯s clothes.


    However, he wasn¡¯t quite adept at combing hair, and though the auntie offered to help, Mu Yi sent her away. Qin Mu stood by a chair, braiding the little girl¡¯s hair that sat inside.


    She had learned a new hairstyle on the internet recently when she had some free time, perfect for experimenting.


    Mu Yi leaned against the cupboard, his tall figure enviable.


    Huanhuan held a little mirror, happy and constantly admiring the hairstyle her mother had done.


    "Do you like it?"


    Qin Mu asked after finishing.


    "Love it, thank you, Mommy!"


    Huanhuan gently touched her hair with one hand and turned back to speak to her mommy.


    Mission accomplished, her daughter was satisfied, and she proudly turned to look at Mu Yi. He gave her a calm glance.


    Not long after, Feng Fangfei came to take Huanhuan away. He pulled her hand, and they returned to the bedroom.


    "What are you doing? I have to go!"


    He said nothing but just pulled her in front of a chest of drawers, then opened one and took out a ring.


    Qin Mu instinctively pulled her hand back, "What are you doing?"


    "Put it back on!"


    "I won¡¯t!"


    Qin Mu immediately backed away several steps, with both hands in her pants pockets, cautious of him.


    "Don¡¯t make me repeat myself a third time. Put it back on; this is the last chance I¡¯m giving you."


    "I don¡¯t need your chance, goodbye!"

 Chapter 119 - 70 Chen Ge is here again (1)_6

    Chapter 119: 70 Chen Ge is here again (1)_6


    Qin Mu finished speaking, turned around, and strode out.


    Mu Yichen turned to look at the still-open drawer, this woman was completely unfazed by threats.


    He had been so serious, yet she had managed to avoid the topic with such ease.


    Did she really understand that he wouldn¡¯t let her go?


    As soon as he descended the stairs, he saw his mother watching him, and Mu Yichen lowered his head and chuckled, "Mom, when did you become someone who enjoys watching the excitement?"


    "Your father says that if the two of you keep arguing, you¡¯ll argue another grandson into existence for me, so here I am, waiting with nothing to do but enjoy the show," she replied.


    Mu Yichen examined his mother, who always dressed modestly and elegantly but whose temperament he found to be somewhat...


    Like Qin Mu?


    He was startled by this realization.


    Today, he wore a white shirt, carried a suit jacket over his shoulder, hooked by a finger as he walked out the door.


    Standing outside, he looked up and couldn¡¯t help but squint into the sky, wondering where she was now. His open palm revealed a ring that sparkled blindingly in the sunlight.


    When Qin Mu arrived at the studio, a person from the film company was there looking for her. Xiaomei whispered in her ear, "They¡¯ve been waiting for you for quite a while, seems like they¡¯re here to discuss a movie role with you."


    Qin Mu raised an eyebrow subconsciously and headed to the parlor.


    A top-notch agent was already sitting there waiting for her, having helped himself to some tea earlier.


    "Miss Qin!"


    "Hello!"


    Qin Mu approached, and the top agent stood up to shake hands with her politely.


    The light handshake between the two was followed by them sitting down opposite each other.


    Qin Mu looked at the man who seemed to be under forty. She had heard of him because he brought Jing Qing to fame.


    "I won¡¯t beat around the bush. I came here today because I saw the ads Miss Qin filmed, and I believe you have great potential. I want to be your agent. I can get you the best scripts to perform, and I guarantee you¡¯d be famous worldwide within two years," he said.


    "But my ambition lies elsewhere."


    "You can still design your clothes while acting; it would be good promotion for yourself."


    "That might interfere with my inspiration."


    "What are you afraid of? Once you¡¯ve made money, inspiration will come naturally. You design dresses for celebrities year-round, but how much do you make? Of course, compared to ordinary office workers, you¡¯re on another level, but if you compare yourself to actors, it¡¯s just a drop in the ocean."


    "Actually, our industry isn¡¯t as pitiful as you think. And no matter the money, I love my job."


    The man hadn¡¯t expected Qin Mu to remain so obstinate and unconsciously furrowed his brow, "So, Miss Qin, have you decided to stay in this industry for life?"


    "Yes, to be honest, the reason why I took on those ads was to support this career," she admitted.


    "I¡¯ve never seen such a foolish girl. You¡¯re so beautiful, and your ads are so popular. Why not brand yourself as a star? I¡¯ve heard you¡¯re on good terms with President Mu, and he has always favored glamorous women."


    "But I just want to be myself."


    After she spoke, she picked up the tea and took a gentle sip, still smiling, but inside she couldn¡¯t help but wonder, just how many glamorous girls had Mu Yichen liked in the past?


    Meanwhile, the agent failed to persuade Qin Mu, but news of his efforts reached Jing Qing¡¯s ears, and she stopped working.


    At noon, Qin Mu was called to AM for a meal by Qin Mingzhu, who said she wanted to talk.


    Qin Mu knew that if she refused, she¡¯d only be bothered more later, so she went. To her surprise, as soon as she sat down, she saw Jing Qing walking up arm in arm with Mu Yichen.


    Jing Qing had dressed up especially and wore a dress with a plunging neckline that would catch a man¡¯s eye upon looking down. Her long hair was tucked behind her ears, showcasing her excellently maintained facial features.


    She was merely walking up ordinary steps but managed to exude the same aura as if she were on the red carpet.


    Qin Mingzhu sat across from Qin Mu and couldn¡¯t help sneaking a laugh at the expression on her face when she saw the couple, then lifted her juice to drink while feigning innocence.


    "Hey, Qin Mu!"


    Qin Mu came back to his senses, but didn¡¯t rush to look back at her. Instead, he slowly turned his eyes, and his gaze shot right into Qin Mingzhu¡¯s eyes.


    "What are you glaring at me for? Although my dad wants me to get along with you peacefully, I¡¯m telling you, I absolutely won¡¯t do that."


    Qin Mingzhu, seeing her cold and sharp gaze, felt a bit scared and her voice lacked a bit of confidence.


    "Did you ask me here just to say this?"


    Qin Mu asked indifferently, showing no interest in what she said.


    "Yichen, it¡¯s been so long since we last ate together!"


    Mu Yichen, dressed in a black suit looking very formal, didn¡¯t speak but walked upstairs with Jing Qing, and Qin Mu¡¯s gaze followed them subconsciously.


    When he reached the top of the stairs and turned the corner, he glanced down, and Qin Mu stealthily moved her eyes away.


    Qin Mingzhu, secretly observing Qin Mu¡¯s expression, then said, "I heard from Sister Qing that Grandpa Jing is having dinner with Brother Yichen. It seems they¡¯re going to discuss something important."


    Only then did Qin Mu look up at her again and gently lifted the wine glass in front of her.


    Qin Mingzhu thought she hadn¡¯t revealed anything, but how could Qin Mu not know her little schemes?


    "I heard Brother Yichen dumped you? Hey, does it feel bad?"


    Qin Mingzhu looked as if she was gloating.


    "What¡¯s it to you?"


    Qin Mu asked back, neither light nor heavy, as her sharp eyes shot towards her again.


    "Of course, it¡¯s none of my business, but I just love seeing you unhappy."


    Qin Mingzhu said and couldn¡¯t help but laugh out loud.


    "On that point, we are a bit similar. I too just love seeing you unhappy."


    Qin Mu also smiled, but hers was deeper than hers.


    "You..."


    "What? Ms. Qin, do you want to argue with me, or do you want to practice a bit?"


    "You..."


    "If it¡¯s about talking, your skills are still too shallow, and if it¡¯s about strength, you¡¯re not as strong as me, are you?"


    Qin Mu said, raising her eyebrows and glancing at Qin Mingzhu¡¯s side face.


    Qin Mingzhu subconsciously raised her hand to cover half of her face, immediately recalling the scene where Qin Mu slapped her and her face suddenly hurt as if feeling it all over again.


    "You know your dad is trying to make it up to me. If you want to stay in the Qin Family without trouble, then behave yourself; otherwise, I¡¯ll report you to Qin Haiming, and then whether you can remain in the Qin Family, or get sent abroad for decades like I was... tsk tsk tsk, you really are pitiful."


    Having said that, Qin Mu stood up, leaned her shoulder close to her, and mocked her just right.


    After speaking, she picked up her bag and left. As for the dinner, she had no appetite.


    But what annoyed her was not Qin Mingzhu, but that man. Last night he was with her, and today he was pulling and dragging with another woman. What important matter?


    The most important matter for Grandpa Jing is to marry his granddaughter to Mu Yichen.


    Qin Mu was starting to feel irritated, but when she wanted to drive back, she found that her car tire was flat.


    The staff apologized profusely to her, and without saying anything else, she waited for them to change the tire before driving away.


    Qin Mu felt that she was really having bad luck today, so bad that she was about to faint.


    Yet, what she didn¡¯t expect was that he went to her studio after finishing drinks with Grandpa Jing. She was lying there, flipping through a book and stewing in her mood, when he quietly pushed open the door, entered, and after closing it, slowly walked over to sit on the edge of the bed.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes went wide as she stared at him and his thick-skinned presence on the edge of her bed: "President Mu, have you come to the wrong place?"


    "Have I? I wasn¡¯t aware of that."


    He glanced back at her and then took the ring she hadn¡¯t accepted in the morning out of his suit pocket and gently placed it on the bedside table next to her.

 Chapter 120 - 71 Chen Ge is here again (2)_1

    Chapter 120: 71 Chen Ge is here again (2)_1


    Qin Mu subconsciously followed his hand with her gaze, then immediately turned away, no longer in the mood for jokes or sarcasm.


    "Take it back, I don¡¯t want it."


    "You can give it back to me on the day we get divorced."


    "You keep talking about divorce, but you won¡¯t let me see Huanhuan!"


    Angered, she snapped the book shut, tossing it aside, and sat up to confront him.


    She was truly infuriated, unable to stop herself from yelling at him.


    "If I didn¡¯t say that, wouldn¡¯t you have immediately gone with me to the civil affairs bureau?"


    He gave a bitter smile, looking at her pale face with his body to the side.


    "I..., you... are simply being unreasonable."


    Her brain throbbed with anger.


    He lounged behind her, his dark eyes gazing at the room¡¯s simple lighting fixtures.


    "Why were you having dinner with Qin Mingzhu?"


    He suddenly remembered the incident from noon and asked her.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes shifted subtly, realizing then that he had seen her but had simply chosen not to greet her.


    She had thought he hadn¡¯t seen her, huh.


    But remembering that he was with Jing Qing at that time, she didn¡¯t want to waste words with him, so she remained silent.


    "Mind your own business, and I¡¯ll mind mine. From now on, you go your way, and I¡¯ll cross my own bridge."


    She refused to answer his question, bitterly drawing a line between them.


    "Jealous?"


    "Ha, do you think I¡¯m a child? Spending all day being jealous and nothing else?"


    Qin Mu turned her face away, not wanting to look at him, nor wanting him to see her.


    "What can I do to make you happy?"


    "Don¡¯t bother! Just go away!"


    She still wanted to push him away. Some words were on the tip of her tongue, but as soon as she remembered she didn¡¯t want him, she immediately pushed him away again.


    "Mumu, I can¡¯t leave anymore!"


    His dark hawk-like eyes gazed at her, sinking deeper.


    Some words seemed to have been said many times, but each time they were more heartbreaking to the listener.


    "Qinqin, there¡¯s a client here to see you in person."


    Xiaomei stood at the door with a notebook in her arms, knocking to remind her.


    Without any hesitation, Qin Mu left upon hearing the voice.


    ¡ª¡ª


    As Qin Mu stepped out, she saw a meticulously dressed middle-aged woman standing there, oozing a sense of superiority.


    "That lady there, she said she wants you to personally design a suit for her husband."


    "Have you checked my recent schedule?" Qin Mu asked Xiaomei softly.


    "Well, there are a couple of days. We can make the draft for her, two days should be enough, right?" Xiaomei wasn¡¯t fond of the matron, even though she was clad head to toe in designer brands.


    The two stood in a dim area, so the matron couldn¡¯t see or hear them whispering. After mulling over it for a moment, Qin Mu, reasoning that it would be foolish to turn down money, approached the woman.


    "Hello!"


    The matron turned her head upon hearing the voice, then gave a faint smile: "Are you Qin Mu?"


    "Yes! I heard you specifically asked for me to personally design a gown for you?"


    Qin Mu, observing the woman¡¯s expression, knew she wasn¡¯t very fond of her and didn¡¯t particularly care to understand why, took a seat opposite the matron and subconsciously assessed the woman¡¯s demeanor.


    Hmm, her midlife aloofness was almost impeccably manifested.


    "I¡¯ve heard that even the Jing Family¡¯s second young miss has had gowns designed by you. My husband¡¯s birthday is in a few days, please design an evening dress for me. The color should not be too flashy, yet vibrant; not too long, that¡¯s cumbersome, but not too short either. As for the style, well, I can¡¯t articulate that, that¡¯s the designer¡¯s job."


    Qin Mu lowered her eyes, a smile still on her face but her mind involuntarily guessing the reason behind this woman¡¯s request for her services.


    It seemed like she looked down on her; could it really just be celebrity influence?


    "Your requirements are not excessive at all; I can fulfill them all, but¡ª, Xiaomei, why don¡¯t you discuss the price with this lady first?"


    Qin Mu offered a hundred percent sincere smile as she said this, but her tone chilled at the end.


    Xiaomei immediately stepped forward: "Of course!"


    "You two go ahead and talk." Qin Mu smiled and glanced at the matron, then turned and walked away, giving Xiaomei a meaningful look.


    Understanding the signal, Xiaomei, mindful of Qin Mu¡¯s rules for handling difficult clients, sat down with the price list: "Please take a look at this. All of our designers have their rates listed here. It¡¯s not necessarily only Miss Qin you have to work with; our other designers have also created gowns for many international celebrities."


    The matron was stunned when she saw the price list: "Why is she so expensive?"


    "Expensive? This is the standard rate we offer to regular clients. The last time an actress came to Miss Qin for a design, she paid ten times this amount, and they are practically sisters."

 Chapter 121 - 71 Chen Ge is here again (2)_2

    Chapter 121: 71 Chen Ge is here again (2)_2


    The wealthy lady suddenly had her mouth agape, looking as if her jaw was about to become dislocated.


    Afterward, the wealthy lady walked out while on the phone, seemingly looking for someone to trouble, Qin Mu and Xiaomei stood by the window watching, and after the wealthy lady got into her car, Qin Mu said, "Next time she comes, have her sign a contract and pay before she looks for me."


    "Ah?"


    Doubt hung in Qin Mu¡¯s eyes, she didn¡¯t even think highly of this woman.


    Even if the wealthy lady had offered her the price she asked for, Qin Mu didn¡¯t think it was a good deal, and she was even more suspicious of the woman¡¯s intentions.


    Why insist on her?


    Or was there some unspeakable ulterior motive?


    Qin Mu turned to walk outside, while Xiaomei, still standing by the window, glanced at the expensive imported car and unconsciously pouted her lips, feeling a bit strange as well.


    This wealthy lady looked down on their family yet still came, huh!


    Qin Mu intended to return to her room but, on glancing up at that door, she suddenly remembered that Mu Yichen was still there and immediately turned towards his office instead.


    When it was time, everyone said their goodbyes and left for the day, even Xiaomei, and Qin Mu leaned against the office doorway looking at the neighboring door before letting out a resigned sigh.


    Had he fallen asleep?


    Or had he left?


    For some reason, her heart began to tense up.


    She stepped forward and knocked on the door.


    "Mu Yichen, I¡¯m going to lock the door!"


    She didn¡¯t even push the door open herself, just reminded him from outside the door.


    Thinking of the ring he had taken off and left there, she didn¡¯t want to enter anymore.


    There was no response inside, Qin Mu lifted her gaze, her long eyelashes fluttered slightly, and then she gently pushed the door open to find him leaning against the headboard, half reclined.


    He had fallen asleep!


    Qin Mu quietly approached, looking down at his exceptionally handsome face, even though his arms hid everything above his eyes.


    But she still thought he was incredibly good-looking!


    Subconsciously crouching before him, she continued to gaze at him, thinking how nice it would be if it could last forever?


    But life doesn¡¯t have so many everlasting moments; the only person who can accompany you until the end is yourself.


    Those words were cold but true.


    For she suddenly remembered what Feng Fanghua had said to her.


    "I feel the decision made before was perhaps too hasty; our Mu Family might not be able to bear your weight."


    "You should move out first, and we can talk about the rest later, okay?"


    She didn¡¯t blame the elder for making such a decision because if she had a choice, she wouldn¡¯t choose a girl like her either, over a stable life.


    Some decisions require great courage.


    And at a certain age, one has come to prefer stability.


    But what about her and him?


    Mu Yichen, do you know how I feel every time you take me to your house?


    Mu Yichen, you¡¯re actually really good, very good!


    She kept gazing at him so intently that she couldn¡¯t help but raise her hand to grasp his, laying her own hand gently in his palm, and when she lowered her gaze, she saw the ring on his hand.


    He was still wearing it.


    Her fingers lingered lightly on his ring for a while, but just as she was about to leave, she subconsciously lifted her gaze.


    "Leaving after flirting?"


    Qin Mu thought to herself, who flirted with you?


    But then she ran out of words to say, slowly standing up, allowing him to hold her hand, "So what would President Mu like to do?"


    "What do you think?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh softly, feeling as if an adult was amused by a child¡¯s innocence.


    "What? Is it difficult for you?"


    He slowly withdrew his hand, his dark eagle eyes immediately capturing hers, and her expression from just moments ago vanished instantly, "Yes, a bit!"


    "A bit?" President Mu questioned her in a deep voice.


    Mu Yichen realized she was infuriatingly naughty.


    She wouldn¡¯t enter his room again once she left it, and now that everyone had gone home, she remembered to call for him only when she was about to lock the door.


    He had indeed taken a nap and knew she was there; he felt slightly better knowing that, but the feeling that he could never quite catch her made him very melancholy.


    "Can¡¯t you stop being stubborn? Can¡¯t you just stay with me for a while?"


    His deep voice asked her, filled with patience and indulgence for her.


    "No, I¡¯m hungry now!"


    After saying that, she briskly shook his hand off and walked out.


    "Are you planning to order takeout?"


    President Mu got up, leaned with both hands on the edge of the bed, and asked with a helpless look as he lowered his head.


    Qin Mu was already at the door, supporting herself on the doorframe as she turned back to look at him, "How did you know?"


    "Haven¡¯t I told you that you don¡¯t need to eat that junk food when I¡¯m with you?"


    "How can takeout be considered junk food? Besides, even parents can¡¯t look after their child¡¯s every meal; how could you possibly take such good care of me?"


    After asking that, she gave him a look indicating her point was made, and then she turned and left.

 Chapter 122 - 71 Chen Ge is here again (2)_3

    Chapter 122: 71 Chen Ge is here again (2)_3


    Mu Yichen had no choice but to follow her out and intercepted her on the stairs, "If you keep being so stubborn, I really might have to kidnap you."


    "..."


    Qin Mu looked at him in surprise. His tone was mild, yet she felt that he might truly do such a thing.


    "Come home with me, and whatever you want to eat, I¡¯ll cook for you."


    Qin Mu looked up at him, "Can you send Huanhuan over to me? I¡¯ll eat with you every day from now on."


    Only then did Mu Yichen look at her seriously, and upon seeing the calculations in her eyes, he couldn¡¯t help but let out a chuckle.


    "You¡¯d see her if you came home, wouldn¡¯t you?"


    He reminded her, getting angry at her apparent determination not to enter their house again.


    "How could that be possible?"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh, then stood on the same step as her, "So, are you willing to come home with me now?"


    "I don¡¯t want to!"


    He didn¡¯t know that his parents were no longer as keen for them to be together as they had been before. The elders were watching to see if she could stand up to the Jing Family, and that would determine whether they wanted her as the Mu Family¡¯s daughter-in-law.


    "Why not? I can let you tuck our daughter into bed."


    "I should be sleeping with my daughter anyway, why do I need your permission?"


    "Why do you have to be so argumentative?"


    Only the two of them were left in the room within the entire studio.


    "Mu Yichen, what kind of skill is it to bully a woman?"


    "Bully you?"


    He raised an eyebrow, stubbornly smiling at her, "Not going back to the Mu family with me?"


    "When will you bring Huanhuan back to me?"


    "You don¡¯t have the time to take care of her anyway."


    Qin Mu fixed her gaze on him as if resigning herself to the fate of Huanhuan, sighing unconsciously, her smile somewhat forced.


    "But she¡¯s happy here."


    "There are more people who like being with you than just her. Why don¡¯t you consider what¡¯s in front of you?"


    "How can that be the same? I am her mother."


    "And you are my wife too, you should understand your responsibilities and who is closer."


    No matter how she thought about it, she felt there was something wrong with his thinking. Huanhuan came from her womb, while he... he shared no blood relation with her.


    But Mu Yi didn¡¯t think so.


    When the two of them left the studio, they saw a somewhat familiar car parked outside, with Liu Jingyuan inside.


    Mu Yichen was still holding onto Qin Mu¡¯s hand, and when he saw Liu Jingyuan¡¯s car, he instinctively turned back and gave Qin Mu an intimate look. Her heart tightened, feeling that this had nothing to do with her.


    She hadn¡¯t asked anyone to wait here for him.


    Liu Jingyuan, upon seeing them come out, didn¡¯t hide but got out of his car to greet them.


    "Mr. Mu, it¡¯s been a while."


    "How could it be a while? Didn¡¯t we just contend for that plot of land to the east¡ª oh, that¡¯s right, I haven¡¯t yet had the chance to congratulate Mr. Liu for acquiring that land."


    "I should be thanking Mr. Mu for yielding."


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart jumped fiercely. Had he really lost that bid?


    Mu Yichen sneered, "To say I yielded is too much, but indeed, I wasn¡¯t very keen on that land."


    "Maybe Mr. Mu wasn¡¯t keen on it, but for me, it¡¯s a treasure."


    As Liu Jingyuan said this, he nodded towards Qin Mu in greeting, and she, frightened, could only muster a weak smile in return.


    Why did she feel like Mr. Liu was here to ruin her day?


    "Then I wish Mr. Liu good luck, we are leaving!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even ask why Liu Jingyuan was standing there, being rather dismissive, and after speaking, he pulled Qin Mu away with him.


    Qin Mu numbly let him lead her onto the car, and as Liu Jingyuan turned to look at Mu Yichen¡¯s limited-edition sports car driving away, his gaze drifted off with it.


    Many times, he didn¡¯t know what he was holding on to.


    Meanwhile, on the road, Qin Mu sat beside him in silence, her eyes hidden behind dense lashes.


    After a long drive, she finally spoke, "Did Jing Xianzong still give the land to someone else?"


    "Mm!"


    His response was faint, as if he was reflecting on other matters and not what she was thinking about.


    It wasn¡¯t until they arrived back at the apartment and he looked up to see her staring at him with a wounded expression.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Why don¡¯t you go apologize to the Jing Family? Since you need them."


    "Why should I apologize? When have I ever needed them?"


    In the face of her questioning, Mu Yichen was even more puzzled.


    The two of them stood frozen in the spacious living room, their frowns deepening.


    Even though the lights were on and the room was brightly illuminated, Qin Mu felt as if she couldn¡¯t see him clearly.


    "Are you talking about losing that plot of land to Liu Jingyuan in the bidding? I never intended to go after that land. The Jing Family just assumed I was very keen on it. By giving it to Liu Jingyuan, all they did was rid me of a hot potato."

 Chapter 123 - 71 Chen Ge is here again (2)_4

    Chapter 123: 71 Chen Ge is here again (2)_4


    "Really?"


    Qin Mu still couldn¡¯t believe it.


    "I¡¯m a businessman, I don¡¯t go easy when it comes to interests. If that piece of land was so good, I¡¯d never allow it, and the Jing Family isn¡¯t as capable as you think to block my businesses."


    "But..."


    "Did your parents say something to you again?"


    He suddenly stepped forward and asked.


    Qin Mu instinctively avoided his gaze, "No! It¡¯s just something I thought of myself."


    "The old man from the Jing Family has been retired for many years. Even if he had many connections, as a businessman, they can¡¯t trouble me. As for Jing Xianzong, with the financial and material resources the Mu Family has created for this city today, he wouldn¡¯t dare touch me."


    His eyes were so calm and uncompelled, Qin Mu felt like the distance between them was growing ever larger.


    "You might as well think of your husband as the sole king of Rongcheng. You don¡¯t have to worry about him getting hurt because of you."


    As he said this, his hand rose up, and his fingers gently touched her cheek.


    "Hmm, it seems I was overthinking it!"


    She laughed!


    He laughed too, and his eyes slowly began to shine.


    "I¡¯m going to prepare dinner."


    He said with a smile, giving her sly look a deep glance before turning and heading to the kitchen.


    Qin Mu watched his figure disappear at the kitchen entrance and sighed unconsciously.


    Then she turned and walked to the sofa, gently sitting down.


    It had been a long time since she had been here, and a long time since she had seen him cook. She looked towards the kitchen but didn¡¯t feel like going over to watch; instead, she quietly sat on the sofa like a well-behaved guest, flipping through a magazine from last month.


    She thought, he probably hadn¡¯t been back in a while either.


    He seemed to be living at the Mu Family¡¯s house most of the time now, and she heard that he often kept Huanhuan company.


    He made soup, and while waiting for the soup, he sat on a single sofa dealing with emails, looking like a queen on the long sofa, supporting her head with her hand and watching him thoughtfully.


    Once again, she was captivated by his stunning beauty.


    And that men at work, when they calmed down and concentrated, were really damn attractive.


    During the meal, she was also very polite. Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but raise his eyes and watch her for several seconds before he frowned and said while setting up the bowls and chopsticks, "Do you plan to keep acting like this with me?"


    "Huh?"


    "We¡¯ve slept together, and we have a daughter, and now you act all polite with me?"


    With bewildered almond-shaped eyes, she looked at him for a while before smiling faintly, "Although I thought about drawing boundaries with you, I¡¯m clear in my heart we can¡¯t truly draw them. If I run into trouble, I¡¯ll still need to ask for your help."


    "Since you know that, what¡¯s all this for?"


    He looked down at her, his hands gently resting on the table, waiting for the host to take the first bite.


    Qin Mu instinctively followed his gaze down to herself, then immediately picked up her bowl and chopsticks.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, "In front of me, you don¡¯t have to be so prim and proper because I know what you¡¯re really like, and no matter how polite you are to me, I¡¯ll never be polite to you."


    He spoke earnestly, rigorously, and his face was expressionless.


    Qin Mu felt like she was being reprimanded like a child.


    Then he quite disrespectfully dropped a sentence and stopped paying her any attention.


    Dissatisfied, Qin Mu started eating her meal. It had been a long time since she had eaten food cooked by President Mu, and she really missed it.


    Moreover, she felt like crying from the first bite but held back, and instead, she laughed.


    She used her smile to hide her urge to cry, thinking her acting skills weren¡¯t bad.


    "Can you ask your family to bring Huanhuan over? I¡¯ll stay for the night to keep you company!"


    "You want to stay with me for the night and yet you want to call for our daughter?"


    She suddenly asked while he was cleaning dishes in the kitchen after dinner.


    "I¡¯ve already called home."


    "Mu Yichen, I knew you¡¯re the best to me, mwa!"


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, raising his hand to rub his brow.


    This woman, she¡¯s really going to be the death of him.


    The Mu Family wasn¡¯t actually too domineering to keep Huanhuan away from her; they just wouldn¡¯t let Huanhuan live with her anymore. Qin Mu felt the Mu Family was actually saving her effort in this way, so that was why she hadn¡¯t forcibly fought with the Mu Family for Huanhuan.


    The elders had many reservations about her, but they acknowledged their granddaughter and treated her very well.


    When Mu Yichen finished reading emails and returned to the room, he saw Qin Mu and Huanhuan sprawling on the bed and playing. Huanhuan had been at the daycare for a few days and couldn¡¯t wait to show off her new skills to her mother.

 Chapter 124 - 71 Chen Ge is here again (2)_5

    Chapter 124: 71 Chen Ge is here again (2)_5


    Upon seeing Mu Yichen¡¯s arrival, Huanhuan immediately squatted down next to her mom, then looked at him with a beaming smile and a shy little expression.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but smile, walked over and sat down next to them, and asked, unable to resist teasing as he looked at his daughter¡¯s bashful demeanor: What¡¯s the matter? Are you feeling shy with daddy?


    "Daddy, don¡¯t bully Mommy!"


    Remembering the question Qin Mu had charged her with, Huanhuan had taken her time to formulate her words. When she spoke, she even raised her hand to point at her own neck.


    Mu Yichen said nothing, but looked at her with a patient gaze.


    Later, as Huanhuan fell asleep between them, he was still staring at her; Qin Mu pretended to be asleep but felt uncomfortable, so she eventually opened her eyes and glared at him angrily: What are you looking at? You¡¯ve been staring all night.


    "You¡¯re so foolish!"


    Qin Mu...


    "You¡¯re the foolish one!"


    "Indeed, else why haven¡¯t I settled the account with you about Huanhuan yet?"


    Qin Mu...


    But hadn¡¯t he already had a fierce argument with her the last time they quarreled? Wasn¡¯t that his way of settling accounts with her?


    "How do you want to settle the accounts? Do you think I¡¯d go easy on you?"


    Qin Mu softly retorted, remembering the time she was pregnant with Huanhuan.


    However, she had no intention of dwelling on the details of her past life, after all, the past was the past.


    And there were some ¡¯little things¡¯ in everyone¡¯s hearts they didn¡¯t want to touch upon; living in the present, they must know not to dwell on the past because there just wasn¡¯t the time for it.


    In this fast-paced era, they had to live every second to the fullest.


    This was the case for Qin Mu; the hardships of her past were both profound and inconsequential to her.


    "Then tell me about how hard it¡¯s been for you, I¡¯m listening."


    His voice was also very low.


    "I won¡¯t tell, there¡¯s nothing to say, I¡¯m tired."


    She turned her body, not even having the courage to look at her again.


    Mu Yichen later quietly returned their daughter to her own room.


    Just now, as he quietly took his daughter away, she suddenly remembered those unhappy memories from the past and felt somewhat weak all over.


    The night was very peaceful.


    The next morning, CEO Mu personally cooked breakfast, and after eating, he drove her and their daughter to the studio.


    After Qin Mu got out of the car, he rested his hand on the steering wheel and admonished her: If you don¡¯t want her to go back to the Mu Family, just refuse when her grandmother comes to pick her up; if she tries to take her away by force, call me.


    "Okay! Be careful on the road."


    Suddenly, he relented, not making it difficult for her anymore, not forbidding her to see her daughter.


    He had returned Huanhuan to her once more.


    Qin Mu subconsciously looked down at Huanhuan. Xiaomei, seeing her from the window, stood on her tiptoes and waved at her vigorously, so Huanhuan jumped down from Qin Mu¡¯s arms and ran inside.


    With an amused smile, she followed her daughter inside with her bag on her back.


    At ten o¡¯clock in the morning, the noblewoman visited their studio again and agreed to Qin Mu¡¯s request.


    Yet, her eyes kept landing on the little girl sitting with Xiaomei; the girl was holding a chubby doll, yet looking up at her as if she were some kind of strange creature.


    "This little girl is..."


    "Oh, this is our little princess."


    Xiaomei immediately turned around and hugged Huanhuan without saying much.


    The wealthy lady frowned because she had heard that Qin Mu had a daughter with President Mu.


    "Can you now let your Miss Qin come down and talk to me?"


    Xiaomei glanced at her and, without losing politeness, continued to speak with a smile, "If you agree to all our requirements, we now need to sign a contract, and then you¡¯ll pay. We will design the gown for you, and a high-efficiency garment factory will make it. You can pick it up before your husband¡¯s birthday, or we can deliver it¡ªeither is OK."


    "What? Pay first?"


    "Yes! If you have no objections, please take a look at our contract first."


    The wealthy lady reluctantly picked up the contract Xiaomei had sent over and read a few lines. When she saw the amount, she immediately looked up, "Why is the price different from what was discussed last time?"


    "Because recently, Miss Qin¡¯s value has risen a lot since then, and in a while, it may even double."


    "Isn¡¯t that a bit of an exaggeration?"


    The lady put the contract aside, asking unhappily.


    "You are now using our chief designer. If you were using our Master Jian, the designer, the price would be more than five times this amount."


    Although Jian Yan¡¯s prices had never been made public, some well-off individuals could guess that they would undoubtedly be astronomical.


    Qin Mu had started this design studio in the name of Jian Yan, and also, she was his only apprentice.


    The wealthy lady thought for a moment, then stood up with her phone, "I need to make a phone call."


    "Please, go ahead."


    The wealthy lady got up and walked outside.


    Xiaomei, holding Huanhuan, watched the woman making the call and couldn¡¯t help thinking, who was this woman calling at this moment?


    After signing the contract and paying the money, the wealthy lady still had not seen Qin Mu.


    Once Qin Mu saw the money was in the account, she began planning the gown¡¯s design with real dedication.


    As for everything else, she had to be very careful.


    Because she didn¡¯t know if someone would come to her for a design one day and then scam her again.


    After all, her enemies were too powerful now.


    When Xiaomei went to bring her coffee, she said, "I just looked her up online, and she comes from a respectable scholarly family in the city. She is now the matron of the Yang Family in Western City. It¡¯s said her husband has had affairs for a long time, but because she gave birth to two sons, they have maintained their marriage."


    "The internet even has this information?"


    Qin Mu was startled, immediately thinking of herself. Could it be that she was now searchable on Baidu as well?


    "Yes, I looked up my own name on a whim, and thankfully, they didn¡¯t have me on there."


    Qin Mu instinctively wanted to check her own. Her big eyes were filled with thoughts.


    "But there is something about you. You should check it yourself, I need to go out now."


    Xiaomei joyfully left after speaking. Only after Xiaomei had gone did Qin Mu look away and silently put down her pen to open the computer, which displayed a design drawing she was coloring. She closed it and then opened Baidu to search for Qin Mu.


    She had not expected to really appear on Baidu, with such detailed information.


    Aside from details of her life in Paris, which daughter she was, her height, weight, education, her master, her background, and her pale love history, President Mu was the biggest draw.


    There was also Huanhuan, described as a suspected biological daughter, uncertain.


    And all their photos were there.


    She leaned back into her chair gently, feeling her head buzzing as she looked at the contents of the Baidu entry.


    At the bottom, there was a note stating she was currently the only girl who had moved into the Mu Family residence, very likely to have outcompeted Jing Qing to become the true lady of the Mu family.

 Chapter 125 - 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_1

    Chapter 125: 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_1


    She thought she had been on this search for a while now.


    Because she had already moved out of the Mu Family.


    Around noon, Helian Hao came to find her, and Qin Mu mentioned to her the matter of the Yang Family matriarch. Helian Hao frowned upon hearing it, "Which Yang Family matriarch? The Yang Family of Western City?"


    "Yes!"


    "She came to you for a dress design?"


    "Yes!"


    "How did she find you? She has good relationships with the women of the Jing Family and the Qin Family. Moreover, she even took in Jing Qing as her goddaughter two years ago."


    Qin Mu...


    Xiaomei brought in desserts and tea from outside, and seeing Qin Mu and Helian Hao sitting in the couch with heavy expressions, she couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Is everything okay?"


    "It¡¯s okay!"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes and responded subconsciously.


    Right after Xiaomei left, Helian Hao turned to look at her deep in thought and said, "Have you signed a contract with her? You should break it off quickly; she definitely means to harm you."


    "It¡¯s too late!"


    She said calmly, watching Helian Hao¡¯s anxious expression.


    "Too late?"


    Helian Hao was puzzled.


    "The money has already been transferred!"


    Helian Hao...


    "And what¡¯s meant to come will always find a way. In Rongcheng, I am passive. I only have to react to moves as they come!"


    As she said this, Qin Mu stood up and walked to the window, frowning slightly as she looked outside.


    She always felt that there was something off about the Yang Family matriarch and had not expected that she was indeed involved with certain people.


    However, as long as she truly intended to prepare a gown for her husband¡¯s birthday celebration, Qin Mu didn¡¯t have much reason to refuse. At worst, she¡¯d just follow each step closely.


    Helian Hao asked her if she wanted to give Jing Feng a heads-up to check if this was related to Jing Qing, but Qin Mu declined.


    Because if Jing Qing was so obedient to Jing Feng, she wouldn¡¯t keep picking fights with her.


    That evening, Mu Yichen came to take her and her daughter back to the apartment. Qin Mu, leading Huanhuan, stood at the door to see Xiaomei and the others off before addressing him, "Why have you come again?"


    "Huanhuan, goodbye!"


    Qin Mu had barely said a word when Xiaomei, who had gotten into the car, reached out to wave goodbye to Huanhuan.


    "Bye Aunt Xiaomei!"


    Huanhuan also raised her hand and waved, while Xiaomei didn¡¯t forget to wink at her playfully, making Qin Mu want to hurl her high heels straight into her mouth.


    Since buying the car, she had rarely driven it; it seemed to have become communal property instead.


    "Of course I had to come. I couldn¡¯t let you and your daughter live on takeout. Get in the car; I¡¯ve already bought groceries and will make your favorite dishes tonight."


    Upon hearing those words, Huanhuan couldn¡¯t help but go down the steps first, then turned back when she realized her mother wasn¡¯t following.


    Qin Mu sighed helplessly, looking at her daughter¡¯s pure, wide eyes, she really didn¡¯t have the heart to feed her daughter synthetic meat when beef was available. Reluctantly, she followed him into the car.


    After getting back, he put the fresh ingredients in the kitchen and called out to Qin Mu.


    "You sit here and wait for me, I need to see what your father wants."


    Upon hearing his voice, Qin Mu looked inside, instructing her daughter and turning on the TV to the animation channel before heading to the kitchen.


    "What is it?"


    Qin Mu curiously asked him, grabbing the door frame.


    "After this, it¡¯s Jing Feng¡¯s birthday. You¡¯re coming with me."


    "Jing Feng¡¯s birthday? Doesn¡¯t that mean it¡¯s also Jing Qing¡¯s birthday?"


    Qin Mu asked, looking at the man who had started washing vegetables. She didn¡¯t like such occasions.


    "Yes, so we both need to go."


    He replied, swiftly washing the vegetables and setting them aside.


    "Why? We don¡¯t have a good relationship with them."


    "But Jing Qing will be there. Are you comfortable with others pairing her with me?"


    He turned to glance at her, and Qin Mu moved, standing inside the door, pondering his words.


    Indeed, those messy people did enjoy coupling him with Jing Qing.


    But she had already said all kinds of harsh words to him¡ªwhy should she care so much?


    She had long told herself not to concern herself with his affairs, even if it made her heart sour.


    Qin Mu still didn¡¯t want to go. The last time the Jing Family patriarch had a birthday, she had almost faced embarrassment; and as for Jing Qing... she didn¡¯t intend to give her that satisfaction.


    "Mrs. Mu!"


    She was distracted, and Mu Yichen had to call out to her a couple of times before she finally snapped back to reality.


    "I don¡¯t want to go!"


    She muttered and then turned around to leave, trying not to show too much attitude.


    Mu Yichen suddenly felt like he had no strength to continue cooking. Couldn¡¯t this woman just cooperate with him for once?


    Later on, Mu Yichen explained that Jing Feng wasn¡¯t actually fond of celebrating his birthday, but because the family indulged their daughter, they always held a large celebration for her, and so the son naturally partook as well.


    Besides, as twins, they had always been the pride of the Jing Family. How could the Jing Family miss the opportunity to show off their children?

 Chapter 126 - 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_2

    Chapter 126: 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_2


    Qin Mu felt restless. After taking care of Huanhuan and putting him to sleep, she returned to the bedroom but stood at the doorway, not wanting to go in: "Mu Yichen, I really don¡¯t want to go."


    Her voice carried a tone of lethargy, truly expressing her aversion.


    "Then don¡¯t go!"


    He lay on the bed and replied with a voice that was light and indifferent.


    Qin Mu slowly walked in and sat at the edge of the bed opposite him, her head lowered.


    Looking at the ring mark on her finger, she had left the ring in the drawer of the bedside table in her studio. She didn¡¯t dare to wear it again, just as she didn¡¯t dare to let others assume they were a couple.


    She suddenly had the depraved thought that it might be better to be seen as the kind of lovers who hide in the shadows, letting people think of her as that shameless woman who clings to wealth.


    Even though she was only twenty-three years old, she didn¡¯t have the luxury of enjoying her youth.


    Let everyone think of her as a bad woman, so she wouldn¡¯t owe him anything. And when the day came where they both found someone suitable, how wonderful would it be to part ways and lead their own joyful lives?


    But for now, they were together almost every day.


    She gently lay on the bed, turned her head to look at his back, and raised her hand lightly to tap on his shoulder: "Mu Yichen!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t move, so she moved closer and hugged him, lifting her upper body to look at him.


    "If you have something to say, just say it." He spoke flatly, not shoving her away.


    "Don¡¯t you want to... tonight?"


    Mu Yichen...


    "Are you going or not?"


    He turned his head, finally making eye contact with her.


    "I¡¯ll go! Aren¡¯t you afraid that the Jing Family¡¯s patriarch will be angry when he sees me? Aren¡¯t you afraid he will make it difficult for me again? I don¡¯t want you to fall out with the elders you used to be close to because of me in front of so many people."


    She spoke with her gaze lowered, yet still rested her head on his shoulder.


    He knew she really wasn¡¯t interested in going, but it was decided that he must make her go with him.


    Mu Yichen finally turned to face her, rolling over to lean against the headboard and drawing her into his chest: "There won¡¯t be any elders at their birthday parties, just siblings."


    "Really?"


    Qin Mu had never attended and didn¡¯t know.


    "Yes, and none of the things you¡¯re worried about will happen. Dad told me yesterday that they had already informed the Jing Family that Huanhuan is a child of the Mu Family."


    Qin Mu looked at him in disbelief. The Mu Family had actually discussed such a matter with the Jing Family?


    "It means that mom and dad have resigned themselves to the fact that you, you are the Mu Family¡¯s daughter-in-law."


    "But..."


    Qin Mu was puzzled. Given the things Feng Fanghua had said to her, how could it be possible for her to be the Mu Family¡¯s daughter-in-law?


    What she didn¡¯t expect was that while Feng Fanghua was reluctant to accept her, she was actually also unwilling to accept Jing Qing anymore.


    "So you must go with me that day. Moreover, it¡¯s at AM, your turf."


    Qin Mu...


    He gave a shallow smile, then reached into her nightgown: "Now let¡¯s talk about the question you just asked."


    "Hm?"


    "The question of whether you want it tonight."


    Thinking about tomorrow¡¯s issues tomorrow, tonight Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh out as he touched her, wrapping her arms around his neck and petulantly making demands underneath his body: "Can¡¯t you stop giving me the cold shoulder from now on, okay?"


    "Hm?"


    "I like it when you smile."


    "And when I don¡¯t smile?"


    "I like that too!"


    She confessed involuntarily, then burst into laughter again. Suddenly, he propped her up and sealed her lips, blocking all of her delightful emotions within her mouth.


    "Baby, if you like me that much, let me make our marriage certificate public."


    ¡ª¡ª


    Last night, the two of them tangled for more than an hour before finally letting each other go, of course, Qin Mu did not agree to let him make their marriage certificate public.


    This morning at nine o¡¯clock, Qin Mu had just arrived at the studio with Huanhuan when she received a call from Jing Qing. Although she didn¡¯t remember the name, the frequent calls made it recognizable.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to answer, so she took Huanhuan inside first. Then she heard a car horn outside the window. She told Huanhuan to find Xiaomei, then turned to look at the approaching red car.


    "Qin Mu, let¡¯s talk."


    Jing Qing took off the black sunglasses she was wearing and spoke to her.


    She had been there early, waiting even before making the call.


    Qin Mu stood at the door without approaching, because if an award-winning actress like Jing Qing was coming to see her, then it was up to the actress to make the first move.


    Jing Qing had arrived at half-past eight, waiting in the alley nearby, and only after seeing Mu Yichen leave after dropping her off did she drive out. She had intended to greet Qin Mu first, but didn¡¯t expect her not to answer her calls, so she confronted her at the door.


    Getting out of the car, she stood in front of her in an eight-centimeter high heel: "Let¡¯s find a place to have tea and talk properly, okay?"

 Chapter 127 - 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_3

    Chapter 127: 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_3


    "Miss Jing, are you going to design another gown? If not, then we have nothing to discuss."


    "Fine, I want you to design clothes for me."


    "Then the price can¡¯t be lower than last time, after all, you were a sensation on the red carpet last time."


    "I don¡¯t care about the money, really, Qin Mu, if you¡¯re only after money, I can give you as much as you ask for."


    "A hundred billion?"


    Since Miss Jing had made such a boastful claim, why shouldn¡¯t she be able to make a demand?


    Yet Jing Qing was immediately silenced upon hearing her words, all the things she had wanted to say stuck in her throat.


    Who would have thought that someone would have the audacity to ask for a hundred billion.


    "To be honest, even though I don¡¯t make as much money as you, I¡¯m not exactly short on cash."


    Qin Mu gave her a faint smile at her dumbfounded expression, lowered her eyes, and glanced at the time on her wrist: I have quite a few tasks today, if Miss Jing doesn¡¯t have anything urgent, then I won¡¯t keep you company.


    "Qin Mu, I love him so much it drives me crazy!"


    Jing Qing finally blurted out just before Qin Mu turned to leave, sounding somewhat humble.


    Qin Mu then looked at her more seriously but ultimately just laughed: I¡¯ve heard you say that before. It¡¯s nice to be able to love someone. Have you confessed to him? Has he accepted you?


    The sunlight was brilliant, bathing the earth in the most comfortable warmth of summer.


    Unlike his response last time, this time Qin Mu asked very calmly, with a hint of curiosity.


    At that moment, she truly envied Jing Qing because regarding matters of the heart, she dared not utter a word.


    But these questions were undoubtedly a slap in Jing Qing¡¯s face, as she stared straight at her, lips sealed tightly.


    "I really need to get to work! ¡ª Oh right, it¡¯s your birthday tomorrow, Yichen insisted I accompany him!"


    Qin Mu suddenly added this and nonchalantly brushed back the hair from her face as she spoke.


    Jing Qing, with her sharp eyes, noticed the love bite on her neck and unconsciously bit the flesh inside her lip, her hands clenched tightly as Qin Mu turned away with a smile.


    Jing Qing laughed involuntarily, she was going to accompany Mu Yi to her birthday party?


    Why would her birthday party involve this woman?


    Qin Mu kept pushing her limits, not only had she taken over Mu Yi as soon as she returned, but she had also taken all the advantages. Jing Qing had heard that the small car Qin Mu bought was from the design fees she earned, the more she thought about it, the angrier she became. No one has ever dared to take advantage of her as Qin Mu did.


    So, turning on her heel, she took her phone out before getting into the car: There¡¯s a bag in the drawer of my room, bring the contents to AM, where I¡¯ll be waiting for you.


    After hanging up the call, she drove straight to AM. Mu Yi was supposed to meet business partners at the hotel for lunch that day, and originally, she just wanted to attend to make her presence felt and casually suggest he accompany her as her date the next day, but now, she had to do something more.


    At twelve noon, Mu Yi, Qiao Yi, and their business partners¡¯ cars stopped outside the hotel in succession. Jing Qing, dressed in a sexy bandeau and knee-length dress, had just entered the hotel when she seemed to casually look back.


    As soon as Qiao Yi got out of the car, he saw Jing Qing¡¯s face, the one he longed for even in his dreams, and her figure wrapped in a pale yellow dress. He was momentarily mesmerized.


    Mu Yi, with a suit over his arm, was escorting partners inside and passed by Qiao Yi with a helpless sigh, before continuing forward.


    The clients were also pleasantly surprised to see Jing Qing, especially since she was smiling so kindly at them: Hello! Yichen, such a coincidence that you¡¯re here too.


    "Yes!"


    He responded indifferently because the two middle-aged men, who were partners, had already stopped, prompting him to do the same.


    "Isn¡¯t that Miss Jing? You look so different from on TV."


    "Indeed, you¡¯re even more beautiful in person, a perfect match for our Mr. Mu."


    The two partners were particularly flattering to Jing Qing, their eyes almost fixated on her.


    Qiao Yi slowly approached but shifted his gaze away from Jing Qing: Let¡¯s go upstairs and talk.


    "I just came to have some soup by myself today, could I join you at your table?"


    Jing Qing walked alongside Mu Yi, asking gently.


    "Hmph!"


    Mu Yi let out a soft laugh without a word, his eyes void of any warmth.


    Yet Jing Qing happily followed him inside.


    The restaurant manager quickly ran down, greeted them at the elevator door, and accompanied them inside.


    Jing Qing subtly lowered her gaze and gently placed her hand on Mu Yi¡¯s arm.

 Chapter 128 - 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_4

    Chapter 128: 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_4


    Mu Yichen¡¯s expression turned cold subconsciously, yet he did not utter a word more.


    Standing to the side, Qiao Yi watched Jing Qing¡¯s subtle movements and sighed inwardly, knowing that Jing Qing had not given up on Mu Yichen; however, everyone familiar with him knew where his heart lay, and he felt sad for Jing Qing¡¯s persistence.


    After exiting the elevator, Jing Qing¡¯s hand had already found its way into the crook of Mu Yichen¡¯s arm, and it remained there until they sat down in the private room when she had to remove it, but the two of them had no interaction whatsoever.


    "I just love the fish head soup in Chinese restaurants, you both must try it later."


    After taking her seat, Jing Qing was not at all awkward nor did she act the least bit like the heiress or the movie star she was, even assuming the role of a female hostess, helping Mu Yichen entertain the guests.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze lifted unconsciously, looking towards Qiao Yi sitting diagonally across from him.


    Qiao Yi merely exchanged glances with him, then hurried the waiter to pour tea and water.


    When Mu Yichen entertained guests, unless the guests preferred to order themselves, he would always choose a few signature dishes, and this time was no different.


    The dishes were served quickly, and everyone¡¯s wine glasses were filled with red wine.


    "Shall we toast first to the two guests who have traveled from afar?" Jing Qing picked up her wine glass, turned her head, and asked Mu Yichen for his opinion with tenderness.


    Mu Yichen did not speak, but he picked up his wine glass nevertheless.


    It was, indeed, time for a toast first.


    Midway through, Mu Yichen stood up: "I¡¯ll go to the restroom for a moment."


    Not even two minutes after he left, Jing Qing placed down her chopsticks, still smiling: "Qiao Yi, you take care of the two guests for a moment, I need to discuss something with Yichen."


    After giving her instructions, she picked up the coat from the back of Mu Yichen¡¯s chair along with her purse and stood up.


    Qiao Yi lifted his eyelids, holding his wine glass and drinking with the two company presidents. After Jing Qing left, the two presidents asked him, "Isn¡¯t she the future lady boss of your company?"


    "Humph, not necessarily." Qiao Yi laughed unconsciously, a laugh tinged with sarcasm, albeit a very light one.


    "Oh? Is there someone more suitable for President Mu than Miss Jing?"


    The words from the two guests who had come from out of town seemed to show how little they knew about Rongcheng¡¯s affairs.


    "Whether she¡¯s suitable or not, that¡¯s for the people involved to know, I¡¯m not too clear on it."


    Refusing to entertain another question that made him feel uncomfortable, Qiao Yi brought the glass to his mouth and took a drink all to himself.


    Jing Qing found the man washing his hands in the restroom and approached him, handing him his coat: "Do you not like socializing with these two guests?"


    Mu Yichen looked up through the mirror at the woman behind him, who carefully draped his coat over his shoulders with a particularly tender and considerate demeanor.


    "What act are you putting on today?"


    He spoke indifferently, completely ignoring her question.


    "What other act could I be putting on? It¡¯s nothing more than longing for you; since you don¡¯t come to see me, I have no choice but to come see you."


    Jing Qing continued to smile, her eyes understanding as she spoke to him.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh, his eyes helplessly on her: I thought I made myself clear enough.


    "So? Am I not qualified to pursue you anymore?"


    Mu Yichen raised his eyebrow, took the coat off his shoulder, and held it in his hand; before walking away, he said to her: "That¡¯s your freedom."


    "Wait!"


    Mu Yichen had already started to walk away, but she turned around and called out to him.


    Facing the somewhat irritated man¡¯s back, she bowed her head, opened her black purse, and took out a white bag: "Can I show you something?"


    Mu Yichen finally turned around, taking the white bag she offered with patience.


    Her fingernails were painted black, somewhat glaring, and he lowered his gaze to the bag and opened it, frowning slightly.


    "These are some photos from Qin Mu¡¯s last business trip to Paris."


    He browsed through the photos with a frown, all of them of her and Jian Yan together, appearing intimate. In one photo, they walked side by side along the street, each holding a coffee cup, chatting as they walked, looking all the more vexing to him.


    "Did you have someone spy on her again?"


    After looking through them, he lifted his eyes and looked at her seriously, asking with a hint of sarcasm.


    "I just wanted you to know, she¡¯s not worth your care."


    Jing Qing spoke softly, without any temper, even somewhat humbly in front of him.


    "Whether she¡¯s worth my care, that¡¯s my business. But you repeatedly spying on her, ¡ª you might want to consult Jing Feng about the legal knowledge in this regard, also, Jing Qing, I don¡¯t care who you like, but if you hurt her again, or if your family hurts her because of you, for her, I¡¯d be willing to bankrupt myself, even if it costs me my head, understand?"

 Chapter 129 - 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_5

    Chapter 129: 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_5


    He swiftly packed away the photos into the bag and then turned to leave.


    Jing Qing stood there watching him depart, his words echoing continuously in her mind, feeling as if it was all an illusion.


    Bankrupt his family?


    Head falling to the ground?


    For Qin Mu, he could reach such extremes?


    The law?


    What exactly did he mean by mentioning those two words?


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t return to the private room, but called Qiao Yi and drove away.


    Because Jing Qing hadn¡¯t returned either, the two business partners thought they had gone off to do ¡¯that¡¯, and Qiao Yi didn¡¯t bother to explain, being used to it anyway.


    He was accustomed to people discussing Mu Yichen and Jing Qing with abandon in front of him.


    Those people always loved to say Mu Yichen and Jing Qing were made for each other, surely living together already and the like.


    But what was the reality?


    Mu Yichen loved another girl.


    Jing Qing was merely unrequited.


    After Mu Yichen arrived at her studio, he found only one girl on duty on the ground floor, who said Qin Mu was still upstairs.


    Mu Yichen went directly to the second floor only to find her nibbling on a burger while working.


    All his frustrations vanished in that moment.


    She was so silly; she didn¡¯t even realize that Jian Yan liked her.


    He just stood there holding his coat and bag at the doorway, looking at her, his eyes filled with a kind of patience and indulgence born from love.


    She was adding finishing touches to a suit. After finishing her burger, she felt a bit thirsty. Picking up the cup beside her and seeing no water, she stood up to go pour some and then, raising her eyes, she saw the man standing at the door.


    He looked somewhat tired.


    "Why are you here? Don¡¯t you have a social engagement?"


    "Can¡¯t spare even a little time? Eating such unhealthy food?"


    He frowned and asked her as he walked over to gently place the clothes on the sofa.


    "Just not very hungry, I ate too much of the delicious breakfast you made this morning, hehe."


    She said, unconsciously sticking out her tongue, then looking at the empty cup in her hand: I¡¯ll go get some water, take a seat.


    "Do you want some too?"


    As she turned to pour the water, she looked back at him sitting on the couch and, without waiting for his reply, she took a disposable paper cup and filled it for him too.


    Mu Yichen always refused disposable paper cups, frowning as he watched her bring the water, then he just took the one she was going to drink from.


    Qin Mu...


    "That one has a lipstick mark!"


    Qin Mu could only kindly remind him, thinking he would dislike it, but he sipped the water slowly, without any sign of distaste, and even seemed to enjoy it quite a lot.


    She could only sit with her disposable cup next to him on the couch: Why did you come over at noon?


    "I want to borrow your place to take a nap."


    He told her with a weary voice.


    The reason, he didn¡¯t know either; just that he drove here and simply came up.


    Looking up at her sitting so far away, he involuntarily spoke again: Why sit so far from me? Come closer.


    "We¡¯re together every day, is it necessary to sit right next to you? If you¡¯re tired, go sleep, I need to rush to finish these Chapters of drawings and hand them over to the garment factory."


    Mu Yichen instantly felt unhappy: Can¡¯t you accompany me for a few minutes?


    "That¡¯s not it!"


    Still, she moved closer, then noticed the bag next to his coat: What¡¯s this?


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, just looked at her as she sat down, his hand casually resting on the back of the couch, his entire posture facing her.


    Qin Mu took another sip of water before putting down the cup and then examined the bag in her hands.


    It felt like photographs.


    And indeed, they were photographs.


    "Wow, so beautiful!"


    Qin Mu was instantly captivated by her own image in the photos.


    Was that gentle woman, as if stepping out from the wind, really her?


    It wasn¡¯t as hot in Paris, so what she wore appeared warm, but those few days were windy.


    She suddenly realized that her master seemed to look even more stylish in the photos.


    No, that¡¯s not right, who took these photos of her with her master?


    Photos from Paris too, she turned to look at him: Did you have someone secretly take them?


    "You think I¡¯m that bored?"


    He asked her, holding back the jealously.


    "Well, that¡¯s true, but who else would be so bored as to secretly photograph me and my master?"


    Qin Mu looked through a few more pictures, some were of her with clients at a cafe?, though she and her master were quite close together.


    In reality, it was Jian Yan who was close to her.


    But, she didn¡¯t sense anything wrong; she just felt that the person who took these photos must have had bad intentions.


    There were also photos at Jian Yan¡¯s work studio, the two of them head-to-head discussing design drawings on the table. She still remembered the contents of their discussion that day.


    Her brows slowly furrowed because the more she looked, the more she knew this wasn¡¯t simply a matter of a photographer taking pictures for people.

 Chapter 130 - 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_6

    Chapter 130: 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_6


    And the photos are in his hands.


    If it wasn¡¯t him who had someone take the photos, then who was tracking her?


    "Could it be Jing Qing who gave them to you? ¡ª Why is she clinging to me like a nagging mother all the time?"


    Qin Mu looked at Mu Yichen¡¯s raised eyebrows and knew she had guessed correctly. She immediately threw the photo onto the table, unhappily leaning back on the sofa, which also meant leaning into his arms.


    Mu Yichen looked down at her tantrums and felt a pang of distress: If there¡¯s nothing to hide with your master, why are you afraid of her taking photos?


    "It¡¯s not about fear of being photographed, but if someone were watching you every day, either taking pictures or monitoring, wouldn¡¯t you become annoyed?"


    "You think my life is any better than yours?"


    He had been photographed a lot since he was young.


    Especially in recent years, as his abilities grew, being stealthily photographed or followed was already par for the course. Yet even so, he actually did not want her to be exposed to other people¡¯s lenses, especially with other men.


    Qin Mu immediately lost her temper when she thought about how it wasn¡¯t easy for him either. She then asked him, "Should we still go to her birthday party tomorrow?"


    "Don¡¯t you want to regain some presence in front of her?"


    "Why should I seek to establish my presence in front of her? I¡¯m already a powerful presence."


    Qin Mu lay in his arms, sliding down his chest to rest on his legs, lifting her own legs and placing them on the couch¡¯s arm on the other side, lying on top of him and blinking up at the light overhead.


    "Let¡¯s go to sleep together! Just rest for half an hour¡ªI still have to attend a meeting this afternoon."


    He said softly, his hand gently stroking her hair.


    "Alright then, my back is a bit stiff too."


    She agreed, then sat up.


    Without further ado, Mu Yi picked her up in his arms and carried her to a room not too far away.


    The bed there wasn¡¯t as soft as the one at home, but when the two of them were together, skin touching skin, it seemed to transform into something different, as if it were the best in the entire world.


    In the afternoon, Mu Yi returned to the office to get some things, and Qiao Yi went to find him with a headache: "You just left like that, do you know what they¡¯ve been asking me?"


    "What?"


    "They¡¯ve been asking when you and Jing Qing are going to announce your marriage."


    Qiao Yi, irritated, slumped into the chair in front of his office desk, his hands hanging uselessly to the sides, his face expressionless.


    Mu Yi chuckled lightly, thinking they were asking about the secrets of their pharmaceutical company.


    "And what did you answer?"


    "What else could I say? I had to tell the truth."


    "Well, that settles it, doesn¡¯t it? What are you so annoyed about?"


    "It¡¯s always me who has to answer these brainless questions, and it truly annoys me."


    Qiao Yi grabbed the chair¡¯s armrests and suddenly sat up straight, addressing the man opposite him.


    "Hmm, next time just change the subject, since you know their family well anyway."


    Mu Yi soberly advised him, and Qiao Yi...


    "Seeing Jing Qing act like that today, you can tell she¡¯s not yet given up. Can¡¯t you just make her stop persisting?" Qiao Yi really did change the topic.


    "I¡¯ve said what I had to say. I can control myself, but how can I control her? As for you, if you still like her, better think of a way to save her before she falls too deep."


    When Mu Yi said this, it gave Qiao Yi an even bigger headache.


    "How can I save her? Look at her attitude today, acting like a boss¡¯s wife instructing a subordinate to take good care of the two bosses, and then she left with your coat. Those two executives even thought you two had gone upstairs to a room."


    Thinking about it made Qiao Yi angrier, feeling as though he was on the verge of vomiting blood.


    "Tell me, how are things going with you and Xiao Mu? Are you still together after she moved out of the Mu family¡¯s house?"


    "I can tell you very seriously and responsibly, as long as she¡¯s in Rongcheng, we ¡¯sleep¡¯ together every day."


    Yichen was being smug again.


    Qiao Yi...


    It wasn¡¯t a matter of being together or not, the point was that they were sleeping together every day, sleeping together.


    Wasn¡¯t that enough to show that they had actually been getting along fine all along?


    Suddenly feeling less vexed, Qiao Yi became somewhat buoyed by the thought.


    "I just remembered I need to run an errand this afternoon, so I¡¯m heading out first."


    Feeling better, he stopped the chit-chat and got up to get busy.


    Mu Yi couldn¡¯t help but smile, and just then his secretary came in to tell him: "You have a meeting with the municipal government in an hour."


    So, he went to the municipal government alone that afternoon, attending a lecture by the leaders with some local business owners.


    Liu Jingyuan was also there, greeting him politely when he saw him, but his gaze held a sense of distance.

 Chapter 131 - 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_7

    Chapter 131: 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_7


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t care at all, had no respect for them, not even a nodding acquaintance. He went directly into the conference room.


    The mayor of Qin City had been sitting inside waiting for everyone, appearing to be without any airs.


    Seeing Mu Yichen enter, he unconsciously watched his face for a while, then responded with nods here and there as people came in and greeted him. When everyone arrived, they were set to spend the afternoon in the conference room.


    After the meeting, people left one after another. Qin Haiming said to Mu Yichen before he left, "You stay for a moment."


    Since they were the closest to each other, the voice wasn¡¯t very loud, and Mu Yichen, having heard, sat waiting for everyone to leave.


    The door of the conference room was closed again by a subordinate from the outside, and then the two of them were alone inside.


    Mayor Qin picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then looked up at the man sitting diagonally across from him, "How are things going with Mumu?"


    "Still the same,"


    That kind of irresponsible remark was something only Qin Mu would say, but faced with Qin Haiming he could only say as much. After this remark, he somewhat understood Qin Mu¡¯s state of mind when saying such things.


    To someone who is powerless, what else could be said?


    "But a while ago your parents told me you two had already registered your marriage. Why did you split up so suddenly?"


    Qin Haiming frowned slightly as he spoke.


    "For what reason? She didn¡¯t feel secure,¡ªand I guess I wasn¡¯t doing enough,"


    He thought about it and suddenly felt that he couldn¡¯t entirely blame her.


    After she came to Rongcheng, because of her relationship with him, the Jing Family kept causing her trouble. Being someone who had always been hesitant about matters of the heart, plus...


    He felt that his parents might have really said something they shouldn¡¯t have to her. If not, she wouldn¡¯t have left so abruptly.


    Qin Mingzhu, however, blamed herself, "I know I have to shoulder the majority of the responsibility."


    "And your wife and daughter, couldn¡¯t you at least stop them from bothering Qin Mu?"


    Qin Haiming looked up at him when he heard this, "What have you heard?"


    "Recently, Mrs. Yang has been causing trouble for her at her studio. I hear Mrs. Yang has been getting quite close to your wife."


    Qin Haiming unconsciously threw his head back a little, "That¡¯s not very likely, right? The two women are probably just playing mahjong or something."


    "You believe that? Have you forgotten about the incident last time when Qin Mingzhu took advantage of your wife¡¯s presence in the mall to make a young salesgirl trouble Qin Mu?"


    That¡¯s when Qin Haiming suddenly remembered, but he had severely criticized that mother and daughter at home, and Zhang Rujia had also apologized to him, assuring him that such incidents wouldn¡¯t happen again.


    He actually trusted his wife, but Mu Yichen¡¯s reminder suddenly sparked his anger, "If it really is Zhang Rujia conspiring with Mrs. Yang to harm Qin Mu, I definitely won¡¯t let her off."


    "How will you not let her off? Are you just going to scold her again?"


    Latter, Qin Haiming learned that Mrs. Yang had been to Qin Mu¡¯s studio to commission a qipao, but she kept checking on her while she was drawing and found many faults.


    These were things Qin Mu wouldn¡¯t even tell Mu Yichen, why on earth should she tell her father who had long ago abandoned her?


    Mu Yichen also heard it from her subordinates when he went to see her, and knowing that Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to bring the studio¡¯s issues in front of him, he didn¡¯t press further.


    He knew she could handle those matters, but upon learning of them, he still wanted to share some of her burden.


    So, Mrs. Yang had been much quieter these past few days, and Qin Mu had begun to catch up on other designs, some orders having been delayed for days.


    After Mu Yichen left, Qin Haiming immediately called his secretary, "Find someone to see where the missus is at the moment, follow her discreetly, and don¡¯t let her find out."


    His secretary immediately complied, while he himself paced restlessly in the office.


    He wanted to see Qin Mu, but knowing she didn¡¯t want to see him, he suppressed the urge and waited in the office.


    But when he found out that Zhang Rujia had indeed made contact with Mrs. Yang, and it was said that Qin Mingzhu and Jing Qing were also present, the four of them chatting happily in a cafe?, his anger finally erupted.


    In the evening, when Zhang Rujia and Qin Mingzhu came home, they found him sitting on the couch, brooding with furrowed brows, incessantly smoking.


    Zhang Rujia gave Qin Mingzhu a look and approached with a smile, "What¡¯s wrong? Did something upsetting happen at work?"


    Qin Haiming didn¡¯t look at her, just bowed his head to stub out the cigarette in the ashtray and leaned back in the couch.


    Zhang Rujia lowered her gaze, pondered for a moment, but still kept her appeasing smile, "Have you had dinner? I¡¯ll immediately have someone prepare it."

 Chapter 132 - 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_8

    Chapter 132: 72 Chen Ge is here again (3)_8


    "Stop right there!"


    Just as Zhang Rujia was about to go to the kitchen, she was called to a halt.


    Qin Mingzhu stood by, her heart unintentionally climbing to her throat. Why did she feel her father was somewhat terrifying?


    As if he were about to lose his temper?


    Qin Mingzhu immediately thought of Qin Mu. Could it be that little wretch had spoken ill of her to her father again?


    "Who have you been associating with recently?"


    The Mayor of Qin City looked up at her while asking, his gaze carrying a hint of indifference and authority.


    "Who else could I be with? You know all my friends, and the rest are just clients."


    "Oh? So Mrs. Yang is also one of your clients?"


    He asked, his eyes not blinking as he stared at her, as if intending to gather all her little schemes and slowly dissect them.


    "Mrs. Yang? Ah, you mean her. She said she wanted to introduce more clients to me, so we¡¯ve indeed become quite close recently."


    Zhang Rujia had already guessed he knew something before she spoke, so she didn¡¯t hide the fact that they had coffee together today.


    "Hmph!"


    The Mayor of Qin City let out a cold snort, then stood up and went upstairs. As he passed by his daughter, he glanced at her: "You¡¯d better behave yourself, or you¡¯ll be sent out of the country just like your elder sister was back then."


    Qin Mingzhu was so frightened that her back turned cold, and she stood rigidly in place, not daring to move until the Mayor of Qin City went upstairs, entered his room, and closed the door.


    "Mom, does Dad know?"


    Qin Mingzhu went to her mother¡¯s side and took her hand as she asked.


    "He probably doesn¡¯t."


    Zhang Rujia was also puzzled, but she didn¡¯t think she had given anything away.


    After all, the Mayor of Qin City had been very busy lately. Why would he have time to meddle in such trivial matters?


    However, Mrs. Yang had also mentioned that her husband had been looking unwell these past few days, so Zhang Rujia decided to pick up her cellphone to call Mrs. Yang and have a talk with her again.


    "Go call Jing Qing and tell her we need to keep a low profile for a while."


    "Alright!"


    Qin Mingzhu nodded and agreed, then hurried back to her room to call Jing Qing.


    Jing Qing was at home talking with the old master. After hearing Qin Mingzhu¡¯s message, she wasn¡¯t very pleased and placed her cellphone gently aside. The old master, noticing his granddaughter¡¯s downcast expression, asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "It¡¯s Mingzhu. She told me to keep a low profile recently."


    Jing Qing whispered.


    "Hmph, that girl is trying to boss you around now?"


    The old master was not pleased.


    "Not exactly. It seems to be because of Qin Mu. Uncle Qin got angry at her and Auntie."


    Jing Qing replied cautiously, yet her gaze remained fixed on her grandfather.


    After listening, the old master sighed deeply, "What is Qin Haiming thinking? He was the one who drove that girl away before, and now he wants to legitimize her?"


    "Maybe. Uncle Qin seems to have always felt guilty about Qin Mu. Ever since she returned, it seems like he¡¯s been taking special care of her."


    "Why didn¡¯t you tell me about this sooner? I¡¯ll call him tomorrow and invite him over. Anyway, I can¡¯t attend your and your brother¡¯s birthday banquet."


    As the old master spoke the last part, he sounded somewhat displeased, to which Jing Qing immediately sat down next to him, "Grandpa, don¡¯t be upset. You have to give us young people some private space, and besides, everyone won¡¯t be able to enjoy themselves with you there."


    "Hmph, only you, you cunning girl, can¡¯t seem to hold onto Mu Yichen, can you?"


    "His heart changes too quickly, and he even told me at lunch today..."


    "What did he say?"


    "He said he¡¯s willing to bankrupt himself and go through fire and water for Qin Mu."


    "That rascal really said that?"


    The old master grew angry upon hearing this.


    "Then let me call him and ask him myself. Is he trying to annoy me to death by challenging me for that girl¡¯s sake?"


    "Grandfather, please don¡¯t."


    "Don¡¯t?"


    "Yes, he doesn¡¯t like being forced into doing things. Perhaps he¡¯s been resisting marrying me all these years precisely because you all keep pushing him."


    "What kind of talk is that?"


    The old master didn¡¯t understand, but Jing Qing slowly started to explain. In her view, Mu Yichen wouldn¡¯t succumb to any threats.


    Moreover, she had other plans for tomorrow night¡¯s birthday banquet.

 Chapter 133 - 73 Chen Ge is here again (4)_1

    Chapter 133: 73 Chen Ge is here again (4)_1


    The two happiest people that night were probably Mr. Mu and Mrs. Mu, with Huanhuan taken away by Feng Fanghua, the couple had dinner and then went to take a mandarin duck bath.


    Mrs. Mu was extremely embarrassed and resistant, but...


    Mr. Mu had a great time.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Why isn¡¯t the ring back on your finger?"


    After they were done, Mr. Mu cuddled with Mrs. Mu for a heart-to-heart talk, their fingers entwined, and seeing his own hand wearing a ring while hers was not, he felt sad.


    "How about I wear it tomorrow?"


    She rolled her eyes and then coaxed him sweetly.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her subconsciously, only to hate himself for being so stupid earlier, he should have engraved the words "married" onto the surface of the ring.


    That way those idiots wouldn¡¯t think they were only wearing couple rings.


    It was too late for regrets now, but hearing her say she would wear it, no matter what her intention was, he was already happy enough.


    When would her purpose be simply because she cares about him?


    As Mu Yichen toyed with her hand, he couldn¡¯t help but think, surely he wouldn¡¯t wait his whole life, right?


    He actually felt fear, like in some movies where some people love each other all their lives but don¡¯t end up growing old together.


    Forgetting each other in the rivers and lakes, that kind of nonsense would never happen to him.


    "Mrs. Mu, are you tired?"


    "Is Mr. Mu tired? Mrs. Mu is in charge of accompanying you to sleep!"


    Qin Mu completely felt that Mrs. Mu was a derogatory term, but having gotten used to him calling her that, it seemed alright.


    Quite smooth, Mrs. Mu!


    "So well-behaved tonight?"


    His deep gaze rested on her bright, sparkling eyes, his voice low and soft.


    "Aren¡¯t you always hoping I¡¯d be a bit better behaved? I happen to be in a good mood tonight."


    She laughed so enticingly in his arms.


    Mu Yichen suddenly wanted to freeze this moment, so he kept looking deeply into her eyes.


    "Was it the bath tonight that satisfied Mrs. Mu, or just now?"


    "Stop talking about that, let¡¯s sleep!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s smile immediately faded, and with a look, she told him she didn¡¯t like to hear that, then she hid in his arms in embarrassment and mumbled.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s voice was very gentle, or perhaps it was that suggestive look?


    Qin Mu would willingly die for him, feeling like she could survive a lifetime under the threat of his devastating handsomeness.


    After all, besides being unrestrained in that area and wanting to expose their marriage, he was indulgent and tolerant towards her.


    The night was serene, bound to be a good time for rest.


    The next morning, Qin Mu wore his oversized shirt downstairs, and on the last two steps, she gracefully hopped down.


    Mu Yichen had just finished cooking breakfast; he watched her wearing his shirt which seemingly concealed black shorts underneath, too short to be seen clearly because the length of his clothes reached her knees.


    "Good morning!"


    She approached cheerfully to greet him, her hands gently lifting to embrace his sturdy waist.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak but watched her attire with an uncontainable smile.


    Yum, so appetizing.


    His hands gently swept from her shoulders to her waist, to her legs, and he couldn¡¯t help but gaze at her, mesmerized: how could she be so sexy?


    "Huh?"


    "You little seductress!"


    Qin Mu blushed and before she could think of a reply, he had already lifted her up, her legs wrapped around his waist.


    "Where are we going?"


    Qin Mu, feeling the change in his lower abdomen, thought they should head to the bed, or the sofa would do as well.


    "The kitchen!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s arms hung around his neck: wouldn¡¯t that be too exciting?


    She was genuinely afraid she couldn¡¯t handle his moves, even though she felt her own flexibility wasn¡¯t too bad.


    "Yes!"


    His voice seemed to surround the environment, making her irresistibly fascinated.


    She allowed him to press against her in the kitchen.


    The stove was still on, he turned off the one warming the milk but didn¡¯t stop kissing her.


    "What suddenly made you want to wear my shirt?"


    "Just a whim."


    She didn¡¯t know herself; she just saw many female leads in TV shows walking around the house wearing the male lead¡¯s clothes and thought it looked beautiful, then put his on after her shower.


    "Wear it for me to see every day from now on!"


    "Don¡¯t get sick of it!"


    "Promise!"


    Sweet nothings, followed by a tender kiss.


    Lost in love, all because of a glance, a breath, a kiss, all because the other person was the one they most desired.


    That night, Qin Mu still wore a black dress, her hair loosely bundled at the back, as she lifted her skirt tail and stepped out of Mu Yichen¡¯s car to go to the studio to fetch the ring.


    Xiaomei was about to lock the door and was startled to see her dressed like that: weren¡¯t you not coming today?


    "I forgot, the ring is upstairs!"


    "Ring?"

 Chapter 134 - 73 Chen Ge is here again (4)_2

    Chapter 134: 73 Chen Ge is here again (4)_2


    Xiaomei was still in a daze, but she had already run upstairs.


    She found the ring in the drawer and directly slipped it onto her original finger.


    She had intended to leave immediately, but suddenly looking at that ring, she couldn¡¯t quite describe the feeling in her heart, which made her calm down and just stare at it.


    Remembering he was still waiting, Qin Mu immediately set aside her thoughts and turned to walk outside.


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    She was quieter than before, something Mu Yichen noticed after starting the car.


    Nevertheless, it didn¡¯t dampen their spirits, and upon their arrival at the hotel, the staff were all standing by the side, as it was important for Mr. Mu to personally open the door for Mrs. Mu.


    Of course, they weren¡¯t called Mrs. Mu yet, but everyone recognized her as the boss¡¯s wife of AM.


    A for love, M for admiration!


    Many people didn¡¯t know the meaning behind the hotel¡¯s name, and at the opening, he hadn¡¯t explained, just saying that you¡¯ll understand in time.


    No one expected a girl named Qin Mu to one day appear before them, and everything that happened thereafter gradually made them understand the truth.


    Helian Hao had arrived early, wearing a white dress and waiting on the rooftop. Jing Feng was off to the side, communicating with subordinates. She had nothing to do, and she didn¡¯t enjoy listening in.


    The vast rooftop terrace was not as quiet as the day before but was lavishly decorated.


    And with the beautiful lighting shining over, it made the whole venue seem both intimate and bustling, as if it was the most romantic place of the night.


    As for those young heirs and heiresses within...


    Helian Hao was like a lotus flower unblemished by the muddy water, calling her a representation of genuine goodness and beauty would not be wrong.


    Upon seeing Qin Mu arrive, she immediately greeted her with joy, but couldn¡¯t help laughing when they noticed each other¡¯s gowns: Don¡¯t we look like the infamous black and white duo?


    Qin Mu laughed as well, then turned her head to look at Mu Yichen: I¡¯m going to take Xiaohao somewhere, shall we come find you later?


    Mu Yichen knew she was up to something and nodded: Come back soon.


    "Sure!"


    "Where are we going?"


    Qin Mu, pulling Helian Hao down the stairs from the upper floor, prompted Helian Hao to ask curiously.


    "The black and white duo doesn¡¯t sound nice, I need to get you a different dress."


    "But this is my best-looking dress!"


    "With me around, you¡¯ll have as many as you want in the future."


    "I remember there are two dark dresses in Mu Yi¡¯s room."


    "What?"


    Helian Hao was stunned, but Qin Mu had already pulled her into Mu Yichen¡¯s office, and as soon as they entered, Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but ask nervously: Is it really okay for us to barge in like this?


    "What¡¯s not okay about it, come with me!"


    Inside the office, there was a large lounge with her photo on the bedside table.


    As Helian Hao stood by and noticed that photo, she couldn¡¯t help glancing at Qin Mu¡ªit appeared to be a picture of Qin Mu from her teenage years.


    Qin Mu opened the closet and took out a dress¡ªit was a dark purple evening gown with sequins, the off-shoulder kind.


    "How about this one?"


    "You, this is..."


    "It¡¯s from a show that was left at the hotel last time. The staff handed it to Mu Yi, and it¡¯s been here ever since."


    Qin Mu held the dress against her and explained.


    "Mumu, it¡¯s so good to have you back."


    Helian Hao looked at Qin Mu¡¯s serious face and couldn¡¯t help but speak out sentimentally.


    Qin Mu looked up at her, smiled as a reminder: Hurry up and change.


    "Oh, right!"


    When the two women came back up after changing, more young people had arrived to wish the Jing siblings a happy birthday.


    Jing Qing had long been standing by Mu Yichen, talking and laughing with others. When they both stood at the entrance and saw them, people were already curiously looking towards the two sisters at the door.


    After changing into the darker hue, Helian Hao looked even more demure and captivating; the original long dress, which Qin Mu had cut short into a V-shape to reveal most of Helian Hao¡¯s slim, beautiful legs, gave her a somewhat chillier look. And the fabric she had cut off was used on her own dress, from the shoulder down to the thigh, which made the two of them stand together and look much more coordinated.


    As everyone curiously examined them, they walked in together. Jing Feng, seeing Helian Hao dressed so revealingly, couldn¡¯t help tightening his throat and immediately took off his jacket: Why did you change into this?


    "You said that dress was pretty, but no one even looked at me just now. After the change, everyone started to look."


    Helian Hao complained to him in a low voice.


    Qin Mu stood to the side listening and suddenly felt as if she hadn¡¯t done the right thing¡ªdid the esteemed prosecutor purposely pick that unattractive dress for Miss Helian because it covered more?


    Suddenly feeling a bit awkward, but it was too late to make amends now.

 Chapter 135 - 73 Chen Ge is here again (4)_3

    Chapter 135: 73 Chen Ge is here again (4)_3


    Jing Qing listened to the side without saying anything else. She was no longer in the mood to concern herself with her brother Helian Hao¡¯s affairs. She just watched as Qin Mu, standing by, subconsciously tightened her grip on Mu Yichen¡¯s arm.


    Mu Yichen subconsciously looked down at his own arm, then heaved a helpless sigh. Seeing Qiao Yi, Zhao Huai, and Jiang Zhiyuan coming over, he called out, "Qiao Yi!"


    The moment Qiao Yi stepped forward, Mu Yichen immediately took Jing Qing¡¯s hand off and placed it in Qiao Yi¡¯s hand, "Take good care of tonight¡¯s birthday girl."


    Jing Qing¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t leave him, and although her hand was in Qiao Yi¡¯s, her gaze had already followed Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen took Qin Mu¡¯s hand and called to the band to play an old song they often listened to in Paris. Holding her hand like that, they left the crowd and began to dance the Waltz in a corner.


    Qin Mu puzzled, "Why suddenly dance?"


    "To seize every opportunity to let others know you are my woman," he explained with a smile.


    "You¡¯re holding on really tight!"


    As he said that, he squeezed her slender waist, and Qin Mu continued the banter.


    Jing Qing shook off Qiao Yi¡¯s hand, about to rush forward.


    "Stop making a fuss. You¡¯re the birthday girl today; can¡¯t you show a bit of grace?" Jing Feng immediately grabbed her and reminded her in a low voice.


    "But Jing Feng, that woman is dancing with him at my birthday party. What will people think?"


    "It¡¯s too late for you to go over there now. Just bear with it for now," he said while signaling Qiao Yi with his eyes. Qiao Yi, in fact, was reluctant to play this distasteful role. He would rather stay further away, but at this moment, it seemed he was the only option.


    Because Zhao Huai and Jiang Zhiyuan had already walked far away, appearing to be very busy.


    Jing Feng turned to look at the woman beside him; she had already run off. With Mu Yichen dancing with Qin Mu, she sat down at a bar stool nearby, holding a glass of wine and admiring them as if she wasn¡¯t part of the birthday party at all.


    So, after asking Qiao Yi to take care of Jing Qing, he walked toward her. He wasn¡¯t dressed in his usual white shirt because Helian Hao was there, and he had specially changed into a light blue one. Coming up to her, he said, "Why are you sitting here alone? Didn¡¯t you come to wish me a happy birthday?"


    "Isn¡¯t there another act later? I¡¯m not participating in this one," she replied.


    Jing Feng looked at her without speaking, just thinking about the following acts; he was eager to leave now, but when he turned and saw so many people, he couldn¡¯t help but sigh.


    He wondered what the point of celebrating his birthday like this every year was. There were already many gentlemen and ladies approaching his sister, offering gifts and best wishes. Soon, Jing Qing was surrounded by a dense crowd.


    Jing Feng has never liked such events. It would be better to have a meal at home with the family or simply spend it alone.


    He looked again at the woman next to him. Ever since she had half agreeably consented to be with him, he found himself increasingly disinclined to stay at home.


    Even if she just visited his apartment every day to sit for a while, he wanted to free up all the time he could for her.


    Looking over at Mrs. Mu being led by President Mu as if about to take flight, her smile was seductive and charming, her eyes seemingly glowing, brightening the heart of everyone who saw her.


    "Will Jing Qing mind if I don¡¯t give her a gift? Will she want to kick me out?"


    "Your man has already sent one on your behalf."


    "I haven¡¯t asked what you picked for her?"


    She moved into his embrace, hands on his shoulders, looking up at him with an ambiguous gaze.


    "Do you really want to know?" he teased mysteriously.


    "Of course. What, you dare not say?"


    "What¡¯s there to dare or not dare? I didn¡¯t personally go buy it."


    "Hmm?"


    "My secretary went to buy it. Jing Qing¡¯s gifts are always bought by her; I never interfere."


    Qin Mu then realized how much this man had let down Jing Qing. She adored him so much, yet he never even personally selected a gift for her.


    Knowing this would probably infuriate Jing Qing, perhaps enough to make her spit blood.


    Suddenly, Qin Mu had a wicked urge to see Jing Qing¡¯s reaction upon learning this, but she quickly let go of that thought as Qin Mingzhu, holding onto a handsome gentleman¡¯s arm, came up from below, dressed in a princess gown with a fairy tale princess hairstyle, her hair neatly tied in a beautiful braid at the back of her head.


    Yeah, looking at Jing Qing¡¯s attire for the day, she seemed to be missing the essence of the birthday main character despite her aristocratic lady¡¯s appearance.


    Qin Mingzhu seemed quite skilled at dolling herself up, causing Qin Mu to take an extra glance at her involuntarily.

 Chapter 136 - 73 Chen Ge is here again (4)_4

    Chapter 136: 73 Chen Ge is here again (4)_4


    The boy beside her was dressed in a blue suit and politely greeted Jing Qing, also presenting a small purple box that appeared quite valuable. Jing Qing thanked him happily, then instructed Qin Mingzhu to take care of him as she casually handed the gift to a staff member nearby.


    Soon, the staff rolled in an eight-tiered cake, and the lights on the rooftop dimmed to their faintest glow as the birthday music began to play smoothly.


    With over a hundred people present, Jing Qing maintained a smile throughout, but when it came time, she couldn¡¯t help but seek out Mu Yichen. Seeing him approaching with Qin Mu, she couldn¡¯t contain herself any longer and went forward, "Yichen, it¡¯s time to blow out the candles."


    She gently called his name and pulled him to the front. Jing Feng and Helian Hao, watching from the side, were utterly exasperated, with Helian Hao instinctively pushing away Jing Feng¡¯s hand from her shoulder.


    Jing Feng looked down at her and then firmly wrapped his arms around her again. Qin Mu, standing on Helian Hao¡¯s other side, leaned in and whispered to her, "It¡¯s okay."


    Everyone quickly encouraged Mu Yichen to lead the singing of the birthday song, and Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze shifted involuntarily to the woman at a distance. Qin Mu raised her eyes to offer him a reassuring smile, signaling that he needn¡¯t worry about her.


    "Happy Birthday to you..."


    But it wasn¡¯t Mu Yichen who sang; it was another boy. In the darkness, it was not clear who it was, nor did anyone think it was someone else¡ªthey all thought it was Mu Yichen.


    However, those who knew him well could tell that wasn¡¯t his voice; it was far too gentle to be Mu Yichen¡¯s.


    "Miss Qin, may I buy you a drink?"


    Before the lights came back on, someone carried two glasses of wine over to her and whispered in her ear.


    Qin Mu turned instinctively and only when she saw a familiar face did she accept the wine glass. The man in the dark raised his glass to toast with hers and took a drink first, prompting Qin Mu to also take a small sip.


    As the lights gradually brightened and raucous music filled the air, Jing Qing and Jing Feng held the knife together to cut the cake amidst applause and cheers, while Mu Yichen returned to her side.


    "Mu Yichen, even as just a friend, it wouldn¡¯t be too much to ask you to dance with me, the birthday girl, at my party, would it?"


    Before he¡¯d had the chance to say a word to Qin Mu, he heard Jing Qing speak, and she was already standing in front of him with her hand extended, inviting him.


    Mu Yichen involuntarily furrowed his brow.


    "Miss Qin, may I have the honor of this dance?"


    It was Liu Jingyuan. Qin Mu was taken aback, having just shared a drink with him moments ago, and looking at Mu Yichen with Jing Qing, she stretched her hand into Liu Jingyuan¡¯s palm: "Sure."


    "Can I have this dance now?"


    Jing Qing asked, seeing Qin Mu walking away with Liu Jingyuan.


    Mu Yichen had no choice but to think it was just one dance.


    "Mu Yichen, two minutes! Give me just two minutes of your time to accompany the birthday girl, and then come find me."


    Qin Mu suddenly shouted across the crowd at him.


    Liu Jingyuan asked her with a laugh, "You¡¯re keeping that tight a leash on him?"


    "Of course, how could I not keep a close eye on my man?"


    Perhaps because she sensed Liu Jingyuan¡¯s different attitude toward her, she no longer shied away from talking about Mu Yichen with him as she once had.


    Still, her words stung.


    Although Liu Jingyuan still smiled, he lowered his head: "I¡¯ve always thought you didn¡¯t really like him that much."


    "Why?"


    "Just a feeling."


    "Sometimes feelings can be wrong," Qin Mu suddenly said.


    Liu Jingyuan began to feel uneasy, his voice involuntarily growing husky: "Really?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu noticed something was off with him as he leaned in closer, seemingly trying to kiss her.


    She could even feel his breath and reflexively pushed him away.


    But his hands were gripping her arms tightly.


    The music suddenly stopped, the lights flared on, and someone announced: "Sorry everyone, we¡¯re having some trouble with the sound system, please bear with us."


    Jing Qing instinctively looked over and muttered: "Huh, isn¡¯t that General Manager Liu with Qin Mu?"


    Finally, Mu Yichen found her in the crowd, with Liu Jingyuan holding her tightly.


    "I like you, I¡¯ve liked you for a long time."


    "What nonsense are you spouting? Let go of me."


    Qin Mu struggled with all her might, but she couldn¡¯t break free.


    "That time I ran into you at the coffee shop, Qin Mu, it was just like the song says, one glance at you in the crowd and I couldn¡¯t get your image out of my mind."


    He murmured, leaning in to kiss her lips, while Qin Mu leaned her neck further back in resistance: "Liu Jingyuan, snap out of it."


    "I love you... Ah!"


    Qin Mu was finally released as another man grabbed her hand and yanked her behind him, then furiously stared down at the man he¡¯d knocked to the ground: "Liu Jingyuan, I¡¯m warning you, this is the last time."

 Chapter 137 - 73 Chen Ge is here again (4)_5

    Chapter 137: 73 Chen Ge is here again (4)_5


    Qin Mu watched the scene nervously, only to realize when she looked up that they were completely surrounded by people, all of whom were whispering about what was happening.


    Mu Yichen dragged her outside, and Qin Mu felt like the bones in her wrist were about to be crushed by his grip.


    Helian Hao looked at them leaving and worriedly asked Jing Feng, "What exactly happened just now?"


    Jing Feng glanced at Liu Jingyuan, who was clumsily picking himself up from the ground, fiercely adjusting his tie, his expression furious.


    "Not very clear, probably General Manager Liu was confessing to that woman."


    "How could that be? Hasn¡¯t Liu Jingyuan always claimed to be low-key?"


    "Then I¡¯m not sure."


    Jing Feng subconsciously looked towards Jing Qing, who immediately turned away upon catching his gaze: "Ladies, anyone who wants a drink, come with me!"


    After her spirited call, many girls followed her towards the area with the drinks.


    In his office¡¯s lounge, Qin Mu also began to feel uncomfortable, her dress felt too tight and her skin began to itch all over.


    Once Yichen closed the door and saw her kicking off her high heels in irritation, unzipping her dress and walking inside while undressing, it didn¡¯t seem like her.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    He followed her, and she turned around, annoyed, to say, "How would I know?"


    Then, her dress fell to the floor.


    Her skin, beautiful as jade, was suddenly exposed in front of him, which seemed to ignite desire more easily after she had drunk.


    But as he noticed her condition wasn¡¯t quite right, her neck was very red, and so were her ears and cheeks, her eyes also seemed to hold that kind of emotion.


    He couldn¡¯t help but reach out to touch her face, and she immediately pressed his hand against her cheek, not letting him move it away.


    "Yichen, why do I feel like I..."


    "Don¡¯t speak, I know!"


    Qin Mu looked up at him, her eyes weakened and moving because of the changes in her body.


    Yichen immediately lifted her horizontally, kissing her lips while carrying her to the bed.


    Sure enough, her body responded immediately upon touch.


    Qin Mu wrapped her arms around him involuntarily, even began stroking his broad back proactively, and before he could kiss her, she initiated it.


    "Yichen, I feel like I¡¯m on fire."


    "And I feel like a flood has erupted?"


    He whispered with a laugh, gently kissing her burning skin.


    Qin Mu could no longer bear his slow teasing and directly reached for his face to hold it, then leaned in to kiss his lips intensely.


    That night, neither of them went home, and later on, Mrs. Mu started to lose consciousness, and after that...


    She awoke in his arms, feeling too cozy to move.


    By nine o¡¯clock, it was already very hot outside, the sunlight fiercely beating down, but the air-conditioned room felt a bit chilly, which made being in his arms very comfortable.


    Mu Yi had already woken up earlier but hadn¡¯t left the bed, just quietly watching her sleep in his arms.


    Qin Mu, groggy, opened her eyes to find him looking at her, his gaze dark and affectionate, which tickled her heart. She subconsciously withdrew her hands: "Good morning."


    "Good morning!"


    His voice sounded even more refreshing than hers, who had just woken up.


    For him, last night was the most satisfying experience they¡¯d had in years, and he couldn¡¯t stop thinking about her bewitching forgetfulness.


    Qin Mu, feeling flustered by his gaze, tightened her throat, wanting to move but realizing she was very weak, as if a heavy weight pressed on her back.


    A frown formed on her face involuntarily, and she instantly remembered the night before.


    Then lifting her head to look at him, she found him smiling so wickedly, so irresistibly.


    "Stop it, you..."


    As she was about to point at him, he lowered his head and took her finger gently into his mouth.


    Qin Mu shivered, swallowing back the words that had reached her mouth as she watched his actions uneasily.


    Soon he was on top of her, and she instinctively lay back in the right position due to his movements, his slender body covering hers.


    His dark eyes gazed at her nervously, and he soon reached for her hand to suck on it.


    Qin Mu felt she was doomed, only realizing how sore her legs were when his hands gently tugged at them; she wanted to refuse but had already lost the ability to do so.


    His intimate insistence was to die for, while being incredibly gentle, his actions were too fluid, without any pause, until he entered her.

 Chapter 138 - 73 Chen Ge is here again (4)_6

    Chapter 138: 73 Chen Ge is here again (4)_6


    She couldn¡¯t make it to the studio that morning and hadn¡¯t even gotten out of bed.


    Qin Mu realized her body still felt strange, as if something was catalyzing her emotions, or perhaps her blood.


    "I didn¡¯t drink much last night, did I?"


    Qin Mu murmured uncontrollably.


    "But you did have a drink,"


    he said in a low voice, gently touching her hair.


    Before she woke up that morning, he had already sought out the hotel management. Something had been added to her drink last night, whether by the hotel staff, Liu Jingyuan, or someone else with other motives.


    The events of the previous night were chaotic, and now just thinking about it, he still had a headache.


    He had called home and had her clothes sent over, but they were both too lazy to get out of bed.


    Qin Mu lay on top of him, holding him, not wanting to get up at all.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t want to get up either, after being so intimately entwined for so long, they couldn¡¯t bear to separate.


    And it was rare to have such moments.


    "Was that person last night Liu Jingyuan?"


    She wondered, remembering the man who had confessed his feelings to her the night before, why did she feel it was not Liu Jingyuan?


    "It was him!"


    A trace of coldness tinged Mu Yi¡¯s eyes, because recalling last night¡¯s scene, when Liu Jingyuan was holding her due to the closeness, some even suspected they were being intimate.


    Actually, they were not. He hadn¡¯t kissed Qin Mu, he was merely holding her arm close and speaking to her.


    At the time, Mu Yi didn¡¯t understand why his eyes were so keen, later on, he thought it might be because he cared too much.


    But this morning¡¯s entertainment news still wasn¡¯t suppressed.


    The scene where Liu Jingyuan was holding Qin Mu and confessing was captured, looking like two people deeply in love.


    And his picture with Qin Mu was also published in the newspaper, their photo turned into a split-image.


    Below it was written, "A woman between two bosses, the emotional storm of an up-and-coming designer who studied abroad."


    Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t expected that he and Liu Jingyuan would both become background actors to Qin Mu, it was unexpected yet somewhat pleasing.


    But Qin Mu wasn¡¯t so happy.


    The two of them had lunch together and read the newspaper.


    Seeing him laugh, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but sigh, "I guess I¡¯m famous in Rongcheng now."


    "Don¡¯t worry, your husband won¡¯t mind you,"


    he said, lifting his hand to touch her head.


    "Hey, aren¡¯t you afraid that one day you¡¯ll be written up as my lover?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously, her bright, sparkling eyes not blinking as she looked at him.


    "Rest assured, I¡¯ll have you locked down before that day comes,"


    Qin Mu looked at his confident expression, feeling that CEO Mu was sure of himself.


    Did locking down mean announcing to the world that they were married?


    Suddenly, Qin Mu felt that there would be such a day.


    It seemed natural for everything to happen between them.


    Suddenly, she felt that even if she met a man like the one her mother had, she would bravely let go. If the love was gone, it was best to part amicably.


    Even if they couldn¡¯t part on good terms, at least she wouldn¡¯t be desperate enough to perish together with him.


    Because this man turned out to be the one who gave her the most warmth.


    The smile on Qin Mu¡¯s face did not fade, but her eyes became increasingly inscrutable.


    She suddenly looked forward to their tomorrow.


    In the afternoon, Qin Mu continued to stay in the hotel, or more precisely, in bed.


    CEO Mu went to the company.


    As soon as Mu Yichen arrived at the company, Qiao Yi immediately came up to him: "What exactly happened last night? How did Liu Jingyuan suddenly show up?"


    "Last night was the Jing siblings¡¯ birthday party¡ªdo you think asking me is appropriate?"


    Last night, they were all guests.


    Qiao Yi walked over and sat in the chair opposite him: "After you guys left last night, Liu Jingyuan also left, but I thought his expression was odd, probably because of the punch you gave him."


    Mu Yichen raised his eyes to look at Qiao Yi, who was also looking at him.


    "It is a bit strange."


    He still hadn¡¯t figured out exactly what had happened. If it wasn¡¯t the hotel staff tampering with the drinks, then it must have been one of the guests at the birthday party.


    "Liu Jingyuan usually appears quite stable, and yet he did that in front of so many people... Right after you two had danced and everyone suspected you were a couple."


    So, Mu Yichen had even more reason to suspect, someone had tampered with the drinks Liu Jingyuan and Qin Mu shared.


    He couldn¡¯t be sure about Liu Jingyuan, but as for Mrs. Mu...


    He was one hundred percent certain!


    While the two were talking, Qiao Yi¡¯s cellphone rang, and pulling it out he saw it was Jing Qing. Qiao Yi subconsciously looked at Mu Yichen: "It¡¯s Jing Qing."


    Mu Yichen raised his eyebrows to signal him to answer the call.

 Chapter 139 - 73 Chen Ge is here again (4)_7

    Chapter 139: 73 Chen Ge is here again (4)_7


    "Hello?"


    Qiao Yi felt no need to avoid Mu Yichen.


    "Jing Qing, what¡¯s up?"


    Actually, Qiao Yi had a bad feeling that every time Jing Qing called him, it definitely wasn¡¯t to talk to him.


    "Has Yichen gone to work?"


    Jing Qing had also just gotten up not long ago, after ending up drinking too much last night.


    "He has!"


    Qiao Yi helplessly pinched the bridge of his nose as he responded, unable to suppress a low chuckle.


    She called, and ten times out of ten it was all to look for Mu Yichen.


    "That¡¯s good, I drank too much last night and can¡¯t remember much. He didn¡¯t say anything else to you, did he? I just saw in the newspaper that Liu Jingyuan is with Qin Mu now."


    "How could that be possible?"


    Qiao Yi replied with a low chuckle.


    "Why couldn¡¯t it be?"


    Jing Qing, not aware that Qiao Yi was with Mu Yichen, unhappily asked.


    "Jing Qing, even if I don¡¯t know Qin Mu well, at least I know she didn¡¯t come to Rongcheng to date, and besides, is Yichen¡¯s relationship with her any less meaningful than Liu Jingyuan¡¯s?"


    Jing Qing immediately hung up the phone after hearing this. She simply didn¡¯t believe in such sentiments.


    And she believes many others don¡¯t either.


    The moment this news came out, many would conclude that Qin Mu was fickle in love, a woman who played with people¡¯s feelings.


    She just couldn¡¯t believe that Mu Yichen wouldn¡¯t get angry at all, and they say the more capable the man, the more suspicious he is. She thought, Mu Yichen must have his doubts, more or less.


    Jing Feng had returned to get something and, hearing noises from her room, lightly knocked on the door. Jing Qing looked up to see her brother standing in the doorway and slightly softened her angry expression.


    "Why are you back at this time?"


    "I left some documents at home the other day. Have you just gotten up?"


    "Yeah!"


    Jing Feng, seeing that his sister looked a bit pale, felt a twinge of pity and said gently from the doorway: Take good care of yourself. You need to be in the best state to welcome the love that¡¯s meant for you.


    "Did you have a good night last night?"


    Jing Qing suddenly remembered hearing Jing Feng and Helian Hao whisper about having more activities later that night.


    "It should have been good, but unfortunately, my sister got drunk, so..."


    Jing Feng didn¡¯t go on, but the loss in his eyes was obvious.


    Jing Qing instantly felt guilty as she looked at him: "Then, you guys could meet up again tonight, although I really can¡¯t stand Helian Hao."


    "That¡¯s why I moved out."


    He said with a smile and then turned to leave.


    Jing Qing then realized that his moving out wasn¡¯t just about wanting personal space, but also about avoiding her.


    Was he worried she¡¯d be mean to Helian Hao?


    She herself had no vendetta against Helian Hao, but Helian Hao¡¯s relationship with Qin Mu was really too good.


    Before Qin Mu returned, she could still pretend not to care, but now that Qin Mu was back, she couldn¡¯t keep up the act.


    But Jing Feng was convinced that Helian Hao was the woman to stand by him for life. What could she do? She couldn¡¯t even solve her own romantic issues.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t leave the hotel until evening. The hotel had already prepared a car to take her to the Mu Family to see her daughter.


    Sitting in the car and passing the roads to the Mu Family home, she thought of the days she had stayed at the Mu Family house and recalled the words Feng Fanghua once said to her. She suddenly felt a small prick in her heart, not as painful as before.


    Perhaps it was because of Mu Yi?


    Because of the trust he gave her.


    The incident with Liu Jingyuan from last night had been plastered everywhere¡ªonline, on television, in print newspapers¡ªand covered a lot of space.


    Yet he hadn¡¯t shown any anger, instead...


    He was very trusting, very affectionate.


    After Qin Mu arrived at the Mu Family home and the hotel¡¯s classic black Lincoln left, she stood at the entrance watching the car leave and then turned to look inside.


    In such a large mansion, there surprisingly seemed no room for one woman.


    But perhaps she didn¡¯t need to be accommodated by others. The simple fact that she could come and go freely and they would take care of her child, made her feel more blessed than most women.


    After all, in so many mother-in-law dramas, almost always, mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law are mortal enemies, tearing at each other¡¯s hair, getting into physical fights, and swearing at each other like street brawlers, not to mention all the scheming and the little tricks to trip up the daughter-in-law.


    Feng Fanghua, at least, was forthright and honest.


    At 7 o¡¯clock in the evening, the Mu Family kitchen was almost ready for dinner. Feng Fanghua was dancing with Huanhuan, but when she heard the butler greet Qin Mu and tell her that the young mistress had returned, she immediately stopped.


    She just accidentally twisted her waist.


    Not wanting to show any instability in front of Qin Mu, but when she twisted her waist, the pain made her cry out immediately.


    After Qin Mu entered and saw Feng Fanghua holding her waist in pain, she quickly ran over.


    "Auntie, what¡¯s wrong?"


    "Quick, help me sit down!"


    Feng Fanghua said with her mouth open, in too much pain to close it.


    Qin Mu carefully helped her sit on the couch, but she was still in agony. Huanhuan stood by, too scared to come closer.


    "Is it a twisted waist? How about you first lie down, and I¡¯ll massage it for you? I¡¯ll have the butler call the doctor to come and have a look, okay?"


    "Hurry up!"


    Feng Fanghua urged from the floor, endorsing Qin Mu¡¯s suggestion.


    Qin Mu looked at the butler, who was arriving, and as he took out his mobile phone to make the call, Qin Mu knelt by the sofa and carefully started to massage.


    "I want to ask you, is today¡¯s news true or false? Are you really having an affair with that CEO Liu? "

 Chapter 140 - 74 Chen Ge is here again! (5)_1

    Chapter 140: 74 Chen Ge is here again! (5)_1


    "If you believe that!"


    Qin Mu was still focusing on massaging Feng Fanghua¡¯s waist where she knew it hurt badly when it was twisted.


    In her subconscious, although Feng Fanghua was overbearing and even somewhat selfish, she was certainly not unreasonable.


    Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have stopped wanting Jing Qing as her daughter-in-law later on.


    "You really know how to leave me with a mess, talking about ¡¯if I believe,¡¯ ugh..."


    Listening to Qin Mu¡¯s stubborn low reply, she got angry subconsciously. Then, turning her head, she pulled a muscle in her waist, causing pain again.


    Qin Mu was also startled, her big eyes suddenly staring at her.


    However, Feng Fanghua quickly lay back down and sighed angrily, "If you don¡¯t have an ambiguous relationship with him, don¡¯t get so close. A woman should learn to keep herself clean."


    "I know!"


    The attitude of a wronged daughter-in-law was showcased perfectly by Qin Mu.


    "You say you know, yet such things are caught on camera. Could there be no media at Jing Qing¡¯s birthday party? Why doesn¡¯t she ever have negative news? Isn¡¯t it because of her relations with major media outlets? Although her methods are not the most upright, you should sometimes learn from her."


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but sigh in her heart, thinking that Feng Fanghua was still taking the time to lecture her even when in so much pain, but she dared not say any of it aloud.


    "Madam, look how good the young madam is to you. It would be even better if she could live here with you."


    The aunt brought out tea and couldn¡¯t help but comment seeing Qin Mu kneeling there, massaging her waist.


    Everyone at home hoped for a new addition to the household. Otherwise, every day they face the same people they¡¯ve been seeing for decades, which really lacks freshness.


    And since Qin Mu was a designer, occasionally helping them with their clothes made them feel beautiful too.


    "How¡¯s the soup?"


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t respond, only raising her head and asking after a long while.


    "I¡¯ll go check."


    The aunt, knowing she didn¡¯t like to hear such talk, promptly and skillfully slipped away.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh quietly, finding these older people amusing.


    "Do you also want to move back in?"


    "No!"


    Qin Mu replied subconsciously; the question was so sudden that she answered according to her own wishes without considering whether it was appropriate.


    "Are you saying you don¡¯t want to move here? Are you looking down on our family?"


    Feng Fanghua turned her head to look at her again, although she didn¡¯t dare to turn too much because of the pain in her waist, so she couldn¡¯t see clearly.


    "Of course not!"


    Such a grave misunderstanding.


    As soon as Mu Yichen came back, he learned that Feng Fanghua had twisted her waist. He had just gone to his room to have the doctor check it out, and by the time he reached his parents¡¯ room, he saw Qin Mu holding Huanhuan¡¯s little hand standing by Feng Fanghua¡¯s bed with the doctor on the other side.


    Today they had called a female doctor, but that wasn¡¯t the important thing; his gaze shifted back to his wife and daughter.


    The important part was that in the past, when Feng Fanghua was sick, it was he and Mu Zihao accompanying her, plus the household staff.


    But now, there were two more family members in their home, and the feeling was so wonderful that he didn¡¯t want to stop.


    "How is Mrs. Feng?"


    He walked in slowly with his hands behind his back, curiously asking.


    "No major issue, just a twist, and this young lady here took immediate measures. She should be fine after resting for the night," the doctor explained kindly as she tucked her sleeves back down her arms after finishing the check-up.


    "Thank you for your hard work!"


    Since she was a middle-aged doctor, Mu Yichen was especially polite.


    After the butler saw the doctor out, Feng Fanghua sat up and suddenly noticed there were so many people in front of her bed, the corners of her eyes flashing with a sense of strangeness that had become unfamiliar to her.


    "Can you get up and go to dinner?"


    "Should be no problem."


    As soon as Feng Fanghua said that, she got out of bed on Qin Mu¡¯s side. Qin Mu immediately stepped forward to help her stand up carefully.


    "It¡¯s much better now, let¡¯s go!"


    Although Mu Zihao was not home for dinner that night, they slowly started feeling like a full table of family. In the hot summer, Feng Fanghua lifted her eyes and saw everyone present, her eyelids drooping slightly.


    The staff began to serve the dishes, and Qin Mu, who usually wouldn¡¯t do these things, now understood that while under someone else¡¯s roof, she had to stand up and help with setting the plates.


    "You just sit down, you¡¯re not the cook or the virtuous wife and mother, and honestly, it makes my eyes dizzy seeing you stand up," commented Feng Fanghua with her usual sharp tongue.


    Qin Mu quickly put down the plate in her hand and sat down.


    Huanhuan, holding her little bowl, ate her rice, feeling sorry for her mother. Then she looked at her grandmother with pleading eyes, hoping her grandma would be nicer to her mommy.


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t see Huanhuan¡¯s pleading look and felt somewhat confused inside.

 Chapter 141 - 74 Chen Ge is here again! (5)_2

    Chapter 141: 74 Chen Ge is here again! (5)_2


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say anything; he just silently served his wife some dishes.


    "Grandma!"


    Huanhuan saw Dad serving Mom dishes, took a spoonful of rice, stepped on the stool support, and leaned in to bring it to Feng Fanghua¡¯s face for her to eat.


    Feng Fanghua turned her head to watch her granddaughter¡¯s small gesture and couldn¡¯t help but feel moved to tears.


    "It¡¯s our Little Huanhuan who loves Grandma the most."


    Mu Yichen, proud of his daughter for being so good at pleasing Mrs. Feng, looked at Qin Mu, and Qin Mu was also very happy.


    "Our little darling has grown so much taller since she returned; she will definitely not be shorter than your mom when she grows up."


    Although Qin Mu was already quite tall, and since Mu Yichen was even taller, it went without saying that their daughter wouldn¡¯t be too short, at least not shorter than Qin Mu.


    "When we went out yesterday, someone said that if a girl grows too tall, it¡¯s not easy for her to find a husband. But I see that each of you has done quite well, haven¡¯t you?"


    Feng Fanghua said this while looking at Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu...


    Was that a compliment on her ability to find a man?


    "How can height determine whether a person marries well or not? Besides, am I worried she won¡¯t be able to marry?"


    Mu Yichen thought it would be better if she didn¡¯t marry.


    He could support his daughter for a lifetime.


    "Humph! That¡¯s true, but you can¡¯t just stop her from getting married, can you?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak; he was only afraid that he wouldn¡¯t be able to stop her when the time came.


    "You have time to give your sister a call. She hasn¡¯t been back for two Chinese New Years already."


    Feng Fanghua suddenly remembered her younger daughter, which made her feel somewhat uneasy.


    Speaking of Mu Qingxin, Qin Mu¡¯s impression was very vague, but she also felt a bit scared at the thought of Mu Qingxin coming back. The girl was probably upset because her brother had been in Paris with another woman all this time; she probably wouldn¡¯t show a good face to this woman.


    "Mhm!"


    That girl indeed deserved a scolding for not coming home for so long.


    It was said that she was getting quite close to a rich second generation in South City, probably because of a romance.


    Mu Yichen had in fact always been having someone keep him regularly updated on Mu Qingxin¡¯s news, but recently, that girl seemed to have hidden herself away.


    When he glanced inadvertently at Qin Mu and saw that she was earnestly eating the food in her bowl, he smiled reassuringly.


    Although Mu Qingxin wasn¡¯t here, Mrs. Mu was.


    His greatest gain during this period was her!


    And over there, the little girl who was trying to please their Grandma.


    "Your grandpa isn¡¯t at home tonight, so you should stay over," Feng Fanghua told Qin Mu gently after finishing her meal.


    "Ah?"


    Qin Mu was shocked.


    "What¡¯s wrong? Don¡¯t you want to take care of me?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Whether she wants to or not, I don¡¯t know, but I don¡¯t want to."


    Feng Fanghua...


    Huanhuan laughed, ran over to hug Grandma, expressing her willingness to sleep with Grandma.


    That night, after Qin Mu and Mu Yichen put Huanhuan to sleep, they returned to their room, but just less than an hour after taking a bath and getting into bed, Mu Yichen was about to fall asleep when she got up.


    "What are you doing?"


    "I¡¯m going to check on Auntie!"


    She whispered.


    "Don¡¯t go!"


    He didn¡¯t want her to go; it was so hard to finally sleep together in each other¡¯s arms.


    "How can I not? Her waist still hurts, and she has trouble moving."


    "She would phone you if she needs help."


    "I¡¯ve already sent a message!"


    Qin Mu spoke softly, and Mu Yichen laughed helplessly and let her go: "Come back soon."


    "Got it!"


    Knowing that she might have to take care of her mother-in-law that night, she deliberately wore a conservative nightgown. She went to their room, gently knocked on the door, and Feng Fanghua happened to be getting up from the bed: "My back hurts a bit, help me to the bathroom."


    "Okay!"


    Because it was night and everything was so quiet, she did everything quietly.


    When mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were lying in bed later, Feng Fanghua wanted to act cool and ignore her, but maybe it was the loneliness of her daughter not being home for several years that made her long for more conversation with Qin Mu.


    Plus, now the two of them were lying in the same bed.


    Qin Mu was a bit uncomfortable sleeping in someone else¡¯s bed, but she also didn¡¯t dare to make any inappropriate movements, for fear of angering Feng Fanghua.


    "The side you¡¯re lying on is usually my place; don¡¯t feel uncomfortable."


    Feng Fanghua seemed to sense her discomfort and reassured her.


    Qin Mu instinctively hummed in response, but dared not say anything else.


    "You¡¯re twenty-three this year, right? The same age as Qingxin."


    "Mhm!"


    "She¡¯s never liked you since she was little. Now that you¡¯re her sister-in-law, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯re going to have a tough time when she comes back."


    "Mhm!"

 Chapter 142 - 74 Chen Ge is here again! (5)_3

    Chapter 142: 74 Chen Ge is here again! (5)_3


    "You only know how to say ¡¯hmm¡¯?"


    "Yes!"


    Feng Fanghua...


    "What are your feelings towards Yichen?"


    Feng Fanghua suddenly asked.


    "Is it love, gratitude, or habit? Or is it because he likes you, so you just cling to him like a big tree?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Can¡¯t you make a choice either?"


    Feng Fanghua turned to look at her, really a bit annoyed, feeling that no matter how much she prodded, she couldn¡¯t get a word out, truly infuriating.


    "Big tree?"


    She tentatively said it, because since she was little, he had been her big tree.


    "Then do you have no feelings for him? Are you only with him to use him as a support?"


    Like a judge, Feng Fanghua spoke, her voice not as righteous as a judge¡¯s, but it certainly had the tone of passing judgment on her.


    A long gash seemed to have been sliced through Qin Mu¡¯s heart, but when she wanted to retort, she felt it so pale.


    "Pitiful fool, he treasures you like a treasure, knowing you don¡¯t love him, but he can¡¯t bear to let go."


    Feng Fanghua turned to the other side, speaking melancholically.


    Qin Mu felt an unease in her heart; the room was too quiet, quiet enough for her to hear Feng Fanghua¡¯s sigh.


    "Actually, it¡¯s not just using him."


    She lay next to Feng Fanghua, and after finishing her words, she couldn¡¯t help but grip her own hand tighter.


    "There are feelings?"


    Feng Fanghua turned to look at her, incredulous.


    The room had no curtains drawn, but the light was dim, and yet Feng Fanghua felt she could see clearly the vulnerability of the girl at that moment.


    Qin Mu felt brave enough to nod her head precisely because the light was dim.


    How could there be no feelings?


    She had long realized that she had feelings for him; she was only living in denial all this time.


    That voice was so soft, the bedroom plenty big enough, but Feng Fanghua heard it very clearly, the words she said, even though she didn¡¯t mention feelings.


    But if it¡¯s not using him, and it¡¯s not having feelings, then what is it?


    Qin Mu did not answer her again because some words, once spoken, she feared she could no longer deceive herself, feared that one day she wouldn¡¯t be able to bear the words she once said.


    "If there are feelings, then consider him more in everything you do."


    After Feng Fanghua finished speaking, she turned over with difficulty, and Qin Mu cast a sideways glance at her retreating figure.


    Consider him more in everything?


    Qin Mu found she simply couldn¡¯t fall asleep later on; how could she consider him more?


    The next morning, Mu Yichen got up and immediately went to find her. Qin Mu, with her panda eyes, groggily looked up at him: Morning!


    "Didn¡¯t sleep well?"


    "Possibly!"


    Qin Mu was still somewhat dazed, and Mu Yichen, seeing her haggard state, looked a bit frazzled before lifting her onto his shoulder and carrying her straight back to their room.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Catching up on sleep!"


    "But..."


    "My husband will be back soon!"


    Qin Mu...


    Alright then, catch up on sleep.


    Soon asleep again.


    It seemed as if last night¡¯s brief separation were but a dream, and now was the true start of their night.


    Mu Yichen now regretted having her come over to pick up Huanhuan last night; in fact, the housemaids could have taken good care of Feng Fanghua. He didn¡¯t understand why Feng Fanghua specifically wanted her care.


    Initially, he thought as the daughter-in-law, it was fine for Mrs. Mu to take care, but he regretted it deeply upon seeing her in the morning.


    Why have her stay up all night? Feng Fanghua was already dissatisfied with her.


    Upon Mu Zihao¡¯s return upon hearing his wife had twisted her waist, he immediately went to their room. Feng Fanghua was already better and couldn¡¯t help asking when she got up: "Why are you back so early?"


    "My son called to say you twisted your waist, you¡¯re better now?"


    "Yes, it got better last night!"


    As Feng Fanghua spoke, she gave him a glance that implied something.


    Mu Zihao sighed involuntarily: "You trouble his wife, and he troubles your husband."


    "Well, I don¡¯t care."


    Feng Fanghua muttered, then remembered the conversation she had with Qin Mu the night before, and uttered a helpless sigh as well.


    "Was I really too harsh on her?"


    "Our bed, you let someone else sleep in it without even asking if it pleases me? That¡¯s quite unfair to me, too."


    Feng Fanghua...


    Mu Zihao sat next to her, giving her a look demanding an explanation.


    It wasn¡¯t until the afternoon that Qin Mu went back to the studio, but as soon as she returned, she found that someone was causing a commotion.


    "Why are you here?"


    Xiaomei spotted her in the crowd, squeezed through, and pulled her outside: "You¡¯d better leave."


    "What happened?"


    "Mrs. Yang is saying that ever since she wore the dress you designed, she¡¯s been sick, and she¡¯s here to make trouble for you."


    What¡¯s meant by trouble befalls in times of unrest?


    Just now, someone said she was two-timing, and now someone claims that her dress designs have the power to make people sick.

 Chapter 143 - 74 Chen Ge is here again! (5)_4

    Chapter 143: 74 Chen Ge is here again! (5)_4


    Qin Mu felt that this superpower was really incredible!


    She just hadn¡¯t expected Mrs. Yang to come looking for trouble again, and with such an excuse.


    "Hey, it¡¯s her, she¡¯s trying to run, stop her quickly."


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t really figured out a plan, and just when she thought to address the issue, she was treated as a fugitive. Turning around, she saw several middle-aged wealthy ladies following Mrs. Yang to intercept her.


    Qin Mu then stood outside the door, figuring it would be more spacious for a confrontation.


    The studio instantly calmed down, and her colleagues also followed outside, naturally not allowing someone to bully one of their own so easily.


    Qin Mu stood at the front, her colleagues lined up beside her, ready to intervene if someone should charge forward and start a fight.


    The entourage Mrs. Yang brought had an intimidating demeanor, and perhaps because they were middle-aged women, they each looked important and fierce.


    So is there really no reason some women lose the husbands who once loved them?


    Remembering Helian Hao saying Mrs. Yang¡¯s husband had already been keeping a mistress, Qin Mu actually felt not the slightest pity for Mrs. Yang.


    "Isn¡¯t this Mrs. Yang? What¡¯s the matter? The gown doesn¡¯t fit?"


    Qin Mu crossed her arms and stepped slightly forward, smiling as she asked.


    "You must refund me and compensate for my emotional distress and medical expenses, or else I¡¯ll sue you."


    Mrs. Yang wasn¡¯t nearly as polite, but threatened Qin Mu, pointing at her nose.


    "I suppose you¡¯ve brought the medical diagnosis already?"


    After pondering for a while with lowered eyes, Qin Mu went on to ask.


    "Of course! Here, if you don¡¯t compensate me fully today, I¡¯m telling you, we¡¯re not done."


    Qin Mu watched Mrs. Yang pulling out the medical report from her pocket and unconsciously licked her soft lips.


    Broad daylight, the heavens and the earth clear and bright.


    Did these women really think they could get their money back so easily?


    "Can I make a phone call?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes twinkled, childishly inquiring once more.


    "Make a call? No calls, don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know who you¡¯re going to call, don¡¯t even think about it, now, right away, pay up, or we, the sisters here, are not vegetarians."


    "That¡¯s right, we are not vegetarians."


    "Don¡¯t think we are easy to bully."


    "Quickly pay back the money, or else we aren¡¯t going to be nice."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but nod at their ready-to-fight stance: "Hmm, I can see that!"


    Qin Mu glanced at Xiaomei, who was trembling slightly with fear. Qin Mu sighed helplessly and then said with a composed smile, "Well then, let¡¯s call the police."


    "What?"


    Qin Mu heard Mrs. Yang asking, then turned to her: "Call the police, you want to sue me, don¡¯t you?"


    Mrs. Yang...


    "Or should I make that call for you?"


    Qin Mu raised her eyebrows.


    "What? You¡¯re a madwoman, do you know what will happen when the police come?"


    "I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be fine, but you won¡¯t be so lucky."


    Qin Mu lowered her lashes, which concealed the sharpness in her eyes. Her calm demeanor in face of danger gave off a strong impression.


    Actually, she was just standing there very unobtrusively.


    "Is that so? Then let¡¯s get the police, I¡¯d like to see whether they side with you or with me."


    "Naturally, they¡¯ll side with you, but if things blow up, it might come to your husband¡¯s ears. I¡¯ve heard your marriage has been dead in all but name for a long time, and if he finds out you¡¯re willing to involve the police just to oppose me, I wonder if he¡¯ll keep up the pretense for such a foolish woman?"


    After speaking, Qin Mu looked up at her with a sincere smile.


    "Don¡¯t try to scare me."


    Mrs. Yang looked at the sisters who had come with her and found them all frowning now.


    She had thought that dealing with a little girl in her early twenties would be a no-brainer, coming at Qin Mu with such confidence over a simple excuse. Yet she hadn¡¯t anticipated that this young girl would remain so composed in the face of their worldly and experienced group, even handling the situation with surprising ease.


    Mrs. Yang, reminded of someone¡¯s words that this girl was not as simple as she seemed, couldn¡¯t help swallowing hard.


    "I¡¯ll let it go today, but I will come back another day. Ever since I put on the gown you designed, I¡¯ve been feeling uncomfortable. I¡¯m going to tell everyone in Rongcheng that there¡¯s something eerie about your studio."


    "There aren¡¯t many chances for our studio to become famous, so I must trouble you, Mrs. Yang."

 Chapter 144 - 74 Chen Ge is here again! (5)_5

    Chapter 144: 74 Chen Ge is here again! (5)_5


    Mrs. Yang, upon hearing what she said, was so angry she felt like vomiting blood: "Ladies, let¡¯s leave!"


    Ultimately not daring to make a big fuss, Qin Mu had taken a gamble, but she had won. She indeed didn¡¯t dare let her husband find out about her behavior today. Recently her husband had been reminding her not to provoke Mu Yichen¡¯s woman, so she waited until her husband was away on a business trip before causing trouble.


    But she hadn¡¯t expected to underestimate her opponent.


    After those women left, Qin Mu finally breathed a sigh of relief, then unconsciously murmured, "Next time they come to cause trouble, just keep an eye on them, and then send someone to discreetly call the police."


    "Call the police? But her family is so wealthy, would calling the police even help?"


    "We have President Mu backing us, what are you afraid of? The one who should be afraid is her."


    Qin Mu glanced at Xiaomei, who probably had been terrified by the group of middle-aged women, but upon understanding Qin Mu¡¯s words, she nodded vigorously.


    Xiaomei later told her colleagues, "I¡¯ve only seen women fighting like this in TV dramas, I never thought real life would be like this."


    In a blink of an eye, Mrs. Yang had called Qin Mingzhu¡¯s mother out, and in a secluded corner of the cafe? sat two middle-aged, wealthy women.


    "This little bitch is completely immune to threats."


    Mrs. Yang, clenching her teeth in anger, slammed her hand on the table as if she had suffered a tremendous injustice.


    "I told you long ago she¡¯s not easy to deal with. How did you go about finding her?"


    Today, Zhang Rujia was dressed in a light blue cheongsam, her long hair coiled up, and even her posture exuded superiority.


    "I went with a few mahjong friends to her studio to cause trouble, claiming we felt unwell after wearing clothes she designed, demanding compensation from her. I didn¡¯t expect she would actually suggest I call the police for assistance. I thought she was just a little girl in her early twenties, but she has such nerve."


    Mrs. Yang continued, exhaling a sigh, as if regretting all the years she had lived for nothing.


    "She¡¯s always like that, acting as if she¡¯s so righteous. Isn¡¯t she just relying on Mu Yi now? There will come a day when Mu Yi will leave her, and then, I¡¯ll make her come crying to me, begging for mercy."


    The person who hated Qin Mu the most was actually Zhang Rujia; the sense of crisis that her family could be ruined because of that girl made her detest Qin Mu so much she wanted to tear her to pieces.


    However, the various protections from the Qin family forced her to endure and not to act rashly.


    But the fact that not even Mrs. Yang, a fierce woman, could subdue Qin Mu, made her all the more frustrated and restless.


    "Yeah, it¡¯s all because of President Mu. When my husband was home these past few days, he always kept me from going out. Now that you mention it, Mu Yi must have been in touch with my husband. That little bitch is full of malice, and good at seducing men."


    "Hmph, what¡¯s the use of seduction? Aren¡¯t all men fickle? Just wait and see, it won¡¯t be long before Mu Yi abandons her. There are so many reputable ladies in Rongcheng waiting for him to choose from. He¡¯s just been dazzled to pick such a girl to play with for now. I don¡¯t believe he¡¯s really fallen for her."


    "Even if he has feelings, it¡¯s useless. A man¡¯s affection is all driven by the lower half of his body. Once the lower half loses interest, it can no longer direct the upper half."


    "Why do you sound like you¡¯ve had quite the experience?"


    Zhang Rujia could not help but ask with a suppressed laugh as she looked at her troubled expression.


    "Come on, you¡¯re well aware of the situation in my household, why even ask?"


    Mrs. Yang also looked at her, and the two exchanged glances, seeming to have a deep understanding of each other.


    "Still, it¡¯s odd about Mu Yi. He has such a good girl like my goddaughter, yet he chooses to be with a girl who has lost her mother and been abandoned by her father. What¡¯s he really after? Jing Qing is countless times better than her, and it¡¯s beyond me why he isn¡¯t with her."


    "I¡¯m only telling you this, so you have to keep it a secret."


    Zhang Rujia immediately lowered her voice.


    Mrs. Yang listened intently.


    "Though that Miss Jing is above the ordinary, the circles she moves in, well, it¡¯d be hard for her to keep herself clean, I reckon."


    Mrs. Yang looked at her in shock. Zhang Rujia stopped talking and with a look hinted for her to digest the news herself.


    At noon, Qin Mu, Xiaomei, and a few colleagues went to a western restaurant for lunch. But when Qin Mu was heading to the restroom, she bumped into Liu Jingyuan, and instinctively remembered that night. She then promptly looked down to avoid eye contact and walked past.


    Liu Jingyuan, noticing her intentional avoidance, quietly followed her into the restroom after she entered.


    Qin Mu, washing her hands, glanced in the mirror and saw the man behind her. He was holding a cigarette, his gaze downturned as if lost in thought. Qin Mu immediately lowered her head further, quickly finishing washing her hands.

 Chapter 145 - 74 Chen Ge is here again! (5)_6

    Chapter 145: 74 Chen Ge is here again! (5)_6


    "Miss Qin, about that night, I think I owe you a very sincere apology. I actually wanted to find you earlier, but I had to leave the city for some business, and I just got back this afternoon..."


    He looked up at her, words seemed to be on the tip of his tongue, his eyes full of indescribable pain.


    "President Liu, there¡¯s no need to say more."


    Qin Mu dried her hands gently after washing them, without even lifting her head.


    If it was him who had drugged her drink that night, then she would have nothing to do with him from now on. If it was someone else trying to set them up, then she wouldn¡¯t have any dealings with him either, because his confession made it impossible for her to pretend to have a normal relationship and communicate with him.


    "No, I have to say it, or it might cause unnecessary misunderstandings between us¡ªdid you feel unwell after drinking the drink I gave you?"


    Liu Jingyuan asked her firmly.


    Qin Mu unconsciously looked at him through the mirror, her eyebrows furrowed with doubt.


    Does he mean he was drugged too?


    His question, could it be that he¡¯s innocent?


    So who exactly drugged both of their drinks that night, and what was that person¡¯s purpose?


    No!


    She immediately knew what the purpose was.


    Qin Mu suddenly remembered the entertainment news about their night together that circulated in the media the morning after.


    "That night I... I later tried to investigate, but it was fruitless," he said, distressed, not noticing the struggle and resentment in Qin Mu¡¯s eyes.


    "But I heard that Mu Yi also investigated the incident at the hotel, did you find out anything?"


    "Nothing!"


    She replied subconsciously, but felt somewhat exhausted.


    The more she speculated, the angrier she became.


    It must have been Jing Qing.


    This woman was becoming more and more disgraceful.


    She could even stoop to such dirty tricks.


    The more Qin Mu thought about it, the angrier she became, then turned around to face him.


    "I¡¯m sorry that I may have implicated you in this matter, but it¡¯s best we don¡¯t see each other anymore!"


    Qin Mu looked at him directly, very coldly.


    Liu Jingyuan stared at her heartlessly, his hand trembling with the cigarette, his mind going blank.


    She nodded and left, while he was slow to react.


    She seemed to be in a bad mood. He wondered if it was because Mu Yichen had given her a hard time that night. Liu Jingyuan sighed unconsciously, then slowly walked to the sink and put his hand under the faucet, the warm water immediately running over his hands.


    Qin Mu sat back down at the dining table, her complexion still poor.


    Xiaomei looked up at her: "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Nothing! Xiaomei, if someone keeps troubling you, using underhanded tactics against you, what would you do?"


    "Fight back with the same, of course! What¡¯s happened?"


    "Yeah, I shouldn¡¯t keep being so passive."


    After speaking, Qin Mu got up and left with her bag, Xiaomei staring blankly at her retreating figure and the barely touched food on the table, wondering, weren¡¯t they here to eat?


    The food was hardly touched.


    That evening, Mu Yichen came to see her as usual, and Qin Mu, feeling a bit tired, leaned on his shoulder: "I want to sleep here tonight."


    "Okay, then I¡¯ll stay with you. Should we go out for dinner?" he asked softly.


    "I don¡¯t want to move. Can you just stay and have takeout with me?"


    "Alright! Just this once."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything, just lifted her head and kissed him hard on the face.


    The two of them dined in the reception area on the first floor. Although it was takeout, the dishes were actually quite good.


    After finishing their meal, Qin Mu got up from the table without clearing it.


    Mu Yichen unconsciously narrowed his eyes: "Why are you suddenly so initiative?"


    "It¡¯s not the first time I¡¯ve taken the initiative."


    His lips were thin, but his affection for her was not so meager.


    Qin Mu felt rather fortunate; they say men with thin lips are emotionally cold, but CEO Mu Yichen¡¯s affections were deep.


    It wasn¡¯t until a flash from outside the glass was detected that Mu Yichen realized the reason for her initiative that night.


    He guessed, laughing softly to himself.


    The paparazzo kept snapping away outside, damn it, Qin Mu suddenly became angry.


    Seeing that the paparazzo was still looking for angles even after they went upstairs, Qin Mu felt an urge to grab his camera and throw it away.


    It was agreed that a few quick photos were sufficient, mainly for the article.


    But this guy dared to disobey orders, he would not be used again.


    Qin Mu thought arrogantly in her heart that she needed to find a reliable paparazzo for possible long-term cooperation in the future.


    Little did she know that Mu Yichen noticed her lack of focus when they got back to the room: "What kind of plot is this?"


    "Huh? Plot? What plot?"


    Qin Mu was startled by his words, her heart trembling: "Weren¡¯t you in a hurry just now? Why aren¡¯t you rushed all of a sudden?"


    Mu Yichen asked her: "What exactly is the plot?"


    "What plot?"


    His demands had been fierce these past couple of days, and she was having a hard time keeping up, actually.


    She felt like her bones were about to crumble into useless lumber.


    "What¡¯s with the paparazzo downstairs? Tell me!"


    "You¡¯ll know tomorrow."


    "You should know that no one dares to plot against Mu Yichen so brazenly in Rongcheng, you¡¯re the first one."


    "Really? Then am I not adding to your glory?"


    Qin Mu asked, her almond eyes shining brightly, dazzling like diamonds.


    Mu Yichen pressed against her forehead and chuckled softly: "Are you sure you¡¯re not slapping my face?"


    "Absolutely not!"


    "Humph!"


    CEO Mu Yichen didn¡¯t quite believe her, but since she wasn¡¯t talking, he stopped asking.


    It was just the usual stuff, she wasn¡¯t going to break the sky.


    If she did break the sky, he would patch it up for her.


    But Qin Mu, relieved that he finally stopped pressing her, immediately hooked his arm and hurried him on, fearing that she couldn¡¯t block him.


    The next morning at 5:30, while the two of them were still sleeping, their phones began to ring, both of them at once, one call after another, incessantly coming through.

 Chapter 146 - 75 We Got Married (1)_1

    Chapter 146: 75 We Got Married (1)_1


    Mrs. Mu was just about to move when she was enveloped in Mr. Mu¡¯s arms, "Where are you going?"


    That hoarse voice in the early morning made Mrs. Mu¡¯s voice turn soft involuntarily, "The phone is ringing, yours too."


    He actually heard it in a half-awake state but simply didn¡¯t want to deal with it.


    He hated it most when someone disturbed him and her from sleeping in the morning.


    The warmth of the bedding faded slightly due to a few minor movements between the two, so he turned over to fetch both of their cell phones to the bed, handed one to her, and squinted at the caller ID on his phone.


    "Mr. Mu, you¡¯ve made it to the top of the trending searches on Weibo!¡ªBut this time, it¡¯s with Miss Qin!"


    Mr. Mu¡¯s secretary¡¯s voice was very low as it came through the earpiece.


    "Qinqin, what were you and Mr. Mu doing in the studio last night? You two are trending, and it¡¯s number one."


    Compared to him, Xiaomei¡¯s voice was somewhat earth-shattering.


    After listening, Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say a word; he hung up the phone, rubbed his temples, and let out an involuntary sigh.


    Qin Mu awkwardly licked her slightly dry lips, then turned to look at his somewhat troubled expression.


    The two of them were dead tired originally, given their vigorous efforts last night.


    But now both were wide awake. Mu Yichen turned to look at her, suddenly smiled, lifted her head into his arms, and said, "Is this the ¡¯secret¡¯ you mentioned?"


    He was completely alert now; the events of last night flashed suddenly in his mind. She wouldn¡¯t tell him what the paparazzi business was all about, but this morning...


    All of Rongcheng knew!


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but burst into laughter, her body shaking against his chest.


    "Since Jing Qing has already declared war on me, wouldn¡¯t it be a disgrace to you if I kept hiding behind you without fighting back, especially when you call me Mrs. Mu all day long?"


    Qin Mu hooked her arms around his shoulders, pushing him down onto the bed and pinning him, riding on his sturdy waist, she teasingly explained.


    Yichen caught her arm with one hand and lightly curled the other around her waist. His gaze was both ambiguous and insistent: "So, you did this for me?"


    "Of course! Aren¡¯t you happy?"


    She suddenly laid down on his chest, asking playfully.


    "Mmm! Mrs. Mu has finally seen the light!"


    "Let¡¯s get up. Later on, everyone will be coming to work! How about I ask Xiaomei to bring us some steamed buns and porridge? Maybe with some pickled cucumbers too?"


    "You¡¯ve climbed on top of me and you still think we can just get up like this?"


    "But last night..."


    "Now it¡¯s my turn to reward you for cooperating with me last night, Mrs. Mu."


    He suddenly silenced her with a domineering kiss and then kindly reminded her.


    Only then did Qin Mu realize that he had guessed it last night, which was why he was so intense from the moment they were on the first floor...


    That little rascal got the better of them, Qin Mu thought more and more angrily. Later, the two sat in the reception area, eating while looking at their phones. Qin Mu put her phone in front of him: "Look, that¡¯s what the kid shot."


    "Mmm! Good resolution!"


    "I asked him to shoot it clearly, hehe!"


    Mr. Mu was sighing while eating the nutrition-less dumplings, thinking how could he do anything else when he had such a spirited wife at home?


    He had no choice but to let her have her way.


    "It¡¯s all because that kid got to look for so long, and you too. If you already guessed, why did you go so hard?"


    "Acting, of course, requires a full performance. Don¡¯t you, someone who has shot so many advertisements, need me to remind you?"


    "Shooting ads is different from acting!"


    Qin Mu had seen the script, and just thinking about those messy plots gave her a headache, not to mention those tremendously long lines. Although she heard some people in the industry say that some actors use dubbing and thus don¡¯t memorize their lines, she couldn¡¯t do that. She always felt that if you are an actor, you must say your lines; otherwise, what do you expect your professional castmates to do? Too awkward, so she decided to just be her diligent designer, and the money she earned from ads was all for Huanhuan. Later on, she invested in this studio.


    "Really? Then, what¡¯s the difference between being Mu Yi¡¯s lover and his wife?"


    He suddenly gazed at her intently, his voice very soft.


    "Of course it¡¯s different, a wife lives with you, and a lover just sleeps with you..."


    Qin Mu realized she had misspoken as soon as the words left her mouth. He seemed not to like that sentence, so she immediately shut her mouth, her dark, glossy eyes softly gazing at him.


    The rising warmth in her eyes was due to embarrassment, and because she feared making him angry and wanted to please him.


    "That is, what I meant is..."


    "You¡¯re so sure I can¡¯t do anything about you!"


    He suddenly cut Qin Mu off.


    With no other option, Qin Mu, like a little girl who had done something wrong, lay on top of him and bowed her head.

 Chapter 147 - 75 We Got Married (1)_2

    Chapter 147: 75 We Got Married (1)_2


    "So you really want to take responsibility for me?" she muttered.


    "Fine, since you don¡¯t need it, I might as well enjoy myself while I can."


    He suddenly spoke softly, raising his hand to gently tuck the hair blocking her face behind her ear.


    Xiaomei and the others had come to work in the morning before he left, and after watching him drive away, they whispered in her ear, "What are you two always doing in the studio that just last night you got snapped by the paparazzi?"


    "So I was premeditated!"


    Qin Mu glanced at her before leaving the reception area and heading upstairs to his own office.


    "Did you understand what she just said?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t loud at the time, but it was firm enough to frighten Xiaomei into thinking she¡¯d had a hallucination, so she curiously asked the people around her.


    But everyone was busy with their work, at most just shaking their heads at her.


    Xiaomei took this to mean that people from abroad didn¡¯t understand Chinese.


    Mu Yichen had just arrived at the office building when he saw Jing Qing¡¯s car parked there, her wearing sunglasses and a red coat, standing next to the car with her bag, waiting for him.


    As if she had been waiting a long time.


    When Jing Qing heard the noise, she looked his way, but under the sunglasses, her gaze was hidden from others.


    Mu Yichen got out of the car, glanced at her, and asked, "What¡¯s the matter? No filming today?"


    "Do you like watching the films I¡¯m in?"


    She still leaned against the car, obstinately looking at him as she asked.


    Mu Yichen looked at her, and though she was behind sunglasses, he felt like he could see the harsh look in her eyes: "Sorry, I¡¯m not very fond of dramas."


    Jing Qing finally stood up, removed her sunglasses to reveal her swollen, tearful eyes, and looked up at him with a resentful gaze.


    "May I come up for a visit?"


    Mu Yichen did not speak because Qiao Yi had also come to work.


    Mu Yichen walked ahead with Qiao Yi and her following behind, the three of them entering the elevator one after another, silent, each with their own thoughts.


    Qiao Yi unconsciously glanced at Mu Yichen standing opposite him, and when Mu Yichen looked back at him lightly, Qiao Yi felt some annoyance, but he followed them up to the top floor nonetheless.


    Jing Qing didn¡¯t say anything, as if she was used to Qiao Yi¡¯s presence.


    She walked into his office first, her high heels clicking on the floor.


    Qiao Yi ordered three cups of coffee, the secretary went to pour the coffee, and then he followed in and closed the door.


    Jing Qing strode to the couch, tossing her bag onto it, then circled around to sit on the couch.


    Qiao Yi then pulled up a chair in front of the desk and sat down.


    Mu Yichen stood by the window, took a cigarette out of his pocket, lit it, and turned to ask the woman on the sofa, "What¡¯s the matter?"


    "We haven¡¯t talked for a long time; now that you have little sister Qin Mu, do you plan to stop keeping in touch with us old friends?"


    Jing Qing didn¡¯t turn to look at him, but slightly turned sideways, her voice carrying a tinge of coldness and jealousy.


    Glancing at her sour expression, he involuntarily opened his mouth but knew he shouldn¡¯t say too much, so he shut it and remained silent.


    "Friends are still friends, Jing Qing; wouldn¡¯t it be better to focus on your filming?"


    Mu Yichen took a drag on his cigarette, weighing his words.


    "Of course that¡¯s fine, but if filming could make the one I love change his mind."


    The implication was, since you won¡¯t change your mind, I might as well put aside filming for now.


    "As you wish!"


    Mu Yichen was helpless.


    "Today¡¯s entertainment headlines are all about you and little sister Qin Mu; did you hire the paparazzi or was it little sister Qin Mu?"


    She said this as she turned to look at him, forcing a smile at him.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t look at her but smiled faintly.


    He was reminded of Mrs. Mu¡¯s little schemes and the moments when she¡¯d fling herself into his arms and playfully cause trouble. Just thinking of her coquettishly mischievous manner made him helplessly soft-hearted.


    "It was me!"


    He finally said something to her and gave her a glance.


    "You? Why?"


    "Wasn¡¯t it because on the night of your birthday, Mu Yichen¡¯s woman was said to be two-timing? How could I not fight back? Am I, Mu Yichen, a man who can¡¯t even keep a woman?"


    Mu Yichen explained flippantly, asking her in return.


    Jing Qing was unexpectedly at a loss for words to respond to him.


    So the entertainment headlines of the day read that President Mu reconciled with Miss Qin, spent the night at Miss Qin¡¯s studio, and both were off to a rendezvous.


    "And you too. We all know you two are good. Did you really need to make the whole of Rongcheng aware?"


    "A man¡¯s face is a serious matter!"


    President Mu seriously answered the question from Assistant Qiao.


    Qiao Yi thought to himself, when have you ever cared for face with that woman.


    "I¡¯ve got a boyfriend. He¡¯s the male lead in my current series. He¡¯s admired me for a long time. A few days ago during a dinner with the crew, he confessed to me again, and I agreed!"

 Chapter 148 - 75 We Got Married (1)_3

    Chapter 148: 75 We Got Married (1)_3


    When she spoke, there was an air about her that indicated she couldn¡¯t swallow her feelings.


    Mu Yichen showed no reaction, but Qiao Yi looked at her, "I thought you didn¡¯t want to talk about the entertainment industry?"


    "What can I do then? President Mu doesn¡¯t fancy me, shall I keep eagerly clinging to indifference? At least that person is sincere towards me."


    After saying that, Jing Qing stood up resolutely, refusing to say another word, and immediately left.


    The secretary had just come to serve coffee, about to reach for the door, when Jing Qing opened it from the inside, walked out proudly, and the secretary...


    Three cups of coffee...


    "So, are you satisfied now?"


    "What¡¯s bad about that? Since you¡¯re slow to make a move."


    "But she clearly doesn¡¯t love that man."


    Qiao Yi stood up angrily, his voice growing louder.


    "If love could guarantee possession, would I have gone through these years looking like this?"


    Yichen suddenly also shouted.


    "That¡¯s you, not everyone in the world has to be like you."


    Qiao Yi angrily slammed the chair and then turned and left.


    The secretary again looked at the three cups of coffee in her hands, now alone with President Mu in the office.


    "Move the meeting forward."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t want her coffee, simply instructed her and walked behind his desk to sit down and start looking for the documents needed for the meeting.


    "Yes! The coffee..."


    "Drink it yourself!"


    The secretary felt like crying; was it really appropriate for her to drink so much coffee?


    Qiao Yi hurriedly followed Jing Qing down to the lobby and reached out to grab her arm. In the hall, Jing Qing turned to look at him, "Is there anything left to say?"


    "Don¡¯t do something out of jealousy and unattainability that you¡¯ll regret later. Please, consider this as me begging you," Qiao Yi pleaded, his sincerity bordering on humility.


    "Qiao Yi, you¡¯re meddling too much!"


    Jing Qing raised her hand to push away his hand, her gaze devoid of any emotion.


    It was as if the friendship they had grown up with no longer existed.


    Qiao Yi was still gasping for breath, watching her walk away with such determination, not knowing how to stop her, and immediately pulled out his phone from his pocket to call Jing Feng.


    Mu Yichen spent the entire morning in the conference room.


    Feng Fanghua took Huanhuan to the studio, let Huanhuan play with Xiaomei outside, and then went alone to Qin Mu¡¯s office.


    Qin Mu dutifully offered her tea before sitting down.


    "What exactly is the deal with today¡¯s news?"


    Feng Fanghua directly asked the purpose of her visit.


    Qin Mu, anticipating she had come for this reason and having already thought of strategies to deal with it, didn¡¯t rush to answer.


    "Is your back better now?"


    "Yes, now answer my question."


    Feng Fanghua was not pleased with her evasiveness and pressed Qin Mu to directly face the question.


    "This is an issue between Jing Qing and me, originally I didn¡¯t want to bother you or uncle about it."


    "Your and Jing Qing¡¯s issue?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu had nothing to hide from Feng Fanghua, once she realized Feng was aligned with her son.


    "If I told you that at the Jing Family siblings¡¯ birthday banquet, specifically my and President Liu¡¯s drinks were drugged, what would you think?"


    "What?"


    "If you were in my shoes, would you keep silent, or would you fight back?"


    Feng Fanghua did not expect Qin Mu to suddenly throw a question at her, but if it were her, she certainly wouldn¡¯t let those who hurt her get away with it.


    "Wait, do you mean that the person who drugged you that night was Jing Qing?"


    "Even if she didn¡¯t personally drug me, she cannot be detached from this matter."


    Qin Mu picked up the cup of tea from the table, her composure unshaken.


    "How could this child... So today¡¯s scene is Yichen helping you take revenge."


    "More accurately, I used him!"


    She used him to get back at Jing Qing.


    Qin Mu felt some guilt and, after speaking, lowered her head, unable to meet Feng Fanghua¡¯s eyes.


    "You¡¯re good at using him, and that boy is foolish enough to be manipulated by you¡ªdoes he know you¡¯re using him?"


    "Yes!"


    "He really is foolish!"


    The more Feng Fanghua thought about it, the angrier she became. Her precious son never suffered at home, yet he was being led around by the nose by a girl five years his junior.


    "If the Jing Family patriarch knew you were going against his precious granddaughter like this, he would have you done for. Sometimes you should learn to hold back."


    "How can I hold back in this situation?"


    Even though she couldn¡¯t argue loudly with her elder, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh softly, lifting those clear eyes to look at Feng, and asked softly and politely,


    "So, you¡¯ll just keep going against her? If this continues, sooner or later the Mu Family will need to draw a line with the Jing Family. Have you forgotten why I originally asked you to leave the Mu Family?"


    Forgotten?


    She had not forgotten for a single moment.

 Chapter 149 - 75 We Got Married (1)_4

    Chapter 149: 75 We Got Married (1)_4


    She could leave the Mu Family to avoid causing them trouble.


    So she already left the Mu Family.


    But others still trample on her with their high heels, bullying her; what else can she do?


    Backing down again and again only makes the enemy think the Mu Family is afraid, that she is afraid, and so they become more arrogant.


    Qin Mu fears that today, she tolerated Jing Qing having someone drug her, and tomorrow Jing Qing will send someone to take her life. By then, it will be too late to regret being too honest in the beginning.


    "But I¡¯ve already left the Mu Family, Auntie, the only concession I can make is this."


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, steeled her heart, and looked up to speak very seriously and responsibly to her.


    "What if I ask you to break off your relationship with Yichen?"


    "Break off how? Stop seeing each other forever? Do you want someone to watch me board the plane like last time?"


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t argue with her anymore, simply saying, "Then you¡¯ll have to figure it out yourself!"


    Qin Mu thought to see her out, but she left too hastily.


    Has she wronged the Mu Family?


    A sudden guilt surged in her chest, but it quickly passed.


    The Mu Family didn¡¯t want to offend the Jing Family, not out of fear but because they thought it wasn¡¯t worth falling out over her.


    Qin Mu understood that indeed, it wasn¡¯t worth it.


    But since she had already returned, in a situation with no other choices, she could only try to satisfy the Mu Family as much as possible, yet she couldn¡¯t let herself be bullied by Jing Qing again and again for the Mu Family¡¯s sake.


    The next day, when Jing Qing¡¯s agent stood before her again, she agreed to shoot a micro-film for him.


    Xiaomei, not understanding, came to her office and asked her, "Although we¡¯re not very busy next month, why have you suddenly taken an interest in this?"


    "After all, it¡¯s a considerable income. Shoot it, and a small flat is mine."


    "A flat? Even a small one, do you need it?"


    "Who knows!"


    Qin Mu chuckled lightly, then lowered her head to draw.


    Who knows, one day she and Huanhuan might move into that small house.


    At least when he tells her to roll out, she won¡¯t have to bother friends again.


    Actually, it wasn¡¯t Mu Yi who had hurt her, but another man.


    That evening, when Mu Yi came to the studio with Huanhuan in his arms seeking her, she told him, "I¡¯m going to Jiangnan next month."


    "Going to Jiangnan? For what?"


    "To shoot a micro-film, if all goes well, I¡¯ll be back in a week."


    As she spoke, she helped him with a glass of water.


    Seated on the sofa, Mu Yi took the glass of water but did not speak.


    Qin Mu glanced up and saw his dark eyes looking at her, and involuntarily smiled: What? Afraid I¡¯ll run off with someone else?


    "Short on money again?"


    That¡¯s all he asked.


    "Not at all! It¡¯s just for a rainy day, and I happened to have this opportunity."


    She said and then sat beside him, lifting Huanhuan to her lap from his side.


    "Mommy, I want to go with you too!"


    Huanhuan¡¯s little hand touched Qin Mu¡¯s silky hair draping over her chest as she spoke.


    You want to go with Mommy too, huh? Mommy would like that, but I don¡¯t know if your grandma would agree."


    Qin Mu hugged her and gently stroked her hair, her eyes brimming with indulgence.


    "You¡¯re not allowed to go!"


    He leaned over to put down the glass of water, commanding her in three words.


    Qin Mu instinctively turned to look at him: Why?


    The smile on her face faded a bit as she asked him with a hint of puzzlement.


    "Although I don¡¯t have any prejudice against actors as a profession, I won¡¯t allow you to film romantic scenes with other men."


    After listening to him, Qin Mu lowered her lashes then looked down at her daughter with obedient eyes, saying nothing.


    Is he afraid of her getting close to other men?


    Actually, he¡¯s just jealous!


    "But that person has already approached me several times, and I even agreed to him today. If I regret it now, it¡¯s too late."


    "I¡¯ll pay the penalty fee!"


    He didn¡¯t even furrow his brow, no matter the cost, he could afford it.


    Qin Mu felt a sense of loss at his nonchalance, yet also helpless.


    "In this lifetime, I don¡¯t want to be just your woman."


    "You have your main career. As for side gigs, I don¡¯t care what else you do, but acting is off-limits."


    He was bluntly honest, and yet heartlessly so.


    His manner wasn¡¯t argumentative, but it was like another form of cold violence.


    His eyes no longer seemed to hold the deep, tender affection they once did.


    "But you didn¡¯t mind when I worked as an advertising model before, did you?"


    "Is a model the same as an actor?"


    "You¡¯re just so selfish, always saying you can¡¯t handle me, yet you won¡¯t let me do this and you won¡¯t let me do that."


    Qin Mu, putting down Huanhuan and furious, yelled at him.


    "Mrs. Mu, may I remind you, these past few days, it¡¯s been you who¡¯s been doing."


    Qin Mu...

 Chapter 150 - 75 We Got Married (1)_5

    Chapter 150: 75 We Got Married (1)_5


    Huanhuan watched her mom and dad argue with eyes that held no conflict with the world, and she felt a little moved by their quarrel.


    Watching her parents face each other in silence and seeing dad¡¯s doting gaze on mom and mom¡¯s surrendered appearance, Huanhuan eventually slowly raised her little hand to cover most of her face.


    She couldn¡¯t help but let her mouth crack open with a smile.


    Mu Yichen looked down at his daughter sitting next to him, trying to suppress her laughter, and sighed unconsciously with a smile that wasn¡¯t quite a smile, "What are you laughing at? Do you find it cute that your mom is so unreasonable?"


    Qin Mu...


    Huanhuan nodded vigorously in agreement, and Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but let out a laugh, "You father and daughter breathe in sync, if that¡¯s the case, then you both might as well go back to the Mu Family. Let me stay here alone."


    After speaking, she acted as if she was washing her hands of the matter and turned to walk upstairs.


    "Your mom has been really moody lately,"


    Mr. Mu helplessly said to his daughter.


    "Haha, daddy, go coax mommy!"


    "Let¡¯s go together!"


    Mu Yichen said, putting down his legs that were crossed and picked up Huanhuan to chase her, even though he had just been sitting as stable as Mount Tai.


    "Mommy, open the door quick!"


    Mu Yichen was responsible for knocking, while the little girl in his arms called out.


    "Mommy, open the door, Huanhuan is outside!"


    Qin Mu stood inside the door and couldn¡¯t help but soften at the sound from outside.


    "And your beloved husband!"


    The anger that had just subsided flared up again at that call.


    Beloved husband?


    That must have been what Mr. Mu called her, right?


    Now this father and daughter really were in cahoots, Qin Mu was so angry that she went to sit down on the bed and then lifted her eyes to the door.


    "Mommy, Huanhuan really wants to sleep, mommy, please open the door for Huanhuan."


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh as he coached his daughter what to say, and when his daughter was about to cry, he suddenly took out a key from his pocket.


    Huanhuan immediately brightened up at the sight of the key, "Key!"


    "Shh!"


    Mr. Mu gently inserted the key into the lock.


    Qin Mu vaguely heard the word "key," and as she was about to get up, the door was pushed open from the outside before she could reach it.


    "You, you¡¯ve stolen my key again!"


    "I kept it for just such an occasion!"


    Mr. Mu was indeed a very reasonable man, so reasonable that she wanted to kick him.


    That night, the three of them squeezed onto one bed; once Huanhuan fell asleep, she was moved to the innermost side, Mr. Mu inched closer from the outermost side.


    Qin Mu, irritated by his nudging, forcefully elbowed the person behind her, and Mr. Mu, in pain and without a solid footing, fell off the bed.


    Qin Mu truly heard a ¡¯thump¡¯ sound.


    Her room didn¡¯t have a carpet, and with his height, it would be hard for him not to make a noise when he hit the floor.


    However, her heart also tightened for a moment, although later she couldn¡¯t help but snicker ungracefully.


    "You come down here with me."


    "Ah!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s body was suddenly suspended in the air, and she was so scared that she was about to fall out when her mouth was immediately covered by his large hand.


    "Shh, don¡¯t wake the child."


    "What are you doing?"


    Qin Mu, angry, hit him once.


    "For good!"


    Her upper body pressed on top of him, she saw the blazing flames in his eyes as he spoke.


    Even though the lights in the room were dim, his eyes shone so brightly in her heart.


    "Then you have to promise me about doing the film first."


    "That¡¯s not possible. If you need money and don¡¯t want to take it from me, I can connect you with some contacts, and you can continue to do commercials, okay?"


    "Just this one time!"


    When Qin Mu realized she couldn¡¯t make him see reason, she immediately changed her strategy.


    She extended a finger, long and slender.


    "Let¡¯s talk in your office!"


    Qin Mu withdrew her finger, frowning as she looked at him.


    Was there still a need to talk in her office?


    She could already feel the extent of his body right now.


    "You¡¯re only tricking me!"


    Mu Yi didn¡¯t say anything, but bit her neck fiercely and then knelt on the floor to pick her up.


    The two of them quietly left the room, with Mu Yi whispering in her ear, "Close the door, don¡¯t let our daughter hear anything that¡¯s not suitable for children later."


    "Hmph!"


    Qin Mu, unwilling to give in, bit him on the chest and then reached out to close the door.


    In the office¡¯s soft leather sofa, Mr. Mu finally had space to unfold.


    Actually, Qin Mu barely lay down inside, so he couldn¡¯t possibly...


    Later, when she wanted to ask for his agreement to go to Jiangnan to shoot the film, she had no strength to speak at all; either he was blocking her mouth, or he was tiring her into unconsciousness.


    The next day the hotel sent their breakfast, and after the meal, the Mu family¡¯s butler came to pick up the child. Before leaving, Mu Yi asked her, "Tonight, do we go to the apartment or stay here?"

 Chapter 151 - 75 We Got Married (1)_6

    Chapter 151: 75 We Got Married (1)_6


    "You¡¯re in the apartment, and I¡¯m here!"


    Having said that, she haughtily spun around and went back to the studio.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s devilishly charming gaze followed her retreating figure, but he couldn¡¯t help feeling smug inside.


    She hadn¡¯t managed to bring up the matter of going to film again last night, and this morning she had to take care of Huanhuan getting up, so she let the matter slide. He then called Jing Qing¡¯s agent.


    "If you have too many scripts on your hands, why not give them all to the young Miss of the Jing Family? After all, she¡¯s the professional one."


    "But she¡¯s been acting for so many years and is no longer the innocent girl she used to be; there are some roles she just can¡¯t play anymore."


    "So you turn to Mrs. Mu? Mrs. Mu is precious, but she¡¯s a gem that belongs to me alone. If you still want to make it in this industry, better look for someone else."


    After finishing his speech, Mu Yichen hung up the phone and the car swiftly headed in the direction of the pharmaceutical factory.


    The agent was even more dumbstruck. After hanging up, he couldn¡¯t believe what he had just heard.


    What did President Mu just call that girl on the phone?


    Mrs. Mu?


    And he said Mrs. Mu is his personal treasure?


    He felt like his soul was about to leave his body. Could it be that President Mu didn¡¯t mean what he thought? Was it all an illusion?


    If President Mu had gotten married, how could there not be any media coverage?


    Nowadays, couples like to address each other as husband and wife; could it be that President Mu was no exception? Definitely, it must be!


    Just as he was confused, he absentmindedly saw Jing Qing walking over with her little assistant and immediately stood up, a bit clearer in his head.


    "I was just looking for you. Do you have a moment?"


    The agent, no matter how powerful, still had to handle the young Miss with kid gloves.


    "Sure!"


    Jing Qing glanced at him and went into the lounge first.


    "You should take the part. If you do well in this microfilm, you¡¯ll definitely gain a lot of new fans."


    "I¡¯m not going. I hate filming this messy stuff the most; it¡¯s definitely more trouble than it¡¯s worth."


    "Look at you, always turning your nose up at some scripts. Would I give you a bad script? You are the pillar of our company; only the best is given to you."


    "Really?" Jing Qing felt a bit better upon hearing this and asked nonchalantly while sipping the sesame paste her assistant had just bought.


    "Of course!"


    "Then I¡¯ll think about it," Jing Qing continued filing her nails.


    "Hey! By the way, what¡¯s the name of that girl who did the perfume advertisement last time?"


    Jing Qing immediately stopped her nail-filing.


    "President Mu quietly told me, this role is suitable for you and that I shouldn¡¯t go looking for that girl."


    The agent saw her complexion change and quickly whispered in her ear.


    Jing Qing was flattered and incredulous as she looked at the agent.


    The agent gave her a look of undoubted confidence.


    "He really said that to you?"


    Jing Qing was still in disbelief.


    "Yeah, President Mu also said this role is tailor-made for you, and if you can¡¯t play it, we won¡¯t find a second person in the whole country."


    "Okay, I¡¯ll do it!"


    Upon hearing this, Jing Qing readily agreed without hesitation.


    She thought about their last meeting in his office; could it be that he became anxious because she told him she had a boyfriend?


    "So, is our deal set? You can¡¯t abandon me midway; I¡¯ll go take care of it right away,"


    The agent hurried to get her commitment, fearing that she would suddenly change her mind again; she had changed her mind too many times after becoming famous.


    That was also why he wanted to develop new talent.


    If she hadn¡¯t been of special status, he could have managed and restrained her without issue, but because of her extraordinary status, he dared not be too strict. If he couldn¡¯t manage it, he truly had to either pull Qin Mu into this or find someone else.


    Actually, the weather today was so good, good enough to look up and see the clear blue sky, the clouds, one after another, as wonderful as cotton candy.


    It added an even more spectacular and beautiful touch to the day.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s car stopped in the parking lot under the pharmaceutical factory building, and no sooner had he got out than someone ran out to greet him: "You¡¯ve arrived!"


    "Hmm!"


    Then the staff accompanied him inside; amongst all those prime age men, only he stood out so remarkably.


    The poplar leaves outside fluttered in the wind, the rustling sound of the leaves pleasing to the ear.


    He stayed inside the pharmaceutical factory the whole day without leaving, and attended meetings for seven to eight hours.


    In the evening, Qin Mu was called out by Helian Hao for a drink, though he was followed by a little tail.


    Prosecutor Jing Feng.


    When Qin Mu got out of the car and saw Jing Feng with her, he couldn¡¯t help laughing and asked, "Did you bring me along to play third wheel?"

 Chapter 152 - 75 We Got Married (1)_7

    Chapter 152: 75 We Got Married (1)_7


    "It¡¯s a measure adopted in light of what happened last time. Since Mr. Jing is a black belt in Taekwondo, we both can let loose and have some fun,"


    Helian Hao said as she wrapped an arm around Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder and led her inside. Jing Feng followed helplessly behind the two girls.


    "Young Master Jing!"


    "Hmm?"


    He seated himself at a table behind them while the two girls sat at the bar in front, calling for two drinks before they began to chat freely.


    "You¡¯re going to shoot a microfilm? For real?"


    "For real!"


    Mrs. Mu, who was unaware of the inside story, answered naively.


    Helian Hao believed it and blinked in confusion: Would Mu Yichen let you act?


    "He... Doesn¡¯t allow it, but I can¡¯t just reject such a great opportunity because he says no."


    "But what if he drags you back? How could he bear to let you show up in public and get lovey-dovey with other men?"


    "Actually, there¡¯s nothing too excessive in the play, just two kissing scenes. I can use Mr. Mu¡¯s influence to pressure the director to use stand-ins."


    Qin Mu held her drink, bringing the glass to her lips and then away again, as she responsibly explained to Helian Hao.


    "Uh!"


    Helian Hao showed her admiration by figuratively prostrating herself, not expecting this girl to be so adept at using Mr. Mu.


    Qin Mu thought she had considered everything carefully. She was already making him unhappy by acting, so she couldn¡¯t possibly do a kissing scene with another man.


    "Did you tell Mu Yichen?"


    "Right now, he won¡¯t believe anything I say, so I might as well let him see for himself afterward, and then I¡¯ll be cleared of blame!"


    This, she had indeed oversimplified.


    Helian Hao nodded, finding her words amusing, and the two quickly finished their drinks and then asked the bartender to concoct two special ones.


    Jing Feng sat with a bottle of his own, raising it occasionally when he saw the two girls clink their glasses, feeling a bit like a fool.


    Jiang Zhiyuan came to pick up girls and, spotting him sitting alone, immediately approached with curiosity and slapped the back of Jing Feng¡¯s shoulder: Hey! Bro, are you and Xiaohao fighting?


    Helian Hao, hearing her name, turned to look behind her, and as Jiang Zhiyuan also saw her, his face twitched awkwardly.


    "What¡¯s the situation?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan asked curiously as he sat next to him.


    "What situation can it be? They hired me as a bodyguard!"


    Jing Feng muttered, looking at Helian Hao¡¯s back.


    "Heh, she¡¯s really daring to hire you. Doesn¡¯t she know Young Master Jing is quite expensive?"


    Hearing the word ¡¯expensive,¡¯ Jing Feng glanced at him again, and with a cheeky tone, said: She¡¯ll find out.


    She¡¯ll find out just how expensive he really is.


    Watching Helian Hao continue drinking with Qin Mu, he urged in his mind: Drink more, drink a bit more.


    "Why isn¡¯t Brother Yichen here? Usually, when Xiaomu is around, he would be present."


    "You could call him now and tell him to come keep an eye on his woman."


    Jing Qing felt annoyed inside. Not only did Helian Hao ask him to be Qin Mu¡¯s bodyguard, but he also hated that girl to death.


    "Alright, I¡¯ll first send him a picture. He won¡¯t be able to resist responding."


    Jiang Zhiyuan took out his phone and snapped a photo of the two girls¡¯ backs, sending it to Mu Yichen¡¯s WeChat.


    The man who was working overtime saw the message and initially didn¡¯t intend to respond since it was from Jiang Zhiyuan, but curiosity got the better of him and he opened it to take a look, then looked again more seriously.


    Even though it was just their backs, he could tell it was his woman without a doubt.


    Jiang Zhiyuan and Jing Feng kept their eyes on the phone. In under thirty seconds, the phone rang, and Jiang Zhiyuan pointed to the screen, saying to Jing Feng: See, I was right, wasn¡¯t I?


    Jing Feng wasn¡¯t surprised by this. Mu Yichen being anxious about Qin Mu wasn¡¯t a secret.


    "Bro, I¡¯m at Feiyue acting as a bodyguard for your wife. Hurry over, there are all sorts of people here and later on, I still have to hit on girls,"


    As the night deepened, Mu Yichen hung up Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s call and immediately dialed Qin Mu¡¯s number. Her phone was in her bag, and with the inside so noisy, she couldn¡¯t hear it.


    Mu Yichen had no choice but to end his work early, then he went downstairs and drove to find her.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Zhiyuan had already approached them, fiddling with his phone in hand, and tilted his body to look at the two women: How about drinking a toast with two beautiful ladies, huh?


    "Mr. Jiang, why don¡¯t you go drink with the person behind us?"


    Helian Hao earnestly reminded him. They were right in the middle of an intimate women¡¯s chat, and with him there, they couldn¡¯t carry on.


    "Don¡¯t be like that. Let me listen to what the two sisters are chatting about."


    "Jing, are you going to do something about someone flirting with your woman?"


    Helian Hao directly turned around and shouted at Jing Feng.


    Upon hearing the phrase ¡¯your woman,¡¯ Jing Feng stood up immediately with his glass in hand: I¡¯ll handle it!


    That one word, ¡¯handle,¡¯ from Young Master Jing was something extraordinary, frightening Jiang Zhiyuan so much that his eyes bugged out, and he quickly excused himself: I¡¯ve got to go over there; my girl¡¯s waiting for me.


    Jing Feng chuckled, then turned to look at the two girls: How long do you two plan to keep drinking?


    "Why, you have something else to do?"


    Helian Hao asked him seriously.


    "Not exactly, but this place is too messy. If you two want to continue drinking, we should move upstairs. Yichen and I have an exclusive private room here."


    ...


    The life of young masters.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Brother!"


    They had already gotten up, ready to head upstairs with their belongings, when they heard Jing Qing calling out to Jing Feng from afar.


    As Jing Feng and the others followed the sound, before they could get a clear view of Jing Qing¡¯s face, Jing Qing was suddenly tackled from behind, and within seconds, a commotion erupted not more than five meters away.

 Chapter 153 - 76 We Got Married (2)_1

    Chapter 153: 76 We Got Married (2)_1


    Jing Feng protected Helian Hao and followed Qin Mu at the back, but his heart was full of worry for his own sister.


    "Go protect your sister first!" Helian Hao said to him, fearful that something might actually happen to Jing Qing.


    Although Jing Feng was still anxious, he nodded at her and immediately ran towards Jing Qing.


    It was right after he let go that several men were suddenly squeezed out, forcing Qin Mu and Helian Hao to be separated.


    Jing Feng was still a step too late; when he squeezed in, he saw Mu Yichen, who had just arrived, saving Jing Qing, and only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hands grasped her shoulders from behind, keeping others away, yet he heard those reckless and inebriated voices.


    "Jing Qing, it really is Jing Qing, my goddess, I love you! I just got divorced from my wife of ten years because of you yesterday, and from now on, I¡¯ll have only you!"


    The staff inside, hearing that a conflict had occurred, immediately rushed over to restrain those frenzied fans, but those who were stopped were still very agitated.


    Jing Qing, scared, immediately hugged Mu Yichen: "Yichen, get me out of here quickly!"


    Seeing the situation, Mu Yichen¡¯s brow furrowed and Jing Feng stepped forward: "Let¡¯s go upstairs first!"


    "What about Qin Mu?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t have the patience to deal with Jing Qing and saw Jing Feng approaching, immediately taking his hands off her waist with force.


    The entire hall was packed and impassable.


    Although Jing Qing didn¡¯t come here often, this place was a gathering spot for the wealthy second generation, and everyone was usually well-mannered, so who would have expected such an incident.


    "I was just with Xiaohao!"


    Jing Feng, too, was worried, since he had suddenly lost sight of Helian Hao.


    The two women had been knocked over by the crowd that had surged up, and eventually, seeing the crowd was too large, they just sat on the ground, watching the commotion ahead while covering their severely aching elbows.


    The light was already very soft and ambiguous, making it impossible to see clearly below in the darkness.


    Qin Mu, however, heard Jing Qing call for Mu Yichen and instinctively looked up over the heads of the crowd and called out, "Mu Yichen, I am here."


    Hearing her voice, Mu Yichen immediately pushed her towards Jing Feng and squeezed through the crowd to get out.


    When Qin Mu saw him coming, she endured the pain and got to her feet: "Mu Yichen!"


    She ran over to him, jumped on him, and held him tightly.


    "You scared me to death!"


    He held her just as tightly; he had just feared she might have been kidnapped or something.


    "I¡¯m alright!"


    She pulled away from him slightly, her dark eyes looking at him with a sweet smile, still clinging to his neck and not letting go.


    "You¡¯re not allowed to come here again."


    "It was an accident!"


    Qin Mu said this as she planted a firm kiss on his face.


    To be honest, her sudden show of affection was indeed purposeful.


    Jing Qing, escorted by Jing Feng, came out just in time to witness that scene; although she stood to the side watching, her heart was filled with hatred for Qin Mu.


    When Helian Hao saw Jing Qing and Jing Feng both back, he got up and walked over to them: "Jing Qing, are you okay?"


    "I hurt my knee a bit; let¡¯s talk more upstairs!"


    Jing Feng exchanged glances with her to ensure she was fine before walking forwards with Jing Qing in his arms.


    From that day on, Helian Hao would play at home with Qin Mu, no longer roaming around with her outside.


    As for Jing Qing, later everyone went up to the private room upstairs, and Jing Qing¡¯s knee was scraped. Jing Feng knelt beside her, carefully disinfecting her wound while the others sat to the side watching.


    The lights in the private room were turned up to the brightest, allowing everyone to clearly see the person they wanted to look at.


    Eventually, Helian Hao could no longer stand it: "Let me do it!"


    Jing Feng looked at her, and without paying him any mind, Helian Hao took a new cotton swab and antiseptic and started disinfecting Jing Qing¡¯s wound.


    Jing Qing glanced at her, but her knee was so sore, she couldn¡¯t afford to concern herself with Helian Hao¡¯s behavior.


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen sat to the side, with Mu Yichen still worrying about the bruising on Qin Mu¡¯s elbow.


    When Helian Hao came over, Jing Qing followed her gaze and saw Mu Yichen gently blowing on Qin Mu¡¯s bruised elbow, feeling a sharp pain in her heart.


    "Yichen, thank you for saving me just now."


    Jing Qing said softly.


    "No need!"


    He had reacted reflexively to save her, given their years of friendship.


    "Also, thank you for recommending me for the lead role in that microfilm. I¡¯ve looked at the role, and it¡¯s indeed quite good."


    Jing Qing knew he was not one for empty pleasantries, but after glancing at Qin Mu, she continued speaking to him.


    "What microfilm?"


    Qin Mu, who had been examining her own injury, paused after hearing that thank you, and then raised her eyes to the man in front of her to inquire.

 Chapter 154 - 76 We Got Married (2)_2

    Chapter 154: 76 We Got Married (2)_2


    Jing Qing originally just wanted to make Qin Mu jealous by showing off Mu Yichen¡¯s care for her, but she hadn¡¯t expected to reap additional benefits.


    "Yichen didn¡¯t mention it to you? Don¡¯t be angry, after all, we¡¯ve known each other for so many years. Just like just now downstairs, if he sees I need something, he¡¯ll reflexively help me. If I don¡¯t want it, he¡¯ll give it to me if he thinks it¡¯s appropriate. Now you two are a couple, you shouldn¡¯t need to be jealous of this, right?"


    Jing Qing explained for Mu Yichen when he didn¡¯t offer an explanation.


    Qin Mu, however, didn¡¯t pay attention to her, just looking at Mu Yichen: I don¡¯t want to listen to her, you tell me what¡¯s really going on? Are you scheming behind my back again?


    "Can we talk about this when we get home?"


    He looked at her lazily, already knowing that he couldn¡¯t suppress her temper any longer, so he pretended it wasn¡¯t a big deal.


    "Which home?"


    Qin Mu suddenly stood up from beside him, glaring at him angrily before turning her head and walking out.


    "Mumu!"


    Helian Hao quickly called out to her and then turned to look at Mu Yichen: What on earth is going on?


    Jiang Zhiyuan had initially thought it was just an overly excited fan bumping into a celebrity and didn¡¯t make a big deal of it, hugging a pretty girl on the side and flirting. However, upon hearing that shout, he was so startled that he let go of the girl in his arms. His two big eyes stared at Mu Yichen, not uttering a word about what happened, just waiting for the man who sat there without moving to say something or do something on his own initiative.


    "Yichen, what on earth is going on?"


    Jing Qing asked him softly, as if the injury on her bony knee was nothing, seeing him full of solitude.


    "Yeah, what on earth is going on? Is it the same thing Mumu mentioned?"


    Helian Hao was truly anxious now, remembering what Qin Mu had told her, and then thinking about what Jing Qing just said, she feared it was the same thing.


    "What did she say?"


    Mu Yichen asked only after Helian Hao brought it up.


    "She said you didn¡¯t agree to her doing the movie, but she insisted on going."


    Helian Hao said quietly, a little nervous, afraid she might have said something wrong.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes dropped, and he let out a mocking laugh; was she planning to go sneak off on her own?


    "She also said she had read the script, and there really aren¡¯t many intimate scenes. Moreover, she planned to use you to pressurize the director when the time comes. For the kissing scene, she could just fake it with camera angles. Could it be that the micro movie Jing Qing mentioned is the same one Mumu is planning to shoot?"


    The mocking teasing in Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes suddenly disappeared, and in an instant, under everyone¡¯s gaze, he grabbed his coat and headed outside.


    At that moment, he appeared especially tall, some people even craning their necks to watch him leave, almost breaking their necks.


    The entire room entered a state of absolute silence.


    Even a cotton swab falling to the floor would make a sound; it was only because she said she would fake the kissing scene that he had gone after her.


    Jing Qing felt her heart was brutally mangled, bleeding profusely.


    But it wasn¡¯t five minutes before Jing Qing got up from the couch, ignoring the pain in her knee, her face cold as she walked outside.


    "You send her for me."


    Jing Feng saw Jing Qing¡¯s behavior and had some idea of what was happening, and he immediately looked at Jiang Zhiyuan and instructed him.


    Of course, there was no need for courtesy with his own brother, so Jiang Zhiyuan immediately stood up to follow her out. The girl beside Jiang Zhiyuan, seeing the situation, also got up and took her leave.


    "You can go take care of your sister, I¡¯m fine!"


    The room was left with just Jing Feng and Helian Hao. Helian Hao knew he was concerned she might feel uncomfortable, but at this time, she could still distinguish what was more important.


    "There¡¯s no use in my going now; she¡¯ll probably go straight home. It¡¯s only because of the injury on her knee that I asked Zhiyuan to send her."


    Jing Feng explained, gazing at her intently: "What about you? Both of them got hurt, did you?"


    "My elbow was bumped a bit, but it¡¯s not as serious as Mumu¡¯s."


    What she had assumed to be a slight bump turned out to be too painful for her to move once Jing Feng checked again, and the two of them ended up in the hospital in the middle of the night to discover, sure enough, a fracture!


    Jing Feng couldn¡¯t help but laugh to himself at the continuous mishaps that had occurred after he had intended to become intimate with her.


    Helian Hao came out of the hospital with her arm in a sling, and from the look on his face, it was evident he was dissatisfied: "It will heal quickly!"


    Jing Feng looked at her without saying anything else, gently touching her as they moved forward.


    "Actually, this won¡¯t get in the way of what you need to do."


    Before getting into his SUV, Helian Hao whispered to him.


    "What do you take me for? I¡¯ve been waiting for so many years, what¡¯s a few more days?"


    After hearing this, Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but blush and chuckled shyly before being helped into the car by him.

 Chapter 155 - 76 We Got Married (2)_3

    Chapter 155: 76 We Got Married (2)_3


    Actually, her legs were fine, but Jing Feng still took care of her subconsciously.


    Qin Mu emerged and immediately went to get his car, then sped off like mad.


    She had thought that he would be as indulgent with her as before, but who knew he would give the role to Jing Qing.


    Was it all just because he didn¡¯t want her to be intimate with other men?


    Feeling waves of discomfort and itchiness she couldn¡¯t stand, she almost wanted to scratch until her skin broke.


    When she returned to the studio, she was still furiously angry, her eyes slightly swollen, her angular face even more stubbornly set.


    Little did she know that as soon as she arrived, he parked his car right outside her studio and approached.


    Qin Mu immediately ran back and locked the door from the inside, with Mu Yichen¡¯s hand pressing on the door: "You open this door for me!"


    "If you can¡¯t let go of her, why come looking for me? I won¡¯t open it!"


    After Qin Mu spoke, she turned around.


    "You won¡¯t open it, huh? Fine!"


    As he spoke, he took out his phone. She had only walked a few steps when she stopped because he called someone to dismantle the door¡ªit was obviously a threat!


    Scared out of her wits by Qin Mu and thinking about the cost of the door, she had no choice but to let him in. After all, she valued her things more than herself.


    But as soon as she opened the door for him, he rushed in and scooped her up, draping her over his shoulder.


    In the dark environment, the two people made their way while causing a ruckus.


    The originally quiet space suddenly felt a bit cooler with the sudden appearance of the two.


    Qin Mu hung upside down, feeling unwell, her hands hanging on his waist. She swooped down and gave a forceful slap on his suit pants-covered buttocks.


    "Mu Yichen, let me go, you beastly man."


    She yelled over his shoulder, kicking and flailing with all her might.


    Yet he ignored her and carried her straight to the bedroom.


    He placed her on the bed, and seeing her sit there with tears welling up, he knelt in front of her: "If you really wanted to go, then go."


    "What else can I do when you¡¯ve given it all to her!"


    Mrs. Mu kept yelling, her hand forcefully pushing at his shoulder.


    Before she pushed him away, Mr. Mu embraced Mrs. Mu, lifting his head to rest it against her chest, his ink-black eyes deeply affectionate as he looked at her: "Why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier that you refused to do kissing scenes with other men?"


    "I haven¡¯t done anything yet and you¡¯re already like this. How dare I do kissing scenes with other men? Do you think I¡¯m stupid?"


    She was fuming.


    "So you care about me that much?"


    "Who cares about you? I¡¯m worried you won¡¯t care about me later on¡ªhow am I supposed to get by then?"


    Mu Yichen was amused by her response.


    She was still crying, looking at him pitifully, trying to kick him, but her feet had already been caught by him.


    "Admit you care about me, pamper me, and I¡¯ll protect you and help you even more!"


    "Get lost. I can live perfectly fine on my own."


    Mrs. Mu was now being spoiled, truly spoiled and willful, muttering without softening in the slightest.


    Mr. Mu had no choice¡ªthe only solution was in the bed.


    "Aside from acting, we¡¯re free to do anything, okay?"


    Stripping naked, a blanket covered both of them, and not until Mrs. Mu was comfortably served did Mu Yichen again soothe her softly.


    "You¡¯re not allowed to do that anymore."


    She was truly angry, even holding a grudge, but she couldn¡¯t afford to fall out with him over this.


    That stubborn tone, combined with her tear-glazed, cold eyes, was irresistibly adorable, making people swallow hard.


    Mu Yichen, seeing she finally got softer, gently kissed her forehead: "This role was something you gave to her. Just by that alone, she is already beneath you."


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyelashes wet with tears stirred, and then she tightly hooked her arms around his waist.


    Yes, Jing Qing would probably die of anger if she knew that the initial actress for the short film was her.


    Qin Mu thought, just this once, they were even¡ªnext time something like this happened, she would settle the score with him properly.


    "Mu Yi, I used to think Huanhuan was my bottom line, now I know, it¡¯s actually you!"


    She muttered, hugging him with even more strength.


    Mu Yi¡¯s gaze was profound as he gently stroked her hair, as if to say, "There¡¯s no way you don¡¯t have me in your heart."


    "Perhaps you¡¯ve fallen in love with me without realizing it!"


    Falling in love without realizing...


    Her eyes were full of his image, and there were words she couldn¡¯t bring herself to say, so she turned her face away, pretending to be calm and smiling lightly: "Tonight you¡¯re punished, no more messing around, you¡¯ll do as I say." Qin Mu immediately climbed on top of him, pressing down on his chest and biting hard on his shoulder.

 Chapter 156 - 76 We Got Married (2)_4

    Chapter 156: 76 We Got Married (2)_4


    Mu Yichen, every time you leave marks on me, this time it¡¯s my turn.


    Her heart wondered if the reason she¡¯d started to carve out a place for him was because he¡¯d left too many marks on her body?


    The more she thought it might be true, the more she kissed his chest, no, she bit and nibbled.


    She worked her way from his shoulder, biting down to his chest.


    She wanted to leave more bite marks on him.


    Jing Qing, upon learning the truth, was really so angry she nearly went mad, but she had already signed a contract that afternoon, and to back out now would mean paying a hefty penalty.


    And for most people, money swallowed could never be spat back out.


    Especially after the house she gave to the old man had been razed, she was actually a bit short on cash right now.


    As she remembered all the events that happened before, her anger made her shove the vase from the table in the restaurant to the ground.


    It was an antique vase the old man was fond of, making a particularly ¡¯pleasant¡¯ noise as it shattered on contact with the ground.


    She recalled searching for Qin Mu to design her gown. Yes, she had stood out brilliantly, but was that the reason she went to find Qin Mu?


    She originally wanted to call Qin Mu¡¯s skills into question to embarrass him.


    And there was that time her grandfather, feeling indignant on her behalf, made a scene in Qin Mu¡¯s studio, which led to Mu Yichen arranging for her tens-of-millions-worth house to be flattened.


    There was also the occasion when Qin Mu snatched an advertising opportunity that had seemed within her easy reach, and the time she poisoned Liu Jingyuan¡¯s drink, hoping he would lose control over his feelings for Qin Mu and create an indecent scene in public. To her surprise, Liu Jingyuan actually managed to restrain himself, although the media still portrayed the event in vivid detail by the next day, but then Qin Mu managed to turn the tables the day after with Mu Yichen¡¯s help.


    The old man heard the commotion in the restaurant and hurried over, then upon lifting his eyes, he saw his beloved vase on the floor and his granddaughter, who was silently shedding tears without making a sound.


    Jing Qing¡¯s fingernails dug forcefully into her palm, her throat tightened with anger, and with her neck tensely stretched, she bit down on her lower lip, her eyes determined and cold.


    The old man just stood quietly behind her, watching. The broken vase was a minor matter. The girl had just returned and stolen his granddaughter¡¯s man. His granddaughter was right to be upset, right to use some tactics. Seeing Jing Qing like that, he felt satisfied and quietly turned to leave.


    The butler followed the old man out to the living room, where the old man instructed, "Don¡¯t bother her; let her think things through on her own."


    "Yes!"


    That night, Jing Qing sat in the restaurant chair, later falling asleep with her head on the table.


    What she didn¡¯t realize was that Qin Mu¡¯s purpose for returning was quite simple; he had no intention of entangling with her at all.


    As for Mu Yichen, he had been following Qin Mu since childhood; Jing Qing was merely delusional, convincing herself she was his rightful fiance?e, wife.


    Unfortunately, Mu Yichen did not think so, and he had been eager to register his marriage with Qin Mu.


    And the next morning brought another fine day.


    The place where the sun rose glowed fervently, as if painted in a rich oil painting.


    The sea breeze gently kissed the waves, which hit the beach with a leisurely pace.


    In the scorching heat that almost made it difficult to breathe, only the seaside brought some comfort.


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen arrived at the beach in the middle of the night wanting to watch the sunrise together. They cuddled and slept in the car for a while.


    Later, woken by the wind and waves, they saw the sun quietly rising on the other side.


    Qin Mu still lay on his chest, one hand cushioned beneath his head, while the other gently embraced her, his dark eyes calmly watching the sun rise opposite.


    Qin Mu lay quietly on top of him, one ear listening to his heartbeat, the other feeling the breeze wash over her.


    Her beautiful eyelashes fluttered gently as she gazed at the different sky.


    "So this is what the Rongcheng sunrise looks like in the morning."


    She had often watched the sun rise alone in Paris!


    But since coming to Rongcheng, it seemed to stop.


    With a thin blanket covering them, both of them sat silently watching, as if their souls were being cleansed.


    Later, Qin Mu received a message from Helian Hao, his broken arm.


    Qin Mu immediately said to him, "Let¡¯s eat out, after we eat, I have to go see Xiaohao."


    "What happened?"


    "She broke her arm last night!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say a word, just drove her to get breakfast, and naturally, even when eating outside, it had to be something specially prepared.

 Chapter 157 - 76 We Got Married (2)_5

    Chapter 157: 76 We Got Married (2)_5


    Later, Mu Yichen dropped her off at the bottom of Jing Feng¡¯s apartment building: "Eighth floor, do you need me to take you up?"


    "No need, drive safely. Are we bringing Huanhuan tonight?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t respond, just smiled at her. After understanding, she waved to him and ran towards the building.


    Mu Yichen turned the steering wheel and reversed the car.


    Jing Feng was just about to leave. When he saw Qin Mu, he instructed her: "Don¡¯t let her move around."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed as Jing Feng, dressed in a neat black suit, left.


    Helian Hao was still in pajamas, lying on the sofa like a corpse.


    Qin Mu thought she was hallucinating: "What¡¯s wrong with you?"


    "Nothing, I just got teased to death and couldn¡¯t get any, which is damn torturous."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t comment because she had experienced the frustration of being teased without relief numerous times herself; it was pure hooliganism and utterly tormenting.


    However, last night, she was the teaser, and Mu Yi couldn¡¯t get any.


    Nevertheless, he still accompanied her to watch the sunrise. Qin Mu placed her bag down and sat beside her. Helian Hao, with sleep-filled, fluffy eyes, looked up and noticed her darkened eye sockets: "What¡¯s up with you? Didn¡¯t you sleep well last night?"


    "It¡¯s not that I slept badly, we went to the beach later last night. This morning when you texted, we were at the seaside watching the sunrise."


    "Is it necessary to be that romantic? Watching the sunrise together!"


    Helian Hao expressed envy and jealousy.


    "If you went, Jing Feng would surely accompany you," Qin Mu thought without a doubt.


    Just as Qin Mu entered, Jing Feng had told her to take care of Helian Hao, which made it clear that Jing Feng¡¯s feelings for Helian Hao must be very deep.


    The two of them were truly childhood sweethearts, inseparable for over twenty years.


    Their wedding date had been set, and the wedding dress and groom¡¯s suit designed by Qin Mu were nearly complete. There were some minor details to finish up, and Qin Mu would be working on them with needle and thread over the next few days.


    "Sigh!"


    Jing Qing looked drained.


    "How did you break your arm? Does it hurt still?"


    "I honestly didn¡¯t feel it. At the time, it just felt like a shock, like the pain of a common fall. Who knew that right after you guys left and Jing Feng lifted my arm... at the hospital, an X-ray revealed it was broken."


    Helian Hao shook her head in distress.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but chuckle because while she shook her head, there wasn¡¯t a hint of discomfort in her eyes; in fact, she seemed quite relaxed.


    Such nonchalance, without a strong support, would not be possible.


    "What about you? Should you go get an X-ray too? What if you¡¯re also fractured?"


    Still in yesterday¡¯s dress, Qin Mu lifted her arm, which was covered in a large, bruised patch, but she felt it was probably fine.


    "I¡¯ll pass. Oh right, Jing Feng reminded me not to forget to tell you, definitely don¡¯t move around at home, this part here." Qin Mu gestured towards her arm.


    "I know, he¡¯s been telling me N times since last night, even holding onto me and pressing down on my arm while sleeping to prevent me from moving."


    After speaking, Helian Hao suddenly realized she had said too much and immediately shut her mouth, looking guilty.


    "I¡¯m having a baby with Mu Yichen, do you think I would laugh at you for sharing a bed with Jing Feng? If two people like each other, nothing they do together is excessive."


    "So, you finally admit that you and Mu Yichen like each other?"


    Helian Hao suddenly changed the subject.


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t in a hurry to leave. Downstairs, he smoked a cigarette with Jing Feng, who talked about something that happened at home: "Xiaoqing broke my grandfather¡¯s favorite antique vase last night."


    "Her nature? Breaking a vase is nothing!"


    Mu Yichen took a drag of his cigarette, never considering Jing Qing as someone easy to provoke. Although she always seemed obedient to him, he thought that breaking the vase might just be the beginning of her outbursts.


    "So, did you pursue Qin Mu because you saw through my sister¡¯s difficult personality early on?"


    "Certainly not. I never had the luxury of choice from the beginning."


    He watched as Qin Mu grew from wearing open-crotch pants to flowery dresses, from a tomboy with short hair to a little princess with flowing locks. Back then, he was certain that this girl should be his.


    Before she turned five, she had short hair and stood under the French parasol trees in their neighborhood with a green backpack, her big, shiny black eyes looking at him. That was the moment he felt he was about to be devoured by her, as she barged into his heart forcefully.


    By the time she was seven, her hair had grown past her shoulders, and she licked the cotton candy he bought for her, innocently thinking he was simply being kind. Her smile made her eyes curve, and that time, it was indeed very gentle.

 Chapter 158 - 76 We Got Married (2)_6

    Chapter 158: 76 We Got Married (2)_6


    Mu Yichen finished two cigarettes before turning his head to look at Jing Feng: "Is Helian Hao all right?"


    "Last night I was so busy that only after all of you had left did I realize my elbow was in so much pain that I couldn¡¯t move it!"


    Helian Hao was a very careful person, but even he could have such insensitive moments.


    "Let¡¯s go, there¡¯s a meeting to attend later."


    After hearing this, Mu Yichen threw away the cigarette butt he was holding and turned around to open the car door and get in.


    Jing Feng followed behind him, and the two left the residential complex one after the other.


    By the time Qin Mu emerged from their place, it was already ten in the morning. She went back to take a shower, change her clothes, and get ready for lunch.


    "Qinqin, the dress factory has delivered Miss Helian¡¯s wedding gown."


    Just as she was about to blow-dry her hair, Xiaomei knocked on the door. Qin Mu instinctively tied her hair up again, acknowledged with an okay, and briskly went out the door.


    Upon going downstairs, she saw the garment factory¡¯s workshop director sitting in their reception area drinking tea.


    "Miss Qin!"


    Dressed in a simple black pants and white shirt, he put down the teacup and stood up to greet her as she approached, looking cool and composed.


    "Director Zhao, long time no see, please sit down!"


    Qin Mu settled into the sofa, sitting opposite the man. She noticed Director Zhao seemed hesitant and somewhat awkward, prompting her to give him an extra glance.


    It was not usual for the workshop director to personally deliver clothes.


    "Director Zhao, is there something you would like to say to me?"


    "It¡¯s like this, our garment factory is upgrading to new machinery, so we might not be able to cooperate with Miss Qin for the time being."


    Qin Mu, sitting on the sofa, and Xiaomei, standing beside her, both were momentarily stunned.


    "New machinery?"


    Xiaomei asked.


    "Yes, our factory hasn¡¯t updated its machines for some years, and as you know, some machines have a lifespan."


    "But if these machines are being replaced, shouldn¡¯t it be done in batches? It shouldn¡¯t disrupt work."


    "The owner wants to replace them all at once this time."


    "I see, go ahead and replace them then. It¡¯s for making better garments in the future."


    "Actually... we might not be able to cooperate with Miss Qin anymore in the future."


    Only then did Qin Mu have to face the issue seriously. After he left, she stood at the door, her brow unconsciously furrowed.


    Director Zhao gave the reason that the garments they were making for her were too few and too demanding, and now they had another client who needed them to produce in large batches, so they decided to let her go.


    "How could he do this? They haven¡¯t even finished our order from last month, always dragging their feet, and now they dare to terminate the contract with us."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, only turned and went back inside.


    The fact that Director Zhao came with the penalty fee and the contract suggested that this matter wasn¡¯t that simple.


    Qin Mu had intended to open their own garment factory in a few years, and in the meantime, cooperate with other factories. But with today¡¯s termination by this factory, even if they found another one...


    After returning to the office, she called Paris. Jian Yan nodded after listening to her idea, but then proposed, "Don¡¯t you want to use your own name?"


    She didn¡¯t mind continuing to use Jian Yan¡¯s name because her achievements today couldn¡¯t be separated from Jian Yan¡¯s guidance and support.


    "I have a suggestion for you! When you open the garment factory, use the name ¡¯AM¡¯, and naturally, you can use this name when you open your fashion store."


    "AM?"


    "Yes."


    "But why change it to ¡¯AM¡¯?"


    "You only know that it¡¯s Mu Yi¡¯s hotel, but you don¡¯t know the origin of the hotel¡¯s name."


    "The origin?"


    "Admiration! He¡¯s confessing to you in front of the whole world!"


    For a full thirty seconds, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t utter a word, just feeling her heart trapped like it was caught in a claw machine.


    She thought the two letters looked nice enough, but she truly hadn¡¯t realized they carried that meaning.


    "Although you¡¯re from Rongcheng, you¡¯re new here. Since you have that kind of relationship with him, it should be easiest to conquer the world using his fame."


    After putting down the phone, Qin Mu sat on the sofa for a long time, contemplating her future, but she didn¡¯t want to use those two letters.


    It wasn¡¯t until Mu Yichen arrived to pick her up in the evening that he found everyone in the studio was there, and they were all working.


    He suddenly realized that their desks had all been replaced with sewing machines.


    Regardless of gender, every member inside was earnestly working.


    The scraps of fabric on the table, the professional cutting tools, the scene was messy yet professional at a glance.


    Qin Mu was upstairs, intently working on Helian Hao¡¯s wedding dress. The white gown was fitted on a mannequin, as she held a needle and thread, sewing on layer upon layer of pearls onto the gauzy fabric.

 Chapter 159 - 76 We Got Married (2)_7

    Chapter 159: 76 We Got Married (2)_7


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Mu Yichen stood by, watching her sew with concern but did not approach to disturb her.


    "The clothing factory said they want to switch to new machines and won¡¯t cooperate with us anymore."


    Qin Mu spoke softly; by now, all her temper had turned into motivation, her eyes intently focused on the work in her hands.


    Mu Yichen watched her leaning to one side, wondering if she was tired; just looking at her made him feel exhausted.


    So he did not disturb her work and simply took his phone and went out.


    Qin Mu turned her head and saw him heading toward the bedroom, so she didn¡¯t bother with him and concentrated on continuing to make a wedding dress for Helian Hao.


    In fact, this was not an issue for them; they had done more urgent orders before. They only found it strange because this time the sudden complication seemed a bit odd.


    After making the call, Mu Yichen stood in the bedroom for a while, then phoned the hotel: "Prepare dinner for fifteen people to be delivered to my wife¡¯s studio."


    Xiaomei was recording everyone¡¯s dinner order when suddenly a black business car stopped at the entrance of the studio.


    Several people dressed as hotel waitstaff got down from the car, led by the manager of the hotel restaurant. Xiaomei, holding her notebook, walked toward the door: "Why are you here?"


    "Mr. Mu called the restaurant to prepare dinner for you."


    Xiaomei...


    A line of handsome young men were carrying food boxes into their studio. Xiaomei guessed these boys were all under thirty years old, and each one was over one meter eighty tall, with figures that were as good as models.


    Suddenly, everyone in the studio stopped their work, all sorts of awkward positions on display, but their eyes were intently fixed on the newcomers.


    "Xiaomei girl, where should we put this?"


    "Oh, over there, the reception area!"


    Xiaomei snapped to her senses and immediately led them over.


    As Qin Mu worked, Mu Yichen sat on the sofa, checking his emails on his phone while waiting for her. Soon Xiaomei came up with a food box, knocking on the door.


    The door was already open, so Xiaomei just stood there, knocking a few times. When someone looked at her, she giggled and said, "Thanks to Mr. Mu for treating us to dinner. The restaurant¡¯s manager has already delivered the food. Do you two want to eat upstairs, or join us?"


    Qin Mu glanced at the door, seeing Xiaomei with a food box, winking at her.


    He who receives a favor should not forget it...


    After a while, it¡¯s no longer something to dwell on.


    The couple did not go downstairs to eat with them. After Qin Mu went to wash her hands and returned, Mu Yichen had already taken out the food and set it up on the table and even served her rice.


    "I just called to inquire; the clothing factory did not replace their machines."


    Qin Mu had just had a bowl of soup when she heard this and immediately looked up at him, losing her appetite for anything else.


    "Did the head of their clothing factory tell you that?"


    She asked in a low voice, putting down her bowl.


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen looked at her puzzled expression, subconsciously wanting to help her with something.


    "So¡ªthey just don¡¯t want to cooperate with me, right?"


    Qin Mu suddenly laughed, if they didn¡¯t want to cooperate, why find so many lousy excuses?


    Qin Mu thought of the manager¡¯s hesitant expression that morning and instantly felt unhappy.


    "I¡¯m going to start my own clothing factory."


    Qin Mu suddenly declared, and immediately started eating her rice again.


    One needs to be full of energy to work.


    "That¡¯s actually not a bad idea!"


    Mu Yichen said.


    "I want to open my first clothing factory in Rongcheng, and then I¡¯ll open a second and a third one."


    She was energized, as if pumped up by the inexplicable kick.


    "Yeah, and after that open your own brand stores. In a few years, Mrs. Mu could well be Boss Qin. But surely I won¡¯t have to queue for a meal?"


    Why suddenly shower her with compliments?


    How much capital was required to do all this?


    Besides, while investing capital, finding locations was even more challenging.


    A clothing factory just needed a spacious place in the suburbs. She suddenly looked up at him: "Aren¡¯t you in real estate? Do you develop factory buildings?"


    "Yes! But you¡¯ll have to bribe me!"


    "You know how much money I lost because you pushed away my micro-movie? And you dare ask for a bribe from me!"


    Qin Mu put down her cutlery, shook her head, and sighed, realizing that once she asked for his help, he would, but didn¡¯t forget to remind him of that important matter before going back to work.


    Later, she knelt on the ground, sewing pearl after pearl. She sewed for most of the evening, and he sat on the sofa reading emails. When he finished reading emails, he just lay down on the sofa.


    Later, after watching her sewing back and forth for a long time, he unconsciously fell asleep.


    Qin Mu found a blanket to cover him, and looking at his sleeping figure, she couldn¡¯t resist giving him a kiss on the forehead.


    Some things are really hard to express.


    Now that he was staying up with her, she felt not just grateful but purely happy.


    The next day, Jing Qing left Rongcheng. Since the filming location for the movie and the micro-movie was next door, she managed to do both without delay. However, this time, she felt utterly humiliated by the micro-movie.


    Her assistant immediately reported to her after making a call while she was sipping coffee with an expressionless face, watching the supporting actors playing their scenes: "Sister Qing, I heard that their studio lights were on all night yesterday. If they delay the orders they signed a while back at the end of the month, we can all go ask her for the goods, and that¡¯ll be quite a show."


    "Hmph! We¡¯ll see her fate then!"


    Jing Qing took a sip of coffee, sneered and laughed, plotting in her deep gaze.


    She had quietly placed an order at Qin Mu¡¯s studio before, despite paying in full and not bothering her in the meantime. She directly gave the design drafts to the clothing factory for processing. From the beginning, the factory didn¡¯t do the work for her, and then they sought to break the contract at month¡¯s end.


    Jing Qing felt she was finally about to gain the upper hand and unconsciously narrowed her eyes and laughed again.

 Chapter 160 - 77 We Got Married (3)_1

    Chapter 160: 77 We Got Married (3)_1


    Early that morning, several wealthy ladies were queuing up at the Qin Mu¡¯s studio, waiting to pick up their orders, and a colleague opened the door to let them in.


    "Today, if anyone¡¯s clothes don¡¯t fit, we¡¯ll alter them right on the spot. The fitting room is over there. Would anyone like to come with me to try on their garments?"


    Xiaomei called out to everyone, and hearing that immediate alterations were available, several ladies followed her to the fitting room.


    Whether designers or assistants, apart from Xiaomei¡¯s sewing work being slightly lacking, everyone else¡¯s skills were beyond question.


    After a morning of hectic work, when the ladies had left, Qin Mu removed the pins from the shirt and laid them aside, while the others sprawled exhausted across the sofa.


    Qin Mu stood in front of the glass screen looking out. After a while, she turned to her colleagues and said, "Until the factory issue is resolved, we¡¯ll only accept high-end custom orders, and by the way, we¡¯re taking a two-day break!"


    The cheers quickly faded as everyone hurriedly packed their things to go home and rest, and she received a call from President Mu.


    "Are you still working overtime?"


    "We¡¯re off for two days. President Mu, you don¡¯t have a mole in our studio, do you?"


    Qin Mu smiled and asked him.


    "You just realized? I¡¯ll come to pick you up. You can¡¯t sleep in the studio these two days."


    Qin Mu let out an involuntary sigh as she looked around the now empty space, suddenly feeling a bit lost.


    Her wonderful plan to head upstairs to sleep was thus thwarted; she packed up, slung her bag over her shoulder, and came out. It wasn¡¯t long before his car arrived.


    "I¡¯m so lucky, aren¡¯t I?"


    She wrapped her arms around his waist in front of his car, trying to charm him.


    Mu Yichen looked into her suggestive eyes without responding, but simply helped her open the car door.


    So Qin Mu got into his car. On the way to the apartment, she leaned to one side and fell asleep. Mu Yichen glanced back and gently shifted her head resting against the glass onto his shoulder, then continued driving attentively.


    Qin Mu felt his shoulder and gently nuzzled it, then went back to sleep.


    Perhaps there wasn¡¯t another man in the world who could make her feel so secure.


    But how many good years could they really have together?


    She woke up as they reached the apartment¡¯s parking lot. Looking up, she saw him watching her and instinctively smiled: What¡¯s up?


    Seeing the darkness in his eyes, Qin Mu suddenly didn¡¯t know what he was thinking.


    Mu Yichen gave her a slight smile: Let¡¯s get out of the car.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t react immediately, but she instinctively reached to open the door.


    Standing side by side in the elevator, the atmosphere was subtle.


    She didn¡¯t know what he was thinking and couldn¡¯t help but keep looking at him.


    Later, after she had showered and was ready to go to bed, he called her from the doorway: Let¡¯s go eat first.


    Qin Mu instinctively turned around to look at him, and then followed him downstairs for dinner. The simple tomato and egg noodles warmed her heart.


    Her expression was somewhat smug with satisfaction: The noodles are so nicely made, you must be my Mr. Right, right?


    "You should be grateful that heavens sent you someone as perfect as me, given how lacking you are."


    Qin Mu...


    "Eat up, it¡¯ll get mushy and less tasty if you wait too long."


    Of course, she intended to eat. The gap in her heart from being teased needed to be filled in her stomach.


    After dinner, she playfully prevented him from doing the dishes, insisting on sitting on his lap and demanding that he carry her upstairs.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t know why he indulged her, but as he picked her up, he realized she had lost a few more pounds over the past few days.


    His eyebrows twitched involuntarily. Although he didn¡¯t speak, the look he gave her as he laid her on the bed was indeed one of reproach and inquiry.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Startled, she instinctively shrank back.


    "You need to gain back the weight you¡¯ve lost in these past two days!"


    "Uh, you¡¯re saying I¡¯ve lost weight again? But that¡¯s a good thing."


    "Good how? You¡¯re mine, and every single bit of you is mine. You can¡¯t just lose what belongs to me."


    Qin Mu shut her mouth, realizing she couldn¡¯t win the argument with him.


    That night, she slept well while Mu Yichen lay beside her, buried in work.


    Mu Zihao called them to come home for dinner. After speaking with Mu Yichen, he told Feng Fanghua. Feng immediately said: Is it really appropriate to keep inviting her over? Are you sure you want to give up the Jing Family over this girl?


    "If she¡¯s the reason I lose the Jing Family as a friend, then just as my son said, they¡¯re not worth befriending."


    "But we¡¯re already at this age."


    "What¡¯s the big deal about having a meal? The Jing Family already knows Huanhuan is our granddaughter. Do they still expect Jing Qing to marry Yichen? Not to mention Jing Xianzong wouldn¡¯t agree, even the old man of the Jing Family wouldn¡¯t allow it."

 Chapter 161 - 77 We Got Married (3)_2

    Chapter 161: 77 We Got Married (3)_2


    Mu Zihao discussed the matter with Feng Fanghua.


    "I don¡¯t think they¡¯re necessarily unwilling to let Jing Qing become Huanhuan¡¯s stepmother, but I dare not let Jing Qing take on that role. Just thinking about how she treated that girl before makes me afraid. She dislikes children so much, how could she treat them well?"


    "So, after weighing it up, the child¡¯s mother is still the most suitable, right?"


    "It¡¯s really not that I¡¯m looking down on her. If it weren¡¯t for the two of them getting married in secret, I would truly not agree to this marriage. That girl appears to understand the rules in front of us, but who knows what she might be like in front of our son. You can see how distraught and tormented he is by her every day."


    "I was tormented by you back in the day, and yet I wouldn¡¯t give a second glance to any other woman."


    Mu Zihao recalled those helpless days when he was younger, and even now, with her hair turning white, he still found her the best.


    "Hmph, your parents also disapproved of me, said I was too fierce."


    Feng Fanghua remembered those past events very clearly.


    "Yes, I see some similarities between that girl and you. If it weren¡¯t for that incident with her mother, she probably wouldn¡¯t have turned out like this. Deep down, she longs for family and warmth; she¡¯s just too scared to seek it."


    "Are you saying that if her mother hadn¡¯t died, she would have the courage?"


    "What would she not dare to? Have you forgotten how she used to eat lollipops on your lap when she was little?"


    When Feng Fanghua brought up Qin Mu¡¯s habit of eating lollipops on her lap as a child, she immediately thought of her own granddaughter.


    Although Huanhuan resembled Mu Yichen quite a bit, she had to admit that Huanhuan looked strikingly similar to Qin Mu, especially their beautiful foreheads.


    "It¡¯s just a meal, isn¡¯t it? Let¡¯s eat!"


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t argue with him, so she accepted her fate.


    On their way back, they made a detour to the studio where Mu Yichen waited for her outside.


    The lights inside were on, and he sat in the car, watching her silhouette enter through the large glass screen, then retrieve a large box from beneath a table.


    Later, the lights on the first floor went out, and she came out and got into the car.


    Mu Yichen unconsciously glanced at the box she placed in the back, "What¡¯s that?"


    "A gift for Huanhuan¡¯s grandma."


    Mu Yichen looked at her again unconsciously, a smile forming subconsciously on his face.


    "I¡¯m not doing this for you, but I really appreciate her for taking care of Huanhuan."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t need to say much; could he not understand her heart?


    The car hit the road again, and by the time they reached home, it was already quite dark.


    The butler was still standing at the door, waiting for them. As he saw Qin Mu getting out of the passenger seat, the butler unconsciously straightened his neck.


    "Young master, young madam!"


    His greeting was as polite as usual.


    Qin Mu nodded to him politely and was led by Mu Yichen into the house.


    "We¡¯re back!"


    Mu Yichen announced their arrival to the older couple on the sofa.


    "Uncle, auntie, hello!"


    Qin Mu was brought before them by Mu Yichen and immediately freed her hand from his, holding the straps of her purse while she greeted them.


    Feng Fanghua glanced at her, and seeing her face had thinned considerably, she frowned unconsciously. She had heard that Jing Qing was very busy lately but hadn¡¯t expected that she would wear herself out to this extent.


    "Why have you lost so much weight?" Mu Zihao blurted out directly.


    "The studio has been quite busy lately; everyone has lost some weight."


    Qin Mu spoke softly and took a step forward: "I designed a cheongsam during my free time; I hope auntie won¡¯t disdain it."


    Gently placing the box on the coffee table, she stepped back.


    Feng Fanghua glanced at her again from the corner of her eye, then looked at the box that seemed to be of decent quality, raising an eyebrow, "I don¡¯t just wear any cheongsam."


    "The fabric is passable; I personally embroidered the decorations because I can¡¯t trust anyone else¡¯s craftsmanship."


    She knew Feng Fanghua was particular and, of course, anything meant for her daughter¡¯s grandmother had to be the best.


    "A child¡¯s good intentions and you¡¯re still picky?"


    Mu Zihao reminded gently from the side.


    "Alright, alright. I¡¯ll accept the gift. Go wash up; let¡¯s have dinner."


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t want to give her face, so she responded coldly.


    "Daddy, Mommy!"


    Huanhuan, who had just washed her hands in the restroom with her auntie, ran up to Qin Mu and Mu Yichen upon seeing them.


    The mother and daughter hadn¡¯t seen each other for several days and were especially affectionate upon meeting, hugging tightly, neither willing to let go.


    Huanhuan also waved her little hand at Mu Yichen, who leaned in close, and she immediately planted a big kiss on his cheek.

 Chapter 162 - 77 We Got Married (3)_3

    Chapter 162: 77 We Got Married (3)_3


    The cloying sweetness warmed Feng Fanghua¡¯s heart.


    During the meal, Huanhuan sat between Qin Mu and Mu Yichen, sipping her soup and watching them both with a silly smile.


    Feng Fanghua watched from the front and suddenly felt a sense of guilt.


    Thinking back to the words she had said to Qin Mu and the things she had done, she looked up at Qin Mu again. Seeing no trace of resentment on his face, her struggle intensified.


    "You two should come back more often. That¡¯s when it feels like a real meal. Otherwise, the three of us at home is just like filling our bellies," Mu Zihao said.


    Qin Mu laughed involuntarily at the word "filling bellies," and though she didn¡¯t dare to promise directly, she would definitely come if they asked, no matter how busy she was.


    "Yichen, you too. How can you take care of your wife like this? Weren¡¯t you going to cook for her yourself?"


    "Uncle, it¡¯s not his fault. I can¡¯t eat when I¡¯m busy at work. We¡¯ll have a two-day holiday at the studio, and I¡¯ll make it up," Qin Mu said quickly, then took a sip of her soup.


    Mu Yichen leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Seeing how concerned my dad is about you, you can tell he recognizes you as his daughter-in-law!"


    Qin Mu glanced at him and refrained from frolicking in front of her elders, simply smiling and then bowing her head to eat.


    After the meal, Huanhuan clung to Qin Mu in her arms and didn¡¯t leave. Even though she was too sleepy to keep her eyes open, she didn¡¯t dare let go, muttering softly, "Mommy, Huanhuan is so sleepy!"


    "Would you like grandma to take you to sleep?"


    Feng Fanghua immediately straightened up and asked her softly.


    "Hmm, Huanhuan wants to sleep with mommy and daddy tonight."


    Huanhuan weakly looked up at her own mommy, clutching Qin Mu¡¯s sleeve, afraid to let go.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes moistened in an instant, yet she managed a faint smile, "How about..."


    "Then you take her upstairs to sleep!"


    Qin Mu was actually about to suggest taking Huanhuan back to the apartment for a couple of days, but before she could say it, Feng Fanghua told her to take Huanhuan upstairs to sleep.


    Qin Mu nodded and had to carry her upstairs.


    Back in Paris, no matter how tired or late it was, she would always go home to accompany Huanhuan to sleep, but after returning, ever since Feng Fanghua found out Huanhuan was her granddaughter...


    Actually, Qin Mu wanted to give Huanhuan a comfortable life, yet she didn¡¯t want to leave Huanhuan either.


    But respecting elders is important, and one should always accommodate them, especially since they treated her daughter well and did not prevent her from seeing her.


    However, sometimes she wondered how long this kind of life would last?


    Now that she was living in the studio she felt at peace, but it was not warm at all.


    Just like Mu Zihao said, eating was merely for filling the belly.


    Maybe this was destiny!


    If it was destiny, she would accept it!


    Fortunately, even so, she was not alone. She was content.


    After Huanhuan fell asleep, she stood on the staircase, wanting to go down, but to her surprise, there was no one on the sofa downstairs.


    Qin Mu was moved and instinctively looked towards their bedroom. Mu Yichen had finished bathing, was wearing pajamas, and wiping his hair as he came out: "What are you waiting for?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Aren¡¯t we going back to the apartment?"


    "It¡¯s too late!"


    Once inside the bedroom, Qin Mu was still anxious: "Are we staying here tonight?"


    "Haven¡¯t you stayed here before? Why are you acting like you¡¯re sneaking in?" Mu Yichen asked.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare to say anything, just moved her mouth slightly, and then went to take a bath.


    He had already filled the bathtub for her. Qin Mu looked back at him standing outside with his arms crossed and leaning against the door frame, his eyes peach-blossom like.


    "Thanks a lot!"


    "You¡¯re welcome!" Mu Yichen replied indifferently, standing by the door without any intention of leaving.


    Madam Mu had no choice but to turn back, push against his chest with her hand, and close the door.


    It had been several days since her last bath, and all her weariness began to dissipate as she lay down in the tub.


    She suddenly felt drained, staying foolishly in the water, her eyes gradually empty.


    She no longer had any control over her decisions.


    People thought that she was the one making decisions regarding everything with Mu Yichen.


    That night, lying on him, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but succumb, gently kissing him, caressing him.


    "Mu Yichen!"


    "You are the most charming man I have ever seen!"


    She kissed his lips softly, her eyes tenderly looking at him, her voice even softer and gentler, making listeners think they were hallucinating.


    She moved gently, kissing his chest, her hands igniting fire as they teased over his body.

 Chapter 163 - 77 We Got Married (3)_4

    Chapter 163: 77 We Got Married (3)_4


    The night was serene, and their love had just begun.


    In another bedroom, Feng Fanghua changed out of the cheongsam designed by Qin Mu at Mu Zihao¡¯s request.


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s figure had always been well-maintained, and as a typical Eastern beauty, the purple cheongsam showcased her excellent physique to perfection.


    She turned around twice, looking downwards at her waist and legs, and gently touched the fabric across her chest. It was the work of a skillful person; the texture was utterly authentic. Feng Fanghua, having worn so many expensive cheongsams, naturally knew this.


    "This girl does have some talent."


    "More than that, even the color and thread used for these delicate patterns that are embroidered on it are on par with our domestic luxury brands."


    "Is it really that good?"


    Feng Fanghua turned to look at him, skeptical.


    "Humph, don¡¯t believe me? Try wearing this cheongsam to the charity banquet in a few days and listen to what those critical madams have to say."


    "If it ends up being embarrassing, don¡¯t blame me for falling out with that girl ruthlessly."


    Feng Fanghua said.


    Mu Zihao sat confidently in the chair by the bed with a smile: "Come find me then."


    "Humph, you think I wouldn¡¯t dare to?"


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s eyebrows raised. For many years, the two had interacted in this manner, and unbeknownst to her, Mu Zihao had long grown accustomed to her way of speaking.


    Later, Feng Fanghua changed into her pajamas but still meticulously folded the cheongsam, her hands involuntarily caressing the stitching.


    Qin Mu had said it was handmade by her.


    Mu Zihao looked at Feng Fanghua¡¯s expression and couldn¡¯t help but sigh, recalling the time when he and Feng Fanghua had abruptly told Qin Mu to leave, which had been rather inappropriate.


    And she left without saying a word; there was no questioning or blaming, which made him feel deeply guilty.


    Latterly, Jing Xianzong had still cut off business with his son, and now there was dealings between the Jing Family and his family, but the relationship had deteriorated from before.


    Even outsiders, knowing about Mu Yi¡¯s and Qin Mu¡¯s affair, speculated that the Jing Family and the Mu Family would fall out, so rumors were spreading that the two families were going to break up. Under such circumstances, their relationship was deteriorating day by day.


    In their hearts, they also felt the connection with the Jing Family was steadily heading into a chasm.


    Perhaps it was inevitable that they would eventually fall out with the Jing Family. Mu Zihao only hoped that even if his and Jing Xianzong¡¯s, including the old master¡¯s relationship dissolved, his son would still remain as close with Jing Feng as before. After all, they had grown up together and had always aided each other. Considering Jing Feng¡¯s character, Mu Zihao felt he was still reliable.


    Feng Fanghua had no idea what Mu Zihao was thinking. She just approached him and said: "Your son moved in without even asking me."


    "Humph, isn¡¯t that what you tacitly agreed to? You claimed you were tired and wanted to head back to your room early."


    Feng Fanghua...


    She just wanted to try on the cheongsam.


    ¡ª¡ª


    The next day.


    Qin Mu had not gotten off Mu Yi¡¯s body until twelve o¡¯clock the previous night. At first, she did not want to; later, she wanted to but couldn¡¯t, and finally, after much effort satisfying him, but...


    The aftermath of indulgence was feeling even weaker the next day.


    Mrs. Mu could hardly get out of bed the next morning, although she still instinctively tried to rise.


    As soon as Mu Yi felt a cool breeze blowing into the blankets, he immediately pressed her down again: "Stay and sleep with me a little longer."


    "I really can¡¯t this time!"


    "Resistance is futile!" His hoarse voice carried an insistent gravity.


    Qin Mu helplessly lay beside him, watching as he closed his eyes and unintentionally her wait began.


    In truth, she quite enjoyed this feeling.


    If, after many years, he could still cling to her like this, letting her stay with him in bed until the sun was high, she would be more than willing.


    But, would they ever reach such a day?


    It was only after he fell asleep again that she quietly got out of bed.


    There were still clothes of hers here; she gently opened the wardrobe, picked out a dress, and quietly went to the bathroom.


    After washing up and changing clothes, she went to Huanhuan¡¯s room. Intending to wake Huanhuan to help her with her hair, she gently pushed open the door only to find Huanhuan already dressed and sitting at the edge of the bed, with Feng Fanghua standing by, combing her hair.


    It was like...


    Qin Mu tiptoed over: "Auntie, let me do it!"


    "No need!"


    Feng Fanghua, without even giving her a glance, continued to braid her granddaughter¡¯s hair.


    Qin Mu just stood there watching, and as time passed, her gaze gradually unfocused, as if she had been transported back more than ten years.


    As a child, she had been lazy, and her mother would kneel on the bed with one leg, combing her hair in an awkward posture.

 Chapter 164 - 77 We Got Married (3)_5

    Chapter 164: 77 We Got Married (3)_5


    Back then, she suddenly took an interest in looking pretty and grew out her hair, her mother¡¯s hairdressing skills weren¡¯t very good, often leaving her hands stiff from braiding her daughter¡¯s hair.


    In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed.


    Qin Mu instinctively looked toward Feng Fanghua, this elder with a sharp tongue and a soft heart, and her lips slowly curled into a smile.


    Feng Fanghua glanced at her, "Why are you looking at me for? I¡¯m not your mother."


    Although the tone was unpleasant, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "How did you know I was thinking about her?"


    "Hmph, whatever you¡¯re thinking, I know it clear as day, I just don¡¯t love to burst your bubble. Besides, I have my own kids to take care of, I don¡¯t have the energy to fuss over you."


    Qin Mu fell silent again, because she truly didn¡¯t know how to continue.


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t speak either, because what she said was the truth; even if it was harsh, that was just her nature, she couldn¡¯t hold back the honest, albeit tough words.


    Later, Feng Fanghua left first, she followed behind holding Huanhuan, unable to resist kissing Huanhuan¡¯s face and happily followed Feng Fanghua out.


    At breakfast, Mu Yichen didn¡¯t get up, it was just the four of them eating.


    "What are your plans for today? Are you going to continue resting at home or go out?"


    Mu Zihao asked while eating freshly made fried dough, a spoonful of porridge in his other hand.


    "I want to take Huanhuan out for some fun."


    When Qin Mu said this, her eyes subconsciously sought Feng Fanghua¡¯s approval, cautious, hopeful.


    "Bring her to me in the evening!"


    Feng Fanghua said with a single sentence.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu wouldn¡¯t dare let Huanhuan sleep with her, she agreed immediately.


    Later, Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao went to attend a friend¡¯s second wedding, Qin Mu and Mu Yichen took Huanhuan to her mother¡¯s grave.


    Huanhuan held a handful of small white flowers, gently placing them in front of her grandmother¡¯s tombstone, then retreated back to her parents¡¯ side, holding their hands.


    "Mom, I¡¯m here to see you!"


    She said softly, then looked down at her own daughter.


    "We are all doing very well, how about you?"


    Her voice was light, calm. Mu Yichen and Huanhuan stood by quietly, at this moment they were simply accompanying their most important person.


    Later, the three of them went to Dinosaur Park, Huanhuan¡¯s voice was hoarse from shouting but she was reluctant to leave, still pulling Mu Yichen to move forward.


    Qin Mu followed quietly behind them.


    "Daddy, look, it¡¯s breathing fire!"


    Even if fake, it could still breathe fire.


    Huanhuan¡¯s eyes were particularly wide, very dark and shiny, truly adorable.


    Mu Yichen lifted her up so she could see more clearly.


    That day, Dinosaur Park was crowded, later someone recognized Qin Mu as the girl from the perfume advertisement, they pointed and talked about her from behind, and later someone even approached her: "Excuse me, are you the spokesperson in that perfume ad on Channel Two? You¡¯re called Qin Mu, right?"


    Qin Mu...


    Back then, she had not chosen a stage name for herself as she aimed to lay a foundation for future work, and now, being called by a stranger felt oddly uncomfortable.


    Then more and more people gathered around her, with some holding up their phones unsure if they were recording video or taking pictures.


    "We really love the ads you shot, we even looked you up online."


    "Yes, Baidu says you¡¯ve done lots of big ads abroad, all luxury products regular folks can¡¯t afford."


    "You¡¯re really pretty, you look even better in person than on TV."


    "Right, your skin looks so soft, like you could squeeze water out of it, I really want to touch."


    A child¡¯s mother said with a smile, her eyes genuinely eager to touch.


    Qin Mu subconsciously smiled: "Well, go ahead and touch!"


    "Really?"


    The child¡¯s mother couldn¡¯t believe it, yet she was already stepping forward.


    "Is that a real offer?"


    Mu Yi suddenly came back, with one hand still carrying Huanhuan, and with the other he took her hand and shielded her as they walked out.


    Qin Mu had just responded instinctively, thinking that the woman wouldn¡¯t really touch her.


    "Hey, who are you?"


    "Yeah, who are you?"


    "I¡¯m her man!"


    The crowd...


    As they walked away, those people were still discussing: "That girl has a husband?"


    "Maybe a boyfriend?"


    "But didn¡¯t you see they¡¯re both wearing rings?"


    "Right, and the man was holding a child, who looked quite like both of them."


    "She looks so young, and she¡¯s already married!"


    "And her husband is so handsome too!"


    "Hey, did you notice her husband looks a lot like a big shot from our city?"


    A mother mentioned while showing the video on her phone to the people around her.

 Chapter 165 - 77 We Got Married (3)_6

    Chapter 165: 77 We Got Married (3)_6


    Then a group of people surrounded that mother, while the children, already impatient from waiting, had run off to look at the sights on their own.


    "Mu Yichen? The young tycoon who runs that huge pharmaceutical conglomerate, and also deals with hotels and real estate?"


    "My God, it really is him, look, they¡¯re identical!"


    How powerful is the age of information?


    It lets people learn everything about a celebrity in minutes.


    By the time they ran out to chase after them, their car had already left. Mu Yichen¡¯s face didn¡¯t look too good, and Qin Mu instinctively looked at him, "Are you unhappy?"


    "If we weren¡¯t secretly married, today I would¡¯ve let those people know, I am your man."


    What¡¯s the difference?


    He said he was her man, and even had a child in his arms.


    Qin Mu looked away, thinking that those people must have guessed as much.


    What she didn¡¯t expect was, others recognized her as an advertising model, but didn¡¯t recognize her as the girl rumored to be involved with another man, nor did they recognize her as the daughter of the mayor of Qin City.


    However, meeting with the mayor of Qin City on several occasions with many people around seemed to attract no media attention; after all, how could the mayor¡¯s banquets invite the media.


    It just struck her suddenly thinking about Mrs. Yang. Later, she overheard a socialite who was presumed to have gone to collect a dress mentioning that Mrs. Yang and the mayor¡¯s wife were having coffee together in a cafe?, and apparently, the mayor¡¯s wife had pushed a card in front of Mrs. Yang.


    Because it was lunchtime, the three of them simply went to the hotel. It was almost the same as being at home, but Huanhuan was particularly happy because she seldom visited this place.


    As for the two of them, Qin Mu joked, looking at Mu¡¯s mood, "Should I also wear a mask when I go out in the future? Wrap myself up tightly to avoid being recognized."


    "Necessary!"


    Qin Mu was actually just trying to make him laugh, but seeing his serious response, she suddenly felt deflated.


    "I think I need to keep you locked at home."


    Qin Mu...


    Wrapped his arm around her as they stood by the window, "Dare to jump down from here with me?"


    After saying that, he turned to look at her.


    "No way!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart tightened, instinctively chickening out.


    Mu Yichen looked at her about-to-laugh demeanor, but remained unmoved, watching her seriously.


    "I haven¡¯t lived enough yet!"


    Qin Mu had to explain.


    He sighed helplessly, "Me neither!"


    ...


    Qin Mu felt the air around her freeze with their idiotic exchange.


    At lunch, the manager personally served them their meal, cheerily asking, "Did Mr. Mu and the young madam go to Dinosaur Park today?"


    The two of them instinctively glanced at him and then at Huanhuan, with Qin Mu even saying to her daughter, "Can our Huanhuan already pass messages?"


    "It wasn¡¯t the young miss who said it; it appeared on Weibo. Someone posted a video of you three at Dinosaur Park, and it¡¯s now in the top three on the trending searches."


    After finishing serving the meal and speaking, the manager nodded his head and left.


    Qin Mu immediately turned on her phone on the table, opened Weibo, went to the trending section, and then...


    It really was the two of them and Huanhuan, and it even captured the part where Mr. Mu said he was her man.


    Qin Mu was shocked to hear his voice on the video and covered her mouth.


    As for Mr. Mu, he remained calmly seated as if unfazed.


    "What should we do now?"


    "Isn¡¯t this great?"


    "Great?"


    Mr. Mu laughed softly, then picked up his wine glass and drank alone.


    Qin Mu...


    What part of this is good?


    Huanhuan, hearing her father¡¯s voice, couldn¡¯t help but lean over to look, and upon seeing herself in the video, she exclaimed in surprise, thinking she was on TV.


    Just like that, everyone in the city learned that the two of them were a husband and wife; it saved him the trouble.


    That¡¯s what Mu Yichen thought, and suddenly his appetite improved!


    Qin Mu, however, felt a little uneasy; it seemed too easy to rank on the hot search list, didn¡¯t it?


    After lunch, the two adults took the child for a nap upstairs. Later, Qin Mu received a call from Jian Yan and quietly left the room to sit on the sofa in his office and talk to Jian Yan over the phone.


    "This incident happened suddenly, and from what you¡¯ve said, it seems very likely that someone is deliberately targeting you."


    "It¡¯s just the same few people, don¡¯t worry, this will all be sorted out."


    Qin Mu could guess who had the clout to target her?


    A woman with a special relationship with Mr. Mu wasn¡¯t someone anyone dared to offend; with the process of elimination, the answer was easily found.


    Mu Yichen lay in bed, but couldn¡¯t sleep. He listened to her leave, to her talking on the phone with Jian Yan, and sometimes he really wished she didn¡¯t see him as Mu Yichen, but just as any man she could confide in and speak her truths to.


    For instance, he was quite envious of Jian Yan.


    Later, his phone also rang. He instinctively glanced at his daughter beside him, gently pressing her shoulder with one hand while swiftly picking up the phone with the other to answer the call.

 Chapter 166 - 77 We Got Married (3)_7

    Chapter 166: 77 We Got Married (3)_7


    Qin Mu heard some movement inside and then went back in; he had woken up.


    Mu Yichen gently got up from the bed, and as Qin Mu again sat next to her daughter, he looked at her once before going out to answer the phone. Qin Mu then lay down again, watching Huanhuan sleep so soundly that she couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    "The Jing Family patriarch is on the phone; he said he¡¯s going to come over later."


    Having finished the call, Mu Yichen went back in to inform Qin Mu.


    "Should I take Huanhuan away?"


    "No need, just stay here."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes, dark as pitch, looking at her, showed not the slightest intention of avoiding her.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything more. Before long, she heard the door of the outer office open as the manager personally greeted the old patriarch upstairs, served tea, then left.


    In the office, an old man and a young man sat on the couch, with the tea on the table untouched.


    The old man still held his cane: "What¡¯s wrong with you, lad? Weren¡¯t you getting along fine with Xiaoqing before? How come as soon as that girl came back, she changed her ways?"


    "When have I ever been with Jing Qing? It was just helping from beginning to end; wasn¡¯t it you who said she was having a tough time in the entertainment industry and asked me to back her up?"


    Mu Yichen lifted his eyes and let out an involuntary shallow laugh as he started to quibble with him.


    "Not even a bit of true feeling? Xiaoqing has deep feelings for you."


    The old man couldn¡¯t help but speak well of his own granddaughter, seeing his stubborn manner. Today, after Jing Qing saw the video of Qin Mu on the web, she called and cried to him in grievance. It pained him so much that he had to come to Mu Yichen immediately.


    "As for her, if you ask about affection, that would be sibling affection."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s lips curved up slightly; that was as far as he could go with the conversation.


    In truth, he grew up in the same court with Jing Feng, Jing Qing, and Jiang Zhiyuan, all the same age. Naturally, their feelings for each other were special, but that didn¡¯t mean special feelings could become his weakness.


    "You give me a straight answer, boy; do you want our Xiaoqing or that woman?" The old patriarch was obviously a bit impatient. Brotherly and sisterly affection is not what he wanted.


    Mu Yichen looked up at the old man, his eyes solidly cold and resolute.


    And Qin Mu, lying on the bed inside with her daughter, quietly listened through the door.


    "Even if you ask me a million times, the answer will not change; I don¡¯t have the kind of feelings for Jing Qing that you want."


    Mu Yichen replied promptly, still giving the old patriarch due respect.


    "What is Xiaoqing lacking compared to that girl? Our two families have had this relationship for decades. Xiaoqing has adored you since she was a child, and let me tell you, even if Xiaoqing knows that girl has given you a daughter, she would treat that girl as her own. And once Xiaoqing marries into the Mu Family, she could give you a son."


    "Deciding to have sons or daughters is up to us?"


    Mu Yichen laughed involuntarily, ignoring the rest of the old man¡¯s words.


    "Regardless, Xiaoqing can bear you children, isn¡¯t that enough? She has no second thoughts about you. Even amidst the entertainment industry¡¯s dye vat, have you ever seen her involved in any scandals? On the contrary, look at that girl who just came back a few days ago; scandalous rumors with Liu Jingyuan are already circulating."


    "As for why Qin Mu got involved in such rumors with Liu Jingyuan, you might want to go back and ask your granddaughter about that."


    The voice of Mu Yichen was calm, yet cold.


    Qin Mu, listening inside, lost herself in thought.


    He knew everything, he believed her too. That truly was enough.


    But the more he considered for her, the more uncomfortable her heart became.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    At Mu Yi¡¯s words, the old patriarch knitted his brows and jabbed his cane on the floor, his face growing even colder.


    "Grandfather, you¡¯ve always been the patriarch I respect the most. But certain things are as they are, and you must be clearer about them than I am."


    Mu Yichen said as he stood up from the couch and, suppressing his inner turmoil, walked to the window to view the city¡¯s bustle in the distance and the indistinct roads below.


    It turns out the relationship between the Jing Family and the Mu Family was so frail, with no marriage alliance, then it shall end.


    This relationship was fragile, it seemed even more fragile than his and Qin Mu¡¯s.


    All of a sudden, he found a bit of dignity again, and his heart no longer felt so suffocated.


    "You care for your own granddaughter and use her to intimidate Qin Mu. Let bygones be bygones, but it can¡¯t happen over and over again; otherwise, you don¡¯t deserve to be respected by the younger generation anymore."


    His words were heavy, although still delivered with a casual air, but each word weighed deep.


    The old man snorted, standing up and looking slightly askance at his back: Lad, are you threatening me? You¡¯re still too green!


    "We¡¯ll see about that!"


    Mu Yichen also turned around, his composure laced with ruthlessness!


    "We¡¯ll see? Then we¡¯ll just have to see. If you can¡¯t marry Xiaoqing, our families¡¯ relationship is over. I, as a grandfather, naturally have to seek justice for my granddaughter."


    The old patriarch said all the nice words he could, laid down the harsh ones, and then walked away.


    "We shall wait and see!"


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Wait!"


    The old patriarch immediately turned his head at the familiar voice, his gaze fierce.

 Chapter 167 - 78 We Got Married (4)_1

    Chapter 167: 78 We Got Married (4)_1


    "We¡¯re married! Since before the New Year!"


    Ms. Mu said earnestly as she walked out from inside, addressing the old master.


    The old master didn¡¯t speak for a long time, his frown deepening.


    Soon he suddenly clutched his chest, a pang of heartache overtaking him.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Later, the old master was safely sent out of the hotel, got into his own family¡¯s car, and left. The two of them stood in the office facing each other. Mu Yichen looked at her with an expression that was hard to comprehend.


    "At least we can tell him that if he does something excessive to us again, we have a legitimate reason to resist, right?"


    Scared by that look in his eyes, Qin Mu felt a bit of panic and instinctively explained.


    He suddenly laughed: Come here!


    Qin Mu stepped forward, her toes already touching his. Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, just quietly gazed at her.


    Feeling unsettled by his stare, she looked into his dark eyes and unconsciously opened her mouth to say something, only to be silenced as he held her face in his hands.


    It was completely an accident.


    Because of the old master¡¯s aggressive demands, because he stood by her with all his might.


    As a woman, she felt she wasn¡¯t entirely without conscience.


    If their marriage could stop the Jing Family¡¯s relentless pursuit and make things easier for him.


    Maybe Jing Qing would hate her even more knowing they were married, but the Jing Family should let go of the matter between Jing Qing and Mu Yichen. This was also something she had done for him.


    If the Jing Family gave the Mu Family trouble in the future, putting aside what might happen between the two families, at least public opinion would side with the Mu Family as the Jing Family would be reacting over a rejected proposal.


    If, unfortunately, their affair was made public, so be it.


    They did indeed have a marriage.


    If not, she would be even more relieved.


    It was like a gamble, about whether to give up or continue.


    Huanhuan was still asleep while he held her, moving towards the sofa while kissing her.


    "Mu Yichen!"


    "Want to wake up your daughter?"


    He just asked the question and then disregarded her feelings.


    It was like waging a war, but a war only for one.


    Later, he sat on the sofa with a hint of weariness on his face.


    Qin Mu, however, had returned to her room. Huanhuan had already woken up. She lay there with Huanhuan who turned around and also looked at her, mother and daughter suddenly bursting into laughter.


    "You¡¯re awake?"


    "Mommy, where¡¯s daddy?"


    "He¡¯s outside handling business!"


    Qin Mu thought about it. If it hadn¡¯t been for Huanhuan suddenly waking up and calling for her, he probably would have tormented her for a while longer.


    Suddenly she couldn¡¯t help but laugh. Where would his temper lead him?


    It was strange to say, but sometimes the two could sense each other¡¯s thoughts.


    That time, he probably sensed her intention to give up, which was why he suddenly made things difficult for her.


    In the evening, the couple took the child back to the Mu Family home. Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua had already returned. The coffee table in front of the sofa was set with desserts and cut fruits. They had only eaten a little when they saw their granddaughter return and immediately set down the fruit picks: "Our little treasure is back."


    Feng Fanghua said, hugging her precious granddaughter who ran into her arms to act spoiled.


    "Grandma, Huanhuan missed you so much."


    Huanhuan said sweetly.


    "And did you miss Grandpa?"


    Mu Zihao also asked softly.


    "Huanhuan missed Grandpa very much."


    Huanhuan said and then threw herself into Mu Zihao¡¯s arms, delighting both elders immensely.


    Mu Yichen and Qin Mu sat on the adjacent sofa, watching the three generations get along so well that Mu Yichen breathed a sigh of relief. However, his expression was still somewhat frosty because of Qin Mu¡¯s actions that afternoon in the office.


    "The old Jing Family master came to find me at the hotel today."


    Mu Yichen still decided to speak up about the incident.


    The elders looked at him, waiting for him to continue.


    "I¡¯ve told him about our marriage certificate."


    Mu Yichen continued.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao both inhaled sharply: "What did he say?"


    "He was very angry. He said we¡¯d see about that."


    Having heard that from their son, Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao exchanged glances and it took them a while to calm their emotions.


    "That old master always saw you as his grandson-in-law, whether in public or private. Now that he knows about your marriage to Qin Mu, his pride must be hurt."


    Mu Zihao reflected.


    "Yes! He was so angry that he felt a pain in his chest, but he still managed to leave the hotel in good shape."


    In truth, if the old master had collapsed in the hotel, it would have been difficult for Mu Yichen to explain to Jing Feng.

 Chapter 168 - 78 We Got Married (4)_2

    Chapter 168: 78 We Got Married (4)_2


    Fortunately, the old man was still quite robust and had enough of a temper to endure.


    "Sigh, what do you plan to do next?"


    Feng Fanghua asked again, her eyes bored when she looked at Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare to say much, but Mu Yichen turned to her with a cold look, "See her!"


    Everyone who heard that looked at Mu Yichen, and naturally, Qin Mu did too.


    He was passing the problem to her?


    "Who knows what the future holds? But now that the Jing Family knows about your marriage, you should all move back here."


    Qin Mu looked up in surprise at the couple opposite her.


    Feng Fanghua also looked at Mu Zihao: Just let her move back in?


    "We¡¯ve come to this point already, and besides... we didn¡¯t think things through at the beginning. Asking you to move out was a mistake on my and your aunt¡¯s part, no, your mother-in-law¡¯s judgement was poor."


    "You asked her to move out?"


    Mu Yichen immediately frowned.


    "So what if we asked her to move out? Even now, I¡¯m not willing to let her move back because her relationship with the Jing Family was severed so abruptly; is it worth it?"


    Feng Fanghua retorted immediately when she saw her son frown.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but sneer, "Mrs. Feng, is it up to me or you to decide what¡¯s worth it?"


    "Whoever wants to decide can decide, Huanhuan, let¡¯s go. Follow grandma to the kitchen."


    Feng Fanghua, irritated by her son¡¯s tone, immediately got up and took her granddaughter to the kitchen.


    Mu Yichen then turned to berate his own woman: And you? Don¡¯t you plan to say something to me?


    "Mu Yichen!"


    What else could Qin Mu say? In his home, in front of his family, she just wanted to remind him not to be so hot-tempered.


    "I¡¯ve said it before, don¡¯t leave me for anything or anyone again. Did you take my words as a mere breeze?


    After finishing his words, he got up and went upstairs.


    She just watched his resolute back, and for a moment, a chill seeped into her stomach.


    But what could she say?


    Tell him, his parents were afraid to break with the Jing Family, so they had sent her away to smooth over the relationship between the two families?


    Or tell him, his parents didn¡¯t think highly of them as a couple and hoped they would divorce?


    Mu Zihao sighed helplessly: This kid often loses his temper with you, doesn¡¯t he?


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know how to reply and just laughed unconsciously.


    "The kid is good to you, that¡¯s why he loses his temper. You know that, right?"


    Mu Zihao reassured her again.


    Qin Mu nodded: I know!


    She always knew, all his temper, was because of her.


    "I know you are a good child. It¡¯s beyond my and your mother-in-law¡¯s expectations that you would bear such grievances without a word. Mumu, maybe it¡¯s our fate. Please settle down here."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare to speak, she just subconsciously lowered her gaze to stare at her ring.


    "Don¡¯t you know your mother-in-law by now? She¡¯s all bark and no bite. The cheongsam you gave her yesterday? She put it on as soon as she got back to her room last night, didn¡¯t even want to put it away when going to bed."


    This indeed surprised Qin Mu.


    "If she likes it, I¡¯ll make them for her often."


    She unconsciously promised happily.


    "Yes! So settle down here and be at peace, don¡¯t live alone in the studio anymore, it¡¯s too bleak."


    Mu Zihao said.


    "Mom!"


    Just as the two had spoken a few words, Feng Fanghua returned with Huanhuan, who had something in her mouth, munching while calling to her.


    Qin Mu, looking at her daughter rushing into her arms, couldn¡¯t help but take an extra glance at her: Don¡¯t run while eating, understood?


    "Mm!"


    Huanhuan nodded vigorously, her face full of happiness.


    "Are you implying that I didn¡¯t teach Huanhuan well?"


    Feng Fanghua asked as she sat down.


    Qin Mu...


    "I¡¯ve already settled it with Mumu, she¡¯ll live here from now on. Henceforth, our family must not be disunited; we have to work together to make our days better."


    This was directed by Mu Zihao toward both Feng Fanghua and Qin Mu.


    "But when trouble comes, we¡¯ll see if you can still be as breezy as you are now."


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t chase her away, but glanced at Qin Mu as she left those words.


    Later, no one dared to call Yichen to dinner, for the servants had heard him flare up earlier. Qin Mu wanted to send Huanhuan, but Feng Fanghua said: Go yourself if you want to, don¡¯t use my granddaughter as an excuse.


    So she had no choice but to go upstairs herself. She was about to knock on the door when she lifted her hand and realized it led to his bedroom. Thinking that he might be lying on the bed sulking, she gently turned the doorknob.

 Chapter 169 - 78 We Got Married (4)_3

    Chapter 169: 78 We Got Married (4)_3


    The door wasn¡¯t locked, she opened it easily, and then slowly poked her head in to look inside.


    As expected, he was lying on the bed reading a book, and upon seeing her enter, he gave her a cold glance before returning his gaze to the book.


    Qin Mu closed the door behind her and walked forward, saying as she saw his expressionless face, "How about I satisfy you first, and then we go downstairs to eat together?"


    Mu Yichen still ignored her.


    "Anyway, I don¡¯t care if your mom misunderstands me even more, as for the delay in dinner time, if she blames me, I¡¯ll just bow my head and accept it without blaming you!"


    "Do you think I care about you?"


    He tossed the book aside and, after a cold remark, immediately grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the bed.


    She felt her waist hit by the bed, but the next moment, he was pressing her down.


    By the time the two of them came downstairs, it was almost half an hour later. Feng Fanghua was feeding her granddaughter and had no mood to care about them, but Mu Zihao whispered, "Hurry up and sit down to eat."


    Qin Mu felt a little weak, but obediently sat next to Mu Yichen.


    Brother Chen¡¯s face might still be cold, but it was obvious he had indulged in the ultimate pleasure.


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t bear to see her son like this, and when Huanhuan was almost done eating, she asked, "What¡¯s this? Is our young master planning to challenge his own mother with this attitude?"


    "I wouldn¡¯t dare!"


    Mu Yichen lifted his eyes, his voice lackluster yet stubborn.


    "Hmph! Is there anything you wouldn¡¯t dare? You even went and handled such a big event as marriage all by yourself."


    Feng Fanghua continued to ask, and as for the delicious dishes below her eyelids, she had no interest in them tonight.


    "So what? Should the two of us go and get a divorce now to satisfy you?"


    Feng Fanghua...


    Mu Zihao...


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but turn to look at him, and Mu Yichen immediately turned to look at her, too. Upon noticing the uncertainty in her eyes, he immediately said to her, "You might as well give up that idea, you won¡¯t be getting a divorce in this lifetime!"


    Qin Mu...


    "I can¡¯t eat this meal!"


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t stand her son being good to Qin Mu in front of her and immediately put down her chopsticks.


    "Grandma!"


    Just as everyone was worrying and thinking of comforting her, Huanhuan took a spoonful of vegetables and stood up to feed it to her mouth.


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s heart of stone instantly softened.


    "The only good thing you two did was to give me such a precious little one."


    Feng Fanghua lifted Huanhuan onto her lap, her entire demeanor softening.


    Qin Mu thought to herself with relief: Thankfully, thankfully, there is at least one thing that satisfies you.


    "In the future, they¡¯ll do one or two more good deeds like this one, don¡¯t be angry anymore."


    Mu Zihao personally served her soup, hitting Feng Fanghua¡¯s heart.


    Qin Mu listened by the side, her insides trembling with fear, but still she couldn¡¯t help but stand up: "Let me do it!"


    Mu Zihao saw his daughter-in-law offering help and immediately gave her the opportunity.


    The meal eventually finished quietly, but everyone ate well.


    After dinner, the family watched gossip news together. Mu Zihao saw a female celebrity being rumored with a male star and remarked, "The entertainment industry these days is truly different from before."


    "You seem to know a lot, don¡¯t you? What? You were very familiar with the entertainment industry back then?"


    Mu Zihao was choked by Feng Fanghua¡¯s comment and swallowed his frustration.


    Their son chuckled indecently, finally lightening the heaviness that had lingered in the house all evening.


    "Mom, what did you say to our young madam that made her leave so easily without a word to your son?"


    "I told her that I didn¡¯t want her to drag our family down, and I said I wanted you two to divorce. What about it? What are you going to do to your mom?"


    Mu Yichen leaned back in the sofa, his smile faintly subsiding as he straightened slightly but remained silent, his dark eyes glancing at the woman beside him.


    This time mother and daughter openly discussed the matter. There were no fights, just casual conversation as if discussing household matters, though the atmosphere still went cold for a minute or two.


    Afterward, Mu Yichen placed Qin Mu¡¯s hand on his knee. She instinctively looked at him, but his eyes were on the television, not on her.


    However, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he felt sorry for her.


    So she let him hold her hand without pulling away.


    Feng Fanghua was soon out of sight and out of mind, going to cuddle with Huanhuan to sleep.


    Late into the night, only the two of them remained in the living room. The auntie warmed up two cups of milk and brought them over: "Do the young master and young madam have any other instructions?"


    "No, that¡¯s all. You should go rest early," said Mu Yichen, looking at the TV, speaking in a low voice.

 Chapter 170 - 78 We Got Married (4)_4

    Chapter 170: 78 We Got Married (4)_4


    "Good night, young master and young mistress."


    The aunt greeted them and left, leaving only the sound of the television in the living room. Qin Mu had been sitting beside him the whole time but never disturbed him while he watched the news.


    "Heaven is fair after all,"


    Mu Yichen suddenly remarked, his eyes shining like stars.


    Qin Mu turned to look at him and listened as he continued, "If you are not good to me, there will naturally be someone to make sure you don¡¯t have it easy either."


    Qin Mu...


    "Time to sleep!"


    He picked up the remote, turned off the TV, then stood up, his eyes low as he looked at her sitting on the sofa.


    "Any other questions?" he asked.


    In this silent space, his voice was both indifferent and haughty.


    "No!"


    Qin Mu stood up, leading the way without much thought.


    In fact, Qin Mu hadn¡¯t slept well in the early part of the night, but she quietly left bed after he had fallen asleep and sneaked into her daughter¡¯s room.


    Now finally able to cuddle with her daughter, she felt a secret joy, watching as her daughter quickly fell asleep unconsciously.


    It was as if she had once again become a child with a home.


    In her dreams, she couldn¡¯t help but curve her lips into a smile.


    Therefore, Yichen became exceedingly irritable the next morning when he couldn¡¯t find his woman.


    Feeling uneasy when he couldn¡¯t touch her, he opened his eyes to find her side of the bed empty, though her cell phone was still on the nightstand, so...


    He almost immediately guessed she had gone to see Huanhuan, but he didn¡¯t know when she had left. Since her side of the bed was cold, that meant she had been gone for quite some time.


    This woman, allowed to return, had started to be restless by his side.


    Later, Mrs. Mu was dragged back by him and threatened.


    Mrs. Mu...


    Sigh, the person being tormented early in the morning is actually quite happy, but also a bit anxious.


    Because breakfast was at eight and it was already past seven, she was afraid Yichen would delay, yet she dared not openly urge him to hurry.


    "Give Mrs. Feng another surprise, and she¡¯ll have no time to scold you again."


    "Hmm?"


    "Give her a grandson."


    Mrs. Mu believed that having a child was something that needed deep consideration.


    "Maybe we can talk about it later?"


    But in the heat of the moment, it was really not easy to broach the subject carefully, so she suggested.


    President Mu didn¡¯t say anything else and simply put on the last condom from the drawer.


    However, he suddenly noticed the texture of the condom wrapper felt a bit abrasive, as if...


    He didn¡¯t inspect it closely, fearing she¡¯d become suspicious, so he quickly unwrapped it and used it.


    Those who do something they feel guilty about often become paranoid, but Yichen...


    Was no exception.


    All day, he felt his heartbeat racing, and he would think of it during meetings and meals.


    Always afraid she¡¯d notice something amiss.


    Qiao Yi and his secretary joined him for lunch and noticed he seemed off, so they couldn¡¯t help but ask him, "Did you overdo it last night again?"


    Mu Yichen looked up at him when he heard the question and didn¡¯t understand at first, but after Qiao Yi blinked, he retorted, "Do you think I overdo it as easily as you do?"


    The secretary, Ms. Xi, sitting between them, felt immense pressure and hardly dared to lift her head.


    "Ms. Xi, does your boyfriend overdo it?"


    "My ex-boyfriend? I¡¯ve forgotten!"


    Ms. Xi could no longer clearly remember the past, barely recalling that man¡¯s eyes.


    Qiao Yi didn¡¯t expect such an answer and laughed involuntarily, shifting the focus to her: "Honestly, you¡¯ve been at the company for years and I haven¡¯t seen you with any man. Are you not interested in men?"


    "This seems unrelated to Qiao Tezhu, right?"


    Although Ms. Xi¡¯s voice was still suppressed, it was evident she wasn¡¯t pleased with being questioned by a man in such a manner.


    Mu Yichen, seeing Qiao Yi¡¯s smug expression, couldn¡¯t help but sigh softly and returned to his meal, sending a message to his woman.


    Left out in the cold by Ms. Xi, Qiao Yi sought compensation from President Mu: "I heard that the Jing Family¡¯s old master visited your hotel yesterday, and he was there to see you."


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen responded while texting Mrs. Mu, not finding this matter too sensitive to discuss.


    Ms. Xi couldn¡¯t help but perk up her ears, listening to the gossip while eating.


    "But weren¡¯t you and Xiaomu together yesterday? I heard the old master was helped out of the place. Was he upset by you or by Xiaomu?"


    "Both of us!"


    Mu Yichen said as he sent another message to Mrs. Mu: "Qiao Yi is really annoying."


    Mrs. Mu replied: "He¡¯s your brother."


    "Still annoying!" Mu Yichen shot back.


    Qiao Yi, completely oblivious to the couple¡¯s exchange, kept asking since he knew he was messaging Mrs. Mu.


    "You two? Does Xiaomu dare to talk back to the Jing Family¡¯s old master?"

 Chapter 171 - 78 We Got Married (4)_5

    Chapter 171: 78 We Got Married (4)_5


    "Why wouldn¡¯t she dare?"


    Mu Yichen finally lifted his eyes, and his gaze was piercing.


    Qiao Yi was suddenly at a loss for words, and Secretary Xi became so nervous that she immediately lowered her head, as if afraid that they would discover her eavesdropping.


    "She definitely wouldn¡¯t dare, she only has the guts to be arrogant with you, right?"


    "Don¡¯t you think your viewpoint is quite amusing? Who is her father? Who is her man? Why wouldn¡¯t she dare argue with others?"


    Qiao Yi...


    Qiao Yi suddenly realized that Xiaomu¡¯s situation wasn¡¯t so pitiable after all. Her father was a high-ranking official, and he had been wanting to make amends with her ever since she returned. Moreover, Mu Yichen really did have her back.


    "So, should I continue to address her as ¡¯Madam¡¯ in the future?"


    "Starting this month, you¡¯ll get a raise."


    Secretary Xi, hearing the boss affirm Qin Mu so confidently, mustered the courage to ask, but she hadn¡¯t expected such good fortune to come so suddenly.


    She was actually getting a raise.


    "Thank you, boss. I will definitely work hard from now on, and also, I will provide thorough service to Madam."


    "Mm, let¡¯s eat."


    Mu Yichen suddenly gave his secretary another look, feeling he had chosen his secretary well.


    Qiao Yi asked with frustration, "When will you give me a raise too, boss? It¡¯s been several years without an increase."


    "Is that so? Go back and have someone check the salary history of Qiao Tezhu for the past few years."


    President Mu immediately instructed Secretary Xi with much grace.


    "Okay!"


    "Hey, hey, hey, never mind, forget it, ah, no need to check! No need for a raise!"


    Qiao Yi was about to lose his appetite due to Yichen¡¯s words, but fortunately, he had eaten a bit more earlier.


    "Jing Qing is still filming outside. You let her take on that micro-movie too, are you actually just hoping she stays outside for a bit longer?"


    Later, as the three of them were returning to the company, Qiao Yi asked the man about to get into the back of the car.


    "I never said that."


    President Mu got into the car.


    But Qiao Yi had the feeling that Mu Yichen was intentionally letting Jing Qing film without returning, either because he didn¡¯t want Jing Qing to disrupt his life, or perhaps because he was afraid Jing Qing would hurt Qin Mu.


    Yet regardless, what could he actually do for Jing Qing?


    Jing Qing plainly rejected him and even drunkenly said she hated him once.


    Perhaps, from every perspective, he wasn¡¯t suitable to pursue Jing Qing. He gave up, climbed into the driver¡¯s seat, and upon seeing the woman beside him calculating something on her phone, he couldn¡¯t help but smile: "Calculating your salary?"


    Secretary Xi gave him a smile but then immediately focused back on the calculator on her phone.


    Each time they got a raise, there was a limit. She was calculating what she could afford with the salary increase this time.


    Helian Hao went to the studio to find Qin Mu, and upon hearing she was allowed to stay at the Mu Family home again, he was genuinely happy for her but joked with a straight face: "They allow you to return and you just go back? What do they take you for? We¡¯re not going back."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help laughing, thinking since they were letting her return, why would she fuss over it?


    She decided to focus on her career from now on.


    Being Mrs. Mu on one hand and pursuing her career on the other, she thought things would definitely go much smoother.


    "No more joking, you and Mu Yichen are quite good together. I have some serious news, though. The Jing Family¡¯s old master is ill."


    Qin Mu...


    "I heard he went to see Mu Yichen yesterday, then got ill last night. However, Jing Feng said it¡¯s just a minor headache, probably caught a cold or something."


    Qin Mu...


    Thank heavens, it¡¯s just a minor headache.


    If she had actually caused him any serious trouble with her words, the Jing Family members wouldn¡¯t just tear her apart, they would have taken half her life.


    Remembering the old master of the Jing Family clutching his chest, looking as though he was about to faint at the hotel yesterday, she was genuinely worried, frightened that the old man would really collapse there and then.


    "If I tell you that I told the old master yesterday that I married Mu Yichen, will you... blame me?"


    When Qin Mu tentatively broached the subject, Helian Hao blinked in astonishment: "What?"


    "Yesterday, he gave Mu Yichen a tough talk, essentially, the situation was pretty bad."


    "So you told him about your marriage?"


    "Yeah!"


    "No wonder, that easily explains the old master¡¯s headache. Complaining about a headache in the heat of summer caused by the wind doesn¡¯t seem like a credible reason."


    Qin Mu...


    "But why would I blame you? I think it¡¯s quite good. Knowing that you two are already husband and wife, the old master probably won¡¯t pressure his granddaughter to be with Mu Yichen anymore. You two can also breathe a sigh of relief."


    Helian Hao felt they should have come clean long ago. Could the Jing Family still shamelessly cling to Mu Yichen? Could they still have the nerve to trouble Qin Mu further?


    "Given that, this matter probably can¡¯t be kept from Jing Feng anymore, right?"

 Chapter 172 - 78 We Got Married (4)_6

    Chapter 172: 78 We Got Married (4)_6


    "Whether Jing Feng knows about this matter, you guys decide."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t understand why the old master hadn¡¯t mentioned her marriage with Mu Yichen to Jing Feng. Logically speaking, the first person the old master should have told was Jing Feng. Jing Feng¡¯s relationship with Mu Yichen was truly extraordinary, yet Jing Feng didn¡¯t seem to know anything at all.


    Just like some people, she also couldn¡¯t figure it out.


    "I¡¯m also about to get married to Jing Feng soon, so how about the four of us have a meal together? Just the four of us without anyone else."


    Helian Hao felt that there were some things the four of them should candidly talk about.


    "Then, shall I ask Mu Yichen?"


    "Yeah, I¡¯ll give Jing Feng a call."


    The two women discussed, and then each went to call their respective men.


    As a result, the two couples got together that evening, not in a restaurant but in a private dining room.


    The atmosphere was truly eerie.


    Helian Hao, frightened, leaned toward the woman in front and whispered, "Hey, do you feel there¡¯s a bit of a smell of gunpowder?"


    Qin Mu already regretted having this meal together!


    It was clear that Jing Feng, who knew the truth, was very annoyed.


    "Who¡¯s going to order?"


    Helian Hao whispered.


    As the two men glared at each other and remained silent, Helian Hao immediately added, "Shall we two order then? Should we get you guys some white liquor?"


    Jing Feng turned to look at her, "What are you trying to do?"


    "To get drunk so it¡¯s easier to start a fight, huh."


    Helian Hao said and then nervously glanced at Jing Feng.


    "We don¡¯t need to drink to have a fight!"


    Jing Feng replied.


    "I¡¯m just trying to liven things up."


    Helian Hao said and immediately bit her own lip.


    Jing Feng, exasperated, forgave her; usually a clever girl, she too had her moments of silliness.


    "You two order."


    Mu Yichen glanced at the two women and uttered a word, and then they really started ordering.


    They didn¡¯t need to consider what the men liked to eat, ordering what they loved instead.


    Qin Mu later still ordered a soup, fearing that someone might hurt their stomach by drinking too much.


    "So now, only a few people are aware of your marriage, right? Me and Xiaohao, the Mu Family elders, and the old master, maybe my parents at the most!"


    Jing Feng thought that the old master would probably tell his parents about Mu Yichen¡¯s marriage to Qin Mu as soon as they returned from a business trip.


    "Why not Jing Qing?" Helian Hao curiously asked him.


    "My grandfather will probably be afraid she¡¯ll be too heartbroken, so he¡¯d keep it a secret until she comes back from filming abroad."


    However, Jing Qing wouldn¡¯t be able to return from this filming trip within three months, so she definitely wouldn¡¯t know for the time being.


    "What about the other brothers? Are you going to keep it a secret for now?"


    Jing Feng asked, looking at Mu Yichen and then at Qin Mu.


    Jing Feng always felt that it was Qin Mu who had the final say in this matter.


    "Let nature take its course."


    It was Mu Yichen who spoke.


    Qin Mu also felt it was best to let nature take its course, so she didn¡¯t say anything further.


    One would have thought that this dinner would be extremely perilous, yet it went on as usual.


    Apart from some initial hostility, the two men were stable throughout, prompting Helian Hao to lean in towards Qin Mu¡¯s ear, "Something¡¯s off with them."


    "Could it be those two are the real couple?"


    Helian Hao, shocked, covered her mouth and stared wide-eyed at the woman who made such a remark; Qin Mu just raised her eyebrows at her and then started serving her food without saying another word.


    Later, Helian Hao¡¯s eyes kept lingering on the two men, as if every single action of theirs was proving that their relationship was not so simple.


    "So, you¡¯re not planning to have a wedding ceremony in the near future?"


    Jing Feng asked.


    "We¡¯re still missing a flower boy."


    President Mu glanced at Mrs. Mu and replied.


    "Ring bearer?"


    Jing Feng and Helian Hao issued their doubtful voices at the same time.


    "Yes, ring bearer!"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh at how well-matched the two of them looked, while Qin Mu covered her face helplessly with her hands. What was she to do with Mr. Mu?


    "Actually, wanting a ring bearer isn¡¯t difficult to talk about. I reckon Mu Qingxin has probably grown even bigger than Huanhuan these past few years. Now I finally understand what you meant when you previously mentioned getting married together¡ªno wonder you agreed so readily back then."


    Jing Feng still felt somewhat uneasy about this matter. Initially, he had thought that the marriage Mu Yichen spoke of was with Jing Qing and that the relationship between Mu Yichen and Qin Mu was just for fun, with Jing Qing being his life partner. Who would have known...


    After finishing the meal, Jing Feng and Helian Hao left first. Jing Feng subconsciously wrapped his arm around Helian Hao, who continued to size him up tilting his head, to the point where Jing Feng¡¯s whole body felt numb.


    At the hotel entrance, Qin Mu looked up at the man next to her: "Your sister had a child out of wedlock too?"


    "Only you would believe that."


    Mu Yichen saw his woman¡¯s gossiping spirit coming on and wrapped his arms around her as they got into their car.


    On the way, Qin Mu asked with a laugh, "Are you jealous? Which unlucky man snatched away Mu Qingxin?"


    "That kid better not come to Rongcheng, or I¡¯ll break his damn legs."


    Mr. Mu proclaimed generously, causing Qin Mu to laugh uncontrollably while hugging his arm.


    Imagine if she too had a brother, how handsome he would be.


    Perhaps Huanhuan couldn¡¯t have a brother, but maybe a younger brother or sister...


    No, no, no, how could she entertain such a foolish thought?


    She resolutely shouldn¡¯t think about such things.


    Qin Mu subconsciously rested her forehead against his shoulder, reminding herself not to think about it.


    Because of her actions, Mu Yichen had no choice but to lower his head: "What are you thinking about?"


    "Nothing, just thinking about how long it would take for the garment factory to start operations if we begin now."


    "One month!"


    "That quickly?"


    Mu Yichen smiled and didn¡¯t answer her again. Perhaps because it was late, their car smoothly returned to the Mu Family home.


    After returning, Mrs. Mu headed straight for her daughter¡¯s room. Seeing her daughter already fast asleep, she kissed her forehead and then sat by the bed, not wanting to leave.


    Mr. Mu stood by: "Mrs. Mu, you should go back to your own room now."


    "Can I stay a bit longer? I¡¯m at work all day, and when I come back, it¡¯s so late. I haven¡¯t had time to properly accompany her."


    Mrs. Mu earnestly made her request.


    "Really? Didn¡¯t you accompany her yesterday? Or was it the day before that you didn¡¯t?"


    Mrs. Mu felt quite helpless towards Mr. Mu¡¯s literal-mindedness and was eventually, dejectedly, led by Mr. Mu back to the master bedroom.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were still watching TV downstairs. Seeing the two upstairs returning to their rooms, they couldn¡¯t help but sigh: "Your son, he¡¯s really bewitched."


    "There¡¯s nothing wrong with a man being devoted."


    "Hmph!"


    Feng Fanghua thought to herself, I raised him from a young age, but he doesn¡¯t seem to have that much affection for me.


    "It¡¯s his blessing to have someone to love, certainly better than searching for half a lifetime before settling for someone, right?"


    "All you have is useless talk. Can¡¯t you think about me for once? He may have someone to love now, but it leaves a mother¡¯s heart feeling quite sour."


    "I only know that those women who don¡¯t receive love from their husbands are the ones who place all their hopes on their children. I love you so much; can¡¯t you pay more attention to me?"


    Mu Zihao expressed his frustration.


    Feng Fanghua...


    Returning to the room, Mu Yichen seemed as if he were drunk with excitement: "Tonight, you have to make sure I¡¯m entirely satisfied."


    "Can you show a little conscience? When have I not satisfied you? I¡¯m almost at the point of taking my own bones apart for your amusement."


    "Those bones were always mine to begin with."


    "Shall we have a son?"


    Qin Mu felt as though she was hallucinating, her hands weakly grasping the wall as she struggled to catch her breath.


    "Wait till our son grows up and can be our ring bearer. By then, I promise I¡¯ll get you to walk down the aisle with me willingly and contentedly."


    Such a sacred place.


    Just like his love for Mrs. Mu.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t respond but suddenly braced herself against the wall to stand firmly, then turned and hugged him again.


    If saying yes to him was too difficult, then loving him¡ªat least that was easy.

 Chapter 173 - 79 We Got Married (5)_1

    Chapter 173: 79 We Got Married (5)_1


    Sometimes, the answer is more terrifying than death itself.


    That night, the two of them tore at each other¡¯s hearts, yet no answer came forth.


    ¡ª¡ª


    The next morning, Qin Mu went to the dressing room and wrapped a silk scarf around her slender neck, concealing several bite marks he had left, ensuring there was nothing amiss with her appearance before she dared to go downstairs.


    Recalling the heart-wrenching love from last night, she actually felt that at that time, he truly hated her.


    Feng Fanghua had a slight cold, so the task of combing Huanhuan¡¯s hair fell to her.


    Qin Mu sat on the sofa, combing her daughter¡¯s hair as she sat on a little stool, while Feng Fanghua watched from the opposite side, constantly making her granddaughter look up and laugh foolishly. Qin Mu helplessly let them be, and after finishing the beautiful hairstyle, she said with satisfaction, "There, done!"


    "Today I¡¯m going to attend a charity event, and your uncle has other matters, so Huanhuan will be left in your care. Any problem with that?"


    "None at all, you just go ahead with your business."


    Qin Mu immediately agreed, more than happy to do so.


    "Just don¡¯t let her have any of that nutritious-lacking stuff for lunch, or else just leave her at home to play with the household staff."


    "I promise, I absolutely won¡¯t let her eat any junk food."


    Qin Mu immediately raised both hands in assurance, Feng Fanghua almost laughed at how earnest she looked, but in the end, she managed to keep a straight face, "Alright then."


    Mu Yichen and Mu Zihao came out of the study and saw the three generations of women together: Huanhuan playing with her toys on her own, and the two of them chatting about something. As soon as they emerged, the room fell silent.


    "What are you whispering about so early in the morning?"


    Mu Zihao asked as he walked downstairs.


    "We¡¯re all busy today, so I¡¯ve asked her to help look after Huanhuan, and I gave specific instructions not to feed my granddaughter junk food."


    Feng Fanghua turned slightly to look at her husband as she unabashedly repeated.


    "That¡¯s right, children are growing, they can¡¯t eat that kind of nutritious-lacking stuff."


    Mu Zihao said as he sat down.


    "Just look at our young madam here, she grew up eating those things, and isn¡¯t she tall and slender now?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t sit down, instead stood with his hands in his pockets, his arrogant gaze on his wife as he ¡¯praised¡¯ her.


    However, Qin Mu found the comment particularly awkward; when he deliberately praised her, it was clearly meant to be sarcastic. But she wouldn¡¯t let it anger her.


    "Tall and slender? If being skinny enough to show bones is what you call tall and slender."


    Feng Fanghua disagreed.


    "Then you should feed her well; otherwise, people might think you¡¯re mistreating your daughter-in-law."


    Mu Yichen teased again.


    "Hey!"


    Feng Fanghua still sat upright but couldn¡¯t help but lookup and glance at her foolish son.


    Mu Zihao couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "You keep bullying my wife like this, and I might have to beat you up."


    Mu Yichen immediately chuckled, "No problem, my wife will protect me!"


    Qin Mu...


    Why was it that she hadn¡¯t even spoken yet found herself dragged into his camp?


    And could she protect him? Who was the beast that almost strangled her to death last night?


    And the person who tortured her most was Feng Fanghua? It was clearly Mu Yichen, from beginning to end, inside and out.


    Her heart was almost crushed by his cruelty.


    After breakfast, Qin Mu and Huanhuan were directly driven to the suburbs by Mu Yichen, the family of three standing by the newly built factory.


    Qin Mu looked at the factory, not very big yet spacious enough to accommodate the number of workers she desired, and couldn¡¯t help but sigh; President Mu really knew how to whet someone¡¯s appetite.


    "I feel saying thank you isn¡¯t enough to express my gratitude to you!"


    Qin Mu looked up at him earnestly.


    Mu Yichen just glanced at her before picking up the girl holding her mother¡¯s hand, "Let¡¯s go, Daddy will show you around inside."


    "Okay!"


    Huanhuan happily agreed, and he carried her off ahead.


    Qin Mu knew he might not want to listen, so she didn¡¯t say more and followed them inside.


    "How many machines do you want?"


    "Maybe dozens!"


    Qin Mu had already started calculating how many days it would take to lay out the lines, install the machines, test them, and recruit workers. One month, it seemed rather tight, but as long as she had the factory, the rest could be easily solved, no matter how pressing.


    Qin Mu wanted to discuss the price of the factory with him but hesitated, fearing he might just look at her and walk away.


    The surroundings looked somewhat bleak, with several other newly opened garment factories nearby.


    On the way back, Mu Yichen asked her, "Do you plan to rent or buy it?"


    Qin Mu turned to look at him in surprise; could it be rented?

 Chapter 174 - 79 We Got Married (5)_2

    Chapter 174: 79 We Got Married (5)_2novel.com


    "What if I rent?"


    "If you rent, you pay once a year and I have the chance to terminate the contract with you at any time."


    "Uh, then I might as well buy it! But I don¡¯t have that much money right now!"


    "Our hotel is going to shoot a promotional advertisement soon, if you think it¡¯s appropriate, you can try out for it."


    Qin Mu looked at him in disbelief, was he sure this wasn¡¯t a favor he was giving her?


    She couldn¡¯t help but secretly rejoice in her heart, the joy was almost bursting out, so she had to turn her head and look out the window.


    "Mommy, what are you looking at?"


    Huanhuan, sitting in the back, curiously asked her mommy who had suddenly looked outside.


    "Hmm? Nothing, just enjoying the scenery!"


    "Enjoying the scenery? Huanhuan wants to see, too."


    Huanhuan also turned to look outside.


    Qin Mu...


    President Mu, in all seriousness, dropped the two of them off at the studio and insisted they have a proper meal at noon before leaving.


    Qin Mu carried Huanhuan inside: "Your dad really is a nag, isn¡¯t he?"


    Huanhuan didn¡¯t speak but laughed heartily with her little braids flinging about.


    Qin Mu felt quite helpless about this, but she didn¡¯t care; daughters loving their fathers seemed to be a tradition, except in their family.


    Indeed, she had once loved Qin Haiming very much, just as others had said. It was because she loved so deeply that she later became so disappointed, so full of hatred.


    At noon, she took Huanhuan and Xiaomei with her to eat at a nearby restaurant. Huanhuan couldn¡¯t stop eating her favorite food, and Qin Mu watched with an involuntary frown: "Eat something else."


    "Just let her enjoy herself, look how deliciously she¡¯s eating," Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help speaking up for Huanhuan, watching her little greasy mouth, tender and more enchanting with each glance.


    "Huanhuan, auntie feels like giving your little mouth a kiss."


    Xiaomei said as she leaned in closer, and Huanhuan immediately lifted her spoon-free hand to cover her mouth, those eyes clear as water, and when she laughed, it seemed to purify the whole world.


    "Wow, I thought who was dining here, turns out it¡¯s you!"


    As their group sat around a rectangular table, eating, suddenly an irritating voice came from afar, accompanied by the clacking of high heels.


    Everyone instinctively looked up, and because they had encountered her a few times, they all recognized Qin Mingzhu. After seeing it was her, they pretended to see nothing and lowered their heads to eat, with Xiaomei even helping Huanhuan with her food: "Baby, let¡¯s eat well, so when we grow up, we won¡¯t end up with an ugly face like that auntie¡¯s."


    "Hey, you little brat, who are you calling ugly?"


    Qin Mingzhu immediately grew angry, her body angling proudly.


    "Who I¡¯m talking about, does it concern you? Go away, go far away, don¡¯t disturb others while eating, okay? It¡¯s very impolite."


    Xiaomei glared at her coldly.


    "You¡¯re polite, sure, just you be polite then, huh? Hmph, let¡¯s go!"


    Qin Mingzhu had several people of the same age with her, and after speaking, she led them away.


    It looked like a school reunion or something.


    Qin Mu stayed silent, thinking it best to let things pass as they may since arguing would only tire her out more.


    But she didn¡¯t expect that when she went to the restroom, she would be cornered by two young men.


    They looked about her age, both of them dressing in smart suits with an air of foppishness.


    "Beauty, I hear you¡¯re the half-sister of our Mingzhu? You look even more delicate than her."


    "Yeah, give us your WeChat or a phone number, and when we¡¯re free, let¡¯s hang out together."


    The two men walked up behind her, and Qin Mu saw in the mirror that they were just about to touch the back of her clothes. They stood hands in pockets, smirking, with that good-for-nothing loafer¡¯s demeanor.


    Qin Mu thought that she should never again think of Mu Yichen as such a person because Mu Yichen was her idol, whereas these two men were scum.


    "Qin Mingzhu sent you two over, didn¡¯t she?"


    She shot them a cold glance in the mirror.


    "Why would it be Mingzhu who sent us? We came over by ourselves, attracted by the beauty¡¯s charm."


    "Attracted by charm? You two should be concerned with Miss Qin¡¯s charm, not mine. Mine isn¡¯t suitable for you."


    "Seems like we are about the same age, why do you put yourself down like that?" the young man asked through the mirror.


    "Yeah, oh, we get it, is it because you¡¯ve had a child? Hey, what¡¯s wrong with that? If you still want kids, bro here can help you out," the man on the left said as he moved forward, and Qin Mu suddenly turned around, causing him to startle and jerk back.

 Chapter 175 - 79 We Got Married (5)_3

    Chapter 175: 79 We Got Married (5)_3


    Qin Mu watched them with a cold gaze, "You want to have children for me? Do you know who that little girl downstairs is the daughter of? Not even bothering to ask around before spouting nonsense here, do you really not want to mix in Rongcheng anymore?"


    The two young men felt a moment of unease and glanced at each other before turning back to her, "Don¡¯t scare us, bro. We weren¡¯t raised to be frightened easily."


    "Is that so? Then what if I say that the little girl is the daughter of Boss AM, Mu Yi from the Mu Family, do you still want to have a child with me?"


    The two men took a step back simultaneously, "You¡¯re joking, right? You? Having a child with Mu Yichen? The relationship between the Mu Family and the Qin Family is not ordinary, don¡¯t treat us as fools. Although we¡¯ve just returned to the country, we are the counted few eligible bachelors in this city."


    "Then go back and ask your parents. After clearing things up, then ask yourself if the woman before you is someone you can afford to flirt with."


    The eyebrows of the two young men furrowed, and after exchanging glances, they unconsciously took another step back. They had heard that Boss Mu recently acknowledged a daughter and that a woman who had just arrived in Rongcheng had a very ambiguous relationship with him and even stayed in the Mu Family home. Looking at the woman before them, though she might not be considered a nation-toppling beauty, she was undoubtedly a feast for the eyes and carried herself with an authoritative air that brooked no intrusion; they couldn¡¯t help but smirk, "We have offended you, so we will not disturb you any further."


    Fortunately, these two had some sense of propriety. If they had run into those who lacked restraint, Qin Mu felt she might have been humiliated again.


    When they returned to the private room, Qin Mingzhu immediately asked, "How did it go? Did you scare her?"


    "Humph, it was us who got scared, okay? Why didn¡¯t you tell us she had that kind of relationship with Mu Yichen?"


    The young man asked unhappily.


    "Her relationship with Mu Yichen? Ha, she¡¯s just a sleep-in partner. What kind of relationship do you think she has with Mu Yichen? Could a man like him take a fancy to her? A cheap woman with neither status nor position, isn¡¯t she just adept at kneeling and licking men¡¯s legs? Are you afraid she can keep Mu Yichen¡¯s affection? He¡¯s long been fed up with her."


    "Is it really as you say? Or do you have a grudge against her? I think she¡¯s not someone to be trifled with."


    "And you call yourselves men. Girls, come with me to meet that vixen."


    Qin Mingzhu slung her bag over her shoulder and called out to the few girls sitting by her side. They immediately got up to join her without fearing the commotion.


    Qin Mu had just come out of the restroom and was about to go downstairs when she was stopped by Qin Mingzhu and three other girls. Qin Mingzhu stood in front of her with her arms crossed and a smug look, her eyebrows raised in a self-satisfied Missy demeanor, "What¡¯s up? You threatened my brothers?"


    "You don¡¯t ask around about our Mingzhu¡¯s reputation in the city!"


    "That¡¯s right, thinking you¡¯re amazing because a man is keeping you and you¡¯re having children for him?"


    "Cheap woman, Mu Yichen is just playing with you, don¡¯t take it so seriously. Apologize nicely to us sisters and you might still have a way out. Once Mu Yichen dumps you, we might still deign to give you some leftovers."


    All three girls were dressed in designer dresses, head to toe, clean and without heavy makeup, but they looked down on others from a presumptuous height.


    "Thinking you¡¯re something special because you can design a couple of shabby clothes? Thinking you¡¯re special because you made my father feel guilty? Let me tell you, sooner or later your mother¡¯s grave will be overturned, do you believe that?"


    Qin Mu looked down and chuckled softly, then walked forward two steps towards the overly confident girls. Her eyes, once lowered, lifted to scan each one, finally settling intently on Qin Mingzhu.


    "Was I too soft on you last time? Your wound has healed and you¡¯ve forgotten the pain?"


    Qin Mingzhu gulped and took a step back, still tilting her chin up, "I¡¯m telling you, Qin Mu, don¡¯t try to intimidate me. Right now, I have more people on my side than you do."


    "Really?" Qin Mu raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly, taking another step forward, causing Qin Mingzhu to stagger back, almost falling.


    "Careful!"


    The two girls by her side immediately supported her, but her complexion was already looking unwell.


    "Stop that intimidating face; I¡¯m telling you, missy, I wasn¡¯t raised to be frightened. "


    "I wasn¡¯t so lucky as to not be scared. I was indeed raised in fear!"


    "You¡ªwhat do you want?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was not loud, but her piercing eyes made Qin Mingzhu tremble.


    "What do I want? Don¡¯t speak irresponsibly if you shouldn¡¯t, don¡¯t do things you shouldn¡¯t. Otherwise, in the future, it might be your mother who won¡¯t enter the Qin Family graveyard."

 Chapter 176 - 79 We Got Married (5)_4

    Chapter 176: 79 We Got Married (5)_4


    The voice wasn¡¯t too loud or too soft, but every word struck right at the heart.


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s face turned pale, her mouth opened several times, and then she frantically looked at her sisters beside her.


    "Hey, what¡¯s the deal with you? Just because you bore President Mu a child you think the whole world has to listen to you?"


    The girl stepped forward, ready to push Qin Mu, but Qin Mu instinctively dodged to the side, causing the girl to stumble and almost plant her face on the ground. Angry at not having reached Qin Mu, she immediately turned around to slap her again.


    "Are we having a fight now?"


    Qin Mu raised her hand and tightly grabbed the girl¡¯s wrist, her eyes turning even more unfriendly.


    "What are you trying to do? Let go of me!"


    The girl hadn¡¯t expected Qin Mu to have such a strong grip and became flustered trying to shake it off but was unable to.


    "You¡¯re still too green to fight with me."


    Qin Mu pushed the girl into Qin Mingzhu¡¯s arms, her gaze filled with lethal intent as she stared at the girl: Qin Mingzhu, if I hear another disrespectful word about my mother come out of your mouth, don¡¯t blame me for actually making up with Qin Haiming and kicking you and your daughter out of the Qin Family.


    Having said her piece, Qin Mu turned to leave when another girl stuck out her foot high above Qin Mu. Qin Mu looked down just in time to see the pair of black, sexy sandals. Her heart tensed, but she was a moment too late, stepping down hard with her high heel onto the back of the girl¡¯s foot.


    "Ah!"


    The girl¡¯s pretty instep was crushed by the heel of the high heel shoe, and she immediately bent over, crying out in pain.


    Qin Mu looked down with cold eyes at the girl shouting in pain: "A good dog doesn¡¯t stand in the way, do you understand?"


    "I understand, I understand, now get your foot off!"


    Qin Mu then lifted her foot and was about to walk down when Xiaomei ran up with a foreign man: "Did they bully you?"


    "They¡¯re not even worthy. Let¡¯s go!"


    With a detached tone, Qin Mu then walked ahead.


    Xiaomei turned her head and gave a cold look to the gaggle of girls, not quite as menacing but still glowering hard: "Don¡¯t think just because we returned from abroad we¡¯re easy to bully, hmph!"


    "Girls from Rongcheng are really scary."


    The foreign boy commented in English, which made the girls who were already upset look even more aggrieved.


    "Mingzhu, why is this woman so fierce?"


    "Yeah, she doesn¡¯t act like a lady at all."


    "What should we do?"


    "We¡ªlet¡¯s wait and see!"


    Qin Mingzhu bit her lip so hard it could bleed, and after struggling for a while, she finally spat out those three words, her eyes already brimming with malice.


    Qin Mu, holding Huanhuan, led a crowd and majestically left the restaurant, and upstairs, people were still watching from the window. One of the boys who had just unsuccessfully flirted with her asked: "Qin Mingzhu, are you competent or not? How come it feels like this girl is way smarter than you?"


    "Exactly, she has a presence, and you¡¯re simply no match for her," another boy added.


    "Did you see how she stepped on my foot? Where does she have the slightest appearance of a girl? She¡¯s clearly a tigress, a she-devil! It hurts so much, wuu!"


    "Such a woman, Mingzhu, do you really think she and President Mu are a thing? Would President Mu like this type?"


    "Just stop, it¡¯s ridiculous!"


    After everyone had left, the girls grew bolder, and their speech became more unrestrained; only Qin Mingzhu remained silent.


    Qin Mu and Xiaomei returned to their studio, and then Qin Mu went to accompany Huanhuan for a nap. When Mu Yi messaged asking about where they had lunch, she honestly replied, just not mentioning their encounter with Qin Mingzhu.


    Mu Yichen had to attend a social function that evening and wasn¡¯t home, so the couple went to the charity banquet, which lasted from noon until evening. Mother and daughter returned to the Mu Family home, had dinner, and then went to bathe.


    This charity banquet was mainly to raise funds for the Hope Primary School, gathering a crowd of wealthy magnates, famous ladies, and attractive celebrities from the entertainment industry.


    The charity banquet was held in the grandest guest hall of the AM Hotel, with luxurious carpets covering the floor. To the south, there was a huge marble area, tables and chairs tied with green ribbons, and all kinds of delicious dishes filled the tables.


    Feng Fanghua, however, attracted much gossip at the charity banquet. Someone close at table asked her, "Mrs. Mu, the cheongsam you¡¯re wearing today is really nice. I heard your son has a girlfriend who can design clothes. Did she create this for you?"


    Feng Fanghua glanced at her cheongsam and looked up: "Yes, she did!"


    "Well, that girl¡¯s quite capable. What do you say to having her design one for me too?"


    "She doesn¡¯t just help anyone, but I¡¯ll ask her for you," Feng Fanghua replied, ever unwilling to cozy up to people and disliking others who tried to do the same. Her frosty response seemed like she was looking down on them, which immediately made them feel uncomfortable.

 Chapter 177 - 79 We Got Married (5)_5

    Chapter 177: 79 We Got Married (5)_5


    But the table behind was quietly gossiping, "I heard her son had a child with that girl without getting married first."


    "Isn¡¯t that an illegitimate daughter then?"


    "Exactly, I also heard that the girl dating her son is the orphan left by the deceased wife of the Qin City mayor. Feng Fanghua dares to accept such a girl from that background."


    "Alas, probably she didn¡¯t have a say in it, their family¡¯s young master¡¯s decisions are likely not up for their old couple to make."


    "It¡¯s still not proper, the two of them having a child out of wedlock, that girl can¡¯t be any decent good girl."


    "Young and vigorous as Mr. Mu is..."


    A few women were whispering among themselves, and the more they talked, the more they seemed convinced, yet they neglected the person sitting behind them.


    Feng Fanghua found it increasingly grating to her ears, they actually called her granddaughter illegitimate and said her daughter-in-law was a disreputable girl, she picked up her hand and tapped the edge of the table, not waiting for Mu Zihao to pull her, she had already turned around.


    "Hey, can you few decent old women keep your voices down? I¡¯m still here and you¡¯re being so brazen, why don¡¯t you take the microphone and announce it on stage?"


    The women were startled by her outburst and didn¡¯t dare to speak, the bolder ones putting on a smile: Mrs. Mu, we were just blabbering, don¡¯t take it seriously, we¡¯ll punish ourselves.


    The speaking woman immediately raised her hand and gently tapped her own cheek.


    "Hmph, virtue indeed!"


    Feng Fanghua turned her head away, cold-faced and unimpressed by the woman¡¯s flattery.


    To say that those who could attend this charity dinner were also all extraordinary people, but Feng Fanghua was always like that, doing whatever she wished, never changing over the years.


    "Who does she think she is? Always cold-faced, as if we owe her something."


    A woman muttered in dissatisfaction.


    "If you don¡¯t want to eat then get lost!"


    After all, the hotel belonged to Mu Yichen, and as his mother attending the dinner, she was even less afraid of anyone.


    These words immediately angered the woman, who stood up and walked away.


    Quite a few media present turned their cameras towards them.


    By the time she got back it was after eleven, and as Feng Fanghua entered the hall she complained: What kind of people are they? With no manners at all, could such people really give donations in good conscience?


    "Real or not real, isn¡¯t it fine as long as the money is handed over? Why get so upset?"


    "I hate those who are two-faced the most, and besides, they spoke that way about my granddaughter, and that girl, how could I not flip out?"


    "Your mouth might be satisfied, but tomorrow¡¯s newspapers, you¡¯ll see, will definitely give you a harsh write-up."


    Mu Zihao sighed.


    Since Mu Yichen had also just returned, Qin Mu had been waiting in the living room for him, and after chatting for a few moments, they heard the elders return and Qin Mu involuntarily stood up at the sound of Feng Fanghua¡¯s words.


    "What happened? Who¡¯s bullying you?"


    Qin Mu asked anxiously.


    "Bullying me?" Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t believe her ears, thinking there might be a problem with them, for in this world, the person daring to bully her had not yet been born.


    Qin Mu...


    "Hmph, even if someone did bully me, so what? Would you dare to take revenge for me?"


    "I would!"


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, her large eyes filled with sincerity, and she earnestly nodded her head.


    That look of not using her brain, yet also deeply thoughtful, warmed Feng Fanghua¡¯s heart, and it took several seconds before she spoke again: "Forget it, lest Mr. Mu says I¡¯m bullying his wife again."


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Yichen sat there in silence, but he had heard some of the excitement from the charity dinner that day.


    "I heard you were schooling people again on such an occasion?"


    Mu Yi asked.


    "What? Not happy about it?"


    "No, I just think your daughter-in-law could learn a lot from you."


    Feng Fanghua...


    Qin Mu looked down at him, thinking he found her easy to push around? Today Qin Mingzhu tried to provoke her but she didn¡¯t get bullied at all, in fact, she had put Qin Mingzhu and her group in their place.


    "Hmph, I can¡¯t be bothered to argue with you, go check on my granddaughter!"


    Feng Fanghua had just sat down and then stood up again, but before going upstairs she looked at Qin Mu: "You didn¡¯t take my granddaughter out for fast food today, did you?"


    "We ate lunch at a restaurant at noon, and dinner at home."


    Qin Mu immediately reported.


    "That¡¯s more like it."


    After Feng Fanghua left, Mu Zihao couldn¡¯t help but sigh: Your mother!


    "Auntie is quite nice!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but speak the truth.


    Mu Zihao smiled, not sure what he was thinking, suddenly looking up at her: "Don¡¯t you want to change your address?"


    Mu Yichen heard this and turned to look at Qin Mu: "Mrs. Mu, are you even sensible?"

 Chapter 178 - 79 We Got Married (5)_6

    Chapter 178: 79 We Got Married (5)_6


    Qin Mu...


    "From now on, call them Mom and Dad just like Yichen does, whether you¡¯re at home or outside."


    Mu Zihao lifted his head and instructed her.


    "You haven¡¯t called out yet."


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t wait to hear her adopt the new address; she had not called them that since the time she had offered tea to the elders.


    Qin Mu thought about it, and in fact, she was afraid that Feng Fanghua would be unhappy if she called them that.


    Who wouldn¡¯t want a free set of parents?


    "Dad!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was weak as she called out the word, feeling both nervous and excited.


    It had been many years since she properly called a man Dad, and as for a mother...


    That was really a long time ago.


    "That¡¯s right! I gave you a red envelope the last time, so I won¡¯t this time. I¡¯ll give you one during the holidays," Mu Zihao declared.


    "Thank you, Dad!"


    Qin Mu clenched her mouth shut, afraid that her toothy smile would reveal just how pleased she was.


    After Mu Zihao had left, Mu Yichen¡¯s fiery gaze fixed on her, and he immediately pulled her into his embrace: "Call me Dad again."


    Qin Mu...


    Was this man sick?


    "Do you need to take your medicine?"


    Qin Mu whispered.


    Mu Yichen was at first speechless, but then suddenly smirked mischievously: "Okay, which pill should I take first?"


    ...


    He then hoisted her onto his shoulder and headed upstairs. Mrs. Mu expressed her protest when she was tossed onto the bed and voiced her opinion: "Can you not carry me next time?"


    "Hmm?"


    "Your shoulder is jabbing my stomach and it hurts."


    "Only your stomach hurts?"


    His hand slid under her shirt, caressing her abdomen as he asked.


    "Yeah, stop, what are you doing?"


    His hand wandered inside, and before Qin Mu could turn to protect herself, he had already tickled her into subdued laughter.


    "From now on, you¡¯re not allowed to call them uncle and auntie."


    "I know, my President Mu."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but whisper in his ear as she agreed.


    "It¡¯s your husband, sir."


    "Alright, my husband, sir."


    She had seen shameless, but she had never seen someone as shameless as he, who was nibbling on her while teaching her.


    Regarding terms of address, today he wanted her to call him husband, yesterday he wanted her to call him Yichen brother, and the day before he wanted her to call him "my heart."


    Well, as long as President Mu, no, husband, sir, is happy.


    The night was getting cool, but in his arms, she did not feel cold at all.


    After making love, Qin Mu nestled in his arms, absorbing his body heat, and couldn¡¯t help but mutter: "We¡¯re warm like this, but I wonder if Huanhuan will be cold sleeping alone."


    "The room temperature is always moderate; how could she be cold? Do you think you¡¯re the only one who dotes on our daughter?"


    Mu Yichen frowned slightly, his beautiful eyes under his long lashes gazing earnestly and warmly at the woman in his arms.


    "Of course not. When we were in Paris, it wasn¡¯t warm in autumn, but we didn¡¯t use the air conditioner much. Yet, we always slept together, except when I was on business trips. Then Xiaomei would take care of her, along with Jian Yan."


    "Hmm, so that¡¯s why my daughter occasionally seeks out Jian Yan."


    President Mu at last understood why his daughter called Jian "uncle" and felt an inexplicable chill in his heart.


    "Jian Yan is my master, and there¡¯s a saying, ¡¯Once a teacher, a lifelong father,¡¯ haven¡¯t you heard of it? I really don¡¯t understand why you¡¯re so against him; he wouldn¡¯t fancy a girl so much younger than him."


    "Hmm, he won¡¯t like you, you¡¯re so foolish!"


    Qin Mu...


    How did the conversation turn to calling her foolish again?


    It seemed he couldn¡¯t help but call her foolish every three days.


    "I¡¯m so foolish, and you still want me? Everyone says I¡¯m not good enough for you."


    For some reason, she suddenly hugged him tight as she said this.


    "Who says it¡¯s not true? You¡¯re so foolish, yet I still want you. You need to be grateful and repay me properly, got it?"


    "Grateful?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him, her eyes glimmering with shining light.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s heart stirred. His deep eyes captured hers and then he bent down to kiss her again.


    Qin Mu felt like she couldn¡¯t breathe, and her heartbeat seemed to stop.


    Qin Mu felt she should be grateful, so she did her best to satisfy him within her means.


    Later, even as Mu Yichen fell asleep, she couldn¡¯t sleep herself. She remembered Mu Zihao asking her to call him Dad. For some reason, it reminded her of the girl who had been abandoned by her parents at the age of seven or eight, thinking she¡¯d never be anyone¡¯s child again, believing she had no home to return to.


    But then one day, a huge pie fell from the sky, hitting her squarely. Being able to call someone Mom and Dad again, the happiness came so suddenly that it made her want to cling tightly to it.


    The most important kind of love in the world must be the love of family.


    When you have a warm home, love seems like something you can then afford to wish for.

 Chapter 179 - 79 We Got Married (5)_7

    Chapter 179: 79 We Got Married (5)_7


    However, everything she had seemed to be given by him. Qin Mu moved slightly upward, her eyes level with his, gently gazing at him as he slept.


    It was the year she turned eight when he suddenly left for Paris.


    It was then that she realized how important he was to her.


    Her hand couldn¡¯t resist tracing his lips softly, outlining the curve of his mouth as memories surged in her heart.


    Several days after stealing her first kiss, he said, "From now on, no flirting with other boys, got it? Otherwise, I¡¯ll kiss you again."


    Back then, she was truly scared, yet somewhat expectant.


    But afterwards, he seldom said such things, and she gradually assumed he had shifted his affections; after all, boys his age easily fell in love and quickly moved on to someone else.


    And she, still too young at the time and also preoccupied with her parents¡¯ affairs, simply hoped to keep him by her side a little longer, not daring to ask for more.


    Yet one day, he wickedly took her away.


    But one day, so crudely, he took her to the civil affairs bureau.


    From Qin Mu to Mrs. Mu, it happened in such a brief time.


    It felt unreal to her, like the wind in her hand that flew away before she could even grasp it.


    So she kept her palm open, afraid to clench it.


    He stirred in his sleep, and his hand conveniently wrapped around her waist.


    Just as Qin Mu thought to withdraw her hand, he suddenly kissed her fingers and asked in a low voice, "Aren¡¯t you sleeping yet?"


    "Sleeping!"


    She lay against his chest, listening quietly to his heartbeat and gradually drifted off to sleep.


    Early in the morning, the Mu Family home was already bustling. Qin Mu woke up early, saw Feng Fanghua on the sofa giving Huanhuan a drink, and went downstairs: "Auntie, good morning! Huanhuan, good morning!"


    "Mommy, good morning!"


    Huanhuan asked after finishing a sip of water, holding her cup, while Feng Fanghua paid her no attention.


    Qin Mu had long become accustomed to Feng Fanghua¡¯s expression, so she took a seat next to them without another thought, saw Feng Fanghua holding the cup for Huanhuan, and offered help: "Let me do that."


    "You¡¯d better check how breakfast is coming along in the kitchen," Feng Fanghua said, gently pushing away Qin Mu¡¯s helping hand and continuing to hold the cup for her granddaughter, signaling her to go elsewhere.


    Facing such rejection, Qin Mu felt somewhat sad but obediently went to the kitchen.


    The auntie greeted her as she entered: "Good morning, young madam!"


    "Good morning to you! Uncle Zhang, good morning!"


    The cook, who was busy preparing breakfast, smiled broadly when he saw her: "Good morning, young madam. Breakfast will take a while; the corn cakes are still being cooked."


    "Hmm, smells delicious!"


    Qin Mu nodded in response and was about to leave when she hesitated, worrying that Feng Fanghua would comment on her being too early, so she asked, "Is there anything I can help with?"


    "I heard you grew up abroad. How could you possibly cook our Chinese cuisine? We¡¯re happy as long as you don¡¯t find it hard to stomach."


    "I think what you make is very delicious."


    Seeing there was nothing to help with, Qin Mu stepped out the door.


    After breakfast, she drove to the studio, picked up a male colleague and Xiaomei, and went with them to the garment factory. The three of them had a long discussion with the designer, who presented his ideas before asking for theirs. The male colleague had been involved in planning a fashion factory in Paris, so he essentially took care of the situation.


    At noon, they all had lunch together and Qin Mu received a call from Mu Yichen.


    "What are your plans for the hotel advertisement?"


    "As long as Mr. Mu is willing to provide it, I certainly won¡¯t refuse."


    "Come to the hotel this afternoon. Director Chen will be waiting for you there."


    "Okay!"


    In the afternoon, Qin Mu didn¡¯t go to the factory but left the car for Xiaomei and her colleague. She called a taxi and headed straight back to the city, to AM.


    On the way, the driver asked her, "Miss, do you work at AM?"


    "No!"


    Qin Mu answered with a smile.


    "Then, do you live here? It must be expensive to stay for a night, right?"


    "Actually, the regular rooms are not that expensive."


    Qin Mu unconsciously felt like advertising for Mu Yichen.


    "Even so, it¡¯s not something we can afford. What¡¯s your job, miss?"


    "Designer!"


    "Designer? As in architectural or interior design?"


    "Fashion design!"


    The two chatted all the way to AM, where a staff member had been waiting for her at the door. As soon as the taxi stopped, the staff promptly opened the door for her.


    "Miss Qin, Director Chen has been waiting inside for you."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed while still looking for her wallet.


    The staff immediately took out two red notes and put them in the taxi: "Please go ahead, Miss Qin."


    Qin Mu...


    "Goodbye, driver!"


    Qin Mu, holding her bag and tilting her head, said goodbye to the driver inside the taxi, who smiled back at her before driving away. She then turned and entered.


    The feeling of having her taxi paid for by someone she barely knew, with whom she had no real association...


    Felt strange to Qin Mu. After reaching the private room, the manager left, and not wanting to address him directly, she placed the money on the serving tray of a waiter who just happened to bring coffee: "Please give this two hundred yuan to the manager who was just here."


    "Okay!"


    The waiter gave her a strange look, pocketed the money, and then opened the door for her.


    As soon as the door opened, Qin Mu heard a familiar voice, and then she understood why the waiter had given her such a strange look.

 Chapter 180 - 80 Pie falls from the sky_1

    Chapter 180: 80 Pie falls from the sky_1


    "Ah, isn¡¯t this our dear Xiaomu? What¡¯s this? Director Chen¡¯s choice turns out to be my little sister?"


    Upon seeing her enter, Jing Qing immediately clasped her hands together, her face brimming with the message that they were sisters, kin.


    "Yes, it¡¯s what Mr. Mu wants."


    Director Chen thought for a moment before replying, a man who usually barks orders on set, but there were times, such as now, when he faced difficulty.


    One was Mr. Mu¡¯s most cherished darling, and the other was the apple of the Jing Family¡¯s eye; he couldn¡¯t afford to offend either.


    "Miss Jing, you must be joking. How could I be so fortunate to be your sister? I don¡¯t even acknowledge that girl from the Qin Family."


    Qin Mu responded indifferently, then greeted the director: "Director Chen, I have long admired your reputation, thank you for having me this time!"


    "Miss Qin, no need for formalities. Mr. Mu has already instructed me, please take a seat."


    Qin Mu nodded and sat next to Director Chen. Jing Qing, with her gaze lowered, unconsciously bit her lip, then raised a smile again.


    "Wasn¡¯t Miss Jing away shooting on location?" Qin Mu turned her gaze to her, having already guessed much of the situation.


    "I¡¯ve always been the one endorsing the hotel¡¯s advertisements in the past."


    "Oh? Mr. Mu never mentioned this to me, saying instead that I was the most suitable candidate."


    "All of Rongcheng knows that all of AM¡¯s advertisements have been endorsed by me, how could you not know?"


    "I truly didn¡¯t know, especially since I have only recently returned to the country, and during this time, due to people¡¯s ¡¯kind thoughts,¡¯ I haven¡¯t even had the chance to turn on the TV to watch advertisements or the like."


    When Qin Mu said this, she naturally looked at Jing Qing. Jing Qing was returning the look, and the murderous intent in both of their eyes was heavy, especially Jing Qing¡¯s, who could scarcely swallow her anger.


    Hearing from someone next to Director Chen that they were going to use Qin Mu for the advertisement, she rushed back immediately, but still couldn¡¯t stop it.


    Was Mu Yichen planning to give all of his fortune to this woman?


    Jing Qing couldn¡¯t accept this, nor did she believe it!


    "I heard Miss Qin is a very famous designer, who even endorsed big brands in Paris, truly admirable indeed."


    Now that Director Chen was using Qin Mu, and with Mu Yichen being his financial backer, it was obvious on whose side he must speak, which made it even harder for Jing Qing to remain composed.


    "Director Chen, that¡¯s not what you used to say. Didn¡¯t you say before that I was the most precious woman in Rongcheng? That for AM¡¯s endorsement, no one in Rongcheng was suitable but me."


    Jing Qing immediately turned her head to confront Director Chen. Qin Mu didn¡¯t plan to tear her face right away, but she had no such concerns about Director Chen.


    "It seems Director Chen¡¯s taste is indeed excellent, but wasn¡¯t it because I wasn¡¯t there at that time?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s bright eyes stared at the woman across from her. Jing Qing found her gaze abrasive; the smile vanished from her face, and she spoke coldly, "If Director Chen can¡¯t give me an explanation for this, I¡¯ll personally go to Mr. Mu. But Director Chen, don¡¯t come to me for any future films or dramas. As for Miss Qin here, she will certainly not be starring in your TV series or movies."


    "What¡¯s the reason for that?"


    Director Chen actually thought Qin Mu would be perfect for a role as soon as he saw her, and after hearing Jing Qing speak, his heart cooled.


    "Being a pet always comes at a price. You can ask Miss Qin. I¡¯ll take my leave first."


    Jing Qing scoffed and stood up, grabbing her purse.


    "Some people don¡¯t even have the value of being a pet, that is truly pitiful."


    Upon hearing the word ¡¯pet,¡¯ Qin Mu¡¯s expression grew cold, and she blocked Jing Qing before she reached the door with a retort.


    "If I were to be one, I would be the legitimate wife, not a pet. Only a lowly woman like you would stoop to that."


    Jing Qing immediately turned around to confront her.


    "I¡¯m afraid Miss Jing will have to wait a few years for that, waiting for me to abdicate in favor."


    "What?"


    "I guess Miss Jing must have headed straight for the hotel upon returning. Perhaps you should go home and ask your grandfather before considering whether you qualify to say what you just did."


    Throughout the exchange, Qin Mu never looked at her, instead gently caressing the ring on her other hand.


    Jing Qing¡¯s face turned pale, but within seconds, she briskly opened the door and left.


    Of course, she had to go home and verify with her grandfather. If her grandfather had known about Mu Yichen marrying Qin Mu, how could he have not told her?


    No, it must be that Qin Mu fabricated the story just to secure the advertisement spot; Jing Qing thought as she hurried away even faster.


    It took a long while after she left for Qin Mu to regain her composure. She saw Director Chen staring at the ring on her hand and smiled at him unconsciously, "Don¡¯t mind it, Director Chen. My interactions with Miss Jing have always been like this."

 Chapter 181 - 80 Pie falls from the sky_2

    Chapter 181: 80 Pie falls from the sky_2


    "Of course not, Miss Jing¡¯s temperament is something everyone in our film crew has witnessed. But as for Miss Qin¡¯s words just now, I can¡¯t tell if they were true or false?"


    "Whether they are true or false isn¡¯t that important. What matters is that I achieved the result I wanted. Director Chen, can you keep what was said today in this private room confidential?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but give him an extra glance, certainly not hoping that he would go out and talk to others.


    "I understand! Let¡¯s talk about the advertisement then. We will be shooting it here this Sunday morning."


    "Great!"


    Being able to talk only about the advertisement was of course the best. She would definitely take the shooting seriously, not to waste the big garment factory Mr. Mu had given her without asking for a penny in return.


    If Jing Qing knew that Mu Yichen had asked her, Qin Mu, to shoot the advertisement simply to save on the endorsement fee, I wonder what she would have felt. Would she have still been as angry as just now?


    Jing Qing returned home and went straight to the study. The old man was practicing calligraphy and was startled to see his granddaughter return, so he immediately put down his brush.


    "Xiaoqing, why have you come back? What¡¯s the matter?"


    "Grandfather, I just want to ask you. Did Mu Yichen and Qin Mu get married?"


    Jing Qing walked up to her grandfather, standing on the opposite side of the desk, her gaze sharp as needles.


    "Ah, that matter, the boy has no fortune, Grandpa will find you a better one."


    The old man lowered his head and picked up the brush he had set aside to continue writing, but Jing Qing involuntarily stepped back because of his words, her sharp eyes filling up with tears.


    "I will marry no one but Mu Yichen. Grandpa, how could you do this? Such a big matter, and you didn¡¯t even say a word to me. Do you know how embarrassed I was in front of Qin Mu just now?"


    Jing Qing started crying, the tears wetting her face and her chin trembling uncontrollably.


    The old man looked at his crying granddaughter with a heartache and immediately put down the pen: "You silly child, come to Grandpa."


    "Grandpa, do you care at all, allowing others to trample on your granddaughter like this?"


    Jing Qing ran into his arms, sobbing grievously.


    "So you mean, even though they are married and have a child, you still fancy that boy?"


    "Yes!"


    "If he divorces and remarries, that¡¯s a second marriage, you know."


    "I don¡¯t care!"


    "Even if you have to be a stepmother to their bastard child?"


    "Yes!"


    "Oh, my foolish granddaughter, how can you be so foolish?"


    The old man patted his granddaughter¡¯s shoulder, sighing with distress.


    Hearing this, Jing Qing cried even more grievously, but in a moment, she drove from the Jing Family home to the Mu Family¡¯s.


    As for filming, how could it be as important as what she needed to do now.


    "Auntie, that cheongsam you are wearing is really beautiful."


    Jing Qing, bringing a gift, complimented Feng Fanghua as soon as she met her at the Mu Family¡¯s home.


    "Oh, how nice can that girl¡¯s designs really be? Come in and have a seat."


    Feng Fanghua spoke politely, and once seated, she said to her granddaughter playing with toys nearby: "Huanhuan, say hello to Auntie."


    "Auntie!" Huanhuan looked up, her interest tepid.


    "Good girl! Huanhuan is so lovely! Auntie, don¡¯t you think Huanhuan looks a lot like Yichen, and if you look closely, somewhat like Qingxin too."


    "Humph, they are a family after all! I heard you¡¯ve been shooting on location recently, how come you have time to come back?"


    "Oh, AM is shooting an advertisement, so of course, I have to put my work aside and focus on this first."


    Jing Qing said, bashfully lowering her eyes. Feng Fanghua glanced at her and almost said something but then thought better of it and merely smiled: "You, oh you!"


    "Auntie, Yichen...did he really marry Qin Mu?"


    Feng Fanghua was taken aback, but then nodded slowly.


    "That boy, Yichen, has no luck. Xiaoqing, Auntie thinks of you as her own child, let me speak from the heart¡ªdon¡¯t hang yourself on his branch anymore; there are plenty better men out there, okay?"


    "I will wait for him, whether it¡¯s one year, two years, or even ten or twenty years. I¡¯ll keep waiting."


    Jing Qing¡¯s tender gaze overflowed with earnestness and the aggrieved demeanor of a tragic drama heroine.


    It was as if she knew she might never get what she waited for, yet she remained steadfast in her determination to wait.


    For a long stretch of time, the living room fell into silence. Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t know what else to say, and just as she lowered her eyes, she saw her granddaughter staring at Jing Qing, so she unconsciously called her over: "Huanhuan, come to Grandma."


    Huanhuan, clutching her toy, leaned against Feng Fanghua, but her eyes couldn¡¯t help looking at Jing Qing.


    Jing Qing felt her emotions were almost under control, and then she looked up at Huanhuan: "Huanhuan, can Auntie hold you? I bought you a toy."

 Chapter 182 - 80 Pie falls from the sky_3

    Chapter 182: 80 Pie falls from the sky_3


    Jing Qing said, as she took out a beautiful Barbie from her large bag, looking at her tenderly.


    However, Huanhuan clutched her own toy tightly and then shook her head vigorously.


    As if the auntie before her was a venomous scorpion.


    A sting pricked Jing Qing¡¯s heart, yet she still smiled, "Auntie is not a bad person, you know, Auntie is your daddy¡¯s friend."


    The moment Huanhuan heard that, she threw her toy hard towards Jing Qing. Jing Qing was startled; the toy didn¡¯t reach her but instead landed in the cup of hot tea that had just been poured, splashing some onto her skirt.


    Because the tea was scalding, she immediately stood up, painfully patting her skirt with her hands.


    "Are you all right?"


    Feng Fanghua hugged Huanhuan tightly and then asked her anxiously.


    Jing Qing¡¯s expression was irritated and resentful for over twenty seconds, but when Feng Fanghua asked her, she immediately put on a strong smile, "I¡¯m fine, I¡¯ll just go to the restroom."


    Feng Fanghua nodded her head, watching Jing Qing walk away before looking down at Huanhuan again, "You little rascal."


    Huanhuan pulled a face, then bounded away.


    "Follow the little miss, and don¡¯t let her fall."


    Feng Fanghua immediately instructed the maid nearby.


    The servant nodded and hurriedly followed Huanhuan out.


    Jing Qing fiercely rubbed the tea stain on her skirt in the restroom, inadvertently catching sight of an extra towel on the counter, her heart ached again, her hand gripping the paper towel tightened, her eyes filled with hatred.


    When she came out again, her face was the picture of dignity and gentleness.


    "Did you hear that Qin Mu and Qin Mingzhu nearly came to blows in a restaurant a few days ago?"


    "Really?"


    Feng Fanghua, not knowing half a word, asked curiously.


    "I just heard it myself, that day Mingzhu was having dinner with classmates at that restaurant and happened to run into her. The two sisters, I don¡¯t know what over, started quarreling, and with Mingzhu¡¯s unruly nature, she didn¡¯t get the upper hand at all."


    "I see."


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t say much, keeping her expression neutral in front of Jing Qing. Since Jing Qing was always smiling at her, she responded in kind, like an elder would.


    Yet, she couldn¡¯t help thinking to herself, that girl never talks about anything from her workshop or what happens outside when she is home, as if she doesn¡¯t consider them family at heart.


    "Even though it¡¯s said that Mingzhu has a haughty and arrogant attitude, they are after all half-sisters sharing the same father; they should be somewhat alike."


    "Qin Mu, that girl, doesn¡¯t have the same luck as Mingzhu; her greatest fortune, is that Mu Yichen, that boy, dotes on her, and has for twenty-three years."


    Feng Fanghua probably understood Jing Qing¡¯s intent and began to speak like a sensible elder, with a touch of emotion.


    It was not until Feng Fanghua said this that Jing Qing felt the pain in her heart as if it would kill her.


    Indeed, ever since Qin Mu was born, Mu Yi had always watched over her.


    Back then, he was still young and ignorant; why was he so enamored with that newborn baby?


    And at that time, she had already been so charming and sensible, boys around her circling, yet he...


    Jing Qing also lowered her head, unable to speak for a while.


    After she left, Feng Fanghua sighed, "People, sometimes, really shouldn¡¯t be too obsessive."


    "Madam, your treatment of Miss Jing and our young mistress isn¡¯t the same."


    The maid came over to serve fruit and said to her.


    Feng Fanghua looked up, "Oh? Even you think I treat Jing Qing better than that girl?"


    "No, Madam, with the young mistress, you have a sharp tongue but a soft heart, and you speak bluntly because you see the young mistress as family. With Miss Jing, it might seem like doting, but in reality, you don¡¯t consider her part of the family."


    "Humph, it seems those years of education weren¡¯t wasted on you."


    Feng Fanghua did not expect the family servant to see through her so clearly.


    She genuinely no longer considered Jing Qing as family; that¡¯s why she was no longer as extreme in her words and actions.


    As for Qin Mu, this daughter-in-law, whether she liked it or not, had entered the family, and she knew how to deal with her.


    When Qin Mu returned home, she sensed something off about the atmosphere; the old couple looked at her as if they had something to say but held back, and they were silent during dinner, whereas Feng Fanghua would usually feel uncomfortable if she didn¡¯t take a dig at her every two minutes, but now there was not a word.


    Qin Mu subconsciously glanced at the man beside her. Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say much during meals either. Feeling her gaze, he asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Nothing!"


    "Nothing? I heard you and your half-sister had a fight in a restaurant, and that¡¯s nothing?"


    Qin Mu...

 Chapter 183 - 80 Pie falls from the sky_4

    Chapter 183: 80 Pie falls from the sky_4


    Feng Fanghua put down her chopsticks, her eyes shining brightly as she looked at her: "Do you actually not consider us your own family?"


    "Why would you say that?"


    Qin Mu had never dared to call her mom, but in her heart, she was dearer than her own mother.


    "If you considered us your own family, would you call us uncle and auntie for so long after entering our home? Would you argue with someone outside and then come back without saying a word?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Do you know what a family is? A family is about sharing everything, no matter what it is, whether it¡¯s grievances or achievements, happiness or sadness."


    Feng Fanghua spoke word by word, piercing straight into her heart.


    She didn¡¯t know how this incident had come to Feng Fanghua¡¯s ears, but now she also knew that hiding her emotions was not necessarily being kind to others.


    She had never thought to let anyone share her burdens. She wasn¡¯t intentionally keeping secrets; she was just used to being on her own.


    Mu Yichen had been with her for so many years. Fearing that he would grow tired and leave her, she had never dared to nag in front of him, let alone others.


    Mu Yichen also put down his chopsticks: "What exactly happened?"


    Qin Mu looked at him again, sighed helplessly, then said with a smile, "It¡¯s really not a big deal. It happened that day at the restaurant. When I went to the bathroom, I was cornered in there by two male classmates of hers, but I scared those two boys away. She probably wasn¡¯t pleased about it, so she brought a few girls to trouble me again, but in the end, I won. I didn¡¯t bring it up because I didn¡¯t think much of it, not because I don¡¯t consider all of you my family."


    When Qin Mu spoke towards the end, she looked at Feng Fanghua earnestly, afraid that Feng Fanghua would not understand her gaze.


    "I left home when I was eight, so I got used to not sharing my troubles with anyone. If you don¡¯t mind the bother, then I¡¯ll talk to you about these things in the future, but you must promise me not to kick me out over them."


    She held her bowl, grasping her chopsticks, unsure whether to put them down or to hold them up high, a little at a loss.


    She looked at the bowl in her own hands, it was so warm; she didn¡¯t want to lose the warmth in the palm of her hand simply because she didn¡¯t know how to speak.


    Mu Zihao sighed: "Let¡¯s eat."


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t say anything more. At this moment, both husband and wife felt somewhat disappointed.


    They had thought Qin Mu didn¡¯t consider them family, but after listening to Qin Mu, they realized they had wronged the girl, and suddenly their hearts filled with a complicated feeling.


    "There¡¯s something else. I haven¡¯t had a mother or a father for many years. If you don¡¯t mind, I would really like to call you mom and dad."


    Qin Mu bit her lower lip, lacking confidence as she awaited their response.


    "Haven¡¯t I told you before, you should call us that whether at home or outside?"


    "Dad, Mom! If I do anything wrong in the future, please make sure to criticize me."


    Qin Mu suddenly stood up, very serious.


    Feng Fanghua looked up at her foolish appearance and couldn¡¯t help but sigh uncontrollably.


    "Even if you don¡¯t say so, your mom won¡¯t be polite to you," Mu Zihao said.


    "Mom¡¯s scolding is always right! ¡ª¡ª It¡¯s like a huge pie fell from the sky, hitting me right on the head!"


    Qin Mu subconsciously touched the top of her head.


    The man next to her couldn¡¯t help but shake his head: "Are you sure you want to acknowledge her, she being so silly?"


    "Then let¡¯s not acknowledge her!"


    Feng Fanghua immediately said.


    "No!"


    The couple were in a panic, speaking in unison! Mu Yichen regretted his careless words even more.


    "Hahahaha... Daddy, Mommy... hahaha..."


    Huanhuan suddenly covered her mouth and burst into laughter. Feng Fanghua, who had been holding back, also couldn¡¯t resist laughing, and the meal suddenly took on a different atmosphere.


    Latter, Qin Mu went to give Huanhuan a bath. Mu Yi wanted to follow, but Feng Fanghua stopped him.


    Seeing the serious expression on his mother¡¯s face, he became more earnest: "What is it?"


    "Jing Qing came today and said a lot. There¡¯s something she said that I think I need to pass on to you."


    Father and son both looked curiously at the lady of the house.


    "She said she would wait for you, no matter how many years or decades."


    Mu Zihao couldn¡¯t help but frown: "Is this girl so devoted?"


    "That¡¯s her business; there¡¯s no need to tell me."


    "Can¡¯t you take this seriously? If she said this, she definitely won¡¯t just watch you continue being with your wife. Don¡¯t you understand?"


    Feng Fanghua was quite angered by her son¡¯s dismissive attitude.


    "And what if she does?"


    Mu Yi asked curiously.


    "So what? How would I know what she intends to do? Also, you¡¯ve given your wife the advertisement she was supposed to endorse. Aren¡¯t you deliberately making her hate your wife?"


    Feng Fanghua said, feeling irritated just thinking about it.


    "Yeah, it¡¯s just an advertisement. Why didn¡¯t you leave it for her? People would think you¡¯ve completely fallen out with the Jing Family."


    Mu Zihao criticized him.


    "You don¡¯t need to worry about this. Moreover, do you think the Jing Family has any intention of remaining friends with our Mu Family? I don¡¯t care about the friendship between your generation. Let us handle our own generation¡¯s affairs."


    "We shouldn¡¯t worry? In this world, only the younger generation doesn¡¯t worry about their elders. Have you ever seen an elder who isn¡¯t concerned about their own children?"


    Mu Yi didn¡¯t want to discuss this matter further with his parents, so he didn¡¯t say more, while they kept on talking.


    Qin Mu was going to her room to find her phone, but as she came out of her daughter¡¯s room, she overheard their conversation. After standing for a while, she went back to her room to get her phone and then went to join her daughter.


    Mu Yi had given the advertisement to her. Jing Qing indeed would hate her more, but what did that have to do with her?

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    Chapter 184: 81 Discussing Which Family is Strong at Protecting the Wife_1


    What she cared about was the Jing Family¡¯s attitude toward the Mu Family, and she also hoped that their younger generation could resolve their issues themselves, without the involvement of the elders...


    But the thought of Mr. Jing of the Jing Family - how could he possibly stay out of it?


    Later, it was Huanhuan who made her worries fade away.


    The world of a child is so pure.


    Latter on, when she returned to the bedroom and saw Mu Yichen lying by the bed, she walked over and sat beside him, "I won¡¯t give up this advertisement shoot."


    Mu Yichen lifted his eyes and unconsciously let out a smile, his sensual hand raised to gently grasp a lock of her hair from behind her, playing with it.


    "You owe me so much money, even if you wanted to let go, I wouldn¡¯t allow it."


    Yet these words made Qin Mu feel even sadder.


    Over the years, he had been good to her, so good that she became even more cautious.


    She turned her head to look at him, and in those pair of pitch-black eyes was tenderness as gentle as the beginning.


    "Ah!"


    With a helpless sigh, she lay down on his chest.


    "Mu Yichen, you must never regret, just keep being kind to me like this."


    She spoke softly, in a voice only she could hear.


    Mu Yichen slightly lifted his head wanting to see her face, but the next moment she buried her face into his chest.


    Qin Mu felt that she was utterly bad, giving him so little yet wanting so much.


    As these thoughts filled her mind, she couldn¡¯t help but tremble with suppressed laughter in his embrace.


    Mu Yichen let out an indulgent chuckle, still gently stroking her hair.


    As if, no matter what, as long as she was by his side, just wholeheartedly following him, what she was greedy for didn¡¯t really matter.


    But Qin Mu didn¡¯t expect that on the day of the advertisement shoot, she would see Jing Qing sitting in the doorway holding a cup, casually seated on the sofa beside it.


    Wrapped in a black bodycon dress that accentuated her curvaceous figure, with bold red lipstick that slayed men painted on her lips, and her long hair tightly pinned up behind her head, she looked like a queen attending a show.


    Director Chen sat next to her, sipping the coffee she had brought, and when he saw Qin Mu come over, he immediately raised his head to greet her, "Miss Qin, would you like to have a drink first?"


    With a light smile, Qin Mu walked over, sat down next to Director Chen and Jing Qing,and seeing another coffee, she picked it up, "Is this cup for me?"


    "Yes! Miss Jing brought it over for everyone on set."


    Director Chen, still wearing some rather old clothes, said with a smile.


    "Then I won¡¯t be polite!"


    Qin Mu raised her cup, thinking to herself, visiting the set?


    Probably the visit was a front, and she was really here for the spectacle, right?


    But as an ad star, if she was afraid of being looked at, she didn¡¯t deserve to be here.


    "I¡¯ve had a longstanding relationship with Director Chen, so I definitely had to come and see when he was shooting an advertisement," Jing Qing said with a smile to Qin Mu.


    "Yes, you two chat first, I¡¯m going to change my clothes!"


    Today, Qin Mu was wearing a sky-blue waist-cinched dress; as she stood up, her perfect figure was fully displayed, her long hair covering her already petite face, she carried her coffee and walked inside.


    "Miss Qin, this way!"


    The makeup artist waited for her in the bedroom, immediately greeting her as she approached.


    Qin Mu smiled, and after entering the room handed her coffee to the makeup artist, "I haven¡¯t touched it."


    "Thank you, Miss Qin!"


    The makeup artist expressed her gratitude and then had Qin Mu sit in the chair.


    "Are you changing into your nightgown now, or later?"


    "Let¡¯s do the makeup first!"


    As Qin Mu said this, she was already seated, watching herself in the mirror, her skin so tender she could probably pinch out water, and with a quirk of her brow, she couldn¡¯t help but think that although Jing Qing¡¯s skin was very good, she still had the advantage of being several years younger than Jing Qing, something that even Jing Qing no longer had - the fullness of collagen on her face.


    Subconsciously she thought, she must never look down on others, or else she¡¯d surely be called out as old by someone else one day.


    "Miss Qin, you don¡¯t wear much makeup when you go out, do you?"


    "How could that be? I have to do my eyebrows and lips."


    Qin Mu laughed and said.


    "That can hardly be called makeup, but it does look more natural that way."


    Qin Mu subconsciously glanced at her as the makeup artist opened her makeup box, filled to the brim with various cosmetics. Qin Mu subconsciously frowned a bit - these seemed to have been used by many people.


    "Then just use a bit less powder to keep it more natural."


    "Sure, just relax and I¡¯ll make you look like you¡¯ve just come out of a shower."


    That impressive?


    It was Qin Mu¡¯s first time shooting an advertisement like this. She first watched the makeup artist professionally apply makeup and dust her face with powder in the mirror, then saw the artist spray some liquid in her hair. The makeup artist¡¯s hands seemed casual as they styled her hair a few times.

 Chapter 185 - 81 Discussing Which Family is Strong at Protecting the Wife_2

    Chapter 185: 81 Discussing Which Family is Strong at Protecting the Wife_2


    Just as she hadn¡¯t anticipated, President Mu arrived before her makeup was set.


    Dressed in a sharp black suit, he stood at the doorway watching her get made up, and Qin Mu instinctively turned her eyes, at first thinking it was an illusion, then confirmed it was him after a second glance.


    "Why are you here?"


    She asked subconsciously, and was only forced to stop looking at him when the makeup artist told her to close her eyes for the eyeshadow.


    Mu Yichen approached, standing next to the makeup mirror and lowering his gaze to the makeup box the artist was using, then immediately furrowed his brow.


    "Stop!"


    His tone was neither light nor heavy, but it hit everyone¡¯s ears as a command.


    The makeup artist glanced at him subconsciously, then continued: Mr., shooting is about to start soon.


    "I said stop!"


    He repeated, this time with a cooler edge.


    The makeup artist, under the cold glare in his eyes, subconsciously halted and slowly stood up straight.


    Qin Mu, with some discomfort in her eyes, closed one and opened the other, looking somewhat mischievous, realized quickly why he was upset and said lightly, "Let it be, the makeup is almost done."


    "You always demand for perfection, why compromise all of a sudden? Especially with your favorite skin."


    He interrogated in a low voice, eyeing her nonchalant demeanor.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh: Are you suggesting the makeup artist should get a new set of tools for me?


    "Well, aren¡¯t you going?"


    The makeup artist...


    Mu Yichen gave a cold stare and commanded again; the makeup artist was still puzzled when Director Chen and Jing Qing came over, with Jing Qing looking at the makeup box: It¡¯s common to share items on an outdoor film set, don¡¯t mind if it looks a bit grimy now, they¡¯re all top brands, merely well-used.


    "I don¡¯t care what others use, but she can¡¯t, get the best one, or we stop shooting today."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but mentally give President Mu a thumbs up for his dominating presence.


    Of course, she maintained a calm facade on the outside.


    Internally, she was so excited she could almost dance.


    Jing Qing, seeing Mu Yichen¡¯s earnestness, found herself at a loss for words, recalling how he had never been concerned about what kind of makeup she used, and how it was she who had to find someone to make a switch after realizing the poor quality.


    "You¡¯re making it too difficult, let¡¯s just make do this time, and the next time Qin Mu can simply bring her own makeup."


    Jing Qing added.


    Mu Yichen, frowning, turned to look at her but didn¡¯t speak to her; instead, he said to Qin Mu: Go wash off the makeup on your face and come with me.


    "How about shooting with a bare face?"


    Seeing Mu Yichen¡¯s insistence and feeling a burning sensation on her face, Qin Mu made the suggestion after some thought.


    Director Chen...


    The makeup artist was also stunned.


    "Since we¡¯re shooting a bath scene, why not just have a real bath and shoot in the most natural state? If it doesn¡¯t look good on camera, we can fix it in post-production. How about that?"


    Qin Mu looked at Mu Yichen and then at Director Chen.


    "But no one has ever shot an advertisement bare-faced."


    "Use the bare face!"


    The makeup artist had just spoken when Mu Yichen¡¯s words cut her off.


    Director Chen looked at Qin Mu¡¯s face and, after thinking for a moment, nodded in agreement: Alright, let¡¯s try the bare face.


    Jing Qing stood there dumbfounded, while the makeup artist nodded: Then, I¡¯ll help Ms. Qin remove her makeup.


    Afterward, Qin Mu really went to take a bath, and when she emerged from the bathroom in a white bathrobe, her cheeks were flushed red from the warm steam, as if touched by a layer of peach blossom powder.


    The skin on her neck was breathtakingly beautiful as well.


    Mu Yichen was still standing there; Qin Mu glanced at him instinctively and approached to ask his opinion: How does it feel?


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak but simply stared into her watery eyes for a few seconds, then raised his hand to cup her face and gave her a long kiss.


    The people on set...


    The bedroom fell silent for a while, until Mu Yichen let her go and continued to gaze at her intently, saying: Now it¡¯s even more perfect.


    Qin Mu felt her face burning hot, surely as he described.


    And Jing Qing, who was standing at the door, subconsciously looked away; it was too dazzling to witness.


    With all the equipment and crew in place, Qin Mu got onto the bed, her half-dried hair scattered as she lay in the center of the large bed, covered by the sheets, only her pair of tender and lovely feet peeking out.


    Under the camera, her delicate toes moved nimbly...


    Mu Yichen and Director Chen stood before the equipment, watching her toes in the monitor before involuntarily shifting their gaze directly towards the bed.

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    Chapter 186: 81 Discussing Which Family is Strong at Protecting the Wife_3


    Afterward, she neatly flipped off the white duvet, stretched lazily, and turned on her side.


    Photographers approached the bed, taking shots from her toes all the way up.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes narrowed subconsciously, and Director Chen felt Mu Yichen was distancing himself, lifting his eyes to see Mu Yichen with a cold expression looking at the bed.


    By this time, Qin Mu had already sat up, swept her long hair away from her beautiful neck, and then spoke her lines before getting out of bed.


    Everything around was quiet; she walked barefoot to the window, spinning on the floorboards, then happily walked to the window and pushed all the curtains open with force.


    Jing Qing watched from the side, watching Qin Mu as they say on TV: her skin as tender as water, seemingly as delicate as a baby¡¯s. She watched the nightgown failing to conceal her soft figure, her bare feet as if they had just soaked in a milk bath, and looking at Mu Yichen¡¯s deep gaze, she turned and left.


    At noon, President Mu was treating everyone, Qin Mu simply wore her nightgown to dine with him in the bedroom, with many machines still around, and the rest of the staff outside.


    The two of them ate lunch in front of the coffee table, and Qin Mu asked him, "Are you going to be here all day?"


    "Mhm, I have a meeting nearby this afternoon."


    He added a green pea to his mouth and said in a deep voice.


    "Oh!"


    Qin Mu gave him another look, feeling like he was there for her, but fearing that she was being presumptuous, she didn¡¯t ask him anything more.


    It was he who suddenly stopped while eating and with a reproachful look stared at her, "If you don¡¯t like it, don¡¯t force it. Can such cosmetics be used on your face?"


    "I was reluctant as soon as I saw them, but I¡¯m not a celebrity or anything. Wouldn¡¯t asking for a change seem like I¡¯m acting like a diva?"


    "Choosing between giving the impression of being approachable and feeling great yourself, you chose the former?"


    "Not at all!"


    "That¡¯s what I thought!"


    Qin Mu...


    If this affair didn¡¯t get out, it would be fine, but if it did, in the future, no one would make this kind of mistake again.


    The smartest strategy from now on would be to carry her own makeup box.


    Looking at President Mu in his impeccably tailored suit, Qin Mu was unconsciously fascinated; but then she remembered she had picked out the clothes for him that morning, and immediately felt a surge of pride.


    "President Mu, has anyone told you today that you look incredibly handsome?"


    She suddenly raised her eyebrows, looking at him with a flirtatious gaze and asked.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Really? Nobody?" she asked with a disbelieving expression.


    "Do you think everyone else is as superficial as you?"


    President Mu very much despised his wife¡¯s shallow behavior.


    "Humph, don¡¯t think that so many people only care about what¡¯s inside. Most women actually pay more superficial attention to a man¡¯s appearance."


    "Oh? So, does my appearance pass in Mrs. Mu¡¯s eyes?"


    "If a perfect score is ten thousand, Mrs. Mu gives you one hundred million!"


    Mrs. Mu was truly generous when she was happy. President Mu thought, not saying more, and continued to eat with her.


    In the afternoon, the photo shoot resumed. After finishing, Qin Mu changed into her clothes and checked the video of herself before hurrying back to the studio.


    She met with clients in the reception area who had been scheduled early on; after discussing business and seeing them off, Xiaomei asked her, "When can we see your advertisement?"


    "I heard it¡¯s a promotional ad for the National Day campaign, so it should be aired before then, I guess."


    Qin Mu thought for a moment then replied, and then turned to Xiaomei, "You seem very happy today."


    Xiaomei, holding a folder, looked at her, "Jian Yan called me today."


    "Oh?"


    "He knew you were shooting an ad, so he asked how the apparel factory was doing."


    When Qin Mu asked curiously, Xiaomei appeared a bit saddened and hopeless.


    "It¡¯s okay, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future."


    Qin Mu patted her shoulder: "Don¡¯t be disappointed. The road ahead is long, the future is yours."


    "Yes!"


    The future is yours, achievable only through your own efforts.


    Without effort...


    There would be no chance of success. However, up until now, Xiaomei hadn¡¯t dared to confess her feelings to Jian Yan, and the more she thought about it, the more depressed she felt.


    After work, everyone left, she stayed to draw for a while before preparing to leave, but before turning off the lights, she noticed a parked car outside the window.


    The driver, Uncle Zhang, came out first to open the car door for her father, and the man in the dark suit stepped out.


    Qin Mu felt her heart forcefully thudded, yet she could only stand numbly by the switch, turning off the light.


    She came out of the studio, before Qin Haiming walked in.


    The father and daughter stood at a distance from each other, Qin Mu looking into his eyes with even more hopelessness.

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    Chapter 187: 81 Discussing Which Family is Strong at Protecting the Wife_4


    "Miss!"


    Uncle Zhang greeted her, and Qin Mu nodded toward him before Uncle Zhang returned to the car, and Qin Haiming stood there with her.


    It was an early autumn evening and had already become somewhat cool.


    The wind brushed against her face, and it was itching, whether because of the morning¡¯s makeup or the weather, but she remained as stubborn as ever.


    "How about father and daughter have a meal together?"


    "I¡¯m not free!"


    Her voice was indifferent as she moved to open her own car.


    "Mumu,¡ª I heard you¡¯ve moved back into the Mu Family¡¯s house. It¡¯s still uncertain whether the Mu Family can be trusted, don¡¯t you want to listen to your closest elder¡¯s thoughts?"


    Qin Haiming stopped her, struggling internally before deciding to share his thoughts with her.


    People say that leaders are often distrustful, and now Qin Mu realized this was absolutely true.


    "It¡¯s not necessary. I¡¯m clear on how the Mu Family treats me. As for you..."


    She turned her head; in the darkness, she couldn¡¯t see his face and just subconsciously imagined him as she remembered: "As for you, I wouldn¡¯t dare to jump to conclusions."


    "Mumu, no matter how heartless dad is, he would never neglect his own daughter."


    "Are you referring to Qin Mingzhu, Miss Qin from the Qin Family house? Does the name Mingzhu mean to convey that she is the pearl in the palm of you and Mrs. Qin?"


    Qin Mu asked with a light chuckle.


    "Mumu, Mingzhu is my daughter, and so are you!"


    "Then why was I the one sent away instead of her?"


    There was a moment when Qin Haiming couldn¡¯t say a word, and Qin Mu just looked steadily at him.


    In fact, in the darkness, neither could see the other clearly, yet it seemed as if they could see each other all too well.


    "Dad was wrong in the past, and I¡¯ve realized my mistake."


    "But just a few days ago, your beloved Mingzhu was ranting in front of me, vowing to destroy my mother¡¯s grave. How can I believe your words?"


    Qin Mu thought to herself that she was truly beyond redemption, yet she did not want her enemies to gloat.


    After saying those words, she felt no guilt, even finding it satisfying.


    "Is that true? Did that girl really say such a thing?"


    "Whether she said it or not, you can ask her yourself when you go back. My word alone doesn¡¯t count."


    Qin Mu gave him another look, then turned and walked toward her car.


    "Mumu, Dad has changed his mind. I can assure you that your mom will always be my first wife. She will always be part of the Qin Family. No one will touch her grave."


    Before getting into the car, Qin Mu heard that promise and gripped the car handle tightly. For a while, she felt as if her heartbeat had stopped, let alone anything else.


    Her breath almost seemed to stop, even her eyes started to hurt badly.


    But in the end, she didn¡¯t say anything more to him, opened the car door, got in, and left the studio ahead of him, under his watchful gaze.


    Had he really thought it through?


    Or was it just a spur of the moment decision?


    Or was it because of the Mu Family?


    Whatever it was, it definitely wasn¡¯t because he still had feelings for her mother.


    On the way, Qin Mu suddenly wondered if she was asking too much. After more than ten years apart, how could there be any old feelings left?


    She couldn¡¯t fathom men, less so with each day.


    That night, she didn¡¯t know when it began to rain, but when she woke up, she heard the sound of raindrops diligently tapping against the window.


    It seemed like a summons.


    She wrapped a shawl around her shoulders and stood in front of the glass screen, leaning gently on the glass, watching the rain turn the glass chaotic and the trees outside bend in the wind.


    The yard lights were blurred, like neon or like a parting gesture.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t find her when he wanted to hold her, so he turned toward the dimly lit place at the window and walked barefoot to her, embracing her from behind.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    "Do you remember the reason I decided to come back?"


    She asked softly.


    The room warmed a little, with the closeness of the two people, with their affections.


    "Yes!"


    How could he forget? Her father called to have her mother¡¯s grave moved from the Qin Family plot, and she had decided to come back and set roots in anger.


    "He told me tonight that my mom will always be his first wife, and he said that she would never be moved."


    Her voice was lower and lower, even somewhat lost.


    Mu Yichen hugged her tighter, pressing her head gently onto his shoulder.


    "Yichen, I can¡¯t trust him, can I? It was he who drove my mother to death, he who made us leave home when we were young, he who deprived us of love."


    She said sadly, tears slowly falling from her eyes.


    He embraced her even tighter and sighed involuntarily: Can¡¯t we just let go of him and live our own lives?


    "Yes!"


    By this time, her eyes were red.


    She agreed subconsciously, then turned and buried herself in his warm embrace, her arms tightly wound around him.


    The night was silent.


    Although a heavy rain was falling.


    Yet the two of them held each other tightly, as if nothing else in the world could disturb them.


    Even her voice became so faint, so tender like water, and so fervently warm.

 Chapter 188: Mrs. Mu is very attractive_1

    Chapter 188: Mrs. Mu is very attractive_1


    It had only been a week, and the advertisements began airing on various radio stations.


    That day, everyone in the studio stood in front of the television hanging from the roof to watch the first advertisement. After watching, they happily discussed it.


    Only Qin Mu remained unaffected.


    Over several days, she realized that something seemed different between her and Mu Yichen.


    He seemed more affectionate, so much so that it made her tremble.


    Suddenly remembering what she had said to him on that rainy night when she lost control, she felt suffocated while working on her designs in the office.


    Liu Jingyuan¡¯s car stopped outside their studio, and this time he brought a beautiful woman with him.


    Xiaomei knocked on her door, "Qinqin, you should come out and see."


    "What¡¯s the matter?"


    She put down her pen and turned her head to look at the girl who was peeking in cautiously through the door.


    "Director Liu is here, and he¡¯s brought a beautiful woman."


    Qin Mu...


    By the time the two of them went downstairs, they indeed saw a beautiful girl.


    Liu Jingyuan immediately stood up with a smile upon seeing her, "Miss Qin, long time no see."


    "Director Liu, please have a seat!"


    Qin Mu smiled professionally, asked him to sit down, and took a seat herself opposite him and the beautiful woman.


    "This is..."


    "My fiance?e."


    Qin Mu was taken aback, but then immediately smiled, "Congratulations Director Liu, your fiance?e is very beautiful."


    "We¡¯re planning to have a small engagement party next month, and I came here to ask you to help design a gown."


    He said, turning his head to smile at the girl sitting next to him.


    The girl smiled graciously back at him, then turned to Qin Mu, "I¡¯m counting on you!"


    "Director Liu has helped me before, it¡¯s the least I can do. Xiaomei, please take the measurements for Director Liu¡¯s fiance?e."


    "Okay!"


    Xiaomei¡¯s pocket always had a tape measure ready.


    While the fiance?e got up to be measured, Liu Jingyuan unconsciously watched Qin Mu. Qin Mu only felt someone¡¯s gaze and, following it, saw Liu Jingyuan¡¯s contemplative look.


    "You too? Together?"


    "No need, I hardly wore the suit you designed last time."


    A boss, wearing old clothes to his engagement...


    "Let me redesign a suit for you as well, after all, it¡¯s a groom¡¯s suit, and I have a backup of your measurements here," she said.


    "That would trouble you!"


    Liu Jingyuan was very polite, to the point of being slightly awkward.


    After sending them off, Qin Mu stood at the door and couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Is Director Liu¡¯s fiance?e from Rongcheng?"


    "Doesn¡¯t seem like it!"


    Xiaomei shook her head, recalling the girl¡¯s accent.


    But no matter where the girl was from, it wasn¡¯t their business to worry about. Next week, Jing Feng and Helian Hao were getting married, and she had to finish designing their wedding garments this week.


    Thinking about it, Qin Mu decided to work overtime, but as soon as it got dark, Yichen¡¯s car stopped downstairs at her studio.


    Ever since Yichen learned the password to their studio¡¯s lock, he has been coming and going as if it was his own place, no matter how late it was.


    While Qin Mu was drawing, she suddenly smelled the scent of flowers and instinctively looked toward the source, only to see him walking in.


    "Aren¡¯t you supposed to be working overtime tonight?"


    "I came to keep Mrs. Mu company while she works overtime."


    Mrs. Mu, feeling helpless, tried to change the subject, "What smells so fragrant?"


    "Night-blooming jasmine!"


    He produced a flower from behind his back and walked over to place it on her desk.


    "Wow, did you just break off a flower to give to me?"


    "As long as Mrs. Mu likes it."


    "How about trying this scent for your shower gel next time?"


    "Whatever Mrs. Mu decides."


    Qin Mu felt helpless; all day long, he called her Mrs. Mu, as if he was afraid she¡¯d forget she was his Mrs. Mu.


    That night, as she worked on her designs, he watched her from the couch.


    Later, when she couldn¡¯t continue drawing, she sat down on the couch, leaned against his shoulder, and rested casually.


    "Liu Jingyuan was here today, with his beautiful fiance?e."


    "Oh? Is she as pretty as you?"


    "That depends on whose eyes we¡¯re talking about. In your eyes..., I must be the most beautiful."


    She looked at him playfully and then climbed on top of his lap.


    Mu Yichen relaxed on the couch and watched her with a seductive eye, unconsciously humming.


    "You¡¯re saying I¡¯m the most beautiful in your eyes, right?"


    "The advertisement that aired today had a good effect," he mentioned, with an implied meaning.


    "Did it surpass the one Jing Qing filmed?"


    "Hmm!"


    Yichen agreed quietly, his gaze on her revealing an undeniable desire.


    Qin Mu held his face and kissed him forcefully on the lips, "Mwah!"


    "Mrs. Mu, you¡¯re seducing me."


    The spacious couch suddenly seemed a bit crowded because of his words.

 Chapter 189: Mrs. Mu is very attractive_2

    Chapter 189: Mrs. Mu is very attractive_2


    His naked desire to devour her made Qin Mu unconsciously smile, holding his face and rubbing it vigorously: "That¡¯s right, I am seducing you, President Mu, will you let me?"


    "Hmm! That will depend on whether your skills are up to par or not," he said.


    "Ha!"


    He subconsciously held her and moved, intending to pin her down, but she ended up pushing him off with force.


    President Mu...


    Qin Mu blinked, her gaze filled with ambiguity as she looked at him: "Today, you¡¯ll witness Mrs. Mu¡¯s capabilities."


    "Come on!"


    President Mu was expectant.


    Then Qin Mu pounced on him, one hand reaching for his belt buckle, the other pulling out his shirt tucked into his waist, her cold hand slipping into his chest.


    It had rained last night, yet tonight the sky was filled with stars.


    Qin Mu kissed him intermittently on the couch, pressing on his shoulders to stop him from taking the initiative.


    That night-blooming jasmine was still lying quietly on the table, emitting its unique fragrance.


    Meanwhile, the intimacy and entanglement on the couch had already begun.


    When they got home later, it was almost eleven o¡¯clock, and they sneaked in, thinking everyone was asleep, only to find the butler still waiting for them on the couch inside.


    Hearing their arrival, the butler immediately stood up from the couch and asked with a bowed head, "Young Master, Young Mistress, are you back?"


    The two of them fell silent at once.


    "You haven¡¯t gone to bed yet?"


    "I was waiting for you. The lady was worried that you wouldn¡¯t eat well outside, so she prepared supper. Do you want some now?"


    So the two had no choice but to go to the dining room and quietly sip bird¡¯s nest soup.


    "Please go and rest!"


    Mu Yichen watched Qin Mu¡¯s childish antics and couldn¡¯t help but raise his eyes to the butler, saying those words. The butler finally got the chance to retire and promptly nodded before leaving.


    Qin Mu realized only then that the old man had been waiting for them to tell him he could rest.


    Mu Yi also relaxed a lot after the butler left.


    It was unsettling for both of them to be waited on by an elder so late into the night.


    Sometimes, waiting can also be a form of happiness.


    Compared to never having to wait or waiting in vain!


    Later on, when the two of them returned upstairs, Mrs. Mu was dragged into the bathroom by President Mu for a shared shower.


    As her skin touched the cold wall, the sensation was electrifying, and Qin Mu, with her mouth open, dared not make a sound but looked completely disheveled.


    Mu Yi accidentally touched the chilly wall with his hand and immediately pulled her away, whispering something softly in her ear that made Qin Mu¡¯s ears turn crimson.


    "No!"


    "Be good!"


    Afterward, she found herself on all fours.


    By the time they returned to bed, it was almost one o¡¯clock, and Qin Mu had no strength left to resist President Mu¡¯s advances.


    "Be good, or you¡¯ll be restless and unable to sleep without me."


    "Who says I can¡¯t sleep without finding you? Go away."


    Qin Mu was still angry about what happened in the bathroom.


    "Is it okay if I¡¯m the one who can¡¯t sleep without finding you? Sleep peacefully in my arms."


    He always had the same approach to coddling children. Did he think she was still a child?


    "Mu Yichen!" Qin Mu suddenly called out to him after thinking.


    "Hmm?"


    Then she just closed her mouth, holding back her laughter and ignoring him.


    However, that one call had tickled Mu Yichen¡¯s heart, making him want to ask her what was on her mind. Seeing the expression on the woman in his arms, he knew he¡¯d been played, yet he still felt perturbed, thinking she must have something she wanted to say to him.


    "Little enchantress!"


    So before going to sleep, he nipped her neck a bit too hard.


    In the morning, Qin Mu woke up and squeezed into Huanhuan¡¯s room with her, causing Huanhuan to laugh in delight the moment she felt her mommy. Qin Mu also laughed as she wiggled further into the bed.


    Eventually, Huanhuan couldn¡¯t hold back her laughter and exclaimed, "Mommy, Mommy, Huanhuan is gonna be without a blanket!"


    "Mommy¡¯s got you!"


    Saying that, Qin Mu immediately scooped up her daughter into her arms, and mother and daughter played under the covers to their heart¡¯s content.


    When Feng Fanghua entered, she saw this scene and immediately said, "What are you doing? Don¡¯t tire out my granddaughter¡¯s voice so early in the morning."


    Qin Mu...


    Huanhuan looked up instantly: "Grandma, help!"


    "Oh, my dear granddaughter, has your mother been bullying you? Come to grandma."


    Feng Fanghua sat on the foot of the bed, and Huanhuan, wearing her Disney princess pajamas, immediately got up and ran into her grandma¡¯s arms.


    Feng Fanghua, though bumped forcefully, was actually overjoyed.


    And Mrs. Mu felt a bit...


    There¡¯s nothing like the love of a grandmother, as the saying goes, and her daughter exemplified the very sentiment.


    Feng Fanghua truly doted on Huanhuan to the core. Recently, Huanhuan didn¡¯t even care for Mu Yi much. Whenever Mu Yi tried to hug her and give her a kiss, she quickly covered his mouth with her hand.


    Even though he always kept his beard very clean, Huanhuan would laugh and tell him it was prickly.

 Chapter 190: Mrs. Mu is very attractive_3

    Chapter 190: Mrs. Mu is very attractive_3


    Sigh!


    Qin Mu let out a sigh in her heart but still gathered her hair and sat up, "Mom, good morning!"


    "I¡¯m dressing Huanhuan, you better go wash up quickly."


    Feng Fanghua glanced at her and said, then went on to find clothes for Huanhuan.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu wanted to say she could do it herself, but in the end, she obediently walked away.


    After all, she didn¡¯t dare to talk back to Mrs. Feng.


    She only dared to retort coldly to those outside.


    When she returned to her room, Mu Yichen was lying on the bed, and he smiled triumphantly seeing her come back.


    "What are you smiling at? If you went, you¡¯d be chased out too."


    Qin Mu immediately said, stepping forward briskly, grabbing the blanket and throwing it at his face.


    Mu Yichen caught the blanket in time but still couldn¡¯t help laughing, "That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t go, I told you not to go."


    "If I hadn¡¯t gone, you..."


    Getting up in the morning looking like that, having eaten twice last night, aren¡¯t you afraid of impotence?


    The mere thought of his ferocious thing made Qin Mu run away, only to be chased out again, sigh, such a hard life.


    But the hard-life part couldn¡¯t stop her from chuckling while she went to wash up.


    This happiness stemming from family, she hadn¡¯t experienced it for far too long, it felt like a dream.


    However, as she was washing her face in the bathroom and had just applied facial cleanser, she felt someone press up against her from behind.


    "Thought you could escape like that?"


    Mu Yichen whispered in her ear as he picked her up.


    Qin Mu...


    So, washing her face truly wasn¡¯t easy.


    After she cleaned up and turned to look at the man who was pulling up his trousers: Mu Yichen, aren¡¯t you afraid of aging prematurely?


    "Don¡¯t worry, your husband can absolutely keep you satisfied until your hair turns white."


    "Get lost!"


    Qin Mu, helpless, threw the used towel at him and turned to leave.


    Mu Yichen finished buckling his belt and caught the towel at the same time.


    After breakfast, Qin Mu and Mu Yichen went to work, while Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao took the kids to the amusement park.


    Huanhuan was dressed like a little princess, and naturally, she herself always paid great attention to her image. They led Huanhuan joyfully inside, but they ran into a mahjong friend who also came to play with her grandson. She looked at the delicate little girl and asked subconsciously, "Oh, such a cute little girl, is she your son¡¯s?"


    "What are you talking about, would I bring her if she weren¡¯t my son¡¯s?"


    Feng Fanghua glanced at the woman, while Mu Zihao had already gone off to chat with the husband of this lady, not caring about the little dispute between them.


    "Oh my, that¡¯s not what I meant at all, you¡¯re always misunderstanding others. It¡¯s not like I haven¡¯t heard that your son got married, I didn¡¯t say your son can¡¯t have children."


    "Old Li, I like those words of yours even less, so what if he¡¯s not married? Can¡¯t he have children if he¡¯s not married?"


    "No, no, look at me, all mouth. Let¡¯s take the kids to have fun, shall we?"


    The lady clapped her mouth, quickly taking the lead with her grandson.


    Later, the two children did have a lot of fun, but the gossipy lady couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Is this the child your son had with that girl thrown away by the Qin family?"


    "What do you mean ¡¯thrown away by the Qin family¡¯? Go ask Qin Haiming, whether he threw her away or sent Qin Mu abroad for a better education? If you don¡¯t know, then stop talking nonsense, okay?"


    Feng Fanghua glared at her admonishingly.


    "Let¡¯s just say I farted, can we? With so many years between us, I¡¯m speaking frankly to you. Look at the girl¡¯s mother, have you forgotten how her mom died? You can¡¯t afford to have this kind of girl in your family."


    The lady whispered in front of her, looking very cautious.


    "So by your logic, what kind of girl should our family look for?"


    Feng Fanghua hated those who looked down on others the most, even though she had once done the same.


    "Of course, someone from the Jing family, with a strong family background and a proper status, your granddaughter¡¯s mom, she has no position in the Qin family, what can she help your family with?"


    "Our Mu Family needs to sacrifice a son for a marriage alliance? Are you suggesting my son has no business acumen? That only by marriage can our business grow stronger?"


    The lady was immediately at a loss for words, staring at her dumbfounded.


    "Jing Qing is good, I also consider her my own child, but our family isn¡¯t blessed enough to have her as a daughter-in-law. No matter how bad Qin Mu is, she is the one my son has chosen, and I will not question my son¡¯s judgment."


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s words thoroughly shocked the lady, this was completely unlike Feng Fanghua¡¯s previous behavior.

 Chapter 191: Mrs. Mu is very attractive_4

    Chapter 191: Mrs. Mu is very attractive_4


    Feng Fanghua used to say everywhere that Jing Qing was their future daughter-in-law, claiming that no young man in Rongcheng was a match for Jing Qing, except for her son. But now...


    The two women sat in the chairs next to each other and chatted for a while. Feng Fanghua, feeling tired and uninterested, stood up to find her granddaughter: "Huanhuan, we¡¯re leaving!"


    Huanhuan was a bit reluctant, but she soon parted from the little boy.


    Feng Fanghua thought to herself that she couldn¡¯t let her granddaughter hang out with such snobbish people in the future.


    She couldn¡¯t expect that they would end up attending the same kindergarten in a year or two.


    At lunch, this lady ran into Jing Qing and spiced up the conversation she had with Feng Fanghua before repeating it to her, which immediately made Jing Qing unhappy and her expression turn cold.


    The effect of Qin Mu¡¯s advertisement was even better than she had expected, and now, hearing these things, Jing Qing¡¯s temper would flare up, even though she was normally not the most easygoing person.


    In front of outsiders, she was patient and gracefully composed, but at home, she was quite bad-tempered.


    That afternoon she went to look for Helian Hao, who involuntarily furrowed his brows upon seeing her: "What are you doing here?"


    "I want you to break off your relationship with Qin Mu."


    "What?"


    "Otherwise, you can¡¯t marry into our Jing Family."


    Jing Qing knew that Helian Hao was the only friend of Qin Mu in Rongcheng. She wanted to end the only friendship Qin Mu had in Rongcheng, to dishearten Qin Mu and have him hurt by Helian Hao.


    There was nothing more painful than being hurt by one¡¯s best friend.


    "Either you break it off with her, or you don¡¯t marry my brother. The choice is yours."


    After entering, Jing Qing turned and said to her coldly.


    "Who do you think you are? The person I¡¯m marrying is your brother, not you. What right do you have to dictate who I befriend? You want me to break off my friendship with her just because you say so? I¡¯m your sister-in-law, not a servant of your family."


    "Hmph, what¡¯s the difference?"


    Jing Qing laughed coldly without even looking her in the eye.


    Helian Hao also laughed, and as he was about to close the door, he opened it again: "Get out."


    Get out?


    Jing Qing had never heard anyone speak to her like that, and feeling insulted, she immediately walked out. However, just before she reached the door, she turned back to say: "If you continue being friends with Qin Mu, even if you marry into the Jing Family, you won¡¯t have a good life, because everyone in the Jing Family hates her, and naturally, we hate her friends too."


    "I can just not get married at all. Who are you threatening?"


    "Hmph, that would be for the best!"


    Jing Qing hadn¡¯t finished speaking when Helian Hao angrily slammed the door, almost deafening her with the loud bang, making her own words seem insignificant at that moment.


    Soon after, Jing Feng called her: "You went to see Xiaohao? Are you sick?"


    "What if I am sick? If she continues her association with Qin Mu, I¡¯ll make it hard for her once she joins our family."


    "Get back to the set," Jing Feng said angrily, then hung up the phone.


    And Jing Qing, having descended the stairs and seated herself back in her car, burst into large tears as she felt an icy chill at her fingertips from loathing.


    Fuming, Helian Hao called Jing Feng and then Qin Mu: "I don¡¯t need the dress anymore, sell it to someone else."


    Qin Mu¡¯s hand, holding the pen, slacked, and the pen made a ¡¯snap¡¯ as it fell on the desk, followed by the sound of a woman¡¯s sobs on the other end.


    "Are you at home? I¡¯m coming to see you!"


    "Hmm!"


    The voice at the other end sounded even more aggrieved. Qin Mu immediately put down her work and rushed over, finding Helian Hao already in tears with her eyes red and swollen.


    When she opened the door for her, she vigorously wiped away her tears, nearly swelling her eyes shut.


    "She actually said that if I don¡¯t break off my friendship with you, I¡¯m not allowed to marry into the Jing Family. Fine, I won¡¯t marry! I never really cared about it anyway. It¡¯s only because her brother was shamelessly begging me."


    Helian Hao complained, all the while wiping her runny nose with a sense of injustice.


    "You can¡¯t make such a rash decision about this matter, and you mustn¡¯t speak carelessly about not marrying Jing Feng, understand?"


    Qin Mu could only admonish her.


    "Why can¡¯t I say it? Are only their family members allowed to speak? I¡¯m not trying to climb their social ladder; why shouldn¡¯t I speak my mind?"


    "It¡¯s not about whether you dare to speak or not; this involves the relationship between two families, and if you say such things to Jing Feng, how hurtful do you think it would be to him?"


    It was this last sentence that truly touched Helian Hao¡¯s heart.


    Hurting Jing Feng was the last thing she wanted, but she just couldn¡¯t swallow her anger.


    His sister bullied his bride-to-be like that. Why should his bride-to-be have to be so accommodating?


    "Just pretend to break off the friendship with me. After all, once you¡¯re married, you¡¯ll be living alone with Jing Feng. What can she do to you then?"


    "I don¡¯t want to!"


    Suddenly, Helian Hao began to regret her decision, afraid that she would have to endure the displeasure of his family as soon as they got married.


    That was not the life she wanted.


    "Do you know? I feel like my values really don¡¯t align with his family¡¯s."


    "What about Jing Feng?"


    "He, of course, aligns with me, but a marriage without the blessing of the family won¡¯t be a happy one."


    "But once, my mother-in-law asked me more than once to leave Mu Yichen, and what about now?"


    "Hmph, that mother-in-law of yours, who knows when she might go crazy again and drive you away."


    "At that time, unless my relationship with Mu Yichen fell apart, no one could make me leave."


    Qin Mu laughed softly.


    "Why?"


    Helian Hao asked out of curiosity.


    "Because, once you¡¯re family for a day, you¡¯re family for a lifetime. Besides, I never saw his parents as outsiders, it¡¯s just that they have the choice to see me as an outsider."


    Helian Hao...


    Jing Feng had been there for a while, listening to the two women chat. Fortunately, he didn¡¯t hear Qin Mu¡¯s advice to Helian Hao to break up with him. Knowing that Qin Mu was not extreme, he walked in through the door. As for Helian Hao, no matter what she said, he would not let go.


    They had been together for so many years, and they would be for many more to come.


    Qin Mu got up when she saw Jing Feng come in. Helian Hao pulled at her, not wanting her to leave, but Qin Mu let out a helpless sigh, gently patted her hand away, and then left.


    Jing Feng escorted her to the corridor: "The grievances between you and Jing Qing are now settled, and as her brother, I naturally have to side with my own sister. You need to understand that."


    "You don¡¯t need to say anymore to me, just don¡¯t get angry with Mu Yichen when he supports me. After all, you¡¯re both just protecting the people you should be protecting."

 Chapter 192 - 83 Be serious_1

    Chapter 192: 83 Be serious_1


    "Alright!"


    After Jing Feng agreed, Qin Mu went downstairs. Jing Feng stood in the corridor for a while before going back. Helian Hao watched him return from the doorway, "What did you say to Mumu?"


    "Nothing much, let¡¯s go inside."


    Helian Hao cast another glance at him before reluctantly entering.


    "I plan to start working at the hospital this month."


    "Hm?"


    "Let¡¯s delay the wedding."


    "Are you really going to leave me just because of a few angry words from Xiaoqing?"


    "I truly can¡¯t afford you!" Helian Hao said stubbornly.


    "Have you forgotten what you told me? You said you picked me out of thousands of choices. Are you really willing to give up so easily?"


    Jing Feng was holding her hand, pleading for himself.


    Helian Hao looked up at him and sighed helplessly, "What in the world did I owe your family in my past life? Also, your peculiar sister, can¡¯t she live like a normal person? It¡¯s so twisted; the man clearly never loved her from start to finish."


    "She will understand one day."


    "Yes, maybe she will come to her senses someday, but by the time she does, is she going to drive us all to the brink of collapse?"


    Jing Feng held her in his arms, trying to comfort her, hoping that day would never come.


    All the events and their consequences had already been explained to Jing Qing, but she was already too deeply involved.


    In fact, later he thought, Jing Qing¡¯s feelings for Mu Yichen were probably like Mu Yichen¡¯s for Qin Mu ¡ª an obsession.


    With or without the help of others, they were in love with that person, love that was inescapable, to the point where they would scheme and strive to secure that love.


    Mu Yichen was lucky to have won Qin Mu¡¯s love, otherwise, he probably would have continued to torment each other for decades more.


    But as a result, his poor sister suffered.


    Yes, Jing Feng felt that Jing Qing was quite pitiable, loving someone she could not have. They were all young; who didn¡¯t understand that kind of pain?


    They were all people with deep fixations, having endured the pain of not getting what they wanted, seeing the person they liked being pursued by others or pursuing someone else. At that moment, none of them could say their hearts felt at ease, could they?


    If he hadn¡¯t sought Helian Hao¡¯s permission that time, if Helian Hao had really agreed to date another man, he wasn¡¯t sure he wouldn¡¯t have done something outrageous himself.


    Qin Mu pulled over halfway because an advertisement featuring Jing Qing for a line of bags was playing on the large screen up ahead. Qin Mu watched the screen, seeing the bright and noble girl on it, and could hardly associate her with the Jing Qing of reality.


    Or perhaps hate is easier than letting go.


    So she chose to hate instead.


    But Jing Qing¡¯s forcefulness towards Helian Hao was wrong, and Qin Mu truly despised this woman.


    The car later continued on the road, heading towards the direction of the garment factory.


    The machines hadn¡¯t arrived yet, but preparations were already underway inside.


    It was that same male colleague there supervising the work, who immediately walked over to greet her upon seeing Qin Mu approaching.


    The two entered the building together, Qin Mu thinking once the factory was completed, let¡¯s see who could stop her progress then.


    However, she had hardly been there long when a group of plainly dressed men arrived together, each holding tools used for farming.


    Qin Mu, hearing the noise, turned to look towards the door. Since they had just started setting up, the main entrance hadn¡¯t been installed yet, so those men easily barged in, all with hostile intentions.


    The male colleague subconsciously glanced at Qin Mu, and seeing her standing there so composed, he mustered his courage to stand beside her, while those inside, busy with their work, upon hearing the commotion, put down what they were doing to look out through the windows.


    ¡ª¡ª


    By the time Mu Yichen arrived at the hospital, she had already come out, with only minor abrasions on her arm.


    The faces of the staff who were with her bore several injuries, and after giving him an account of the incident, they left.


    Qin Mu, seeing the worried expression on Mu Yichen¡¯s face, unconsciously smiled, "I¡¯m alright; the people working there shielded me from those men."


    "What exactly happened?"


    He bowed his head to support her, looking at the bandaged area with concern.


    "I don¡¯t know who spread the rumor that our factory was making chemical products, which made the nearby residents cause a disturbance."


    Luckily, at that time, the staff had run out to protect her from those people, preventing any harm to her. Qin Mu was frightened by the thought and also realized the importance of cooperation with her partners.


    "Let¡¯s go back for now, I will look into this matter."


    "Okay, but you should talk to the hospital. The medical expenses for the people who came with me today should be borne by us; anyone needing to be hospitalized should be placed in better wards, and we should cover all the hospitalization fees."

 Chapter 193 - 83 Be serious_2

    Chapter 193: 83 Be serious_2


    "Hmm!"


    Mu Yichen agreed as he wrapped his arms around her and walked outside while pulling out his cell phone to make a call; then, he gathered Qin Mu and Xiaomei to represent him in handling some matters.


    When they returned, Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but frown when she saw the disheveled state of Qin Mu: Besides your arm, are there any other injuries? How did you end up like this?


    "I¡¯ll take her to change her clothes first, then we can talk."


    The people in the living room all stood up, and Feng Fanghua hurriedly nodded upon seeing her condition: Good! Don¡¯t let her come down later, I¡¯ll go upstairs.


    "Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s just a superficial wound."


    Before leaving, Qin Mu smiled and comforted her; she was a little unaccustomed to seeing her so worried but even more touched.


    She knew in her heart that Feng Fanghua was definitely not the type to ignore others, but when Feng Fanghua truly showed concern for her, her heart warmed. A corner of her heart that hadn¡¯t been touched for many years became hot because of Feng Fanghua¡¯s words.


    "Go get some rest."


    Feng Fanghua said softly, for the first time without any criticism.


    As Mu Yichen took her upstairs to their room, he lifted her into his arms and carried her straight to the bed.


    "Take off all your clothes, I need to check."


    Already feeling weak, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh at his mention of a checkup.


    "How are you going to check?"


    "Be serious!"


    President Mu was so seriously strict in telling her to be serious, Mrs. Mu felt under great pressure.


    So she stayed silent, but as his slender fingertips touched her burning skin, Qin Mu still subconsciously flinched and raised her eyes to look at his serious face.


    "Will you still help me investigate that matter?"


    "What do you think?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes were dark and particularly reassuring to Qin Mu.


    She instinctively lifted her head, and as he was bending down to help her take off her clothes, she unexpectedly kissed him on the face, catching him off guard.


    "Mu Yichen, you¡¯re really handsome!"


    Mu Yichen...


    Facing such an unanticipated confession, President Mu could only feel Mrs. Mu was feeling guilty.


    After changing into a loose nightgown, only her skinny knees were a bright red. President Mu looked down at them, his brow furrowed deeply.


    "I didn¡¯t realize you were hurt there too."


    At that moment, his mind was full of thoughts about who was spreading the rumors.


    "In two hours, I¡¯ll let you know the results."


    She pretended to feel nothing, but he immediately turned and left the room.


    Qin Mu watched his retreating figure hastily depart, her heart unconsciously tightening.


    She believed he could bring results in two hours and couldn¡¯t help but sigh as she lay down on the bed.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s concern for her made her feel a heavy heart.


    She too must take good care of him; even if she cannot love, at least the care should be mutual.


    But just as she lay there, lost in her thoughts for a few minutes, Feng Fanghua came in.


    "Asleep yet?"


    Qin Mu jolted upright from the bed: Mom! No!


    "Look at you, can¡¯t you be quieter."


    Feng Fanghua was exasperated by her nervousness.


    "I¡¯ll be more careful in the future. Please sit down!"


    Feng Fanghua sat down on the edge of her bed while the aunt placed the fruits on the nightstand and then stood behind Feng Fanghua: Madam, are you feeling better?


    "It was all just superficial wounds, fortunately. At that time, some workers were laying cables nearby and saw a group of burly men bullying a woman, so they went to help."


    Remembering a nearly fifty-year-old elderly brother with his head bleeding profusely from a hit by a resident, she couldn¡¯t help but feel distressed.


    Why should someone take a hit for her? Therefore, she must find out who was spreading rumors, not only for herself but to seek justice for those people who risked their lives for her.


    "It¡¯s good luck indeed, but you can¡¯t forget those people who have helped you."


    Feng Fanghua nodded thoughtfully and spoke.


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Mu obediently agreed.


    "Some people, no matter how modest their job seems, have a good heart. Just like some appear tall and mighty, but are actually scoundrels inside."


    As Feng Fanghua spoke, she seemed somewhat annoyed; Qin Mu looked at her and couldn¡¯t help but smile: Mom, whom are you thinking of?


    "Hmph, old stories." Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t want to talk about the past.


    But the aunt standing aside said: Madam, are you thinking about what happened when Miss Qingxin was born?


    "Qingxin? What happened to Qingxin?" Qin Mu curiously asked, her eyes wide as she looked at the two rather mysterious expressions.


    "Back then, when Grandpa Huanhuan was still hanging a post in a government department, so they were not allowed to have a second child. But they accidentally had Miss Qingxin, and then she was severely troubled by the higher-ups."

 Chapter 194 - 83 Be serious_3

    Chapter 194: 83 Be serious_3


    Upon hearing what Auntie said, Qin Mu finally had an epiphany and then stared at Feng Fanghua with a cold face again, "That was more than just a little trouble, they almost had me arrested."


    Qin Mu...


    "But if it weren¡¯t for that incident, Grandpa Huanhuan wouldn¡¯t have completely given up that so-called ¡¯iron rice bowl¡¯ job," Auntie continued.


    "Actually, he never coveted that position in the first place. It was your grandfather who insisted on your father taking that job. By that time, the pharmaceutical factory had already started up, and although it wasn¡¯t very big, it was quite promising, giving those people more excuses to torment us," she added.


    But Mu Zihao was no pushover. When the family planning office made that scene, he had her brought back right after she was taken away, and within a few hours, those who wanted to bully her were handled first by Mu Zihao with his skills.


    "Let¡¯s not talk about those old sesame seed and rotten millet matters. You, however, need to be more careful in the future."


    Although the injuries weren¡¯t very serious this time, it would be too late to be cautious when you are seriously hurt.


    "Mm!"


    Qin Mu agreed, but deep inside she couldn¡¯t help but wonder. The factory hadn¡¯t even started up yet, and it was located in such a remote development zone. Logically, nobody should know about it, as she hadn¡¯t told anyone. So how could there suddenly be rumors about it?


    Feng Fanghua thought of her as a little wretch but didn¡¯t feel it was right to say it out loud. She sat for a while, learned of the situation, and then went downstairs. Qin Mu was alone, hugging a fruit plate in bed and eating fruit. When the plate pressed against her knee and caused pain, she immediately moved it away, but her phone rang promptly afterward.


    "Mumu, are you alright?"


    "I¡¯m fine. How did you find out?"


    "Sweat, it¡¯s on the news now, and not just any news, but our city¡¯s news."


    Qin Mu...


    "You¡¯re fine, that¡¯s good. Jing Feng just called Mu Yichen, but I was still worried. Hearing it from you, I¡¯m relieved. I won¡¯t disturb you any longer. If you need anything just reach out to me, bye!"


    After saying this, Helian Hao hung up the phone, and Qin Mu helplessly smiled as she looked at her phone.


    "Mu Yichen has already asked Qiao Yi to investigate that matter, and the police are involved too."


    After putting down her phone, Helian Hao went to find Jing Feng, who then said to her.


    "That¡¯s good. We have to catch the person spreading these rumors, we can¡¯t let such a person off; it¡¯s utterly despicable."


    Jing Feng didn¡¯t respond, only thought for a while before saying, "I need to go out for a bit."


    "Oh!"


    Helian Hao agreed, but as she watched him leave, her heart followed him far away. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder where he was suddenly off to?


    When she thought of someone, she immediately followed him out quietly.


    Their cars weren¡¯t much different in timing. Helian Hao saw his car enter the Jing Family home and chose not to follow further, but she couldn¡¯t help wondering why he would return to the Jing Family at this time.


    Suddenly, Jing Qing came to her mind, and she froze completely.


    Qin Mu was on the phone with Xiaomei, listening to the situation at the hospital, when Helian Hao called again. She then told Xiaomei, "Let¡¯s leave it at that for now, call me if there¡¯s any update."


    After hanging up with Xiaomei, she picked up Helian Hao¡¯s call. From the earpiece came Helian Hao¡¯s worried voice: "Mumu, I suspect this has something to do with the Jing Family; I¡¯m not sure it¡¯s Jing Qing."


    "Why?"


    "Because Jing Feng suddenly went back to the Jing Family home," Helian Hao said before hanging up the phone, glancing around to make sure no one noticed her, then immediately headed back.


    Qin Mu too set down her phone, her thoughts drifting elsewhere. If this had anything to do with Jing Qing, then she definitely couldn¡¯t let Jing Qing off the hook.


    Jing Qing was at home, quietly playing chess with the old gentleman, and as the tranquil environment was interrupted by abrupt footsteps, it seemed rather hasty.


    Jing Qing was still softly talking to the old gentleman, trying to keep him happy, not paying attention to Jing Feng¡¯s arrival, until Jing Feng walked in and immediately grabbed her wrist, pulling her up.


    "Jing Feng, what are you doing?"


    The chessboard was ruined, and the old gentleman looked up to see his grandson taking Jing Qing upstairs and called out.


    The old-style European living room seemed ominously quiet at this moment. Jing Feng looked down at his grandfather once but didn¡¯t answer anything.


    Taking Jing Qing upstairs, the old gentleman slowly rose from the sofa, his eyes narrowed, watching the backs of the siblings.


    In the room, Jing Feng pushed Jing Qing inside, and she fell onto her pristine white bedding, instinctively turning to look at Jing Feng immediately.


    "Did you do this?"


    Jing Feng looked at the woman on the bed, his voice filled with annoyance as he demanded an answer.


    "What are you talking about? I was playing chess with Grandpa. What¡¯s gotten into you?"


    Jing Qing slowly got off the bed and stood up, brushing her slightly wrinkled dress as she looked back at Jing Feng with annoyance.


    "The people who made trouble at Qin Mu¡¯s clothing factory, did you send them?"


    Jing Feng¡¯s voice rose even higher than before, his expression more stern.


    "What¡¯s that got to do with you?"


    "Jing Qing, let me give you a piece of advice, if you hired those people, you should call Mu Yichen and apologize right now, no, call Qin Mu," Jing Feng said, his hands on his hips and gasping for breath, emphasizing each word.


    "Apologize to that girl? Jing Feng, have you lost your mind or is it my ears that are the problem?"


    "Do you still remember how Mu Yichen demolished your new house for her?"


    Jing Feng laughed, knowing that no matter how much he said, it would be useless, his sister was just that stubborn.


    Indeed, Jing Qing¡¯s heart skipped a beat after hearing his words, but her fear was quickly suppressed by her strong pride and the sense of superiority that had been ingrained in her from a young age.


    "If you¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll know what to do. Otherwise, don¡¯t come to your brother if things get out of hand," Jing Feng said, looking at Jing Qing, who showed no sign of cooperating, and left the room after dropping his cold remark.


    But Jing Qing stood there, watching him leave. Then she leaned back, nearly unable to catch her breath.


    She knew Mu Yichen¡¯s tactics, but could he really trace it back to her?


    And even if he could, what difference would it make?

 Chapter 195 - 84 You must make a decision_1

    Chapter 195: 84 You must make a decision_1


    The police had already intervened, and she wasn¡¯t scared.


    But somehow, she still felt a bit drained.


    Hope rekindled in those somewhat blurry eyes shortly after, and Jing Qing immediately ran downstairs, "Grandpa!"


    The old man had just wanted to stop Jing Feng and ask what had happened when he heard his granddaughter rushing down from upstairs and immediately turned around, his hands gripping his canes and poking the ground, his heart tightened when he saw his granddaughter crying pitifully.


    Fifteen minutes later, the old man made a phone call, while Jing Qing sat next to him, too nervous to even take a deep breath.


    At that moment, Qiao Yi happened to be on the phone with Mu Yichen when he noticed that the police officer who had been helping him deal with the ringleader of the troublemakers also took a call. Seeing his expression, Qiao Yi frowned and said into the phone, "Someone might have intervened."


    "Tell their people to get lost."


    "Yes!"


    In his heart, Qiao Yi actually thought that Mu Yichen was somewhat ruthless, after all, Jing Qing was also one of their own, but as a subordinate, not resisting leadership was also his duty.


    After hanging up the call, Qiao Yi walked over to the police officer, "What¡¯s going on?"


    "We¡¯ll take him back for questioning, our boss just called. The matter isn¡¯t big or small, but we can¡¯t be coerced into confessing."


    "Did you call our boss Mu?"


    Qiao Yi lifted his eyes, his voice not loud, but his meaning was very clear.


    The police officer immediately glanced at him, his serious face suddenly twitched, forcing a dry smile, "What does Boss Mu mean?"


    "We¡¯ll sort it out ourselves!"


    Of course, Qiao Yi wouldn¡¯t say out loud the dominating order from Mu Yichen to "get lost," but his intent was clear both in words and in his eyes.


    The officer instinctively looked up at Qiao Yi, his gaze sharp, but Qiao Yi smiled faintly and patted the officer on the shoulder.


    "If there¡¯s any trouble from above, just push it onto Boss Mu."


    The officer didn¡¯t say anything else, laughed helplessly, nodded, and then gestured to his subordinates to leave one after another.


    Meanwhile, the ringleader who had been sitting on the ground with a bruised and swollen face, looked up at Qiao Yi¡¯s back and instinctively stood up, thinking to sneak away unnoticed, but as soon as he tried to run, Qiao Yi, with quick reflexes, spotted him and kicked him in the waist just as he took a couple of steps, sending him diving into the dusty ground.


    "Ah!"


    The man¡¯s chin collided with the ground and he yelled out in pain.


    "Kid, thinking you can run away in front of me is a dream."


    Qiao Yi¡¯s foot was firmly planted in the middle of his back, and he coldly reminded him with a sneer, then looked at his subordinates, "Tie him up properly for me, and bring over the stuff we prepared earlier. If he doesn¡¯t spill the truth, shove the dirty stuff we¡¯ve prepared into his intestines."


    As Qiao Yi spoke, his tone shifted from nonchalant to deadly serious. The onlookers began to panic without seeing anything, yet they smelled something nauseating wafting in from outside.


    Shortly thereafter, as the items were being brought in front of him, several of his cohorts were caught one by one.


    It¡¯s more difficult to deal with one person, but a group is much easier to handle. The crowd watched as his pitiful appearance made the defiant attitude they had before disappear instantly.


    Mu Yichen had given two hours, so Qiao Yi left his brothers to handle the inside while he smoked outside. When the time was almost up, he looked inside and then heard the door to the workshop open, his brother emerging from it.


    "Brother Yi, it¡¯s about done!"


    "Hmph!"


    Qiao Yi snorted coldly, then went back in.


    They were just a group of trouble-loving residents, nothing to worry about, so it didn¡¯t feel like a big accomplishment to Qiao Yi that it took so long to find out what was going on. As he entered, he glared at them with penetrating eyes, "Guys, speak up. Who exactly has been spreading rumors around you, or did you take someone¡¯s money?"


    As Qiao Yi questioned them, he reached into his pocket for his mobile phone.


    Twenty minutes later, Qiao Yi sent a video clip to Mu Yichen¡¯s phone.


    Mu Yichen had returned to the bedroom and was sitting beside Qin Mu, handing her fruit, when he heard his phone ring and glanced at it.


    He then turned and moved next to Qin Mu, embracing her shoulders and half lying back against the headboard as he opened the video on his phone.


    Watching the video, Qin Mu became restless in his arms, straightening her back away from his chest to look at the screen, remembering the man who had tried to smash her head with a gardening tool, and how their staff had saved her.

 Chapter 196 - 84 You must make a decision_2

    Chapter 196: 84 You must make a decision_2


    They didn¡¯t hear the name Jing Qing from any of these people, and they didn¡¯t even hear about a woman. Qin Mu leaned into his embrace after listening and asked in a low voice, "Do you know this Jian Da¡¯an mentioned by the person?"


    "I will know him very soon!"


    He said.


    That night, Qin Mu cuddled with Huanhuan in her own bed, trying to soothe Huanhuan to sleep, and then suffered from insomnia until after midnight.


    Mu Yichen had not returned all evening.


    It wasn¡¯t until after one or two in the morning that the door to the room was gently pushed open again.


    ----


    The man named Xian Da¡¯an had left the city as soon as the incident occurred yesterday. Mu Yichen had people pursue him along several routes, chasing him for most of the night before finally managing to catch him in an ordinary hotel in Lin City.


    When that man mentioned the Jing Family, Mu Yichen already knew who the person mentioned in the sentence Qiao Yi said yesterday was.


    At breakfast, Mu Yichen shared the details with the whole family at the dining table. Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua were incredulous: Why would the old master of the Jing Family get involved?


    "For the sake of his own granddaughter."


    Mu Yichen glanced at his mother who had asked the question.


    "Ah, the old master¡¯s lifetime of renown, just ruined like this."


    Mu Zihao sighed unconsciously and shook his head.


    "So, what do you plan to do?"


    Feng Fanghua asked another curious question.


    "I plan to take the loss."


    Mu Yichen and Qin Mu exchanged a glance, and Qin Mu gave a serious answer.


    "What?"


    Feng Fanghua looked at her in disbelief.


    "It¡¯s not because I¡¯m afraid, but because immediate revenge won¡¯t bring the result I most desire. If Jing Qing remains in the shadows, then I will always be at a disadvantage. This time, I¡¯ll take the loss."


    Feng Fanghua listened but did not understand, frowning while staring at her.


    "She must already know that we are aware of the origins of this affair and will expect immediate retaliation from me, especially since Yichen overturned their new house last time. So even if we let the police detain her for questioning today, the Jing Family must have already come up with a countermeasure. We can do nothing to her, therefore, I¡¯ll take this loss."


    "Then won¡¯t she bully you even more in the future?"


    "I have you all, and my head isn¡¯t so easily bullied by her. However she torments me, I¡¯ll make sure she gets back double in the future."


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao exchanged glances, not understanding a word of their daughter-in-law¡¯s plan.


    But Mu Yichen, not asking a single question, ate his breakfast with the trusting look of someone who believes in her completely.


    Before nine in the morning, she arrived at the studio and then knocked on Xiaomei¡¯s desk.


    Xiaomei, who was buried in sorting files, looked up to see her.


    "Did you keep the phone number of the actress from Jingshang Entertainment last week?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiaomei thought for a moment and answered half a beat slow.


    "Call her and notify her that I will design her gown!"


    "But didn¡¯t you say you wouldn¡¯t take orders from Jingshang Entertainment?"


    "I¡¯m taking them now!"


    Qin Mu flashed a bright smile, then turned and went upstairs.


    Xiaomei¡¯s curious eyes followed Qin Mu as she went upstairs, then instinctively glanced at her colleague beside her: What¡¯s gotten into her?


    The colleague shrugged, and Xiaomei blinked, unable to make head or tail of the situation before resuming her search for the business card. But there were so many cards in the drawer that it took her quite a while to find the right one.


    At noon, the actress came to their studio and took a seat in Qin Mu¡¯s office.


    After serving up coffee, Xiaomei sat next to Qin Mu. Knowing that Xiaomei¡¯s curiosity got the better of her, Qin Mu didn¡¯t scold her, and instead spoke to the relatively elegant actress sitting across from her: "Our collaboration should be kept secret."


    "That¡¯s exactly what I had in mind. I heard the last time you secretly designed a gown for another one of our actresses. Are you and Jing Qing sworn enemies?"


    The woman was obviously too smart, but Qin Mu did not hide it: "Exactly."


    The actress picked up her coffee, chuckled, and then sipped.


    "The coffee at your studio is not bad."


    "I heard Miss Wen is Jing Qing¡¯s biggest rival at Jingshang, is that true?"


    Xiaomei had been following this actress¡¯s historical drama, so she was quite curious about her.


    "I intend to compete with her, but with my abilities..."


    Miss Wen intelligently didn¡¯t flatter herself, shaking her head involuntarily as she spoke: The difference between our backgrounds is not a negligible margin.


    "She has the Jing Family, but don¡¯t you have President Zhang?"


    Xiaomei immediately spoke up bluntly, and Qin Mu instinctively looked at her, realizing that this girl knew more than she did.


    "Heh, I¡¯m Miss Wen¡¯s thermometer."


    Xiaomei immediately responded with a laugh when she noticed Qin Mu¡¯s gaze.

 Chapter 197 - 84 You must make a decision_3

    Chapter 197: 84 You must make a decision_3


    Thermometer?


    Qin Mu found it amusing inside, but on the surface, she appeared as nonchalant as if she was simply watching the clouds rolling in the sky.


    "That¡¯s right, I have President Zhang, Miss Qin has President Mu, if we join forces, how many years could it possibly take to bring down the queen of the screen?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s face bore a shallow smile, but internally she knew that this woman harboured grand ambitions.


    "I¡¯m only responsible for designing Miss Wen¡¯s gown."


    Qin Mu responded with a light smile, ever more aware that if one isn¡¯t content with mediocrity, then ambition is essential.


    There are so many hurdles in life; without a heart of great magnitude, how could one overcome the multitude of challenges and head towards the light?


    Before every light, there is darkness!


    "Understood!"


    Miss Wen, seeing through Qin Mu¡¯s thoughts, didn¡¯t say any more, slowly sipping her coffee.


    As soon as Qin Mu finished the design for the engagement banquet dress for Liu Jingyuan and his fiance?e, she immediately began working on Miss Wen¡¯s gown.


    Miss Wen was originally introduced by President Zhang. Qin Mu had wanted to avoid trouble, but now she understood that what was meant to happen would happen, and it was better to confront rather than to evade.


    Having set her sights on a target, naturally she had to proceed with the plan.


    The two nights she got home, she was searching through her computer, going through the gowns worn by all the major stars on the red carpet over the years, before delving into interviews with Miss Wen.


    She remembered that a short while ago, a female artist from their company had come to her for a gown. At that time, she was considered a star with potential within their ranks, but was quickly overshadowed by this girl surnamed Wen. Qin Mu noticed that in interviews, Miss Wen always kept her head low and smiled faintly, giving fans the impression of being humble. However, a clever host could not fail to notice the ambition lurking behind her unconstrained composure ¨C beneath those long lashes were dark eyes clear with the message that she had everything under control.


    Qin Mu learned of her background, knew the painful experiences she had undergone, and also knew that she had been covertly kept by President Zhang for these two years; seeing this, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh to herself.


    When Mu Yichen returned home, he saw her on the bedroom sofa hugging a laptop, checking out interviews. He walked over, curious, and asked, "Why are you watching this kind of thing?"


    "I¡¯m preparing to design a gown for her."


    "A female artist?"


    Mu Yichen took another glance before remarking, however, with just one look he felt this woman was too cunning for his taste, and he didn¡¯t like her.


    Then, looking up at his wife, he thought she was much more adorable.


    "Yes! She¡¯s from the same company as Jing Qing, and she¡¯s President Zhang¡¯s person."


    Mu Yichen looked back at Qin Mu, "Do you plan on promoting her?"


    "How could I have such ability? But if President Mu would give up on Miss Jing and collaborate with President Zhang, wouldn¡¯t it be easy to send her skyrocketing?"


    Qin Mu suddenly smiled at him.


    "Is this why you said to give Jing Qing a temporary break?"


    He couldn¡¯t help but ask again.


    "Don¡¯t you see the astonishing similarities between this Miss Wen and myself? Both our fathers are renowned, both our mothers died early, afterwards both discarded, and then both... I am luckier than her."


    As she spoke, she suddenly felt that her line of thought today had not been entirely correct.


    Although at first, she considered herself merely a bedmate for President Mu, now she was living in the Mu Family home, addressing the elders of the Mu Family as Mom and Dad, which meant...


    President Mu had given her a home.


    Whereas President Zhang had merely kept Miss Wen, Qin Mu suddenly felt a sense of happiness so profound it startled her.


    Mu Yichen knew what she was thinking, and involuntarily raised an eyebrow.


    "So you intend to package her image, to have me collaborate with President Zhang, to raise her value and suppress Jing Qing¡¯s position in Jingshang."


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu nodded her head, put down her laptop and stood up, turning to look at the man on the sofa, "Since she has already taken action for so long, waging a war of short-term gratification with her is utterly meaningless."


    "I used to think Mrs. Mu would only be so ruthless towards President Mu."


    He suddenly raised his brows, hands casually resting on the back of the couch.


    "I¡¯ve never been ruthless to you, okay? I am now legitimately Mrs. Mu."


    Qin Mu retorted without thinking, her heart filled with affection for him; how could she afford to be ruthless towards him?


    "Oh?"


    "What ¡¯oh¡¯? Can¡¯t you see it?"


    She wanted to kick him but was caught by him instead, and then she hopped on one foot towards him.


    Mu Yichen still stared straight into her glittering eyes.


    "Between Jing Qing and me, maybe we can only end up in a fight to the death, so you have to make a choice."

 Chapter 198 - 84 You must make a decision_4

    Chapter 198: 84 You must make a decision_4


    "My decision is you!"


    His voice sounded ordinary, but Qin Mu was deeply moved.


    Qin Mu knew that he had chosen her, which was why she could be so honest with him.


    "Mu Yichen, am I still the girl you once loved, even as calculating as I am?"


    She couldn¡¯t help wanting to ask him, but in the end, she couldn¡¯t say it no matter what and could only search for the answer she desired with her eyes.


    "Mu Yichen, after we get through this busy period, let¡¯s have another child," she said, cradling his face and looking into his eyes, unable to contain herself.


    Qin Mu felt that maybe they should have another child. Who says it has to be just for him? It¡¯s for both of them.


    "Don¡¯t you dare do it out of guilt, okay?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart felt as if scalding water had been poured over it, looking at his somewhat angry eyes as she gently caressed his face.


    "Qin Mu, I want you to bear a child for me because you love me."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh softly.


    Qin Mu knew that returning would change her, but she hadn¡¯t expected it to be like this.


    But she had to survive in Rongcheng, and no one could force her to leave when she was unwilling.


    Later, after Mu Yichen fell asleep, she quietly returned to the sofa and continued to read her notebook, finishing that interview section.


    That Miss Wen was actually a very delicate person. Her upbringing had made her appear low-key, yet she could reveal her sharpness at any moment.


    Qin Mu felt that this woman harbored an immense power within her.


    The wedding of Helian Hao and Jing Feng was indeed postponed, but it didn¡¯t seem to be because of Qin Mu. Rather it was because the two families couldn¡¯t agree on the wedding details.


    Qin Mu still took care of storing her wedding dress, believing there would be a day she would wear it, and it would certainly be with Jing Feng.


    Yet, looking at the woman who now sat on her bed, crying a river, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but feel pained and went over to gently embrace her: "Isn¡¯t Jing Feng¡¯s love for you enough?"


    "Mumu, you may never understand, marriage isn¡¯t just about two people, it¡¯s really about two families!"


    Qin Mu truly didn¡¯t understand; her marriage to Mu Yichen had somehow been a blur.


    The more she thought about it, the more confused her mind became. Later, she stopped overthinking and made any decision she wanted based on her feelings at the moment.


    But in the end, is marriage about two people, or is it about two families?


    Or, perhaps it varies depending on the person!


    Otherwise, how could there be so many couples who elope?


    Otherwise, how could there be so many breakups and partings unto death.


    "The Jing Family is too domineering. My parents can¡¯t stand the repression from the Jing family either. I¡¯m their only daughter; even if I agree, my parents don¡¯t agree to let me suffer there," she said.


    "Did Jing Qing come to make trouble with you again?"


    "All she said was that she wouldn¡¯t bless us during the wedding detail discussions."


    Recalling last night¡¯s dinner between the two families made Helian Hao feel disheartened. She had decided to get married on time no matter what, but last night Jing Qing dropped a sentence and suddenly left the table. And then the elders of the Jing Family said that she had to live in the Jing Family¡¯s old house for two years before the wedding, so the marriage was called off just like that.


    It was still because of Jing Qing¡¯s meddling.


    Qin Mu felt an itching hatred in her heart, but she didn¡¯t want to overpromise and could only gently soothe Helian Hao¡¯s back: "It¡¯s not worth it to make yourself so miserable for those people; stop crying!"


    With a cool hand, she gently wiped the tears from under Helian Hao¡¯s eyes and then held her face: "Xiaohao, let¡¯s work hard together and live a life more splendid than anyone else, okay?"


    Helian Hao looked up at her serious face and then laughed helplessly: "I just feel so pathetic. At first, I was the one who disagreed with getting married, but now it¡¯s their family that has so many issues."


    "Don¡¯t rush; after all, we¡¯re still young!"


    "Yeah!"


    Jing Qing nodded, and after calming down for a while, she spoke to Qin Mu: "I¡¯m going to work at the hospital these next few days."


    "Not playing anymore?"


    "After coming back, I decided to focus. I wanted to settle things with Jing Feng first, but since we can¡¯t, I might as well go to work."


    "Great! So, should I start calling you ¡¯Doctor Helian¡¯ from now on?"


    "You should call me ¡¯Beautiful Doctor,¡¯ and remember, if you need gynecology services, just come to me," she said while winking subconsciously at Qin Mu.


    "Get out!"


    Qin Mu turned and sat down on the sofa next to them.


    "Haven¡¯t you two thought about having another one? I heard that the Mu Family really hopes you¡¯ll have another."


    "Hmph, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to bear another child now, but rather that President Mu won¡¯t let me."

 Chapter 199 - 84 You must make a decision_5

    Chapter 199: 84 You must make a decision_5


    Qin Mu found himself amused whenever he thought of Mu Yichen¡¯s words from that night, life always seemed to be toying with him.


    "Mu is quite the odd one, if I were in his shoes, once you agree to have a child, I wouldn¡¯t care about the specifics, just go ahead and have it,"


    Qin Mu felt that Miss Helian was utterly devious, even more so than their Chairman Mu.


    ¡ª¡ª


    At noon, Mu Yichen, Jing Feng, and Qiao Yi had lunch together; Mu Yichen¡¯s car had just parked when he spotted a red car pulling up behind.


    It was Jing Qing¡¯s car.


    Mu Yichen glanced over indifferently, then walked ahead with his hands in his pockets.


    "Yichen!"


    Jing Qing chased after him, striding alongside.


    Mu Yichen remained silent. Although he was not pleased to see her, there was no changing the fact that she was there.


    "Yichen!"


    She called out to him again as she struggled to keep up, her steps turning into a slight run.


    As the elevator doors opened, Mu Yichen entered and turned to the woman about to join him, simply saying, You can take the next one.


    Jing Qing¡¯s eyes were fixed on his indifferent expression inside the elevator as the doors slowly closed between them, no longer able to feign happiness.


    Sadness quietly spread in her heart.


    Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan arrived a few steps later to see her standing there, looking lost: "What happened?"


    "Has Yichen been busy with work lately?"


    Jing Qing asked wearily, looking towards Qiao Yi.


    "Not really, is something the matter?"


    "If he has any business trips coming up, let me know,"


    Jing Qing added.


    Qiao Yi instinctively glanced at the man across from Jing Qing, and Jiang Zhiyuan raised his eyebrows. They both understood what Jing Qing meant.


    Jing Feng arrived first and took his usual seat.


    After Mu Yichen sat down, he followed suit in his usual spot, "Did you say to Jing Qing that we were having lunch together today?"


    "Not at all!"


    While others¡¯ words might not be trustworthy, Jing Feng¡¯s were reliable. Mu Yichen gave him an extra look before turning towards the door.


    Qiao Yi, Jiang Zhiyuan, and Zhao Huai entered behind Jing Qing.


    "The two of you arrived so early?"


    It was unbelievable that the two young masters would actually be on time.


    Upon seeing Jing Qing, Jing Feng instinctively glanced at her, then at Mu Yichen, who seemed not to notice Jing Qing as he lowered his head to pour himself a cup of tea.


    Jing Qing tried to sit next to him, but he looked up at Qiao Yi who was about to sit opposite: "Qiao, come sit here, I have some work matters to discuss with you."


    Just as Qiao Yi was about to sit down, he heard this and looked up at Mu Yichen before walking over.


    The woman who wanted to sit next to him could only do so with disappointment, pulling out a chair and forcefully taking a seat.


    Qiao Yi didn¡¯t know what to do, torn between his boss and the woman.


    In this world, the two people he feared the most were making things difficult for him.


    "We¡¯re all friends here, sit wherever you like!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan, sensing the awkwardness, spoke up nonchalantly before pulling out a chair and taking a seat.


    Zhao Huai was the junior, sitting at the furthest end, ready to fill his stomach and listen to gossip before going back to his driving duties.


    "Let¡¯s talk work after we eat,"


    Qiao Yi said awkwardly, sitting in the empty seat next to Jing Qing.


    He then constantly regretted his choice of seat, later on, he really did not want to sit too close to Jing Qing because she didn¡¯t like him and was quite averse to him, and he wasn¡¯t one to be insensitive.


    There are always people in this world who live life on a whim. If something isn¡¯t meant for you, why bother forcing it?


    Some may be compelled, but others, even across numerous lifetimes, might never be attainable. So why make it so hard on yourself?


    "I wonder when you guys started having meals without me. Has a group of boys finally grown up, learning to avoid girls when they talk about indescribable things?"


    Jing Qing held a bowl as delicate as her own hands, but before sipping her soup, she looked around at the men at the table.


    Their gazes all held a cautious, tentative air. Once upon a time, their relationship was not like this.


    "Men, after all, never like to bring a woman along. You can always have meals and get-togethers with your girlfriends, like Xiaohao, Mingzhu, and what¡¯s her name, little sister Xiaomu, she¡¯s back now too. Nearly everyone from our courtyard is here,"


    "Hmph, little sister Xiaomu? Do you see her as a sister, but does she see you as a brother?"


    Jing Qing scoffed unconsciously and looked at Jiang Zhiyuan who had spoken.

 Chapter 200 - 84 You must make a decision_6

    Chapter 200: 84 You must make a decision_6


    Jiang Zhiyuan looked at her disdainful eyes and instantly felt that the conversation couldn¡¯t go on, so he turned to look at Jing Feng and Mu Yichen, only to find that Mu Yichen was also ignoring him and Jing Feng acted as if he hadn¡¯t heard.


    "Let me say something I probably shouldn¡¯t, but I actually think Qin Mu is a girl with endless power, don¡¯t underestimate her."


    Zhao Huai thought of the few times he had met Qin Mu and couldn¡¯t help but blurt out that statement.


    "Is it your turn to speak now?"


    Jing Qing turned her head to question him. Although her voice was not loud, the disdain and derogation were clear.


    Zhao Huai lifted his eyes to look at her, then nodded: Yes, I¡¯ll leave after I finish eating.


    Mu Yichen then raised his eyes, looked at Zhao Huai then back at Jing Qing: If we¡¯re talking about family background at this dinner table, I¡¯m afraid my seat isn¡¯t arranged properly either, Jing Feng, let¡¯s swap places.


    Jing Qing immediately turned her head to look at the man sitting next to her, then explained anxiously: I¡¯m not looking down on him because of his background, I¡¯m just angry that you¡¯re all so protective of her, is that okay to say?


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say a word, just stood up: Let¡¯s meet up less often in the future then!


    After speaking, he prepared to leave.


    "Let¡¯s talk after dinner."


    Jing Feng lifted his hand to hold his shoulder and didn¡¯t let him leave, then looked at his little sister: Xiaoqing, if you¡¯re in a bad mood, just say less and eat more.


    This time Jing Qing didn¡¯t argue, afraid that he might really run off.


    Only after Qiao Yi left to go to the bathroom and came back, he switched to sitting on Jing Feng¡¯s side, no longer sitting with Jing Qing.


    After finishing the meal, Jing Feng pulled Mu Yichen to the bathroom, and the two men chatted while using the restroom.


    "I still don¡¯t know when my wedding with Xiaohao will be. It looks like we might really have a joint wedding."


    "We cannot afford it! The Mu Family and the Jing Family are bound to end sooner or later."


    They had played together since they were young, and never imagined there would be a day like this.


    "So you¡¯re saying, no more brotherhood?"


    Jing Feng asked him.


    "Brotherhood is essential, as long as you¡¯re on the side of morals and the law."


    Jing Feng didn¡¯t say anything more, and Mu Yichen was the first to turn around and leave.


    Later, Jing Feng stood alone in the bathroom smoking. What could he say?


    Because of his sister¡¯s meddling, his wedding couldn¡¯t be held as scheduled. Every time he got close to Xiaohao, to his shock, she would say she saw his sister¡¯s shadow and use that lousy excuse to stop him from going further.


    Subsequently, everyone caught the first cold of autumn. As soon as Director Mu arrived at the studio and opened the door, he smelled the scent of cold medicine and unconsciously thought he had entered the wrong place.


    Xiaomei came forward with a cup of cold medicine: Director Mu.


    Qin Mu was meeting with Liu Jingyuan and his fiance?e in the reception area.


    After Mu Yichen walked over, he took his hands out of his pockets and sat down next to Qin Mu.


    "Liu, are you here to give my woman some money?"


    "Sort of!"


    Liu Jingyuan helplessly smiled, truly not seeing Qin Mu as someone who liked to be pestered incessantly.


    Liu Jingyuan¡¯s fiance?e politely nodded at Mu Yichen without a verbal greeting, and Mu Yichen naturally didn¡¯t care about such an irrelevant woman, just lowering his gaze to look at his own woman: How much money did he give you?


    "Go, be serious."


    Qin Mu unconsciously wanted to shoo him away but worried about making him lose face, so she just mentioned it to him.


    Mu Yichen looked fondly at her, possessively pulled her into his arms, and looked up at Liu Jingyuan again: I heard Liu is getting engaged soon, when the time comes, my wife and I will definitely come to celebrate.


    "Of course, the wedding invitation will be sent to Director Mu¡¯s office straight away."


    Liu Jingyuan tried to smile in response.


    After Liu Jingyuan and his fiance?e left with the wedding dress, Qin Mu and Mu Yichen stood at the door watching. When Mu Yichen tried to hold her again, Qin Mu lifted her elbow and jabbed back: Jealousy jar!


    Then she turned and walked inside.


    Jealousy jar?


    He was the jealousy jar, hating all those men who had thoughts about his woman.


    And Director Mu thought he was already being very polite. If it weren¡¯t for Liu Jingyuan getting engaged, he would have had the heart to kill him now. Remembering the scandal between Liu Jingyuan and Qin Mu, recalling how Liu Jingyuan held Qin Mu¡¯s hand at Jing Qing¡¯s birthday party, he wished he could chop off those hands to feed them to dogs.


    He really didn¡¯t want her to be touched by any man...


    Once Mu Yichen and she went upstairs, he saw a mannequin in her studio dressed in shiny black fabric.


    "Are you doing the work yourself again?"


    "Making a dress for Miss Wen, she will be attending the red carpet show with Jing Qing next month. As her designer, it¡¯s my responsibility to ensure her appearance surpasses Jing Qing¡¯s."


    Qin Mu said as she walked over to the mannequin and gently touched the fabric, then turned to look at Mu Yichen: What do you think?

 Chapter 201 - 84 You must make a decision_7

    Chapter 201: 84 You must make a decision_7


    "The dress prepared for Helian Hao last time couldn¡¯t be used, have you ever considered using it yourself?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t answer but instead asked her another question.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes moved, and with a smile that was not quite a smile, she shrugged: "To be honest, I think it won¡¯t be long before the two of them hold their wedding again."


    "So, you¡¯re keeping that wedding dress for her?"


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen would never forget the time she wore a wedding dress for the perfume advertisement, how much he wanted her to wear the wedding dress again, this time not for an ad, not to impress anyone, but to become his bride.


    It¡¯s just that she seemed to have no such thought at all.


    So be it, now was a time of troubles, he would let her defeat Jing Qing first.


    "Actually, I always thought that after you returned, your first enemy would be that mother and daughter from the Qin Family, I could never have imagined it would be Jing Qing."


    "I didn¡¯t expect this outcome either."


    Qin Mu, sitting beside him, unconsciously let out a bitter smile after hearing his words.


    Yes, she also thought it would be the Qin Family, but they hardly bothered her, it was Jing Qing who repeatedly approached her and then started causing her trouble.


    It turns out, wanting to have someone can make a woman so crazy, Jing Qing, who was always gentle and dignified, finally changed into someone unrecognizable for a man.


    "You chose to use Wen Runuan to defeat Jing Qing, how confident are you?"


    "Ninety percent!"


    Mu Yichen, subconsciously looked at her more seriously, Qin Mu also looked up at him, then rationally and observantly analyzed with him: "Haven¡¯t you noticed that Director Zhang is also quietly weaving a net, before, with Jing Qing having you, he didn¡¯t dare to push Wen Runuan forward, now that Jing Qing has lost you, Wen Runuan was immediately pushed out, meaning that the next empress of Jingshang will be Wen Runuan. ¡ª¡ªI¡¯m just assisting you, or we are mutually beneficial."


    Mu Yichen realized, once this young girl¡¯s mind got to work, it was terrifying.


    She seemed to see through everything.


    "Not a bad analysis, so am I to help you package Wen Runuan now?"


    "You could also say it¡¯s helping Director Zhang, and this way, you don¡¯t have to be involved in a scandal with Jing Qing,..."


    "Admit it, Mrs. Mu, you¡¯re jealous!"


    "I admit it, what¡¯s wrong with being jealous? On one hand, you run off to Paris to find me, and on the other hand, you¡¯re in the country putting on a show with Jing Qing, happily busy, what do you take me for?"


    Qin Mu said this and forcefully poked his chest with her finger.


    But before she could poke him twice, he firmly grasped her hand and stretched it out flat against his chest.


    "There¡¯s only you here!"


    Here we go again,


    President Mu started looking at her with those deep, affectionate eyes, and Qin Mu felt her heart begin to pound wildly again.


    "Really?"


    "Truly warm!"


    But it didn¡¯t last more than a few seconds before she immediately started joking with him, laughing.


    "Your hands are so cold, you should see a Chinese medicine practitioner someday, get yourself properly treated."


    He mentioned to her, taking his time.


    "Alright!"


    Everything was fine, as long as he was hers, even the most bitter medicine would be no problem.


    She was too obedient lately, so obedient that Mu Yichen found it unreal.


    At night, the two of them went to a party together, Qin Mu was originally against it, but President Mu said, they didn¡¯t need to be truly married to attend the party together, only if he wanted it.


    So she went with him, and then they played until after eleven before running out.


    Only to be caught directly upstairs.


    This place was too familiar.


    "Do you still remember where you stayed when you first came back?"

 Chapter 202: Warm Hands_1

    Chapter 202: Warm Hands_1


    "Remember!"


    She soothingly agreed with a sound, but her eyes still clung to the ceiling, unyielding.


    Knowing that she had returned, he promptly found her, and the two of them got involved that very day.


    But at the time, she could never have imagined that she would soon return to Rongcheng, and one day become a part of the vast Mu Family household.


    When they spoke of vast, it wasn¡¯t the number of people, but rather the overwhelming scale and reach of their business empire, their unattainable loftiness and profundity.


    She turned her head to look at him, and there he was, still the same devil-may-care, imperious Young Master Mu standing before her, while she was no longer the simple Qin Mu from before.


    The things she had been doing recently were, honestly, not what she wanted to do.


    She had thought at first that to become a renowned designer one simply needed to know how to draw, to craft garments, and to network a bit.


    But she hadn¡¯t anticipated that the road to success would be littered with so many stumbling blocks.


    "Now that we¡¯re back here, how does it feel?"


    He asked her in a low voice.


    "Like a dream!"


    Her voice was somewhat weak.


    "A dream? Baby, this isn¡¯t a dream, this is real!"


    He clearly answered by her ear.


    Yes, everything was real, all these dream-like events had truly unfolded.


    "Why suddenly bring me here?"


    "To relive old dreams!"


    President Mu said, his penetrating eyes chilling yet frosty.


    "Relive old dreams?"


    She echoed in a low voice, unwittingly letting out a laugh.


    Her long lashes reluctantly closed together, lush and gentle, evoking a sense of vulnerability.


    That night, rain suddenly began to pour, no, it was more like a thunderstorm.


    The sound was deafening, as if it would burst one¡¯s eardrums, and the upscale guest room was unable to shut it out.


    But who knew that the season for thunderstorms would arrive so quickly, the person in bed listened to the thunderous noise outside.


    "What¡¯s the matter?"


    "Don¡¯t like it!"


    She didn¡¯t like the thunder.


    Mu Yichen tucked in the blanket: I¡¯m here!


    "Hmm!"


    That low acknowledgement was from her heart, which had been lonely for many years, finally finding something to lean on.


    All the lights in the room dimmed down, but it was because of the thunderous weather that Qin Mu needed him all the more.


    How she wished, on each such day, that he would always be by her side.


    Whether it was day or night, as long as she could hear his strong heartbeat, she would feel a sense of security.


    "Mumu!"


    "Hmm?"


    "I love you!"


    That husky voice surprised them both.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t move, but her eyes quietly grew moist.


    "This life, and the next, I will always love you like this and never leave you."


    So please be assured, I will always be here to protect you, you¡¯ll never have to fight alone.


    Tears finally escaped the corners of Qin Mu¡¯s eyes at such a heartfelt declaration; she had only ever heard Mu Yichen speak so tenderly.


    His voice was low and deep, as if it might be drowned out at any moment by the rain outside, but the woman in his arms could hear it all too clearly.


    Lately, whenever it was late at night, Qin Mu felt like she was not herself.


    It was as if her mind was being filled with thoughts that didn¡¯t belong to her, thoughts that would vanish by the next morning but sneak back into her mind and heart with each approaching night.


    The next morning, the two of them went back and were chastised for not coming home, which was disgraceful.


    But after the scolding, they were allowed upstairs. Later, Mu Yichen went to the company, and Qin Mu to the studio. Around noon, the Mu family received a visitor, Qin Haiming.


    "That girl Mumu, she probably will never forgive me in her lifetime. It¡¯s fine if she doesn¡¯t want to see me, just don¡¯t mention that I came to see my granddaughter," said Qin Haiming as he sat on the sofa drinking tea and chatting with Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua, with Huanhuan playing with toys nearby, unable to help but glance at this man she was not familiar with.


    "Huanhuan, that¡¯s your grandpa, call him grandpa."


    "Grandpa? What¡¯s that? Can you eat it?"


    Huanhuan looked up at her grandma, perplexed. The word ¡¯grandpa¡¯ was so unfamiliar to her that she couldn¡¯t quite grasp its meaning.


    "Oh dear, this child!"


    Feng Fanghua said with an embarrassed laugh.


    "No matter, no matter," Qin Haiming said softly, his eyes full of tender love.


    "Your relationship with your daughter might take a while to mend, but it seems like Huanhuan quite likes you."


    "Yes, Huanhuan, your grandpa is your mom¡¯s dad. Go on, call him grandpa; grandpa brought you lots of

 Chapter 203: Warm Hands_2

    Chapter 203: Warm Hands_2


    Listening to her grandparents speak, she blinked and then walked towards Qin Haiming, her pure, large eyes giving him a somewhat unfamiliar look as she called out, "Grandpa."


    "Good girl, our Huanhuan is really cute!"


    Qin Haiming raised his hand and lovingly stroked her soft hair, smiling and sighing.


    Later, after Huanhuan was taken out to play, he said, "This child does resemble Qin Mu when she was little."


    "Yes!"


    Feng Fanghua also nodded her head. She still remembered Qin Mu as a child, although those memories were a bit blurred now, but those eyes, that demeanor, always seemed the same as before.


    "Little brother, now that you¡¯re here at our home, I¡¯m not treating you as a leader but as family, and there are some things I have to say to you."


    Having discussed almost everything else, Mu Zihao finally started to talk seriously about some things on his mind.


    "Alright, speak!"


    In fact, Qin Haiming¡¯s visit wasn¡¯t just to see Huanhuan. He had heard that someone was causing trouble for Qin Mu, and as a father, he had no choice but to make the trip.


    "Mumu might have some unclear ties with the Jing Family, so you need to be prepared in your mind."


    "Is it the matter of the Jing Family girl hating Mumu because of Yichen?"


    Mu Zihao nodded, and Qin Haiming sighed and then smiled faintly, "At our age, what haven¡¯t we experienced? It¡¯s just seeing the younger ones going through these things... If the Jing Family really wants to vent their anger on one person from the Qin Family, I don¡¯t mind giving them my black gauze cap."


    As Qin Haiming spoke, his eyes revealed nothing but earnestness.


    "Oh, that¡¯s not what we mean. We just need to be prepared, we might keep our distance from the Jing Family, or worse, but we won¡¯t let our child suffer unjustly, right?"


    Feng Fanghua was not sounding like her usual self when scolding Qin Mu; she was making sense with every word.


    "How could I not trust you two elders? That you¡¯ve allowed the child to stay in your home shows that you have accepted her. I¡¯ve seen clearly over the years how you treat your own family."


    Qin Haiming didn¡¯t actually think this way, but he had to say so now in order to have them treat his daughter well.


    "We also have many shortcomings, and haven¡¯t spared Mumu from suffering, either. You deigning to visit our home to see Huanhuan shows that you really care about both of them. Let¡¯s not talk niceties. Today, all three of us as elders are here, and we must clarify some things so that we can have a common understanding about the child¡¯s issues in the future."


    Mu Zihao continued, gesturing for Qin Haiming, who was sitting diagonally across, to take a tea cup. Qin Haiming picked up the tea cup, but no further words came out of his mouth.


    Because Qin Mu had moved into the Mu Family home and then left not long afterward, Qin Haiming wasn¡¯t really optimistic about this family. But now, hearing Mu Zihao¡¯s words, he knew he had to think of the long-term strategy.


    When Mu Yichen came home in the evening, he saw his daughter holding an unfamiliar toy with great interest and inadvertently paused on that toy.


    Feng Fanghua noticed his return and that he was standing by the sofa looking at the toy in the little girl¡¯s arms, so she immediately came out of the kitchen to his side. "Today, Huanhuan¡¯s outsi..."


    "I have some matters to attend to, going to the study."


    Mu Yichen withdrew his gaze from his daughter and started walking towards the staircase.


    Feng Fanghua shared a puzzled look with Huanhuan, then glanced curiously at him a couple more times.


    Not listening?


    Why not?


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t understand, but she didn¡¯t bother to say more.


    It¡¯s just that she couldn¡¯t talk about Qin Mu, and now she couldn¡¯t talk to her son either. Was this going to suffocate her?


    "Your father is such a sly one."


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but mutter to her granddaughter who then suddenly smiled and imitated, "Sly, daddy."


    Feng Fanghua, at a loss, laughed and took her granddaughter¡¯s little hand, "Let¡¯s go to the kitchen and see what yummy things they are making."


    "I want to eat a drumstick," Huanhuan looked up at her grandmother and said.


    "Alright, then we¡¯ll tell the kitchen staff that our little treasure wants a drumstick, shall we?"


    "Yes, with ketchup!"


    Huanhuan nodded and then went to the kitchen with her grandmother.


    Qin Mu, after coming back, didn¡¯t notice anything unusual and thought that the new toy on her daughter¡¯s bed was just another gift from the indulgent grandparents.


    Once she returned to the room and saw Mu Yichen on his phone, she cuddled up to him and lazily said, "So warm."


    "What are you looking at?"


    "Next year, there might be some changes at the top."


    He spoke in a low voice, then put away the phone and wrapped his arms around her.

 Chapter 204: Warm Hands_3

    Chapter 204: Warm Hands_3


    "Fine, we¡¯ll change!"


    She suddenly flipped over, stood up after taking her hand off him, and headed for the bathroom.


    Mu Yichen placed both hands behind his head, "I¡¯ll take you to see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor in a few days."


    "Sure!"


    She agreed readily, but didn¡¯t even turn her head back.


    Mu Yichen sighed unconsciously and picked up his phone to continue reading the news about the rankings.


    She tossed her clothes aside, submerged herself in the bathtub, and then sunk deeply into the water.


    Many things, you can know the outcome before they even start.


    Many things, you have been living them for half your life, and still, you can¡¯t see what the future holds.


    The scene of her mother¡¯s car accident suddenly surfaced in her mind. She forgot how long she had been holding her breath underwater until she almost suffocated. Struggling, her pale hands tightly gripped the edge of the bathtub before she finally managed to raise her head for air.


    Xiaohao said or Qin Haiming really wanted to reconcile with her, asking her if she had any intention of making peace.


    To have a father, to have a home.


    But she was sensible when her parents¡¯ marriage ran into trouble. Those vivid memories were too painful for her heart to bear.


    She watched clearly as the couple went from loving each other to hating and fighting, and then to a bitter separation by death.


    How could she pretend her mother¡¯s death was just an accident, that her father was still her father, and the home was still home.


    She didn¡¯t even dare to go back to that house; she didn¡¯t even dare to look back.


    She had barely managed to live through this first half of her life.


    She could pretend it was okay, that they had reconciled, but deep down, she knew she could never truly make peace in this lifetime.


    There¡¯s a scar in her heart, so big and deep that it twitches with pain when the weather¡¯s bad.


    That night, she fell asleep in Mu Yichen¡¯s arms.


    The next day.


    "Today¡¯s breakfast is scallion pancakes, steamed buns, and nutritious porridge. What would our Huanhuan like to eat?"


    "Steamed buns!"


    Huanhuan followed her grandmother to the dining room, was lifted into the chair by her, and then drooled at the sight of the freshly steamed buns.


    Mu Zihao sat at the head of the table, hearing his granddaughter say she liked steamed buns and smiling, "My granddaughter and I share the same taste."


    "Oh please, like you have a say?"


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t bear to burst his proud bubble.


    Mu Zihao smiled and said, "That¡¯s right, after all."


    "Good morning, Mom and Dad, morning, Huanhuan!"


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen walked in together, smiling and greeting everyone.


    "Morning, come on, sit and eat!" Mu Zihao said.


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t speak, just unconsciously looked toward her son, but Mu Yichen didn¡¯t meet her gaze, making her feel a bit anxious.


    She didn¡¯t know whether Mu Yichen had told Qin Mu about Qin Haiming¡¯s visit, but they couldn¡¯t ask directly. They wanted to tell Qin Mu directly, but feared that Qin Mu might not take it well and cause unhappiness in the family.


    Mu Yichen caught his mother¡¯s look but pretended not to see and remained silent, causing Feng Fanghua to get irritated and coldly say, "Let¡¯s eat!"


    Everyone...


    Only Mu Yichen and his precious daughter were happily eating as if nothing was wrong.


    The husband and daughter-in-law were rather nervous.


    However, they ended up having a full meal. Today, Qin Mu wore a new suit with a white bow-tie silk blouse underneath, carrying a blue bag as she went downstairs to work, overhearing Feng Fanghua telling her daughter to go buy toys. She subconsciously paused, "Mom, we should buy less toys for her in the future. Last time I went to the storeroom, I didn¡¯t see anything but all sorts of her toys there."


    Feng Fanghua was about to walk out with her granddaughter bent over, but she unconsciously looked up at her...


    After Qin Mu finished greeting them and walked away, Feng Fanghua stood up, knowing that Qin Mu must have seen the toy placed on Huanhuan¡¯s bed the night before, thinking it was bought by her, and sighed unconsciously.


    Keeping such a secret made her particularly uncomfortable. She had lied plenty of times for her son before, but back then, her son didn¡¯t pay her any attention, so it didn¡¯t hurt her.


    But now, seeing how Qin Mu naively trusted her, without a hint of doubt, truly made her feel a bit miserable.


    The sun outside was a bit harsh, even though it was autumn, the sun was still scorching, with strong winds, or perhaps even more scorching than before.


    Qin Mu drove to work, her mind preoccupied with her day¡¯s tasks, speeding up a little.


    Some might look down on her little car, but upon reaching the studio, she was immediately whisked away; her colleague drove her car to the clothing factory, the designers held a meeting together, and then each set off to start thei

 Chapter 205: Warm Hands_4

    Chapter 205: Warm Hands_4


    Xiaomei went to bring her coffee, smiling as she asked, "Should we advertise for our studio? The ad you did for AM was so good; I¡¯m sure it would be great if you did one for us."


    "It¡¯s not the right time yet. Even if we had an advertisement, could we handle the influx?"


    Upon reaching her office, she took off her blazer, and the white silk blouse made her slender shoulders seem even more delicate. Leaning against the desk with a coffee cup in hand, she looked at Xiaomei¡¯s impatient expression and asked.


    "But we already have our own clothing factory. Wouldn¡¯t it be good to advertise sooner rather than later?"


    "It¡¯s still not advisable to hype it up too much. Let¡¯s wait a while."


    Qin Mu thought that once Wen Runuan clinched the Best Actress award this year and the public noticed the improvement in her style, their studio would naturally become known. It was precisely because Jing Qing wore the dress she designed to walk the red carpet that they gained these clients, right?


    She thought that Wen Runuan would bring even more benefits to their studio in the future. After all, Wen¡¯s gentle and harmless appearance and her girl-next-door look and demeanor, though not quite princess-like, would surely be unstoppable once it caught fire.


    Moreover, Jingshang intended to cultivate its own talents, and artists like Jing Qing, who were difficult to manage, would sooner or later be suppressed. At least for the next few years, Wen Runuan would certainly remain Jingshang¡¯s mainstay. In just two or three years, their studio could also truly establish a foothold in Rongcheng.


    She wanted to plant the studio¡¯s roots here, deep and secure.


    Later, when Wen Runuan sent a video asking what to wear for going out, Qin Mu put down her work and glanced at the video, then picked out an outfit for her.


    After trying on the selected attire, Wen Runuan couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "Isn¡¯t this a bit too youthful?"


    "Aren¡¯t you only twenty-four?"


    "Already twenty-five in nominal age."


    "This look is just right for you. You should stop wearing overly mature clothes from your wardrobe."


    "Then I really won¡¯t have anything else to wear, will I?"


    "Go buy more. I¡¯ll have Xiaomei go with you."


    "Is that so, you¡¯re not available?"


    "Not for the time being, and Xiaomei has more ideas than me when it comes to picking clothes, especially in your style."


    Qin Mu had a lot of confidence in Xiaomei in certain aspects and knew that, in the future, Xiaomei, as her assistant, would have to take on many tasks for her.


    "Alright, but for important occasions, I still want you to personally design my outfits. That¡¯s my bottom line."


    "Ok!"


    The two enjoyed a pleasant chat, and then she continued her sketching. In fact, she was designing a gown for Wen Runuan.


    She planned to dress Wen Runuan in youthful attire for a while, so the impact would be even more sensational when she eventually donned the gown.


    Wearing the same style of clothes for too long could make people think that her sense of fashion was lacking and even cause visual fatigue.


    Being a star was really not easy. Qin Mu sketched, reflecting on this, then looked up at the prototype on the mannequin and sighed involuntarily.


    Suddenly, she remembered what Mu Yichen had said. He had expressed a desire to see her in a wedding dress.


    She, too, had promised to design the groom¡¯s outfit for him. So, when would she start?


    As her thoughts wandered, she sighed helplessly and shook her head. How could that be possible?


    She hoped that they would never walk down the church aisle; a simple life was the reality.


    If their love could conquer time, then she also hoped to move forward firmly and securely. If not...


    She bent her head down and resumed sketching.


    In the morning, after Mu Yichen finished a meeting in his office and everyone else had left, only Qiao Yi remained. He looked up at Qiao Yi, sitting across from him, and asked indifferently, "Is there something on your mind?"


    "Jing Qing stayed out overnight last night."


    "You need to tell me about this kind of thing?"


    "She was drunk and kept looking for you."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, and he didn¡¯t know what else he could say.


    She wanted to drown her sorrows in alcohol, she wanted to go crazy, that was all her business, and he didn¡¯t want to interfere in anything.


    "Yichen, do you really not care about her? From now on, are you going to ignore everything to do with her? You said before, even if it¡¯s not that kind of relationship, you would still treat her like a sibling. Do you really want her to suffer like this?"


    Qiao Yi asked him.


    "What are you trying to say?"


    Mu Yichen felt nothing inside, but he asked again, seeing how distressed Qiao Yi was.


    "You could at least try to persuade her, ask her not to give up on herself. If this goes on, I¡¯m afraid she¡¯ll go down a path of no return. She had such a promising future, aren¡¯t you afraid that it¡¯ll be ruined like this?"


    "If someone else ruins it, it¡¯s because she¡¯s useless. If she ruins it herself, then that¡¯s even more her own incompetence. What do I have to be afraid of? She¡¯s neither my biological sister, and secondly, I¡¯ve said all there is to say. If she still can¡¯t let go, if it were you, would you abandon your own lover, your family, and then throw away everything you¡¯ve fought so hard to achieve for a woman who has nothing to do with you?"


    Seeing how rational and indifferent Mu Yichen was, Qiao Yi involuntarily took a cold breath. He was not unaware of Mu Yichen¡¯s high regard for Qin Mu, but seeing Jing Qing turn into what she was now, he couldn¡¯t pretend to be blind.


    "If Qin Mu hadn¡¯t come back, maybe nothing between you and Jing Qing would have changed, right?"


    "If Qin Mu hadn¡¯t come back, I would already be in Paris by now."


    The sharply defined contours of his face were filled with indifference, while his dark eagle eyes were filled with sincerity.


    Qiao Yi just stared straight at the man opposite him, suddenly realizing that he still didn¡¯t understand him well enough. He couldn¡¯t help but laugh softly, then stood up and left.


    Mu Yichen remained seated on the sofa, looking at the tea on the table he had been planning to drink another sip of, but when he picked it up, he found it had already gone cold and put it down again.


    Secretary Xi came in to tidy up the table and heard him ask, "Did you find the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner I told you to look for the other day?"


    "Oh, found him. You want him now?"


    "Yes!"


    Compared to Jing Qing¡¯s affairs, he was more concerned about his woman¡¯s health. That woman was always so cold to the touch, making him toss and turn with concern at night.


    If her health isn¡¯t good, it¡¯s better to get it checked out sooner rather than later.


    After getting the address, he called Qin Mu: "I¡¯ll come to find you at noon, and we¡¯ll go see the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner together."


    Qin Mu barely managed to lift her head when she received his call, and pinched her neck forcefully twice. Hearing that they were going to see the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, she immediately furrowed her brows: "Can we change the day?"


    "No!"


    "But I¡¯m a bit busy right now!"


    "Lunchtime, what are you busy with?"


    "Well..."


    "Let¡¯s just say it¡¯s decided then. I¡¯ll be at your studio downstairs on time at twelve, hanging up."


    Mrs. Mu found President Mu¡¯s autocratic way of handling things very disheartening, yet also quite happy.


    Actually, she was afraid of drinking Chinese herbal medicine; she had heard it was very bitter.


    She had been prone to coldness since she was young and didn¡¯t think it was a big deal, especially with him, her own personal furnace.

 Chapter 206: Warm Hands (2)_1

    Chapter 206: Warm Hands (2)_1


    "What do you think?"


    These three words, seemingly simple.


    After getting out of the car, the two walked inside together. Upon entering the hallway, Qin Mu felt a chill, despite it being the best private hospital in the city.


    "The traditional Chinese medicine doctors here are quite famous."


    "I just remembered Xiaohao is a doctor; why don¡¯t we go see her?"


    By the time the two left the hospital, Mu Yichen was carrying several pounds of Chinese herbs. The traditional doctor had also said she had caught a cold during childbirth and was very weak, so he prescribed several more packets. Qin Mu just looked at the prescription, and although he couldn¡¯t understand it, he frowned.


    Mr. Mu didn¡¯t say anything and listened carefully the entire time, heard the doctor ask her some questions, and listened to the doctor prescribe the medicine. After leaving, Mu Yichen said, "I originally wanted to have a second child later, but now it seems we can¡¯t wait."


    Qin Mu looked at him as if he were a monster.


    "Health is the most important!"


    Nonsense!


    The doctor actually said that to nurse her apparent deficiency in vital energy and blood, having another child for a good recuperation could completely heal her, and the big boss who always believed only in himself actually believed it.


    "Last time I mentioned having a child, you said you didn¡¯t want to."


    "Mmm, now I want one!"


    "That¡¯s called being inconsistent."


    Mu Yichen suddenly stopped and looked at her, the two standing in front of the car, eyeing each other stubbornly.


    Later, Qin Mu thought about it, according to what the doctor said, she would have to take the medicine for two or three months anyway. By the time they were ready to have a child, it would also be about half a year later, so she didn¡¯t argue with him further and suddenly smiled at him in a pleasing manner.


    In the afternoon, she was still buried in work at the office, while Mu Yichen went to the pharmaceutical factory.


    Although he dealt with Western medicine, he still did not recommend Qin Mu take it.


    But the business of the pharmaceutical factory had still been expanding over the past two years, easily making its way abroad.


    He spent nearly two hours in the office reviewing documents. The secretary here was a man in his fifties and could be considered an elder. He was previously Mu Zihao¡¯s secretary and continued in this role after Mu Zihao stepped down. Mu Yichen worked in his office, accustomed to having him stand by and await orders.


    The office here was also very different from the ones in the city. From the decorations to the furniture, everything was more antique, the colors aged, but there was no questioning the quality. Items that were decades old still appeared as good as new, which made the man in a Western suit and pants sitting inside seem even more imposing.


    At night, when Qin Mu returned home, she was forced to drink Chinese medicine. As she drank, Feng Fanghua said, "You should have treated your illness long ago, but now it¡¯s not too late; you are both young."


    Qin Mu forcefully drank the bitter medicine and, while listening to Feng Fanghua¡¯s words, slowed down half a beat in her thoughts. She looked up at Feng Fanghua with a dopey expression.


    "I¡¯m talking about you guys having a second child."


    "Cough, cough!"


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t beat around the bush, but it caused the woman who was holding a bowl and drinking her medicine to almost choke on it.


    "What I¡¯m talking to you about is serious; why are you scared? It¡¯s natural for women to have children. Look, I had Yichen and then not many years later had Qingxin."


    Qin Mu nodded, not daring to say anything else, and obediently continued drinking her medicine.


    "Probably because you didn¡¯t eat well when you were young abroad, and then you didn¡¯t properly do your postpartum recuperation after giving birth?"


    "Actually, my job is quite relaxed."


    "Relaxed? Does your thin hair look relaxed to you?"


    Qin Mu felt she couldn¡¯t argue with Mrs. Feng, so she chose to remain silent. Mrs. Feng, however, was tirelessly saying, "From now on, I will make you soup to drink every night at home; I guarantee in a few months your hair will be thick and shiny again."


    "What kind of soup is that good?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously, her large black eyes pure and silly.


    "You¡¯ll find out when the time comes."


    Qin Mu...


    Qin Mu found Mrs. Feng more and more adorable, and couldn¡¯t help wanting to kiss her. But considering she was drinking bitter medicine and didn¡¯t want to stink up Mrs. Feng, she decided to wait a while before giving her a kiss.


    Feng Fanghua saw how obediently Qin Mu was drinking the Chinese medicine and couldn¡¯t help but think of her own daughter: Qingxin would make a big fuss whenever she had to drink Chinese medicine. Sigh, now I don¡¯t even know where she is, she doesn¡¯t give me any definite news, and when she occasionally does video chat with me, she complains I nag too much.


    As she talked, she lowered her head, her voice no longer as booming as before.


    Qin Mu quietly observed her, not daring to speak carelessly, but she understood that Feng Fanghua really missed her daughter. But her daughter?

 Chapter 207: Warm Hands (2)_2

    Chapter 207: Warm Hands (2)_2


    She only hoped that Huanhuan wouldn¡¯t leave and stop contacting her in the future, leaving her worried sick like Feng Fanghua, which caused her heart to ache unbearably.


    "Mom, I will definitely be very obedient," Huanhuan said.


    So, after a moment of thought, that was the line she finally squeezed out.


    "You? Do you really think you¡¯re an obedient one? But you don¡¯t need to be that obedient," her mom responded with an inadvertent scoff, her weary face showing a touch of relief.


    "I¡¯ll try my best not to make you worry," Huanhuan assured.


    "Hmph, that might be harder than getting Mu Qingxin to come back," Feng Fanghua retorted with another scoff.


    Qin Mu¡¯s small bowl of bitter medicine eventually hit the bottom. While chatting with Feng Fanghua, she had unknowingly finished it, perhaps forgetting it was medicine. Just as she looked down and was about to feel happy, the bowl empty, the maid by her side said, "Miss, give me the bowl, I¡¯ll go and get you another."


    Another bowl?


    Qin Mu, frightened, widened her eyes and lifted her head, as the maid said with a smile, "If you find it too bitter, I can add some honey for you."


    "Add more!" Qin Mu said with a laugh, her voice trembling slightly.


    "Alright!" the maid replied cheerfully and left with the bowl, while Qin Mu still tasted the bitterness at the corners of her mouth.


    Feng Fanghua, seeing how sensible Qin Mu was at home, felt reassured; she had always thought that Qin Mu would be difficult to manage, but after spending some time together, she found that Qin Mu always abided by what she and Mu Zihao had said, considering their feelings in everything she did, never showing off or losing her temper, and so Feng Fanghua¡¯s heart involuntarily settled.


    This girl, having suffered so much and being so smart, might make a good daughter-in-law someday.


    At least better than those girls who are too smart and too opinionated, like Jing Qing; the more Feng Fanghua thought about it, the more she felt that Jing Qing marrying into their family might not be a blessing. First, Mu Yichen didn¡¯t like her; second, since he didn¡¯t like her, the marriage would surely be unhappy, and they might even end up in an outright feud. Considering Jing Qing¡¯s princess temperament and her tricks, Feng Fanghua shuddered at the thought. It was fortunate that Jing Qing and Mu Yichen ended up with nothing in the end.


    "Have you been designing gowns for any stars recently?" Feng Fanghua inquired.


    "Wen Runuan!" Qin Mu exclaimed.


    "Do you plan to design clothes for celebrities all along?"


    "Of course not; while ideals are fine, so is reality. Therefore, I need to establish my studio¡¯s reputation first, and designing clothes for celebrities is the simplest and most effective way to build the brand," explained Qin Mu.


    "Like what, for instance?"


    "Like, as soon as I got back, Jing Qing asked me to design her a dress for the red carpet. And when she stunned everyone there, I made a profit," answered Qin Mu.


    "She probably mentioned your name reluctantly at the time," Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but comment, recalling that interview.


    "Yep!" Qin Mu also couldn¡¯t help but laugh at this, thinking to herself that in life, one always has to do a few things they¡¯re reluctant to do to be fulfilled, even if you¡¯re a wealthy young lady; one cannot always do as one pleases.


    Qin Mu drank another bowl of the medicine, and by the time she finished, their mother-daughter conversation had also nearly concluded. So even though honey had been added, the drink was particularly bitter.


    Feng Fanghua said with a smile, "This afternoon, Jing Qing sent over a basket of fresh oranges again, honey tangerines freshly picked from the mountain. After you finish, I¡¯ll let you have some."


    "I could eat several pounds in one go," Qin Mu immediately brightened up at the mention, and as they had been conversing so freely, she replied with childlike enthusiasm.


    "Eating so many oranges can cause heatiness."


    "Hehe, I¡¯ll be fine," she said, not feeling the slightest bit ¡¯heaty,¡¯ only wanting to indulge a bit more.


    Mu Yichen came back and smelled the scent of traditional Chinese medicine; upon entering, he saw the mother and son chatting on the sofa, and Qin Mu had just finished his second bowl of bitter medicine.


    "Auntie, can we have just one bowl tomorrow?"


    Qin Mu asked with a smile as he handed back the bowl.


    "Our bowls at home are too small."


    "Let¡¯s give Madam a big bowl tomorrow."


    Head of the family Mu said as he walked over.


    Qin Mu and Feng Fanghua looked at him, and he took a seat on the single sofa nearby, sitting with the air of an emperor arriving, gazing at his woman.


    "Fine, considering how hard you worked to find me a traditional doctor, and also for my mother¡¯s sake, I won¡¯t hold it against you."


    Qin Mu muttered with a smile, but his eyes clearly showed annoyance.


    Mu Yichen laughed: When did I start needing my mom to give me face? Haven¡¯t you two always been at odds?


    "That¡¯s what you say; we never said that."


    Feng Fanghua corrected her son with a smile, sipping her tea before speaking.


    Mu Yichen glanced at Feng Fanghua and then at Qin Mu. He shook his head helplessly and, noticing the absence of Mu Zihao and Huanhuan, asked curiously, "Where are Dad and Huanhuan?


    "Your dad went out to play ball with his friends. Hearing that the two old men both brought their grandsons, he also took Huanhuan with him."


    So they went to compete over grandsons; Mu Yichen raised an eyebrow and said nothing more.


    "Tonight, it¡¯s just the three of us for dinner. You two wouldn¡¯t mind me being the third wheel, would you?"


    "We would!"


    "We wouldn¡¯t!"


    The couple spoke at the same time, only the husband said they would while the wife thought otherwise.


    "To think, I watched you grow up, changing your diapers."


    Feng Fanghua complained to her son with a look of exasperation.


    Mu Yichen...


    Qin Mu...


    It was a good thing she had finished her medicine, or she feared she might have spit it out.


    After dinner, the two of them went out for a run, but it wasn¡¯t long before Qin Mu began to get side stitches, nearly unable to keep up with him. Mu Yichen turned around and ran backward so that she could catch up.


    "Can we take a break?"


    "Is this what you call regular exercise back in Paris?"


    He asked, as she unconsciously held her waist with one hand.


    "But it¡¯s been over half a year since I came to Rongcheng. Where would I find the mood to exercise in that time?"


    Qin Mu thought about the number of times she had run recently, and it was truly few and far between.


    "From now on, let¡¯s run a lap every night."


    She deeply regretted agreeing to see the traditional doctor who mentioned her lack of exercise. So, after dinner, Mu Yichen dragged her out for a run. He had prepared all the gear for her, but her body wasn¡¯t ready yet.


    Later, the two of them walked up the mountain. Suddenly, Mu Yichen grabbed her arm, and Qin Mu¡¯s heart started pounding. It was already a bit cold, and she nervously asked him, "What are you doing? There¡¯s no path behind us.

 Chapter 208 - 87 Do you remember_1

    Chapter 208: 87 Do you remember_1


    Mu Yichen suddenly lowered his head, remembering a time when he was abroad.


    Back then, there were no streetlights in that place, but here, there happened to be one, although its light was blocked by the branches. Still, some light filtered through the leaves and fell right on her face.


    "Do you still remember?"


    "Yeah!"


    ¡ª¡ª


    The next day, as soon as Mu Yichen went to work, someone knocked on the door. Jiang Zhiyuan and Zhao Huai entered his office together, "Let¡¯s have a big meal together at noon."


    "It¡¯s only nine o¡¯clock, and you two are already thinking about lunch?"


    "Yeah, I was actually sleeping, but Jiang Shao got me up. He said that last night..."


    Zhao Huai repeated to Mu Yichen everything Jiang Zhiyuan had told him.


    "Now, my buddy is just hoping something happens after a few drinks."


    Jiang Zhiyuan glanced at Zhao Huai and winked, "You¡¯re the only son of the Jiang Family, you¡¯ve got to leave an heir!"


    "Come on, Mu Yichen, don¡¯t bring up what shouldn¡¯t be mentioned, okay?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan immediately sprang up from the chair, his hands frantically pulling at his own hair.


    Zhao Huai, not wanting to be involved, quickly stepped to the side. Mu Yichen quickly lowered his gaze, his long eyelashes hiding his dark eyes.


    After all, someone interrupted his good time last night. Even if it was his own brother, he had to let off some steam.


    Thinking about last night, Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes softened unconsciously, as he had wanted to relive old memories with her.


    It seems he¡¯ll have to buy that mountain in the future, and seal off that road.


    Of course, he hadn¡¯t even considered whether his wife would agree or not.


    "By the way, I just remembered, that road is very close to your place, do you know that kid?"


    "Alright, I¡¯ve got important things to do now. You two go wait for me at AM."


    "Then I¡¯m going to take a nap first. Maybe I¡¯ll wander into the wrong guest room again and bump into some beauty. That¡¯ll show you sick-minded guys that I have no issues."


    Jiang Zhiyuan leaned to the side, his hand pressing on the desk as he spoke seriously, then turned and left.


    "He¡¯s crazy!"


    Zhao Huai said to Mu Yichen, then also got up and left, "Buddy, you¡¯ve got my car keys."


    After they left, Mu Yichen sent a WeChat message to Qin Mu: Do you know who saw us last night?


    Qin Mu was cutting fabric when she picked up her phone. She was puzzled by the message from Mr. Mu, wondering who bumped into her yesterday. Then she remembered they had been spotted by a car in the mountains last night.


    "Who?"


    "Jiang Zhiyuan!"


    Qin Mu...


    She was about to reply, but while holding the large scissors in one hand, she lost her grip on the phone with the other, and the phone pitifully dropped to the floor, startling her.


    Later she replied to him: He didn¡¯t realize it was us, did he?


    "Yeah!"


    Qin Mu felt much relieved seeing his message, thinking that if their friends saw them like that on the mountain, they¡¯d never be able to clear their names in this lifetime.


    "What are you doing?"


    "I¡¯ll show you!"


    Qin Mu immediately sent him a photo. Mr. Mu opened it and couldn¡¯t help but laugh: No wonder her hands aren¡¯t as good as before, fiddling with scissors.


    "Really?"


    "Yeah."


    Qin Mu was amused by his comment, but in the end, she laughed because there weren¡¯t many people who could joke with her like that.


    "My new phone almost broke when it dropped on the floor because of you."


    "Husband will buy you a new one."


    Yeah, having a rich husband is great. Qin Mu felt a surge of pride unconsciously, and thinking about finishing the gown for her client, she stopped chatting with him.


    At noon, she and Xiaomei went out to eat. At AM, they ran into Jing Qing and several directors and actors who were also going out for lunch. Jing Qing came over to greet her when she saw her, "What a coincidence, huh?"


    "It seems so!"


    Qin Mu greeted Director Chen with a smile, seeing him approaching, "Director Chen, what a coincidence."


    "I thought it was you from far away. How about it? Want to join us at the same table?"


    "No, thanks. We¡¯re also with a client. Let¡¯s have a get-together some other time."


    "Sounds good, we¡¯ll get in touch by phone when we¡¯re free," Director Chen responded with an understated nod.


    "Since Miss Qin doesn¡¯t deign to dine with us, let¡¯s go!"


    Jing Qing, unhappy that the director gave Qin Mu so much attention, immediately turned and left.


    Qin Mu watched as the group left en masse and then suddenly realized that the person behind her was unnaturally quiet.


    In fact, Xiaomei had been clutching her phone the whole time, absorbed in something. Only later did Qin Mu learn that Xiaomei was checking the actors¡¯ profiles. She was so excited during the meal that she could hardly eat, constantly telling Qin Mu who the male actor was, what big dramas he had been in. Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help thinking how terrifying it was to be a fan. When Huanhuan grew up, she must never become a fan; otherwise, what if she forgot about her mother?

 Chapter 209 - 87 Do you remember_2

    Chapter 209: 87 Do you remember_2


    An actor from the private dining room Jing Qing and others were in walked out, glanced down at the two women eating downstairs, and then headed toward the staircase.


    "Miss Qin!"


    "Helun!"


    Just as Qin Mu was about to look up, she heard Xiaomei call out first and immediately became curious, turning to Xiaomei.


    "Shh!" Helun raised his hand, of course with a touch of trying to look cool.


    Xiaomei responded with her own cooperative gesture, shrinking her neck and making an OK sign with her hand.


    Qin Mu...


    "May I sit here?"


    Helun asked, but before Qin Mu and Xiaomei could respond, he had already pulled out a chair and sat down, then he turned to Qin Mu: I have seen the advertisement you shot, and I think it was very good.


    Qin Mu looked at him more intently, smiled slightly: Thank you!


    Compared to Qin Mu¡¯s passive composure, Helun seemed more calculating, gazing at her for quite a while before speaking again: I would like to invite you to play the lead role in my new movie, a classic romance novel I¡¯m directing myself. I didn¡¯t expect to run into you today, otherwise, I would have brought the script for you.


    Xiaomei at the side held her breath, not daring to speak much, but inside she was extremely excited.


    "Sorry, I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m not that lucky."


    Qin Mu responded tactfully.


    "Rejecting so straightforwardly? We can discuss the price or anything else. I primarily chose you for your look, which suits the female protagonist very well."


    "Sorry, I still can¡¯t accept. If Mr. Helun doesn¡¯t have a suitable actress, I could recommend someone."


    How could Qin Mu agree?


    Mu Yichen hates it when she acts.


    For him, she wouldn¡¯t agree...


    And for some reason, lately whenever directors and the like approached her, the first thing she thought of was Mu Yichen, thinking that he disliked it, she would not go through with it, and only then did she think about her own work.


    "Oh? Who might that be?"


    "Wen Runuan!"


    Helun¡¯s gaze at her suddenly paused, then he lightly smiled again, his fingers resting on the dining table pinching each other and then suddenly tapping lightly on the table.


    "Are you close with Miss Wen Runuan?"


    "Not really, I¡¯ve only met her once or twice, but I think she¡¯s a decent actress."


    "That¡¯s true, but she¡¯s currently in a special relationship with Jingshang¡¯s CEO, and since I¡¯m not from Jingshang¡ª¡ª, you know."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t understand; she didn¡¯t understand the many intricacies of their circle, but if they truly wanted someone, there should always be a way to cooperate.


    "I didn¡¯t expect Miss Qin to brush me off so easily." Helun¡¯s smile seemed a bit strained, though his words were not harsh.


    "My specialty is fashion design, Mr. Helun, so if you ever need help designing evening gowns, I¡¯d be delighted to offer my services."


    "Oh? That can be arranged right now."


    Helun wasn¡¯t expecting this pleasant surprise, and Qin Mu didn¡¯t make a fuss either, nodding in agreement immediately. Xiaomei, who had been upset about Qin Mu refusing Helun¡¯s movie offer, instantly bloomed with happiness again.


    The next morning, Wen Runuan got up and called Qin Mu from the dressing room: Did you tell Helun to look for me for a movie?


    "I mentioned it, he really approached you?"


    "Yeah! I¡¯ve read the script, and considering Helun¡¯s reputation in the industry, I¡¯m actually quite interested in working with him."


    "Isn¡¯t that a happy development?"


    "Just afraid that Chairman Zhang might not be pleased."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but chuckle; it was for a man after all.


    "Speaking of which, did you know Helun from before?"


    Wen Runuan asked curiously, glancing at the man changing clothes in the room.


    "No, I had just heard of him, and happened to run into him yesterday at dinner."


    "I see, I won¡¯t keep you then, he¡¯s up now, I¡¯m going to join him for breakfast."


    Wen Runuan quickly hung up the phone, but Qin Mu suddenly realized who the "he" in Wen Runuan¡¯s words was and couldn¡¯t help but laugh as she looked at the man beside her.


    "Wen Runuan?"


    "Yep!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t want her getting too close to the people in the entertainment industry¡¯s big dye vat, but considering her job he couldn¡¯t help it, though he felt an involuntary increase in worry.


    "I heard from the restaurant manager that Helun came to see you yesterday while you were dining. Don¡¯t you want to explain that to me?"


    "Helun? Haha, I¡¯m not telling you!"


    Qin Mu smiled mischievously and then attempted to run off.


    Say that again?


    "Wen Runuan just called me about the Helun matter."


    Later, Mu Yichen said, "If Helun comes looking for you again, don¡¯t forget to tell me."


    "And what if it¡¯s someone else?"


    "Figure it out yourself!"


    Figure it out myself?


    Qin Mu thought to herself, if I really do that you¡¯ll get angry again.


    After finishing their meal and just as they stepped out of the restaurant, Jing Qing came over to visit. The aunt walked from outside into the living room, "Madam, Miss Jing is here! And Miss Qin too."


    The aunt spoke softly when she said this, but she gave Feng Fanghua a knowing look, prompting Feng Fanghua to sigh helplessly: If they¡¯re here, they¡¯re here!


    Since she couldn¡¯t exactly shove them out, she might as well put on a show.


    "Auntie!"


    "Auntie!"


    The two of them, arm in arm like sisters, walked in. Feng Fanghua sat on the sofa and elegantly raised her hand to gesture for them to sit.


    "What brings you two together today?"


    "I haven¡¯t been feeling well recently, and Grandpa asked me to rest at home. When I have nothing to do, I tend to spend all my time with this girl." Jing Qing said with a smile.


    "I just love hanging out with Sister Qing."


    Qin Mingzhu laughed even more cheerfully, her expressions lively as she spoke.


    "Yeah, you¡¯ve always loved clinging to your Sister Qing since you were little, that¡¯s true."


    Feng Fanghua might not dare to say much, but she had watched them grow up with her own eyes and knew a lot about them.


    "Auntie, I like clinging to you too, I¡¯m just afraid of annoying you."


    Qin Mingzhu added.


    "How could you? You¡¯re not much younger than Qingxin, and you went to the same school when you were little. Why would I find you annoying?"


    Feng Fanghua responded politely.


    "Auntie, if that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll have to come over more often."


    Qin Mingzhu continued, always playing the innocent in front of her elders.


    "Sure!"


    Feng Fanghua agreed.


    "Now auntie needs to take care of Huanhuan, she doesn¡¯t have the time to entertain you too much, so don¡¯t you dare come over to cause trouble."


    Jing Qing warned Qin Mingzhu like an older sister would.


    "Huanhuan? Oh right, auntie, I¡¯ve been meaning to ask, are you really sure that little girl is your biological granddaughter? Don¡¯t forget, Qin Mu has been abroad all these years, and her lifestyle has been quite improper."


    Qin Mingzhu commented from the side, while Jing Qing sat quietly next to her listening. Despite hearing that Feng Fanghua had already gone for a DNA test at the hospital, Jing Qing couldn¡¯t help but lift her chin upon hearing Qin Mingzhu¡¯s words.


    "Oh?"


    Feng Fanghua looked up.


    "All those years she would only call my dad to ask him for money. Just think about it, what reasons does a young girl have to constantly ask her not-so-rich father for money? Apart from being frivolous, what else could it be? I heard she had unclear relationships with many boys in their university, and Yichen had already returned to the country back then; he must have been deceived."

 Chapter 210 - 88 Dare to swear? _1

    Chapter 210: 88 Dare to swear? _1


    Qin Mu forgot to bring her notebook and heard people gossiping about her as soon as she came back, so she stopped unconsciously at the door.


    "Auntie, you really should investigate her life in Paris over the years, to see besides Yichen, what other men she has been with. In the last two years, she no longer asked my father for money; I heard it¡¯s because she was hanging on to that big designer Jian Yan."


    "Jian Yan? Isn¡¯t Jian Yan her mentor?"


    "You believe that? That¡¯s just to fool outsiders," Qin Mingzhu stated confidently with details.


    "But Auntie, I think other matters are easy to discern as true or false, but you really should look into her relationship with Jian Yan. With a big designer like him, who hasn¡¯t taken on apprentices for so many years, why did he take on Qin Mu?"


    Jing Qing spoke slowly, echoing Qin Mingzhu¡¯s words as if she was also worried about Mu Yichen being deceived.


    Feng Fanghua unconsciously furrowed her brow and was silent for a long while before sighing.


    When Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu exchanged glances and saw Feng Fanghua seem to waver, they continued, "Auntie, whether it¡¯s true or not, it still deserves investigation. If it¡¯s inconvenient for you, I can send someone to check."


    Feng Fanghua looked up at Jing Qing again. Investigate? And she would send someone?


    Qin Mu suddenly remembered that time Mu Yichen showed her those photos, and she let out a laugh unconsciously, thinking there was still a need for further investigation?


    She adjusted the strap of her backpack on her shoulder and then walked in with long strides.


    When Auntie heard the sound of high heels, she turned her head towards the door and asked immediately, "Has the young madame returned?"


    "Yes!"


    A gentle response from Qin Mu, who then walked swiftly to the sofa.


    Qin Mingzhu immediately became tense, gripping Jing Qing¡¯s hand tightly, and Jing Qing also startled for a moment but soon composed herself.


    "Why have you returned?"


    It was Feng Fanghua, who was more composed.


    "I left my drafting notebook at home!"


    Qin Mu answered calmly and then looked down at the two women sitting opposite her, "Miss Qin and Miss Jing, how come you have time to visit our home today?"


    Our home?


    Jing Qing also unconsciously clenched her fist: "I came to see Auntie."


    "Right, we came to see Auntie," Qin Mingzhu said, straightening her back and holding Jing Qing¡¯s hand.


    "Then why did you start speaking ill of others?"


    Qin Mu smiled faintly, looking down condescendingly at the two women seated on the sofa, her eyes sharp and shrewd.


    "Speaking ill? Where did we speak ill? Were you eavesdropping on our conversation? That¡¯s quite rude," retorted Qin Mingzhu, unable to hide her disdain.


    "Rude? Who¡¯s rude here, when I hear outsiders gossiping about me in my own home? Is it me who is rude or you? And Miss Jing, you mentioned an investigation; there¡¯s something I forgot to ask you. Recently, you hired a private detective in Paris to follow my mentor and me. Are you aware that such behavior is illegal? If there¡¯s a next time, I¡¯ll have to get my lawyer to have a proper talk with you."


    Qin Mu looked coldly at Qin Mingzhu and then hinted at the woman sitting next to her, who was looking down, lost in thought.


    "A lawyer to talk with me? On what grounds?"


    "You¡¯ve violated my right to personal freedom and my right to privacy, among various other rights which I may not be fully aware of. Why should I be the one to explain this to you? If you ask Jing Feng, he could probably list dozens of accusations against you."


    "How dare you say I¡¯ve violated your rights? I only wanted Yichen to know what kind of flirtatious woman you really are."


    Jing Qing stood abruptly from the sofa, showing a cold face to Feng Fanghua for the first time.


    Meanwhile, Qin Mu didn¡¯t back down either, and the two of them faced each other with palpable tension.


    Feng Fanghua leaned slightly back and looked up at the two of them, feeling unsettled.


    Qin Mingzhu also stood up slowly and quietly moved behind Jing Qing to join her in staring at Qin Mu.


    "Flirtatious? Whether or not I¡¯m flirtatious, Mu Yichen knows best. Do you think he needs your special investigation to know about me? Before he even considered becoming involved with me, he had already thoroughly investigated everything about me, which includes his own daughter."


    Qin Mu stated each word firmly, without conceding a point.


    It also reminded Feng Fanghua once again that her daughter-in-law was by no means a pushover.


    "Really? What about Jian Yan then? So many people wanted to apprentice under him, but he refused them all. Why did he take only you? Yichen might be manipulated by you, but I see right through you."


    "If there¡¯s anything improper between Jian Yan and me, I¡¯m willing to swear I¡¯d get myself killed. Would you dare do the same?"

 Chapter 211 - 88 Dare to swear? _2

    Chapter 211: 88 Dare to swear? _2


    "Dare what?"


    "Dare to swear? Swear that you¡¯re sure I have an inappropriate relationship with Jian Yan?"


    "Do we have to be so childish? Aren¡¯t you clear in your heart whether you¡¯ve done it or not?" Jing Qing scoffed, but her expression was very ugly.


    "I am very clear, it¡¯s just that some people seem to pretend to be confused despite being clear, right?"


    Qin Mu looked at her coldly, with a sharp gaze that seemed ready to devour her.


    "Auntie, I have something else to do today, so I¡¯ll leave first. We¡¯ll come to see you another day."


    Jing Qing suddenly fell silent towards Qin Mu, then turned to Feng Fanghua and said.


    "Yes, auntie, you¡¯ve been entertained with a farce today. We¡¯ll come to visit you again when this girl is not around, goodbye."


    "You both take care, no need to see you out. I hope you won¡¯t encounter me again when you come next time."


    Qin Mu, with her hands in her pockets, suddenly let out a laugh after they had walked a few steps, unable to hold back.


    "You can still laugh?"


    Feng Fanghua looked anxious on her behalf.


    "What else can I do?"


    Qin Mu said helplessly, then sat down beside her. Suddenly calming down, she looked at Feng Fanghua cautiously, and Feng Fanghua looked back at her.


    "Mom, my relationship with my master is purely that of discipleship. It was I who pestered him to take me as a disciple, and he really agreed to teach me because he had no choice. But I feel that this is fate, and that¡¯s all."


    "Didn¡¯t you say you were coming back to get your notebook? Why don¡¯t you hurry up and go?"


    Feng Fanghua reminded her, and Qin Mu then remembered her business. Realizing that Feng Fanghua still held some trust in her, she nodded, fetched her notebook, and left.


    After she had gone, Feng Fanghua sighed, feeling helpless. The maid quietly asked her, "Madam, do you also suspect the young madam?"


    "I just recalled that the silly boy doesn¡¯t like Jian Yan."


    Others might not understand the meaning of these words, but the maid who had been with her for many years did.


    Feng Fanghua did not blindly believe or disbelieve; she had her own scale in her heart. Shortly after Qin Mu left, she took her granddaughter¡¯s coat and went to the grandson and granddaughter-in-law.


    After returning to the private apartment, Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu were still fuming: "You will never amount to anything in front of Qin Mu, do you know why?"


    "Why?"


    Qin Mingzhu weakly asked.


    Jing Qing tossed her expensive bag carelessly and then turned with some anger in her eyes to look at her: "Because she has always been high and mighty in front of you, and in front of her, no matter how you raise your head, you will never be taller."


    "Are you saying my height can¡¯t compare to hers? I feel like it¡¯s about the same."


    "Height? Ha! Qin Mingzhu, what do I even say about you? Is it that all the children born from mistresses are foolishly sweet?"


    Jing Qing looked up to the sky and after a long while, she scoffed with mockery.


    Qin Mingzhu turned pale when she heard the words ¡¯mistress¡¯: "Jing Qing, what do you mean by that? What mistress? What foolishly sweet?"


    "Haven¡¯t you noticed that ever since she returned, even before she set foot in the Qin Family, she has already eclipsed all your glory there?"


    Jing Qing continued, but Qin Mingzhu, being naive, didn¡¯t understand a word and just felt utterly wronged.


    "Why do you think the Mu Family matriarch agreed to let her stay in the Mu Family? Is it really because Mu Yichen likes her? You¡¯re so wrong. It¡¯s merely because you both have the same father who is the mayor."


    With Jing Qing repeatedly hitting her where it hurt, Qin Mingzhu felt a tickle in her throat as if she was inflamed, and it was a raging fire.


    "If she were just any commoner¡¯s daughter, do you think she¡¯d have set foot in the Mu Family¡¯s doorstep? No way."


    Jing Qing was indeed desperate; she had never won when facing Qin Mu directly, and every time, Qin Mu left her breathless, flushed, and embarrassed. Especially today, in front of Mu Yichen¡¯s mother, she couldn¡¯t bear the thought of losing face like that again in front of a senior. She hoped to forever maintain a pure and beautiful image in front of the elders of the Mu Family.


    "¡ª, just talking about this makes me angry. What gives her the right to outshine me the moment she returns? Jing Qing, you have no idea. Nowadays so many classmates are asking about her, and some even taunt me, saying I¡¯m the daughter of a mistress. My mother was legitimately married to my dad, how did she become a mistress?"


    After hearing this, Qin Mingzhu was staggered, recalling her recent life being bombarded with questions about Qin Mu, and she felt like her hair was on end.


    "Are you really clueless about how your mother married the mayor of Qin City? Why did Qin Mu¡¯s mother die in a car accident? If it weren¡¯t for your mother bringing you out to expose her affair with the mayor of Qin City... You better think about it yourself."

 Chapter 212 - 88 Dare to swear? _3

    Chapter 212: 88 Dare to swear? _3


    Jing Qing said, unconsciously letting out a sneer before eventually falling silent.


    Qin Mingzhu felt a twinge of guilt after hearing her words, but soon puffed up her not-so-large chest, "My mom just wants to give me a home. Besides, my mom loves my dad, and my dad truly loves my mom."


    "Love your mom? I witnessed with my own eyes how the mayor of Qin City was in love with Qin Mu¡¯s mother. Your mom¡¯s relationship with him doesn¡¯t count as love."


    "What?"


    What does being in love look like?


    It seemed so distant and unrealistic that even Jing Qing felt it was something elusive, but she had truly witnessed it. She was five years older than Qin Mu, her memory was clearer, and she remembered many things from the past distinctly.


    After talking with Jing Qing, Qin Mingzhu returned home full of resentment. The maid, seeing her come back, promptly served her a bowl of bird¡¯s nest soup: "Miss, the madam had me stew this bird¡¯s nest for you. Please have some."


    "Get lost!"


    She plopped down on the couch, cast a sideways glance at the bowl of bird¡¯s nest soup, and with a forceful swipe of her hand, knocked it aside. The maid was startled into jumping back as the bird¡¯s nest spilled onto the coffee table and from there, onto the floor, the couch, and all around, dirtying everything. The beautiful Jingdezhen porcelain bowl shattered into many pieces.


    "Miss, what¡¯s wrong with you?" the maid asked in shock.


    "When did it become okay for a servant in this house to ask questions? Get lost!"


    Qin Mingzhu turned to question her coldly and then headed upstairs.


    One maid came out and asked the one who was standing there stunned: "What¡¯s gotten into her again?"


    "Who knows? The throwing and smashing were bad enough, but... never mind, I¡¯m not staying here after this month is over."


    The other maid had something to say, but after a moment¡¯s thought, she shook her head with a sigh and turned to fetch the cleaning supplies.


    "Hey, what do you mean by that?"


    ¡ª¡ª


    When Qin Haiming and Zhang Rujia returned from an event after ten o¡¯clock at night and heard that the young miss was throwing a tantrum upstairs, he turned to Zhang Rujia and said, "Go check what¡¯s bothering her now."


    "Okay!"


    Zhang Rujia felt a jolt of alarm; she really didn¡¯t dare to send Qin Haiming upstairs at this hour, so she immediately went up to her daughter¡¯s room herself.


    Qin Haiming glanced at that upstairs room with a look of helplessness and sighed, having no desire to sit down on the couch. He glanced at the sofa and then walked back outside.


    After walking in, Zhang Rujia saw her daughter still sobbing face down on the bed and immediately went over to embrace her with concern: "What¡¯s the matter?"


    "Mom, Jing Qing bullied me."


    Qin Mingzhu immediately turned and buried herself into Zhang Rujia¡¯s embrace, clinging tightly to her waist, sobbing and pouring out her grievances.


    "How did she bully you? Weren¡¯t you two getting along just fine this morning?"


    "But when we visited the Mu Family, we encountered that little bitch Qin Mu. When she couldn¡¯t best that little bitch, she took her anger out on me, even saying you were a mistress, claiming that if you hadn¡¯t suddenly shown up at their door with me years ago, that bitch¡¯s mother wouldn¡¯t have died. Mom, how could she say that? You are the woman my father married openly and honorably."


    "Jing Qing actually said that? It seems I had too high an opinion of her before. Since she looks down on us, mother and daughter, then Mingzhu, from now on you really can¡¯t be so open-hearted with her, understand? From now on, you need to keep your guard up, okay?"


    "Yeah! But Mom, it still hurts so much. I¡¯ve never felt so wronged before. These days, ever since Dad acknowledged that little bitch as his daughter, so many classmates have called to mock me. And today, with Jing Qing saying those things, I¡¯m really so angry."


    Qin Mingzhu was crying non-stop as she spoke, while Zhang Rujia looked down at her daughter, whose eyes were swollen from crying, and felt an ache in her heart. Gently wiping her tears, she asked, "Did you find out anything at the Mu house today? What is Feng Fanghua¡¯s relationship with that woman?"


    "Relationship? I¡¯m not sure. We were just chatting, and then that little bitch suddenly went back home, saying she had left her notebook. She was eavesdropping on our conversation and blocked me and Jing Qing completely. Oh right, Jing Qing seemed to have investigated her previously."


    Qin Mingzhu stopped crying as she spoke, just recalling the scene at the time and trying her best to describe everything to Zhang Rujia.


    "Hmph, Jing Qing is no good either. Seeing Qin Mu living with the Mu Family, obviously she got anxious. The methods she used against that little bitch were more than just investigating and following her."


    Zhang Rujia had heard some stories about her and the more she thought about it, the more she felt that Jing Qing was placing herself too high. In reality, weren¡¯t they all similar?


    Man is not for others, the universe punishes the self-centered!


    "Mom, you¡¯re right. I really can¡¯t hang out with Jing Qing anymore. She truly looks down on me from the bottom of her heart."


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s biggest fear was actually Jing Qing scheming against her.


    "You¡¯re clear about it now, and that¡¯s good. But on the surface, you still need to maintain a good relationship with her. Just keep clear in your heart that the only people in this world who are willing to help you selflessly are your own parents."


    "Yeah! But does Dad still care about me?"


    "Of course! The only thing he has for that woman is guilt. But you, you¡¯ve grown up under his watchful eye. Look at what you eat, what you wear, tell me, does he cherish you more, or that woman?"


    "It¡¯s Mom who is the best to me."


    Having heard Zhang Rujia¡¯s words, Qin Mingzhu¡¯s mood immediately improved, and she hugged Zhang Rujia¡¯s waist and coquettishly snuggled up to her.


    "My silly girl!"


    Zhang Rujia hugged Qin Mingzhu back, full of tenderness and indulgence.


    "By the way, your dad is downstairs. Go wash your face quickly and come down as if nothing has happened, okay? Show up in front of your father with a smile."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mingzhu didn¡¯t understand why Zhang Rujia wanted her to meet the Mayor of Qin City with a smile, but as long as it was her mother¡¯s advice, it must be for her benefit, so she immediately went to do as told.


    ¡ª¡ª


    At night, Qin Mu was dining out with clients, and when Mu Yichen returned home, Feng Fanghua called him to sit on the sofa and told him everything that had happened during the day. Mu Yichen listened and then looked up slightly, "You think she didn¡¯t speak well?"


    Feng Fanghua sighed helplessly, seeing the look on her son¡¯s face as if everything his wife said was reasonable, and then spoke again.


    "I was wondering about Jian Yan¡¯s situation. Is there really something ambiguous going on between her and Jian Yan?"

 Chapter 213 - 89 doesn’t dare to make fun of Mrs. Mu_1

    Chapter 213: 89 doesn¡¯t dare to make fun of Mrs. Mu_1


    "If she liked Jian Yan, would she still be in Rongcheng?"


    Mu Yichen spoke with a lack of enthusiasm, his distinct facial contours extra cold.


    "Look, aren¡¯t you still upset? Am I not worried for you? You¡¯ve chased her for so many years, and it was not easy to win her heart, yet her heart isn¡¯t with you¡ªcan¡¯t I at least be suspicious?"


    "You can doubt whether she loves your son, but you really can¡¯t insult her. Say what you want to me, but it¡¯s best not to mention a single word in front of her, not now, nor in the future."


    After Mu Yichen finished speaking, he stood up and went upstairs to his daughter¡¯s room.


    Feng Fanghua remained seated in the living room, the warm light shining on her head creating a beautiful halo, but her mood was not beautiful, despite her good intentions.


    After he entered Huanhuan¡¯s room, Feng Fanghua sat alone on the sofa, sipping tea. She couldn¡¯t help but scoff, thinking that unless it was praising Qin Mu, he never seemed happy.


    Mu Yichen gently closed the door and looked at his daughter who was sleeping with a Peppa Pig plushie, watching her for an extra moment, wanting to take it away but hesitating when she immediately clutched it tighter.


    Beneath thick lashes, a pair of pitch-black eyes quietly observed the sleeping form of his little daughter, his lips involuntarily curling into a slight smile.


    He knelt quietly by the bed, gazing at the sleeping Little Huanhuan, feeling as if his heart was filled with cotton candy¡ªsoft, sweet, and exceptionally comforting.


    Even his usually cold gaze became tender. She didn¡¯t love him? Yet she gave him such a precious gift.


    Thinking back to when he first met Huanhuan, those pure big eyes looking at him, even calling him ¡¯daddy¡¯...


    All those beautiful moments from the past, though lacking at the time, seemed so wonderful in retrospect.


    Perhaps because he was with his daughter, he later sat on the carpet beside the bed, his hand gently stroking his daughter¡¯s hair, looking every bit the immature boy.


    When Qin Mu came back, Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao had already gone to bed. She went straight upstairs and, finding no one in her room, was about to check her daughter¡¯s room when she saw him coming out of it.


    "Have you been with Huanhuan all this time?"


    "Hmm!"


    He hummed lowly in response and then wrapped his arms around her, intending to head to the bedroom.


    "I want to see her too."


    They stood face to face, Qin Mu blocked by his embrace could only move backward, "Hey, Mu Yichen, aren¡¯t you being too domineering?


    Just because you looked at our daughter doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t, you can¡¯t take my place in this."


    "First, take a good look at me, and then it won¡¯t be too late to go see our daughter."


    The bedroom door closed.


    Some say that whether two people love each other can be known in bed. She didn¡¯t know whether they were in the know or not.


    In any case, they had always cooperated well, whether made love gently or roughly.


    Later, after they both changed into pajamas, Mu Yichen went to Huanhuan¡¯s room and carried her from her bed. With the Peppa Pig plushie in her arms, she was placed in the middle of their big bed.


    Mu Yichen covered her well with the blankets, his dark eagle eyes glanced at the woman across from him, and the next moment he walked around to her side.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t get angry, just gave an exasperated smile, and scooted over.


    As her hand gently stroked Huanhuan, she too was embraced tightly from behind.


    "I heard Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu came to the house this morning?"


    He asked in a low voice, in the quiet space.


    "Hmm!"


    She didn¡¯t say another word, feeling the moment was peaceful and warm, their family of three together, nothing could be more beautiful.


    "They are all unimportant people, no matter what they say, don¡¯t get angry. It¡¯s not worth upsetting yourself, and it would hurt me too, alright?"


    "I know what they are thinking, there¡¯s no use getting angry with them, I¡¯d never win. I¡¯m saving my energy to deal with them."


    After saying that, she couldn¡¯t help but laugh involuntarily, and Mu Yichen let go of his worries seeing she didn¡¯t take it to heart.


    "What should I do? I¡¯m thinking about it again."


    His voice, filled with an allure too magnetic to express, was simply captivating.


    Qin Mu reflexively turned on her side, falling right into his expansive embrace.


    "Stop it, Huanhuan is here!"


    As the night deepened, she didn¡¯t know how she fell asleep, only recalling the next day that she vaguely felt him leave the room for a moment.


    That probably wasn¡¯t an illusion?


    Qin Mu subconsciously thought, and then she opened her eyes.


    Seeing her husband and daughter were still asleep, she quietly got out of bed and went to the bathroom to make sure she was unharmed.

 Chapter 214 - 89 doesn’t dare to make fun of Mrs. Mu_2

    Chapter 214: 89 doesn¡¯t dare to make fun of Mrs. Mu_2


    She finally relaxed considerably once she found everything neat and clean, and then went to wash up.


    By the time she went out again, her daughter had already been taken away, and Mu Yi still lay in bed with his shoulders bare. That feeling...


    Well, he probably isn¡¯t wearing anything right now.


    Qin Mu was still in her pajamas, but she had already freshened up, grabbing her long hair as she stepped forward: "I need to make a trip to the factory this morning, so..."


    "So let¡¯s hurry up and finish what we didn¡¯t finish last night."


    Qin Mu...


    Didn¡¯t they finish last night¡¯s business?


    She clearly remembered hearing his suppressed voice, unmistakably the kind of noise that would occur at that moment.


    So when Qin Mu went to the factory, it was already late, but just as she was about to enter the workshop, she turned her head and saw a familiar car stop at the factory gate.


    The driver opened the rear car door, and she unconsciously furrowed her brows at the sight of the man in a suit, and then walked out quite composedly.


    Some people, since they can¡¯t be avoided, must be faced.


    After she got into the car, the driver closed the door, and although the space was fairly spacious, it still felt almost suffocating, especially for Qin Mu.


    She was not good at sitting together with this father, not good at all.


    Qin Haiming spoke in a low voice, "I came for an inspection this morning and didn¡¯t expect to run into you."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, only turned her head to look outside. Could she have expected this?


    She was not someone¡¯s fan.


    "I heard a few days ago that Mu Yichen took you to see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. Is your health very poor?"


    He looked up at her, and she was very thin, even thinner than when she first returned to the country.


    "It¡¯s not that bad, just some chills."


    What could she say? Say that she had been neglected outside since she was young, that an aunt without much devotion had caused her to suffer from malnutrition? Or tell him about the years she lived a life worse than death?


    In the end, all that could be said was just a few words.


    "It¡¯s all my fault. I haven¡¯t fulfilled my responsibilities as a father."


    "You can¡¯t say that. You have two daughters. Fulfilling your duty for one is fulfilling your fatherly responsibility."


    "If possible, I hope you¡¯ll give me a chance to make it up to you."


    "This clothing factory was given to me by Mu Yichen, and I hope you can treat him differently."


    Qin Mu finally turned to look at him, clearly stating her demands.


    Qin Haiming nodded, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I will. I heard a while ago that he was having troubles with the Jing Family and lost a deal because of it. I wanted to step in, but then your relationship with him... I will pay more attention to these matters in the future."


    "Thanks in advance. If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll get out of the car now."


    She looked away from him, lifted her hand to grab the door handle, and pushed the door open.


    "Mumu, join Dad for a meal when you have the time."


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t even stepped out when she heard these words. Her gaze shifted, but then she calmly got out of the car, nodded to the driver, and walked back into the factory.


    As the car door closed behind her, Qin Haiming continued to watch her retreating figure. She was as stubborn as her mother had been before their separation years ago.


    He had regretted, had struggled with sleep and appetite, but life still had to go on. He chose to keep living hard, to let go of it all. He thought that all memory of mother and daughter would be erased from his life, and everyone else would forget them too, until Qin Mu¡¯s reappearance.


    It wasn¡¯t until Mu Yichen came to him later that he realized there are some things you can¡¯t forget just because you want to.


    He picked up those past events again, and also picked up this daughter.


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Later, when the driver got back into the car, he instructed wearily.


    The clothing factory was almost ready, and there would be no problem opening in half a month.


    Qin Mu went to the hospital directly after returning to the city in the afternoon. Xiaohao was already in a clean white coat, and as they met in the hallway, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile at the sight of Helian Hao¡¯s carefree appearance: "The clothes really look good on you."


    "Borrow it to wear? I¡¯ve already gotten blood on this, you still dare to wear it?"


    Helian Hao arched an eyebrow and took her into his office.


    "How did you end up in this field?"


    "Sigh, you¡¯re only asking me now why I chose this profession. It shows how much you really care about me."


    In the days they had missed each other over the years...


    Helian Hao had been very lonely for many years. She didn¡¯t like making friends with others, except for those she had been close with since childhood.


    Later, after Qin Mu put her wedding dress and Jing Feng¡¯s tuxedo in the trunk of her car, Helian Hao closed the trunk and let out an involuntary sigh: "Maybe it will never be needed."

 Chapter 215 - 89 doesn’t dare to make fun of Mrs. Mu_3

    Chapter 215: 89 doesn¡¯t dare to make fun of Mrs. Mu_3


    Qin Mu subconsciously looked at her, "Why suddenly so pessimistic?"


    "It¡¯s just a feeling, maybe many years from now I¡¯ll marry a man I don¡¯t love, a decent-looking man, but without that spark, just to form a family."


    Helian Hao spoke softly, then slammed the trunk shut with force.


    Qin Mu stood to the side, watching. The gown had been in the trunk for several days. She had planned to give it to Helian Hao a few days earlier but ended up procrastinating till today. However, seeing Helian Hao¡¯s demeanor, she couldn¡¯t help feeling a twinge of heartache.


    "I think Jing Feng would never let you marry someone else," Qin Mu said.


    So before leaving, she tried to cheer up and said this to Helian Hao.


    When Helian Hao heard it, she couldn¡¯t help but let out a chuckle.


    Sometimes, some people, when giving up, are actually hoping someone will give them a hand.


    Because giving up what one doesn¡¯t love is a release, while giving up what one loves is regret.


    Nobody wants to live with regrets in life, especially not in matters of great importance.


    Helian Hao hoped Jing Feng would stop her, that he would not give her a chance to marry anyone else.


    Watching Qin Mu¡¯s car drive away, she turned back and took the elevator to the eighth floor.


    By the time she returned to the studio and saw Liu Jingyuan¡¯s car parked near theirs, she slowed down. Her first thought was to stop and say hello, but her car just passed by his, slowly.


    She simply couldn¡¯t bring herself to stop, and now that she knew his feelings, no matter whether he got married or had a family in the future, she felt she needed to draw a clear boundary with him.


    Liu Jingyuan didn¡¯t realize she had seen his car. He just watched, his expression growing increasingly unfathomable as her small car drove away.


    Having parked her car, Qin Mu entered the studio without looking back, her head down, her bag slung over her shoulder. Liu Jingyuan, however, was staring straight at her as she walked in.


    For a few minutes, he actually wanted to get out of his car and go after her. But upon reflection, he thought, how could he approach her now that she was Mu Yichen¡¯s woman, loving Mu Yichen with an unflappable and dignified air?


    Especially after she became aware of his feelings, she clearly began to intentionally avoid him.


    Perhaps this was all it could ever be, Liu Jingyuan thought as he drove away.


    Qin Mu, standing upstairs, watched his car leave and found herself unavoidably recalling his engagement party, which she had attended with Mu Yi. It was a discreet yet decorous engagement party, traditional and not overly grand. He had been like a man at work that day, executing every procedure flawlessly. She thought that such a self-restrained man must be ruthless, although he had never been so towards herself.


    Suddenly, she remembered the night of Jing Qing¡¯s birthday when Liu Jingyuan and she were drugged. If he hadn¡¯t been drugged that night, how could such a restrained man have said such improper things to her?


    And that wouldn¡¯t have led to all those nasty rumors.


    The score she had with Jing Qing...


    This time, Jing Qing going abroad to walk the red carpet didn¡¯t ask her to be the designer. Of course, she had her reasons for not asking.


    But Wen Runuan wore the dress Qin Mu designed, tastefully supporting Jing Qing on one side, with the arm of Jingshang¡¯s president on the other, heading towards the media together.


    How to describe that feeling?


    Wen Runuan showcased both the charm and innocence of a young woman to the fullest, while Jing Qing¡¯s poise and propriety were fully displayed to the media at the event.


    Qin Mu thought, if Wen Runuan emerged victorious from this event, it would be because she caught people off guard, right?


    If Jing Qing won, it would be because of her strong aura, but if she lost, it would be due to her unvarying style.


    Suddenly, rain began to fall that night, a chill accompanied each autumn rain. Qin Mu watched the drizzle outside the studio and hugged her arms lightly, a pair of clear eyes brimming with calm poise.


    She was betting on Wen Runuan to win because Wen Runuan was young, she was new, and she was distinctive.


    She also hoped Wen Runuan would win. Jing Qing had had too many moments in the limelight; probably she never knew the taste of defeat. Being crushed by someone she looked down upon would surely be a significant blow to Jing Qing.


    In the future, the two women Jing Qing might hate the most could well be her and Wen Runuan.


    Late on, the black sedan parked downstairs of her studio. Standing by the window, she watched him emerge from within, using the same old large black umbrella he¡¯d had for ages.


    Some rain splashed onto the legs of his suit, but it didn¡¯t seem to affect his composure.


    She quickly opened the door, and as he put the umbrella down, he lifted his dark eyes to look at her, "Let¡¯s go!"

 Chapter 216 - 89 doesn’t dare to make fun of Mrs. Mu_4

    Chapter 216: 89 doesn¡¯t dare to make fun of Mrs. Mu_4


    "Um!"


    Her gaze on him was filled with things she wanted to say but stopped herself.


    This morning she had received a package from Paris, and she had wanted to show it to him, but after a second thought, she held back.


    On the way back, the rain intensified. Mu Yichen, holding his patience, glanced outside and then said, "Go to the apartment."


    Qin Mu subconsciously turned to look at him, and then he drove her to the nearby apartment.


    It had been so long since they had been there; it felt abandoned.


    After turning on the lights, she walked in slowly, recalling every little detail about this place, and then she turned to see the man who had taken off his suit jacket approaching, and she couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    "What are you smiling at?"


    He asked in a low voice.


    "A man and a woman alone in a room!"


    "Tonight, Mrs. Mu is in danger!"


    Mu Yichen said to her with a teasing squint in his eyes.


    "Tonight, Mr. Mu is also in danger!"


    Mrs. Mu, her sparkling apricot eyes looking at Mr. Mu, mimicked his tone in response.


    That¡¯s why she fell for him, so deeply attracted, caught in his trap.


    The storm outside subsided for a moment, but then thunder flashed and roared.


    The two sat in the dining room, eating noodles. Though simple, the atmosphere was warm and comfortable.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes were misted by the steam from the noodles, and as she inadvertently raised her eyes, she collided with his gaze.


    "Why are you looking at me?"


    "How would you know I¡¯m looking at you if you weren¡¯t watching me?"


    Despite the cliche? lines, they both couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    But she couldn¡¯t eat in peace throughout the meal, as the sound of thunder was too frightening.


    Later, even the power went out. Mu Yichen immediately called the old house to make sure there was no power outage there, and then they both nestled comfortably on the living room sofa, holding each other.


    "When will the thunder stop? In spring or summer?"


    "Both."


    He replied indifferently, his gaze involuntarily shifting to her.


    "How annoying!"


    She protested stubbornly, like a little girl hating how her skirt was stained with mud.


    "Do you find me annoying?"


    He whispered, his hand already warming itself inside her shirt.


    Qin Mu lay on his legs, watching his dark eyes through the faint light from outside, his sharply defined profile, and his incomparable handsomeness.


    How could she possibly find him annoying?


    What woman could resist such a man?


    Clearly without any beauty filter, yet he was a vision of perfect beauty.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but lift her hands to cradle his face, her eyes filled with infatuation: "Not annoying."


    The words were soft, yet they warmed Mu Yichen¡¯s heart deeply.


    Just like many nights, she involuntarily succumbed, succumbed to his tender gaze and his fervent body.


    No storm could shield their intimacy, or perhaps it was such days that made them more bewitched, deeper immersed, self-forgetting.


    They didn¡¯t even have time to consider what they should do if they had to separate in the future.


    ----


    Three days after Jing Qing returned to the city, her first action upon arrival was to find Qin Mu¡¯s studio. Without regard for the customers sitting on the sofa in the reception area, she strode forward, bent down, picked up the teacup on the table, and forcefully splashed it on Qin Mu¡¯s face.


    Qin Mu¡¯s white shirt was instantly drenched, and she stood up amidst the shocked gaze of the customers, looking coldly at Jing Qing: "What madness is this?"


    "Madness? Today, I will let you witness what true madness is."


    Jing Qing said and took another step forward, raising her hand to strike Qin Mu¡¯s face again.


    The female customer sitting opposite Qin Mu stood up in fright, and Xiaomei, along with her colleagues, watched the scene from their stations.


    Qin Mu instantly raised her hand to grab Jing Qing¡¯s wrist, and in a quick motion, she firmly slapped Jing Qing¡¯s face.


    "Jing Qing, if you don¡¯t know how to respect others, at least consider the Jing Family¡¯s reputation and status."


    The slap rang out sharply, and after that, Qin Mu pushed her back with a cold command.


    Jing Qing was shoved back a meter, covering her face in shock as she looked at Qin Mu: "Do you believe that I can shut down your studio today?"


    "Upset that someone stole your spotlight on the red carpet and you take it out on me? Do you think the law exists just for your family?"


    "Qin Mu, I swear I will make you regret your actions today."


    Jing Qing, pausing at the sight of a composed high-society lady nearby, then turned to glare at Qin Mu and spat out a vicious remark before walking away.


    After she left, the high-society lady bent down to offer Qin Mu a tissue from the table: "Are you alright? Go change your clothes quickly."


    "I¡¯m sorry for the inconvenience just now!"


    Qin Mu nodded and then immediately turned to change her clothes.


    Xiaomei quickly stepped forward to clean the wet sofa.

 Chapter 217 - 89 doesn’t dare to make fun of Mrs. Mu_5

    Chapter 217: 89 doesn¡¯t dare to make fun of Mrs. Mu_5


    As she undid the buttons of her shirt and saw her skin reddened in the mirror, she unconsciously raised her hand to gently touch it, right on the chest.


    The warmth of her touch met the scalded spot and swiftly retreated.


    She hadn¡¯t even realized she was burned; she was simply burning with anger.


    She hadn¡¯t expected Jing Qing to come looking for her as soon as she returned, let alone do something so impulsive.


    What she expected even less was that Jing Qing would turn around and head to the Mu Family, crying her heart out in Feng Fanghua¡¯s arms. When Feng Fanghua asked her what was wrong, she wouldn¡¯t say, and it was only later that she dried her tears and said in a fragile voice, "Auntie, I¡¯m sorry for crying on your shoulder as soon as I arrived. You truly feel closer to me than my own mother in my heart."


    "How could I not know you, my child? Tell Auntie what happened. Who had the audacity to hit your beautiful face like this? Who in Rongcheng would ever dare to strike you?"


    "Auntie, please don¡¯t ask. I just brought back some skincare products for you from abroad. When I saw you, I couldn¡¯t help but want to share my worries, but I shouldn¡¯t have," Jing Qing said, looking down, wiping away tears while speaking understandingly, her voice both soft and sincere.


    "You just said I felt closer to you than your own mother, so why won¡¯t you share what¡¯s on your mind now?"


    Feng Fanghua felt a pang of concern seeing her like this, but couldn¡¯t just lash out as she would with Qin Mu. She had to patiently ask again.


    "It¡¯s really nothing serious, it¡¯s just... Never mind, Auntie, let me know long-term if you like the skincare products¡ªI can bring more next time. I should be going now," Jing Qing said, then stood up to leave. Her hurried arrival and departure left Feng Fanghua thoroughly perplexed.


    After Jing Qing left, Auntie exhaled impatiently, "I swear, Miss Jing is intentionally trying to upset me."


    "Exactly, she should either spill it or not say anything at all. Now she¡¯s just made me irresistibly curious," Feng Fanghua muttered, feeling restless both in her eyes and heart.


    During dinner that evening with the family, Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but to talk about it, "Jing Qing came over today, cried in my arms for a good half hour. She said she wanted to confide her troubles, but then left without saying a word about them."


    Mu Zihao glanced at her, curious but not feeling it appropriate to inquire further, and quietly continued eating.


    Qin Mu paused momentarily while picking up vegetables, but then simply continued to serve herself without mentioning her encounter with Jing Qing during the day.


    "It looked like she got into a fight, half of her face was swollen," Feng Fanghua kept muttering.


    "Oh? Who in Rongcheng would dare to fight with her? Wouldn¡¯t that be a death wish?" Mu Zihao said casually.


    Realizing that if she didn¡¯t speak up now, future trouble might take the elders by surprise, Qin Mu looked at them and casually said, "It was me."


    The man who had been quietly eating finally put down his chopsticks and turned his eyes to his partner.


    Qin Mu looked calm, meeting his gaze before she turned to explain to the elder couple, "She came to see me today, and we ended up fighting."


    "And you actually hit her? You... Do you not realize their family¡¯s status?" Feng Fanghua was stunned.


    "Did she hurt you?" Instead of addressing the elder¡¯s concern, the man beside her reached for her hand, pushing up her shirt sleeve to inspect her skin.


    "I¡¯m fine, it¡¯s just that when she tried to hit me, I managed to slap her back," Qin Mu said, her confidence waning as she remembered that she now had the Mu Family behind her and didn¡¯t want to cause them any more trouble.


    "Haven¡¯t I told you? Even if we can¡¯t live in harmony, if you could avoid arguing with her, do so. It¡¯s not bad to take a loss when you¡¯re young. Why did you end up hitting her?" Feng Fanghua went on with many moral points, and Qin Mu wanted to argue, but feeling that talking back to an elder too harshly might anger them, she lowered her head and remained silent.


    "If she didn¡¯t hit Jing Qing, she would have been hit. We learned in school that there¡¯s no need to endure beyond an unreasonable point, and isn¡¯t this especially true in society? Being weak only lets others walk all over you, and I don¡¯t think Mumu did anything wrong," Mu Yichen finally burst out, directly challenging his own mother.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but look at him. His voice was steady yet offered her immense comfort.


    "But isn¡¯t it better to avoid trouble when you can, and are you in such a rush to make an enemy of the Jing Family?"

 Chapter 218 - 89 doesn’t dare to make fun of Mrs. Mu_6

    Chapter 218: 89 doesn¡¯t dare to make fun of Mrs. Mu_6


    Feng Fanghua asked.


    "In the business arena I¡¯ve never lacked enemies, and in private I¡¯ve never feared losing a friend¡ªcome with me!"


    After he finished with Feng Fanghua, he grabbed Qin Mu¡¯s hand and stood up. Qin Mu looked up at him with her large, dark eyes, and was subdued by his cold gaze as she stood up to leave with him.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao watched them leave with their own eyes and afterwards, Feng Fanghua felt a coldness in her stomach: Does he really not understand that I¡¯m doing this for his own good?


    "Forget it, forget it!"


    Mu Zihao soothed.


    Meanwhile, Qin Mu was dragged into the room by Mu Yichen and was pressed against the door.


    Several buttons immediately came off, and the burned area started to throb before his eyes.


    "What are you doing?"


    Qin Mu asked nervously, trying to struggle free, afraid he would see the area that was burned red.


    "Don¡¯t move!"


    His handsome features were extremely cold at that moment, faintly seeing the burned area.


    In fact, she thought it was quite a coincidence that the guest had palpitations after drinking coffee, so she asked Xiaomei to brew a pot of tea that was extremely hot, just poured not a minute ago.


    She knew he was going to check on her again, each time she had a minor problem he would give her a full-body check, she recalled the first time he did this, it was because he initially didn¡¯t notice, but then he found a large injury on her back, and since then he never took her lightly again.


    "What happened here?"


    Mu Yichen asked in a cold voice, reaching out his hand towards there.


    "Don¡¯t poke it so hard!"


    As soon as his hand touched there, she instinctively bent over.


    "I got burned a bit!"


    The words slipped out, and after she said them, she immediately regretted it, but then she could only let out a helpless sigh.


    Her complexion didn¡¯t look good; she hadn¡¯t managed to hide it after all.


    She especially didn¡¯t want Mu Yichen to know about this!


    "Why is she suddenly acting crazy?" he asked sharply, his gaze cold and harsh, his voice turning cold as steel.


    She just lowered her eyes at him, feeling his pain for her, her hand that was on his hair becoming gentler, gently running through it.


    "We need to apply some medicine," he suddenly said, then turned around to look for ointment.


    Qin Mu leaned against the door, her hands naturally drooping, like the tranquility after exhaustion.


    Watching his anxious figure, she unintentionally let out a light chuckle: Perhaps you can get an answer; I can¡¯t.


    She was really powerless against Jing Qing. If she were Jing Qing, what she would have needed to do was to keep a straight face and then find a way to turn things around as quickly as possible. Wouldn¡¯t that be more satisfying than a slap in the face?


    "I will ask!"


    He said, opening the drawer below and finding the medicine box full of various medicines.


    Qin Mu looked at his stern profile and unconsciously felt a twinge in her heart, then turned and walked towards him.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t notice her approach, and when he stood up, Qin Mu hugged him from behind.


    At that moment, time seemed to stand still.


    He could even feel his own angry breath, sensing her warmth as the breath quietly became gentle.


    "Don¡¯t ask."


    He didn¡¯t move, just lowering his eyes to look at her hands holding him.


    That voice, so weak and lacking in strength, placed her only hope onto him.


    "I¡¯d rather you have no involvement with her at all."


    Her face pressed against his broad back, her words became sadder and clearer.


    Once she had pushed him towards another woman.


    But now, at this moment...


    After she knew he had returned to the country, what she feared the most was actually hearing news of him being with Jing Qing. She never dared to say it before, but now she couldn¡¯t control herself any longer.


    She couldn¡¯t stop her words with reason, and after she spoke, tears streamed down her face.


    "Jing Qing and I will someday have our showdown, but you, don¡¯t go looking for her on purpose."


    Her rational mind still triumphed over emotion, allowing her to speak these words softly to him.


    He lifted his hand and gently held hers that was stroking his chest: Mumu!


    Saying no more, she just held him tightly.


    Being scalded wasn¡¯t really an issue; she hadn¡¯t suffered any loss.


    As long as she didn¡¯t cause trouble for the Mu Family, it really didn¡¯t matter if she suffered a bit. Besides, Feng Fanghua had said Jing Qing¡¯s face was swollen, so if anyone suffered a loss, it should be Jing Qing.


    She couldn¡¯t let go of him, just holding on tightly until her heart found some peace.


    These words had been delayed for many years.


    Throughout the years, what she feared most was his letting go.


    Latterly, he returned to the country, and she, left alone in Paris, was always thrilled yet extremely cautious every time he visited her. She didn¡¯t know when he would come next, she didn¡¯t know if he still liked her as the boy who kissed her back then, and she was terrified that he would meet another beautiful girl back home and then forget about her.


    She never dared to initiate a hug because of this.


    As for love, she didn¡¯t dare to ask for it or even to think about it now.


    Mu Yichen looked down at her slender fingers, his own lightly twining and tightly holding hers.


    It was at this moment, all those words he previously wanted to throw in her face when she finally recognized his goodness, he couldn¡¯t utter a single one.


    How he had longed for such a day, to be able to point at her and scold her for having a taste of her own medicine, but now, looking at her hands holding him tightly, feeling the warmth of her touch, and seeing their matching rings, he had only one thought.


    He cherished their journey to this day above all else.


    Regardless of whether she loved him, she definitely had him in her heart.


    Mu Yichen loosened their embrace, turned around, and wrapping her arms while arching his back, he rested his forehead against hers: Let¡¯s get you treated first, okay?


    Qin Mu said nothing further, obediently nodding her head. He bent down and carried her in his arms, and Qin Mu, her gaze reluctantly falling, soon lifted her lifelike lashes to look up at his chiseled features tenderly.


    She seemed like a little bird with injured wings, carefully placed by him.


    It was also at this moment that the soft longing in Qin Mu¡¯s heart wished time could freeze.


    She had thought that upon returning that evening, the lights would be out for sleep and, unseen, the matter would pass by.


    Yet unexpectedly, Jing Qing had left her workshop and come to the Mu Family home, even crying in front of her mother-in-law.


    The truth would always come out; she couldn¡¯t hide it.


    But this was perhaps for the best.


    "It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t argue back when mom says those things, but don¡¯t listen to her, okay?"


    "Okay!"


    Her voice was weak as she agreed, a tickling sensation in her throat from his touch.


    The dark eagle-like eyes lifted, gazing at her rosy cheeks and unwittingly smiling.


    "Are you laughing at me?" Qin Mu immediately complained with a whine.


    "How dare I laugh at Mrs. Mu?"


    His words were sincere, but his smile grew even wider.


    "Mu Yichen, you..."

 Chapter 219 - 90 Approval_1

    Chapter 219: 90 Approval_1


    The words she wanted to scold him with ultimately remained unspoken.


    Latter, Feng Fanghua sent her a message, and Qin Mu took the opportunity to sneak downstairs while President Mu was asleep. Feng Fanghua, in her nightgown with an overcoat draped over her shoulders, was sitting on the sofa waiting for her and drinking water, having prepared a cup for her as well.


    At that moment, the entire house was so quiet it felt almost surreal; were someone alone, it probably would¡¯ve been a bit scary at this late hour.


    "Mom, why are you still up so late?"


    She sat opposite Feng Fanghua, her eyes swiftly scanning Feng Fanghua¡¯s facial expressions before quickly looking down, her hands cradling the warm water Feng Fanghua had poured for her.


    "I can¡¯t sleep because I have something on my mind. Since we¡¯re living together, it¡¯s convenient for me to clarify things with you now and prevent any misunderstandings about me not caring for you as a daughter-in-law."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare to say anything insincere, only nodding and listening.


    "When I said what I did at dinner, it wasn¡¯t because I felt you could be bullied just because you¡¯re not my biological daughter. I just think that if some people can¡¯t be offended, then it¡¯s better to keep the peace for the time being. Of course, it was wrong of her to hit you."


    "I¡¯m grateful that you believe what I say. As for what happened today between Jing Qing and me, even if it were to happen again, I would handle it just like I did today. Mom, I understand that you want to minimize the issue, but Jing Qing and I can¡¯t smooth things over. Wen Runuan stole the spotlight from her on the red carpet, and she didn¡¯t have a good time at the event for several days, which is why she came back in a fury to settle scores with me because she knew the dress for Wen Runuan was prepared by me."


    Qin Mu felt it was best to clear the air with Feng Fanghua and avoid any misunderstanding between them.


    "So, the war between you two has already begun."


    "Or rather, it started some time ago."


    "Well, in that case, I won¡¯t say much else!"


    "Thank you, Mom!"


    "Hey, that girl is stubborn. She knows about your marriage and the child, yet she refuses to let go. She must really despise you."


    "I don¡¯t hate her; hate can make one lose reason."


    Qin Mu responded candidly, meeting Feng Fanghua¡¯s gaze with a gracious smile.


    "Enough already, go get some sleep, I understand now."


    Feng Fanghua thought for a moment and then set down her water cup.


    "Alright, you should get some rest too, Mom."


    Qin Mu quickly put down her water cup and stood up first.


    "You can talk about what we discussed just now with your husband, lest he thinks again that I can¡¯t discern people clearly or understand right from wrong."


    "Actually, Mu Yichen told me right before bed not to take it to heart, saying that you¡¯re worried about me being at a disadvantage."


    Qin Mu smiled while speaking, Feng Fanghua looked at her incredulously. Qin Mu nodded and went upstairs, prompting Feng Fanghua to let out a chuckle. Did that boy really say that?


    "Constantly calling him Mu Yichen, even though he¡¯s several years older than you," Feng Fanghua muttered afterwards, sighing helplessly and also getting up to leave.


    Once, Helian Hao asked her why she didn¡¯t call Mu Yichen ¡¯husband¡¯, or ¡¯babe¡¯, or ¡¯darling¡¯ or something especially affectionate; her answer was: cheesy.


    ¡ª¡ª


    When the first rays of the morning sun appeared, the entire yard was bathed in a warm glow.


    In any case, that morning was truly an exceptional feast for the eyes.


    Before going to work, Qin Mu still relayed Feng Fanghua¡¯s words to Mu Yichen, who chuckled unconsciously: Madame Feng is getting more timid as she grows older, but fortunately, she is not confused.


    His earnest appraisal, with dark eyes earnestly gazing at her.


    When the clothing factory opened, Jian Yan hurried over and couldn¡¯t help but chuckle and ask after hearing about her recent issues: Can you endure it?


    "Although there are obstacles, everything is moving in the direction I wish to go, I can endure it!"


    The colleagues from the studio stood at the door looking quite proper, waiting for the ribbon-cutting. Qin Mu and Jian Yan walked over quickly, then a luxury car pulled up in front of the brand new clothing factory.


    President Mu, dressed in a crisp suit, stood tall before her eyes.


    In that moment, Qin Mu¡¯s gaze was a blend of focus, vivacity, and warmth. Since everyone¡¯s attention was on President Mu, they didn¡¯t notice the splendid expression in her eyes. President Mu, however, stared straight at her.


    In that moment, the two shared a mutual understanding.


    Amidst applause and firecracker sounds, their clothing factory was auspiciously declared open.


    After cutting the red ribbon, Mu Yichen turned to look at Qin Mu, who also looked up at him, her smile as bright as the sunshine.


    Their looks seemed to convey a myriad of emotions to one another.

 Chapter 220 - 90 Approval_2

    Chapter 220: 90 Approval_2


    For instance, Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze seemed to say, congratulations on being one step closer to your dream.


    Whereas the twinkling light in Qin Mu¡¯s eyes seemed to say that all of this was because of you.


    Life is rarely perfect.


    They, in the process of adjusting to each other, were at the same time perfecting each other, weren¡¯t they?


    Perhaps still young and unable to grasp many things in time, yet spending the best years with the one by your side, even if pain makes up the majority, is enough for a lifetime.


    She didn¡¯t know what childhood sweethearts were; all she knew was that he had been by her side all these years, protecting her, doting on her, claiming her. The concern he had given her over the years was something no one else could offer.


    There was a moment when she really wanted to say those words: "Mu Yichen, thank you for making me so determined!"


    Thank you for everything you¡¯ve brought to me.


    After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, everyone gathered in the cafeteria behind to eat. The central air conditioning kicked in, and the workers who had been rushing to finish their uniforms over the past few days sat down to dine together.


    Qin Mu and her group sat at a longer table nearby. Mu Yichen frowned at his lunch in the plate, then reluctantly sighed looking at the woman¡¯s plate next to him and still picked up his chopsticks.


    Jian Yan and a few colleagues sat opposite them. Seeing Mu Yichen¡¯s expression, Jian Yan chuckled: "President Mu, have you never eaten in the cafeteria before?"


    The Mu Family¡¯s pharmaceutical factory was not the only one, and he frequently stayed at others, but indeed, he had never eaten using this kind of tray before.


    "I think maybe in the future I should try more things,"


    Mu Yichen raised an eyebrow and began to eat.


    Qin Mu looked at him: "It¡¯s okay if you¡¯re not used to it, we can eat something good when we get back to the city."


    "Will you join me?"


    "I¡¯ll join you!"


    The two of them gazed at each other, their smiles so brilliant.


    The single dogs sitting around felt like they had received ten thousand critical hits.


    Jian Yan merely smiled lightly, as if he had anticipated this day long ago.


    Xiaomei, sitting next to Qin Mu, almost dropped her chopsticks, muttering awkwardly: "Qinqin, could you consider the feelings of all the single dogs present?"


    "I¡¯m inspiring you guys! Go for it!"


    Qin Mu turned her head with a hundred percent sincere smile to Xiaomei, not forgetting to arch her eyebrows teasingly.


    Xiaomei nearly died of embarrassment.


    "Master, you too, go for it! Everyone, go for it!"


    "They need to go for it; at my age, I¡¯m content with whatever comes my way!"


    Jian Yan said with a light smile before eating.


    "If Master had a woman by his side, maybe he wouldn¡¯t feel so old."


    Xiaomei suddenly spoke up bravely.


    "That¡¯s a good point!"


    Qin Mu laughed in agreement.


    Jian Yan looked up at her, letting out a helpless sigh.


    After finishing their meal and heading back to the city, Qin Mu and Xiaomei drove in her small car, with Mu Yichen driving Jian Yan.


    Qin Mu and Xiaomei were actually a bit worried. Xiaomei kept gazing at the car in front: "Sis, do you think they¡¯ll end up fighting?"


    "They probably won¡¯t, right?"


    Qin Mu was also uncertain, not knowing what might happen, only aware that Mu Yichen really disliked Jian Yan.


    But then she thought, when they first came to Rongcheng, they had performed together at AM, and later Jian Yan had colluded with Mu Yichen to trick her. Weren¡¯t the two men¡¯s relationship quite deep?


    So, surely they wouldn¡¯t start fighting?


    In the car ahead, indeed, the two men did not fight and hadn¡¯t even spoken much before.


    Jian Yan, as always, was reserved, sitting in the back seat, flipping through a finance magazine that was left in the car at some point.


    At that moment, Mu Yichen was probably the world¡¯s most upscale driver.


    Perhaps because he was still young, he later glanced in the rearview mirror. That single glance made him feel like Jian Yan was the Sea-calming Divine Needle in the ocean, calmly sitting there. Though he could see through Jian Yan¡¯s thoughts, it didn¡¯t make Jian Yan feel any unrest or make any mistakes.


    "How long do you plan to stay this time?"


    Mu Yichen finally broke the silence.


    "Permanently!"


    Jian Yan slightly lifted his gaze, placing the magazine aside and frowning at the scenery outside the window.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Help me find a place near Xiaomei and their apartment."


    Jian Yan made another request.


    Mu Yichen instinctively looked at him again, and as the car stopped at the red light, he turned his head.


    "Nice of you to ask for a ride!"


    With a light touch of his brows, Jian Yan spoke faintly, letting out an inadvertent chuckle after finishing.

 Chapter 221 - 90 Approval_3

    Chapter 221: 90 Approval_3


    "Am I finding a house for you now just to create trouble for myself?"


    Thinking back on their past, Mu Yichen had always regarded Jian Yan as a big friend. Finding a house was a trivial matter, even gifting a house wouldn¡¯t be an issue. However, he was uncertain whether he should let Jian Yan live here regularly.


    "Not necessarily."


    Jian Yan responded with a light laugh.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Did something happen?"


    Mu Yichen asked again.


    "No, I just want to spend more time with my apprentice."


    Jian Yan¡¯s eyes were always looking outside and had never glanced at Mu Yichen.


    "Then you should find someone else to look for a house."


    "Then I¡¯ll ask Mumu. I¡¯m afraid she¡¯ll let me live directly in the studio. Think carefully about who will really benefit from the proximity when that happens."


    The car started moving again, Jian Yan¡¯s words sounding like both a threat and a confession.


    "I really regret going to look for you back then."


    Mu Yichen sighed in response.


    Jian Yan still smiled lightly, her face showing indescribable sorrow.


    After returning to the studio, Jian Yan went inside first, while Mu Yichen stood by the car, watching his woman¡¯s car approach slowly. He walked over to help her open the door.


    When Qin Mu stepped out, her expression was somewhat gloomy, and she couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Was the conversation unpleasant?"


    "Indeed, it wasn¡¯t very pleasant!"


    He said blandly, his gaze remaining on her.


    Xiaomei felt too embarrassed to get out of the car, so she quietly stepped out, gently closed the car door, and scampered inside stealthily.


    Afraid of disturbing the couple.


    As soon as Xiaomei entered, she saw Jian Yan standing by the window, looking outside. She felt a complex mix of emotions but simply walked over and curiously looked on, feeling a bit awkward. She didn¡¯t understand why Jian Yan was so engrossed, almost as if lost in himself.


    Mu Yi was by the car with Qin Mu, talking softly with his eyes lowered.


    In Jian Yan¡¯s eyes, they had stood by each other in their youngest days, possessing each other at their prime. They were still so young, still somewhat childish, yet they couldn¡¯t be apart from each other.


    He recalled the first time he encountered Qin Mu; Mu Yichen had come to him with a very tempting proposal, but his feelings towards Qin Mu...


    Every time Qin Mu smiled and chased after him, the moment he turned around and saw the dazzling light of her smile, it felt like a needle prick to his heart.


    Back then, he thought: How sad must this girl¡¯s heart be to wield such a genuine, brilliant fake smile?


    He was really annoyed, annoyed that he knew too much.


    Now, she was being cornered by the once nai?ve young man, and although they had known each other for over twenty years, they still seemed so fresh to each other. Her ears blushed with shyness, despite the sharp and disdainful look in the young man¡¯s eyes.


    "If you can¡¯t even handle this small matter, are you even my man?"


    She pinched his arm with her hand.


    Mu Yichen glared with a childlike fierceness, holding his pinched arm but still glaring at her: I don¡¯t care.


    Qin Mu was speechless and unconsciously looked towards the window.


    She pushed him out of the way and then ran inside with her bag on her back.


    Mu Yichen, still covering the pinched area, watched her run inside with a child-like sense of loss.


    When he suddenly chuckled mischievously upon turning his head towards the window.


    Jian Yan couldn¡¯t help but sneak a glance at the man outside, almost thirty and still so childish.


    Does his role as a master require him to watch his apprentice flaunting affection? Would he even mind adding a little bit more to that?


    After Qin Mu went in, she saw the two people by the window and stopped by the reception area: "Xiaomei, what are you looking at?"


    Xiaomei...


    "I look at whatever the master looks at."


    Xiaomei pushed the question back onto her master.


    "The master can look, you cannot."


    Qin Mu awkwardly insisted.


    "Why not?"


    "Because ¡¯once a teacher, always a father.¡¯ What are you?"


    "I..."


    Jian Yan left the window to sit on an individual sofa, not wanting to give Qin Mu another glance.


    Once a teacher, always a father!


    Did she really regard him as her father?


    All these years, whenever she smiled at him greedily, she didn¡¯t consider him an outsider but regarded him as a father instead.


    He smiled unconsciously. Because he was facing away, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t see his emotions.


    "Mumu, how old is your father this year?"


    He lowered his head, deep in thought.


    Qin Mu was startled, glanced at Xiaomei subconsciously, only to see Xiaomei immediately lower her head and pretend not to know anything, scampering away.


    "I forgot! Over fifty?"


    Qin Mu remembered Qin Haiming, but she couldn¡¯t recall his age.


    "And what about your master?"


    "Forty..."


    After Qin Mu finished speaking, she realized the implication. It seemed the master was resenting her for making him seem old. She had thought he wanted to quarrel about Qin Hai, which startled her.

 Chapter 222 - 90 Approval_4

    Chapter 222: 90 Approval_4


    Qin Mu walked over and sat down on the couch next to him, placing her bag beside her, "I¡¯m not saying you¡¯re old, I¡¯m just expressing my respect for you."


    "You respect?"


    Qin Mu was once again at a loss for words, unsure what had gotten into Jian Yan since his return.


    "Then..."


    "If ¡¯Master¡¯ is enough, then just call me Jian Yan."


    "Jian Yan? I wouldn¡¯t dare."


    "You still don¡¯t dare?"


    Qin Mu...


    Jian Yan¡¯s sharp gaze fixed on her face and her watery, large eyes.


    Yes, she indeed used to say it a lot, but then somehow...


    A voice suddenly appeared in her heart, and she subconsciously looked outside. Mu Yichen had already left, but she suddenly realized it was all because of him.


    It was his intense jealousy that had caused her to subconsciously change how she addressed him.


    Ha!


    Such an unconscious change!


    Qin Mu herself was shocked after she discovered this, because on further thought, the changes in her lately were not just limited to that.


    She used to think Mu Yichen was different during the day compared to at night, but now she felt like she herself was a completely different person with two faces from day to night.


    She remembered how she had foolishly smiled looking at him today, and recalled everyone saying they seemed to be a perfect match, which made her unconsciously raise her hand to touch her face.


    She had been smiling foolishly the whole time; her cheeks must have been sore, right?


    But instead, she only felt the warm temperature on her hands.


    Did the medicine she drank actually work? These past few days she hadn¡¯t felt her hands and feet get cold again.


    When Mu Yichen arrived at the office, he saw Jing Feng. Jing Feng had finished his work and had gone to find him. He had a cup of tea in Mu Yichen¡¯s office, and watched as he returned without putting down his tea cup.


    "Even a busy man like you has time to come here for tea?"


    Having just one-upped Jian Yan, Mu Yichen was in high spirits, so he spoke with a bit of pride.


    "Qin Mu¡¯s garment factory started operations today?"


    "Mhm!"


    Jing Feng nodded, then leaned forward to put down his tea cup, clasped his hands together on his lap, and fixed his sharp eyes on the somewhat childish man sitting across from him.


    Love really had transformed him, like a bloom in spring.


    Looking at Mu Yichen, Jing Feng felt a pang of jealousy.


    "I heard that Xiaoqing went to fight with Qin Mu, and it seems she lost." Jing Feng stated his purpose.


    Mu Yichen looked up at him and scoffed, "What, are you here to seek justice for your sister?"


    "Talking about justice might be an exaggeration, but as her brother, I feel it¡¯s necessary to have a word with you¡ªthe man who nearly became her brother-in-law." Jing Feng spoke bluntly.


    The two equally top-notch men stared intently at each other.


    Mu Yichen sighed lightly, then with a smile said, "Then go ahead, I¡¯m listening."


    ¡¯Brother Yichen¡¯ was in no mood to quarrel with anyone.


    "Xiaoqing was wrong to start trouble with Qin Mu, but the slap Qin Mu gave her was really too harsh."


    "If we¡¯re talking about harshness, wasn¡¯t your sister organizing rumors to incite local residents to cause trouble at the garment factory even more severe? And your grandfather, hasn¡¯t he personally threatened my wife more than once?"


    Jing Feng looked at him, unconsciously lifting his chin, his gaze becoming sharper.


    "What else did Qin Mu tell you?"


    "She didn¡¯t say anything. If it wasn¡¯t for your sister losing the fight with Qin Mu yesterday and then running to my house to cry to my mom, Qin Mu probably wouldn¡¯t have mentioned their fight at all¡ªby the way, while we¡¯re on the subject, I also need to ask you: your sister scalded my woman with tea, so what do you plan to do to apologize to her on her behalf?"


    Jing Feng suddenly stopped talking, just staring straight at Mu Yichen.


    Now, Mu Yichen had a somewhat muddled demeanor, enough to make Jing Feng want to hit him.


    But considering everything that had happened, Jing Feng could only helplessly laugh, "How about you hit me to vent for Qin Mu?"


    Mu Yichen looked at Jing Feng and helplessly laughed too, but said, "I think that¡¯s a good idea!"


    He actually had been holding back a lot of anger because of things related to Qin Mu.


    "Come on then!"


    Jing Feng leaned back into the couch, his hands on the back of it, posing as if he was ready to take a beating.


    "As long as you have a clear conscience and know what¡¯s right and wrong, that¡¯s good. Jing Feng, we¡¯ve been brothers for so many years, and I don¡¯t want our relationship to end over Jing Qing," Mu Yichen said as he stood up and walked behind the desk to flip through the documents his secretary had brought that morning, speaking without looking up.


    Jing Feng turned to look at him, and Mu Yichen also glanced up at him. Standing gave him a slightly condescending, aloof manner.


    "You¡¯re not wrong to intervene in Jing Qing¡¯s matters; I¡¯d do the same if it were my sister. But Jing Feng, just as you must protect your sister, I also have to protect my woman. Do you understand?"

 Chapter 223 - 90 Approval_5

    Chapter 223: 90 Approval_5


    "Hmm, that sounds very familiar."


    "Really?"


    Jing Feng recalled the words Qin Mu had said to him in the corridor of Helian Hao¡¯s house; indeed, they, as a couple, were a good match¡ªthey were both so clear-cut.


    "Xiaoqing is in too deep; no matter what, you must show her some mercy."


    "Actually, she does not need such a life. In Rongcheng, absolutely no lady of a reputable family can compare to her. But if she continues to ruin herself like this, it may no longer be the case."


    Jing Feng said nothing; he knew all about the severity of the situation.


    "And there¡¯s the matter of your wedding with Helian Hao, don¡¯t forget it was postponed because of her."


    How could Jing Feng forget?


    He was angry then, truly wishing he could have killed her, but she was his one and only precious sister¡ªwhat could he do?


    The wedding was delayed, Helian Hao went to work, and after briefly living in his apartment, he moved out, saying the time wasn¡¯t right yet.


    Unless Helian Hao took the initiative to curry favor with Jing Qing, how could that possibly happen?


    He couldn¡¯t force Helian Hao to do that either; Helian Hao was not someone who would fawn or flatter, so in the end, Helian Hao continued living as he wished, and Jing Qing continued being herself. The elders from both families played down the incident, but the most troubled one was Jing Feng, caught between a rock and a hard place.


    The Helian Family already had a major grievance against his Jing Family. When he went to apologize, Helian Hao¡¯s father might have seemed unconcerned on the surface, but he surely harbored resentment for the Jing Family¡¯s tyranny and ruthlessness.


    "You¡¯re probably very troubled that you can¡¯t stabilize your relationship with Helian Hao?"


    "Just two days after going to the hospital, men were already sending her flowers."


    "Is getting a certificate so difficult for you?"


    Mu Yichen threw in a remark.


    Jing Feng subconsciously turned his head to look at him again, and Mu Yichen raised his eyebrows but said no more.


    "Were you the one who forced Qin Mu to register your marriage with you?"


    Mu Yichen remained silent, but his expression made it clear.


    Jing Feng almost immediately got up: Understood!


    No matter what, he had to lock Helian Hao down in his pocket first; after that, even if the wedding gets delayed, at least she wouldn¡¯t be able to run away.


    "Jing Feng, you owe me a favor!"


    As Jing Feng was opening the door to leave, Mu Yichen suddenly, wickedly, called in a favor.


    That favor, Jing Feng would grant him.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but feel pleased with himself, and then he sat down to start working officially.


    They all had their own different positions, but fortunately, they were all clear about what was right and wrong in their hearts.


    When Jing Feng went to find Helian Hao, she was performing a minor gynecological surgery. He stood outside the operating room, waiting, as women walked in and out, too busy to notice him, yet he couldn¡¯t help but glance at the women coming out of the small operating room, one by one, looking dejected, not knowing what was wrong. Some were supported by men as they left, others had no one with them, and some looked like a young couple fighting, the man trying to support the woman, but she refused, pushing him away with an elbow, clutching her stomach as she walked.


    After about an hour, she finally came out, still in her white coat, her eyes a bit unfocused: Why did you come over?


    "To take you somewhere."


    He said.


    "But I¡¯m working, I can¡¯t leave!"


    "I¡¯ve already informed your supervisor."


    Helian Hao blinked, and then muttered: Then I¡¯ll go change.


    Jing Feng stood outside, his mind pondering how authoritative she looked in her white coat¡ªso authoritative that he wanted to push her against the wall.


    But he still couldn¡¯t force her.


    He was well aware that not all the tricks Mu Yichen used on Qin Mu were applicable to Xiaohao, but he was really in a hurry now, so during these extraordinary times, he could only adopt some extraordinary measures.


    Hmm, if she comes to settle accounts with him later, he could just pin it all on Mu Yichen¡ªafter all, that guy asked him for a favor, a favor that couldn¡¯t be given away for nothing.


    The young master of the Jing Family was truly not one to be taken advantage of easily.


    Helian Hao called Qin Mu that night: Come over to my apartment tonight.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what had happened, only telling Mu Yichen, who had asked whether she needed a lift, that she was going to Xiaohao¡¯s place that night.


    Only later did she find out that Xiaohao had been forcibly dragged by Jing Feng to register their marriage, and she...


    "He said this was a strategy taught by Mu Yichen."


    "Er..."


    As Mrs. Mu, Qin Mu felt genuinely embarrassed, but she truly had no idea how to comfort her best friend.


    "We are as close as sisters, why does your husband have to scheme against me?"


    Helian Hao asked her angrily.

 Chapter 224 - 90 Approval_6

    Chapter 224: 90 Approval_6


    Two people separated by a coffee table, Helian Hao spoke to her angrily for the first time.


    "But, why did you sign? If you just didn¡¯t sign, wouldn¡¯t that have solved it?"


    Qin Mu wanted to save some face for her husband.


    "Me, sign? I did absolutely nothing from beginning to end, all the signatures were done by Jing Jian himself."


    Qin Mu...


    He was not as gentle as Mu Yichen.


    "All I did was go through the process with him, I accompanied him for a photo, and he didn¡¯t need me for anything else. Do you understand how I feel? It¡¯s like being kidnapped and forced to get this certificate with him."


    Helian Hao rarely lost his temper like this.


    "Then, where is the certificate?"


    "The certificate? Jing Feng took it away, saying that all important things in the family would be kept by him."


    After Helian Hao finished speaking, he clasped his head with both hands, practically going crazy.


    Qin Mu...


    She had no idea he was so thorough in his actions, so domineeringly placing a woman together with himself on a certificate¡ªwasn¡¯t that knowingly breaking the law?


    "Mumu, what should I do now? He said he would come later to help me move my things."


    Qin Mu now believed it must have been taught by Mu Yichen, coming from the same mold as him.


    "You really love him, don¡¯t you? Jing Feng."


    Qin Mu asked softly.


    Helian Hao looked up at her, at first, wanting to retort and, in the end, became a bit deflated and lowered his head again.


    It was an admission!


    "Then just move in with him¡ªit¡¯s better than being alone and lonely, right?"


    "That doesn¡¯t sound like you at all."


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but complain.


    "Then what should I say?"


    "Shouldn¡¯t you be scolding him on my behalf, and tell me to keep fighting him until the end, to never let it be easy for him?"


    "But think about when I first came back, wasn¡¯t I with Mu Yichen already? Why should I keep two people who love each other apart?"


    Helian Hao involuntarily looked up at her when he heard this.


    "Is there a problem?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously.


    "Mumu, when will you finally admit that you really love him?"


    Qin Mu...


    Why, when they were talking about Jing Feng, did the conversation suddenly turn to her and Mu Yichen?


    "The reason I¡¯m living with him is because I know that even if I lived on my own, he wouldn¡¯t let me get my way. You and Jing Feng are the same; you¡¯ve been together since childhood, you understand each other best, what you want and like. You¡¯ve already made others happy and yourself miserable by not getting married on time because of Jing Qing. On other matters, do you really have to be so serious?"


    Helian Hao just watched as Qin Mu rattled on, feeling that Qin Mu had really changed.


    She was so cold when she came back, but now, it¡¯s as if...


    She had grown more spirited.


    Actually, Helian Hao thought this change was quite good.


    So, she suddenly smiled, a smile tinged with complex emotions, which made the woman opposite her inexplicably nervous.


    "Forget it, I often work overtime anyway. Even if I move in, we won¡¯t be able to see each other every day."


    Qin Mu kept her head down and didn¡¯t speak, thinking to herself, not see each other every day? You¡¯re dreaming, my dear Xiaohao.


    The two of them cooked a serving of Italian pasta. Qin Mu found Xiaohao¡¯s dishes to be truly beautiful. Xiaohao could also cook very well; even a simple pasta dish became extravagant in her hands. Remembering Feng Fanghua¡¯s disdainful look when she criticized her own cooking, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but feel a desire to laugh.


    Why could she make a garment so beautifully but couldn¡¯t manage to cook a decent meal?


    Often she would end up scorching even the fried rice.


    Latter, when she got back home, she found her family eating bird¡¯s nest soup. As soon as she sat down, the maid served her a bowl, and Feng Fanghua held her bowl and asked, "What¡¯s going on with you two? Not coming home for dinner."


    Qin Mu only then noticed that Mu Yichen was also absent, but she quickly guessed what Mu Yichen was up to¡ªcertainly out having drinks with Jing Feng, and maybe tonight several men would thoroughly enjoy a few drinks together. After all, this was a major celebration, and no matter how steady Jing Feng usually was, he would definitely be elated right now.


    Oh, men!


    Yet she didn¡¯t know whether it was appropriate to speak of it, so she just replied with a smile, "Xiaohao wasn¡¯t feeling happy and asked me to chat for a while."


    Qin Mu understated it.


    "Why was Xiaohao unhappy? Oh, was it because she couldn¡¯t get married to Jing Feng?"


    "Uh, it¡¯s about work."


    Qin Mu suddenly found she was quite smooth at lying.


    "Oh, but Xiaohao seems like a good girl, a bit solitary, but I have a good feeling about her. At least she¡¯s not like Xiaoqing, who appears gentle and sensible, but the things she does really shock me."

 Chapter 225 - 90 Approval_7

    Chapter 225: 90 Approval_7


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but frown when speaking of Jing Qing. That girl even called her today asking her out for tea, which she declined using the excuse of accompanying Huanhuan.


    Regarding Jing Qing, Qin Mu didn¡¯t say much in front of Feng Fanghua, fearing that Feng Fanghua might be offended by gossip behind someone¡¯s back.


    "Huanhuan asked before going to bed why you all were not around. I said you went to a gathering with friends and would visit her after coming back, and she finally fell asleep."


    "Mhm, I¡¯ll go accompany her after finishing this bowl."


    "You haven¡¯t drunk your herbal medicine yet, wait a few more minutes and then go up after drinking it."


    Qin Mu...


    As Feng Fanghua was speaking, the maid came out to announce: "Young Madam¡¯s herbal medicine is ready, she can drink it now."


    Qin Mu...


    There was no escaping it, she resigned herself to the inevitable.


    Thinking about how the sweetness of the bird¡¯s nest she was consuming would soon be overpowered by the bitterness of the medicine, and remembering that this was a kindness from President Mu, she decided not to brush her teeth or drink water after taking the medicine. She would wait for him to come back and let him taste it, hehe.


    "You and Xiaohao have a good relationship?"


    Feng Fanghua asked her again.


    "Mhm, she¡¯s nice to me, although I haven¡¯t really helped her much."


    Qin Mu said softly.


    "Friends who spend a lot of time together end up helping each other out. It¡¯s good that you can get along well with her. Maybe it¡¯s because of the bond you shared as kids. Afterwards, I haven¡¯t seen her make any friends, probably just waiting for you to come back."


    Feng Fanghua mused about Helian Hao¡¯s circle of friends over the years.


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Mu agreed.


    "Did she mention her wedding with Jing Feng? Weren¡¯t the wedding gowns ready at that time?"


    The wedding gowns were indeed ready, but...


    "They will be fine, they must be."


    Qin Mu said softly, truly wishing them well.


    Jing Feng must be a man worthy of entrusting one¡¯s life to.


    Helian Hao¡¯s judgment couldn¡¯t be wrong. Even though she¡¯s currently reluctant to be with Jing Feng, their feelings must have deeply taken root in her heart, probably more profoundly than her feelings for Mu Yichen.


    They had always been so close from childhood. Once the relationship was confirmed, they thought everything would go smoothly. Who knew a meddling sister-in-law would cause trouble? Perhaps this is what people mean when they say no relationship is ever completely smooth sailing?


    After drinking the herbal medicine, she quietly entered her daughter¡¯s room upstairs, only to fall asleep on her daughter¡¯s bed, unwashed and unchanged.


    Mu Yichen, upon returning home, noticed nobody was on their big bed and frowned, wondering if she still hadn¡¯t returned from Helian Hao¡¯s place.


    Jing Feng had said Helian Hao was very reluctant. What could they possibly be celebrating?


    He picked up his phone to call her as he walked out, only to hear her ringtone in their daughter¡¯s room. He turned and walked towards the daughter¡¯s room.


    Gently pushing open the door, he saw that she was indeed in their daughter¡¯s room, so he turned off his phone and put it in his pocket before stepping inside.


    The ringing from the phone on the table beside her finally stopped, and she slowly woke up.


    But her little daughter was still sound asleep in her arms.


    As Qin Mu slightly turned, his blurry figure came into her groggy vision.


    "You¡¯re back!"


    Her voice was hoarse as well.


    "Mhm, why did you fall asleep here?"


    "Waiting for you."


    She truly had been waiting for him, thinking he wouldn¡¯t take long to return. He would definitely come to see their daughter when he got back and would then take her to their room. Little did she know he would return so late.


    And as soon as he spoke, she could smell the alcohol in his breath, and it seemed not just one kind.


    Once these men start having fun, they really know how to enjoy themselves.


    Mu Yichen looked down at her: "Shall we go back to our room now?"


    "Mhm, carry me!"


    Yichen immediately lifted her from their daughter¡¯s blanket. Qin Mu reached down to tuck in the daughter¡¯s blanket properly, and then they quietly left.


    The room darkened again, and the hallway outside wasn¡¯t much brighter, but their own room wasn¡¯t far, and as they entered, the warm glow from a floor lamp by the window illuminated the interior.


    He gently set her down on the bed and looked at her clothes, still the ones from noon: "Want to take a bath first?"


    "Mhm!"


    She wanted to refuse, but then she thought about visiting the factory and even going down to the workshop. It would probably be quite dirty if she didn¡¯t take a bath.


    "Ask Auntie to change Huanhuan¡¯s bedding tomorrow. Is my hair very dirty?"


    As she spoke, she began undressing herself. Although she was awake, her eyes were still bleary and her voice was slightly husky.


    "Let me see!"


    He bent down to kiss her.


    "Why does it taste so bitter?"


    Qin Mu suddenly burst into laughter, her eyes gradually brightening.


    "I drank herbal medicine without rinsing my mouth!"


    "On purpose?"


    President Mu asked, frowning.


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Mu smiled mischievously, her eyes curving into crescents.


    "Just wait!"


    His gaze held a mischievous glint as he started to strip off her clothes.


    "Let me help you!"


    Qin Mu said, tugging at his suit jacket.


    Mu Yichen gave her an approving look. Qin Mu felt the fabric of his suit, but then suddenly furrowed her brow.


    Mu Yichen noticed her expression change to one of consternation and involuntarily looked down at his jacket as well.


    In the warm light, as she turned to get a clear look at the red on her hand and gently rubbed it, she couldn¡¯t help but frown and mutter, "How did lipstick get here?"

 Chapter 226 - 91 Lipstick Incident_1

    Chapter 226: 91 Lipstick Incident_1


    "How could there be lipstick?"


    Although the overhead light wasn¡¯t on and the room was dim, how could a woman not recognize what that was?


    She asked again, her eyes heavy with gravity as she looked at the man in front of her.


    Mu Yichen also looked at his clothes and then reached out to touch the spot. Because the suit was black, it was impossible to see if there was anything on it, but when he looked at his hand, how could a man who often encountered women¡¯s lipstick not recognize what it was, except...


    How could there be lipstick on his clothes?


    "Believe me, I definitely didn¡¯t!"


    "You usually wouldn¡¯t, but you drank so much tonight."


    Qin Mu frowned and moved from under him to the inside, looking at him with disdain: "You better explain clearly to me, or don¡¯t you dare get on this bed."


    After speaking, she turned around and went to the bathroom herself.


    Mu Yichen...


    Damn it, how could there be lipstick on his clothes?


    He turned to watch the woman enter the bathroom and then shut the door forcefully, and he couldn¡¯t help but sigh deeply.


    When he was drinking, he had taken off his coat and had someone hang it up, and it wasn¡¯t until he was leaving that he put it on again. Indeed, some brat had invited two beauties to accompany them, but he definitely wasn¡¯t involved.


    The more Mu Yichen thought about it, the angrier he got. He grabbed his phone to call that kid, but to his surprise, no one answered even after two attempts.


    But his wife was angry, which was a serious problem. What now?


    He probably couldn¡¯t even get into bed tonight. The thought of not being able to hold her while sleeping made Yichen feel irritable.


    It hadn¡¯t been many days since they had been happy together. It had taken much effort for her to forget his true nature and just about when she was ready to open her heart to him, this incident happened...


    The more Mu Yichen thought, the more vexed he became, and he continued to call the other party, who simply turned off their phone this time.


    "Damn it!"


    He threw his phone violently to the ground. The woman, showering at that moment, heard the loud crash and turned her head, her ears perked up for a good while before she resumed washing, only continuing once it had been quiet outside for a while.


    When she came out after her shower, she saw that the room was empty and felt a pang in her heart. Had he left?


    Instinctively, she went to look for him, but just as she was about to step out, she was tightly embraced from behind.


    "I swear, if I ever do anything to wrong you, may I be struck by lightning."


    Such a vicious oath?


    Qin Mu was held so tightly she couldn¡¯t move, her hair obscuring her vision. She pushed her hair behind one ear and turned to look at his profile: "What were you just doing?"


    "My phone died," he muttered. "Do you believe me or not?"


    "I want to, show me the evidence."


    Her eyes, bright and clear like a starry sky, focused intently on a spot, her words unmistakably clear.


    "How about tonight? Will you let me hold you while we sleep?"


    Qin Mu...


    He looked like a child right now, and Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh softly.


    "What difference does it make if I let you hug me? And what if I don¡¯t?"


    "If you don¡¯t let me hug you, I¡¯ll have insomnia."


    "Mu Yichen, can we please calm down a bit?"


    She hadn¡¯t even started with him, and he was already sticking to her.


    All questions should be saved until after she had no more strength to argue.


    Because after she was out of strength, hitting him wouldn¡¯t do any good, and doing other things that would tire her out, he would actually feel sorry for her, but not so much with this, he even felt a sense of achievement.


    He said, "I promise, I absolutely haven¡¯t done anything to wrong you, and I never will in the future."


    He had said those words before.


    She had always trusted him; perhaps he hadn¡¯t been involved with any other girls, but he couldn¡¯t guarantee that no girl had taken the initiative to throw herself at him.


    "Where did you go for drinks tonight?" she asked, completely drained, her voice hoarse.


    "Fei Ran!"


    "Fei Ran?"


    She lifted her exhausted neck, her eyebrows knitted in disbelief as she looked at him, the place being so chaotic.


    "Jing Feng wanted to celebrate, so Jiang Zhiyuan took the initiative to book Fei Ran and even called a few girls over," he explained.


    "Mu Yichen, can you please get off me?"


    She was on the verge of tears, completely out of strength to resist, her voice both soft and soothing.


    "I¡¯ll keep trying until I¡¯m forgiven."


    "Yichen, please spare me."


    She felt her tear ducts were no longer under her control.


    In the end, he offered a simple explanation, and afterward, she fell into a deep, oblivious sleep.


    When she woke up in the morning, Mu Yichen was already gone. She lifted her gaze to scan the room, listening intently within the silence of the bathroom; he must have left early.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but think: He surely feared being held accountable when autumn comes.


    But she would surely settle this account. How did lipstick end up on his body?

 Chapter 227 - 91 Lipstick Incident_2

    Chapter 227: 91 Lipstick Incident_2


    Dammit, some woman dared to seduce her man? If she knew who it was, she would definitely teach her a harsh lesson, preferably maiming her face beyond recognition, making her lips so swollen they¡¯d be thicker than a donkey¡¯s.


    Qin Mu fantasized for a while, then gathered her spirits and climbed out of bed: Qin Mu, you definitely can¡¯t let this go.


    After getting up, washing up, she went downstairs, spirited and lively.


    There was no one at home, only herself.


    The auntie said the lady had taken the young miss to her early education class, Mu Zihao had gone to meet a client, and as for the young master, because he left so early, she didn¡¯t know what he was up to.


    In the morning, when Jian Yan saw her at work, he took an extra glance at her: Why are your eyes swollen?


    "Hm? Are they?"


    Qin Mu was certain she hadn¡¯t looked at herself closely in the mirror today; she had been driven nearly insane by that lip glaze. But swollen eyes? She had slept quite well last night, not even dreaming, and the auntie hadn¡¯t mentioned a thing during breakfast.


    It was only when she sat down in the reception area with Jian Yan and took out her makeup mirror to have a look that she instantly put it back in her bag, then with a startled look gave Jian Yan a glance and promptly stood up: I¡¯ll be right back.


    Jian Yan gave a helpless, bitter smile, thinking, have I not seen every side of you?


    But Qin Mu immediately returned to the lounge to find eye patches and went to the restroom.


    Ten minutes should be enough. After applying the eye patches, she lay down in the room, then reached for her phone to send a message to Mr. Mu to confront him. But with a flicker of thought, she gently placed the phone back down.


    What was wrong with her?


    Ever since she found out about the lipstick on his shirt last night, she had been as agitated as if on gunpowder, unreasonably relentless. Was it necessary to pick such a bone with him?


    He had assured her he hadn¡¯t wronged her.


    Then, while pondering, she suddenly realized she had become a bit too light-headed recently, as if completely forgetting her own surname, so dependent on him, so bullying him, so...


    So without herself.


    Why had she suddenly become like this?


    Her heart was slowly sinking, and she sat nervously in the chair, motionless.


    Mu Yichen texted her on WeChat, asking if she had gone to work yet. She glanced at the message and her heart skipped a beat, then typed out two characters: I¡¯m here!


    But after thinking it over, she didn¡¯t send it.


    The phone was gently placed on the table, and she walked out on her own.


    Xiaomei came over with coffee for her: What¡¯s wrong with you?


    It was Qin Mu¡¯s absent-mindedness, having nearly bumped into her, that really piqued her curiosity.


    "It¡¯s nothing, just take the coffee to the office!"


    She ordered tiredly, then went downstairs herself.


    Jian Yan was still sitting there. When he saw her sit down again, he couldn¡¯t help but look up at her. But the somewhat clumsy girl from just before had suddenly become a bit cold.


    "What happened? You turned into an ice beauty after just one trip upstairs."


    "No, I¡¯m thinking about some things. Shall we discuss the spring show plans for the end of the year?"


    "Sure!"


    Jian Yan saw she didn¡¯t want to talk more about herself, so he didn¡¯t press. Qin Mu was very thorough when talking about the end-of-year show that had been in the planning. Jian Yan felt quite assured about it.


    This time, Qin Mu suddenly changed her mind about not going to AM for the show.


    "If not there, where then?"


    "Right here!"


    Qin Mu thought that with the beautiful mountains and rivers here, it should be a good place for a show.


    "Are you sure?"


    Jian Yan wasn¡¯t sure whether her decision was right or not. It was her first show in Rongcheng, and if conditions weren¡¯t met and the show didn¡¯t go well, a slew of problems could follow, directly impacting her career development.


    "I¡¯m sure!"


    What was there to be unsure about?


    The thing she was most unsure about right now was what she had been doing these past days. How had she gotten so close to him?


    Not just their bodies, but their hearts. Why had her heart been so uncontrollably captivated by him?


    It was terrifying to think about. Just the thought of these days and nights, cuddling and opening up in his arms, like a spoiled little wife pampered into oblivion, felt unreal to her.


    It shouldn¡¯t be like this.


    But what would happen next?


    She returned to the office, Xiaomei came downstairs, and went to Jian Yan: Master, Qinqin seems troubled.


    "Yeah!"


    Jian Yan was of course aware that she was troubled.


    It was just a trip upstairs, probably to apply an eye patch, but what had she thought of? Suddenly, she decided not to use AM for the venue and insisted on having it here.

 Chapter 228 - 91 Lipstick Incident_3

    Chapter 228: 91 Lipstick Incident_3


    But for some reason, this time, it didn¡¯t feel so bad.


    Instead, it was as if she had hoped she would make such a decision.


    "Then now..."


    "Do your job well."


    Jian Yan instructed her as he picked up the newspaper.


    "Oh!"


    Xiaomei answered dejectedly, even if Qin Mu hadn¡¯t figured out Jian Yan¡¯s thoughts, she, as an onlooker, could see everything clearly.


    The colleagues just watched, many things were understood but it wasn¡¯t appropriate to say much.


    It wasn¡¯t until Jian Yan noticed someone looking at him that he put down the newspaper and calmly met the gaze of his colleague.


    Everybody got back to work seriously before he continued reading his newspaper.


    But Xiaomei still went to Qin Mu¡¯s office: "Qinqin, have you noticed that Master has lost some weight recently?"


    Qin Mu slowly raised her eyes to look at her, it took her a while to react. They hadn¡¯t seen each other for a while, but she still hadn¡¯t noticed any changes in him when they met again.


    It was Xiaomei, however, who caught on to all of his actions.


    "It seems like it!" Qin Mu muttered to herself as she thought about it; he indeed seemed to have lost some weight.


    Probably because he was not eating well alone, right?


    "It¡¯s not a matter of seeming, it¡¯s clear." Xiaomei whispered her complaints on behalf of Jian Yan.


    "Then from today on, pay more attention to each meal, starting with ordering more nutritious dishes, and then make sure Master eats more, okay?"


    "Mm, I¡¯ll make a call right now to set up the meal with the restaurant."


    Xiaomei immediately nodded vigorously, happy to hear this, and went out to call and order a more nutritious lunch for Jian Yan.


    This time, Qin Mu was truly certain of Xiaomei¡¯s love for Master.


    If not, why would she feel so indignant on behalf of Master?


    However, the first thing she needed to reflect on was that as a disciple, she indeed hadn¡¯t been doing well, only busy with her own things and never caring about whether Master was doing well or not.


    Always saying that "once a teacher, forever a father," but when had she ever really treated him like a father?


    Later on, she didn¡¯t carry her phone with her, and at noon, when the meal ordered from AM arrived, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but frown upon seeing the meal box: "Why is it ordered from here?"


    "We are Mr. Mu¡¯s friends, so we get a discount of seventy percent, and the manager said they would only charge us for the cost of the meal, so wouldn¡¯t it be a loss for us not to order from them?"


    Xiaomei explained as she opened up the food boxes one by one.


    Qin Mu sighed internally, thinking about nourishing Master¡¯s body and didn¡¯t say anything more.


    But Jian Yan, before starting to eat, said, "From now on, let¡¯s not order from them anymore. A discount of ten or twenty percent is a matter of saving face, but a seventy percent discount and you still dare to eat it?"


    "Why not? If I get a bargain for free, why wouldn¡¯t I take advantage of it?"


    As Xiaomei opened the last food box and sat down next to Qin Mu, the three gathered around a table full of dishes.


    "Do you think they¡¯ll let you take advantage of them for free? Sister Qinqin and their boss are together now, and you get a seventy percent discount, but what if it ends later?" Jian Yan asked.


    "How could it?"


    "Forget it, let¡¯s eat!"


    Qin Mu was a bit uncomfortable listening to this; now she was scared to even think about him.


    "Right, let¡¯s eat first. Master, you should eat more."


    As Xiaomei spoke, she began serving him food, her mind full of thoughts about making him eat well.


    "How many times have I said not to call me Master? If you must call someone Master, then calling Mumu would be most appropriate, after all, you¡¯ve been following her these years."


    "If I can¡¯t call you that, then is Jian Brother okay, or how about Uncle Jian? Uncle Jian?"


    Qin Mu...


    Jian Yan was so frustrated by her that he couldn¡¯t speak and just picked up his chopsticks to eat.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to go back to the Mu Family home that evening, fearing she would have trouble explaining to the elders, but who knew that as soon as Yichen finished work, he drove straight to their studio¡¯s building.


    Standing by the office window, Jian Yan smoked and watched the car stop as Mu Yichen, with his long strides, emerged from the vehicle and went directly into their studio.


    After that, Jian Yan didn¡¯t need to think any more, Mu Yichen must have headed straight for Qin Mu¡¯s office.


    Without hearing a knock, Qin Mu looked up when someone pushed open the door, and then she saw him enter with a cold face, slamming the door shut. He walked up to her desk, leaned on the edge with his hands, and looked at her with cold eyes: "Why didn¡¯t you reply to my messages or answer my calls?"


    "You sent me messages?"


    Qin Mu turned to search for her phone under the papers on her desk, but after a long while, she suddenly dropped all the papers, her confused eyes gazing at him: "Sorry, my phone isn¡¯t here."


    She seemed genuinely innocent, but the man in front of her didn¡¯t believe a word, just laughing coldly.


    "Last night, Jiang Zhiyuan went to send his friend off and took the wrong coat, and because of such a trifle, you¡¯ve ignored me the whole day?"

 Chapter 229 - 91 Lipstick Incident_4

    Chapter 229: 91 Lipstick Incident_4


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak. She didn¡¯t know whether she should argue or not. If she argued, she had a lot she could say, but if she didn¡¯t, wouldn¡¯t she just be misunderstood?


    Qin Mu looked at his handsome face, which now bore an angry expression, and suddenly she couldn¡¯t bring herself to react otherwise, just gazing up at him.


    Mu Yichen slapped the table hard, turned around coldly, and paced back and forth in front of her, as if he wanted to erupt with anger but had to restrain himself.


    Qin Mu knew she had made him angry. Finally, she was willing to lower her head, uncertain if she could bear to continue seeing him so enraged.


    "What¡¯s wrong with you? Do you find it funny to suddenly act like this?"


    "The phone is really not with me. Do you have to make such a big fuss because I didn¡¯t contact you for one day?"


    She said these words tentatively, in a cautious manner.


    "Whether the phone is not with you or you deliberately threw it away to avoid my calls, you know better than I do."


    He pointed forcefully at his chest, the nearly six-foot-tall man now looking like a petulant boy who had suffered a great blow.


    "Qin Mu, I know what¡¯s on your mind, I know it clear as day, I..."


    He wanted to continue, but he had to swallow those words because he knew how hard it had been to wait for this day. He didn¡¯t want to waste all his long effort because of a moment of anger.


    "It¡¯s getting late. Let¡¯s go home for dinner."


    In the end, he suppressed all his temper, and said that sentence with his head lowered to her.


    So, she didn¡¯t even have time to make an excuse not to go back to the Mu Family, nor the courage to say she would drive back herself. Seeing him waiting by the car for her, she slowly walked over and opened the passenger side door.


    Jian Yan watched quietly from upstairs, everything unfolding just as he had expected.


    Jian Yan listened to the argument in the next office, and he could even imagine what they both looked like at that moment.


    And what Qin Mu must be feeling sitting next to Mu Yichen now.


    Jian Yan thought, no matter what, he should still send his blessings, after all, she was his only apprentice.


    Hmm, I forgot to take the mobile phone after all.


    On the road.


    In such a large car, the air seemed thin, whether it was due to the cold weather or something else, there was a feeling of being unable to catch one¡¯s breath.


    Qin Mu turned to look at him. "I think I forgot to bring my phone again."


    Mu Yichen...


    Turned and gave her a cold glance.


    Qin Mu felt that glare was as if he was scolding her for not bringing her brain.


    She indeed hadn¡¯t brought her brain today, she was on the verge of a breakdown, driven mad by the thought of how she had fallen completely into his tender trap these past days.


    Suddenly, Qin Mu wondered, was it deliberate?


    Deliberately coaxing her every night, making her unconsciously end up in his arms.


    Now, she probably couldn¡¯t fall asleep at night without him.


    The more she thought about it, the more defiant her expression became.


    Every time she had some little scheme in mind, he seemed to guess it accurately, and Qin Mu was a bit scared.


    But the cold harshness on the distinct profile stirred up an involuntary sense of pity in her again.


    "Do you want to go back and get it?"


    "No need."


    He suddenly said, and Qin Mu felt it was a blessing. She whispered to him,


    "Let your assistant contact this phone for anything."


    He handed his black phone to her, focusing on driving while giving instructions.


    Qin Mu, staring at the phone in front of her, took it after hesitating for a moment and then called Xiaomei.


    "It¡¯s me!"


    "Yeah, call this number for anything."


    "Okay, hanging up!"


    Mu Yichen was still focused on driving, she hugged his phone and looked at him, "Thank you."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even glance at her, struggling to keep his temper in check while driving properly.


    "There¡¯s a flower shop over there, how about we buy some flowers to take home?"


    She suddenly looked towards the roadside on his side, Mu Yichen looked in that direction and then steered the car toward it.


    Qin Mu...


    She had simply wanted to prevent him from sulking, not expecting him to drive there without a word.


    Qin Mu had no choice but to get out and go buy flowers. Halfway there, she turned back and said, "I didn¡¯t bring my wallet, come with me, will you?"


    "Go by yourself!"


    He said as he took out his wallet from his suit pocket and handed it to her.


    Qin Mu had no choice but to take the wallet through the window, turned with a sense of loss, and walked away.


    Mu Yichen sighed lightly with exasperation. She had hardly taken a few steps when he got out of the car.


    Qin Mu turned at the sound, immediately smiled broadly, and ran back to loop her arm through his as they walked inside together.

 Chapter 230 - 91 Lipstick Incident_5

    Chapter 230: 91 Lipstick Incident_5


    Mu Yichen...


    This little vixen wants to torture him to death, huh?


    With a helpless sigh, he followed her into the flower shop.


    "Welcome!"


    The little hanging ornament at the door started ringing as soon as they arrived at the entrance. Qin Mu looked down at it and said cheerfully, "How cute."


    Mu Yichen just looked at her with a bewildered expression. Qin Mu glanced up at him and immediately pushed the door open and entered.


    "What kind of flowers would the two of you like to buy?"


    "Ask my husband,"


    Qin Mu said with a beaming smile, then looked up at Mu Yichen, "What flowers do you like?"


    "You¡¯re buying them for me?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s brow twitched.


    "Yes!"


    "Did you bring money?"


    He asked again.


    Qin Mu looked at his despair-filled eyes and then down at the black wallet in her hand, hehe.


    In the end, the two of them bought a big bunch of lilies and walked out of the shop. Mu Yichen still had his hands in his pockets, while Qin Mu did not forget to wrap one arm around his.


    Hmm, it had become a habit.


    It seemed as if her own mood wasn¡¯t that important anymore; what mattered was his mood.


    Compared to the tense atmosphere that morning, she now felt relaxed, and then, arm in arm, they went back to the car. After putting the flowers in the backseat and buckling up her seatbelt, she turned to look at him, "If you like them, I¡¯ll buy them for you tomorrow."


    "Humph!"


    President Mu smiled and said nothing else.


    Qin Mu felt rather cold and didn¡¯t speak anymore after that.


    When they got home, Qin Mu gave the lilies to the butler, who was delighted to receive them. Although trying not to show too much excitement, the butler, who received flowers for the first time at her age, immediately found a vase and cherished them in her bedroom.


    After dinner, Qin Mu coaxed Huanhuan to take a bath and go to bed. President Mu, unusually, didn¡¯t even bother with her until she had coaxed Huanhuan to sleep and an hour had passed; he still hadn¡¯t come to look for her.


    Qin Mu knew that President Mu was truly angry.


    But she didn¡¯t expect to fall asleep in her daughter¡¯s bed.


    She had planned to return after her daughter slept soundly, but when she woke up and checked the time, it was already past five in the morning. She held her breath, careful not to wake her sleeping daughter, and quietly slipped out from under the covers.


    Back in their room, she tiptoed to the bed, then carefully lay down and pulled the covers over herself.


    She thought she¡¯d just say she came back in the middle of the night if he asked; he would have been asleep by then and definitely wouldn¡¯t know anything.


    But...


    No sooner had she settled in bed and calmed her racing heart than he suddenly turned.


    Qin Mu instinctively turned her head, her bright eyes fixed on his broad back.


    Because she hadn¡¯t come back last night, he hadn¡¯t closed the curtains, and the moonlight poured in, allowing her to see the back of his head.


    She became nervous again; was he awake?


    Or had he not slept?


    The more Qin Mu thought about it, the more frightened she became, so she bravely turned and reached out to hold him.


    "Let go!"


    President Mu said haughtily.


    Qin Mu...


    "I won¡¯t!"


    She suddenly became petulant.


    Mu Yichen really wanted to get angry, but being held tightly, his frustration soon dissolved into nothingness.


    "You didn¡¯t want to come back, did you?"


    In the silent room, he finally asked her seriously.


    "No, I just fell asleep by accident. You didn¡¯t come to hold me like you usually do."


    "If you don¡¯t cherish it, what¡¯s the point of forcing you?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but kick him gently with her foot.


    She suddenly felt wronged.


    Why hadn¡¯t he mentioned before that forcing her was meaningless?


    Before, he would have tied her to him if he could, and now he suddenly says such hurtful things.


    "Mu Yichen, you¡¯re not allowed to say that again, or else..."


    "Or else what?"


    He suddenly twisted around, looking at her with eyes full of challenge.


    "Or I¡¯ll really leave!"


    She declared stubbornly, her eyes fogging up.


    "Leave? You won¡¯t even make it out of the front door."


    She preferred...


    To be willing to never leave the doorstep to his heart for her entire life.


    In the morning, neither of them wanted to get out of bed, as if they had just regained what they had lost, clinging tightly to each other.


    But they still had to go to work, and Mu Yichen drove her to the studio.


    Jian Yan was standing by the window, smoking. As soon as Qin Mu entered, she instinctively greeted him, "Master Jian, good morning!"


    "Hmm!"


    It was no longer early!


    But he still gently stubbed out his cigarette and acknowledged her with a nod.


    Wen Runuan came to see her after ten, asking her for help with some clothing designs but also to talk about Jing Qing¡¯s situation.


    "Jing Qing really can be extreme. There was a director who touched her once, and afterward, she seemed to have attempted suicide."

 Chapter 231 - 91 Lipstick Incident_6

    Chapter 231: 91 Lipstick Incident_6


    There were only two people in the office when Wen Runuan spoke, and the woman who was cutting the fabric couldn¡¯t help but lift her head, pushing up the frame of her glasses with a puzzled look at the woman sitting on the sofa.


    "If you want to know about her past, why don¡¯t you come over and rest for a while? I should know quite a bit about her," she said.


    Wen Runuan had been enduring silently at Jingshang for quite a few years without making a move, Qin Mu thought this perhaps had much to do with Jing Qing¡¯s relationship after all, so she later sat with her on the sofa and had tea.


    "It was after she attempted suicide that news of her getting engaged to President Mu spread throughout the city. From that point on, I dared not compete with her anymore. The drama I starred in this year was also shot around that time. Back then, President Mu and the Jing Family were suppressing Jingshang, so President Zhang had no choice but to shelve my drama and broadcast several of her dramas on various channels instead."


    Indeed, it was from that time that Jing Qing began to rise to fame.


    "Which year was it? The year Jing Qing attempted suicide."


    "It seems it was two or three years ago, in the winter," Wen Runuan said pensively as she held the teacup. She looked at the high-quality tea leaves and smelled the aroma, and although she liked it, she still put the teacup down.


    Qin Mu thought back to the first time she had been intimate with Mu Yichen. He had left before dawn and didn¡¯t see her again for a long time after that.


    In other words, it was probably around that time that Jing Qing attempted suicide.


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t expected Jing Qing to have the courage to do something like that; she wouldn¡¯t dare attempt such a thing herself.


    "Don¡¯t you like it?"


    Returning to her senses, she looked down and softly asked Wen Runuan who had set down her teacup.


    "No, it¡¯s because I¡¯m planning to have a baby."


    Wen Runuan didn¡¯t feel the need to hide this from her, but it still took Qin Mu by surprise. Wasn¡¯t this the peak of her career? Was it really the right time to have a baby?


    "I know what you¡¯re thinking, but President Zhang isn¡¯t getting any younger."


    "So are you two planning to get married?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously.


    "Not really, aren¡¯t you and President Mu also not married? A woman doesn¡¯t only consider having a baby for a man after getting married, right?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t refute, nor could she agree, and could only offer a sincere smile.


    When she gave birth to Huanhuan back in the day, it was for herself, not because of Mu Yichen.


    But she had also thought, if she had had a loving family back then, wouldn¡¯t she have wanted to keep the baby? It would definitely have been their child, after all.


    Thinking of the bond they had shared since childhood...


    "If you think it¡¯s worth it, then it¡¯s worth it."


    Qin Mu said in a low voice.


    "Yes, I think it¡¯s worth it. I¡¯ll take a year off from filming after I get pregnant, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll disappear without a trace this time, will I?"


    Wen Runuan asked tentatively.


    Qin Mu nodded: Yes!


    Wen Runuan also smiled at her, but as they were chatting, Xiaomei suddenly ran up: Qinqin, Qin Mingzhu and her mother are here.


    Qin Mu cast a doubtful glance towards the door, but then responded with composure: I know!


    "It looks like we¡¯ll have to continue our chat another day."


    "That¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll get your gown ready in the next few days, and we¡¯ll see each other then."


    "All right!"


    Wen Runuan got up, walked downstairs shoulder to shoulder with Qin Mu, and the mother-daughter pair sitting in the downstairs reception area were startled to see them together, both staring at Qin Mu and Wen Runuan with wide eyes.


    "Take care!"


    Wen Runuan bid farewell to Qin Mu at the door and left. Qin Mu watched her get into the nanny car and drive away, then turned back to the reception area.


    "Was that Wen Runuan just now? Are you two close?"


    Qin Mingzhu asked unconsciously what was on her mind.


    "That¡¯s probably none of your business, state your purpose here."


    Qin Mu sat on a single sofa beside them, her hands gently clasped together as she looked at the mother and daughter.


    "Since you¡¯re being so candid, I won¡¯t beat around the bush. I¡¯ve heard that you make good cheongsams, and next month I¡¯m going with Mingzhu¡¯s dad to an important event, so I¡¯ve come to you for one."


    Qin Mu...


    Xiaomei, who happened to be walking by with some documents, couldn¡¯t help but shoot Zhang Rujia a look as if she were seeing a monster when she heard this.


    "What¡¯s that look for? My mom wants you to make a cheongsam for her because she respects you."


    "But not just anyone gets a cheongsam made by Qinqin."


    As Qin Mingzhu frowned at Qin Mu¡¯s expressionless response, Xiaomei, clutching the documents, said authoritatively.


    Qin Mingzhu immediately glared at her: Who do you think you are? Is this your place to speak?


    "She¡¯s my most capable assistant. Do you say she has the right to speak or not?" Qin Mu asked with an icy tone.

 Chapter 232 - 91 Lipstick Incident_7

    Chapter 232: 91 Lipstick Incident_7


    Qin Mingzhu immediately stamped her foot in displeasure and reached out to pinch Zhang Rujia¡¯s arm, "Mom, look how annoying she is all the time."


    "All right, all right! You two are sisters after all, does it have to be like this? Qin Mu, your father intended for us to reconcile, so I came here to order a cheongsam to put his mind at ease. Don¡¯t you think you should show some gesture?"


    Zhang Rujia looked at Qin Mu and started scolding her unhappily.


    They were actually here to make amends with her?


    "Ha, after all the things you and your mother have done, you think coming to our Qinqin to order a cheongsam is trying to make amends? What do you take our Qinqin for? Besides, why should our Qinqin reconcile with you?"


    Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help but snort with laughter, finding the disdainful expressions on the faces of the mother and daughter amusing.


    "Hey, are you stupid? Don¡¯t you know what status my mother and I have? Do you want to leave Rongcheng that badly?"


    Qin Mingzhu was truly exasperated and suddenly stood up from the sofa.


    "We¡¯ve been here so long, not even a cup of tea, and then some little assistant dares insult us. You are being very disrespectful, you know? Apologize to me and my mother right this instant, or I¡¯m telling you, this young lady will turn her back and refuse to recognize you."


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s eyes were indeed bright with anger, and the way her eyes bulged almost comically incited hatred.


    "So what if you are powerful and influential? Do you not have to abide by the law because you are powerful and influential? You are threatening me here, but I can also sue you, and as for your family, the legal punishment should be one degree harsher."


    Xiaomei was uncompromising, striking back with every word.


    "You, you dare to intimidate me?"


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s mouth fell agape, utterly disregarding her proper attire and refined makeup.


    Finally, Qin Mu could not listen any longer. She rolled up her sleeves and slowly stood up, "What are you trying to do, huh?"


    "I... Didn¡¯t you see how disrespectful that little brazen hussy was to me?"


    "What did you call me? Qinqin, I can¡¯t take it anymore."


    Xiaomei was so angry she turned pale, glanced back at Qin Mu, and really seemed about to go at it with Qin Mingzhu after tossing her documents onto the desk behind her.


    "Apologize to her!"


    Qin Mu raised her hand to stop Xiaomei, her sharp gaze commanded Qin Mingzhu with a cold order.


    "Apologize? Why should I?"


    Qin Mingzhu stood on tiptoes, clenching her teeth with fury.


    "Because you lack verbal morality."


    Qin Mu declared sternly, her eyes filled with murderous intent.


    "I won¡¯t!"


    Qin Mingzhu vehememtly disagreed, and Zhang Rujia also got up, "Qin Mu, you are going too far. Others bully your younger sister, and it is fine if you don¡¯t help, but why do you side with outsiders?"


    "I¡¯ve never seen someone so shameless. Qinqin, don¡¯t stop me. Let me settle this once and for all with them."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t even bother to judge whether her words were reasonable, but simply used her arm to forcefully block her from moving any further ahead.


    Some things were okay for her to do, but not for Xiaomei.


    "Outsiders? Who is the outsider?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s piercing gaze fixed on them.


    "Qin Mu, you really are going too far. I¡¯m going to let your father see your disgusting face and let him know that you, and all the little whores in your studio, all of you... Ah!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say another word, but leaned over to splash a large glass of cold water straight into the hostile face of Qin Mingzhu.


    Xiaomei suddenly felt vindicated, wanting to laugh but striving to hold it back, looking at her Qinqin with a cold face against the mother and daughter.


    "You may have your clothes made, but first, I won¡¯t lift a hand, and second, if you¡¯re here for the cheongsam design, keep your mouth clean. Otherwise, get out. My studio will no longer welcome you beauties, never ever."


    After saying that, Qin Mu turned and walked away.


    Xiaomei snorted coldly because Qin Mu had vented for her, and she also walked out.


    Meanwhile, Qin Mingzhu stood there with her hands spread open, her mouth agape until her jaw nearly dislocated. She could not have imagined Qin Mu treating her with such rudeness, and now she was so angry she wanted to tear Qin Mu to pieces.


    Zhang Rujia, seeing her daughter with a face soaked in water and her chest also wet, got even angrier in an instant.


    "Qin Mu, stop right there!"


    Zhang Rujia said and walked around the sofa, quickly heading toward Qin Mu, who already had left the reception room, before Qin Mingzhu could start crying.


    Qin Mu stopped in her tracks, her cold eyes shooting toward the woman approaching her.


    Qin Mu thought, one should really be grateful she was sent away at the age of eight. Otherwise, staying in the Qin Family might have cost her life.


    Seeing the woman approaching her with furious determination, recalling her own mother, she considered that this was the culprit behind her mother¡¯s death, this very woman, who used her youthful body to win over her father¡¯s heart, causing her family to fall apart and perish.


    After being abandoned overseas for more than a decade and then returning, this woman still kept troubling her relentlessly. Where did this woman get her daring? Was she not afraid that every night she would be haunted by nightmares?


    This was the woman who had captivated her father¡¯s heart. She desperately wanted to question that man, what exactly had he seen in this woman? In terms of morality, this woman could not compare to her mother in any way; in terms of looks, this woman was nothing but slyly charming, devoid of any respectable virtues.


    What was this woman trying to do now?


    "With your father not here today, I, as someone who should exercise eldership, should properly teach you a lesson in his stead."

 Chapter 233: Will you get tired of it_1

    Chapter 233: Will you get tired of it_1


    "I¡¯m going to give you a lesson on behalf of your father today, you unfilial daughter."


    Rujia Zhang stepped forward and raised her hand to slap Qin Mu.


    Young and agile, Qin Mu quickly dodged to one side as Rujia Zhang swung her hand.


    It happened in an instant, Rujia Zhang, off-balance from the force of her unmet slap, fell askew onto the cold, hard floor.


    "Ah! My back!"


    That cry, characteristically of an older person, immediately drew the attention of all the studio workers, who could no longer remain seated. They stood up one by one, looking towards the staircase.


    There lay the once haughty lady sprawled on the ground, one hand over her head as she hadn¡¯t had time to retract it after the slap and was now too pained to quickly pull back, and the other hand fiercely clutching her back, her face twisted with severe pain.


    "Mom, mom!"


    Seeing Rujia Zhang¡¯s condition, Qin Mingzhu felt both embarrassed and scared, but instinctively ran up to her.


    "Mom, how are you? Are you alright?"


    "Call an ambulance, quickly."


    Rujia Zhang struggled to get those few words out.


    "Bitch, call an ambulance for my mom now."


    Kneeling on the ground, Qin Mingzhu cradled her mother, looking up frantically at Qin Mu, demanding.


    Qin Mu, with her head lowered, gave a cold glance before turning and heading upstairs.


    The people on the first floor naturally did not want to meddle further. They had never seen such an elder before and were curious to see what she would do if they did not interfere.


    "Mom, where does it hurt?"


    Qin Mingzhu asked anxiously, panic-stricken and on the verge of tears.


    "No one is allowed to help!"


    After going upstairs, Qin Mu stood on the steps, high above, and commanded the people below.


    "Don¡¯t worry, no one¡¯s going to help!"


    Xiaomei, playing along, said the words and couldn¡¯t help but let out a snicker.


    It was then that Qin Mu, walking inside, caught sight of Jian Yan not far away.


    "Master!"


    Qin Mu walked over, called out, then followed him into the office.


    "Do these mother and daughter often come to trouble you?" he asked flatly.


    "Not often, but every time they do, something definitely gets stirred up," Qin Mu remarked casually, as they took their seats opposite each other in the office.


    "I gather from what I¡¯ve heard that your father is keen to make amends with you?" Jian Yan lifted his eyes, asking softly.


    "Something like that, but as you know, our relationship as father and daughter can no longer be the same as it was before I was eight. The fact that my mother died is undeniable, and no matter what, I can¡¯t just chat and laugh with him as if nothing happened."


    Jian Yan was silent for a moment, then smiled upon seeing her able to laugh: Be happy, don¡¯t be too hard on yourself.


    "Hmm!"


    Jian Yan thought, her prompt agreement didn¡¯t necessarily mean she understood the meaning of not being too hard on herself.


    But in time, she would come to understand it all, becayse she was growing, and her progress in design over the past few years had been rapid.


    When it comes to family, perhaps one must go through much before they can understand what they truly want in life.


    He sat quietly, watching her, as if he could see his former self.


    Back then, he was full of passion, stubbornly pursuing what he wanted, his losses and gains in equal measure.


    "Mumu!"


    He suddenly called out, injecting a thread of vitality into the quiet space.


    "Hmm?"


    "My greatest hope for you is that you succeed in your career and find happiness in your family."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why he was being so serious all of a sudden but couldn¡¯t help laughing: "Master, that¡¯s a really big expectation."


    People who are successful in their careers and happy in their families are rare in this world.


    "If you can only choose one, I hope you choose family happiness."


    Qin Mu was puzzled again; her master was acting a bit strange today.


    "In the future, everything I have will be yours. You can work hard, but don¡¯t overdo it because nothing is more important than feeling satisfied and warm in your heart."


    Qin Mu...


    Everything he owns will be hers?


    Why does that statement feel so heavy? Or rather, very heavy?


    "You¡¯ve been helping that actress design a new gown recently, right? Design the best gown in the shortest time, using the simplest fabrics."


    After finishing his words, Jian Yan got up and left, while Qin Mu stayed, still trying to make sense of it all.


    She understood what Jian Yan said about designing the gown, but she didn¡¯t understand what was going on with him today, why he suddenly said those things that seemed so out of the blue.

 Chapter 234: Will you get tired of it_2

    Chapter 234: Will you get tired of it_2


    Qin Haiming, upon hearing that his wife had been hospitalized, promptly called Qin Mu. It was only then that Qin Mu had gone to the bedroom to sleep, but when she picked up the phone and heard the voice she disliked, her subconscious reflex was to hang up.


    "Mumu, don¡¯t hang up, Daddy has something to tell you," he said.


    If it had been before she turned eight, those words would have been truly heartwarming.


    He spoke as if trying to comfort her. She used to love how tenderly her father would counsel her when she was a child. His smile was always warm, and his eyes always radiated strength and gentleness.


    She didn¡¯t know why she could still remember those times. Was it because such happy memories were so rare?


    She was about to hang up the phone but brought it back to her ear. Standing silently in front of the desk in the vast room, she listened to the voice on the other end.


    "I heard from your aunt that she went to see you about a dress. She said you were upset because she¡¯s an elder," his voice still had warmth, as if he was gauging, searching for the right amount of force to use.


    Qin Mu just listened silently.


    "Mumu, I truly hope our family can get along well. Even if we can¡¯t, couldn¡¯t we at least interact like relatives? I¡¯ve met Huanhuan¡ªby chance¡ªand I really like that granddaughter of mine. Your aunt also says Huanhuan resembles me somewhat."


    "You¡¯ve said so much. What exactly are you trying to express?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Why suddenly bring up her daughter?


    "Daddy just really misses you. He wants to make amends, be good to your daughter, have your aunt be good to you, and your sister, Mingzhu, she¡¯s hot-headed but not malicious by nature."


    "Not malicious by nature? Have you forgotten who almost got me assaulted in the mall restroom that time? Have you forgotten who hurt me repeatedly, slandered me?"


    Qin Mu snorted coldly and after saying these things to the phone, she finally didn¡¯t want to hear another word from him and hung up.


    Then, silence.


    In the quiet, she could hear the pain in her own heartbeat.


    After Qin Haiming hung up, he sighed helplessly, then dialed another number: "How is your mother¡¯s condition now?"


    "It¡¯s very bad, Dad. After such a big incident, are you going to do something about it or not? I saw with my own eyes that little bitch Qin Mu pushing my mother. My mom is so old; wasn¡¯t that far too much?"


    "You¡¯re saying your mom was pushed down by Mumu?" Qin Haiming hadn¡¯t listened carefully earlier and was shocked now.


    "Don¡¯t you know how your treasured daughter behaves? She looks down on everyone in our family now. The nicer we are to her, the more she thinks we owe her. Mom just said a few words like ¡¯your father hopes our family can get along,¡¯ and she got angry. I called her ¡¯sister,¡¯ and she splashed water all over me. My clothes are still wet, you can come see for yourself."


    "I have another meeting soon, Mingzhu, you stay at the hospital and take good care of mom. We can talk about the rest tomorrow."


    Qin Haiming felt a bit gloomy after hanging up this time, his eyes hazy.


    Qin Mu had a fiery temper; he would believe she could do something excessive, but he always thought he owed her, hoping it would just blow over.


    Later, because he had a meeting, he decided to talk to Qin Mu later on. After all, hitting an elder was a serious disrespect.


    But Qin Mu had no idea about his plans. Shortly after their conversation, she returned to her office to work.


    The clothing factory had already started operating. In fact, she no longer needed to make clothes by hand, but she still wished to personally finish working on Wen Runuan¡¯s dress.


    Before the factory began, they hired many famous masters, so she was quite confident in its operations. Moreover, with the year-end show upcoming, she had no time to make clothes for others personally.


    In the afternoon, Mu Yichen texted her: "Miss me?"


    Qin Mu glanced at their phone and smiled unconsciously. She didn¡¯t plan to reply, but then she thought of yesterday when she had set down her scissors to send him a message: "Miss you so much I can hardly remember."


    Mu Yichen had just finished a meeting and was sitting in the conference room smiling at the message on his phone.


    Qiao Yi was sitting in a chair diagonally across from him and seeing his previously stern face light up, he guessed it must be a message from Qin Mu.


    No matter what, whenever he faced any troublesome matters, it seemed even the unintentional words from that woman could cheer him up.


    Perhaps this is what others would call fate?

 Chapter 235: Will you get tired of it_3

    Chapter 235: Will you get tired of it_3


    Only Qin Mu could tame him.


    "It¡¯s Qin Mu, right?"


    When Mu Yichen looked up at him, he asked.


    "Yeah, why haven¡¯t you left yet?"


    Everyone else had gone, and Mu Yichen thought he would leave as well.


    "I plan to personally take responsibility for this project, so I stayed until the end to discuss it with you alone."


    "Have you thought it through? Africa isn¡¯t like any other country."


    Mu Yichen took him seriously and became serious as well.


    "Anyway, I¡¯m tired in Rongcheng, so it might be better to go out and see the world. Although Africa is tough, maybe I can think less about the people here and even find some enjoyment amidst the hardship."


    The corner of Qiao Yi¡¯s mouth twitched, indicating that Jing Qing¡¯s indifference had truly hurt him.


    "Okay, tonight I¡¯ll call that kid Jiang Zhiyuan and Jing Feng to throw you a farewell party."


    Mu Yichen was annoyed whenever he thought of Jiang Zhiyuan, especially remembering the lipstick incident, which occurred because of him. Since that day, Jiang Zhiyuan had been avoiding him and had not met with him. He was certain that Jiang Zhiyuan would be at the farewell party for Qiao Yi tonight, and he was determined to make that kid personally apologize to his wife.


    "Tonight, I¡¯ll take you out for dinner. Qiao Yi is heading to Africa, so let¡¯s all go and give him a send-off."


    After that, Qing Mu received that WeChat message. This time, she truly had no objections and agreed very readily.


    But by six o¡¯clock in the evening, she wasn¡¯t ready to leave yet when the mayor¡¯s car stopped in front of her house.


    Just as she came out with her backpack, as before, he stood by the car, looking up at her as she descended the stairs, his eyes as if saying, "I have all the patience in the world for you."


    "Is something the matter?"


    She approached him, already guessing that it had something to do with those two women.


    "Mumu, when you have time, go and apologize to your aunt. Even if you don¡¯t regard her as family, she has taken care of your father¡¯s daily needs all these years. Just give her the basic respect she deserves, and dad won¡¯t force you to do anything else," Qin Hai said reassuringly.


    Qin Mu felt that something about his words was fishy; could it be that those two women had exaggerated the story? She couldn¡¯t help but laugh softly, and when she looked up at the star-filled sky she thought: You say you want to acknowledge me, but you don¡¯t trust me, do you?


    "Trust? Of course, dad trusts you," Qin Haiming said, unaware of her thoughts, but pondering his response.


    "If you trust me, why would you say those words to me? What have I done wrong that I should apologize to her?"


    Qin Mu looked at him seriously.


    At that moment, she was calm because she was disappointed.


    "No matter what, your aunt came to make peace with you, but you pushed her down, and now she is lying in the hospital. Don¡¯t you think you should bow your head to her? Huh?"


    "I pushed her down? Did she say that, or did your precious daughter say it?"


    Qin Mu asked with a sneer, her fingers lightly curling around the strap of her bag, and then her keen gaze returned to the man before her.


    The starlight was sufficient for them to see the doubt and mockery on each other¡¯s faces.


    "So you didn¡¯t push your aunt down? You didn¡¯t splash Mingzhu with water? It¡¯s all Mingzhu lying? Can you assure dad of that?"


    "Why should I make a promise to someone who doesn¡¯t trust me? And please, don¡¯t refer to yourself as my dad in the future, because my dad, is kind-hearted, warm, and the person who trusts me the most, but you..."


    Qin Mu shook her head disappointingly, then regarded him again, smiling: "Mr. Qin, goodbye!"


    She bowed slightly, she could still offer him a bit of respect, but that was the only relationship left between them now.


    "Mumu..."


    "In the future, you can call me Miss Qin or Qin Mu, but the name Mumu was my mother¡¯s favorite, and since you¡¯ve remarried and driven her daughter out of the house, you no longer have the right to call me by that name."


    "Mumu, dad really wants to make it up to you. Won¡¯t you give dad even a little chance? Even if you don¡¯t like your aunt or Mingzhu, can¡¯t you occasionally visit your aging father at home? He can¡¯t sleep well because of you; he feels remorse toward your deceased mother; he feels guilty for having abandoned you abroad. Mumu..."


    "You¡¯re thinking too much," she said, feeling the need to set things straight with her father, believing there was no need to dwell on a relationship that had run its course.


    "Mumu, to make a stand for yourself in Rongcheng, in the Mu Family, you can¡¯t do without dad¡¯s support. Don¡¯t be so stubborn, okay?"


    "She doesn¡¯t need your disturbance," a voice said.


    As the father and daughter were unable to communicate, he walked slowly out of the darkness.


    Qin Mu turned toward the sound the moment she heard his voice, and it only took a second for her vision to blur upon seeing him clearly.

 Chapter 236: Will you get tired of it_4

    Chapter 236: Will you get tired of it_4


    "Not interfering with Mumu is the greatest support you can provide. As for everything else, she has me; that¡¯s enough."


    Mu Yichen stepped forward, his arm sweeping behind Qin Mu to embrace her, his gaze fixed on the man before him as he replied.


    "Mu Yichen!" Qin Haiming murmured, frowning deeply.


    "Yes, it¡¯s me. She¡¯s in Rongcheng, and I will protect her completely. Whatever she wants, I¡¯ll help her get it. As for you, if you can sincerely stand behind her and support her, reach out when she needs it, that would be great. But if not, then we won¡¯t blame you. Just please, refrain from disturbing us again."


    "What gives you the right to speak to me like this? You think because you and Mumu have a child you can do whatever you want with her?"


    Qin Haiming raised his hand and pointed at him, visibly displeased with his son-in-law¡¯s arrogance.


    "I¡¯m under her authority; she calls the shots in our family. So, you don¡¯t need to worry about her being wronged in our home."


    Mu Yichen responded with confidence.


    "Really? Are you so sure your parents will treat her as well as you claim? And you, what about that day you were indulging yourself at Fei Ran thinking I wouldn¡¯t know?"


    It was only at the mention of Fei Ran that Qin Mu finally reacted, lifting her eyes to look at the man opposite her.


    "You¡¯re not so idle as to worry about a citizen¡¯s lineage, are you? Even if you have the time, we certainly don¡¯t want your interference."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t understand why this man, with so much free time, didn¡¯t go and see his injured wife but instead wasted time here with her, especially when he didn¡¯t trust her at all.


    What was there to even talk about?


    "What I did at Fei Ran¡¯s, drinking, that¡¯s true. But I have a clear conscience regarding my own woman. If there¡¯s nothing else, please stop bothering us. We have other matters to attend to, so we¡¯ll be leaving now."


    Mu Yichen lowered his gaze to Qin Mu and confirmed with her before walking her to the car.


    He had actually been there for quite a while, just out of sight, which is why he hadn¡¯t been detected.


    Only to find out that during the conversation between the father and daughter, Qin Haiming completely distrusted Qin Mu yet still talked of father-daughter affection.


    After Qin Mu got into the car, he closed the door for her, then turned to look at the man still standing there, squinting: I can guarantee with my integrity that Mumu is not the kind to harm elders voluntarily; you¡¯d do well to ask your wife and daughter what really happened. You shouldn¡¯t have a hard time figuring out the truth.


    Qin Haiming stood to the side, watching the tall, young man enter his car, yet he hesitated to return to his own.


    "Actually, there¡¯s no need to say so much to him. Even if he understands this time, he¡¯ll still doubt me in the future. We have a barrier between us, so no matter how much I try, things will never be like when I was under eight."


    As the car started and moved away, Qin Mu spoke calmly, then turned to look at him and suddenly chuckled, leaning lightly on his shoulder, looking ahead at the flickering lights.


    "This relationship, if we can have it without strings, we will. But since you aren¡¯t willing to use it, let me be the bad guy."


    As Mu Yichen drove, he glanced at the woman leaning on his shoulder in the rearview mirror and commented.


    Only then did Qin Mu look up at him, curiosity shining in her eyes.


    Mu Yichen smiled but said nothing further.


    Qin Mu probably understood what he meant, or perhaps she knew there was no way to avoid entanglement with that man. As long as she didn¡¯t have to deal with him personally, she really didn¡¯t mind how Mu Yichen handled the situation.


    Especially since he was so protective of her.


    All her frustration from meeting Qin Hai dissipated because of Mu Yichen, and suddenly, Qin Mu felt it was wonderful to be in the car with him like this.


    She would support whatever he wanted to do because he would never harm her.


    He was always there to defend and help her.


    Thinking of the clothing factory incident made Qin Mu¡¯s heart heavy again; she owed him so much, and with that thought, she reached out to hold onto his arm tightly.


    At a stop, Mu Yichen paused the car, looked down at her mischievously, and asked curiously, "What mischief are you thinking of?"


    Because he asked right next to her ear, the cool breath on her ear made her mind stray, and she subconsciously looked up at him with sparkling eyes, raising a hand to gently touch his face.


    "Let¡¯s discuss this issue more thoroughly later."


    "Mu Yichen!"


    Mrs. Mu felt quite stifled, but since they were back on the road, she could only hold onto him tightly, conveying all her emotions to him in this manner.

 Chapter 237: Will you get tired of it_5

    Chapter 237: Will you get tired of it_5


    It¡¯s a feeling of happiness! Emotion!


    After arriving at AM, the two hugged and walked toward the elevator. Jing Qing and her friend just happened to arrive too. Twisting her head at the elevator entrance, she caught sight of them and immediately greeted Mu Yichen with unconcealed joy, "Yichen, what a coincidence."


    "Mm!"


    Mu Yichen responded indifferently, then subconsciously looked at his own woman.


    Qin Mu actually thought this was for the best. It wasn¡¯t necessary for Jing Qing to greet her in front of him; she wouldn¡¯t exchange pleasantries with Jing Qing either. Pretending they were invisible to each other was ideal.


    But how could Jing Qing not see her?


    "I heard that Qiao Yi is going to Africa for a business trip lasting half a year, and later I will go to see him off."


    Jing Qing said this with a smile, gentle and proper.


    Mu Yichen, however, did not look at her again or say anything more.


    Qin Mu was even more determined to act invisible, not making a sound, for fear of disturbing the delicate atmosphere.


    A person needs quite a large number of faces, she guessed it would be difficult to keep count.


    After reaching the restaurant, Jing Qing and her girlfriend were the first ones to exit the elevator, followed by the two of them.


    Qin Mu kept her eyes forward the whole way. As they exited, Mu Yichen purposely pinched her waist, causing her such pain that she nearly couldn¡¯t help but cry out. Lifting her eyes to look at him, she forcefully elbowed him.


    "Ah!"


    So it was actually Brother Yichen who covered his chest in pain, bending his originally straight back.


    Qin Mu immediately felt embarrassed, for they had stepped out of the elevator and everyone, hearing the noise, looked toward them, Jing Qing included, turning back curiously.


    They could have passed by uneventfully, but Brother Yichen just had to cause a scene.


    "It¡¯s nothing, nothing!"


    Brother Yichen deliberately lifted his head and pretended nothing was wrong, smiling, then rubbed his chest and straightened his back, forcefully hooking his arm around her shoulder as they walked together.


    Qin Mu wished she could push him far away, but he wouldn¡¯t allow it, his hands gripping her shoulders so she couldn¡¯t move at all.


    Jing Qing watched the two of them pass by her and walk toward the elegant redwood stairs, unconsciously opening her mouth.


    "This Young Master Yichen is really strange," her friend couldn¡¯t help but say with a laugh.


    "Is that so?"


    Jing Qing¡¯s voice was dispassionate, her expression just as indifferent. Her friend, noticing Jing Qing wasn¡¯t happy, knew better than to continue the topic.


    Yet Jing Qing¡¯s gaze lingered on the playful pair as they made their way upstairs.


    Jing Feng had asked her if she wanted to see Qiao Yi off. She had said no.


    She knew Qiao Yi¡¯s feelings for her, but she truly felt he was unworthy of her.


    But he had come.


    "Let¡¯s go have dinner first!"


    Their table had been reserved in advance, so the waiter quickly approached upon seeing them, and the two women followed him to their seats.


    After sitting down, her friend asked, "This Miss Qin doesn¡¯t appear to be all that remarkable, though she seems to have quite a temper."


    "More than just that. Today she even beat her stepmother to the point of hospitalization, and I heard her half-sister didn¡¯t escape unscathed either."


    "Oh my, is that really true? How could she dare?"


    Jing Qing laughed helplessly, shaking her head as if to say that appearances can be deceiving.


    "How could Yichen like such a girl? Doesn¡¯t he know about Miss Qin¡¯s behavior?"


    "Even if he knew, he probably wouldn¡¯t believe it. His eyes are blinded now."


    As Jing Qing spoke, she couldn¡¯t help but look again in their direction, her eyes filled with longing.


    "That¡¯s true. Men usually go haywire when bewitched by a woman, both heart and brain shutting down."


    The other woman shook her head, then sighed with a sense of resignation as if moved by the conversation.


    "Hmph!"


    Jing Qing snorted with a bitter smile. Why couldn¡¯t she enchant him? It would have been nice if she could cause either his heart or brain to malfunction.


    Seeing her expression, her friend guessed the reason; after all, everyone in town knew Jing Qing was once the designated fiancee of Mu Yichen, the woman he was to marry, the future lady of the Mu Family. But now, Qin Mu was living in the Mu Family home, and she even had a child with Mu Yichen. Though seemingly without official status, this was better than having nothing at all, wasn¡¯t it?


    "You really shouldn¡¯t worry too much. Men get fascinated by the fresh temper of young girls, but sooner or later, they¡¯ll be captivated by another fresh girl. They always tire of one woman after a few years."


    Upon hearing this, Jing Qing picked up her tea, sipped it lightly, and managed a courteous smile.

 Chapter 238: Will you get tired of it_6

    Chapter 238: Will you get tired of it_6


    That¡¯s Mu Yichen, could he possibly grow tired? It¡¯s been more than twenty years!


    After Mu Yichen and Qin Mu went into the private room, about seven or eight boys arrived, Xiaohao and another girl were also there, heard she¡¯s another boy¡¯s little girlfriend.


    Do all these boys like girls much younger than themselves?


    Qin Mu looked at the girl who still seemed very naive, but usually, old cows like to eat tender grass.


    For some reason, she found herself unconsciously glancing at her own man.


    She lowered her gaze to drink her tea, masking her emotions, thinking to herself, her man was quite tender, she shouldn¡¯t be having these thoughts.


    Qiao Yi sighed unconsciously as he looked at his younger brothers who all had girlfriends: This time I go to Africa, I might bring you guys back an African girlfriend.


    "Hahaha, as long as you have fun there, we¡¯d be glad to meet her, hahaha."


    Another playboy teased with a laugh.


    "Xiao Zhi is only twenty-four this year, and he¡¯s already got a girlfriend."


    Qiao Yi looked at the boy and shook his head in despair.


    "Bro, having a girlfriend isn¡¯t a big deal, look at Mumu whose kids are already a few years old, and Xiaohao almost got married to Brother Jing Feng too."


    The handsome young man spoke up immediately.


    Qin Mu and Xiaohao, who did not expect to be named, one quietly drank her tea, the other faintly said, "What do you mean we almost got married? We are already married!"


    "Right, right, right, I forgot there wasn¡¯t a wedding, but you registered afterward."


    The handsome young man slapped his forehead as he spoke.


    Qin Mu...


    "Looks like you need a beating if you don¡¯t get one every few days, huh?"


    Jing Feng asked in a deep voice.


    "No, bro, my girlfriend is here, have some face, save some face ha."


    The boy had a handsome smile, a proper young master from a prominent family, and had met the girl he liked early in life, wishing for a lifelong love.


    "Forget it, just because your girlfriend is here." Helian Hao eventually said.


    "Thanks, Xiaohao, you¡¯re a true brother."


    "Who¡¯s your brother? You should call me sister-in-law in the future."


    Jing Feng turned his head to look at Helian Hao, and that was a deep, thousand-year-long gaze.


    Helian Hao¡¯s face flushed red, not expecting him to suddenly bring up ¡¯sister-in-law¡¯.


    "Yes, sister-in-law, sister-in-law, heh heh, I didn¡¯t expect you both to become sisters-in-law, considering you guys had to call me ¡¯brother¡¯ when we were kids."


    Bringing up the old times!


    Qin Mu could hardly remember clearly anymore, she only remembered a boy in big pants, yelling from the mountains for them to go to school together.


    Time, always the most heartless.


    "Sigh!"


    Qiao Yi shook his head again, wishing he could roll off to Africa that instant, saving himself the embarrassment in front of these ungenerous people, being a single dog was simply too hard.


    And today, Young Master Jiang was exceptionally quiet, sitting motionless, not speaking, just listening to them talk.


    Mu Yi occasionally glanced at him, and he would stretch his mouth into a straight line, giving Mu a very flattering smile.


    Qin Mu watched their back-and-forth, guessing it was because of the lipstick incident, because they almost broke up over that matter, so she decided to adopt the attitude ¡¯eyes on the nose, nose on the heart¡¯; she¡¯d better not meddle in the brothers¡¯ affairs.


    But when the men all started to drink openly, suddenly, the door was pushed open from the outside. It wasn¡¯t someone coming to serve food, but the gentle and elegant celebrity, Jing Qing.


    "I heard Qiao Yi is leaving for Africa, may I come and see him off?"


    Jing Qing spoke softly, not caring about the strange looks from everyone as she went straight in after asking.


    "Qiao Yi, have a smooth journey!"


    She held a wine glass in her hand, walked over to him with a smile, and spoke to him.


    Like an old friend, yet with a certain intriguing politeness.


    Qiao Yi smiled faintly, his smile tinged with bitterness and stood up with his glass: Thanks!


    A casual remark, followed by a clink of glasses with her, he then raised his glass and drank down the red wine in one go.


    At that moment, Jing Qing was a bit embarrassed, but did not show any inappropriate expressions, just smiled as she watched him finish his drink, and then herself lost the urge to drink.


    She looked around at the table full of familiar faces that felt somewhat strange.


    "Jing Qing, would you like to sit down and join us for a bit?"


    The handsome young man just asked.


    "No, thanks, I¡¯m here tonight with friends, I just came to give Qiao Yi a send-off, you guys have fun."


    Jing Feng didn¡¯t say a word until after she left.


    Once the door was closed again, everyone reflexively looked at Jing Feng and Mu Yi, Jing Feng lifted his eyes, "Why look at me? Who¡¯s turn was it to drink?"

 Chapter 239: Will you get tired of it_7

    Chapter 239: Will you get tired of it_7


    "The two younger sisters-in-law haven¡¯t had a drink with Brother Qiao Yi yet!"


    Suddenly someone called out.


    "Then let¡¯s toast to Brother Qin!"


    Qin Mu stood up first, raising her glass. Helian Hao also stood up, saying, "Qiao Yi, I wish you a smooth journey."


    "Thank you, you beauties."


    Qiao Yi quickly filled his glass to the brim again, this time not as gloomy as when he had drunk with Jing Qing.


    The two women giving him face really put their men out of sorts, as they never received such attention usually.


    "I¡¯ve been to Paris to see you many times, but I¡¯ve never seen you send me off before."


    Mu Yichen, one hand resting on the back of her chair, bent down to whisper in her ear as Qin Mu sat down.


    Qin Mu smiled subconsciously but did not respond, her piercing gaze resting low on the cooling dishes on the table.


    "Yichen, if you¡¯re going to be jealous too, you¡¯re really turning into a vinegar jar."


    Someone joked.


    "What¡¯s wrong with being a vinegar jar? Do you have any vinegar?"


    Mu Yichen raised an eyebrow, in no way embarrassed by this.


    Qin Mu held back a laugh, knowing all too well that if the normally serious President Mu became unserious, he could be truly difficult to handle.


    Even his jealousy was so willful.


    "Fine, forget I said anything."


    The young master nodded, realizing that it indeed was the case.


    Later, everyone was a bit drunk and talked about staying in the guest rooms upstairs. Mu Yichen had a few extra drinks: "Fine, let¡¯s stay. We¡¯ll all go to the airport to see off Qiao Yi together tomorrow."


    He then quickly arranged for guest rooms, and Mu Yichen pulled Qin Mu to the room she had stayed in before with the fastest speed.


    Qin Mu felt like President Mu might have a thing for nostalgia.


    "Why don¡¯t we go home? I only drank a little and can drive."


    "We¡¯re not going back!"


    Going home every day was too tiring.


    He was a little tipsy, resting his forehead against hers at the doorway.


    Time trickled by slowly, yet the hearts of the two people were drawing steadily closer.


    Outside, the stars were dazzling, creating a mutual radiance with the indoor lights, magnificent and enchanting.


    This night was destined to be peaceful and enriching.


    In the big bed, the silver light of a crescent moon shone through.


    In another room, Young Master Jing was rarely staying in a hotel with his little wife and, of course, seized the opportunity.


    Helian Hao, having just been through that incident, retreated to the edge of the bed as soon as she saw his devouring gaze.


    Both had just taken a shower.


    "Get away from me! I knew you didn¡¯t have good intentions, sleeping here."


    Helian Hao kicked him angrily, then turned to sulk at the edge of the bed herself.


    Young Master Jing...


    The next day, everyone went early to see off Qiao Yi. President Mu had to attend to an emergency at the factory, so he went there, while Qin Mu sat alone in the now quiet living room.


    "Stepdaughter Beats Stepmother and Lands Her in the Hospital: A Violation of Heaven¡¯s Will!"


    This headline...


    As she read on, the photo of the woman in the hospital gown in the VIP ward and her bedside companion was deliberately blurred.


    Someone dared to publish such a report, which could impact whether Haiming could be re-elected or not, right?


    Although the news didn¡¯t mention any specific names, those familiar with the mother and daughter would recognize them.


    She sat calmly on the sofa, reading through the content on her phone before switching it off.


    Her serene gaze and helpless expression eventually led her to place the phone in her bag next to her, stand up, sling the bag over her shoulder, and leave the hotel.


    Yesterday, the mother and daughter went to design a cheongsam; that was a lie, the truth was they were looking for trouble, wasn¡¯t it?


    Wen Runuan called her when she was already on her way to the studio.


    There was an event in the afternoon, but she suddenly found out that the dress she was supposed to wear was two sizes too large and had no choice but to come to the studio again.


    After Qin Mu fixed the dress for her, Wen Runuan stroked the fabric at her waist and couldn¡¯t help but exclaim in admiration, looking at her reflection in the mirror she laughed and said, "Are you only responsible for design in the future? Aside from your clothes, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll like anyone else¡¯s."


    "Thank you for the affirmation!"


    Qin Mu stood in front of the desk and paid Jing Qing a compliment for her good figure. As soon as his discerning eyes spotted a thread on her leg, he immediately picked up the small scissors for cutting threads that were nearby, walked over to her side, bent down, and deftly snipped off the stray thread.


    Wen Runuan looked down, then unconsciously smiled: "You can even see such a tiny thread?"


    "After you put it on, I realized it was my mistake," Qin Mu answered.


    Wen Runuan turned her head and asked: "By the way, about the sudden interview this afternoon, I¡¯ve decided to personally announce to the public that you are my designer, is that okay with you?"


    "Sure!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s sharp eyes looked towards the floor for a moment before nodding.


    "That¡¯s great, then from now on you will be my personal designer; you can¡¯t easily design clothes for other female celebrities."


    "Designs for your company are fine, but I still have to accept other commissions."


    "Of course, I know your ambitions aren¡¯t limited to just me."


    Qin Mu did not falsely agree, but Wen Runuan wasn¡¯t one to force her.


    She is a designer, but not a designer for just one person; no one can change that.


    "Did you see a piece of news on the internet today?"


    Later, Wen Runuan sat on the sofa, looked up at her, and asked.


    Qin Mu stood in front of the desk again, leaning gently on the edge while looking down at the woman on the sofa with a slight smile.


    "About the mother and daughter who came to see you yesterday?"


    "Yep!"


    "So, does that mean you really are the mayor of Qin City¡¯s daughter?"


    Qin Mu, unconsciously lowering her head to laugh, didn¡¯t even know what she was mocking, or was it because she truly couldn¡¯t deny it?


    "Mr. Zhang told me about it, but I¡¯ve always been hesitant to believe it; I¡¯ve never heard you mention it, nor has the media reported extensively on it, only some gossip that no one knows whether to believe."


    "But now, whether it¡¯s true or not, it¡¯s all false."


    Qin Mu said unenthusiastically in a low voice.


    "Why?"


    "If your mother died because of your father¡¯s affair, could you still act like a good father and daughter with him?"


    Wen Runuan fell silent, the atmosphere in the office becoming heavy.


    "With Qin Haiming, it is just like that. His blood runs through my veins, and the relationship between us is only sustained by this blood. I can¡¯t ask him to bring my mother back to life, nor can he take away the blood in my veins."


    Wen Runuan suddenly laughed bitterly.


    "So, you accepted Mr. Zhang¡¯s offer to be my designer because we have similar life experiences?"


    "Perhaps, but the bigger reason is Jing Qing!"


    Qin Mu continued to speak frankly.


    The two women chatted for a bit longer and it was after this conversation that they truly understood each other¡¯s past, and then parted ways.


    After work that evening, Qin Mu packed up her things early, preparing to return to the Mu Family.


    The sky outside was a dull gray. As she came down from the second floor, she looked up and saw an older man with white hair walking in.


    "Miss!"


    It was Qin Haiming¡¯s driver.


    "Why are you here?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously and also courteously lowered her head a bit.


    "Miss, Mr. Qin said there are some things he wants to give you."


    The driver always looked at her tenderly, the look in his eyes when greeting her full of pity, but he eventually got to the point.


    "I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s nothing left for me at the Qin Family¡¯s, right?"


    Qin Mu asked softly, her eyes growing sharp at the mention.


    "It¡¯s about the belongings of the late madam."


    The driver bowed his head as he finished speaking and glanced at her as if to confirm something.


    Qin Mu raised her eyes to look at him; the driver, seeing her questioning gaze, bowed his head closer to his chest.


    Her mother¡¯s belongings?


    Weren¡¯t they all burned or thrown away a long time ago?

 Chapter 240 - 93 Mrs. Mu’s Petty Revenge_1

    Chapter 240: 93 Mrs. Mu¡¯s Petty Revenge_1


    It was a photo of a family of three, the little girl dressed in a white princess gown sat on her father¡¯s lap, smiling so happily, beside her was her most beloved mother.


    Qin Haiming quietly looked at the photo, and it was as if he had suddenly returned to that era.


    However, when Qin Mu was brought to the Qin Family, things did not go so smoothly in meeting Qin Haiming, who was in the study at that time.


    Qin Mingzhu had just taken her mother out of the hospital that afternoon, and she was just about to go out to drink with friends after dressing up when she saw the woman walking into the living room alone; her eyes immediately bulged with fury.


    "Qin Mu, how dare you show your face at home?"


    Qin Mingzhu glared at her, sizing her up from head to toe with a voice even more piercing.


    "It was your father who asked me to come."


    Qin Mu did not want to engage in futile arguments and simply threw out a bland reply.


    "My dad asked for you? How is that possible? For sure it was you who came on your own initiative. Tell me, are you trying to take over our house? Let me tell you, there¡¯s no way; now get out, get out right now."


    As Qin Mingzhu spoke, she stepped forward to push her, but Qin Mu extended her hand to grasp her sister¡¯s hand that was attacking her chest: Qin Mingzhu, if I wanted to take over this house, I wouldn¡¯t have waited until today. Go ask your dad if you want to know whether he summoned me or not.


    "My dad isn¡¯t even home."


    Qin Mingzhu saw her own hand was caught, and although she felt her wrist might break, she still refused to let Qin Mu walk any further inside.


    "Since he¡¯s not here, then I shall take my leave."


    Having said that, Qin Mu pushed her to the side.


    Qin Mingzhu almost fell from the push and immediately pounced at Qin Mu as she turned to leave: Qin Mu, how dare you push me, this isn¡¯t over between us.


    Qin Mu¡¯s long hair was violently tugged from behind.


    Instantly feeling a numbness in her scalp, Qin Mu reflexively reached behind to grab Qin Mingzhu¡¯s hand: Let go.


    "I won¡¯t let go; I¡¯m going to rip all your hair out."


    With that, Qin Mu¡¯s not so long fingers gripped Qin Mingzhu¡¯s hand placed on her head forcefully, so she couldn¡¯t move, and drove her sharp nails deep into the back of Qin Mingzhu¡¯s hand.


    "Ah, you little bitch, how dare you pinch me, I¡¯ll kill you!"


    "Stop it!"


    Suddenly, a fierce shout came down from the upstairs, and Qin Mingzhu quickly shifted her gaze, at once pretending to be the victim: Dad, save me, my sister started hitting me as soon as she came in.


    The aunt who had been in the corner all along couldn¡¯t help but frown as she listened, but no one dared to say anything.


    By the time the two stood up properly again, both their clothes and hair were disheveled, but both were just as stubbornly defiant.


    Qin Haiming looked at the state of his two daughters and frowned deeply: Why are you fighting? Is there something you can¡¯t communicate properly about? You are sisters.


    "We are not!"


    This time, the two of them spoke in unison unexpectedly.


    Qin Haiming looked at them displeasedly, their bedraggled and stubborn appearance made him involuntarily sigh: Who¡¯s going to explain to me what the fight is about?


    "I just asked her why she came to our house, and she started hitting me and told me to get out."


    Qin Mingzhu finished speaking and glared viciously at Qin Mu, as if she wanted to gouge out her eyes.


    "How about you? What do you have to say?"


    Qin Haiming then looked toward his older daughter who had been silent.


    Qin Mu looked up at him, and that look made Qin Haiming feel as if his daughter was ready to send him to hell.


    "You called me here but don¡¯t trust me, what am I supposed to say?"


    Qin Mu asked in a heavy voice, her demeanor cold.


    Qin Haiming inadvertently gave her another look: How do you know I don¡¯t trust you if you don¡¯t speak?


    "I don¡¯t want to waste my breath. What is it that you wanted to give to me?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to argue in her defense; to her, those things were meaningless. Qin Mingzhu was the kind of girl who would naturally be ruined by her own doing without Qin Mu having to accuse her.


    "Dad, what are you going to give her?"


    When Qin Mingzhu heard their father was going to give something to this outsider, she immediately perked up and asked anxiously.


    "Didn¡¯t you say you were going out? If you¡¯re not going now, then go upstairs to take care of your mom. Come with me!"


    After speaking to Qin Mingzhu, Qin Haiming called for Qin Mu to follow him to the study.


    Qin Mu followed him and upon entering the study, the heavy scent of the past made her nose sting all at once.


    "Did Mingzhu hit you first?"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes but did not see him, because as she looked for him, she first noticed the photo on his dark-colored desk.


    The photo was too old; it seemed to have faded.

 Chapter 241 - 93 Mrs. Mu’s Petty Revenge_2

    Chapter 241: 93 Mrs. Mu¡¯s Petty Revenge_2


    A heart felt as if it was gripped by something, held tightly in its clasp.


    Qin Haiming looked into her eyes, decided not to ask any further, and just looked at the photograph instead.


    "Do you remember this photo? It was taken in our old house. I still remember you had just come home from school," he said.


    So, there was a bit of Mu Yichen in that photo as well.


    It was because he had escorted her home, and as he watched her take the photo, he wanted to join them but was too shy to say so. He just watched them, a family of three, taking the picture.


    Suddenly, Qin Mu remembered that day when Mu Yichen had been very upset. When she came back to her senses, her eyes had already begun to mist over. She stood there quietly, holding her breath.


    "Did you call me here just for this photo?" she asked.


    "Don¡¯t you want it?" he replied.


    "The person is already dead. What use do I have for a photo?" she asked, turning her head.


    She had photos of her mother.


    She also had photos of their family of three.


    But when she went to Paris, she cut the photo of the three people into one with just two people.


    All those photos were still in Paris. She hadn¡¯t brought them back.


    "Yes, what use are photos when the person is dead? But when I stumbled upon this photo today, it filled me with a myriad of emotions. Mumu, if we could go back to the past..."


    "You would still do things that betray my mother because you are a man who can¡¯t resist temptation," Qin Mu interrupted coldly and directly as she looked him in the eye.


    Qin Haiming drew in a breath of cold air. He hadn¡¯t expected Qin Mu to address such a topic so bluntly and mercilessly.


    "Perhaps not?" he suggested.


    "There¡¯s no way to verify that now, my mother is gone, and there are no time machines in this world; it¡¯s not like in novels where you can be reborn and go back," she said, looking into his eyes, which finally fell due to disappointment.


    "So this is why you have changed so drastically in temper and character? Because you can¡¯t go back to the past, you¡¯ve become so stubborn, so wilful, so extreme? To the point of hurting your aunt so badly that she had to be hospitalized?"


    "Do you still firmly believe that it was me who sent that woman to the hospital based on Qin Mingzhu¡¯s words? What are you doing here then?" she questioned sarcastically.


    It was truly ridiculous.


    She wouldn¡¯t take the photo. She would let this man figure it out himself. If he could bear to throw it away, it would only prove she was right. If he couldn¡¯t, then he deserved the agony.


    "Was it really not you?"


    Qin Haiming asked again.


    "There are surveillance cameras in our studio. But even if you watch them and believe me, it¡¯s too late now, Mayor of Qin City. Remember, I mentioned the only relationship left between us is to not disturb your citizen," she said.


    After speaking, Qin Mu turned away.


    "Mumu, even if Dad didn¡¯t trust you immediately, it¡¯s because we¡¯ve been apart for years," he called out.


    "No, it¡¯s because you trust your pillow talk partner too much," Qin Mu stopped, replied to him after he finished, and then walked away without pausing.


    Qin Haiming looked down at the photo on the desk and suddenly felt a tinge of irritation. He actually didn¡¯t believe in his daughter, who had always been so warm to him. He followed her instinctively.


    "Qin Mu, what did Dad give you?"


    Qin Mingzhu had already packed up and was waiting in the living room for Qin Mu to come out, immediately blocking her way and asking.


    "You should ask your dad. Also, don¡¯t think that nobody knows just because today¡¯s news on the internet didn¡¯t name names. Do you think you¡¯re taking revenge for yourself? Don¡¯t forget, there¡¯s going to be a re-election in Rongcheng soon, and whether your father can be re-elected might very well be in your hands," Qin Mu advised sharply.


    Upon hearing this, Qin Mingzhu¡¯s face changed dramatically, and she stuttered, "What... what are you talking about? I don¡¯t understand?"


    "Whether you understand or not, the notoriety of you and your mother is well-known in this city. No matter how blurry that photo is, people who know you will recognize it. If it gets to the higher-ups, just think carefully," Qin Mu warned, unsure why she felt the need to warn Qin Mingzhu¡ªperhaps to scare her?


    "Qin..."


    Qin Mingzhu immediately went to chase after her as she walked away.


    "Qin Mingzhu!"


    But she had only taken a few steps when another voice called out from upstairs, causing her to look back and her face to turn even paler.


    "Dad!"


    "Is what your sister just said true?"


    "She, she... how would I know?"


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s eyes darted around, and the next moment, she immediately denied it.


    "You don¡¯t know? I¡¯ve been aware of the news on the internet since this morning, so why are you playing dumb with me?"


    Qin Haiming said as he made his way down the stairs, resting on the railing, his expression hardening.


    "I¡¯m not what you think. If you don¡¯t believe me, ask my mom!"

 Chapter 242 - 93 Mrs. Mu’s Petty Revenge_3

    Chapter 242: 93 Mrs. Mu¡¯s Petty Revenge_3


    As soon as Qin Mingzhu saw Qin Haiming¡¯s expression, she sensed something bad, and immediately raised her voice.


    "I¡¯m asking you mother? The things you¡¯ve been doing behind my back, you¡¯d better come clean tonight. If I have to find out for myself, you won¡¯t get off so easily."


    Qin Haiming, already beside her, looked at his daughter with disappointment, seeing her scared to death and still trying to argue.


    "I, I..."


    "What are you and your daughter up to? Why was it so noisy just now?"


    The person who hurt their bones from a fall finally decided to get out of bed and stood on the steps, asking while unsteadily holding onto the side.


    By then, Qin Mu had also finally stepped out of their house.


    The driver waited beside her: "Miss, let me take you back."


    "No need, thank you!"


    Qin Mu softly declined, nodded, and began to walk away.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s car was already heading over, and she had just taken a couple of steps when she saw his vehicle turning her way, so she stopped in her tracks.


    And so the Qin Family¡¯s driver drove back into the estate.


    Mu Yichen got out of the car, saw her disheveled hair, her face somewhat beside itself, and her clothes all wrinkled. He frowned unconsciously, stepped forward, and grabbed her hand: "Who hit you?"


    "Qin Mingzhu!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile, thinking about all the tough situations she had faced abroad, and yet she was rendered helpless by that girl pulling her hair.


    "I¡¯ll go find..."


    "No need!"


    Qin Mu held him back, she was very calm at this moment, and not even joking with him, but earnestly said, "With Qin Mingzhu¡¯s temperament, it¡¯s easy to get back at her. It¡¯s fine to wait until we meet her outside next time to take revenge."


    Mu Yichen looked down at her, then reluctantly glanced over at the Qin Family¡¯s house again.


    Once in the car, Qin Mu said, "Can we go to the apartment first?"


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly. He couldn¡¯t let this incident slide, but understanding Qin Mu¡¯s intentions, he nodded and immediately drove in the direction of the apartment.


    In the apartment, she took a shower and then immediately used a hairdryer to dry her hair. Mu Yichen was waiting for her outside, and when she came out again, she was wearing clean, tidy clothes. She walked past the sofa and saw him leaning back into it, and so she went straight over and sat down on his lap: "Let¡¯s go. Don¡¯t make mom and dad worry."


    "I should have arrived earlier."


    "The situation at that time was not suitable for you to see," Qin Mu said, holding back her laughter.


    Her eyes showed such composure, as if the whole affair was just a trifling matter of no great consequence.


    "Mrs. Mu, it¡¯s my obligation and my responsibility to protect you."


    "You¡¯ve already protected me well enough," she said, placing her hands on his shoulders: "Now let¡¯s hurry back home. Mom, dad, and Huanhuan are waiting for us to come back for dinner."


    "I¡¯m not going back!"


    He said irritably. He had rushed over to the Qin Family as soon as he received her message but still missed the action.


    Seeing his handsome face fall, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but sigh softly, coaxing him: "Don¡¯t you want to see mom and dad, or miss our daughter? We didn¡¯t go back last night, and if we don¡¯t go back today, Huanhuan might get sad, thinking we don¡¯t want her anymore."


    "So you didn¡¯t want her before?"


    Qin Mu...


    In his anger, he could say hurtful things, and Qin Mu found herself at a loss for words.


    Yes, she had often left Huanhuan and Xiaomei at home when she was traveling on business with Jian Yan. She had been irresponsible.


    "Starting today I want to be a good mother. Take me home, please!"


    She had no choice but to act coy.


    In the quiet living room, the two gazed at each other, and then Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t in the mood to go home at all.


    "Let¡¯s go back later. Tonight let our daughter sleep with us."


    Qin Mu...


    The very next moment, Mu Yichen reached under her freshly worn shirt with his hand, his eyes intensely electric as he looked at her, a reminder both of negotiation and of his intent to possess.


    She felt her heartbeat quicken, and she knew what was about to happen as soon as he reached out. She soon melted in his arms.


    They didn¡¯t even have time to turn off the living room light before he stood up straight, carrying her toward the bedroom.


    Because they hadn¡¯t returned for dinner, they were both chided upon their return, and Qin Mu couldn¡¯t argue any points, even enjoying the scolding at that moment.


    On the other hand, Mu Yichen seemed a bit impatient: "Has Huanhuan gone to sleep? Let¡¯s go see her."


    "You¡¯re already annoyed after just a couple of remarks? Are you thinking of moving out again after having moved back in not long ago? Don¡¯t you want to live with us old folks?" Feng Fanghua sat on the sofa, discontentedly placing her teacup back on the table, her expression increasingly stern.

 Chapter 243 - 93 Mrs. Mu’s Petty Revenge_4

    Chapter 243: 93 Mrs. Mu¡¯s Petty Revenge_4


    Qin Mu subconsciously glanced at Mu Yichen, then lowered her head and continued to remain silent.


    "And you, don¡¯t think that just because you aren¡¯t speaking, you¡¯re off the hook. Would he have stayed out all night if you had insisted on coming back? Rongcheng isn¡¯t so large that one needs to spend the night at a hotel, right? Even tonight, why suddenly go to the apartment? Can¡¯t fit in the house anymore?"


    Feng Fanghua rambled on and on. Mu Yichen was getting impatient, but Qin Mu was about to burst into laughter.


    Feng Fanghua saw her lips constantly moving and with no sense of seriousness, unconsciously furrowed her brows even more: "Qin Mu, I¡¯m talking about you. Can¡¯t you take this seriously?"


    "Yes! It¡¯s not that I¡¯m not taking it seriously, it¡¯s just that I really like it!"


    Qin Mu finally couldn¡¯t hold back her laughter, her eyes shone brightly as she looked at the woman sitting with poise on the sofa.


    Feng Fanghua was so shocked she nearly couldn¡¯t close her mouth¡ªcould someone being scolded not be angry or hurt, but instead say they really like it?


    Is she sick?


    "Thank you for making me feel like I¡¯m being treated as a daughter."


    Feng Fanghua...


    Mu Yichen was even more unhappy: "What daughter?"


    Qin Mu cast him a glance, not caring whether he liked it or not, only wanting Feng Fanghua to express herself: "I will definitely insist on coming home early from now on, and try to have dinner with you and Dad every day. I promise."


    The ignored man was feeling a bit miffed on the inside.


    And just as Feng Fanghua had prepared many things to say and teach them, she suddenly became speechless, mouth agape for quite a while, involuntarily turning to her husband who had been trying to hold back laughter, awkwardly she had no choice but to turn the topic to him: "Old Mu, are you also not taking this seriously?"


    Mu Zihao raised his hand, but never lifted his head, fearing that if he did, his laugh-contorted face would be observed.


    "All sick, really sick!"


    Feng Fanghua immediately didn¡¯t know how to handle the embarrassment, slowly stood up while mumbling, and finally pointed at Qin Mu, and by the time she finished, she had retreated outside the sofa and then returned to her room.


    "It¡¯s getting late, I¡¯ll go back to my room too."


    Mu Zihao saw his wife leave and also stood up.


    "Goodnight, Dad!"


    Qin Mu was still standing, obediently nodding and greeting.


    "Hmm! You sleep early too."


    Mu Zihao nodded and left. When it was just the two of them, Mu Yichen sat in the sofa like a young master, but Qin Mu was still standing, looking puzzled and asking him, "Why are you sitting down? Let¡¯s go upstairs."


    "You haven¡¯t had your medicine."


    Medicine?


    Qin Mu...


    The herbal medicine indeed worked, but it was also incredibly bitter to drink.


    Qin Mu hurriedly checked on her daughter in her room, and then reluctantly went with him to the dining room. The maid served them the medicine before going to rest, and the two stared at each other.


    "Has it been half a month already? Why don¡¯t you try some, President Mu? You might enjoy the flavor."


    Qin Mu moved the bowl slightly with both hands, gazing down into it with a look of dread, knowing just by looking that it was bitter, and sensing by smell that it was utterly noxious.


    She then looked up, devilishly smirking at President Mu, urging him to give it a try.


    Mu Yichen unconsciously raised his eyebrows and reclined leisurely against the back of the chair, his gaze steady as he eyed her bowl, not uttering a sound until finally he chuckled, "Good medicine is bitter to the taste, Mrs. Mu better drink it while it¡¯s warm."


    Qin Mu...


    "President Mu doesn¡¯t want to taste it? Don¡¯t you love your wife enough to share some of her burden?"


    Qin Mu rested her elbows lightly on the edge of the table, looking dissatisfied at the somewhat indifferent young master across from her, trying to cajole him.


    "No way!"


    Mrs. Mu completely lost the will to coax him further, silently sipped the medicine bowl by bowl, each sip being truly...


    Mu Yichen had actually sneaked a taste before. The flavor was indeed bitter, but compared to the side effects of Western medicine, this was clearly more suitable for nourishing her body. It was bitter, yes, but considering the hardships she¡¯d endured over the years, the bitterness in this medicine was nothing to her.


    And sure enough, she quickly finished a bowl.


    Qin Mu then eyed the other bowl in the thermos; Mu Yichen proactively helped her pour it. With a look of absolute resignation, she watched as Mu Yichen filled it up without saying another word, and gradually sipped it down.


    After taking her medicine, Qin Mu immediately went to the kitchen and got a spoonful of honey to put in her mouth, still eating it when she was embraced from behind.


    "Good medicine is bitter, but getting your body in order is more important than anything else, isn¡¯t it?"


    "Hmph!"


    Mu Yichen wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder and cooing softly to her, Qin Mu could only let out a hum of laughter; after all, he was right.

 Chapter 244 - 93 Mrs. Mu’s Petty Revenge_5

    Chapter 244: 93 Mrs. Mu¡¯s Petty Revenge_5


    "Once you¡¯ve recovered, your hands and feet won¡¯t be cold anymore, and then you can help me warm the bed,"


    Qin Mu lowered his gaze, feeling the taste of honey in his mouth was a bit strong, but then it gradually melted within: "I need a cup of warm water now."


    "I¡¯ll pour it for you!"


    After kissing her neck forcefully, Qin Mu turned his face to let him kiss her enough before he let go.


    After she drank a cup of water, the two of them went upstairs together.


    Mu Yichen looked at the little girl who had already been brought to their room and unconsciously turned his head to look at the woman standing beside him: "You really do keep your promises."


    "Of course!"


    Qin Mu replied, not at all ashamed but rather taking pride in it.


    Back at the apartment, he had said that once they were back, he would cuddle with Huanhuan to sleep.


    Mu Yichen nodded and then went to the bathroom to take a shower first, while Qin Mu lie on the bed, grinning foolishly at her daughter.


    "Mrs. Mu, come and take a shower,"


    But just as she had lay down for a bit, Mu Yichen called her into the bathroom.


    Qin Mu guessed that he had probably just heated the water and called her.


    Without much to say, she went to join him for the shower.


    Although sometimes he was inappropriate, often taking advantage during showers, this time he was truly behaved, scaring her for less than thirty seconds after the shower before he put on his pajamas and went outside.


    Qin Mu tied up her hair and wrapped it in a towel before leaving the room.


    Mu Yichen lay beside his daughter, quietly watching the sleeping Little Huanhuan.


    "What are you thinking about?"


    Qin Mu lied opposite him, curiously asking as she watched him gazing at their daughter lost in thought.


    "I¡¯m thinking about Mu Qingxin,"


    Qin Mu thought of Mu Qingxin, and knowing too little to ask more, just listened quietly.


    "This girl has been out for a few years now. Seems like she doesn¡¯t plan on coming back after finding a man,"


    "Are you saying your sister started dating early?"


    "It¡¯s not about dating early, but it is indeed a little early,"


    He had intended to find someone suitable for her in the city in these two years, but she had gone to a different place on her own...


    And because she was afraid her parents would object, she has yet to dare to come back.


    "Then she must really love that person," Qin Mu propped her hands beneath her face and said thoughtfully, her mind drifting far away.


    "What makes you think so?"


    The dark eagle eyes looked at the woman across from him, steadfastly catching the loneliness in her eyes.


    "Because if it wasn¡¯t for loving someone deeply, how could she be willing to stay away from home for so many years? She must really miss you, but she¡¯s also afraid of never seeing that man again."


    Once a woman is torn between family and love, especially at a young age, she¡¯s likely to choose the man.


    "What about you? Did you stay in Rongcheng because of me?"


    He suddenly asked insistently.


    Qin Mu finally snapped back to reality, looked into his deep eyes, took a deep breath unconsciously, and then smiled: "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen felt that although the word was said confidently, the actual probability was very small, but he wasn¡¯t enthusiastic: "Let¡¯s sleep."


    "Mm, goodnight!"


    Qin Mu continued to smile, then silently closed her eyes.


    Some topics between them were best left touched upon lightly.


    Just as Mu Yichen didn¡¯t know why she suddenly coaxed him later on and made up with him.


    Was it because she realized she loved him, or just out of guilt for all he had done?


    However, no matter the reason, he was very glad that the choice she made was to be with him.


    On the day she didn¡¯t answer his calls or his messages, he knew she was working late in the studio before he went to find her. He knew she must have been overthinking again, hesitating. That day he was really scared, if she retreated to how she was when she first came to Rongcheng, if she started rejecting the feeling of being with him again...


    He had deeply experienced her coldness more than once, so he truly didn¡¯t want a next time.


    Fortunately, in the end, she chose to make him happy.


    He thought, day after day, year after year, he would always win her heart and hear her sincerely say she loved him.


    The night grew deeper and quieter; he could even hear the air gently operating in the room. Watching his daughter sleeping soundly next to him and the woman he loved most, he felt immensely satisfied, yet he was reluctant to fall asleep.


    That night, Qin Mu had a dream where Mu Qingxin suddenly came back.


    She couldn¡¯t see the face clearly but only watched the figure dressed in a long skirt and a knitted jacket, with blue canvas shoes on her feet.


    Perhaps it was true that what one thinks about in the day, they dream of at night.


    When the sky lightened with the first glimmer of dawn, some of those asleep began to wake.


    On the streets, sanitation workers were already sweeping, with a gentle breeze blowing, and they wore thick uniforms, heads bowed, diligently sweeping the roads they must have swept thousands of times over.

 Chapter 245 - 93 Mrs. Mu’s Petty Revenge_6

    Chapter 245: 93 Mrs. Mu¡¯s Petty Revenge_6


    Occasionally a car passed by, and the leaves on the road that hadn¡¯t yet been swept were stirred up, only to slowly settle down again.


    Everything was still quiet, so even the slightest noise could be heard by those present; the workers sweeping the ground lifted their heads when they heard the pleasant sound of the leaves being lifted, then bowed them again, continuing their sweeping.


    In the neighborhood, windows lit up one by one, carelessly at first, but soon someone¡¯s kitchen began to make noise, followed by bathrooms, and then the sounds of people leaving for the day.


    By the time the sun rose, the park and the plaza were already bustling with many people, country music dominating these areas, with old ladies focused on their square dancing routines, and others playing badminton, kicking shuttlecocks, or engaging in a variety of other sports.


    The ultra-luxurious kitchen at AM also bustled into activity ¨C chefs dressed in professional uniforms, with neatly arranged chef hats, began preparing perfect breakfasts and snacks.


    Soon the high-end rooms began requesting room service, and the well-dressed butlers were ready to go. Shortly after, the service began, coordinating with the kitchen, pushing trolleys on their way to deliver meals to the guests.


    It wasn¡¯t until nearly ten o¡¯clock that the hotel¡¯s activities began to slow down, yet preparations for lunch had to start quickly.


    When lunchtime came, whether it was for socializing among the big shots or for white-collar workers with proper jobs, anyone who knew how to enjoy life chose a good hotel for dining.


    Mrs. Mu hosted her guests here as well.


    In a moderately-sized private room with four chairs, only two were occupied, one by the same noblewoman from last time. After receiving the design and confirming the details via video with her master, she then started dining with Qin Mu.


    "I¡¯m really troubled by this time, but your master is becoming more and more slippery and particularly difficult to deal with."


    The noblewoman sounded a little complaining, but because she still quite liked the clothes designed by Qin Mu, she didn¡¯t say much more.


    "Master is just trying to create more opportunities for his apprentices," Qin Mu said, laughing.


    "That¡¯s true. Your master does truly like you, or else he wouldn¡¯t pass on all his insights to you."


    The noblewoman nodded, wholeheartedly agreeing with Qin Mu¡¯s statement.


    "Indeed!"


    Qin Mu felt a bit guilty upon hearing this comment.


    "By the way, the person who caused you trouble at the studio last time was the second young lady of the Jing Family, wasn¡¯t it?"


    "You remember that?"


    "How could I forget? I thought you were definitely at a disadvantage under those circumstances. I didn¡¯t expect you to be able to turn the situation around."


    The noblewoman remembered the scene and still felt nervous, thinking that she likely couldn¡¯t have avoided being taken advantage of in the same situation.


    "Fighting is probably not Miss Jing¡¯s strong suit," Qin Mu said with grace.


    "She has lived in such an environment since she was young, so she must be quite arrogant. Fighting and cursing are probably not her fortes, but I¡¯m sure she¡¯s more calculating than you. I suspect she hates you because of Young Master Chen. You need to be careful."


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t expecting to be given such a reminder, and after listening, she nodded and smiled, promising to be cautious.


    "Although she can¡¯t beat you, girls raised in big mansions can be very crafty. If you¡¯re not careful, ten of you might not be able to outwit her."


    Since the conversation had suddenly turned to Jing Qing and there was so much to say, Qin Mu just listened and took note.


    The benefits Qin Mu received from that luncheon were substantial. The elegant and proper noblewoman was a friend of her master but had been referred to her by Jian Yan, likely due to Jian Yan that she was so earnest in offering her warnings.


    After bidding farewell to her distinguished guest, Qin Mu went back inside, asking a staff member nearby, "Was that Qin Mingzhu who came in before me at noon?"


    "Yes!" The staff member, startled, responded immediately with respect.


    "Has she left?"


    "I don¡¯t think so!"


    The staff member didn¡¯t understand what she wanted to know, but because he knew she often came and went with the boss, he told her everything.


    Qin Mu¡¯s sharp eyes glanced inside for a second or two, then she moved closer to the staff member and whispered something in his ear. The young man¡¯s eyes lit up, and he turned to run back inside.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smirk involuntarily, but when she saw someone approaching, she felt her expression was inappropriate. She forced herself to lick her lips, struggling to hold back her smile, and then turned and walked out with a swagger.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know if her plan would work, but she always felt that she had to find an opportunity to get back at the Qin Family for her past grievances, and this opportunity seemed pretty good.

 Chapter 246 - 93 Mrs. Mu’s Petty Revenge_7

    Chapter 246: 93 Mrs. Mu¡¯s Petty Revenge_7


    Just over half an hour later, the person who had been laughing and talking like a queen in the private room suddenly started to feel uncomfortable, involuntarily reaching to scratch her neck and the area beside her chin.


    At first, none of the seven or eight people at the table noticed her restless behavior, but eventually they realized something was off.


    The girl who had been sitting beside her curiously looked at her ceaselessly scratching her skin, which had once been as smooth as jade, and observed the reddened patches speckled with tiny dots.


    "Oh no, Mingzhu, why do you have so many red spots on your neck?"


    The warm touch of the girl¡¯s hand on her neck stirred concern.


    "Hmm? Really? I don¡¯t know why, but suddenly it¡¯s so itchy."


    Qin Mingzhu continued to scratch, getting more forceful by the minute.


    A few of the boys couldn¡¯t stand seeing her delicate skin being treated so roughly, their gazes filled with covetousness, but then they pretended not to harbor such thoughts and feigned concern, asking, "Should we go to the hospital? You don¡¯t seem quite right."


    "Yeah, it could be some food allergy." Another person reminded.


    "I really can¡¯t take it anymore, hurry up, take me to the hospital quickly."


    She wanted to scratch her back but, with so many boys around, she had to endure and not long after was escorted out of the hotel by a few of them.


    The staff member standing by the door watched as a whole troop of them came out from inside, involuntarily craning his neck to see, and eventually couldn¡¯t help but chuckle softly.


    In fact, Qin Mu didn¡¯t know for sure at the time, only to find out later that indeed, they were all allergic to the same fruit.


    Later, the young fellow told the manager about the incident, hoping the manager would relay it to Qin Mu. The manager didn¡¯t have Qin Mu¡¯s number but did have Xiaomei¡¯s, so he told Xiaomei, and eventually the news reached Qin Mu¡¯s ears.


    In Qin Mu¡¯s office, Xiaomei asked curiously, "So what exactly is your relationship with this incident?"


    "The relationship, well, it¡¯s just me taking a small revenge on Qin Mingzhu, but it should make her suffer for a few days."


    Qin Mu had been drawing with Jian Yan, and upon hearing Xiaomei¡¯s question, he set down his pen and smiled at Xiaomei.


    "Uh! Can you reveal the details?" Xiaomei immediately wanted to know more.


    "Well..." It was a long story, and Qin Mu was thinking about where to begin.


    "Didn¡¯t you see she was drawing?"


    Jian Yan chimed in.


    Xiaomei...


    Knowing Jian Yan disliked interruptions when they were together, Xiaomei felt wronged but had no choice but to lower her head, apologize, and leave.


    After Xiaomei left, Qin Mu turned to look at the man sitting opposite him: "Weren¡¯t you a bit too harsh on Xiaomei?"


    "Me, harsh on her? Did I?"


    Jian Yan hadn¡¯t felt he¡¯d said anything wrong at all.


    "Haven¡¯t you noticed that Xiaomei really likes you?"


    "And you? Haven¡¯t you noticed that besides Mu Yichen, someone else likes you even more?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze grew distant, startled.


    "So, if you don¡¯t even know about your own affairs, how can you blame me for not knowing that Xiaomei likes me?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Master, I think you¡¯ve been acting strange lately."


    Qin Mu tried to smile, though it seemed difficult.


    "Let¡¯s get back to drawing, remember to add the embellishment at the cuff."


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu dared not ask more and continued drawing.


    Suddenly, he felt that Jian Yan supervising his drawing was very much like a master supervising his apprentice. It reminded him of being monitored by teachers at school, then by the master, and later by Director Mu.


    After finishing work, Mu Yichen came looking for her. Xiaomei and the others were packing up to leave and greeted him politely upon his arrival.


    "Is Director Mu here to pick up Qinqin? She¡¯s upstairs drawing with Jian ge."


    A handsome guy mentioned.


    "Thank you!"


    Mu Yichen replied indifferently, courteous enough, and after pausing for a couple of seconds, he turned and headed upstairs.


    Xiaomei wondered if this kid had lost his mind. He actually told Mu Yi that the mentor and student were drawing together, without realizing that the boss cared very deeply about this love rival.


    Mu Yichen walked over softly, the door was open.


    Just this detail made him feel slightly better. He strolled around, turning slowly, his dark eyes gradually lifting to see his beloved wife with her head down, intently drawing. Jian Yan sat opposite her, leaning in, with one hand gently pressing on a point on her drawing paper.


    "Wouldn¡¯t this area look more spacious without this point?"


    "Try erasing it!"


    Qin Mu also seriously contemplated the design on his shoulder, feeling that something was off.


    Mu Yichen just stood at the doorway, fixedly. Their voices were soft, absorbed in their work, and he stood there silently for two minutes without them noticing him.


    After that, he took a deep breath and then raised his hand to knock on the door.


    His sharply defined contours were somewhat cold and oppressive, as if suppressing a small flame.


    His gaze was exceptionally sharp and alert, making people smile unconsciously, and then they straightened up their backs while sitting in their chairs.


    "Since when did you become so polite, Boss Mu?"


    Qin Mu then lifted her head and saw her dear husband had arrived.


    "Did I disturb your work?" he asked lightly, smiling as he stepped forward.


    "Now that Boss Mu is here, I¡¯ll head back too! Oh, and thank you and your wife for helping me find that apartment."


    When Jian Yan finished speaking, he had already stood up with the poise of a mentor, smiling as he bowed his head and walked out.


    Qin Mu watched him leave without understanding what had happened, and only withdrew her gaze when his figure vanished. Her eyes then turned to the man who had been staring at her all along, and she subconsciously put down her pen, straightening her stiff back: What¡¯s wrong?


    His eyes were clearly amiss.


    But then he managed a slight smile: Nothing!


    What could he say? His wife had not noticed anything unusual.


    Qin Mu...


    Nothing?


    Clearly, there was something.


    "Has Master been acting weird lately, have you noticed?"


    Qin Mu asked him curiously, looking into his eyes more seriously.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but frown, attempting to smile without actually smiling.


    "Qin Mu, do you really think your husband is not jealous?"


    Boss Mu squinted his eyes, struggling to contain his anger and barely managing to smile with a menacing, intimidating air.


    "Uh!"


    "Can¡¯t you leave work now?" he asked, his brow still furrowed.


    "Hmm, just a little longer."


    She looked down at the drawing she was working on, then picked up her pen again but couldn¡¯t help glancing up at him: You just mentioned being jealous, jealous of what?


    "Keep drawing."


    Mu Yichen, hands in his pockets, said this and then fretfully went over to the window.


    Qin Mu...


    Brushing her off like that? Why wouldn¡¯t he tell her?


    Qin Mu had no time to seek confirmation, as she had to finish her drawings quickly, leave work, and head home, having promised Fanghua that she would try to have dinner with her every night, and she must keep her word.


    On the way home, Mu Yichen was still not in good spirits. This wasn¡¯t the first time, in fact, many times he had seen his wife and her mentor with their heads almost touching while working. And with Jian Yan suddenly saying he would be staying in town more often, it was odd if Mu Yichen felt happy about it.


    While Qin Mu was drawing, Mu Yichen took out his phone and sent a message from the window: Let¡¯s have a couple of drinks tonight.


    No punctuation.


    "Sure!"


    The reply also had no punctuation.

 Chapter 247 - 94 wants to hold grandson_1

    Chapter 247: 94 wants to hold grandson_1


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t leave the house until after dinner, and Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why. After he left, Feng Fanghua, curious, asked Qin Mu, "Why is he going out so late again?"


    "I also... probably to meet Jing Feng for a drink," Qin Mu guessed, thinking it inappropriate to say he didn¡¯t know or that it wasn¡¯t suitable to discuss.


    "Is he on good terms with Jing Feng?" Feng Fanghua immediately latched onto the mention of Jing Feng as Qin Mu retracted his gaze from the outside and nodded, only to see the anxiety on Feng Fanghua¡¯s face.


    "His relationship with Jing Feng won¡¯t change just because of the old master of the Jing Family," Qin Mu reassured somewhat subconsciously.


    "That would be best; as long as those two get along, the Jing Family can¡¯t do much against Yichen no matter what they try. Eventually, Jing Feng will be the one calling the shots for the Jing Family," Feng Fanghua immediately found a new lead to discuss once Qin Mu mentioned Jing Feng, and Qin Mu, aware that she was planning for the future, just nodded, trying to smile but finding it somewhat difficult.


    Feng Fanghua looked at her granddaughter, who was falling asleep in Qin Mu¡¯s arms, and asked, "Have you two been avoiding pregnancy recently?"


    The abrupt change of topic startled Qin Mu, making her dark eyes sparkle exceptionally.


    "Don¡¯t get mad at me for being blunt, though you two haven¡¯t had a wedding, you¡¯ve registered your marriage, and Huanhuan is already three years old. Don¡¯t you want to give her a little brother?" Feng Fanghua sat on the sofa, looking at her adorable granddaughter and then at the woman holding her.


    Qin Mu clearly hadn¡¯t considered giving Huanhuan a little brother, but the thought of having another child had crossed her mind. She didn¡¯t care whether it would be a boy or a girl.


    Mu Yichen had never mentioned having a preference for a boy or a girl either, just that he wanted another child with her.


    "You¡¯re still young now, and this is the best time for your body to recover quickly after having a baby. Don¡¯t wait until you¡¯re twenty-seven or twenty-eight to have another one. It¡¯s harder to recover after giving birth, and it¡¯ll be harder to maintain your figure," said Feng Fanghua, encouraging her.


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t certain if she was right but suddenly felt a sense of unreality.


    "Today, I even asked Huanhuan if she wanted a little brother. She does want one! If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask her yourself tomorrow morning," Feng Fanghua said with a laugh, as if it were true.


    "Uh, okay!" Qin Mu could only weakly agree.


    "You¡¯ve been taking care of your body recently. Once it¡¯s better, you should try for a baby, okay? While your father-in-law and I can still help out," Feng Fanghua suggested.


    Qin Mu nodded with a smile after a moment, letting her glance fall as she hid the hesitation in her eyes.


    "The best news your father and I could hear right now is that you¡¯re pregnant and are giving us another grandchild. Then, I¡¯ll have nothing more to ask of you, and you can do as you please," Feng Fanghua continued, holding her cup of tea gently.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but chuckle involuntarily; she understood Feng Fanghua¡¯s meaning now.


    In other words, as long as she had another son, whatever trouble she or Mu Yichen might cause with the Jing Family or anyone else, Feng Fanghua wouldn¡¯t care.


    Looking down at her sleeping daughter, Qin Mu didn¡¯t take Feng Fanghua¡¯s words to heart, but suddenly thought, perhaps it was indeed time to give her daughter a brother or sister?


    Just like how she herself had been alone outside since she was little with no one to care for her. Would it have been less lonely with a brother or sister?


    And with Huanhuan being so adorable, how could she let her feel lonely?


    The feeling of not being loved or cherished, she thought it best not to let her daughter experience that. So, yes, it was time to have another child.


    After tonight, she was very certain about wanting a second child.


    However, she didn¡¯t rush to tell Mu Yichen; she simply stopped drinking coffee and so on.


    While Qin Mu and Feng Fanghua were discussing the possibility of a second child, the Qin Family was in high spirits.


    "Mom, look at me. The doctor said it¡¯s an allergy. It¡¯s been killing me," Qin Mingzhu complained as she rubbed her itchy skin.


    "Let me see! How did this happen? You¡¯ve never had allergies before, and I don¡¯t have allergic reactions either," her mother replied.


    Even though medication had been prescribed, the welts on her body took a while to dissipate and still itched. Qin Mingzhu, arriving home and seeing her parents sitting and drinking tea, immediately went over and began to act coquettishly in front of Zhang Rujia.


    Qin Haiming, however, couldn¡¯t help but lift his gaze, recalling his past: "I¡¯m allergic."


    Mother and daughter both curiously looked at him, Qin Haiming offered a slight smile: "I¡¯m allergic to kiwifruit, and Qin Mu has the same issue."


    "What?" Qin Mingzhu asked with curiosity, thinking it odd since they never ate that fruit at home.


    "Looks like all three of us in the family have this problem. It must be hereditary," Qin Haiming said with a bit of pride, but the pleased expression on his face was faint.

 Chapter 248 - 94 wants to hold grandson_2

    Chapter 248: 94 wants to hold grandson_2


    "What? Allergic to kiwifruit? Did you eat kiwifruit?"


    "No, I ordered a fruit platter today, but I never liked sour things like that, so I didn¡¯t eat any."


    Qin Mingzhu was puzzled, recalling that there had been no kiwifruit in her lunch at all.


    "It must have been that fruit that caused your allergy, didn¡¯t the doctor say?"


    "The doctor only mentioned it was probably an allergy to something, but didn¡¯t specify what."


    She had hung on an IV drip all afternoon in the hospital, and after coming out, she was still a bit groggy, completely unaware of how she suddenly became allergic.


    Although her skin was very sensitive, she had always taken good care of it.


    "It should be better in a couple of days; if not, go back to the hospital tomorrow for more shots."


    Because she and her father had nearly come to blows after an argument the day before, Qin Mingzhu obediently nodded her head today without daring to talk back.


    Zhang Rujia was even more delighted to see Qin Haiming caring for his daughter and couldn¡¯t help but sigh, "Ah, our family really has been unlucky lately. I¡¯ll go to the temple and burn some incense tomorrow; maybe that will help."


    "Burn what incense? It would be better if you and our daughter refrained from causing me any more trouble."


    Qin Haiming had never believed in those things, but he felt a headache coming on just thinking about the difficulty his wife and other daughter Qin Mu gave him. He just wanted to be nicer to Qin Mu because he truly felt guilty.


    "You talk as if we¡¯re jinxes. Haven¡¯t you ever heard the saying ¡¯it takes two to tango¡¯?" Zhang Rujia muttered under her breath.


    "It takes two to tango?"


    Qin Haiming smiled, raised his hand, and lightly tapped on the back of Zhang Rujia¡¯s hand, "Does it make a sound or not?"


    Zhang Rujia cried out indignantly and then looked at him with a pitiful expression, "What are you doing?"


    "I¡¯m just showing you that it¡¯s not true that one hand can¡¯t make a noise. From now on, stop provoking Qin Mu, okay? When you see her, be polite, don¡¯t be aggressive. After all, she never got much out of our family."


    Qin Haiming said.


    "Mom, listen to Dad, he¡¯s taking his eldest daughter¡¯s side." Qin Mingzhu whispered as she gripped Zhang Rujia¡¯s arm.


    "Taking her side? If I really were, would I not have made a big deal about all the things you¡¯ve done to her?"


    Qin Mingzhu thought about the slaps she had received and couldn¡¯t believe her ears.


    Qin Haiming sighed helplessly, "I¡¯m busy, and you don¡¯t bother to discipline her properly. All she knows is to indulge herself outside. Isn¡¯t it time for her to find a job?"


    "What¡¯s the big deal about her? She¡¯s just a bit immature," Zhang Rujia said, then turned to her daughter and whispered, "If your father really took her side, you wouldn¡¯t have had such an easy time. From now on, you¡¯re not allowed to falsely accuse your father, got it?"


    "Oh!"


    Qin Mingzhu agreed, her heart almost bursting with glee.


    She knew that Qin Haiming still favored her.


    "It¡¯s getting late. Since you¡¯re not feeling well from the allergy, go take a bath and get some rest. Your mother and I will have some tea and then it¡¯s off to bed for us too."


    "Okay, goodnight Mom and Dad."


    Qin Mingzhu got up cheerfully, kissed each of their faces, and then happily went upstairs.


    Qin Haiming watched his daughter leave with a smile, always feeling she was still a child at heart.


    "Mingzhu has grown up so fast, hasn¡¯t she?" Zhang Rujia said softly to him.


    "Yes!"


    But he suddenly remembered the time when the mother and daughter first came to his home, and thinking of Qin Mu back then, he couldn¡¯t help feeling guilty again.


    "No matter the past, husband, from now on, can¡¯t the three of us just live well together?"


    Zhang Rujia¡¯s hand was holding his, her eyes brimming with sincerity.


    Qin Haiming looked up at her, "One condition, take good care of Qin Mu. I owe her that. I don¡¯t want you two to be enemies. Can you do that?"


    "For you, even if it¡¯s a great grievance, I¡¯ll bear it. Didn¡¯t I let it go when she pushed me down this time?" Zhang Rujia said softly.


    "You let it go, but didn¡¯t your daughter teach her a lesson for that?"


    Qin Haiming recalled the incident, still feeling a bit of a headache.


    "That¡¯s just my daughter being filial. If she didn¡¯t care for me, you¡¯d be the one worried." Zhang Rujia pushed his hand away and continued.


    "True!" Qin Haiming scoffed, feeling there was some truth to it.


    "Let¡¯s go to bed, no more tea!" Zhang Rujia said, and Qin Mingzhu nodded. The two of them went upstairs together.


    ----


    Mu Family.


    Qin Mu waited until nearly half-past eleven, her eyelids fighting with each other, before she finally fell asleep cuddling her daughter without realizing it.


    But the next morning, she awoke to find herself sleeping in her own bed without having opened her eyes.


    The morning¡¯s man had more vitality and tenderness, still dressed in comfortable pajamas and pants, his strong arms propping up his head as he lay on his side.

 Chapter 249 - 94 wants to hold grandson_3

    Chapter 249: 94 wants to hold grandson_3


    Although he returned late, he woke up very early and lay on his side next to the woman, watching her until she woke up.


    Qin Mu habitually reached out for him in the morning, wanting to cuddle in his arms a bit longer. Mu Yichen let her wiggle around in his embrace until he couldn¡¯t help but laugh when she tickled him.


    Realizing he was awake, Qin Mu squinted and lifted her head to look at him, "You¡¯re awake? What time did you get back last night?"


    Her voice was still groggy as she spoke then lowered her head again, finding a warm spot on his chest to snuggle closer to.


    Feeling his heartbeat, she suddenly thought of the phrase ¡¯strong and powerful,¡¯ which was indeed very apt.


    "I came back at midnight, isn¡¯t Mrs. Mu planning to wake up?"


    "I am awake, just squinting for a little while longer."


    Qin Mu¡¯s sleepy voice admitted then continued to hug him, unwilling to get up.


    "Then, shall we talk about the location for your end-of-year fashion show?"


    He gazed down at the woman in his arms, his voice very gentle yet undeniable.


    Qin Mu instinctively opened her bright eyes, realizing he might know something, fluttered her long eyelashes twice before lifting her head to ask, "What do you want to say?"


    "Why not hold it at AM?"


    His dark eyes stared straight at her, piercing deep into her soul.


    "Did you meet with Jian Yan last night¡ª?"


    So far, only Jian Yan knew about this.


    "Yes!"


    He didn¡¯t deny it, admitting it frankly.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heartbeat involuntarily quickened at his admission, then after managing to calm down, she opened her mouth and took a while before she remembered that matter, "Don¡¯t you think the studio is a good place?"


    "Is the studio as reputable as AM?"


    Mu Yichen asked her in a serious, deep voice.


    It was as if they were discussing business and not merely a squabble over a location.


    Qin Mu gradually let go of him, faced with his persistent gaze and her own stubbornness, she could only smile helplessly, "I can¡¯t always have my shows at AM. I want my own place, something that lets all the guests know about our studio."


    "For the next two years, at least for the next two years, do it at AM!"


    Mu Yichen told her seriously.


    "And the reason?" Qin Mu asked curiously.


    The two lay face to face on the bed, a small distance between them, one above the other, each holding on to their own reasoning.


    "The reason is that your current reputation isn¡¯t enough. If I don¡¯t help you create a buzz, you can only imagine who would attend your show, even though you have Jian Yan."


    The last few words hit Qin Mu hard.


    But what he said made sense. When she made that decision, it was for fear of being unable to untangle her relationship with him, but now they were getting along again.


    And they were planning to have a second child, so...


    "Alright, I agree!"


    Qin Mu said seriously but then threw herself back into his embrace after speaking.


    "How come you¡¯re so easy to talk to this time?"


    Mu Yichen wrapped an arm around her, suspiciously asking her, his eyes half-narrowed.


    "We¡¯re like this already, why would I be afraid to rely on you more?" She mumbled, then hugged him even tighter.


    Mu Yichen laughed involuntarily, his hand stroking her head: "You¡¯ve finally seen the light!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t bother with him, just wanting to hug him tightly when suddenly she was flipped over and pinned down: "Mm, it¡¯s hard to control oneself in the morning."


    "Don¡¯t even start!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s ears heated up, and she cast a sultry glance at him before looking away.


    Mu Yichen laughed, covering her lips with his, kissing her deeply for a long while before reluctantly letting go and continued to kiss her in various ways.


    Qin Mu subconsciously squinted up at him, her smile barely restrained yet as if she had fallen into a pot of honey.


    "Mu Yichen!"


    "Hmm?"


    "Do you prefer a boy or a girl?"


    She wrapped her arms around his sturdy waist and asked, then unconsciously licked her own lips.


    "Hmm? As long as it¡¯s yours."


    President Mu was actually a bit confused at first, but then he laughed too when he thought it through.


    "But you already have a daughter, don¡¯t you want a son more?"


    "As long as they¡¯re like you, I¡¯ll love them."


    He whispered softly, kissing her eyelashes, her lips, his hands gently caressing her soft, warm skin.


    "Mm!"


    She responded softly and then couldn¡¯t help but take the initiative to kiss him again.


    She believed his words, just like his love for Huanhuan, simply because that was their child.


    Knowing he wasn¡¯t predisposed to favor sons over daughters, she actually breathed a sigh of relief¡ªwho can guarantee their second child would be a boy?


    As for Feng Fanghua and the rest, she could only say she would try her best.

 Chapter 250 - 94 wants to hold grandson_4

    Chapter 250: 94 wants to hold grandson_4


    During breakfast, he held Huanhuan, followed by Qin Mu, and as soon as they descended the stairs, they were greeted by the household staff. Mu Yichen responded with an uncharacteristically cheerful reply, causing everyone to look up at him in surprise before smiling secretly and lowering their eyes.


    Seeing the affection among the family members, Qin Mu felt a surge of energy, and the tiredness brought on by Mu Yichen earlier disappeared.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao had just settled at the dining table when they saw them arrive, and they were delighted. Mu Zihao smiled and said, "Let my granddaughter come to me."


    "Grandpa, good morning, Grandma, good morning!"


    Huanhuan politely greeted them and, after being put down by Mu Yichen, went over to her grandparents and gave them a kiss on their cheeks while standing on tiptoes.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile, thinking to herself how Huanhuan really knew how to warm a person¡¯s heart. It was no wonder Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao adored her so much.


    "Good morning to Grandma¡¯s sweet granddaughter. Why did you sleep in so much today?"


    "Because Huanhuan had a dream, I dreamed of Princess Sophia."


    Huanhuan remembered her dream.


    "Oh? Who is Sophia?" Mu Zihao asked curiously, not recalling a princess by that name.


    "Sophia, of course!"


    Feng Fanghua explained on behalf of her granddaughter, mentioning the animated series she had been watching, one she would insist on watching later.


    "Look at me!" Mu Zihao said, embarrassed.


    After Qin Mu arrived at the studio and realized her master wasn¡¯t there, she asked the people downstairs, "When did the master say he would arrive?"


    "Our boss is sick; he should be lying at home now."


    A handsome guy had just come in and responded when he heard her asking, prompting Qin Mu to inquire, "Xiaomei, where are you?"


    "I¡¯m here, here!"


    Xiaomei, who hadn¡¯t had time to apply makeup at home and had gone to the restroom to fix it upon arriving at the studio, ran out to look upstairs.


    "You accompany me to visit the master."


    "Okay!"


    Xiaomei was internally ecstatic, but the thought of meeting Jian Yan made her instinctively dash back to the restroom; she needed to ensure her makeup looked natural, as she knew Jian Yan preferred natural-looking girls.


    Qin Mu drove, while Xiaomei sat beside her, fidgeting like a bride-to-be, her big, dark eyes never ceased looking around anxiously.


    "Haven¡¯t you been to his apartment before?"


    She had heard that their apartments were next to each other.


    "I have."


    "Then why are you so nervous today?"


    "I¡¯ve never seen the master¡ªno, the boss¡ªsick."


    Qin Mu chuckled; some of the staff liked to call him boss, others called him Brother Jian, and, even more daringly, some called him Uncle Jian. Only Xiaomei¡¯s way of addressing him fluctuated.


    After ringing the doorbell of his apartment for quite a while, someone finally answered. Jian Yan was dressed in a white, long T-shirt and comfortable sleeping pants. Seeing the person before him, his heart involuntarily quickened, and he stared intently at the person in front of him with his deep black eyes.


    "I brought you breakfast."


    Xiaomei, noticing that she wasn¡¯t in his eyes, lifted the takeout bag she was holding and then entered the apartment first.


    Qin Mu, on the other hand, felt her heartbeat slow for a moment with Jian Yan¡¯s stare, and then she weakly asked him, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Oh, it¡¯s nothing!" Jian Yan lowered his head, pinching the bridge of his nose.


    Qin Mu walked in and immediately supported his arm when she saw him turn and begin to faint.


    "Were you not fine yesterday? Why are you so weak today?"


    Mumbling, Qin Mu held his arm, intending to guide him inside, while Jian Yan was fixated on her hand supporting him, forgetting everything else.


    Since he didn¡¯t respond and wasn¡¯t moving forward, Qin Mu had to look up at him again and saw him staring at her hand as if in a daze, "Are you alright? Master? Jian Yan?"


    "I am a bit out of it; help me to the sofa."


    "Okay!"


    Xiaomei, watching the two walking together from inside, felt an ache in her heart. She thought about the makeup she had meticulously applied, the nervousness she had felt on the way, wishing she could stay and take care of him. But what happened instead?


    He only saw the person at her side even though she was right in front of him when he opened the door.


    Xiaomei watched Qin Mu supporting Jian Yan, and her eyes fell.


    "Xiaomei, will you help the master?"


    "Oh, sure!"


    Qin Mu understood her feelings well and immediately made room for Xiaomei, watching as Xiaomei blissfully wrapped her arm around Jian Yan¡¯s arm, while Qin Mu went ahead to prepare his breakfast.


    "Didn¡¯t you go out for drinks with Mu Yi last night? Did you drink too much?"


    Qin Mu originally wanted to ask him other things, but now she wasn¡¯t in the mood, only concerned about his illness.

 Chapter 251 - 94 wants to hold grandson_5

    Chapter 251: 94 wants to hold grandson_5


    "Perhaps."


    He said faintly.


    Qin Mu, noticing the weakness in his voice, couldn¡¯t help but lift her gaze to him, "After finishing the meal, let Xiaomei accompany you to the hospital."


    "Does Xiaomei have nothing to do today?"


    He asked in a low voice, looking at the breakfast with little appetite.


    "She can be free, but if you want her to be busy, then she will be."


    After helping him sit down, Xiaomei stood by his side, knowing he might disdain her, her tone a bit stubborn and sad.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but give a low chuckle, "You¡¯re free today, I know."


    Xiaomei looked at her gratefully, almost trembling with her smile.


    Jian Yan didn¡¯t speak, knowing Qin Mu wanted to set him up with Xiaomei, but this kind of thing...


    "I don¡¯t need anyone here, by the way, how is your drawing coming along?"


    He asked, taking a sip of the porridge.


    "I finished it last night before leaving work. I originally wanted to have you check it today, but you fell ill."


    Qin Mu sat down opposite him, subconsciously pushing the small pickles and steamed buns closer to him.


    "Hmm, I won¡¯t go there today, both of you should head back early and get busy."


    "Can you manage by yourself? Don¡¯t you need to go see a doctor?" Qin Mu asked him, worried.


    Jian Yan looked at her intently for a few seconds before speaking again, "Might just be a cold from the sudden drop in temperature. I¡¯ll be fine with some sleep."


    Hearing that, Qin Mu didn¡¯t insist anymore. Xiaomei, however, sat by, looking at him grievously, "You have no idea how to take care of your own health."


    "How am I not taking care of myself? If I weren¡¯t, would I stay home and rest today?"


    Jian Yan defended himself, his voice weary but patient.


    Xiaomei didn¡¯t say anything more. In argument, she always lost to this master-disciple duo, unless they chose not to argue with her. So wisely, she just sat quietly.


    Later, when the two of them left his home, Xiaomei was still downcast. Qin Mu, opening the car door and getting in, looked at her, "Otherwise, you could go back and say I ordered you to stay and take care of him."


    "Forget it, no one but you will he accept."


    Xiaomei snorted with a laugh, knowing she didn¡¯t stand a chance.


    Qin Mu, feeling helpless, tried to console Xiaomei on the way, but as they neared the studio, Xiaomei suddenly asked her, "Qinqin, can you really not feel it?"


    Qin Mu looked at her curiously.


    "Can¡¯t you feel that the master¡¯s gaze towards you is different? Can¡¯t you see that he¡¯s never been kind to anyone other than you?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Those gossip news might be just that, but is there really nothing to them, don¡¯t you feel anything at all?"


    The car slowly pulled to a stop by the road. Qin Mu turned to look at her very seriously, "What exactly are you trying to say?"


    "He likes you¡ªno, maybe I should say he loves you."


    "Who? The master? How is that possible? His look towards me is at best paternal love, understand?"


    Paternal love...


    Xiaomei looked at her, disappointed, realizing that Qin Mu¡¯s mind was truly occupied by only one ¡¯normal¡¯ man, Mu Yichen.


    Why hadn¡¯t Jian Yan dated anyone in the past few years if he wasn¡¯t too old to move? Why?


    Xiaomei said nothing more, just let out a disinterested "Oh."


    Later, the car slowly got back on the road. Qin Mu, however, was thinking, what exactly did the two of them talk about last night? One was in high spirits, the other, the total opposite. It clearly looked like the aftermath of a battle.


    But as soon as the two returned to the studio, their colleagues informed them that their designer had once again made the hot search news, accused of plagiarizing someone else¡¯s design.


    "I¡¯ll make a phone call."


    After Qin Mu and her colleagues finished reading the hot search in the middle of the first floor, she said that and went upstairs alone.


    "Who exactly wants to ruin us this time?" Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help but ask angrily.


    After Qin Mu went upstairs, she directly called President Mu. Mu Yichen was in a meeting, but upon seeing the phone display "Wife," he immediately picked up.


    "Calling at this hour¡ªare you asking me out for dinner?"


    Everyone around the conference table fell silent, the unexpected tenderness and humor in President Mu¡¯s voice leaving them all with darkened expressions.


    "Do me a favor, someone has bought a Weibo hot search today claiming our studio¡¯s designer plagiarized. This is completely unfounded, so I need you to find the management of this media company and get to the bottom of this."


    "Got it, I¡¯ll take care of it right away."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s brow was already furrowed as he listened, and after putting down the phone, he immediately instructed the secretary taking notes beside him, "Call Mr. Gao from XK right now and inquire about my wife¡¯s issue."


    Secretary Xi hadn¡¯t grasped the situation yet, but after hearing a few keywords, she immediately nodded, put down her work, stood up, and went to make the call.

 Chapter 252 - 94 wants to hold grandson_6

    Chapter 252: 94 wants to hold grandson_6


    Mu Yichen snapped back to reality and glanced ahead to find everyone bowing their heads, seemingly lost in thought, but it appeared to be related to him. He unconsciously let out a soft chuckle, stretched out his hand on the table, and with a domineering look, gazed upon the pen in his hand, "Continue."


    The crowd...


    Qin Mu made another call to the lawyer. If nobody cared about the situation, it wouldn¡¯t have mattered, but since it was already trending online, she had to pursue legal responsibility.


    She soon heard the sound of a commotion in French downstairs. Qin Mu, holding her phone, walked out only to see everyone whispering and guessing - or was it about avoiding suspicion?


    "Can everyone please keep quiet?"


    Qin Mu had to speak in a soothing tone from upstairs to calm them down.


    When everyone stopped arguing and looked up, Qin Mu could only smile helplessly, spread her hands, and tire was apparent in her almond eyes, "We¡¯ve been working together for over three years. Don¡¯t we have this much trust in each other? I¡¯ve never doubted anyone, and I hope you all won¡¯t suspect any of us either. We didn¡¯t come here from Paris to have internal disputes. I will investigate and clarify everything; before that, everyone just needs to concentrate on doing their job well, okay?"


    Her French was never before so gentle and heartfelt.


    It was after her words that everyone calmed down, each returning reluctantly to their workstations, whether with a shake of the head or a sigh. Xiaomei relaxed a bit; her previous shouting had been ineffective, but Qin Mu managed to resolve the situation with just a few sentences.


    Soon, Mu Yichen called her again, "I can¡¯t pinpoint any one person for you right now. The Weibo account is a secondary one, but today, several complaints about your studio were filed with the website."


    Complaining about the studio?


    Calling the website to complain?


    That was clearly causing trouble!


    If she didn¡¯t make a statement, then it would definitely affect the reputation of their studio significantly.


    But if others could use fake accounts to frame them, why couldn¡¯t their studio have an account? Now, since it was already second on the trending list, they might as well open an account for some publicity.


    Thinking of this, Qin Mu slapped the table and then called Xiaomei over to the door. Xiaomei ran up to her, "What¡¯s up?"


    "Open an account. Find pictures of the designs our studio has made over the years for celebrities or influential figures. Remember, they don¡¯t have to be front-facing, but they must be stunning," she instructed.


    "Got it, I¡¯m on it ¡ª oh, what¡¯s the name going to be?"


    "Just call it JY Studio, note it¡¯s domestic."


    "Alright!"


    Xiaomei actually admired Qin Mu, yet secretly, she wished Qin Mu would start her own business, which might then change Jian Yan¡¯s attitude.


    After finishing his work in the afternoon, Mu Yichen headed to the studio to find her. As she was drawing, Mu Yichen lay on the couch looking at his phone. Occasionally, Qin Mu would glance at his good figure and feel the urge to lean on him, but with a second thought, she continued drawing diligently.


    "Xiaohao called at noon to say the maple leaves at East Mountain have turned red. He asked if we want to go see them together this weekend. He and Jing Feng are going," he said.


    "If you¡¯d like, we could go too!"


    Qin Mu, reminded of this, set her work aside and looked up to ask him. Mu Yichen felt either way was fine.


    Qin Mu looked at him, "Then let¡¯s go together this Saturday, shall we?"


    "Yeah! You decide, I¡¯ll go with your plan!"


    When he said he would go with her plan, his eyes met hers, deep and dark.


    Qin Mu unconsciously cleared her throat softly and lowered her head to continue drawing.


    In the evening, Qin Mu sent a message to Helian Hao, who was dining at the Jing Family residence with Jing Feng. Jing Feng, seeing her happiness, asked, "Whose message is that?"


    "Mumu¡¯s. I¡¯ve asked her to join us for a hike this weekend," Helian Hao replied cheerfully, completely ignoring the displeased members of the Jing Family.


    "Hmm!"


    Jing Feng, knowing his family disliked the mention of Qin Mu¡¯s name, said no more. However, Jing Qing, who had been sitting quietly dining, heard and asked, "Will Yichen be going? If you all are, he would surely go, right?"


    Helian Hao, without answering, pretended not to hear and continued eating.


    The Jing family patriarch tapped his chopsticks, signaling everyone to stop, and Helian Hao, puzzled, set down his chopsticks as everyone else did.


    "Xiaohao, why aren¡¯t you answering Xiaoqing?"


    "Grandfather, please don¡¯t worry about the younger generation¡¯s matters." Helian Hao, though annoyed, replied respectfully to the old man.

 Chapter 253 - 94 wants to hold grandson_7

    Chapter 253: 94 wants to hold grandson_7


    "What heart am I getting all worked up about? I¡¯m just a bit anxious because you and your sister-in-law don¡¯t seem to get along too well. As an older sister-in-law, shouldn¡¯t you be more accommodating to your younger sister-in-law?"


    Helian Hao thought to himself, having no clue which kid had spilled the beans about their marriage certificate. Now, before even having the wedding, she¡¯s got to endure the elder Mr. Jing¡¯s control.


    "Got it!" Helian Hao whispered back.


    Jing Qing found joy in seeing Helian Hao unable to assert herself in front of the elder, and although she didn¡¯t show much pleasure on her face, she said to the old man with a smile, "Grandpa, let¡¯s eat. It¡¯ll be bad for your stomach if it gets cold."


    "Hmm!"


    Only after the elder picked up his chopsticks did the others dare to follow suit and continue eating.


    After leaving the Jing Family¡¯s place, Helian Hao said to Jing Feng, "I don¡¯t care, but your sister can¡¯t come along."


    "How could she possibly come along?"


    Jing Feng replied while driving, but how could he have imagined that indeed, Jing Qing would show up that weekend, and even dressed in a particularly girlish sporty outfit.


    "Brother, Yichen!"


    By the time the four of them got to the foot of the mountain and had just parked the car, they heard someone calling them. Turning around, they saw a woman wearing sunglasses and wrapped in a scarf so red it covered her face.


    Well, if it weren¡¯t for the sportswear, she really looked like a big star fresh off a red carpet event.


    "You don¡¯t mind a few more people, do you?"


    Jing Qing said, then turned to call out to the girls in the car, and three girls got out together.


    "These are sisters who¡¯ve grown up together, we haven¡¯t been hiking together in a long time, and it just so happens that we¡¯re free today."


    "Hi!"


    The group of girls came out and greeted everyone cheerfully.


    The four men exchanged glances, and after a while, they all smiled without saying a word.


    Jiang Zhiyuan soon drove over with a few boys, and this time it was Jing Qing who was taken aback.


    It turned out Helian Hao had been alerted early on that the situation might change by Qin Mu, who¡¯d mentioned something to Mu Yichen, and who knew that Mu Yichen would stage such a scene.


    "Let¡¯s go, the ones in the back, take good care of your sisters."


    Before leaving, Yichen wrapped his arm around Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder, instructed those who got out of the car behind him to follow Qin Mu and march on, and Jing Feng and Helian Hao followed suit. Jing Qing was just about to step forward when she was stopped by Zhao Huai: "Miss Jing, watch your step."


    Jing Qing¡¯s face turned cold: "Zhao Huai, are you getting bolder by the day?"


    "How would I dare block Miss Jing? This is all Yichen¡¯s idea, he said he wanted to enjoy the maple leaves with Miss Qin and insisted on no interruptions. We just saw you and your old friends coming, and we immediately came to protect you, didn¡¯t we?"


    Zhao Huai explained with a smile, deliberately presenting himself humbly, elevating her status further, and pushing all the blame for stopping her onto Yichen.


    "Hmph!"


    Jing Qing glanced at him, thinking that she wouldn¡¯t believe men could outsmart women, and led the three girls to follow at the back.


    The maple leaves on this mountain were indeed red, and since frost had fallen the night before, the fallen leaves underfoot made walking feel difficult.


    Helian Hao later walked in front with Qin Mu, stepping on more and more maple leaves, and sighed with pity, looking down: "Don¡¯t they look pitiful?"


    "They¡¯ll sprout new leaves next year!"


    Qin Mu reminded her with a smile.


    "Right!"


    The two women, both dressed in long light-colored coats, walked ahead, occasionally looking back at the men a few meters behind them. Beyond them were Jing Qing and her group, who indeed looked like they were out for fun.


    Occasionally, water droplets from the leaves fell on their heads. Qin Mu looked up. The maple leaves were stunningly beautiful. She reached out to pick one, deciding to press it in a book when she got back.


    The few girls walking close behind whispered to Jing Qing: "Can we still go ahead with our plan? We can¡¯t even get close right now."


    "Don¡¯t rush, we¡¯ll see how things are when we get to the top."


    Jing Qing, looking at the four people ahead, felt increasingly stifled.


    "That¡¯s the only thing we can do now. I didn¡¯t expect Yichen to be so dismissive of you. He used to accompany you to events all the time. We all thought for sure you¡¯d win him over, but who knew a Cheng Yaojin would appear out of nowhere."


    Hearing those words and thinking of their marriage, Jing Qing felt a painful hatred in her heart.


    She had to make them divorce soon, for she realized if she waited for Mu Yichen to tire of the relationship, she might end up past her prime. She couldn¡¯t just wait around doing nothing.


    The last time she had drugged Liu Jingyuan and Qin Mu, she had hoped that Mu Yichen, given his temperament, would definitely break things off with Qin Mu. But not only did they not split up, they quickly...


    Mu Yichen¡¯s trust in Qin Mu far exceeded her expectations. After climbing a bit more, she whispered to the two girls beside her, "Proceed with the plan."


    "Okay!"


    The three girls looked at each other, knowing it was time to act, then glanced at the boys walking nearby, and suddenly took off running: "Hey, we sisters are going to talk secrets, you men are not allowed to follow."


    The leader said.


    Zhao Huai and Jiang Zhiyuan saw the girls running and immediately wanted to chase after them, but Jing Qing turned with a stern look: "Let¡¯s see which of you dares to follow?"


    "Miss Jing, you¡¯re making this difficult for us!"


    "Yeah, Jing Qing, the young couple came out to see the maple leaves, why should we disturb them?"


    One of the young masters who grew up with her said.


    "Who said they¡¯re going to disturb those two couples? They just want to take a look at the scenery ahead, that¡¯s all."


    Jing Qing said, then gave Zhao Huai a cold look, indicating that he, of all people, was most likely to act on Mu Yichen¡¯s behalf, so she needed to keep a close eye on him.

 Chapter 254 - 95 Reverse_1

    Chapter 254: 95 Reverse_1


    Three girls ran past two men, shouting two names, "Xiaohao, wait for Mumu and us, will you?"


    Helian Hao and Qin Mu turned their heads to see them rushing over, displaying warmth that was completely absent under normal circumstances, even linking arms with them.


    Helian Hao frowned subconsciously, but due to her nature, she didn¡¯t make any inappropriate moves, simply raising her eyes to look at Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu, however, had never liked to feign closeness with strangers, instinctively shaking off the hand of the girl who was holding her.


    The girl who had been holding her arm immediately looked at her with shock, then quickly frowned and reproached, "Hey, Qin Mu, what are you doing? You haven¡¯t come back for so many years, and today, when we just arrived in the city and heard you were here, we came to find you. Why are you keeping people at arm¡¯s length? No wonder people say girls who come back from abroad are especially clueless about the ways of the world, ¡¯only knowing how to cling to men.¡¯"


    The last sentence was spoken in a very low voice, but since the distance between the girls was not far, naturally, they all could hear it, and Qin Mu¡¯s frown deepened.


    "Sorry, I¡¯m not accustomed to being so intimate with strangers."


    Her voice was icy clear, she was genuinely sorry but also truly wished to keep a greater distance from them, so she wanted to leave.


    "Hey, we mean well, after all, we played together as kids."


    Another girl blocked her path as she attempted to leave.


    Jing Feng and Mu Yichen were standing a distance away, feeling that the situation was not good, they were about to go over when suddenly Jing Qing ran up: "Yichen, I have something to tell you, and you too, brother!"


    Mu Yichen gave her a cold glance and then turned his gaze towards Jing Feng before turning and going to look for Qin Mu.


    "Yichen, don¡¯t you really want to know? These past few days, Qin Mu has been going to Jian Yan¡¯s apartment in the morning and not leaving until after lunch."


    Mu Yichen instinctively turned his head again, his icy gaze shooting towards her.


    "Jing Qing, what are you trying to do now?"


    Jing Feng frowned, looking at his sister¡¯s manner, he knew for sure nothing good was coming.


    "Brother, I just want Yichen to know what kind of woman he is with."


    Jing Qing was serious and insistent, after speaking, she persistently looked at Mu Yichen.


    "We¡¯ll talk about those things later."


    Mu Yichen said coldly, then turned and walked towards the others.


    "You really think you¡¯re worthy of Young Master Yichen? Don¡¯t forget what your status is!"


    "Exactly, your mom is long gone, you don¡¯t even have a home."


    "If you¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll leave him early, and save us the agitation of having to look at you."


    "Hey! What are you three saying?"


    Helian Hao could no longer care about the face of an old acquaintance and stepped forward to intervene.


    The girl immediately flared up: "Helian Hao, don¡¯t think just because Jing Feng is protecting you that I won¡¯t dare to touch you, okay? If it weren¡¯t for you, Jing Feng and I would¡¯ve been engaged a long time ago."


    "Ha, you and Jing Feng getting engaged? You¡¯re not even worthy to carry his shoes."


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but laugh as she spoke.


    "You¡¯re the one who isn¡¯t worthy!"


    The girl, angered by the response, swung her bag aiming for Helian Hao¡¯s face. Qin Mu, seeing what was happening, naturally couldn¡¯t just stand by; she pushed aside the two other girls to pull Helian Hao away, but as she turned her head, the girl¡¯s bag, adorned with shiny fragments, hit her in the face. Immediately, a red gash appeared on Qin Mu¡¯s face, and blood slowly began oozing from the broken skin.


    The pain from the injury on her face intensified as the cool mountain wind blew over it, making her gaze seem all the more frightening. The girls recoiled when they saw her injury, and the one who had hit her swallowed nervously, stuttering, "You, you... I was just talking to Helian Hao, why did you step forward?"


    The wind on the mountain was cool, and the feeling of it on the fresh wound was unique.


    "I don¡¯t know what result you want, but if you¡¯re here to climb, then climb properly, or don¡¯t blame me if I¡¯m not polite next time you cause trouble."


    Qin Mu said coldly, her long hair unable to hide the wound on her face, nor conceal the murderous aura it bore.


    Helian Hao was pulled aside without injury but looked at the bleeding on Qin Mu¡¯s face with alarm: "Mumu, your face..."


    "I¡¯m fine!" Qin Mu whispered to her, then turned her gaze back to the girl who had just swung her bag.


    This was not part of their plan for the day, but now they did not dare to take any further action.


    "Let me see!"


    Mu Yichen walked over, saw her half-red face, immediately approached, and lowered his head. His hand held her chin to reveal the injured side of her face. In just a half second, his icy gaze swept over the three women beside her.

 Chapter 255 - 95 Reverse_2

    Chapter 255: 95 Reverse_2


    "Who did this?"


    Mu Yichen asked coldly.


    "It, it was Xiaofei!"


    A girl with little courage immediately ratted out Liu Fei.


    Liu Fei immediately turned her head, angrily glanced at the girl, then turned back to explain to Mu Yichen, "Young Master Yichen, I was originally arguing with Helian Hao when, unexpectedly, she stepped forward¡ªI didn¡¯t do it on purpose."


    "Not on purpose?"


    "Why were you arguing with Xiaohao?"


    One after another, two men interrogated her. Jing Feng stepped forward to grasp Helian Hao¡¯s hand, looked her up and down, then cast a cold gaze towards Liu Fei.


    "I, I..."


    "She was cursing at Mumu pretty badly, so I spoke up. It¡¯s still your fault. Weren¡¯t you the one who wanted to get engaged to her at the time? I said one sentence about how she wasn¡¯t worthy, and she just wanted to hit me."


    Helian Hao suddenly freed her hand from Jing Feng, glared at him fiercely, then walked towards Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu felt it was not worth it to see her argue with Jing Feng, as it was just making others happy. Looking at the scheming revealed in those three girls¡¯ eyes, she felt a surge of anger and instinctively pushed away Mu Yichen¡¯s hand, stepping forward.


    "There¡¯s no need for you to apologize for the nasty things you said just now, but you just hurt my face. I can¡¯t let this grudge go, can I?"


    "What do you want to do?"


    Liu Fei looked at her nervously. In fact, Liu Fei was two years older than her, but at that moment displayed none of that maturity, just petty schemes.


    "Girls take their faces very seriously, it¡¯s more important than their lives. Of course, I¡¯m only going to return the favor slightly!"


    "You can¡¯t..."


    Liu Fei was just about to shout those words at her when Qin Mu raised her hand and slapped her across the face.


    "Qin Mu, what are you doing? She didn¡¯t do it on purpose!"


    Jing Qing immediately went over to stand before Liu Fei, just as she had earlier stood in front of Helian Hao.


    Liu Fei then covered her face, which she hadn¡¯t managed to protect in time from the slap, and began sobbing pitifully.


    The two other girls nearby didn¡¯t dare say much, and the men were also unwilling to step in and meddle.


    "Whether it was on purpose or not, you should know best, shouldn¡¯t you?"


    Qin Mu looked at her coldly, quite certain that Jing Qing had planned today¡¯s incident well in advance. There was probably even more drama arranged to follow.


    "Don¡¯t slander me! We all came out to have fun. Why must you stir up trouble so nobody can have peace?"


    Jing Qing looked at her, then around at the people they had grown up with, and turned to push all the blame onto Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu chuckled lightly, "Miss Jing is truly an actress. But don¡¯t forget, you and your friends weren¡¯t even supposed to be here. You forced your way in. And I don¡¯t need to elaborate on the reasons, do I?"


    Jing Qing¡¯s eyes, which were trying to contain her rage, were nearly failing to hide her fury.


    "Enough, everyone stop talking. Yichen, you take Qin Mu down the mountain to get her wound treated. It¡¯s getting late and might not be good."


    Jing Feng, seeing that further probing might worsen the situation, cut Qin Mu off before she could continue and turned to alert Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen grabbed Qin Mu¡¯s hand, whispering soothingly, "Let¡¯s get that wound treated first. We¡¯ll repay everything they did to you, twice over."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s voice was gentle as he spoke to her, but it made the women nearby weak in the knees. Were they going to retaliate against them immediately?


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Mu Yichen had intended to lead her away by hand, but instead, he scooped her up in his arms.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes, slightly turbulent, looked at him; although she didn¡¯t ask a word, she felt puzzled inside.


    "Idiots, do you even know what you¡¯re doing today?"


    Jing Feng coldly questioned them after Mu Yichen carried Qin Mu away.


    "Brother Jing Feng, we were just standing up for Xiaoqing," they said.


    "And so?" he retorted. "Do you think Mu Yichen will overlook this just because you grew up in the same courtyard and not hold a grudge against you?"


    The three girls looked back at the tall figure of the man carrying the agile woman down the mountain, suddenly feeling a twinge of panic.


    "And you, go home and reflect on your actions properly. Don¡¯t force your way into events you¡¯re not invited to in the future, or don¡¯t blame me if I turn against you," Jing Feng said, turning to chastise his sister.


    Jing Qing huffed coldly and then turned to head down the mountain herself.


    They hadn¡¯t reached the summit yet, but could proceed no further.


    Helian Hao, watching Jing Qing leave, was still seething with anger. She couldn¡¯t understand why Jing Qing would do such a thing.


    The others didn¡¯t dare say much in front of these young masters and the young mistress.


    Just as Mu Yichen was setting Qin Mu down at the foot of the mountain, Jing Qing caught up to them, "I apologize!"

 Chapter 256 - 95 Reverse_3

    Chapter 256: 95 Reverse_3


    Both of them looked at her with puzzled expressions. Apologies?


    "I shouldn¡¯t have brought the three of them to disturb you, but there¡¯s no need to be so ruthless, is there? If there¡¯s a misunderstanding, just clear it up. Yichen, is it really okay for you to threaten them for her?"


    "Threaten? Who said I¡¯m threatening?"


    Mu Yichen opened the car door and helped Qin Mu into the vehicle, then coldly turned to the girl opposite and asked.


    Jing Qing was at a loss for words, her mouth opening and closing several times as she tried to speak, but nothing came out.


    After watching their car drive away, Jing Qing still didn¡¯t know what to say; her mind was a blank in that moment.


    Was Mu Yichen willing to offend the whole world for her?


    Was he crazy?


    Upon reflection, Jing Qing immediately got into her car.


    Feng Fanghua had been accompanying her aunt in giving Huanhuan an early education lesson. After receiving a call from Jing Qing, she had to put aside what she was doing, tell her aunt to take good care of Huanhuan, and then waited for Jing Qing in a nearby coffee shop.


    When Jing Qing returned to the city, she went straight to the coffee shop and described the day¡¯s events in her own way.


    "Aunt, you tell me, Qin Mu has already slapped them back, and she threw harsh words too; whatever happens between her and those people, we can ignore, but what about Yichen? We all grew up in the same compound; if Yichen insists on escalating the issue and offends the Liu Family, the Zhang Family, and the Chen Family, then..."


    "How could it be so serious?" Feng Fanghua frowned and asked after hearing this.


    "I see it now, Yichen is truly bewitched by Qin Mu. He¡¯s willing to offend the entire world for Qin Mu. He may be influential in Rongcheng now, but what about the future? Once he has alienated everyone, what future will there be?"


    Jing Qing believed she was kindly hinting to Feng Fanghua, who seemed pleased with her concern for Mu Yichen, although for the rest...


    "I¡¯ll have a good talk with him when I get back. Xiaoqing, it¡¯s hard on you to still stand by Yichen¡¯s side," Feng Fanghua said courteously.


    "Aunt, I¡¯ve said it long ago; I will never give up on him no matter what. Today¡¯s incident is also my fault. Initially, I wanted to go by myself, but I feared it would be too awkward, so I called the three of them. Who knew it would turn out like this."


    "What¡¯s done is done, don¡¯t blame yourself anymore," Feng Fanghua said softly and then slowly lifted her coffee to sip it.


    Jing Qing was impressed by her own actions at the moment; she was glad that Feng Fanghua understood she had Mu Yichen¡¯s best interests at heart. She was the only one in the world who truly cared for Mu Yichen, wholeheartedly and genuinely thinking of him.


    After Qin Mu and Mu Yichen returned home, she first went to treat her wound, worried that improper treatment on her face might leave scars, so Mu Yichen still took her to the hospital.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh after leaving with a band-aid on her wound. She felt utterly embarrassed; the medical staff were shocked when they saw her injury and were about to ask why she was at the hospital before Mu Yichen¡¯s stern face stopped them.


    "Are you going to leave me if I get a scar?" Qin Mu asked him as they exited, looking up at him.


    "I just know how much you love your beauty," he replied with a laugh, then wrapped his arm around her shoulder.


    Qin Mu suddenly remembered feeling somewhat scared; fighting in that place wasn¡¯t a wise choice. If anything had gone wrong, say if someone had fallen off, it would really be a mix of joy and sorrow for different people.


    "Let¡¯s stay further away when we watch the maple leaves next time," she said childishly before getting into the car.


    "That¡¯s a good idea!"


    Mu Yichen, who hated being disturbed, fully agreed with his wife¡¯s opinion.


    However, after getting into the car, he unwittingly glanced at his wife again, recalling some of the words Jing Qing had said earlier.


    Qin Mu also glanced casually and saw his piercing gaze as if he was trying to scrutinize every little corner of her heart with those eyes.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, startled.


    "It¡¯s nothing!" he replied, retracting his gaze. After a moment of thought, he shook his head and started the car to leave.


    Qin Mu...


    If he said there was something, there definitely was; and if he said there wasn¡¯t, there definitely was something, especially this time.


    Qin Mu suddenly remembered the time he had been with Jing Qing. Had that woman laid traps for her again?


    But on closer thought, she really hadn¡¯t done anything to wrong him recently, not even a flicker in her heart.


    At noon, the two of them went straight home, not wanting to waste a beautiful weekend. Mu Yichen personally took charge of the cooking. Qin Mu initially wanted to sit on the sofa, watch some TV, and snack on some food, but Mu Yichen dragged her to the kitchen instead: "Wait here."


    Qin Mu...


    The aunts outside the kitchen couldn¡¯t help but laugh upon seeing this. When Qin Mu looked out, they slipped away with practiced ease. Qin Mu laughed helplessly, her face twinged with pain, and she then put on a serious face: "Why do I have to wait here? How long are you going to take?"

 Chapter 257 - 95 Reverse_4

    Chapter 257: 95 Reverse_4


    "No matter how long I¡¯m at it, you have to keep an eye on me."


    He turned and looked at her, his voice both low and deep.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help being curious as she sized him up; why was he acting so strange today?


    "Haven¡¯t you always been the one who dotes on me the most, afraid that I¡¯ll get sore feet from standing too long?"


    Although the hike wasn¡¯t finished, they had at least made some progress. Freezing like a dog up there, he managed to cook after changing his clothes once they got back. He seemed reliable, and she still felt a bit chilly.


    "Sore feet? Did you ever complain about your feet hurting when you went to Jian Yan¡¯s apartment every day?"


    He asked in a quiet voice, his deep gaze once again falling on her.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Visiting Jian Yan?


    "Master is sick, and as his only disciple, shouldn¡¯t I go see him?"


    Qin Mu finally understood his sudden change, so she stepped forward to argue with him.


    "He¡¯s sick? What illness?"


    "He said it¡¯s a cold, but he¡¯s had a fever for several days and looks very haggard."


    "Really?"


    Mu Yichen suddenly grew serious, remembering that when he saw him a few days ago Jian Yan was thinner than before, but still seemed fine. Could he have fallen ill so suddenly?


    "Yes, why else would I go there every day?"


    Qin Mu replied and then watched him with a suppressed laugh, pitifully asking, "So, big brother Yichen, may this little lady go watch TV on the sofa now? I see there are snacks on the table."


    "Those are for Huanhuan!"


    Qin Mu...


    "Eat less!"


    Mu Yichen said in a low voice. Qin Mu nodded and immediately turned to leave, but after a few steps, she spun back and fiercely kissed his face before departing.


    Mu Yichen...


    Brother Yichen felt all his authority evaporated when it came to her.


    This woman simply didn¡¯t know the meaning of fear; did she think it was all over?


    He¡¯ll deal with her when he has the time.


    After making sure the kitchen was empty, he took out his phone and called Zhao Huai: "Everyone gone?"


    "Yeah, after you left, those three young ladies left too, but Jing Feng and Helian Hao still went up the mountain."


    "Good, contact Secretary Xi today and sell off all the lots we have that these three families are bidding on."


    "Are you sure we should do this?" Zhao Huai expressed his concern.


    "Otherwise, there will inevitably be a second time."


    Mu Yichen thought about the future for his woman; she couldn¡¯t be humiliated by these people anymore.


    "Understood!"


    Zhao Huai thought he had been overly compassionate just now. Those people had long since given up on them in their eagerness to please the Jing Family.


    Lunch at home was the first chance Mu Yichen had to ask her, "Have you been taking care of him recently?"


    "It¡¯s not exactly taking care, just bringing breakfast and having a chat."


    "A chat?"


    Qin Mu nodded without any shame.


    "About what?"


    "About development. Speaking of which, he¡¯s been acting a bit strange lately. He suddenly told me that in the future, all his wealth would be mine. And that woman who came looking for me was actually his first love. Despite being married to a high official, she used making clothes as an excuse just to see him, but he pushed her off onto me instead."


    "You suspect something?"


    Mu Yichen frowned slightly, glanced at the dishes on her plate, and served her some.


    "I don¡¯t suspect anything. But you don¡¯t think he¡¯s got some serious illness, do you? Or maybe he¡¯s just talking nonsense and he¡¯s actually fine?"


    Mu Yichen...


    Like a child, Qin Mu repeatedly sought his confirmation, as if she needed to hear the answer she wanted.


    "Let¡¯s eat first!"


    Mu Yichen reminded her in a low voice, placing the food into her bowl.


    "Of course, it¡¯s all just my wild imagination, something out of a TV drama. So what¡¯s really wrong with him?" Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but ask, as though questioning herself as well.


    She suddenly remembered all the irregularities in Jian Yan¡¯s behavior these past days, and it felt like she was being sucked into the matter.


    "Mrs. Mu, could you please show some respect for your husband? At the very least, let me eat this meal in peace. Or at least stop making me listen to you caring about another man?"


    President Mu expressed his helplessness but had to continue speaking to her patiently.


    "Ha, he¡¯s my master, you know. Not only do I have to respect and care for him, but you do too. Got it?"


    "Why should I?"


    "Because you¡¯re the husband of his disciple."


    Because of this single comment, Mu Yichen¡¯s intention to brush her off vanished. His previously frivolous gaze became serious as he stared intently at her.


    It seemed as if the fact that he was her husband had sunk deeply into her bones. She seemed to have mentioned it several times recently.


    He felt an urge to laugh, but thinking that he couldn¡¯t let her find out that she had indeed taken a place in his heart, he continued to pretend to be serious and stern: "Eat your meal quickly."

 Chapter 258 - 95 Reverse_5

    Chapter 258: 95 Reverse_5


    "Okay, I¡¯ll listen to you."


    You?


    Mu Yichen shook his head, looking at her hopelessly and no longer wanting to save her.


    Let¡¯s fall into the demon¡¯s path together!


    Mu Yichen suddenly had such a thought, as if being together meant that even becoming a demon was a joyous affair.


    In this life, he feared most to achieve everything only to remain alone.


    What was the point if nobody truly cared?


    After the meal, the two of them cleaned up together, then stood by the window and chatted for a while before heading back to the room for an afternoon nap.


    In the afternoon, Feng Fanghua returned home with Huanhuan and saw the wound on Qin Mu¡¯s face, unintentionally frowning: "This Liu Fei really... no matter how old she is, she still resorts to violence, with no restraint in her hands."


    "Actually, it¡¯s just a small cut on the skin, nothing serious."


    "Who¡¯s saying that? Your skin is already fragile. If it leaves a scar, I will never forgive her in this lifetime."


    Mu Yichen sat alone on the sofa to the side, his voice deep and cold, his gaze dark and brooding.


    Qin Mu turned to look at him and suddenly found himself at a loss for words.


    Feng Fanghua, however, sighed as she looked at his indifferent demeanor and asked, "So what are you planning to do? The Liu Family may not have much power anymore, but don¡¯t you still have a lot of connections to go through them for your real estate dealings?"


    "Rongcheng is only so big, there¡¯s only so much business I can do through them. Now, I¡¯m already developing projects outside of the city. This little place in Rongcheng doesn¡¯t really matter."


    "Go say that to your dad!"


    "I¡¯d say the same even if Grandpa were here."


    Mu Yichen was stubborn, and when he dug in his heels, not even nine oxen could pull him back.


    "Qin Mu, talk some sense into him, will you? Always creating trouble for others, can¡¯t you just speak and act nicely?"


    Feng Fanghua immediately shifted her stance.


    "You only know part of the story, so please stay out of this." Mu Yichen did not want Qin Mu to be uncomfortable, and besides, he had long wanted to break ties with several families in the city. They all fawned over the Jing Family, but sooner or later, the Jing Family would have to beg him to come back to develop the market. After all, the name Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t just for show.


    "You... There¡¯s nothing wrong with Qin Mu, why create such a big fuss? I get it, our family business is thriving under your lead, but Rongcheng is your foundation after all."


    "My foundation isn¡¯t so grand."


    Feng Fanghua...


    Qin Mu...


    Today, Qin Mu had really seen it all. She had never expected this man could be so...


    This was his mother, for heaven¡¯s sake. What on earth was he saying?


    "Daddy!"


    Huanhuan suddenly walked over to Mu Yichen¡¯s side.


    Mu Yichen looked up at her. He had just settled in to scoop her into his arms when he heard her milky voice ask, "Daddy, what is a root?"


    Root...


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hand suddenly went limp and he failed to lift her.


    Qin Mu thought, I¡¯ll tolerate it!


    Feng Fanghua was even more restless: "I¡¯ll go check if the bird¡¯s nest soup is ready in the kitchen."


    "Me too!"


    For the first time, Qin Mu eagerly followed Feng Fanghua¡¯s footsteps, and then both mother and daughter heard Mu Yichen earnestly telling his daughter the story of the root.


    He actually told it quite well, but was that really what he meant just now?


    He clearly stretched his leg out.


    But it no longer mattered; when Qin Mu brought over some fruit and, after setting it down, sat beside Huanhuan, she called to her, "Come to mommy."


    "Mommy, daddy said this place is my root."


    "If he said it is, then it is!"


    "Yeah! I want to eat an apple, mommy. I really love apples."


    Looking at the fruit plate Qin Mu had brought over, Huanhuan rubbed her hands slowly, her eyes filled with longing, but she didn¡¯t dare to touch it herself because she had just played with her toys and her hands were dirty.


    "Have a bite first, then mommy will take you to wash your hands before we come back and eat."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu took a fruit pick, fed her a piece of fruit, and then the mother and daughter went to the washroom together.


    "Daddy, no sneaking some!"


    Halfway there, Huanhuan suddenly turned back and looked at the back of Mu Yichen¡¯s head, giving him a stern warning.


    Mu Yichen...


    Could only raise his hand and make an OK gesture.


    But once he saw his daughter and wife enter the washroom, he quickly leaned over the table and grabbed a piece of fruit to put in his mouth.


    Feng Fanghua happened to walk by, and seeing his actions, she couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. "How old are you?"


    "You said no matter how old, I¡¯m still a child to you, right?"


    Feng Fanghua sat down and looked at her son. Sometimes he really made her stomach hurt with frustration¡ªdid he ever grow up?


    Later, Qin Mu and Huanhuan came back, and they all ate fruit together.


    "Is daddy coming home tonight?"


    Qin Mu asked as she ate.


    "He said he wouldn¡¯t come back for dinner, will be back later."


    Feng Fanghua replied.


    Mu Zihao had already handed over authority to his son, but still, from time to time, he invited his father to socialize, which left Mu Yichen somewhat helpless.

 Chapter 259 - 95 Reverse_6

    Chapter 259: 95 Reverse_6


    There are always some people who refuse to give the younger ones face.


    Feng Fanghua still ended up discussing the matter of those three families with Qin Mu, hoping she could persuade Mu Yichen to smooth things over. Qin Mu spoke to Mu Yichen about it that evening, but Mu Yichen really just gave it a listen.


    The next day, those three families went to the Jing Family patriarch, who didn¡¯t give a damn: Humph! His son really thinks he¡¯s got stiff wings now, probably doesn¡¯t give a hoot about you old things at this point.


    "What should we do then? If he leaves Rongcheng, it won¡¯t be good for the development of our city."


    "Yeah, and now with Qin Haiming as his father-in-law, if we keep showing him a cold face, could it be disadvantageous to us in the future?"


    "How could it be disadvantageous? Don¡¯t I still exist?"


    The Jing Family patriarch looked up at the three juniors sitting on his sofa, his brow tightly furrowed.


    They didn¡¯t dare say more, but after they left, the Jing Family patriarch immediately called Jing Xianzong back, and after being briefed, Jing Xianzong went to Mu Yichen¡¯s office.


    This was also the first time Jing Xianzong had a formal conversation with him since Mu Yichen got married.


    After finishing a meeting and returning to his office, Mu Yichen gave Jing Xianzong a perfunctory nod and gestured for him to sit down first before seating himself. Then Jing Xianzong explained his purpose for coming.


    "Uncle, you know I¡¯m not a heartless and ungrateful person, and you¡¯re aware of my relationship with Jing Feng, like brothers. But I have no choice, I¡¯m a businessman, and for a businessman, profits come first."


    Jing Xianzong, a man of his age, was calm and restrained. Having worked in certain fields for many years, he had a powerful presence. Yet, looking at Mu Yichen¡¯s unique personality, he couldn¡¯t help but sigh, lean back against the sofa, and look composedly at the stubborn Mr. Mu.


    "Yichen, I know Xiaoqing did some things that made you unhappy. She has accepted your marriage, it¡¯s just that she can¡¯t cope with it emotionally yet. Could you give her some more time, please?"


    Jing Xianzong finished the pleasantries before he seriously brought up the actual reason for the visit.


    Mu Yichen, too, was quite open. Jing Xianzong wasn¡¯t too bad of a person, he didn¡¯t usually scheme against others, but in the end, he was a member of the Jing Family.


    "I understand what you mean. I admit Jing Qing has been quite bothersome lately, but Rongcheng is only so big, and in the real estate market, there is Liu Jingyuan, followed by many other enterprises working in it. I shouldn¡¯t offend all these businessmen just for this little matter, should I?"


    "Doing this, has Mayor Qin expressed any opinions?"


    Jing Xianzong thought, Qin Haiming couldn¡¯t possibly let Mu Yichen slip away like that. After all, as a mayor of the city, he must contribute to the city¡¯s development. If Mu Yichen were to shift his focus out of Rong City, it would be a significant blow to these so-called city leaders. If they were not careful, they might even lose their positions due to their inability to retain wealth.


    "That I wouldn¡¯t know!"


    Mu Yichen answered with a slight smile.


    Jing Xianzong realized he didn¡¯t care about others¡¯ feelings and knew he was standing up for that woman, so he couldn¡¯t help but nod. What if I send Xiaoqing abroad?


    Mu Yichen looked at him. This turn of events was too swift; he was momentarily unable to adjust.


    "I¡¯m afraid you can¡¯t make decisions for her."


    "Then I¡¯ll come to you after I¡¯ve made the decision."


    "Uncle, what I want is not for Jing Qing to leave Rongcheng. As long as she stops that habit of stalking my wife, as long as she stops undermining my family."


    Mu Yichen stood up after Jing Xianzong did, this time having a very earnest conversation with Jing Xianzong.


    Jing Xianzong looked at him and nodded after hearing him out.


    The Jing Family¡¯s house seemed a bit troubled that evening. Jing Qing couldn¡¯t believe it and laughed incredulously when her father suggested she go abroad: Dad, what are you talking about?


    "Haven¡¯t you done enough recently?"


    "So what? Do nothing? Just let others bully me?"


    The old master was unhappy with his son¡¯s words.


    Jing Xianzong immediately felt a headache coming on. The old man was too doting on his granddaughter.


    As they were having a family dinner meeting, Jing Feng and Helian Hao were also present. Helian Hao felt that the conversation among their family was too amiable. Although they apparently valued peace, inwardly, he was eager for them to come to blows.


    It was true the old master doted on his granddaughter, but Jing Xianzong was also too indulgent with his father. Although being filial was admirable, it¡¯s also true that some elders¡¯ bad temperaments are spoiled into them.


    When Jing Qing heard the old master defending her, she kept quiet, but just as she was about to eat, she heard Jing Xianzong say: You could stay if you want, but find someone to get engaged to then.

 Chapter 260 - 95 Reverse_7

    Chapter 260: 95 Reverse_7


    As those words were spoken, everyone¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Jing Qing was especially terrified as she stared at him, "What did you say?"


    "I said you should get engaged. Stop focusing all your attention on Mu Yichen. He¡¯s already married and has children. What more do you want?"


    Jing Xianzong asked with furrowed brows, partly because he was afraid the elder would argue again, and partly because he truly hoped to resolve this matter quickly.


    "What more do I want? He was originally mine."


    "Mu Yichen went abroad with Qin Mu when he was thirteen. How could he be yours?"


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t stand Jing Qing¡¯s egocentricity any longer and couldn¡¯t help but blurt out a question.


    Hearing the woman across from her speak, Jing Qing let out a cold sneer: "So what if he went abroad with her at the age of twelve? When he came back, he was always with me. If it weren¡¯t for her sudden return..."


    "Huanhuan is already three years old. If he truly loved you, would he have had Huanhuan with Qin Mu? Why does he go to Paris to see Qin Mu every so often? He only played along with you because your brother begged him to help you establish a foothold in the entertainment industry. Now that his task is done, why won¡¯t you let go?"


    As Jing Qing listened to those words, although she had heard them before, she couldn¡¯t help but tremble with rage, stubbornly and resentfully staring at Helian Hao, unable to accept her blunt truths.


    "My affairs are none of your business. I haven¡¯t even settled the score with you for secretly getting a marriage certificate with my brother. What right do you have to dictate my life?"


    "By that logic, I have no right to sit at the Jing Family¡¯s dinner table, or to take part in this meeting. In that case, I¡¯ll take my leave."


    After listening, Helian Hao gently set down her chopsticks and stood up, nodded to her in-laws, then turned to leave.


    Jing Feng sighed helplessly after she left, "Did you have to bring this up during dinner? And in the future, can we discuss Xiaoqing¡¯s matters separately with me?"


    With a headache, Jing Feng also put down his chopsticks and got up to leave.


    Suddenly, only four people remained in the vast dining room. Jing Qing, close to tears, angrily threw down her chopsticks and ran outside, while the patriarch slammed down his own bowl: "Let¡¯s not bother with this meal."


    Jing Xianzong and his wife watched the elder leave without saying another word.


    However, they had to consider the bigger picture. Currently, with the situation as it was, the elder could afford to be willful, the daughter could be petulant, but they couldn¡¯t afford to disregard others.


    The sudden release of all the real estate business in Rong City by Mu Yichen¡ªwhat kind of impact would that have on Rong City?


    "Jing Big Brother, your phone is ringing."


    The housekeeper suddenly came in, holding his phone.


    Jing Xianzong, guessing who was on the call by the housekeeper¡¯s cautious demeanor, immediately stood up, took the phone, and answered, "Hello, Mayor of Qin City."


    Jing Xianzong¡¯s wife got up resignedly, thinking of her daughter and husband¡¯s future, and decided to go talk to her daughter personally.


    Meanwhile, Jing Qing was in her grandfather¡¯s room, weakly shedding tears and listening to his comforting words.


    The Mu Family¡¯s home was newly adorned with lilies, bud-laden and arranged in vases around the living room, lending extra warmth to the house as the weather turned cold.


    After dinner, the family sat down together to watch television. Huanhuan lay quietly on Qin Mu¡¯s lap, listening to the occasional conversation of her grandparents, parents, and sometimes asking unexpected questions, which amused everyone.


    Qin Mu looked at her affectionately, until Feng Fanghua asked Huanhuan, "Baby, tell Mommy, do you want a little brother?"


    "Huanhuan wants a little sister."


    Qin Mu had not yet digested Feng Fanghua¡¯s words when she was startled by her daughter¡¯s declaration, realizing that the little girl wished for another sister.


    "Didn¡¯t you agree with Grandma that you wanted a little brother? How come it¡¯s a sister now?"


    "Huanhuan likes sisters."


    Huanhuan lay on her mother¡¯s body, well-behaved and particularly stubborn.


    Feng Fanghua looked at her helplessly, raised her hand, and sighed.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help looking at his daughter and then turning his gaze to Qin Mu. He hadn¡¯t expected Feng Fanghua to suddenly bring up this topic but now, watching Qin Mu and their daughter, he truly longed to add another member to the family.


    Mu Zihao said, "A brother or a sister is fine. After all, your parents are still young. They can have a few more for you to play with in the future, right?"


    "Yes!"


    Huanhuan agreed and then looked up at her mother.


    Qin Mu suddenly felt her daughter¡¯s gaze held a deeper meaning, but she just smiled and stroked her daughter¡¯s head.


    Having children wasn¡¯t as simple as wanting them, was it?


    Though, the last time she was unexpectedly pregnant with Huanhuan right away.


    There were a few occasions they were not careful, but she didn¡¯t get pregnant, and the thought of having many more made her fear her limits.


    Mu Yichen could only gaze at his wife admiringly until Huanhuan climbed out of Qin Mu¡¯s lap to fetch a Barbie doll nearby and called out, "Why isn¡¯t Grandpa coming?"


    "Hmm?"


    Qin Mu looked at her daughter curiously, not understanding, and asked.


    "The Barbie that Grandpa is giving to Huanhuan!"


    Huanhuan¡¯s large, dark eyes looked at her mother, shaking the Barbie princess in her hand.

 Chapter 261 - 96 真心_1

    Chapter 261: 96 ÕæÐÄ_1


    Qin Mu now knew that Qin Haiming often came to see her daughter; that evening she didn¡¯t lose her temper but simply let out a resigned, bitter smile.


    Let it be!


    Later, she went to coax Huanhuan to sleep, and Mu Yichen chatted for a bit downstairs before he went upstairs to find her.


    He sat on the edge of the bed, beside mother and daughter, his eyes slightly downcast: "I¡¯ve actually known about this all along, I didn¡¯t tell you because I was afraid you¡¯d be unhappy."


    Qin Mu listened quietly, not planning to say anything, but then she thought about it, turned around, and looked at him with eyes as tranquil as water: "Let him look if he wants to, after all, Huanhuan hasn¡¯t lost anything.


    Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t expected her to say that, thinking she would have been furious and complain while crying and hugging him, just like the last time he tricked her into going to a birthday banquet.


    He even thought she might leave in anger.


    But she merely said so calmly.


    "Go back to the room to sleep."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but glare at him: you¡¯re punished to sleep on the couch tonight.


    Yichen¡¯s heart shattered in an instant.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qin Mu had recently begun to get busy preparing for the year-end show, and the controversy on Weibo had also reversed. That morning, as she looked at the webpage that lavishly reported on her work and career, she realized that she had been in this industry for quite some time.


    Xiaomei whispered in her ear: "But the incident is still fermenting, there¡¯s talk on both sides, shall we continue to pin it up next?"


    "No need, we¡¯ve fought up to this point, if they still can¡¯t distinguish between truth and falsehood, then there¡¯s nothing worth our attention left."


    Qin Mu glanced at the webpage one last time, then closed her laptop and turned to look at Xiaomei.


    After hearing this, Xiaomei nodded: "That¡¯s better, I¡¯ve been looking for pictures so much that I¡¯m nearly short-sighted."


    "But weren¡¯t you already nearsighted?"


    "My astigmatism is just a bit more severe, okay?"


    Xiaomei retorted, and Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh with resignation: Alright, alright.


    "Your mentor called and said he¡¯s coming over this afternoon, it seems his health is getting better."


    It was only when Qin Mu heard this that she finally sighed in relief, feeling genuinely reassured¡ªfor Jian Yan¡¯s sickness had truly unnerved her. And also, who told Mu Yi about her visiting her mentor?


    She had even forgotten to ask him.


    "Qinqin? Qinqin?"


    As Qin Mu was lost in thought, Xiaomei called her several times.


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes to look at her, still a bit dazed.


    "Then, I¡¯m going out first, okay?"


    Xiaomei said, gesturing towards the door.


    "Oh, sure!"


    Qin Mu finally snapped back to reality, picked up her phone to send him a message, but then she thought it was better to talk about this kind of thing in person, so she put the phone back down.


    Helian Hao would go see her later and get angry talking about what happened at the Jing Family¡¯s place, then feel helpless: "Why do I even bother? I¡¯ve made up my mind. I¡¯ll never attend another Jing Family family meeting again, just to avoid upsetting myself."


    Qin Mu put down the pen in her hand, unconsciously touching her slightly calloused fingertip joints and sighed: "Of course, happiness is the most important thing. What did Jing Feng say?"


    "Jing Feng didn¡¯t say much, but I heard that even before he pursued me, he told the old residence¡¯s people that in the future, they should talk to him about such matters. Probably because he also doesn¡¯t want me to hear all that."


    Qin Mu nodded, and unconsciously, she awarded Jing Feng some mental points.


    As long as Jing Feng knows how to stay clear, he won¡¯t suffer losses with the Jing Family, thinking about it, she and her sister...


    "I¡¯m just angry for you. How can some people be so extreme? Clearly, it¡¯s not theirs, yet they insist on having it?"


    "Mu Yichen is certainly not a ¡¯thing.¡¯"


    After hearing this, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but clarify to Helian Hao with a straight face, then nearly laughed at the inappropriateness of her own words.


    "Yes, yes, your Mu Yichen is not a ¡¯thing,¡¯ he¡¯s a treasure, okay? But he¡¯s your treasure alone."


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t stand her being so sticky sweet about Mu Yichen, feeling it was mushy but couldn¡¯t help correcting her.


    "Not really, the whole family treats him like a treasure."


    "If you¡¯re going to put it that way, then people all over the world who think of him as a treasure are aplenty, from noble gentlemen to the entertainment industry¡¯s national heartthrobs who blur people¡¯s senses. But your Yichen has indeed surpassed them."


    "If Jing Feng appeared more on entertainment headlines, I guess he wouldn¡¯t be far behind."


    "I¡¯d rather he never appears on them."


    Helian Hao thought to himself, less trouble is always better than more. Who would want their man to be on other women¡¯s minds?


    Qin Mu could only smile bitterly, not feeling that others were dreadful. But if you really think about it, Jing Qing can indeed be quite terrifying.


    But what¡¯s the use of being afraid?


    She had originally wanted a fair fight, but who knew that right from the beginning, it wasn¡¯t on the level.

 Chapter 262 - 96 真心_2

    Chapter 262: 96 ÕæÐÄ_2


    It¡¯s said that she has recently changed her designer, and her fashion sense has significantly improved. As for Wen Runuan, she still takes the relaxed and simple approach.


    What kind of female celebrities do the audiences really like?


    The enchanting and seductive ones?


    Or the elegant ladies?


    Or perhaps the ordinary girl-next-door?


    Or maybe it¡¯s each to their own, but there always needs to be a standout, and Wen Runuan must have her own style that never tires onlookers.


    If Jing Qing ever finds it hard to continue at Jingshang, Qin Mu thinks she might at best be a supporting role; the key must be that Zhang always wants to help his own woman.


    Mu Yichen said that Zhang has invited him to have lunch together at noon and asked if she would join, but after much thought, Qin Mu still felt it wasn¡¯t suitable for her, and when lunchtime came, she went to a hotpot restaurant outside with Helian Hao and Xiaomei to have a yin-yang hotpot.


    Xiaomei cried from the spiciness but kept dipping into the unbearably spicy broth, while Qin Mu and Helian Hao calmly went for the mild flavor.


    "Maybe you should stop eating; what if you get a stomachache in the afternoon?" As a doctor, she reflexively reminded her of the people she saw get injured.


    "It¡¯s okay, the last time I ate it was even spicier. It¡¯s really satisfying to eat this once in a while. Don¡¯t believe us? Try it yourselves."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare, so she ignored the suggestion and quietly ate her own food.


    Helian Hao shook her head, "I can¡¯t do it. My stomach hasn¡¯t been great recently. You should go to the pharmacy and buy some medicine to take back after eating."


    "Okay!" Xiaomei agreed while giving Helian Hao a deep look, scaring her into a shiver.


    "Ah, if our Xiaomei went into showbiz, she might actually make it big for a while." Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but remark upon seeing so much expression on Xiaomei¡¯s face.


    "I don¡¯t want to go; it¡¯s so chaotic! What if some director takes a fancy to me? Do I follow them or not? You know I have trouble making choices."


    Xiaomei immediately hugged her shoulders, looking very frightened.


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "Now I finally understand why you two get along so well."


    "Why?"


    Qin Mu looked up curiously and asked, the steam from the pot separating the three of them.


    "You complete each other; one¡¯s too serious, the other¡¯s not serious enough."


    Helian Hao said as she put some noodles into the pot to cook, because she had to work in the afternoon, she said, "I¡¯ll have to leave after eating these. It¡¯ll probably be busy this afternoon."


    "Yeah, eat up then. We can chat more when you¡¯re free." Qin Mu suggested as she poured her a cup of water and brought it to her.


    "Miss Helian, will you and Mr. Jing have a wedding ceremony?"


    Xiaomei asked curiously.


    "Maybe, but that seems like a distant event," Helian Hao said while stirring the noodles in the pot and sighed after finishing.


    "When the time comes for Miss Helian to have a wedding with our Qinqin, I¡¯ll be your bridesmaid, hahaha. I can definitely ask for a hefty red envelope." Xiaomei dreamed big.


    "Which bride are you going to block the door for then?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but ask, her almond eyes bright yet profound.


    "Uh..."


    Xiaomei suddenly thought, that¡¯s right!


    "Also, you shouldn¡¯t call me ¡¯Miss Helian¡¯ anymore; it feels so distant. Since you call Mumu Qinqin, just call me Helian or Xiaohao. The patients in our department even call me ¡¯Doctor Hao¡¯."


    The two women about to eat couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    That afternoon, when Qin Mu and Xiaomei returned to the studio, they saw Jian Yan. Knowing he was coming, they had specially brought him a cup of coffee from the cafe?. Jian Yan smiled faintly at the sight of the coffee on the table: "You two are thoughtful, even getting coffee for me while out for lunch."


    "It was mainly Xiaomei¡¯s idea."


    Qin Mu said with a wry smile, holding her water cup while sitting across from him.


    "Yeah, when have you ever cared about me?"


    Always reciting ¡¯one day as a teacher, a lifetime as a father¡¯...


    Qin Mu, feeling somewhat ashamed as Jian Yan¡¯s gaze seemed to speak those very words, lowered her head.


    Xiaomei, seeing the way Jian Yan looked at Qin Mu, helplessly turned her head to continue working. When would he truly see her efforts?


    After Xiaomei left, Qin Mu recalled some words she had said to her. Thinking about Mu Yichen¡¯s unusual behavior because of Jian Yan, and then looking up at Jian Yan again, she felt a bit guilty.


    Jian Yan, noticing her evasive gaze, softly asked, "Did you do any drawings this morning? Let¡¯s check them out."


    "Sure!"


    Qin Mu carried her water cup upstairs, followed by him, and the cup of coffee remained untouched on the table.


    Jian Yan and she worked in an office, occasionally exchanging words, but Qin Mu frequently saw Jian Yan frown and instinctively asked, "Are you still feeling unwell?"

 Chapter 263 - 96 真心_3

    Chapter 263: 96 ÕæÐÄ_3


    "Gone!"


    Jian Yan lifted his eyes briefly, then lowered his gaze again, having intended to sketch, but in the end, he pushed the paper aside: "I¡¯m going back to the office to check some materials; if you need me, come find me there."


    Qin Mu nodded subconsciously, his eyes never leaving him, until he stood up and left. Qin Mu was still staring at the door, lost in thought for a while.


    Not long after Mu Yichen finished drinking with President Zhang, he went to find her, but he didn¡¯t go to her office and instead went directly to the room where she used to sleep to rest.


    As Qin Mu was pouring water, she saw that the door was ajar. Approaching softly, she pushed it open and saw him lying on the bed, instinctively stepping forward: "When did you get here?"


    No one answered. Was he asleep?


    Qin Mu, holding the empty cup, walked to the edge of the bed: "Mu Yichen?"


    Mu Yichen still didn¡¯t utter a sound. Qin Mu thought he was probably tired, then she put down the cup and reached over him to pull the inside covers over him.


    "You have a phone call."


    Xiaomei reminded softly from outside.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t even have the time to take another glance before standing up and walking towards the door. Xiaomei handed her the phone with a mischievous giggle, muttering, "I went to bring you water just now and heard your phone ringing."


    Qin Mu laughed involuntarily, thinking what did I say that has you looking so scared.


    Later, when Qin Mu went to get her cup, she casually mentioned to him, "Will you be here all afternoon?"


    "Yeah, waiting for you to get off work."


    "Cut it out, waiting for me to get off work smelling like booze?"


    "Still remembering to find you after getting this drunk, what does that tell you?"


    President Mu looked at her holding the cup at the door, then asked.


    Qin Mu raised her eyes to the doorframe, pondered for a moment: "It means it¡¯s true love."


    "Hmph!"


    Mu Yichen turned over and ignored her further, Qin Mu...


    True love just gets a hmph?


    So defiant!


    Afterward, Qin Mu concentrated on her sketching in the office, while Mu Yichen got up from sleeping and went to Jian Yan¡¯s office. Jian Yan smiled at his arrival but didn¡¯t put down the cigarette he was about to light: "President Mu, would you like one?"


    Mu Yichen, hands in pockets, walked in with an aristocratic air and indeed sat beside him on the couch, took a cigarette from the box on the coffee table, and hung it in his mouth.


    Jian Yan sighed involuntarily at his roguish air: "Isn¡¯t President Mu busy at this time?"


    "With so many people under me, if I still had to work all day and night, what use would they be?"


    He lit his cigarette and took a drag before replying.


    Jian Yan knew Mu Yichen¡¯s temperament; a great man could bend and stretch, could be tempestuous or modest to the extreme.


    "That¡¯s something you would say."


    Jian Yan took a deep drag and leaned back nonchalantly in the couch, eyes drifting over the cigarette box on the coffee table.


    Mu Yichen lifted his gaze: "I heard from Qin Mu that you haven¡¯t been well lately? But it¡¯s not bad enough to need someone to look after you, right?"


    "Hmph! Did Mumu tell you?" Jian Yan¡¯s smile was very sincere.


    "Of course."


    Hearing that "of course," Jian Yan really didn¡¯t feel well inside, yet he had to admit that he could only be jealous.


    "I¡¯ve told you before, don¡¯t worry about me competing with you. I can¡¯t win, and I won¡¯t compete."


    "Then why are you staying here?"


    Mu Yichen asked directly, his cold and devilish eyes staring at the man across from him.


    "I¡¯ll return to Paris after her show this year. Whether I¡¯ll ever come back is uncertain," Jian Yan said with a bitter smile, as if he harbored some unspeakable secret.


    "No wonder she said you¡¯ve been acting strange lately."


    "Mumu?"


    "Yes, she¡¯s been fantasizing lately that you have some terminal illness."


    Jian Yan¡¯s expression flickered with momentary surprise, then he laughed: "Truly worthy of being my good disciple."


    "If there¡¯s something wrong, say it. Don¡¯t play mysterious games; she respects you like her own father."


    When President Mu said the word "father," he even glanced up at him, but Jian Yan didn¡¯t mind the intentional dig: "Having me in her heart is enough for me."


    "Hmph!"


    Mu Yichen chuckled disdainfully, annoyed that Jian Yan seemed so unfazed.


    That evening after work, the two of them went home together. In the car, Qin Mu curiously asked him, "What were you and master talking about? Xiaomei said you guys had a secret meeting for over an hour."


    "Is a man¡¯s topic something you should listen to?"


    Mu Yichen turned to look at her and then back at the road ahead.


    "What¡¯s there that I can¡¯t listen to?"


    As Qin Mu spoke, she sneaked more glances at him, finding President Mu uncharacteristically unable to stay serious, clearly amused.


    Qin Mu continued to pester him for an answer, but without success, she gave up, not expecting to come home to find Huanhuan¡¯s grandfather there.

 Chapter 264 - 96 真心_4

    Chapter 264: 96 ÕæÐÄ_4


    Yes, Huanhuan called out for Grandpa, tugging at him and insisting to have dinner with him.


    "You should stay and leave after dinner," she said.


    Seeing her granddaughter clinging to him, not letting him go, Feng Fanghua also persuaded him to stay.


    "Better not, Mumu should be back soon," he replied.


    They had only finished work half an hour early today. As soon as Qin Mu and Mu Yichen walked through the door, they heard the conversation. Qin Mu was actually very conflicted inside, but most of her rationality suppressed the impulse.


    Mu Yichen wrapped his arms around her shoulders as if to give her strength, and Qin Mu glanced at him subconsciously before they walked into the living room together.


    "Young Master and Young Mistress are back," said the butler.


    The butler had been watching inside and only realized someone had walked past him when he snapped back to reality and immediately asked.


    The living room fell silent in an instant as the three elders and a little girl all turned to look at them uniformly.


    "Mommy, Daddy, it¡¯s Grandpa!"


    Huanhuan immediately let go of Qin Haiming and ran to her parents, starting to introduce them.


    Qin Mu lowered her eyes and smiled at her daughter¡¯s excited demeanor, picking her up: "Do you like Grandpa a lot, Huanhuan?"


    "Mhmm!"


    Huanhuan looked at her mother¡¯s gentle gaze and immediately nodded.


    Feng Fanghua could see that Qin Mu was soft-hearted and immediately greeted cheerfully, "Then please stay."


    Qin Haiming still glanced at Qin Mu one more time to make sure she wouldn¡¯t be angry before he nodded, "Then I will accept your hospitality tonight."


    "Why all the formalities between our families?"


    Mu Zihao invited him to sit, and the kitchen was still preparing dinner, which naturally would be sumptuous. Outside, Mu Yichen also joined in drinking tea, while Qin Mu took Huanhuan to wash her hands in the restroom. Watching her daughter scrub the soap on her own, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh with the thought of how fast her daughter was growing up, and suddenly her own childhood came to mind.


    Back then, she too would stand on a little stool in front of the washbasin to wash her hands, intentionally doing it when Qin Hai came home from work since he would always become frightened and go to pick her up whenever he saw her on that stool.


    Time flies. In the blink of an eye, she was a mother and no longer experienced the feeling of being a daughter.


    Now he was in her in-laws¡¯ home, whether as friend or foe it suddenly seemed less important. Could she let go of the resentment of being sent abroad, could she forgive her mother¡¯s death?


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know, but that evening, she had to face it calmly.


    Dinner time was livelier than usual with the family gathered at the table. Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua naturally treated the mayor of Qin City as a close relative and were very hospitable. As the junior, Qin Mu kept quiet, and the task of feeding her daughter fell upon her again, so she quietly helped Huanhuan with her meal, picking out fish bones.


    Mu Yichen, seeing that she wasn¡¯t eating much herself, started to put food on her plate. Qin Mu, as if she didn¡¯t see, focused solely on feeding Huanhuan.


    "Let me toast to you first. It¡¯s been such a long time since their wedding and they have never had a formal meal together. It¡¯s our fault as the groom¡¯s side, so this drink is to apologize to you," Mu Zihao said, holding up his glass of white wine.


    Qin Haiming held up his glass as well but laughed lightly: "This has nothing to do with you. It¡¯s my fault for being an incompetent father. If anything, I should be the one toasting to thank you for taking care of my daughter."


    "Since we are all family here, let¡¯s just drink this one together," Feng Fanghua proposed, lifting her glass.


    Mu Yichen turned to Qin Mu: "Mumu is taking herbal medicine recently and can¡¯t drink alcohol, so I¡¯ll drink in her stead."


    "I¡¯ll drink water instead!"


    After hearing this, Qin Mu picked up her water glass, still composed.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were puzzled, and Qin Haiming was even more surprised. Since Qin Mu had returned, he had tried many times to have a meal with her, always to be refused. Now Qin Mu had surprisingly agreed to drink a toast with him using water instead of wine, how could his heart not feel it?


    But Mu Yichen just smiled slightly and stood up, holding his glass out to perform the courteous toast.


    Later, as the elders chatted, Qin Mu whispered, "I¡¯ll take Huanhuan for a bath first."


    "Oh, alright, go ahead!"


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t stop her, and Qin Mu then left with Huanhuan in her arms.


    After she had left, Mu Yichen also exhaled in relief. That the dinner went by so peacefully was not an easy feat. She certainly struggled a great deal internally before barely convincing herself to attend.


    "This child is really not like what I had imagined," Qin Haiming murmured after she left.


    "What do you think of her? Or do you just assume she¡¯s as your wife has described?" Mu Yichen asked bluntly after Qin Mu had left.

 Chapter 265 - 96 真心_5

    Chapter 265: 96 ÕæÐÄ_5


    Qin Haiming looked at him, and for a moment, his mind went blank.


    "Yichen, don¡¯t talk nonsense,"


    Feng Fanghua immediately intervened.


    "Nonsense? My wife has spent so many years abroad. After coming back, did Mr. Qin, as her father, sincerely want to make up for the past? Not to mention initially wanting to move my mother-in-law¡¯s grave from the Qin family burial ground, let¡¯s talk about a few days ago when your wife and daughter went to make a scene at her studio. Whether my wife takes after you or my mother-in-law, is she the kind of person who would strike someone first? Yet, you listened to your wife and daughter¡¯s provocations and demanded an apology from her, disappointing not just her¡ª"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s words trailed off there; he knew Qin Haiming understood his point. His words were heavy, serious, and unkind¡ªso much so that at this moment, his stern demeanor almost made him seem like the host of the table.


    "Yichen, stop talking!"


    Even Mu Zihao, the perennially gentle man, couldn¡¯t help but call for a halt after his son finished his speech.


    Mu Yichen naturally did not continue but instead picked up his glass, "As a junior, I have no place to say these things, but as my wife¡¯s husband, I must speak up for her. If I have offended, consider this drink as my apology."


    Mu Yichen then picked up his glass, without the slightest hesitation.


    At that moment, the dining room fell silent.


    The three older generations watched him finish his drink and remained silent for a long while.


    "I admit I haven¡¯t trusted Mumu enough. She¡¯s been away for so many years, and upon returning, she¡¯s become so cold. Of course, she turned out this way because of me, but¡ªas for many things¡ªit¡¯s not easy to explain,"


    Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua naturally could not say much; they just listened quietly.


    "Actually, after being apart for so many years, some harmonization is necessary, but we¡¯re still family after all. Don¡¯t think too much."


    "Yes, life goes on. Besides, we understand you don¡¯t have time to tend to family matters,"


    Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua would then speak in his defense after a while.


    "Yichen spoke well just now. In the future, I¡¯ll use my eyes to see and my heart to discern. Am I satisfying you with this statement?"


    Qin Haiming looked at his son-in-law sitting across from him. Actually, he wasn¡¯t very satisfied with Mu Yichen. Even though Mu Yichen normally was sparing with his words, Qin Haiming was aware that he harbored many things in his heart. Today, since Mu Yichen was willing to talk so much, he naturally would not fail to respond.


    "I¡¯m looking forward to it,"


    Mu Yichen tugged at the corner of his mouth.


    "Then, can those rumors of you leaving Rong City to develop elsewhere also disappear from the city?"


    Upon hearing this, Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but look at their son curiously. None had expected Mu Yichen would pull such a stunt, and it really did scare some people.


    "Those weren¡¯t my words. Although I indeed have some projects elsewhere, I never said I was leaving Rong City,"


    Mu Yichen leaned back in his chair, speaking as if it were all true.


    His sharply contoured face was devoid of emotion, and while his words were slick, they didn¡¯t give the impression that he was brushing you off.


    After hearing him, Qin Haiming nodded: "With your word, I am relieved."


    Qin Haiming gave a light smile and drank with him.


    Mu Yichen, not saying much more, poured himself another glass.


    Qin Mu had been upstairs with Huanhuan all along, bathing her and then reading her fairy tale books. Usually, these were tasks for Feng Fanghua, and she rarely had the chance. Tonight, she finally got her wish.


    "Mommy, is grandpa still here?"


    "Mhm!"


    In the warm bedroom, on the bed that belonged to the little princess, mother and daughter lay talking. Huanhuan was actually close to falling asleep, but her concerns lay downstairs.


    "Will grandpa live with us?"


    "Does Huanhuan want grandpa to live with us?"


    "Mhm!"


    "Grandpa has his own home and can¡¯t live with us. But grandpa will come to see Huanhuan often, right?"


    "Right, and he will bring Huanhuan a lot of gifts."


    Qin Mu gently stroked her daughter¡¯s hair. A child is always so pure; as long as someone treats her well and buys her gifts, she will greatly like them.


    But how many people in this world genuinely care for others?


    She wasn¡¯t sure if Qin Haiming¡¯s feelings for her were genuine, just as she wasn¡¯t sure if she could continue to bear everything silently.


    Later, Mu Yichen also returned upstairs first. Qin Mu was still in her daughter¡¯s room. He crouched beside the bed and watched her. Since Huanhuan had fallen asleep, she was watching her phone. Putting down the phone and glancing sideways at him: "Why are you looking at me like that?"

 Chapter 266 - 96 真心_6

    Chapter 266: 96 ÕæÐÄ_6


    "Mrs. Mu, you always manage to surprise me!"


    He gazed at her, his deep black eyes filled with profound affection.


    "There might be even more surprising things in the future," Qin Mu smiled as a reminder.


    Mu Yichen chuckled, then took her slender hand, only then noticing the slight roughness between her fingers, the result of years of holding a pen.


    He lowered his head to look at her hands.


    Qin Mu lay quietly beside the bed, watching him, her heart also seeking, searching for the very thing in him that moved her.


    Could she, towards him, ever let go as easily as she once did?


    Later, the two of them went back to their room to rest, and Mu Zihao chatted over tea with Feng Fanghua. "Your daughter-in-law has changed her ways today; last time she left without a word."


    "She understands the relationships involved, now that she has chosen to stay in Rongcheng," Mu Zihao nodded and said.


    "Hmph, I don¡¯t believe that girl is so calculating,"


    Feng Fanghua unintentionally sighed as she finished speaking. In truth, she had a thought in her mind, that Qin Mu might be doing it for the Mu Family, but since Qin Mu didn¡¯t mention it, she too remained silent.


    "No matter what, it¡¯s not easy for Mumu to make such a compromise, so go easy on her,"


    Mu Zihao spoke quietly to his wife, fearing a louder voice might displease her.


    "I get it, nag!"


    Feng Fanghua glared at him.


    On the way home, Qin Haiming also seemed relieved as he looked into the distance and asked the driver in front, "Old Wang, how many years has it been since Mumu¡¯s mother left?"


    "Miss was seven that year, so it¡¯s been over sixteen years,"


    The driver glanced through the rearview mirror, his voice wavering with emotion.


    The car was quiet, the laughter of Qin Haiming barely reaching the front.


    Qin Haiming looked up at the night sky: "Sixteen years, it feels like something from a past life."


    His voice was low and heartbreakingly tender.


    "Yeah, blink of an eye, and Miss Mumu is a mother,"


    the driver responded.


    "Mm! Although she seems cold on the outside now, her heart is still like when she was a child. Just take tonight, for instance, she let me stay at the Mu Family for dinner and even had a drink with me, all because Huanhuan said she likes me,"


    Qin Haiming suddenly laughed, as if it was the sweetest thing to happen in years.


    "Yes, every time I see Miss Mumu, she¡¯s always very warm, but it seems like she¡¯s afraid of being too warm. I can tell, she¡¯s still as sensible as when she was a child, it¡¯s just that too many things have happened, and only when she came back did she harbor some hard feelings,"


    The driver glanced at the rearview mirror, recalling the beautiful little girl from the past.


    "It¡¯s also my fault, how could I agree to Rujia¡¯s request to move her mother¡¯s grave out of the family cemetery? How could I do such a thing?"


    Qin Haiming spoke more to himself.


    "Don¡¯t be too hard on yourself. It¡¯s normal for feelings to fade after so many years apart as a father and daughter, but looking at how things are now, I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t be separated again,"


    "Never again!"


    Qin Haiming shook his head, and the car safely arrived at the house.


    As soon as Qin Haiming entered, he saw Zhang Rujia waiting for him on the sofa, and couldn¡¯t help but think of his daughter who had been wandering outside for many years, then sighed deeply as he walked forward.


    "Haiming, which hotel were you entertaining at tonight? Why are you back so late?"


    "I didn¡¯t go to a hotel. It was the Mu Family, had a simple meal and chatted a bit,"


    Qin Haiming was still in his neat suit, casually walking to the sofa to sit down.


    Zhang Rujia just got up to greet him as he sat down and then settled next to him.


    "Really? Did you go to see Qin Mu?"


    "To see Huanhuan, but she and Mu Yi were also home. We just ended up together. Why? Aren¡¯t you pleased?"


    He turned to look at her and asked.


    "No, how could I be unhappy? I also look forward to our family being happy together. She¡¯s your daughter, and naturally, I treat her like my own,"


    Zhang Rujia said as she went to help him with his coat.


    Qin Haiming nodded.


    The living room lighting was warm, casting a cozy yet slightly dim glow on the sofa. Qin Haiming said in a low voice, "Xiaojia, as long as you don¡¯t make things difficult for her, this is my only request. Then, we, as husband and wife, can be happy like before, okay?"


    "Look at what you¡¯re saying. I¡¯m not some kind of cruel stepmother,"


    Zhang Rujia muttered as she hung up his coat and poured him water before she went to look for him again.


    "Also, keep an eye on Mingzhu. She has been pampered at home since she was young and shouldn¡¯t be causing trouble with Mumu anymore."


    "Okay!"


    "And one more thing, prepare a room for Mumu."


    Qin Haiming said, looking down, to the woman beside him.


    "Prepare a room? She¡¯s going to move back in?"


    "That¡¯s not possible, but if she occasionally comes back to her parental home, surely she should have her own room? Prepare the best room on the second floor for her, buy a big bed, and also for Huanhuan. If she comes back, she will certainly bring her daughter."


    Qin Haiming had everything planned out perfectly, to the point that just thinking about such future days excited him.


    However, Zhang Rujia watched him talk calmly, while she felt very uncomfortable inside.


    "Okay, I¡¯ll do as you say!" But she agreed outwardly.


    "You know, I was thinking, they should have a wedding. When it¡¯s time to pick up the bride, we should personally send her off from our house."


    "Okay, whatever treatment Mingzhu gets, she gets the same, no biases. What do you think?"


    Zhang Rujia asked him with a smile.


    "Okay. If you can do that, then I can focus on my work with peace of mind."


    "Just relax. From now on, as long as she doesn¡¯t trouble me, I absolutely won¡¯t say a bad word about her."


    Qin Mingzhu hadn¡¯t slept either. She had wanted to go downstairs to get a drink, but after overhearing the couple¡¯s conversation, she felt an immense sense of grievance, holding back tears in her eyes.


    Yet she didn¡¯t step out until the next morning when she finally went to ask Zhang Rujia, who sighed helplessly, "If I hadn¡¯t agreed to your father right then, would he have let me off the hook?"


    "But you shouldn¡¯t have agreed to make a room available for her, saying she¡¯ll get the same treatment as me. What right does she have? These years it¡¯s you who have taken care of Dad. Her mother died a long time ago and did nothing. Why should she enjoy the same treatment as me?"


    Angry, Qin Mingzhu sat on the edge of their bed, while Zhang Rujia checked herself in the mirror, ensuring there were no wrinkles on her clothes, then turned indifferently to Qin Mingzhu and said, "Just because one says something, does that mean they must do it?"


    Qin Mingzhu, puzzled, looked up at her.


    "But we must first appease your dad. Right now, he just wants to make up with his eldest daughter. If you stand in the way, this family will fall apart."


    Zhang Rujia spoke deliberately, as if she was confident she could handle the situation well.


    "Is it that serious? You¡¯ve always taken such good care of Dad; didn¡¯t he say he couldn¡¯t live without you?"


    "He says he can¡¯t live without me, but now that he has Mu Yichen as a son-in-law, does he still care about a woman like me?"


    "So what should we do?"


    Worry immediately gripped Qin Mingzhu; she wasn¡¯t willing to lower herself to Qin Mu, nor was she willing to make room for her.


    "Just humour her,"


    "But..."


    Just as Qin Mingzhu was about to ask more, her cellphone in her pocket rang. She looked down, saw it was labeled ¡¯Sister Jing Qing¡¯, and immediately muttered, "What does she want with me?"


    "Who is it?"


    "Jing Qing!"


    "Answer it first!"


    Zhang Rujia guessed it wasn¡¯t good news, but felt the caller could still be of use, so she told her daughter to answer the phone.


    That morning, after Qin Mu went to the studio, she gathered everyone for a meeting on the first floor. Everyone took their respective seats, with Qin Mu standing beside Xiaomei¡¯s desk. Jian Yan remained upstairs, not coming down.


    Qin Mu had hardly spoken a few words before the door was pushed open from the outside. Everyone curiously turned to look, only to see a woman in a pink coat entering. Delighted, she ran towards Qin Mu with her purse in hand: "Sis, I¡¯ve come to see you."

 Chapter 267 - 97 protect_1

    Chapter 267: 97 protect_1


    "Sis, Dad told me that from now on, we sisters should get along well. I swear, I will never hang out with Jing Qing again. From now on, I¡¯ll be your little sister! Your dear little sister!"


    As Qin Mingzhu spoke, she looped her arm through Qin Mu¡¯s, looking smug and oh-so-genuine.


    Today, Qin Mu wore a light grey shirt with a dark cashmere vest over it. She looked down at her slender arm, now invaded by another hand, and couldn¡¯t help feeling uncomfortable.


    "What¡¯s gotten into you?"


    Qin Mu murmured, her brows slightly furrowed.


    "Crazy? How can you say that about your own sister? Remember, we both share Dad¡¯s blood. He¡¯s had Mom prepare a room for you at home, waiting for you to move back in. He even said he wouldn¡¯t recognize me as his daughter if I didn¡¯t get along with you. You¡¯ve got to play along with me in this act for Dad, right? It won¡¯t do you any good if I get thrown out."


    The way Qin Mingzhu said it... it sounded so real.


    Qin Mu just looked at her with that low gaze, and after listening to her speak, she couldn¡¯t help but let out a snort of laughter, "Actually, there are some benefits!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t loud, but her words surprised everyone present; Qin Mingzhu was especially shocked, her eyes nearly bulging out.


    "How could it benefit you if Dad throws me out?" Qin Mingzhu grumbled with a frown.


    "It¡¯s satisfying!"


    Qin Mu said evenly, as Qin Mingzhu nearly choked with indignation, tears threatening to spill.


    "My goodness, what a waste not to be an actress!"


    Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help but sneer in admiration of Qin Mingzhu¡¯s performance.


    The colleagues who were in a meeting also curiously watched Qin Mingzhu put on her act in front of Qin Mu.


    "I am not acting, don¡¯t spout nonsense. I¡¯m here to genuinely seek reconciliation with her."


    Upon hearing that, Qin Mingzhu immediately defended herself.


    Xiaomei...


    "We¡¯re in a meeting. If you don¡¯t have anything else, please leave."


    Qin Mu figured this girl could make a fuss all day and night if she wanted to, and they had serious business to discuss, so she bluntly told her to leave.


    "I won¡¯t leave; I¡¯ll wait for you. Since you¡¯re in a meeting, I¡¯ll go wait for you upstairs. Where¡¯s your office? Oh, no need to tell me, I¡¯ll find it myself!"


    With those words, Qin Mingzhu finally let go of her and ran upstairs, bounding joyfully like an un-grown child.


    "Is it true or false?"


    Xiaomei suddenly wasn¡¯t sure of her own thoughts anymore, looking at Qin Mingzhu¡¯s foolish innocence, she turned to everyone with a puzzled gaze, then looked at Qin Mu.


    Everyone else was also confused, and even two girls hadn¡¯t understood what Qin Mingzhu had said, but they guessed from her expressions.


    Jian Yan watched from the second floor as Qin Mingzhu came up, and she glanced at him before moving past him.


    Jian Yan instinctively turned to watch after Qin Mingzhu; Qin Mu¡¯s office had her name on it, so of course, it was easy to recognize. Still, he couldn¡¯t help but follow her.


    Downstairs, Qin Mu sighed helplessly, finding it all too unbelievable.


    Would that girl really come to seek peace with her just because of a few words from Qin Haiming?


    "Let¡¯s continue with the meeting!"


    Qin Mu addressed everyone.


    "But she¡¯s upstairs!"


    Xiaomei reminded.


    Qin Mu chuckled, and Xiaomei looked up to see Jian Yan seemingly following Qin Mingzhu into the office before she breathed a sigh of relief. Xiaomei had seen and heard about too many incidents of famous designers¡¯ work being stolen in such dramatic ways, so if Jian Yan wasn¡¯t there, she truly wouldn¡¯t dare let Qin Mingzhu stay upstairs.


    Qin Mingzhu examined the surroundings of the desk and then looked down at the drawings on the table. Just as she was about to flip through them, she noticed Jian Yan standing at the doorway. Her heart skipped a beat, and she couldn¡¯t help but ask out of curiosity, "Who are you?"


    "My surname is Jian. You¡¯re Qin Mingzhu?"


    Jian Yan said with a light smile, exuding harmlessness and elegance.


    "Yes! You look decent enough, but could you not stand there?"


    Qin Mingzhu quietly suggested, her smile equally benign.


    Jian Yan nodded slightly and moved further inside with a smile.


    Watching him enter, Qin Mingzhu looked at him in bewilderment: "This is my sister¡¯s office."


    "I know!"


    Jian Yan replied calmly, then took a seat in the sofa inside, looking up comfortably at the girl standing by the desk.


    "Then why are you coming in?"


    Qin Mingzhu was a bit angry, the displeasure already showing on her face.


    "She calls me ¡¯Master¡¯!"


    He replied with a calm smile, and Qin Mingzhu...


    Master?


    Jian Yan?


    In a flash, Qin Mingzhu remembered the person Jing Qing had told her about, and a flood of emotions filled her eyes.

 Chapter 268 - 97 protect_2

    Chapter 268: 97 protect_2


    Jian Yan still smiled, but Qin Mingzhu thought for a moment, then chuckled twice towards him, with a bit of awe, a bit of nervousness, and frustration.


    "Miss Qin, if you have something to wait for Qin Mu, you can sit down and wait."


    "No, no need!"


    Qin Mingzhu laughed, took another uncertain look at him, slightly lowered her head in an unnatural way, and suddenly said after a long thought, "Ha, I heard you have a good relationship with Qin Mu, is that true?"


    "Not good, how could I be her master?"


    Jian Yan was always in control, sitting there looking at the girl who was performing for him. In fact, how could he not see through what the girl was thinking in her heart? He could clearly understand every little expression she made.


    "Is that so? Qin Mu is quite attractive, there must be many men who like her, right?"


    "You are also pretty good-looking, there must be a lot of men chasing you, right?"


    Qin Mingzhu was taken aback, then laughed again, "There are some, but I¡¯m still young. My parents don¡¯t plan to let me date so early."


    "Is that so? I didn¡¯t realize Qin Family¡¯s family education was so strict."


    Jian Yan always spoke with composure, which caught Qin Mingzhu off guard again. It took her a while to understand the meaning of his words, but she just felt it was abrasive.


    "Miss Qin, if you have nothing else, would you sit down and chat with this old man?"


    As Jian Yan spoke, he glanced at the sofa next to him.


    Qin Mingzhu was still standing there, glancing subconsciously at the sofa and then at Qin Mu¡¯s desk, before smiling and saying, "I think I¡¯ll wait for another day to come."


    "Then I won¡¯t see you out!"


    The spark in Qin Mingzhu¡¯s eyes was completely extinguished by a bucket of cold water in that moment. She had never met a man who talked like this before, seeming easy to talk to, but with words that always made the listener think there was more to them.


    Later, just as Qin Mu was about to announce the end of the meeting, she heard Qin Mingzhu¡¯s high heels descending the stairs and turned her head unconsciously.


    Qin Mingzhu caught Qin Mu¡¯s sharp gaze on her and couldn¡¯t help but mock herself, "I¡¯ll come to see you another day."


    The sudden change in the girl¡¯s way of communicating was indeed a bit surprising, and Qin Mu watched with a questioning look as Qin Mingzhu left in dejection. Xiaomei muttered beside her, "Who knows what kind of mischief she¡¯s planning this time?"


    After Xiaomei spoke, she looked up at the stairs, confusion also in her gaze.


    "Let¡¯s finish up here!"


    After addressing everyone, Qin Mu patted Xiaomei¡¯s shoulder gently to bring her back to reality. Xiaomei looked at her, "Shall I boil some hot water for you?"


    "Sure, thank you!"


    Xiaomei cast a resentful look at her and then left.


    When Qin Mu turned to see that everyone had started working and looked through the window at Qin Mingzhu outside staring at her, that look...


    It was like hatred!


    Qin Mu thought, could it really be that after having a meal with Qin Haiming, he went back and told Zhang Rujia and Qin Mingzhu to prepare a room for her?


    What a joke, did he really think they could reconcile like it was over a decade ago?


    With that in mind, Qin Mingzhu¡¯s behavior didn¡¯t surprise her at all.


    When Qin Mu returned upstairs, Jian Yan was still sitting there, having just lit a cigarette. When he saw her come in, he raised his hand, smoke curling from the cigarette. With a half-smile, he said, "It¡¯s already lit, let me finish it."


    Qin Mu laughed, walked over, and sat beside him, "Enjoy it to your heart¡¯s content!"


    "You let Mu Yichen enjoy it to his heart¡¯s content as well?"


    He asked with a smile, still as serene as ever.


    "Uh, he¡¯s very restrained in front of me."


    Initially, Qin Mu¡¯s mind wandered elsewhere since Mu always used that word "enjoy" with her, but then she remembered he was her master and promptly straightened up.


    "No wonder the master is not like him."


    He chuckled softly and then took another deep inhale from his cigarette.


    Hearing this, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit of sorrow, a master and a man were naturally different concepts after all.


    When she looked at Jian Yan again, Qin Mu noticed that he really had lost a lot of weight from the last time, looking as if he had not been eating well.


    "Master, you seem to have been losing weight continuously since you got back, is your stomach upset?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously, with a trace of concern in her eyes.


    Looking at her, Jian Yan silently smiled faintly, "A bit, ¡ª but it¡¯s not serious, don¡¯t worry."


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart tightened upon hearing this, but she felt a bit relieved when he said it wasn¡¯t serious.


    "If it gets too bad, you should go to the hospital for a check-up right away. That kind of thing is no joke."


    "Do you think your master would joke with his own life?"


    He looked at her as if he was serious.


    Qin Mu thought that nobody should joke with their own life, but at this moment, she felt an ominous feeling inside.

 Chapter 269 - 97 protect_3

    Chapter 269: 97 protect_3


    Jian Yan had also been hospitalized for gastritis before, and the more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt.


    "Stop overthinking and focus on preparing for the show at the end of the year."


    As she spoke, Jian Yan stood up with a cigarette clamped in one hand and the other hand tucked into her pants pocket, gave her instructions, and then left.


    Qin Mu clasped her hands together, her elbows resting on her knees as she leaned forward. She couldn¡¯t help but turn her head to watch him as he walked away.


    She couldn¡¯t quite explain it, but she had a very bad feeling in her heart.


    Xiaomei came upstairs to bring her a drink, and upon entering her office, she saw that she seemed to be deep in thought and curiously asked, "What are you thinking about? I added a few roses to it for you."


    "It¡¯s nothing. Is this for Master?" Qin Mu asked quietly as she smelled the coffee aroma, Jian Yan¡¯s favourite coffee.


    "Yes!"


    Xiaomei nodded her head; she had searched all over Rongcheng for this brand and wanted to make it for Jian Yan.


    "Don¡¯t give it to him for now, make him some lily tea instead."


    Qin Mu said softly, then looked up at Xiaomei. Knowing that Xiaomei would be puzzled, she added, "Master¡¯s stomach hasn¡¯t been good lately, and if he drinks coffee..."


    "Then I¡¯ll go change it for him right now!"


    Xiaomei turned and left upon hearing this.


    Qin Mu...


    How could she not understand? Xiaomei¡¯s feelings for Jian Yan might already run bone-deep.


    But Jian Yan, being the way he was, made Qin Mu worry. She wanted to create opportunities for them but feared it might backfire. Yet doing nothing made her feel sorry for Xiaomei.


    Maybe loving someone means...


    ...being willing to humiliate oneself for that person?


    So had Mu Yichen really loved her back then when he was always by her side?


    Qin Mu continued to gaze at the door with a puzzled look, her memories suddenly being pulled back to a few years ago.


    Given Mu Yichen¡¯s indifferent nature, how could he possibly see her every so often if he had no feelings for her? It was said to be on business trips, but in reality, was it just to see her?


    The more Qin Mu thought about it, the more she felt that their relationship probably traced back many years, and there were even some scenes she could no longer clearly remember, but those feelings were piercingly heartfelt.


    How about her feelings towards Mu Yichen?


    If he had always been giving, shouldn¡¯t she give back a little more?


    It was only after work when Director Mu called her to say he had a dinner engagement and needed to take leave that Qin Mu, standing by the office window looking outside, said, "Then drink less alcohol."


    "Hmm! Will you wait for me after dinner?"


    Mu Yichen was also standing at the window in his office. Hearing her caution him to drink less, his heart stirred, and he then asked for her opinion in a deep voice.


    "If you come back too late and I¡¯m too tired, don¡¯t blame me."


    "Be good."


    His voice was soft and soothing. They talked for a while longer before he finally hung up the phone.


    After Qin Mu hung up the phone, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh and allowed herself a small, involuntary smile.


    However, her good mood dissipated suddenly as she got home and saw that the Jing Family¡¯s patriarch and Jing Qing were visiting.


    Still, considering the respect due to an elder, she approached and stood before him with neither obsequiousness nor arrogance: "Grandpa Jing!"


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao, seeing her return, felt a bit apprehensive, but they were reassured when they heard her respectful greeting.


    Jing Qing, however, seeing her standing there, politely smiled and said, "Even Yichen calls him Grandpa, so you don¡¯t have to call him ¡¯Grandpa Jing.¡¯ Come over here and sit."


    Jing Qing patted the empty seat beside her, inviting Qin Mu to join with a smile.


    Qin Mu returned the smile lightly, then looked at her daughter and, as she sat down, said to Huanhuan, "Come to Mommy for a moment."


    Huanhuan immediately scampered from Feng Fanghua¡¯s arms to hers, and Qin Mu kissed her forehead, "In Mommy¡¯s car, there seems to be some chocolate that Auntie Sophia sent over from Paris. Shall we ask Nanny Zhang to fetch it for you?"


    "Yes!"


    Upon hearing that the chocolate was from Auntie Sophia, Huanhuan¡¯s eyes lit up. She gave her mom a big kiss on the cheek before running off to find Nanny Zhang: "Nanny Zhang, Nanny Zhang..."


    Nanny Zhang had heard and approached, taking Huanhuan by the hand, the two of them happily going to retrieve the chocolate.


    Watching them from the side, Jing Qing couldn¡¯t help but smile and lower her head, "I don¡¯t know where you get your good fortune from; not only did you bear him a child, but you also married him."


    Qin Mu, hearing the faint sadness in her words, simply replied softly, "Perhaps it¡¯s fate."


    Jing Qing turned to look at her, as if she found Qin Mu¡¯s words disagreeable.


    "Hmph! Whether it¡¯s fate or playing the sympathy card, I suppose only you would know best," Jing Qing said, not raising her voice, but she did not consider saving Qin Mu¡¯s face at all, her piercing eyes fixed on her as she spoke.

 Chapter 270 - 97 protect_4

    Chapter 270: 97 protect_4


    At that moment, Qin Mu felt she was not considered a junior in the old man¡¯s eyes, but rather insignificant.


    "What Elder Jing says isn¡¯t without reason. If playing the pity card could get me what I want, why would I not be happy to do so?"


    If the elder didn¡¯t treat himself as an elder, then why should the younger generation act like juniors?


    Since he looked at her with that kind of gaze, why should she tolerate him with a hypocritical gaze? So at that moment, Qin Mu¡¯s eyes also flashed with sharpness like drawn swords and blades.


    "Hmph! You certainly know how to play the game. But such behavior is really contemptible."


    Elder Jing laughed, his gaze still filled with disdain and sarcasm.


    "If I behaved properly, would you look at me as you would look at a junior, or even a normal person?"


    Qin Mu countered, her gaze still keen.


    Jing Qing listened silently, instinctively disliking the way Qin Mu spoke to her grandfather.


    As for Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao, they didn¡¯t think too much, only fearing that there might be a fight.


    The old man straightened his back and stretched his neck to look at the girl sitting diagonally opposite him. Despite her young age, she had an extraordinary presence, and he couldn¡¯t help but snort coldly: You¡¯re too green to fight me.


    "I never thought about fighting with you. With your years and experience, having weathered so many storms, how could I, a young woman in her early twenties, compare? I just hope that Elder Jing would spare me a path to live, as I¡¯ve never intended to be an eyesore to you."


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Jing Qing turned her head and suddenly questioned her.


    Qin Mu glanced at her but said nothing more.


    However, Elder Jing of the Jing Family chuckled, his eyebrows arching high as he retorted, "Qin Mu, you have quite the sharp tongue, but it¡¯s not yet certain who will have the last laugh between you and Xiaoqing."


    "It¡¯s me who is laughing now!"


    Qin Mu said calmly, looking towards Jing Qing beside her.


    Jing Qing immediately felt humiliated and looked at her unhappily.


    "Qin Mu, don¡¯t push people too far!"


    Jing Qing suddenly stood up, as if swallowing a mountain of grievances.


    "I was merely stating a fact to Elder Jing, with no intention of insulting you."


    Qin Mu looked up at her, composed and with commanding presence.


    "Xiaoqing, sit down!"


    Commanded the elder of the Jing Family in a low voice.


    Only then did Jing Qing reluctantly sit down, her eyes filled with stubborn tears.


    "Are there no elders present? When has our Jing Family¡¯s upbringing become so inappropriate?"


    The old master scolded, and Jing Qing could only look up and apologize to Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua: Uncle, Auntie, I¡¯m very sorry!


    "We¡¯re all family here, what¡¯s there to be sorry about? Elder Jing, please don¡¯t be too hard on the child. Let¡¯s go have our meal."


    As a younger member of the family, Feng Fanghua could only speak to the elder with a polite tone.


    "Hmph, a meal, I¡¯m afraid somebody can¡¯t stomach us grandfather and grandson having this meal, can they?"


    Elder Jing of the Jing Family asked with a cold tone, his eyes still on Qin Mu.


    He deliberately made it difficult for Qin Mu, who had anticipated this the moment she walked in. Hence, she chuckled: It¡¯s just a meal, after all. Guests are to be welcomed, and as a junior, I must abide by the arrangements of my elders.


    Qin Mu easily shifted the topic, and both Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao felt reassured inside because Qin Mu¡¯s conduct had been appropriate; she wasn¡¯t abject just because she was ridiculed, nor did she lose composure when she was confronted.


    "Madam, the dinner is ready!"


    The maid announced promptly.


    "Then, Elder, please take the seat of honor."


    Mu Zihao was even more courteous, giving face to the elder by letting him lead the way.


    "I won¡¯t stand on ceremony then, but if we are to drink, we¡¯ll have to wait for your father to return. I can drink with him, but with you, you¡¯re still lacking."


    "Yes, yes, when he returns, we¡¯ll make sure you have a good drink."


    Mu Zihao continued, maintaining a calm and soothing smile the whole time.


    Everyone stood up to let the elder go first. Jing Qing felt somewhat relieved seeing her grandfather treated with such regard. She couldn¡¯t afford to act inappropriately in front of Mu Yichen¡¯s parents. After some thought, she followed along.


    Qin Mu, walking at the rear, saw her daughter who had already eaten some chocolate and was playing with the maid in the dining room. She smiled unconsciously at her daughter, and Huanhuan smiled back with sheer joy.


    "The little miss has just been fed by me. You all eat; I¡¯ll go bathe her."


    The maid asked.


    "Go ahead!"


    Qin Mu said softly, watching her daughter leave before taking her seat last.


    In fact, she wanted to accompany Huanhuan upstairs but knew she couldn¡¯t do so, or it would give people something to talk about, and it would provide others with more reasons to mock her.

 Chapter 271 - 97 protect_5

    Chapter 271: 97 protect_5


    Being human is quite tough, always having to do things you don¡¯t want to do because of certain people.


    But it doesn¡¯t really matter, a life without ups and downs isn¡¯t necessarily better.


    She hoped that after experiencing all this, she would become calmer, composed, and cool-headed.


    "I heard that Xiaoqing went on a blind date yesterday, did she like the guy?"


    Feng Fanghua brought it up at the dinner table.


    Upon hearing that, Jing Qing smiled lightly, set down her chopsticks gently, and replied with grace, "It was okay, but we had different ideals, so..."


    "Hmph, the girl¡¯s standards are quite high, but she¡¯ll find someone suitable eventually."


    As the elder spoke, his affectionate gaze rested on his granddaughter, as if he had full confidence in her.


    "Of course, our Xiaoqing is both beautiful and smart, whoever marries her would be incredibly lucky,"


    Feng Fanghua also offered compliments politely.


    Jing Qing lowered her head, and there was a hint of sorrow as she picked up her chopsticks.


    Qin Mu, sitting opposite her, caught every expression on her face, thinking to himself that if Jing Qing could let go of Mu Yichen and start anew, her future could be wonderful. But perhaps Jing Qing was unwilling to let go? The future was so distant, out of reach, who could really know when and where it would be?


    "Indeed, such a great girl, the Mu Family has no fortune to claim her!"


    The old man said with a smile.


    "How can you say we have no fortune? Even if she can¡¯t be our daughter-in-law, she can still be our daughter. Fanghua and I watched Xiaoqing grow up, and we always treated her as our own child. You can¡¯t deny that,"


    Mu Zihao said as he raised his glass to the old man in a toast.


    "You¡¯re good with words, kid. I guess my trip here wasn¡¯t in vain,"


    The Elder Jing scrutinized Mu Zihao with a sharp look, then drank with him.


    Qin Mu suddenly felt as though she should be invisible, not feeling like an outsider anymore, believing she was part of this family, just not favored by these two guests.


    Jing Qing would occasionally glance at Qin Mu, looking at her composed and serene demeanor as if everything and everyone here had nothing to do with Qin Mu, making Jing Qing feel involuntarily angry, though she managed to maintain proper decorum on the surface.


    Jing Qing didn¡¯t believe that, when it came to acting, Qin Mu could outperform her, a professional actress who had won the Best Actress award.


    Latter, Qin Mu went to wash her hands, and Jing Qing followed. The two washed their hands together in silence in the restroom, broken only by the sound of running water.


    Qin Mu knew Jing Qing had something to say, so she kept silent.


    Since Jing Qing stayed quiet, Qin Mu finished washing her hands and reached for a towel.


    Then Jing Qing finally spoke, the corners of her mouth moving slightly: "I apologize for what I¡¯ve done before, although I¡¯m not willing to let go, from now on let¡¯s still be friends."


    Jing Qing said softly, her words and facial expressions in perfect harmony.


    Qin Mu gazed at her unflappably and after Jing Qing finished speaking, she smiled shallowly, "Alright!"


    Surprise flickered in Jing Qing¡¯s eyes, and Qin Mu continued to smile calmly, "If possible, I hope you and Mu Yichen will always be like siblings. As for calling me sister-in-law, it doesn¡¯t matter to me whether you¡¯re willing to call me that or not. I like it when you call me Qin Mu."


    Jing Qing...


    Qin Mu nodded and left first, carrying the air of the young mistress of the Mu Family, but without being abrupt.


    Yet now, Jing Qing was stunned by her words, unable to move for a long time. What siblings? What sister-in-law?


    The reason why Qin Mu had said that was, of course, because Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao spoke of raising Jing Qing as their daughter. If it weren¡¯t for the Mu Family, why would Qin Mu bother to listen to such insincere words?


    When Mu Yichen returned home that night, Qin Mu indeed hadn¡¯t slept, just cuddling Huanhuan in their bed. Mu Yichen didn¡¯t know what she was thinking, only that she seemed troubled.


    Her warm hand cradled his distinct, angular face: "Go wash up!"


    "Hmm!"


    He agreed and then looked lovingly at his daughter, kissing her forehead before leaving.


    Qin Mu watched quietly, feeling warmth in her heart.


    Nothing could bring her down as long as their family of three loved each other dearly.


    She suddenly remembered the bowl of herbal medicine her aunt had brought her before Elder Jing and Jing Qing departed.


    Elder Jing asked what the medicine was for, and Feng Fanghua obediently replied with a smile, "It¡¯s a tonic to condition the body. The young couple is planning for a second child, and the girl is a bit frail, so it¡¯s just to help her recuperate."


    At that time, the expressions on Elder Jing¡¯s and Jing Qing¡¯s faces...

 Chapter 272 - 97 protect_6

    Chapter 272: 97 protect_6


    Qin Mu can¡¯t help but still find the memory fascinating.


    After the grandfather and grandson left, Feng Fanghua said to her, "I intentionally said those words, do you understand what I meant?"


    Qin Mu could no longer hold back a childlike laugh, and although Feng Fanghua was still giving her that look, Qin Mu knew it was the look of a mother watching her own child, a look that was protective despite seeming to scold her for not understanding.


    Qin Mu thought about telling Mu Yichen about it later, knowing that he would surely admire his mother¡¯s composure at that moment.


    The key was Feng Fanghua¡¯s demeanor at the time, like a gentle and proper daughter-in-law speaking to the Jing Family¡¯s patriarch, both submissive and appropriate.


    Later, when Mu Yichen came out and saw his daughter still in bed, he didn¡¯t rush to take her away. He had become a father so quickly that for a long time, he was overwhelmed, until he got used to Huanhuan calling him ¡¯Daddy,¡¯ and gradually he began to feel something was amiss, and by the time further events unfolded, he had already come to terms with them.


    "If Huanhuan knew that her dad wasn¡¯t by her side when she was born, I wonder if she would be very sad."


    "You¡¯ve been by her side for many years since then, where would she find the time to be unhappy? She might even find it quite interesting."


    Qin Mu responded to him, and as he lifted his gaze to look at her, the two simply looked at each other, as if their eyes had said all there was to say.


    All things, good or bad, happy or not, actually depend on whether you can let them go.


    Besides, she felt that as long as their love for each other remained strong, or even if it faltered in the future, as long as they could let it go, their children would naturally be able to do the same.


    "We have guests at home tonight; guess who?""


    Qin Mu looked at him and asked gently.


    Mu Yichen looked up at her when he heard this, and thinking about her ease, he theorized that an unhappy person couldn¡¯t be so relaxed: "It¡¯s not Helian Hao coming to see you, is it? She hardly ever visits the Mu Family."


    "No!"


    Qin Mu said with a laugh, knowing he would never guess.


    Unable to guess, Mu Yichen frowned slightly as he watched his wife laughing foolishly and sighed involuntarily, "Aren¡¯t you going to tell me? Or do I need to apply some family rules?"


    "No, I wouldn¡¯t dare to experience your family rules so casually, Mr. Mu."


    Qin Mu said with a laugh.


    "I¡¯ll take our little treasure back to her room first, then I¡¯ll come back to deal with you."


    Qin Mu turned her head to watch him pick up Huanhuan. Father and daughter were both in pajamas: one in pink, the other in light grey. The two colors together looked unexpectedly warm. He really held Huanhuan like carrying a precious treasure as he took her away.


    Qin Mu then turned on her side, lying on the bed, waiting for him to return.


    At that moment, she felt very happy.


    Even secure, at peace!


    If things could always go on like this, there would be nothing more wonderful in the world.


    When Mr. Mu came back, "Come on, tell me, who is it actually?"


    Qin Mu: "It¡¯s Jing Qing and her grandfather."


    Mu Yichen was a bit puzzled: "Huh? The two of them came?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu looked up, realizing his nervousness immediately raised her hand to cradle his astonishingly perfect face: "There were no issues, we just had a simple dinner and then they left."


    As Qin Mu spoke, her eyes were full of honesty, but Mu Yichen suddenly fell silent, "Why did they suddenly come?"


    "I don¡¯t know, they were just there when I got off work, my parents had them stay for dinner, being happy happened after that."


    She thought about it and laughed again.


    "What¡¯s there to be happy about when they come?"


    His serious eyes looked at her, and his mood suddenly turned sour.


    "Mom had the maid bring me some traditional Chinese medicine to drink before they left, telling them it was to prepare my body for a second child. The look on their faces when they heard that was priceless, it felt so satisfying to think about it."


    "Idiot!"


    Seeing her laugh so carelessly, he called her out in a low voice.


    Qin Mu felt that seeing Mu Yichen like this was simply heart-wrenching.


    The next day Qin Mu went to work, everyone was discussing Jingshang¡¯s movie festival event from yesterday afternoon, the aura PK between the Best Actress and the up-and-coming actor.


    Jing Qing naturally exudes a powerful presence, something Wen Runuan lacks now, Qin Mu thought, possibly due to the environment Jing Qing grew up in.


    But Wen Runuan is gentle and pure, her tranquil poise in the face of praise or insult makes her more approachable.


    Looking at their outfits, Jing Qing wore a red V-neck dress that reached her knees, while Wen Runuan¡¯s blue gown was more formal than her usual attire, yet not overly showy.


    Xiaomei mumbled: "I heard that the Weibo comments under these two famous Jingshang actresses¡¯ posts are overflowing, almost crashing the Weibo backend."


    "Tell me about it."


    Qin Mu leaned against a desk, watching the television hanging in space.


    "Each side¡¯s fans think their idol is the best, so they praise them under their own star¡¯s Weibo and slander and fight under the other¡¯s Weibo. It¡¯s been quite a mess. Some say Wen Runuan is shameless for trying to steal Jing Qing¡¯s spot, climbing up by getting into the boss¡¯s bed and whatnot. The nastier the comments, the more there are. Also, Wen Runuan¡¯s fans are saying Jing Qing is getting old and is on the verge of fading away."


    Xiaomei relayed the highlights she had seen on Weibo last night.


    Qin Mu thought for a moment and chuckled: "Although the saying that actresses are washed up after thirty isn¡¯t reliable, imagining Jing Qing¡¯s reaction to those comments is pretty satisfying."


    "Honestly, Jing Qing carries an air of being Jingshang¡¯s top actress. If she didn¡¯t scheme against others, I would think she¡¯s not a bad actress, but whenever I remember what she¡¯s done to our studio, I just..."


    Xiaomei said and started shaking her head.


    "Never mind her. The temperature has dropped severely these past few days. Remember to wear extra clothes to and from work. Those who need to buy a coat, I¡¯ll give you half a day off."


    Outside it was still gloomy; after last night¡¯s rain, it was cold and damp. Qin Mu had felt the chill when she came in this morning. Knowing that they had just arrived and yet to experience the cold of Rong City, probably not having bought any winter clothes, she mentioned it before heading upstairs to work.


    Those who were suddenly given a half-day off were excited for a good while before they reacted, then they high-fived each other and happily headed to the mall to shop for clothes.


    Later, when Qin Mu was discussing business in Jian Yan¡¯s office and then returned to her own, she saw a girl standing inside her office, behind where she worked. On a closer look, it was Qin Mingzhu. She frowned unconsciously: "When did you get here?"


    "Just now! I was going to have someone notify you, but the first floor was empty, not a soul in sight, so I came up myself."


    Qin Mingzhu walked up to her with a smile.


    Qin Mu looked down at the bag in her hand, and then her sharp gaze shifted back to Mingzhu.


    "I don¡¯t really have anything, just wanted to ask if you¡¯d like to come over for a meal. My mom said she¡¯s preparing lunch to host you."


    Qin Mingzhu was still smiling, Qin Mu¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, and she simply replied: "I¡¯m busy!"


    "I know you¡¯re busy, so I won¡¯t bother you now. I¡¯ll come to find you another day."


    Qin Mingzhu laughed, said her piece, and then turned and left.

 Chapter 273 - 98 Scheme within a Scheme_1

    Chapter 273: 98 Scheme within a Scheme_1


    Qin Mu later sat behind his office desk, seriously focusing on his drawing again. As for Qin Mingzhu, she really didn¡¯t believe that phone call was truly about her going to the Qin Family¡¯s house for dinner.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Mumu, your dad and I would like to invite you over for a simple meal, do you have the time?"


    But in the afternoon, she did actually receive a call from Zhang Rujia.


    "You¡¯ve got the wrong number!"


    At that time, Qin Mu had just gotten to the studio from the factory. After hearing the call, she instinctively hung up, though she actually felt it was Zhang Rujia even as she was hanging up.


    She even called her Mumu?


    That¡¯s what her own mother would call her!


    She was in a rather good mood, but after that call, she immediately tossed her phone aside and sat down on the sofa.


    A serious yet dazed expression appeared on her beautiful face; she really couldn¡¯t wrap her head around it.


    What on earth was Zhang Rujia playing at?


    Meanwhile, Zhang Rujia was sitting beside Qin Haiming at the moment, in the Qin Family¡¯s living room. After hanging up the phone, she said to him, "I told you, as soon as I call her she¡¯s bound to refuse. Why don¡¯t you give it a try yourself?"


    Zhang Rujia had the image of a good wife at this moment. Qin Haiming, after hearing her, couldn¡¯t help but frown. He too had heard Qin Mu¡¯s decisive rejection just now. Zhang Rujia losing face was a minor issue, but if he were to make the call...


    "Forget it, if she doesn¡¯t want to, we¡¯ll talk about it some other day."


    Qin Haiming seemed to have a sudden realization, saying this before he stood up.


    "Where are you going now?"


    Zhang Rujia asked worriedly as she saw him stand up.


    "I¡¯ve got some matters to discuss with Old Chen and the others later, I might dine out tonight."


    After giving her a brief explanation, he left. Zhang Rujia remained seated, sighing involuntarily after he left, and then smiled wryly to herself.


    How could she have imagined that one day she¡¯d have to stoop so low to make that kind of call to Qin Mu? She would have preferred if Qin Mu had died in Paris back then.


    Unfortunately for her, Qin Mu hadn¡¯t died abroad. After her return, she caused such a stir. Now, with Qin Haiming anxious to acknowledge her, Zhang Rujia thought, if father and daughter really did reconcile, where would she and her own daughter go? Qin Mu would surely not allow them to stay here; the way Zhang Rujia had schemed to get rid of Qin Mu back then, probably Qin Mu would kick them out the same way, wouldn¡¯t she?


    A cold ruthlessness flashed in her experienced eyes; of course, she couldn¡¯t let that day come.


    In the evening, Mu Yichen came to pick her up from the studio again. Qin Mu happily dashed out of the studio, while he stood in front of the car, his deep black eyes watching as she ran up to him.


    "So happy today?"


    "President Mu has so much on his plate, yet he still comes to pick me up after work. Of course, I¡¯m happy."


    Qin Mu was excited like a child, and Mu Yichen looked at her seriously for several seconds before turning to open the car door for her.


    Qin Mu climbed into the car, and after he sat down, she told him, "Today, Zhang Rujia called me."


    "Oh?"


    "She invited me to the Qin Family¡¯s house for dinner, but I ruthlessly hung up."


    She said this while fastening her seat belt.


    "This is probably because of your father, but this shouldn¡¯t be the outcome."


    Mu Yichen started the car and then commented.


    "Yeah! Back then, she didn¡¯t hesitate to beat Qin Mingzhu until she was all bruised up, and then when she got back home she complained that I had hit her daughter. Think about it, coming back this year probably became a thorn in her side. Now she¡¯s lowering herself to call me in an attempt to please Qin Hai. Well, just wait, the real drama is still to come."


    Qin Mu leaned back into her seat, having long since moved past those events of the past, and chuckled lightly at the thought of the drama that was just beginning between them.


    After all, when she first returned, Qin Hai still harbored grudges against her. Now, Qin Hai whimsically had Zhang Rujia prepare a room for her, Zhang Rujia must be seething inside.


    "You can still laugh about it?"


    Mu Yichen glanced at her and then smiled too, though there was a hint of heaviness in his eyes.


    Qin Mu had changed a lot since she came back, or maybe it was he who pulled her back into this maelstrom, but she had changed.


    Actually, he just wanted her by his side, that¡¯s all. Everything that happened afterward was beyond his expectations. But now that they were married, he¡¯d accompany her with every step they took from this point on, and if anyone dared to lay a finger on her...


    His chiseled features were cloaked in coldness, and his gaze even more so, fierce and merciless.


    The weather had turned cooler, and Qin Mu, looking through the rearview mirror, saw the pretty fallen leaves behind the car and found herself lost in their beauty.


    She hadn¡¯t fully enjoyed her last outing to see the maple leaves, yet on the way home this time it was thoroughly satisfying.


    This autumn seemed to be passing quickly. Just the other day she was wearing a thin trench coat, but in a few days, it had turned into a heavy overcoat, and even people were pulling out last year¡¯s down jackets when heading out in the morning.

 Chapter 274 - 98 Scheme within a Scheme_2

    Chapter 274: 98 Scheme within a Scheme_2


    That day, it was Helian Hao who accompanied her to the private hospital for a follow-up. After finishing those few prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine, the doctor said her condition was mostly stabilized and instructed her to continue taking the medicine for a while to solidify the improvement. Qin Mu sighed with relief and had another two weeks¡¯ worth of traditional Chinese medicine prescribed from the pharmacy.


    After leaving, Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but sigh, "Actually, our hospital also has decent traditional Chinese doctors. Although this one is quite famous, in reality, as long as a Chinese medicine practitioner can take the pulse, they¡¯re all quite similar."


    "Then next time I need to take Chinese medicine, going to your hospital should be fine, right? But I really don¡¯t hope for a next time,"


    Qin Mu said with an involuntary bitter smile.


    Perhaps it¡¯s a doctor¡¯s way of thinking that the hospital they work at is the best, whether or not that¡¯s actually the case.


    Qin Mu walked with her arm in his, chattering away in high spirits.


    "Mumu, I¡¯ve always wanted to ask you, have you settled down now? In Rong City, with Mu Yichen."


    Seeing her so good-natured, Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but be amazed¡ªit was completely different from the indifferent girl who had just returned to attend the Jing Family patriarch¡¯s birthday party.


    "Settled... I suppose so, at least for now,"


    Qin Mu thought about it briefly before quickly giving her reply.


    She had been contemplating this question recently. She now knew her relationship with Mu Yichen was solid and that his feelings for her were genuine. Moreover, she had come to terms with the fact that, no matter what the future held, whether they stayed together or separated, she wouldn¡¯t hold any grudges and would gladly accept whatever came her way.


    Because she was already very content.


    The more than ten years she had spent drifting outside, coupled with the initial place of stability he gave her upon her return and the comfortable family life she enjoyed now, made her feel that even if she could live her life over again, there likely wouldn¡¯t be a second man who¡¯d be so good to her.


    "It seems Mu Yichen¡¯s efforts have finally paid off. It hasn¡¯t been easy for him."


    Helian Hao walked slowly out of the hospital with her, thinking back to the times when Mu Yichen¡¯s face lacked even a smile. She hadn¡¯t known before how stubborn a person could be in love, not until Mu Yichen returned from Paris, and in the years since then, as he studied and worked here while persistently flying to Qin Mu¡¯s side. Helian Hao suddenly realized that love could indeed transform a man who was initially cold-hearted into someone with a second personality.


    "Who would have thought our little Hao is so compassionate? I wonder if Jing Jian will get jealous if he finds out?"


    Qin Mu gently bumped her shoulder, and Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but laugh: he¡¯s certainly not like Mu Yichen, the complete picture of a jealous husband.


    "Oh?"


    Qin Mu made a funny face, not believing a single word Helian Hao said.


    "Ah, why did we start talking about him again? Let¡¯s talk about you. Has Jing Qing been bothering you lately?" Helian Hao asked her.


    "I heard she¡¯s been matchmaking recently, and it seems she¡¯s gone to film now. That time we had dinner at the Mu Family¡¯s place, she said she wasn¡¯t willing to let go but had given up."


    Helian Hao said nothing, just listened to Qin Mu¡¯s words, believing that Qin Mu didn¡¯t believe them either.


    "I¡¯ll keep an eye on her and also on Zhang Rujia and Qin Mingzhu, so don¡¯t worry about it."


    Qin Mu knew she was concerned for her and eventually stopped teasing her with a smile.


    "Even if I¡¯m worried, what help can I offer? I¡¯m just hoping that these people sober up sooner rather than later, so they stop wasting their time on you. Wouldn¡¯t it be better if everyone just minded their own business?"


    Helian Hao spread her hands, and after that, the two of them headed to Helian Hao and Jing Feng¡¯s apartment by car.


    "But it¡¯s not like everyone thinks so simply, right! Sigh!"


    As Helian Hao drove, Qin Mu sat in the passenger seat with her hands propped behind her head, sighing helplessly as she gazed out the window.


    Helian Hao felt that Qin Mu seemed to have developed a carefree attitude, as if she wasn¡¯t afraid even if the road ahead was rough and full of thorns.


    The two had hot pot at noon at home, and Helian Hao said, "My mother-in-law came to see me a few days ago. Do you know what for?"


    Qin Mu was about to cook some food when she heard this and looked over curiously, "She¡¯s not rushing you to have kids, is she?"


    Helian Hao¡¯s eyes widened, "How did you know?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t respond, simply placing the vegetables in the pot and smiling wryly.


    Helian Hao immediately understood; to married women, nothing seems more important to the elders than having children, even more so than the wedding itself.


    "Sigh! What kind of fate do you think we sisters share?"


    Helian Hao also shook her head, unable to comprehend why the elders were so eager to have grandchildren, almost as though they feared they couldn¡¯t have any.


    "If I were to give birth to a daughter, do you think the Jing Family would disown me as a daughter-in-law?"

 Chapter 275 - 98 Scheme within a Scheme_3

    Chapter 275: 98 Scheme within a Scheme_3


    Jing Qing later asked.


    "It shouldn¡¯t come to that, besides, whether it¡¯s a boy or a girl, would you separate from Jing Feng just because the Jing Family doesn¡¯t like it?"


    Qin Mu replied, speculating.


    "Of course not, if he wants to divorce me, I will just use a scalpel on him while he¡¯s asleep, hmm-hmm."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh; this didn¡¯t sound like something Helian Hao would say, but hearing such soft-natured words from Helian Hao made Qin Mu think he was very cool.


    "Actually, I¡¯m really excited. He took me to get our marriage certificate, although it was your family¡¯s Mu who came up with the idea."


    Helian Hao said.


    "I was also very excited when you called me, although I still gave Mu a good scolding."


    Qin Mu said.


    "If those two start scheming against us again, then we¡¯ll just scheme against them."


    "Reliable!"


    Qin Mu picked up the juice, and the two gently clinked their glasses. The afternoon was not too bad, but she still felt a bitter taste in her mouth when she carried the medicine home in the evening.


    Feng Fanghua was more excited than herself upon hearing that her health was well-regulated: it seems my grandson is hopeful.


    Qin Mu held back a laugh: After finishing the medicine, it will still take some time before we can try.


    "After the New Year¡¯s, you two should definitely put this matter on the schedule, right?"


    Feng Fanghua looked at her, her eyes not permitting her to disagree.


    Qin Mu nodded. Now when talking about a second child, she was actually quite looking forward to it.


    Feng Fanghua was even more excited to see her being so obedient and had her sit down on the sofa: I bought you fruits from the supermarket in the afternoon, you like tangerines, don¡¯t you? But tangerines are cooling, so eat less.


    "Thank you, Mom!"


    Qin Mu looked at Feng Fanghua, utterly surprised.


    Her gaze at that moment was beyond words.


    Feng Fanghua was looking forward to holding her grandson. Now that she had a granddaughter, to have a grandson too, she felt her life with Mu Zihao was complete. Of course, she also hoped this girl would pay more attention to her son. Remembering that Qin Mu couldn¡¯t even cook, Feng Fanghua was somewhat anxious; to think her husband couldn¡¯t even taste his wife¡¯s cooking was indeed quite sad, wasn¡¯t it?


    But her silly son didn¡¯t mind, just sticking close to the girl in front of him. Feng Fanghua sighed helplessly, thinking if everything is destined, then they must accept it.


    Qin Mu, unaware of Feng Fanghua¡¯s thoughts, was just about to eat the fruit when she heard Huanhuan run in from outside, sweetly calling out: "Mommy, Grandma..."


    She put down the tangerine she had just picked up and Huanhuan flung herself into her arms.


    "Mommy, Huanhuan missed you so much."


    Huanhuan opened her arms, hugging her and speaking in her soft, mushy voice.


    "Huanhuan only misses Mommy. What about Grandma?"


    Feng Fanghua felt a bit jealous and leaned over to ask the beloved granddaughter in her daughter-in-law¡¯s arms.


    "Huanhuan missed Grandma too!"


    As she said it, she reached out to touch Feng Fanghua¡¯s face, and Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but reach out to touch her.


    When Mu Zihao came to sit on the sofa, he casually explained why he came back late: "I happened to run into Old Li and his grandson at the early education class, so we talked for a while, and before I knew it, it had gotten dark."


    "I¡¯m just glad he didn¡¯t drag you off for a drink."


    Feng Fanghua remembered that old friend of theirs who loved to drink, especially with Mu Zihao. The two families had come up together, and these two men, from their youth up until now, had persisted in their drinking.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t come back until dinner time. He kissed his daughter for a long while before going to eat. After dinner, he immediately pulled Qin Mu back into their room. Qin Mu, puzzled, looked into his somewhat worried eyes and asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Her eyes were full of confusion as Mu Yichen sighed and said in a low voice, "I have to go to Australia tomorrow."


    Upon hearing this, Qin Mu immediately thought that he hadn¡¯t been on a business trip for a long time, and now he was explaining it to her so seriously, there must be some issue his subordinates couldn¡¯t resolve. She immediately nodded: Okay!


    "Okay?"


    Mu Yichen saw how understanding she was and, as the haze cleared from her eyes, he couldn¡¯t help but give a faint smile.


    "Yeah, okay!" Qin Mu nodded, seeing that he seemed dissatisfied with her response.


    "Mrs. Mu, your husband has to go on a business trip to Australia for half a month, and you just agree without even asking why?"


    Mu Yichen looked at her earnestly, annoyed, bumped her forehead with his, and Qin Mu, feeling the pain, lifted her hand to touch her own forehead but was blocked by his. She looked up forcefully at him: Then don¡¯t go!


    She suddenly exclaimed.


    Mu Yichen really couldn¡¯t understand, seeing her as if she genuinely didn¡¯t want him to leave.

 Chapter 276 - 98 Scheme within a Scheme_4

    Chapter 276: 98 Scheme within a Scheme_4


    "I don¡¯t want you to go on a business trip, especially not for such a long time, when it¡¯s so cold at night now."


    Her coquettish whine somehow made his heart feel uneasy.


    Mu Yichen had thought she would just casually dismiss the matter.


    "Fine, I won¡¯t go!"


    His deep voice replied.


    Qin Mu knew she shouldn¡¯t take his words seriously at the moment, but she couldn¡¯t help but long for them to be true.


    "Mumu, call me ¡¯husband¡¯."


    "I like calling you Mu Yichen!"


    Everyone loved to call him ¡¯President Mu¡¯ or ¡¯Young Master Yichen¡¯, or many women secretly called him ¡¯husband¡¯, but very few women directly addressed him by his name, Mu Yichen.


    "Call me ¡¯husband¡¯ now."


    He coaxed in a low tone.


    "Husband!"


    "Will you wait for me to return?"


    Mu Yichen pressed his forehead against hers.


    "Mhm! I¡¯ll wait for you to come back!"


    How could she not wait? That was all she could do.


    Ever since she came to Rongcheng, he hardly went on business trips. She suddenly remembered the past and couldn¡¯t hold back a low chuckle, asking him: "All those business trips to Paris before... you were actually going to see me, weren¡¯t you?"


    "Who else, if not you?"


    Mu Yichen also laughed helplessly. For whom else in his life would he go to such lengths?


    Lying to her about going on business trips, acting coldly on purpose as if he didn¡¯t want to spare her another glance, making her think he went to see her out of pity for her being alone there. But actually?


    He did it all for her; everything he did, even gaining power in the days to come, was all for her.


    He hoped that one day when she returned, he wouldn¡¯t be limited by others everywhere he went, he wouldn¡¯t be unable to provide her with a warm home.


    He doted on her and asked again and again. It was only a month, but he really couldn¡¯t let go. No matter how composed she could be now, he was just afraid ¨C afraid that she would be bullied, afraid that she would be hurt, even though she might pretend she didn¡¯t care.


    "On the days I¡¯m not here, I¡¯ve already told Zhao Huai and Jiang Zhiyuan to be at your beck and call. You can seek them out for anything, and also, you have to call me, okay?"


    He gazed at her, earnestly instructing.


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Mu agreed, and seeing how worried he was, she truly wished she could become something small that he could keep in his pocket and take with him.


    "Don¡¯t agree so readily now and then not tell me anything later. If I have to hear something I shouldn¡¯t from someone else again, I¡¯ll be seriously upset."


    "Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let that happen!"


    He cherished her, so she cherished him all the more.


    The bedroom became increasingly quiet. Huanhuan was still waiting in grandma¡¯s arms for Dad and Mom, not expecting to fall asleep without seeing them.


    Later, Feng Fanghua went to put Huanhuan to bed, and out of curiosity, she approached their bedroom door. But finding no sound inside, and not one to eavesdrop at doors, she quickly left.


    In truth, she felt sorry for her granddaughter; it was just a business trip, and yet they made it seem as if they would be parted for years. Even with their elders and Huanhuan around, they seemed oblivious to all but each other.


    Later, Feng Fanghua returned to her own room and said to Mu Zihao, "Your dear son is utterly spoiled by that girl. A simple business trip turned into a scene of life-and-death separation. There are elders here, and there¡¯s Huanhuan, but he cares for nothing and nobody except for his woman."


    Mu Zihao changed into his pajamas and looked up at the woman who was going on and on: "Mrs. Mu, can¡¯t you lay off the jealousy a bit?"


    "Who says I¡¯m jealous?"


    The woman, who had her suspicions pinpointed, expressed her resistance.


    "You¡¯re not jealous, you¡¯re not jealous," Mu Zihao nodded repeatedly.


    "Hmph! Can I ever be jealous enough? How many years did he leave me behind for that girl since he was young? He didn¡¯t even want to come home for the New Year. Do you remember how I begged him to come back for the New Year those years?"


    "But he has come back now, hasn¡¯t he? Not just the elder one, but he also brought you a little one. Aren¡¯t you happy to see Huanhuan?"


    Mu Zihao knew she was just venting, so he spoke in ways that would soften her heart.


    "Well, that¡¯s true; of course, I dote on my granddaughter. But Qin Mu, that girl, really is the bane of my life."


    Feng Fanghua let down her hair, which had been tied up all day, and muttered as she headed to the bathroom.


    "Maybe in your past life, you were mother and daughter!"


    Mu Zihao mused, thinking of how people say that enemies from past lives become family in this one. Maybe Qin Mu and Feng Fanghua had a similar relationship. As Feng Fanghua reached the bathroom door, she heard this comment and involuntarily glanced back at him, chuckling helplessly before pushing the door open and entering the bathroom.


    ¡ª


    In the morning, when Qin Mu opened her eyes, he was already gone. She had woken up at the sound of the door, but since he couldn¡¯t bear to say goodbye, she didn¡¯t call out to him.


    It had been a long time since the two of them had been apart for so long. Just thinking about the upcoming month without him at home, unable to have meals with him or sleep beside him, made her heart feel especially hollow.

 Chapter 277 - 98 Scheme within a Scheme_5

    Chapter 277: 98 Scheme within a Scheme_5


    Gradually, it seemed like they really couldn¡¯t be separated anymore.


    Smelling his scent on the pillow, Qin Mu hugged the pillow tightly.


    It wasn¡¯t completely light out yet when Qin Mu fell back asleep with his pillow. She got up early to accompany her daughter, at Feng Fanghua¡¯s request, to the early education class, then headed to the studio.


    Xiaomei, hearing that she had taken Huanhuan to the early education class, couldn¡¯t help but complain, "Then why didn¡¯t you bring her over for us to see? How long has it been since we¡¯ve seen her?"


    Qin Mu gave a helpless laugh, thinking that now she couldn¡¯t even hug her daughter whenever she wanted, how could she care about others¡¯ feelings? But upon further thought, she still soothed Xiaomei promisingly, "I¡¯ll bring her to see you in a couple of days, I keep my word."


    "Really? You better not be lying to me, I¡¯m not a three-year-old kid. If you can¡¯t bring her, you can¡¯t bring her; I know now you don¡¯t have the final say over her."


    Xiaomei was excited, but then her excitement faded.


    "If I said I¡¯d bring her, I¡¯ll bring her. Her grandma isn¡¯t unreasonable. She¡¯s just worried about me feeding her takeout, that¡¯s all."


    Qin Mu laughed again unconsciously as she remembered being scolded over this in the past, and seeing that Xiaomei believed her, she hurriedly went upstairs before she couldn¡¯t help but burst into laughter.


    However, when looking at several drawings on the table, a hint of hesitation flashed in her clear apricot eyes, but quickly she decided, then grabbed the drawings in her hand and tore the three drawings together into shreds.


    Jian Yan happened to see that scene as he approached, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "These drawings can¡¯t be used!"


    "You spent so much time on them; is there a problem?"


    Qin Mu shook her head helplessly, "You¡¯ll see in due time, the result should be out soon."


    Jian Yan didn¡¯t say anything, watching her throw the shredded paper into the trash can, but it reminded him of something, so he didn¡¯t ask further.


    "It¡¯s gotten cold recently; aren¡¯t you going to buy some thick clothes?" She suddenly became worried seeing that he was still dressed in a shirt and trousers.


    "When did I become so frail? Besides, the studio isn¡¯t without air conditioning."


    Qin Mu thought about it and agreed but still felt a bit worried.


    "How about I ask Xiaomei to accompany you to buy clothes, or better yet, have her buy them for you?"


    "If you care, you go buy a couple of sets of clothes for your teacher yourself. If you¡¯re busy, why bother ordering others around."


    "Otherwise, I¡¯ll have the factory make two down jackets for you."


    "Whatever!"


    Jian Yan said dispiritedly, then went to light a cigarette.


    Qin Mu noticed that he had been smoking a lot more recently.


    "Master..."


    "Why did you always used to call me Jian Yan?"


    Qin Mu was about to stop him from smoking when she heard his question and was at a loss for words for a moment.


    "To be honest, I was afraid Mu Yichen would be unhappy."


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes flickered, feeling a bit awkward, but she told the truth nonetheless.


    Perhaps, at that moment, she wasn¡¯t even aware that she was already making some very wise decisions in her heart, or maybe it was that her brain already sensed Jian Yan¡¯s feelings for her, prompting her without her full awareness.


    Jian Yan didn¡¯t respond, just looked up at her. Qin Mu felt even more uncomfortable under his gaze, and, lowering her head, continued, "He gets jealous over nothing, it¡¯s not just about you."


    Jian Yan took a deep drag from his cigarette, his sharp eyes dropping to the cigarette in his hand. She was afraid of Mu Yi getting jealous, but when had she ever changed her own life for fear of making someone else unhappy?


    In the end, he let out a resigned laugh, "Continue with your work; I¡¯m going out to finish this cigarette."


    As Qin Mu watched him leave, she called out to him, "Master, if you don¡¯t like what others make, I¡¯ll make it for you myself. I can make down jackets too."


    "Whatever!"


    He stopped walking but didn¡¯t turn around, just gave a faint reply and continued on his way, back straight.


    Qin Mu watched his retreating figure, which seemed somewhat frail, feeling a prick in her heart. Just as she hesitated whether to forcefully take him to the hospital, a sudden thud came from the next room.


    Qin Mu¡¯s dark apricot eyes stalled, and she instantly ran towards the noise.


    "Jian Yan!"


    He lay on the ground, his once tall and sturdy frame now curled into a ball, his face pale as paper.


    She turned pale with alarm and rushed forward to crouch in front of him, wanting to help but at a loss where to start, instinctively kneeling by his side, "Jian Yan? Jian Yan? Wake up, please?"


    She gently patted his face, but he was unresponsive. Qin Mu called his name a few more times anxiously.


    Indeed, she preferred to call him Jian Yan.


    Seeing him lying on the ground like that, she forgot everything. She was afraid to hug him too tightly and turned to shout towards the door, "Someone, come quickly..."

 Chapter 278 - 98 Scheme within a Scheme_6

    Chapter 278: 98 Scheme within a Scheme_6


    Xiaomei and the others heard the sound and immediately ran upstairs. When they saw Qin Mu holding the unconscious Jian Yan, Xiaomei stood at the door with tears welling up, scared and covering her mouth tightly, while another male colleague hurried over.


    "Go to the hospital!"


    Tears were already in Qin Mu¡¯s eyes as he gave an extreme order, and the male colleague carried Jian Yan on his back. The two of them ran out together, and Xiaomei, regaining her senses, immediately turned her head to follow.


    Xiaomei, Qin Mu, and their male colleague David were all waiting outside the operation room, only then they found out that Jian Yan had a serious stomach problem. Qin Mu was reminded of Jian Yan¡¯s changes over the past few days, and the things he said about how everything would belong to her in the future.


    Qin Mu finally understood why he said those things, but before the diagnosis was confirmed, whenever the doctors asked about Jian Yan¡¯s condition, she couldn¡¯t answer any of them.


    As his only apprentice, and possibly the person closest to him now, Qin Mu suddenly felt so incompetent.


    She always talked about "once a teacher, forever a father", but had she ever treated him like a father?


    She hadn¡¯t, other than cooperating at work, she had given him nothing.


    Thinking of those years in Paris, how he had taken great pains to teach her to be a designer, and how he had elevated her career step by step, where would she be without the name Jian Yan? Without it, she wouldn¡¯t have had so many opportunities or the qualifications to design for so many top brands.


    It all stemmed from being JY¡¯s beloved apprentice.


    When the doctor said his condition had worsened and was moving towards gastric cancer, she stood dejectedly against the wall, bowing her head, remembering the first time she met him.


    Suddenly, she felt that she had caused him so much trouble, and he...


    She hoped that he did not know about his illness; otherwise, even knowing that he might leave, he still insisted on staying by her side, and she really felt that she had let him down.


    The whole corridor was very quiet, except when a nurse suddenly called out at the window, "Family member of the patient, please come here."


    Xiaomei and Qin Mu both looked up, then ran over together. Yet, when Xiaomei saw the consent form, she stepped back with a grief-stricken face.


    Qin Mu felt her heartbeat pounding overly hard. Looking at that consent form, she probably knew what it was about, her hands tightened, her eyes clear yet steady.


    "Who are you to him? His wife?"


    The doctor, wearing a mask, had a sharp look in his eyes.


    Qin Mu involuntarily glanced at the person inside the window and then calmly said, "Daughter!"


    The doctor¡¯s gaze couldn¡¯t land on her face, and only after seeing Qin Mu sign did he go back in.


    Qin Mu continued to stand there. This was the first time she was in a hospital waiting for news about life and death.


    Xiaomei, hearing Qin Mu say "daughter," also subconsciously looked at her. She was very worried for a moment, worried that Qin Mu would nod, but when Qin Mu said "daughter," she finally felt at ease.


    Then, watching Qin Mu continue to stand there, Xiaomei approached her, "Qinqin, will he be okay?"


    "He won¡¯t!"


    After who knows how long, she managed to squeeze those two words out of her throat.


    Of course, he wouldn¡¯t be okay. He hadn¡¯t even said a word to her about anything; he couldn¡¯t possibly have something happen to him.


    But then, thinking about the words Jian Yan had said to her recently and the instructions he had given, she hadn¡¯t cried for so long¡ªnot even when her biological father humiliated her numerous times did she shed tears¡ªbut at this moment, her curved eyelashes were wet with tears, heavy and soon falling down, streaking her already pale skin.


    She realized that among her elders, only Jian Yan had been the closest to her, and she was closest to this man.


    How could they possibly just be master and apprentice?


    After conservative treatment, Jian Yan was pushed back to the VIP ward. Qin Mu stood outside the door listening to the doctor¡¯s instructions for a while before turning to look at the man inside and the girl standing by his bed with her head down. She saw Xiaomei¡¯s shoulders trembling; she thought Xiaomei must be terrified.


    But as for herself, she felt much calmer now.


    However, after seeing the scene inside, she leaned back against the cold wall without hurrying to push the door open.


    Xiaomei wanted to be alone with him for a while; as his apprentice, shouldn¡¯t she find a companion for her master?

 Chapter 279 - 98 Scheme within a Scheme_7

    Chapter 279: 98 Scheme within a Scheme_7


    But what should I do next?


    The medical conditions in China are no comparison to those in Paris, and Jian Yan¡¯s sudden arrival in Rongcheng was something she understood clearly by now. What she needed to do was to send Jian Yan back to Paris for recuperation and treatment.


    It wasn¡¯t until Xiaomei came out of the room with eyes red from crying, that Qin Mu went in again.


    The bed had been raised. He lay there, bloodshot eyes staring at her as if he could see through all the twists and turns in her heart without her saying a word. She was silent to an extreme, but her face bore the word "stubborn."


    "I won¡¯t die, don¡¯t worry," he soothed gently.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t even lift her eyes, but stubbornness persisted in her gaze beneath her long eyelashes.


    He said he wouldn¡¯t die, but back when he suddenly collapsed in the office, she truly thought he was dying.


    "Why don¡¯t you say something? Aren¡¯t you usually good at talking back to me?"


    Although weak, Jian Yan was somewhat worried to see Qin Mu so obstinate. She was used to keeping things bottled up inside for too long. At this moment, she should have a lot of grievances to vent against him.


    "Mumu!"


    "Now there are three people in this world whose calling me Mumu is most warming to my heart. The first is Mu Yichen, the second is Helian Hao, and the third is you. You three are more precious to me than anyone else, and yet you, being so precious, you actually..."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t go on, just biting her teeth hard, her eyes filled with anger as she looked at the man on the hospital bed.


    "So I¡¯m one of your most precious people, you should have told me sooner,"


    Jian Yan said, laughing softly.


    Qin Mu saw that he could still laugh and was even more angry, "Wait until you¡¯re a bit better and then go back to Paris for treatment. Promise me!"


    Jian Yan laughed again at her stubborn appearance, "The reason I came to Rongcheng was to give you one last bit of help as your mentor, your ¡¯father¡¯."


    When he said the word "father," he looked at her with particular intensity, his gaze not one of reprimand, but of indulgence.


    Qin Mu knew that he hated being made to feel old by her, given that he was actually quite young. Realizing this, she looked down again, "You¡¯re alive, you can help me for many more years, and although it¡¯s getting worse, as long as treatment is timely and we prevent the cancer cells from spreading..."


    "Mumu, my father died from gastric cancer on the operating table. The doctors said it was benign, that there was a good chance, but what happened? He was a corpse when he came out."


    "So what? You won¡¯t accept treatment? You have a disease that could clearly be cured, but you want to drag it out until you die?"


    Qin Mu was finally angered, though she hadn¡¯t wanted to quarrel with him so soon.


    Hearing him talk about his father pained her as well, and she could understand how he felt at the time. But there are some things that simply must be done.


    Jian Yan didn¡¯t say anything more, looking at her as tears nearly fell. He suddenly felt that nothing else mattered.


    "I know all surgeries come with risks, like when I gave birth to Huanhuan, wasn¡¯t there also talk of a risk to life? But Jian Yan¡ª, we must accept treatment. You won¡¯t have any problems."


    She knelt in front of his hospital bed, clutching his hand forcefully. Just a few hours had passed, and her eyes had become deeply sunken and red.


    Jian Yan just watched her, this girl he had known and understood in only a few years, but now as she stood by his hospital bed, he felt a sense of solidity he had never known before.


    One could say that in forty years of life, this was the first time he felt a sense of belonging, as if he wasn¡¯t alone anymore.


    Her hand was soft, warm, and even though she didn¡¯t love him, she was the person he loved most.


    He felt the palm holding his own was moist with sweat.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qin Mu¡¯s phone suddenly rang, piercing the silence of the hospital room.


    When she finally realized what was happening, she still reluctantly didn¡¯t want to answer it until Jian Yan urged her, "Answer it first, what if it¡¯s an emergency?"


    Qin Mu unwillingly lowered her head to take out her phone from her backpack, her dark apricot eyes trembling as she looked at the number on the screen. She answered with a feeble greeting, "Teacher Han, hello!"


    "Qin Mu, as you expected, what do you plan to do next?"

 Chapter 280 - 99 secretly came back to see her_1

    Chapter 280: 99 secretly came back to see her_1


    "These design drawings are exactly like yours, and the thief is a girl named Yang Qianxi, who, according to the information, has just returned from studying abroad. Do you intend to pursue her legal responsibility immediately?"


    What Han Teacher meant in Qin Mu¡¯s mobile phone was to immediately pursue legal responsibility, but Qin Mu actually had other plans.


    Later, Qin Mu was sitting in the chair next to her when Jian Yan curiously asked, "Was it Qin Mingzhu who stole your designs?"


    "Mm! She thought I didn¡¯t know, let alone that I have surveillance cameras installed in my office."


    Qin Mu nodded and wasn¡¯t really interested in the plagiarism matter, as she hadn¡¯t yet moved past Jian Yan¡¯s issue.


    "Perhaps this girl was used by someone else? With her intelligence, she probably couldn¡¯t have thought of this."


    Jian Yan remembered the time he met Qin Mingzhu; she seemed clever, but in actuality, she was probably the type that was frequently made a scapegoat by others.


    Qin Mu looked up at Jian Yan, unconsciously sighing at his concern for other matters, "You¡¯re in this state, don¡¯t worry about these trivial things. Once you¡¯re a bit healthier, you should rush back to Paris, that¡¯s the priority."


    What does it feel like to be scolded by your apprentice?


    "I originally planned to go back to Paris after your show at the end of the year."


    Jian Yan seriously shared his initial plan with her.


    "Then why didn¡¯t you hold out until the end of the year?"


    Now that she saw him getting better, she could get fierce and didn¡¯t want to let go of the fact that he had concealed his illness from her, thinking back on how he insisted that he just had a fever, probably the illness was getting worse by that time.


    Jian Yan was so blocked by her questioning that he couldn¡¯t say anything and sighed helplessly, "Then what do you suggest we do?"


    "You have one week to get better and then immediately go back to Paris for me. Also, I will send Xiaomei over to take care of you."


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was less sharp at the end as she looked up to observe Jian Yan¡¯s expression, to which Jian Yan helplessly smiled faintly, "Okay!"


    At that moment, as long as she was at ease, he felt like he could do anything.


    Helian Hao knew Mu Yichen was away on a business trip, so he called Qin Mu to ask if she wanted to have dinner that night, but instead learned she was keeping a bedside vigil upstairs. When Helian Hao arrived and saw the teacher and apprentice together, he unconsciously frowned but was already smiling by the time he knocked.


    "Hearing that Brother Jian is recuperating at our hospital is truly an honor for us."


    Helian Hao had already heard about Jian Yan¡¯s condition, but there wasn¡¯t much he could say, so he just joked harmlessly.


    Since Jian Yan wasn¡¯t familiar with her, he responded with only a polite smile.


    "Brother Jian, you rest first, I need to talk to Mumu for a moment outside."


    "Okay!"


    Once Jian Yan agreed, Helian Hao pulled Qin Mu with him and headed outside. Qin Mu, noticing something strange in her expression, didn¡¯t ask and just followed him out.


    The door was closed from outside, and Helian Hao, after ensuring Jian Yan wasn¡¯t paying attention to them through the window and was preoccupied with his phone, said to Qin Mu, "You can¡¯t stay here with him tonight, no matter what."


    "Why?"


    Qin Mu asked, puzzled.


    "You tell me why? You are now Mrs. Mu, what would people say if you¡¯re here attending to another man? It would tarnish your reputation."


    Helian Hao solemnly reminded her.


    Qin Mu wanted to refute, but the thought of Mu Yichen made her unconsciously sigh and she subconsciously looked inside: what about Jian Yan? He doesn¡¯t have any family here.


    "The hospital has plenty of professional medical staff; they know much more than you do. What are you worried about?"


    Helian Hao¡¯s voice was soft, but Qin Mu felt somewhat uneasy.


    Jian Yan already had no other family, and as the only person close to him now, she knew his feelings would be hurt if she just left.


    "It¡¯s not the same!"


    Qin Mu murmured with her head down, something flickering in her eyes. She wasn¡¯t without concerns, especially after what Helian Hao said to her. The memory of Feng Fanghua and the Jing Family came to her mind. If she stayed with Jian Yan until dawn tonight, whether it was the Jing Family or Feng Fanghua, none would spare her.


    But if she left...


    He had given her so much, and was she really unable to even muster the courage to receive it?


    "But you are married now. Don¡¯t others know, don¡¯t your in-laws know, doesn¡¯t the Jing Family know? I¡¯ve heard that Jing Qing is still having people follow you. If you stay here tonight, I guarantee that by tomorrow morning, rumors will start to spread."


    Helian Hao continued to whisper to her, then pulled her closer to his ear, "Besides, even if Mu Yichen is broad-minded enough to hire a caregiver for your master, he wouldn¡¯t let you keep vigil day and night like this. If Jing Qing was in trouble and Mu Yichen stayed with her in the same way, just think about how you would feel, and you¡¯ll understand his point of view."

 Chapter 281 - 99 secretly came back to see her_2

    Chapter 281: 99 secretly came back to see her_2


    Qin Mu raised her eyes to look at Helian Hao, not expecting that this girl, who usually didn¡¯t preach, could be quite frightening when she did; her tender heart was almost scared wilted.


    "Think about it carefully! You can disregard anyone else, but you¡¯d better be mentally prepared for Mu Yichen."


    Helian Hao added in a low voice before she left.


    Qin Mu stood at the door for a moment before entering, and Jian Yan turned to look at her: "Why do you look unhappy after stepping out for a moment?"


    Jian Yan asked out of curiosity.


    "No, not at all!"


    Qin Mu forced a smile for him and sat beside him: "Do you want some water? Warm water?"


    "You should go back!"


    Just as Qin Mu picked up the cup and was about to pour the water, she subconsciously looked at the person in the hospital bed upon hearing that.


    "I am not so incapacitated that I can¡¯t move; it¡¯s inconvenient for me with you here."


    Jian Yan said with a gentle laugh.


    "But..."


    "No buts, hurry up and go! I won¡¯t have peace of mind if you¡¯re out late."


    Qin Mu nodded her head, still went to pour him a glass of water, and then whispered before leaving: "Drink it when it¡¯s cooled down, it¡¯s too hot now."


    "Alright, be careful on your way!"


    He replied easy-going.


    Qin Mu, with her heart still heavy, stood outside the door for a moment after closing it before slinging her bag over her shoulder and walking out.


    If it were during the New Year period, she would probably have devotedly taken care of Jian Yan, but in just these few months...


    She never thought she would become so selfish, so dreadful.


    Jian Yan was in his time of greatest need, yet she was already driving on her way back to the Mu Family home.


    Frankly, she was somewhat disappointed in herself; she had never anticipated that after so many years, she would one day have so many concerns, even when her mentor was seriously ill, she still had to consider her feelings.


    When she got back, the auntie had already prepared some herbal medicine. Seeing her return, she immediately went to fetch the medicine.


    Huanhuan ran into her arms from her grandmother¡¯s embrace: "Mommy!"


    Perhaps her expression wasn¡¯t well-concealed, because Huanhuan looked at her with slight concern. Without thinking, Qin Mu smiled when Huanhuan reached out to touch her face: "Were you a good girl at home today? Did you listen to grandma?"


    "Huanhuan was very obedient!"


    As Huanhuan spoke, she didn¡¯t forget to smile at her grandmother, and Feng Fanghua spoke warmly: "My granddaughter, when has she ever been disobedient? She especially adores her grandma, right? Grandma¡¯s little treasure."


    "Yes!"


    Huanhuan nodded vigorously, pressing her elbows into Qin Mu¡¯s legs and cocking up her little legs, entirely without restraint.


    Qin Mu lifted her hand gently to stroke her hair, her gaze remaining tender, until the auntie brought over the important brew.


    "Ew!"


    Huanhuan immediately covered her nose and ran. Feng Fanghua also exhibited some deference.


    "Young Madam!"


    The auntie handed over the medicine to her, and Qin Mu had no choice but to set her bag aside and then take the large bowl of herbal concoction.


    Honestly, she might vomit if she continued drinking, even though the dosage had been reduced by the doctor during the past few treatments it was still horribly bitter.


    Yet she still held her breath and downed the bowl in a few gulps. While she was drinking the medicine, she suddenly thought, what was this bit of bitterness compared to other things in life?


    In this world, there were far too many things more distressing than this.


    After finishing her medicine, Qin Mu handed the bowl back to the auntie, who immediately offered a piece of candy. Qin Mu smiled lightly and said, "No need!"


    "Isn¡¯t it very bitter?" the auntie asked.


    "Not bitter at all!"


    The auntie was startled, and looking at Feng Fanghua, who was observing her daughter-in-law, recalled her frequent complaints about the medicine¡¯s bitterness; yet today she suddenly claimed it wasn¡¯t bitter.


    "Is it because Yichen isn¡¯t home that you don¡¯t dare to complain? Do you really think I¡¯m a wicked mother-in-law? With my son away on a trip, would I abuse my daughter-in-law at home?"


    Feng Fanghua glanced at her and said.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh: "How could that be? I¡¯m very clear about the kind of person you are. It¡¯s just that something happened today, and suddenly I feel like this bit of bitterness from the medicine isn¡¯t worth complaining about."


    She was just toning her body, dealing with some minor ailments.


    But Jian Yan...


    She was truly afraid. Just as Jian Yan said, his father had died on the operating table...


    Though she insisted verbally that he should undergo surgery, the risks involved with surgery weren¡¯t something she could determine as a patient¡¯s family member; even the surgeon in charge might not know what could happen during the procedure.


    "What happened? Your eyes look a bit swollen; did someone have an accident?"


    "My mentor¡ª"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t see the need to hide it, but speaking out about it also required immense courage. Not to mention whether Feng Fanghua was keen to listen, Qin Mu herself also found it difficult to overcome the barrier inside her heart.

 Chapter 282 - 99 secretly came back to see her_3

    Chapter 282: 99 secretly came back to see her_3


    "Your master? What happened to Jian Yan?" Feng Fanghua instantly remembered what Jing Qing had mentioned upon hearing the word "master".


    "He was diagnosed with an aggravated stomach disease, which is rather serious."


    She couldn¡¯t continue speaking and lowered her head.


    Feng Fanghua looked at how she was anxiously rubbing her hands together and became even more puzzled.


    "Every time he¡¯s reported to be fine in the news... could it be... stomach cancer?"


    Feng Fanghua tentatively asked, sounding nervous.


    "For now, it¡¯s only developing in that direction, but he¡¯ll go to Paris for treatment as soon as possible."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to hear those two words, but in front of Feng Fanghua, she had no choice but to continue to explain patiently.


    "This kind of illness can¡¯t be delayed, he really needs to get treatment quickly. How come it was only found now? There should¡¯ve been symptoms in the early stages."


    Feng Fanghua had a friend who died of stomach cancer, so she wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with it.


    "Mom, can I tell you about it later? I¡¯d like to wash my face first."


    She really didn¡¯t want to talk about it anymore and softly requested leave from Feng Fanghua.


    Feng Fanghua saw the mist in her eyes and nodded, lowering her gaze and said, "Go on!"


    When Qin Mu stood up to leave, she greeted Feng Fanghua and then went upstairs, leaving Feng Fanghua to sigh helplessly after her departure.


    The auntie was still standing by, muttering, "The look on the young madam¡¯s face, she must be terribly worried."


    "Jian Yan is her master, after all. He taught her so much, it¡¯s no wonder she¡¯s like this."


    Feng Fanghua sighed helplessly after hearing this.


    "Indeed, our young madam is a person of strong loyalty."


    The auntie agreed, while Feng Fanghua looked up towards the stairs. With such significant news, she suddenly thought she should talk to her son. According to her understanding of Qin Mu, Qin Mu probably hadn¡¯t told Mu Yichen yet.


    "Bring me my phone!"


    Feng Fanghua ordered, and the auntie nodded and immediately went to the room to fetch her phone.


    At this time, Qin Mu had just finished washing her face in her room when her phone rang. She immediately went to the bedside and answered the call; it was Mu Yichen.


    "Mrs. Mu, your husband is missing you a bit right now!"


    Qin Mu sat by the bed on the phone, hearing his voice through the speaker, her nose tingled involuntarily, and she raised her hand, forcefully covering her mouth as tears suddenly welled up.


    If only he were here now, he would surely find a solution with her. He would never let her bear it all alone.


    It had always been the case; although he was never gentle over the years, every time she encountered a problem, he would be the one to sort it out for her.


    Subconsciously looking out the window, Qin Mu thought of the vast ocean between them. He still loved her, didn¡¯t he?


    He would understand her, she reasoned; even though he was the jealous type, he would know how to prioritize.


    "Mu Yichen, master¡¯s health has taken a turn for the worse!"


    She spoke softly, and as she did, her heart seemed to bleed slowly.


    To tell the truth, she was terrified, especially on nights like these; she dreaded losing another loved one¡ªa feeling similar to when she lost her mother. And now, if she were to lose her master too...


    "Hmm? What happened?"


    Mu Yichen was about to go to work but stopped immediately upon hearing this. On one side was a beautiful large glass screen, sunlight was shining through in front, onto the window, and there was a green golf course downstairs.


    The staff walking in front noticed his pause and immediately stopped to wait. Mu Yichen then hung up the phone and called the hospital to understand Jian Yan¡¯s specific situation before messaging Qin Mu: Don¡¯t be too anxious, I¡¯m contacting the hospital in Paris to book the surgery right away.


    Qin Mu was still sitting by the bed, feeling immensely relieved after reading the message from WeChat.


    Before going to bed that night, she asked the auntie to prepare some more porridge for the morning. After returning to her room, she lay down in bed with Huanhuan, telling her storybooks until Huanhuan fell asleep, then she called the nurse¡¯s station at the hospital to inquire about Jian Yan¡¯s current condition.


    Early the next morning, she left the house, backpack on and carrying a thermal container.


    Standing at the door, she peeked through the small window into the room. In that large ward, he was there alone. She remembered being a child in the hospital, feeling that loneliness and helplessness, that fear and urgency.


    Those were feelings others could not understand or experience.


    She gently pushed open the door and walked in, being extra careful as she put down the thermal container, cupping it with both hands, afraid to make even a little noise that might disturb his sleep. She had called the nurse¡¯s station the previous night, and they¡¯d said his room¡¯s lights were off and that he was sleeping, but she guessed he hadn¡¯t been asleep.

 Chapter 283 - 99 secretly came back to see her_4

    Chapter 283: 99 secretly came back to see her_4


    Indeed, as expected, after setting down the insulated box, the moment she looked up, she saw the papers laid out on the side, those ordinary sheets of white paper bearing the most valuable things he had ever drawn.


    He had just taken a walk by Ghost Gate Pass during the day, so it must have been quite late at night when he worked on these, right?


    She quietly sat by his hospital bed, her eyes and brows lowered as she gazed at the drawings he had made, until the sun had risen so high.


    When Jian Yan woke up, the first thing he saw upon turning over was Qin Mu sitting there, watching him intently.


    The sorrow on her small face was so evident, and her eyes even sadder.


    It was as if she were reminiscing about something, or perhaps recalling something.


    He made an uncomfortable sound in his throat, and finally, Qin Mu snapped back to reality, "Master, you¡¯re awake."


    "Hmm, help me raise the bed."


    There was a button on the side, and Qin Mu pressed it for him, positioning the pillow from under his head to his waist as he struggled to move. Despite her expressionless face, her mind was very alert at that moment, completely understanding what he needed, and her strength was consistently gentle.


    Only after Jian Yan propped himself up against the pillow did she sit back down, her clear eyes locking with his as she realized her expression was a bit stiff. She immediately stretched her mouth into a smile, "I made a special trip here early in the morning. Don¡¯t I seem like a good disciple?"


    "Yes, indeed, you arrived early just to stare at my back - you truly are a good disciple."


    Jian Yan smiled wryly in response.


    "I had just spaced out for a moment. Do you now want to get up and wash up, or go to the bathroom?"


    Qin Mu got up again, moving the stool to the side as she asked him.


    "Yes! But you stay right there, don¡¯t move."


    He instructed, and then tried to get out of bed, but with his physical condition, getting up on his own was very strenuous.


    She didn¡¯t know if he had called for the nurse last night when she wasn¡¯t there, but now she knew she could not sit by idly.


    "Haven¡¯t you always said that I call you master all day but don¡¯t show the filial piety of a disciple to you? Now it¡¯s my turn to show it."


    As she spoke, she had already approached, and, bowing her head, she wrapped one of her arms around him, "Quick, get up!"


    Jian Yan looked up at her earnest expression, and at that moment, his eyes inexplicably moistened.


    But he merely gave a slight smile and then resignedly let her help him up.


    "You better not come into the bathroom."


    Inside the washroom, Qin Mu called out.


    "Just wait a moment."


    Qin Mu held him steady with one hand while with the other she opened the bathroom door and then lifted the toilet seat.


    "Okay, you come here, I¡¯ll step out and wait for you outside."


    She was insistent, knowing this would embarrass him, but if she left and he accidentally fell, that would be troublesome.


    She leaned against the sink, her head bowed as she looked at the wedding ring on her hand, thinking that if Mu Yichen knew about this, he would probably be so irritated he¡¯d want to hit her. Well, she¡¯d let him vent to his heart¡¯s content.


    However, she hadn¡¯t anticipated that spacing out would help avoid some awkwardness.


    When Jian Yan came out from inside, he looked quite pale and weak, supporting himself against the wall.


    Qin Mu looked up immediately and went to support him as he displayed that expression, "Tired?"


    "I¡¯m alright!"


    One of his hands rested on the wall while the other was supported by her, and after a difficult washing up in the washroom, they returned to the bed.


    Indeed, he lay in bed panting heavily, while Qin Mu was already preparing his breakfast.


    Jian Yan couldn¡¯t help but laugh while catching his breath. How could he have imagined that one day, he would be in such a pitiful state, weak enough to receive such care from his beloved disciple?


    Perhaps she had never even done as much for Mu Yi, had she?


    "The porridge from the Mu family¡¯s kitchen tastes even better than what¡¯s served in the restaurants. We¡¯ll wait a bit more for it to cool down before you eat it."


    As Qin Mu spoke, she brought the bowl to the small table by the bed, then sat down beside it: "Master, why are you drawing at this time?"


    "When I have ideas in my head, if I don¡¯t draw them out, my hands itch and my brain can¡¯t endure it."


    She believed Jian Yan¡¯s answer, remembering how once Mu Yichen was enjoying himself when suddenly she ran off him, and she still recalled just how endearing his expression was back then.


    Jian Yan watched her, his gaze soft with a hint of regret, but eventually, he simply smiled and let it pass.


    Qin Mu, however, was earnestly looking at the drawing, and after Jian Yan took a few sips of porridge, he told her, "You¡¯ll still have to go back to the studio later. You¡¯re allowed to visit me in the morning and evening; at other times, focus on your actual work."


    "You think I want to come running over here early in the morning? It¡¯s only because I¡¯m thinking that in three or five days you¡¯ll be off to Paris, and I can break free from you, so that¡¯s why I¡¯m showing such dedication."

 Chapter 284 - 99 secretly came back to see her_5

    Chapter 284: 99 secretly came back to see her_5freewe?bnovel.com


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes were sharp, dark, and bright. Every time Jian Yan could not help but take an extra look or two, and this time was no different. Even though she had spoken so heartlessly, he still couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    "You called President Mu, right?"


    He asked.


    "I did, through the phone. Master, you won¡¯t be upset that I told him about your illness, will you?"


    Qin Mu suddenly dropped his earlier mischief.


    "Of course not! Since you call me master, how could a master be unaware of the difficulties his disciple faces in her marital home? It¡¯s just that this might have caused President Mu a little trouble¡ª, but since you are my disciple and he is your husband, it¡¯s not too much for him to do something for me, right?"


    Jian Yan took another sip of his porridge, his ink-dark eyes lingering on the bowl on the table as he thought for a while before asking her again.


    "Of course!"


    Qin Mu immediately agreed.


    Jian Yan did not speak further. He had a lot on his mind, but he was not someone given to expressing himself, especially not with his most beloved disciple.


    "Master, I will fly over during your surgery, I¡¯ll bring Huanhuan with me."


    Qin Mu saw the coldness and sorrow he was trying hard to conceal on his face¡ªthose were born of loneliness, perhaps because she had experienced despair and loneliness herself, she especially wanted to be there for Jian Yan at this time.


    Jian Yan didn¡¯t say anything, but just smiled and finished his porridge.


    Qin Mu then said no more, and the hospital room fell quiet for a moment.


    These past few days, he had changed into the hospital¡¯s patient robe, which made him look much paler, but also gave him a very serene look.


    In fact, he has always been a serene person.


    But the quiet in the room didn¡¯t last long.


    Xiaomei had ordered takeout and brought it over.


    She flinched, however, when she pushed the door open and saw Qin Mu cleaning up the small dining table. Hearing Xiaomei¡¯s entrance, Qin Mu instinctively turned her head and caught Xiaomei standing there, dazed.


    "What are you spacing out for?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously. After she had finished speaking, she looked down and saw the takeout in Xiaomei¡¯s hand, then unconsciously turned to look at Xiaomei, who smiled awkwardly: It seemed the boss had already eaten.


    "I haven¡¯t eaten yet. Have you?"


    Qin Mu put away the small dining table and placed the food warmer to one side before turning to ask her.


    "No!"


    Xiaomei struggled to shake her head, her eyes a bit unfocused.


    "Then you two go eat over there!"


    Jian Yan pointed to the sofa across the room. He didn¡¯t look at anyone, simply wiped his hands with a tissue, then took out his cellphone and leaned back, browsing his phone.


    Xiaomei took the takeout to eat with Qin Mu, although she couldn¡¯t hide her feeling of loss.


    "Don¡¯t be sad, I won¡¯t send it tomorrow!"


    Qin Mu tilted her head slightly and whispered to Xiaomei before they started eating.


    Xiaomei¡¯s eyes moistened. She didn¡¯t look at Qin Mu but murmured softly, "Don¡¯t, the takeout can¡¯t be as nutritious as what you guys make at home."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but look at her, and Xiaomei was already bowing her head, eating.


    Jian Yan also glanced up at the two girls eating before lowering his gaze again. As for their murmured conversation, he heard it, yet he didn¡¯t.


    During the day, Xiaomei stayed at the hospital to take care of Jian Yan, while Qin Mu returned to the studio.


    This time, two designers from their studio participated in the design competition. After Qin Mu returned, they took their certificates to her office¡ªone was second place, the other fourth place. Their rankings were very good, and naturally, she was also very pleased. She looked up at them and congratulated them gravely, "Let me first congratulate you both on your awards. How about I host a celebration dinner at AM tonight in your honor, on me?"


    "Maybe we shouldn¡¯t. Jian Yan isn¡¯t well, and we¡¯re not in the mood to celebrate. We plan to visit him in the hospital together after work this afternoon."


    Although spoken in French, there was no barrier in their communication.


    The girl from Paris said this earnestly¡ªthey all loved Jian Yan, as he had led them to their present position. Even though they weren¡¯t officially his disciples, they had all benefited from his guidance.


    After hearing this, Qin Mu lowered her gaze and thought for two seconds, "Alright! We¡¯ll go together after work!"


    She thought Jian Yan might not like such sentimental scenes, but they couldn¡¯t just ignore everyone¡¯s good intentions.


    However, the standout in the competition was not someone who had ranked, but the first-place designer who was a plagiarizer.


    When the plagiarized design appeared beside the original on the screen during the judging, all the designers in attendance were shocked; and the media, already inured to such incidents, was there to sensationalize and report, so it didn¡¯t take long for the scandal to be exposed. Moreover, the media exposed everything about this newly returned designer.

 Chapter 285 - 99 secretly came back to see her_6

    Chapter 285: 99 secretly came back to see her_6


    Although she was a trainee at a design school, she was definitely not a student from any prestigious institution.


    The incident was exposed by the media not long after Qin Mu returned to the studio.


    The first-place winner, entangled in plagiarism, was also exposed. The plagiarized drawings surfaced, and the victim¡¯s designs were published in the newspapers with dates, sketches, and competition submissions that were almost identical.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Jing Qing was filming when she received a call from Rongcheng and responded indifferently, "You should look for Qin Mingzhu; she¡¯s probably at AM drinking with her friends right now."


    The plagiarizing designer, upon hearing this, immediately grabbed her coat and left her apartment in search of Qin Mingzhu.


    Qin Mingzhu could never have imagined that Qin Mu would find out about her stealing those designs until Yang Qianxi found her at the drinking place.


    When the door to the private room was pushed open, Qin Mingzhu was with two boys and three girls¡ªthe same group as before¡ªand they all looked toward the door in shock at the sound of a ¡¯bang.¡¯


    Yang Qianxi, not too tall but still quite appealing, walked towards Qin Mingzhu with her brows tightly knitted.


    Qin Mingzhu, still holding her glass, was about to drink with one of the girls when she saw Yang Qianxi approaching with a menacing gaze. She slowly set down the glass and asked perplexedly, "What¡¯s with the face? Didn¡¯t win first place?"


    "First place? Yeah, first place¡ªthe first place in plagiarism!"


    The girl pulled out newspapers and materials from her bag and slammed them onto the table in front of Qin Mingzhu.


    Qin Mingzhu jumped up as the papers knocked over the glass, spilling the liquid. She was furious but subconsciously stood there, bent over, picking up the newspapers and materials one by one and looking through them.


    "What¡¯s going on? I already spoke to the judges."


    "Is this what you call having spoken to them? One of the judges exposed the matter in front of so many media and industry people. How exactly did you ¡¯speak¡¯ to them?"


    Yang Qianxi was on the verge of going crazy, yelling at her, feeling that the girl in front of her was utterly incompetent.


    "But, what about Jing Qing? It was the connection she found."


    Qin Mingzhu also remained dazed for a while, her large eyes lacking any spirit. It took her a long time to suddenly remember Jing Qing¡ªit was Jing Qing who found the connection.


    "Jing Qing? She¡¯s the one who sent me to find you! I don¡¯t care what¡¯s going on between you two, but I¡¯ve just arrived in Rongcheng and this happens. You have to take responsibility for me."


    Yang Qianxi shouted at her, filled with anger.


    "I¡¯m responsible for you? Why should I be responsible for you?"


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s heart was thudding non-stop, thinking she would not be responsible for anyone.


    "You ruined my future. You are the one who sought me out. Who should be responsible for me if not you?"


    Yang Qianxi was even more enraged and argued.


    "I did seek you out, but didn¡¯t you also say it wouldn¡¯t be a problem? Didn¡¯t you boast about your ability to plagiarize?"


    Qin Mingzhu glared at her with wide eyes, then looked down at the comparisons on the newspapers she was holding, and the three girls beside her also came closer to look. They did not understand the situation, but they were experts at picking faults.


    Yang Qianxi never anticipated that upon her arrival in Rongcheng, she would be swayed by these two who confidently promised her the seat of Rongcheng¡¯s top emerging designer, resulting in this disaster. These two women acted as if nothing in Rongcheng was beyond their capability, and indeed their status was indeed special, but Yang Qianxi hadn¡¯t expected their behavior to be so extraordinary as well.


    "Moreover, just because Jing Qing told you to find me, you did? She arranged everything, I just gave you the design drafts."


    Qin Mingzhu looked at her in frustration, her mind a tangled mess and on the verge of madness. Had Jing Qing really pushed all the blame onto her this way?


    No wonder Zhang Rujia said Jing Qing was unreliable. Now she knew it was true¡ªutterly unreliable.


    "So it¡¯s all about shirking responsibility, is it? While you two enjoy your lives, what about me? My career has been destroyed just as it¡¯s beginning."


    Yang Qianxi emphasized the last few words heavily, lifting her hands and dropping them forcefully. She was filled with hate but helpless to change the outcome. Anticipating that Qin Mingzhu would shift the blame, and having no one to support her in Rongcheng, she had no choice but to turn around and leave.


    "Nuts!"


    Qin Mingzhu had just sat down after the other woman left when she realized her skirt was wet and stood up again immediately: "Damn it!"

 Chapter 286 - 99 secretly came back to see her_7

    Chapter 286: 99 secretly came back to see her_7?reeweb¦Çovel.com


    "Go change your clothes, and don¡¯t worry about us,"


    her friends told her. Qin Mingzhu looked down at her own clothes and had no choice but to go change. But as soon as she left, the group began whispering among themselves unanimously.


    The weather outside was rather gloomy. After Yang Qianxi took a taxi and left, Qin Mingzhu¡¯s car also came out from the underground parking lot.


    Qin Mu was working in the office when a colleague from reception came up to her: "Qinqin, there¡¯s a Miss who wants to see you, Yang Qianxi."


    After hearing this, Qin Mu closed the file she was looking at and turned to look towards the door.


    Yang Qianxi had indeed come to find her.


    And she looked like she had already had a confrontation with those two women.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes were certainly sharp. She could tell from Yang Qianxi¡¯s face what her mood was, but she had anticipated the turn of events not because of that, but because she understood Qin Mingzhu better.


    How could she have guessed that this matter also involved Jing Qing, who was out filming, and she had always thought it was Zhang Rujia¡¯s idea to encourage Qin Mingzhu to do it, given that the mother and daughter both hated her.


    "Qin Mingzhu told me it was Jing Qing who arranged the jury, guaranteed that I would win first place, and moreover, I would be propelled to the prestigious position of Rongcheng¡¯s top designer, which is why I got carried away..."


    Yang Qianxi started to say but then lowered her head, struggling to continue.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t ask her anything further, just listened to her speak. Yang Qianxi never heard Qin Mu say a word, knowing in the end, she might still have to rely on Qin Mu if she wanted to turn the situation around, so she added, "I guess there must be some bad blood between you for things to be this bad, I¡¯m willing to help you against them. All I ask is for you to give me a chance to earn a living."


    It wasn¡¯t until then that Qin Mu slightly raised her eyes, still sitting in the chair, as composed as ever.


    "As soon as I returned to the country, I was branded a plagiarist. If even you won¡¯t help me, then I¡¯m truly out of options in this industry."


    Yang Qianxi continued, looking at the calm and wise Qin Mu behind the desk, and she almost instantly regretted agreeing to plagiarize for Qin Mingzhu.


    "I have a fault: I neither suspect nor employ the suspected,"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes to look at her, her sharp gaze piercing straight into Yang Qianxi, who was standing across from her.


    Yang Qianxi was newly established in her career, her aura lacking not just by a little, and she took a sharp breath of nervousness upon hearing Qin Mu¡¯s words, "I can work first without taking a salary."


    "You¡¯ve made such a mistake at the start of your career, I really can¡¯t accommodate you here."


    Qin Mu looked at her anxious demeanor without the slightest discomfort.


    She couldn¡¯t help thinking she used to believe she¡¯d never become heartless to this extent. Yet, one day, when she became ruthless, there was no hesitation."


    Her refusal was so straightforward, and she felt no burden at all, even if this girl would henceforth have nowhere else to go.


    Yang Qianxi involuntarily took a deep breath, which she slowly let out after a long time.


    The mercilessness of Qin Mu made her laugh helplessly, and after a long while, she took a step back.


    "So it turns out you are all the same kind of people, all selfish, only thinking of your own interests. In your world, there is no one else, just your own benefits."


    Yang Qianxi raised her hand, laughed in despair, and then looked with desperate eyes at the woman before her, before turning to leave.


    "Yang Qianxi!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes, cold and detached, looked down at the drawing paper before parting her sensual lips.


    Yang Qianxi instantly turned around, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at her.


    "A plagiarist has no right to feel wronged!"


    Qin Mu said, then looked towards the door. Yang Qianxi¡¯s tears fell from her eyes in an instant, and at that moment, all her anger was extinguished by her tears.


    The warm air in the office felt stifling. Qin Mu stood up from her chair and slowly circled the desk.


    "If you really can¡¯t find a place to go, I might be able to recommend a job for you."


    "Really? Does it have to do with design?"


    Qin Mu glanced at her again, her gaze cold, domineering, and filled with an indisputable sharpness.


    Upon a closer look, her demeanor bore some resemblance to that of President Mu at times.


    "It¡¯s related, I suppose. My assistant has been quite busy recently. She¡¯s mainly in charge of organizing my files, receiving clients, and helping with various tasks like arranging custom clothes for celebrities. If you can handle this tough job, you can start with that."


    Qin Mu told her in a low voice, and immediately Yang Qianxi started crying, covering her mouth, "I really didn¡¯t mean to do it. I thought no matter what happened in the past, as long as I could produce good work in the future, all of my past could be erased. I thought that as long as they were there, I¡¯d have no problems."


    As she spoke, she lowered her head, almost burying her face in her chest.


    "But you forgot, in this world, no one will boost you up for no reason, nor does anyone want to take the fall for you, unless it¡¯s someone who loves you."


    Yang Qianxi nodded vigorously.


    "Your probation period is one month, starting now?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t bother with small talk.


    She nodded eagerly, of course hoping to start right away. Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything else but led her out instead.


    "Everyone, hold on a second. Starting today, Yang Qianxi will temporarily take over Xiaomei¡¯s duties,"


    Qin Mu announced to everyone on the first floor after a simple introduction and then left.


    Yang Qianxi stood in front of everyone, feeling even more panicked as she faced their unfriendly eyes, certain they all knew her history now. She thought it wasn¡¯t going to be easy for her in the coming days.


    After work in the evening, Qin Mu took her colleagues to visit Jian Yan, who was a bit taken aback when he saw a group of people with flowers coming to see him. He truly didn¡¯t enjoy such sentimental scenes.


    He would have preferred that after his death, these people would stand solemnly with flowers in front of his gravestone instead.


    Not to cry or show sadness.


    Simply to see him off, as though he were just traveling to a distant place.


    ¡ª¡ª


    A dark, high-end sports car slowly pulled into the hospital¡¯s parking lot, and a tall man stepped out, his dark eyes looking towards the hospital.

 Chapter 287 - 100 General Mu’s demanded compensation (1)_1

    Chapter 287: 100 General Mu¡¯s demanded compensation (1)_1


    When Jian Yan tuned the atmosphere to that of a party and everyone couldn¡¯t help but laugh, Qin Mu had been standing to the side, silent. As she listened to everyone exchange pleasantries, a distant sound reached her ears and she subconsciously turned her head towards the door.


    The knock wasn¡¯t very loud, but it felt like it was knocking on her heart.


    Her eyes, brimming with water, watched the door being slowly pushed open, revealing a tall man in a suit and leather shoes, although his face could not hide his fatigue.


    In that moment, Qin Mu¡¯s heart clenched tightly.


    When everyone hadn¡¯t heard Qin Mu speak for a long time and looked her way, they noticed she was gazing outside. Following her gaze, they saw the tender-eyed President Mu and instantly understood the sorrow and unmistakable longing in Qin Mu¡¯s eyes.


    Afterward, Xiao Mei escorted all the colleagues away, leaving only Qin Mu, Mu Yichen, and Jian Yan in the ward.


    Qin Mu choked up slightly, unable to stop herself from gazing affectionately at the person in front of her. Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t take the intensity of her look and leaned in towards her ear, "Stop looking, or Jian Yan¡¯s illness will worsen!"


    Only then did Qin Mu snap back to reality, immediately withdrawing her gaze overflowing with longing, and looked down. Mu Yichen chuckled softly and then turned to look at the man lying in bed, also watching his wife.


    Ah! Jian Yan¡¯s gaze spoke volumes!


    It was as if he was worrying that his disciple had hopelessly fallen for another man.


    "You shouldn¡¯t have kept such a big thing from her, do you know how worried she was?"


    Mu Yichen rarely spoke such words, but it was because Qin Mu was truly beside herself with worry.


    "If I knew my body would be so uncooperative, I wouldn¡¯t have left Paris."


    Jian Yan said helplessly, his head drooping with a sigh.


    "Well, it¡¯s a good thing you came!"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes and looked at him with a reproachful gaze, guessing that if Jian Yan hadn¡¯t come, he wouldn¡¯t have obediently gone to the hospital for treatment.


    Jian Yan laughed quietly at her astute voice, realizing his disciple still knew him well.


    Mu Yichen wrapped an arm around Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder, "Alright, it¡¯s getting late, will you keep me company?"


    Qin Mu turned her head towards him as he spoke, and suddenly remembered he was supposed to be away for a long time but had returned in just two days. Had he come back so abruptly because of Jian Yan¡¯s accident?


    "You two hurry up and find a place, don¡¯t delay my rest here."


    Jian Yan spoke and pressed the button to recline his bed.


    Mu Yichen still gave a few more instructions before taking Qin Mu out.


    With Helian Hao around, the two found an unoccupied ward, where Qin Mu was immediately pinned against the door and kissed passionately.


    Qin Mu panted heavily, her forehead pressed against his, and after a long while, she received his gentle kisses again.


    It felt as if they hadn¡¯t seen each other in years, always feeling that only in this way could they reach into each other¡¯s hearts.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hands cradled the back of her head as he looked at her, somewhat shyly kissed, and then gently kissed her eyelashes, "Missed me?"


    "You were gone for just two days."


    Qin Mu murmured quietly, suddenly unable to meet his eyes.


    "Two days? I felt like it had been two years."


    Mu Yichen laughed softly, his dark eyes gazing directly at her. In this quiet place, he couldn¡¯t help but kiss her lips over and over again.


    As Qin Mu was kissed repeatedly, lifting her head, her heart seemed to be kissed as well, until she almost lost her sense of direction.


    "Let¡¯s go home tonight. We can¡¯t stay here with him."


    He whispered, his burning gaze on her as his hands gently slid down from her waist.


    "What if I want to stay?"


    "Then I¡¯ll stay with you. If need be, I¡¯ll let go of the deal in Australia worth several hundred million just to keep an eye on my wife."


    Their voices were very low, with Mu Yichen even beginning to unbutton her clothes, and Qin Mu lifted her eyelashes only to see him suddenly kneeling beside her.


    She looked down at the man before her, "Mu Yichen, do you really trust me?"


    "I do! I just don¡¯t trust him!"


    He abruptly lifted his gaze, and as Qin Mu looked down again, she quickly grabbed his hand, "Jian Yan isn¡¯t the kind of person you think he is."


    "I know, but a man and a woman sharing a room alone is really not a wise decision."


    Mu Yichen in this regard was absolutely uncompromising, and Qin Mu sighed helplessly in her heart.


    Unwilling to occupy a bed that belonged to someone else, they did it right there at the door.


    Afterward, he had to leave, and Qin Mu stood at the hospital entrance to see him off, feeling unconsciously upset as she watched his car drive away.


    In fact, she felt a prickling inside; whether he truly trusted her or not was something only he knew deep down.

 Chapter 288 - 100 General Mu’s demanded compensation (1)_2

    Chapter 288: 100 General Mu¡¯s demanded compensation (1)_2


    But he had come all that distance to merely glance at her and leave, Qin Mu¡¯s heart quickly ceased its struggle, for this love was already enough.


    She still dared not ask for more and turned her head to go back to the hospital, where Helian Hao was on duty. Seeing the redness around her eyes, she couldn¡¯t help but ask, "What¡¯s the matter? Can¡¯t bear to part?"


    "As if you know so much!"


    Qin Mu slightly lifted her gaze, saying softly and smiling at her.


    "My oh my, both your kids are so grown and yet you¡¯re so clingy. Do you know that makes me jealous?"


    Helian Hao got up from her chair, stood beside her, and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.


    In the vast office, it was just the two of them leaning against the desk, and somehow, they both lowered their heads.


    Love is gentle, yet heavy.


    To accept it meant knowing you could enjoy the warmth of a bosom, but also withstand the oppression that this warmth brought.


    Qin Mu later sighed helplessly, "I need to go back; Huanhuan is waiting to finish dinner with me."


    "Alright! Don¡¯t worry about your master; I¡¯m on duty tonight and will go keep him company."


    Helian Hao winked at her.


    Qin Mu shook her head helplessly: Aren¡¯t you afraid Jing Feng will get jealous when he finds out?


    "He¡¯s not that petty!"


    Helian Hao remarked and let out a sigh after Qin Mu left, seeing Jing Feng as a man who actually knew how to distinguish things clearly in her eyes.


    As Qin Mu drove alone on the way back, the scenic trees in the city were still green. Passing by that stretch of green road, she felt as if she didn¡¯t know what time she was in, until she reached a desolate place.


    It was like traveling through two seasons, and though her eyes held a hint of melancholy, they were more composed; no matter how many thoughts filled her mind, her resolve would not easily change.


    The car slowly entered the Mu Family¡¯s mansion, and Huanhuan, hearing the sound of the car, ran out from the living room.


    Qin Mu parked the car and walked back, only to see Huanhuan run outside before long, her voice still babyish as she called out, "Mommy..."


    It was a habit formed when she was a bit smaller, seemingly hard to break, but Qin Mu felt that Huanhuan calling her "Mommy" was particularly heartwarming.


    Once, they had lived abroad together¡ªwas that wandering?


    Or is it wandering now?


    No! How could it be wandering now? Huanhuan¡¯s father, mother, grandparents, and all her blood relatives were here.


    A leaf drifted slowly from the sky; mother and daughter inevitably both looked up, their eyes following the frost-touched leaf as it gently landed on the ground.


    Then they both looked down again, following the leaf to the ground.


    Huanhuan let go of her mother, walked over to pick up the leaf, and turned her pretty small hand holding the leaf towards her mother.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what Huanhuan was thinking, but seeing Huanhuan looking somewhat sad, she got up and went over to pick her up, saying, "Let¡¯s go inside!"


    "Okay! Mommy! Is it dead?"


    Huanhuan¡¯s voice was still not quite coherent, and her words were blunt, striking a different chord in Qin Mu¡¯s heart.


    "No, next year, it will turn green again, just like in the summer."


    "Oh!"


    Huanhuan agreed, but her eyes stayed on the leaf in her hand.


    Qin Mu, seeing Huanhuan¡¯s expression, always felt that Huanhuan didn¡¯t quite believe what she said and seemed a bit conflicted.


    "Mom, I¡¯m back!"


    "Hmm!"


    Feng Fanghua was drinking tea, and she hummed in response to seeing her come in with Huanhuan in her arms.


    "This little girl can¡¯t stand the sound of a car anymore; she¡¯s bound to run out to see."


    Feng Fanghua spoke to Qin Mu while interacting with her granddaughter¡¯s gaze.


    Qin Mu smiled and walked over to place Huanhuan on the sofa, sitting down beside her.


    She remembered when she was a child; she used to rush outside whenever she heard a car, sure that it was her beloved father coming home from work. She recalled that sometimes, when her father went to his job, she would even run behind the car, crying pitifully.


    In the blink of an eye, things have changed but people remain the same.


    "How is your master doing?"


    Feng Fanghua asked again as she picked up her tea.


    "He¡¯s going to Paris tomorrow; the doctor he had an appointment with has already returned."


    "Oh! That¡¯s good. He¡¯s a true scholar, and heaven will surely take pity on him; he won¡¯t come to harm."


    Feng Fanghua comforted.


    Qin Mu nodded her head.


    "There¡¯s a charity dinner on Saturday; come with me, bring Huanhuan along. It¡¯ll be just the three of us women."


    Feng Fanghua spoke again, considering her to be sensible.


    "A charity dinner?"


    "Yes! In the past, it was always your father who accompanied me, but now that I have you, he was never keen on attending such events anyway. It¡¯s mostly women, so you¡¯re the most suitable person to go with me."

 Chapter 289 - 100 General Mu’s demanded compensation (1)_3

    Chapter 289: 100 General Mu¡¯s demanded compensation (1)_3


    "But I should be in Paris on Saturday."


    "Paris?"


    "Yes!"


    Upon hearing this, Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but frown: On a business trip?


    "No, my master needs someone to take care of him for a few days, and I was just about to discuss this with you. After he leaves tomorrow, I¡¯ll also follow Huanhuan the day after tomorrow."


    Qin Mu knew Feng Fanghua might be unhappy, but it had come to this.


    "Although he is your master, he isn¡¯t your father after all. Are you sure you want to take care of him? Have you considered how inconvenient this will be, and how it might sound to others?"


    Feng Fanghua reminded her.


    "Mom, not everything can be perfect, and the one thing I do know is, he nurtured me over these years. He helped me when I was most confused. No matter what others say, I hope you and Dad can understand me."


    Qin Mu patiently explained in a gentle voice.


    "Absolutely not. Don¡¯t you know how famous you are recently? Especially since your master isn¡¯t that old. It wouldn¡¯t be too bad if he were seventy or eighty, but he¡¯s just over forty and much more outstanding than other men. What will people think if they know you¡¯re taking care of him personally? The media nowadays dares to report anything; you can¡¯t go,"


    Feng Fanghua shook her head repeatedly, her expression turning stern as she spoke.


    "Mom, I understand your concerns. You think now, as the Mu family¡¯s daughter-in-law, I should stay out of trouble, right? I promise you, I won¡¯t care for him personally, but I must be there. I¡¯m the only family he has. Huanhuan has also grown up under his watch. How sad would he be if neither of us were there?"


    Knowing Feng Fanghua¡¯s temperament, that she would take a soft approach rather than a hard one, Qin Mu continued to explain amiably.


    However, Feng Fanghua shook her head again and again, her eyes reddening: If you want to go, go by yourself, but my granddaughter cannot go.


    "If you really can¡¯t agree, then I¡¯ll have to defy you this once."


    Qin Mu said this and was about to take Huanhuan upstairs, but was immediately stopped.


    "Qin Mu!"


    Qin Mu turned around to see Feng Fanghua looking at her coldly: "Defy me this time? How often have you not defied me? Since you were determined to be with Yichen, you should consider him in everything. Don¡¯t you know what people are saying about you and your master, that it¡¯s not proper?"


    Huanhuan, thinking her grandmother and mother were fighting, instinctively snuggled closer into Qin Mu¡¯s arms.


    Qin Mu looked down, gently stroking her daughter¡¯s hair, then looked up again: We¡¯ll discuss this after Huanhuan falls asleep.


    "I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any need to talk further. Jian Yan suddenly coming to live in the city, I didn¡¯t even ask you why, did I? Do I say anything about you two being together in the studio every day? I think I¡¯ve been tolerant enough. He collapses in Rongcheng, and you go to take care of him early in the morning, even bringing breakfast from home. Did I ever say a bad word about it? You can give money, you can pull strings, you can bring him breakfast, Qin Mu, have you really not realized that you care for this man more than you do for Yichen?"


    Feng Fanghua asked after her rant, looking puzzled.


    Qin Mu glanced up at Feng Fanghua¡¯s bewildered expression, a light smile involuntarily crossed her face. She could humble herself to the dust without rebuttal, but no one could stop this decision of hers.


    "I¡¯ll go change my clothes first."


    Qin Mu lightly kissed her daughter: "Want to go upstairs with mommy to change clothes?"


    "Mmm!"


    Huanhuan nodded, and Qin Mu picked her up to go upstairs together.


    Feng Fanghua still sat there, watching them go upstairs, headache intensifying from irritation: "Simply doesn¡¯t know what¡¯s important."


    It was just the three of them at home for dinner. Afterward, Qin Mu routinely took her medicine, and Feng Fanghua felt slightly better seeing her obediently doing so.


    Once Huanhuan was asleep, Feng Fanghua finally resumed the conversation with her in the living room on the ground floor.


    "Qin Mu, I think I¡¯ve been tolerant enough with you. As long as you make Yichen happy, I can almost endure anything. But for this matter, even if Yichen agrees, I won¡¯t. Besides, has Yichen agreed?"


    "He will agree!"


    Qin Mu said softly.


    Feng Fanghua laughed: You can call him and check before you answer me.


    "He¡¯s currently on a flight back to Australia and can¡¯t answer the phone."


    "What?"


    Just as Qin Mu finished her reply, Feng Fanghua looked at her in shock, then stood up and headed back to her bedroom in frustration.


    Qin Mu thought, Feng Fanghua must be upset because Mu Yichen cared for her too much, so she couldn¡¯t soothe Feng Fanghua¡¯s heart right now.


    After all, friction is inevitable in a family.

 Chapter 290 - 100 General Mu’s demanded compensation (1)_4

    Chapter 290: 100 General Mu¡¯s demanded compensation (1)_4


    She thought that perhaps it was because she hadn¡¯t lived with a family for so many years that she found it so hard to adapt.


    How could there be no friction, no quarrels, when a family lived together? But once it was past, it was past. Remembering the kindness Feng Fanghua had shown her, Qin Mu let it go and unconsciously let out a light laugh before getting up and going upstairs.


    Her long hair was gathered up before she went to bed, and as she looked at her precious daughter lying there, her whole heart warmed from cold to hot, soon enveloped in a warm cocoon.


    It seemed as if, after wasting half a lifetime, the warmest thing at last was right in front of her, in her arms!


    But who knew about the future?


    Just like how Mu Qingxin still hadn¡¯t come home, would her daughter grow up to dislike her, even be unwilling to come home?


    Qin Mu, thinking of the day they would have to part, couldn¡¯t help but lean gently against Huanhuan¡¯s shoulder, her heart full of reluctance.


    In the quiet night, while the city was a spectacle of lights in every household, mother and daughter lay quietly together, asleep.


    She thought that Mu Yichen wouldn¡¯t stop her, so she gradually fell asleep.


    And then she had a nightmare. In the dream, Mu Yichen had learned that she was going to Paris to accompany Jian Yan for his surgery, so he flew back, grabbed her as she was about to leave, and took her back to the room. He threw her onto the bed, ferociously threatened her, and said he wouldn¡¯t allow her to step out of the room. She struggled, and Mu Yichen even tied her hands with his necktie, telling her, "I won¡¯t let you leave this door. You might as well give up on this heart that wants to accompany him."


    She trembled uncontrollably in her sleep, and when she woke up the next day, her hands and feet were icy cold.


    In the morning, Xiaomei accompanied Jian Yan at the airport. Qin Mu was there to see them off, handing the luggage to Xiaomei and instructing, "After I meet with clients today, I¡¯ll immediately fly over with Huanhuan. Everything has been arranged at the hospital; you can just go straight to checking in."


    "If the Mu Family doesn¡¯t agree, forget it! It¡¯s not a big deal for me!"


    Jian Yan¡¯s countenance was still haggard. The sky outside was overcast and Qin Mu noticed his face was pallid and lusterless.


    Unconsciously, she ended up looking at him a few more times. After a long while, she laughed and said, "Why wouldn¡¯t they agree? My mother-in-law even said that I should go with you today. If it wasn¡¯t for this client who I had arranged to meet today, I really could have gone with you."


    She said to Jian Yan with a smile.


    Xiaomei didn¡¯t say much, knowing that Qin Mu was avoiding any appearance of impropriety by not leaving together.


    Moreover, who knew how many people Jing Qing had watching Qin Mu? If Qin Mu left with Jian Yan now, nobody would know if Jing Qing would give any tracking information to the media.


    "Then we¡¯re going to go ahead; be careful driving back," Jian Yan said after hearing the airport announcement, bidding her farewell.


    Qin Mu nodded and stood there, watching them until they reached the security checkpoint.


    To be honest, Qin Mu didn¡¯t feel like going back at all; she just raised her hand and waved goodbye to them with a smile as Xiaomei and Jian Yan departed.


    When she mustered up a smile, and after they had left, she could no longer maintain her cheerfulness.


    She turned and walked towards the exit, thinking she was smiling, but feeling a chill on her face. When she touched her face, she realized it was tears. She looked at her wet fingertips in disbelief, then couldn¡¯t help but laugh again.


    She knew she was probably used to no one caring about her, and suddenly, being cared for was something she couldn¡¯t get used to, so she drove back to the studio.


    As soon as she entered the studio, she saw Yang Qianxi busily making coffee for everyone. Everyone was immersed in their work, with only her darting about.


    Qin Mu suddenly thought of Xiaomei and continued walking with her head down.


    "Good morning, Miss Qin!"


    Yang Qianxi, holding a cup of coffee for a colleague, greeted her when she saw Qin Mu, who responded with a smile, "Good morning!"


    A gleam of shrewdness flashed in Yang Qianxi¡¯s eyes. After delivering the coffee to her colleague, she immediately took a cup of rose petal-infused water upstairs.


    "I heard you¡¯re not drinking coffee now. I saw some rose petals in the small kitchen and made you a cup," Yang Qianxi said as she gently placed the cup on Qin Mu¡¯s desk. Qin Mu glanced at the water cup and then looked up at her, "Find some time in the next couple of days to draw two sketches for me."


    Yang Qianxi was taken aback but nodded vigorously, "Okay!"


    "Don¡¯t forget to find Wen Runuan¡¯s assistant later," Qin Mu reminded her again.


    "Uh-huh, I¡¯ve already contacted her assistant; I¡¯ll go straight to the studio later," Yang Qianxi replied.


    Qin Mu nodded and didn¡¯t say anything more.


    Yang Qianxi watched her for a while, seeing that Qin Mu was about to start working, she unconsciously bit her lower lip.


    Qin Mu felt her lingering and looked up again to see if she had something difficult to express.

 Chapter 291 - 100 General Mu’s demanded compensation (1)_5

    Chapter 291: 100 General Mu¡¯s demanded compensation (1)_5


    "Miss Qin, can I sleep here?"


    Qin Mu looked at her and put down the document she had just opened, "What do you mean?"


    "The apartment I lived in when I came to Rongcheng was found by Qin Mingzhu. Now that she has no use for me, she has taken the apartment back. When I returned last night, I found that my luggage and everything had been thrown downstairs."


    Yang Qianxi said this and lowered her head even more.


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze dropped; she didn¡¯t expect Qin Mingzhu to be so ruthless, but then again, she wasn¡¯t surprised, for that woman was never really a philanthropist.


    But was she herself a philanthropist?


    "If you don¡¯t mind, you can squeeze in with the colleagues for now. They all live in one apartment complex, each with their own room."


    Qin Mu thought it over and spoke since there were no spare rooms available at the moment. One was reserved for her own use, and Mu Yichen would sometimes come to use it; she didn¡¯t feel like giving it to someone else.


    "Really? Thank you, Miss Qin!"


    "That¡¯s a place they rent together, and whether they can accommodate you or not is also uncertain. Go discuss it with them first before coming to thank me."


    Qin Mu then opened the document again to read intently because she had to meet with clients and needed to carefully double-check everything to ensure everything was correct.


    "Yes!"


    Yang Qianxi knew Qin Mu wouldn¡¯t help her so readily and realized that for a stranger to offer this much help was already more than enough. She nodded her head and left.


    Only after she had left did Qin Mu turn her head back towards the door corner and let out an involuntary sigh.


    So whatever you do, never do business with Qin Mingzhu; that girl may seem foolish at times, yet in some respects, she is particularly calculating.


    Yang Qianxi made her request to the colleagues, but no one paid her any attention. Seeing their reluctant faces, she bit her lip and added, "Miss Qin asked me to discuss it with you all. If you¡¯re unwilling, then never mind."


    Everyone remained silent, merely exchanging glances as if they could communicate their intentions through eye contact alone.


    "We don¡¯t have any spare rooms. Xiaomei is in Paris but will be back soon. If you were to stay, you could only sleep on the sofa, and you would need to find your own place quickly."


    A young man whose Chinese was not very good made the decision.


    Upon hearing this, Yang Qianxi was beside herself with gratitude: "Thank you, thank you all. I¡¯ll definitely find a place quickly, and I¡¯ll pay you for the days I stay here."


    The cost of living in Rongcheng was exceedingly high. She had always been poor and struggling, and although she thought she had found an opportunity to turn her life around, it turned out to be a mere dream, and now she had run out of money. At this point, all she wanted was a place to sleep. She spent the night at a very ordinary hotel last night; not to mention the noise and cleanliness, the accommodation fee of over three hundred yuan was startling to her.


    The others, seeing her pitiful state, finally decided to let her stay for a few days.


    As for the luggage in the corner of the doorway, they had noticed it early on, but if Qin Mu hadn¡¯t spoken up, they really wouldn¡¯t have wanted to take her in at the outset since she was a plagiarist.


    Having secured a place to sleep, Yang Qianxi hurried to the location where Wen Runuan was filming. Runuan¡¯s assistant, upon seeing her, was initially displeased but then couldn¡¯t help but suppress the coldness and said, "Then follow me!"


    Yang Qianxi, aware that she was a stranger to these people and knowing that the assistants to big stars often carried an air of importance, simply followed and got to work.


    Wen Runuan looked at her curiously, "What did you use to do?"


    "I studied fashion design, but I¡¯ve just graduated."


    Wen Runuan took another look at her because although Yang Qianxi¡¯s photo had not been exposed in the newspapers, she didn¡¯t think much of it. It was just someone Qin Mu had recommended, so she nodded, "Then help me with the styling!"


    "Okay!"


    Yang Qianxi saw Runuan agree and nodded her head before turning to look at the fashion garments hanging on two rows at the side. She had noticed them as soon as she entered.


    Wen Runuan waited anxiously, concerned she lacked the eye for fashion that Xiaomei had, but she also thought that someone chosen by Qin Mu shouldn¡¯t be too far off.


    "Do you have a special connection with Qin Mu?"


    Wen Runuan always felt that an average girl wouldn¡¯t immediately gain Qin Mu¡¯s favor right after graduation.


    After picking two outfits, Yang Qianxi turned to Runuan while holding the clothes upon hearing the question. In her eyes, Runuan was aloof, though her face gave off a girl-next-door vibe¡ªher eyes, however, seemed merciless.


    Yang Qianxi still selected clothes for her, but as Runuan went to the changing room, she couldn¡¯t resist calling Qin Mu, "Have you gone mad, letting someone who plagiarized your work into your studio?"

 Chapter 292 - 100 General Mu’s demanded compensation (1)_6

    Chapter 292: 100 General Mu¡¯s demanded compensation (1)_6


    Qin Mu was about to meet with a client when he heard this and couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "I¡¯m currently short of hands here, and my client has just arrived, so let her help you out for today. If she¡¯s not suitable, come find me again, and we can talk more when we have time to meet."


    "I think you¡¯re being particularly irrational!"


    Wen Runuan added another word before hanging up the phone.


    Qin Mu knew that he was indeed not as rational as some people, but it shouldn¡¯t be that bad.


    At the very least, he had always known what he wanted, and in the eyes of his partners, he was calm and restrained. Yes, they also thought he was particularly rational.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile lightly, "I understand what you mean, but doesn¡¯t her willingness to candidly talk to you about her past also prove she can¡¯t be all that bad?"


    "But aren¡¯t you afraid this could be nurturing a tiger only to court calamity?"


    "Firstly, I¡¯m very happy that you¡¯re so concerned about me. Runuan, if you truly consider me a friend, can you trust me?"


    He asked softly, seriously asking this after feeling that Wen Runuan¡¯s relationship with him wasn¡¯t just a typical utilitarian one.


    "All right! I won¡¯t disturb you further. We¡¯ll talk another time when we¡¯re free."


    Wen Runuan hung up the phone, feeling helpless. She indeed didn¡¯t trust that girl outside, but she trusted Qin Mu, even though it was risky.


    Qin Mu took the clients to the factory for a tour; after which they went out to have a meal together, and in the evening, upon returning home and just after stepping out of his car, he received a call from Xiaomei saying they had returned to Paris and checked into the hospital.


    "You take good care of him for now. I¡¯ll be on the flight that leaves tomorrow afternoon at four."


    Qin Mu said to her as he closed the car door and walked towards the house.


    "Qinqin, in truth, you know I don¡¯t find it a burden."


    At that moment, Qin Mu¡¯s brisk steps suddenly stopped when he heard Xiaomei¡¯s voice tremble, sensing that Xiaomei perhaps didn¡¯t want him to rush over.


    No, that must be an illusion. How could Xiaomei not want him to go? After all, it¡¯s better to have two people watching over than just one. Moreover, Jian Yan was his mentor; he absolutely must be there at such a critical moment. Otherwise, if nothing goes wrong, that¡¯s fine, but if something does, he would never be able to forgive himself for the rest of his life.


    Feng Fanghua was having tea with Mu Zihao when they heard footsteps. Feng Fanghua gave Mu Zihao a look and glanced at the woman walking in with her head bowed.


    "Dad, Mom, I¡¯m back!"


    Qin Mu looked up to see the two elders in the sitting room drinking tea, one with downward gaze and the other with a sharp look in his eye.


    Qin Mu knew that Feng Fanghua was concerned about her trip to Paris, but she was going to go regardless, so she took the initiative to sit down by the sofa, "Dad, Mom, I still need to tell you that I¡¯ve bought the tickets to Paris for both Huanhuan and myself."


    "You..."


    "Just go. As teacher and student, if nothing unexpected happens, it¡¯s all good. If something does happen and we stop you tonight, would you never forgive us, would you never forgive yourself? Go, take Huanhuan with you."


    Feng Fanghua was about to argue when Mu Zihao looked up with a composure and responded like this.


    Feng Fanghua turned her head in disbelief looking at her husband. Before Qin Mu came back, they had agreed upon what to say, but in a blink of an eye, he had changed his stance.


    The lights in the living room were still warm. Mu Zihao¡¯s eyebrows moved slightly while looking at his wife, and simultaneously placed his hands on her interlocked ones. That comforting gesture seemed simple, but it quieted down Feng Fanghua, who was fuming inside, and she turned away in anger to look elsewhere.


    Qin Mu finally realized that for Feng Fanghua, Mu Zihao¡¯s opinion weighed more heavily than that of her own children, evidenced by how Feng Fanghua was now biting her tongue for Mu Zihao¡¯s sake.


    "It¡¯s getting late. Go get some rest. Your mother and I are still waiting to watch a program later."


    "Oh! All right! Thank you, Dad, thank you, Mom!"


    Qin Mu stood up but did not forget to express his gratitude, of course not just to Mu Zihao, he couldn¡¯t exclude Feng Fanghua.


    "I don¡¯t agree with this!"


    Feng Fanghua was no longer as harsh as before but made her stance clear.


    "I¡¯ll make the decision at home. You go and rest!"


    Startled, Qin Mu stood still for a few seconds before quickly walking away.


    Fearing that Feng Fanghua would call her back, she started taking quicker steps as she began to ascend the stairs.


    After Qin Mu went upstairs, Feng Fanghua then turned to look at Mu Zihao, pulling her hand out of his palm with a very serious expression.


    "Do you realize what you¡¯re doing? In the end, she¡¯s just a girl in her early twenties, looking after a forty-year-old man, and they share such a close relationship. If word gets out, no one will think it¡¯s just a plain teacher-student relationship regardless of whose ears it reaches, not to mention Jian Yan being such a talented individual."

 Chapter 293 - 100 General Mu’s demanded compensation (1)_7

    Chapter 293: 100 General Mu¡¯s demanded compensation (1)_7


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s voice was not loud, but it was full of heartfelt concern.


    The large living room was actually very quiet, with just the two of them conversing softly.


    "But in the end, they¡¯re just trying. If others don¡¯t understand, can¡¯t we, as family, understand her?"


    Mu Zihao¡¯s voice was even lower, and his eyes were filled with indulgence and generosity towards his wife.


    "But¡ªI still feel it¡¯s not appropriate."


    Feng Fanghua was so anxious she felt a stomachache coming on.


    "If we, as her family, can¡¯t understand and support her, then she will truly be alone. She has finally found a little sense of belonging in this family, and if you stir up trouble over this..."


    Mu Zihao didn¡¯t continue, but his point was made.


    "I¡¯m now seriously doubting it¡¯s because she wasn¡¯t taught properly when she was young that she can¡¯t distinguish what¡¯s important now. If her mother were still here, would she let her go and attend to another man after marrying Yichen?"


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but ask another question.


    "If her mother was still here, would she have been left all alone abroad?"


    Mu Zihao continued speaking.


    "She¡¯s all alone? I¡¯m the one who¡¯s all alone, okay? Didn¡¯t my son follow her right after?"


    "Fanghua!"


    Mu Zihao could only hold her shoulders with both hands to calm her down.


    "I know what I¡¯m saying is unpleasant. I don¡¯t have many pleasant words to say. You know I¡¯ve been outspoken since I was young, and anyway, I don¡¯t agree with Qin Mu going to Paris."


    Feng Fanghua was held by her shoulders and didn¡¯t move, but her attitude was very clear, with her gaze and aura entirely in protest.


    "We couldn¡¯t stop this even if we tried. As long as our son doesn¡¯t say anything, why should we interfere? Huanhuan isn¡¯t home these days; it¡¯s a good opportunity for me to take you hiking, how about that?"


    Feng Fanghua was moved by what he said, but at that moment, she really didn¡¯t feel like going hiking at all.


    "I have to call Mu Yichen, that kid. I don¡¯t believe he won¡¯t be jealous."


    From Feng Fanghua¡¯s understanding of Mu Yichen, that kid was probably already stewing in jealousy.


    Mu Zihao still wanted to stop her, but seeing that she had already dialed the number, he could only helplessly stand down and let her go ahead and hit the wall.


    They were both believers in love, even though they were older.


    But they were also aware of the various kinds of accidents and even some very irresponsible behaviors that might occur between a man and a woman left alone.


    Yes, at this moment Feng Fanghua was overthinking, but she couldn¡¯t stop herself from this line of thought.


    Feng Fanghua was calling Mu Yi when Qin Mu was about to hold Huanhuan on her way back to her and Mu Yichen¡¯s room. Qin Mu heard a couple of sentences, but she didn¡¯t stop walking. She was afraid that Huanhuan would be woken up and didn¡¯t want to let some words disturb her.


    This trip to Paris was non-negotiable.


    She understood Feng Fanghua¡¯s concerns. Feng Fanghua¡¯s heart was entirely devoted to this family; she didn¡¯t want any members to be involved in scandals or to tarnish the Mu Family¡¯s reputation.


    Qin Mu had also reflected lately, wondering if staying here was right or wrong. She feared she might bring controversy to the Mu Family, but she, Huanhuan, and Mu Yichen were now a unit; she couldn¡¯t walk away as easily as she used to.


    Moreover, once she came to terms with the various issues facing a household living together, she had prepared for them all. So now, she could face these issues calmly, particularly with Mu Zihao willing to speak rationally on her behalf.


    Later, after she had taken a bath and laid down, just having covered Huanhuan with a blanket, she heard her phone ring. She immediately turned to look and saw a video call request from President Mu on her phone. Not wanting to wake Huanhuan, she quickly answered it, but didn¡¯t aim the phone at her face. Instead, she placed it on her legs and pinched her cheeks hard a couple of times to feel more at ease, before finally bringing the phone up to her face.


    During his last visit, they had parted on bad terms, but now she just wanted to take a good look at him.


    Yes!


    And indeed, she saw him very clearly. He seemed to be using the projector mode to chat with her, lying on the bed, wearing the dark pajamas provided by the hotel that looked like the expensive, specially prepared kind.


    She even spotted his toes moving. His chest rose and fell slowly, as if in contemplation?


    Upon seeing his face and his deep eyes that seemed to draw her in, Qin Mu instinctively wanted to look away.


    "Going to Paris tomorrow?"


    He was straight to the point, his dark, proud eyes fixed on Qin Mu through the camera.


    "Yes!"


    His voice was cold and distant, his gaze sharp. Qin Mu, feeling uneasy inside, quietly agreed.


    Just then, she had involuntarily inspected him from head to toe and even thought about the feel of his solid chest. Qin Mu was surprised she had allowed her thoughts to wander so far, and after snapping back to reality, felt a little annoyed and turned away to look at her daughter to steady her emotions.


    "I probably can¡¯t stop you, but take off your pajamas and show me as compensation, can I?"

 Chapter 294 - 101 General Mu’s demanded compensation (2) surprise attack_1

    Chapter 294: 101 General Mu¡¯s demanded compensation (2) surprise attack_1


    He must have just taken a shower, Qin Mu looked at the man with still damp hair in the video, his cleanliness emanated a crisp freshness, mixed with a bit of youthful vigor and the robust scent of health, and she couldn¡¯t help but laugh, laughing at herself for surely having hallucinations.


    She actually felt he was filled with an aura of abstinence.


    All she had switched on was a dim floor lamp, yet his dark eyes truly locked onto her slim neck as if screaming to tear her clothes apart.


    Unfortunately, while he seemed so close, the screen barrier was something he could never penetrate no matter what.


    Dressed comfortably in a silk pajama set tonight, Qin Mu had the seductively eerie feeling of her exposed collarbone, as she held her phone and chuckled unwittingly, then turned the screen toward her daughter: "See that? Are you sure you want to proceed with discussing the topic of taking off clothes with me?"


    Zihao, deeply hurt, suddenly sat up; she saw him lower his head for several seconds without another move, then all of a sudden he stood up from the bed: "How about from now on you don¡¯t move, and watch your husband perform, how does that sound?"


    Before Qin Mu could speak, her eyes involuntarily widened, because the person in the video was giving a sleepwear stripping performance.


    "I¡¯m telling you, it¡¯s okay to take care of him, but leave the personal care to the care workers there, after all, they¡¯re also paid, understand?"


    He continued to undress while talking, his gaze particularly sharp as if fearing she wouldn¡¯t remember his words clearly, so he became serious.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just pretended to watch him calmly.


    "There¡¯s no need for me to explain further which details you¡¯re not allowed to take care of, since you¡¯re a smart person, right?"


    The way he was looking at her now was rather contemptuous, very annoyed.


    Qin Mu licked her dry lips and said with a smile, "You¡¯d better explain a few more things to be sure, otherwise I¡¯m afraid I might carelessly do something you wouldn¡¯t be happy with!"


    "You... Qin Mu, I¡¯m telling you, don¡¯t push me too far, or else I¡¯ll chase you to Paris and you won¡¯t see him for the rest of your life, believe it or not?"


    He¡¯s still angry? After droning on for so long, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t be bothered with him.


    At that moment, when he suddenly stood up, she couldn¡¯t see his face, and after he lay down again, although his hand was aimlessly moving over his abdomen, she finally got a good look at his face and promptly hung up the video call.


    The man on the other end of the video who called himself the young master was burning with desire, almost wishing he could pass through the screen to pull her over to the bed.


    Too bad he was unable to.


    Then, frustrated, he punched the bed.


    He refused to believe she hadn¡¯t felt anything just now, imagining in his mind she was also coming to him, and he felt significantly more relaxed in an instant, quickly finding the spot to log on to.


    After relieving his frustration, he texted her calmly: "The hospital care workers are very professional, rest assured, okay?"


    "Don¡¯t understand!"


    Qin Mu sent him a three-word reply, then placed her phone on the bedside table and turned to embrace her daughter to sleep.


    She didn¡¯t want to continue seeing his messages about this.


    Does she look foolish?


    She knew better than to hire a male caregiver; there¡¯s a clear distinction between men and women.


    Even if it were her own father who got old and was hospitalized in the future...


    She suddenly realized she no longer had that blessing; her dear father had his precious Mingzhu, no need for her.


    The next morning, after washing up, she went downstairs with Huanhuan to find that Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were not home; the butler told her they had gone hiking and would not be back for a few days.


    Qin Mu nodded in thanks and then took Huanhuan to her studio, where she had a few matters to arrange that morning, and the staff were also happy to see Huanhuan again; she then focused on her work.


    In the afternoon, mother and daughter drove themselves to the airport, parked the car, and headed straight to the VIP lounge, watching her daughter having a great time made her smile unconsciously.


    Qin Mu knew why Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua were not home early in the morning; Mu Zihao wanted to avoid further conflicts with her, and Feng Fanghua was probably protesting in that way.


    She was afraid too, fearing their mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship might not be good and fall into crisis again.


    But what she feared even more was not being there when her master needed her, fearing that she would regret it for the rest of her life.


    Actually, it was a very simple matter; her master was having surgery, and she as his disciple just needed to take care of him for two days.


    If it were before her marriage, there would be no need for any concerns or to think so much.

 Chapter 295 - 101 General Mu’s demanded compensation (2) surprise attack_2

    Chapter 295: 101 General Mu¡¯s demanded compensation (2) surprise attack_2


    But then she established a relationship with Mu Yichen...


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were actually at the cafe? near the airport; when Qin Mu drove to the airport, both of them saw her car.


    Feng Fanghua felt a chill in her stomach unconsciously. Mu Zihao saw she was having a hard time digesting the news, so he took out his phone and went to the restroom. Soon, Feng Fanghua¡¯s phone rang.


    She looked down and saw the word "brat" flash across the screen, her heart leaped, and she immediately answered the call.


    Her son didn¡¯t often call her out of the blue.


    However, she still subconsciously glanced in the direction of the restroom, thinking why her husband was taking so long in there when she answered the call, then she heard her beloved son¡¯s voice on the other end.


    "Ms. Feng, I saw a nice sheep; is it okay if I buy it for you and Huanhuan to play with?"


    Australia isn¡¯t short on sheep, is it?


    "Are you trying to hoodwink me? Your dad must have called you, right? Did he tell you to pacify me?"


    Feng Fanghua guessed as much right away, still sharp-tongued as ever.


    "Nothing gets past Ms. Feng, does it? I told my dad I¡¯m not good at this, but he just wouldn¡¯t believe me."


    "Hmph! I can¡¯t be bothered with your matters. If Qin Mu really ends up with her master, then you do whatever you want, just bring my granddaughter back to me, and I¡¯ll thank you."


    Feng Fanghua hung up after speaking. That kid actually wanted to buy her a sheep?


    There are plenty of sheep in our country, okay?


    He only knows how to sweet-talk that woman, but not how to please his own mother, Feng Fanghua thought, growing angrier by the minute.


    Mu Zihao came out of the restroom after she finished the call. He didn¡¯t sit down but said: Let¡¯s go; our old buddies are already here, we need to get on the plane too.


    Feng Fanghua gave him a glance: You guys go ahead, I¡¯m not going!


    Going home!


    She used to be interested in hiking, but now she just wanted to stay home, enjoy the air conditioning, drink bird¡¯s nest soup, watch TV, and gossip with the house staff¡ªthat was more comforting than traveling thousands of miles to climb a mountain.


    When Mu Zihao heard her say this, he looked down at her. Feng Fanghua picked up her fancy handbag and walked out proudly. Mu Zihao...


    If his lady wasn¡¯t going, why would he?


    He had to use his phone to let his friends know that he and his wife were canceling the trip.


    On the way back, Feng Fanghua said, "When she gets back, if she¡¯s starved my granddaughter a little skinnier, see if I don¡¯t give her a piece of my mind."


    Qin Mu and Huanhuan were in first class. Huanhuan was like a little girl flying for the first time, constantly looking outside at first. Then, as the plane took off, her expression suddenly became exaggerated.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the sight, the child¡¯s excitement as if she had never flown before. Those pure, big eyes were filled with childish wonder, and her little mouth moved as if all her hair was standing on end.


    "Mommy, the plane is moving!"


    Huanhuan suddenly turned her head and exclaimed.


    "Then we must sit tight!"


    Qin Mu instructed before letting Huanhuan snuggle into her seat.


    Huanhuan leaned in, looking out the window as they flew higher and higher, her mood becoming more and more exceptional.


    Meanwhile, Qin Mu wondered what it would all be like when she returned.


    When they arrived in Paris late at night, Qin Mu didn¡¯t disturb her colleagues or friends. She had someone send the luggage to a taxi and took Huanhuan back to the apartment.


    After thanking the driver for moving the luggage to the doorstep and him leaving, she unlocked the door carrying Huanhuan with one arm and dragging the luggage with the other. Once inside, she closed the door and placed Huanhuan on the bed in the bedroom before turning on the air conditioner.


    Because she was afraid of Huanhuan catching cold, she didn¡¯t dare to change her completely, but knelt on the bed to help the little girl remove her jacket. After covering her with the blanket, she went to adjust the airflow of the air conditioner.


    Having been away for too long, there was only instant noodles left in the kitchen cabinet. Even though she was exhausted from the flight, she couldn¡¯t sleep and boiled a pot of instant noodles for herself. Just as she was about to take a bite, her phone rang.


    Picking up the phone from the table, she saw it was from President Mu, and she felt warmed inside: You¡¯re still up this late?


    "Are you in Paris?"


    The voice on the other end asked, sounding tired.


    "Yep, back at the apartment, Huanhuan¡¯s asleep!"


    She mentioned her daughter unconsciously, stirring the noodles with her chopsticks.


    "And you? Don¡¯t go to the hospital so late, wait until morning."


    Qin Mu knew he was worried about her and sighed softly: I know, you rest early, I¡¯ll eat a little then go to sleep too.


    "Didn¡¯t you eat on the plane?"

 Chapter 296 - 101 General Mu’s demanded compensation (2) surprise attack_3

    Chapter 296: 101 General Mu¡¯s demanded compensation (2) surprise attack_3


    Mu Yichen felt a wave of anxiety upon hearing that she was eating.


    "I ate, but I¡¯m a bit hungry again."


    How could she tell him that she couldn¡¯t eat at all?


    "Then you should rest early later, I¡¯m hanging up now!"


    "Okay!"


    Mu Yichen did not disturb her further, and after Qin Mu put down her phone, she hurriedly ate some instant noodles.


    Early the next morning, she left the house holding Huanhuan, and the mother and daughter went to a restaurant for some breakfast, mainly for Huanhuan. Seeing other people in the diner eating their breakfast made Huanhuan especially eager with her meal.


    Qin Mu felt that the people here were so laid-back, living such a comfortable life.


    If it were in China, most people¡¯s breakfasts would be consumed in such a hurry and with so much anxiety, even in restaurants they would eat quickly and then rush off.


    The mother and daughter, both dressed in dark coats, arrived at the hospital and met Xiaomei and Jian Yan. Jian Yan was still staying in a deluxe ward, but he had grown even more haggard.


    It wasn¡¯t until Huanhuan walked up to his bedside and smiled at him that he lifted his hand and touched Huanhuan, "Did you miss Uncle?"


    Huanhuan nodded vigorously: "Very much!"


    Jian Yan was very happy. If it were before, he would have picked up Huanhuan by now, but now, he probably could not lift her, and he felt a sense of involuntary disappointment.


    He didn¡¯t even know if he would have a tomorrow.


    Jian Yan looked up at Qin Mu, noticing her somewhat dark eyes: "Didn¡¯t sleep well last night?"


    "I got back a bit late, but I can hold up."


    Qin Mu thought to herself, compared to your condition, I¡¯m absolutely fine.


    "There¡¯s nothing much going on in the hospital now, Xiao Mei and Li Sen are here. Take Huanhuan back for some rest."


    "The surgery is this afternoon, how can I go back and rest?"


    Qin Mu asked softly, then said, "Keep an eye on Huanhuan for me, I¡¯m going to ask the doctor some questions."


    Xiao Mei had asked a lot yesterday, but didn¡¯t quite understand, so when Qin Mu said she was going to find the doctor, she nodded repeatedly, stepping forward to hold Huanhuan¡¯s hand: "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take good care of her."


    In fact, Xiaomei missed Huanhuan too, and Huanhuan was happy to see her beloved aunt. Qin Mu then left the room, coinciding with the doctor¡¯s arrival at the office. Hearing someone knock, the doctor turned and saw a Chinese woman, he asked instinctively, "How can I help you?"


    He spoke in English, but Qin Mu knew he was French, he probably worried she wouldn¡¯t understand French.


    It was a long day, from waiting for the surgery to being on the operating table.


    Qin Mu, Huanhuan, and Xiaomei stayed outside the operating room, all with somber expressions. The usually cheerful Huanhuan, seeing her mother and aunt so nervous, couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious too, along with two men standing opposite them, who also kept their heads down, silent and brooding.


    When Secretary Xi arrived, Qin Mu was surprised. Secretary Xi went straight to the floor where the operating room was. As the elevator opened, she immediately spotted the woman holding a child not far away and quickly approached her.


    "Madam, our CEO sent me here to accompany you."


    Qin Mu, holding Huanhuan, looked at the woman in front of her dressed in very casual warm clothing, and it took her a while to react.


    Although he always spoke bothersome words, he had been doing things that showed he cared about her.


    At that moment, she was beyond saying thank you, because the wait had already silenced her for too long.


    Even after Jian Yan was taken into the ICU, no one dared to breathe a sigh of relief. The doctor said the surgery was very successful, but he was still sent to the ICU.


    Qin Mu handed Huanhuan over to Secretary Xi: "Please accompany Huanhuan to my apartment. If you¡¯re not in a hurry to go back to China, please help me look after her."


    "Alright, no problem."


    Secretary Xi looked through the glass outside the ward at the man inside lying at death¡¯s door and nodded to Qin Mu, then took Huanhuan by hand and left the hospital.


    Xiao Mei still stood by, tearing up, worriedly asking: "Qinqin, will he wake up?"


    "If the surgery was successful then he will surely wake up. He¡¯s just too weak right now, give him some time."


    Qin Mu whispered comfortingly, seeing Xiao Mei¡¯s face covered in tears, she raised her hand to wipe them away: "Stop crying, your eyes are all swollen."


    "I¡¯m scared!"


    Xiao Mei suddenly hugged her tightly: "Qinqin, I¡¯m so afraid of losing him. I used to blame him for not seeing me, but now, I would be satisfied just to watch him from afar, as long as he wakes up I can give up everything else."


    Qin Mu gently patted her back, feeling upset herself as she watched Xiao Mei cry so hard.


    Qin Mu inadvertently saw the two men still standing there, gently patted Xiao Mei¡¯s shoulder, and after Xiao Mei moved away from her shoulder, she walked over to thank them and asked them to help look after the studio for the time being. Everyone had worked together before, so there was no need for too much formality. The two men assured her that they would notify her of any change in Jian Yan¡¯s condition, and after receiving Qin Mu¡¯s thanks, they left.

 Chapter 297 - 101 General Mu’s demanded compensation (2) surprise attack_4

    Chapter 297: 101 General Mu¡¯s demanded compensation (2) surprise attack_4


    Afterward, the two women waited constantly, and Secretary Xi also reported to Mu Yichen about Jian Yan¡¯s condition and Qin Mu¡¯s.


    As the doctor passed by, he told them to go home and wait, that the patient would receive the best care here, but neither of the two women wavered.


    "Qinqin, do you want to go back?"


    It was late at night, what time exactly was unknown, when the two girls were sitting on the ground, gazing at the man inside the glass chamber when suddenly one turned to the other and asked.


    Qin Mu was almost asleep, but when she heard the voice, she opened her eyes and smiled: No need.


    "But Huanhuan..."


    "Secretary Xi is there!"


    Qin Mu was already out of strength, and after speaking, she turned her gaze back to the glass chamber opposite.


    They were so close to each other, yet he was alone, circling the brink of Ghost Gate Pass.


    At that moment, the whole area was eerily quiet, so much so that she could even hear her own heartbeat.


    When Mu Yichen tried to call her, her phone had automatically turned off without her realizing, so Secretary Xi had to come to the hospital in the middle of the night once again, not leaving until she saw Qin Mu and Xiaomei still there, quietly taking a picture before she left.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s heart clenched as he saw the photo; she was always so foolish, repaying even the smallest kindness with her very life, yet she was clueless about looking after herself, which scared him as he feared she wouldn¡¯t last much longer.


    While they were anxious about not being able to accompany each other, back home a storm had already started brewing; the gossip and entertainment magazines were abuzz with reports that JY, the most mysterious and popular fashion designer of recent years, had a sudden heart attack in China and flew back to Paris for surgery. His devoted student, Qin Mu, had dropped everything to stay by his bedside without a moment¡¯s delay, inevitably reminding people of a stunning mentor-student romance.


    And at this moment, Jing Qing was still not in the city!


    Feng Fanghua slapped the newspaper onto the coffee table in front of her with a force: Pure nonsense, what did I tell you?


    The maid stood by her side, not daring to say much. Such news had been abundant over the past couple of days, and today a picture of Qin Mu holding Huanhuan by the operation room had been published, provoking Feng Fanghua¡¯s anger to erupt.


    "Get me in touch with the CH media; I want to speak to their leader," she commanded.


    Feng Fanghua immediately called an acquaintance, and afterward, she just stood behind the sofa, phone in hand, waiting. Her indignation was unabated when she loudly scolded the maid before the call: No matter where this news originated from, the media knew full well that Qin Mu was staying with our Mu Family and still dared to publish such news. For this alone, I should sue them.


    Soon her phone rang. Immediately after seeing the unfamiliar number, she answered with a cold voice: Hello, this is Feng Fanghua!


    It had been many years since she had announced her name with such haughtiness.


    The person on the other side, however, didn¡¯t share her presence or courage, their voice and tone exceedingly polite.


    While Feng Fanghua was incensed by the entertainment gossip of the past few days, Qin Mingzhu and Zhang Rujia were gleeful. After watching the entertainment news on television, Zhang Rujia turned off the TV, then, after taking a sip of tea, calmly said to her daughter: Didn¡¯t I say that retribution doesn¡¯t come without its time?


    "Mom, now Qin Mu won¡¯t be able to stay with the Mu Family anymore, right? Oh, who do you think leaked this to the media?"


    Dressed in a light green dress, Qin Mingzhu sat next to Zhang Rujia, her eyes rolling with calculation.


    "Hmmph! Besides the Jing Family, which media outlet would dare offend the Mu Family like this?"


    On hearing this, Qin Mingzhu immediately remembered what Jing Qing had mentioned to her previously, and with a slap of her hand exclaimed: Oh, I remember now, Jing Qing has been having someone follow Qin Mu, hahaha, this will be good to watch.


    "Just let them tear each other apart. Now is your chance to reap the benefits without involvement, don¡¯t you see?"


    Zhang Rujia¡¯s eyes narrowed with cunning as she observed her daughter¡¯s delight, not intending to let her daughter get drawn into this battle.


    "Mhm, mhm!"


    Qin Mingzhu nodded vigorously, assuring her compliance.


    "And in front of your father, don¡¯t show any pleasure, try to take Qin Mu¡¯s side as much as possible."


    "You¡¯re making it hard for me, aren¡¯t you? At best I can keep silent, but to speak up for her?"


    Qin Mingzhu sat up straight all at once, very reluctant to go along with the plan.


    "Are you a fool? If you don¡¯t do this, how can you convince your father that you truly see Qin Mu as a sister? And how can you make him believe that actually, it¡¯s her mentor whom Qin Mu has feelings for?"

 Chapter 298 - 101 General Mu’s demanded compensation (2) surprise attack_5

    Chapter 298: 101 General Mu¡¯s demanded compensation (2) surprise attack_5


    Qin Mingzhu looked confused, staring foolishly at her mother.


    "This is a grand performance, you just need to do as I say. It won¡¯t be long before, not to mention winning back your father¡¯s heart, even the young master Yichen might be yours!"


    Zhang Rujia raised an eyebrow at her daughter, and Qin Mingzhu¡¯s heart raced with blush at the latter: "Mom, don¡¯t talk nonsense."


    "You don¡¯t like him?"


    Qin Mingzhu didn¡¯t speak, how could she not like him.


    "Just play the role of the good sister for now. When Mu Yichen returns, go find him, and remember to call him brother-in-law."


    Zhang Rujia continued to signal to Qin Mingzhu, who nodded vigorously while taking notes.


    Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Jing Feng¡¯s apartment was also quite oppressive, with two people watching the news on the sofa. The entertainment report on Qin Mu¡¯s and Jian Yan¡¯s beautiful teacher-student romance was too much for Helian Hao to bear, who turned off the TV and turned to Jing Feng to ask: did this have anything to do with your sister?


    "She¡¯s filming on location, what could it possibly have to do with her?"


    Jing Feng hadn¡¯t ruled it out, but he felt it to be unlikely, after all the distance between them.


    Moreover, Mu Yichen had long asked him to warn Jing Qing to pull back the people she had planted around Qin Mu, and he had already warned Jing Qing very seriously; he didn¡¯t believe Jing Qing was that foolish. She clearly liked Mu Yichen, so how could she continuously oppose him?


    "Filming? As if that could keep her from doing something bad?"


    Helian Hao laughed. She truly found it funny. Even though she knew deep down the kind of spoilage Jing Feng showed for his sister, she just couldn¡¯t accept Jing Feng¡¯s self-deception.


    "Xiaoqing does like Mu Yichen, but she¡¯s not bored enough to fabricate rumors and cause trouble."


    "Humph, I think not. Aren¡¯t there plenty of unsavory things she¡¯s done?"


    Helian Hao crossed her arms angrily. Wanting to call Qin Mu but afraid of disturbing her, yet not calling made her uneasy. She had to clear Qin Mu¡¯s name; she couldn¡¯t let her be framed for no reason.


    "Xiaohao, at the very least give me some time to figure out the truth and then we can come to a conclusion, okay?"


    Jing Feng sighed helplessly. He knew Helian Hao despised his sister, and he acknowledged his sister indeed had issues. But currently Jing Qing was filming out of town, how could she be aware of the events in the city?


    "Fine! You always talk about evidence, right? Then you¡¯d better hurry up and find the evidence to prove your sister¡¯s innocence, while I, need to do what I should do."


    Helian Hao said as she stood up, grabbed her purse by the door, slipped on her high heels, and ran out.


    Jing Feng glanced outside, not expecting her to really leave like that.


    Her feelings for Qin Mu seemed even deeper than for him, and he had no choice but to make a call to Mu Yichen. After hearing the situation, Mu Yichen responded indifferently: I don¡¯t care!


    With a single tone of indifference, he hung up the phone, and then there was no other sound.


    Jing Feng was still holding the phone, unable to snap back to reality for quite some time¡ªa classic case of the emperor being less anxious than the eunuch, and he had experienced it far too many times.


    Jing Feng didn¡¯t understand why no one suspected the Qin family mother and daughter, and didn¡¯t Qin Mu possibly offend others in Rongcheng? Why did it seem that everyone suspected Jing Qing?


    As for Helian Hao, as the sky was getting dark, she arranged to meet Wen Runuan. Compared to the casual comfort of Wen Runuan, Helian Hao looked much more formal and stylish. Their different job natures, different personalities, and backgrounds, yet they sat together for the same purpose.


    Seemingly mismatched, but perfectly in sync.


    After ordering at a Western restaurant, Helian Hao shared all her thoughts with Wen Runuan.


    Wen Runuan immediately nodded her head: I agree with your approach. I¡¯ll contact Director Zhang to liaise with reliable media. If they can write about a teacher-student love affair, why can¡¯t they write about childhood sweethearts?


    "Yes! That¡¯s what I was thinking, but in terms of media relations, I¡¯m completely clueless, so I had to come to you."


    Helian Hao was surprised at Wen Runuan¡¯s swift agreement but felt even greater admiration.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got this."


    Wen Runuan assured Helian Hao earnestly and responsibly. Helian Hao felt somewhat relieved after hearing this and didn¡¯t forget to add: It¡¯s probably best not to let Mumu know about this for now; she must already be at the end of her tether with everything else.


    "I understand!"


    Wen Runuan nodded and agreed.


    "Some people are strange, full of deceit and promiscuity, not understanding what kindness and friendship are, thinking men and women can¡¯t just be friends? Or is it that their minds are filled with such dirty thoughts?"

 Chapter 299 - 101 General Mu’s demanded compensation (2) surprise attack_6

    Chapter 299: 101 General Mu¡¯s demanded compensation (2) surprise attack_6


    Wen Runuan couldn¡¯t help but shake her head after that, thinking about those who stir up rumors and getting a headache.


    She herself had been framed and misunderstood many times. There was an incident where Director Zhang even got angry, and it took a long time for the two to reconcile. Only when such an incident happened to Qin Mu did she suddenly realize that it wasn¡¯t her communication that was the problem; it was that some people¡¯s thoughts were simply too unclean.


    "Yes! And usually, these people think they¡¯re above everyone else!"


    Every time Helian Hao thought of Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu, it made her teeth itch with irritation, but her temperament was not of the kind to loudly condemn others, to reason?


    Sometimes the truth is no match for twisted logic.


    She later truly understood why her parents always talked about power and influence. She used to hate it when her parents constantly mentioned those words, but now, she truly understood that only when you have power and influence do you have the right to stand against evil forces. The weaker you are, the easier it is to be trampled underfoot.


    She finally understood why Qin Mu said she needed Mu Yichen¡¯s support; Qin Mu had realized the importance of power and influence earlier than she had.


    It¡¯s like whatever Jing Qing does, there¡¯s always someone backing her, which is why she¡¯s so brazen and composed, right?


    Helian Hao almost got a headache every time she thought of that sister-in-law. In front of friends, Jing Qing was always so sensible and understanding, but what was she like as a pampered lady at home?


    "Who would have thought I¡¯d be on the same side as a sister-in-law of a movie queen? Is that considered a miracle?"


    Runuan smiled as she chatted with her at dinner.


    "You know about the fact that I got registered with Jing Feng?"


    Helian Hao first shook her head helplessly; then, upon reflection, she immediately looked up at Runuan with surprise. How did Wen Runuan know about that?


    Wen Runuan...


    Wen Runuan had no idea about their registration; it was public knowledge in Rongcheng that the Jing family¡¯s eldest son and the Helian family¡¯s miss were childhood sweethearts who had privately pledged their lives to each other.


    Seeing the suspicion in Wen Runuan¡¯s eyes, Helian Hao was also stunned, thinking she might have misunderstood something.


    The next day, the gossip news about the teacher-student relationship in Rongcheng had all but faded, replaced by the wonderful tale of Rongcheng¡¯s top bachelor and JY¡¯s beloved disciple being childhood sweethearts. Moreover, the internet began to circulate many photos of the two growing up together. Even though Rongcheng¡¯s top bachelor had never smiled in the photos, their gazes and actions around each other, even without any intimate photos, could not escape the eagle eyes of the citizens and fans looking for clues¡ªevery one of them proof of their love.


    Overnight, a turnaround!


    Jing Qing was getting ready to return to the city at the airport when her expression changed drastically. She unconsciously stopped and suddenly turned to look at her assistant: Check the fastest flight to Australia and book a ticket.


    "We¡¯re going to Australia?"


    The assistant was following her and responding to fans¡¯ messages on her phone. When she heard this, she thought she might have missed some schedule due to being too busy.


    "Not us, just me. Also, when you get back, help me look for Wang Wei and post some photos of Yichen and me from our childhood to the internet. You know the password to my email, right? The photos are all in there."


    The assistant nodded blindly, completely baffled and not knowing what her boss was up to.


    Jing Qing¡¯s eyes were hidden behind black sunglasses, and she wrapped a beautiful light-colored scarf around her head. Seeing passers-by about to recognize her, she immediately turned and headed for the VIP lounge.


    Her assistant had grown accustomed to her various moods; even without seeing her eyes, she could sense Jing Qing¡¯s disposition. After realizing what was happening, she glanced around and then immediately shouldered the heavy bag, following Jing Qing while continuing to check her phone for the nearest flight schedules.


    To Jing Qing, some things were best done when the three of them were not in the city.


    The weather outside was still gloomy, as if winter had come early.


    Within a few hours, she was on a plane to Australia, and it was a secret journey!


    The sky in Australia was particularly blue, unlike the noisy city of Rongcheng. It was more tranquil here, and people were warmer.


    Of course, such a noon was both beautiful and aspirational.


    Until the wrong person showed up.


    That day, Mu Yichen was having a casual yet well-known Western meal with a client next to the hotel when the enchanting movie queen suddenly appeared in his field of vision.


    She first caught the eye of his client, and only when Mu Yichen realized no one was responding to him did he look up. Then, turning his head, his sharp eyes immediately caught sight of Jing Qing.

 Chapter 300 - 101 General Mu’s demanded compensation (2) surprise attack_7

    Chapter 300: 101 General Mu¡¯s demanded compensation (2) surprise attack_7


    Jing Qing clutched the latest Chanel clutch bag as if strolling casually past the restaurant window, her inadvertent glance back, even with the most fashionable sunglasses hanging on the bridge of her nose, stirred the spring desires of numerous men inside.


    At that moment, Mu Yichen unconsciously lowered his gaze, feeling the situation was far from as simple as it appeared on the surface.


    "Wow! Look how beautiful she is, just like a celebrity."


    The middle-aged business partner across from Mu Yichen exclaimed, his eyes fixed on her.


    "She indeed is a Chinese celebrity."


    Mu Yichen said coolly, his head still lowered.


    As the client was staring, dumbfounded, Jing Qing entered the restaurant and made her way towards them, standing behind Mu Yichen and locking eyes with him.


    The client instinctively stood up, his adoration evident and intensifying.


    "Hi!"


    Jing Qing took off her sunglasses and greeted Mu Yichen¡¯s client with politeness, smiling so gently and charmingly that it almost triggered the man¡¯s heart condition.


    While Mu Yichen simply cut a piece of beef leisurely, placed it in his mouth, and chewed forcefully.


    "Hi! You are the most beautiful Chinese woman I have ever seen."


    As soon as Mu Yichen heard this, he immediately frowned, thinking the long-term Australian resident was being ridiculously ignorant.


    "Thank you!"


    Jing Qing reached out to shake his hand. He appeared to just lightly hold her fingers, but Jing Qing couldn¡¯t pull away, her smile stiffening as she looked down at the man who was still eating and asked, "Yichen, aren¡¯t you going to introduce us?


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, simply finishing the beef on his plate before downing the wine in his glass. Then, wiping his mouth and hands with a napkin, he stood up.


    "I don¡¯t see any necessity to do so, I have to leave first for an urgent matter!"


    Mu Yichen gave his client a cold look, gently tossed his napkin on the table, and, grabbing his suit jacket from the back of the chair, walked out.


    "Yichen!"


    Jing Qing called out to him in desperation, her hand still in the grasp of the man.


    "Yichen? You know him?"


    "He is my fiance?!"


    Desperate, Jing Qing blurted out that Mu Yichen was her fiance?. The client instantly released her hand, and upon gaining her freedom, she immediately turned and rushed after Mu Yichen.


    "Yichen, Yichen..."


    Jing Qing, in high heels, chased after him. Since his hotel was not far from there, he had walked back and forth, but he had not expected to be caught by her like this.


    Mu Yichen, annoyed by her shouting, frowned even more when she caught up and grabbed his arm: Let go!


    Jing Qing, noting his expression, then looking at her hand on his arm, reluctantly let go.


    "After meeting a good friend abroad, one wouldn¡¯t just stand by and watch them suffer, right?"


    "Stand by and watch them suffer?"


    Mu Yichen asked with a puzzled tone.


    "That was your client, right? His impolite gaze at me, why didn¡¯t you help me?"


    "Didn¡¯t you go over and greet him yourself?"


    Mu Yichen looked at her coldly, paused for a moment, then continued to walk on.


    Jing Qing had no choice but to follow him, saying as she walked, "I went over to him because I saw you with him; I greeted him because I ran into you here and met your client, and I didn¡¯t want to be rude.


    "You¡¯re overthinking it."


    Mu Yichen stopped looking at her and just walked on quickly.


    "Yichen, now that we¡¯ve met here, aren¡¯t you even a little bit happy to see me? Just a brief chat? It¡¯s been a long time since we saw each other."


    Jing Qing felt terrible. She stopped in her tracks while he continued walking on.


    As she struggled to breathe, her chin quivered with the effort to hold back tears, her lower lip caught between her teeth. He didn¡¯t like women who talked too much, so she had been too talkative just now. Now that she had stopped, would he turn back to glance at her?


    If it had been Qin Mu, would he have walked away without a second thought?


    If Qin Mu¡¯s hand had been held by another man, would he have just walked away?


    Had he always been so heartless?


    Towards her, alone?


    In fact, she didn¡¯t know that he was heartless towards Qin Mu too, but it was a completely different kind of heartlessness.


    He could despise Qin Mu to the core, hysterically yelling at him to get lost, but that was still different from being heartless towards any other woman.


    When she realized her tears were falling, her chin was already trembling. The client from the restaurant had caught up to her, his suit tight over his beer belly, gasping for breath as he reached her, seeing her cry and feeling an increased heartache. His eyes became gentle and soft, "My beautiful miss, did you quarrel with Mr. Mu?


    "Do you know which room he is staying in?"


    She looked up, her eyes brimming with tears as she asked the greasy middle-aged man she detested the most.

 Chapter 301 - 102 Compensation that President Mu Wants (3) Reunion at the Hospital_1

    Chapter 301: 102 Compensation that President Mu Wants (3) Reunion at the Hospital_1


    "Tell me, please! I¡¯m begging you!"


    Jing Qing¡¯s gentle pleading filled her gaze with a shimmer of moisture.


    "Alright!"


    This greasy middle-aged man seemed to have no resistance against Jing Qing; a slight expression from her could send his heart racing and make him forget who he was.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Instead of going straight to look for Young Master Yichen, Jing Qing stayed in the guest room next to his. Of course, there were no vacant rooms at the time, but she managed to switch with the guest next to Yichen¡¯s room after offering a high price.


    Jing Qing sprayed perfume everywhere in the room because it originally belonged to a man in his thirties. As she sprayed, her brows and eyes showed traces of disdain. Having been pampered from childhood, even on movie sets, she insisted on having her own space untouched by others, let alone in a hotel.


    When Mu Yichen came out that evening, he encountered her again. Realizing she might have found out about his guest room, he frowned involuntarily. As Jing Qing walked downstairs with him, he rolled up his shirt sleeves and asked, "How long are you staying here?"


    "Just getting out for a bit of fun, shouldn¡¯t take many days. How about you?"


    "I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll be here a while longer."


    He said indifferently, and maybe because of his height advantage, Jing Qing soon struggled to keep up with his pace.


    "I¡¯m all alone here, can I go with you somewhere?"


    "I don¡¯t think that¡¯s appropriate!"


    Mu Yichen remained indifferent. Reaching the hotel entrance, a black sedan pulled up. He immediately opened the door, got in the car, and left without a half-minute delay.


    Jing Qing stood there in her eight-centimeter heels, watching the car drive away, her eyes filled with frustration and helplessness.


    "Get my luggage moved out of the hotel and find me a place to stay, and don¡¯t tell anyone. Remember, do not tell anyone."


    The car stopped in front of an office building. He sat in the backseat, not in a hurry to get down, but repeating his request again and again.


    "Alright, Mr. Mu!"


    After Mu Yichen got out of the car, the driver turned around and went back to the hotel to assist with his procedures, then found him a vacant villa near his work.


    Naturally, by the evening when Mu Yichen arrived, the place had already been cleaned spotlessly and fitted to his taste.


    He truly hadn¡¯t expected Jing Qing to come, but after her arrival, how she found his guest room was hardly a surprise¡ªthe client clearly had his eyes on Jing Qing.


    The Jing Qing of the past would never have spared a glance for such looks from men. But then again, how many people never change?


    That night, he didn¡¯t go out to socialize, having dinner with a few colleagues before retiring to the villa to rest.


    Jing Qing knocked on his guest room door, but it was another man who opened it. Jing Qing paused, then with a forced dry smile, she politely asked, "Is Young Master Yichen in? No, I mean Mr. Mu."


    "Sorry, there¡¯s only Young Master Li here."


    The man frowned slightly as he looked at her, still trying to muster a smile for her.


    Suddenly, Jing Qing had a bad premonition: Mu Yichen had left.


    "Does Mu Yichen know?"


    "Miss, is this your way of hitting on someone? It¡¯s a bit too cliche?."


    The man still smiled. They were all young people, and he thought if the opportunity was right, he might try his luck. However, after interacting with her, he grew impatient with her persistence, but still remained polite.


    "So, are you a new guest here?"


    The man raised an eyebrow, and Jing Qing, not saying more, let her drooping eyelashes flutter slightly, then her expression utterly fell. She turned and walked away.


    The man stood at the doorway watching her leave and suddenly realized she might truly be searching for someone. He couldn¡¯t help but scoff before retreating back into the room and closing the door.


    Jing Qing called Mu Yichen, but although the call connected, no one answered.


    After showering, Mu Yichen went to grab his phone; frankly, he had hoped it was his wife, which is why he had rushed, but upon seeing it was Jing Qing, he frowned instantly. Tossing the phone back on the bed, he picked up a towel to dry his hair as he walked towards the window at the front of the room.


    The house was rather nice, and the view outside quite elegant.


    He was even better. Wrapped simply in a white towel around his waist, his solid chest was on full display in the spacious room, a shame that no one was there to admire his enticing abs.


    His dark eyes pensively watched the night outside. He still had unresolved matters here, but the situation in Paris was making him anxious.

 Chapter 302 - 102 Compensation that President Mu Wants (3) Reunion at the Hospital_2

    Chapter 302: 102 Compensation that President Mu Wants (3) Reunion at the Hospital_2


    As for Rongcheng, right after Wen Runuan and Helian Hao had just helped Qin Mu overturn the scandal about the student-teacher relationship, the story about the Jing Family¡¯s eldest daughter and the young gentleman from the Mu Family, Yichen, who were childhood sweethearts, was pushed to the forefront of gossip once again. Everyone following the juicy stories was a bit stunned because if one said Qin Mu¡¯s gazes at Young Master Yichen were affectionate, then Miss Jing¡¯s eyes when looking at Yichen were even more brimming with love. Furthermore, the photos of Jing Qing and Mu Yichen looked more like a match made in heaven, both of considerable grace and refinement.


    Helian Hao was at work when she saw the content on her phone and became shockingly annoyed. How could she have expected there was still this drama to unfold? If it continued like this, should they dig up the love lives of all those involved?


    What depressed Helian Hao even more was that Jing Feng actually trusted his little sister so much. Then what?


    She knew for certain that this matter must be related to Jing Qing. Although Jing Qing was not in the city, she must have inside connections there; after all, many families in the city fawned over the Jing Family, and there were far too many people who wanted to do things for Jing Qing.


    Wen Runuan also looked at the gossip, then asked Yang Qianxi, who was helping her match clothes, "What¡¯s your opinion?"


    "Hmm?"


    Yang Qianxi hadn¡¯t paid attention to what she was looking at and was a bit stunned when suddenly asked.


    "Regarding Jing Qing, Qin Mu, and Young Master Yichen, what¡¯s your view?"


    "If it¡¯s about competing, Miss Qin probably can¡¯t win over Jing Qing, right? After all, her family has so much clout in the city. But if Miss Qin and Young Master Yichen truly have genuine feelings, then that¡¯s another matter altogether."


    Yang Qianxi walked over holding clothes, voicing her own thoughts.


    "You¡¯re being quite pragmatic. You don¡¯t know about Qin Mu¡¯s identity, do you?"


    Wen Runuan mocked with a chuckle.


    "Identity? I know, yes. She¡¯s the most famous rising designer in the country, the beloved disciple of the international designer JY."


    Yang Qianxi¡¯s eyes lifted slightly as she continued with what she knew.


    "She¡¯s the eldest daughter of the Mayor of Qin City, the daughter of the first wife. You didn¡¯t know that, did you?"


    Yang Qianxi...


    Honestly, she thought the most shocking news would be that Qin Mu, at such a young age, had a three-year-old daughter, and then...


    "That Qin Mingzhu..."


    Yang Qianxi was even more baffled.


    "Qin Mingzhu¡¯s mother was the mistress who rose to prominence. Then a lot of things happened that I¡¯m not very clear about and it¡¯s not convenient to ask too much."


    Although Wen Runuan didn¡¯t elaborate, that information was already too much for Yang Qianxi to digest at once.


    "But Qin Mu never mentioned it, nor have I ever seen reports on this."


    "Who would dare to report such things recklessly?"


    Yang Qianxi...


    Wen Runuan didn¡¯t say more, since she was in a rush for an event she took the clothes Yang Qianxi had matched for her and went to the changing room to get dressed.


    Yang Qianxi, however, was truly frightened and confused. What Qin Mingzhu told her wasn¡¯t like this.


    Yang Qianxi had only thought there was some personal grudge between the two, but she never imagined it was like this.


    Yang Qianxi even had her own fantasies, but in her fantasies, it was Qin Mu who was the child born of an affair, and now achieving success in design, she wanted to dethrone Qin Mingzhu from the position of the legitimate child. Never had she imagined the reality would be so.


    Wen Runuan sent a message to Helian Hao on WeChat: What should we do now?


    "Huanhuan! We still have this trump card!"


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t sit still in the office; standing by the window and pondering for quite a while, she replied with this message after seeing the WeChat.


    "This is quite big. Shouldn¡¯t we discuss it with Qin Mu?"


    "No need!"


    Helian Hao understood Wen Runuan¡¯s concerns, but she knew even better, Qin Mu would never use her daughter as a bargaining chip. But to let Jing Qing suppress her, Helian Hao felt indignant on her behalf, so she took the initiative herself.


    A few days later, the love entanglements among the three of them finally came to a close. The story of Mu Yichen staying in Paris to accompany Qin Mu for many years was written into a short article and published. It instantly became the love model of the entire city, and a new saying began to circulate: that there is a kind of love called Mu Yichen and Qin Mu. People even deconstructed their names to form the most adoring Yichen, Yichen¡¯s most adored Qin Mu. In any case, all sorts of mushy phrases suddenly appeared, stirring the whole city.


    Meanwhile, none of the actual people involved had returned to Rongcheng.


    After pulling through the danger, Jian Yan was back in the hospital room. Qin Mu, Huanhuan, and Xiaomei were almost always by his side, but Xiaomei had collapsed from exhaustion these past two days and went back to Qin Mu¡¯s apartment to rest. Qin Mu, with her child, stayed in the hospital accompanying Jian Yan¡ªalong with Secretary Xi.


    However, what Secretary Xi did most these couple of days, besides helping Qin Mu take care of Huanhuan, was...


    "Young Madam, let me!"


    Just as Qin Mu was about to help Jian Yan adjust his pillow, Secretary Xi suddenly rushed over, blocking her from

 Chapter 303 - 102 Compensation that President Mu Wants (3) Reunion at the Hospital_3

    Chapter 303: 102 Compensation that President Mu Wants (3) Reunion at the Hospital_3


    "Young Madam, I¡¯m here!"


    Qin Mu was about to help him out of bed, but Secretary Xi suddenly rushed over and stood in front of her.


    "Young Madam, let me do it!"


    Qin Mu was just helping him with those slippers, and Secretary Xi suddenly rushed out again.


    In any case, every time Qin Mu moved to do something for Jian Yan, Secretary Xi would suddenly dash over, even if she had just been in a video conference, or on the phone handling other matters; she would put it all aside. At this point, Qin Mu even began to doubt Secretary Xi¡¯s real purpose for being there.


    Was she really here to help her, or to ... help her?


    Qin Mu stood to the side watching Secretary Xi helping Jian Yan arrange the pillow behind his back, with Jian Yan also looking at her.


    A stranger taking care of him so attentively made him feel somewhat at a loss.


    "Mr. Jian, if you need anything at all, please come to me. Our Young Madam has been exhausted recently, so try not to trouble her."


    Jian Yan didn¡¯t speak, just lifted his eyes to look at Qin Mu.


    "Come out with me!"


    With a faint voice, Qin Mu turned and walked out of the hospital room first.


    Secretary Xi smiled at him, then whispered lowly: Please take care of Huanhuan for me.


    Jian Yan...


    Huanhuan sat obediently still on the sofa, eyes following her mom and Aunt Secretary as they went out one after the other; then she slowly turned to the person on the hospital bed and immediately hopped off the sofa with a cheerful laugh to keep him company.


    Jian Yan smiled helplessly.


    Far outside the hospital room, Qin Mu suddenly turned around, looked at the recently very attentive Secretary Xi, unconsciously sighed, then helplessly voiced her inner thoughts: Did Mu Yichen send you to monitor me?


    "Monitor? Young Madam, you¡¯re overthinking it. The boss just told me to take good care of you!"


    Seeing Qin Mu¡¯s expression turn cold, Secretary Xi knew that Qin Mu was guessing and chose her words more carefully.


    "Take care of me? It seems to me you¡¯re clearly here to take care of Jian Yan."


    "Er, I¡¯m just helping you take care of him."


    Secretary Xi, seeing that Qin Mu was really upset, instinctively said in a bit of fear.


    "Helping me take care of him? Did I ask you to help me take care of him? You¡¯re an unmarried girl, and even though you¡¯re a few years older than I am, why are you taking care of a strange man? Unless it was your boss¡¯s orders, I wouldn¡¯t believe for a second that you¡¯d do such a thing."


    Qin Mu was really angry because Jian Yan and Secretary Xi both were uncomfortable with her caring for Jian Yan. If both were uncomfortable, why would they accommodate each other?


    She hated that kind of insincerity most, and she had to pierce through this pretense today.


    Secretary Xi fell silent all of a sudden.


    "You can go back, tell Mu Yichen I don¡¯t need his false kindness. Saying he came to take care of me¡ªit¡¯s surveillance, plain and simple. What Jing Qing can do, he can do as well."


    After saying this, Qin Mu turned to go back into the hospital room.


    "Young Madam, actually, the boss just cares about you too much! Please don¡¯t compare him with Miss Jing, he would probably be very hurt."


    How competent of a secretary was Secretary Xi?


    Qin Mu stopped, turned to look at her, and Secretary Xi stepped forward, still respectful, "I¡¯ve been with the boss for several years, I should know quite clear what kind of a person he is. If he didn¡¯t care about you, he wouldn¡¯t have asked me to do all this."


    "Would you like it if your boyfriend followed you everywhere you went, whatever you did, and prevented you from doing things?"


    Secretary Xi looked at her and didn¡¯t speak again; silence was her agreement.


    "You can go. You don¡¯t have to relay those words to him; the problems between him and me should be resolved by us alone."


    Qin Mu was no longer as impulsive as before, she nodded apologetically at the secretary and then left.


    Secretary Xi...


    Actually, Secretary Xi also wanted to leave. She was almost unable to stay here. Even though Jian Yan was nice-looking and had a good temper, she still didn¡¯t like taking care of strangers.


    So, at that moment, Secretary Xi also decided to return home.


    After Qin Mu returned to the hospital room and closed the door, Huanhuan was interacting with Jian Yan about some snacks; Qin Mu immediately went over, afraid that Huanhuan might give him something inappropriate.


    Indeed, it was very cold fruit, Qin Mu squatted down and hugged her daughter: "This is good for mommy to eat, you shouldn¡¯t give it to uncle, okay?"


    Huanhuan smiled, and just as she was about to put it to Qin Mu¡¯s mouth, she suddenly put it in her own. Qin Mu...


    "Hahaha!"


    Huanhuan suddenly laughed. Qin Mu helplessly rubbed her head.


    "Where¡¯s Secretary Xi?"


    Jian Yan looked at the mother and daughter as he asked.


    "Her? There seems to be something at the company, Mu Yichen called her back to Rongcheng."


    After finishing her words, Qin Mu smiled, stood up holding Huanhuan, and sat down on an adjacent chair, finally reclaiming her seat.

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    Chapter 304: 102 Compensation that President Mu Wants (3) Reunion at the Hospital_4


    "Hmm, she must be pretty busy. Right, since my scare was just a false alarm, you should head back too. You¡¯ve gotten thinner from all the recent stress."


    "I¡¯ll wait until you¡¯re discharged before I leave. Now that Xiaomei is also sick, it would be too heartless of me to just walk away with the child. People would think I¡¯m ungrateful if they found out."


    Jian Yan could only sigh helplessly, "Then do as you wish!"


    When he said this, his eyes were already on Huanhuan. Huanhuan was about to suck on her fingers, but when she saw him looking at her, she immediately stopped and shyly hid in her mother¡¯s embrace.


    Qin Mu lowered her head, "Huanhuan really likes you a lot!"


    "Hmm!"


    Jian Yan responded, his gaze involuntarily shifting towards Qin Mu.


    Later, Qin Mu also fell asleep on the couch; Huanhuan played with her toys by herself. Jian Yan woke up after a short sleep and then saw the woman lightly sleeping on the sofa.


    During this period, she was probably the most exhausted person. Even though Secretary Xi had been helping her take care of him, he could see that she never really let go of her worries.


    That¡¯s also why he had always understood why Secretary Xi was there but never exposed it, because he also wanted to give her some more time to rest. But now, Secretary Xi had been sent away by her...


    Now that he was feeling better, he thought he would recover quickly. They were teacher and student; he didn¡¯t know if they¡¯d ever have another chance to be together alone in such peaceful solitude. At some point, his gaze lingered on her sleeping face for a long time.


    He suddenly remembered the line, "Yearning is but a baseless word; don¡¯t let tears stain your letter to the flowers."


    In the end, he and she could only have a teacher-student relationship!


    He had no intention of disrupting her stable life; he only hoped he could remain as philosophical in the future.


    Mumu, as your teacher, I...


    In the end, he didn¡¯t even dare to let his thoughts stray any further.


    Before returning to Rongcheng, Qin Mu stopped by the apartment and instructed Xiaomei to stay there, telling her to call her for anything. Xiaomei nodded incessantly.


    "If I were to stay, then what about Rongcheng..."


    Xiaomei asked worriedly.


    "For now, Yang Qianxi is filling in for you. Just stay here and do what you want to do."


    Qin Mu thought that was probably all she could do to help Xiaomei.


    "Alright, if they can¡¯t handle it over there, or if Yang Qianxi proves unreliable, just call me. I¡¯ll definitely come and help you."


    Qin Mu smiled. After Huanhuan fell asleep, she and Xiaomei curled up on the couch, drinking and chatting. When Xiaomei talked about the initial feelings she developed for Jian Yan, Qin Mu quietly listened.


    Qin Mu and her daughter took an early flight back to their home country the next day, and it was also on that morning that Mu Yichen flew from Australia to Paris.


    Just hearing from Secretary Xi that Qin Mu had found out everything, he knew she must be angry, because otherwise she would have at least called him. So, he decided to fly and meet her to explain, but he didn¡¯t expect...


    After flying for over thirty hours and finally arriving, he did not see the person he wanted to see. Jian Yan was already able to walk around; Xiaomei was keeping him company in the ward when they saw him push the door and enter.


    The weariness on his face made him look like he¡¯d been beaten up. Xiaomei sat quietly by their side as the two of them talked. There were many things she felt she shouldn¡¯t be hearing, but she heard them all and maintained her silence throughout.


    Only then did she find out that Mu Yichen had long known about Jian Yan¡¯s deep love for Qin Mu, and that Jian Yan was also aware of the reason Secretary Xi had followed. Although both men had cold expressions on their faces, there was no intention to fight; they simply sat on the couch, each stubborn in their views, evidently both tired.


    It was only after returning to Rongcheng that Qin Mu learned about what happened during her absence. Seeing that everyone was afraid of being blamed by her, she didn¡¯t say much.


    That night, when Wen Runuan and Helian Hao found out she was back, they immediately arranged to meet her in a private room at AM Chinese Restaurant. After hearing that Jian Yan was fine, both were relieved and then started talking about the gossip storm in Rongcheng.


    "Indeed, we did some things together that you might not approve of, but watching others talk about your romance with Jian Yan and accusing you of using Mu Yi to gain a foothold in Rongcheng, such scandalous rumors, we had to act."


    As her best friend, Helian Hao spoke straightforwardly and shared endlessly.


    Qin Mu actually felt very grateful in her heart for her friend¡¯s candid mention of seeking media help to counter those rumors, but she just maintained her composure on the surface.


    "Besides, Xiaohao and I did it together, including the later online story about you and Yi. So, if you¡¯re angry, don¡¯t just blame Xiaohao; I was involved too!"

 Chapter 305 - 102 Compensation that President Mu Wants (3) Reunion at the Hospital_5

    Chapter 305: 102 Compensation that President Mu Wants (3) Reunion at the Hospital_5


    "Otherwise, shall we open a bottle of wine?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but speak up as she watched the two women so tense.


    Helian Hao...


    Wen Runuan...


    "You two haven¡¯t even celebrated after pulling off such a big event, have you? How about we celebrate tonight?"


    Seeing their expressions, Qin Mu continued, then helplessly laughed and asked, "Have you two gone silly?"


    "You really are scary, woman!"


    Wen Runuan said, clutching her chest.


    "We all thought you would be angry!"


    Helian Hao also expressed with a sigh of relief.


    "With the two of you in Rongcheng, I¡¯m no longer fighting alone!"


    Angry?


    She did want to be angry, but she admired the courage of these two women even more and was grateful for everything they had done for her.


    "By the way, although I told the story, it was actually your new assistant who helped write it. Her writing is quite good."


    Helian Hao mentioned it.


    Qin Mu nodded to call for the wine service, then lowered her head to look at the wine list and chuckled: "I¡¯ve seen her hesitating to speak these past few days; so it was because of this."


    "Still have the nerve to talk, you¡¯ve been back for two days and you haven¡¯t contacted us. We thought you were still in Paris taking care of Jian Yan."


    Helian Hao said it.


    "You think I¡¯ve had an easy time these past days?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but sigh as she recalled her recent days passing in trepidation.


    The moment she returned home, the look Feng Fanghua gave her was just short of pointing at her nose and telling her to get lost.


    Even now she was cold and indifferent, giving her the silent treatment. A few words exchanged were all sarcasm and disdain.


    "What happened? Is your mother-in-law giving you a hard time?"


    Helian Hao, worried about Feng Fanghua¡¯s temperament, asked.


    "Humph, if I say ¡¯no¡¯, wouldn¡¯t that seem pretentious?"


    Qin Mu responded, looking up at them.


    "You¡¯re really tolerant, but Yichen has done so much for you; it¡¯s worth it to endure his family for his sake."


    Wen Runuan reasoned.


    "Yeah! He really did a lot!"


    Qin Mu thought of the incident in Paris, so angry that her stomach started to hurt.


    In fact, she didn¡¯t know if it was because it was winter now or if she was just too tired lately, but she had been feeling faint these days. Now, just thinking about Mu Yichen made her stomach ache along with the faintness. The wine had barely been poured, and before she could drink it, she couldn¡¯t stand it anymore.


    "Give me some soup!"


    She suddenly said, clutching her stomach.


    Seeing that the situation was not good, Helian Hao immediately helped her with a bowl of soup. Only then did she seriously look at Qin Mu and noticed her sunken eye sockets and her face looking extremely haggard.


    "How have you been lately? Why do you look so weak?"


    How had her recent days been? They were anxious.


    "It¡¯s a long story, but luckily, it¡¯s all clear skies after the storm now."


    She said softly, wanting to laugh, but before the laughter could reach her lips, her hand reached for the soup bowl and the room went dark. In an instant, she collapsed beside the chair.


    "Mumu!"


    "Qin Mu!"


    For a moment, the sound of chairs hitting the floor in the room was incessant as Qin Mu collapsed, with Helian Hao and Wen Runuan immediately rushing over to call her name.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "She must have been too tired lately!"


    "You don¡¯t look too good yourself; do you want to take a break?"


    "No need!"


    After an unknown period of time, she groggily opened her eyes, her vision blurry, and what appeared to be hanging above looked like an IV drip. She couldn¡¯t make out the sounds around her but vaguely felt it might be Helian Hao and Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen?


    Had he returned?


    Her thoughts grew hazy again, and then she fell back asleep.


    Helian Hao, wearing a white coat, stood outside chatting with Mu Yichen for a while. Seeing that Mu Yichen insisted, Helian Hao didn¡¯t say more and left.


    When Qin Mu woke up again, the person vaguely crouched by the bed seemed to be him. Her lips unconsciously moved, "Mu Yichen?"


    Her voice was clear as air; Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t hear her at all until her hand, resting on her lower abdomen, weakly fell to the bedside, barely hooking the fabric of his clothes.


    He, who had just dozed off for a short while, suddenly looked up, his brow still furrowed with the pain in his head, but he looked at her with half-squinted eyes and instinctively reached to grasp her hand.


    "It¡¯s me!"


    He sat in the chair holding her hand, his expression less than pleasant.


    Qin Mu looked at him, wanting to ask when he had come back, but she lacked the strength, so instead, her eyes quietly watched him.


    Mu Yichen suddenly chuckled, and Qin Mu, struggling to raise her hand, felt it being placed gently on his face by him. She lightly cradled his cheek, her heart empty of everything but longing.

 Chapter 306 - 102 Compensation that President Mu Wants (3) Reunion at the Hospital_6

    Chapter 306: 102 Compensation that President Mu Wants (3) Reunion at the Hospital_6


    It felt like more than half a century, though it was only a little over ten days.


    Without his shoulder to lean on, she was so stubborn, yet so alone.


    He had apparently just shaved before coming, but there was still a hint of blue in his complexion, which she found somewhat heart-wrenching.


    She wondered how he could have worn himself out like this.


    In Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes as he looked at her, he pretended he was doing well.


    As if he could see right through her worries, Mu Yichen¡¯s burning lips kissed the hand he held, and Qin Mu laughed softly, a laugh tinged with a hint of complaint.


    "Just a few days without me and you let yourself go like this, when you get better, I¡¯ll have to settle the score with you,"


    he said in a low voice to her.


    "Hmm! When I get better, I will have to settle the score with you as well,"


    her voice was still somewhat hoarse, sounding weak, but she managed to make herself heard.


    It took a few seconds for Yichen to react to her words, after which he laughed helplessly, his eyes slightly mischievous: Mrs. Mu, you need to get well first.


    "I will!"


    she said.


    The ward fell silent again, and Mu Yichen no longer confined himself to the chair, joining her on the hospital bed, removing his heavy coat in the bed, and wearing only a shirt as he held her.


    "Let¡¯s make do here tonight,"


    he said before going to sleep.


    He obviously said "make do," but his demeanor didn¡¯t seem like making do at all¡ªin fact, he appeared to rather enjoy it.


    Feng Fanghua was startled when she heard of her illness, but she was slightly angry that her son had returned and gone straight to the hospital. He had come back once before but didn¡¯t visit home and had left for Australia after seeing Qin Mu, and it was the same this time.


    "Your beloved son, eh, he doesn¡¯t care about his parents, nor does he care about his child; his heart is all hung up on Qin Mu,"


    Feng Fanghua waited until past eleven before returning to her room. As soon as Mu Zihao turned off the lights, he heard her lying beside him lamenting and complaining.


    "How could he not care, he cares about everyone! It¡¯s a special situation now! Qin Mu just came back for two days and fell sick, you should count your blessings that your son doesn¡¯t bother us,"


    Mu Zihao said as he lay down, causing Feng Fanghua to huff in annoyance at his words: He really has turned on me now.


    Mu Zihao chuckled: "Let¡¯s sleep!"


    As the night deepened, lights in the city¡¯s homes gradually went out, while the entrance to AM Hotel remained brightly lit, with cars occasionally arriving, bringing guests who arrived late at night to stay in Rongcheng.


    As if the entire city was enveloped in a layer of silence, all sounds were suppressed, as though the city had finally fallen into a deep slumber.


    The next day,


    the eastern sky quietly revealed the first light of dawn, and vehicles slowly emerged from their resting places, silently filling the empty roads of the night.


    Long queues had already formed in front of breakfast stalls, their steaming vapors imparting some warmth to the winter air.


    Upon waking up, Qin Mu felt trapped at the slightest movement, and turning her head, she saw him beside her, his face buried in her shoulder.


    It seemed like it was time to settle the score for Mu Yichen¡¯s secretary monitoring her a few days ago!


    After taking her medicine and having had a full night¡¯s sleep, she did feel like she could manage that.


    A dreamless night, and after a restful sleep, her body seemed to be charged with energy.


    When Mu Yichen woke up, he found himself alone, and instinctively frowned as he got up, turning to look at the slim woman standing by the window.


    Qin Mu turned around, her keen gaze catching his discomfort.


    "Good morning, Mr. Mu!"


    Mu Yichen...


    Her smile began to spread, and in the still not too bright light, her smile gradually outshone the rays.


    "Come here, to my side!"


    Mu Yichen said in a somewhat hoarse voice.


    Qin Mu stood there looking sideways at him without moving, her gaze almost intimidating Mr. Mu.


    "Go home and change your clothes first!"


    Mr. Mu glanced at his wrinkled shirt and chose to ignore her penetrating gaze.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything else; it was indeed time to go back and change. But the thought of seeing Feng Fanghua made her heart race with a hint of fear.


    When the two returned, the elderly couple were having breakfast with Huanhuan in the diner. Huanhuan hadn¡¯t seen her mother all night and had missed her father for a long time. When she heard someone in the living room calling for them, she immediately put down her spoon, jumped off the chair, and ran out with tiny steps.


    "Daddy, Mommy!"


    The excitement made her blurt out such an address.


    But this time, Mu Yichen didn¡¯t have the chance to correct her; seeing her run towards him, he immediately bent down to catch her, picking her up and twirling her around a few times.

 Chapter 307 - 102 Compensation that President Mu Wants (3) Reunion at the Hospital_7

    Chapter 307: 102 Compensation that President Mu Wants (3) Reunion at the Hospital_7


    "Daddy, where did you go?"


    He held her as they went upstairs, and Huanhuan, nestled in his arms, asked with a touch of sadness.


    "Dad went on a business trip for work."


    Mu Yichen replied, feeling as though his heart had been pricked by a needle.


    "Huanhuan misses you so much!"


    The little girl¡¯s eyes suddenly brimmed with tears, and as she spoke, she only glanced at Mu Yichen once before lowering her lashes, unwilling to look at him again, as if she was about to cry but was trying hard to hold it back.


    Mu Yichen...


    Qin Mu followed behind the two, not quite catching Huanhuan¡¯s words but feeling that there was something about their father-daughter relationship that she didn¡¯t know.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were still eating in the dining room when she suddenly put down her utensils: "I can¡¯t eat anymore."


    "You came to say good morning to me as soon as you returned, what more do you want? Just bear with it for now, okay?"


    Mu Zihao kindly reminded her.


    "That girl got her backup as soon as she returned, is she going to be afraid of me? It was just a formality with me anyway."


    "No wonder they say mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships are difficult, I truly believe it now."


    Mu Zihao sighed helplessly after hearing Feng Fanghua speak like that.


    "Do you think I¡¯m being unreasonable too?"


    "How could that be? The Mu Family¡¯s matriarch has always been the most reasonable. I¡¯m taking Huanhuan to ride horses later, are you coming?"


    "She¡¯s so young!"


    Feng Fanghua reminded him worriedly upon hearing that Mu Zihao planned to take his granddaughter horseback riding.


    "I¡¯ll be there to protect her!"


    Mu Zihao said, standing up.


    "Then I¡¯ll join you. I don¡¯t want to be around that couple anyway."


    Feng Fanghua also stood up.


    When the family of three came down from upstairs, they saw Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua sitting on the couch, about to greet them when they heard Mu Zihao say, "Today, your mother and I are taking Huanhuan to the equestrian center. Is there a problem?"


    "Let¡¯s not do that today, I¡¯ll take her."


    Mu Yichen was still holding Huanhuan, and she clung to him, unwilling to let go.


    Mu Zihao, worried that the little one would disturb the couple¡¯s private world, laughed after hearing Mu Yichen¡¯s response: "Hmph! That¡¯s some good affection there. Then you better take good care of my precious granddaughter."


    Mu Zihao instinctively glanced at Feng Fanghua, who, though wearing a cold expression, said nothing because she realized that the bond between her son and granddaughter was growing stronger.


    "Additionally, I think it would be better for the three of us to move to an apartment."


    "What?"


    This time, Qin Mu and Feng Fanghua looked at him in shock together.


    "We¡¯ll come back for dinner at least once a week, but normally we will live in the city apartment. It¡¯s more convenient for us to get to work that way."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s voice was very subdued, and it hurt to listen.


    "Mu Yichen, you... Brat, have your wings grown? Or has this woman been whispering nonsense in your ear?"


    Feng Fanghua was so angry that she stood up from the sofa; she had intended to keep her temper in check, but after hearing her son¡¯s words, she couldn¡¯t hold it back any longer.


    Qin Mu instinctively looked towards the brand she was being pointed at, equally confused.


    "She hasn¡¯t said anything; it¡¯s just that I have eyes to see."


    Mu Yichen said coldly.


    "You... you can leave if you want, but neither of you is allowed to take my granddaughter away."


    "Huanhuan is still young, she should prefer living with her parents to staying with her grandparents, but I won¡¯t interfere whenever you wish to visit her."


    "Yichen, a family can talk through anything, why mention moving out before even having a meal upon your return? Isn¡¯t that intentionally creating conflict between your mother and your wife?"


    Mu Zihao said in a deep voice.


    "It seems that even if I don¡¯t create conflict, Mumu is naturally my mother¡¯s arch-enemy."


    Mu Yichen glanced at Feng Fanghua, held his daughter in his arms, and reached to take Qin Mu¡¯s hand as he walked outside.


    The couple hadn¡¯t snapped back to reality, feeling as if it was all a surreal dream.


    When Qin Mu reached the door, she pulled away from him, and Mu Yichen, holding his daughter, turned back to look at her, "Are you planning to argue with me in front of our daughter?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Let¡¯s go back to the apartment first, I will arrange for someone to send the luggage over later."


    "But what is the reason for all this?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t understand. He hadn¡¯t said a word, everything seemed fine when he was changing clothes upstairs, so why did it come to this as soon as they came downstairs...


    "Do you wish to continue living here? Are you happy living here?"


    Mu Yichen just asked her very seriously.


    Happy?


    Happiness is never permanent.


    She did have conflicts with Feng Fanghua, but to leave just like that, it would certainly be painful for the elders.


    "When can you at least discuss with me before doing something, giving others a chance to prepare?"


    Qin Mu asked him a bit angrily. If it hadn¡¯t been for just coming out of the hospital with little strength, she would not be speaking to him so feebly.


    "Give me my child!"


    She stepped forward, reaching out to hold Huanhuan.


    Mu Yichen instinctively turned away, holding Huanhuan tightly. Qin Mu looked at him in even greater disappointment: If you want to take her, take her.


    She turned around and went back into the house, and Mu Yichen, holding his daughter, stood in front of the car looking at her stubborn figure and sighed helplessly.


    "Is your mother a fool?"


    Mu Yichen whispered to his daughter.


    "Hahaha!"


    Huanhuan laughed, seemingly unaware that her father was criticizing her mother.


    When Qin Mu returned, Feng Fanghua was wiping her tears. Qin Mu stepped in front of them: Mom and Dad, I¡¯m very sorry!


    She first bowed deeply and then apologized earnestly.


    Feng Fanghua remained silent, just sniffling, turning her face away, not looking at her. Whether in her eyes or on her face, the stubbornness was even more persistent than in her younger days.


    "Perhaps I¡¯m not qualified to apologize on his behalf, but I still want to say this. Maybe indeed we¡¯re not suited to live together, but I assure you, as long as you acknowledge me, I will always be a part of the Mu Family..."


    "I just want to ask you two things!"


    Feng Fanghua interrupted her apology and looked at her coldly.


    "Sure! Ask!"


    Qin Mu was also very composed, waiting for Feng Fanghua to ask, ready for any question.

 Chapter 308 - 103 Compensation requested by President Mu (4) available today_1

    Chapter 308: 103 Compensation requested by President Mu (4) available today_1


    "First, was it you who instigated Yichen to move out? Second, do you dare to swear that you truly love that boy?"


    Feng Fanghua was really angry, she looked at her coldly and pressed for an answer!


    Seeing his wife¡¯s aggressive stance, Mu Zihao was a bit worried beside her. It was indeed a bit too much.


    Qin Mu was also momentarily disappointed, but then she lightly parted her lips and said, "For the first matter, I can swear to you, I absolutely did not instigate him! As for the second, my love for him doesn¡¯t require a vow!"


    She never wanted to admit to anyone that she loved Mu Yichen, but if she must admit it, it wasn¡¯t impossible.


    But really, there¡¯s no need for a vow!


    When it comes to matters of the heart, what¡¯s true and what¡¯s false, I know it best myself.


    If it¡¯s true, no vow is needed; if it¡¯s fake, what¡¯s the use of a vow?


    Later on, Qin Mu also noticed that Feng Fanghua¡¯s breathing was a bit unstable, but she seemed not as angry as she was at the beginning. After nodding a greeting, she left.


    Mu Zihao didn¡¯t speak again from beginning to end, just raising his eyes to look at his wife after Qin Mu left.


    Feng Fanghua was still angry, even though she was sitting on the sofa, she still looked listless.


    Qin Mu had wanted to have breakfast and then take Huanhuan to the studio, but to her surprise, after the three of them finished breakfast outside, Mu Yichen instructed her to go to the studio by herself and personally took Huanhuan away.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what had gotten into Mu Yichen all of a sudden, of course, it wasn¡¯t a bad thing.


    She hoped their father-daughter relationship would be the best it could be. After driving to the studio, Yang Qianxi was already there waiting for her: Miss Qin!


    "Are you adapting well recently?"


    Qin Mu asked as she continued walking inside.


    "Hmm!"


    Yang Qianxi answered, her steps turning into a small hurried trot as she followed behind her.


    Qin Mu walked fast naturally, and when deep in thought, she would unconsciously walk even faster, not noticing the pressure she was putting on Yang Qianxi at all.


    "I drew a few designs, can you take a look when you have time?"


    Yang Qianxi asked carefully from behind her.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu agreed, and continued to ascend to the second floor. Yang Qianxi, excited, missed a step and nearly fell, but Qin Mu immediately stopped and turned to her, saying: "Be careful."


    "Yes!"


    Yang Qianxi answered, following her into the office to report on her work. It seemed like the colleagues had gotten used to Yang Qianxi during this period, and didn¡¯t bother her much anymore.


    "As long as Miss Wen needs me, I will go over, but she doesn¡¯t seem to like me very much."


    "Then make an effort to get her to like you."


    As Qin Mu sat down and saw the pile of documents on her desk, she lowered her head again. She had clearly come to the studio these past few days but hadn¡¯t seen many things, highly suspecting that there had been a call from Paris.


    It must have been Jian Yan, worried that she¡¯d be too tired, so he had them postpone the tasks, especially since she had just come out of the hospital yesterday.


    Yang Qianxi, not knowing what she was thinking, felt her words were a bit harsh, but remembering what she herself had done to Qin Mu, she could only nod her head: "Oh!"


    "Perhaps you think I¡¯m heartless, but that¡¯s just how the world works, survival of the fittest. Everyone is working hard, and we must work hard too. If you want to be recognized, you must work even harder, give even more, understand?"


    Yang Qianxi was startled, subconsciously looking up at Qin Mu, whose eyes were cold and profound. She subconsciously nodded her head harder: "I understand!"


    Later, when Qin Mu started working, she went out. After finishing work at noon, Qin Mu was going to have lunch when Qin Mingzhu came running over.


    Qin Mingzhu, when she arrived at the studio door, just happened to see a few people walking away in the distance. She glanced at them inadvertently and saw Yang Qianxi among them, frowning unconsciously. She looked through the glass door and saw Qin Mu coming down from the second floor and pushed the door to go in.


    "Qin Mu, have you gone mad? You dare to employ that plagiarist?"


    As Qin Mu walked, she looked up when she heard the voice, and, unable to help it, chuckled softly before stopping and looking earnestly at Qin Mingzhu, "How do you know she¡¯s a plagiarist?"


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s face changed instantly, her eyes darting about uncertainly, and after a long time, she didn¡¯t speak clearly or confidently.


    Just then, Yang Qianxi came back to retrieve her forgotten phone and, about to enter the door, heard the two women talking inside, so angry she felt her lungs might explode.


    "Qin Mingzhu, don¡¯t forget who got me sent back from France."


    With anger, Yang Qianxi pushed the door open, walked towards Qin Mingzhu, and reminded her with a wild look on her face.


    After hearing her voice, Qin Mingzhu turned to look at her and sneered, "Ha, you actually dare to show your face? What¡¯s there to be proud of, a plagiarist? Do you know you¡¯re committing a crime?"

 Chapter 309 - 103 Compensation requested by President Mu (4) available today_2

    Chapter 309: 103 Compensation requested by President Mu (4) available today_2


    "I¡¯m the criminal? You are the one who is instigating me to commit crimes, and if the police really were to make arrests, they would arrest you first, got it?"


    Yang Qianxi also laughed, thinking that this girl was simply foolish, and she had been played by such an idiot for so long.


    "Don¡¯t slander me; whatever you and Jing Qing have conspired is known to you two alone, so don¡¯t try to lay the blame on me when things go south."


    Qin Mingzhu pointed her finger at her, her voice trembling as she continued her desperate defense.


    Qin Mu just stood by watching the two argue, and then suddenly remembered the footage from the surveillance camera. Glancing at Qin Mingzhu¡¯s face, she unconsciously opened her mouth but said nothing.


    How much good karma did Qin Haiming accumulate in his past life to allow his beloved daughter to squander it like this in this lifetime?


    "How can you say such shameless things? If you hadn¡¯t stolen Miss Qin¡¯s sketches from here and given them to me, I wouldn¡¯t even know her, let alone get my hands on those sketches. If you hadn¡¯t provided the apartment, how could I afford to live in such a luxurious place? If it wasn¡¯t for your introduction, how would I have come to know the major star Jing Qing?"


    After saying this, Yang Qianxi couldn¡¯t help glancing at the indifferent Qin Mu: "Miss Qin, everything I said is true!"


    "You¡¯re talking nonsense! Just spouting rubbish!," Qin Mingzhu said, unable to believe that she had actually complained to Qin Mu.


    "Qin Mingzhu, show the composure befitting a lady from a distinguished family. Don¡¯t disgrace your father by making a scene here," Qin Mu coldly interjected, unable to listen any further.


    "How have I disgraced my father?"


    Seeing Qin Mu¡¯s demeanor, Qin Mingzhu knew immediately that she was not trusted and retorted on the spot.


    "Do you want me to play the surveillance footage for you?"


    Qin Mu asked her with a calm and steady voice.


    "What?"


    Qin Mingzhu froze, her face gradually whitening.


    "This studio may not be large, but it¡¯s filled with designers¡¯ hard work, so every corner is under surveillance. Do I need to continue?"


    "I, I... I was just curious and took the photos for fun; how was I supposed to know they would end up with Jing Qing and this woman? You¡¯d rather believe these outsiders than your own sister. I... I never want to see you again."


    After speaking, Qin Mingzhu ran out, forgetting entirely the purpose of her visit.


    After Qin Mingzhu left, Yang Qianxi¡¯s eyes were blurred with tears. Qin Mu turned and saw her pitiful state, sighing involuntarily.


    "I know the children of wealthy families like yours are all manipulative, but I didn¡¯t expect Qin Mingzhu to be this kind of person!"


    Qin Mu was startled by her comment about the manipulative nature of the wealthy family¡¯s children and unconsciously responded, "I am not a child of any wealthy family."


    After hearing this, Yang Qianxi stopped crying and looked at her in astonishment.


    "If you hadn¡¯t harbored hope of getting away with plagiarism, how could she have exploited you? So, when trouble arises, don¡¯t be quick to point fingers at others, but also think about your own issues."


    Yang Qianxi opened her mouth to speak but before she could say anything, Qin Mu resignedly said, "Let¡¯s go have dinner."


    Yang Qianxi had no choice but to follow Qin Mu outside, but her heart felt extremely heavy and aggrieved. The humiliation Qin Mingzhu had caused her seemed indelible, and she couldn¡¯t just let it slide.


    In the afternoon, when Qin Mu went to the garment factory to check on the finished products, Mr. Mu called her mobile phone: "Are you busy again?"


    "Not busy, I¡¯m at the garment factory. I¡¯ll be back soon."


    "Drive slowly, Huanhuan and I will go there to wait for you, and we¡¯ll return to the apartment later."


    Mu Yichen hung up after speaking, then looked at his little daughter sleeping in his arms, and all negative emotions vanished when he saw Huanhuan¡¯s sleeping face.


    He was just worried; she had only just been discharged from the hospital this morning and was already running around. If anything else happened...


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why he was being cold, but she also felt particularly coldhearted recalling this morning¡¯s events at the Mu Family residence.


    When Mu Yichen suddenly said he would move out of the Mu Family residence, Feng Fanghua naturally suspected her as the cause. And then what?


    How would things change between her and Feng Fanghua?


    Or could it be that Mu Yichen felt that she had been wronged, and that¡¯s why he wanted to move out?


    But she hadn¡¯t said a word to Mu Yichen about it.


    As expected, when she and her colleague returned in the afternoon, Huanhuan was already in the studio, but surprisingly, Mr. Mu was not there.


    "Mr. Mu has gone to the neighboring fruit and vegetable shop to buy something. He said he¡¯ll be right back."

 Chapter 310 - 103 Compensation requested by President Mu (4) available today_3

    Chapter 310: 103 Compensation requested by President Mu (4) available today_3


    Her colleague answered.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu nodded, and looking down at her little girl, who was happily playing with uncles and aunts without rushing to find her, she couldn¡¯t help but smile as well.


    Yang Qianxi took out a big bag of chips from her bag: "Little princess, call me sister and you can have this, okay?"


    Huanhuan lifted her head to look at the big bag of chips in her hand, then cheerfully called out: "Auntie!"


    Yang Qianxi...


    "Auntie!"


    Huanhuan called out again with a laugh as pure as that slogan from commercials, a sweet and sour sensation.


    "Didn¡¯t you say to call me sister?"


    Yang Qianxi asked a bit pitifully, and Huanhuan laughed even happier, her little hands tangled together, twisting and turning, but not reaching for the chips, just calling out "auntie" again.


    Yang Qianxi gave in and handed the chips to the little one without making things difficult for her.


    "Thank you, auntie!"


    After hugging the chips, Huanhuan expressed her heartfelt thanks and then turned to walk over to Qin Mu, looking up at her mother with eyes that seemed to ask: "Mommy, may I eat this?"


    "Wash your hands before eating!"


    Qin Mu took Huanhuan¡¯s hand, talking while accompanying her to wash her hands.


    Yang Qianxi stood to the side, watching them, and unconsciously felt a bit envious. She hadn¡¯t expected Qin Mu to have a child already and when she was with her child, she seemed enveloped by the aura of motherhood, feeling very... content, that¡¯s right, content.


    Later, Mu Yichen bought groceries and fruit by the studio¡¯s parking lot, opened the car trunk and put the fruits and vegetables inside, and then raised his eyes to the big screen. It just so happened to show the studio¡¯s reception area, where mother and daughter were feeding each other chips. Regardless of who had given the chips, just watching the two made him feel a pang of heartache.


    All of a sudden, he remembered the message his father had sent him last midnight, which made him unconsciously shake his head, and then he kept watching them through the screen.


    Qin Mu, holding her daughter, inadvertently glanced outside and saw the man standing there, looking at them through the window. When Mu Yichen realized she had seen him, he slightly signaled with his eyes and gestures for her to come out.


    So Qin Mu took Huanhuan and left work early, naturally, with Huanhuan still hugging the not-yet-finished bag of chips. Little Huanhuan loved eating chips, especially lemon-flavored ones.


    "I heard you went shopping?"


    She asked as she got into the car.


    "Mhm!"


    Mu Yichen responded absentmindedly while transferring Huanhuan into the safety seat in the back.


    Seeing him not particularly interested in talking to her, Qin Mu sighed helplessly and thought he probably didn¡¯t care for her sitting beside him, so she just went to the back and sat with her daughter instead.


    Mu Yichen, who had just steadied himself, saw her going to the back. What began as a cold expression turned into a frown.


    Mother and daughter were in the back, enjoying chips and songs, while the man in the front played the part of a dedicated driver, focused on driving, occasionally letting a smile curl the corners of his mouth when he saw how happy they were in the rearview mirror.


    After returning to the apartment, the air conditioning was already on making it warm inside.


    Qin Mu carefully looked around and realized it was all very clean. Had Mr. Mu had someone come and clean up?


    He still had a cold expression on his face when he put the child on the sofa and picked up the ingredients next to him: "Daddy¡¯s going to cook dinner for you, so be good and play with your mommy here, okay?"


    "Okay!"


    Huanhuan cheerfully agreed, but when her hand reached into the chip bag and failed to grab a chip, she twisted her little face in distress and looked at her beloved mother with a pitiable expression.


    "Mommy, you ate all of Huanhuan¡¯s chips."


    Huanhuan said to her in a grievous tone.


    Qin Mu...


    She admitted that she couldn¡¯t resist eating a few more chips, which was because she didn¡¯t usually indulge in snacks, and suddenly she lost control a bit, but ultimately the bag was still in Little Huanhuan¡¯s hands. She earnestly said: "Mommy will buy you a few more bags tomorrow."


    Huanhuan looked at her with skepticism as Qin Mu sat beside her, picked up the remote and turned on the TV: "How about we watch cartoons for a while?"


    "Is Princess Elsa in it?"


    "Let¡¯s look!"


    She dared not face her daughter¡¯s sad little gaze until she heard her speak, and sighed in relief, thinking to herself that she would never dare eat her darling¡¯s chips again.


    Before they could even find Princess Elsa, the search was halted, with Huanhuan taking the remote from her mother¡¯s hands, clutching it to her chest, and then intently staring at SpongeBob on the television. Qin Mu...


    Alright then, as long as her little highness is happy, she thought, instinctively glancing towards the kitchen, feeling like someone whose hand has been bitten and might even be at risk of being poisoned.

 Chapter 311 - 103 Compensation requested by President Mu (4) available today_4

    Chapter 311: 103 Compensation requested by President Mu (4) available today_4


    But I was afraid he¡¯d ignore me if I went to see him.


    And if I didn¡¯t? I was afraid he wouldn¡¯t be happy.


    However, recalling the morning¡¯s events, it wasn¡¯t just him who was angry; there was also Secretary Xi¡¯s matter that I hadn¡¯t settled with him yet. With that thought, I just sat on the couch with my daughter watching SpongeBob.


    I realized we were lacking some snacks.


    "Can¡¯t you serve the fruit yourself?"


    Just as Qin Mu was getting engrossed in the show and trying hard not to laugh, Mu Yi suddenly appeared with a delicate fruit platter and gave her an accusing look.


    My laughter died on my lips, and I retorted without thinking, "I didn¡¯t even know you were planning to serve us fruit."


    Mu Yichen...


    Though my words were cool, I immediately reached out to take the plate from his hands, "Thanks!"


    "You¡¯d better not eat it, it¡¯s cut for our daughter."


    He said coldly, his eyes full of disdain as he looked at me.


    His words would¡¯ve been better left unsaid; the moment he said them, Qin Mu let out a cold laugh and took a slice of apple to eat.


    Mu Yichen...


    Huanhuan also curiously looked up at her mother and then clutched the fruit to her chest.


    Qin Mu chewed on the apple in her mouth subconsciously, watching her beloved daughter turn into an ingrate and witnessing Mu Yi¡¯s smug departure.


    "Mu Yichen, don¡¯t get too cocky!"


    Qin Mu grumbled to herself.


    Huanhuan held the fruit and ate for a while, and Qin Mu occasionally sneaked a piece of fruit Huanhuan didn¡¯t like into her mouth. Huanhuan was too engrossed in the TV to notice what was missing from the plate, and Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh at her daughter¡¯s focus.


    A three-course dinner with soup, and Huanhuan¡¯s favorite egg custard, it was quite a rich meal.


    Finally, the three of us were together again, a bit quiet, yet a little excited.


    The two adults, acting childishly, were unwilling to express their feelings, but the child revealed a warm look in her eyes as she watched her parents spending time with her.


    That evening, as Qin Mu bathed Huanhuan, she felt as if she were back in the past, when Huanhuan belonged only to her. Oh wait, Mu Yi was there now too.


    Lost in thought as she bathed her, it wasn¡¯t until Huanhuan splashed water on her face in the tub that Qin Mu snapped back to reality and engaged in a water fight with her.


    By Huanhuan¡¯s bedside, Mu Yichen leaned casually against the desk, legs crossed, handsomely holding a book of bedtime stories, leisurely flipping through it.


    The upright posture of his back subtly leaning forward, his sharp, angular profile, and his calm demeanor all exuded an air of nobility that seemed unapproachable by others.


    Gazing down at the book, his long, dark lashes fluttering slightly, he lifted his eyes involuntarily upon hearing the noise from the bathroom, turning to look in that direction.


    He wandered over to take a look, and then saw the two of them, both drenched, one bent over inside the tub, and the other outside it.


    Huanhuan¡¯s big eyes flickered when she saw him standing at the bathroom door, and she quickly crouched down in the tub, a flush of shyness coloring her cheeks.


    Qin Mu stopped what she was doing when she saw her daughter¡¯s reaction, turned around, and inadvertently put on a show for Mu Yi.


    "Can¡¯t you just take a bath properly?"


    Mu Yi asked softly, a hint of helplessness in his eyes.


    Neither mother nor daughter said a word, both thinking they should have closed the door beforehand.


    Later, Mu Yichen lay on Huanhuan¡¯s bed, telling her a bedtime story, while Qin Mu went back to her own room to take a shower.


    I don¡¯t know why, but standing in front of the mirror after the shower, looking at my somewhat damp reflection, I suddenly had trouble remembering.


    It felt like it had been an eternity since I had truly looked at myself in the mirror, yet surely I used it every day to put on makeup¡ªhow could I not have looked?


    But was the emaciated woman in the mirror really me?


    I saw the trace of sorrow between the brows of the woman in the mirror, the calmness and sadness in her eyes, and suddenly I could hardly recognize her. Was this still the woman who was once so cold and deeply immersed in the fashion design industry?


    Later, I went to my daughter¡¯s room. She was already asleep. I leant against the doorway, feeling drained as I looked inside. The man occupied the entire length of the bed with his tall frame, lying sideways next to my daughter, gently holding her waiting for her to fall asleep, sinking my heart once more.


    After that, I returned to my own room. Mu Yichen, in a glance, just caught the sight of my turning away.


    His dark eyes flickered slightly and, upon returning to his own room, he saw me already lying down, eyes closed, looking as though I was about to sleep.

 Chapter 312 - 103 Compensation requested by President Mu (4) available today_5

    Chapter 312: 103 Compensation requested by President Mu (4) available today_5


    He went to take a shower, and Qin Mu lay on the bed, quietly listening to the sound of water in the bathroom. In the silent bedroom, she could hear her own heartbeat and her breaths.


    She couldn¡¯t help but continue to listen. She didn¡¯t know if she was happy, nor did she know if he was happy.


    When he came out, she quietly closed her eyes, pretending to sleep, feeling him lying behind her, sensing his slightly cool breath, and also feeling that he had no intention of approaching her.


    So, she waited quietly, just waited...


    Mu Yichen held the back of his head with both hands, his dark eyes looking at the ceiling thoughtfully, until later he turned his head to look at the woman beside him, thinking that she must have really fallen asleep.


    He instinctively turned over, propped up his upper body to look at her sleeping face¡ªso still, so gentle.


    The night always passed quickly; the sun rose again from the east while they were still holding each other in bed, as if seeking warmth from each other.


    But it was the moment they opened their eyes that both of them were shocked, and Qin Mu suddenly let go of his back and leaned back to look at him.


    Those eyes, usually calm, now had ripples in them, as if asking, "What¡¯s going on? Why am I in your arms?"


    And Mu Yichen was also frowning deeply. How would he know why she was in his arms, how would he know what happened while he was asleep?


    But the fact that she immediately let go of him made Mu Yichen feel very bad.


    "Come here!"


    He ordered coldly.


    Qin Mu looked at him resistingly, her eyes fairly cold.


    "Don¡¯t make me repeat it, come to my arms!"


    He insisted again, his face freezing over even more.


    Qin Mu still didn¡¯t speak, just wanted to get out of bed.


    Her breathing was unsteady from fear, her hands were gripped tight above her head by his fingers, his breath icy, his gaze devouring her.


    "What are you trying to do?" he asked again coldly.


    "Was it you in my arms or was it me in yours? Are you resisting because you¡¯re tired of it?"


    His voice was sharp, and she couldn¡¯t help but shiver hard at the core of her heart¡ªtired?


    "Why are you silent again? Want to play the mute, is that it?"


    He asked again, and seeing she still didn¡¯t reply, he lowered his gaze to her appealing lips, watching her motionlessly.


    She had her stubbornness, and so did he.


    "If you¡¯re angry because I moved out of the Mu family¡¯s house without discussing it with you, I think there¡¯s no need."


    Qin Mu turned her head back in confusion to look at him. He hesitated for a moment, restraining his usually indifferent demeanor before asking her again patiently: "Unless you really want to live there forever, do you truly feel it¡¯s appropriate to live with the elders indefinitely?"


    Qin Mu just looked straight at him, in that moment absolutely certain that he had moved out for her, but...


    "You should have at least discussed it with me."


    She finally spoke.


    "Discuss? How to discuss?"


    He asked, unapproachable.


    "You should have at least told me you had such intentions. We were together all of last night and this morning."


    "Actually, before resolving this issue, I wanted to ask you something else. Why didn¡¯t you call me when you came back? Also, why didn¡¯t you tell me about mom giving you a hard time?"


    "What¡¯s there to say? Any difficulties your mom gives me are just for your sake."


    She stubbornly retorted, the determination in her eyes provoking anger in others, yet he suddenly laughed weakly.


    "So you¡¯re angry now because your mother-in-law troubled you for my sake? Have you turned all the anger she caused you against me?"


    No wonder you¡¯re always so restrained in front of mom, Mrs. Mu; turns out you save all your temper for your husband.


    Qin Mu felt that continuing this topic was pointless, and stubbornly avoided his gaze again. She lacked his patience and good temper. He looked at her as if he had already conquered a fortress.


    "No reply, so it¡¯s over?"


    **


    "Mommy, mommy..."


    But suddenly, a rhythmic knocking sound came from the door, along with their daughter¡¯s somewhat soft voice.


    Qin Mu immediately froze, while Mu Yichen glared resentfully at the woman beneath him, and Qin Mu glared back at him with some bitterness.


    "This isn¡¯t over!"


    He said to her before getting off the bed.


    Qin Mu was so angry she clenched her teeth, and when she got off the bed, her foot didn¡¯t spare the door; she kicked him out with one swift motion.


    There was a loud thump on the floor. Mu Yi bit down on his teeth as well, glaring back over his shoulder at the woman on the bed as he got up, only to see that her defiance seemed even more arrogant.

 Chapter 313 - 103 Compensation requested by President Mu (4) available today_6

    Chapter 313: 103 Compensation requested by President Mu (4) available today_6


    He still went to open the door for his daughter first, standing at the doorway in her Snow White pajamas, she looked up at him. All the anger he had been carrying began to dissipate as he picked her up from the floor, because she wasn¡¯t wearing shoes and was stepping on the cold floor.


    "Good morning, Daddy!"


    Huanhuan said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and they entered their warm bedroom.


    "Good morning, my treasure!"


    Mu Yichen gently kissed his daughter¡¯s forehead, then walked to the bed and put her down on it.


    "Good morning, Mommy!"


    As soon as Huanhuan got on the bed, she turned over and snuggled into her mommy¡¯s arms. Qin Mu forced a smile, but her eyes were still on Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen also looked back at her coldly, then flipped open the quilt and climbed into bed.


    The three of them lay under the same quilt, continuing to cherish the warmth together.


    Mu Yichen was trying to catch his breath. Qin Mu had already been in a good mood, chatting with her daughter about breakfast. Perhaps it was only because his mood was poor that Mrs. Mu¡¯s mood improved so quickly, right?


    Mu Yichen thought: There¡¯s plenty of time today.


    Mu Yi made breakfast himself, and after eating, he drove to a meeting alone. As for Qin Mu, she took Huanhuan to the studio.


    Christmas seemed to be just around the corner. After arriving at the office, Secretary Xi mentioned this year¡¯s Christmas party, and Mu Yichen asked, "Which week?"


    "Next week!"


    Mu Yi immediately looked up at his secretary, who, full of fear, pushed her glasses up on the bridge of her nose.


    "Whoever was preparing it in the past years, let them do it again this year. Just partner with AM," he said indifferently, thinking of the woman who almost drove him mad that morning at just the mention of Christmas.


    That woman really liked the holiday. When they were in Paris, she always preferred to stay outside during Christmas, claiming that there was a festive atmosphere.


    In fact, back then, all he wanted was to spend a romantic Christmas just the two of them at home! Of course, he still felt the same now.


    It was suddenly Christmas again; how should they celebrate this year?


    With an extra little one in the mix, Mu Yichen¡¯s expression softened a bit as he thought of his daughter.


    "Boss, some colleagues have suggested that we could make this year¡¯s Christmas event into a mixer," Secretary Xi cautiously interjected, noting his slightly relaxed demeanor.


    Looking at her again, Mu Yichen said after a while, "Just handle it amongst yourselves."


    He didn¡¯t feel it was right to get too involved in such matters. Although he was a married man, there were many single colleagues. The thought suddenly made him feel a lot better.


    Ah, superiority can come so unexpectedly.


    Qin Mu¡¯s studio was also planning a mixer. When she heard about it, she spread her hands and said, "As you wish!"


    She was only responsible for funding, after all.


    "Qinqin, could you book a nice private room for us at AM?"


    A colleague asked.


    Normally, such tasks would be handled by Xiaomei without involving her, but now Xiaomei was in Paris taking care of Jian Yan. Qin Mu thought for a moment and then shrugged: "Sure!"


    But she didn¡¯t have the contact of AM Restaurant¡¯s management, and besides, she rarely did this kind of thing, so she wasn¡¯t very fluent at it.


    Wouldn¡¯t it be better to just speak with Mu Yi directly? A call from him could settle this matter quickly.


    But the two of them were currently in a cold war; what to do?


    She didn¡¯t want to lower herself to ask for such a small favor from him, not now.


    "Lunch together at AM?"


    Qin Mu sent a message to Helian Hao as she went up to work.


    "Sure, Chinese or Western?"


    Helian Hao, who had just finished making rounds and returned to his office, asked.


    "Whatever you like!"


    Helian Hao, walking towards the door of his office and looking down at his phone, raised an eyebrow unconsciously at the response. He wondered if this woman had something on her mind.


    Qin Mu seemed too casual today.


    However, after the two arrived at AM for lunch, Qin Mu hadn¡¯t mentioned anything and just let her order. As Helian Hao looked at the menu, she couldn¡¯t help but glance up at Qin Mu, "Do you have something to tell me?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s wandering gaze returned and settled on Helian Hao¡¯s face, his eyes slightly unfocused: No, not really!


    "Alright! Maybe I¡¯m just overthinking it!"


    Helian Hao sighed helplessly and then started to carefully peruse the menu.


    Qin Mu tapped on the table lightly with his hand, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly.


    After Helian Hao had ordered, she sipped her tea and couldn¡¯t help frowning at Qin Mu¡¯s actions. To her, Qin Mu definitely had something on his mind.


    "Here to catch a cheater?"


    Helian Hao followed his gaze to a spot, but saw nothing.


    Yet, that mention of catching a cheater made Qin Mu stop his tapping. Catch what cheater?


    "If not that, why are you looking around all the time?"


    Helian Hao asked, curious.


    "I¡¯m looking for someone, but it¡¯s not Mu Yichen!"


    She wasn¡¯t there to look for Mu Yichen, okay? She wouldn¡¯t bother seeking him out.


    But somehow, the mere mention of Mu Yi seemed to summon him, as right after she uttered his name, Mu Yichen appeared in her line of sight.


    Still wearing the same crisply-tailored suit from the morning, as though it had just been ironed, neat and dapper, he was accompanied by two beautiful women and an executive.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but give him a few more glances subconsciously, her heart easing slightly because Secretary Xi was there.


    But the presence of Secretary Xi reminded her of that incident in Paris.


    They had an unsettled score between them, still locked in dispute over the matter of moving out.


    Mu Yichen, leading the way, only looked up when he felt a gaze on his face, and his sharp eyes immediately caught sight of his dear wife¡¯s face.


    "Excuse me for a moment!"


    Just as he was about to walk inside, Mu Yichen suddenly excused himself to the clients and then, hands tucked in his pockets, started walking slowly toward the two women.


    Helian Hao was taken aback, thinking, oh no, did my jinx guess something correctly?


    Seeing the two women and one man following him, Helian Hao instinctively looked up at Mu Yichen.


    "You two are out for a meal together, what about Huanhuan?"


    "The butler came to pick her up!"


    What could she say?


    The Mu family¡¯s butler had arrived at eleven in the morning, very courteously and euphemistically told her that madam planned to have a meal with the little miss and asked for her accommodation.


    Was accommodation even needed?


    A grandmother having a meal with her granddaughter was such a trivial matter.


    She smiled and sent her daughter off in the car, the butler driving away with Huanhuan, destination unknown.


    After her indifferent response, Mu Yichen sighed helplessly. As his hand came out of his pocket, he also brought out his phone, which was ringing.


    He answered the call and turned slightly, his hand resting gently on the back of Qin Mu¡¯s chair.


    Qin Mu felt like chopping his hand off along with the back of the chair, if only she had the courage.


    And Helian Hao was completely clueless about what was going on with this couple.


    Secretary Xi, on impulse, nodded at Qin Mu, who moved her lips slightly, returning the greeting with her eyes.


    The executive¡¯s female companion whispered something in his ear, and he politely nodded at Qin Mu, who smiled awkwardly, feeling obligated to return the gesture.


    In the one minute Mu Yichen was on the phone, they had, in a way, "met."


    After he hung up, he spoke softly, "Tell the kitchen to add a soup for you. You¡¯re not in a hurry, are you?"


    Mu Yichen put away his phone, one hand still resting on the back of Qin Mu¡¯s chair, the other lightly touching the table¡¯s edge, leaning in just enough to envelop Qin Mu in his arms.

 Chapter 314 - 104 Compensation Required by President Mu (5)_1

    Chapter 314: 104 Compensation Required by President Mu (5)_1


    Mu Yichen¡¯s sharp gaze locked onto the woman¡¯s feigned composure, then he looked up at the woman sitting opposite.


    "Don¡¯t worry! I guarantee she¡¯ll drink it all."


    Helian Hao felt unnerved under his stare, but being a young lady of her stature and having known him since childhood, she managed to smile calmly and make the guarantee.


    Qin Mu looked up at Helian Hao across from her, not speaking, yet her eyes were piercing.


    "Thank you!"


    Upon hearing Helian Hao¡¯s assurance, Mu Yichen straightened up and with the curious glances of the crowd, he introduced his guest: "Let me introduce to you all, this is the prospective young madam of our Mu Family."


    Qin Mu...


    Helian Hao...


    Apart from Secretary Xi, the client and the beauty by his side were also momentarily taken aback.


    "However, she¡¯s still not quite willing to join our big Mu family. I¡¯m still working hard on it!"


    Qin Mu lowered her gaze, allowing him to prattle on with such insouciant ease, even as she sensed his clients¡¯ discomfort. But who could ever stop Mu Yi from speaking as he wished? Awkwardness, it seemed, never pertained to him.


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Without another look at Qin Mu, Mu Yichen walked ahead, his steps confident and his demeanor aloof.


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze drifted unconsciously to his retreating figure, her expression composed and without any undue emotion.


    Helian Hao, however, couldn¡¯t help but sigh heavily, as if a mountain had just been lifted off her shoulders.


    "What¡¯s wrong between you two now?"


    Helian Hao sensed something amiss between the two and couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    "Nothing!"


    Qin Mu replied, picking up her teacup and taking a light sip.


    "Nothing, my foot. He came over just now and you didn¡¯t say a word, you didn¡¯t even look at him."


    Helian Hao¡¯s perceptiveness was particularly acute at that moment. Even amid the crowd, she felt an exceptional quietude, a sort of deathly silence, and she subconsciously observed the expressions of Qin Mu and Mu Yichen, concluding they must be in a cold war.


    But Mu Yichen still knew to look after Qin Mu.


    Not long after, the courses were served, including the soup, and the manager even came personally to serve them.


    Qin Mu blinked subconsciously, then raised her eyes to thank the manager: "Thank you!"


    "Miss Qin, you¡¯re too kind. Please let us know if you need anything else," the manager responded with a slight bow.


    Helian Hao thought that would be the end of it, but she noticed hesitation in Qin Mu¡¯s eyes and couldn¡¯t help staring at her intently.


    "Actually, there is something I need help with!"


    Qin Mu said with a delicately pleasant smile, "Our studio is planning to celebrate Christmas here together; I wonder if I could reserve a private room for around a dozen people?"


    Helian Hao had never expected Qin Mu to ask a favor, especially for such a trivial matter.


    "Of course, that can be arranged. I will take care of it right away."


    "Thank you!"


    Qin Mu felt embarrassed to look any further, merely offering another word of thanks.


    The manager nodded at her and went to arrange the matter, leaving Qin Mu to let out a small breath of relief.


    Helian Hao looked at her incredulously, "What are you nervous about? This entire hotel is yours."


    "It belongs to Mu Yichen, not me. It¡¯s always been Xiaomei who handles matters like these, but now she¡¯s in Paris, looking after Jian Yan, so it¡¯s fallen to me. She¡¯s truly more suited for this kind of work than I am."


    "It¡¯s only because you haven¡¯t integrated yourself into it."


    Helian Hao picked up her chopsticks and spoon, preparing to ladle some fish soup.


    Qin Mu, now in better spirits, also served herself a bowl of the fish soup.


    "Mu Yichen was worried you wouldn¡¯t eat the dishes he ordered; seems his worry was unnecessary," Helian Hao remarked, watching her movements.


    "He¡¯s always worried unnecessarily. Would I let myself eat poorly?" Qin Mu replied as she sipped her soup.


    "Well, maybe. I heard you used to eat takeout and fast food all the time, all that junk food."


    No sooner had Helian Hao finished speaking than Qin Mu lost her appetite, looking at her curiously, "Who told you that?"


    "Jing Feng, probably Mu Yichen told him."


    Helian Hao said dismissively.


    Qin Mu...


    Their relationship seemed to be very close.


    Qin Mu sighed out of helplessness and settled into eating her meal quietly.


    In an upstairs corner, a tall figure stood against the wall smoking a cigarette, squinting down at the woman dining below.


    She sure had a temper, yet managed to stay calm and collected.


    Not long after, the manager approached him and whispered something in his ear. He raised an eyebrow slightly and took another harsh drag of his cigarette, his phoenix eyes half-closed but not hiding the authoritarian look within.


    No wonder she hadn¡¯t talked back; it turned out she had matters to deal with.


    After the manager left, Mu Yichen¡¯s thin lips curled in a faint sneer, and the sense of intimidation in his eyes grew as he finished his cigarette and turned to head back to the private room.

 Chapter 315 - 104 Compensation Required by President Mu (5)_2

    Chapter 315: 104 Compensation Required by President Mu (5)_2


    She was sharpening a pencil in the office when she accidentally cut her finger.


    Fresh blood immediately began to trickle from the cut, growing into a large drop. She squeezed a little harder, and the blood scattered from both sides of the drop, dripping onto the sketch paper on her desk...Qin Mu...


    She had been drawing for a long time.


    When Yang Qianxi entered, she saw Qin Mu holding her finger and frowning, lost in thought, her chair turned towards the door.


    "Ms. Qin!"


    Yang Qianxi instinctively called out, yet she stood at the door, hesitant to enter.


    Because she felt the air in the office was as if frozen, making it hard to move.


    Qin Mu looked up, her face somewhat pale.


    "Do you have a Band-Aid?"


    Qin Mu asked softly.


    "Yes! I¡¯ll go get it right away!"


    Only after hearing this did Yang Qianxi understand why Qin Mu had been holding onto her finger; she turned and ran back downstairs.


    Not long after, Yang Qianxi returned with a Band-Aid and helped Qin Mu clean the wound before covering it.


    "Thank you!"


    Qin Mu looked at the cartoon-patterned Band-Aid on her finger. Although she felt a sense of loss inside, she smiled politely and thanked her.


    It seemed like ever since her cold war with Mr. Mu, she had been increasingly distracted.


    She had no idea how long this cold war would last.


    But in a cold war, how could she lose?


    So she forced herself to cheer up again.


    When she got home in the evening, he was already there with Huanhuan. Qin Mu closed the door, hung her bag on the side, and, dragging her coat behind her, she walked in: You went to pick up Huanhuan?


    "Mhm!"


    He said indifferently, sitting on the couch, putting a white bow in Huanhuan¡¯s hair.


    Qin Mu stepped forward, first startled at having spoken to him voluntarily, and then surprised by the hair clip he had put on Huanhuan.


    He bought a hair clip for Huanhuan?


    "The client¡¯s girlfriend gave it at noon today."


    Though he didn¡¯t look up, he seemed aware of her thoughts.


    Qin Mu...


    She didn¡¯t know how he understood what she was thinking without even glancing at her, and as for that boyfriend and girlfriend, they didn¡¯t seem to match at all. But how many married men were a good match with their girlfriends now?


    She felt her thoughts were impure, painting the world too dirty, but she couldn¡¯t lie to herself by saying that they really looked like a fitting couple.


    Meanwhile, the man before her merely lifted his eyes to her Band-Aid-wrapped finger and immediately reached out to pinch it: What happened?


    "I cut it by accident while sharpening a pencil."


    She said quietly, pretending to be unconcerned while watching his worried expression.


    He gently let go of her hand, but his brow remained furrowed.


    Was he blaming her for being careless?


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what he was thinking and was afraid she might be overthinking. She sat down on the couch and beckoned to her daughter.


    Huanhuan immediately left her dad and ran around the coffee table into Qin Mu¡¯s arms.


    Qin Mu really wanted to ask if Feng Fanghua was upset that he went to pick up the child, but then she thought, how could she be happy?


    Yet he still brought Huanhuan back!


    What was he thinking?


    Were the three of them happy living this way, alone?


    "I¡¯ll go cook dinner!"


    He didn¡¯t stay long, remaining as distant as ever.


    Qin Mu looked down at her daughter¡¯s small hand in hers, and only after hearing him walk away did she dare look up. Afterward, she began playing with Huanhuan.


    After they finished dinner and he was clearing the table, Qin Mu picked Huanhuan up from her chair. As Huanhuan ran to the living room to play, Qin Mu joined him to clean up.


    "I¡¯ll wash the dishes; you go stay with Huanhuan!"


    He had cooked the meal, and it didn¡¯t seem right to her not to help out.


    "Go prepare the bathwater for your daughter. Be careful not to get your wounded hand wet. I¡¯ll wash her later."


    His deep eyes looked at her, showing an unspoken frustration, then he instructed her before indicating for her to leave.


    Qin Mu filled the bathtub for Huanhuan, and Huanhuan couldn¡¯t wait to jump in. The tub was filled with her toys, and as she played, she couldn¡¯t resist using a little toy to try and make Qin Mu laugh. Qin Mu then ended their play.


    When Mu Yichen finished tidying up and went upstairs, Qin Mu had already taken the initiative to start bathing Huanhuan.


    Mu Yichen frowned as he walked over and lifted her from the ground: Didn¡¯t I say not to touch water?


    "It¡¯s just a small cut!"


    Qin Mu looked up, uncomfortable being hoisted by the collar of her clothes, and felt compelled to explain.


    "Do you know how many people die every day from bacterial infections resulting from small wounds?"


    His voice was stern as he questioned her. Qin Mu thought he was overreacting, yet she found herself unable to say what she had wanted to, stuck in her throat.

 Chapter 316 - 104 Compensation Required by President Mu (5)_3

    Chapter 316: 104 Compensation Required by President Mu (5)_3


    She didn¡¯t know what to say about him.


    Later, he was still in charge of putting Huanhuan to bed while she was sent to shower. However, when she came out after showering, she saw Mr. Mu lying on the bed in the bedroom.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t quite describe how she felt inside, but she just didn¡¯t want to get into that bed.


    "I¡¯m going to check if Huanhuan has fallen asleep."


    She grabbed a towel and ran it through her hair, then, with her head down, she began to walk out.


    Mu Yichen said nothing, just quietly watching her humble figure walk out the door. At that moment, his heart felt like a large block of ice had been forcibly stuffed into it ¨C cold and stifling.


    Qin Mu went to her daughter¡¯s room, saw her little daughter already sound asleep on the bed, unconsciously leaned against the door, sighed with a lack of energy, looked down at the towel in her hand, and then saw the ring on her finger.


    Why did she suddenly feel like she wasn¡¯t married anymore, like a man and a woman just cohabiting together, with no sense of security?


    Why was the sense of security gone again?


    She suddenly realized she was such an insecure person. Was it possible that she had allowed a rift to form so easily?


    She didn¡¯t believe it!


    If it had been before, if she fell asleep in her daughter¡¯s room, he would have come to carry her back, but tonight...


    She kept waiting, but he didn¡¯t come.


    It was as if he didn¡¯t want her anymore.


    Immediately, Qin Mu¡¯s heart felt as if it had been forcefully scooped out, the pain was indescribable, yet she couldn¡¯t make a sound, just silently waiting and listening.


    As if it didn¡¯t matter whether it was death or the abyss.


    Then later, she actually heard the door being gently pushed open. At that moment, her heart almost jumped out with tension. She wanted to open her eyes, yet she kept them tightly shut.


    She was like a child fearful of losing something, anxiously waiting for the man¡¯s arrival.


    With her eyes firmly shut, she felt him come up beside her, shrouding her already dark world even more.


    She heard everything ¨C his breathing and his strong heartbeat.


    Mu Yichen! Mu Yichen!


    These three words were all that filled her heart, yet she didn¡¯t know whether to hold on or to let go.


    Perhaps she should just let everything play out in a direction unknown to her.


    After all, she didn¡¯t have a firm grasp on love.


    The room was deathly silent. After he returned to the bedroom and closed the door, he gently placed her on the big bed.


    He kneeled beside the bed, watching her with her eyes closed, and he could only let out a helpless sigh, "I know you¡¯re not asleep!"


    Qin Mu...


    All her illusions shattered with his words.


    "For Christmas, our company is organizing a mixer, and they insist that the boss participates too."


    Qin Mu...


    He spoke in a low voice from where he kneeled, seemingly without temper, but if you dared refute him, he could become explosively angry.


    Qin Mu quietly listened. He always called himself a married man and called her the future young mistress of the Mu Family, and yet he still had to attend some mixer?


    Qin Mu felt very defiant inside, but for some reason, felt awkward and couldn¡¯t bring herself to say anything.


    "I know you¡¯ve always been unhappy. How about I give you a chance? If you can find a man more suitable for you than me at the mixer, then I will let you choose."


    "Mu Yichen, you bastard!"


    She sat up abruptly.


    His voice was very deep, not joking at all, more like he was signaling the end of their relationship.


    If it were before, Qin Mu would thank him, but now, she simply grabbed his pillow and smashed it straight onto his head.


    "Do I need to attend your mixer to pick a man? Am I out of suitors?"


    She spoke coldly, glaring at him fiercely, and after finishing, she got out of bed and walked away.


    "Weren¡¯t you pretending to be asleep? Show some guts and don¡¯t wake up."


    He reminded her in a low voice, his dark eyes so deep and somber, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t see them clearly.


    "You..."


    He was angry she hadn¡¯t shared the grievances she suffered at home with him, and she was upset he had moved out without discussing it with her. Mu Yichen really despised her stubbornness, and didn¡¯t want to forgive her so easily, lest she never change her habit of digesting all the pain by herself in the future.


    Actually, a person could bear all the pain alone, but he was genuinely worried that she would become unwell from bottling it up.


    Wasn¡¯t her lack of security and fear of loss the result of long-term suppression?


    "Call me ¡¯husband¡¯!"


    Stubbornly, she kept her mouth tightly shut, unwilling to engage with him, the last bit of reason compelling her to resist.


    Lying in bed together later, sharing a blanket yet keeping a distance, with the same breathing and even the same thoughts, but a long time passed without either of them speaking.

 Chapter 317 - 104 Compensation Required by President Mu (5)_4

    Chapter 317: 104 Compensation Required by President Mu (5)_4


    Qin Mu felt she was about to fall asleep when she was just about to turn over, she heard a cold voice beside her, "Go to sleep!"


    Qin Mu...


    Just go to sleep!


    The next morning, Mu Yichen was still the first to get up to cook. When Qin Mu woke up, she saw her daughter beside her, hmm, still lazing in bed, but he was gone already.


    He must have gone to cook, right?


    After she picked up Huanhuan.


    "Your daddy is such a jerk!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s thumb gently touched her daughter¡¯s forehead, and finally, she let out a helpless, wry smile.


    "Mommy, what¡¯s wrong with daddy?"


    Who knew that just as she closed her eyes to sleep a little longer, her daughter suddenly woke up, those innocent big eyes opening wide as if curious about this new world.


    "Nothing, he¡¯s fine!"


    Qin Mu responded softly, her daughter¡¯s tender voice temporarily smoothing out all the rough patches in her heart.


    At breakfast, Huanhuan was diligently eating the meal her father had cooked. Qin Mu watched her daughter eat, then looked down at her own bowl, only to find the food tasteless.


    "Don¡¯t like it? Tell me what you want, I¡¯ll switch it up tomorrow."


    He asked her with a sharp glint in his eyes as he noticed her aversion to the food.


    Qin Mu instinctively looked up at him, then raised her eyebrows slightly, "No, it¡¯s good!"


    Mu Yichen just stared at her as she sipped her congee, yet she was clearly unhappy while eating.


    It must be her mood, right?


    Otherwise, she could eat instant noodles with great enthusiasm.


    "Today I¡¯ll take Huanhuan to the office."


    "Okay!"


    She glanced up, her eyes meeting those of the man with finely chiselled features but utterly devoid of warmth, then she finished her meal and left first.


    At noon, Helian Hao invited Qin Mu to have a staff meal at the hospital canteen. Qin Mu looked around at almost everyone in white lab coats and laughed spontaneously, "Why do I feel like I¡¯m the odd one out here?"


    "No, you¡¯ve become a patient."


    "That¡¯s even scarier!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s little heart skipped a beat when she heard what Helian Hao said.


    "Hahaha, just kidding, you are a doctor¡¯s family member."


    Helian Hao patted her shoulder lightly, grinning mischievously.


    Qin Mu...


    Had she ever seen such a mischievous best friend?


    Qin Mu turned her head and looked at her playful appearance, for the first time in days she felt life had regained some meaning.


    "So you and Mu Yichen just moved out like that? What about the Mu Family? The elders must be unhappy, right?"


    Helian Hao whispered to her.


    "Unhappy for sure, I haven¡¯t seen Huanhuan¡¯s grandma these past two days, to be honest, I am a bit afraid to see her."


    Qin Mu recalled Feng Fanghua¡¯s expression when she asked her questions that morning and still felt a bit frightened.


    "Aren¡¯t you not afraid of heaven or earth? You dared to offend the head of the Jing Family, but you¡¯re afraid of the two Mu Family elders?"


    Helian Hao whispered to her.


    "How is that the same?"


    Qin Mu smiled wryly, her question rhetorical.


    Helian Hao then raised her eyebrows in agreement. It wasn¡¯t the same.


    "How about your relationship with Mu Yichen? Any better?"


    Helian Hao thought for a moment and asked again.


    "Well, that depends on how you look at it. We still sleep on the same bed at night, we still eat together in the morning, but his expression is always cold."


    She said those words, her hand unconsciously touching her face as she held her chopsticks.


    "Ha! You two are both stubborn. Are you saying you have no complaints about him?"


    Helian Hao asked curiously.


    "Yes, I have lots of complaints about him!"


    Perhaps because their relationship was so good, Qin Mu didn¡¯t feel the need to hide anything from Helian Hao. She expressed her opinion with a face filled with genuine grievances.


    "Have you talked to him about it?"


    "Talked about it?"


    "Yes, if you have complaints and don¡¯t talk about them, how can he correct them?"


    Helian Hao asked in a low voice.


    Qin Mu subconsciously lowered her gaze, her eyelashes fluttering slightly.


    "If I talk about it, can he correct it?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice suddenly dropped, then she picked up her spoon to eat.


    She suddenly felt that the food at their hospital was tastier than what ¡¯President Mu¡¯ cooked. Lately, his cooking seemed to be getting worse.


    After dinner, she and Helian Hao went to the office together, only to run into Zhang Rujia there for a gynecological check-up. Both were taken aback, and Rujia was speechless with her mouth agape.


    "Xiaohao, how come you work here?"


    Zhang Rujia asked with an awkward smile.


    Helian Hao and Qin Mu exchanged a glance and then tried hard to hold back their laughter, "Auntie, are you feeling ill somewhere?"


    "Ah? No, I¡¯m just here for a routine check-up!"


    Zhang Rujia¡¯s smile was particularly strained, and her eyes somewhat evasive.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say a word, just lowered her head and stood aside, then feeling it might be awkward to stay any longer, she said, "I should get to work then, let¡¯s chat when we¡¯re free!"

 Chapter 318 - 104 Compensation Required by President Mu (5)_5

    Chapter 318: 104 Compensation Required by President Mu (5)_5


    "Okay!"


    Helian Hao nodded, and Qin Mu, with her head low, bypassed Zhang Rujia to leave.


    After Qin Mu had gone, Zhang Rujia made her way to sit down at the desk. Helian Hao was still standing, organizing the desk. He only sat down after seeing her seated, "What¡¯s making you uncomfortable?"


    "Is it really just a routine check-up, or are you getting too close to this girl? Or does she have some sort of contagious disease?"


    Zhang Rujia inquired softly.


    "Auntie, I merely invited her to have a meal at our hospital¡¯s restaurant, and my relationship with Mumu has always been good," Helian Hao had no choice but to patiently explain.


    Zhang Rujia sighed helplessly, "Sigh! Never mind, I can¡¯t be bothered with your affairs anyway, and your uncle doesn¡¯t let me meddle too much. Write me up a list!"


    Zhang Rujia pondered for a moment then suddenly changed her tone.


    Helian Hao didn¡¯t say much more and simply wrote up the list for the routine check-up seriously.


    "Here you go!"


    Helian Hao handed the completed list to her. Zhang Rujia held it in her hand, looking at the words, which she barely recognized, but the list of checks seemed particularly long: "Why are there so many items?"


    "Older people should always have more items checked, and I¡¯ve only given you the standard consulation items, so don¡¯t worry," Helian Hao said with a smile suddenly.


    A nurse came out from the room inside, "Ma¡¯am, please come with me to the inside first."


    Zhang Rujia had no choice but to go into the small room inside the office for her check-up while Helian Hao stood by watching the nurse look over the list. He whispered something to her, causing the nurse to glance at Helian Hao with a suppressed laugh. Helian Hao raised his eyebrows slightly, whispering, "Dinner¡¯s on me."


    The nurse immediately went about her duties with joy.


    Later, Helian Hao left and sat back down in his own chair, then he listened to the somewhat unpleasant conversation of the two people inside.


    It was most annoying when she had to be checked item by item, and after various examinations, she felt somewhat faint when she came out of the ultrasound room. Sitting aside waiting for the results, she hurriedly called Qin Mingzhu, "Come to the hospital, Mom¡¯s feeling a bit unwell."


    "Mom, I¡¯m out shopping with my classmates!"


    Qin Mingzhu said impatiently.


    "When I tell you to come, just come. What¡¯s more important, shopping or your mother?"


    Zhang Rujia was so angry that she hung up before giving Qin Mingzhu a chance to refuse, but just as she was about to rest, holding her stomach, suddenly a pregnant woman and a rough-looking man approached and stood before her.


    "Hey! Auntie, my wife had already taken this spot."


    Zhang Rujia, called ¡¯Auntie¡¯ by someone, was about to retort, but as she looked up at the ferocious-looking man, she had to stand up, aggrieved, from her spot on the side. All the seats around her were filled, and she had to stand to one side. The corridor kept getting more and more crowded, and she began to regret not having made an appointment for a quieter time.


    She had thought the place would certainly be less crowded at noon, but it was not the case.


    Qin Mu was drawing in the office while Helian Hao was on the phone, talking to her for a good while, even seeking credit for something.


    "How about we all hang out together on Christmas? It¡¯s no fun with just Jing Feng and me," Helian Hao proposed.


    "Our studio is having a dinner at AM. Why don¡¯t you join us?"


    "That sounds great!"


    Helian Hao agreed without a second thought!


    "Then you¡¯d better bring Jing Feng along."


    Qin Mu thought, Jing Feng certainly wouldn¡¯t agree.


    And indeed, on Christmas Day, Jing Feng forcefully kept Helian Hao at home for some exclusive couple time.


    Qin Mu found the room reserved by the manager quite nice, though she had to take care of Huanhuan, so she was a few minutes late. When the manager personally led her upstairs, she was full of anticipation, thinking she was joining her studio¡¯s banquet, only to find herself amidst strangers inside.


    In her arms, Huanhuan blinked innocently, "Mommy, did we go into the wrong room?"


    The voice, slow and a bit puzzled.


    "Perhaps!"


    Qin Mu responded as she was about to leave with her daughter when she suddenly saw Secretary Xi coming out from inside, "Young Madam!"


    Finally certain it was her, Secretary Xi came forward, took the treasure from her arms, and held it in her own, "The boss will be here soon, let me keep you and the little miss company inside while we wait for him."


    Qin Mu turned to look at the manager, who was just smiling slightly, then nodded his head and took his leave.


    Qin Mu...


    "Please, Young Madam!"


    Secretary Xi said courteously.


    As Huanhuan recognized Secretary Xi, she didn¡¯t resist being held, finding Secretary Xi¡¯s voice soft and mellow, almost too kind-hearted to bully.

 Chapter 319 - 104 Compensation Required by President Mu (5)_6

    Chapter 319: 104 Compensation Required by President Mu (5)_6


    Qin Mu had no choice but to approach, and just before she sat down, the secretary Xi suddenly introduced, "This is our boss¡¯s lady, all of you know her, right? No bullying allowed! Otherwise, the boss won¡¯t let you off easy!"


    The leaders at that table couldn¡¯t help but laugh and tease Secretary Xi, "Xi, you¡¯re getting more and more disrespectful."


    "Then I¡¯ll first take the little miss to greet people in other areas."


    Secretary Xi was still holding Huanhuan, looking very fond of her, and took Huanhuan to greet other colleagues and made introductions.


    Actually, who in their company didn¡¯t know Huanhuan? Especially since Mu Yichen had often brought her to the office building recently.


    It was a huge banquet hall; the stodgy tables and chairs had been removed long ago, and now there were comfortable sofas and stylish tables, with dim lighting all around, giving off a so-called relaxed vibe.


    Qin Mu nodded and greeted everyone before she sat down, and then she answered some inquiries from people older than her about her and Mu Yichen.


    When Mu Yichen arrived, he first went to Secretary Xi to pick up Huanhuan, then returned to the table and sat down next to Qin Mu, asking, "Have you been here long?"


    Qin Mu just gave him an annoyed look, then realizing that it was not suitable to sulk in such a crowded place, she forced a smile, "Not long, just a little while."


    "I¡¯ve been waiting for you for ages, why did you only just get here?"


    "I was outside, got held up by a few phone calls."


    He gave a casual explanation, then picked up a glass from the side and took a sip for himself. Qin Mu looked down and saw the glass he put down was hers; she had only taken a small sip and hadn¡¯t touched it again.


    Because she didn¡¯t want to drink herbal medicine again, so she had actually been paying close attention to her health lately.


    "When exactly are you two going to let us enjoy some wedding candy? The child is already so big, do you plan to have another to make a pair of flower children?"


    One of the older leaders lounged in his chair and asked with the air of an elder.


    "You guessed it right, that¡¯s exactly what we¡¯re thinking," Mu Yichen replied with a relaxed smile.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak; instead, she was startled by suddenly touching the ring on her hand.


    Her heart spontaneously tightened, and turning to look at her daughter in his arms, she said softly, "Huanhuan, come to mommy!"


    "Go on!"


    Huanhuan looked up at Mu Yichen, and only when he told her to go did she move to Qin Mu¡¯s side.


    Looking further back, many young men and women were gathered in groups, chatting and drinking in their favorite spots.


    Several sofas on the side were already filled to capacity.


    It was indeed a networking event.


    She noticed that the young executives of the hotel were also present; in less than a year, she felt like she had already met many of his company¡¯s executives.


    "Our studio is celebrating downstairs in a private room, I¡¯ve got to take Huanhuan there!" she said, turning to him with a soft voice.


    Mu Yichen had just taken another sip of his drink and nodded after hearing her words, "Okay!"


    He didn¡¯t look at her, just set the glass down and didn¡¯t retract the arm he had lazily placed behind her.


    After getting permission, Qin Mu nodded to the people around her, "Then I won¡¯t bother you all any longer!"


    Qin Mu greeted everyone again before standing up, then held Huanhuan to get up.


    "I¡¯ll do it!"


    Mu Yichen suddenly took the little girl from her arms.


    Qin Mu looked at him, puzzled. Mu Yichen still didn¡¯t look at her, just casually said, "Let¡¯s go!"


    "You, can you handle it?"


    Qin Mu wanted to get angry but had to hold back.


    "With these few here, it¡¯s enough; I¡¯m not eligible to join any networking event anyway. Let¡¯s go!"


    Without saying anything more, Qin Mu cast her eyes down and turned to walk ahead.


    But she felt something was off.


    Had she fallen into President Mu¡¯s trap again tonight?


    They had just gone out the door when the music inside changed. Qin Mu looked up at Mu Yichen, thinking to herself that as a big boss, he wouldn¡¯t really join their little shrimp of a gathering, would he?


    "Yichen!"


    But before she could say anything, she heard a familiar voice from behind.

 Chapter 320 - 105 Compensation Required by President Mu (6) Begging for Mercy_1

    Chapter 320: 105 Compensation Required by President Mu (6) Begging for Mercy_1


    "Merry Christmas!"


    Jing Qing¡¯s gentle blessing shone with a tender and considerate smile on her face.


    Qin Mu suddenly felt that her own expression must look really sour and unconsciously let out a soft laugh.


    Mu Yichen glanced down slightly and, seeing Qin Mu¡¯s expression, thoughtfully looked towards Jing Qing with a smile, "Merry Christmas!"


    "Is your company having a party?"


    "Yes!"


    "Last time I was at your company, I promised a few friends to bring them autographed photos. I happen to have them with me tonight. Can you take me inside to give it to them?"


    Jing Qing¡¯s voice remained soft as ever.


    Huanhuan clung tightly to her father¡¯s neck, her eyes harboring a bit of malice as she gazed at the ¡¯beautiful auntie¡¯.


    "Of course!"


    He said.


    "Then I¡¯ll go on ahead!"


    Qin Mu slightly lifted her eyes.


    "Alright! Huanhuan, you stay with me first, and then I¡¯ll meet up with you later."


    He instructed.


    Qin Mu thought to herself, as long as you¡¯re happy.


    But she couldn¡¯t help clenching her teeth.


    Jing Qing watched Qin Mu leave without saying much more, just following Mu Yichen back inside.


    Once inside, Jing Qing stood by his side, gazing at the lively crowd, feeling inadvertently sentimental and also a bit of warmth. Despite past issues, it had been a long time since they had appeared together in front of so many people.


    Even though he was holding another little girl in his arms, when she looked at him, her eyes couldn¡¯t help revealing an extra measure of tolerance.


    When people curiously looked towards the doorway, Secretary Xi immediately noticed and with a slight movement in her eyes, quickly approached: "Boss! Miss Jing."


    Jing Qing amiably nodded to Secretary Xi.


    Secretary Xi finally turned her gaze towards the little girl in Mu Yichen¡¯s arms.


    "Miss Jing mentioned she promised some of our staff autographed photos. She happens to have brought them today. Take Miss Jing to settle this matter, as a Christmas gift for everyone."


    Mu Yichen commanded.


    Jing Qing, surprised, looked at him again: "Yichen, you¡¯re not coming with me?"


    "I have someone more important to accompany."


    Secretary Xi lowered her gaze and after a few seconds of silence, offered her hand, "Miss Jing, please?"


    Jing Qing could only follow Secretary Xi forward, but after taking two steps, she couldn¡¯t help but look back, torn, "Yichen!"


    "Go ahead!"


    He said indifferently, standing motionless by the door while Huanhuan turned back to him and buried her face against the door, unwilling to look at Jing Qing¡¯s tender and saddened expression.


    "Miss Jing, please wait a moment!"


    There was a microphone stand nearby, and Secretary Xi asked Jing Qing to wait there, then she stepped forward, gently tapped the microphone, and started to speak.


    Jing Qing watched from the side, and before Secretary Xi finished speaking, she turned around, only to find that Mu Yichen was no longer there.


    Her heart clenched painfully at that moment with a mix of humiliation and resentment. She bit down on her teeth, unable to utter a word, only wanting to leave.


    "Miss Jing, the boss arranged this as a special treat. Could you please cooperate as a friend of our boss?"


    Secretary Xi requested of her, with proper etiquette.


    Jing Qing had no choice but to stop and then step forward to stand.


    Yes, after what she said to Mu Yichen, she had to follow through. After all, she couldn¡¯t let others think she was petty. So, she moved forward again and looked at the crowd below the stage with a sincere smile.


    The young men and women were enraptured by her, some fanatically so.


    However, it was the older leaders who seemed more interested in Jing Qing¡¯s identity as the young lady of the Jing Family, rather than her celebrity status. They were also interested in the love triangle between Jing Qing, Mu Yichen, and Qin Mu.


    Truth be told, as senior executives of the corporation, they preferred their boss to marry a woman of equal social status for the benefit of the group¡¯s development. But who was their boss? Did he need a woman¡¯s support?


    When Qin Mu returned, Yang Qianxi immediately gave up her original seat and moved to the side.


    After sitting down, Qin Mu picked up a glass of untouched wine from the table, "I am late, so I¡¯ll punish myself with a drink!"


    Cheers erupted from the crowd, and with a light laugh, she raised her glass to her lips and downed the wine in one gulp.


    As they were chatting, the door suddenly flung open from the outside.


    "Mr. Mu!"


    Yang Qianxi immediately stood up when she saw Mu Yichen, an expression of flustered excitement on her face.


    But it wasn¡¯t just Yang Qianxi who was excited; all their colleagues were too.


    "May I join you?"


    He walked in holding the child and after placing the child down, he asked genteelly.


    His voice was soft and made the ladies¡¯ ears pregnant with delight.


    Qin Mu looked at each love-struck face with a helpless sigh; Huanhuan had already run over to her side and snuggled into her arms. Qin Mu chuckled as someone had already poured juice for her daughter and placed it beside her, so she gave Huanhuan the juice to drink.

 Chapter 321 - 105 Compensation Required by President Mu (6) Begging for Mercy_2

    Chapter 321: 105 Compensation Required by President Mu (6) Begging for Mercy_2


    Huanhuan happily sipped her juice and looked even more content as she watched her daddy sit down next to mommy, taking a big gulp with effort.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t look at him but sharply noticed that the cup he was about to grab belonged to someone else and promptly pushed her own toward him, "Use this one!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hand, which was about to touch the cup, retreated, and turning around, his bright, star-like eyes seemed to be in deep thought as he looked at her. Qin Mu, holding the wine bottle, filled his glass again.


    "Thank you!"


    He said lightly, lifting his glass first. Just as he was about to drink, he looked around at everyone seated: "I¡¯ll toast to everyone first. It¡¯s my first time drinking with friends from your studio, and I also want to thank you for taking care of Qin Mu over the years."


    As soon as he said this, both male and female colleagues happily raised their glasses, and even Yang Qianxi, who hardly understood French, also lifted hers.


    Qin Mu, however, did not move.


    But it seemed she didn¡¯t need to.


    Mu Yichen downed his drink generously and immediately one of the men, thinking he was easy to talk to, filled his glass to the brim again.


    Yang Qianxi, sitting on her other side, whispered, "Won¡¯t he get drunk if he continues to drink like this?"


    Qin Mu thought, yes, won¡¯t he get drunk?


    Director Mu caused quite a stir when he was drunk.


    But then she thought, this is AM; there¡¯s nothing to worry about even if he gets drunk.


    "No problem!"


    So she said lightly and decided not to bother with him for the rest of the evening.


    Huanhuan, seeing her dad drinking so well, was a bit worried and looked up at her mom. Qin Mu softly asked her, "Do you want me to pour you another glass of juice?"


    Huanhuan¡¯s attention was immediately diverted, and she nodded vigorously, as if nothing was more enticing than juice.


    Yang Qianxi immediately helped her with another cup of juice and also grabbed a wine glass for Qin Mu.


    About a dozen people sat around a rectangular table, loaded with all sorts of food and drinks.


    "Miss Qin, I¡¯d like to toast to you as well. Thank you for taking me in despite our past," Yang Qianxi stood up, sincerely lifting her glass toward her.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but give a faint smile: "I just happened to need an assistant."


    Even though that was what she said, Yang Qianxi knew the specific reasons in her heart.


    "Anyway, I must drink this one with you."


    Yang Qianxi said and drank from her glass first.


    Mu Yichen glanced at Yang Qianxi and then wrapped an arm around his wife¡¯s shoulder: "Wouldn¡¯t it seem petty not to drink when such a cute girl is toasting?"


    Mu Yichen whispered this into her ear, so no one else could hear it.


    Qin Mu glanced at him from the corner of her eye and then smiled, lifting her eyebrow, "Okay, I¡¯ll drink!"


    Seeing her finish a large glass, Yang Qianxi happily poured her another.


    Qin Mu felt a bit of pressure seeing her glass filled up so quickly again.


    "Now I want to toast to all of you. Actually, one glass isn¡¯t enough. I¡¯ll drink three, and it¡¯s enough if the rest of you just drink one. Thank you for taking me in, whatever the initial reason was, I can feel your kindness toward me now," Yang Qianxi said, and downed another big glass, stunning everyone a bit.


    Then another, and another, three glasses later, her face was a bit red, and she giggled foolishly: "Alright, I¡¯m done. It¡¯s your turn now!"


    With her straightforwardness, nobody was pretentious, but the price of drinking so fast and fiercely was that, when drunk, one would be a complete mess.


    So, later, while everyone was still chatting, Yang Qianxi had already slumped over the table, passed out.


    Qin Mu turned her head to look at her and sighed helplessly.


    Everyone was sharing various stories from their childhood Christmases, and Qin Mu unconsciously cradled her glass in her hand.


    Huanhuan later fell asleep and was taken by the staff upstairs to rest, and the two of them just sat there.


    Mu Yichen subconsciously watched the woman beside him and noticed a lost look in her eyes. Unconsciously, he lowered his gaze and sipped his drink, clutching the glass.


    The party continued, and later Qin Mu realized she could no longer see the items on the table clearly, so she picked up her glass and took a big gulp of alcohol to stay calm.


    They hadn¡¯t spent this Christmas in their own country, so she was determined to stay until the end.


    Actually, she had never felt lonely during Christmas since childhood, as Mu Yichen had always been with her.


    She was just a bit nostalgic, missing the warmth of that family.


    Even though it was only for a few short years.


    That year, her mother had even bought a Christmas tree. Later, that tree stood in a corner of their home until the New Year. She had thought about hanging more lights, decorations, and food during the New Year, but before she could do anything, her mother had died.

 Chapter 322 - 105 Compensation Required by President Mu (6) Begging for Mercy_3

    Chapter 322: 105 Compensation Required by President Mu (6) Begging for Mercy_3


    The bitterness in her heart was beyond words, she could only quietly experience it herself.


    Later, no one knew who got drunk again.


    That night, those who could walk returned to the apartment, while the rest who really couldn¡¯t move stayed in the upstairs guest rooms.


    Qin Mu had already taken out her card to give to her colleagues, but Mu Yichen made a direct call and had the guest room manager come down to arrange everything.


    She put her card back into her pocket, only to notice when she looked at him that the rims of his ears were also a bit red.


    After he drank too much he seemed to be like that, so, could it be that the seemingly composed President Mu had also drunk too much?


    Finally, when everyone in the private room had left, Mu Yichen then steadied himself against the doorframe and gave her a look, his dark eyes indecipherable.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart stirred, and she immediately asked, "Looks like we also have to stay here now?"


    He smiled faintly, trying to embrace her but accidentally losing his balance.


    Qin Mu was only a step away, and she instinctively reached out to support him immediately: "Careful!"


    "Mrs. Mu, your husband is drunk too!"


    Qin Mu...


    Afterward, she helped him out of the private room; he was too heavy, and she had drunk quite a bit too, so she hardly had any strength.


    The two of them had barely taken a few steps before they both collapsed onto the carpet.


    Qin Mu still frowned in pain, her elbow hurt badly.


    "Mrs. Mu, you owe your man an apology."


    He murmured, his breath reeking of alcohol.


    Just an apology?


    She didn¡¯t want to!


    "President Mu, Miss Qin!"


    The manager who happened to come over to see if they needed anything else saw this scene and immediately used the walkie-talkie on his waist to call two people over.


    Qin Mu recognized the woman, and without raising her eyes, she struggled to get up while saying: "Take him to the upstairs guest room."


    "Alright!"


    Qin Mu remembered how this woman had taken care of her when she first came here and felt relieved to see her. But looking at Mu Yichen, who was lying on the ground like a dead body, she suddenly got angry and kicked his leg.


    Ever since the manager had come, he had let go of her and started playing possum, so she let him keep pretending.


    "Ah!"


    Who knew that just as she kicked him, he quickly sat up, clutching himself and crying out in pain.


    Qin Mu...


    The manager...


    Both women were scared, especially the manager, who was both nervous and embarrassed.


    Later, the upstairs attendants came to help and took President Mu upstairs. Qin Mu realized she had forgotten to take her bag and only when she went back for it did she suddenly notice, the table was covered with various empty bottles. How much had they drunk tonight?


    After throwing him onto the bed, the staff left. Qin Mu went to thank them and closed the door. When she returned, she sighed at the sight of him lying on the bed, nursing his headache: "Got the guts to keep drinking, huh?"


    He grinned but said nothing.


    Qin Mu knew he could still hear her.


    But thinking of their daughter sleeping in the next room, she decided to leave him be and check on the child first.


    The little girl had been well taken care of before their return and was still sleeping soundly.


    Huanhuan had become quite independent early on, thanks to their handling, but Qin Mu thought that was pretty good.


    However, thinking about Mu Yichen lying alone in that room, having drunk so much he must be feeling terrible, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to just leave him like that.


    So in the end, she went back.


    She didn¡¯t know why, but she helped him take off his shoes and washed his feet.


    In the dim light, she saw the weariness on his face and his furrowed brow.


    She remembered what Xiaomei had said on the phone that he had flown to Paris immediately after she left and then back to China. He probably hadn¡¯t slept well those days either.


    He must have been very worried about her.


    It¡¯s just that his way of worrying about others was always unique.


    She must have also drunk too much.


    "Mu Yichen!"


    "Foolish woman!"


    He called her in a muffled voice, not even opening his eyes.


    The room was so quiet you could hear the breathing of the two people.


    If only it could always be this quiet, how good would that be?


    One hand struggled to rise, instinctively going to stroke his hair, gently touching it, then his forehead.


    She thought to herself, how nice it is when you¡¯re asleep!


    Suddenly, the idea of pummeling him while he slept flashed through her mind, thinking it would be so satisfying.


    But she did not act on it.


    He still lay there sleeping, and she told herself she couldn¡¯t just sleep with him like that tonight, or tomorrow morning he would create chaos. But then, watching him sleep so deeply, she couldn¡¯t resist and leaned over to give him a hard kiss.


    "Mu Yichen!"

 Chapter 323 - 105 Compensation Required by President Mu (6) Begging for Mercy_4

    Chapter 323: 105 Compensation Required by President Mu (6) Begging for Mercy_4


    She gently patted his face twice and then rolled out of bed to check on her daughter in the next room.


    Afterward, the spacious guest room fell into deep silence, as the night grew ever darker.


    The whole hotel was infinitely quieter than during the day, with the staff beginning to discreetly change shifts.


    The large Christmas tree outside the hotel was adorned with twinkling lights that continued to flicker in the hushed darkness.


    The city seemed to gain an extra layer of fairy tale charm from the Christmas trees inside and outside the various stores.


    Later on, Qin Mu held Huanhuan closer as they slept sounder, while the man in the other room suffered from a terrible headache in his sleep, clenching his forehead in pain.


    Subconsciously, he reached for the other side of the bed, as if accustomed to searching for that body in the middle of the night.


    But it wasn¡¯t there.


    At that moment, he opened his eyes groggily, despite a splitting headache.


    He got up in shock, then searched the entire room without finding a trace of her, only to remember they were in a hotel, in their familiar guest room, but where was she?


    Had she left him alone here to walk out on her own?


    Or had she drunk too much last night and nobody took care of her? Was she still in the private room?


    He couldn¡¯t recall at once, just sat up in a daze, hands bracing heavily on the bed edge, head down as he tried hard to remember everything that had happened last night.


    It was only when he checked his watch, which showed four in the morning, that he managed to stand up again with support.


    Barely on his feet, he felt it was a struggle to walk and search for her, and as he finally reached the doorway, he subconsciously touched the pocket of his pants and then...


    He looked down to see he was wearing only a pair of shorts.


    Mr. Mu suddenly came fully awake, his mind startlingly clear.


    Headache?


    What the hell was a headache?


    All he wanted to know was which damned person had undressed him.


    Once he found his phone and slipped into a robe, he left the bedroom while calling Qin Mu, only to realize the ringing was coming from the living room. He immediately turned off the phone and entered the other room.


    Sure enough, she and their daughter were both sleeping soundly on the bed.


    Mu Yichen suddenly felt relieved; his own thoughts had nearly scared him to death just a moment ago.


    Leaning despondently against the door frame, he watched the mother and daughter lying asleep inside for a long time without entering, nor leaving.


    He couldn¡¯t bear to consider if he had done something to betray her, whether he would ever have the face to see her again in this lifetime, or have the audacity to bicker with her, to fall out with her as frankly as before, or to arrogantly throw tantrums at her over every big and small matter.


    "Qin Mu, you little vexing fairy!"


    He muttered, chuckling sarcastically.


    When Qin Mu woke up, she felt the bed was very crowded.


    And there he was!


    Qin Mu instantly turned her head back, her long lashes fluttering as she tried hard to think.


    She confirmed she was in her daughter¡¯s room, assured herself she hadn¡¯t thrown herself into his arms, and then breathed a sigh of relief.


    "My head hurts a bit, do you have any medicine?"


    His husky voice asked her, his arms still encircling her.


    Qin Mu held her breath until she clearly heard what he said, ensuring he wasn¡¯t fully awake yet.


    "I¡¯ll go look for it!"


    Her eyes widened, sparkling as she stealthily removed his hand from her and sat up.


    But before she could leave, she was suddenly caught again and pulled back.


    "What kind of mischief did you get up to last night while I was drunk?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart skipped a beat in fright, "No, I didn¡¯t do anything. I just brought you up here."


    What does it feel like to lie without a conscience?


    At this moment, Qin Mu didn¡¯t feel the slightest bit guilty; she just wanted to get through the charade.


    "You just brought me up here?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, his narrowed eyes seeing through everything.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart involuntarily trembled again: Ha ha, Mr. Mu, are you trying to play some psychological game with me? I give up!


    She actually laughed, the first heartless laugh in days, even though it was from fright.


    Frankly, he had planned on drinking a couple more glasses last night and not being responsible, but her studio colleagues really thought he was giving face, and since he was preoccupied, he wasn¡¯t cautious, and accidentally...


    When he woke up, it was already four in the morning.


    He didn¡¯t want to carry her back to the room; he just wanted to sleep next to her and their beloved daughter.


    He dared not think if it weren¡¯t for Huanhuan, whether she would still be with him so obediently.


    If it wasn¡¯t for Huanhuan, she might not have become who she was now, she probably wouldn¡¯t have returned to the country, even if Qin Haiming truly intended to move her mother¡¯s grave out of the Qin Family cemetery.

 Chapter 324 - 105 Compensation Required by President Mu (6) Begging for Mercy_5

    Chapter 324: 105 Compensation Required by President Mu (6) Begging for Mercy_5


    If it weren¡¯t for Huanhuan, her temperament wouldn¡¯t have changed so much, and he wouldn¡¯t have been able to catch her by the tail.


    Yeah!


    It was because of Huanhuan that he got to have her.


    "Daddy?"


    Suddenly, the little girl who had been asleep by his side opened her eyes and called out softly.


    The two adults immediately became alert, and Mu Yichen quickly rolled out of bed, then looked at his daughter with a silly smile: Good morning, baby!


    "Daddy, good morning!"


    Huanhuan climbed up and sat, looking at her beloved daddy somewhat perplexedly.


    "I¡¯m going to find my phone!"


    Mu Yichen felt awkward under his daughter¡¯s gaze. Even though the girl hadn¡¯t asked anything, he escaped after getting off the bed and grabbing his robe.


    Qin Mu still lay there, quite at ease.


    She lifted her hand to gently touch her daughter¡¯s back, her eyes curving into crescents as she laughed to herself, thinking girl, you really did wake up at the right moment.


    Upstairs they had clothes for the two of them but not for Huanhuan, so they both changed into new clothes while Huanhuan didn¡¯t. However, Huanhuan wasn¡¯t fussy at the moment. Qin Mu added a scarf to her clothes, and she immediately fancied herself as a happy little fairy.


    The restaurant was a bit lively in the morning, as several colleagues from the studio had stayed overnight. Seeing Director Mu and Qin Mu carrying their child in from outside gave them pause, hardly daring to swallow the food that had reached their mouths.


    They had no idea how much of a fool they had made of themselves last night, nor how much they had plied Director Mu with drink, or how many things they had said that they shouldn¡¯t have.


    Director Mu was, however, very polite. After he arrived, he greeted everyone with formalities: Good morning, everyone!


    Everyone smiled and nodded at him, but afterward, no one dared to look at him anymore.


    The family of three sat at a table alone, eating their meal. From time to time, Huanhuan would glance over at the nearby table, her eyes seeming to say: They¡¯re all familiar people, why aren¡¯t we sitting together?


    Completely forgetting the morning scene of finding her parents together in bed, the little girl had no idea how intimidating her father could be.


    "Young Master, Young Mistress, the Madam has sent me to take the little Miss to her early education class."


    A modestly yet neatly dressed servant of the Mu Family came out from a car outside the hotel. They approached them as they were finishing breakfast, getting ready to go to work, and spoke to them.


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen glanced at the car parked nearby. Although the windows were closed and they couldn¡¯t see inside, they both had the feeling that Feng Fanghua was there.


    The couple¡¯s relationship with the old folks these past few days...


    Had been less than satisfactory. Mu Yichen, still preoccupied with Qin Mu¡¯s affairs, handed Huanhuan over to the auntie: Take good care of her. I¡¯ll come to pick her up at the old house at six in the afternoon.


    "Yes!"


    The auntie agreed and walked away with Huanhuan.


    "Bye, Mommy, bye Daddy!"


    The little one had just seen her grandmother get out of the car and was so happy to say goodbye to Qin Mu and Mu Yichen before going to find her grandmother.


    And sure enough, the car door opened, and Feng Fanghua happily took Huanhuan in and sat together in the back, while the auntie moved to sit in the front passenger seat.


    Feng Fanghua was wearing a cheongsam made for her by Qin Mu today, matched with an embroidered shawl. Although she was sitting in the car, one could tell from afar that she was no ordinary lady.


    The two of them watched as the car drove away. Qin Mu intended to drive her car to the studio but she didn¡¯t expect Mu Yichen¡¯s car to be driven over.


    "Get in!"


    Mu Yichen opened the passenger door and called to her.


    Qin Mu glanced at him: No need, right? My car is here too.


    "Your car has already been taken by your colleagues. Get in!"


    He commanded in a detached tone. Seeing that she didn¡¯t move, he directly pulled her into the car.


    Qin Mu, resigned to the situation, knew that if she dared to defy him, he would dare to be rough.


    So, she obediently sat there in silence.


    Only later when she realized they weren¡¯t heading to the studio did she turn to look at him again: Where are we going?


    "Going home!"


    "But I have to work!"


    Qin Mu protested, a bit angrily.


    "Are you sure you want to go to the studio?"


    While driving, Mu Yichen turned to look at her. At that glance, Qin Mu turned pale with the realization.


    "Mu Yichen, you..."


    "What?"


    Qin Mu twisted her head to look out the window, unable to speak those words.


    Yet after she turned away in anger, Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but let out a faint smile.


    The car headed towards their apartment.


    These past few days, Mr. Mu had not eaten his fill, so in broad daylight, was he thinking of indulging?


    The more Qin Mu thought about it, the more nervous she became. Upon reaching the parking lot, she pushed the door open somewhat angrily and heard the sound of his car door opening. Her eyes flickered, contemplating an immediate escape.


    But she had only run to the rear of the car when Mu Yichen blocked her path.


    His dark eyes bore into the depths of hers, and in an instant, Qin Mu regretted her impulse.


    The more she wanted to keep her distance from him at times like this, the more he insisted on being with her in public.


    A young couple, embracing each other, walked out of a car towards them, just as Mu Yichen was hoisting Qin Mu onto his shoulder.


    Dizzy from being carried, Qin Mu looked up to see the astonished couple stop in their tracks and stare at her, and she quickly buried her face in his back, utterly embarrassed.


    She thought to herself, Mu Yichen, when we get home, I will settle the score with you.


    "Oh my God!"


    The lady, clinging to her husband¡¯s arm, could hardly bear the sight before her.


    "It seems that woman must have tried to run away from home and got caught by her husband. If you ever dare to do that, I¡¯ll catch you just the same," the lady¡¯s husband said in a low, lecherous voice.


    "You¡¯re so annoying!"


    The lady looked up at her husband and smacked his shoulder forcefully, then continued walking forward, coyly wrapping his arm.


    Qin Mu heard every word and thought she definitely must become a man in her next life. Let Mu Yichen be the woman and see how she publicly humiliates him.


    Until they entered the elevator, Qin Mu was still afraid, thinking what if those two wanted to take the elevator with them?


    Fortunately, Mu Yichen didn¡¯t give anyone that opportunity.


    After he shut the elevator doors, they could hear the couple outside cursing something.


    "What were those two people saying just now? You¡¯re a runaway wife?"


    Qin Mu...


    Suddenly remembering how sensitive the topic of fleeing home was, she wondered if he had been provoked by what they said?


    Qin Mu immediately lifted her gaze to meet his fierce eyes, "They were guessing wildly. Haven¡¯t I been with you all along?"


    "If you ever dare to entertain that thought, I¡¯ll break your legs," he replied.


    Qin Mu...


    He lifted her chin, forcing her to look straight into his face, his tyrannical eyes and tone making Qin Mu both tense and angry.


    "Mu Yichen, you..."


    "What about me?"


    "Don¡¯t go crazy!"


    She was almost tormented to death by him, faltering for a long time before finally getting the words out.


    "Crazy? In your eyes, am I just losing my temper?"


    "Isn¡¯t that what it is?"


    His hand clenched into a fist and forcefully knocked against the elevator wall near her ear, making Qin Mu flinch.


    "Why am I losing my temper? Isn¡¯t it because I¡¯m worried about you?" he said, word for word, clearly.


    Qin Mu looked at him in shock, hardly able to believe that his temper was born of concern for her.


    But shouldn¡¯t there be a limit?


    Qin Mu stuttered without finishing her thought. As soon as the elevator opened, he immediately lifted her up.


    The feeling was so strange, Qin Mu cursed worriedly, "Mu Yichen, you bastard."


    "Curse a few more times."


    Listen, listen, what sort of things are being said?

 Chapter 325 - 106 Compensation Required by President Mu (7)_1

    Chapter 325: 106 Compensation Required by President Mu (7)_1


    "Even if you are angry because mama scolded me a few times, you can¡¯t keep tormenting me like this, can you? I¡¯m almost tortured to death!"


    Qin Mu muttered.


    "Mrs. Mu, are you using the trick of suffering to gain sympathy?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hoarse voice asked her, looking at her eyes with nothing but helplessness and distress.


    "Who said that? I¡¯m clearly using my charms!"


    Qin Mu retorted, her long lashes lifting gradually, her sparkling eyes slowly fixed on the man before her, wishing for everything to calm down.


    Mu Yichen chuckled, his gaze still sharp as ever, making Qin Mu¡¯s heart tighten.


    "So charm doesn¡¯t work?"


    Her voice was so low she could barely hear it herself.


    The man holding her let out a wicked laugh: It works.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "So, have you admitted your mistake?"


    After taking another drag of his cigarette, he pinched the cigarette between two fingers and squinted at the smoke, then glanced coolly at her.


    What mistake should she admit?


    Latter, he quickly prepared two bowls of beef noodles in the kitchen, and since she seemed too deep in sleep to wake up, he had to go upstairs to find her¡ªsure enough, she was sleeping like a dead pig.


    Mrs. Mu helplessly shook his head, walked over, and gently tapped her cheek with his bony hand: "Hey! Mrs. Mu, it¡¯s time to get up for lunch!"


    "Mm..."


    Qin Mu groaned uncomfortably but showed no signs of waking up. However, her stomach rumbled at that moment. Seeing that he couldn¡¯t wake her, Mu Yichen had no choice but search the wardrobe for a reasonably warm pajama, pulled her up, and slipped it over her head.


    "Arm!"


    He held the sleeve with one hand and guided her hand into it with the other, taking care of her as if she were Huanhuan.


    Qin Mu was carried to the dining room, and it wasn¡¯t until she smelled the aroma of the beef noodles that she finally opened her eyes groggily.


    Mu Yichen was still standing by her side for her to lean on. As soon as Qin Mu saw the beef noodles, her stomach churned unpleasantly. Feeling herself leaning against a warm wall, she turned her head to look, then followed the line of the wall upward.


    Oh, it¡¯s her dear husband.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze seemed a bit troubled: "Can we have lunch now?"


    Qin Mu mechanically nodded her head.


    Mu Yichen sat down next to her; the noodles were a bit sticky by now, but there was no choice but to eat them anyway.


    He could have never imagined that of all the meals he had cooked for her, she would eat this one the fastest.


    In the afternoon, she had no energy to go to work and slept until it was dark.


    Later, when she couldn¡¯t wake up, Mu Yichen drove alone to Mu Mansion to bring Huanhuan home.


    Feng Fanghua had taken Mu Zihao and the child home to rest a long time ago. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, lunch was being prepared. Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were sitting on the carpet by the windowsill, reading and telling stories with Huanhuan. Feng Fanghua was still thinking, hoping that no one would come to pick up the child tonight.


    Feng Fanghua now wished that these two people would be so enamored with each other that they¡¯d forget they had a daughter at all.


    But what was the reality?


    The reality was that just as she was feeling fortunate, she suddenly heard the butler at the door announce: "Young master is here!"


    "Hmm! Where¡¯s mom?"


    "The lady is with the little miss!"


    Mu Yichen, holding the car keys, entered the house and his sharp gaze quickly noticed the three people sitting on the carpet by the windowsill the next moment, taking a deep breath.


    He wasn¡¯t clueless; Feng Fanghua was genuinely good to the child. If only Feng Fanghua could be more tolerant of Qin Mu, he thought, they probably wouldn¡¯t have to live apart so soon.


    However, he didn¡¯t regret living separately because having their small home with just the three of them felt more real to him.


    At least, he was willing to do whatever with her and didn¡¯t have to suppress his temper.


    Qin Mu had no idea what was going on in his mind; it was his own little strategy.


    Of course, one crucial reason he moved out was that Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t respect his wife enough.


    No matter the reason, the moment Qin Mu¡¯s mood got affected by Feng Fanghua, Mu Yichen was already angry.


    Even though Qin Mu never mentioned a word of it.


    Feng Fanghua looked up at her son with equally icy eyes: "Didn¡¯t you say six o¡¯clock? It¡¯s almost seven and you¡¯re just coming to pick her up."


    "Got a call on the way!"


    Mu Yichen replied indifferently, his gaze staying on the face of his beloved daughter.


    "Daddy!"


    Upon seeing him, Huanhuan immediately grabbed her book and crawled up to run towards him. Despite the coolness of his trouser leg, she clung to him without letting go.


    Mu Yichen gently placed his hand on her forehead, rubbed it a bit, then bent down to scoop her up from the ground into his arms: "Shall we go home now?"


    "Yes!"


    Little Huanhuan nodded obediently, seemingly eager to return to their new home.

 Chapter 326 - 106 Compensation Required by President Mu (7)_2

    Chapter 326: 106 Compensation Required by President Mu (7)_2


    "Say goodbye to Grandpa and Grandma!"


    Mu Zihao reminded in a low voice.


    "Grandpa, Grandma, goodbye!"


    "Little Huanhuan, goodbye!"


    Mu Zihao smiled as he said goodbye to his granddaughter and then looked at his wife across from him. He noticed her gaze shimmering with something crystalline, felt a pang of heartache, and unconsciously caressed her back with his hand.


    Feng Fanghua kept her head down without saying a word. As soon as the two of them turned around, she sniffled and almost couldn¡¯t hold back her tears.


    "That damn kid really... can be infuriating!"


    The typically haughty woman felt powerless when it came to matters concerning her son.


    "Alright, I think it¡¯s good this way. We can still whisper to each other when it¡¯s not busy, right?"


    Mu Zihao comforted her in a low voice.


    After hearing him, Feng Fanghua gave him a cold glance, stubbornly at odds with her son.


    "If it wasn¡¯t Qin Mu, that girl, tattling on him, then there must be a mole in the house."


    Feng Fanghua suddenly muttered, biting her teeth afterward and then looked at Mu Zihao.


    Scared, Mu Zihao immediately straightened his back.


    "I¡¯m not the one, I swear!"


    Mu Zihao hurriedly explained.


    "Who¡¯s talking about you? I¡¯m talking about someone else!"


    Feng Fanghua said and looked around, thinking it must have been the domestic help chattering carelessly, which Mu Yichen overheard, or perhaps there really was someone gossiping to Mu Yichen.


    Or perhaps it was Qin Mu who had tattled!


    "You don¡¯t need to think about it any more or delve into it, alright?"


    "Not delve into it? All I did was scold her a bit, to put her in her place, then her husband gets all protective and moves out with her, and I¡¯m not supposed to delve into it?"


    "If you had fainted while I was away on a business trip, do you think I wouldn¡¯t have reprimanded my son? Even if it had nothing to do with him."


    Mu Zihao looked at Feng Fanghua, his eyelashes quivered slightly as he spoke to her in a low voice.


    Feng Fanghua looked at him. Even though she felt warm inside hearing what he said, she still felt something was off ¨C why did she always have the nagging feeling that her partner was actually siding with that girl?


    Mu Yichen and Huanhuan got home to find Qin Mu still asleep, and Mu Yichen directly placed Huanhuan on the bed.


    Qin Mu was already dressed, warm, and Huanhuan¡¯s hands were chilly from coming in from outside. The moment she touched Qin Mu, Qin Mu immediately shrank back.


    "Hahaha, Mommy, wake up!"


    Huanhuan continued to touch Qin Mu while laughing. Hearing her daughter¡¯s voice, Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare to move again, but just turned around and then looked at the little girl climbing on top of her.


    "Mommy, you¡¯re so lazy!"


    "I¡¯m going to prepare dinner. You getting up?"


    He asked in a deep voice as he held his daughter and went out.


    "Mm!"


    Qin Mu agreed, and after watching the two of them leave, she couldn¡¯t help but laugh - it was from the satisfaction of such a simple life.


    Qin Mu thought, maybe she should learn how to cook too?


    If they were to live like this continuously, she always ate what he cooked; what if he got tired and left? What would she do?


    What if a woman who was really good at cooking suddenly appeared to look for him...


    The more Qin Mu thought about it, the more worried she became, and amidst her worries and plans, she got out of bed.


    Mu Yichen was cooking, while Huanhuan watched TV on the sofa. Hearing her dad¡¯s phone ringing on the coffee table, Huanhuan slid off the sofa, picked up the phone without understanding anything displayed, held it to her chest, and ran to the kitchen.


    "Daddy, phone call, Daddy, phone call!"


    Huanhuan began to mumble as she approached the kitchen. Mu Yichen, in the middle of adding vegetables to the pot, turned his head upon hearing his daughter and naturally also heard his phone ringing. After putting all the vegetables in the pot, he wiped his hands and took the call, while gratefully patting his daughter¡¯s little head with a look, Huanhuan seemed to feel praised and satisfied, silent, only turning back to her cartoons as the TV emitted familiar sounds.


    Mu Yichen continued to stir-fry while listening to the person on the other end of the line.


    "Let¡¯s leave it at that for now, we¡¯ll talk more after work tomorrow. Also, give Qiao Tezhu a call to see if he has any plans to come back for the New Year. If he does, send someone to hand over the work to him; if not, there¡¯s no need to press the issue."


    After hanging up, he focused on his cooking.


    When Qin Mu came downstairs and sat with her daughter on the sofa watching TV, she heard the doorbell ring as Mu Yichen finished cooking and was preparing for dinner. Instinctively, she went to open the door.


    As if she were a dedicated male housekeeper.


    But just as he stepped out of the dining room, he heard a man¡¯s voice at the door.


    "If it¡¯s possible, please leave a five-star review."

 Chapter 327 - 106 Compensation Required by President Mu (7)_3

    Chapter 327: 106 Compensation Required by President Mu (7)_3


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed, then closed the door.


    Looking at the bag in her hand, which wasn¡¯t particularly heavy but was quite bulky, she couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how impressive the delivery service was these days.


    Tonight she could enjoy eating chips and watching cartoons with Huanhuan. Hmm, Boss Mu could have some too.


    As she thought this, she unintentionally lifted her eyes and saw Mu Yichen standing at the dining room entrance, looking at her with a helpless expression.


    "It¡¯s snacks, we¡¯ll eat them while watching TV after dinner!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say much more; no matter how much he scolded her, his heart was still utterly indulgent towards her. After giving her another glance, he turned around and went back.


    Meanwhile, Huanhuan, who had been watching TV, couldn¡¯t help but get excited and almost jumped up, reaching for the bag as soon as she saw her mother carrying a big bag of snacks.


    "Nope, you can only have them after dinner."


    Qin Mu showed off the snacks right in front of her then bent down seriously and responsibly to explain to her.


    Huanhuan immediately pouted her pretty pink lips in disappointment.


    However, during dinner, she forgot all about the snacks; children at this age seemed especially prone to forgetting things that just happened.


    That was probably for the best; Qin Mu felt that if a person had to remember everything that happened to them, it would indeed be tiring. They might even be worn out by it.


    Mu Yichen watched his daughter eating with such gusto and felt reassured, then looked at his wife: "You should eat more, too."


    "I might have eaten too much at lunch!"


    She said with a laugh, feeling a bit weak.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s reproachful gaze fell on her, but it made her feel a warm fuzziness inside.


    It seemed that his look wasn¡¯t so much reproach as deep affection.


    "Was Mom happier when you picked up Huanhuan tonight?"


    As Qin Mu ate, she couldn¡¯t help but ask. She was worried Feng Fanghua was still unhappy; after all, it¡¯s not good for an elderly person to be upset all the time. She certainly didn¡¯t want to see Feng Fanghua burdened with health issues, even if she wasn¡¯t exactly a model daughter-in-law.


    "It was okay!"


    Mu Yichen pondered for a moment and, recalling the resentful look in Feng Fanghua¡¯s eyes as he left, spoke dispassionately.


    Qin Mu unintentionally licked her lips, feeling that his response was appeasing.


    She then turned to look at her daughter, who was eating and had no interest in their conversation.


    Qin Mu had no choice but to change the subject: "How about I sign up for a cooking class?"


    "Do you even have time for that?"


    He asked quietly.


    Qin Mu...


    Suddenly remembered her show, it was already the end of the year, but then she thought about the day and looked at the man across with a plaintive gaze: "You even know I¡¯m free, huh?"


    Mu Yichen...


    After dinner, mother and daughter snuggled on the couch to start watching cartoons, and after Mu Yichen had cleaned up the kitchen, he came out too, standing behind the two of them with arms crossed, watching the TV screen.


    He didn¡¯t find it interesting in the slightest; he never watched this type of cartoon when he was young. Of course, he remembered how Jiang Zhiyuan was very fond of them. Back then, he and Jing Feng, along with several boys their age, would worry that he might turn out... different, but fortunately, he hadn¡¯t.


    However, looking down at his wife and daughter, who were having such a good time, he suddenly found meaning in these childish films.


    Though he sat on the couch, continuing to check his emails on his phone the entire time.


    He was in a single seat, while Qin Mu and Huanhuan were on the larger couch in the center but closer to his side. Seeing him focused on his phone, she immediately extended the bag of chips toward him.


    Mu Yichen reflexively looked up at her, then, somewhat reluctantly, reached his hand into the bag, expecting to grab a chip, but...


    Qin Mu laughed mischievously: "Haha, just kidding."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze chilled even further.


    After understanding his look, Qin Mu cleared her throat lightly and then continued to pretend to be engrossed in the movie.


    Mu Yichen lowered his head again, but after only two seconds, he looked up again at her blushing face.


    Huanhuan was still intently watching the movie, so he put down his phone and moved to join his wife and daughter, squeezing in next to Qin Mu.


    Just as Qin Mu opened another bag of chips, he quickly reached in before her and snatched a chip to eat. Qin Mu was taken aback for a moment, then turned to see him squeezing in beside her.


    "Go back to your phone!"


    Qin Mu said, worried she might distract him from his work, her tone half-joking.


    "No!"


    He replied blandly, then leaned back against the sofa, his arm resting behind her.


    Just quietly accompanying her and their daughter as they continued to watch the movie, of course, mainly watching her.


    Eventually, Huanhuan lay on Qin Mu¡¯s legs and fell asleep. Qin Mu gently stroked her daughter¡¯s shoulder and turned off the movie after a while.

 Chapter 328 - 106 Compensation Required by President Mu (7)_4

    Chapter 328: 106 Compensation Required by President Mu (7)_4


    Mu Yichen also leaned against her shoulder watching their sleeping daughter, then whispered in her ear, "Let¡¯s have another little sister for Huanhuan."


    Qin Mu...


    For some reason, her heart stirred unintentionally, and even ached a little.


    She looked at him subconsciously, her dark, shimmering eyes filled with questions.


    "Don¡¯t want to?"


    He asked her softly, his gaze serious.


    Don¡¯t want to?


    She had long wanted children with him, but the question of daughters and sons...


    Qin Mu suddenly remembered Feng Fanghua saying she should have another boy for the Mu Family.


    "Do you like daughters?"


    She asked quietly.


    Fearing she might wake her daughter, and afraid to disturb her own slightly sour heart.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu remembered that the last time she had asked him, he¡¯d said he loved both sons and daughters, as long as they were hers, but this time he was very clear about liking daughters.


    Suddenly unsure of what to say to him, she turned her face away woodenly, staring at the coffee table in front, her eyes damp with somber flecks.


    Mu Yichen watched her the whole time, seeing the evasion in her eyes, the hesitation in her heart, thinking she once again did not want to have children with him, especially since they had had some minor friction recently.


    In fact, Qin Mu was pondering whether she should strive to have a son, as she did not want Feng Fanghua to become even more dissatisfied with her.


    "Shall I put the princess to sleep first?"


    He asked softly.


    "Hmm? No need!"


    Qin Mu was startled, completely misinterpreting that the "princess" he was referring to wasn¡¯t her.


    It took her a moment to realize, "Oh! Okay!" until his gaze upon her made her scalp tingle.


    Mu Yichen sighed softly and lifted Huanhuan from her arms.


    After handing Huanhuan to him, Qin Mu watched his back as he carried Huanhuan upstairs, unintentionally thinking back to their time in Paris.


    Back then, when they were so young...


    Sometimes, when he was happy, he would call her his princess, his forever princess.


    Never did she expect that the title of princess had been transferred to someone else!


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but chuckle unconsciously, though tinged with sadness.


    Later, when they were both lying in bed, Qin Mu instinctively held him, and Mu Yichen, startled by her sudden closeness, simply lifted his arm and then gently laid it back down.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Nothing! Just a bit cold, wanted to hold you."


    The warm breeze in the room blew gently as he held the woman in his arms, feeling as if she was under a great deal of pressure, then teasingly mentioned, "Didn¡¯t you say you had some scores to settle with me the other day?"


    Qin Mu paused, "You dare to bring that up?"


    Seeing her finally show some spirit, he couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "I just sent Secretary Xi to assist with Jian¡¯s care."


    Qin Mu struggled to lift her head to glare at him, fuming at his words.


    He had the nerve to say it so calmly, so matter-of-factly.


    Was this not an outright provocation?


    Did he think she couldn¡¯t fight back against him?


    "No one but me is allowed to take care of you so intimately, not even your own father."


    "He doesn¡¯t need my care. But have you ever considered how Jian Yan and Secretary Xi feel about this? Letting two strangers come into such close physical contact. Do you think that¡¯s right? Have you considered Jian Yan¡¯s feelings, and Secretary Xi¡¯s?"


    Qin Mu finally managed to slide her head out from under his palm and looked up at him angrily, her bright and shining eyes gazing fiercely at him, and she slapped him hard.


    "Ah, are you trying to kill me? Could you bear it?"


    "Do you think I couldn¡¯t?"


    Mu Yichen caught her wrist as she tried to hit him again, looking at her incredulously, like a big boy.


    "Stop hitting, Secretary Xi was very willing to serve him."


    As Qin Mu attempted to strike him with her other hand, he caught that one too, her body twisted awkwardly as she faced him, not understanding him even after his explanation.


    "Secretary Xi really likes Jian Yan¡¯s design style and got the highest annual bonus in the whole office building."


    Qin Mu...


    So...


    Is money truly omnipotent?


    If it were her, would she also care for a stranger she somewhat admired, just for the money?


    No, perhaps just for the money, she would do it.


    After giving birth to Huanhuan and spending a few days in the hospital, she would sometimes leave the ward and find herself idly standing there, watching the caregivers attend to various patients. She wondered if her designs were not recognized, if she had to struggle in her industry, and if circumstances became dire, what would she do for Huanhuan?


    The answer was, for Huanhuan, she could care for those immobile patients in their beds, she could do all kinds of menial tasks. Having given birth to Huanhuan, she thought, no matter how downtrodden, she must ensure her daughter was well-fed, clothed warmly, and strive to give her daughter a better life.

 Chapter 329 - 106 Compensation Required by President Mu (7)_5

    Chapter 329: 106 Compensation Required by President Mu (7)_5


    Fortunately, she didn¡¯t get that mixed up, she thought, her daughter was blessed.


    "So, are we just going to let this go?"


    Mu Yichen gently placed her hand on his shoulder and asked.


    "No way!"


    Qin Mu immediately replied.


    It was mainly because she remembered how Jian Yan endured that awkwardness, and always felt she had to stand up for her master.


    Of course, if Mr. Mu hadn¡¯t brought it up, she would have long forgotten about it.


    Mu Yichen felt somewhat tired inside, as he hadn¡¯t rested well lately either, but looking at Mrs. Mu¡¯s unforgiving demeanor, he still couldn¡¯t help feeling jealous: Could she not make a fuss with me on account of Jian Yan?


    "I¡¯ve told you, he¡¯s my master!"


    Qin Mu, seeing his sour expression, stopped looking at him and explained for the hundredth time.


    "Yes! He is your master, but he¡¯s also a man, and not only that, he¡¯s an outstanding man with good looks. Even though your husband is confident enough in his charm to have you head over heels, I still don¡¯t want you to have too much interaction with such a man. Did I make myself clear enough?"


    His voice was especially soft when he asked her if he had made himself clear.


    Qin Mu was listening seriously, in fact, she had already been careful about how she interacted with Jian Yan. Back then, she deliberately kept calling him master, whereas previously she would call him Jian Yan. Sometimes she teased his stoic nature on purpose by calling him master, just to see more expressions on his face, but now...


    Jian Yan even protested, saying she was making him feel old.


    Yet, she still didn¡¯t change how she addressed him, and she also started ingraining into Jian Yan, deliberately or unintentionally, how deep her relationship with Mu Yichen was.


    To be honest, even though she was also very confident in her beauty being enough to stir up a man¡¯s desire, she truly couldn¡¯t imagine her incredibly picky master liking her. To this day, whether it was Xiaomei or Mu Yichen¡¯s jealousy talking to her, she still didn¡¯t think Jian Yan had those kinds of feelings for her, feeling that it was more like a fatherly or brotherly affection.


    Late into the night, the snow quietly began to fall outside, and the resting populace was totally unaware of its sudden arrival.


    The two exhausted individuals slept soundly that night, especially in their warm and cozy bed, wishing they could sleep for an eternity.


    In the room specially prepared for the little princess, the pink bed hosted a little one with plump cheeks.


    Even the air started to move quietly, unwilling to disturb the stillness of the moment.


    It wasn¡¯t until the next morning that someone discovered it had snowed outside.


    Those who had been in a bad mood were dazzled the moment they stepped out of the building, and all their unhappiness vanished, replaced by joyful expressions.


    All the confusion seemed to have been swept away, as they walked happily on the street, as if they had never felt so good before.


    When Qin Mu finally woke up and struggled to reach the remote on the bedside table, the curtains slowly opened, and she couldn¡¯t help but raise her hand to shield her eyes from the bright light coming from outside.


    Mu Yichen turned over, "What time is it?"


    Qin Mu reached for her phone, squinting at the time displayed on the screen: 6:41.


    Her throat was also a bit dry; the house was indeed very dry in the winter.


    Her next thought was that she needed to hurry and buy a humidifier for the little princess.


    Mr. Mu got up to cook, and Qin Mu quickly went to Huanhuan¡¯s room.


    After breakfast, Qin Mu took Huanhuan to the studio, as Mu Yichen had a meeting to attend in the morning¡ªas he had been cooped up at home all of yesterday, today he had to get some work done.


    Qin Mu also had to prepare for next month¡¯s show, but Huanhuan seemed accustomed to the environment from growing up around it. Sometimes, when someone wanted a break, they would go and play with her for a while. She wasn¡¯t lonely, wandering around by herself, and if she saw fabric on the ground, she would pick up her favorite piece and drape it over the Barbie doll in her hand.


    Hmm, the Barbie doll she¡¯d been carrying recently was still the one Qin Haiming had given her.


    It was seemingly her favorite one.


    Actually, it was almost like this every year before a show, with designers busy beyond description, but this year they were operating independently from JY, so things were a bit more stringent.


    Especially since Jian Yan wasn¡¯t around.


    During the lunch break, everyone was a bit tired, lounging around in the reception hall, while only Huanhuan continued to pick up scraps of fabric to play with on the floor.


    The once-clean floor had, over the last couple of days, become a bit...


    Well, unsightly.


    Qin Mu sat down as well and discussed the afternoon¡¯s work with everyone. Yang Qianxi was still diligently acting as her little assistant, responsible for taking notes and helping out.


    However, she seemed quite adept at it, and she felt that she had never been as serious when designing clothes as she was when being an assistant. Although wearing beautiful clothes and shining seemed simple, and she had thought that designing was just about sketching easily, but sketch after sketch...


    "Miss Wen said she would come to see you this afternoon, I¡¯ll go clean your office first."


    Yang Qianxi had just sat down for a few seconds when suddenly she remembered this and immediately stood up.


    "Never mind, take a break for a while."


    Qin Mu grabbed her hand, and Yang Qianxi looked at her somewhat embarrassedly: Is that okay?


    "An actress like her has seen all sorts of things, what¡¯s more, she¡¯s not even an outsider anymore."


    At 23 years old, Qin Mu could never have imagined she would become friends with an actress.


    Originally, they had intended to use each other, but in just a few short months...


    They had already become comfortable enough to joke with each other.


    "Alright then!"


    Yang Qianxi naturally wanted a break as well, so she did not say more.


    "Why is it so dirty here?"


    Suddenly, a young man dressed in a suit, seeming like a wealthy young man, walked in from outside. He was twirling a Jaguar car key in his hand, frowning and looking around disdainfully at the place.


    Qin Mu and the others exchanged glances, and then Yang Qianxi walked over with a notebook in her arms: Hello sir, how may I help you?


    "I¡¯m throwing a party at AM in a few days, I heard you design gowns, I¡¯ve come to bring you some business."


    The wealthy young man sized up Yang Qianxi, then frowned unhappily: Where¡¯s Qin Mu?


    Qin Mu was taken aback when she heard her name mentioned; she didn¡¯t recognize this seemingly wealthy young man.


    And it was clear he hadn¡¯t recognized her either, as he was looking right at them.

 Chapter 330 - 107 Compensation Required by President Mu (8)_1

    Chapter 330: 107 Compensation Required by President Mu (8)_1


    Compensation Required by President Mu (8)


    "Is it you? I need to speak with you alone."


    He suddenly pointed at Qin Mu¡¯s face, and although he lacked an imposing aura, he still seemed to have a quite good opinion of himself.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but press her lips into a straight line, offering a faint yet polite smile.


    This young master appeared to be about her age, but mentally, he seemed more than a decade younger. She didn¡¯t refute, only slightly lifting her hand to indicate that he should sit down beside her.


    The colleagues immediately went out for dinner, with a handsome guy responsible for holding Huanhuan, and only Yang Qianxi stayed with Qin Mu to entertain him. As the young master sat down, he even dusted off his trousers. Qin Mu quietly noted his small actions, as well as the irritation in his eyes, thinking he must have a bit of a cleanliness obsession.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but scrutinize the person beside her; he must be a true young master, lacking the aloofness of a businessman. It¡¯s quite normal for a young master to need uniquely designed dresses for a party, right?


    But his mention of sending money was a bit exaggerated.


    "I have about eighty-something friends here. You can name any price, but the designs must be unique for each person, distinctive enough."


    "Which date next month?"


    Qin Mu lowered her lashes, thinking that even if she didn¡¯t sleep day and night, she couldn¡¯t come up with dresses for more than eighty people, unless the designs were not significantly different and it was also at the end of the month.


    "The 17th!"


    The young master replied curtly, his knitted brows never relaxing.


    "Haven¡¯t asked the young master¡¯s family name yet, are you from Rongcheng?"


    "Of course, I¡¯m from Rongcheng, why else would I be throwing a party here?"


    Both Qin Mu and Yang Qianxi showed a flicker in their expressions, but then Qin Mu smiled again, "May I know your honored surname then?"


    "No need for honorifics, my last name is Yang. Just tell me whether you can take care of this business or not. Be straight to the point."


    No need for honorifics, his last name is Yang?


    Qin Mu carefully searched through her knowledge of the Yang families in Rongcheng but couldn¡¯t recall this particular individual.


    "I can¡¯t do it!"


    Qin Mu lowered her gaze for two seconds, then with earnest when she looked up again, she gave her refusal.


    The young master, who claimed his last name was Yang, thought he might have heard wrong: "You can¡¯t do it?"


    "Yes. To be honest, I have been extremely busy recently. If Mr. Yang has time, I could invite you to attend my fashion show on the evening of the 27th of the twelfth lunar month. Other than that, I really can¡¯t help you."


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze was sincere, her voice firm, leaving no room for him to doubt.


    The young master, surnamed Yang, suddenly laughed out loud, "I¡¯ve really never met a woman like you before. Aren¡¯t you supposed to take on the job? Think about it, this isn¡¯t a small amount of money. Even if you just put something together to accommodate me, I wouldn¡¯t know the difference."


    He spread his hands, his lips curling up as he looked at her, his eyes full of astonishment.


    "I could deceive you, but I can¡¯t deceive myself, nor can I tarnish my reputation. If there¡¯s a chance in the future, I hope to have the opportunity to work with Mr. Yang."


    As she spoke, Qin Mu stood up first. Everyone else had gone to eat, and she was hungry as well, although she managed to maintain a serious demeanor. The young master, surnamed Yang, also had no choice but to stand up: "Then, can we be friends?"


    "Certainly!"


    His sharp gaze dropped, and as he extended his hand, Qin Mu lightly placed her hand in his for a brief handshake, then smilingly said, "Qianxi, please show Mr. Yang out."


    "Yes!"


    Yang Qianxi immediately led the way: "Please, Mr. Yang."


    Although they shared the same surname, Yang Qianxi really didn¡¯t dare to claim a connection beyond their social status, and from her perspective, the young master seemed to have ill intentions.


    Naturally, if she felt his intentions were not good, Qin Mu was even more able to perceive it.


    After he left, Qin Mu slung her bag over her shoulder and headed out. Huanhuan had been taken away by a colleague, and she needed to get there quickly; after all, they didn¡¯t understand Huanhuan as she did, and she was worried.


    After getting into the car, Mr. Yang glanced outside one more time, laughing mockingly upon seeing Qin Mu and Yang Qianxi coming out from inside, then started the car with the Bluetooth headset on and drove away.


    Qin Mu and Yang Qianxi stood on the steps, watching him leave, and shared a helpless smile.


    "So, what are your thoughts?"


    Since the restaurant was not far away, Qin Mu and Yang Qianxi chatted as they walked there.


    "Hmm! He seems like a true young master, but his reluctance to reveal his name makes him quite mysterious. Could he possibly be someone who has just returned from studying abroad?"


    Yang Qianxi speculated.


    "Hmm! Anything else?"


    Qin Mu noticed that Yang Qianxi¡¯s insight was quite keen.


    "Well, nothing else at the moment."


    "The business proposal came too suddenly, and it¡¯s too illogical. There must be an ulterior motive."


    Qin Mu stretched her arms forward, feeling somewhat exhausted as she analyzed the situation.

 Chapter 331 - 107 Compensation Required by President Mu (8)_2

    Chapter 331: 107 Compensation Required by President Mu (8)_2


    "Suddenly? Doesn¡¯t make sense?"


    Yang Qianxi walked beside her, not quite understanding, and asked.


    "Yes! It¡¯s normal for a young master who has just returned from abroad to throw a party, but it¡¯s not normal to order couture for so many friends at the party, especially when he not only wants to order, but also to design the latest styles. Do you think that makes sense?"


    Qin Mu glanced at her and continued walking forward.


    Arriving at the corner, Yang Qianxi couldn¡¯t help but frown and mumble for a while, but in the end, she had to ask, "Aren¡¯t rich people all capricious like that?"


    "I¡¯m not afraid to tell you, even Mr. Mu¡¯s suits are not all designed by designers."


    Yang Qianxi...


    "That¡¯s why I say he¡¯s strange. Is he being generous by taking on the couture for so many people, or does he have another plan?"


    "So you suspect he is here to cause trouble?"


    "Not sure, but at times like this, anything uncertain should be directly rejected."


    Qin Mu responded, continuing to move forward, near to the restaurant.


    However, Yang Qianxi suddenly stopped, pondered for a moment, and when she thought of those two women, she immediately ran after Qin Mu: "I got it. Are you worried that this person is related to Qin Mingzhu?"


    Qin Mu did not speak, just smiled and walked with her to the restaurant.


    All was mere speculation, so there was no need to overthink it; just reject it.


    But when Qin Mu and Yang Qianxi reached the restaurant, they were taken aback.


    The whole restaurant, besides their studio¡¯s staff, was occupied by the Mu Family¡¯s aunt and Feng Fanghua, with Feng Fanghua sitting at a table near the door with a dark face, staring coldly at Qin Mu as she entered, regardless of what Qin Mu thought.


    "Is this how you take care of my granddaughter? Handing her over to just anybody, and even letting them give her Coke?" Feng Fanghua asked angrily, fortunately refraining from pounding the table outside due to her upbringing.


    The two young girls inside the bar were curiously watching the scene, visibly frightened.


    Because just now, the other customers had been sent away, this wealthy lady holding the little girl had booked their entire store.


    The place was not very big but had attracted some people who worked nearby because of its exquisite decor and delicious food. It was the first time someone so generously booked the entire venue, and not only the staff but even the usually calm owner was excited.


    After entering, Yang Qianxi saw Feng Fanghua and then looked toward Qin Mu, naturally recognizing her as Qin Mu¡¯s mother-in-law.


    She had heard that Qin Mu and Mu Yi hadn¡¯t married yet, but because of the child, Qin Mu had already moved to live with the Mu Family, so in practice, she was the mother-in-law. Yang Qianxi felt this mother-in-law seemed quite formidable, and she was actually a bit scared.


    But she thought, if someone bullies Qin Mu now, she wouldn¡¯t allow it either.


    "They are all very familiar with each other, and Huanhuan knows them."


    Qin Mu whispered, suddenly sounding a bit annoyed.


    "What is this attitude? Are you giving me attitude? Familiar? Just because they are familiar, they can give her a drink? Let her eat junk food?" "Mom, it¡¯s okay for a child to eat a bit of junk food occasionally."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t stand Feng Fanghua¡¯s attitude, knowing Feng Fanghua was not usually like this. Sometimes she herself would take Huanhuan to eat junk food, but right now, after Mu Yichen had moved her and Huanhuan out.


    "I don¡¯t want to hear so much from you. Since you¡¯re incapable of taking care of my granddaughter properly, I will take her away."


    Feng Fanghua said, standing up with Huanhuan in her arms.


    Huanhuan didn¡¯t understand what they were arguing about, but she could tell they were fighting, so she looked at her grandmother and then her mother worriedly, now missing her father a little.


    "Mom, you can¡¯t do this. I know you treasure Huanhuan, but she isn¡¯t a delicate flower raised in a greenhouse. Just like how you take her to early education classes, you want her to interact with more people. Why can¡¯t she spend time with my team?"


    "Is that the same thing?"


    Feng Fanghua asked again, her voice still elevated.


    "Isn¡¯t it the same? The principle is the same!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t understand, didn¡¯t understand why Feng Fanghua had turned up at this restaurant, didn¡¯t understand why Feng Fanghua was so angry; there was really no need, was there?


    No one was stopping the grandmother from visiting her granddaughter.


    "Are people the same? Are children the same as adults?"


    Feng Fanghua pressed on, and the aunt standing by seemed nervous as she glanced at Qin Mu with a pleading look. Qin Mu, after seeing the aunt¡¯s look, managed to suppress her temper again with great difficulty.

 Chapter 332 - 107 Compensation Required by President Mu (8)_3

    Chapter 332: 107 Compensation Required by President Mu (8)_3


    During this time, she had really held back her temper time and time again because of Feng Fanghua and the Mu Family. She kept all the kindness shown by Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao towards her in her heart. However, she truly couldn¡¯t accept this way of interacting, this mode of communication.


    Even if the Mandarin of these foreign colleagues wasn¡¯t up to par, after all this time spent here, they had come to understand these simple words. They were all looking at Qin Mu and Feng Fanghua with disapproving eyes.


    "Mom, it¡¯s okay for you to take Huanhuan home. I¡¯ll call her dad to pick her up later, but you really can¡¯t say things like what you just said," Qin Mu said.


    "You think I¡¯m eager to waste my breath on you?" said Feng Fanghua coldly, then walked away with the child in her arms.


    "Mommy!"


    Huanhuan suddenly burst into tears.


    Qin Mu had just raised her hand to her forehead, worrying. Hearing her daughter¡¯s cry, her heart broke immediately, and tears instantly welled in her eyes, sparkling.


    "Mommy, Huanhuan wants to stay with Mommy! Mommy..."


    Qin Mu had no choice but to turn around and walk over. Feng Fanghua was also anxious seeing her granddaughter crying: Huanhuan, grandma will take you home to eat delicious food, and there are lots of toys.


    "I want Mommy, Huanhuan wants Mommy!"


    Huanhuan suddenly cried like a little girl caught in the rain, with large tears rolling down her face.


    Qin Mu stepped forward and, regardless of whether Feng Fanghua was pleased or not, directly snatched Huanhuan from Feng Fanghua¡¯s arms. "Mom, since Huanhuan wants to be with me, then you can come and take her another day."


    Qin Mu, holding back her tears and patiently talking to her, held Huanhuan and gently patted her back, hoping she would stop crying.


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but choke up as well, feeling cold inside as she saw her granddaughter as if frightened by her, as though a knife was being dragged across her own flesh.


    "Remember, don¡¯t let strange men hold her again, and don¡¯t let her eat junk food any more," Feng Fanghua said before leaving, not forgetting to instruct her.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu subconsciously agreed, and after Feng Fanghua left, she watched the door move, watched Feng Fanghua and the maid get into the car, then turned her head to look at her daughter.


    "Mommy, Huanhuan wants to always be with you."


    Huanhuan murmured grievously, tears still running down her cheeks.


    "Of course, we will always be together. Mommy and Huanhuan will never be apart," Qin Mu responded softly, comforting her, gently stroking her head, kissing her forehead, her cheeks.


    It took a while for Huanhuan to calm down, but the lunch they had was not very cheerful.


    As if they were misunderstood?


    Especially the young male colleague who had just held Huanhuan, who was already thin-skinned due to his youth, felt his pride hurt after hearing Feng Fanghua¡¯s words, and ate his meal with his head down, barely touching his chopsticks.


    Qin Mu guessed that he might be the one who had held Huanhuan and was even more troubled.


    Ever since she returned from Paris, Feng Fanghua had changed, as if she became annoyed at the mere sight of her.


    Everyone was talking about the sensational news concerning her, Jian Yan, Mu Yichen, and Jing Qing¡¯s abnormal romantic relationships, but Feng Fanghua also was supposed to be someone in the know.


    Feng Fanghua originally visited the studio a few times, always giving off a particularly aloof impression, and now it seemed impossible for everyone to only think of her as simply cold.


    That afternoon, when Wen Runuan came to find her, she noticed something was off with Qin Mu¡¯s mood. But Wen Runuan, who was always the best at conversation, didn¡¯t just casually ask her about it but said lightly with a smile, "Did you know there¡¯s a male star pursuing Jing Qing lately?"


    Only the two of them were in the office. Qin Mu was hunched over, furiously sketching. She just gave a faint smile when she heard that, but her hands kept moving.


    Wen Runuan stood in front of the mannequin in her office, touching the fabric on its body, "I heard he¡¯s also from a second-generation wealth and has a good family background, and it seems he¡¯s acting under the direction of her father."


    Only then did Qin Mu react, lifting her gaze from the paper on her desk to look at Wen Runuan.


    Wen Runuan was still smiling lightly, only saying, "Interested now?"


    "Is his surname Yang?" Qin Mu asked, a glint of light in her eyes.


    "How did you know? Have you seen him?" Wen Runuan asked curiously.


    "Yes, I have seen him!" Qin Mu laughed softly to herself, her laughter implying that everything made sense now.


    This man had come for Jing Qing, and thinking back to his arrogance, as if he couldn¡¯t care less about anyone else, Qin Mu found him to be quite the extraordinary young master.


    "But he looks to be only about twenty-three or twenty-four years old."

 Chapter 333 - 107 Compensation Required by President Mu (8)_4

    Chapter 333: 107 Compensation Required by President Mu (8)_4


    "Twenty-four, his ancestors were from Rongcheng, but no one has come back for many years. Coming back this time, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not that simple."


    Wen Runuan continued speaking. Qin Mu listened and gradually lowered her head, gazing at her drawing paper again.


    "I heard about this from Director Zhang; I¡¯m not very clear on the specifics. By the way, I¡¯ve been thinking about checking out the gynecology and obstetrics department soon. Do you have time to come with me?"


    Qin Mu looked at her curiously, "What for?"


    She had never gone for a check-up there, except when she was having a baby.


    "What do you think? Hasn¡¯t your mother-in-law asked about having a second child? Don¡¯t you want to give Huanhuan a little sister or brother?" Wen Runuan looked at her with a meaningful gaze, and Qin Mu¡¯s already cool demeanor turned even colder.


    She lowered her head, giving a helpless, wry smile, "How would I know if the child I bear in the future will be a boy or a girl?"


    She was angry inside because she didn¡¯t know if she would give birth to a son or a daughter, and she didn¡¯t want to concern herself with it. However, thinking about the escalating issues with Feng Fanghua did indeed trouble her.


    Wen Runuan could hear the problem in her words and involuntarily asked, "Did you have a fight with your mother-in-law?" "I wouldn¡¯t dare!"


    Qin Mu laughed and replied after hearing this.


    How could she dare to argue with Feng Fanghua? She only hoped Feng Fanghua wouldn¡¯t be too hard on her. She truly appreciated those moments when Feng Fanghua was comforting and understanding her. Initially, Feng Fanghua¡¯s anger at her was easy to explain after coming back from Paris, but afterward...


    For some reason, she felt that Feng Fanghua still hadn¡¯t accepted her at heart; at the slightest issue, Feng would start finding faults with her, even demanding her to swear an oath.


    She could tolerate it all, but after this afternoon, she really had enough. Was it necessary for her, who shamelessly ran to France to start a business, to endure Feng Fanghua¡¯s attitude? Was it right or justified for Feng Fanghua to humiliate her colleagues like that?


    "But does your bad mood have something to do with your mother-in-law?"


    Wen Runuan asked, conveying her concern as a friend and wishing to share the burden of Qin Mu¡¯s hidden troubles.


    Qin Mu then put down her pencil, chuckled despairingly, and said, "I¡¯ve been thinking, if it were my own mother who said those words to me,¡ªI would have probably blown up by now."


    But such an opportunity never came.


    "It seems you indeed had a fight, but now that you¡¯ve moved out, you should try to let it go. At least she loves your daughter."


    Qin Mu merely smiled, her mind flashing to Huanhuan crying for her mother in Feng Fanghua¡¯s arms¡ªa little girl already knew fear and dread, and the future interactions within their extended family...


    Some matters really become scarier the more one thinks about them.


    Even though Mu Yichen had moved her into an apartment, whenever she thought of the difficult mother-in-law relationship, she still felt a headache.


    She felt that she was having a hard time adapting, or perhaps she wasn¡¯t trying hard enough.


    She didn¡¯t want to take her anger out on anyone; she believed she would definitely make an effort to do well.


    Later, when Huanhuan woke up from her nap, Wen Runuan played with her for a while, looking at the Barbie doll she was holding curiously, she asked, "Does she really like this Barbie? She even sleeps with it."


    Qin Mu looked toward the Barbie, falling into a habitual silence.


    What could she say? A simple ¡¯It was sent by the child¡¯s maternal grandfather¡¯? So the child treasures it especially?


    But she didn¡¯t want to say it, not even half a word about that man.


    She heard he had recently been out at meetings, apparently overwhelmed with all sorts of affairs toward the year¡¯s end.


    Qin Mingzhu and Zhang Rujia had not troubled her for several days¡ªwere they nervous because they were caught trying to steal her design drafts?


    But that mother and daughter would start causing trouble again in just a few days¡ªthat was the usual pattern.


    She remembered going to see Helian Hao and running into Zhang Rujia at the gynecologist, then she thought about how Helian Hao had intended to set up Zhang Rujia, and she couldn¡¯t help but lean against the wall and chuckle softly.


    The big and small sitting by the bed both looked at her, and Qin Mu, realizing eyes were upon her face, quickly stifled her slightly mischievous laugh, turning to ask, "So you really are planning to have a baby?"


    "Yes! Actually, I was pregnant twice before, but I didn¡¯t keep them. This time, I probably won¡¯t do that."


    Wen Runuan picked up Huanhuan onto her lap, though Huanhuan quickly slid off and ran away.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t like to pry into others¡¯ personal affairs and simply nodded.


    After all, such a matter is something no woman would want. Miscarriage is one thing to the body, but the sudden arrival of a little life, and then its departure is so...

 Chapter 334 - 107 Compensation Required by President Mu (8)_5

    Chapter 334: 107 Compensation Required by President Mu (8)_5


    A woman got pregnant, and if capable, would want to bring the child into the world.


    "He brought it up this time, and given my physical condition, I don¡¯t know when I could get pregnant, so let¡¯s just start trying, after all,¡ªI actually really want a child now."


    Wen Runuan suddenly thought that even if one day she had nothing, at least she would have a child.


    Even if it was just mother and daughter relying on each other, but that at least meant having someone to cling to, a reason to live, a future. "Alright, I¡¯ve got to entertain those big shots tonight, so I won¡¯t disturb your work anymore."


    Wen Runuan said as she picked up the pretty little bag next to her and stood up.


    Qin Mu walked her out while continuing to chat with her for a bit, and after Wen Runuan left, Qin Mu still stood at the door of the studio, bracing the cold wind.


    This afternoon she had wanted to find that male colleague to apologize, but feared being too deliberate and making him feel worse, so she had not taken action.


    At four o¡¯clock, Mu Yichen finished his work and hurried over. Seeing his little daughter playing downstairs, he walked over, scooped her up and, looking at her slightly resentful little eyes, worriedly asked: How come? Who has bullied our family¡¯s little princess?


    Huanhuan didn¡¯t speak, but just looked around at everyone.


    Mu Yichen then also looked at the staff in the vicinity, but didn¡¯t notice anything unusual. Groups of two or three were discussing something, seemingly very busy. Could it be that his daughter felt neglected?


    Without much thought, Mu Yichen carried her upstairs to find Qin Mu, and as soon as they stepped up, those people downstairs stopped working and looked up.


    They were discontent but dared not show it; after all, they were just designers, originally thinking Mr. Mu was easy to talk to. But after today¡¯s interaction with his mother, they decided it was better to be careful when dealing with the Mu family in the future.


    Qin Mu, hearing someone running in, knew it was Huanhuan and that Mu wasn¡¯t far behind.


    Huanhuan always ran extra merrily whenever she had Mu¡¯s protection.


    "Mommy, Daddy¡¯s here!"


    Huanhuan ran over to notify her, and Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, her eyes filled with indulgence. She glanced again at Mu approaching the doorway: Are you done with work?


    "Yes!"


    He confirmed, walking to her side, looking at the drawing she was working on, and then asked: Is our daughter not quite happy today?


    Qin Mu looked up at him: "Why do you say that?"


    "Just now, she seemed unhappy downstairs."


    "You aren¡¯t suspecting my team of bullying my daughter, are you? I can assure you, that¡¯s absolutely impossible."


    Qin Mu shook her head seriously as she replied.


    "Then there must be something else, right?"


    Mu¡¯s perception was acute.


    Was it really okay that he had just arrived and already keenly sensed that his daughter was unhappy?


    "Maybe she was just a bit groggy after waking up from her nap."


    Qin Mu found an excuse, thinking that she still shouldn¡¯t tell him about Feng Fanghua¡¯s visit. Could it be because of that, her colleagues had deliberately distanced themselves from Huanhuan?


    If that was the case, then she needed to have a serious talk with those people. It wasn¡¯t right to take out adult issues on a child, especially not on her precious daughter.


    Mu Yichen, watching her draw seriously again for a while, later took his daughter into his arms: "I¡¯m taking Huanhuan to buy groceries, what would you like for dinner?"


    "Hmm, I like anything you make!"


    Who could be picky about their meal? Moreover, there was no need for her to be picky about his cooking, because he knew her tastes, he knew all her habits.


    Yes, they had been officially married for less than a year, but she felt as if they had been living together for many years already.


    She recalled her childhood with him in Paris, those distant years that were now unreachable, where both children were watched by guardians, yet they had secretly planted an inconspicuous seed in each other¡¯s hearts.


    That seed had long since sprouted into a towering tree, so robust that others could not meddle.


    They were finally together, following their hearts¡¯ desires, despite some minor imperfections.


    Yes, though she didn¡¯t dare possess it, she had still foolishly hoped for it.


    Back then, how greatly her younger self had wished he would love her for a lifetime.


    It was a dream both grand and impractical. Even now, she was not sure if they could last a lifetime, but at least they had taken the first step.


    When Mu Yichen stepped out of the studio with Huanhuan, he put her on his shoulders and, holding her little hands, walked towards the grocery-selling place.

 Chapter 335 - 107 Compensation Required by President Mu (8)_6

    Chapter 335: 107 Compensation Required by President Mu (8)_6


    This street was very quiet. Although it wasn¡¯t spacious and was paved with old bluestone, walking here felt substantial.


    Passing by that restaurant at noon, Huanhuan subconsciously pointed inside to Mu Yichen.


    "Want to go there? Is Huanhuan hungry?"


    Mu Yichen glanced up but Huanhuan just shook her head after hearing his words and then said nothing.


    It was the restaurant owner who came out just then. Since Mu Yichen and Qin Mu had visited a couple of times, he recognized them, came over to greet him, and made Huanhuan laugh, talking about something that happened at noon.


    Later on, Mu Yichen continued on to the supermarket for grocery shopping, but the restaurant owner¡¯s words stayed in his mind.


    It seemed that she still couldn¡¯t learn to tell him the truth.


    He probably knew she was worried about him and Feng Fanghua becoming estranged. Didn¡¯t he think about it too?


    The last person in the world who wanted to be estranged from Feng Fanghua was himself. However, from the moment he decided to follow Qin Mu, he was prepared for the worst.


    Back then, Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were reluctant to let him go to Paris. Fortunately, Mu Qingxin was still at home then, so the old couple could bear parting with him.


    Thinking of that girl Mu Qingxin, she should be returning soon, right?


    While shopping, watching Huanhuan enjoy the store owner¡¯s washed cherry tomatoes, he made his selections with peace of mind and took the opportunity to call Mu Qingxin. It took a while for the other end to answer, still drowsy: "Bro!"


    "You haven¡¯t gotten up yet?"


    "I¡¯m so idle I sleep all day, hehe!"


    The voice on the other end was still weak, but playfully mischievous.


    "You¡¯re coming back for the New Year."


    His voice was calm, no nonsense.


    "What¡¯s up? Did something happen at home?"


    "You wouldn¡¯t come back if nothing happened? Don¡¯t you want this home anymore?"


    Mu Yichen asked her with a frown.


    "Of course not, but well..."


    "You must come back for your sister-in-law¡¯s fashion show on the twenty-seventh. If I don¡¯t see you by the morning of the twenty-seventh, I¡¯ll immediately send someone to fetch you, understand?"


    There was a pause on the other end, and without saying anything more, he hung up and turned back to his daughter, who, because the fruits were fresh, had unwittingly become addicted to eating them. She kept standing there, not leaving, her chin smeared with juice.


    Those dark, long lashes were even more enchanting, two eyes with black and bright pupils, focused solely on the simple dish of cherry tomatoes.


    As if she were tasting such a heavenly flavor for the first time.


    Therefore, Mu Yichen eventually picked some too and, when paying, left without requiring change, carrying his daughter and the groceries.


    Huanhuan hadn¡¯t had her fill, but it was too cold outside, so Mu Yichen wiped her hands clean and didn¡¯t let her eat any more.


    That evening, back home, one was cooking while the other sat on the carpet in front of the sofa. Both hands perched on the coffee table, drawing. Someone else played with toys and watched cartoons nearby.


    Every now and then, Huanhuan would grab a piece of her mother¡¯s paper to tear for fun. She found it very interesting. When Qin Mu, tired and shoulders aching, looked up...


    She caught sight of the little girl beside her tearing paper into strips.


    How bored must she be?


    "Huanhuan, are you bored?"


    Qin Mu asked her softly, as if casually chatting with his daughter.


    Huanhuan shook her head as if she didn¡¯t quite understand, then suddenly grabbed a strip of paper from the table and threw it at her own face.


    Qin Mu...


    Why was his little girl becoming more and more mischievous?


    Haha, alright, she liked Huanhuan this way. Then she swept up the paper strips from the ground, tearing them smaller to throw back at her daughter.


    "Ah!"


    Huanhuan joyfully tried to embrace the falling bits of paper but only ended up hugging her own chest.


    Then she watched the papers fall onto her feet and took two steps back, as if she wanted to be close to them but was afraid of soiling them.


    When Mu Yichen came out, he saw the paper scraps on the carpet and instantly frowned.


    Qin Mu was still focused on her drawings, while Huanhuan had secretly pulled out another piece of paper to continue tearing. Catching sight of her dad standing not far away, she quietly put the paper back and bit her lip with her small white teeth, seemingly fearing that she might let out a peep.


    Mu Yichen shook his head helplessly but laughed.


    He wondered if tearing paper really helped with brain development?


    The problem was, what if she tore up her mother¡¯s drawings?


    Clearly, the person working had already thought of this and had put the finished drawings aside well in advance.

 Chapter 336 - 107 Compensation Required by President Mu (8)_7

    Chapter 336: 107 Compensation Required by President Mu (8)_7


    It wasn¡¯t until mealtime that Qin Mu finally put down her pen, and as her long fingers moved, she suddenly felt a bit of a twist in her hand. Mu Yichen watched her, put down his chopsticks, and reached out to touch her hand, helping her to massage it.


    Huanhuan sat opposite them, watching as Mu Yichen massaged Qin Mu¡¯s fingers.


    Qin Mu looked up and saw her daughter¡¯s big eyes fixed on her hand, then commanded, "Huanhuan, eat your food!"


    Huanhuan glanced at her mother, appearing to be disinterested in listening, and continued to stare at her hand as it was being massaged by her father¡¯s hand.


    Qin Mu felt awkward under her daughter¡¯s gaze and wanted to pull her hand away from Mu Yichen¡¯s, but she just couldn¡¯t manage it.


    Mu Yichen massaged her for a good while and kneaded her fingers before finally letting go.


    The rest of the meal passed in relative silence, and Mu Yichen didn¡¯t bring up Feng Fanghua¡¯s matter; it seemed as if the issue had been left behind.


    Many issues remained unresolved¡ªwhat was right or wrong, or how long one could tolerate, nobody knew.


    Later, Qin Mu, sitting cross-legged on the sofa, continued to draw, and Huanhuan climbed up onto the sofa and suddenly pulled at her sleeve.


    Qin Mu, curious, lowered her gaze to the little girl beside her who had taken her hand, then clutched and gently pinched it. At that moment, Qin Mu¡¯s heart softened suddenly, as if there was no greater bliss in the world than this.


    While pinching Qin Mu¡¯s hand, Huanhuan still looked at her mother, biting her little lips, those glistening eyes seeming to ask if Qin Mu felt really comfortable.


    How could it not be comfortable? Qin Mu smiled at her as an answer, and Huanhuan¡¯s face immediately lit up with a smile.


    Qin Mu saw in Huanhuan¡¯s eyes as if to ask, "Mom, am I better at massaging or is dad?"


    "Our Huanhuan is the best, you can even give mom massages now, right?"


    Qin Mu pinched her little cheek as she spoke.


    Huanhuan smiled proudly, still quite composed, then let go of her hand and walked away, with an expression that suggested she had received her praise and was now free to ignore everything else.


    Qin Mu...


    Could only acknowledge the fact that her daughter must have been tired from the brief massage.


    Later, as Mu Yichen sat on the sofa, Huanhuan climbed onto his lap and he watched a cartoon with her for a while until she fell asleep.


    Mu Yichen, while holding Huanhuan, looked anxiously at his wife, thinking he probably needed to nourish this woman soon or else she would collapse from exhaustion.


    And they would also have to reduce their bedroom activities, or else she wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it physically; as he thought about this, his mind also wandered to the compensation he would need after the New Year.


    That night she was reluctant to put down her drawing board, intending to continue working in bed, but Mu Yichen simply took it away, pressed himself on top of her, and looked at her with his dark eyes: "Do you still remember the compensation you said you¡¯d give me in the hospital?"


    "Hmm? What are you talking about?"


    I don¡¯t understand a single word.


    That was the message conveyed by Qin Mu¡¯s eyes as she lay beneath him; she didn¡¯t understand a single word.


    Mu Yichen, frustrated, lowered his head to nip her: "Remember now?"


    "If I don¡¯t finish this drawing, the work will pile up onto tomorrow, then day after day, after a while I¡¯ll be insanely busy." "You¡¯re already so busy that you don¡¯t even recognize your own husband!" Mu Yichen reminded her sadly.


    "Wasn¡¯t it because you made me stay home with you all day yesterday?"


    "So this is how you plan to appease me tonight?"


    His low voice asked her, and after asking, he gently nibbled on the side of her chin and then kissed the edge of her ear. Qin Mu trembled slightly from the kisses: "Mu Yichen..."


    "Say husband!"


    "Mhm, husband!"


    "Say you¡¯ll compensate me, hmm?"


    His husky voice continued as he licked behind her ear, coaxing and bewitching her.


    But but...


    "How do you want it?"


    She asked him, distressed, now stirred up by him, only wanting him to hurry up and proceed.


    He whispered in her ear, his devilishly alluring eyes gazing at a certain spot, the flame in his eyes suddenly blazing.


    The next morning, after going to the studio, Qin Mu first went to her office, intending to drop off her things and then go downstairs for the meeting, but she didn¡¯t expect to receive a white invitation on her desk.


    It was a very exquisite invitation, the location stated as AM.

 Chapter 337 - 108 Compensation Required by President Mu (9)_1

    Chapter 337: 108 Compensation Required by President Mu (9)_1


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t fathom why Mr. Yang would send her an invitation, but there she was, standing with Wen Runuan in AM¡¯s most luxurious banquet hall.


    It could be said that both of them were regulars here, but still, there was a sense of unfamiliarity.


    Especially Qin Mu, who, looking at the hustle and bustle inside, suddenly felt like an outsider.


    Despite wearing a gown that was modest yet strikingly valuable, she still didn¡¯t want to step forward and enter.


    "Ready?"


    Wen Runuan, on the other hand, had long been accustomed to seeing all kinds of unfamiliar faces and was used to playing a certain role in front of them. She suddenly turned around and asked Qin Mu softly.


    Qin Mu turned back, locked eyes with her, offered a shallow smile, and then they both lifted their skirts and walked into the crowd together.


    Clearly not the main character, but they exuded the aura of one.


    Undoubtedly eye-catching, they hardly needed any makeup to become the focal point of the entire room.


    Mr. Yang, along with Qin Mingzhu and Jing Qing, stood together, and when he saw Qin Mu and Wen Runuan arrive, he couldn¡¯t help but laugh with a playful look in his eyes: indeed, they were breathtaking!


    Every movement of Wen Runuan was as trained as Jing Qing¡¯s, and even every glance she knew where to cast most fittingly, she handled herself with such ease here. Her thin lips curved slightly, and her inner double-lidded eyes slightly bent, made it such a treat for the gentlemen to lay eyes on someone like her at a common gathering.


    As for Qin Mu...


    Mr. Yang still remembered seeing Qin Mu at her studio a few days ago, dressed in comfortable light-colored clothing, with her long hair casually gathered to one side. Now, facing her, she appeared like a dazzling queen, her gaze devoid of everyone, yet seemingly holding the world within it.


    It was difficult to divert one¡¯s gaze from this woman.


    When Qin Mu saw him, she also gave a slight nod, then approached and set down the fabric in her hand, nodding simply: Mr. Yang!


    "Thank you, two beauties, for gracing this event with your presence!"


    Mr. Yang said, taking a cup from a passing waiter and handing it to Wen Runuan, and then giving one to Qin Mu, looking completely different from the twenty-three or twenty-four-year-old boy he appeared to be on the day they had met.


    Qin Mu gave him an extra glance when she took the glass, then looked beside him, where Jing Qing stood to his left, naturally full of airs. Jing Qing¡¯s strong presence no doubt made many feel suffocated, including Wen Runuan present there.


    But Qin Mu just offered a slight smile: Miss Jing, we meet again.


    Jing Qing hadn¡¯t expected such a greeting and her already unpleasant face became even more so.


    "Miss Jing? I heard you two used to live in the same courtyard when you were kids, and were good sisters, right?"


    Mr. Yang looked down at Qin Mu and then at Jing Qing.


    Qin Mingzhu stood on the other side, holding her breath, silently waiting for the drama to unfold, her expression conservative.


    Wen Runuan, on the other hand, involuntarily raised her eyebrows, looking at the man stirring trouble.


    "You probably don¡¯t understand the Miss Qin in front of you," Jing Qing said softly with scornful laughter. "She doesn¡¯t like to be sisters with anyone."


    Jing Qing¡¯s eyes on Qin Mu held what seemed to be an irreconcilable hatred, yet she concealed it slightly.


    Qin Mu smiled faintly and said no more.


    "Is that so? I find Miss Qin quite pleasant to get along with."


    Mr. Yang spoke in a non-offensive tone, but with a few words, he managed to turn Jing Qing¡¯s face white with anger.


    "If Mr. Yang likes Miss Qin so much, why not try pursuing her? I¡¯m sure with Mr. Yang¡¯s magnanimity, the small matter of her having a child out of wedlock wouldn¡¯t be a concern, right?"


    Jing Qing suddenly laughed with a tinge of sarcasm.


    A few people around, curious, pricked up their ears to listen, and those who had been chatting animatedly fell silent, watching curiously towards their direction.


    In the vast banquet hall, an awkwardness ensued.


    "I remember seeing a little girl when I visited your studio the other day, oh right, it¡¯s said she¡¯s your precious daughter with Mr. Chen, right? It seems the Mu Family elders also quite like the girl."


    "Yes!"


    Mr. Yang continued to speak politely with her, unaffected by Jing Qing¡¯s words.


    Qin Mu, seeing his attitude, likewise, answered with composure.


    Wen Runuan, observing the expressions of the few people in front of her, felt some things didn¡¯t quite add up, but it wasn¡¯t the right moment to analyze this with Qin Mu, so she simply stood there politely.


    Jing Qing turned and glared at Mr. Yang for a few seconds, then, frustrated, she bypassed him and strode out.


    Mr. Yang tilted his head slightly, watching Jing Qing leave and then frowned helplessly with a wry smile: what troublesome woman, but my old man insists I chase after her. You tell me, how should I, so young, chase a woman who¡¯s nearly thirty?

 Chapter 338 - 108 Compensation Required by President Mu (9)_2

    Chapter 338: 108 Compensation Required by President Mu (9)_2


    Not only Qin Mu and Wen Runuan, but Qin Mingzhu¡¯s expression was so exaggeratedly frightened that her eyeballs almost popped out.


    "But I think the few of us can be friends, right? We are all about the same age, aren¡¯t we?"


    Young Master Yang suddenly became childish again.


    Qin Mu...


    Wen Runuan also felt that this man really had too much of a split personality.


    Qin Mingzhu was standing next to him, so with a stretch of his arm, he wrapped it around her shoulders, scaring Qin Mingzhu into raising her hand to her chest, hunching her shoulders and looking at him with a pale face.


    It seemed that this young master still knew too little about the affairs in Rongcheng.


    However, if he knew so little, why did he go to her to commission a custom dress as soon as he came back?


    She turned to look at the crowd around her, some of whom were looking at her, while others whispered among themselves. Qin Mu knew her reputation in Rongcheng had been set in everyone¡¯s minds long ago, so she couldn¡¯t be bothered, but as she looked at these so-called young ladies and masters, she realized she barely recognized a few.


    Oh, she knew Qin Mingzhu and Jing Qing.


    She had always known that the younger generation in the city was divided into factions, but this was the first time she felt it so deeply.


    It was said that Young Master Yang¡¯s family had officials in Beijing, so why come to associate with the Jing Family?


    "I¡¯ll go see what Miss Jing is up to. If my dad finds out I made her mad, he might clean up after me. Oh, I forgot to tell you guys, my dad is her grandfather¡¯s student."


    Young Master Yang said with a smile and went off to find Jing Qing, leaving Qin Mu and Wen Runuan looking at each other like fools.


    Qin Mu initially thought it was because of Jing Feng?


    After all, Jing Feng¡¯s prospects on that path were limitless, with the old man paving the way for him. The prosecutor¡¯s position was just a start; in the future, the head of the Jing Family would be Jing Feng, and all those connections would fall into Jing Feng¡¯s hands ¡ª so the man¡¯s father was a student of the Jing Family¡¯s old master.


    Qin Mu suddenly regretted not asking Mu Yichen sooner, as he might have known more, and she wouldn¡¯t be so clueless now.


    "Stunned, aren¡¯t you? Hmph!"


    Qin Mingzhu took a disdainful glance at Qin Mu and then proudly went to chat with other girls.


    "Qin Mingzhu is also quite a character, huh? How much longer is she going to hop around like this?"


    Wen Runuan frowned and asked, feeling that this child needed a lesson looking at Qin Mingzhu¡¯s domineering attitude.


    "Her father has been in Beijing lately; she¡¯s got even more to stir up. Just wait."


    Qin Mu laughed softly and replied, feeling that Qin Mingzhu would get in trouble sooner or later.


    "Miss Wen!"


    Soon, many people surrounded Wen Runuan, asking for autographs, taking photos with her.


    Qin Mu was about to leave when a girl grabbed her hand.


    "Qin Mu, don¡¯t you remember? We were at the same school during kindergarten. Back then, Mu Yi would always come to kindergarten to watch over you after school. He¡¯s still managing you now, isn¡¯t he?"


    Qin Mu twitched her mouth, kindergarten...


    She really couldn¡¯t recall the events of kindergarten.


    "Xiao Yan, what are you talking about? What do you mean Qin Mu is managed by Young Master Yichen? It¡¯s clearly Qin Mu who manages Young Master Yichen, okay? Since her return, have you seen Young Master Yichen with any other woman?"


    Another one teased.


    Everyone was linking arms, like close girlfriends.


    "Exactly, but no offense, Qin Mu, before you came back, Young Master Yichen was such a dashing playboy, even more so than Young Master Yang here. Since your return, he dares not even touch another woman." Jia girl jested.


    "Yeah, yeah, when he was with Jing Qing before, Jing Qing never had that much control over him." Yi girl also said.


    Qin Mu...


    Wen Runuan was originally taking photos with fans, but upon hearing this conversation, she instinctively looked at Qin Mu. Although Qin Mu¡¯s expression was interesting, she didn¡¯t seem angry.


    "Ah, look at us, we¡¯re really bad at talking."


    "Sorry, I¡¯m going to the restroom!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to chat with them, and after exchanging a look with the readily adaptable Wen Runuan, she turned and headed for the restroom.


    And then on the way, she heard that conversation.


    "Have you heard? Jing Qing went to the hospital to have an abortion while she was with Young Master Yichen."


    "Who really had Young Master Yichen¡¯s child? Now why is it Qin Mu carrying a child to find Young Master Yichen? Wasn¡¯t the legitimate partner supposed to be Jing Qing? Is the Jing Family really okay with their daughter just casually sleeping with Young Master Yichen?"


    Qin Mu stood at the corner, listening to the conversation of a few women who were smoking and drinking.

 Chapter 339 - 108 Compensation Required by President Mu (9)_3

    Chapter 339: 108 Compensation Required by President Mu (9)_3


    It really was unintentional, but that remark was particularly grating.


    Did Yichen really sleep with Jing Qing?


    How is that possible?


    "Stop talking, that woman is eavesdropping."


    Suddenly, the chatting woman glanced over in her direction, then said.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but find it amusing, yet she just walked over.


    "Eavesdropping? If you¡¯re afraid of being overheard, then keep your voices down, find a secluded corner if you¡¯re worried about eavesdropping. Aren¡¯t you simply speaking so that everyone can hear?"


    Qin Mu asked with a sneer.


    " You, don¡¯t spew lies!"


    "Me, spewing lies? Do you want me to grab the microphone over there and let you explain to everyone how I¡¯m supposedly spewing lies?"


    With a fierce look in her eyes, Qin Mu stared at her. Was it now so easy for any girl to dare act up in front of her?


    Although she usually didn¡¯t provoke others, that didn¡¯t mean she was easy to bully, okay?


    Hearing her words, the three girls immediately acted as if they couldn¡¯t afford to provoke her: Let¡¯s go, we can¡¯t be bothered with her.


    "Exactly, why should a slut feel proud? Let¡¯s leave."


    A slut?


    Hah!


    Qin Mu watched the woman walking by her, then crossed her arms around herself and slightly extended her foot.


    "Ah!"


    What sort of scene was it to see three girls tumbling down together?


    Standing aside, Qin Mu gazed down at the three women sprawled on the ground, wailing. The one she tripped instinctively grabbed the girl next to her, who happened to be wearing a white strapless dress. In the fall, the only graspable spot on her back was torn, revealing her chest completely.


    Suddenly, the scene turned chaotic, and everyone turned to look in this direction. When the three of them raised their heads to call for help and saw everyone¡¯s shocked expressions, especially the girl in the middle who covered her chest immediately after noticing it exposed, and then she let out a loud scream: Ah...


    Qin Mu laughed softly, then turned to head for the restroom.


    Although Young Master Yang was not present, Jing Qing leaned against the counter inside the restroom, smoking a cigarette with the aura of a celestial being brought down to the mortal world.


    Amidst curling smoke, Jing Qing offered her a cigarette in a low voice: Want one?


    Qin Mu walked over, and Jing Qing pulled out a metal cigarette case from her bag with a sharp look in her eyes, opening it in front of Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu took one, not recognizing the brand but it looked quite expensive.


    "So you smoke!"


    After a few seconds, Jing Qing asked with a frown as she saw Qin Mu smoking quite comfortably.


    "Humph! I sneakily learned before!"


    She said with a smile, resting one hand against the other elbow, the smoking hand dangling by her shoulder, her sensuous fingers gently waving away the smoke.


    The gesture seemed practiced.


    Jing Qing couldn¡¯t help but laugh scornfully, but in the next moment, she took another drag from her cigarette with a trembling hand.


    Qin Mu looked at her, remaining silent.


    Between them, they no longer needed words to know what was on each other¡¯s mind.


    Qin Mu knew she couldn¡¯t handle Jing Qing, and Jing Qing also knew she couldn¡¯t handle Qin Mu with Mu Yichen in the picture.


    "Heard you moved out of the Mu family house again?"


    Jing Qing asked after a moment.


    "Yeah! You must have played a big part in that, didn¡¯t you? Thanks for giving us the opportunity to move out."


    "What do you mean?"


    Qin Mu had already started talking when she heard Jing Qing ask what she meant, and then she smiled faintly, her half-lowered eyes undoubtedly sharp.


    "Do we still need to play dumb with each other? If not for you, who else would dare to expose Mu Yichen¡¯s woman? And who else would dare to blow the lid on the Jing family¡¯s eldest daughter?"


    Qin Mu locked eyes with her, her piercing gaze nearly causing Jing Qing¡¯s suppressed anger to burst. Luckily, she had a cigarette between her fingers, puffing on it furiously before she was about to explode.


    "Frankly, the more you do this, the more annoyed Mu Yichen will become."


    After a few puffs, Qin Mu felt a bit uncomfortable, glancing at the still-burning cigarette butt before walking over to the trashcan to snuff it out, casually warning Jing Qing.


    "Is this a warning, or are you flaunting your relationship with him to me?"


    "Do I need to flaunt it? He¡¯s always been mine ever since we were kids."


    "You... As I said before, it¡¯s too early to jump to conclusions about who he belongs to."


    Jing Qing¡¯s face turned even worse, her hand shaking more violently.


    Qin Mu turned back around, but just crossed her arms and looked down, seeing the foot of the woman she had just tripped over who called her a slut, and said in a soft voice with a chuckle: Jing Qing, I think it¡¯s wisest for you to stop here, back off now and he¡¯ll still be your friend, or perhaps your so-called childhood sweetheart.

 Chapter 340 - 108 Compensation Required by President Mu (9)_4

    Chapter 340: 108 Compensation Required by President Mu (9)_4


    "What if I don¡¯t?"


    Jing Qing felt somewhat provoked.


    "If you don¡¯t, then when Mu Yichen turns his face, I¡¯m afraid ten Jing Fengs won¡¯t be able to redeem it. You would completely lose this friend, or perhaps never be able to meet again. The power is in your own hands."


    Qin Mu was somewhat serious, but very composed and steady.


    "What right do you have to lecture me?"


    After hearing those words, Jing Qing was even more infuriated, her breathing trembled with anger. She had never allowed anyone to question her, but now...


    "I have no right to lecture you, I¡¯m just reminding you. This is the first time, and it will be the last."


    As Qin Mu spoke, she looked up at Jing Qing, and seeing Jing Qing about to explode with anger, she turned and walked away.


    And Jing Qing, after she turned and stepped out of the restroom, clutched her own arms, leaned against the washbasin, and stretched her neck out with effort.


    Later, the manager came up to her: Miss Qin, the president is waiting for you downstairs.


    Qin Mu was chatting with Wen Runuan and a rather demure girl. Hearing this, the two women immediately said to her, "Go ahead! There¡¯s nothing fun here anyway."


    Well, that young master Yang had vanished a long time ago. Qin Mu knew there was no need to say goodbye to the host, so she followed the manager downstairs.


    But downstairs, she ran into young master Yang, who was drinking in the same private room with Mu Yi.


    And moreover, it was President Mu who sat in the most important position, while young master Yang, despite his triumphant return, still sat below him.


    After Qin Mu entered, she gave an awkward smile and unconsciously asked, "What¡¯s happening here?"


    "Mummy!"


    Huanhuan, who was standing by the sofa playing, turned immediately upon hearing her mother¡¯s voice. Once she confirmed it was her mother, she ran to her.


    Qin Mu lowered her head to watch Huanhuan approach, then scooped her up and walked over to the seat that young master Yang had pulled out for her.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart skipped a beat, but she could only smile gracefully and say, "Thank you!"


    "Sister-in-law, you¡¯re too polite!"


    Young master Yang said with a smile, and only returned to his seat after she had sat down holding Huanhuan.


    Qin Mu looked at the two of them: "You two knew each other from before?"


    "Yichen was my senior. I even played basketball with him before."


    Qin Mu...


    "I just found out he was back too. Coincidentally, when you said you were attending a party here, I called him to come over for a drink. I didn¡¯t expect that the party you attended was hosted by that same young master Yang."


    Qin Mu...


    "Hehe!"


    "Little sister-in-law, I truly apologize. Please don¡¯t take it to heart."


    Yang Ming apologized to her in a manner that was more like a normal person.


    Qin Mu could only smile in return.


    "The other day, it was Jing Qing who called me to your studio. She promised that if I did that thing for her, she wouldn¡¯t trouble me about our date. She said you would seize any opportunity to make money, who would¡¯ve known you¡¯d reject it so directly - which is why I had to organize this party today. It was actually just for my parents to see ambiguous photos of me and Jing Qing."


    "They say a woman three years older is a golden treasure; you might try it."


    Qin Mu joked.


    "Little sister-in-law, don¡¯t joke with me about that. Not to mention her personality, her heart already belongs to someone else."


    Yang Ming said, and he glanced at Mu Yi unconsciously, his smile turning awkward.


    Qin Mu also looked up at Mu Yi, suddenly remembering the girls mentioning Jing Qing had an abortion because of him.


    Damnit, when would such rumors ever stop?


    Or would they never cease?


    That night after Qin Mu put Huanhuan to sleep, she returned to her room and asked, "Is this Yang Ming¡¯s family very powerful?"


    "Yes, his grandfather and maternal grandfather were both very influential upstairs. Even though they¡¯re retired now, their networks are still intact."


    Hearing this, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but nod her head, walked over to his side, and sat on the bed before carelessly throwing herself into his arms.


    Mu Yichen raised his hand to gently stroke her hair as he too gazed at the light in that spot.


    "This young master, he has multiple personas. He¡¯s one person in front of me, another at social gatherings, and yet another in your presence."


    Qin Mu said, looking up at Mu Yichen.


    "Do you think it¡¯s just you who has a singular persona?"


    Mu Yichen asked her.


    "Isn¡¯t it? At most, dual personas."


    "Fool, everyone has many sides."


    Mu Yichen said, as if he was a teacher talking to his student, and Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but become fascinated by the teacher giving her a lesson.


    She watched him uncontrollably.


    "What about you?"


    Qin Mu suddenly thought, you, President Mu, are probably the one with the most personas.


    "Me? Don¡¯t you know already?"

 Chapter 341 - 108 Compensation Required by President Mu (9)_5

    Chapter 341: 108 Compensation Required by President Mu (9)_5


    Mu Yichen slightly turned his body, looking at the woman in his arms with warm eyes.


    "I¡¯m afraid I still don¡¯t know enough."


    Qin Mu remembered what those women had said and couldn¡¯t help feeling sour.


    "Hmm? Did you hear some rumors?"


    "Humph!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to deal with him after he finished speaking, and turned her back to him.


    "Don¡¯t even think about shouting!


    Mu Yichen also turned to embrace her, hugging her and nibbling at her ear.


    "Ah!"


    Qin Mu instinctively struggled, and as she was lying on the edge of the bed, she accidentally lost her balance and tumbled down.


    Mu Yichen immediately looked down at the ground.


    Qin Mu, supporting her sore back and frowning, yelled, "Mu Yichen, you bastard?"


    Mu Yichen suddenly smiled mischievously and then placed his hand on the ground.


    He wore a ring on his finger that he seemed to really like. Since putting it on, he had never taken it off.


    Qin Mu just watched, and before long, her eyes became tearful.


    "Why do you always wear that ring? Doesn¡¯t it make you uncomfortable?"


    Qin Mu later asked him, resting on his chest as the light softened.


    "You don¡¯t want to wear it anymore?"


    He asked.


    "No, I just feel like you don¡¯t cherish it enough. Haven¡¯t you seen that TV show? That man¡¯s wife bought him a ring, and he would take it off to shower and work, afraid of wearing it down."


    "Rings aren¡¯t afraid of wear and tear, and a worn ring is more valuable."


    To him, taking off the ring was the lack of regard for the marriage.


    Actually, Qin Mu was only trying to tease him and make him nervous, but she didn¡¯t expect his words to make her nervous instead.


    "You are so educational now, I¡¯m so sleepy!"


    Qin Mu suddenly rolled off him, not expecting to still be dependent on him. He immediately clung to her, rolling with her and pressing on top of her, whispering, "Tired already? We haven¡¯t taken care of the important matters."


    "Hmm! Just let me rest for the night!"


    Mu Yichen realized Qin Mu hadn¡¯t noticed that he had been quick and efficient these last two nights, which made him a bit sad. But seeing how tired she had been lately, he could only refrain from taking her tonight.


    He just didn¡¯t expect her to fall asleep so quickly.


    Mu Yichen later got up and made a phone call. Assistant Qin in Africa said he would hurry back before the New Year, urging him to send someone more capable in his stead, as he didn¡¯t plan to go back. It was simply no place for humans.


    After putting down his phone, Mu Yichen could not help but smile helplessly, then looked at the WeChat message from Jing Qing, a photo of her slumped drunk over the table.


    When he realized she might be in trouble, he almost immediately called Jing Feng, "Go to AM to pick up your sister, she¡¯s drunk."


    After hanging up, he called the hotel immediately, "Jing Qing is drunk upstairs, send someone to take care of her right away, and remember, don¡¯t leave until Jing Feng arrives."


    The staff immediately arrived at the huge banquet hall, but despite the complex crowd and several drunk people, they couldn¡¯t find Jing Qing.


    The manager immediately called Mu Yichen back while ordering everyone to continue the search.


    "President, Miss Jing is no longer in the banquet hall!"


    "Check the surveillance, seal off the underground parking lot and the hotel¡¯s front entrance."


    Mu Yichen saw from the photo that she should still be in their hotel, but where had she gone?


    The surveillance footage found Jing Qing within five minutes. She was in the restroom, smoking a special kind of cigarette.


    When Jing Feng arrived at the hotel, he immediately took the cigarette from the woman who had forgotten her own identity due to intoxication, caressed her with one hand, and examined the cigarette closely with the other. Then he crushed the cigarette on the wash basin and washed it away before carrying Jing Qing out.


    The staff were terrified, and Jing Feng turned to them and said sternly, "Not a word about tonight¡¯s incident is to be leaked."


    Everyone knew the relationship between the Jing family¡¯s young master and their boss, so naturally, no one would speak out.


    But the sight of Jing Qing sitting on the ground and leaning against the wall, smoking as if she didn¡¯t even know who she belonged to, was deeply concerning.


    Was it not an ordinary cigarette she was smoking?


    Now all that was left were guesses, and neither Jing Feng nor Mu Yichen wanted the news to spill. The employees, who were paid to do their job, didn¡¯t think any further and went their separate ways.


    Meanwhile, the banquet hall was still as noisy as ever.


    Jing Feng took Jing Qing straight back to the apartment. Helian Hao woke up in the middle of the night and frowned unconsciously when he saw the woman lying on the couch: "What¡¯s wrong with her?"


    "She drank too much!"

 Chapter 342 - 108 Compensation Required by President Mu (9)_6

    Chapter 342: 108 Compensation Required by President Mu (9)_6


    He gave a faint sound.


    Helian Hao walked over and, seeing that Jing Qing was indeed drunk, sighed unconsciously in his heart.


    "Could you please turn on the air conditioning in the guest room? Let her stay here tonight."


    "Sure!"


    What else could Helian Hao say? It wasn¡¯t excessive for a sister to stay at her brother¡¯s house, especially since she was so drunk that she probably couldn¡¯t find the Jing Family¡¯s front door if she were thrown out.


    Plus, if she were to go back in this state, the old master of the Jing Family wouldn¡¯t know how to make a fuss, and he might blame Jing Qing¡¯s drunkenness on Mu Yichen or Qin Mu.


    Afterward, Jing Feng stayed awake very late, while Helian Hao fell asleep quickly.


    Later, before dawn, Helian Hao heard arguing outside. The noise made it impossible for her to sleep, and the man in her bed was gone. Listening more closely, she realized it was the siblings quarreling.


    "I don¡¯t care how you got involved in that kind of relationship, but from now on, if you dare touch me again..."


    "So what? What can you do to me?"


    The siblings glared at each other, neither willing to back down.


    Helian Hao initially wanted to intervene, but after peeking through the gap in the door and seeing the situation, she didn¡¯t dare to enter.


    She felt that there must be some important matter that made the siblings argue so intensely.


    "What can I do to you? The most I can do is tell our parents, tell grandpa, and let them know that their beloved daughter of the Jing Family is actually a junkie."


    Jing Feng was furiously grinding his teeth, unable to believe that his own sister could get involved with such things.


    Outside, Helian Hao, having heard everything, was scared pale and covered her mouth with her hand, daring not to make a sound.


    "I smoke that stuff when I¡¯m under too much pressure with no way to vent. What am I supposed to do? You want a good granddaughter, a good daughter, a good sister, and I am none of those. I am just a woman who fell in love with Mu Yichen, just a woman who grew up in a special environment. I just want to get my love, why won¡¯t any of you give him to me?"


    Jing Qing yelled hysterically, with tears the size of beans flying down her face. She was angry, she was crazed, because her only secret had been discovered.


    She had drunk too much the night before. After what Qin Mu said to her, she couldn¡¯t take it and just happened to have friends who smoked, so they did it together.


    She didn¡¯t know how that friend left, but when she woke up, she was in her brother¡¯s apartment.


    "Brother, can you give Yichen back to me, please? He listens to you the most. Can you ask him to come back to me? Just like before, even if it¡¯s just pretending, please?"


    Jing Qing suddenly moved forward excitedly and grabbed Jing Feng¡¯s pajama sleeve, begging him desperately and in deep sorrow.


    Jing Feng let out a helpless sigh, knowing his sister was deeply trapped, and only now realizing the scale of the disaster he had caused.


    He should never have given her hope from the start, then maybe she wouldn¡¯t have resorted to taking that stuff in her pain.


    "Brother, I beg you!"


    "Xiaoqing, he doesn¡¯t love you, he never has!"


    Jing Feng grabbed her wrist, and as she was on the brink of despair, he gently pushed back the bracelet that was wrapped around her wrist, revealing the obvious scar underneath.


    He sighed helplessly and quietly gazed at the scar.


    Back then, it was because of that scar that he asked Mu Yichen to take care of Jing Qing under the pretext of helping her make connections in the entertainment circle. He had thought that perhaps there was a chance that Mu Yichen would notice Jing Qing¡¯s goodness and forget Qin Mu in Paris.


    But he had not anticipated that he was being too naive, as Mu Yichen¡¯s feelings for Qin Mu were already unfathomably deep, and his help towards Jing Qing was always just seen as repaying a debt.


    Jing Feng suddenly laughed softly: "Xiaoqing, perhaps it¡¯s my fault, but you really can¡¯t go on like this."


    "Why? Brother, why?"


    "Mu Yichen and Qin Mu are already married. Huanhuan is almost three years old, and they¡¯re planning on having a second child."


    "What about me? What am I?"


    Jing Qing asked him, then suddenly laughed despairingly, released his arm, and sat down on the edge of the bed, asking him heartbroken.


    "If Yang Ming isn¡¯t good enough, we¡¯ll find someone else? Your fate is bound to be yours in the end."


    "In this lifetime, I only recognize Mu Yichen, in life and death, only him."


    Jing Qing, though she had agreed to her family¡¯s wishes for arranged dates and such messes, it was all just to make the elders happy. In her heart, she never considered being with anyone other than Mu Yichen.

 Chapter 343 - 108 Compensation Required by President Mu (9)_7

    Chapter 343: 108 Compensation Required by President Mu (9)_7


    "Tell me, how long have you been smoking this stuff?"


    Jing Feng later asked her softly.


    Jing Qing had calmed down but, upon hearing that, just looked down at her thin hands: "A few months."


    Perhaps it started when she learned that Qin Mu and Mu Yichen were already married. She had managed to maintain her composure when Qin Mu returned, and even when she knew that Qin Mu and Mu Yichen had a child, she had held on. But when she found out that they had officially registered their marriage, she completely fell apart.


    Although she was hanging on and kept telling herself that this wasn¡¯t the end, there was another voice in her head saying she had failed.


    Jing Feng suddenly chuckled, she didn¡¯t need to elaborate, he understood it all too well.


    "I¡¯m going to find him!"


    Jing Feng suddenly turned around.


    But when he headed out the door, he saw the woman blocking his path just outside.


    "Who are you looking for?"


    Helian Hao asked him, her gaze somewhat cold.


    "Stay out of this."


    Jing Feng realized that Helian Hao might have overheard, but he still didn¡¯t want her getting involved in this matter.


    "All the problems lie with your sister, not with Mu Yichen and Qin Mu. What¡¯s the point of going after them? Just because of your sister, should everyone else live against their conscience?"


    Jing Feng looked up at her: You really shouldn¡¯t get involved in this.


    "I insist on getting involved!"


    Helian Hao stubbornly said, spreading her arms to block his way.


    Jing Feng was already feeling a headache when he sensed a gust of wind beside him, followed by the sound of a slap.


    "Helian Hao, what right do you have to dictate what my brother does?"


    Jing Qing stormed out furiously, and with a raise of her hand, slapped Helian Hao across the face.


    Helian Hao, with her mouth corner bleeding, instinctively brought her hand to her swollen cheek, thinking how absurd the world was.


    Jing Feng, upon seeing the injury on Helian Hao¡¯s face, was both heartbroken and angry. Jing Qing turned back to complain: Brother, you really shouldn¡¯t have married this woman, she... Ah!


    Jing Feng¡¯s slap landed on Jing Qing¡¯s delicate cheek, immediately making her see stars and loose her balance, tumbling to the ground.


    Helian Hao, startled by Jing Feng¡¯s slap, didn¡¯t pity Jing Qing but suddenly felt a pain in her lower abdomen.


    Jing Feng caught her before she fell, she muttered in a daze, "Maybe it¡¯s low blood sugar."


    Her face was deathly pale, and her breath began to falter. When Jing Feng reached to lift her, his hand touched her thigh and felt something wet. As he raised his hand, his face turned even paler than Helian Hao¡¯s.


    Helian Hao suddenly fainted, and Jing Feng, with a murderous look in his eyes, glanced at the disheveled woman on the ground, a look of pain and hatred after disappointment, then quickly picked up Helian Hao and rushed outside.


    Jing Qing, seeing the blood on the floor, was also scared out of her wits, still covering her face, but obviously panicked.


    Jing Feng, driven mad, drove Helian Hao to the hospital, with her slumped unconscious in his arms, staining the white leather seat.


    They had just been planning to have a child, or more accurately, he had been, while Helian Hao was still hesitating.


    But now it seemed that Helian Hao was pregnant.


    It¡¯s just...


    He didn¡¯t dare to think any further, simply speeding through one red light after another, causing accidents and pile-ups without being able to care, rushing to the hospital at full speed.


    Upon arriving at the hospital entrance, he parked the car where it was closest to the entrance regardless of whether it was allowed, then immediately ran to the other side to open the car door and lifted her out.


    That morning, she had been wearing light-colored pajamas, which by now, were stained red on her rear and legs.


    "Quick! Save her!"

 Chapter 344 - 109 Compensation Required by President Mu (10)_1

    Chapter 344: 109 Compensation Required by President Mu (10)_1


    The weather was gloomy, as if it were about to snow.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Come to my apartment; Jing Feng isn¡¯t here, and I¡¯m feeling a bit unwell."


    Upon receiving Helian Hao¡¯s message, Qin Mu left Mu Yichen¡¯s house and drove through the heavy snow to Jing Feng and Helian Hao¡¯s residential area. Several people were pointing at the building and talking below the apartment. Smelling the burning scent, she immediately ran upstairs. The apartment was on fire, and she ran inside in panic, shouting, "Xiaohao, Helian Hao?"


    There she saw a person clad in women¡¯s clothing lying on the sofa. Convinced it was Helian Hao, she ran over at once.


    However, the woman lying on the sofa with piercing eyes was not Helian Hao.


    Jing Qing suddenly grabbed her neck, then plunged a knife viciously into her chest, "Qin Mu, go to hell!"


    She suddenly woke up from her dream, sitting up in bed, her apricot eyes staring blankly ahead.


    It took her quite a while to regain her senses, to finally remember she was in their apartment. Qin Mu¡¯s breath slowly calmed, but the scene of Jing Qing stabbing a knife into her chest just wouldn¡¯t leave her mind.


    A dream that exhausted all her energy!


    She lay back on the bed weakly, thinking of calling Helian Hao after dreaming of her house being on fire. But as she reached for her phone, she heard Huanhuan¡¯s childish voice coming from the doorway.


    "Mommy, get up, Daddy¡¯s calling you to eat."


    Huanhuan ran in, trying hard to climb onto the bed, gripping the sheets tightly.


    Qin Mu gave up the idea of making a call and instead turned and gently touched the hair of the girl who was still trying to clamber up onto the bed edge.


    After washing up, she went downstairs with Huanhuan. Mu Yichen had already prepared breakfast. Seeing the lifelessness in her eyes, he unconsciously stepped forward, wrapped his arm gently around her shoulder, and asked, "Why do you look a bit tired?"


    "Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯ve been dreaming all night, drawing designs in my dreams."


    Mu Yichen laughed softly, indulgingly wrapped his hand around the back of her head, and pressed her face up to his, planting a kiss on her forehead.


    Qin Mu quietly accepted his soothing gesture. After breakfast, Mu Yichen took Huanhuan to the office building, while Qin Mu went on to the studio to continue meetings, drawing designs, and making clothes.


    Yang Qianxi came to her office to bring her coffee and casually asked, "Designer Reno told me to ask if he can show some of the best-selling designs you made in the past years on the catwalk."


    "Sure!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s hand, holding a pen and drawing, paused. She lifted her gaze for a few seconds to consider, then looked up at Yang Qiandixi, "Do you think we need to invite a celebrity to boost the show?"


    "Of course, that would be ideal," Yang Qianxi said happily.


    Qin Mu nodded and was about to get back to drawing when her phone rang with Jing Feng¡¯s number. She hesitated, then picked up, "Hello?"


    "Mumu, I had a miscarriage!"


    Helian Hao¡¯s voice came through the handset, laden with unbearable sorrow.


    The colleagues bustling downstairs watched her rush out in haste, then drive away.


    Yang Qianxi was puzzled; she had just taken a phone call and then left without a word.


    When Qin Mu arrived at the hospital and went to the ward, seeing the woman with red-rimmed eyes from crying, she immediately felt heartache and rushed over.


    When Helian Hao saw her, the tears that had just stopped began to flow again. She said nothing. No sooner had Qin Mu reached her than Helian Hao painfully hugged her, burying her face deep into Qin Mu¡¯s body.


    Helian Hao wasn¡¯t one to wail, but her pain was hard to hide, especially at that moment.


    Jing Feng stood by, watching Helian Hao hug Qin Mu, shaking with grief before he realized how much Helian Hao now rejected him.


    Helian Hao didn¡¯t want him near her, yet she clung to Qin Mu and began to sob softly.


    Although there were three people in the ward, it still felt eerily quiet, with the soft crying sounding like a blunt knife stabbing everyone¡¯s heart.


    Qin Mu knew that no words were adequate at a time like this. She just stroked Helian Hao¡¯s back gently, trying to ease some of her stiffness.


    Jing Feng, unable to stand it, lit a cigarette, and the smell quickly reached the two women. Qin Mu finally looked up at him, wanting to ask what exactly had happened. She hadn¡¯t even had the chance to celebrate Helian Hao¡¯s pregnancy¡ªhow could there be a miscarriage so suddenly?


    Jing Feng glanced back at her and then walked out.

 Chapter 345 - 109 Compensation Required by President Mu (10)_2

    Chapter 345: 109 Compensation Required by President Mu (10)_2


    His silence unconsciously reminded Qin Mu of Jing Qing.


    That dream in the morning, was it really because of his and Jing Qing¡¯s relationship, or because of Helian Hao and Jing Qing?


    Qin Mu was not sure. Later, when Helian Hao fell asleep out of exhaustion, Qin Mu stepped out. He just leaned against the wall, looking somewhat despondent as he smoked.


    It seemed like just a few hours had made him much more haggard and aged.


    "Can you give me an explanation?"


    "It¡¯s a long story!"


    He said when Qin Mu asked him for an explanation.


    "Is it a long story, or are you afraid to tell?"


    Qin Mu was suspicious of Jing Qing, so she didn¡¯t mince words with him.


    Jing Feng, hearing his little sister¡¯s name and looking at her, took an annoyed drag of his cigarette and said, "Mind your own business."


    "If it were you lying in that hospital bed today, I wouldn¡¯t bother. But that¡¯s my closest sister in Rongcheng. You¡¯re telling me to stay out of it?"


    "Their sentimental debt, isn¡¯t it all because of you in the end?"


    Jing Feng retorted coldly, losing his temper.


    Qin Mu...


    Suddenly, the corridor fell silent. The two of them just stood on opposite sides. Qin Mu felt a sudden chill in her body, and her heart turned cold as well.


    "Why don¡¯t you blame your sister for being too selfish and wilful? Why do you still say it¡¯s because of me when you clearly know everything? Just because one hates me, and the other likes me?"


    After a while, the corridor echoed with a voice full of despair.


    Qin Mu looked at him with disappointment, knowing that he wasn¡¯t oblivious, but his heart had likely been blinded by family affection for too long.


    "I take back everything I just said."


    Jing Feng commented indifferently with a puff of his cigarette.


    "You don¡¯t have to!"


    Qin Mu gave him a defiant, sharp glance, turned her head, and went back to the ward.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t care what Jing Feng said at all. A best friend¡¯s man could be considered a friend, or could be treated as an acquaintance. Such relationships were not worth getting angry over.


    She just hoped Jing Feng could be someone who understood reason, not just momentarily, but always.


    They say ignorance is bliss, but she thought, some things are best understood clearly for a lifetime.


    Late, she stayed with Helian Hao, drawing pictures in her hospital room.


    After Helian Hao woke up and saw her drawing, she felt a bit sorry, "Am I disturbing your work? You¡¯ve been so busy lately."


    "Are you giving me empty pleasantries?"


    Qin Mu looked at her reproachfully, putting the drawing pen and paper aside.


    "Jing Feng just went to get you some brown sugar. I¡¯ve made you a cup; it¡¯s in the thermos. You should get up and drink some now."


    Qin Mu said, then stood up and helped her to sit.


    "Actually, having a miscarriage is not as scary as you think, and I¡¯m not as frail as Lin Daiyu."


    Helian Hao¡¯s voice was still weak, as she had been drowsy from the anesthetic shots.


    "Then why are you lying in bed, so pale?"


    After helping her sit up, Qin Mu went to get the thermos and poured a cup of brown sugar water for her.


    In this winter, at this moment, drinking a steaming cup of brown sugar water couldn¡¯t be more perfect.


    Jing Feng was still very considerate. Later, he called Jing Qing, but she didn¡¯t answer, so he went back to the apartment to check.


    "What exactly happened this morning? Why did you suddenly have a miscarriage?"


    Qin Mu stood by and asked while watching her drink the water.


    Helian Hao¡¯s eyelashes trembled slightly, and a bitter smile spread across her lips.


    She didn¡¯t even know she was pregnant, and as an obstetrician, she had been unaware of her own pregnancy.


    She wanted to laugh, but thinking of Jing Qing, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to smile at all.


    "Jing Qing seems to have taken that stuff. Jing Feng discovered it and argued with her this morning. Then I overheard it, and so I..."


    Helian Hao recounted the incident to Qin Mu, who felt a bit weak in her legs and sat back down in the chair.


    "She¡¯s really hopeless!"


    Qin Mu murmured to herself.


    "It¡¯s not just that she¡¯s hopeless. Her temperament has changed a lot. She used to at least pretend on the surface, but now..."


    Helian Hao stopped talking, gritting her teeth instead.


    She thought of the little Little Douya she had just lost and didn¡¯t even want to face the Jing Family anymore.


    As for Jing Feng...


    Maybe they should have never been together in the first place. Perhaps she shouldn¡¯t have gone with him to get the certificate, and even if they did, she shouldn¡¯t have stayed with him.


    "I¡¯m sorry!"


    Qin Mu said these three words upon seeing Helian Hao suddenly appear distraught.


    "Sorry?"


    Helian Hao asked, puzzled.


    "Yeah. Although some things aren¡¯t nice to hear, they¡¯re not without reason. If it weren¡¯t for my involvement between you two, maybe you and Jing Qing wouldn¡¯t have ended up in such an ugly place today."

 Chapter 346 - 109 Compensation Required by President Mu (10)_3

    Chapter 346: 109 Compensation Required by President Mu (10)_3


    Qin Mu actually felt very guilty at this time. Although she had said those words to Jing Feng, she knew in her heart that this matter was not completely unrelated to her.


    "With her personality, we could never be on the same page. As long as I don¡¯t stand with her, our rupture is inevitable sooner or later. It¡¯s just that you are the one who hastened this rupture between us, but even without you, there would be someone else to push today¡¯s events forward," she said.


    Helian Hao took her hand and said, lowering her head when she felt that the side of Qin Mu¡¯s finger joints was hard.


    "Have you been drawing a lot lately?"


    Helian Hao asked with concern.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but embrace her; Helian Hao was still worried about her even after suffering a miscarriage.


    "Xiaohao, get well soon, and then let¡¯s try to get pregnant together, alright?"


    Qin Mu said wholeheartedly.


    Helian Hao laughed helplessly, "Mm!"


    The miscarriage was a big blow to Helian Hao, but it wasn¡¯t enough to drive her to madness.


    She suddenly felt that perhaps it just wasn¡¯t the right time for this child after all.


    Even though she had been so upset that she trembled, by now she had already calmed down.


    Actually, Helian Hao wasn¡¯t in a hurry to get pregnant again; she just didn¡¯t want Qin Mu to worry too much.


    Qin Mu and Jing Feng accompanied her as she was discharged from the hospital. Helian Hao didn¡¯t ask about Jing Qing again. As soon as Jing Feng placed her on the bed, she told Qin Mu, "Go back early. You also have things to be busy with. I¡¯m fine now."


    "Okay, contact me anytime if there¡¯s anything," Qin Mu said in a low voice as she glanced at Jing Feng, who had just steadied himself.


    "Mm!"


    Helian Hao smiled and agreed, and Qin Mu turned her head to leave, but at the bedroom doorway, she suddenly looked back at the woman on the bed, still seeming lost: "Xiaohao, remember, you¡¯re more important to me than anything. Contact me the moment anything comes up, or else I¡¯ll be very sad."


    "I know!"


    Helian Hao was startled by her sudden formality but then understood her intention and nodded in agreement.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t look back this time, but once she was outside, the cold wind hit her, making her feel as if her heart was pierced by a thorn.


    And a very thick thorn at that.


    The next morning, the Weibo topic was about Jing Qing smoking.


    Jing Qing was having breakfast at home with the family patriarch, her parents, all while constantly checking her phone, her hand shaking more and more. Then, at a sudden outburst, she slammed her phone on the table: "Damn it!"


    The loud exclamation startled the patriarch, and Jing Qing stood up and walked away without a second word.


    "Stop her!"


    Jing Xianzong immediately ordered the two maids standing nearby.


    "Miss!"


    The maids were always afraid of Jing Qing, but they knew who was the head of the household and had to follow orders.


    "Can¡¯t I even go upstairs? Can¡¯t I make a phone call?"


    Jing Qing turned to face the three elders at the dining table, on the verge of crying, her voice trembling.


    "You left your phone behind!"


    Jing Xianzong glanced at her phone left on the dining table.


    Jing Qing immediately turned back to get her phone and then reluctantly went upstairs.


    The patriarch frowned unconsciously, "What exactly is going on? Is there some dirty news on the internet again? Go and check."


    Once the patriarch spoke, the maids immediately went to check the news on their phones.


    They eventually found the sensitive topic on Weibo.


    The patriarch¡¯s face turned pale upon hearing, "Outrageous!"


    "Except for our own family, nobody else should know about this, right?"


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother asked.


    "How could that be? There¡¯s also the person who gave her those dirty things," Jing Xianzong said immediately, his gaze sharp.


    The Jing Family patriarch was so angry that he slammed the table: "Find this person for me, I will not let her go."


    Jing Xianzong and Jing Qing¡¯s mother exchanged worried glances, concerned about the patriarch¡¯s methods and also worried about their daughter¡¯s scandal being exposed.


    After all, it concerned Jing Qing¡¯s future career development, and since she was not married yet, if the rumor turned out to be true, which family would still want to marry their daughter?


    After going upstairs, Jing Qing called her agent; the agent¡¯s phone had been ringing off the hook since early morning, all from gossip magazines asking if the cigarettes Jing Qing smoked were problematic. He had been explaining to each of them until he was parched, and now with Jing Qing calling to hold him accountable, he felt like cursing but had to endure since he couldn¡¯t afford to offend Jing Qing¡¯s family background.

 Chapter 347 - 109 Compensation Required by President Mu (10)_4

    Chapter 347: 109 Compensation Required by President Mu (10)_4


    That morning, Qin Mu and Mu Yichen were nestled on the sofa scrolling through Weibo, or more accurately, Qin Mu was the one scrolling through Weibo.


    Mu Yichen glanced at it unintentionally, his eyes paused for a moment before he looked down at the ring on his hand, his long lashes hiding any expression in his eyes, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak; she was in his arms, looking at it, and she thought he understood.


    Huanhuan stood by the coffee table, drinking yogurt, feeling a bit sad that mom and dad were cuddled on the sofa ignoring her, so she quickly walked over with her yogurt, wriggled, and squeezed in between them.


    All the little thoughts Mu Yichen and Qin Mu had were pushed aside by the sudden intrusion of this little girl.


    Mu Yichen raised his hand and gently stroked her head, and Huanhuan energetically rubbed her head against the palm of his hand.


    Qin Mu shifted slightly to give her daughter enough space, quietly watching the father and daughter play.


    Later, she went to the studio. Helian Hao called her, "Mumu, are you telling me that the trending topic about Jing Qing on Weibo this morning has something to do with you?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu sat down, one hand holding the phone and the other reaching for a stack of drawing paper beside her.


    Jing Feng suspects it was your doing, I¡¯m worried he might trouble you, so be prepared, gotta hang up now," said Helian Hao, who was still in bed without getting up, leaning on the headboard and chatting on the phone with Qin Mu. Hearing footsteps, he quickly whispered a caution before hanging up.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t have time to explain further, but she also didn¡¯t like to explain too much.


    As soon as Qin Haiming returned, he invited her to a private restaurant for a meeting, a place that wasn¡¯t very large but seemed rather old.


    The two sat in an elegant private room, Qin Haiming still in his suit and shoes, looking fairly amiable and approachable.


    Qin Mu, as always, could not smile at him, but when Qin Haiming asked her to order, she did so, and she didn¡¯t hesitate to drink tea when he offered it.


    The private room was filled with a silence that was nearly immediately awkward.


    Even breathing seemed superfluous here.


    "You¡¯ve lost a lot of weight since I last saw you, I heard you¡¯ve been busy preparing for a show?" Qin Haiming asked the girl sitting across from him in a soft voice.


    "Yes!" Qin Mu answered softly, tasting the tea in her mouth that seemed bland and tasteless.


    The entire room was decorated in a retro style, reminiscent of ancient times, including the dark red high-end partition next to them that seemed very old.


    Occasionally, Qin Mu observed the decoration of the private room, sometimes looking down at the tea cup in her hand with a single tea leaf floating on the surface. She suddenly remembered that her mother had said a tea leaf standing on the water¡¯s surface meant a guest would be visiting the house.


    Hmm, were there any guests coming to her and Mu Yichen¡¯s house?


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but zone out because if she didn¡¯t, it¡¯d be even more awkward.


    Seeing that her cup was half-empty, Qin Haiming raised his hand to pick up the clay teapot to refill her cup and then asked quietly, "On this trip for a meeting, I heard them mentioning you."


    "Me? What do people like you have to discuss about me?"


    "Their families are mostly from the fashion circle and heard you are Jian Yan¡¯s apprentice, they all think highly of you," Qin Haiming spoke softly.


    Qin Mu¡¯s mouth twitched slightly, wanting to smile, but bitterness quickly spread to her lips first.


    They...


    How did they know about her?


    Hadn¡¯t the whole world forgotten that he had a daughter like her?


    Why then did someone there know about her?


    Qin Mu subconsciously looked up at him, her eyes filled with complaints and suspicion.


    Qin Haiming just smiled at her, and when he heard a knock, he said, "Come in."


    Qin Mu also shifted her gaze away from his face, nodded politely to the uncle who came in to serve the dishes: "Thank you."


    The uncle didn¡¯t speak, just smiled back at her after putting down the dishes and also nodded at Qin Haiming before leaving.


    "Try their cooking and see how it is," Qin Haiming said softly.


    Feeling a bit hungry, Qin Mu also picked up her chopsticks.


    Sometimes she felt that the chopsticks were as stiff as the pencils she used to draw with, but sometimes they seemed too stiff.


    Like now, she felt as if the hardness was hurting the muscles used for gripping a pencil.


    "Though work is important, don¡¯t forget to take care of your health, alright?" continued Qin Haiming with concern.


    Qin Mu looked up at him subconsciously, but didn¡¯t retort.


    She suddenly remembered Qin Mingzhu saying he had Zhang Rujia prepare a room for her at their home; since he still harbored the illusion of wanting her to go there, why shouldn¡¯t she make good use of it?


    She planned to stop always being at odds with him.

 Chapter 348 - 109 Compensation Required by President Mu (10)_5

    Chapter 348: 109 Compensation Required by President Mu (10)_5


    Just as Feng Fanghua said, he should be the person who could support her the most in Rongcheng, other than Mu Yichen.


    Seeing that she was unusually quiet today and even a bit obedient, Qin Haiming also felt more comfortable; when he had the driver pick her up, what he worried about the most was not her refusal, but rather that after she arrived, she would oppose him at every turn.


    "How¡¯s your relationship with that kid Mu Yichen recently? The Jing Family girl hasn¡¯t been pestering him again, has she?"


    Qin Haiming asked again.


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Mu gave an affirmative reply, reminded of the matter with the Weibo topic.


    Qin Haiming noticed the sharpness in her eyes, and subconsciously narrowed his: Mumu?


    Qin Mu looked up at him, somewhat confused as to why he suddenly called her.


    "Eat some vegetables!"


    After a while, that uncle served another dish and soup; Mayor Qin didn¡¯t order a whole table-full of dishes to waste extravagantly, he appeared quite thrifty in this respect.


    She was well aware that Qin Haiming was not entirely worthless, otherwise how could he have become the mayor of this city.


    But the harm caused in her early years was too great; now, in the eyes of outsiders, he remained a man with a shiny exterior, a considerate husband, a father who doted on his daughter, and even a lofty leader, because it was only after his wife died that he remarried.


    Later on, Qin Mu found it hard to eat; eventually, she forcefully chewed the food and swallowed it down.


    She told herself that she was already blessed!


    After the meal, she quietly got into his car again, sitting with him in the back, one on each side, while the driver drove earnestly, silence filling the carriage.


    Later, when they arrived at her studio, it seemed as if all three people inside heaved a sigh of relief.


    Qin Mu quickly opened the car door: Goodbye!


    Qin Mu said softly before getting out of the car, and then she left.


    Watching her walk away with her back straight, Qin Haiming couldn¡¯t help but smile unconsciously, appreciation in his smile.


    "Have you noticed that this girl has changed somewhat?"


    "She¡¯s still family after all, how could she always be so cold? Especially since the young miss inherently shares the gentle and proper nature of Madam."


    The driver commented.


    "Hmm! In terms of striving for progress, Mumu indeed outshines Mingzhu by quite a lot. The sisters are almost the same age, but one is still idle at home while the other has already started her career."


    Qin Haiming nodded, commenting unconsciously.


    "The second young miss is just spoiled by you and Madam, no, the second young miss is actually still a bit young."


    The driver corrected himself immediately upon realizing his slip.


    "Ah! With me, do you still need to be so cautious? What has happened here while I was away?"


    "I overheard once that the second young miss caused some trouble at the elder miss¡¯s studio, something about stealing design drafts, but the miss and Madam always spoke so that we couldn¡¯t hear clearly, so I¡¯m not certain."


    The driver spoke leisurely, but Qin Haiming was startled by these words.


    "Did Mingzhu really do such a sordid thing?"


    "I didn¡¯t hear clearly, you should just pretend I didn¡¯t say anything."


    The driver was a bit frightened; after all, he still needed to work for his living and feared Zhang Rujia making trouble for him again.


    Qin Haiming frowned and sighed.


    The 27th of the last lunar month was Qin Mu¡¯s show; on the 26th, she received a phone call from Feng Fanghua asking her to come over to her house. Since everyone was busy, Qin Mu asked softly, "Mom, can it wait until after tomorrow night?"


    "Come over right now, no, just go straight to the airport."


    Qin Mu...


    It was already getting dark, and she drove to the airport once again.


    After parking, she immediately arrived at the arrival gate, seeing Feng Fanghua standing there nervously, continuously rubbing her hands and looking expectantly inside.


    Qin Mu instinctively looked inside -- there were still quite a few people at the airport, but she had no idea whom Feng Fanghua was waiting for.


    "Mom!"


    Qin Mu went over and called out apprehensively.


    Feng Fanghua turned around and saw her looking nervous, but didn¡¯t think much of it and frowned, "Why are you only here now?"


    "There was some traffic on the way."


    It was the peak hour for congestion, and she had done her best to avoid congested routes and come as quickly as possible.


    But she had no idea who this VIP was that required Feng Fanghua to personally pick them up from the airport.


    "Mu Qingxin said she would arrive by six; why is it half-past six and she still hasn¡¯t arrived?"


    Feng Fanghua kept looking around as she spoke.


    "Mu Qingxin?"


    Qin Mu repeated the name subconsciously, the already dizzy and busy woman feeling even more bewildered.


    Feng Fanghua ignored her and pulled out her phone to call Mu Qingxin.

 Chapter 349 - 109 Compensation Required by President Mu (10)_6

    Chapter 349: 109 Compensation Required by President Mu (10)_6


    The call was quickly answered, "Mom!"


    "Have you gotten off the plane? Where are you? Your sister-in-law and I are waiting for you at the arrival gate."


    "Mom, sorry, something came up last minute, I can only come back tomorrow night."


    "What?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what was said on the other end, but guessed that Mu Qingxin had suddenly changed her mind by watching Feng Fanghua¡¯s face fall.


    "Mom, I¡¯ll bring someone back for you to meet tomorrow. He¡¯s coming back tonight and asked me to wait for him at home, Mom? Mom? Mom?"


    Feng Fanghua angrily stuffed the phone into her bag and stomped out.


    Qin Mu had no choice but to follow hurriedly, not understanding anything.


    "If you dare, then don¡¯t ever come back!"


    The always proud Madam Feng couldn¡¯t help but shed tears as she reached the parking lot.


    Qin Mu...


    "Go on with your work, I¡¯m going back."


    Feng Fanghua said.


    Qin Mu...


    Standing at the door, she remained somewhat dazed as she watched Feng Fanghua board the Mu Family car, then walked towards the parking lot while dialing Mu Yichen¡¯s number: Is it because your sister said she was coming back and then didn¡¯t? Mom seems to have cried.


    "Where are you?"


    "At the airport! But I¡¯m heading back to the studio now. Take Huanhuan to the old house."


    Qin Mu said as she walked.


    "Got it!"


    Mu Yichen, toting Little Huanhuan, was almost at the apartment but turned towards the Mu Family mansion instead.


    A vacant large house near the studio had been rented and renovated by Qin Mu, complete with a runway installed.


    The models were already in place, and Jian Yan had even managed to invite a famous Parisian male singer and a female model to boost the show, but Jian Yan didn¡¯t come in person.


    Xiaomei said he¡¯d been very busy lately. Qin Mu initially wanted to have Jian Yan over once he was well, but then thought better of it and didn¡¯t push the matter.


    Fortunately, Yang Qianxi was sharp enough to take over Xiaomei¡¯s work seamlessly, and the rest of the team, being old partners, seemed busy in a chaotic manner but were actually operating in an orderly fashion.


    In the temporary changing room built behind the runway, designers with their assistants were busy adjusting the models¡¯ outfits. As soon as Qin Mu returned, she immediately joined the bustle.


    It had been exactly one year since she came over with Jian Yan to organize the show.


    It seemed like nobody had the time to be sentimental, only immersing themselves earnestly in their work.


    When Mu Yichen arrived back at the Mu Family home with Huanhuan, Feng Fanghua had just been seated for a couple of minutes, her eyes visibly red.


    Mu Yichen had already called Mu Qingxin on his way, understanding the man¡¯s desire to see her as soon as he was back from his business trip since he was a man too, but he also felt angry that his sister lacked her own opinion, especially seeing his mother¡¯s eyes reddened from distress.


    "The young master is back!"


    "Hmm!"


    The elderly couple looked towards the door when they heard noises from the entrance.


    "Grandpa, Grandma!"


    Little Huanhuan seemed to have forgotten the day her grandma and mom had quarreled, cheerfully trotting to them as she entered the room.


    Feng Fanghua immediately lowered her head and turned her face to quickly wipe away tears, then smiled again upon hearing her granddaughter¡¯s voice.


    "Grandma, don¡¯t cry!"


    Huanhuan, initially heading for her grandpa¡¯s arms, immediately switched to her grandma¡¯s embrace upon seeing the tears and began to help wipe them away with her little hands.


    "I¡¯m sorry for scaring our Huanhuan that day."


    Feng Fanghua immediately touched the little girl¡¯s cheek with her hand and then pulled her onto her lap, kissing Huanhuan tearfully.


    Huanhuan had already forgotten the incident and just kept wiping underneath Feng Fanghua¡¯s eyes.


    Mu Yichen stood and watched for a moment, then sat down on a solo sofa nearby.


    "Qingxin is probably waiting to bring her boyfriend to meet you tomorrow, just one day later," Mu Yichen said to Feng Fanghua.


    "It would be better if she didn¡¯t come back at all!"


    Feng Fanghua stubbornly muttered, lifting her chin proudly.


    "If she really didn¡¯t come back, you¡¯d scold her for being heartless and cold, wouldn¡¯t you?" Mu Yichen said.


    Feng Fanghua felt upset being stopped by his words, holding her granddaughter and said to him, "What are you doing here all of a sudden?"


    "It¡¯s the frightening command of my wife, telling me to come back and comfort you," Mu Yichen replied helplessly, as if to imply that without an order from his leader, he wouldn¡¯t have come on his own initiative.


    "You just do whatever she says?"


    Feng Fanghua glared at him once more.


    "Mom, can we talk calmly and not frighten Huanhuan, please?" Mu Yichen then looked down at the little girl in Feng Fanghua¡¯s arms.


    Feng Fanghua immediately fell silent upon hearing this.


    Mu Zihao had been sitting aside in silence, until Feng Fanghua suddenly became pitifully mute.

 Chapter 350 - 109 Compensation Required by President Mu (10)_7

    Chapter 350: 109 Compensation Required by President Mu (10)_7


    "Didn¡¯t I ask you to come and make your mom happy? Are you making her happy or angry?"


    Mu Zihao questioned him.


    Mu Yichen...


    Afterward, Mu Yichen had dinner with Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao, though he didn¡¯t eat much.


    Later, when Feng Fanghua coaxed Huanhuan to sleep, Mu Yichen chatted with Mu Zihao for a bit before standing up and leaving.


    When Feng Fanghua came downstairs again, she felt a sense of emptiness seeing her son no longer at home.


    Mu Zihao whispered, "He¡¯s gone to keep his wife company at work."


    Feng Fanghua snorted coldly. "That boy is the very definition of forgetting his mother for his wife."


    Mu Zihao poured her a cup of flower tea. "His wife is telling him to be filial to you, isn¡¯t that the same thing?"


    "How is that the same? It¡¯s far from it!"


    Feng Fanghua complained, though she understood the reasoning in her heart.


    She thought about how busy Qin Mu had been these past few days, even being dragged to the airport for nothing, and she did feel a bit remorseful.


    But most of the time, she let those things fade with the passing time and chose to forget them.


    "Tomorrow is your daughter-in-law¡¯s show. Let¡¯s take Huanhuan and go watch it together."


    "Are you sure?"


    Feng Fanghua looked uncertainly at Mu Zihao.


    "Why? You¡¯d better not tell me you¡¯re not interested."


    Mu Zihao looked at her, his eyes filled with indulgence.


    "Are you planning to see those pretty girls again? Is that why you¡¯re suggesting we go watch with me?"


    Feng Fanghua eyed him and retorted.


    Mu Zihao was stunned for two seconds before he burst out laughing. "Your granddaughter is that big, and you¡¯re still jealous?"


    "I¡¯ll be jealous for a lifetime."


    Feng Fanghua muttered.


    Mu Zihao wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "Silly, have I ever cared for anyone else in my life?"


    Feng Fanghua looked at him and didn¡¯t say another word. She then lowered her brows, thought about the words Mu Yichen had said, the scene where Qin Mu was so accommodating to her, and the show tomorrow night.


    Mu Zihao gently held her, wishing she wouldn¡¯t always be so petty with Qin Mu. Instead, he hoped she¡¯d be as tolerant of Mu Yi as she was with her daughter, to be more forgiving toward Qin Mu, because Mu Zihao knew in his heart that their son had set his mind on that person, and if they were to accept him, they should do so wholeheartedly. Otherwise, life is too hard to endure with such a long string of grievances.


    Because they were all busy at the studio, nobody noticed that President Mu had already arrived.


    Qin Mu insisted on holding the show in her studio. He knew what she was thinking and let her be.


    Even though the venue was different, it suddenly felt like a year ago. Her manner of working hadn¡¯t changed at all; she was serious and earnest from beginning to end.


    Later, it was Yang Qianxi, who was running around, who first spotted him. He was leaning against the doorway, smoking, and had not gone inside.


    Yang Qianxi peeked inside. Seeing Qin Mu was still busy, she went over to greet him on her behalf, "President Mu!"


    Mu Yichen turned his head slightly, the moonlight catching his long eyelashes, though he wasn¡¯t looking at the person inside.


    "Miss Qin is busy working inside, would you like to come in and sit down?"


    Yang Qianxi looked at him with nervous and admiring eyes of a young girl.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak to her but simply dropped his cigarette to the ground, crushed it out, and then walked in with his hands in his pockets.


    Yang Qianxi turned and watched him walk inside, feeling a touch of coldness in her heart, but she didn¡¯t complain. She just turned and followed behind him.


    "Miss Qin, President Mu is here."


    After Mu Yichen walked over, he sat down on a simple chair to the side, not intending to disturb her until Yang Qianxi went over to convey the message to him.


    In her voice, there seemed to be an unknowing joy and excitement.


    Qin Mu was pinching a piece of fabric on the model¡¯s body, her lips holding a very thin needle. Hearing the voice, she instinctively turned her head to glance behind her. It was just a moment¡¯s stupor, her heart warmed, but she quickly took the needle from her mouth and asked faintly, "Didn¡¯t I tell you to go to the old house?"


    "Yeah! You do your work, don¡¯t mind me."


    Mu Yichen said with a shallow smile to her.


    Yang Qianxi stood by, feeling awkward for a moment. After thinking it over, she lowered her head and ran off again.


    Mu Yichen kept watching Qin Mu, and of course, Qin Mu understood the look in his eyes. She sighed helplessly and then continued to work.


    Outside, the silver crescent moon hung high, brightening the night sky, as if heralding that the next day would be good weather.


    Now, fashion moguls from out of town had already arrived at AM, and Qin Mu¡¯s show was poised for launch, bound to make an impact.


    It was quiet outside while the studio was lit up, and a petite figure was bustling in the kitchen with what she believed was the most important matter.


    Mu Yichen eventually couldn¡¯t resist and lit a cigarette. A few smoking colleagues, drawn by the smell, glanced at him. Mu Yichen knew they probably wanted a smoke too, so he distributed his cigarettes among them.


    "Everything here is flammable, be careful."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t say much more, since it was Jian Yan who had started the habit of smoking to manage stress when tired.


    Jian Yan would light a cigarette whenever, wherever he was troubled, so his prote?ge?s followed suit.


    A female colleague from Paris, particularly uninhibited, had torn her collar a bit too large. She smoked her cigarette while commanding the model to turn for her inspection, looking every part the boss lady.


    "President Mu, would you like a cup of milk tea to warm up?"


    A few minutes later, a faintly sweet voice suddenly arose from behind him. Curious, Qin Mu turned her head. Yang Qianxi was standing by Mu Yichen, holding a cup of milk tea, waiting for him to take it.


    The people who heard this all looked puzzled, but Yang Qianxi just stood there with a gentle smile, innocent and well-meaning.

 Chapter 351 - 110 Compensation Required by President Mu (11)_1

    Chapter 351: 110 Compensation Required by President Mu (11)_1


    Mu Yichen also looked up but only gazed at the steaming cup of milk tea in her hand.


    The next second¡ª


    "I don¡¯t need it, give it to Miss Qin. Besides, since you seem to have so much free time, why not make one for everyone?"


    President Mu lowered his eyes, his reminder cold and indifferent.


    Everyone...


    Qin Mu¡¯s keen eyes quietly fell as doubt rose in her heart, yet she turned back to her work.


    "This..."


    Yang Qianxi looked somewhat troubled as she glanced at the milk tea in her hand and then turned to look at Qin Mu, her expression filled with disappointment and difficulty.


    "I don¡¯t need it either, you drink it yourself!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s indifferent reply came as she buried herself back in her work.


    Yang Qianxi...


    Holding the milk tea, it suddenly seemed to her like a hot potato, unsure of how to deal with it. Looking at how everyone was looking at her, she almost burst into tears of grievance.


    Yang Qianxi wondered why everyone turned so cold towards her just because she made a cup of milk tea for Mu Yichen. Wasn¡¯t she just trying to show her support because the big boss was staying overtime with them?


    But now, everyone looked at her as if she had committed a crime. Recalling the ostracism she faced when she first came here, she felt a wave of panic.


    Later, Mu Yichen found an unoccupied sofa, casually moved the clothes aside, leaned back comfortably, and fixed his gaze on Qin Mu¡¯s face as she worked. He couldn¡¯t help but smile, pulling out his phone to take a photo of her.


    When everyone was so tired they were nearly paralyzed, Qin Mu looked up and saw Mu Yichen sleeping on the couch. Her heart stirred. As she tried to sit up straight, she suddenly heard her back and joints crackling, her neck so stiff it took a while to lift, and she had to rub it forcefully with one hand.


    She glanced at her watch; it was three o¡¯clock in the middle of the night. She couldn¡¯t help but call it a night: "It¡¯s late, everyone go to sleep. Have an early lunch tomorrow, then come back here to gather."


    Realizing that they had almost finished their work and needed to be fresh for tomorrow, everyone put aside their tasks and left.


    Qin Mu sat down next to Mu Yichen on the sofa, which was still cluttered with fabrics and discarded clothes. She turned her head slightly, and Mu Yichen conveniently rested his head on her shoulder.


    Qin Mu dared not move, but a rare expression finally crossed her usually stiff face.


    She couldn¡¯t help smiling faintly, Qin Mu lowered her gaze to the ring on her finger, her eyes suddenly sharp. Thinking back to Yang Qianxi, and having neglected her until she looked up and saw Yang Qianxi cleaning, Qin Mu¡¯s heart softened.


    "Qianxi, you should go back too!"


    Qin Mu said with a weak voice.


    "What about you guys?"


    Yang Qianxi was sweeping the floor and turned to look at the man and woman when she heard Qin Mu¡ª him leaning on her shoulder asleep, her looking somewhat tired but still composed.


    "We¡¯ll be heading back in a bit,"


    Qin Mu said softly, smiling at her.


    "Alright then, take it slow on your way back."


    Yang Qianxi said as she placed the broom aside gently, then took her coat from the hook by the door and left. When she reached the door, she couldn¡¯t help looking back. At that moment, Qin Mu was already facing sideways, focused once again on Mu Yichen, gently tapping his nose with her finger.


    Yang Qianxi felt her heart stir, a sting in her chest as if compelled by a thorn.


    Deep into the night, Qin Mu intended to wake him so they could drive back together, but somehow, she ended up lying with him on the not-so-large sofa.


    Late into the night, the whole house quieted down, two people lying inside, one of them unable to fall asleep for a long time.


    Qin Mu knew in her heart, Yang Qianxi couldn¡¯t stay. This woman had taken a liking to her husband, that look of a young girl adoring a grown man, seemingly harmless but in reality a potential threat if she allowed Yang Qianxi to stay around.


    If Jing Qing was her rival, then Yang Qianxi would become her greatest hidden danger if she continued to linger.


    Since she abides by the principle of doubting those unworthy of trust, and having already given a chance that led to issues, she couldn¡¯t continue playing the good person.


    A bit later, Qin Mu suddenly felt chilly and burrowed forcefully into his embrace, barely opening her eyes and seeing the dimly lit sky before realizing she was outside and being held by Mu Yichen.


    Battling the mercilessly cold wind, she couldn¡¯t help but sniffle.


    "Not sleeping?"

 Chapter 352 - 110 Compensation Required by President Mu (11)_2

    Chapter 352: 110 Compensation Required by President Mu (11)_2


    Her voice was husky with fatigue as she asked him, holding his neck with her hands and her face pressed against his chest.


    "Sleep, let¡¯s go back to the studio to sleep."


    Mu Yichen carried her back to the studio and after they reached the room on the second floor, he first put her down, then went to switch on the air conditioning to a comfortable temperature, and the two of them lay down on that bed which they had slept on many times and once again entered dreamland.


    In even the coldest of quilts, it probably only takes two people to warm it up, so afterward Mu Yichen also slept soundly.


    Meanwhile, at Rongcheng AM, it was the busiest time for breakfast around eight in the morning, not just for the hotel guests, but also for the many locals who loved their breakfast.


    Jing Qing, having heard that some acquaintances were coming, invited Qin Mingzhu to join her for breakfast and arranged to meet those acquaintances.


    The girls¡¯ breakfasts were also very refined, they were always on a diet and seemed much more particular than others.


    Jing Qing was responsible for introducing the most distinctive breakfasts at AM, and the visiting socialites, fashionistas, and a notable actress were all salivating at her descriptions.


    Jing Qing of course chose the best spot in the entire restaurant to accompany the visiting beauties for breakfast.


    No sooner had breakfast been served, than the actress took a delicate and beautiful small bites, the melt-in-your-mouth sensation led her to involuntarily gobble up the whole thing, and her facial expressions were indeed varied and rich.


    "How is it? I didn¡¯t lie to you, did I?"


    Jing Qing asked with a smile.


    "Mmm, you guys should try it, it¡¯s really delicious!"


    The first actress to taste said.


    Another was a young lady from a prominent family, but she hesitated at the sight of the sugar in the breakfast, only relenting and picking up her chopsticks to try after seeing the other actress¡¯s expressions and enthusiasm. After nibbling a tiny bit, she couldn¡¯t help but take another larger bite, and then looked at the others with an expression that seemed to have undergone a hundred transformations.


    Together with Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu, there were six people, making for a perfect breakfast table, and they all enjoyed the meal.


    After breakfast, Jing Qing invited everyone for morning tea, choosing a private room upstairs where they could sit all morning. After all the guests were led there by the staff, Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu spoke in hushed tones outside for a moment before rejoining them.


    "Actually, I¡¯m quite curious, all of you are fashion experts, and you¡¯ve seen all kinds of fashion shows, so why come to see a show by a designer who¡¯s only been in the country for less than a year?"


    As Jing Qing sat down, she casually brought it up as though it was just idle chatter.


    "She¡¯s not just any designer, I heard she has designed gowns for many big celebrities abroad, including royalty."


    The actress with some fame in the country answered.


    "And I remember reading an article that said that Miss Qin had even designed a gown for Miss Jing, and that time you stole the spotlight on the international red carpet."


    The socialite asked curiously, feeling that Jing Qing seemed to harbor some animosity towards Qin Mu. Unsure if she was correct, she decided to ask about it.


    Upon hearing the socialite¡¯s words, Jing Qing couldn¡¯t help but give a forced laugh, "Miss Wang sure knows a lot. Do Rongcheng¡¯s gossips travel all the way to A City?"


    "I just skimmed over it online when I was bored."


    The socialite replied with a light smile. She knew Jing Qing through the older generation¡¯s connections, but she personally found Jing Qing to be quite fake and didn¡¯t like her much.


    The actress and the two high-status women from the fashion industry also curiously watched the unfolding scene, suddenly feeling a bit confused by the commotion.


    "The gown Jing Qing wore was made by Qin Mu, but who says that Jing Qing shines brightly solely because of Qin Mu¡¯s credit? How could Jing Qing have won the Best Actress at the Golden Horse Awards for two consecutive years without her own beauty and intelligence? Even before Qin Mu came to Rongcheng, Jing Qing was already an award-winning actress. So obviously, the credit still lies with our Jing Qing herself for being gorgeous and distinctive."


    Qin Mingzhu suddenly spoke up, completely forgetting the previous incident where Jing Qing had blamed her for plagiarism.


    Listening to her speak, Jing Qing naturally kept silent, sitting with dignity like an outsider, and only after Qin Mingzhu finished did she smile and say, "My sister here, who¡¯s followed me growing up since she was a child, just loves to flatter me. You should take her words with a grain of salt."

 Chapter 353 - 110 Compensation Required by President Mu (11)_3

    Chapter 353: 110 Compensation Required by President Mu (11)_3


    "How is this flattery? In Rongcheng, who dares to provoke you, Jing Qing? Even if you go to other regions or foreign countries, who would dare touch a hair on your head when they know you¡¯re from the Jing Family? Granddad would skin them alive. Besides, your beauty and temperament are unmatched by any of us combined, let alone others."


    Jing Qing felt especially pleased by Qin Mingzhu¡¯s words and couldn¡¯t help but take a few more glances at her.


    The other ladies were also beauties in their own right, and all had some status in the fashion circle. Naturally, none of them were truly convinced by these words but didn¡¯t refute them because of the mention of granddad skinning someone alive.


    "However, speaking of which, since whoever is running this show can pull it off, they must not be an ordinary person. Setting aside Jing Qing¡¯s incident, think about all the gowns she has made for celebrities, those that have been used in concerts; everyone has seen them."


    Another lady with some prestige in the fashion circle stirred her sweet soup with a spoon and spoke calmly, her eyes quietly fixed on the soup bowl.


    "This is something only you outsiders believe. Have you forgotten about her remarkable master? Have you forgotten about the news on Weibo from a while back? It¡¯s probably ¡¯done by her master¡¯ to please her and make her happy,"


    Qin Mingzhu emphasized the last few words with a louder voice.


    "This designer indeed has an unusual relationship with her master. Her master stayed in Rongcheng for a long time not long ago, always accompanying her in her studio, often seen together all day in the office."


    Jing Qing, afraid they wouldn¡¯t believe her, spoke in a suppressed voice, gradually elaborating.


    A few of the women exchanged glances, one of them a fashion expert and the editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine. Upon hearing this, she involuntarily lowered her gaze, and her mouth twitched slightly, seemingly disapproving of such remarks.


    "I hear Qin Mu is the mayor¡¯s eldest daughter of Qin City. That makes you sisters, right?"


    Suddenly, the editor-in-chief, who had been silent in her white coat, spoke up, her question striking at the heart of the matter.


    Qin Mingzhu was suddenly stunned, having entirely forgotten that someone might know about this; now she only regretted her eagerness to discredit Qin Mu without thinking about how to handle such tricky questions.


    When everyone looked at Qin Mingzhu, Jing Qing¡¯s lashes fluttered subtly, and then she looked up at them with a smile, saying, "What sisters? Qin Mu was long ago driven out of the Qin Family. Only Qin Mingzhu is the daughter of the Qin Family."


    The women were hardly able to believe it, but indeed they had dug up Qin Mu¡¯s past. Qin Mu did go abroad when she was eight and had just returned this year.


    They were unclear about Qin Mu¡¯s situation with JY, but they were very aware that Qin Mu and Mu Yichen had a three-year-old daughter.


    "It¡¯s said that Mr. Yichen and Miss Qin Mu have a three-year-old daughter, and that Miss Qin moved in with Mr. Yichen as soon as she returned. Mr. Yichen, being such a smart man, surely wouldn¡¯t choose a girl with bad conduct, would he?" asked Ms. Wang, a socialite.


    "Don¡¯t even mention it; Mr. Yichen has been temporarily bewitched by that vixen, so it¡¯s indeed possible he¡¯s been fooled temporarily and can¡¯t distinguish good from bad,"


    Qin Mingzhu said.


    Hearing this, Jing Qing instinctively pondered for a moment, and everyone turned their attention to her.


    Each of these beauties was sharp and astute, how could they not guess what was happening by now.


    As for Jing Qing, she felt even more that things were going awry. Originally, she had come with full confidence, knowing everyone and having granddad¡¯s support. But not even having finished her tea, she realized that none of these women were on her side. She thought it was time for her to speak up personally.


    Qin Mu arrived at AM at 10:30 a.m., because several well-known domestic and international fashion magazine editors were there, along with some acquaintances, including the queen editor-in-chief of Beijing¡¯s fashion magazine¡ªthe same one having tea with Jing Qing. She made a special trip to visit beforehand.


    Unexpectedly, when she inquired about the editor-in-chief, the staff said she was having tea with Jing Qing. Qin Mu had a bad feeling about this; Jing Qing inviting these people for tea could only mean one thing¡ªslandering Qin Mu¡¯s image.


    It could even sabotage her show tonight, so how could Qin Mu let Jing Qing succeed?


    The hotel¡¯s management found her downstairs and immediately came over to take orders.


    "Miss Qin! The boss has called ahead, today I¡¯m at your disposal,"


    Qin Mu took an extra look at the executive unconsciously and politely nodded her thanks. The two went upstairs together, the executive asking in a soft voice, "I haven¡¯t seen Xiaomei, the assistant, for a while."

 Chapter 354 - 110 Compensation Required by President Mu (11)_4

    Chapter 354: 110 Compensation Required by President Mu (11)_4


    "She¡¯s currently in Paris, and probably won¡¯t be back for a while,"


    Qin Mu replied with a smile, actually feeling a bit nostalgic for Xiaomei, but still prioritizing her master¡¯s health.


    "I see!"


    The executive nodded, standing side by side with her in the elevator.


    "Has everyone had breakfast this morning?"


    "Some had breakfast with Miss Jing, while the rest were in their rooms, mostly in groups of three or five, and some alone,"


    the executive responded.


    Qin Mu nodded after hearing this. On hearing that Jing Qing had invited people for breakfast, her keen gaze lifted slightly, and then she made a request, "Would you please have the staff send morning tea to the guests still in their rooms and prepare a delicate gift for their rooms as well?"


    "Sure, the cars arranged for tonight are all according to Mr. Mu¡¯s instructions, all top-level treatment, so you can rest assured about that,"


    the executive promised, also mentioning the car arrangements.


    "Thank you for the hard work!"


    Qin Mu nodded and gave a sincere smile of gratitude.


    Latterly, Qin Mu also visited the rooms of several influential and familiar guests. Three women in their thirties were gathered in one of their rooms chatting. She had the tea sent there, providing them something to do, and they insisted she sit on the sofa and join them for a cup of tea and a chat.


    After she finally took her leave from them, she happened to meet Miss Wang and the editor-in-chief of Queen magazine from Beijing, just coming back from the tea restaurant. Upon meeting, they paused briefly before smiling and greeting each other.


    "Miss Wang, Editor Zhang, thank you both for honoring us with your presence,"


    Qin Mu approached, exchanging pleasantries with a smile.


    "Miss Qin, how come you¡¯re back here?"


    "I just happened to have some free time and decided to visit some old friends who¡¯ve come from afar. I heard Editor Zhang and Miss Wang were invited by Miss Jing for tea, so I didn¡¯t want to intrude,"


    Qin Mu said softly, her candid and distant gaze proportionate to each other.


    "If Miss Qin is free now, perhaps we could chat in my room?"


    Editor Zhang, who knew something about Qin Mu since she had interviewed JY two years ago and therefore had a good impression of her, suggested this, and Qin Mu also nodded, "Sure!"


    "Miss Wang, if you¡¯re free, please join us."


    "Sure!"


    Miss Wang, who preferred tranquility, was delighted at the rare opportunity to discuss fashion with Editor Zhang and Qin Mu, so she readily agreed.


    The three of them proceeded to Editor Zhang¡¯s room. Upon sitting down, Editor Zhang said, "Jing Qing gets more and more inscrutable. She used to be so aloof that interviewing her was akin to overcoming a gauntlet of challenges, but now she suddenly comes to chat and have breakfast with us."


    "Do you two have some kind of grievance?"


    Miss Wang also inquired.


    Upon hearing Editor Zhang¡¯s comment, Qin Mu was not in a position to say much. However, after Miss Wang asked, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh softly, saying only, "I suppose so!"


    It¡¯s probably common knowledge among the elite of Rongcheng that the young lady of the Jing Family and the golden girl of Qin City had a falling out over Chen Shao.


    "Over Chen Shao?"


    Editor Zhang asked.


    Miss Wang didn¡¯t speak, she simply observed Qin Mu quietly.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes flickered slightly before she calmly said, "I believe so. I¡¯ve heard they were quite close before I returned."


    "Sweat! Jing Qing sure is delusional. If Chen Shao really had feelings for her, why wouldn¡¯t he have brought up marriage after all these years? Even the news of their supposed engagement came from the Jing Family, not the Mu Family. Does she really think she can fool everyone?"


    Editor Zhang had long been fed up with Jing Qing¡¯s diva behavior. Their magazine once wanted to feature Jing Qing as a cover queen, but not even the most humble of invitations could secure her presence.


    "I¡¯m also quite curious. It¡¯s been said that Chen Shao and Miss Qin went abroad to study together when they were younger and later had a daughter. Especially since you moved into the Mu Family¡¯s house recently, why haven¡¯t you two married?"


    Miss Wang asked with curiosity, her inky eyes fixed on Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu instinctively touched the ring on her finger, feeling a bit nervous sitting in front of two ladies with such keen perception, especially since Editor Zhang was the magazine editor; some things she dared not say casually. She subconsciously looked towards Editor Zhang, "I wonder if the things we discuss here today, Editor Zhang, could be kept from the press?"


    Editor Zhang straightened her back, gazing at Qin Mu¡¯s sharp eyes then at Miss Wang sitting beside her, before clapping her hands generously, "Fine, let¡¯s regard today¡¯s conversation as a chat among sisters. I promise not to let it out."

 Chapter 355 - 110 Compensation Required by President Mu (11)_5

    Chapter 355: 110 Compensation Required by President Mu (11)_5


    "I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve already dug up my past thoroughly, aware of my family, aware of the cause of my mother¡¯s death, and that I lack a sense of security in marriage. So, does the phrase ¡¯a plain ring to bind a lifetime¡¯ convince you?"


    Qin Mu said with a smile, raising her hand for the two ladies to see.


    The plain ring sat quietly on her finger, looking as though it had grown there because she had worn it for some time, modest and tacit.


    Miss Wang and Editor-in-Chief Zhang exchanged a glance.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t really say much, but they decided not to inquire further.


    "It¡¯s almost lunchtime, and thanks to Mr. Mu, it should be a good meal. I hope you both enjoy it. Once tonight¡¯s work is over, if you¡¯re still in Rongcheng, I¡¯d be happy to guide you around," Qin Mu offered.


    "What if we want to have a meal with Yichen?"


    Editor-in-Chief Zhang suddenly asked with a smile.


    "Leave it to me!"


    Qin Mu, seeing their earnest desire, did not decline.


    Although she felt somewhat guilty about troubling Mu Yichen, perhaps it was better not to keep score in a marriage. After all, having bothered him so much already, one more meal wouldn¡¯t make a difference.


    "Then it¡¯s settled, how about tomorrow noon?"


    "Sure!"


    Editor-in-Chief Zhang didn¡¯t expect Qin Mu to agree so readily. Although she wasn¡¯t sure if Qin Mu could really persuade Mu Yichen to join them for a meal, Zhang was willing to believe based on Qin Mu¡¯s sincere commitment.


    Miss Wang said nothing further, choosing instead to walk Qin Mu to the door.


    Only afterwards did Miss Wang ask, "Do you really want to have a meal with Yichen?"


    "I¡¯m here on a rare occasion. If I don¡¯t get to meet a key figure of Rongcheng, that would be a real pity. Also, seeing how indulgent Yichen is with Qin Mu, securing this meal seems almost certain."


    "Indulgent? How could you tell?"


    "Didn¡¯t you notice? Since we set foot in Rongcheng, we haven¡¯t had to worry about anything. When we go to other places for shows, we don¡¯t get such treatment. We had someone to greet us at the airport, luxury cars at our disposal, dinners, breakfasts, morning teas, and those little gifts. Although Yichen hasn¡¯t shown up, if he wasn¡¯t indulging Miss Qin, how could everything be taken care of so meticulously? I bet if Qin Mu asked for it, he would sign over this hotel and rename it after her in an instant."


    "Editor-in-Chief Zhang, you really have a keen eye."


    Miss Wang said with a laugh, while Editor-in-Chief Zhang smiled lightly, "We haven¡¯t finished our tea yet, shall we continue?"


    "Sure, having met you today is serendipity, let¡¯s go!"


    Finding someone with shared interests, there was no desire to go shopping during the day; they were content to chat until they lost track of time.


    Qin Mu drove her little car back to the workshop, to that seemingly modest house that could accommodate hundreds of people. Seeing everyone still busy inside, she immediately removed her blue coat, rolled up the sleeves of her white sweater, and joined in.


    "I¡¯m back!"


    Qin Mu had just walked in, about to take over the needlework from a colleague, when she heard a familiar voice.


    At the door, Xiaomei stood with arms wide open, looking as if she¡¯d come to surprise everyone. Seeing everyone staring at her in shock, her smiling face began to fade in fright.


    "Why are you back?"


    Qin Mu asked anxiously.


    "JY told me to come back to support you and not to return!"


    Xiaomei said, looking a bit heartbroken as her face fell.


    The men suddenly started whistling and clapping, and the room erupted into cheerful shouts... Xiaomei...


    "You heartless bunch."


    She said in fluent French, rushing in.


    After hugging everyone one by one, she finally approached Qin Mu, "I heard you are planning to replace me, is it true?"


    Xiaomei pouted, looking pitifully with cheeks puffed out.


    "Ah!


    Qin Mu shook her head helplessly and gave Xiaomei a big hug.


    At that moment, as Yang Qianxi arrived with freshly brewed coffee, she froze upon seeing Xiaomei.


    Everyone gave her a cold glance and then immediately immersed themselves back in work.


    "You first go and check Amei¡¯s outfits. She¡¯ll be here soon, and we need to ensure there are no issues when she arrives."


    "Got it!"


    Xiaomei dived right back into work. As she passed by Yang Qianxi, she turned her head, pushing back the coffee cup in Yang¡¯s hand with an involuntary touch, "Thanks!"

 Chapter 356 - 110 Compensation Required by President Mu (11)_6

    Chapter 356: 110 Compensation Required by President Mu (11)_6


    Yang Qianxi watched Xiaomei take coffee to the back, feeling as if needles were pricking her heart.


    Qin Mu simply lifted his gaze unintentionally and, having seen that scene, just buried his head back into his work.


    Qin Mu knew in his heart that letting Yang Qianxi simply walk away like that would be inappropriate, so, how should he manage the aftermath?


    These matters now didn¡¯t permit time for careful consideration, because a car had quickly arrived from out of town and pulled up directly to the front of their studio.


    Mu Yichen was standing by a first-floor window of the studio, smoking, when he noticed three women getting out of the pricey luxury car, his brows unconsciously narrowing slightly.


    "Is this the place?" said one of the slender women, dressed in a black coat.


    "This is it!"


    Another woman emerged from the driver¡¯s seat, clad in a deep blue coat, and walked towards the inside first.


    The remaining woman also got out, carrying a bag, and followed the woman in front into the building.


    Mu Yichen shifted slightly and, with a slight smile, greeted the approaching woman: President Fu!


    "President Mu, long time no see!"


    Fu Huan stepped forward; Mu Yichen stood behind the sofa without moving, and the woman named Fu Huan approached and shook his hand gently.


    "Let me introduce you, these two are my friends, Yuan Xin, and this is Fei Yun."


    "It must be Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Gu, right?"


    President Mu, with formal politeness, shook hands with them in turn.


    Fei Yun, upon seeing her idol, couldn¡¯t help but reveal her girlish shyness, even her black coat couldn¡¯t conceal a hint of maturity.


    Yuan Xin, on the other hand, was quite composed, smiling as a form of greeting.


    "All the other guests have already checked into AM. The show is at 7:30 PM. Would the three of you like to go have some tea and wait?"


    "Actually, I brought some items over. I thought Miss Qin might agree to use our company¡¯s jewelry on the models?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s keen gaze lifted slightly, then he smiled lightly: I¡¯ll give her a call.


    "Thank you!"


    Fu Huan nodded, then everyone sat on the sofas to rest while Mu Yichen went to call Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu, upon hearing this, naturally came back immediately. Originally, since they were showcasing fashion, they hadn¡¯t required high-end jewelry, but if there were outstanding pieces available, that would be better than good.


    Since it wasn¡¯t their first meeting, Qin Mu immediately shook hands with them. Fei Yun, replacing Liu Ying as Fu Huan¡¯s assistant on this occasion, took out the previously prepared photos of the jewelry from her bag to show.


    Four women sat on the sofa discussing business, while Mu Yichen stood quietly behind Qin Mu, observing.


    Fu Huan had dominated the jewelry scene in Rong City¡ªher ambition impressed Mu Yichen, especially since her husband was among the few men he respected. Fu Huan¡¯s formidable ambition in a woman made him find the power couple somewhat intimidating.


    "The items are all in the car; if you agree, we can join your work right now."


    "Alright, if the jewelry gets damaged or something else happens during use, I will compensate at the market price."


    Qin Mu thought it was necessary to clarify this matter up front.


    "This is your studio¡¯s remuneration."


    Fu Huan said with a smile.


    Qin Mu, taken aback by her powerful presence, couldn¡¯t help but chuckle to herself: Do these tycoons really not treat objects as money?


    Since they didn¡¯t want to overshadow the fashion with the jewelry, they had opted for more refined pieces this time, but none was cheap. Qin Mu felt a myriad of emotions but still nodded. After all, saying too much would just be too pretentious.


    That evening, the fashionistas from Rongcheng, guests from other cities, and even some foreign friends and acquaintances all came to attend the show.


    The seats below the stage were all neatly arranged and marked with the names of these fashion-forward individuals, so everyone could take their designated seats when the time came.


    Fu Huan, Yuan Xin, and Fei Yun were helping out inside all along. As the main designer, Qin Mu, along with Xiaomei who was also there, watched the three work in harmony. Xiaomei felt a bit of a heartache and involuntarily asked, "You guys must be best friends with such good rapport, right?"


    "That¡¯s true, but the main thing is, the two of us used to be her assistants."


    Fei Yun laughed. Reflecting on her role change, she was impressed with herself.


    Xiaomei was taken aback, subconsciously looking at Qin Mu, as if she felt guilty for not having the same rapport with her.


    "Wasn¡¯t it you who insisted on sticking around at my company? Still, have the nerve to say you were my assistant, when you hardly showed up for a few days a month¡ªdo I not know about it or does Sister Xin not know?"

 Chapter 357 - 110 Compensation Required by President Mu (11)_7

    Chapter 357: 110 Compensation Required by President Mu (11)_7


    Fu Huan asked bluntly.


    Xiaomei whispered in Qin Mu¡¯s ear, "Although we¡¯re not as in sync as they are right now, by the time we reach their age, we will definitely be that in sync."


    Qin Mu...


    A pair of bright, dark eyes couldn¡¯t help but look at Xiaomei, who was tilting her chin up confidently, nearly making Qin Mu laugh, but in the end she just helplessly lowered her head and continued to work.


    Models had already lined up backstage, and in an hour, the show would begin.


    "Miss Qin, Mr. Mu¡¯s father and mother have arrived, and so has Little Huanhuan,"


    Yang Qianxi suddenly ran in and said.


    Qin Mu turned to look, then handed her needlework to Xiaomei, "I have to go and greet them."


    Xiaomei, aware of Qin Mu¡¯s concerns, nodded in understanding, took her work, and then Qin Mu nodded to Fu Huan and the others as a greeting before she left.


    Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua, holding Huanhuan, arrived early, and after stepping out, Qin Mu looked at the seats on both sides and directly in front. She whispered something to the staff member managing the area, who nodded in acknowledgment before she strode off again.


    "Dad, Mom, you¡¯re here!"


    "Mummy!"


    Just as Qin Mu greeted them, Huanhuan saw her and immediately reached out for her mommy from her grandfather¡¯s embrace.


    Qin Mu took Huanhuan and then said to them with a smile, "It¡¯s a bit early now, Yichen is over at the studio. Would you like to go there?"


    "I see cars have already started to arrive outside; we¡¯d rather not go there. Where shall we sit?"


    "Mr. Mu, Mrs. Mu, would it be alright for both of you to sit in the front row?"


    The staff member Qin Mu had spoken to approached and asked for their preference, Feng Fanghua heard the implication and asked, "Does that mean we get to choose?"


    "Of course, please choose at your discretion,"


    Qin Mu immediately agreed with a smile.


    "Then I¡¯ll sit on the left side. What do you think, Old Mu?"


    "Whatever makes you happy,"


    Mu Zihao promptly said, and Feng Fanghua looked towards the best seats on the left but hesitated to sit down as they were labeled with the names of two big names from the fashion industry.


    However, the staff member swiftly tore off the names, "Please take your seats!"


    "Let these two sit next to me,"


    The staff member was decisive, and Feng Fanghua was in a good mood as she wanted to take photos with the two fashion VIPs, so she coldly commanded.


    The staff member glanced at Qin Mu, and with her smile, he arranged to have two chairs brought over, labeled them with the names of the two VIPs, and moved the subsequent chairs a bit further back.


    It was just as Feng Fanghua had said; fortunately, they arrived early and avoided the awkwardness of seat rearrangement as people began to trickle in a mere ten minutes later.


    The task of hospitality was not Qin Mu¡¯s responsibility; Xiaomei, the assistant, ended up tending to the guests.


    Qin Mu was busy backstage the whole time; Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu also came in later, and upon entering, they saw the well-dressed attendees already seated and waiting. Qin Mingzhu whispered into her sister¡¯s ear, "Why are there so many people?"


    "A large crowd isn¡¯t necessarily bad, the show is just beginning, isn¡¯t it?"


    Jing Qing replied quietly, then stood there looking inside, and suddenly spotted Yang Qianxi. She couldn¡¯t help scoffing: Has she been following Qin Mu all this time?


    "Exactly, she¡¯s practically Qin Mu¡¯s lap dog now. Oh, and I heard she even helped your company¡¯s Wen Runuan with her outfit."


    "Hmph! Do you have her number?"


    Jing Qing asked in a low voice.


    "I do!"


    "Send her a message saying I want to see her!"


    As Jing Qing said this, she looked down and saw Little Huanhuan chasing a balloon coming her way, with someone passing by her side...

 Chapter 358 - 111 Compensation Required by President Mu (12)_1

    Chapter 358: 111 Compensation Required by President Mu (12)_1


    Jing Qing suddenly felt as if someone had pushed her from behind. Her heels stumbled forward, and as she passed by the person beside her, she caught the hem of their skirt. She stumbled towards Huanhuan with a look of horror on her face when she saw a little girl in front of her.


    Huanhuan stood there, holding balloons, watching the woman in the white dress about to fall on her, her eyes growing more and more panicked.


    "Ah..."


    An unexpected scream filled the air just as Qing Mingzhu grabbed Jing Qing¡¯s arm. The woman firmly collapsed onto the ground.


    "Careful!"


    Just as the woman was about to topple onto Huanhuan, a dexterous shadow suddenly whisked Huanhuan away from danger.


    Feng Fanghua ran over, her face pale with shock.


    The man, surprised as he held the little girl in his arms, examined her. Huanhuan had been dizzy from his swift rescue, but when she opened her eyes again and saw his handsome face, she was stunned.


    The man sighed in relief and gently set Huanhuan down.


    "Huanhuan!"


    Feng Fanghua hurried over anxiously and then thanked the man in front of her, "Thank you so much!"


    "Not at all!"


    The man said this and glanced at the entrance. Jing Qing was still being checked by Qing Mingzhu for injuries, but her eyes involuntarily drifted to him. When she saw the man¡¯s piercing eyes fixed on her, she startled and immediately averted her gaze.


    The man frowned unconsciously but when he turned his gaze back to Feng Fanghua, a flicker of concern flashed briefly before he simply instructed, "Take good care of the child!"


    "Of course!"


    Feng Fanghua picked up Huanhuan and held her tight as the man nodded and walked away.


    When Mu Yichen arrived, he saw Feng Fanghua holding the child at the entrance. He walked over, took Huanhuan, and asked, "Why are you standing at the door?"


    Huanhuan, still clutching the balloon, pointed outside when she saw her father.


    Feng Fanghua looked in the direction Huanhuan was pointing and leaned close to her son, whispering, "A guest almost fell and hurt Huanhuan just now, but that young man saved her."


    Feng Fanghua said, looking at the young people around the many cars outside.


    "Jiang Yan!"


    Mu Yi followed his daughter¡¯s gesture and murmured two words as he looked.


    Mu Yi let out an involuntary sigh. Recognizing that figure from just a silhouette, he told Feng Fanghua to take Huanhuan back to their seats, then he himself stepped outside.


    This time, after returning to their seats, Feng Fanghua kept Huanhuan securely in her arms, not allowing her to run off again.


    Mu Yichen went outside and saw Jiang Yan standing next to a car, talking to someone inside. He cleared his throat softly.


    The car window was immediately closed from inside. Jiang Yan looked up to see him, paused for a moment, and then a smile suddenly appeared on his face.


    Two well-built men standing together, Mu Yichen cast a devilish glance through the car window, knowing who was inside without seeing them. He took out a cigarette case, offered a cigarette to Jiang Yan, who accepted and then produced a lighter to lit the cigarette for Mu Yichen first.


    "When did Jiang arrive in Rongcheng?"


    After taking a drag, with one hand in his trouser pocket and the other holding the cigarette, Mu Yichen turned his wicked gaze back to the car and asked casually, adding a fierce flair to his actions.


    "Just got here ten minutes ago."


    Jiang Yan slightly raised his eyebrows, bringing the hand with the cigarette up to pinch the bridge of his nose, his voice low.


    Mu Yichen, with his deep gaze fixed on the bustling house, said coolly, "Just now, thank you for saving my daughter, Jiang."


    "It was nothing... but maybe Mu should watch out for the lowlifes under his own roof."


    When Mu Yichen heard those last two words, he couldn¡¯t help but shoot a sharp look at him.


    Jiang Yan returned the gaze. Though typically aloof, he wasn¡¯t cold-hearted. Sensing Mu Yichen¡¯s look, he glanced involuntarily at the car window.


    "Your daughter may have been harmed on purpose just now."


    Jiang Yan reminded him again.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze turned icy at the warning, nodded, then looked back at the car, "Can the person inside come out now?"


    That question conveyed his displeasure.


    Jiang Yan too glanced at the car and suddenly found it difficult to remain solemn, giving a wry smile, "Big Brother-in-law, my wife is pregnant right now, so please be a bit gentler."


    Mu Yichen looked at him coldly, thinking, so now you call me big brother-in-law?


    "Qingxin wanted to see my sister-in-law¡¯s show, but she was afraid meeting her in-laws might start a war, so..."

 Chapter 359 - 111 Compensation Required by President Mu (12)_2

    Chapter 359: 111 Compensation Required by President Mu (12)_2


    "Then you guys just stay here."


    After listening to Jiang Yan¡¯s explanation, Mu Yichen took another drag of his cigarette, crushed it out on the ground, and turned to walk towards the other side.


    Soon, another black sedan pulled up, unassuming yet conspicuous. Anyone in the know would immediately recognize it as the vehicle of someone important.


    Qin Haiming, dressed in a suit that, while perhaps years old, was still immaculate, stepped out of the car. He looked at the various cars parked outside and then walked inside.


    As he looked up at the resplendent night sky, a faint smile curved his lips involuntarily. Once inside, he stood in a corner, watching the runway with interest.


    While others were commenting on the models, what he saw were his daughter¡¯s creations, one after another, being presented before his eyes.


    He believed that Qin Mu had paid a high price, perhaps a heavy one, for this moment.


    "You actually found time to come!"


    Mu Yichen greeted him after seeing him.


    Qin Haiming glanced at him and smiled faintly, "If Mumu doesn¡¯t call me ¡¯Dad,¡¯ you probably won¡¯t call me ¡¯father-in-law,¡¯ right?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t respond, just slightly moved the corners of his mouth.


    Indeed, Mu Yichen had no choice; after all, this man had made Qin Mu suffer too much.


    Qin Haiming sighed helplessly, "She has truly grown up. If anyone dares to tell me again that she relies on Jian Yan, I will honestly be angry. During this time, Jian Yan hasn¡¯t set foot in Rongcheng. We¡¯ve all seen her working herself to exhaustion in the studio, haven¡¯t we?"


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but look towards the runway, his typically sharp and aloof gaze softening with emotion.


    "She has lost a lot of weight recently, don¡¯t forget what you promised me, that you would take good care of her."


    "That¡¯s my negligence; I¡¯ll fatten her up as soon as possible."


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the thought. With so many beauties on the stage, all he could think about was how to nourish his wife, especially since his father-in-law had mentioned it.


    "Is Mingzhu here as well? I thought I saw her car outside just now."


    "Yes, she¡¯s with Jing Qing."


    Mu Yichen looked in that direction but also remembered the words Jiang Yan had just reminded him of, which suddenly brought a coldness to his eyes.


    Qin Haiming sighed when he saw his daughter with Jing Qing, not sure what was going through the girl¡¯s mind. She had called Jing Qing ungrateful just the other day, yet now she seemed to have forgotten her pain as soon as her wounds had healed.


    Mu Yichen, however, didn¡¯t see it that way; he felt that Qin Mingzhu must have her own plans unless she was truly naive.


    Qin Mu came out and greeted a few guests that she hadn¡¯t seen during the day, then headed over to Feng Fanghua¡¯s side, squatting down to play with Huanhuan.


    Huanhuan giggled and pressed the blue balloon she had been holding against Qin Mu¡¯s forehead. Qin Mu played along with her.


    Feng Fanghua let out an exasperated sigh, "So many people are watching!"


    Qin Mu had no choice but to take the balloon off her head and stood up, "Then I¡¯ll go backstage to get ready. There are a few more guests I need to attend to!"


    "Go ahead!"


    Feng Fanghua was actually quite fond of this show; it might have seemed average from the outside, but the uniqueness of the clothing truly stood out on the inside.


    Mu Yichen watched Qin Mu coaxing Feng Fanghua and then standing to the side to chat with Fu Huan and the others. He thought she would probably be exhausted to the point of physical collapse tonight.


    Well, no need to work tomorrow; she could sleep until daylight.


    Later, Mu Yichen escorted Qin Haiming as he left, noticing that the car was still parked there, with Jiang Yan standing by the rear seat talking to the woman in the window. He seemed nervous seeing Mu Yichen come out.


    As soon as Qin Haiming¡¯s car had left, Mu Yichen thought for a moment, then walked over and instructed, "First, go to that studio over there."


    "Okay!"


    Jiang Yan, relieved at being granted permission, thought that as long as he had gotten past his big cousin, everything else would be easier to handle.


    Mu Yichen sat in the passenger seat, glancing back slightly. In the dimness behind him, the woman appeared more nervous, her head lowered, not daring to look at him.


    As Jiang Yan drove, following Mu Yichen¡¯s indicated path, Mu Yichen watched the nervous woman in the rearview mirror. Her hands constantly resting on her belly... and that belly...


    Mu Yichen had actually been keeping up with the news on Mu Qingxin, but Jiang Yan had been very secretive about her protection. Recently, he hadn¡¯t received any specific updates on his sister¡¯s situation and had thought that some major upheaval had occurred in the Jiang Family which led Jiang Yan to hide his sister away. It turned out that the answer was her stomach.

 Chapter 360 - 111 Compensation Required by President Mu (12)_3

    Chapter 360: 111 Compensation Required by President Mu (12)_3


    Mu Yichen quickly came to terms with the situation, but he wondered whether Mrs. Feng could accept it as easily as he had.


    This girl had suddenly run off and then had a child with another man, and this man was so dangerous, with an uncertain future.


    When they arrived at the studio and the car stopped, Mu Yichen got out and subconsciously opened the door behind him. The girl, shorter than him, now seemed even smaller in flat shoes as she stepped out weakly and called out, "Brother!"


    Even her voice wasn¡¯t clear.


    "Hmm!"


    Mu Yichen managed to utter with great effort, his expression grave.


    Jiang Yan grew even more nervous watching the siblings together. Having heard from Mu Qingxin that Feng Fanghua was extremely difficult to deal with, and since he had not yet fully taken over the Jiang Family¡¯s assets, he really didn¡¯t know whether Feng Fanghua would think highly of him.


    "Let¡¯s go inside first!"


    Mu Yichen said, glancing at Jiang Yan, who immediately came over from the other side, clinging to Mu Qingxin.


    "Take good care of her!"


    Mu Yichen said, and Jiang Yan agreed. After Mu Yichen gave him the password, he let them go in first while he stayed outside to call Mu Zihao.


    After all, a fashion show was not a good place to recognize relatives, especially under such unusual circumstances.


    Mu Zihao, on site, took the call and immediately conveyed a message to Feng Fanghua in a low voice.


    Feng Fanghua looked at him in disbelief, her wrinkled eyes unusually red, and her eyes shimmering with tears.


    Then she took Huanhuan¡¯s hand and they hurried outside together.


    Jing Qing, who was talking to someone in a corner, dropped her gaze curiously when she saw that scene and said in a low voice to Qin Mingzhu, who had been following her, "Let¡¯s go and have a look."


    Qin Mingzhu glanced at the door, recognized those two silhouettes, and immediately followed them out.


    In the lobby of the studio, the reception area, a family of four finally reunited.


    Feng Fanghua came rushing in, even tripping over herself in haste, finally seeing her daughter whom she had missed day and night.


    Mu Qingxin was somewhat afraid of her mother, so when she saw Feng Fanghua coming so hurriedly and emotionally, she nervously held her belly and slowly stood up.


    "Mom, Dad!"


    Mu Qingxin called out softly, feeling a wave of sadness for not having seen Mu Zihao in such a long time.


    Mu Zihao didn¡¯t speak but was shocked to see the large belly of his daughter, and then the man who stood up with her, his hand resting on his trouser seam trembling slightly as he subconsciously gripped it.


    However, Feng Fanghua was trembling as she slowly walked forward.


    Huanhuan didn¡¯t know what had happened, just curiously watching her aunt¡¯s belly.


    Jiang Yan, seeing Feng Fanghua, was very respectful this time, formally greeting her, "Hello!"


    Feng Fanghua looked at him coldly, wondering if this was the man who had just saved her granddaughter?


    She turned angrily towards her daughter. What could she say now? Looking at Mu Qingxin¡¯s belly, she couldn¡¯t utter half a word.


    To Feng Fanghua, Mu Qingxin¡¯s belly seemed at least eight months along. During the years Mu Qingxin had been away without returning, Feng Fanghua had always assumed her daughter might have been drawn to the outside world¡¯s splendor, never expecting her to have actually fallen for a man from outside.


    Feng Fanghua was shivering with anger yet couldn¡¯t vocalize a word.


    "Mom!"


    Mu Qingxin called out to her again, took her hand, and was on the verge of tears. She hoped for Feng Fanghua¡¯s forgiveness but didn¡¯t know how to begin.


    "Don¡¯t call me Mom!"


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s voice trembled with anger and weakness, tears spilling out as she spoke. She tried to suppress them, not wanting to lose face in front of that outsider in her heart, her gaze filled with anger and disappointment at her daughter.


    "Mom, I was wrong!"


    Mu Qingxin, who was more like Mu Zihao in temperament, soft and mild, was pained and worried seeing Feng Fanghua so upset, plaintively trying to appeal to her with a sorrowful plea.


    "I really was wrong, I will never leave for so long again."


    Mu Qingxin, holding Feng Fanghua¡¯s hand, began to cry as she spoke.


    Upon hearing his daughter¡¯s cries, Mu Zihao felt pained, and so did Jiang Yan, though he dared not say a word at this moment.


    "It¡¯s my fault, I didn¡¯t have the ability to keep you with us, not as much as a man you hadn¡¯t known for long. He says stay and you stay, never coming back¡ªit¡¯s my fault."


    As Feng Fanghua spoke, her tears flowed freely.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t know what to say. He knew how much resentment Feng Fanghua had bottled up inside, and the way Mu Qingxin had returned was too extraordinary.

 Chapter 361 - 111 Compensation Required by President Mu (12)_4

    Chapter 361: 111 Compensation Required by President Mu (12)_4


    "Stop saying such angry words, the child has come back, hasn¡¯t she? And given her condition, we shouldn¡¯t get too emotional right now."


    Mu Zihao gently wrapped his arms around Feng Fanghua¡¯s shoulders and softly reminded her.


    Jiang Yan watched how Mu Zihao dealt with Feng Fanghua and secretly gave his father-in-law a big thumbs up in his heart.


    "Actually, Qingxin has wanted to come back to see you for a long time. It¡¯s just that she found out she was pregnant and was showing signs of a possible miscarriage, so we delayed our return. That¡¯s also my negligence."


    Jiang Yan continued along the lines of what Mu Zihao had said.


    Feng Fanghua glanced at him subconsciously; the favorable impression he had gained because of Huanhuan was now gone. However, hearing that her daughter was showing signs of miscarriage, she looked at Mu Qingxin anxiously.


    "Don¡¯t scare my mom!"


    Mu Qingxin immediately turned her head and commanded him imperiously.


    "Yes!"


    Jiang Yan instantly fell silent under his wife¡¯s authority.


    Feng Fanghua felt better seeing that Mu Qingxin could keep Jiang Yan in check.


    Later, sitting on the sofa as a family, it took Feng Fanghua a long time to stop crying. Mu Qingxin also cried pitifully in her arms for quite a while.


    "Enough, you¡¯re still crying? What if the child you give birth to becomes a crybaby too?"


    Feng Fanghua said softly, her hand always holding her daughter¡¯s wrist.


    "I don¡¯t care, I just want to cry, I miss my mom!"


    Mu Qingxin leaned into Feng Fanghua¡¯s embrace and couldn¡¯t recover for a long time, continuing to act coquettishly.


    Huanhuan, sucking on a lollipop in Grandpa¡¯s arms, looked at her aunt with eyes that seemed to say: Why does that auntie look younger than me despite her age?


    Feng Fanghua noticed Huanhuan¡¯s gaze and suddenly stretched out her hand, calling out, "Huanhuan, come here, call her ¡¯auntie¡¯."


    Huanhuan was a bit stunned, thinking, shouldn¡¯t she be called ¡¯auntie¡¯?


    It was only when Mu Qingxin heard the name Huanhuan that she looked away from Feng Fanghua, her eyes reddened as she looked at her big brother¡¯s daughter. She had heard from Jiang Yan a long time ago that her big brother had a daughter, and at the time, it felt like a legend. Today she finally met her.


    Looking at the little girl¡¯s round, bright eyes, she said instinctively, "Mom, why do I feel that she looks like me?"


    Feng Fanghua laughed helplessly, slightly tearful yet said with a smile, "She¡¯s your niece; what¡¯s so strange about a niece resembling her aunt?"


    Why did Feng Fanghua like Huanhuan so much?


    It was because the first time she saw her, she felt that the child was too similar to her son and daughter. She could tell at a glance that this was a child of the Mu family, which is why she always doted on Huanhuan.


    Actually, President Mu didn¡¯t want to admit it. His daughter resembling someone else? She was plainly the love child of him and his wife.


    Seeing how angry Feng Fanghua got with Jiang Yan, he suddenly thought, if his wife¡¯s mother were still alive, if his mother-in-law knew that he had impregnated his wife before marriage and had raised children for many years without taking responsibility, he wondered if his mother-in-law would also want to kill him like his own mother did.


    Mu Yichen stood aside, quietly observing everything. The night was deep, and from afar, he could still hear the lively bustle. Although he was not part of it, he could imagine how busy Qin Mu must be at this moment.


    She was the kind of person who made big moves in silence, he thought. One day, she would surely be at the top of their industry.


    Seeing his little sister again, he noticed her belly before he saw her face and suddenly felt angry. How could this girl be so silly as to have a child with another man?


    As a big brother, he held a very poor opinion of this brother-in-law...


    Well, at least his wife didn¡¯t have a big brother!


    President Mu had a thousand heartfelt emotions after his sister and brother-in-law returned.


    "Huanhuan, call her ¡¯auntie¡¯!"


    Mu Qingxin immediately acted like a child who had gotten candy.


    Huanhuan vigorously licked the lollipop in her hand: Auntie!


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but adore her granddaughter with loving eyes, as if she enjoyed whatever the little girl said.


    "Call her ¡¯auntie¡¯, not ¡¯auntie¡¯. Your dad¡¯s sister, you should call her ¡¯auntie¡¯."


    Mu Qingxin reminded her again, with a touch of emotion, playfully.


    Upon hearing the word ¡¯dad¡¯, Huanhuan turned her head to look at her dad. Mu Yi gave her a glance with his ink-like eyes but didn¡¯t say a word. Huanhuan then turned to look back at Mu Qingxin and suddenly smiled.


    "You think it¡¯s so easy to be an auntie? Where is your gift for our first meeting?"


    Feng Fanghua asked on behalf of her granddaughter.


    "Uh! I came in such a hurry!"


    Mu Qingxin said embarrassedly.


    "I have prepared something!"


    Jiang Yan immediately took out a big red envelope from his suit pocket.

 Chapter 362 - 111 Compensation Required by President Mu (12)_5

    Chapter 362: 111 Compensation Required by President Mu (12)_5


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but take another look at him subconsciously, while Mu Zihao hung his head and didn¡¯t look at him.


    Mu Qingxin, of course, was delighted that her husband was so appropriate. She felt so proud that she couldn¡¯t hide her smile.


    "This handsome guy is your uncle, Huanhuan. Call him uncle and let¡¯s hear it."


    Mu Qingxin winked at Huanhuan, who obediently looked at Jiang Yan. Jiang Yan rarely showed a smile, and Huanhuan licked her lollipop with effort before approaching and saying, "Pig-Tiger!"


    After shouting, she reached out to grab the red packet in Jiang Yan¡¯s hand.


    Jiang Yan...


    What the heck is Pig-Tiger?


    Mu Qingxin, listening to the accent which was almost right, felt a little sad. After all, it was uncle instead of aunty being called, truly a gold digger.


    Feng Fanghua, however, burst into laughter at her granddaughter¡¯s shout of ¡¯Pig-Tiger.¡¯ Mu Zihao also couldn¡¯t help but laugh and said to Huanhuan, "Huanhuan, come to Grandpa."


    Holding the red packet and her lollipop, Huanhuan returned to her grandfather¡¯s embrace.


    "I need to go over there and have a look. You guys..."


    "Let¡¯s go together!"


    "I¡¯m coming too!"


    Jiang Yan was intending to discuss something with Mu Yichen, but Mu Qingxin interrupted with a single comment.


    "What? You don¡¯t want to take me? Didn¡¯t we agree to come back and see Qin Mu¡¯s fashion show?"


    Mu Yichen and Jiang Yan looked at each other and smiled.


    The look of helplessness on their faces seemed to echo a single phrase in unison, "Only villains and women are difficult to raise."


    When they all went out together, Qin Mingzhu quietly slipped away from the corner.


    But Mu Yichen still noticed with sharp eyes and unconsciously frowned.


    "Who is that?"


    Mu Qingxin, Mu Yichen¡¯s sister, also had sharp eyes. She coldly asked after spotting the girl sneaking away with a glance at her waist. She was so fed up with being monitored in Rongcheng that she felt like punching someone.


    "Qin Mingzhu!"


    Mu Yichen said indifferently, taking the lead.


    "Qin Mingzhu? That girl, huh!"


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but mutter.


    When they returned, Jiang Yan carefully supported Mu Qingxin, following behind Mu Yichen toward Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu was standing in a corner with Fu Huan and others, watching the stage. After Mu Yichen approached and whispered in her ear, Qin Mu subconsciously turned to look behind her.


    Then she saw the legendary Mu Qingxin and Mu Qingxin¡¯s man.


    "Nice to meet you, sister-in-law!"


    Since arriving in Rongcheng, Jiang Yan had been very modest at the Mu Family.


    Fu Huan, hearing the familiar voice, curiously turned her head as well. She was taken aback when she saw Jiang Yan, and even more so when she noticed the woman he was supporting.


    "Hello!"


    Qin Mu smiled and nodded in greeting, then turned to look at Mu Qingxin, who was eyeing her with disdain: I thought you were planning to kidnap my brother and settle in Paris; you actually had the heart to come back.


    Mu Qingxin, however, couldn¡¯t bring herself to call her sister-in-law, conversing with her disdainfully.


    "That was the plan!"


    Qin Mu felt she had made a bit of a cold joke, as right after she finished speaking, Mu Qingxin seemed even less pleased and stared at her with big eyes that, true enough, looked quite similar to Mu Yichen¡¯s.


    "Mr. Jiang?"


    Fu Huan asked.


    When Jiang Yan looked up and saw Fu Huan, he was also surprised but then just chuckled, "President Fu, who would have thought we¡¯d see you everywhere."


    "Are you saying I¡¯m an eyesore? I promise, everything I see here will be completely forgotten once I return to the city."


    She leaned in and whispered this as they shook hands.


    "Thank you!"


    Jiang Yan didn¡¯t bother with further small talk.


    Mu Qingxin watched Jiang Yan and Fu Huan chatting amicably and felt rather detached. She always thought the emotions of businesspeople were too cold-hearted. If the men are cold-hearted, the women are even colder, although it¡¯s said that Fu Huan¡¯s marriage is quite happy, she still scorned it.


    Now that everyone seemed to be acquainted, after the show finished, the hotel¡¯s car was ready to pick up the out-of-town VIPs. Jian Xing and Qin Mu went together to see off the guests.


    Fu Huan chatted with Jiang Yan for a bit, then greeted Qin Mu and her husband Mu Yichen who were standing at the door: We¡¯ve also got to get back. We have other things to do tomorrow, let¡¯s get together again sometime later.


    "Leaving tonight? It¡¯s already so late?"


    Qin Mu actually wanted to keep Fu Huan to stay over for the night.


    "It¡¯s only a few hours¡¯ journey. You don¡¯t need to worry about us three women."


    Fu Huan said, smiling.


    "All right! I¡¯m thrilled you could come help today, and I hope we get the chance to collaborate again in the future."


    "Definitely!"


    After shaking hands with the couple, Fu Huan said goodbye along with Fei Yun and Yuan Xin.


    Jiang Yan and Mu Qingxin went to the Mu Family¡¯s in the middle of the night.


    But where to stay?


    Feng Fanghua kept silent while the large family sat on the couch, looking rather improper.

 Chapter 363 - 111 Compensation Required by President Mu (12)_6

    Chapter 363: 111 Compensation Required by President Mu (12)_6


    Mu Yichen knew it would be like this, so he only left Huanhuan with Feng Fanghua and stayed behind to deal with the aftermath with Qin Mu. A few big shots were chatting so merrily that they didn¡¯t want to leave, so he just kept them company in conversation with Qin Mu.


    Listening to those big shots talk about their wonderful aspirations for her, Qin Mu always smiled with a heart filled with ¡¯gratitude¡¯.


    It wasn¡¯t until they left that Qin Mu, exhausted, sat at the edge of the T-stage, and Mu Yichen also sat beside her, hands casually tucked into his trouser pockets, gazing at the mess in the factory.


    Mu Yichen then turned to look at her, and Qin Mu asked with a smile, "Tonight will probably be unforgettable, right?"


    "Hmm!"


    He said, looking up at the spotlight on the ceiling, then reached out to hold her somewhat cold hand.


    "By the way, Helian Hao and Jing Feng came by earlier, but they just stood at the door for a while before leaving."


    He said. Helian Hao had been holed up at home since her miscarriage and hadn¡¯t gone out until after nearly a month had passed. If it hadn¡¯t been for Jing Feng¡¯s inability to say no to Qin Mu¡¯s debut show, he wouldn¡¯t have let her stand out there for even that short while.


    "Hmm!"


    "However, it really surprised me that Mu Qingxin actually came back like that!"


    Qin Mu remembered how Mu Qingxin looked at the time; although quite arrogant, she seemed rather emotional because of her prominent belly, unknowingly prompting a laugh from Qin Mu.


    "The most unexpected thing was probably Huanhuan¡¯s stubborn refusal to call her ¡¯auntie¡¯."


    Mu Yichen said softly, a smile on his face.


    "Why?"


    Curious, Qin Mu, who wasn¡¯t present at that time, asked.


    "Who knows? She just kept calling her ¡¯auntie¡¯."


    Mr. Mu rubbed his brow, then stood up, turned around, and reached out to her: "Let¡¯s go back and rest!"


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t snapped back to reality, but at the sight of his palm, she immediately placed her hand in his.


    Mu Yichen pulled her to her feet, and because she was wearing eight-centimeter heels, she seemed quite tall, towering over his nose.


    Qin Mu looked at him happily and suddenly felt a flutter.


    One hand gripped his solid waist, feeling his body¡¯s warmth, she couldn¡¯t help acting spoiled: "Yichen, can you carry me back?"


    "Hmm! That¡¯s worth considering!"


    He replied softly, but his hands immediately gripped her waist and effortlessly lifted her up.


    Qin Mu wrapped her arms around him, letting him carry her for a good while before they returned to the studio.


    Neither of them bothered going back to the apartment or to the Mu Family; they were too tired, so they just returned to the studio. Once they got to the upstairs room, they rolled around on the bed for a bit without even bothering to turn on the air conditioning.


    Later, after Qin Mu blissfully passed out on the bed, he managed to find the remote to turn on the air conditioning, then flipped over, pulled her into his arms, and went to sleep.


    The studio was closed the next day, and Qin Mu wanted to sleep until noon with Mu Yichen, but her phone started ringing around eight in the morning.


    She felt annoyed, but when she reached for the phone and saw who it was, she didn¡¯t dare to vent recklessly; she suddenly remembered that she had promised yesterday at noon to have lunch with them today.


    They had given her plenty of face the previous night, bringing a team to give her lots of publicity.


    But it was just eight o¡¯clock, might as well answer the call and then go back to sleep.


    "Hello? Editor Zhang!"


    "Did I wake you up?"


    Editor Zhang and Miss Wang had already finished breakfast and called her from their room.


    "No, not at all!"


    Qin Mu responded with a feigned sleepy smile.


    "I just wanted to tell you, something came up at the magazine, so we¡¯ll have to postpone our lunch to another day. But don¡¯t forget, you owe me a meal," Editor Zhang said.


    Qin Mu was ecstatic, now she could sleep to her heart¡¯s content.


    When Mu Yichen felt the bed bouncing without even opening his eyes, he simply stretched out his hand to pull her into his arms again: "Why can¡¯t you sleep quietly?"


    Qin Mu...


    She didn¡¯t dare to move again, lying obediently in his arms, but her heart was still racing from the excitement, and moreover, she was no longer sleepy.


    Well, she had to find something to do to get tired and fall asleep again.


    Thinking this, Qin Mu reached out again, fondling him as she embraced him.


    "Mu Yichen, are you still sleepy?"


    Her pampering voice murmured near him as her fingers lightly glided over his firm skin.


    Suddenly, Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh, grabbing her hand and placing it firmly on his chest, pushing it down.


    Qin Mu...


    Oh!


    Well, that feeling was just too fantastic!


    "Now you understand?"


    Mr. Mu asked with a hoarse voice.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t answer, her hands just moved beneath the blanket.


    Later, she dozed off again, her mind clouded with sleep. Mu Yichen also wanted to snooze, but just as he was about to drift off, he received a call from Mu Qingxin.

 Chapter 364 - 111 Compensation Required by President Mu (12)_7

    Chapter 364: 111 Compensation Required by President Mu (12)_7


    "Brother, you¡¯re not planning on not coming home, are you? It¡¯s one thing for you to disregard me coming back alone, but your brother-in-law came all this way too."


    With a grievance-filled voice, Mu Qingxin nestled in Jiang Yan¡¯s arms as she called him.


    "How far is it?"


    Mu Yichen asked coldly, then proceeded to hang up the phone.


    "You really are my dear brother, he has to return to the city tomorrow, you really..."


    "I¡¯ll come back tonight!"


    After saying that, Mu Yichen hung up directly and turned off his phone.


    No matter who called today, even if it was something of great importance, it would have to be set aside, as he wasn¡¯t going to answer any calls.


    His wife had finally gotten through a busy period, and he needed to spend quality time with her, sleeping soundly together until it got dark.


    Mu Qingxin was on the verge of crying. Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao took Huanhuan to a toddler education class, and the two of them cuddled on the sofa on the first floor of the living room. Mu Qingxin, with eyes welling up, looked at him pitifully: What should I do? Every time my brother meets that woman, he disregards me completely.


    "Don¡¯t you have me?"


    Jiang Yan asked her softly, his gaze on her was especially wicked.


    Mu Qingxin felt even more aggrieved: And you talk, leaving me all alone here.


    "After a while, I¡¯ll come and take you back, stay here and take good care of yourself, don¡¯t cause any trouble, okay?"


    He gently kissed her, leaving her behind was actually out of fear that she might get hurt over there. After thinking it over from all angles, the only option was to send her back to Rongcheng where with Mu Yichen around, no one would dare lay a finger on her.


    "I¡¯ll get into trouble just for you!"


    Mu Qingxin muttered, yet her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, acting spoiled.


    Jiang Yan sighed helplessly. If it hadn¡¯t come to this, how could he bear to send her back?


    He wasn¡¯t concerned about how the Mu family viewed him, but he had to consider her safety. Moreover, now that they were expecting a child, he had to ensure that everything related to her and the baby was flawless.


    He wanted his son to arrive safely in this world, and he wanted to give the woman before him the most luxurious wedding of the century.


    In the evening when Qin Mu and Mu Yichen returned to the Mu family, Jiang Yan finally found an opportunity to talk to Mu Yichen in private since Qin Mu was quickly caught up with Mu Qingxin.


    Mu Qingxin, sitting on the sofa touching her belly, glared at Qin Mu and grumbled: Son, you see? It¡¯s this woman who stole your uncle away, hmph! Remember this bad woman¡¯s face.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t respond, looking at her spoiled demeanor with a mix of envy and exhaustion. Who educates a child in such a way?


    And could the little one even hear or understand her?


    Knowing that Mu Qingxin had harbored resentment towards her for years, Qin Mu remained silent, simply sitting quietly beside her.


    After washing up, Feng Fanghua and Huanhuan returned from the bathroom and sat on the sofa. Huanhuan immediately scampered into her mother¡¯s embrace and then turned to Mu Qingxin with a giggle: Auntie, little auntie!


    "It¡¯s uncle¡¯s wife, little uncle¡¯s wife!"


    Mu Qingxin felt like she would be tormented to death by her dear little niece ¨C why keep calling auntie? She wasn¡¯t Qin Mu¡¯s sister.


    "Madam, Miss Jing has arrived!"


    The family was chatting when the butler suddenly came in to report.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Qingxin both looked up at the butler but saw the beautiful woman walking in before they could even speak.


    "Ha! Your rival in love has arrived!"


    Mu Qingxin suddenly winked at Qin Mu with glee. Qin Mu only smiled back faintly, without a word.


    "Want me to be on your side? Bribe me!"


    Mu Qingxin winked at Qin Mu again before Jing Qing arrived. Watching her mischievous demeanor, Qin Mu felt particularly helpless, yet could only smile and say, "Then I¡¯ll count on you!"


    Mu Qingxin, feeling smug, raised her eyebrows triumphantly and immediately waved excitedly to the newcomer: Jing Qing sister! My dear sister, you finally made it!


    Curious, Huanhuan turned her head to look at the visitor, then suddenly went to grab a plate from the table, holding it close while eating cake and approaching Jing Qing...

 Chapter 365 - 112 Compensation Required by President Mu (13)_1

    Chapter 365: 112 Compensation Required by President Mu (13)_1


    "Oh no!"


    Jing Qing hadn¡¯t been paying attention to little Huanhuan, preoccupied with cozying up to Mu Qingxin, when Huanhuan suddenly bumped into her.


    Knowing that Mu Yichen would be there tonight, she had purposely worn a beautiful skirt paired with her white coat. Since the coat had no buttons and was open, when Huanhuan ran into her, the cake hit right below her abdomen, staining the fabric. Jing Qing¡¯s expression changed dramatically, but seeing how frightened Huanhuan was, she held back her temper and didn¡¯t lash out.


    Mu Qingxin, with her protruding belly, stepped forward, "Huanhuan, how can you be so careless and bump into the pretty auntie?"


    Looking wronged, Huanhuan glanced at her beloved aunt and then turned to run off to find Feng Fanghua.


    Feng Fanghua naturally kept quiet, while Qin Mu, sitting in a single-seater sofa, curiously checked out Jing Qing¡¯s awkward plight.


    "It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay!"


    Jing Qing said with a smile.


    "There¡¯re some tissues over there, just wipe it off and wear it for now. The little kid ruined her favorite cake and must feel sad too, surely you don¡¯t mind getting your dress dirty, right?"


    Mu Qingxin said, pulling her toward the sofa as she spoke.


    Feng Fanghua had no idea what play her daughter was putting on, thinking she was actually friends with Jing Qing.


    "I¡¯ll help you wipe it!"


    After sitting down, Mu Qingxin took a piece of tissue intending to clean Jing Qing¡¯s dress, but Jing Qing quickly grabbed her hand, "No need, I can do it myself. Who knew you would change so much?"


    Jing Qing said, looking at her swollen belly as if she did not see Qin Mu at all.


    "Right! Hehe!"


    Mu Qingxin subconsciously touched her belly, which was not only Jiang Yan¡¯s treasure but also hers.


    "Auntie!"


    Jing Qing called out to Feng Fanghua over Mu Qingxin¡¯s shoulder.


    "Hmm!"


    Feng Fanghua replied lazily, not eager to talk more, and then took her little granddaughter¡¯s hand, "Grandma will take you to the kitchen to get a new piece of cake, okay?"


    Huanhuan nodded vigorously and before leaving, she huffed at Jing Qing.


    Jing Qing...


    Mu Qingxin watched the little girl and couldn¡¯t help but laugh to herself, thinking how clever the child was and quite like her aunt too.


    "Jing Qing sister, you¡¯ve lost a lot of weight recently, haven¡¯t you? Is it because of this woman who has stolen my brother?"


    Mu Qingxin suddenly asked.


    At the moment, only the three of them were on the couch. Hearing this, Jing Qing subconsciously looked at Qin Mu, Qin Mu subconsciously looked at Mu Qingxin, and Mu Qingxin stared back at Jing Qing.


    "That¡¯s all in the past."


    Jing Qing said softly, still trying to maintain a good image in front of Mu Qingxin.


    "What past? Don¡¯t you love my brother anymore? This woman has been monopolizing my brother since we were little, and now she dares to have a child with him. Isn¡¯t she too lawless?"


    Qin Mu...


    It was the first time she had seen such a bold little sister-in-law. She was momentarily speechless, feeling as if the best of the drama was yet to come, so Qin Mu continued to stay silent.


    "You¡¯re really not fond of her, huh? She¡¯s your sister-in-law now, after all."


    "She¡¯s the same age as me! Why should I call her sister-in-law? I¡¯ll just call her Qin Mu, humph! I¡¯ll remember forever how she stole my brother!"


    Upon hearing this, Jing Qing was utterly flattered, her face taking on an unnaturally expressive look.


    "Hey, Qin Mu, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being too extreme? Are you planning to monopolize my brother for a lifetime?"


    Mu Qingxin challenged Qin Mu a bit loudly.


    Jing Qing, watching eagerly like it was a good show, stopped worrying about her expensive dress getting stained and difficult to clean; her mood instantly lifted, feeling almost light-headed with glee.


    "If possible, of course, I would want to monopolize him for as many lifetimes as I can."


    Qin Mu replied nonchalantly to Mu Qingxin.


    In Qin Mu¡¯s heart, Mu Qingxin was absolutely not the kind of unreasonable person, especially since Mu Qingxin was even winking at her at that moment.


    "Hahaha, then you¡¯ll have to design my wedding dress with your own hands. Rest assured, I¡¯m not someone who would forget past favors like some people. If you make me shine at my wedding, I will absolutely help you to get along with my brother for a few more lifetimes. But if you make me look bad, I won¡¯t let you off the hook."


    ...


    Mu Qingxin went off-topic the more she talked, but...


    Qin Mu suddenly realized it was indeed a good topic to stray to, and subconsciously glanced at Jing Qing, whose expression was becoming quite serious and even a little pale.


    Qin Mu also found out that though Mu Qingxin was not in Rongcheng, she knew everything about it.


    Perhaps when her brother Mu Yi cared about his sister¡¯s private life, as a sister, she had always been watching her brother¡¯s private life too?


    "Jing Qing sister must despise those who burn their bridges after crossing, right? I¡¯ve heard of many such cases abroad, where big stars wear clothes designed by designers who aren¡¯t famous yet. Once they gain fame, they refuse to credit the designer, whether it¡¯s for fear others will steal their designer, or they don¡¯t want the designer to become famous. It¡¯s just very selfish. I recall Jing Qing sister used to look down the most on people who bully others less fortunate than themselves just because they have some abilities."

 Chapter 366 - 112 Compensation Required by President Mu (13)_2

    Chapter 366: 112 Compensation Required by President Mu (13)_2


    Qingxin Mu sure has a way with words, and she¡¯s super good at beating around the bush.


    Secretly, Qin Mu gave her a thumbs up in his mind.


    "There was a famous lady overseas who was abandoned by a man, and that man married Qingmei as his wife. The famous lady immediately bullied Qingmei with all sorts of despicable tactics. Do you think this woman is very shameful?"


    While holding onto Jing Qing¡¯s hand, Qingxin Mu continued to speak while looking at Jing Qing¡¯s face, as if narrating a movie.


    Jing Qing gave an awkward laugh, guessing in her mind, then whispered, "Where did you hear all this nonsense? Maybe that famous lady is actually the victim?"


    "But whether a man loves someone or not, it¡¯s apparent in his eyes. Wait until my brother comes out, I¡¯ll definitely be able to tell from his eyes that his true love is you. This woman is practically a robber, robbing my brother, the robber."


    Qin Mu...


    It was rare to meet such a sister-in-law, but Qin Mu thought that what Qingxin Mu had said was simply too satisfying.


    Because of Qingxin Mu¡¯s status, Jing Qing dared not do anything to her, but Qin Mu felt like it would have been better if Qingxin Mu had been even harsher, more direct.


    Only when Jing Qing heard Qingxin Mu say that Qin Mu had stolen Yichen Mu, calling her a robber, did Jing Qing¡¯s expression soften a bit, but Qingxin Mu always managed to say something else the very next second, leaving her on edge.


    Suddenly, Jing Qing regretted this entire gathering, feeling that Qingxin Mu had changed from before. She recalled how Qingxin Mu used to follow her around, calling her "Sister Jing Qing," and now, she couldn¡¯t help but smile bitterly, "Qingxin, how many months has it been?"


    Upon hearing this, Qingxin Mu immediately covered her stomach, laughing: "Haha, aren¡¯t you surprised? I can have kids too! Haha, Sister Jing Qing, you should hurry and find a man to have one too. I¡¯m telling you, being pregnant feels so peculiar."


    "I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m not that fortunate!"


    Thinking of Yichen Mu¡¯s attitude towards her, Jing Qing felt her heart cool even further.


    "Why not? Three-legged toads might be hard to find, but men with two legs are all over the streets. With your looks, what man can¡¯t you hook? As for my brother, he can just stay with that wicked woman. The two of them are terrible, a matched pair of baddies!"


    Qingxin Mu even gave Qin Mu a cold snort, but with those words spoken, there were those who were excited and some who were disappointed.


    "I suddenly feel a bit unwell. You¡¯ll be staying here for a few more days, right? Can I arrange to meet with you alone another day?"


    "Sure! But about your dress, why don¡¯t you let Qin Mu compensate you with another one? After all, Huanhuan is part of our family; she is Huanhuan¡¯s mother, not an outsider. Don¡¯t be polite, just order her around. Her compensation is as good as Huanhuan¡¯s since Huanhuan can¡¯t afford it right now, hehe."


    "No need!"


    Jing Qing said, and without waiting for Feng Fanghua to emerge, she hurriedly left.


    When the two men came downstairs, they saw Jing Qing¡¯s hastily retreating figure, Jiang Yan whispered, "Isn¡¯t that woman the fabled fiance?e of yours?"


    "You seem to not wish for my sister to leave with you, do you?"


    Yichen Mu hated it most when others paired Jing Qing with him, especially when they mentioned that ghost story of a fiance?e.


    "Just kidding, you better not take it seriously, big brother-in-law."


    Jiang Yan immediately chuckled mischievously.


    Yichen Mu headed downstairs but couldn¡¯t help but frown, wondering what that woman was doing here so late.


    "Brother, what were you two doing upstairs? It took you so long to come down."


    Qingxin Mu was a little heartbroken that her brother hadn¡¯t witnessed her skillful, clean takedown of Jing Qing, that deceitful woman.


    "Yeah, but you missed a great show."


    Qin Mu chimed in, helpfully reminding her.


    Yichen Mu smiled, sat on the armrest of the sofa next to her, and looked at his silly little sister, asking, "How did you ¡¯deal¡¯ with her?"


    "Hmph! I won¡¯t tell you, but Qin Mu, you better not forget what you promised me!"


    Qingxin Mu spoke while also extending her finger.


    Yichen Mu ordered with a cold face, "Put your finger down!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t mind and asked out of curiosity, "Are you talking about designing the wedding dress?"


    "Yes!"


    "That¡¯s not even a request. Even if you don¡¯t consider me your sister-in-law, since you accept Huanhuan as your niece, it¡¯s my duty."


    Qin Mu declared.


    "And it¡¯s free!"


    Qingxin Mu¡¯s eyes practically popped out in excitement.


    Jiang Yan stood across from her, shaking his head helplessly, "Was she also like this at home?"


    "Exactly!"


    Yichen Mu responded helplessly.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, thinking he had to win over this sister-in-law; it was essential to bribe the sister-in-law.

 Chapter 367 - 112 Compensation Required by President Mu (13)_3

    Chapter 367: 112 Compensation Required by President Mu (13)_3


    "Jiang Yan, look at me, didn¡¯t I just save you a hefty sum? Aren¡¯t I more capable of keeping a household than those gaudy hussies around you?"


    Mu Qingxin looked up at the man standing opposite her and asked, her arrogance akin to that of a second-generation heir.


    "Cough cough!"


    Startled, Jiang Yan began to cough repeatedly, fearing that his eldest cousin would discover something and beat him up.


    "Wife, you can mess around with food, but don¡¯t spout nonsense; eldest cousin and his wife are right here."


    Weakly coughing as a reminder, Jiang Yan didn¡¯t resemble his usual cold and ruthless self back in the city.


    Qin Mu just silently watched the pair, finding their way of life seemingly different but interesting. Jiang Yan at first glance seemed laid-back, but a closer look would reveal his ruthlessness. However, now in this home, he was like a big boy trying to please his wife, which was quite amusing.


    As for Mu Yichen, he seemed used to such antics and simply remarked, "What¡¯s wrong? Is there something you¡¯re afraid of us knowing?"


    Scared, Jiang Yan immediately cracked a smile, "How could that be? Don¡¯t you know how I treat Qingxin?"


    That meant, "Eldest cousin, you have people watching me all the time, and nothing I do escapes your notice. So why this attitude like you¡¯re avenging your sister?"


    "Brother, don¡¯t be so fierce. It¡¯s Ayan¡¯s first time at our place."


    Seeing how afraid her husband was of her brother, Mu Qingxin immediately spoke up for him.


    Jiang Yan...


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Yichen was so angry he almost spat blood. What kind of sister was this?


    A turncoat.


    But soon, Mu Yichen turned to the woman beside him, and Qin Mu, feeling his gaze, became uncomfortable. Seeming to understand his thoughts, she just coughed lightly: "Well, I¡¯ll go check the kitchen and see if I can help."


    "You just sit down, will you? Can you even cook? Help out?"


    Mu Yichen directly pushed the woman, who was about to stand up, back onto the sofa.


    The two of them were strange, always guessing each other¡¯s thoughts without pointing them out, and Mu Yichen would unconsciously be tender and accommodating toward Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu thought this was just fine, and thus the matter passed.


    Qin Mu thought, if she had a brother who talked to Mu Yichen like that...


    Hmm! She wouldn¡¯t interfere. Voicing concerns doesn¡¯t cost her anything.


    However, in public, she wouldn¡¯t remind her brother, but she definitely would in private, because after all, a man as dignified as Mu Yichen stooping down to marry and take care of her was already very generous.


    Sadly, she wasn¡¯t so fortunate!


    Suddenly, she remembered her childhood; back then, Jing Feng seemed to have offered to be her big brother, but...


    After all, he had his own little sister, so their relationship became a bit delicate after the next time they met.


    Truthfully, she never expected anyone to love her, having grown accustomed to solitude.


    In this lifetime, having Mu Yichen and Mu Huan, and perhaps they might have a little baby in the future, she already felt very content.


    And then there were these relatives who might become close in the future, but at least now seemed to get along harmoniously.


    Hmm! Qin Mu¡¯s eyes brimmed with warmth as she watched Mu Qingxin playfully interacting with Jiang Yan, and Jiang Yan treating Mu Qingxin like a queen, supporting her wherever she went, and somehow found the scene beautiful.


    Perhaps she wasn¡¯t a competent sister-in-law, but she was surely a competent designer.


    Without realizing it, she began to notice their details, to feel their feelings, and her eyes gradually warmed up and became richer with emotion.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but watch them, lost in the scene, until Mu Yichen, who¡¯d watched her for too long and became displeased, pinched her waist to bring her back to reality.


    Mu Yichen frowned at her: "Watching what?"


    "Inspiration!"


    Qin Mu said in just two words.


    Mu Yichen...


    When he realized she was searching for design inspiration, he was no longer angry, having thought that Mr. Jiang was more attractive to her than he was.


    Qin Mu, in truth, had limited contact with men from a young age. Although many boys had confessed to her and later Jian Yan had always taken care of her, it was just Jian Yan and then his childhood sweetheart.


    Thus, as she progressed in her career, became more independent, and came into deeper contact with more men, Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but watch her. Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what he was thinking, but subconsciously smiled innocently at him.


    During dinner, with the table finally full, Mu Zihao said, "The old master will be back tomorrow. Move back in for the next few days, and after the New Year¡¯s, you can return to your apartment."


    "Sure!"


    Mu Zihao looked at Qin Mu, who knew the words were meant for her, so she lightly lifted her eyes and softly agreed.

 Chapter 368 - 112 Compensation Required by President Mu (13)_4

    Chapter 368: 112 Compensation Required by President Mu (13)_4


    Feng Fanghua said nothing, only speaking through Huanhuan to Mu Qingxin, "Eat more, now is the time to nourish your body."


    "I¡¯ll eat more, but Mom, the doctor said there¡¯s no need for further nourishment now, the baby has stopped absorbing nutrients."


    Feng Fanghua...


    Mu Qingxin felt as if the atmosphere had turned a bit cold and then looked up at Feng Fanghua before immediately turning to Qin Mu, "When Qin Mu is ready for a second child, let her eat a lot. She¡¯s so thin, the child might suffer from malnutrition."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why she was suddenly brought up, but she awkwardly brushed it off with a chuckle.


    Feng Fanghua was originally upset that her daughter was unappreciative, but hearing what her daughter said, she remembered Qin Mu¡¯s situation, who had stopped taking her herbal medicine some time ago.


    "Even eating can¡¯t keep your mouth shut?"


    Mu Yichen knew his wife didn¡¯t like to talk much in front of elders, so he spoke up for her.


    "I am actually advocating for your wife here!"


    Mu Qingxin immediately made a resolution.


    "Do I need you to advocate for her?"


    Mu Yichen thought of how every time he had a phone call with his sister since they were kids, Mu Qingxin would complain several times about Qin Mu usurping her brother and it gave him a headache.


    "Ha! When Jing Qing was here, wasn¡¯t I speaking up for your wife? She barely said three sentences and just watched Jing Qing trying to get close to me, hmph!"


    Mu Qingxin felt that Qin Mu was far too tolerant. If it were her, and a woman who liked her husband went to her husband¡¯s house, she would immediately tell her to get out.


    But what about Qin Mu?


    She seemed indifferent, as if an unrelated person had arrived, clearly unhappy inside yet not uttering a single word.


    Mu Qingxin heard from Jiang Yan that the quieter and less expressive a person is on the outside, the harsher they are on the inside because Jiang Yan was that kind of person. However, she really could not see that kind of aloof demeanor from Qin Mu.


    "But you guys should still be cautious of this woman."


    Jiang Yan, hearing this, couldn¡¯t help but add his serious remark.


    Feng Fanghua glanced at Jiang Yan, then looked toward Qin Mu. Regarding this daughter-in-law and this son-in-law, she was not very satisfied.


    Suddenly, Feng Fanghua lost her appetite, always feeling that neither daughter nor son had found a satisfying other half, which was very worrisome.


    In the evening, Qin Mu and Mu Yichen also stayed to sleep over. While Mu Yichen was discussing matters with Jiang Yan, Mu Qingxin ran to their room and knocked, "May I come in?"


    Qin Mu, holding a tablet and designing on the bed, heard the noise and glanced up, "Please come in!"


    Once Mu Qingxin got permission, she ran into her room, closed the door, and climbed onto the bed.


    Qin Mu saw her get onto the bed and didn¡¯t say anything, but her eyes seemed to be speaking her thoughts.


    She wondered if Mu Yichen would want to throw his sister out if he saw her on his bed.


    "Ah, your bed is so warm!"


    Mu Qingxin, sitting shoulder to shoulder with her, hugged the quilt and couldn¡¯t help but exclaim.


    Qin Mu smiled faintly, about to put the tablet aside when Mu Qingxin leaned over, "Are you designing?"


    "Yeah! Do you like it?"


    Qin Mu was designing a wedding dress, and when Mu Qingxin asked, she also asked Mu Qingxin in return.


    Mu Qingxin looked at her excitedly, "For me?"


    "Yes! But right now, I can only sketch freely, there will be changes later. If you have any requests, you can tell me now, and I will try my best to follow your wishes."


    "Pretty, as long as it¡¯s pretty, I want a wedding dress more beautiful than any other woman¡¯s in the whole world," Mu Qingxin said.


    Qin Mu...


    That¡¯s truly a difficult request, isn¡¯t it?


    "Well! You¡¯re already much prettier than others."


    Qin Mu had to earnestly evaluate, though the expression on her face looked a bit owe.


    "Really? You¡¯re not just praising me to get me to join you against Jing Qing, are you?"


    Mu Qingxin¡¯s eyes darted around, her demeanor roguish and playful.


    "Of course not! Moreover, Jing Qing isn¡¯t worth the trouble."


    "Eh?"


    Qin Mu let out a soft smile, "Actually..."


    "Why are you here?"


    Just as Qin Mu was about to explain to Mu Qingxin, Mu Yichen suddenly came in, and as he was about to close the door, he glanced up at the additional woman on the bed, his brows tightly furrowed as he coldly questioned.


    "My wife is in your room? Wife, it¡¯s time to sleep!"


    Jiang Yan was just about to return to his room when he heard Mu Yichen¡¯s voice and immediately turned back, leaning at their doorway and seriously calling out.


    "We¡¯ll talk tomorrow!"


    Mu Qingxin was eager to hear more, but when her husband called, she had to immediately return.


    Qin Mu watched her leave so hurriedly. She wanted to help but couldn¡¯t. She wanted to say that there would be something else tomorrow but had no chance, just helplessly watching Mu Qingxin leave and watching Mu Yichen come in.

 Chapter 369 - 112 Compensation Required by President Mu (13)_5

    Chapter 369: 112 Compensation Required by President Mu (13)_5


    "How did you let her get into bed?"


    "You¡¯re not making me change the sheets this late, are you?"


    Qin Mu knew his temperament; he didn¡¯t have a fixation on cleanliness, yet he was more particular about cleanliness than anyone else. But she really didn¡¯t want to get up to change the sheets.


    "I¡¯ll change them!"


    Mu Yichen said.


    Qin Mu suddenly became interested, extending her hand, waiting for him to hold her.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, just gave her a glance, then indulgently stepped forward, picked her up, and placed her on the couch.


    Later, Qin Mu sat on the couch, hugging the blanket while waiting for him to finish changing the sheets.


    For some reason, a man changing sheets looked so good.


    It seemed that as long as he was earnest about doing something, he could do it well.


    It seemed as though, whatever he did, he was always organized.


    It seemed as if he was the mountain she had always looked up to, and now she was finally at the summit, held high by him.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but hug the blanket tightly, unable to stop looking at him foolishly.


    "Is the studio about to go on holiday?"


    After the blanket and sheets were taken care of, and they were in bed, Mu Yichen asked her in a low voice.


    "Yeah! They¡¯re off tomorrow, everyone¡¯s already bought tickets back to Paris."


    Qin Mu said, then grabbed the tablet again, picked up the pen, and continued to prepare for drawing.


    Mu Yichen was about to lie down when he saw her about to draw again and immediately sat up, took the tablet from her arms, and placed it directly on the nightstand on his side: No more drawing!


    "Why? I¡¯m right in the middle of inspiration."


    Qin Mu stubbornly asked him, looking at him with a puppy-dog face.


    "You can draw after the New Year, and besides, you just had your show, you should rest as well."


    "But!"


    "Even if you don¡¯t want to rest, I¡¯m not happy at the thought of you tiring out my hands."


    Mu Yichen, with all seriousness, said as he picked up her hand and gently kissed it, his gaze looking especially deep into hers.


    Qin Mu...


    Suddenly, his gaze unsettled her. She had wanted to argue with him a little more, but at that moment, her heart softened, and then she was overpowered by him, only to find his handsome face magnifying before her eyes as she came back to her senses.


    "Now, focus on me, okay?"


    He whispered softly, nibbling at her chin, his domineering eyes locked onto her for an instant, then nudged her chin upwards so she could meet his lips.


    Uh-huh!


    Qin Mu suddenly held her breath, as if unsure of her actions.


    The night was particularly deep, and particularly cold.


    The next day Jiang Yan drove away, and the couple stood by the car, reluctant to part.


    Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua watched the outside scene from the window of their own room, both feeling helpless.


    Mu Yichen held Qin Mu as they stood at the window of their room, watching the scene of Mu Qingxin being comforted by Jiang Yan; Mu Qingxin looked like she was about to cry, her head hung low in a sullen pout, snuggling up to Jiang Yan as he gently wrapped his arms around her, his expression solemn.


    "Come pick me up soon."


    "Yeah, as soon as I¡¯m done with work, I¡¯ll come over right away. Take care of yourself and our son."


    He whispered low, cradling Mu Qingxin¡¯s face as he advised her.


    When Mu Qingxin heard ¡¯our son¡¯, her face flushed, and she leaned into his embrace: "Just take good care of yourself. Nothing else matters. The Mu Family lacks nothing, but I only lack you."


    Although she was spoiled and doted on, she always knew what she wanted in her heart. Since the first accidental encounter with Jiang Yan, it seemed she could no longer escape his gaze. Nor did she want to escape. She was willing to let him encircle her, follow her, kidnap her, let him use his capabilities to protect her.


    When they were together, Jiang Yan told her that he was a dangerous man, but because her brother was also considered a threat, she didn¡¯t care about these things. She believed her brother could love a woman for decades, with such unswerving devotion, and this man could also continue to love her forever.


    He didn¡¯t disappoint her. Ever since he had chased after her, ever since they started dating, he had loved her, protected her, and indulged her every moment. His family was just too peculiar, which was why he never paraded her publicly. Outside, he remained a solitary figure, without any ties, cold and ruthless, devoid of any sentiment.


    But he already had a girl named Mu Qingxin, and the two were probably destined for each other, right?


    Mu Qingxin held him tight, a believer in love, in a love that would last forever. Her father, her brother, they were all men deeply in love, and she believed that her luck wouldn¡¯t be too bad.

 Chapter 370 - 112 Compensation Required by President Mu (13)_6

    Chapter 370: 112 Compensation Required by President Mu (13)_6


    "I know! For you, I won¡¯t let anything happen to me. Just stay home and wait for me to come pick you up."


    "Mm!"


    No matter how hard it was to part, Mu Yichen still had to let go of Mu Qingxin¡¯s hand.


    Mu Qingxin initially held back, but as he got into the car and drove away, she couldn¡¯t help but run a few steps after his car, tears suddenly streaming down her face in a torrential pour.


    After Qin Mu came downstairs, he took a shawl and draped it over her shoulders, watching as she covered her mouth and trembled non-stop. Qin Mu gently embraced her shoulders, "Don¡¯t cry, he¡¯ll be back soon."


    Mu Qingxin turned to look at Qin Mu, tears unable to stop, and though she removed her hand from her mouth, she couldn¡¯t stop trembling, her chin wet with tears, then hugged Qin Mu tightly, "You don¡¯t understand, this time he¡¯s going back to risk his life."


    Mu Qingxin said these words and cried even more wistfully, the more she thought about it, the more frightened she became.


    Qin Mu, who heard about Jiang Yan from Mu Yichen last night, could only hold Mu Qingxin, stroking her back firmly and repeatedly.


    "Don¡¯t cry! You have to believe that the man Mu Qingxin chose is definitely the best one," Qin Mu said softly, lifting her face to wipe away her tears and gently reminding her.


    However, Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but cry even more, looking at Qin Mu with certainty in her eyes and stammering, "Why are you telling me all this? You¡¯re the woman I hate the most."


    "Yet you¡¯re my only sister," Qin Mu said in a low voice, letting out a helpless laugh.


    Upon hearing that, Mu Qingxin sniffled and wiped away her tears vigorously.


    "That¡¯s right, the man Mu Qingxin chose won¡¯t be bad. He will certainly beat those old guys and take everything he wants to get," she said, turning her head to look outside their front door, where his car had long since left, but she suddenly felt stronger.


    "He pursued me, but I had my eyes on him long before that."


    Mu Qingxin said this to Qin Mu as they walked back, with Qin Mu¡¯s arm around her.


    Mu Qingxin was still proud and stubborn, but also very genuine.


    Qin Mu believed what she said. Mu Qingxin might fall for Jiang Yan first, but she would definitely not take the initiative to chase him. Being girls, there was still something in common after all.


    "I was traveling, and just so happened to have a classmate there. We met for a meal, and that¡¯s when I bumped into him. We quarreled a bit, and then..."


    Later, Mu Qingxin pulled her onto the sofa to sit, and began to speak fervently about her past with Jiang Yan.


    "You know how it is, right? He spilled his drink on my dress, so I made him wash it, and then, hehe! Must be because of Missy¡¯s charm, right? How else would he have ended up chasing me? And after that!"


    Suddenly, Qin Mu remembered what someone said, apparently, love can involve some tricks too, as long as they¡¯re applied on the person who loves you, without harming others.


    "But this little guy was truly unexpected, although we eventually decided to keep him," Mu Qingxin said, touching her bulging belly, no longer as cheeky and a bit mischievous, but more tender and warm.


    Qin Mu listened quietly, and later gently reached out to touch Mu Qingxin¡¯s stomach, recalling the time when she was pregnant with Huanhuan, feeling the little one moving inside Mu Qingxin¡¯s belly, and suddenly smiling softly.


    "He¡¯s greeting you, maybe saying, ¡¯Hey, woman, don¡¯t touch me.¡¯"


    Mu Qingxin described vividly, even imitating Crayon Shin-chan¡¯s voice, making Qin Mu burst into laughter.


    Feng Fanghua frowned in the kitchen as she watched the two women in the living room, wondering, wasn¡¯t her daughter supposed to hate Qin Mu the most?


    The two women were still in their pajamas, and it was only when lunch was nearly ready that they went to change.


    Mu Qingxin still had many questions she wanted to ask, but Mu Yi had stopped her. After lunch, when Mu Yi and Qin Mu were about to leave, Mu Qingxin said, "Take me with you, it¡¯s scary to be at home alone with Mom."


    Mu Qingxin was genuinely afraid her mother would suddenly give her a lecture or begin crying. She couldn¡¯t bear such melodramatic scenes, and since her grandfather wouldn¡¯t be back until the afternoon, she didn¡¯t want to be alone with Feng Fanghua in the morning.


    "We all have important things to do. You stay home and take care of the baby until Grandpa comes back."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s light response dealt with her trouble.


    It was only after Qin Mu had left that he asked him, "Why are you always so fierce to her?"


    "Even like this, she ran off with someone else. Didn¡¯t you see how reliant she is on that man?"


    Although Mu Yichen spoke indifferently about this topic, deep down he actually felt quite upset; after all, she was his only younger sister.


    "Why does it smell so sour outside today?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t look at him, but deliberately took a deep breath and then frowned, making an indescribable face.


    Mu Yichen immediately locked her neck and pulled her into his arms, "Are you asking for a trimming?"


    "Hehe! Boss Mu, spare my life, Yichen brother, spare my life, I was wrong," Qin Mu quickly admitted her mistake.


    The two of them drove off separately, one to the company, the other to the studio.


    Qin Mu had long ago bought specialties from Rongcheng and had her colleagues from the studio send them home. Today, she also sent tens of thousands in red packets in the WeChat group for everyone to grab.


    Late, she stood at the innermost, smiling at everyone and giving a salute with her gaze.


    For a long time, she looked at the companions who had been with her throughout the year, and couldn¡¯t help but feel sentimental.


    "There seem to be a lot of things to be thankful for, but when it comes to my lips, it gets a bit unclear. From the start to the end of the year, we set up a studio and a clothing factory in Rongcheng, and all the experiences feel like they happened just yesterday. You, have always stood by my side. I¡¯m grateful, thankful, and I also request that everyone come back after the New Year to continue working with me. We are not just boss and employee; we are a big family, the most tacit partners. I wish you all a happy New Year in advance! Although it is a Chinese New Year, it is a solemn and meaningful festival. I hope everyone has a joyful celebration, including your families."


    Qin Mu was somewhat excited, but she still managed to calmly express what she wanted to say. They were finally going to have a holiday, finally going to have a good rest. Qin Mu thought that wasn¡¯t this also something worth celebrating? They had indeed been very busy throughout the year.


    After a morning meeting, everyone dispersed.


    Only three people were left in the studio. Yang Qianxi was also returning to her hometown with the full gifts from Qin Mu.


    Before Yang Qianxi left, she stood at the door and after thinking it over, she said to Qin Mu, "Jing Qing came to see me the day before yesterday. She wants to use me to take you down."


    Qin Mu involuntarily took another look at her, then nodded. She hadn¡¯t expected Yang Qianxi to tell her this, and then she smiled and said, "Have a safe journey!"


    Yang Qianxi nodded and left, feeling a bit uneasy.


    Qin Mu felt some things about her deep down.


    "Ah, I also have to return to Paris but knowing you won¡¯t be alone here, I can leave in peace."


    Xiaomei stood at the door only after Yang Qianxi had left, pretending to be relaxed while speaking to Qin Mu.


    "Tell Master that everything here is fine!" Qin Mu raised her hand to gently touch Xiaomei¡¯s shoulder, whispering softly.


    "Mmm!" Xiaomei nodded slowly, the hidden sadness in her eyes unable to be concealed.


    "Actually, I think compared to the Master, you might be more suited to those energetic youths," Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help consoling her when she saw how sad she was.


    "Sigh! The first unrequited love of my life, a confession never spoken and rejected before it began, Qinqin, tell me, is there anyone more miserable than me?"


    There are far too many people in this world who love without being loved in return. You¡¯re definitely not the most miserable, but¡ª¡¯never let it turn you bitter¡¯."

 Chapter 371 - 113 Compensation Required by President Mu (14)_1

    Chapter 371: 113 Compensation Required by President Mu (14)_1


    Qin Mu¡¯s greatest fear was the sudden transformation of a loved one into an enemy.


    Xiaomei had been with her for so long; naturally, she was the last person Qin Mu wanted to see change.


    After their chat, Xiaomei left, and Qin Mu stood alone at the door of the studio, silently watching the empty space, reminiscing their first visit to this place together.


    She drove to Jing Feng and Helian Hao¡¯s apartment. The two of them sat on the couch, chatting; Helian Hao was completely listless.


    "I plan to spend the New Year at my parents¡¯ this year," Helian Hao said, her head bowed beside her.


    Qin Mu, guessing it was the atmosphere of the Jing Family that made her uncomfortable, just nodded and asked, "What about Jing Feng?"


    "He can do as he pleases! Unless something unexpected happens, he¡¯ll naturally spend it at his own home," Helian Hao replied, still with her eyes lowered, seemingly very despondent and sentimental.


    Qin Mu sat beside her, gently took her hand, and suddenly realized she hadn¡¯t been showing Helian Hao enough concern lately.


    "Why did we even get married? I knew it wouldn¡¯t be happy," Helian Hao mused.


    "Xiaohao, don¡¯t you think that mindset might be unfair to Jing Feng?" Qin Mu asked her in a soft voice.


    "Yes, it¡¯s unfair to him. But you know, the word ¡¯fair¡¯ seems so simple, yet is so difficult to actually achieve," Helian Hao looked up, the sorrow in her eyes immediately apparent.


    "Would you like to hear about my affair with Mu Yichen?" Qin Mu suddenly changed the subject.


    Curious, Helian Hao gazed at her. Qin Mu also lowered her eyes with a wry smile.


    "I used to think like you, how could two people not blessed by others live a happy life together? However, his care for me exceeded my expectations. He said he wanted to be with me for life and had never considered anyone else. I became very tired later, you know how much prejudice his mother holds against me, and with the Jing Family, Jing Qing going out of her way to torment me. But seeing how good he is to me, I suddenly thought, if I just left, who would be the most pleased? Who would be the most disappointed? Why should I sadden the person who cares about me the most, and bring joy to those who don¡¯t care?" Qin Mu said.


    Helian Hao instinctively observed her. After Qin Mu finished speaking, she lifted her gaze to look back at her, her hand gently holding Helian Hao¡¯s.


    "You know I¡¯ve never believed in love. My parents were once so in love, but then Zhang Rujia brought Qin Mingzhu to my home, and my world was shattered. From that moment, I developed an aversion to love and to men. Yet, he has been by my side all these years. Xiaohao, I believe that no matter what, we should cherish such men and not choose to give up on ourselves," Qin Mu expressed.


    Helian Hao slowly rested her forehead on Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder, her hair hiding her face. She hummed softly, feeling the shake in her breath.


    "But I¡¯ve been so tired lately!"


    "That¡¯s because you¡¯re in poor health. Eat well and recover quickly. Then you¡¯ll be the energetic and spirited doctor once again," Qin Mu comforted her with a chuckle.


    Helian Hao laughed too but remained leaning on Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder without lifting her face for a while.


    She knew Qin Mu was right. Many people had visited her recently: colleagues, parents. But everyone complained to her, making her feel as if her relationship with Jing Feng was truly impossible.


    Especially when others spoke of how marriages not blessed by family elders were doomed to unhappiness, thoughts of the Jing Family patriarch and Jing Qing made her feel that her situation with Jing Feng was probably just as others had described.


    Thankfully, Qin Mu¡¯s visit kept her from sinking further into pessimism.


    If even Qin Mu could persevere, how could she be so fragile?


    Suddenly, as if coming to a realization, Helian Hao relaxed her mood and said, "Stay for lunch. I¡¯ll cook for you myself."


    "Let¡¯s order takeout, from a hotel," Qin Mu suggested, thinking that Helian Hao was not in a condition to cook, but fearing Jing Feng might get mad over ordinary takeout, so it was better to order nutritious lunch from a hotel.


    "Well..."


    "I¡¯ll ask the manager of AM¡¯s restaurant," Qin Mu interjected.


    Helian Hao actually meant to bring this up, but hadn¡¯t expected that Qin Mu would finally be willing to ask someone for help to make her happy.


    After lunch and a brief chat with Helian Hao, Qin Mu left. Firstly, because Helian Hao¡¯s health didn¡¯t permit her to sit for too long, and secondly, because Qin Mu needed to go home and chat with Mu Qingxin.


    Originally, she was quite apprehensive about reuniting with Mu Qingxin, considering the girl had so many grievances against her. But after dealing with Jing Qing, she found Mu Qingxin quite

 Chapter 372 - 113 Compensation Required by President Mu (14)_2

    Chapter 372: 113 Compensation Required by President Mu (14)_2


    Qin Mu and Mu Qingxin were born in the same year. Qin Mu still vaguely remembered how Mu Qingxin looked every time she saw her; because Mu Yichen would always protect the two of them, sometimes when he walked beside Qin Mu, Mu Qingxin would give her a cold huff, then deliberately go around to the other side, take Mu Yichen¡¯s hand and insist that she walk in front.


    As Qin Mu passed by a street, she saw a shop selling piping hot corn and stopped her car. She was thinking of buying two, one for herself and one for Mu Qingxin, but then she thought about all the people at home, so she took out a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet.


    Later, the whole first floor of the Mu Family home was filled with the smell of corn.


    Hiding behind the servant¡¯s door to eat, Qin Mu and Mu Qingxin busied themselves nibbling on corn on the sofa.


    "Alas, my mom was called out to have lunch with her granddaughter at noon; I thought I was the one she cared about the most."


    Mu Qingxin shook her head while eating the corn, the very picture of disappointment.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything and just couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    "Tell me the truth, have you ever noticed that you¡¯ve unwittingly tied our whole family down?"


    Mu Qingxin suddenly looked up at her with a cob of corn still in her hands.


    "Don¡¯t scare me, I don¡¯t think I have that ability."


    Qin Mu shook her head repeatedly. Not to mention others, take Feng Fanghua for example, how could she tie her down?


    "My mom does have opinions about you, but you gave birth to Huanhuan, and now Huanhuan is the family¡¯s most treasured little baby. Look, with just one phone call saying she wanted to have lunch with grandma, my mom hurried over, even willing to leave me, her own daughter, whom she hasn¡¯t seen for years."


    Mu Qingxin sighed again while speaking and took a big bite of the corn. Eating corn in the dead of winter felt particularly good.


    Qin Mu felt quite convinced by Mu Qingxin¡¯s words as if it really was like that.


    The two of them were chatting when Qin Mu¡¯s cellphone started to ring. Upon seeing the number, she didn¡¯t feel like answering.


    Because the phone was on the coffee table, Mu Qingxin looked over curiously. No name was displayed, so she asked with curiosity, "Why is there no name?"


    "There¡¯s no need for a name!"


    Qin Mu responded with a light laugh but eventually put down the corn and picked up the phone to answer, "Hello!"


    "Tomorrow is New Year¡¯s, you should go to your mom¡¯s grave this afternoon, right?"


    Qin Mu listened but didn¡¯t speak; she planned to go after four or five o¡¯clock.


    "Mhm!"


    "I just visited your mom¡¯s grave, Qin Mu, could you come to the house tonight?"


    "I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll be busy."


    Qin Mu heard the pleading voice on the other end but didn¡¯t have the heart to outright refuse; she simply responded indifferently.


    Mu Qingxin had been all ears, observing Qin Mu¡¯s expression, and suddenly remembered Qin Mu¡¯s father.


    Ha, that man!


    Mu Qingxing thought he was the worst man in the world, having had a one-night stand with another woman without taking precautions. After so many years, the woman showed up with a child, and after his wife died, he had the audacity to remarry.


    From this perspective, Mu Qingxin thought that Qin Mu was the most innocent and pitiful person in that sad marriage era. At such a young age, she had watched her own mother die and then saw another woman move into her home, only to be kicked out eventually.


    Mu Qingxin also remembered that after Qin Mu left, that mother and daughter moved into the Qin Family home. Later, Qin Mingzhu even went to the same school as her. Ha, she had never seen anyone so shameless.


    Qin Haiming and Zhang Rujia got the marriage certificate in a low key and then lived together. But that was the most low-key thing Zhang Rujia did when marrying that man. In the following years, in Rongcheng, Zhang Rujia seemed low-key, but she always carried herself with a certain air. Was there ever a time when someone but her face lit up with pleasure when asking for her favor?


    After Qin Mu hung up the phone, Mu Qingxin asked in a low voice, "Your father?"


    Qin Mu then came back to her senses, her gaze unfocused as she looked at her, and nodded.


    "He has the nerve to call you, why would you even pick up? If he could do something like that back then, if it were me, I¡¯d never want to see him in this lifetime, not answer his calls, not give any news whatsoever."


    Mu Qingxin got more and more excited as she spoke. The butler came by from outside and, upon hearing those words, became somewhat worried. The expression on his face involuntarily contorted, but as a servant, he did not say much, simply passing by.


    Qin Mu listened to Mu Qingxin¡¯s words, smiled, but didn¡¯t respond.


    Qin Mu thought to herself, originally, she had thought the same way too.

 Chapter 373 - 113 Compensation Required by President Mu (14)_3

    Chapter 373: 113 Compensation Required by President Mu (14)_3


    Only if...


    If everything were this simple.


    She returned to this city, and for the people in this city, it had become more than a matter of whether she wanted to see them or not.


    If she lived a simple life, perhaps it would have been fine, but now she wanted to climb higher, and that meant she had to give up some things.


    "You have no idea what happened after you left, Qin Mingzhu replaced you, and at school, she was practically a little overlord, so arrogant, commanding one person to do this today, and tomorrow telling someone else to fetch her ridiculous things. I really don¡¯t know what your father is thinking."


    Your father...


    When Qin Mu heard Mu Qingxin say those words, she felt as if she had traveled back more than a decade.


    But...


    "He stopped being my father from the moment my mother died."


    Qin Mu spoke in a low and calm voice.


    Mu Qingxin looked at her a bit unexpectedly, then lowered her eyes, feeling she might have spoken too harshly, especially considering how Qin Mu had been abandoned overseas all these years.


    "Ah, don¡¯t take it too much to heart. Though heaven took away your mother, it sent my brother to your side. After all, my brother has spent more time with you in comparison."


    Mu Qingxin said, raising her eyebrows at her, hoping she would cheer up a bit.


    Qin Mu smiled helplessly, "Huh! I didn¡¯t expect you to be like this, Mu Qingxin."


    "Huh? Like what?"


    "Very interesting!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh as she spoke.


    Mu Qingxin grinned, her eyes widening as if trying to decide if the comment was meant to be derogatory or complimentary.


    "What do you mean ¡¯very interesting¡¯? If you don¡¯t like me ¡ª well, it¡¯s not like I like you either."


    Mu Qingxin gave her a provocative look, then a bit proudly, but her tone was no longer as inconsiderate of Qin Mu¡¯s feelings as before.


    "Did the baby kick you again today?"


    Qin Mu suddenly approached her and gently touched her rounded belly.


    "Haha, it kicks me several times a day."


    Mu Qingxin immediately rubbed her belly with pride as she spoke.


    Later, Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao returned with Huanhuan, and Mu Yichen also rushed back, with Qin Mu and Mu Yichen holding Huanhuan as they went to the cemetery.


    But when the two arrived at the cemetery with the child, they saw the grave covered with messy white chrysanthemums, their wrapping papers still fresh, and the flowers seemed new, probably from today.


    Qin Mu suddenly stopped, remembering Qin Haiming mentioning on the phone that he had visited her mother.


    This afternoon, almost everyone had gone out to visit the graves, so...


    Qin Mingzhu!


    Qin Mingzhu had come with Qin Haiming and even carried out such a condemnable act.


    Qin Mu stood there for several seconds, quietly clenching her teeth and looking at the disheveled flowers with a cold face.


    Mu Yichen frowned too, putting Huanhuan down before turning to look at Qin Mu.


    Her nose was red from the cold, but that was probably nothing compared to the chill in her heart.


    Huanhuan threw the broken and messy chrysanthemums aside, then turned to look at her mother, took the flowers from under her arm, and placed them in front of her grandmother¡¯s tombstone.


    Qin Mu watched silently, involuntarily letting out a laugh.


    This year, Huanhuan was only three years old.


    Qin Mu did not pay respects to the older generation of the Qin Family, just looked at her mother¡¯s grave and then returned to the city with her husband and child.


    She quietly noted the incident in her heart, yet she hadn¡¯t taken any concrete steps for retaliation.


    Everything could wait till after the New Year¡¯s.


    Before dinner, the old master returned, and the most important seat on the sofa immediately became his, with the younger generation sitting by his side. Although the old master was over eighty, he looked quite robust, seemingly no less so than the patriarch of the Jing Family. However, unlike the old master of the Jing Family, who always wore traditional attire, the patriarch of the Mu Family dressed more down-to-earth, in casual jackets, tenderly gazing at the little girl across from him who was licking her lollipop without taking her eyes off him.


    "Is this our Mu Family¡¯s first little treasure?"


    The old master asked.


    Qin Mu looked at Huanhuan, thinking to herself, Yes!


    "Absolutely! Look, doesn¡¯t this girl have a striking resemblance to her siblings in her brow and eyes?"


    Feng Fanghua settled down quite a bit in front of her father-in-law, her demeanor becoming much more subdued.


    "Mm! But I think she looks more like her mother."


    The old master said.


    Qin Mu was pleasantly surprised; no one in the Mu Family had ever said that Huanhuan looked like her.


    Feng Fanghua immediately became unhappy when she heard this, but she didn¡¯t dare to retort, instead clasping her hands and lowering her head.

 Chapter 374 - 113 Compensation Required by President Mu (14)_4

    Chapter 374: 113 Compensation Required by President Mu (14)_4


    Mu Zihao didn¡¯t speak, just a slight noise came from his throat.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak either, and Mu Qingxin even less so, struggling to hold back her laughter, thinking that finally someone had managed to shut the old man up.


    "How old is Mumu this year? I remember she¡¯s about the same age as Qingxin."


    The old master inquired.


    "I was born the same year as Qingxin, my birthday is just a little earlier than hers."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t remember Mu Qingxin¡¯s exact birthday, but with Mu Yichen around, she remembered roughly.


    "She¡¯s still a child, Yichen, you have to treat Mumu well, you can¡¯t let the girl suffer following you."


    The old master then turned to his grandson sitting quietly next to Qin Mu and advised, Mu Yichen lifted his eyes slightly, his mouth immediately forming a straight line: Of course!


    But a child...


    Mu Yichen thought to retort, but he didn¡¯t get the chance.


    "Dad, what do you mean by suffering following Yichen? Yichen has never been willing to let her suffer even a little bit."


    Feng Fanghua immediately spoke up for her son, thinking to herself how her silly son had suffered for this girl.


    "So you were the one making her suffer?"


    What¡¯s a godly counterattack?


    Mu Yichen¡¯s faint response left his mother feeling utterly devastated.


    "What¡¯s the matter? You¡¯re not even letting a child off the hook?"


    The old master turned his head, not clearly seeing his daughter-in-law¡¯s face, just leaning slightly, resting gently against the back of the sofa, and asked lightly.


    "I..."


    "It¡¯s not that, Mom actually has a bark worse than her bite, she¡¯s been taking care of me since I returned to the country."


    Qin Mu glanced at Feng Fanghua, knowing she revered and feared the old master, so she intercepted Feng Fanghua¡¯s response.


    Only then did the old master look back at the girl sitting diagonally opposite, with a hint of approval on his face, he suppressed his intimidating aura and nodded slightly.


    "Hmm! Your mother-in-law is just fiery by nature, definitely a good mother-in-law."


    The old master added.


    Upon hearing this, Feng Fanghua, no matter how aggrieved, had to swallow her response.


    "Hmm! I know!"


    Qin Mu said softly.


    Mu Yichen turned his head to look at his silly wife, his hand resting on the arm of the sofa, lifting to gently stroke her hair, his dark eyes also on her hair: Silly, aren¡¯t you?


    Qin Mu...


    "Hahaha! You guys are really good at pretending."


    Mu Qingxin burst out laughing uncontrollably.


    Everyone...


    Had never seen such a mood breaker.


    "Cough!"


    The old master cleared his throat, after all, having just come back, he still wanted to appear honest, especially now that there was a newcomer in the house. Little did he know his granddaughter would stir things up.


    "Grandpa, you haven¡¯t given me New Year¡¯s money for several years now, you have to give a big one this year."


    Uncomfortable with everyone being so rigid, Mu Qingxin immediately sat down next to him, wrapped her arm around his and nestled against his shoulder to start acting cute.


    "You still have the cheek to ask for a red envelope after not visiting your grandpa for so many years."


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but chide upon hearing her daughter¡¯s words.


    "Ah, what are you saying? Isn¡¯t it enough that the child is happy? Grandpa will definitely give you a big red envelope this year."


    The old master said, embracing his granddaughter, thinking it had also been many years since he gave her a red envelope, so he must make a good show of it this time.


    "Grandpa loves Qingxin the most."


    Mu Qingxin immediately hugged her grandfather and planted a big kiss on his face.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but stare openly, the envy in her eyes only concealed discreetly.


    Later, she lowered her eyes, only to realize he was still touching her hair.


    Mu Yichen drew her into his arms and gently kissed her forehead.


    Qin Mu instinctively tried to pull away, but Mu Yichen¡¯s hand firmly clasped her head, preventing her from leaving his chest.


    With so many people in the house.


    Huanhuan, not sure if he heard the words "red envelope," moseyed over to the old master, then turned his head and saw Dad kissing Mom; holding his lollipop, he immediately covered his eyes.


    "Brother, be mindful of the impact."


    Mu Qingxin immediately reminded him, seeing the child¡¯s reaction.


    "Did you mind your manners?"


    Mu Yichen asked pointedly, and only after being pushed away by Qin Mu did he sit down next to her, not moving away. On the other hand, Qin Mu glared at him annoyed, while Feng Fanghua looked on with a stomachache.


    Qin Mu lowered her head awkwardly, wanting to apologize but not knowing where to start.


    But being so affectionate in front of the elders really wasn¡¯t appropriate, Qin Mu felt so embarrassed, yet she couldn¡¯t scold him in front of the elders.


    Probably wouldn¡¯t make a difference if she did scold him.


    "How am I not being mindful? I wasn¡¯t hugging and embracing anyone..."


    Mu Qingxin started to say, then turned to look at Grandpa and quietly sat up straight, smoothed her clothes, lowered her eyes and stopped talking back.

 Chapter 375 - 113 Compensation Required by President Mu (14)_5

    Chapter 375: 113 Compensation Required by President Mu (14)_5


    Mu Zihao suddenly remembered something and looked at his son and daughter-in-law, "Right, according to our local customs, you two should visit the Mayor of Qin City to deliver some gifts before the New Year. Are you planning to go in person, or do you plan to send someone else?"


    "Dad, isn¡¯t that just disgusting? Why send any gifts? After being driven out for so many years..."


    When Mu Qingxin heard what Mu Zihao said, she felt it was too formal and also too insincere. How could Qin Mu possibly want to give gifts?


    "You little kids should not interrupt arbitrarily."


    Feng Fanghua reminded her.


    "Please, I¡¯m only two months younger than that girl, and we both are mothers. Why call me a little child?"


    Mu Qingxin hated it most when others called her young, clearly, she had a man and was a mother.


    "You... can¡¯t you just talk less?"


    At that moment, Feng Fanghua deeply understood what it meant to be incessantly annoyed by your own daughter at home, though truly worrying about her when she was not around.


    "Alright, alright, let¡¯s have a good New Year. No one lose their temper, but as for the matter of bringing gifts to your maternal family during the New Year, you young couple should make the trip."


    The elder pondered for a moment and then said in a heavy tone.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say anything but just looked up at the elder.


    "Whatever happened in the past is over now. Girl, since you have come back and are looking to turn over a new leaf, you have to be able to swallow this."


    ¡ª


    So, that day she stood with Mu Yichen in the Qin Family¡¯s living room.


    Some were happy, and some were not. Qin Mingzhu, dressed beautifully, came down from upstairs, humming a tune and carrying her purse, ready to go out with friends for a meal when she saw Qin Mu and Mu Yichen standing by the sofa.


    "You two, sit down."


    Qin Haiming also came down from upstairs and said as he walked over and sat down.


    Qin Mu stood there, not willing to sit down, and Mu Yichen gave her a glance and said in a low voice, "Okay!"


    Qin Mu subconsciously looked up at him, then remembering their purpose, followed him to sit down.


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s mouth was wide open, seemingly shocked by Qin Mu¡¯s actions. She wanted to call out to Qin Mu but then thought better of it and walked over to sit down, whispering, "Brother-in-law!"


    Mu Yichen looked up at her and then gave a slight smile, "Good!"


    Qin Mingzhu...


    Qin Mu...


    But it was Qin Haiming who sat there very calmly, "Smoke?"


    Mu Yichen glanced at Qin Mu before saying again, "Quit recently."


    "Oh?"


    Qin Haiming looked up at Mu Yichen, looking curiously at him.


    "We¡¯re trying for a child."


    Mu Yichen sat on the sofa with his legs crossed, holding Qin Mu¡¯s hand as he spoke.


    Qin Mu...


    Qin Haiming laughed heartily, "Haha, that¡¯s great news! You two really should have another child."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why Qin Haiming was so happy but felt somewhat satisfied when she looked at Qin Mingzhu¡¯s slightly pale face.


    "Don¡¯t you have a child already? Why have another?"


    Qin Mingzhu muttered.


    "You should be offering your blessings that your sister is having a child."


    Qin Haiming immediately said.


    The maid brought in tea, and Qin Haiming directed, "Could you pour tea for your sister and brother-in-law?"


    "What?"


    Qin Mingzhu thought she had misheard.


    "All you know is to go out and eat, eat, eat. Why can¡¯t you be as comforting as your sister, despite being my daughter?"


    Qin Haiming sighed looking at her unseemly behavior.


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s eyes were practically popping out. Her father was actually asking her to learn from that woman?


    "Dad!"


    Qin Mingzhu called out in discontent, wanting to act coquettishly but also adoring Mu Yichen, so she held back.


    "Pour tea for your sister and brother-in-law first, then we¡¯ll talk."


    Mu Yichen suddenly whispered a reminder.


    Qin Mingzhu reluctantly squatted beside the coffee table to pour their tea.


    Qin Haiming watched Qin Mingzhu pour the tea, thinking his daughter was far from being well-behaved but didn¡¯t say more.


    "Where¡¯s your mother? Why hasn¡¯t she come down yet?"


    Qin Haiming asked.


    "Mom said she would be down in a moment."


    After Qin Mingzhu poured the tea, she returned to her seat and replied sullenly.


    "Here she comes, here she comes, oh, we have a distinguished guest in our house today."


    Zhang Rujia, dressed in an expensive cheongsam, came down from upstairs. The first thing she noticed was Qin Mu sitting on her sofa, and a chill rose in her heart. But no sooner had she finished speaking than she saw Mu Yichen sitting beside her, and she instantly walked down with a smile.


    "The young master Yichen is here too! Today really is a blessed day for us."


    Saying this, Zhang Rujia walked over and sat beside Qin Haiming, immediately composing herself.


    "The patriarch sent us to see Mayor Qin, and we also want to thank the Mayor for looking after Mumu since her return."

 Chapter 376 - 113 Compensation Required by President Mu (14)_6

    Chapter 376: 113 Compensation Required by President Mu (14)_6


    "Grandpa is back! I should be the one visiting him. Go back and tell him to wait for a couple of days; I will definitely go over to wish him a Happy New Year,"


    Qin Haiming became even more courteous upon hearing that the Mu family¡¯s patriarch had also returned.


    "I will surely pass on the message,"


    Mu Yichen said.


    "Mom, Yichen said he wants to have kids with her¡ªwith sister,"


    Qin Mingzhu was somewhat anxious, but just as she was about to call the little enchantress, she saw her father and Mu Yichen¡¯s faces and immediately twisted her own skirt with both hands, whispering to Zhang Rujia, who was diagonally across from her.


    Zhang Rujia¡¯s heart trembled upon hearing this, then she pretended to smile: "What¡¯s this? At such a young age, you¡¯re already thinking about having both sons and daughters? Don¡¯t you want to enjoy a few more years? Nowadays, young people all want to play for a few more years, and besides, you two have the habit of smoking and drinking, right? Before having kids, you really need to quit these bad habits, or it will affect the fetus¡¯s development,"


    "Yichen quit smoking a long time ago, and I heard Mumu also stopped taking traditional Chinese medicine. It¡¯s better to have kids while young; we can always play later, right?"


    Qin Haiming held a different opinion.


    "You¡¯re right, and besides, Mumu has been away from home since she was young. What she desires the most is just a warm family. Children are the people closest to us,"


    Qin Mu unconsciously glanced at Mu Yichen again, thinking that his remark was probably for Qin Haiming, so she didn¡¯t interject and just quietly listened.


    "Then go ahead and have them, as long as Mumu is happy, that¡¯s all that matters. As for us, we hope Mumu is happy and lives a blessed life. As long as she¡¯s fine, our family will be fine,"


    Zhang Rujia suddenly became more generous in her response and smiled so magnanimously.


    Qin Mingzhu was frightened and couldn¡¯t believe it, thinking to herself, are you really my mother?


    "Rujia is right, as long as Mumu is happy, I will be completely satisfied. If there¡¯s anything in the future, just come and find me at home. No matter whether I can handle it well or not, I will put in all my effort to assist you guys¡ªand since you two are planning for a second child, shouldn¡¯t we also schedule the wedding soon? We can¡¯t keep hiding Mumu¡¯s identity forever, can we?"


    "Yes¡ª"


    "I have always said it¡¯s not him hiding me; it¡¯s me who doesn¡¯t let him make it public,"


    Qin Mu finally spoke up, her voice coldly reminding everyone.


    This topic was not the first time she had brought it up with Qin Haiming, and it was not the first time she had explained.


    That¡¯s why she disliked Qin Haiming demanding Mu Yichen to do something for her under the guise of paternal responsibility. In her heart, she believed he still wasn¡¯t qualified.


    "Look at how you talk. Your father is just worried about you being taken advantage of. How can you talk back to an elder like that?"


    Zhang Rujia, upon hearing her words and seeing her face, immediately disapproved and her eyes conveyed blame.


    "Please shut up when I¡¯m talking to my father,"


    Qin Mu said to her coldly.


    Zhang Rujia was even more upset: "You, how can you talk to me like that? Haiming, you heard everything, right? You never believe me when I say how she treats me, but you heard it just now, didn¡¯t you? Has she ever treated me like an elder?"


    "Enough, Mumu didn¡¯t say anything wrong. It¡¯s you who shouldn¡¯t be blowing things out of proportion all the time,"


    Qin Haiming admonished her, his eyes downcast and somewhat angry.


    "I..."


    "They rarely come back home for a meal; go to the kitchen and have a look, and prepare a few dishes Mumu likes to eat. I have told you what she likes to eat not long ago,"


    Qin Haiming suddenly instructed her again.


    Qin Mingzhu was stunned, feeling as though she was being sidelined.


    And in Qin Haiming¡¯s mind, only three words were spinning: "my father."


    Qin Mu easily dealt with Qin Haiming with just those three words, and neither the mother-daughter duo noticed that these three words were the crux of the matter.


    Mu Yichen suddenly fell silent. Knowing his wife had opened her mouth to say this, he understood she would no longer allow others to bully her.


    "Weren¡¯t you going out to eat? Not going anymore?"


    Qin Haiming asked his uneasy younger daughter, sitting across from him with a dark face.


    "I, I..."


    Qin Mingzhu stammered, her eyes nervously looking to her mother.


    "Since we have guests at home now, there¡¯s no need to go out. Come with me to the kitchen to see,"


    Zhang Rujia said as she stood up, her hanging hands gesturing to her daughter.


    Qin Mingzhu immediately followed Zhang Rujia into the kitchen, then with tears of grievance about to fall she said, "Mom, is that little wench here to steal my place? Mom, why hasn¡¯t she left? Is she really going to stay and eat with our family? The place she¡¯s sitting now used to be my spot."


    Qin Mingzhu, holding Zhang Rujia¡¯s hand, hid in a corner, glancing outside before stomping her feet with anger within, because Qin Haiming was there, she didn¡¯t dare to speak loudly. At this moment, the treasured Mingzhu felt her own status teetering on the brink, wishing she could immediately drive Qin Mu out with a stick.


    "Hold back for now, the real drama hasn¡¯t even started. Just wait until those two can¡¯t have a child for a year or a half, hmph!"


    Zhang Rujia let out a cold snort, her malicious gaze fixed on the three people outside who were chatting and laughing on the couch.


    "But what if she gets pregnant?"


    Qin Mingzhu asked worriedly, her voice very low.


    "There won¡¯t be a ¡¯what if¡¯!"


    Zhang Rujia said hatefully.


    "Madam!"


    Just as the mother and daughter were bitterly resenting each other, an aunt walked up from behind them, startling them both. Zhang Rujia clutched her chest and hissed a curse: "Are you sick? What are you shouting for?"


    "Madam, I just wanted to ask if I should prepare an extra meal."


    The aunt bowed her head, unwilling to look up at her, only tolerating her commands for the sake of her salary.


    "Extra meal? Feeding that little wench is worse than feeding a dog."


    Zhang Rujia continued to spew out cruel words in a hushed tone.


    "Yes!"


    The aunt, thinking she was serious, turned to leave.


    "Come back!"


    Zhang Rujia wanted Qin Mu to leave in her heart, but she dared not show it, especially when Qin Hai was at home. Even if she had to pretend, she had to do it boldly and openly.


    After all, she had promised Qin Hai she would not oppose Qin Mu again. Zhang Rujia took two deep breaths, then turned her head and entered the kitchen.


    Qin Mingzhu was still sneakily watching from the corner, catching only a few indistinct words from outside.


    "Next year, we will consider getting married."


    Mu Yichen said to Qin Haiming.


    Qin Haiming nodded in approval.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything, just boredly went to the restroom to wash her hands while they were chatting.


    Hmm! The chilly water made her all the more rational.


    She had to eat this meal here, she had to make that mother and daughter afraid.


    If it weren¡¯t for seeing the flowers Qin Hai had brought to her mother¡¯s grave trampled yesterday afternoon, she wouldn¡¯t have taken this action today.


    It wasn¡¯t because the Mu family¡¯s patriarch and her father-in-law told her to come; in fact, she wanted to come to disturb the peace of the mother and daughter. Since they didn¡¯t treat her like a person, she would ensure they didn¡¯t have a good year either. If she couldn¡¯t have a good time, neither would they.


    However, she didn¡¯t expect that the restroom, which was originally empty, suddenly had another person in it.


    Qin Mu looked up into the mirror and saw Qin Mingzhu biting her teeth and trembling with anger, as if she wanted to kill her with her gaze or swallow her like some disgusting thing.


    "You wretched girl, why did you come to my home? What exactly is your purpose?"


    Initially, Qin Mingzhu¡¯s voice was controlled, but at the end it rose sharply.


    Qin Mu watched the arrogant girl in the mirror and unconsciously lowered her eyes, washing her fingers forcefully one by one, then calmly wiped her hands as she asked faintly, "Who trampled the flowers at my mom¡¯s tombstone yesterday?"


    "What?"


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s eyes widened again.


    Qin Mu then looked up at the mirror at the girl whose face was turning white: "What¡¯s wrong? You¡¯re afraid now?"


    Qin Mu smiled, her eyes staring through the mirror into the eyes of the girl, sharp and shrewd.


    "Don¡¯t slander me. You¡¯re just trying to drive a wedge between me and my dad, right? I¡¯m telling you, don¡¯t even think about it. If you dare to ruin my family, I will definitely get back at you."


    Qin Mu turned around, closing in on her.


    "You and your mom, who have already destroyed my family, I...."

 Chapter 377 - 114 Compensation Required by President Mu (15)_1

    Chapter 377: 114 Compensation Required by President Mu (15)_1


    "You and your mother have already ruined my family, and I will take revenge."


    Qin Mu stood close to her, whispering a reminder.


    Qin Mingzhu got scared looking at Qin Mu¡¯s flawless face and the sharp, undoubtedly perceptive gaze so close to her. But since she was in her own home, she quickly tried to push Qin Mu away: "I¡¯m not easily scared!"


    Qin Mu dodged to the side, but her clothes were still grabbed by Qin Mingzhu, who then raised her hand and grasped Qin Mingzhu¡¯s hand, undoing the fabric her hand had caught and then forcefully shoved her aside.


    "Ah!"


    A sharp scream suddenly came from the restroom. It wasn¡¯t very loud, but fortunately, there was no one there.


    When Qin Mu walked out, she appeared relaxed, returning to the living room with a faint smile.


    "Just now, Mingzhu fell in the restroom, it seems!"


    Qin Mu said softly as she sat back down.


    "She is always so clumsy!"


    Qin Haiming said with a light smile, his gaze lowered as he sipped his tea.


    Qin Mu glanced at him and then lowered her eyes without saying anything further.


    It was Mu Yichen who, with his legs crossed and smoking a cigarette, narrowed his eyes and smiled faintly at his wife.


    Qin Haiming also took a puff of his cigarette, his lips curling slightly when he saw Qin Mu and Mu Yichen sitting together; a gentle warmth flowed in the depths of his eyes.


    Qin Mingzhu limped out, massaging her buttocks and muttering softly: "Bitch! Bitch! Bitch!"


    Since she was speaking softly, no one could hear her clearly, but the resentment in her expression was unmistakably visible to all.


    "What happened to you?"


    Qin Haiming looked at his younger daughter with concern, frowning slightly.


    "Nothing, I just got accidentally knocked over by a dog."


    Qin Mingzhu replied with resentment in her eyes as she looked at Qin Mu.


    "Your family got a dog?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously.


    "Don¡¯t listen to her nonsense."


    Qin Haiming responded.


    The living room was always filled with an indescribable awkwardness, but Qin Haiming was unwilling to end the dinner on that note.


    "Miss, there are two boys outside claiming to be your classmates, here to take you to a gathering."


    On hearing this, Qin Mingzhu remembered she had been preoccupied with thoughts of Qin Mu, forgetting to call her friends to say she wouldn¡¯t be joining the dinner.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mingzhu stood up just after sitting down, looked down at Qin Haiming politely: "Dad, I¡¯m going to let them know I won¡¯t be going to the dinner with them tonight."


    "Sit down!"


    Qin Haiming put down his teacup, his brows knitting together.


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s heart tightened with urgency, but her classmates were waiting outside, so she whispered: "Just a word or two, or else I could get my phone to call them."


    "Old Li, you go and tell them, from now on, Mingzhu won¡¯t be joining them for meals, let them disperse,"


    Qin Haiming ordered in a low voice to the servant at the door.


    "Yes!"


    "Come back! Dad, what are you doing? We¡¯ve been good friends for many years."


    Qin Mingzhu immediately became anxious upon hearing those instructions.


    "Good friends? Those who just eat and drink together aren¡¯t good friends. After the New Year, you¡¯ll start working, and you won¡¯t deal with these people anymore."


    Qin Haiming knew well the reasons those young men spent time with his daughter, and he felt it was unsafe for a girl to mingle with boys outside; he had long wanted to put a stop to it.


    "I don¡¯t want to work, and even less do I want to lose contact with them."


    Qin Mingzhu said with a whine as she ran outside, as if the limping figure who came out of the restroom earlier wasn¡¯t her.


    "She seems to frequently dine and meet at AM with those people. When you have time, ask the staff there to keep an eye on her; I¡¯m afraid she¡¯s too naive and could be deceived,"


    Qin Haiming stated, both angry and worried about Qin Mingzhu suddenly running off, speaking to Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen softly chuckled: "She has her freedom to choose friends, you really don¡¯t need to restrict her so much."


    "Me, not restrict her? I¡¯m too lenient with her, that¡¯s why she¡¯s ended up uneducated. I¡¯ve even thought about letting her make her own living outside, but her mother can¡¯t bear it,"


    Qin Haiming said, sighing again.


    "Letting her out on her own indeed isn¡¯t appropriate. With Mingzhu¡¯s temperament, she¡¯d definitely turn to those friends of hers you mentioned. Others knowing she¡¯s your daughter would look after her too, so it¡¯s better to have her work during the day and spend her evenings properly at home with you."

 Chapter 378 - 114 Compensation Required by President Mu (15)_2

    Chapter 378: 114 Compensation Required by President Mu (15)_2


    Qin Mu raised her chin slightly, smiling with what seemed like respect as she spoke to Qin Haiming.


    "Hmm! I¡¯m glad to hear you say that."


    Qin Haiming watched her, the joyful smile in his eyes revealing itself.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything more, just smiled faintly. It was the woman inside who walked out: "My, Mumu really looks like her sister. No wonder your dad can¡¯t let go of you."


    Zhang Rujia spoke with a chuckle as she walked over, then whispered to Qin Haiming, "Since Mingzhu has gone out, let¡¯s eat first, shall we?"


    "Hmm!"


    After the meal, Qin Mu returned home with Mu Yichen. Mu Yichen, sitting in the passenger seat, said to Qin Mu, who was driving, "One would think you were pleading for Qin Mingzhu!"


    "I plead for her?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes were cool as she laughed in response.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but keep looking at her; the complex emotions in his dark eyes showed slightly.


    He knew, Qin Mu had changed!


    But then he could only look helplessly out of the car window.


    The night was so beautiful, yet the human heart could be so cold.


    Acting!


    Qin Mu felt she had long been a master at it; it¡¯s just that she, never wanting to be part of the play, had only now truly entered the role.


    Qin Mingzhu, in the restroom, pointed at Qin Mu¡¯s nose and told her not to think about entering the Qin Family. Qin Mu had no desire to enter the Qin Family, but she was interested in giving it a try if it meant fulfilling a certain goal.


    After all, since those people couldn¡¯t even tolerate a dead person.


    Her heart was provoked to anger by those broken flowers, though on the surface, she remained as indifferent as always, without any apparent fluctuation.


    As soon as the two of them returned home, Mu Yichen was called to the study by the old master, and Qin Mu was pulled into the bedroom by Mu Qingxin who whispered, "Did you really have dinner at the Qin Family?"


    Qin Mu saw her curiosity and didn¡¯t hide it from her: "Yes!"


    "My goodness, my mom and grandpa were hoping you¡¯d have a maternal family as backing, but why did you do it?"


    Mu Qingxin asked her with fluttering long lashes, seemingly baffled by Qin Mu¡¯s actions.


    "I did it for the sake of having a maternal family as backing too."


    "But your mom is already dead! ¡ª¡ª"


    Mu Qingxin stopped abruptly and covered her mouth, her face turning pale with nervousness due to her slip of the tongue.


    A pain as if a stinger had viciously pierced Qin Mu¡¯s heart emerged, and it took a long time to be pulled out, the anguish deep-seated and unforgettable.


    "She is dead, but I¡¯m still alive. And since Qin Haiming is willing to give, why can¡¯t I take?"


    Mu Qingxin didn¡¯t quite understand Qin Mu anymore; she stepped back, blinking her lashes unconsciously again, reminiscing that in her memory, Qin Mu was an innocent, silly girl, a naive girl living in her own world, not the calculating girl she saw now.


    "Then, will you drive Qin Mingzhu out of the Qin Family, just like she and her mother did to you back then?"


    Mu Qingxin asked again, curious.


    "I won¡¯t, but someone will."


    Qin Mu suddenly chuckled, took a step forward, and raised her hand to gently hold Mu Qingxin¡¯s hand that was once again against her chest: "Qingxin, I¡¯m sorry to disappoint you, but now that I am in Rongcheng, this is what I must face."


    Qin Mu knew in her heart that Mu Qingxin hated and yet loved her.


    Mu Qingxin suddenly found herself at a loss for words, just looking at Qin Mu with an expression that spoke volumes.


    Qin Mu smiled faintly: "I need to check on Huanhuan, shall we talk more tomorrow?"


    "Hmm!"


    Mu Qingxin nodded and murmured an agreement. After Qin Mu left, she stood at the door until Qin Mu entered Huanhuan¡¯s room and closed the door. Only then did she turn around, leaning against the door without entering her room for a long time.


    Mu Qingxin suddenly felt she might be too naive, although good at retorting, maybe still too nai?ve.


    No wonder Jiang Yan didn¡¯t dare to let her stay in that city, always worrying about her.


    She couldn¡¯t help but look toward that distant doorway again, wondering if Jiang Yan would worry less if she became more shrewd?


    When Mu Yi came out from the grandfather¡¯s place, he went back to his room and saw his sister standing there foolishly, he paused to ask, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Brother, am I useless?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, his probing gaze on her.


    "Am I too nai?ve? If I became as astute as Qin Mu, would Jiang Yan let me face dangers with him?"


    Mu Qingxin asked sadly, her gaze stubborn and sorrowful.


    "No man wants his woman to follow him into danger, no matter how shrewd she is."


    Mu Yichen raised his hand to gently grasp her shoulder, speaking to her softly.

 Chapter 379 - 114 Compensation Required by President Mu (15)_3

    Chapter 379: 114 Compensation Required by President Mu (15)_3


    "Really?"


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t quite believe it, but she knew her older brother was trustworthy.


    "Mhm! Go get some rest, don¡¯t think too much, okay?"


    "Alright! Good night, brother."


    "Good night!"


    Mu Yichen comfortingly touched her cheek, then returned to his room.


    Mu Qingxin then closed the door and sat down on her bed, feeling a lot better after her brother¡¯s comforting words.


    Capable men always want to protect their women, Mu Qingxin suddenly thought that she should trust Jiang Yan; he was just too worried about her because he loved her too much, cared too much.


    Later, Mu Qingxin lay in bed, sent Jiang Yan a message, and went to sleep.


    Tomorrow night was New Year¡¯s Eve, and not daring to think too much about it, she closed her eyes.


    After returning from his daughter¡¯s room, Qin Mu saw Mu Yichen already in bed and asked him, "Are you done talking with Grandpa?"


    "Yes! Come over here!"


    He put down his phone and watched her approach, then gently stroked her slender back, his gaze deep and meaningful.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s back tingled from his touch while his gaze made her feel a bit uneasy.


    "It¡¯s nothing, I just want to look at you!"


    He said softly.


    Qin Mu...


    Suddenly, he laughed, enveloped her head in his embrace, pressing it against his chest; Qin Mu had no choice but to lie beside him and wrap her arms around him.


    In the silence of the room, they could hear each other¡¯s heartbeats.


    "Mumu, do you like it? Your life now?"


    He suddenly asked.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    But she didn¡¯t answer, only looked up at him: "Why the sudden question?"


    "It¡¯ll be okay."


    He meant to reply, but in the end, he simply held her and said those three words.


    Qin Mu suddenly felt uneasy, and her eyes began to sting with pain.


    She didn¡¯t know what he was thinking, but she was aware of her own thoughts.


    Later, they held each other without speaking, simply caressing each other¡¯s backs, comforting each other in this silent way.


    It wasn¡¯t until after midnight that Qin Mu fell asleep.


    Do you like your life now?


    Can life really be altered by liking or disliking?


    She didn¡¯t know why Mu Yichen had suddenly asked that question; she just wished he wouldn¡¯t worry about her so much, always feeling like he was quietly planning something for her.


    The next morning, as Qin Mu was chatting with Mu Qingxin and Feng Fanghua, she received a call: "Mumu, come quickly to the cemetery!"


    Helian Hao, who had gone to visit the Qin family¡¯s graves, had only intended to pay his respects to Qin Mu¡¯s mother but was shocked by what he found.


    The gravestone had been dug up from the ground and lay broken in two slanted halves.


    Qin Mu sped all the way there; the journey that usually took an hour was completed in just half an hour, but...


    Though she was wearing a pair of canvas shoes, she nearly stumbled and fell.


    Helian Hao, standing by her side, steadied her and looked worriedly at her mother¡¯s grave.


    Qin Mu just felt an intense headache coming on and kept her head lowered for a long time before she could catch her breath.


    "There are no cameras around here, so who could be so heartless as to do such a thing?"


    Helian Hao asked angrily.


    After regaining her posture, Qin Mu gently pushed away Helian Hao¡¯s hand; her eyes were cold with despair.


    "I know who it is!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was low as her gaze stayed fixed on the fallen gravestone, along with the shattered portrait of her mother.


    Her vision blurred, and when she could finally see clearly, her heart felt utterly cold.


    Helian Hao looked at her in surprise: "Mumu..."


    "You go back first, I¡¯ll handle this."


    Seeing her resolved, Helian Hao nodded and, after a few words of caution, left.


    Qin Mu, watching her mother¡¯s broken gravestone, took out her phone and dialed Qin Haiming: "I only ask you, can my mother¡¯s gravestone still stand in the Qin family cemetery? ¡ª¡ª Good! You come here!"


    Qin Mu spoke indifferently and then hung up.


    She just stood there quietly, waiting for the man¡¯s arrival.


    She thought, her mother died because of him, so it shouldn¡¯t be too much to ask him to repair her mother¡¯s gravestone, right?


    She wanted him to give her mother an explanation, wanted him to personally investigate the truth.


    Since he wanted to maintain the image of a good father, then he couldn¡¯t avoid paying the price.


    But for some reason, once she made her resolution, when there was no one else in the cemetery, as the cold wind blew, tears flowed down her face uncontrollably.


    She thought she wouldn¡¯t cry, but remembering her mother¡¯s death, recalling being sent abroad, thinking about the harrowing ordeals and plots laid against her since her return, Qin Mu felt intense hatred, a hatred so profound she could barely contain her murderous rage.

 Chapter 380 - 114 Compensation Required by President Mu (15)_4

    Chapter 380: 114 Compensation Required by President Mu (15)_4


    But she could only bite her teeth hard and follow, for she couldn¡¯t be so impulsive, otherwise the enemy wouldn¡¯t have to be defeated, and she would first be imprisoned.


    The weather was gloomy, and on New Year¡¯s Eve, it was destined to snow, perhaps starting by the afternoon.


    When Qin Haiming arrived at the cemetery, he was also shocked and couldn¡¯t calm down for a long time.


    "Will you find out who did all this?"


    Qin Mu turned to look at him, her eyes utterly cold, as she could only hold herself back from accusing and scolding him.


    "I will!"


    Qin Haiming promised, but he couldn¡¯t help but lower his head to look at the broken tombstone again.


    How carelessly must this tombstone have been made to break so easily?


    Or how much hatred must that person have to smash her mother¡¯s tombstone?


    "You also have to repair my mother¡¯s tombstone."


    Qin Mu looked at him again, clasping her hands tightly before crying, reminding him.


    She was trembling, Qin Haiming could see it.


    "I will, Mumu..."


    "Don¡¯t say anything else, I¡¯m waiting for your results."


    Qin Mu shook her head, disregarding the pain on his face as she didn¡¯t believe him, thinking he was pretending, then turned and walked away.


    But after just a few steps, she turned back, her sharp eyes watching the man who was still looking at her: did Qin Mingzhu come home last night?


    "..."


    Qin Haiming was about to answer that Qin Mingzhu had come home, but then he paused in thought.


    Qin Mu could guess from his expression and suppressed a breath, forcing out the words: if she did it, if you cover for her, then I will settle things with her personally, and between the two daughters, you can only choose one. You abandoned me once over a decade ago, I don¡¯t mind if you abandon me again.


    Tears drift away as she turned, not knowing where they went.


    Afterward, Qin Haiming crouched alone there, in front of the shattered tombstone, took off the leather gloves he was wearing, and gently swept the dust from the surface.


    That black and white photo, the woman¡¯s face, was again so clearly presented before him.


    It¡¯s just that because it was broken, every time he thought of what Qin Mu¡¯s mother used to be like, his heart would tremble with hatred, as if a mountain weighed upon it.


    He never expected that someone would come to smash her tombstone.


    He suddenly remembered Qin Mu¡¯s question and his brow furrowed unintentionally again.


    He didn¡¯t believe that his younger daughter had the audacity. He had said that without his permission, no one should touch the tombstone, not even a little bit.


    Qin Mu wanted an explanation from him. In fact, rather than giving Qin Mu an explanation, he actually wanted to give one to this woman even more.


    For over a decade, he owed her an explanation.


    Of course, he also owed Qin Mu one, but he felt that what he owed Qin Mu could still be returned, but what he owed the woman before him seems too long overdue, long past due for redemption.


    After Qin Mu came back, she didn¡¯t say anything, nor did she have the chance to.


    Because sitting at home were the Jing Family¡¯s old master and Jing Qing.


    The old master was probably there to catch up with an old friend, and Jing Qing naturally had many reasons to come.


    Yet the grandfather and granddaughter duo looked too displeased to see her.


    But Qin Mu went up to them resolutely: Old Master Jing!


    The Jing Family¡¯s old master ignored her, but the Mu Family¡¯s old master said to Qin Mu: You¡¯re back!


    "Yes, Grandfather!"


    Qin Mu nodded.


    Mu Qingxin, seeing the redness around her eyes, obviously cried before, stood up: Qin Mu, take me upstairs, I¡¯m a bit tired.


    Qin Mu looked at her and understood implicitly.


    Jing Qing watched silently as the aunt and niece went upstairs, wondering why Mu Qingxin suddenly had such a good relationship with Qin Mu, suspicion creeping into her eyes.


    "This girl has become particularly delicate after getting pregnant, Uncle have some tea."


    Mu Zihao spoke a few words to quickly move past the topic.


    "It¡¯s appropriate to be delicate when pregnant, especially since Qingxin has the means, but what about that girl from the Qin Family, why is she wearing a mourning face as if she¡¯s very unhappy during the New Year?"


    The old Jing master said slowly, brushing his traditional gown.


    Jing Qing gently pressed the old master¡¯s hand: Grandfather, how can you talk like that in front of Grandfather Mu?


    "Hmph! Your Grandfather Mu is back and you should be telling him your grievances, why are you afraid I¡¯ll talk too much? Didn¡¯t you always say that your Grandfather Mu doted on you more than your own grandfather? Why the estrangement now?"


    The old Jing master spoke.


    "Grievances? Who dares to let Jing girl suffer? Is it Yichen? Tell me what¡¯s the matter, and I¡¯ll settle the account with that boy."

 Chapter 381 - 114 Compensation Required by President Mu (15)_5

    Chapter 381: 114 Compensation Required by President Mu (15)_5


    Old Master Mu¡¯s voice was slightly raised as he spoke, as if he really cared about Jing Qing.


    "Don¡¯t listen to my grandfather¡¯s nonsense. How could Yichen let me suffer?"


    Jing Qing replied softly, then pushed her grandfather¡¯s hand again.


    "Listen to what Jing girl is saying. Old Jing, could it be you¡¯re unhappy because Yichen is on good terms with that Qin girl and you want to seek justice for your granddaughter? That¡¯s rather narrow-minded of you. The children themselves don¡¯t take it to heart, so why should we, as elders, fuss over it? Besides, matters of the heart, it¡¯s all about fate!"


    Old Master Mu spoke patting his leg leisurely.


    Feng Fanghua respected no one but her father-in-law.


    Perhaps in the Jing family, only her father-in-law could hold sway.


    "Fate? Are you saying that our two families are not as fated as your family is with the Qin family?"


    The old master of the Jing family sat in the sofa with the posture of a respected leader, not lacking in the slightest.


    "What kind of talk is that? What fate do we, the Mu family, have with the Qin family? It was just that girl¡¯s mother who had some contact with Fanghua while she was alive. After that girl¡¯s mother died, the relationship basically broke off. How can it compare to our two families? ¡ª It¡¯s just the children¡¯s matter; we really don¡¯t need to be so serious about it."


    Old Master Mu still spoke with a reasonable and convincing tone, every word filled with justification.


    However, Jing Qing could hear that everyone in the Mu family had already accepted Qin Mu, even the old master who had just returned.


    "Humph! Old Mu, it¡¯s not that I want to criticize you, but you seem to value that girl too much. Is it because you¡¯ve stayed in the countryside for too long that your vision has changed? Moreover, all that messy stuff with that girl... Humph, our Xiaoqing is a clean and good girl who has loyally waited for your grandson for so many years, and she hasn¡¯t even had a boyfriend until now."


    "Grandfather!"


    Jing Qing felt even more embarrassed upon hearing those words and hurriedly called out to him again.


    "Can¡¯t let grandfather speak? You don¡¯t seriously consider the prospects I arranged for you and collude with others to put on a show in front of me, huh? Or is it that you want to tell Grandpa you don¡¯t like Mu Yichen anymore?"


    Mu Qingxin, who was upstairs eavesdropping with Qin Mu, was so shocked when she heard this that her jaw nearly dropped. Just as she was about to exclaim, Qin Mu covered her mouth from behind.


    Mu Qingxin guessed that Qin Mu had not had an easy time in Rongcheng that year. The two went to Mu Qingxin¡¯s room, where Mu Qingxin pressed her to sit on the bed¡¯s edge while she stood with hands on her hips looking at her: "Why didn¡¯t you let me go downstairs and reason with him? He was slandering you so harshly and praising his own granddaughter to the skies, it¡¯s sheer arrogance due to old age."


    "Perhaps you find it surprising, but I¡¯ve long been used to it."


    Qin Mu said softly.


    "Used to it? Used to being bullied?"


    Mu Qingxin never let anyone take advantage of her in a verbal exchange.


    "Not bullied, just patient,"


    Qin Mu said in a low voice, then stood up from the bed edge: "Qingxin, just watch. Those who look down on me, those who disdain me, those who humiliate me, one day they will all pay the price."


    "Can I trust you?"


    "What do you think?"


    Qin Mu gave a gentle smile.


    Mu Qingxin, not to be outdone, reluctantly lowered her head and agreed: "All right, but don¡¯t bear too much; it¡¯s not good for your health."


    "With so many elders at home today, if I don¡¯t show patience, it means I lack manners. Jing Qing didn¡¯t get any advantage from me, even if Old Master Jing smashed up my studio, your brother has already avenged me."


    "Oh my, why do I feel like I¡¯ve missed so much?"


    "Indeed! You¡¯ve missed a great deal."


    Qin Mu smiled faintly, barely managing to muster a bit of cheerfulness.


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but roll her eyes continuously, then looked at her again and asked: "Quick, tell me, what exactly happened during this time..."


    "Qingxin, I want to go back to my room for a while. I¡¯ll tell you about those things afterward, okay?"


    She had to stop Mu Qingxin because she feared she could hardly bear it any longer; getting angry with a pregnant woman was not good, especially when the person was concerned for her well-being.


    Only then did Mu Qingxin notice her red-rimmed eyes but ultimately let her go, saying: "Okay."


    Qin Mu returned to her room and leaned weakly against the door after closing it.


    What haunted her wasn¡¯t the grievances the Jing family had given her, but the scene of her mother¡¯s gravestone being destroyed.


    As she thought about everything she had seen when she ran to the graveyard, it seemed as if whatever was supporting her was being drawn out bit by bit.

 Chapter 382 - 114 Compensation Required by President Mu (15)_6

    Chapter 382: 114 Compensation Required by President Mu (15)_6


    When Mu Yichen came home, it was already past four in the afternoon. The Jing Family elders and Jing Qing had left, Feng Fanghua was playing with Huanhuan in the toy room, Mu Qingxin was still napping, and the old man was playing chess with his father.


    "Why is it so quiet?"


    Mu Yichen walked over and looked at their chessboard as he asked.


    "Go upstairs and check on your wife; she went out this morning and hasn¡¯t left her room since getting back."


    Upon hearing this, Mu Yichen¡¯s dark pupils flickered, and he lightly tapped the back of the couch with the back of his hand before striding upstairs.


    She lay on the bed as though sleeping. Mu Yichen closed the door, sat down beside the bed, and inclined his body toward her, gently brushing away the hair from her face before noticing her red and swollen eyes.


    Even the strongest heart can tremble, especially upon feeling the wetness of her hair under his touch.


    "What happened?"


    Mu Yichen, who had been busy entertaining all day, was completely unaware of what had happened to her today.


    Qin Mu did not speak but buried herself in the bed sheets once more, lying on the bed.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s brows furrowed with anger as he picked her up.


    Qin Mu childishly used her arms to cover her eyes, struggling.


    Mu Yichen decisively pinned her down on the bed and forcibly pried apart her arms to clearly see her tear-streaked face.


    "What on earth happened?"


    "Don¡¯t look at me!"


    He asked in shock, then heard her voice hoarse as she shouted, but how could he not look?


    "Tell me, what did you do this morning when you went out?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t speak¡ªthis habit seemed like it would never change, even after many years.


    She habitually buried things in her heart without mentioning them to anyone, except for Qin Haiming.


    The reason she told Qin Haiming was because she wanted him to pay.


    As for others, she never felt the urge to talk about that matter, nor did she believe she should.


    "Did mom say something unpleasant again?"


    He could only guess wildly.


    She shook her head vigorously. Since there was no way to cover her face and she didn¡¯t want him to see her like this, she grabbed the fabric of his shirt at the chest and buried herself in his embrace.


    "Tell me what¡¯s wrong? I¡¯m really worried about you."


    He pushed her away from his chest, holding each of her hands by her shoulders and added anxiously.


    Qin Mu simply couldn¡¯t open her eyes, which ached so much that she had no choice but to turn her head away and bite his arm.


    Mu Yichen had to let go of her because he was concerned she might damage her teeth.


    Qin Mu immediately rolled over in bed and buried her face once again.


    "You don¡¯t want to come down for the New Year¡¯s Eve dinner? Or are you planning to show our elders those swollen, fish-eyed eyes of yours?"


    Upon hearing that, Qin Mu¡¯s initially tear-laden eyes suddenly dried, and she jumped out of bed, heading low-headed toward the bathroom.


    Mu Yichen...


    Qin Mu washed her face with cold water. She didn¡¯t know what was wrong; she had been tired and fallen asleep, but when she woke up, her face was all wet, and before she knew it, she started crying.


    She hated crying on a whim, but...


    The broken tombstone seemed to shatter her heart as well.


    When she emerged with an eye mask on, he still sat on the bed¡¯s edge, hands propped on the side, his dark eyes staring straight at her.


    "I¡¯m not in a good mood right now; I¡¯ll talk to you about it later."


    With only those words, she then went to sit on the sofa, casually lying down, pretending to read a magazine but actually using it to cover her face at the moment.


    The room instantly quieted down. Mu Yichen knew her temperament, but this time she seemed even more stubborn than usual; judging by past experiences, the incident that happened this time must have been quite serious.


    "Where did you go this morning?"


    "To the cemetery!"


    Mu Yichen only asked, and she told the truth.


    Mu Yichen nodded his head, then moved to leave the room.


    "Don¡¯t go!"


    Qin Mu immediately sat up from the sofa when she heard the footsteps, and turned to look at the man heading for the door as she called out.


    Mu Yichen stopped, but he did not turn around and only asked in a low voice: If you can¡¯t say it, I¡¯ll find out myself.


    Qin Mu wanted to tell him, and several times the words reached her throat, but it felt like something was blocking it, and she just couldn¡¯t speak.


    She lay back down in despair.


    Mu Yichen glanced back at her, realizing she still couldn¡¯t speak, and then opened the door and left.


    The father and son downstairs were still playing chess. When they saw Mu Yichen coming downstairs again, the elder asked: "Is your wife all right?"

 Chapter 383 - 114 Compensation Required by President Mu (15)_7

    Chapter 383: 114 Compensation Required by President Mu (15)_7


    "I¡¯m stepping out."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t reply but simply announced his departure before leaving.


    Approaching five o¡¯clock, he smoked a cigarette in the cemetery and then waited for Yang Bo to find him.


    "You have three days to catch them."


    He was still smoking as he gave the cold order, glancing at the tombstone resting in the cemetery.


    Yang Bo was also his good brother, the captain of a certain team at the police station.


    Yang Bo nodded after looking: "Is this... Qin Mu¡¯s mother¡¯s tombstone?"


    Yang Bo had a vague memory of it but couldn¡¯t recall the details.


    "Don¡¯t tell anyone about this, including your family."


    "I understand!"


    Yang Bo nodded, his complexion dark and slim in figure but looked sturdy.


    "Go back, have a good New Year¡¯s Eve."


    Mu Yichen took another puff of his cigarette, his eyes seemingly holding back a fierce fire that refused to die down.


    Yang Bo looked at him, nodded, and said, "You go ahead, I¡¯ll take a walk around here before heading back."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say anything more and returned to Rongcheng as soon as he finished his cigarette.


    Yang Bo surveyed the scene for a while.


    By the time he went back, Qin Mu was already helping with making dumplings, but...


    Let¡¯s not talk about her current mood, just looking at the dumplings she was making...


    It was truly hard to describe.


    When Mu Yichen got back and heard she was helping in the kitchen, he thought she might be upset and wanted to ask her to come upstairs, but when he saw her earnestly making dumplings, oh, those things that shouldn¡¯t even be called dumplings.


    "Are these supposed to be dumplings? Go do something else, even Qingxin makes them better than you."


    Feng Fanghua said disdainfully, surprised at her daughter¡¯s skill since Mu Qingxin normally wouldn¡¯t do such chores and had never cooked before.


    "Hehe, Ayan loves dumplings!"


    Qingxin continued making them while bashfully answering her mother.


    Feng Fanghua looked up at her, both surprised and angry: "Ha, you really care for others, both you siblings are the same. Never seen you taking care of your parents at home, but you¡¯re so good at caring for others."


    Qin Mu just listened, not saying a word.


    However, Mu Qingxin shamelessly said, "Mom, I¡¯m also making dumplings for you to eat, right? Why not eat more of the ones I make later, okay?"


    Feng Fanghua...


    Qin Mu watched as Mu Qingxin left Feng Fanghua at her wit¡¯s end and felt no emotion in her heart at the moment.


    Not until Feng Fanghua drove her out did she feel anything, not until she saw him standing by the door looking down at her.


    "Come upstairs with me."


    Mu Yichen said softly, leading the way.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just followed.


    In the living room outside, the grandfather and son were playing with Huanhuan, even helping her peel sunflower seeds. When they saw the two coming out of the kitchen and heading upstairs, they exchanged glances. The grandfather asked, "What¡¯s with all the secrecy? Do they always do this?"


    "Probably something happened. Qin Mu has one bad habit: she only shares good news, not the worries. Yichen must have found out."


    Mu Zihao spoke, handing his granddaughter another seed.


    "This girl sure can endure. She must have faced many difficulties in Rongcheng this past year, right?"


    The old man grabbed a handful of peanuts and began to eat.


    "Exactly, a girl comes back to start a business and so many people look down on her. You saw what happened this afternoon with the Jing Family."


    "Hmph! I¡¯m not leaving this year. I really want to see what the Jing Family is planning."


    The old man ate a peanut, intolerant of others bullying the weak.


    When Qin Mu and Mu Yichen returned to the room, he closed the door and, before they could walk further, he blocked her.


    She instinctively stepped back; his hand on the doorknob seemed to encircle her within his arms, forcing her to stand pressed against the door panel.


    Qin Mu looked up, her defiant gaze striking against his deep, dark eyes.

 Chapter 384 - 115 Whose body has a problem_1

    Chapter 384: 115 Whose body has a problem_1


    Qin Mu raised his eyes, his defiant gaze barging into the deep black of Yichen¡¯s, silently looking up at him.


    It was as if she was waiting for a verdict, her breath oppressively subdued, not uttering half a word.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes fixed on her, and after roughly a minute he finally murmured softly, "Whether you want me to handle this matter or not, I will give you an accurate answer as soon as possible. As for what you plan to do, I won¡¯t interfere, just listen, okay?"


    Qin Mu was now certain that he had personally gone to the cemetery and, from what he said, was already finding people to help with the investigation. However, she suddenly felt that she didn¡¯t need to say anything.


    She just quietly reached out her hand to his solid waist, slowly rising up as she hugged him, pressing against his warm chest.


    The room was still very quiet when she whispered, "Mu Yichen, if I become bad, will you really still want me?"


    "You want to compete with me in being bad?"


    He also gently embraced her, hugging her tenderly, lowering himself and gently rubbing his chin against her ear as he asked.


    With a faint smile, he lowered his gaze and buried himself in her hair, "Still so silly!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t muster a smile, only hugging him tighter.


    Mu Yichen raised his hand to cradle her face, his forehead against hers as he spoke softly, "You¡¯re not allowed to cry anymore, or else grandfather and the others will start to suspect."


    Qin Mu wanted to nod, but she couldn¡¯t move with her face in his hold, and she wanted to breathe, but suddenly his lips pressed against hers, causing her to forget how to breathe until his kiss became domineering a moment later, and she came back to her senses.


    Soon, the two of them went downstairs happily, and those with sharp eyes noticed that Qin Mu¡¯s mood improved a lot after Yichen came back, but no one teased her anymore.


    The one who ate the most that night was the pregnant woman, and the one who talked the most was Feng Fanghua. Mu Qingxin kept eating while Feng Fanghua nagged her, "Can¡¯t you eat less? Just yesterday you said it¡¯s not good to eat too much."


    "But it¡¯s the New Year! When we were kids, didn¡¯t you always tell us, if you don¡¯t eat well during New Year you won¡¯t eat well all year?"


    After retorting, Mu Qingxin kept stuffing food into her mouth, filling it up.


    "You sure remember that clearly. I said so many important things, and you didn¡¯t keep any of them in mind. You even went out and found yourself a man secretly, getting your belly so big," Feng Fanghua grumbled more and more, annoyed to the point of feeling full without having eaten.


    "Grandpa, I wish you a Happy New Year! Good health! Longevity!"


    Fearing Feng Fanghua¡¯s continuous complaints, Mu Qingxin simply brought up the old master.


    The old master sat in the front, while Mu Qingxin and Qin Mu sat at the very back, but that didn¡¯t stop them from toasting.


    "Good, good, good! May my beloved granddaughter¡¯s auspicious words come true!"


    The old master, hearing this, was very happy and raised his glass.


    Mu Qingxin immediately stood up with her glass, which was filled with juice, and happily drank.


    "Then I also wish grandpa a fortune-filled New Year, and may all your wishes come true in the coming year!"


    Qin Mu also stood up.


    "I want to wish great-grandpa a Happy New Year too!"


    Huanhuan said, following her mother like a little tail to offer the toast.


    The old master hadn¡¯t had so many family members celebrating the New Year together in many years and was overjoyed.


    "Good, good, good! If I¡¯m good, everyone is good! Our whole family is good!"


    The old master was even dressed in a red vest that evening, with a dark wool sweater underneath, adding to his happiness and the festive atmosphere.


    It was Qin Mu¡¯s first time experiencing such a festive New Year!


    "Mom and Dad, I wish you a Happy New Year too. Thank you for all the help and care you¡¯ve given me over the past year. I hope you both stay healthy and live long lives!"


    Without moving, Qin Mu poured another glass of wine to toast Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua.


    "Mmm! Our family still needs to stay united. You know your mother has a sharp tongue but a soft heart. No matter what she says, you¡¯re not allowed to get angry, alright?"


    Mu Zihao was very gracious and jovially spoke to Qin Mu as if joking.


    "I know!"


    Qin Mu responded with a smile.


    Feng Fanghua hummed, "Anyway, I¡¯m just the villain!"


    "Let it go! It¡¯s New Year¡¯s Eve, and I won¡¯t quibble with you guys today."


    After saying that, Feng Fanghua¡¯s piercing gaze turned to Qin Mu, "Who drinks first?"


    Qin Mu reacted quickly, immediately downing all the wine in her glass.


    "A woman like your mother-in-law, in the old days, she¡¯d be considered a female hero."


    The elder Mu spoke to Qin Mu after watching Feng Fanghua drink.


    It seemed Mu Zihao had said something similar. Qin Mu thought she had pinned down why, despite Feng Fanghua¡¯s foul temper, Mu Zihao was so attentive to her.

 Chapter 385 - 115 Whose body has a problem_2

    Chapter 385: 115 Whose body has a problem_2


    Wasn¡¯t my temper just as bad?


    Qin Mu subconsciously looked towards Mu Yichen, who was leaning back in his chair, watching her intently.


    He seemed to exist outside of this gathering; despite wearing a simple light-colored shirt, he exuded an air of imperial authority.


    Late into the evening, as everyone stayed up together, cracking sunflower seeds while watching the New Year¡¯s Gala, the father and son duo continued to play chess.


    Latter, Huanhuan fell asleep on Qin Mu¡¯s lap. Feng Fanghua glanced up and said in a low voice, "Take her upstairs to sleep."


    Qin Mu nodded obediently and carried her daughter upstairs.


    Mu Qingxin whispered into Feng Fanghua¡¯s ear, "Mom, you look so kind and understanding right now."


    "Go on, get out of here!"


    Feng Fanghua shot her daughter a look, then shoved a fruit platter into her arms, sending her on her way.


    Mu Qingxin wrapped one arm around the fruit platter and the other around Feng Fanghua: "I don¡¯t want to, I just want to stick with my mom."


    Feng Fanghua looked down at her daughter, who was acting spoiled, thinking to herself, You¡¯ve been gone for so long without coming back, do you really miss me now?


    Especially knowing that her daughter had forsaken her family for a man, and to make matters worse, they weren¡¯t officially together yet.


    She had thought that her daughter and Jiang Yan had secretly gotten married, but only found out today that it wasn¡¯t the case at all.


    Mu Qingxin said that Jiang Yan was afraid others would find out about the marriage, so the wedding had to be postponed.


    Actually, Mu Qingxin was very nervous at the moment. She didn¡¯t know what might happen on Jiang Yan¡¯s end; she didn¡¯t even dare to call him or send him a message. She just wanted to ask if everything was alright with him.


    But there was nothing she could do.


    After Qin Mu had put Huanhuan to sleep, she didn¡¯t hurry back downstairs.


    Many things seem simple on the surface, but what about reality?


    Thinking of her mother¡¯s gravestone and Qin Haiming¡¯s promise, she wasn¡¯t sure if Qin Haiming could still get through this New Year¡¯s peacefully, especially since his first wife¡¯s gravestone had been vandalized.


    Of course, if the concern he had shown her throughout the year was just a facade, it was not unforgivable for him to be able to spend the New Year in happiness.


    The Qin Family¡¯s New Year didn¡¯t go well actually.


    By the time dinner was finished, it was almost nine o¡¯clock. Qin Haiming was in a bad mood, so Qin Mingzhu was on tenterhooks.


    Zhang Rujia, observing the pair and their concealed thoughts, felt a drumming in her heart when she saw Qin Haiming¡¯s ever-ready-to-anger expression, thinking he was upset about his daughter sneaking out to spend the night again.


    "Mingzhu, no matter what, you¡¯re not allowed to run out in the middle of the night anymore, understand? Your dad was worried sick after you left."


    Zhang Rujia helped Qin Haiming with the dishes while saying this to her daughter.


    Qin Mingzhu nodded vigorously: "I know, I won¡¯t dare to do it again!"


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s voice was somewhat weak, and her expression was frail.


    "As long as you know better, that¡¯s good. Now eat up. It¡¯s the New Year; our family should be happy and joyful!"


    Zhang Rujia said with a smile, serving some food into Qin Mingzhu¡¯s bowl. Just as Qin Mingzhu was about to eat with her lowered head, Qin Haiming suddenly put down his chopsticks.


    The force with which he set down his chopsticks wasn¡¯t very strong, but it was enough for the mother and daughter to hear and feel his anger.


    Zhang Rujia looked at her daughter, who immediately set down her own chopsticks, and then, in a low, coaxing voice, asked Qin Haiming, "What on earth is the matter? You¡¯ve been frowning since the afternoon. Did something unpleasant happen outside? If it¡¯s because of Mingzhu, hasn¡¯t she already said she won¡¯t dare anymore?"


    "Hmph! She says she won¡¯t dare? Haven¡¯t I heard that enough? My ears practically have calluses from it."


    Qin Haiming had intended to drink, but the incident with the gravestone had spoiled his appetite for alcohol.


    "Mingzhu, what outrageous thing have you done? Look how angry you¡¯ve made your father."


    "I haven¡¯t! I just spent last night at AM...no, at a classmate¡¯s house. When I came back, I saw Dad was already upset."


    Qin Mingzhu quickly corrected herself after blurting out "AM," switching it to a classmate¡¯s house.


    Qin Haiming just squinted at her, his gaze making Qin Mingzhu start to feel uneasy.


    "Was it a male classmate¡¯s house or a female classmate¡¯s?"


    Zhang Rujia thought for sure that her daughter had stayed at a male classmate¡¯s house and it had come to Qin Haiming¡¯s attention, otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t be so angry.


    "A female classmate. Dad, you said not to stay with other boys before getting married. I remember that."


    Qin Mingzhu immediately responded nervously, already tense, her voice rising with agitation, only becoming cautious when she raised her eyes to Qin Haiming.


    "Your aunt¡¯s gravestone has been destroyed. I promised Mumu I would give her an explanation, give your aunt an explanation. Do you understand?"

 Chapter 386 - 115 Whose body has a problem_3

    Chapter 386: 115 Whose body has a problem_3


    Qin Haiming¡¯s voice was very dull; Qin Mingzhu¡¯s heart tightened unconsciously, and she immediately lowered her gaze, scared until her throat felt uncomfortable.


    "What does this have to do with me?"


    Qin Mingzhu asked in a very low voice.


    "If it doesn¡¯t, that¡¯s for the best. If this matter is related to you..."


    Qin Haiming stared at his precious daughter, hoping Qin Mingzhu didn¡¯t have the guts.


    Zhang Rujia also looked towards her daughter, a slight frown forming between her brows; when she lowered her eyelashes, her eyes already bore a complex expression.


    Later, Zhang Rujia took Qin Mingzhu to her room and quietly asked her while Qin Haiming was on the phone: Is this matter really related to you?


    "No!"


    Qin Mingzhu shook her head vigorously, her voice light but somewhat impatient.


    "Really not?"


    Zhang Rujia asked again for confirmation.


    "No means no, what¡¯s with this ¡¯really¡¯ or ¡¯not¡¯? Don¡¯t you trust your own daughter?"


    Qin Mingzhu pushed away the hand Zhang Rujia was holding, turned her back to avoid eye contact, and her temper rose significantly.


    "If it¡¯s not, then it¡¯s for the best. If there is..., Mingzhu, you had better not hide anything from mom. Mom won¡¯t harm you; she¡¯ll even think of a way to help you, if you..."


    "Oh, isn¡¯t my swearing to heaven enough?"


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s eyes rolled, and then she turned back to her mother and earnestly raised her hand to swear.


    Although Zhang Rujia didn¡¯t specify what would happen, the manner of it made her trust her daughter for the moment.


    "It¡¯s good if there¡¯s nothing. Why swear an oath? That woman is already dead; there¡¯s really no need to hold any grudges against her anymore; otherwise, it truly would make things unpleasant for us. Just look at your father tonight; you can tell he feels guilty about that woman. He¡¯s haunted by guilt..."


    Thinking about Qin Haiming¡¯s gloominess all night made Zhang Rujia feel somewhat resentful inside.


    She truly didn¡¯t want to hold a grudge against someone who was already dead. She only wanted to maintain her current status.


    The events of those years, perhaps Qin Haiming only thought he had drunk a little too much. In truth, it wasn¡¯t so.


    What happened in the past was over; the woman¡¯s death had indeed left a shadow in Qin Haiming¡¯s heart. All these years she has been taking care of him cautiously and compliantly, striving to make him forget that woman.


    But once Qin Mu returned...


    She thought everything would be within her control, but Qin Mu¡¯s appearance somehow made Qin Haiming waver. He was filled with guilt: guilt towards his deceased wife, guilt towards his eldest daughter; he seemed ready to forget his wife and children at home.


    If the matter of the tombstone was related to Qin Mingzhu, then without a doubt, it would be the end of the road for both mother and daughter.


    Qin Mingzhu, seeing Zhang Rujia¡¯s nervousness, remained silent. She was, of course, aware of her father¡¯s guilt towards Qin Mu and even allowed that girl to move in. Just the thought of a room in her house reserved for Qin Mu made Qin Mingzhu¡¯s teeth itch with hatred.


    Zhang Rujia went out again later, watching as Qin Haiming sat alone on the sofa, smoking and watching the Spring Festival Gala. She sat next to him, "Your health isn¡¯t good; smoke less."


    Qin Haiming turned his head to look at Zhang Rujia, then leaned over to place the cigarette in the ashtray on the table and snuffed it out.


    Zhang Rujia was touched to see that he still listened to her and then suggested, "When was Qin Mu¡¯s mother¡¯s tombstone damaged?"


    "Probably in the morning, or last night,"


    Qin Haiming spoke, lowering his head.


    "These people are outrageous. You must investigate thoroughly and give Qin Mu¡¯s mother an explanation."


    Zhang Rujia lightly touched his arm as she spoke, softening her tone.


    "Rujia, what I fear most now is that Mingzhu is involved in this. Do you understand?"


    "She won¡¯t be; Mingzhu swore to me, she said it definitely wasn¡¯t her."


    Zhang Rujia shook her head and explained again to him.


    Qin Haiming nodded and slightly drew Zhang Rujia into his embrace.


    He always felt unhappy before and after the New Year, and now this incident made him even more unhappy.


    But Zhang Rujia¡¯s comforting was not in vain. Zhang Rujia sighed softly, "After the New Year, shall we go repair her grave together?"


    "No need, Mumu wouldn¡¯t want you to intervene. I¡¯m already content with what you¡¯ve done,"


    Qin Haiming lowered his gaze, his mood visibly improved compared to before.


    Qin Mingzhu, however, came down with a fever on the first day of the New Year, but because she had promised to hang out with her classmates, she sneaked out in the afternoon while Qin Haiming and Zhang Rujia were entertaining visiting guests.


    The AM on the first day of the New Year was still crowded.


    Qin Mu, Mu Qingxin, and Helian Hao made plans to meet here for tea; Helian Hao touched her belly and sighed, "Ah, it just seems I¡¯m not destined for children; otherwise, I should be the one with the bulging belly by now."

 Chapter 387 - 115 Whose body has a problem_4

    Chapter 387: 115 Whose body has a problem_4


    Mu Qingxin still didn¡¯t know what was going on; she just curiously widened her eyes and looked at Helian Hao, "You¡¯ve been pregnant before?"


    "Yep, but I lost it."


    Helian Hao gave a light laugh, although with a touch of loss, it seemed like it wasn¡¯t such a grievous sorrow.


    "Why didn¡¯t you keep it? Was it because of poor health or did someone hurt you?"


    Three women were gathered in a beautiful private room, the service staff had all withdrawn, and they poured their own tea.


    Qin Mu had been silent all along, as such matters were not hers to speak for.


    "Although I was pushed, it was still my own body that wasn¡¯t strong enough. Some people can fall many times during pregnancy and not miscarry, some even survive car accidents without losing their babies; but me... Later, I thought, perhaps it just wasn¡¯t meant to be with the child."


    Helian Hao looked down at the wedding ring on her hand and muttered softly.


    "Who was it? Who pushed you?"


    Mu Qingxin asked curiously, but pressed her voice very low.


    "Let¡¯s not talk about it, besides, are you planning on having your baby in Rongcheng this time?"


    Helian Hao changed the subject.


    Mu Qingxin touched her stomach and smiled foolishly, "I don¡¯t know! Actually, it doesn¡¯t matter where I give birth, I just want Ayan to be by my side at the time."


    She even felt that, even if he had nothing left, as long as he appeared before her, she wouldn¡¯t ask for anything, as long as he was alive and before her.


    Helian Hao nodded, she didn¡¯t know much about Mu Qingxin¡¯s affairs, but she could probably guess what her husband was going through at the moment; seeing how worried Mu Qingxin was, she didn¡¯t feel it was right to pry further.


    "Why don¡¯t we talk about something happy?"


    Qin Mu asked as she poured tea for them, a strange smile in her eyes.


    Helian Hao looked at her; truly, what worried her the most was Qin Mu, even though Qin Mu was smiling brightly now, Helian Hao always felt there was a scar in her heart at this moment.


    "Talk about something happy? How about we talk about you and my brother, huh? Did you two stay up late last night?"


    Mu Qingxin suddenly became playful as well, teasing Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu...


    "Right, when are you and Mu Yichen planning on having children?"


    Helian Hao suddenly remembered Qin Mu saying a while back that she wanted to have another child with Mu Yichen.


    Upon hearing Helian Hao¡¯s words, Qin Mu¡¯s eyes also lowered slightly, then she smiled faintly, "Actually, we haven¡¯t been taking any precautions for over a month now."


    Qin Mu looked at them and explained.


    Both Helian Hao and Mu Qingxin were excited, even more so than her, the person in question.


    "Does this mean I¡¯m going to be an aunt again?"


    Mu Qingxin asked happily.


    "Looks like it really is soon!"


    Helian Hao¡¯s eyes also held blessings.


    Qin Mu however, shrugged helplessly.


    Years ago, Mu Yichen had gotten her pregnant with Huanhuan in one shot, but this time, for so long, nothing.


    "I hope so!"


    Qin Mu whispered, her shoulders lifting slightly with contained emotion.


    "If mom knew you two were trying for kids, she would probably be even more excited."


    Mu Qingxin said.


    "Could you please keep it a secret for me for now?"


    Qin Mu quietly requested.


    "Why? Mom has always been looking forward to you two having a grandson for her."


    Mu Qingxin asked, curious.


    "But how could I know whether I¡¯d have a boy or a girl? What if it¡¯s another girl? Moreover, I¡¯m not pregnant yet, telling her would just make her worry all the time, so I think, it¡¯s better to tell her after I get pregnant."


    Qin Mu explained with a light laugh.


    "Ha! You¡¯re afraid my mom will keep pestering you, right? Alright, I promise you, considering you helped design my wedding dress."


    Speaking of the wedding dress, Qin Mu thought of Helian Hao; the dress had been ready for so long, but the bride had yet to wear it.


    Qin Mu sighed softly and asked Helian Hao, "Did you really spend New Year¡¯s at your parents¡¯ place yesterday?"


    "No, Jing Feng went back to the old house for dinner and then came back to spend it with me."


    Helian Hao replied.


    She had wanted to go back, but Jing Feng wouldn¡¯t allow it, saying otherwise he would go to her parents¡¯ house to fetch her; not wanting to worry her parents, she waited at the apartment for him, and he was back before ten o¡¯clock.


    Spending New Year¡¯s together as a couple was quite nice; Helian Hao thought they would each spend it with their own families, and their feelings would gradually fade, but...


    It seemed feelings could be rekindled.


    Because someone was making an effort.


    Helian Hao sighed helplessly, "We agreed to talk about happy topics; come on, tell us, how late did you and Yichen roll around last night?"

 Chapter 388 - 115 Whose body has a problem_5

    Chapter 388: 115 Whose body has a problem_5


    "A whole night, is that enough?"


    Qin Mu held the teacup to his lips, asking with a mischievous tone.


    "Ah, I¡¯m being harassed by a woman!"


    Mu Qingxin immediately covered her mouth with her hand, exclaiming dramatically.


    "Someone with such a big belly is calling me a harasser?"


    Qin Mu raised an eyebrow, it had been a long time since he had joked around with anyone.


    "Haha, then let¡¯s both be little fairies, hehe, sounds so nice."


    Mu Qingxin corrected herself, suddenly missing Jiang Yan, because he always loved to pin her down and call her a little fairy.


    When the three of them stepped outside, it was almost dark. As soon as they left, they saw a group of men and women walking towards them from the other side of the corridor. Mu Qingxin recognized those people she once knew well, then she muttered unconsciously: Isn¡¯t that Qin Mingzhu and the others?


    Qin Mu heard the name Qin Mingzhu and her gaze instantly sharpened. On seeing them, Qin Mingzhu was shocked and then looked at Qin Mu with great dissatisfaction, as if Qin Mu had an irreconcilable grudge against her.


    Helian Hao also saw Qin Mingzhu and her expression changed involuntarily, thinking that the last person Qin Mu would want to see now was probably Qin Mingzhu.


    The rest of the group was a bit amused to see Mu Qingxin: Mu Qingxin, you actually deigned to come back?


    "Ha, you still recognize me? What, have you all switched sides as soon as I left?"


    Mu Qingxin looked at the man who spoke. Back then, several of their classmates were close friends. Mu Qingxin was the more outgoing one, so these boys preferred playing with her. Being pretty made it even easier for her to command their attention.


    But now...


    "It¡¯s not us who switched sides, we¡¯re all classmates after all. But what¡¯s with your belly?"


    One observant male classmate noticed her round belly under her red coat, encased in a sweater.


    "Can¡¯t you see this young lady is pregnant?"


    Mu Qingxin patted her belly lightly, boasting to them.


    "You¡¯re pregnant without being married?"


    The girl walking alongside Qin Mingzhu asked.


    The group of girls already had a terrible relationship, and seeing each other now only added to the jealousy.


    "Whether I¡¯m married or not, what¡¯s it to you? Are you going to support me?"


    Mu Qingxin asked with a tilted chin, having no respect for those who judge others or rely on others to show their strength.


    "Support you? Even if I had the heart, I wouldn¡¯t have the means. Who doesn¡¯t know the young Miss Mu can spend money like water, a few tens of millions a day are nothing to you."


    "We¡¯re wealthy, you¡¯d wish you could spend like that but I bet no one is giving you anything, right?"


    "You..."


    "What about me? Can¡¯t argue back, so you start making threats?"


    Mu Qingxin stood her ground, belly thrust forward but not looking the least bit defeated.


    If Jiang Yan and Mu Yichen were here, she might have restrained herself a bit. With Jiang Yan and Mu Yichen gone, she was as dominant as a monkey king when there are no tigers on the mountain.


    "Ha! You think having money is so great? You¡¯re still coming back to the city with a pregnant belly. Will that man even dare to marry you?"


    Qin Mingzhu looked at her with a tilt of her chin, her eyes seeming quite certain Mu Qingxin was an unwanted woman.


    "Of course, he will marry me, are you worried about me? You¡¯d better worry about yourself instead, always idling around with nothing to do. Do you know that once Qin Mu returns, your dad is going to abandon you?"


    "Your dad will abandon you!"


    Qin Mingzhu could not stand hearing those words, getting angry as soon as she did.


    "My dad abandon me? My parents and grandfather are famously doting on me in this city; who doesn¡¯t know that? Even Qin Mu, heh, she has to dote on me too, unlike you. Your mom ascended from being a mistress, and you¡¯re no good either."


    Mu Qingxin said coldly, intentionally linking arms with Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu had been looking down slightly, but feeling Mu Qingxin¡¯s arm, he glanced her way and then smiled faintly: "Her mother may have ascended from being a mistress, but she may not get the chance herself."


    "Qin Mu, what did you say? Say that again?"


    Qin Mingzhu was about to step forward as she spoke, but the people beside her held her back. She was still eagerly trying to pick a fight with Qin Mu.


    "I said that even if you want to ascend as a mistress, you might not get the chance. Don¡¯t believe it? Just wait and see."


    Since she couldn¡¯t get to Qin Mu, Qin Mu walked up to her, whispered softly, every word serious and clear.


    "You- -let me go, I¡¯ll tear this bitch¡¯s mouth apart."


    "Afraid you won¡¯t get the chance to tear my mouth apart before your dad beats you to a pulp, thinking you can keep living carefree..."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t finish speaking, but his sharp eyes stared at her for a moment, making her face turn pale before he raised his gaze slightly to sweep over all the so-called friends behind her.

 Chapter 389 - 115 Whose body has a problem_6

    Chapter 389: 115 Whose body has a problem_6


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t believe that the matter of her mother¡¯s tombstone had nothing to do with these people.


    Perhaps she could even start with these people, since they also knew Mu Qingxin. She might be able to quickly find out about the destruction of the tombstone.


    Several people felt nervous under Qin Mu¡¯s gaze, some looking around and others deliberately bowing their heads to avoid her gaze.


    Qin Mu said coldly, "Let¡¯s go! Don¡¯t let these people ruin our mood."


    Helian Hao then helped Mu Qingxin pass by them, and when Mu Qingxin reached Qin Mingzhu, she purposely wrinkled her nose and snorted at her.


    Qin Mingzhu was so angry she wanted to die, but she was being held back by others and couldn¡¯t retaliate.


    When the group was going downstairs, they just happened to run into the manager of that floor. Seeing the name tag on the woman¡¯s chest, Mu Qingxin called out, "Come here for a moment."


    The woman didn¡¯t recognize Mu Qingxin but did recognize Qin Mu and immediately nodded, "What can I do for you, miss? Helian Miss, Qin Miss."


    "You only recognize the two of them and not me? Haven¡¯t you noticed how much I resemble Mu Qingchen?"


    Mu Qingxin asked a bit aggrievedly.


    "The sister of President Mu, Mu Qingxin."


    Knowing she was angry, Qin Mu softly introduced her.


    The manager immediately bowed and replied with a smile, "I am truly sorry. From now on, I will never forget Miss Mu¡¯s beauty again."


    "Hmph, at least you¡¯re good with words. I just wanted to tell you, it¡¯d be best to put rat poison in the drinks for that table of guests. Anyway, I don¡¯t want them to have an easy time."


    The manager...


    "What? Does my word not count? She just offended me and also offended Qin Mu!"


    Mu Qingxin, worried she wouldn¡¯t listen, immediately pulled Qin Mu for support.


    Qin Mu...


    The manager looked at Qin Mu, seeking her opinion. Qin Mu stepped forward and softly wrapped her arms around Mu Qingxin¡¯s shoulder: "Find a chance to give Qin Mingzhu a little trouble."


    The manager immediately got the hint, nodded, bid her farewell.


    Mu Qingxin said, "That was actually what I meant, too."


    Qin Mu smiled helplessly, "Let¡¯s head back."


    "Okay!"


    Mu Qingxin was helped downstairs by Qin Mu and Helian Hao.


    Helian Hao had been wanting to ask Qin Mu about the tombstone matter but never found the right moment, so he never got to ask. Watching Qin Mu driving Mu Qingxin away, he was still somewhat worried.


    "Seems like everyone in the hotel knows you now."


    On the way back, Mu Qingxin, sitting in the passenger seat, asked Qin Mu.


    "I guess so! A lot has happened in AM this year, and I can¡¯t explain it all to you in one go, but I¡¯ll tell you about it when I have time."


    Qin Mu knew Mu Qingxin was very curious and didn¡¯t see a reason to hide anything, so she told her this.


    "Yeah! I asked my brother, but he won¡¯t tell me anything. He even says I¡¯m annoying, just saying, ¡¯Take good care of yourself while you¡¯re pregnant!¡¯"


    Mu Qingxin mimicked Mu Yichen¡¯s serious tone for the last part but exaggerated it, making Qin Mu laugh involuntarily.


    "Oh my, why are you driving such a cheap car? My brother has so many luxury cars you could have just picked any one to drive."


    Mu Qingxin looked around the interior of the car, puzzled, and then voiced her question before adding on.


    "This is the first car I bought with the money I made after coming to Rongcheng. Do you know who I earned this money from?"


    Mu Qingxin looked at her curiously.


    "Jing Qing!"


    Qin Mu replied with a laugh.


    "Jing Qing? I remember now, is it that design fee? Is a single design fee that high?"


    Mu Qingxin was astonished.


    "I blatantly asked for a high price, but she had her objectives and insisted on having me design, so I made this money."


    Qin Mu explained.


    "I bet that money wasn¡¯t easy to get, was it?"


    Mu Qingxin thought, knowing what kind of person Jing Qing is, how could she possibly let someone just make money off of her.


    "There were some complications, but just minor ones."


    Qin Mu unconsciously arched an eyebrow, having eventually got the money and not just for the car.


    "No wonder Jing Qing looks at you with so much hatred. It¡¯s not just because of my brother, but also because you¡¯ve taken advantage of her too."


    "Even if I hadn¡¯t taken any advantage, she would still hate me just the same."


    Qin Mu replied lightly, with a laugh.


    "But considering the power of the Jing Family, do you really want to provoke her?"


    "If no one offends me, I don¡¯t offend anyone! Besides, I don¡¯t have the time to provoke her right now."


    Mu Qingxin looked at the woman who was driving earnestly, not understanding a word Qin Mu said.


    As for Qin Mu, she was actually waiting for a call from someone who had promised to help her look into the matter of her mother¡¯s tombstone the day before. If not for that issue, he probably would have called her by now. Because of that matter, he hadn¡¯t called yet.


    Qin Mu suspected Qin Haiming guessed it was Qin Mingzhu¡¯s doing but just didn¡¯t want to admit it.

 Chapter 390 - 115 Whose body has a problem_7

    Chapter 390: 115 Whose body has a problem_7


    Or perhaps, he just wanted to shield his daughter.


    If that was the case, Qin Mu would have to settle every single account with them, father and daughter.


    When the time came, she wouldn¡¯t let go easily, whether it was dealt with privately or publicly.


    After returning home, she called Jian Yan, they exchanged holiday greetings, and after a few words, she hung up.


    She could feel Jian Yan deliberately distancing himself, but she didn¡¯t have the heart to dwell on it anymore, after all, everything was clear as day.


    After dinner, she accompanied Huanhuan to sleep, then once Huanhuan fell asleep, she returned to her own room to draw. Mu Yichen came upstairs and sat on the bed to keep her company, leaning against the headboard, he wrapped his shoulders around her, watching her draw, "When will you be this serious with me all day?"


    "Am I not serious with you?"


    "Say ¡¯I love you¡¯ a thousand times for me to hear!"


    His dark hawk-like eyes stared at her, as if resistance were not an option.


    Qin Mu unconsciously lowered her gaze, smiled faintly, but ignored him and continued to draw.


    Mu Yichen continued to stare at her straight on. Grandpa had asked again when they planned to hold the wedding, since the two of them already had a child, Grandpa hoped they wouldn¡¯t drag it out.


    Actually, he told Grandpa that they would be getting married soon.


    But he didn¡¯t know how to talk about it with her, as she had always been resistant to the idea of a wedding.


    "You were just asking when I¡¯m not serious with you, look at you now, being very unserious."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh again, turning her sparkling apricot eyes towards him, as if there was a diamond within them.


    Mu Yichen, with his dark eyes, suddenly covered hers and pressed her down onto the bed with a fierce kiss.


    Qin Mu instinctively pulled out the drawing paper and placed it aside when he pounced on her but still accidentally knocked it onto the floor.


    But she had no time to worry about the drawing paper, because Mu Yi had mounted her, ready to pounce.


    Qin Mu suddenly remembered the conversation about having children with Helian Hao and Mu Qingxin during the day.


    Why hasn¡¯t she gotten pregnant yet?


    She wasn¡¯t that old; surely there couldn¡¯t really be a problem with her body?


    After she finished those few prescriptions, she hadn¡¯t gone back to see the Chinese medicine practitioner, but the practitioner said she would be fine after solidifying the treatment with those doses.


    Although she wasn¡¯t in a hurry for when the child would come, the fact that it hadn¡¯t happened yet caused her to doubt and even become nervous.


    "Mu Yichen!"


    In the ambiguous space, suddenly, there came a frail and tense voice.


    "Hmm?"


    Mu Yichen responded while continuing to kiss her, his thin lips inextricable from her neck.


    "How long has it been?"


    Qin Mu asked softly.


    "Hmm?"


    He frowned slightly, lifting his eyes to look at her.


    "We haven¡¯t taken any measures!"


    Qin Mu reminded him, looking into his eyes, confused.


    Mu Yichen paused, then his brows furrowed even more tightly, "It seems, less than two months, right?"


    "We¡¯ve only done it once since Huanhuan was born."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but remind him again, her voice still very small.


    "What do you mean?"


    Mu Yi almost laughed out loud, misunderstanding Mrs. Mu¡¯s meaning.


    "I mean, could there be something wrong with my body?"


    Qin Mu asked again, sounding nervous.


    "Are you worried that your husband¡¯s body isn¡¯t as good as it once was?"


    Mu Yichen was about to laugh, but before he could, he lowered his head to nibble at her earlobe.


    Qin Mu winced in pain, raised her upper body, and seeing his defiant, stubborn posture, she couldn¡¯t help but laugh and explained to him, "Actually, I meant, could there be something wrong with my body?"

 Chapter 391: Miss 116 is together with the son-in-law?

    Chapter 391: Miss 116 is together with the son-in-law?


    Mu Yichen¡¯s movements, as he kissed her, suddenly stopped, his dark eyes fixed on her.


    ¡ª¡ª


    After a few snowflakes fell on the night of New Year¡¯s Eve, it truly began to snow heavily on the evening of the first day of the lunar new year.


    As the two were discussing the issue of having children while intertwined in bed, the biggest snowfall of the year began to fall quietly outside.


    The entire city seemed particularly quiet over these two days because fireworks were banned within the city limits, so any occasional fireworks heard were from the beach or the distant outskirts.


    The snowflakes gently settled on the withered grassland, quietly covering it with a layer of white cotton blanket.


    Later, the couple stood at the window, sharing the same blanket tightly embraced, watching the beautiful snowy night together.


    The second day of the new year was the day for daughters-in-law to visit their maternal homes. The elder summoned Mu Yichen to his room to ask him in private, "Are you two planning to visit the Qin Family today? Traditionally, today is the day to visit the maternal home."


    As soon as Mu Yichen entered, the elder asked him this question. Mu Yichen gently closed the door, leaned against the wall near the entrance, hands in pockets, and quietly pondered his grandfather¡¯s words.


    A cold light gradually emerged in his dark eyes, ending in a scoff.


    "Grandpa, my mother-in-law has been dead for many years!"


    His voice was so low when he spoke, as if it was pressed into his throat.


    In the warm room where silence was so profound that the drop of a feather seemed audible, the elder looked up at his grandson, whom he understood very well, and couldn¡¯t help but sigh unconsciously.


    "Why did you bring her back here to endure so much for nothing?"


    The elder saw how his grandson cherished his granddaughter-in-law, but he didn¡¯t understand; if he cherished her so much, why didn¡¯t he hide and pamper her instead of bringing her back to Rongcheng, a place full of disputes.


    "This is her home, why shouldn¡¯t she be allowed to come back? As for the experiences¡ªeveryone has things they must go through; such is her life."


    In previous years, she had been on a different path, and he had simply pulled her back onto the right path that she was meant to walk.


    Moreover, he would always be by her side, no matter what she went through¡ªhe would be there to experience it with her.


    He was determined to reclaim for her everything that she was supposed to have, one by one.


    "So this second day of the new year, are you taking her to the Qin Family or not?"


    The elder¡¯s keen gaze fixed on his grandson, asking pointedly.


    "I will consult her!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s sharp gaze softened, and with a faint murmur, his tall figure straightened from leaning against the wall. One hand remained in his trouser pocket while the other reached out to open the door and walk out.


    The elder sighed again, knowing the resentment in his grandson¡¯s heart for his granddaughter-in-law¡¯s sake. He even understood why his grandson insisted on having his granddaughter-in-law return, but the long road ahead was probably not an easy one to travel; all he could do was wish the young couple well.


    When Mu Yichen returned to the room, he saw Qin Mu standing by the bed, braiding Huanhuan¡¯s hair, who was sitting at the edge of the bed. After closing the door, he approached and said, "Today is the second day of the new year."


    Qin Mu turned to look at him with a smile, "You¡¯re not reminding me that I should make a trip to the Qin Family, are you?"


    Her eyes, too, were sharp, the suppressed emotions of this time seemed to have found some release after last night¡¯s heavy snow.


    "There¡¯s no need to go!"


    Mu Yichen told her.


    Qin Mu smiled, continuing to braid her daughter¡¯s hair, "Why not go? I want to make a trip there today."


    Mu Yichen gave her a puzzled look, but thinking of the matter of the tombstone, he did not ask further, guessing it was probably for this reason.


    "If I don¡¯t remind him, he might think that my words were just casual talk."


    Qin Mu finished the braid with a beautiful elastic band and then patted the little girl sitting down, "All set!"


    Huanhuan, vain as ever, played with the makeup mirror, then cheerfully slid off the bed and ran to her father¡¯s side.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hand, which had been in his trouser pocket, immediately came out to support Huanhuan¡¯s shoulders, afraid she might hurt herself bumping into him.


    Qin Mu put away the comb in the bathroom, and when she came out, Huanhuan was no longer in the room. Qin Mu approached the man who stood in front of the wardrobe fiddling with his phone, "How about we go over this afternoon?"


    "This afternoon? And there¡¯s no need to call ahead?"


    "Why call? Doesn¡¯t he want a surprise? I¡¯ll give him a surprise."


    Qin Mu said, her eyebrows arching playfully.


    All of a sudden, Mu Yichen laughed, "My wife has become more and more thoughtful recently."


    He wrapped an arm around her shoulders as she came to stand close to him by the wardrobe.

 Chapter 392: Miss 116 is together with the son-in-law?_2

    Chapter 392: Miss 116 is together with the son-in-law?_2


    "Be careful, or one day my scheming might land right on your head,"


    Qin Mu warned him, winking.


    Mu Yichen, with an arm wrapped around her shoulders, slightly tightened his grip, his eyes devilishly fixated on her, "Mrs. Mu, actually, I am your master, you know?"


    "You mean my master in bed?"


    After saying this, Qin Mu struggled to hold back her laughter, her face feeling a bit hot.


    "Admitting to that is no easy feat!"


    Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t angry. Instead, he hugged her and teasingly praised her with a jest.


    Qin Mu...


    ¡ª¡ª


    Noon!


    The Qin Family!


    Qin Haiming was sitting on the living room couch watching a live news broadcast on Channel 13, a hint of annoyance between his brows.


    Zhang Rujia sat by his side, glued to her mobile phone. Her clothing counters hadn¡¯t been doing well during the New Year period, and a new fashion store called JY had opened opposite her stand in the mall. It seemed like all the sales from the past couple of days since New Year had been diverted there. Zhang Rujia frowned unconsciously as she looked at the WeChat messages and pictures sent by her manager, letting out a troubled sigh.


    When they heard the door, the cleaning lady hurriedly put down her tools to answer it, while the two sitting in the living room shifted their gaze from what they had been focusing on.


    "Miss, Young Master,"


    The maid felt flustered upon seeing the two of them standing at the door with their belongings, and after a pause, she squeezed out those words.


    "Is the Mayor of Qin City home?"


    Qin Mu simply asked, for it¡¯s not the servant¡¯s fault, and she had no intention of implicating them.


    "Yes, he¡¯s watching the news with the madam!"


    The maid nodded and stepped aside to make way, meanwhile calling into the house: "The young lady and the young master have arrived."


    For Qin Hai, such an introduction was certainly pleasing, but hearing this made Zhang Rujia uncomfortable. In truth, it immediately ignited a fire inside her, though she couldn¡¯t make a scene. However, her gaze toward the maid was filled with daggers.


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen walked in, Qin Hai and Zhang Rujia also got up from the sofa. Qin Hai, visibly thrilled at the sight of them but holding it back, managed a shallow smile and greeted them with a trace of relief: "Good, you¡¯re here."


    Qin Mu could see his excitement but kept her eyes downcast without saying much.


    "Has the Mayor of Qin City had a good New Year? We heard you visited our house yesterday afternoon. We both happened not to be there, so grandfather specifically asked us to come over today,"


    Mu Yichen spoke with his cool voice, his eyes smiling, but the chilliness was unmistakable.


    "Please thank the old master for his concerns, and don¡¯t be strangers, you too. Sit down!"


    The maid came over to take the gifts in Qin Mu¡¯s hand, and the two sat down together on the nearby sofa.


    Qin Hai¡¯s expression was visibly warmer than when he was at home alone with Zhang Rujia earlier. He was actually just waiting.


    This was the first time in many years that Qin Mu spent New Year¡¯s in Rongcheng, and at her in-law¡¯s house, no less. Qin Hai had been looking forward to Qin Mu returning on the second day of the New Year.


    "Go get our best tea leaves,"


    Qin Hai instructed the woman who had just taken a seat.


    Zhang Rujia glanced at him reflexively. Though her heart wasn¡¯t happy, she smiled obligingly and said, "Sure, sure! I¡¯ll go get them!"


    Zhang Rujia adopted a complaisant demeanor, rose, and went to fetch the tea leaves for him.


    Qin Mu instinctively glanced at Zhang Rujia, perfectly meeting her venomous look, then piled on a perfect smile in return.


    Zhang Rujia felt so angry inside it was as if she was about to hemorrhage.


    Once in the kitchen, she immediately reprimanded the maid who was fetching the tea leaves: "Are you ill? Or has your brain gone soggy? If she¡¯s the miss, then what is Mingzhu?"


    The maid expected to be scolded for her earlier remark but hadn¡¯t thought she would be reprimanded while the guests were still there, and if she couldn¡¯t call her the miss, then what should she call her?


    Call her Miss Qin?


    "Madam, then what should I call her? If I call her Miss Qin, then the Mayor..."


    "Do you care if he¡¯s happy or not? Don¡¯t you know who has the final say in this house?"


    Zhang Rujia glared at her fiercely as she asked.


    The maid didn¡¯t dare to speak anymore, merely bowing her head deeply.


    Thankfully, the kitchen was well insulated because if this spread outside...


    Although Zhang Rujia was reluctant, she still had to fetch the best tea leaves. After all, Qin Hai was a tea connoisseur, and he¡¯d notice if it was even slightly inferior.


    And now, the last person she dared to upset was Qin Hai.


    Even though her insides churned with agitation, she had to act perfectly composed on the surface.


    "The tea is here!"

 Chapter 393: Miss 116 is together with the son-in-law?_3

    Chapter 393: Miss 116 is together with the son-in-law?_3


    After a good while, Zhang Rujia personally brought over some freshly brewed tea, and with a cheerful smile said, "This was brought by the Secretary-General from the capital a few days ago for your father, he said he was saving it, and I thought he just didn¡¯t want to drink it, but it turns out he was waiting for you two."


    Qin Haiming listened and gave a faint smile, "I really was saving it for the two of them. Yichen has tasted all sorts of fine teas out there, and besides, they say a son-in-law is half a son, I can¡¯t serve him anything less than the best, can I?"


    Qin Mu struggled to suppress a laugh upon hearing the phrase "a son-in-law is half a son," but just stared at him with her jet-black eyes.


    Qin Haiming sure knew how to reap the benefits, just like that he got himself a good son-in-law, without even asking if his daughter agreed to it.


    But Qin Mu didn¡¯t care about these matters anymore. What mattered to her was the destruction of her mother¡¯s tombstone. Even Mu Yichen, who learned of it later, had already uncovered some information. If Qin Haiming hadn¡¯t investigated, or if he had and was hiding it...


    With sharp eyes, Qin Mu glanced at Zhang Rujia sitting next to Qin Haiming, then turned to Qin Haiming and asked softly, "I want to talk about my mother¡¯s tombstone."


    Qin Haiming had just been chatting happily and was about to take a sip of tea when his beloved daughter brought up this matter.


    Qin Haiming looked up at her and then said with a smile, "Can we talk about that later?"


    After saying this, he was about to drink his tea, and Qin Mu just quietly watched him finish that sip.


    Zhang Rujia¡¯s gaze lingered on the faces of the father and daughter, actually hoping in her heart that they would have a big fight right now, which would undoubtedly be the most delightful thing for her this New Year.


    "This has been going on for three days, and you promised to give me an explanation. Surely you¡¯re not going to tell me that my mother¡¯s shattered tombstone is still lying there like a corpse, unattended, and you haven¡¯t even sent someone to investigate who destroyed it?"


    After he finished the tea, Qin Mu brought up the issue again. She felt that she didn¡¯t need to be too composed when raising this subject, nor did she feel the need to consider how he might feel about it.


    If he was full of regret and sorrow, apologies and shame, if he blamed himself so much, what was there for her to consider about how happy he would be?


    However, as she articulated her sharp words, the man sitting across from her, holding a teacup, inevitably looked a bit uncomfortable.


    Qin Haiming slowly put down the teacup.


    "These past few days every department has been on holiday, how do you expect them to investigate? As for your mother¡¯s tombstone, it has been taken away."


    "Taken away where?"


    Qin Mu asked.


    "The tombstone is already broken in half, if we don¡¯t throw it away, where else can we take it?"


    Qin Haiming, seeing Qin Mu¡¯s relentless manner, also became irritated and questioned.


    Qin Mu abruptly stood up from the couch, looking at him with extreme grief and indignation, her eyes brimming with hot tears as she glared at him.


    "You threw away my mother¡¯s tombstone? Even if that tombstone broke and fell apart, it still bore my mother¡¯s portrait, it had..."


    Qin Mu looked incredulously at the man sitting on the couch, he so casually uttered those words about throwing away the tombstone.


    Was it that he had no feelings for that tombstone, or no feelings for the person whose name was inscribed on it?


    At that moment, Qin Mu deeply felt whether his actions were insincere or genuine.


    Mu Yichen frowned slightly, at that moment patiently watching Qin Mu¡¯s tears fall one by one, watching her loudly question Qin Haiming, and then turned his gaze towards Qin Haiming.


    "Mumu, that gravestone is no longer usable. What else can be done with it if not discarded?"


    Qin Haiming called her name, trying to inquire while suppressing his temper because he saw Mu Yichen glaring at him. Taking a deep breath, he looked seriously at his daughter again.


    "You had it thrown away; now go and have it brought back from wherever that was. Additionally, if you¡¯re not going to deal with this matter, I will handle it myself. When that time comes, don¡¯t blame me for turning my back on you."


    Qin Mu glared down at the man on the sofa with hatred. She thought this should be the best outcome.


    She was about to leave when Qin Haiming could no longer consider Mu Yichen. After all, his authority as both a father and a mayor had been ignored; he stood up from the sofa: "You stop right there!"


    Qin Mu straightened her back, turning her icy gaze toward him.


    "Mumu, I¡¯m more heartbroken than anyone about your mother¡¯s gravestone being destroyed, but broken is broken. We can erect a new, better one for her. You need to calm down, alright?"


    Qin Haiming was still trying to control his temper, his eyes filled with patience.


    "Erect a new, better one? Is that how it is?"


    Qin Mu suddenly let out a cold laugh, looking mockingly at the woman sitting next to him.


    Zhang Rujia, pointed at without reason, was taken aback and unconsciously looked a bit unwell.


    Qin Mu swallowed hard, nodding her head: "I should never have had any illusions about you. Talk of guilt? Apologies? In your cozy new family, what are my deceased mother and I? Just memories to indulge in after a full meal. Remorse? If you had truly felt any, you wouldn¡¯t have brushed me off like this."


    After saying this, Qin Mu turned and left.


    Qin Haiming suddenly felt a pang of pain in his heart.


    "Stop her..."


    Qin Haiming, clutching his chest, spoke to the auntie at the door, who stood there, hesitant to intervene.


    Because Qin Mu¡¯s gaze was terrifying, her frosty aura forbidding anyone to come close.


    "According to traffic surveillance footage, a red sports car was seen near the cemetery early in the morning around five o¡¯clock the day before the gravestone was destroyed. The flashy car belongs to a male classmate of Qin Mingzhu."


    At that moment, Mu Yichen stood up gracefully, hands casually tucked into his pockets, his dark eyes carrying an imposing presence as he looked at the man diagonally across from him and recounted what he had found out.


    The living room suddenly fell silent.


    Qin Haiming frowned at Mu Yichen, while Zhang Rujia¡¯s complexion turned as white as paper.


    "That¡¯s impossible. Even if it was her classmate¡¯s car, that doesn¡¯t prove she was in it at the time, right? What¡¯s more, what if her classmate was just passing by?"


    Zhang Rujia asked while supporting Qin Haiming.


    "Passing by? Passing by a cemetery at five in the morning? And on the cusp of the New Year? Mrs. Qin, that¡¯s a bit too much of a joke."


    Mu Yichen let out a light chuckle, his mischievous eyes looking at the woman diagonally opposite, and then coldly turning to the man beside her: "Whether as friend or foe, you¡¯ve always been the one to decide. This matter seems to be a family affair, of course. However, if you wish to make it public, then my wife and I will, of course, comply."

 Chapter 394: Time has come_1

    Chapter 394: Time has come_1


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Mu Yichen gave a cold glance at the self-righteous woman who spoke without thinking and, turning, wrapped his arm around Qin Mu and headed outside.


    At this moment, Qin Haiming no longer tried to keep them. He had hoped that their visit on the second day of the New Year would pass without incident, but he had still harbored a sliver of hope until that moment, when he realized just how rare such luck was.


    Zhang Rujia helped him sit down on the sofa and asked worriedly, "What evidence do they actually have to prove it was Mingzhu¡¯s classmate? I¡¯ve asked Mingzhu, and she assured me she didn¡¯t do it."


    "Do you really trust your daughter that much?"


    Qin Haiming frowned and asked her, a touch of annoyance in his voice.


    "If I don¡¯t trust my own daughter, should I trust someone else¡¯s daughter?"


    Zhang Rujia stubbornly retorted, letting go of his arm and turning her face away, refusing to look at him.


    "This matter most likely involves Mingzhu, Ru Jia. If I cover for her again and Qin Mu doesn¡¯t act, Mu Yichen will not let Mingzhu off the hook," Qin Haiming reasoned, his gaze dropping and hand moving from his chest to his knee, entreating Zhang Rujia earnestly.


    Zhang Rujia listened quietly, then turned back to look at him, compelled to ask, "What does that mean? There has to be evidence for accusations, right? Just because they say it was our daughter, does that mean it really was? I don¡¯t know about others, but I know my own daughter. She wouldn¡¯t dare sneak out before dawn, let alone to a graveyard."


    "I¡¯m afraid Mu Yichen already has some evidence, and if it really was Mingzhu who did this, then what she did was indeed too much. If I don¡¯t punish her now, she will certainly make even more grave mistakes in the future."


    Qin Haiming understood this in his heart and, looking at Zhang Rujia, said, "If you trust me, leave this issue to me. Just remember, Mingzhu is our daughter. I wouldn¡¯t harm her, and everything I¡¯m doing is for her own good."


    Zhang Rujia looked at him, hesitating to agree.


    Qin Haiming continued to watch her, knowing all too well how fiercely Zhang Rujia protected their daughter, but being blind to the reality now would only hurt Qin Mingzhu.


    "Call Mingzhu and tell her to come home."


    Qin Haiming instructed wearily.


    "Husband, have you checked? Are you sure it was Mingzhu who did it?"


    "She went out again that night, what else could she have been doing if not that? Just because I prepared a guest room for Mumu, just because Mumu came over for dinner, just because I scolded her a few words. You know what our daughter is like, or do you think I don¡¯t?"


    After Qin Mu had asked him that morning, he had instinctively thought of Qin Mingzhu¡¯s demeanor before she left that night. He should not have argued with Qin Mingzhu, maybe then the desecration of Mumu¡¯s mother¡¯s tombstone would not have happened, nor today¡¯s misfortune.


    "But... she personally assured me, she said she didn¡¯t."


    "Ru Jia!"


    Qin Haiming called out to her again.


    Zhang Rujia stopped making excuses, as her heart also sensed something. Moreover, at this point, it was probably no longer about admitting or denying it.


    Halfway there, Mu Yichen received a phone call and then drove straight towards the direction of the graveyard with Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu looked back at him with surprise as they headed toward the graveyard, "We¡¯re going there now?"


    "Yeah! The gravestone I ordered a few days ago has been delivered!"


    Qin Mu looked at him incredulously, having thought she would need to handle this herself.


    But then...


    Mu Yichen turned to glance at her, pressed down on her head as her eyes welled with tears, then focused back on driving, saying nonchalantly, "Don¡¯t be too moved."


    Qin Mu looked at him, then sighed helplessly, leaning against his shoulder and embracing his arm: "Qin Haiming probably has an idea in mind; he just wants to protect Qin Mingzhu."


    "So what do you plan to do?" Mu Yichen asked.


    Leaning on his shoulder and enjoying the moment, Qin Mu looked at the somewhat harsh light outside: "Since Qin Haiming wants to protect his calf, I insist that Qin Mingzhu pay a price."


    Inside her, a stubborn thread pulled at all her weaknesses, turning them into the greatest anger.


    "Yeah! It¡¯s been a year since your return; it¡¯s time to show your hand."


    "I¡¯m thinking of revealing my identity to the whole city, what do you think?"


    "You mean the matter of being Mrs. Mu? I¡¯m all for it."


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Yichen saw her sudden panic and unconsciously smiled, shaking his head: "Let Wen Runuan help you!"


    Upon hearing this, Qin Mu understood his intention and immediately nodded: "Alright!"

 Chapter 395: Time has come_2

    Chapter 395: Time has come_2


    Together, they helped erect the tombstone again. After the others left, Qin Mu stood in front of it and gazed at the portrait on the tombstone with an involuntary, small smile.


    "Where did you find this photo?"


    "On an abandoned cellphone."


    Qin Mu turned to look at him, and Mu Yichen sighed, "Remember that cellphone you smashed that year?"


    "Didn¡¯t you say you threw it away?"


    "Actually, I just secretly kept it."


    Qin Mu...


    "Liar!"


    She couldn¡¯t help but rebuke him, yet her heart felt warm.


    "I¡¯m going to continue deceiving you until you willingly call me ¡¯husband¡¯ in public."


    Qin Mu, drawn to the expression in his eyes that contrasted with his defiant gaze as he looked up at the blue sky, unconsciously moved closer and nudged him with her shoulder: Let¡¯s go back!


    That gentle nudge seemed to touch his very heart.


    Mu Yichen looked down at her, then boldly wrapped an arm around her shoulder and spoke to the portrait on the tombstone: "Mother-in-law, I promise to take good care of Mumu and bring her to visit you often."


    Qin Mu thought, why does it sound like you¡¯re my mother¡¯s biological son? I feel like a little daughter-in-law.


    Yet she didn¡¯t say a word, simply letting him tug her away from the graveyard.


    She had thought that Qin Haiming might immediately have someone make a new tombstone or repair the broken one, but instead, he had the broken pieces thrown away, and then...


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart ached unbearably; she planned to find that broken piece of the tombstone and bury it somewhere in her mother¡¯s grave.


    She wasn¡¯t sure if it was the right thing to do but was reluctant to discard it, the tombstone holding too many memories.


    Perhaps she was too attached, Qin Mu thought.


    The most important thing now was to catch the person who vandalized the tombstone and teach them a severe lesson.


    She couldn¡¯t stand it anymore, couldn¡¯t pretend to be indifferent. People had bullied her to this point; if she didn¡¯t fight back, would she even be human?


    Later, when the two of them returned home, in the living room sofa, Mu Qingxin was holding the old man¡¯s hand, reading his palm, and saying, "Grandpa, your palm reading shows you have romantic prospects this year."


    The old man¡¯s face flushed red: "You little wretch, you better not be fooling your grandpa."


    "Really, look how clear your love line is! But you see here, this implies you¡¯ll have a flourishing love life this year."


    "So is grandpa¡¯s romantic interest in the city or the countryside? Aunt Zhang and the others really do like me, but I¡¯ve been hesitant. Take a look and see which one of them is more suitable for me."


    The old man became interested and started to banter with his granddaughter.


    Mu Qingxin smiled for a long while, thinking where had she ever seen those old ladies? Besides, she was just talking nonsense, wasn¡¯t she?


    "Grandpa, why don¡¯t you just take them all? You could form a powerful Harem Group."


    Mu Yichen casually mentioned as he sat down.


    "I think brother¡¯s idea is brilliant!"


    Mu Qingxin, initially unsure of how to praise those old ladies, immediately found an out and agreed with her brother¡¯s words when she heard them.


    "Humph! Mumu, aren¡¯t these siblings just two peas in a pod?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu responded with a mischievous laugh.


    The old man happily slapped his leg: "Don¡¯t think I¡¯m alone!"


    Mu Qingxin and Mu Yichen both turned towards Qin Mu, who had just taken a seat, trying to hold back her laughter as she looked at them.


    "Grandpa, this woman is definitely not on your side."


    Mu Yichen said to the old man, glancing at Qin Mu.


    "I am on grandpa¡¯s side!"


    Qin Mu promptly sat down on the other side of her grandfather and wrapped her arm around his.


    Mu Yichen squinted his eyes in sorrow.


    Mu Qingxin placed her hand over her mouth, dramatically widening her eyes in shock.


    "Traitor!"


    Mu Qingxin childishly accused her.


    "How could I stand by while you two bully an old man? As someone as caring as I am, of course I have to stand up for grandpa."


    Qin Mu playfully bantered with the siblings, her radiant lips and bright teeth complimenting her fair complexion, delighting a certain onlooker.


    However, when Qin Mu caught Mu Yichen¡¯s ravenous gaze, she immediately subdued her own, her face turning slightly red and she hid it against her grandfather¡¯s shoulder.


    "You come here!"


    To Mu Yichen¡¯s dismay, he became jealous when he saw her bury her face in the old man¡¯s shoulder and immediately commanded her in annoyance.


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Qingxin shook her head helplessly: "Grandpa, just play with your granddaughter. As for your granddaughter-in-law, you¡¯re not so lucky. Look at how sour your grandson is being?"

 Chapter 396: Time has come_3

    Chapter 396: Time has come_3


    Mu Qingxin turned her head and looked at the man sitting in the solo armchair.


    The elder raised his eyes, examined his grandson¡¯s expression, and carefully pondered his granddaughter¡¯s words, yet he still didn¡¯t understand.


    "Did you hear what was said?"


    Chairman Mu commanded once more.


    "Heard it, heard it!"


    Qin Mu dared not argue and obediently went to his side.


    Yet as soon as he stood properly, he was grabbed by the wrist and with a slight tug found himself falling onto his lap and embraced in a full hug.


    Qin Mu¡¯s face turned shades of red and white in fright.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s piercing gaze fixed on the woman in his arms, wishing he could bite her right then and taste her!


    "Aiyo, go to your room if you want to be affectionate, can¡¯t you hold back a bit in front of me and grandpa! If our Ayan were here, hmph, I wouldn¡¯t be like this!"


    As Mu Qingxin spoke, her grievances grew.


    That man, for no reason at all, told her not to contact him before the sixth day.


    Every day, apart from being on edge, was spent keeping the old man company, having her palm read to keep her mind off of other things.


    Listening to his sister, Mu Yichen also thought of Jiang Yan and comforted her with a few words, "He won¡¯t be in trouble, you just rest assured and wait for him to come for you."


    "Really?"


    "I promise he will come to see you alive before you turn eighteen."


    Mu Qingxin, recalling the day Jiang Yan had sought out Mu Yichen for a private conversation, now began to suspect that Jiang Yan had asked Mu Yichen for help behind the scenes. She became excited, yet the excitement almost brought her to tears.


    "Big brother, I¡¯m really worried about him!"


    As soon as she finished, she indeed began to cry out of worry.


    Qin Mu immediately broke free from Mu Yichen¡¯s arms and went to her side, "Don¡¯t you trust what your brother says? When you¡¯re pregnant, you should avoid crying the most, quickly wipe away the tears, and don¡¯t cry anymore, okay?"


    "Okay!"


    Mu Qingxin nodded vigorously, and, with the tissue Qin Mu handed her, wiped away her tears forcefully before taking a few deep breaths to somewhat calm down.


    The elder sighed helplessly, "Look at you, all entangled in affairs of the heart. Isn¡¯t everything fine as long as you¡¯re alive?"


    "Grandpa is right, as long as Ayan comes for me, even if he has lost arms or legs, I¡¯ll bear with it."


    "What nonsense are you talking? If he were injured, would he still want to see you?"


    Mu Yichen snorted coldly, thinking to himself: Not a chance!


    Not to mention Feng Fanghua would never agree, and as her brother, he would even less so.


    "If he wants to see me, he¡¯ll see me. If you and mom oppose, I¡¯ll just sneak off to find him because..."


    "Because you¡¯re already willing to leave this family for him?"


    Mu Yichen looked at her and asked, and knowing she was at fault, Mu Qingxin closed her mouth again.


    "Alright, alright, don¡¯t just blame her. It¡¯s not new that a grown daughter is hard to keep at home; sooner or later she has to marry anyway."


    Seeing his granddaughter aggrieved and his grandson domineering, the elder spoke in defense of his granddaughter.


    "Exactly!"


    Little did he know Mu Qingxin would immediately nod in agreement, offering a cunning justification.


    Mu Yichen stared at her intensely, thinking that if it were their childhood, he should have spanked her.


    But now...


    Hmm, actually, even in childhood, he never really had the heart to hit her, at most just a scolding.


    Moreover, he had spent so many years abroad and felt a bit guilty towards her, so he did not continue to press the matter further.


    While everyone remained silent, Mu Yichen¡¯s phone suddenly rang. Seeing that it was Yang Bo¡¯s number, Mu Yichen glanced at Qin Mu, "There¡¯s news!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but tense up.


    The grandfather and Mu Qingxin didn¡¯t know what was happening, but they kept quiet as Mu Yichen answered the phone.


    "Understood, I found her classmate, I want to go and question him myself."


    "Okay!"


    Yang Bo was standing in the police surveillance room, and the staff were still at work. He thought for a moment, gave a few more instructions, then left the room to have someone look for Qin Mingzhu¡¯s classmate.


    "Keep tracking that car, there¡¯s surveillance footage of Qin Mingzhu getting on board."


    "Really?"


    Qin Mu became somewhat excited after hearing what Mu Yichen said.


    "Yes! I¡¯ve already asked Yang Bo to contact Qin Mingzhu¡¯s classmate."


    "I want to go too."


    Mu Yichen had planned to go alone, but seeing how agitated Qin Mu was as he stood up, he nodded in agreement, "Then let¡¯s go together."


    "What¡¯s¡ªhappening?"


    Completely in the dark, Mu Qingxin asked curiously, her voice somewhat tense.


    "We¡¯ll talk about this later, we need to step out for a bit, you stay here with Grandpa."


    Mu Yichen instructed.


    "You have important things to attend to, go ahead, we¡¯ll be just fine here," the old man urged quickly, not wanting to hold them up.


    So, Mu Yichen left with Qin Mu.


    That afternoon, they rushed to the police station together and met Qin Mingzhu¡¯s classmate along with Yang Bo.


    The kid obviously caved when he saw the police badge, but thinking of certain things, he kept his mouth shut.


    Mu Yichen and Yang Bo stood outside that room, watching the interrogation room, as Qin Mu walked in.


    The boy was startled to see Qin Mu, but then relaxed a lot.


    "Why are you here?" he asked.


    "It¡¯s been a long time, wasn¡¯t it you who tried to pick on me last time at AM?" Qin Mu looked at him and laughed, unconsciously licking his dry lips. He suddenly felt that this winter was damn dry, but thankfully there was a humidifier at home.


    The boy, however, started to feel nervous at Qin Mu¡¯s sharp gaze.


    Suddenly remembering that she was Qin Mingzhu¡¯s half-sister and also the most favored woman of the Mu Family¡¯s Yichen, he unconsciously felt his throat go dry too.


    "I apologize again seriously for that matter."


    The boy lowered his eyes, not daring to meet Qin Mu¡¯s piercing look.


    "Lift your head up!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t comply, but stared at him coldly, forcing him to look up at her.


    The two sat across a table from each other, Qin Mu with her hands in her pant pockets, her eyes narrowed as she looked down at him: "Tell me, what did Qin Mingzhu tell you, what benefits did she give you, that led you to help her do such a heinous act?"


    The boy was taken aback. Although they were about the same age and not very familiar, he had heard of her reputation. The usually carefree and fearless young masters also had their fears.


    "You talk as if we did the deed, but it really has nothing to do with us. We were just playing a game that day."


    "Oh?"


    Qin Mu laughed softly, stepped in front of him, leaned against the side of the table, staring at him with anticipation for what he would say next.

 Chapter 397 - 118 Cut off Relationship_1

    Chapter 397: 118 Cut off Relationship_1


    The man unconsciously swallowed, the sight of the plainly dressed woman in front of him, yet tall and with piercing eyes, truly made him gasp in astonishment.


    He didn¡¯t understand how she could possess such an imposing aura; she was unmistakably a half-sister to Qin Mingzhu, both sharing the same delicate appearance. Yet, Qin Mingzhu had no such presence, whereas this girl, who had been cast out since childhood, exuded an aura so powerful that it even intimidated him, a man.


    She leaned quietly against the side of the table, eyes downcast in thought for a moment, then lifted her gaze and smiled faintly at him, "What benefit did Qin Mingzhu offer you?"


    "What benefit?"


    The man frowned, clearly not following her train of thought.


    "If there¡¯s no benefit, why would a man as tall as one meter eighty follow the commands of a petite woman? Is it because of her family¡¯s power? Or perhaps you¡¯re secret lovers deeply in love?"


    Qin Mu speculated casually, composed and patient.


    The man laughed at her latter suggestion, "She only promised to sleep with me once it was done!"


    Qin Mu...


    Her bright almond eyes flickered interestingly, and she chuckled lightly.


    The man was obviously shocked, surprised by his own words.


    How could he have blurted that out?


    He looked up subconsciously at the woman in front of him, both nervous and on guard.


    "Thanks for cooperating!"


    Qin Mu said softly, then straightened up and turned to leave.


    In another room, watching the scene through the large glass screen, were two people. One barely lifted their eyes and didn¡¯t seem too surprised, while the other¡¯s facial features seemed to magnify in shock several times.


    "Yichen, you tell me how this woman got that man to spill those words? Our people interrogated him for half a day and he didn¡¯t react at all."


    Yang Bo unconsciously furrowed his brow, his team was always known as the iron fist team of the police station, yet they were outperformed by a woman?


    And this woman, had merely entered for a few minutes and chatted casually like a bystander.


    "Thanks!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know Yang Bo well; she was merely being polite.


    "Ha-ha! No need for formalities among our own!"


    Yang Bo said, glancing at Mu Yichen before speaking to her.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything further, just smiled. Mu Yichen reached up to drape an arm around her shoulder, "Let¡¯s go."


    "Hey, hey, hey, aren¡¯t you two taking the record?"


    Yang Bo followed them with a question as they were leaving.


    "No need!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even turn back, casually waving a hand and wrapping his arm around Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder as they walked out, leaving Yang Bo...


    Qin Mu had already started recording on her phone before she went in, so of course, there was no need for additional evidence.


    Besides, an act like this wouldn¡¯t lead to a prison sentence; they were just trying to get a hold on Qin Mingzhu¡¯s weaknesses.


    After leaving the police station, the two headed straight home. Feng Fanghua and others had also heard about the tombstone incident and were very angry. Feng Fanghua was always quick to speak and asked furiously: "This girl seems lively and proud on a daily basis, but I never saw her as someone who would do such an immoral act. How on earth did her father educate her? Still ignorant at her age aside, but to dare damage an elder¡¯s gravestone, since ancient times, there probably hasn¡¯t been a second child so unruly."


    "If someone had destroyed our ancestral tombstone..."


    Mu Qingxin asked slowly, sucking on her lips.


    "You must not tolerate or nurture the wicked, you must punish them severely!"


    Feng Fanghua immediately replied, whether in response to her daughter or to Qin Mingzhu¡¯s issue.


    But no matter the reason, Qin Mu decided to follow through with Feng Fanghua¡¯s sentiment. She had never planned to let Qin Mingzhu off the hook, and now with evidence at hand, even if Qin Mingzhu wanted to hide, even if that man wanted to protect her, Qin Mu would not let it go.


    "Does your father know about this?"


    Feng Fanghua asked again.


    Meanwhile, the old man and Mu Zihao sat quietly on the couch listening without saying a word.


    "He¡¯s probably feigning ignorance!"


    Qin Mu murmured softly.


    "That¡¯s your father¡¯s biggest problem; why is Qin Mingzhu still idling around and playing in various places to this day? Because he and Zhang Rujia dote on her too much. If he still indulges and protects her in this case, I will look down on him," Feng Fanghua finished and shook her head as though she was quite despairing of Qin Haiming.


    But why had the elders suddenly gone to the cemetery?


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know that today Feng Fanghua¡¯s young good sister had returned to Rongcheng to visit her maternal home because she had also been close to Qin Mu¡¯s mother. She went to the cemetery to pay respects together, only to find the gravestone replaced. She later heard about it from Helian Hao¡¯s mother.

 Chapter 398 - 118 Cut off Relationship_2

    Chapter 398: 118 Cut off Relationship_2


    "You too, you don¡¯t even say a word about such a big thing to your family; you keep everything to yourself, but what¡¯s the point?"


    Feng Fanghua thought about it and then angrily questioned Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu had been touched, but it wasn¡¯t until after Feng Fanghua had finished her lecture that she came back to her senses...


    Mu Yichen coughed lightly, and Feng Fanghua immediately looked at him, "What? Can¡¯t I say it?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, but just chuckled, then looked back at Qin Mu, who had no idea what was going on because she hadn¡¯t heard anything.


    "Hahaha, this woman is so funny!"


    Mu Qingxin covered her face, trying to hold back her laughter.


    "What do you mean ¡¯this woman¡¯? Can¡¯t you call her sister-in-law?"


    Yichen immediately got angry.


    "We¡¯re the same age, so why should I call her sister-in-law? I¡¯ll just call her Qin Mu, Qin Mu, Qin Mu!"


    "Actually, calling her Qin Mu is pretty good!"


    Much better than some people calling her ¡¯little bitch¡¯ or something, and besides, although Mu Qingxin was resistant to her, she had no ill intentions.


    Qin Mu felt this was a very normal sister-in-law relationship.


    The old man watched his granddaughter being so mischievous and smiled helplessly, "This girl is still so tricky, what will she do when she gets to her husband¡¯s family?"


    "Ayan¡¯s mother has long passed away, Ayan and his father are at odds, so after I marry him, it will just be me and Ayan at home, oh right, and our little baby."


    Mu Qingxin said, touching her own belly.


    "Look at her, not a single worry, still thinking there are benefits to not having in-laws."


    Feng Fanghua was worried about not having an elder in the family to plan for her daughter, unaware that her daughter was naively clueless about it all.


    "What¡¯s the big deal? Having in-laws means dealing with in-law relations. Just like Qin Mu, being taught a lesson by you every day, it¡¯s better to be without them."


    Mu Qingxin said quite freely.


    "That¡¯s not right to say, though. Elders love to educate you, but it¡¯s mostly from a good place. You¡¯re saying that after you give birth, with no mother-in-law, just the childcare alone will be enough to tire you out."


    Mu Zihao analytically discussed with her.


    "Ayan will help me take care of things, and we can also hire a maternity matron. Ayan told me I just need to focus on giving birth, he¡¯ll handle the support, so I don¡¯t need to worry about anything."


    Who knew that Mu Qingxin would say it so casually, rendering the whole family speechless.


    But Qin Mu was the most believing, firmly trusting that Jiang Yan wouldn¡¯t let Mu Qingxin suffer. Whether a man loves a woman or not is clearly visible just from his gaze.


    She subconsciously looked towards Mu Yichen, noticing that he was also looking at her.


    Qin Mu thought, surely Mu Yichen also believed, or else he wouldn¡¯t have agreed to help Jiang Yan.


    The elder, because of the unexpected addition to the family, had decided to stay in the city a bit longer, and he also wanted to see what kind of man his granddaughter¡¯s husband was, charming her as if she had no brain. Thus, Mu Yichen and Qin Mu had no choice but to stay a few more days as well.


    The next day, Mu Yichen went to deal with official matters, and Qin Mu went to the Qin Family on her own.


    The maid, upon seeing her, was still so formally calling her ¡¯Miss Qin¡¯, and Qin Mu nodded slightly, "Is Mayor Qin in?"


    "Yes, they¡¯re all in!"


    The maid nodded and quietly told her.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why the maid seemed so happy to see her but thanked her instinctively, "Thank you!"


    The maid didn¡¯t speak further, just announced to those inside, "Miss Qin has come!"


    Qin Mu went around to the living room and discovered that Qin Haiming and Zhang Rujia were on the sofa, thinking about the maid¡¯s words, guessing that Qin Mingzhu was in her own room. She approached and asked, "Can I get an answer today?"


    Qin Haiming glanced at her, somewhat distressed, and gestured to the adjacent sofa, "Sit down first before we talk."


    Qin Mu looked at him and sat in the single seat sofa next to him.


    Qin Haiming looked at her and said, "I heard her classmate was arrested, is this related to you?"


    "You could say that!"


    Qin Mu, with downcast eyes, thought for a moment before seriously responding.


    "Do you have to sever ties?"


    Qin Haiming asked again.


    Zhang Rujia sat beside him all this time without speaking, her eyes downcast as if she was suppressing some inappropriate emotion within herself.


    "You could say that!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s nature, not good at expressing herself, was fully demonstrated in that moment.


    Yet, Qin Haiming was pained by her few words.


    "What do you want me to do?"


    Qin Haiming asked her.


    Qin Mu looked up, saw Qin Haiming¡¯s reluctance, and couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "What do I want you to do? Wasn¡¯t it you who promised to give me and my mother an explanation?"


    "Qin Mu, don¡¯t be too aggressive. Your father has been giving ground step by step, what more do you want? You¡¯re his daughter, isn¡¯t Mingzhu one as well?"

 Chapter 399 - 118 Cut off Relationship_3

    Chapter 399: 118 Cut off Relationship_3


    "I¡¯m indeed his daughter, but whether your daughter is, I can¡¯t be sure of that," Qin Mu said slowly and deliberately, looking at Zhang Rujia, who seemed angry enough to devour her.


    "You... Husband, did you hear what she said?" Zhang Rujia turned and asked Qin Haiming with a look of aggrievement.


    "Mumu, you and Mingzhu are both my daughters, don¡¯t say such things from now on," Qin Haiming said, feeling relieved that Qin Mu had acknowledged him as her father, even though she hadn¡¯t called him "dad" for a long time.


    "Isn¡¯t it funny? You say you want to give me and my mom an explanation, then ask me what I plan to do next. And this woman, can¡¯t the irrelevant people please get as far away as possible when father and daughter are talking?" Qin Mu scoffed in irritation, trying to keep her patience, even though her later words were indeed harsh.


    Zhang Rujia turned pale with anger: "You, you dare tell me to get lost? This is my home, you..."


    "Your home? Do you not remember how you got into this house? Have you forgotten the means you used? You caused my family to fall apart, and yet you dare to flaunt your power over me? Do you really think I¡¯m a pushover for you to bully?" Qin Mu stood up, licking her dry lips and furiously rebutted her.


    Zhang Rujia had never heard Qin Mu say so much in one go, and each sentence left her unable to make a reckless rebuttal.


    Qin Haiming frowned as he listened until Zhang Rujia looked at him. Then he stood up: "Come with me to the study."


    "Husband..."


    "You stay here!" Qin Haiming commanded coldly, then walked ahead leading Qin Mu to the study.


    Qin Mu cast a contemptuous glance at Zhang Rujia and followed Qin Haiming without a second look.


    Zhang Rujia got up to watch them enter the study one after the other and had to sit down again.


    The aide in the corner felt a sense of satisfaction, while another room upstairs was eerily quiet.


    Qin Mingzhu opened her door a crack and eavesdropped quietly; she couldn¡¯t make out the voices from below, but quietly closed the door when she heard footsteps. Later, hearing the door to the study close, she opened her door again and tiptoed out: "Mom, Mom..."


    After a moment¡¯s thought, Zhang Rujia also got up and went upstairs. Mother and daughter exchanged glances and then quietly moved to eavesdrop at the study door.


    "You¡¯re not happy with me asking for your opinion, so how about I give you an explanation?"


    "Fine!"


    Qin Haiming thought for a while by the window, then turned to ask Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu nodded in response to his words. She also wanted to hear what explanation Qin Haiming had in mind.


    She had no intention of letting him get away with a simple brush-off.


    If she tolerated this matter, Qin Mingzhu and Zhang Rujia would never take her seriously again and would even trample on her further.


    And such a thing could never happen a second time.


    Qin Mu was no longer that seven-year-old child, nor was she the helpless person who allowed others to desecrate her mother¡¯s tombstone without taking action.


    "I asked Mingzhu to kowtow and apologize at your mother¡¯s grave, then sent her overseas to study, forbidding her from returning to the country for three years. What do you think?"


    Qin Haiming pondered for a long time before he proposed his idea to Qin Mu.


    When Qin Mu looked at him speaking these words with utmost seriousness, she felt as if he was making a completely pointless joke with her.


    "She¡¯s going to kowtow to my mom? You¡¯d first have to ask my mom under the ground if she agrees! She is absolutely not worthy, okay?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but let out a scoff, mocking her own naivety!


    Indeed, she could never again hold any unrealistic hopes or fantasies about this man!


    "Fine, then I¡¯ll book her a flight today and send her abroad."


    Qin Haiming anticipated Qin Mu¡¯s refusal, so he eagerly nodded and once again brought up sending Qin Mingzhu abroad.


    "Booking her a flight to go abroad? Mayor Qin, are you truly punishing her, or are you sending her on a free trip overseas?"


    Qin Mu laughed involuntarily, she really couldn¡¯t stomach it any longer. Did this man think the daughter he had fathered was an idiot?


    "She has never been away from Rongcheng by herself! You have no idea what kind of life she would lead if she were to go abroad to study alone."


    "No idea? I was only eight years old when you threw me out, is her life unimaginable, or is it more unimaginable that I was almost sold on the streets of Paris? You randomly handed over my custody to someone else; do you know how they treated me? Unimaginable?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes unwittingly filled with tears. How could this man in front of her know what¡¯s truly unimaginable.


    She was nearly sold just a few days after she had left, and it was Mu Yichen who arrived in time to avert that tragedy.


    He only knew his current position was powerful and authoritative, so after she returned to town, Mu Yichen and she were still polite to him, but he had no idea how much hatred lay behind their civility.


    "You said you were almost sold?"


    Of course, Qin Haiming had no clue about these things; at that time, his relationship with Zhang Rujia was so intense, he had no time to care for his daughter overseas.


    He thought Qin Mu was well-fed and well-educated abroad, and he wouldn¡¯t feel guilty as long as he sent money every month, and he would occasionally make a phone call to check in...


    Qin Mu would initially look forward to his calls, but then they became less and less frequent, and afterwards...


    She would rather have no further contact with this man.


    "You¡¯ve no idea why I hate you so much! You killed my mother with your own hands! You ruined my childhood, and while you, Zhang Rujia, and Qin Mingzhu were living happily in Rongcheng, did you ever remember that you had a daughter who was abandoned and struggling to survive on the outside?"


    Qin Haiming suddenly became speechless, merely staring at her in shock.


    "Send her abroad to study? If I let her off that easily, consider my very existence, Qin Mu, to have been a useless trip to this world."


    Qin Mu pointed vehemently to the ground as she spoke, her face already streaked with tears without her awareness.


    Qin Haiming remained silent, just gazing at her from a distance.


    Outside the door, the mother and daughter were both terribly frightened. Qin Mingzhu couldn¡¯t help but feel the tears welling up, and Zhang Rujia warned her with her eyes to stay calm. After all, Qin Haiming had already discussed the worst-case scenario with her: she was reluctant to let her daughter study abroad, but it was better for her daughter to go out and gain some experience than to be caught in the city. Perhaps, after her return, she might transform entirely.


    Little did they know what Qin Haiming would do for his daughter after hearing those words.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "I want you to kick Qin Mingzhu out of the Qin Family and sever the father-daughter relationship!"

 Chapter 400 - 119 Chop the grass and eliminate the roots_1

    Chapter 400: 119 Chop the grass and eliminate the roots_1


    "I want you to drive Qin Mingzhu out of the Qin Family and sever all father-daughter ties with her!"


    "What?"


    "And you must announce the severance of your relationship with her on the media!"


    "That¡¯s impossible!"


    "Otherwise, hand Qin Mingzhu over to me!"


    "Hand her over to you? What are you planning to do with her?"


    "Have you ever cared this much about your other daughter? What I plan to do with her is my business. The last time she hired someone to rape me at the mall, stole my design drawings, everything she did to me this year is enough to get her a sentence, isn¡¯t it?"


    After asking the question, Qin Mu felt like she was wasting her emotions, so she clenched her teeth and reminded Qin Haiming coldly.


    "Sentenced? Do you know what a girl looks like once she¡¯s been to prison and comes out?"


    "So do you know what a desperate girl might do? You don¡¯t know, do you? She¡¯d kill."


    "What on earth has happened to you over these years?"


    Qin Haiming listened to her words and felt a chill run down his spine.


    Qin Mu just gave a cold laugh: I thank you for everything you have given me!


    Qin Haiming squinted his eyes, and for a long time, couldn¡¯t utter a word.


    Actually, what had happened in the past didn¡¯t matter anymore; what mattered was what was to come.


    Meanwhile, the mother and daughter outside the door continued eavesdropping. Zhang Rujia¡¯s heart kept drumming involuntarily, feeling that things were about to turn sour. Qin Mingzhu was already teary-eyed as if she had been thrown into hell.


    "Mom, what should we do? What should we do?"


    "Enough, keep quiet!"


    Zhang Rujia hissed a reminder, her gaze sharp.


    Wasn¡¯t Zhang Rujia anxious right now?


    She was far more anxious than Qin Mingzhu.


    She had married Qin Haiming because of Qin Mingzhu back then. How could she possibly allow Qin Haiming to hand Qin Mingzhu over to Qin Mu, or allow them to break their father-daughter relationship?


    Qin Mu now wanted Qin Mingzhu to sever ties, but perhaps later on, it would be her turn, Mrs. Qin, to be divorced, right?


    Zhang Rujia was crystal clear about Qin Mu¡¯s ambitions. Qin Mu wanted to drive both her and Qin Mingzhu out of the Qin Family, and then become the rightful Miss Qin again. How could she ever allow that?


    "Give me an answer now, will you announce the severance of your father-daughter relationship with Qin Mingzhu to the media, or will you hand her over to me?"


    Qin Mu gave him an ultimatum as Qin Haiming kept hesitating.


    "I can¡¯t do that!"


    Qin Haiming thought for a moment, then slowly shook his head.


    "I can do it for you, as long as you personally drive her out."


    Qin Mu said.


    "Mumu, must you be so heartless?"


    Qin Haiming couldn¡¯t help but ask her again.


    "Heartless? She¡¯s already in her twenties, has her own circle of friends, how much do you have to love her to not bear to drive her away? And how much must you dislike me, sending me, eight years old at the time, to that foreign place in Paris? Heartless?"


    As Qin Mu repeated the word ¡¯heartless¡¯, her heart ached to death, yet she scoffed.


    Qin Haiming saw the tears in her eyes and unconsciously murmured.


    "I can disown her, but the rest..."


    "I will do everything you can¡¯t!"


    Qin Haiming looked at Qin Mu, knowing she was resolute, then turned his head to look out the window and said no more.


    The two women who were listening at the door turned pale, both in disbelief.


    Then the door was pushed open from the outside by Qin Mingzhu.


    The father and daughter inside hadn¡¯t yet recovered from their emotions. Hearing the door open, no one turned around; they only heard someone shouting from behind: "Dad, you can¡¯t do this to me, you bitch! What right do you have to sever my relationship with my dad? You¡¯re no longer part of this family, just an unwanted bastard, a cheap woman, a slut, a..."


    "Slap!"


    "Mingzhu!"


    As Qin Haiming turned to stop Qin Mingzhu¡¯s rambling, Qin Mu had already coldly slapped her across the face without mercy.


    Qin Mingzhu felt her ear buzzing from the slap, her cheek turning red while she covered it, glaring at Qin Mu and biting her lip hard.


    The taste of blood at the corner of her mouth was not new to her.


    Zhang Rujia, hearing the loud slap, was both angry and heartbroken; frustrated at her daughter¡¯s helplessness, she stepped forward to point at Qin Mu and accuse her through gritted teeth: What right do you have to hit her?


    "I have plenty of reasons to hit her. Just for the fact that she had someone destroy my mother¡¯s tombstone, I could execute her a thousand times over, let alone a slap. What¡¯s this slap to her?"


    Qin Mu yelled out the last words, knowing that Zhang Rujia always bullied her for being reticent, for being new to Rongcheng, for being an orphan.

 Chapter 401 - 119 Cut the grass and remove the roots_2

    Chapter 401: 119 Cut the grass and remove the roots_2


    "You... Husband, you¡¯re really going to let her do this?"


    "Listen, from now on, I no longer want Qin Mingzhu as my daughter. Have her move out and you are not to provide any financial assistance. Starting today, she is no longer my Qin Haiming¡¯s daughter, and therefore no longer your Zhang Rujia¡¯s daughter either."


    "What?"


    When Qin Haiming said these words indifferently, Zhang Rujia couldn¡¯t accept it.


    They had just been discussing Qin Mingzhu¡¯s future before Qin Mu arrived, but in the blink of an eye, he was disowning her.


    "If you disagree, then leave the Qin Family with her!"


    Zhang Rujia¡¯s mouth was agape, ready to defend her daughter, but upon hearing Qin Haiming¡¯s words, she immediately dared not say more.


    Move out together?


    Wouldn¡¯t that ruin them, mother and daughter?


    Zhang Rujia thought, how could she let this mere twenty-something-year-old upstart defeat her? How could she not swallow this indignity?


    "What am I to you? You give birth to me but then decide you don¡¯t want me? You can¡¯t be this irresponsible, you can¡¯t just not want me!"


    Seeing that Zhang Rujia also did not dare to protect her, Qin Mingzhu started pleading her own case nervously.


    "Mumu went to Paris alone at eight and is now a famous designer. Yet you¡¯re still expecting me to support you? Haven¡¯t I supported you enough over the years? Even ordinary people¡¯s children of your age should be self-sufficient. Think of it as going out to hone yourself, leave now!"


    Qin Haiming didn¡¯t look at her and instead spoke to the photo of the three of them on the desk.


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s tears couldn¡¯t be held back any longer, she covered her face and backed away, You¡¯re being irresponsible; is it just because this little wretch is back? Do you just care that she¡¯s now a designer? Do you just think she¡¯s hitched herself to Young Master Chen? Just you wait, one day I¡¯ll make you look at me with new respect.


    After saying that, Qin Mingzhu turned and ran, her tears unstoppable.


    "Mingzhu!"


    Zhang Rujia turned and chased to the door but ultimately did not go outside.


    "If you leave with her today, never step through this family¡¯s doors again."


    Qin Haiming said this quite calmly.


    Zhang Rujia turned to look at him, but he wouldn¡¯t meet her gaze.


    Zhang Rujia bit her lip, hard enough to shatter her teeth and swallow, her eyes filled with reluctant defiance as she looked toward Qin Mu, as if declaring war.


    Qin Mu glanced at her, then turned and said, "Wait and see tomorrow¡¯s news, farewell!"


    "Mumu!"


    As she was leaving, Qin Haiming called out to her again.


    "Does this count as giving you an explanation?"


    Qin Haiming turned to look at her and asked.


    Qin Mu just glanced back at him, without a reply.


    After she left, Zhang Rujia knelt on the ground, filled with grievances, "To give her an explanation, you¡¯re driving our daughter out like this?"


    "They¡¯re both my daughters, but Mumu has been driven out by me since she was little, while Mingzhu has always lived a carefree life as the young miss. But look at the gap between the two now; it¡¯s time for Mingzhu to go out and toughen up."


    Qin Haiming¡¯s brows remained furrowed.


    "Does it have to be so extreme as to sever the father-daughter relationship completely?"


    "Xiao Jia, how do you still not understand?"


    Qin Haiming sighed with a headache, intending to say more but eventually just walked around her and left the study.


    She knew that Qin Haiming probably didn¡¯t truly intend to break ties with Qin Mingzhu, afraid that the pretense would become irrevocable, terrified to think of what happens when the fake becomes real...


    She only had that one precious daughter; how could she bear to let her suffer outside?


    After Qin Haiming left, Zhang Rujia received a phone call saying there were no sales at the clothing store for the whole day. Involuntarily she screamed, "No sales, what are you all eating? Just standing there like poles all day? If there¡¯s no sales again, you might as well pack up and leave."


    After hanging up, Zhang Rujia also went downstairs, exhausted, sitting on the sofa now that Qin Haiming had left.


    Zhang Rujia knew that Qin Haiming was falling into the traps set by Qin Mu step by step. He thought he could control everything, unaware that he was already being led by the nose by Qin Mu. The more Zhang Rujia thought about it, the more panic-stricken she became, and immediately grabbed her phone to dial a familiar number: "Sister Zhang, are you free now? Would you join me for a cup of tea?"


    ----


    Qin Mu went to the studio; she hadn¡¯t been there in days and was beginning to miss the feeling it gave her.


    It was quiet inside without any movement. She walked around by herself and after making a round, cleaned up the sofa in the reception area on the first floor and settled there.

 Chapter 402 - 119 Chop the grass and eliminate the roots_3

    Chapter 402: 119 Chop the grass and eliminate the roots_3


    The sofa was soft, and she hugged herself as she leaned into its back.


    It was as if the entire world was at peace.


    The restlessness that had gripped her just moments ago seemed to finally find its calm now.


    She listened quietly to her own heartbeat, took in the rhythm of her breathing, and lost herself in dreams of their beautiful future.


    The fashion store had been open for a few days, and she had heard that it was doing quite well. She had never shown up and had no desire to; she hired professionals to manage it and continued to focus on her designs.


    The wedding dress she was designing for Mu Qingxin was almost complete. She closed her eyes for a moment to think, then opened them to look out at the tranquil world, picturing the moment Mu Qingxin would appear before everyone in the dress.


    She was a beautiful girl and would surely be the most beautiful bride.


    But for some reason, Mu Yichen¡¯s figure unexpectedly appeared in that vision, and he was dressed in a groom¡¯s attire.


    Qin Mu wondered if this would become a curse; every time she designed a wedding dress, she always saw Mu Yichen¡¯s shadow. Could Yichen have cast a spell on her?


    Thinking of Yichen¡¯s occasional resentful gaze, Qin Mu fixed her eyes on the distant mountain.


    One day she would climb to the top of that mountain and propose to him.


    Propose to Yichen?


    Qin Mu was startled by the thought that had suddenly appeared in her mind. Wasn¡¯t she against marriage? Why would she want to propose to him?


    She sat for a while longer, and after figuring out what she wanted to do next, she left with her bag on her back.


    It was as if she had never been there; she closed the door gently and then turned around.


    As the sky gradually darkened, Qin Mu returned to the Mu family home just as Mu Yichen¡¯s car also arrived; the two vehicles pulled into the parking spaces together.


    After getting out, Mu Yichen walked towards her and, with sharp eyes, focused on her beautiful face, he asked, "How did it go?"


    "No problems!"


    Qin Mu looked up at him, certain in her reply, then added with a flick of the hand, "Today was really something, wasn¡¯t it? I pushed Qin Haiming into a corner with no way out, and Zhang Rujia was at a loss too."


    "Let¡¯s go inside."


    Mu Yichen extended his hand to gently drape over her shoulder, and the two walked into the house together.


    A little later, Qin Mu called Wen Runuan, who was at a company gathering, sitting reluctantly beside Jing Qing, so she was not in the best of moods; the call was a good excuse to step away.


    She quietly answered Qin Mu¡¯s call in the restroom, and after washing her hands and drying them, she saw Jing Qing come in; her eyes couldn¡¯t help but shift. Why did she feel like Jing Qing was following her?


    After entering, Jing Qing also turned on the tap and began to wash her hands. Wen Runuan glanced at her through the mirror for two seconds, then snickered and walked out.


    "You¡¯re pregnant!"


    Jing Qing suddenly asked, the volume of her voice low enough to attract attention but not high.


    It was then that Wen Runuan turned back around, yet appeared completely unfazed: "Yes!"


    Jing Qing¡¯s downcast gaze made it impossible for Wen Runuan to guess what she was thinking; all she could do was wait for Jing Qing to finish washing and look up.


    Jing Qing turned to her with a smile: "Don¡¯t be nervous, I was just asking casually. Congratulations, though!"


    "Thanks!"


    Seeing Jing Qing¡¯s indifferent attitude, Wen Runuan could only casually express her gratitude before walking out first.


    Yet Jing Qing remained standing there motionless.


    Wen Runuan¡¯s pregnancy was, of course, good news for her, but she had just heard something that made her frown¡ªJing Qing appeared to be on the phone with Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu and Wen Runuan were already in the same boat, and Jing Qing hadn¡¯t expected that the seemingly ordinary girl would quickly gain the support of the most capable person in Rongcheng. After a year of battling, Jing Qing would naturally not underestimate her opponent. She would need to carefully consider each move in this year¡¯s game.


    After Wen Runuan returned, she spoke a few words to Director Zhang, who was making a call in front of her. Director Zhang looked up at her, seemingly confused by her meaning, until Wen Runuan nodded at him, prompting him to stand up, "Carry on, everyone, I have something to attend to and must leave now."


    The company¡¯s artists were used to Director Zhang leaving first, but this time¡ª


    "Wen Runuan, come out with me!"


    When Director Zhang called out like this, everyone had the same thought.


    Wen Runuan followed him outside, and once the door was closed, Director Zhang wrapped his arms around her.


    Some bored artists were peering through the doorway and even taking photos: Director Zhang¡¯s embrace around Wen Runuan¡¯s waist, the low whispers into her ear¡ªsuch intimacy was self-explanatory; everyone understood.


    ¡ª


    The Mu Family.


    That morning, in the warm and vintage living room, the family sat together. Mu Qingxin read the newspaper aloud earnestly, and after hearing the report, each member of the Mu family had their own thoughts, but only Mu Qingxin laughed and said, "I didn¡¯t expect that girl Qin Mu to be quite skillful!"


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao said nothing, nor did the elder gentleman, but Mu Qingxin felt that what was done was quite satisfactory.


    Qin Mu was curled up on the sofa in her room, having finished reading the news on her phone. It featured a pitiful photo of Qin Mingzhu being rejected from a hotel and sensitive words from a source, mentioning the broken father-daughter relationship¡ªall of which had not escaped her attention.


    She wasn¡¯t excited, nor thrilled, because she knew that Qin Haiming wouldn¡¯t just abandon Qin Mingzhu like that. There was still much to do; this was merely a beginning.


    The girl who had dared to insult her mother was destined to fall into destitution and helplessness.


    Mu Yichen came out from his shower, dressed in high-quality dark pajamas, and sat down beside her, casually placing his arm behind her, and softly asked, "You don¡¯t like the effect the news has had?"


    "Not at all! I¡¯m just thinking about the next move for Qin Mingzhu and Zhang Rujia. Zhang Rujia will certainly help Qin Mingzhu find a place to live, right? I have to do something to ensure they don¡¯t have it too easy," she said, turning to look at him.


    Mu Yichen nodded, "Mm! I¡¯ll help you keep an eye on them."


    "Great!"


    Qin Mu smiled and leaned into his embrace, "Qin Mingzhu and Zhang Rujia must be hating me to death by now!"


    "Mm! So, will you continue?"


    Mu Yichen asked her with a flutter of his long lashes and a seductive tone.


    Outside, the sunlight was faint, and Qin Mu leaned into his shoulder, her gaze ruthless.


    "To weed without removing the roots is to leave troubles for oneself."

 Chapter 403 - 120 Suddenly Miss You_1

    Chapter 403: 120 Suddenly Miss You_1


    On the eighth day of the month, Mu Yichen received a call from the hospital. By the time he and Qin Mu rushed to the hospital, Jiang Yan was already lying in the most hidden ward.


    As soon as he finished dealing with matters regarding the Jiang Family, Jiang Yan rushed out to find Mu Qingxin, only to realize there were remnants still at large. It was in Rongcheng that he discovered he was being tracked. Afterwards, the two fought a fierce battle resulting in one dead and one injured.


    Luckily, he was the injured party!


    "Is Qingxin doing okay?"


    Jiang Yan had just undergone surgery and, while lying on the hospital bed with lips so dry they were cracking, his mind was still solely concerned about one woman.


    "She¡¯s fine, but you..."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes fell, looking towards his bandaged chest, hesitant to speak.


    "Wait until I¡¯m a little better before letting her see me. Keep it from her for now,"


    Jiang Yan said to Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say anything. He just glanced at Qin Mu, who would surely keep the secret. He spoke softly, "She¡¯s been quite worried about you lately. You should at least send her a message."


    Jiang Yan lifted his eyelids, glancing at the black mobile phone on the side table: "Could you help me send her a message?"


    ¡ª¡ª


    After leaving the hospital, Qin Mu and Mu Yichen were still somewhat concerned: Should someone be arranged to protect him?


    "His people should be arriving any moment¡ª Look, they¡¯re already here!"


    Before the two could even get in the car, they saw three shiny black luxury cars drive up from the opposite side of the street.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t recognize those people, but Mu Yichen did, so he opened the car door: "Let¡¯s go!"


    After a moment¡¯s thought, Qin Mu said to him, "You go ahead. I need to talk to Xiaohao about something."


    "Then get back early, and give me a call if there¡¯s any issue."


    Mu Yichen closed the passenger door, walked around to the driver¡¯s side, and drove off.


    Qin Mu re-entered the hospital and headed straight for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.


    Helian Hao, having nothing to do at home, came to the hospital early for his shift. He was somewhat surprised to see Qin Mu: "Come in! I was just about to ask you out for lunch."


    "No need for tea; I¡¯ve come today because there¡¯s something I need to ask of you,"


    Qin Mu walked over, pulled up a chair, and sat down opposite Helian Hao.


    With his hands tucked into his lab coat pockets, Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but wonder as he observed Qin Mu¡¯s serious demeanor, "You need a medical check-up?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu affirmed.


    Helian Hao knew about Qin Mu¡¯s situation and was the one who reminded her to get a check-up. Therefore, he promptly wrote up an order for her tests.


    Many of the test results came back within minutes. One of the tests wouldn¡¯t have results until after three in the afternoon. By noon, the two of them went together to a buffet restaurant nearby the hospital.


    As Mu Yichen¡¯s call came through to Qin Mu¡¯s phone, Helian Hao was speaking, "Could it be that Young Master Yichen has some health issues?"


    Qin Mu hurriedly gestured for silence, then answered the call, while Helian Hao quickly sipped his soup to shut himself up.


    "Having lunch with Helian Hao?"


    Mu Yichen had taken a moment out of his social engagements to phone her.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu and Helian Hao exchanged glances and softly affirmed.


    "They haven¡¯t been talking smack about me, have they?"


    "Why would we do that? Aren¡¯t you busy with your engagements?"


    "I suddenly miss you a lot!"


    Qin Mu...


    Being confessed to so unexpectedly was quite exhilarating. Qin Mu blushed and lowered her eyes, softly clearing her throat, "Xiaohao¡¯s right next to me."


    "So what? Do I need her permission to miss you now?"


    Mu Yichen stubbornly retorted.


    Qin Mu laughed helplessly, "Let¡¯s talk more when I get back later. I¡¯m having lunch with Xiaohao, okay?"


    Mu Yichen hung up reluctantly, thinking to himself that this woman dared to hold his call hostage for a lunch date with her friend. He plotted how he would handle her when he got back in the evening.


    Meanwhile, as soon as Qin Mu hung up the phone, she faced Helian Hao¡¯s questioning: "Ah, that¡¯s so cheesy, I¡¯m almost losing my appetite here. Weren¡¯t you scared to love? Weren¡¯t you afraid of marriage?"


    "I still feel the same way, but since he¡¯s come knocking at my door, and I don¡¯t dislike him, why turn him away?"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyebrows at her friend, her sparkling eyes seemingly spelling out the words ¡¯why not if it¡¯s free.¡¯


    Helian Hao sighed helplessly. She had long seen through Qin Mu, knowing she couldn¡¯t let go of Mu Yichen. Now that she proactive in getting a health check-up to have his child, if Qin Mu claimed she didn¡¯t love Mu Yichen, that would be too pretentious.


    However, these days, Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t spoken to her about love or asked her whether she loved him or anything like that.


    "By the way, did your father really disown Qin Mingzhu?"


    Helian Hao suddenly asked with curiosity.


    "It seems so!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyebrows twitched slightly, the lively look on her face fading all of a sudden.


    "Sigh. Qin Mingzhu really went too far, daring to commit such acts, not fearing retribution from the heavens. But don¡¯t be complacent; even if your father really drove her out and disowned her, as long as Zhang Rujia is still with the Qin Family, Qin Mingzhu will likely return sooner or later."

 Chapter 404 - 120 Suddenly Miss You_2

    Chapter 404: 120 Suddenly Miss You_2


    Helian Hao reminded her.


    "Yeah! That¡¯s what I think too."


    Qin Mu nodded thoughtfully.


    "Do you already have an idea?"


    Helian Hao asked Qin Mu one more question, unable to restrain herself because of Qin Mu¡¯s low-profile behavior, always feeling that this time Qin Mu was truly angered, otherwise she wouldn¡¯t have forced her father to kick Qin Mingzhu out of the Qin Family.


    "Sort of! Since they can¡¯t even tolerate a dead person, why should I be reserved?"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes, her sharp gaze meeting Helian Hao¡¯s.


    "Exactly, how much have you suffered this past year? They didn¡¯t restrain themselves but became even more excessive, so they deserved this end."


    Helian Hao muttered.


    "Let me tell you another piece of news!"


    "Oh?"


    "I¡¯ve rented the counter across from Zhang Rujia at a high price."


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes flickered as she spoke again, with a slight mischievous smile on her face.


    "Oh? What location?"


    "The same mall we went to last time."


    Helian Hao...


    Remembering how Qin Mu was nearly assaulted in that mall¡¯s restroom, she instantly understood why Qin Mu wanted to start there, yet was still startled by Qin Mu¡¯s move: You only make a move when it¡¯s impressive.


    "Since they won¡¯t let me off whether I act or not, why shouldn¡¯t I do something?"


    Qin Mu said!


    Renting a counter in that mall for a year would cost two million, and Zhang Rujia probably had to spend another one to one hundred and eighty thousand on stock. It¡¯s said that their profits in the past two years have been fairly stable, but still...


    "I support what you¡¯re doing, what¡¯s the name of the counter?"


    Helian Hao asked curiously.


    "JY!"


    Qin Mu softly uttered the two letters.


    Helian Hao...


    "Didn¡¯t Jian Yan tell you to be independent? Are you still going to use his name?"


    "Just for a few years for now, we¡¯ll talk about the rest later."


    It was Jian Yan that gave her all this, she couldn¡¯t split up with Jian Yan the moment she returned to the city.


    "Does Yichen know?"


    Helian Hao asked her.


    "I¡¯ve talked to him about it."


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t been able to bring herself to tell Mu Yichen about the tombstone matter, but otherwise, there wasn¡¯t anything she kept from him.


    "That¡¯s good! If Yichen found out you¡¯re doing things behind his back, he would probably be half dead with anger."


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but laugh, finding it amusing to think of the times Mu Yichen had gotten as angry as an immature boy because of Qin Mu.


    After the meal, Qin Mu took a taxi directly to AM. She intended to rest in Mu Yichen¡¯s office while waiting for him, but upon entering the hotel, she bumped into Wen Runuan who was about to leave, so the two women went upstairs together.


    Since they had already eaten lunch, they headed straight for the tea restaurant,


    It was a very elegant tea restaurant, only apart from the two of them there were no other customers.


    Mu Yichen, knowing they were going for tea, ordered the tea restaurant not to welcome any other guests temporarily, allowing the two of them to chat freely.


    Although they frequently texted each other recently, it had been a long time since they met face to face. Wen Runuan couldn¡¯t help saying: You seem to have gained some weight recently.


    Qin Mu involuntarily touched her own cheek: Really? Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯ve been eating too well lately.


    Thinking of her recent life in the Mu Family, especially since the old man returned, Feng Fanghua hadn¡¯t had the time to criticize her, and the Mu Family¡¯s meals had also improved a lot, so...


    She had gained weight!


    "I heard that Qin Mingzhu went to our company to look for Jing Qing yesterday, it seems like she plans to leverage Jing Qing to break into the entertainment industry, do you know about this?"


    After chatting for a while, Wen Runuan asked Qin Mu.


    "I do know she¡¯s been to your company."


    Qin Mu replied softly, as Mu Yichen recently had people keeping an eye on Qin Mingzhu, meaning Qin Mingzhu¡¯s every move was under surveillance.


    "It seems Jing Qing agreed to give her a minor role. Knowing Jing Qing¡¯s character, would she let a girl younger than her play an important role? I don¡¯t understand why Qin Mingzhu trusts Jing Qing so much."


    "But in the entertainment circle, the only person Qin Mingzhu is a bit close to is Jing Qing."


    Qin Mu responded after hearing that.


    "Their so-called closeness!"


    Wen Runuan shook her head helplessly.


    Qin Mu also chuckled lightly, warning herself: Their closeness may not be deep, but I still can¡¯t underestimate them.


    "Your father chose you over Qin Mingzhu."


    Wen Runuan guessed again.


    "Not really, it¡¯s just that now he has no other choice but to do so."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Unless we make it so that she truly has no qualifications to return to the Qin Family."


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes flickered.


    "Do you need help?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile: "No, thanks!"


    With Qin Mingzhu¡¯s acting skills, heading into the entertainment industry might just be setting herself up for failure, so Qin Mu wasn¡¯t worried about Qin Mingzhu being successful. She was just concerned that Qin Mingzhu might collude with Jing Qing to target her again.

 Chapter 405 - 120 Suddenly Miss You_3

    Chapter 405: 120 Suddenly Miss You_3


    The open struggles are manageable, but the secret battles are genuinely impossible to guard against.


    Later, after Mu Yichen finished socializing and came down from upstairs to look for them, Wen Runuan stood up to take her leave, "Thank you for the afternoon tea, Yichen. I¡¯ll be taking my leave now."


    Mu Yichen smiled slightly as he watched her leave, then sat down next to Qin Mu, "How did the check-up go?"


    Qin Mu thought he didn¡¯t care, but it turned out he did.


    "All the tests that came back so far show no problems, there¡¯s one more that won¡¯t be ready until after three in the afternoon."


    Qin Mu said, glancing at her watch, there was still an hour to go.


    "Go upstairs to rest for a bit?"


    He asked her in a low voice.


    "Aren¡¯t we going home?"


    "There are too many people at home, let¡¯s go!"


    Mu Yichen said as he stood up, pulling her along with him.


    Qin Mu followed him out of the teahouse, Mu Yichen carrying her bag in one hand and wrapping his other arm around her, looking rather content.


    Once they entered the guest room, Mu Yichen closed the door and immediately hoisted her onto his shoulder, causing Qin Mu to quickly grab onto his suit in panic, "What are you doing?"


    "Going to the room to sleep!"


    "Put me down, I can walk by myself!"


    "From now on, you no longer need to walk by yourself."


    Mu Yichen deliberately pushed her up a bit, making the bumpy ride on his shoulder far from comfortable.


    "What did you talk about with Wen Runuan?"


    He asked casually.


    "She said that President Zhang has already registered their marriage secretly."


    "Oh?"


    Mu Yichen looked at her with a raised eyebrow, seeming skeptical of her words.


    "See, it¡¯s not just us with a hidden marriage, many couples are part of the hidden marriage group," Qin Mu said.


    "Someone invited your husband to be a judge on a talent show, you understand?"


    His dark pupils narrowed as he looked at the collar of her shirt and asked.


    How could Qin Mu not understand? It was all about the unspoken rules!


    "So, will you have a favorite girl?"


    "I will!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why, but the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end when she heard his words, and she looked at him with dissatisfaction in her eyes.


    "So why are you angry, huh?"


    "If you dare to be some damn judge, I¡¯ll dare to enter the entertainment industry."


    Qin Mu jutted her chin up, stubbornly arguing with him, unable to tell whether she was pinched or just angry.


    "Enter the entertainment industry? Is your skin itching again?"


    "I¡¯m not itching, but if you go and be a judge, then I¡¯ll act."


    Qin Mu continued to be childishly stubborn with him.


    "I¡¯ll only be a judge for you!"


    He suddenly murmured to her.


    "Am I qualified?"


    Qin Mu asked, gazing down at him like a queen high above the world.


    Mu Yichen chuckled softly, "Whether you¡¯re qualified or not, we¡¯ll see after your performance."


    When her phone rang, Qin Mu picked it up to answer the call.


    It was Helian Hao!


    Qin Mu listened to the somewhat serious voice on the other end of the phone and couldn¡¯t help but frown.


    After hanging up, Mu Yichen asked in a low voice, "What did Helian Hao say?"


    "She said I took birth control pills!"


    Even Qin Mu found it incredible as she spoke.


    "You took birth control pills?"


    Mu Yichen asked, frowning.


    Just a moment ago, the two were intensely engaged, but now all actions suddenly stopped.


    "I didn¡¯t! Ever since we planned to have children, I¡¯ve only taken Chinese medicine. When did I take birth control pills?"


    Qin Mu explained, truly confused. Apart from when she had just returned to the country, when he hadn¡¯t used protection, and she hadn¡¯t yet decided to have children with him, so she went to buy birth control pills, she hadn¡¯t taken any after they decided to have kids.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s expression shifted slightly as he realized there might be more to the story, so he quickly wrapped up their passionate encounter and took a shower.


    Qin Mu randomly picked out a black spaghetti-strap nightgown to put on, then sat on the bed, zoning out, which was actually her deep in thought.


    Where did things go wrong?


    It didn¡¯t seem like there were any birth control pills left at home, so it couldn¡¯t be a mix-up.


    Her heart felt as if someone was banging a drum, with a great force, at that.


    But Qin Mu didn¡¯t have the chance to appreciate his good looks; she only feared he wouldn¡¯t trust her.


    "Mu Yichen, you have to trust me, I really didn¡¯t take any birth control pills!"


    Qin Mu sat cross-legged on the bed, looking at his indifferent expression as he lit a cigarette, nervously explaining again, afraid he wouldn¡¯t trust her.

 Chapter 406 - 121 Deep-rooted_1

    Chapter 406: 121 Deep-rooted_1


    "After that, you only drank herbal medicine, right? Who knows that you¡¯ve been drinking it?"


    Mu Yichen took a drag from his cigarette, his piercing dark eyes casually inquiring.


    "Xiaohao? No one else."


    Qin Mu thought carefully, the people who knew she was taking herbal medicine weren¡¯t many, and they were friends or colleagues from the studio¡ªwho would harm her?


    And then, there¡¯s the matter of contraception...


    How could she naively think that she had to consume an entire pill for it to count as taking contraceptive?


    It could easily be sprinkled into other foods, or even...


    "We need to figure out at which point things went wrong and investigate step by step."


    Mu Yichen took another drag from his cigarette and gestured to the woman sitting cross-legged opposite him to come closer.


    "What¡¯s up?"


    "Don¡¯t be so nervous, come here!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s wicked gaze fixed on her, and he chuckled mischievously before pulling her back into his embrace.


    "Someone doesn¡¯t want us to have a child, but we will just have to have one to spite them."


    He extinguished his cigarette in a white ashtray on the nightstand, then pinned her down again. Those who wanted them unhappy, he was determined to show them his happiness.


    Qin Mu just quietly watched him, then raised her hand to cup his face: "Can we keep this between us and not tell my parents for now?"


    Qin Mu discussed with him a bit apprehensively.


    "They need to know about this! In fact, everyone in the family should know."


    Qin Mu...


    "Maybe it¡¯s in the food, or perhaps in the herbal medicine... I must go to that hospital today."


    "The one dispensing the medicine?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu did suspect that there was something amiss with the herbal medicine, so she didn¡¯t stop him.


    Later, he dropped Qin Mu off at her home and went to the private hospital by himself since the doctor had been waiting for him all along after his phone call.


    On the way back, Mu Yichen had already informed Feng Fanghua about the contraceptive drugs in Qin Mu¡¯s system, which led to an interrogation of all possible suspects around her after she got home. Feng Fanghua later sighed: "The servants in the house have been with us for so many years; naturally, it couldn¡¯t be any of them."


    With everyone seated on the sofa, Feng Fanghua suddenly thought of two people, but the thought immediately turned her pale.


    "Do you remember when the Jing Family patriarch and Jing Qing visited us once? At that time, you were drinking your herbal medicine, so I mentioned it in passing..."


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t continue, finding it increasingly unbelievable.


    No matter how ruthless the Jing Family patriarch was, it was inconceivable for him to stoop so low as to do such a despicable thing to Qin Mu. The more Feng Fanghua thought about it, the more it seemed wrong, and she shook her head repeatedly: "It definitely wasn¡¯t the Jing Family patriarch."


    Mu Zihao and his father were also incredulous before turning to Feng Fanghua: "You can¡¯t just say things like this without proof."


    "Exactly, from what I know of Old Jing, his methods may be harsh at times, but he wouldn¡¯t be so underhanded," said the grandfather.


    "Grandfather, there¡¯s an old saying ¡¯knowing a person by their face, but not their heart¡¯. Stop defending your old friend," Mu Qingxin interjected.


    Because of Jiang Yan¡¯s elders, who were not good people, Mu Qingxin genuinely had no good feelings for some of the older generation, not to mention how well Jing Qing could pretend¡ªMu Qingxin had long felt something was off about that woman.


    "Let¡¯s keep this matter to ourselves for now and wait for Yichen¡¯s findings."


    Mu Zihao suggested.


    Qin Mu naturally wouldn¡¯t speak rashly; she wouldn¡¯t wrongly accuse anyone. In fact, she didn¡¯t suspect the grandfather, but Jing Qing came to mind.


    Given the things Jing Qing had done to her recently, perhaps Jing Qing really might have...


    But what exactly had Jing Qing done?


    Could it be the second batch of herbal medicine she collected?


    "Mom, do we still have some of the herbal medicine I was taking last time?"


    Qin Mu wondered aloud and looked keenly toward the woman sitting across from her.


    "Herbal medicine? Wang Sister, Wang Sister?"


    Feng Fanghua wasn¡¯t sure either, so she immediately called to the person preparing dinner in the kitchen.


    "Coming, coming! Madam!"


    Wang Sister hurried out, wiping her hands: "Madam, you were looking for me!"


    "Do we have any leftover herbal medicine for the young mistress?"


    "There might be some dregs left, but probably not enough to make a complete batch. Should I brew some for the young mistress?"


    Recalling she had collected the dregs from several medicine pouches together a while ago, Wang Sister meant to dispose of them, but ended up forgetting after placing them in a cabinet.


    "Brew what? Find all of it!"


    Feng Fanghua listened, grew furious, and commanded after asking in irritation.


    Seeing everyone¡¯s concern, Wang Sister nodded and quickly went to search for the medicine pouches.

 Chapter 407 - 121 Deep-rooted_2

    Chapter 407: 121 Deep-rooted_2


    Mu Qingxin watched her mother getting so angry and couldn¡¯t help but go over to comfort her, "Don¡¯t be so upset, this has nothing to do with you."


    "How can it not be related? She was at home when she took the medicine."


    Feng Fanghua said, her eyes suddenly misting over.


    Actually, she was the person least willing to believe there was a problem with that herbal medicine, because she watched Qin Mu take her medicine every night and insisted she drink it all up.


    "This matter has nothing to do with anyone in the family. Even if there was something wrong with the Chinese medicine, the medicine came from the pharmacy. The person who tampered with it and added contraceptives is the real culprit."


    Qin Mu had no choice but to speak up, calmly analyzing the situation for her.


    "I found the medicine."


    The auntie came out with the medicine, the bag only containing some bits and pieces. Qin Mu looked at it and then handed it over to Feng Fanghua, "Mom, can you take this medicine to Director Yang and ask him to test it directly? If he orders it, the hospital should give us an answer as soon as possible."


    Qin Mu, worried Feng Fanghua felt too upset, found her something to do.


    Feng Fanghua immediately grabbed the medicine and stood up: I¡¯m going to find Old Yang right now.


    It was almost dinner time. Mu Zihao gave Qin Mu a covert thumbs-up, then pretended to remind her, "It¡¯s almost time for dinner!"


    "I can¡¯t eat until this is resolved!"


    Feng Fanghua said as she walked out, and Mu Zihao got up from the sofa, "Then I¡¯ll go with you."


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but sigh, "My dad sure knows how to pretend!"


    "Hmph! When your dad was young, he was famously crazy about pampering his wife. Does your husband spoil you like that?"


    The old master asked his granddaughter.


    Suddenly reminded of Jiang Yan¡¯s matter, and seeing Mu Qingxin blush when asked that question, Qin Mu said, "Of course, he sent me a message this morning saying he would come to see me in the next two days."


    Qin Mu bowed her head, trying to stay silent, thinking to herself that Miss Mu didn¡¯t know the message was actually sent by me, did she?


    Later, when Mu Yichen returned home, Mu Qingxin recounted the family¡¯s situation to him, and he shook his head: It¡¯s not the Jing Family patriarch, nor Jing Qing.


    "Then who is it?"


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but ask curiously.


    "It¡¯s Zhang Rujia and Qin Mingzhu."


    Qin Mu had just finished bathing Huanhuan and putting her to bed, when she came downstairs and heard that distinct remark in the living room.


    Zhang Rujia and Qin Mingzhu?


    Yes, remember how Qin Haiming used to visit our house often during that period?


    And no one suspected him!


    Qin Mu just stood there at the top of the stairs, frozen, until Mu Qingxin accidentally looked up and saw her, calling out, "Qin Mu, what are you daydreaming about?"


    Qin Mu snapped back to reality and then walked downstairs.


    It was almost ten o¡¯clock, and Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao hadn¡¯t returned yet.


    Mu Yichen saw her somewhat dazed look and pulled her to sit next to him, "What are you thinking about?"


    "It¡¯s Qin Haiming. He used to come to our house often. He must have been the one who informed them, mother and daughter."


    Qin Mu was almost certain.


    "The reason?"


    Mu Yichen asked.


    "Reason? Any reason will do!"


    Qin Mu felt her heart was almost dead. How many more things did that man need to do to disappoint her?


    She didn¡¯t want to acknowledge him, but she carried his blood in her veins.


    She claimed she didn¡¯t yearn for it, wished she would never have to see him again, but...


    They were ultimately father and daughter!


    He was the only man who had ever given her a father¡¯s love. He was the happiest part of her childhood.


    But...


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to think any further. She had just sat down for a moment when she couldn¡¯t hold back her tears and started running upstairs.


    "Bro, Qin Mu won¡¯t be in trouble, right?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say a word, just sat on the sofa, his eyes downcast.


    "Sigh! This father and daughter might really be cursed."


    The old master shook his head and stood up to leave.


    Mu Qingxin looked at Mu Yichen worriedly, "Should I go up and comfort her?"


    "Don¡¯t interfere!"


    Mu Yichen warned in a low voice.


    Mu Qingxin...


    After Mu Yichen finished speaking and thought about it, he got up and climbed the stairs. At that moment, probably no one but him could soothe her.


    Watching her brother¡¯s retreating back as he went upstairs left Mu Qingxin in a somewhat melancholic mood. She had never tasted the feeling of being betrayed by her dearest father, but she had seen it. She had witnessed Jiang Yan struggling in a sea of pain, she had seen the fierce gaze in his eyes filled with hot tears after he drank heavily. He said he wanted that man to pay, and yet his eyes were full of unbearable pain.


    If a man could feel like that, why should a young girl suffer so?


    After returning to her room, Qin Mu wiped away the tears that had escaped her control for a moment, and then stubbornly refused to let another tear fall.

 Chapter 408 - 121 Deep-rooted_3

    Chapter 408: 121 Deep-rooted_3


    Qin Haiming trusted that mother and daughter too much. No matter the reason he had shared with them, she would not forgive him. He caused the death of her mother, and now he wanted to prevent her from having children. For her whole life, this grudge was firmly rooted and deep-seeded.


    "I don¡¯t think this has anything to do with Qin Haiming, Mumu. Your dad wouldn¡¯t wish to harm you to the point you can¡¯t have children."


    After Mu Yichen returned to the room and saw her standing at the window, hugging herself in solitude, he walked up behind her and gently grasped her shoulders to remind her.


    "He¡¯s not my dad! No matter the reason, as long as it was him who told Zhang Rujia, I will not forgive him."


    Qin Mu stubbornly spoke, her voice unintentionally trembling towards the end.


    "Fine! Let¡¯s not think about it too much, okay?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t care to think about him, but her hatred towards that mother and daughter grew increasingly intense, especially since they even refused to let her have children.


    The next day, Qin Mu went to the Qin Family¡¯s house again, and she threw the photos that Mu Yichen¡¯s people had taken of the mother and daughter duo out together, tightly-knit, on his desk.


    The study, which had been deathly silent, was stirred by the sound.


    Qin Haiming frowned as he looked at the photos on the desk. He knew Zhang Rujia would quietly help Qin Mingzhu, but he didn¡¯t expect Qin Mu to have them tracked.


    "Is this the relationship cutoff you promised me?"


    Qin Mu looked at him with a questioning gaze.


    "Mumu..."


    "There¡¯s one more thing I want you to clarify for me, very clearly."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t wait for him to finish; she didn¡¯t want to listen to his bureaucratic talk.


    "You say it."


    Qin Haiming was eager to push the matter aside and couldn¡¯t wait to hear the next thing from Qin Mu.


    "Did you tell Zhang Rujia and Qin Mingzhu about my taking Chinese medicine?"


    When Qin Mu asked him, her eyes were devoid of warmth, filled only with loathing.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    "Just answer me!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to waste words with him. She just wanted to hear his answer ¡ª a yes or no!


    She discovered how pitiful her own heart was, still hoping there was that slight bit of privacy between her and this man.


    She wished his love for her was genuine, harboring such an unrealistic thought.


    "I said it!"


    Qin Haiming admitted frankly.


    Qin Mu gasped, her eyes filling with tears and sarcasm afterwards.


    She laughed, but it was a laugh of ridicule.


    Ridiculing her own naivety, ridiculing her own stupidity.


    "Your beloved wife and your dearest treasure, they went to the hospital¡¯s herbal pharmacy to find someone to tamper with my Chinese medicine, mixing in birth control drugs that will prevent me from having more children."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but tremble as she took out that set of documents from her bag. After throwing them onto the table, she looked at him in despair, "I truly wish I were not your biological daughter. Perhaps if my mother had loved another man, I wouldn¡¯t hate you so much right now, hate every drop of blood in my veins."


    Having said that, she turned around and walked out; she didn¡¯t want to take another look at this man.


    After she left, the study was once again plunged into complete silence.


    Qin Haiming picked up the documents and opened them. Although the photo was blurry, it was indeed his wife and daughter, a woman wearing a white coat, and the blood test report for Qin Mu. Coincidentally, he recognized both the words and the names on it.


    How could Qin Haiming have dared to imagine that his own wife would do such a cruel thing?


    Since Qin Mu¡¯s return, Zhang Rujia had been acting a bit abnormal, and her actions somewhat unreliable. But lately, Zhang Rujia had improved a lot, seemingly returning to the understanding and good wife and mother of the past. But today...


    His eyes struggled to focus on the words before him, and he didn¡¯t understand. Was the woman he had taken back against his conscience really such a cruel person?


    He refused to believe it.


    Meanwhile, Zhang Rujia was still checking the accounts in the store. The accounts from the past few days were in complete disarray; it truly was a deficit.


    And then there was the counter of JY.


    Zhang Rujia suddenly felt the initials JY seemed familiar. After thinking carefully, she immediately grabbed her bag and left the mall.


    When she got home, sure enough, Qin Haiming was still there, still in the study as he had been when she left that morning.


    "Husband, I know who owns the counter that has been competing with me. It¡¯s Qin Mu, your precious daughter," she burst into the room excitedly, closed the door behind her, and came to his side. But no matter what she said or how agitated she was, the man sitting at the desk did not respond with even a single word.


    "Husband, did you hear what I said?" she asked again, then cast her eyes down to the table...


    Qin Haiming¡¯s lips moved slightly as if he wanted to speak, but in the end, he said nothing.


    Precious daughter?


    Honestly, for the peace of this family, he had not hesitated to send Qin Mu to Paris.


    How many years had it been since he last treasured Qin Mu? He was very clear about it in his heart.


    "Husband, where did all these come from?"


    Zhang Rujia picked up the photos on the desk, looking at one after the other: the pictures of her giving money to Qin Mingzhu, taking her to the outside mansion, and the two of them shopping. She suddenly stuttered.


    "I can let bygones be bygones with all this!"


    Qin Haiming¡¯s deep voice said a few words.


    Zhang Rujia looked up at him excitedly, on the verge of laughter, but seeing his expression, she ultimately didn¡¯t dare to let it out. Instead, she circled to his side, knelt at his knees, and grasped his hands with force, "Husband, she is our only daughter after all. We can just put on a show for outsiders, let her suffer a bit outside and then let her come back, okay?"


    Qin Haiming looked down at her seemingly reasonable demeanor and immediately withdrew his hand from her grasp, frowning at her, "Her come back? You might as well move out and live with her."


    Qin Haiming¡¯s voice was tired and merciless.


    Zhang Rujia suddenly opened her mouth but couldn¡¯t speak, just looking at him in astonishment, suddenly not understanding.


    "Or perhaps you¡¯d like to take a look at another set of documents!"


    Qin Haiming asked in a low voice. Then he took out the documents he had just placed in the drawer again; he had thought to discuss them with her in the evening, but she had returned so quickly.

 Chapter 409: Karma arrives_1

    Chapter 409: Karma arrives_1


    The materials were thrown on the ground.


    Qin Haiming stood by the window, his back to her.


    Zhang Rujia looked down at the material bag on the ground, then picked it up and slowly opened it.


    She couldn¡¯t think of anything else that Qin Haiming might have suddenly discovered, she dared not think about it, unwilling to even consider it.


    She did not even want to open the heavy bag, although her fingers felt as if there were only a few sheets of paper inside.


    Zhang Rujia could even hear the sound of her own breathing as she reluctantly opened the bag and was startled by the contents.


    Had it not been for this material, she would have even forgotten about the incident.


    She suddenly sat on the floor, her mind blank until she remembered the day she went with Qin Mingzhu to that private hospital to find the girl who dispensed herbs and bribed her with some money.


    She suddenly remembered her own voice, telling the girl, "Just put the medicine in, no one will notice, not a soul, and you could make a large sum of money. Why wouldn¡¯t you do it?"


    "Let¡¯s get a divorce!"


    He said!


    Zhang Rujia was so frightened by those words that she didn¡¯t dare to make a sound; she just turned her head to look at his back.


    She couldn¡¯t even see his face now and had no idea what expression he wore; she shook her head vigorously, biting her lips that were painted with a men-slaying color.


    "How could you, Qin Haiming¡¯s wife, be so ruthless? Yet minute by minute you play the role of a virtuous wife and loving mother in front of me, telling me you would treat Qin Mu as your own daughter,¡ªlet¡¯s divorce."


    Qin Haiming gazed outside with an indifferent look; the only thing he could think of at that moment was his ex-wife, who used to speak to him in gentle tones. She had died because of a major accident caused by his drunkenness.


    He had never dared to get drunk again in all these years, fearing another such incident.


    That night from over twenty years ago, he had long since forgotten.


    All he remembered was someone telling him that Mumu¡¯s mother had died!


    After that, Zhang Rujia said that Qin Mu seemed to dislike her and feared Qin Mu would become introverted if she stayed at home, so she sent her to the open-minded West as he thought perhaps such a family environment was indeed not suitable for Qin Mu, and so he sent Qin Mu away.


    On that day, the words Qin Mu blurted out in anger, she said she was nearly sold, she said she nearly died...


    He had always known he had been an incompetent father these years, but he had never realized he was this foolish.


    Foolish enough to let his stepwife hurt his most guilt-ridden daughter so badly.


    He loved Qin Mu dearly, and she had always been the apple of his eye over the years.


    But then...


    Outsiders all said he doted on Qin Mingzhu the most, but in truth, besides Qin Mu, he had never cared for another child as much. That kind of genuine affection seemed only possible for the first child, or perhaps his heart had been resistant all along.


    "Rujia, I have already forgotten that night from more than twenty years ago!"


    He said softly, without any anger.


    But his words made Zhang Rujia eyes turn red.


    "I should not have been promiscuous that night after drinking, I certainly shouldn¡¯t have neglected Mumu¡¯s mother to go to work during that time, I shouldn¡¯t have started a family with you later, sending Mumu off to Paris for over a decade without a word. I am simply a failed man."


    Qin Haiming thought of the harsh words Qin Mu had said to him; he had felt Qin Mu was selfish at that time, but now he realized the most selfish person was actually himself.


    "Husband!"


    Zhang Rujia called out to him, distressed, shaking her head incessantly.


    Qin Haiming turned his head to look at her: Leave this home, go live well with Mingzhu, or find another man.


    "I won¡¯t! Your status doesn¡¯t allow a divorce."


    "I don¡¯t value everything as I did before!"


    Qin Haiming said.


    Zhang Rujia looked at him in disbelief; she knew better than anyone how much Qin Haiming valued his own reputation over the years, and yet today, he spoke these words. He really intended to discard her.


    Zhang Rujia had anticipated this day might come, but she never thought it would come so soon. Her own daughter had just been disowned and thrown out not many days ago, and now it seemed she was about to be kicked out as well.


    "I can move out, it can be good for you to calm down, I¡¯ll go pack my things right now."


    "Rujia!"


    Qin Haiming turned and called out to the woman who had gotten up from the ground and was running out.


    "We¡¯re done!"


    "I won¡¯t! Till death do us part, where is the love of days past? How can you be so heartless? Even if I bribed that girl to add contraceptive drugs to Qin Mu¡¯s herbal medicine, so what? It¡¯s not like she can¡¯t get pregnant again in the future. Besides, she made you distant and cold towards me, why should I let her live the comfortable life of a young madam in the Mu Family, why should I make it so easy for her to take you away from me? She doesn¡¯t deserve it, she doesn¡¯t!"

 Chapter 410: Karma arrives_2

    Chapter 410: Karma arrives_2


    "Get out!"


    Upon hearing this, Qin Haiming couldn¡¯t help but tremble as he raised his hand to demand her to leave.


    "Me, get out? Why should I get out? I¡¯ve stood by you for so many years, caring for you without daring to slack in the slightest. I¡¯ve always been diligent, keeping our home in perfect order. For you, I was content to stay low-key. For you, I spent my youth sneaking around in that dreary place. The one who should leave is your precious daughter, that wretched bastard borne of that whore!"


    "Slap!"


    "Ah!"


    "Get out! I never want to see you again!"


    After hitting her, Qin Haiming¡¯s hand trembled even more fiercely. Pointing to the door, he could no longer stand the sight of this woman who made his stomach turn.


    Zhang Rujia was slapped so hard she stumbled backward, fortunately steadying herself with a writing desk. She covered half her face and turned her head, but she didn¡¯t leave the house. Instead, she locked herself in a room.


    For over twenty years, she had never cried like this.


    The pain she felt today only intensified her hatred for Qin Mu.


    Meanwhile, Qin Haiming was sitting in his chair, incapable of calming down. He had not expected that Zhang Rujia would hate Qin Mu so much, that she would despise his now-deceased wife so thoroughly.


    In life, that woman had been like a flower untouched by worldly strife, but after her death...


    How could he let another woman shame her? The woman he had loved the most.


    Yes, he had loved before. Back when he was young, he had a warm home, a wife who loved him, and a daughter who loved him.


    That night, Zhang Rujia didn¡¯t leave, but Qin Haiming moved out of their residence.


    Qin Mu remained calm when she heard the news, for she knew this was not the end result.


    She wanted to see that mother and daughter destitute and helpless.


    Even if Zhang Rujia hadn¡¯t arranged for someone to tamper with her herbal medicine, Qin Mu had already stopped caring about letting them off. The incident only hastened her actions.


    When Jiang Yan was feeling a bit better, he visited the Mu Family again.


    At that time, Mu Qingxin was holding Huanhuan¡¯s hand, applying nail polish. While painting, she asked, "Doesn¡¯t it look pretty? Should we try another color? Hm?"


    Jiang Yan was brought to her house by Mu Yichen, but she hadn¡¯t been informed.


    She thought he was in another city.


    In the past few days, on the phone, he always said it was not convenient to meet. However, he had reassured her so well that Mu Qingxin didn¡¯t think too much of it until she sensed a familiar person approaching.


    It was Huanhuan who first looked up, staring with big, round eyes at the tall man in front of her.


    He smiled gently at her, his hand lightly touching Huanhuan¡¯s head.


    Blinking slowly, her hand, decorated with nail polish by her aunt, slipped away as Huanhuan ran toward the door where her father was beckoning to her.


    With no one else in the living room, Mu Yichen took his daughter to the yard.


    Now alone in the living room, Mu Qingxin gradually looked up, her gaze finally settling on him.


    He looked somewhat haggard, but he stood before her intact.


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t suppress the excitement in her heart. Knocking over the bottle of nail polish on the table, she stood up and hugged the man before her tightly.


    "Ayan! I¡¯ve missed you so much!"


    Unable to hold back, Mu Qingxin tightly wrapped her arms around his neck.


    "Me too!"


    Jiang Yan hugged her shoulders as well, his chin resting on her forehead, kissing her hair lightly.


    The elders who were about to come downstairs stopped in their tracks at the scene in the living room and quietly retreated.


    Reluctantly, Jiang Yan let go of her, examining her tear-streaked face closely. He lifted his hand to gently wipe away her tears while teasing her, "You look like a tearful little cat."


    "It¡¯s all because of you!"


    Her tears wouldn¡¯t stop; she playfully tapped his chest, acting spoiled.


    "Ah!"


    Jiang Yan immediately clutched his chest and stumbled backward, turning pale.


    "I forgot to tell you, he¡¯s just recovered from a gunshot wound."


    The man who had been at the doorway suddenly spoke up and then left again.


    Mu Qingxin, with her mouth hanging open, pulled her gaze back from the door and anxiously looked at Jiang Yan, "You said you were fine, didn¡¯t you?"


    "Do I look fine now?"


    He gently soothed his chest and then opened his arms wide, asking her.


    "You scared me to death, you know! Don¡¯t ever leave me again."


    Mu Qingxin started crying again and threw herself into his embrace.


    Jiang Yan felt a cold sweat breaking on his forehead from the pain, but once she settled down, the pain in the wound gradually faded, replaced by a warming sensation.


    "I thought I was going to lose you, Ayan. Never leave me again."

 Chapter 411: Karma arrives_3

    Chapter 411: Karma arrives_3


    Mu Qingxin murmured, nestled in his embrace, she was entirely like a spoiled little girl.


    Feng Fanghua was eavesdropping upstairs, furious that her beloved child, whom she had raised so painstakingly and cared for over so many years, now only had a man in her heart.


    Mu Zihao actually felt a bit bitter inside, but seeing his daughter act so coquettishly with that man, he could only let out a helpless sigh.


    Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Mu Yichen and Huanhuan were sitting and swinging on the swing when they saw a cute little car drive in.


    Huanhuan gripped the ropes with her hands, shouting happily towards the sunshine, "Mommy! I¡¯m here!"


    Qin Mu got out of the car, and upon seeing her playing with Mu Yichen, she walked over with joy.


    "You father and daughter seem very relaxed."


    Qin Mu asked from the side, her beautiful brows and eyes strong yet graceful.


    "We were waiting for you!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s peach blossom eyes told her.


    Qin Mu...


    "Yes! We were waiting for you!"


    Huanhuan sweetly mimicked her father¡¯s speech.


    The swing kept gently moving, Qin Mu hung her bag around her neck and proposed, "How about I push you two?"


    "Yes, yes!"


    Huanhuan immediately answered with excitement, almost clapping her hands.


    "No, please no..."


    Yichen suddenly became scared, but Qin Mu had already run to the back, counting, "One, two, three..."


    People in the living room were frightened and ran out, thinking something had happened, but...


    Qin Mu immediately lowered her head when she met Feng Fanghua¡¯s reprimanding gaze. Yet she couldn¡¯t contain her playful spirit in an instant.


    "What are you all standing here for? Aren¡¯t you cold?"


    Mu Yichen asked, then took Huanhuan and squeezed past the four people and went inside.


    Qin Mu, head lowered, followed immediately, squeezing through the gap.


    Huanhuan, happy, said, "Daddy, I still want to play!"


    "Next time you sit up there with your mom, and I¡¯ll push you!"


    Mu Yichen said with a smile, his dark eyes looking at Qin Mu as if chiding her playfulness.


    Qin Mu winked at him but didn¡¯t speak, for the elders were just behind, and she stood aside waiting for the elders to sit down first, nodding slightly to Jiang Yan as a form of greeting.


    "Everyone, take a seat! You two as well!"


    With his daughter and son seated and his granddaughter in arms, only the daughter-in-law and son-in-law remained standing, so Mu Zihao instructed, and the two went to sit by their significant others on the couch.


    "Is everything stable with your family now?"


    Mu Zihao, as Mu Qingxin¡¯s father, naturally cared most about his daughter¡¯s big life events.


    "Yes!"


    Jiang Yan replied earnestly, not daring to show any disrespect.


    "That¡¯s good to hear! Qingxin is about to give birth, you being there is best."


    Mu Zihao nodded.


    "Mm!"


    Jiang Yan quietly observed his in-laws, because Mu Qingxin had told him about her parents¡¯ temperament, so he was particularly attentive to Feng Fanghua¡¯s expression.


    Feng Fanghua hadn¡¯t been speaking but simply watched him, so as soon as he looked up, he immediately looked down again, not daring to meet her gaze. Feng Fanghua¡¯s eyes were really sharp!


    "Should we go back?"


    Unable to wait for her parents to ask, Mu Qingxin turned her head anxiously and asked him with eyes full of hope.


    Jiang Yan was startled and subconsciously looked at her parents, then smiled nervously, "I think we should stay here to have the baby before going back."


    Seeing the incredulous looks on Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua¡¯s faces, Jiang Yan had to say that.


    Upon hearing this, Mu Qingxin was not pleased, "Is it because the issues over there haven¡¯t been resolved? Can we still not make our affair public?"


    "No! It¡¯s just that my mother passed away early, and I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to take good care of you. Let¡¯s stay here and have our baby before we leave, okay?"


    As soon as Jiang Yan finished speaking, both Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao sighed with relief, but Mu Qingxin was somewhat displeased.


    "Oh!"


    That pitiable little look seemed as if she were eager to leave home early.


    "You ungrateful girl... I raised you for nothing!"


    Feng Fanghua endured and endured, originally wanting to establish some authority in front of her son-in-law, but seeing her daughter looking that way, she couldn¡¯t hold back and blurted out a scolding.


    Mu Qingxin lifted her eyes, glancing at her before snuggling up to Jiang Yan¡¯s shoulder, as if she now had someone to back her up, not afraid anymore.


    Qin Mu watched from the side but found it very amusing. Mu Qingxin was really cute, and Feng Fanghua as well, appearing strict but actually doting on her daughter immensely. Qin Mu couldn¡¯t relate to that feeling, but she still wanted to smile, feeling both envious and warmed by it.


    Jiang Yan, thinking that Feng Fanghua was about to hit Mu Qingxin, immediately raised his hand, then realizing he was too nervous, he let out an awkward laugh, "Mother-in-law, please don¡¯t be angry, it¡¯s just that we¡¯ve been through some things, and she¡¯s afraid of losing me."


    Qin Mu thought to herself that it would have been better if he hadn¡¯t said that, as it was intentionally making the old lady angrier.


    Sure enough, after hearing that, Feng Fanghua got so angry that she looked up at the ceiling and touched her chest forcefully, "Both of you just get far away from me."


    Finally taking a breath, she stood up and went back to her room.


    "That¡¯s just your mother-in-law¡¯s temper, please don¡¯t take it personally! She just can¡¯t bear to part with Qingxin getting married."


    Mu Zihao said after his wife had left.


    "I know! We¡¯ll come back to visit you often in the future!"


    Jiang Yan said, looking at the woman beside him.


    "Mm!"


    Mu Qingxin nodded in agreement immediately.


    Mu Zihao knew his daughter¡¯s heart was set on following this boy and that there was no way for them as parents to stop her now, so he smiled and said, "You young people have things to talk about, so chat among yourselves, I¡¯m going to see how my wife is."


    Jiang Yan also stood up nervously when he got up, but Mu Zihao gestured for him to sit and left by himself.


    Huanhuan followed Mu Zihao into the room to cajole Feng Fanghua and saw her crying, her eyes already red and swollen, whispering to Huanhuan, "Go give Grandma a kiss and tell her not to cry."


    "Mm!"


    Huanhuan obediently ran to Feng Fanghua¡¯s side. Feng Fanghua had deliberately turned her head away to keep Huanhuan from seeing her disheveled state, but she hadn¡¯t expected her granddaughter to tiptoe up to wipe her tears and say with genuine sincerity, "Grandma, don¡¯t cry, Huanhuan feels sad!"


    Hearing that, Feng Fanghua¡¯s tears fell immediately, but she wiped them away at once.


    Meanwhile, outside, it seemed even more silent without the elders.


    All four of them suddenly stopped talking, and Mu Yichen sat on a single sofa, staring as Mu Qingxin clung to Jiang Yan¡¯s arm without letting go, as if she were glued to him, his eyes starting to burn with fire.


    Qin Mu also kept watching, not speaking, but when she looked at her husband, she realized he seemed to be getting heated, so she had to say, "Mu Yichen, why don¡¯t you go upstairs for a bit?"

 Chapter 412 - 123 Treat it as a treasure_1

    Chapter 412: 123 Treat it as a treasure_1


    "I¡¯m not going!"


    Mu Yichen replied unhappily. Right now, in his eyes, there was no wife, only that sister who didn¡¯t care about the family. That little girl really was...


    "Mu Qingxin!"


    Mu Yichen called out with a frown.


    Startled by his sudden shout, Mu Qingxin immediately puffed up her cheeks and clung to Jiang Yan¡¯s arm forcefully: What¡¯s up?


    It was as if she was worried that her beloved man would be taken away. Mu Qingxin treasured him dearly.


    Qin Mu sighed helplessly upon seeing Mu Yichen¡¯s behavior, then stood up and walked over to him, kicking him in the calf: Get back to your room!


    Mu Yichen, pained, immediately changed his expression but then scampered up the stairs after Qin Mu.


    He suddenly realized that it had been a long time since his wife threw a tantrum, and this outburst made him a bit afraid to provoke her.


    When Qin Mu returned, she looked at him: "Mr. Mu, why did you come up as well? Weren¡¯t you downstairs keeping an eye on your little sister?"


    "Why are you calling me Mr. Mu again?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s calf still hurt, and hearing her call him Mr. Mu made him feel even worse.


    "Then what should I call you? Young Master Chen? Brother Chen?"


    Mu Yichen...


    "Brother Chen works! Baby, darling, whatever you like!"


    "Get out!"


    Mu Yichen suddenly smirked, trying to embrace her, but Qin Mu immediately turned around and kicked him again. As Mu Yichen dodged, he looked at her menacingly: Hey, that¡¯s going too far!


    "Too far? Do you want to see how much further I can go?"


    Qin Mu crossed her arms over her chest, lifted her foot, and chased after him trying to kick him again.


    Mu Yichen kept running until the end of the bed, where Qin Mu couldn¡¯t kick him but got suddenly embraced from behind and then pushed down onto the bed.


    "What are you freaking out about?"


    Mu Yichen asked while searching with his hands, not understanding.


    "I¡¯m freaking out? What¡¯s it to you when a young couple is being intimate?"


    "That brat comes here with plans to take Mu Qingxin away, and I can¡¯t interject?"


    Mu Yichen pushed the hair away from her neck, asked his question, and then bit her.


    Qin Mu frowned, unable to help herself: Ow!


    "Serves you right to feel pain!"


    Mr. Mu was merciless, and his hands were unforgiving.


    Soon, Qin Mu was too tired to struggle and resigned herself to lying on the bed: "What¡¯s the point of intervening now? Her belly is already so big. You knew all along that Mu Qingxin was with him, so why didn¡¯t you step in earlier?"


    "How was I to know they would end up making a baby!"


    Later on, Jiang Yan really kept a tight watch on Mu Qingxin. It was difficult for anyone to get close. To be honest, when a woman is pregnant, it¡¯s hard to tell under the cover of a coat, especially when one can¡¯t observe closely.


    "Then you might as well go down now and confront Jiang Yan!"


    "Even if you implore me now, I wouldn¡¯t go."


    Mu Yichen whispered into her ear as a reminder, and then nipped at her earlobe again.


    Qin Mu...


    "Baby, when will you be so clingy with me?"


    He suddenly asked in his alluring voice by her ear.


    They had been together for so long, and honestly, although Qin Mu was sometimes quite clingy with him, she had never acted as if she couldn¡¯t live without him.


    "There is only one Mu Qingxin in this world."


    Understanding his meaning, Qin Mu responded weakly.


    "Mm! There¡¯s also only one Mu Yichen in this world. You should cherish him like a treasure, okay?"


    "Mu Yichen..."


    About to be driven mad by him, she still had to listen to his lectures.


    But just as Mr. Mu got started, someone was already knocking at the door: Young Master, Young Mistress, dinner is ready!


    Mu Yichen...


    Qin Mu quickly turned on her side and patted his shoulder: Stop it now.


    "No way!"


    Mu Yichen murmured in her ear and then replied aloud: Let them eat first!


    Qin Mu felt like she had no place to hide her face. If they didn¡¯t go down now and went later, wouldn¡¯t they let everyone know what they were doing upstairs?


    Anxious to the point of tears, Qin Mu pleaded: "Please? After we eat, you can do whatever you want, okay?"


    "No, can¡¯t you feel it can¡¯t wait anymore?"


    Mu Yichen questioned her perception.


    How could she not feel it? But the elders were waiting for them downstairs, along with Jiang Yan and Mu Qingxin. Especially Mu Qingxin, who speaks whatever comes to mind without any filter. Qin Mu couldn¡¯t bear to think of the looks she¡¯d receive if they went down late.


    Ten minutes later, the two of them came down from upstairs. As Mu Yichen took a seat, he looked at Qin Mu, who already felt uneasy under his gaze and now felt even more self-conscious, forcing a smile to everyone: "Sorry, he lost a button on his shirt, I was helping him sew it back on."


    It seemed like the elders believed it?


    However, those two young ones seemed...

 Chapter 413 - 123 Treat it as a treasure_2

    Chapter 413: 123 Treat it as a treasure_2freewe?bnovel.com


    Mu Qingxin blinked her eyes: "Which button on the shirt is broken? My brother has plenty of shirts, actually, you don¡¯t have to fix it, right?"


    "Dinner!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even lift an eyelid.


    After Qin Mu sat down, everyone started eating again, and Mu Qingxin was still blinking at her.


    Since they were sitting next to each other, Mu Qingxin, with chopsticks in hand resting against her temple, kept throwing suggestive glances at Qin Mu, and then whispered in her ear: "Why are the corners of your lips so red? Did something burst them?"


    "Mu Qingxin!"


    It was just across from Qin Mu; the voice wasn¡¯t loud, but Mu Yichen heard it clearly.


    Qin Mu was already feeling embarrassed, and after Mu Qingxin¡¯s comment, her hand trembled, but fortunately, she didn¡¯t drop her chopsticks, otherwise she would have definitely gotten a disdainful look.


    Upon hearing her brother calling her name, Mu Qingxin immediately started eating seriously as if nothing had happened, while Jiang Yan was like an invisible person, not having said a word.


    It wasn¡¯t two minutes before Mu Qingxin started to serve Jiang Yan some food: "Ayan, eat more of this, your wound will heal faster."


    "Hmm! Don¡¯t just take care of me, eat more yourself."


    "Alright!"


    Mu Qingxin agreed, not forgetting to give him a suggestive wink, while Jiang Yan smiled with an indulgent and helpless expression, Feng Fanghua...


    But indeed, Mu Qingxin¡¯s eyes were quite sharp. Later on, Qin Mu¡¯s lip got scalded by the soup, and she reflexively touched it, then recalled the sacrifice she made to get Yichen to finish faster earlier.


    For some reason, every time Yichen was influenced by her in such a way, he would finish particularly quickly.


    Is it really that stimulating?


    Yeah! She was first taught by him...


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why she thought of so many such things at the dinner table, especially when she remembered the presence of so many elders, and she immediately buried her head in shame.


    At that moment everyone was seriously eating, so no one paid attention to her, but Mu Yichen noticed her little movement and glanced at her before continuing to play it cool.


    Yeah! Yichen is being serious!


    After dinner, the pregnant woman and the injured went back to their rooms to rest, and only six people remained in the living room. Huanhuan was dozing off in Mu Yichen¡¯s arms, while Qin Mu really was helping Feng Fanghua mend a button on her clothes, because those special buttons on a cheongsam don¡¯t look good if mended by others.


    When Qin Mu finished sewing the button and cut off the thread, she returned it to Feng Fanghua. Feng Fanghua, looking at the mended button indistinguishable from the original one, laughed spontaneously: "It¡¯s strange! You seem to be bad at everything else, but you did a meticulous job on this."


    "This is my profession after all, naturally I have to do it well."


    Qin Mu responded softly.


    Mu Zihao also laughed: "No wonder Jian Yan accepted you as an apprentice; he probably noticed your skill in this area."


    However, the atmosphere at home became a bit awkward as soon as Jian Yan was mentioned.


    Feng Fanghua was already unhappy about the rumors between Qin Mu and Jian Yan, and when her husband brought it up, her face immediately fell.


    "Look at me! Anyway, you go with Huanhuan to sleep, I¡¯ll play a couple of games of chess with Dad."


    "Yeah, all of you go upstairs, there¡¯s no need to stay with us!"


    The old master also hurried them, not wanting them to feel uncomfortable.


    "There¡¯s something I need to say, we¡¯re planning to move back to the apartment tomorrow!"


    Mu Yichen said in a low voice to everyone before leaving.


    Qin Mu turned her head in confusion to look at him, and so did Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao, as did the elderly gentleman: "Haven¡¯t you always been staying here?"


    "We stayed to keep you company, but since we¡¯ve started working these last few days, it¡¯s more convenient to be at the apartment, so we¡¯ve decided to go back."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything, thinking to herself that she just had to accept her fate!


    At home, many things were probably decided by Yichen, so she might as well just go along with it.


    "What about Huanhuan?"


    "We¡¯ll take turns looking after her when we have the time."


    Mu Yichen lowered his head, touching his daughter¡¯s hair while speaking softly.


    "I¡¯m feeling a bit unwell, I¡¯ll go back to my room first!"


    Not having said a word of rejection, Feng Fanghua simply left the sofa with her chin held high.


    Mu Zihao looked reproachfully at Mu Yichen: Couldn¡¯t you have picked a better time to say this?


    The man who felt sorry for his wife sighed helplessly: "Dad, I¡¯ll come to play chess with you later."


    Mu Zihao followed back to the room to comfort Feng Fanghua, and Qin Mu glanced at Mu Yichen before turning to look at her grandfather, who said with a smile: "No need to explain to me. This young man has stayed at home the longest time this year, don¡¯t I understand him?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Just can¡¯t you coax your mother when you speak? Why do you always have to make her unhappy?"

 Chapter 414 - 123 Treat it as a treasure_3

    Chapter 414: 123 Treat it as a treasure_3


    Actually, in the past, Mu Yichen would only stay at home for one night during the Chinese New Year, spending the rest of the time living in his apartment.


    It was only because this year the family had Qin Mu and Huanhuan staying for such a long time that Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t want them to leave again.


    "How about I play a game with you first?"


    "Sure, I¡¯m afraid your father will take a while to coax his wife, that¡¯s enough time for a game, come on!"


    "Then I¡¯ll take Huanhuan back to her room."


    Seeing they were about to play chess, Qin Mu took the initiative to carry the nearly asleep Huanhuan upstairs, while Mu Yichen went to play chess with the old man.


    At this moment, the living room was very quiet, with only the sound of chess pieces hitting the board.


    By the side of the chessboard, there was a pot of tea and two teacups, with grandfather and grandson both taking the game very seriously.


    After Qin Mu put Huanhuan to sleep and thought about heading back to his room for a shower, he heard the door to Jiang Yan and Mu Qingxin¡¯s room open, with Jiang Yan softly calling from the doorway: "Big sister-in-law, could you come here for a moment?"


    Qin Mu...


    Why did this feel a bit odd? What was his brother-in-law quietly calling her for?


    "So, is it better to give birth naturally or to have a C-section?"


    Qin Mu discussed his own experience of childbirth with Mu Qingxin, making her somewhat hesitant again.


    "If you¡¯re scared of pain, then just have a C-section, the scars from a C-section aren¡¯t too noticeable nowadays, and if you¡¯re really concerned, you can always get them repaired."


    Qin Mu said.


    "Yeah! I also think we should stick with the C-section we were planning on!"


    Jiang Yan also said that giving birth naturally would be too much suffering if it came to needing an emergency trip to the operating room.


    "Wouldn¡¯t you think less of me for not being tough enough?"


    Mu Qingxin asked worriedly.


    "How could I? You are naturally afraid of pain."


    Jiang Yan replied, raising his hand to roughly ruffle the hair of the woman on the bed.


    "Then, let¡¯s pick a good day, shall we?"


    Qin Mu...


    Why did she feel so superfluous, what exactly did this couple want from her?


    "I¡¯ll be going back now!"


    Feeling a little embarrassed to disturb the sweet moment of the couple, Qin Mu said awkwardly.


    "Ah, okay! See you tomorrow then!"


    Mu Qingxin waved at him.


    Just as Jiang Yan was about to see her out, he was stopped by Mu Qingxin: Qin Mu is family, no need to see her out.


    "Then, big sister-in-law, have a good night!"


    Jiang Yan greeted with a smile. Although calling her "big sister-in-law" was awkward, he really didn¡¯t dare to call Qin Mu by her name directly like Mu Qingxin did.


    "You two should also get some rest, good night!"


    Qin Mu managed a smile and said quickly before retreating. Goodness, that girl Mu Qingxin was really a little devil when it came to tormenting people.


    After returning to his room and taking a bath, Qin Mu started designing the groom¡¯s outfit for Jiang Yan. Honestly, the groom¡¯s outfit was not at all simpler than the bride¡¯s wedding dress.


    Even though it appeared to be in very simple colors, it required clever design.


    When Mu Yichen returned to the room, it was almost midnight, and Qin Mu was still sitting cross-legged on the bed drawing. The bed was littered with used papers, her long hair was all gathered to one side as she stared intently at her drawing, occasionally frowning deeply.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t disturb her, but quietly went to the bathroom.


    She didn¡¯t even notice when he came out after his shower.


    "Mrs. Mu, are you perhaps a bit too focused?"


    "I need to get both their outfits ready in these few days, I feel like Mu Qingxin and Jiang Yan¡¯s wedding will probably be within the next two months."


    After that, she intended to personally make their outfits as a big sister-in-law, which would be the most valuable gift she could give them.


    After Mu Yichen got into bed, he looked at the design she was working on, clearly a man¡¯s suit, and couldn¡¯t help but sigh. He lay beside her looking at the ceiling without saying a word, his expression somewhat troubled.


    He didn¡¯t know how many wedding dresses she had designed for others, but he wondered when it would be their turn.


    Mu Yichen suddenly laughed, a particularly tragic laugh.


    Because he realized that he was probably the one among his brothers who most desired a wedding.


    While everyone was worried about losing their freedom to their wives after marriage, he actually longed to walk down the aisle with her, accept everyone¡¯s blessings, exchange rings in front of the priest, and tell the world that they were legally husband and wife.


    Hidden marriage?


    He detested those two words!


    Qin Mu was still sketching and had no idea what he was thinking until he later turned over in bed. Qin Mu felt a chill in the nest and turned to look at him, only to see the back of his head.


    Why did it seem like he was angry?


    Qin Mu gently poked him with a pen, "What¡¯s wrong? Lost a game of chess with grandfather?"


    "Yeah!"


    He replied blandly, without turning around.


    Qin Mu thought that he must have enjoyed himself then, so now he was not so enthusiastic about her.


    "Losing is just losing, take it as making grandfather happy."


    Qin Mu murmured and continued drawing.


    Mu Yichen turned to glance at her, his dark eyes filled with a helplessness. He found that this woman was really heartless, scarily so.


    "Why did you suddenly tell mom that you wanted to move back to the apartment?"


    Qin Mu felt he had turned back and thought he had let it go, so she asked him another question.


    But after not hearing him speak for a long while, she turned to look at him and realized that his dark eyes were seriously, scrutinizingly watching her.


    Her eyes were a bit blurry from looking at one spot for too long, so she leaned in closer to his face. Then, her head was suddenly grasped.


    Qin Mu...


    "Is this all you care about?"


    He suddenly asked.


    Qin Mu blinked instinctively, her long lashes fluttering, "Hm?"


    "Forget it, you keep busy, I¡¯m going to sleep!"


    He suddenly let go of her, as if he didn¡¯t want to repeat certain topics with her.


    Qin Mu...


    Her eyes involuntarily rotated, looking to see the drawing, but she couldn¡¯t help looking at him first.


    Was his gaze just now very lonely? Or very desperate?


    She was in a hurry to finish up the loose end, so she couldn¡¯t delve into the emotions behind that look for the moment. But after she finished drawing and lay beside him, looking at his back, she couldn¡¯t fall asleep.


    Why did she feel that his unhappiness wasn¡¯t due to losing at chess?


    It seemed to be because of her!


    But what had she done wrong?


    She hadn¡¯t even objected to his sudden suggestion to move back to the apartment.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t figure it out, but she also didn¡¯t want to face that cold back.


    So later, she quietly climbed over him to the other side, facing him.


    Just when she was secretly pleased to be face to face with him and about to snuggle into his arms, he suddenly turned over again.


    Qin Mu...


    Had he fallen asleep or not?


    "Mu Yichen?"


    "Hmm?"


    He hadn¡¯t slept!


    Qin Mu was a bit angry, "Turn around and hold me!"

 Chapter 415 - 124 Mommy Says She Likes You_1

    Chapter 415: 124 Mommy Says She Likes You_1


    "I don¡¯t want to hold you tonight!"


    He turned his back to her, rejecting her mercilessly.


    Qin Mu felt as if a cold breeze had swept through her heart and lungs, annoyed, she also turned away.


    The two of them thus fell asleep back to back in the deep of the night.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Huanhuan followed them home and seemed to be far from bored; she spent her days accompanying her dad to the office, and sometimes when her dad was in meetings, she would play with the secretary auntie.


    Qin Mu sensed that Mr. Mu seemed preoccupied with something, but couldn¡¯t figure out what had suddenly upset him.


    As the first person to arrive at the studio that day, she also welcomed her first client.


    It seemed like a lot of people were getting married this year, but she had not expected the first client to be President Liu, Liu Jingyuan.


    It had been a long time since they last met, not since his engagement.


    Liu Jingyuan came to her again, this time for the design of a wedding dress.


    Qin Mu personally made coffee for him; her brewing skills were quite good.


    Liu Jingyuan held the coffee without drinking, simply cradling it in his hands, inhaling the aroma, caressing the rim of the cup, feeling its warmth, which was somewhat different from this spring.


    "When is the wedding set?"


    "Next month, on the eighth!"


    Liu Jingyuan responded, his voice very gentle.


    Qin Mu nodded, "Then I¡¯ll need to hurry up."


    She knew it would be busy after the New Year, and luckily, she had been working hard on the dresses for Mu Qingxin and Jiang Yan; otherwise, there wouldn¡¯t be enough time.


    "If it¡¯s too much, just handle the design part."


    "Alright! I¡¯ll definitely do my best to satisfy you,"


    Qin Mu pondered and then replied, always feeling that chatting like this was somewhat strange.


    Liu Jingyuan didn¡¯t say anything further upon hearing her words, just staring quietly at her.


    It was like the lyrics of a song¡ªnot being able to express oneself properly, so in the end, they could only communicate through their eyes.


    Qin Mu became even more uneasy under his gaze, not remembering to ask him to drink his coffee until she was about to take a sip herself.


    "Mm!"


    He agreed but did not drink, still holding it in the palm of his hand.


    Qin Mu, with her head lowered, sipped the coffee she had made. For some reason, she felt it had gone a bit cold and the flavor wasn¡¯t as good as when it was hot.


    When she looked up again, she saw he still hadn¡¯t drunk her coffee and let out an involuntary sigh, "It must be because I made it badly."


    "No! It¡¯s fragrant,"


    he murmured softly.


    He no longer dared to confess his feelings to her, nor could he confess to her again.


    He didn¡¯t dare because Qin Mu disliked his confessions, and he couldn¡¯t because he was about to marry another girl.


    Being able to sit with her like this now was already more than enough for him.


    When this awkward interaction finally came to an end, it was past ten. Before, he would have invited her to lunch, but this time, he just lowered his head and left, asking her to stay where she was.


    Qin Mu stood at the door watching him leave, then stood silently for a few seconds more. Afterward, she smiled gently and turned back to the reception area.


    Perhaps because her colleagues hadn¡¯t returned yet, she didn¡¯t go upstairs. To be ready to receive clients, she chose to work in the reception area on the first floor.


    She spread out a blanket there, then lay on the coffee table to draw.


    Mm!


    She put on the big glasses Xiaomei had helped her pick out, and everything in front of her became crystal clear.


    At noon, as per her usual routine, she simply ordered takeaway, then ate while drawing. Her long hair fell in slight disarray over her chest as she bit on her chopsticks, frowning at the drawing in front of her.


    Then she sent the drawing to Jian Yan for review.


    A few minutes later, Jian Yan sent back the revised drawing.


    Qin Mu had just finished her lunch, then immediately started modifying her own drawing after looking at the one her master had sent.


    At noon, Mu Yichen and Huanhuan had lunch at AM, along with Qiao Yi, Jiang Zhiyuan, Jing Feng, and Zhao Huai.


    However, such gatherings had never included family members before, especially not an attendee as young as Huanhuan.


    Mu Yichen looked at the little one in the baby chair beside him, then turned his gaze back to everyone else, his expression turning from warm to cold, "Don¡¯t scare her."


    "Brother, it¡¯s not us scaring her, it¡¯s her scaring us! What¡¯s going on? Why do you bring a little one to a brothers¡¯ lunch? How can we enjoy ourselves like this?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan was the first to protest, that little child who looked like a Western doll made him hesitant to open his mouth and drink freely.


    "From now on, Huanhuan will be with me and Qin Mu, so don¡¯t expect to see me alone when you dine with me in the future,"


    Mu Yichen replied indifferently, leaving everyone utterly despondent.

 Chapter 416 - 124 Mommy Says She Likes You_2

    Chapter 416: 124 Mommy Says She Likes You_2


    "No, since she was supposed to follow you or Qin Mu, why did you bring her instead of Qin Mu?"


    Qiao Yi expressed his protest.


    "Why should my daughter be brought up by someone else?"


    As a result, Mu Yi coldly declared his sovereignty.


    The few men were left speechless by Mu Yi¡¯s question.


    What on earth was this man thinking?


    "He¡¯s scared because he got bitten by a snake once and now he¡¯s afraid of well ropes for ten years; if Qin Mu took Huanhuan away again, he¡¯d have nowhere to cry."


    Jing Feng still understood him best and spelled out his thoughts in just a few sentences.


    Everyone...


    Qiao Yi¡¯s mouth twitched. According to Jing Feng¡¯s reasoning, was this man simply afraid of the woman taking the child away?


    "But I thought you two were getting along well now? Hasn¡¯t Qin Mu settled in Rongcheng?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan asked curiously.


    "I also think that Qin Mu is not irresponsible. Since she promised to stay, she will definitely stay."


    Zhao Huai also spoke up for Qin Mu.


    However, Mu Yichen was just not feeling secure. Ever since that night, he had always been uncomfortable around Qin Mu, always feeling like there was a barrier between their hearts.


    Looking at his sister with Jiang Yan, then at himself with Qin Mu...


    Mu Yichen felt that Qin Mu¡¯s feelings for him were still too shallow!


    Mu Yichen was busy making food for Huanhuan, but as for their questions, he turned a deaf ear.


    Because he had nothing to say¡ªhis relationship with that woman was their own business.


    Qin Mu had no clue what he was thinking. That afternoon, after a visitor came to see her, she had just nested there like a fool, drawing nonstop without even drinking water, so she didn¡¯t have to go to the toilet.


    Only at around seven in the evening did she finally lift her head from the pile of drawings, because Mu Yichen had called her.


    "What time will you be back?"


    That cold voice sounded like he was asking someone he didn¡¯t like.


    "Right away!"


    Qin Mu glanced outside, adjusted the glasses on her nosebridge, and then realized it had already gotten dark.


    But when had she turned on the lights?


    Why were all the lights inside on, and yet she didn¡¯t notice the day had turned to night?


    She quickly packed up the papers on the table, put everything she could into her bag, took off her glasses, put them in their case, and planned to take them home to work overtime.


    She would later discover that wanting to work overtime at home was not only difficult but might also be met with disapproval.


    By the time she drove her car back home and walked into the house to see the brightly lit living room empty and the dining room wafting with the scent of food...


    Ha ha!


    The father and son had finished their meal without waiting for her!


    It was her fault for not coming home earlier.


    Not daring to blame Yichen, Qin Mu quickly put down her bag to wash her hands and then went to the dining room to eat.


    First, she gave Huanhuan a big kiss!


    "Mommy, why did you come back so late?"


    Huanhuan asked her with a hint of melancholy.


    "Uh! Mommy was too engrossed in drawing, I promise to be more mindful in the future."


    As Qin Mu sat down, she assured Huanhuan.


    "Okay! Then I¡¯ll forgive you this time!"


    Huanhuan nodded solemnly and said to her like a little adult.


    Qin Mu felt a pain in her heart but couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    Knowing that her position at home was somewhat precarious, she could only grin and bear it as she served herself some food, ready to eat!


    Mu Yichen seemed to have not looked at her at all, at least that was how Qin Mu felt.


    But Qin Mu really couldn¡¯t figure out why. She had asked several times but never got an answer, Qin Mu felt men were so difficult to deal with.


    So after dinner, she watched some cartoons with Huanhuan, and when it was about time for digestion, she took Huanhuan for a bath.


    "Mommy, Daddy was very angry today."


    "Oh? And why was he angry?"


    As Huanhuan bathed, she told Qin Mu. Asked by Qin Mu, her big eyes shifted, then she looked at her and said: because of you!


    Qin Mu could only put on a troubled and pitiful face: "But mommy hasn¡¯t upset your daddy!"


    "But the uncles were saying that you wanted to run away, and that¡¯s why Daddy got angry."


    Qin Mu...


    Huanhuan continued to look at her innocently and asked: "Mommy, are you going to leave Daddy?"


    "No, why would I leave your daddy? I like him so much!"


    Qin Mu quickly shook her head and then applied foam to Huanhuan¡¯s body.


    "Mommy, don¡¯t leave Daddy, Huanhuan really likes Daddy."


    After saying that, Huanhuan blushed and shyly lowered her eyes.


    Qin Mu...


    Heh heh!


    No wonder they say a daughter is her father¡¯s past lover.


    Of course, it¡¯s not always the case, like with her and her father.


    After bathing Huanhuan, Qin Mu held her in bed, dried her body, changed her into a pretty nightgown, and then wrapped her in the blankets.

 Chapter 417 - 124 Mommy Says She Likes You_3

    Chapter 417: 124 Mommy Says She Likes You_3


    "Do you want Mommy to tell you another story?"


    Huanhuan shook her head.


    Qin Mu looked at her sadly, "Why?"


    "Huanhuan wants Daddy to tell it, Daddy tell!"


    Remembering that Mu Yichen had asked her to call him Daddy, she repeated it.


    Honestly, it wasn¡¯t as natural for Huanhuan to say Daddy as it was to say Papa.


    But to make Mu Yichen happy, Huanhuan was really trying.


    Qin Mu had no choice but to stand at the top of the stairs and call down, "Yichen, your daughter wants you to tell her a bedtime story, are you free?"


    The man downstairs was casually flipping through channels with the remote control. Hearing the call from upstairs, he didn¡¯t even lift his head, just put the remote down, stood up, stretched out his tall figure, and took his long strides toward the staircase.


    After he went upstairs, Qin Mu also stood at the top of the stairs and didn¡¯t move, deliberately blocking his path.


    Mu Yichen, however, didn¡¯t even glance at her, he simply sidestepped and walked past her, Qin Mu...


    When Mu Yichen went into his daughter¡¯s room and closed the door, Qin Mu was left outside, fuming, so she went back to her bedroom to take a shower!


    "Daddy, Huanhuan told Mommy you were angry!"


    Huanhuan lay in her Daddy¡¯s arms and whispered a little secret.


    "Oh? And what did your Mommy say?"


    "Mommy said she really likes you!"


    Huanhuan answered very seriously and responsibly.


    "Next time ask her if she loves me!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes flickered, then he pretended to be serious as he entrusted his daughter with the task.


    Huanhuan nodded vigorously, and Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh, pinching her little nose before they made a pinky promise.


    "Sleep now, tomorrow Daddy will go out and play with you."


    "Mmm! Good night, Daddy!"


    "Mmm! Good night, darling!"


    Mu Yichen tenderly wished Huanhuan good night, and she quickly closed her eyes and started to sleep.


    By the time he returned to the room an hour later, Qin Mu was lying on the couch with big glasses on, drawing. Seeing her in pajamas with her hair still damp, Mu Yichen knew she must have taken a shower, so he ignored her and took a set of pajamas to go shower himself.


    Qin Mu only lifted her eyes after he left, pushing up her glasses to watch his figure head into the bathroom.


    What¡¯s he being so smug about?


    Could it be that this man was provoked by his sister and brother-in-law?


    But they¡¯ve only been together for such a short time, right?


    They¡¯ve been together for so many years, why is he comparing himself to them?


    With Yichen¡¯s intelligence, that¡¯s impossible, there must be another reason!


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to believe the simplest explanation and bowed her head to continue drawing seriously.


    Late, after Mu Yichen had showered and gone to bed, Qin Mu was still sitting on the carpet. She started a conversation with the man on the bed: "Do you know who came to see me today?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes lifted slightly, but he didn¡¯t ask.


    "Liu Jingyuan! He¡¯s getting married next month on the eighth and wants me to help design their wedding outfits."


    "Did he come by himself?"


    "Uh! He and his wife!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s mind quickly turned, realizing she absolutely shouldn¡¯t say Liu Jingyuan came by himself.


    Little did she know, the moment her eyes flickered, Mu Yichen saw through her lie.


    Qin Mu realized her gaze had betrayed her, and without another word, she began to earnestly draw because he had already bowed his head to look at his phone.


    "So you¡¯re designing his suit now?"


    Mu Yichen suddenly furrowed his brows and lifted his eyes to ask her.


    In the vast bedroom where the warm breeze was still quietly blowing, apart from the occasional discordant voices of the two people, there was nothing else.


    The light was very bright, so they could clearly see each other¡¯s tempers hanging on their faces.


    "Yes! He¡¯s already paid the deposit, and as a designer, of course, I can¡¯t neglect my customer."


    "But as a wife, you¡¯ve been neglecting your husband all this time."


    Qin Mu¡¯s hand shook unconsciously a few times, and then she took off her glasses, her vision suddenly blurring. She couldn¡¯t see him clearly, so she hesitated and asked, "Where exactly have I made you unhappy? Why do I feel that sometimes you¡¯re even more petty than I am? Don¡¯t you always say that being petty is a woman¡¯s right?"


    "Are you saying that I¡¯m more petty than a woman?"


    Qin Mu...


    "I didn¡¯t say that!"


    Scared her to death! Where would she dare to say he¡¯s more petty than a woman?


    "But your words translate to that!"


    President Mu was especially insistent tonight.


    Qin Mu felt a chill in her stomach out of anger and stood up, throwing down her pen: "Hey, Mu Yichen are you doing this on purpose or what?"


    "Hmm! I am doing it on purpose, what are you going to do about it?"


    Qin Mu...


    With his eyes looking as if they could devour someone, what else could Qin Mu do?


    Qin Mu gave a helpless smile: "I can¡¯t provoke you, can I at least leave?"


    "No way!"


    As soon as she finished speaking, she bent down to pack up the papers on the table, planning to go straight to the living room and stay up all night.


    But he wouldn¡¯t even agree to that.


    "Not allowed? I¡¯m not a machine, you think I just do whatever you tell me to do? I¡¯d rather go out than be upset here."


    Qin Mu complained while she packed up the table.


    Unexpectedly, before she could straighten up, she was lifted from the side.


    No, she was swooped up!


    Heh heh!


    After being carried away, she felt a sharp pain in her waist. The papers in her hands weren¡¯t gripped properly and scattered beside her; some even floated to the floor.


    She raised her head: "What are you trying to do?"


    "Just teaching you a small lesson!"


    "..."


    "You¡¯re not allowed to design that man¡¯s suit, understand?"


    He commanded while pinching her slender wrist.


    Annoyed, Qin Mu glared at him: "Ha, then go and talk to him about it. As long as you two come to an agreement, I¡¯m willing to give up earning this money."


    Qin Mu knew who ¡¯he¡¯ was in Mu Yichen¡¯s mouth. She really could afford not to earn this money; after the New Year, she wasn¡¯t in such a financial pinch.


    "You think I won¡¯t?"


    Mu Yichen sneered.


    Qin Mu: "Then go and talk to him."


    Seeing her stubbornness, Mu Yichen said, "Woman! Let me show you what your man is capable of. Going against me? Hmm? Hmm?"

 Chapter 418 - 125 I disagree with the wedding yo_1

    Chapter 418: 125 I disagree with the wedding yo_1


    "You bastard! Mu Yichen!"


    Qin Mu kicked at him with all her might, not caring where she hit!


    ¡ª¡ª


    But she was promptly subdued by Brother Yichen, yes, right after being knocked to the ground, he dragged Qin Mu down with him.


    Later, he pulled up his pants, went out to drink with his buddies, and didn¡¯t forget to throw her back on the bed before he left.


    The room fell completely silent, no, the whole house fell silent!


    Later, Qin Mu lay sprawled on the soft bed, feeling like she was already as exhausted as a living dead, unable to exert any strength, not even managing to turn over.


    ¡ª¡ª


    When Mu Yi arrived at the club, Jiang Zhiyuan and Zhao Huai were already drinking, but Qiao Yi and Jing Feng were absent, one accompanying his wife and the other confined at home for reflection.


    No sooner had he sat down than Jiang Zhiyuan leaned in and, pressing the domineering CEO Mu Yi into the sofa, pulled open his shirt collar.


    "Sure enough, you smell like a woman!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan stood up instantly, with a devilish smirk as if he had just won a bet with Zhao Huai.


    Mu Yi, however, was frowning, just coldly watching the man, and as he stood up, he kicked out at Jiang¡¯s knee: "What the hell are you doing?"


    "I bet Zhao Huai that you¡¯ve just come from a woman¡¯s bed."


    Jiang Zhiyuan laughed mischievously, and Zhao Huai sighed, leaning on his wallet, with a look of distress, "Bro, do you and Xiaomu have to do it every night?"


    Mu Yi then narrowed his eyes at him: "Jealous? Feel like finding a woman?"


    "No! I just think Xiaomu might be drained by you, you don¡¯t know how to cherish a lady at all."


    "Get lost!"


    Angered, CEO Mu was about to throw the cigarette pack he had just pulled out from his pocket when Zhao Huai instinctively raised his hand to cover his face.


    Jiang Zhiyuan teased with a laugh, "Of course, our Brother Yichen knows how to cherish a lady, right, Brother Yichen?"


    He hooked an arm around Mu Yi¡¯s shoulder, getting cozy with him.


    Mu Yi felt he must be insane to have come out and be irritated by these two fools.


    "Jiang Zhiyuan, are you asking for a beating?"


    Mu Yi asked calmly with a creased brow, but his haughty demeanor was already showing.


    "Do you still have the energy to spar with me?"


    "Damn!"


    So, they ended up fighting, and when Qin Mu went downstairs in the middle of the night for water and found him not in bed, she saw the floor lamp in the living room was on, and as she went further down, she caught him sitting down with a first-aid kit in hand.


    "What happened to you?"


    Qin Mu approached, and Mu Yi looked up, just in time for Qin Mu to see the injury at the corner of his mouth.


    "Did you go out and get into a fight?"


    Qin Mu angrily stood in front of him, and as he hung his head in annoyance, his face was cupped by her hands.


    Qin Mu forced him to lift his head so she could see and asked angrily, "Who did this to you?"


    Mu Yi didn¡¯t speak, just gazed at her with his dark eyes as she stood there, all bluster and anger.


    "Jiang Zhiyuan!"


    "Jiang Zhiyuan? He dared to hit you?"


    Qin Mu was angry, her eyes almost painfully bulging out, yet she was oblivious.


    All of a sudden, Mu Yi stopped talking and just looked at her, as her angry tears were about to fall, no, it was concern.


    Yeah!


    He felt a lot less depressed these past two days, and suddenly leaned back into the sofa.


    Qin Mu turned to fetch anti-inflammatory medicine from the first-aid kit to apply to his wound, and Mu Yi just quietly watched the woman treating him.


    "It might hurt a little, but why did you go out in the middle of the night to fight with him?"


    Qin Mu frowned in concentration as she treated his wound, unaware that her chest was directly in his line of sight as she leaned forward.


    Mu Yi thought that a woman wearing this kind of pajama fabric was simply too tempting.


    And now with the lights so dim, and her so focused.


    "Why did you fight with him? I thought you went out to drink."


    Qin Mu looked up at him then looked down again without noticing his change in demeanor, just as she finished treating him and was about to pull away, but her waist was then tightly wrapped by his arm.


    She turned her head back and only then did she clearly see his expression.


    Mu Yi¡¯s breath was cool and crisp, but the fire in his eyes could scorch a person.


    Qin Mu nervously looked at him: "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Just a while ago, on the floor, he nearly disassembled her frame, now her knees still hurt.


    And now he was gazing at her with that expression.


    Qin Mu suddenly found she was not at all sleepy, just feeling a little moist inside.


    "Does it still hurt?"


    He suddenly asked.


    His voice was soft and warm.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but raise her eyes to him, not knowing what to say to him.

 Chapter 419 - 125 I disagree with the wedding yo_2

    Chapter 419: 125 I disagree with the wedding yo_2


    "Ah!"


    She playfully lifted her hand to poke the corner of his mouth, Mu Yichen yelped in pain first before Qin Mu suddenly burst into laughter.


    "I want some water!"


    Qin Mu whispered to him.


    "Hmm, which kind? Mine, yours, or the kitchen¡¯s?"


    "Pervert, of course it¡¯s boiled water!"


    "I¡¯ll go with you to pour it!"


    Mu Yichen, supporting her, picked her up, with Qin Mu wrapping her arms around his neck as he carried her to the kitchen.


    Somehow, he ended up pressing her against something in there.


    He had just seemed so gentle and cherishing, but now he was wildly demanding her again.


    She had no idea that a mere blink from her could throw his emotions into disarray.


    She had no idea what caused his feelings to change so quickly.


    It wasn¡¯t the first time he had suddenly become impatient with her, and then all of a sudden, as gentle as water.


    Later, she was carried upstairs and gently placed back on the big bed in the room, and this time he didn¡¯t leave, lying beside her, he whispered, "Tomorrow, tell Liu Jingyuan that you can¡¯t design the wedding dress he needs, and if he really needs a reason, just say that your man isn¡¯t happy about it."


    Qin Mu barely had the strength to look at him, wanting nothing more than to roll over and sleep.


    Mu Yichen hugged her, biting her ear gently, "Did you hear me?"


    "Mmm!"


    She mumbled a response, actually hearing but not really hearing.


    Work was work, and Liu Jingyuan hadn¡¯t come looking for her since then; now, it was merely a designer-client relationship.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t figure out where his jealousy was coming from, but it wasn¡¯t important anymore, she had agreed to him first anyway.


    Lying?


    Qin Mu thought it shouldn¡¯t be a difficult task.


    Mu Yichen, unaware of what she was thinking, saw she was truly tired and didn¡¯t bother her further.


    Actually, he was a bit worn out too, but the most pitiful wasn¡¯t him, it was Jiang Zhiyuan.


    Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s leg was crippled, and by now he had probably been sent to the hospital by Zhao Huai.


    The night finally quieted down, everything became silent!


    He turned again, holding her in his arms.


    When two people sleep, turning your back is always chilly, the whole body, even the innermost heart, feels cold.


    Only by holding each other like this does it feel warm.


    The next morning when Qin Mu woke up, her throat was terribly uncomfortable, but the person beside her had already gotten up to make breakfast.


    She went to her daughter¡¯s room, Huanhuan only awoke after hearing the door open, still reluctant to get up, wriggling in her blanket, then, with a soft and mushy voice asked, "Mommy, good morning!"


    "Huanhuan, good morning!"


    Qin Mu walked over, first giving her a big good morning kiss by the bed, then got on the bed and snuggled into her blanket.


    "How about we sleep in a little longer? Let Daddy eat breakfast downstairs by himself, okay?"


    Qin Mu suggested playfully.


    "Hmm, no!"


    Huanhuan shook her head, giggling and refusing.


    Qin Mu...


    This girl, still siding with her dad.


    Just the thought of Daddy eating alone made her unwilling.


    Wondering whether the injury on his mouth had healed or not, Jiang Zhiyuan dared to hit him, and even made his corner of the mouth bleed, Qin Mu thought, next time she saw him she would definitely teach that guy a lesson for daring to bully her Qing Mu¡¯s husband.


    Then she got out of bed with her daughter, after all, they had the perfect excuse to meet him.


    Later, after she and Huanhuan had washed up and gotten ready, Qin Mu carried Huanhuan downstairs to the dining room, smiling at the sight of him carrying porridge out from the kitchen, "Huanhuan said she wants to join you for breakfast."


    "And what about you?"


    Mu Yichen, after setting down the porridge, leaned his hands on the edge of the table, gazing straight at her with his dark eyes.


    Qin Mu...


    "I¡¯m hungry too!"


    Qin Mu quickly replied, inspired.


    Mu Yichen, however, felt she looked incredibly daft in that moment.


    "Let¡¯s eat!"


    So, he pulled out a chair for her and Huanhuan to sit and have breakfast, then went back to the kitchen to get other things.


    Huanhuan, watching their antics, couldn¡¯t help but frown, yet she looked adorably cute, with her rosy skin and round, black eyes, impossibly endearing.


    "Mommy, do you still like Daddy?"


    Huanhuan suddenly asked.


    Qin Mu was too scared to speak, nearly petrified.


    Just at that moment, Mu Yichen came out of the kitchen and glanced at her upon hearing the question, setting the dish on the table before pulling out his own chair to sit down.


    "Mommy, do you like him or not?"


    Huanhuan asked again, cutely insistently.


    Qin Mu...


    "Hehe, of course I like him, I do!"


    Qin Mu nodded, smiling more awkwardly than if she had been crying.


    Mu Yichen looked up at her, his dark eyes like bottomless pits, seemingly pulling her in deep.


    "Then does Daddy like Mommy?"


    Huanhuan then turned to ask her beloved Daddy.

 Chapter 420 - 125 I disagree with the wedding yo_3

    Chapter 420: 125 I disagree with the wedding yo_3


    "I don¡¯t like it!"


    Mu Yichen quickly asked and helped Huanhuan serve porridge.


    Qin Mu...


    Seeing the stern look on dad¡¯s face, Huanhuan didn¡¯t dare to ask any further and then looked at her poor mom with super pitiful eyes.


    Qin Mu chuckled and then bowed his head to eat the porridge.


    He didn¡¯t dare to speak, feeling an inexplicable sense of humiliation.


    Still dare to say you don¡¯t like it, don¡¯t like how you wanted her several times last night?


    If you don¡¯t like it, have the guts not to do it with her.


    After the meal, it was still Mu Yichen carrying Huanhuan away, actually, Qin Mu wanted to say she would take Huanhuan to the studio, but he didn¡¯t give her the chance to speak and just walked away with the daughter.


    Qin Mu felt a sense of crisis about her daughter being taken away, but since she couldn¡¯t be sure, she also didn¡¯t dare to get angry.


    She could only drive her little car to the studio by herself.


    But today the studio wasn¡¯t just her alone, Xiaomei had come back.


    She was startled to see the door of the studio open, fearing it had been burglarized.


    But when she quietly pushed the door of the studio open, she found Xiaomei already cleaning inside, and she unconsciously smiled out of relief, "You¡¯re back so early?"


    "I don¡¯t have anything else to do, so I came back. I just knew you would be the first one to come back to work, and it really is true!" Xiaomei said without stopping her cleaning and continued mopping the floor.


    Qin Mu put her bag down and also grabbed a mop, and together with Xiaomei, they mopped the floor until it shined.


    "How is the master?"


    Qin Mu asked!


    "Great! He said not to worry about him, just focus on the Milan show in March."


    "Ha! I really forgot about it for a moment!"


    When Qin Mu straightened up after mopping the floor, she noticed her back was terribly stiff. She turned to look at Xiaomei, "How about I treat you to a massage?"


    "Really? Such great benefits on the first day back at work?"


    "Are you going or not?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh at her feigned confusion.


    "Of course! I¡¯m going to get my bag!"


    Xiaomei immediately dropped her mop and turned around to leave.


    But Qin Mu suddenly thought better of it, "Come back!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiaomei turned her head, blinking hard, expecting Qin Mu¡¯s reminder.


    "Never mind, some other time!"


    Qin Mu suddenly said seriously.


    Xiaomei...


    Qin Mu just suddenly remembered the marks left by President Mu on her body from last night, and today it was really not appropriate for those activities.


    "What¡¯s called falling from heaven to dog shit describes my mood right now," Xiaomei said dejectedly.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "I will definitely make it up to you another day, I just suddenly remembered there¡¯s an important matter today."


    "What is it?"


    "Drawing, and since you¡¯re back, help me go to the garment factory, and also order a batch of fabric from Paris for me."


    "Ack? Be quick!"


    Seeing Xiaomei¡¯s daze, Qin Mu gently reminded her again.


    Startled, Xiaomei nodded continuously, "Understood!"


    Mu Yichen was originally going to take Huanhuan to the office in the morning when a call from the old house came. After he went back and saw that everyone was there, he curiously asked, "Why are you all gathered?"


    "We¡¯re discussing your sister¡¯s wedding with Jiang Yan and called you back to give your opinion,"


    the old man said.


    Upon hearing about the wedding, Mu Yichen¡¯s brow furrowed; his mood had just begun to settle a bit.


    Heh!


    "Okay!"


    After putting down her daughter, she then walked over to sit on the sofa.


    Feng Fanghua immediately called her granddaughter over to her side and lifted her onto her lap: "Huanhuan, did you miss Grandma?"


    "Miss! Huanhuan missed Grandma, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa."


    Huanhuan¡¯s sweet words made the whole family particularly happy.


    "What about Aunt and Uncle? Did you miss us a lot?"


    Once Mu Qingxin heard her name wasn¡¯t mentioned, she immediately protested, blinking at Huanhuan and asking.


    Huanhuan was just about to speak, but when she saw Jiang Yan, she became shy and simply nodded vigorously, her eyes full of sincere longing.


    "That¡¯s more like it, haha! Our child will be just as cute as Huanhuan when they¡¯re born."


    Mu Qingxin turned to say to Jiang Yan.


    "Definitely!"


    Jiang Yan didn¡¯t say much in front of the elders, even though they knew long ago that this child would be a son, but it wasn¡¯t appropriate to remind Mu Qingxin in case she misspoke.


    "Have you two gotten your certificate yet?"


    Mu Yichen suddenly asked.


    "Not yet, it¡¯s not convenient for me right now, we¡¯ll get it right after the baby is born."


    Mu Qingxin felt a bit sad being asked by her older brother.


    "No certificate yet, what¡¯s the rush for a wedding?"


    Mu Yichen asked again.


    Mu Qingxin...


    Jiang Yan...


    "What are you talking about? They already have a child, shouldn¡¯t the wedding be urgent?"


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t like what she heard; she certainly didn¡¯t want people to think her daughter had a child without a proper status, failing to realize what her precious son was thinking.


    "Once you get the certificate, you are legally married, the wedding is just for show."


    Mr. Mu coldly stated, frowning and not relaxing in the sofa.


    "Mom, look at my brother. He doesn¡¯t get married himself, and he won¡¯t let me get married either."


    Mu Qingxin started to feel wronged.


    "Yichen, you are not being fair, your sister and Jiang Yan are getting married voluntarily."


    Before Feng Fanghua could speak, Mu Zihao made his reasonable view heard first.


    However...


    "Who isn¡¯t getting married on their own volition?"


    Mu Yichen asked, his dark eyes almost furious.


    "Ah! Brother, you didn¡¯t force Qin Mu to get the certificate with you, did you?"


    Mu Qingxin suddenly thought of it, because with Qin Mu¡¯s personality, if she truly wanted to be with her brother, she should have come back years ago. Why wait to secretly give birth to Huanhuan in Paris before coming back to marry her brother?


    Huanhuan, hearing her aunt suddenly yell out, got scared and looked immediately at her aunt, then at her poor father.


    Mu Yichen remained silent, his face darkening.


    Suddenly there was no sound in the living room, and although Feng Fanghua usually spoke without thinking, this time she too chose silence.


    This sudden silence made Mu Qingxin feel that she might have accidentally guessed correctly, knowing how much her older brother valued his pride, she instantly fell silent.


    The old master also didn¡¯t know what was happening, and when everyone suddenly fell silent, he couldn¡¯t help asking, "Yichen, did you really snatch your wife?"


    "I have some things to handle in my office!"


    Mu Yichen suddenly stood up.


    Everyone...


    "Daddy!"


    Huanhuan saw him about to leave and called out to him.


    "Huanhuan, you play with Grandma and Grandpa today, okay? And,¡ª as for your wedding, I don¡¯t approve!"


    Mu Yichen suddenly said to Mu Qingxin, glancing at her with his dark eyes before turning to leave.


    Mu Qingxin...

 Chapter 421: Is 126 over_1

    Chapter 421: Is 126 over_1


    Mu Qingxin called Qin Mu in the afternoon to ask her to pick up Huanhuan at home...


    After Qin Mu arrived, however, it was like this.


    "We won¡¯t interfere in the two of you¡¯s business, but as a brother and sister-in-law, how can you say you don¡¯t approve of their matters? Mu Yichen always listens to you the most; you must set this straight for Qingxin."


    Feng Fanghua sat on the sofa, hugging her granddaughter, and gave Qin Mu the order.


    "He said he doesn¡¯t approve? But why do we need to care whether he approves?"


    Qin Mu lowered her eyes and thought for a few seconds before speaking up softly to remind everyone.


    The patriarch and Mu Zihao both looked at her curiously, and Feng Fanghua¡¯s eyes also lit up, but Jiang Yan and Mu Qingxin still hesitated.


    "How can we not care about him? He¡¯s our eldest brother. If he doesn¡¯t attend, what meaning would our wedding have?"


    Mu Qingxin said with a pitiful look.


    "I guarantee he will come!"


    Qin Mu responded after hearing Mu Qingxin¡¯s concern.


    Mu Qingxin was somewhat excited upon hearing her promise, as in the eyes of the Mu family, Qin Mu was the only one who could persuade Mu Yichen.


    "Then thank you, sister-in-law!"


    Jiang Yan said very politely.


    "For that title of ¡¯sister-in-law¡¯, I will definitely get him sorted."


    Qin Mu replied happily.


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t speak, but her displeased expression revealed she wasn¡¯t too happy with Qin Mu¡¯s confidence.


    It was the patriarch who smiled and pointed at her: "Still such a child at heart."


    "Exactly, the child is already so big, yet always so willful, never thinking about the consequences of her actions."


    Everyone had been quite happy, but the mood instantly turned cold with Feng Fanghua¡¯s words.


    The patriarch saw Qin Mu feeling a bit awkward and immediately cleared his throat to prevent Feng Fanghua from continuing.


    Feng Fanghua also immediately fell silent; seeing that the patriarch didn¡¯t want to hear it, she, as his daughter-in-law, wouldn¡¯t say more.


    Later, Qin Mu left with Huanhuan in her arms and received a call from Mu Yichen on the road: "Did you pick up Huanhuan?"


    "Mhm! We¡¯re almost home now!"


    "Mhm!"


    Then, after listening to his wife¡¯s report, Mu Yichen hung up the phone, and at that moment, he had just arrived home and was walking towards home carrying groceries from the supermarket.


    Qin Mu sighed helplessly, turned to her little one in the car seat and said, "Your grandma accuses me of being willful, doesn¡¯t she realize that your dad is the most willful of all?"


    Huanhuan looked ahead, her bright eyes a bit puzzled, clearly not quite understanding her mother¡¯s words.


    "Doesn¡¯t even tell me where he is, just hangs up after asking! So rude!"


    Qin Mu muttered again while flipping the turn signal.


    It wasn¡¯t until she returned to the residential complex and saw his car parked there that she felt a bit better, then she carried Huanhuan inside.


    "We¡¯re back!"


    Qin Mu called out as she opened the front door with her fingerprint, holding Huanhuan.


    Mu Yichen had already gone to the kitchen, so he didn¡¯t hear their voices and didn¡¯t respond.


    "Daddy!"


    Huanhuan ran to the kitchen first, where Mu Yichen, busy with preparations, had a somewhat stern expression that startled Huanhuan into quickly correcting herself: "Dad! We¡¯re back!"


    "Mhm! Go play, I¡¯ll call you for dinner when it¡¯s ready."


    He smiled faintly, easing Huanhuan¡¯s tension.


    After Huanhuan darted off, Qin Mu, standing by the dining area, peered inside, saw him preparing dinner, and didn¡¯t go over to disturb him. She took off her coat, setting it aside, then sat down on the couch to join Huanhuan in having snacks and watching TV.


    Mu Yichen, however, sighed out of boredom. It seemed that woman had returned but didn¡¯t even come to the kitchen to greet him; she was really getting used to having a free male nanny.


    During dinner, after eating for a while, Qin Mu lifted her eyes and stared at him before asking, "Why don¡¯t you approve of Qingxin¡¯s wedding with Jiang Yan?"


    Actually, Qin Mu asked very gently, with a soft voice and tone, but Mu Yichen looked up at her suddenly with a particularly hostile gaze upon hearing the question.


    Qin Mu immediately lowered her head to serve food to her daughter, scared that he might see right through her: "Huanhuan, eat more vegetables!"


    "Mommy should eat more too!"


    Huanhuan immediately helped Qin Mu serve food as well.


    "Thank you, baby!"


    Qin Mu thanked Huanhuan happily, and at that moment, the mother-daughter bond made the only man at the table feel a bit troubled.


    Mu Yichen just watched her for a while and, realizing she didn¡¯t dare to meet his gaze again, he lowered his head to eat his dinner.


    Qin Mu, on the other hand, took the chance to observe him stealthily when he looked down.


    She really didn¡¯t want to think that because they never had a wedding, Mu Yichen was being petty and not letting Mu Qingxin have her wedding.

 Chapter 422 - 126 Is it over_2

    Chapter 422: 126 Is it over_2


    After all, each matter has its own place, right?


    After dinner, one of us would accompany our daughter to bathe, while the other cleaned up the kitchen and then dealt with emails on the phone.


    It seemed that since living separately, the two of us each had our own things to do every evening, except for when we went to bed.


    Later, while Qin Mu was drawing, Xiaomei sent her a message saying Yang Qianxi was back. After seeing Yang Qianxi, Qin Mu suddenly thought of Mu Yichen and sent Xiaomei one word: Hmm!


    "Hmm? I don¡¯t have a place for her to stay tonight, surely I can¡¯t let her go to other colleagues¡¯ rooms?"


    "You¡¯ll just have to make do with her for now, we¡¯ll deal with this tomorrow. Can you do me this favor?"


    Qin Mu sent her a message back, saying that no matter what, they couldn¡¯t let the girl sleep on the streets now, and besides, Yang Qianxi hadn¡¯t made any substantial mistakes.


    She was just admiring their CEO Mu, that¡¯s all!


    "Fine, but you must sort this person out tomorrow; I can¡¯t let her sleep in my room anyway."


    Xiaomei was still somewhat reluctant but agreed to help Qin Mu out.


    That night, the two girls didn¡¯t sleep well together in one bed, and Yang Qianxi even asked about Mu Yichen.


    Hahaha, Xiaomei now understood why Qin Mu didn¡¯t want Yang Qianxi around.


    Afterward, when Qin Mu and Mu Yichen lay in bed after exercising, Qin Mu, out of boredom, asked him, "You¡¯re not really going to skip Mu Qingxin¡¯s wedding, are you? I promised Mu Qingxin I would bring you."


    "Not going!"


    Mu Yichen turned his back to her again.


    Qin Mu turned her head, looked at his back, and raised her hand to tear at his arm, gripping his arm and pulling it towards her: Turn your head this way! Don¡¯t turn your back on me!


    Actually, Mu Yichen was happy to turn around, but he pretended to be unwilling.


    "There¡¯s nothing to talk about regarding this matter, and it has nothing to do with you. Don¡¯t worry about it unnecessarily!"


    He said languidly, his cold gaze fixed on her.


    Qin Mu...


    It has nothing to do with her?


    This...


    Is awkward!


    Qin Mu slowly turned around and went back to the window.


    If he says it has nothing to do with her and tells her not to worry, what can she say?


    Later, she would just tell Mu Qingxin that her brother asked her not to interfere and that it doesn¡¯t concern her.


    Qin Mu thought this but couldn¡¯t help feeling a little sad inside.


    This man... Had he ever really seen her as part of the Mu Family?


    Perhaps it was she who had unilaterally integrated herself into that family.


    Mu Yichen, seeing that she had calmed down, also decided to sleep. He was annoyed, too; his sister was getting married, and he, as her brother, was still kept hidden and unable to show face publicly.


    Is he really that disgraceful?


    In fact, he didn¡¯t know that in Qin Mu¡¯s heart, they had long been husband and wife, recognized as a couple by everyone.


    Even though their status as a married couple wasn¡¯t public yet, with them having a child and cohabiting, who in Rongcheng didn¡¯t know they were a family?


    The next morning Qin Mu got up early to go for a run, utterly frustrated, and then encountered a handsome neighbor who was also running. The handsome man slowed down when he saw her and greeted her with a smile: Hey!


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes, wow, such an attractive young man.


    "Hey!"


    "We¡¯re from the same neighborhood. I often see you with your husband and daughter commuting."


    "Is that so? What a coincidence!"


    However, facing a handsome man, Qin Mu was still not one to get too familiar, only managing to ask awkwardly with a nervous smile.


    "You don¡¯t talk much usually, do you? I always see you with your head down."


    "Uh!"


    Clearly, the handsome man loved to talk, clad in thin running gear, with his shirt clinging to his toned chest as he ran, making Qin Mu feel like his chest was even higher than hers.


    Um...


    After realizing her thoughts had wandered, Qin Mu¡¯s face immediately flushed, she turned her face away not to let him see her embarrassment, and it took considerable effort to regain her composure.


    "Do you want to pick up the pace and run a couple of laps with me?"


    Suddenly, the handsome man ran in front of her, running backward while asking her.


    Qin Mu stared blankly, shook her head vigorously, so much that she made herself dizzy: "No thanks, you go ahead!"


    She had to refuse, first because she couldn¡¯t keep up, second because she couldn¡¯t keep up, and third because she still couldn¡¯t keep up.


    After the handsome man left, her jog turned into a walk because she was already sweating and couldn¡¯t run anymore.


    He was in thin sportswear, and yet she was in a thick down jacket; nonetheless, she really was out for exercise.


    She had intended to energize herself, but now...


    Later, as she walked, playing with her phone, the handsome man would greet her each time he ran past. Qin Mu just looked up and gave a silly smile in return. After three or four laps, she decided to head back because she had only walked one and a half laps, but when she returned to the neighborhood, she saw the handsome man returning as well.

 Chapter 423 - 126 Is it over_3

    Chapter 423: 126 Is it over_3


    "Haven¡¯t asked for your esteemed surname yet?"


    The handsome man suddenly came to her side, and walked shoulder to shoulder with her.


    "No need for esteem, surname Qin!"


    "Surname Qin?"


    Qin Mu...


    This really couldn¡¯t get any more embarrassing.


    "Oh, sorry, I meant..."


    "It¡¯s fine, I need to go home to take care of the kids, bye!"


    Qin Mu suddenly couldn¡¯t carry on the conversation and started to run as soon as they were about to reach the building they lived in.


    The handsome man, watching her leave, couldn¡¯t help but smile unconsciously; he knew he had made a big blunder, but just now he really...


    Surname Qin?


    Miss Qin!


    This surname is not that common in Rongcheng, indeed the rarer ones are the better ones.


    The sun had risen quite high by the time Qin Mu got home. She took off her down jacket, hung it up, then turned around and entered the living room: "I¡¯m back!"


    "Mommy, did you go on a date with uncle?"


    Huanhuan was in the sofa playing with toys, and upon hearing Mommy¡¯s voice, she immediately turned her head and leaned on the back of the sofa to ask her sweaty-faced mother who was walking over.


    Qin Mu...


    "Don¡¯t talk nonsense, when did Mom go on a date with uncle?"


    Qin Mu, hearing that remark, lightened her steps and hurried over, gently covering her daughter¡¯s mouth and crouching behind the sofa to give a stern warning.


    Huanhuan made a scared expression, dramatically bulging her eyes.


    Qin Mu, looking at Huanhuan¡¯s expression, suddenly thought of that handsome man and then asked in a low voice: "Huanhuan, how did you know Mummy met uncle?"


    Huanhuan immediately turned her head to grab Daddy¡¯s phone, her little body blocked by the back of the sofa momentarily, then she quickly lay back down there.


    She took Mu Yichen¡¯s black phone in her hand and swiped to unlock it.


    Yes, little Huanhuan already knew how to use a smartphone and was quite good at it.


    She had even opened Mu Yichen¡¯s WeChat, and the person sending messages to Mu Yichen there was named Jiang Zhiyuan, and those photos all came from Jiang Zhiyuan.


    Qin Mu...


    The matter of her husband getting his mouth bleed by a punch hadn¡¯t been settled yet, and now here was something else to disrupt their marital relationship. Angrily, Qin Mu immediately stood up with Mu Yichen¡¯s phone in hand and pressed for voice messaging.


    The person on the other end seemed to still be outside, panting as he spoke into the receiver: "Hello? Why are you still making voice calls? Hasn¡¯t your wife returned yet?"


    "Mr. Jiang, what have I done to offend you? I haven¡¯t even settled the score with you for hitting my husband, and now you¡¯re stirring up trouble with these photos to mess with our marriage? Are you jealous that Mu Yi and I are living too well now? Are you trying to tear us apart?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan...


    Qin Mu was about to continue speaking when she turned and saw the man standing to the side, then silently put down the phone, forgetting to speak to the person on the other line.


    "Who are you talking to?"


    Mu Yichen asked.


    Qin Mu...


    "No, nothing!"


    Qin Mu, intimidated by his piercing black eyes, hastily denied everything, quietly turning off his phone and hiding it behind her.


    "Give me the phone!"


    President Mu walked forward slowly and methodically.


    Qin Mu looked up with her watery eyes at the imposing Mu Yichen, "That, I was talking with Jiang Zhiyuan!"


    "Talking about what?"


    His tone was indifferent, his gaze as tranquil as ever.


    Unwilling to play a game of hide-and-seek with him, Qin Mu decided to take out her phone from behind her back and forcefully place it in his palm, "You look for yourself!"


    Qin Mu guessed that he probably hadn¡¯t seen the pictures yet. Originally, she had wanted to delete them unnoticed for the best, but now...


    Forget it!


    There was nothing to hide in the first place! Acting this way only made it seem like there was something shameful to conceal.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, then looked down at the phone, and saw that the call was still connected, with no sound coming from the other end, but he heard the sound of a car horn and guessed that Jiang Zhiyuan must be outside, thinking to himself, doesn¡¯t that kid have legs?


    After hanging up the call, he saw the chat history with Jiang Zhiyuan, which contained a few photos of a young boy flirting with his wife.


    "Someone you know?"


    Mu Yichen asked with a frown, lifting his eyes to look at Qin Mu.


    "No, I don¡¯t know him!"


    "Then why go running together?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, unsure of how he could remain so composed. If he had been this calm about such matters before, they would never have had Huanhuan. Or was it that he was now tired of her?


    Ha!


    Really tired of her?


    She once hoped that one day, when he had enough of her, they would go their separate ways...


    Qin Mu was startled by her own thoughts and unconsciously opened her mouth to say something, but her legs went weak.


    Mu Yichen immediately caught her with one hand, his eyebrows furrowed even more, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just staring blankly at him.


    Considering what had happened recently, was he angry that she hadn¡¯t held a wedding ceremony with him, or did he feel that their relationship had become outdated?


    Huanhuan was still kneeling in the sofa, resting her chin on the backs of her hands placed on the back of the sofa, watching her mom and dad look at each other in that ambiguous posture in silence.


    It was as if the air in the spacious living room had solidified, as if even their breaths were gradually becoming scant.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qin Mu went to her studio that day somewhat distracted, yet both of her assistants were still waiting for her.


    Xiaomei had thought that Qin Mu would resolve the matter today. Yang Qianxi was also waiting for something, but when Qin Mu arrived at the studio, she just lowered her head and went upstairs, passing between them without uttering a greeting, despite hearing them greet her. The two girls looked at each other, and then, together, they watched her retreating figure climb the stairs.


    Once she entered her office, she closed the door forcefully, leaning against it with both hands, trying to let the coolness of the door calm her agitation.


    Had their love faded?


    He didn¡¯t even seem jealous when he saw another boy running with her.


    Lately, he always preferred to sleep with his back turned to her.


    Last night, he told her not to interfere with Mu Qingxin¡¯s affairs because it was none of her business.


    And that day...


    In short, lately, whatever she said seemed to displease him, always so cold and distant.


    Qin Mu suddenly leaned against the door, feeling exhausted, her stiff back making her feel as if her blood was being slowly drawn out by a syringe.


    If their relationship was ending, what would she do in the future?


    Qin Mu straightened up and walked, somewhat numbly, towards her desk, her dark pupils already brimming with a layer of mist, her eyes tearful.

 Chapter 424 - 127 gives you a son!_1

    Chapter 424: 127 gives you a son!_1


    That morning, the weather was gloomy, and so was her heart!


    But she had no time for sorrow, as she had already considered all the possibilities with him from the start.


    She still called Yang Qianxi to her office. Upon hearing her, Yang Qianxi asked with a wry smile, "Just because I like President Mu?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu originally wanted to argue, in fact she didn¡¯t want them to fight over a man in the future, but then she thought about it and realized she also didn¡¯t want any other woman to have a chance to touch him.


    She could do without him, but when she wanted him, those women better stay as far away as possible.


    So she just said that one word.


    Yang Qianxi seemed to have guessed it already, "I understand!"


    As Yang Qianxi turned and left without saying anything further, Qin Mu thought about the person she might seek support from, yet she let her go.


    Xiaomei, under the pretense of bringing coffee, probed Qin Mu¡¯s thoughts and casually asked about Wen Runuan. Qin Mu, with her head bowed in thought for a long time, then lifted her sharp gaze to Xiaomei: "This year she¡¯s not going for the girl-next-door look!"


    "Changing it? To what?"


    "Intellectual and cool, mature and composed!"


    Qin Mu said after some thought.


    "Huh! But didn¡¯t you previously say that it was best for her to stick with the girl-next-door style for these years?"


    "If I¡¯m not wrong, Yang Qianxi will switch to Jing Qing. She is familiar with Wen Runuan¡¯s recent style and will definitely push Jing Qing in that direction, so..."


    "So we¡¯re going to take the completely opposite direction?"


    Xiaomei didn¡¯t wait for Qin Mu to finish before she understood her intention.


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Mu affirmed, yet she felt a hint of disappointment when she thought of Yang Qianxi.


    At noon, she and Xiaomei ordered takeout. As the two ate on the first floor, Xiaomei suddenly laughed, "Doesn¡¯t this seem like the times we were in Paris?"


    Qin Mu really loved ordering takeout!


    Qin Mu laughed helplessly. Was it not so?


    But this was now the simplest and quickest way. She herself didn¡¯t cook, and although she used to make an effort to cook for Huanhuan, ever since Mu Yichen came into her life, she had long stopped cooking. And now, she was increasingly reluctant to step into the kitchen.


    If she lost him, she might have to return to her previous lifestyle.


    She didn¡¯t want to go to the kitchen because she would see him cooking there, and she feared that someday she would hallucinate his figure in the kitchen.


    How painful would that be!


    Noticing Qin Mu¡¯s mood today, Xiaomei asked, "Are you pregnant?"


    Pregnant?


    Qin Mu looked up at her, puzzled.


    "Your complexion is awfully pale, just like when you were pregnant with Huanhuan."


    Xiaomei mentioned the past.


    Only then did Qin Mu look down again: "I probably won¡¯t be pregnant for a while!"


    She spoke with a calm tone, yet it seemed tinged with disappointment.


    "Why? Aren¡¯t you and Mr. Yichen planning for another baby?"


    It was a long story. Qin Mu thought of the contraceptive components in her body and didn¡¯t even know where to begin. Some things she really didn¡¯t want to talk about.


    "This afternoon, you should go to the factory again!"


    Qin Mu said, sipping her coffee.


    Xiaomei¡¯s eyes spun, completely missing Qin Mu¡¯s rhythm.


    Mu Qingxin came to the studio with Jiang Yan in tow. By that time, the coffee table was already spotless. Xiaomei served them with tea and water and then left. Mu Qingxin looked around the studio and at her, before asking, "How did it go with my brother? Did he promise you that he will definitely attend my wedding?"


    Qin Mu laughed softly, her long lashes fluttering, but she never lifted her eyes.


    "Even if I don¡¯t say anything, he wouldn¡¯t miss your wedding!"


    Qin Mu whispered to her.


    "Really?"


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t believe it and laughed, excited.


    "You¡¯re his only sister. Even though you haven¡¯t been home these years, he has always been sending people to protect you. Do you think he would miss your wedding?"


    Only then did Qin Mu raise her eyes slightly.


    Jiang Yan sat quietly beside her but, upon hearing this, felt reassured.


    After all, Mu Yichen did care deeply for Mu Qingxin, more than others knew. He certainly knew that Mu Yichen would definitely attend their wedding.


    "You¡¯re right, but you still have to keep an eye on him for me. If he doesn¡¯t show up, I¡¯ll hold you accountable!"


    Mu Qingxin thought about it and felt what Qin Mu said made sense, but still felt very anxious, so she could only put pressure on Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu merely laughed lightly. What could she say?


    If she was still part of the Mu Family by then, no, even if she wasn¡¯t, she would still do her best to help.

 Chapter 425 - 127 gives you a son!_2

    Chapter 425: 127 gives you a son!_2


    "Hmm!"


    She could only agree.


    "I¡¯m relieved to hear you say that. Mom, Dad, and Grandpa could never handle brother; he never listens to his elders, he only listens to you."


    Mu Qingxin seemed to be saying this deliberately to cheer her up.


    "Really?"


    Qin Mu asked softly, merely making conversation.


    "Of course, why else would he have followed you to Paris when he was young? And after he came back to the country, didn¡¯t he visit you every now and then? He spent important holidays with you."


    Qin Mu just listened quietly, believing in her heart that she indeed held a special place for Mu Yichen, at least for now.


    But what about the future?


    How many childhood sweethearts break up suddenly after finally getting together?


    They are certainly not the first couple, nor will they be the last.


    Jiang Yan, however, noticed that Qin Mu seemed to have argued with Mu Yichen. Although she didn¡¯t say anything, she also didn¡¯t let Mu Qingxin bother her too much.


    They had already picked a date for the cesarean section. Once Mu Qingxin had given birth and the baby was a month old, they would immediately hold the wedding.


    After seeing them off, Qin Mu returned to her office and spent the entire afternoon immersed in drawing.


    After work, intending to go home early so as not to make Mr. Mu unhappy again, she was instead delayed by a phone call and ended up at the restaurant she had visited with Qin Haiming.


    "Are you upset? Because of the herbal medicine incident?"


    Qin Haiming hadn¡¯t been having a good time these past few days, so he wanted to have dinner with Qin Mu. Upon seeing her absent-minded and lowering her head, he asked with concern.


    "Back then, you loved my mother very much, didn¡¯t you?"


    She suddenly looked at him and asked.


    "Yes! She was the only woman I ever loved! Mumu, believe it or not, I have never loved anyone else."


    "Why would you hurt the woman you loved the most?"


    "It was an accident!"


    It seems that every man attributes such a mistake to an accident.


    After listening, Qin Mu laughed, then downed all the wine in her glass.


    The red wine here was actually bitter!


    When she got home, Mu Yichen had already put Huanhuan to sleep. She quietly took off her high heels at the door and tiptoed inside.


    The living room on the first floor was dark, but she knew her way around, except...


    The floor lamp by the window suddenly turned on.


    Crouching, she walked forward, following the light. When she turned her head towards the light, she saw a man dressed in a black shirt sitting on the couch. She straightened up slowly, feeling a sharp pain in her back, and then smiled lightly: "You¡¯re still awake?"


    "The mayor of Qin City arrived home at 9:10. May I ask where Miss Qin went to have an additional two hours of fun?"


    She had actually come home early, but had simply been blowing cold wind in the parking lot.


    "The car broke down on the road. Fixing it took some time. Were you waiting for me?"


    As she walked over, the warmth in her socks had faded. Sitting on the sofa next to him, feeling his cold gaze lift to her, made her suddenly tense up.


    "Is there a misunderstanding between us?"


    Mu Yichen asked, his shrewd gaze fixed directly on her.


    "Not at all! Aren¡¯t we in perfect harmony every day?"


    Mu Yichen...


    Her tone sounded completely unguarded, and after speaking, she offered him a beautiful smile.


    "Hmm! Not tonight though!"


    He stated.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart felt like a string suddenly snapping from the instrument, the ¡¯twang¡¯ of its breaking seemed like her heart was ripped open.


    His dark eyes stared straight at her: "Come here!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t understand why she still went to sit on his lap when she actually wanted to run away.


    But it was as if a string in her heart had loosened, and with a gentle pull from him, she was hooked.


    "You¡¯re very obedient tonight!"


    He held her, suddenly laughing.


    The breath he left on her neck was so fresh, Qin Mu held her breath, bowing her head, feeling his hands on her skin as usual, but with a sense of danger this time.


    Suddenly, Mu Yichen laid her down on the sofa, yet his eyes still stayed locked on her.


    Qin Mu also looked at him and smiled: "Why look at me like that? If you¡¯re going to eat me, why not hurry up?"


    Her voice was soft and naughty; he wanted her right then, but he just kept his gaze on her.


    "Did you call Liu Jingyuan?"


    He asked while caressing her leg.


    "No!"


    Qin Mu, hooking his neck, looked at his seductive deep eyes and answered composedly.


    "Good! So what exactly did you do after dinner with the mayor of Qin City tonight?"


    "I was downstairs, looking at the stars!"


    Qin Mu answered him with a smile still on her face.


    Mu Yichen suddenly laughed at her response of looking at the stars.

 Chapter 426 - 127 gives you a son!_3

    Chapter 426: 127 gives you a son!_3


    "The stars are that beautiful? Watching them from childhood until now, and still not enough?"


    He asked her with a smile, but the devilishly charming expression in those pitch-black eyes was impossible to ignore.


    Qin Mu was scared inside, but her smile looked even more beautiful on the surface.


    "Yeah! Just can¡¯t get enough!"


    "Oh?"


    He made a sound of agreement, then suddenly pinched her warm, slender waist with force.


    Qin Mu almost cried out but quietly bit down on her lip instead.


    "Mayor Qin might be getting a divorce from Zhang Rujia, what are your plans next?"


    "To watch them fall."


    "And then?"


    "If you want, I can bear you a son!"


    She looked into his eyes, her hand that was hooking around his neck quietly moved to caress his well-defined contours.


    "Truly after my own heart!"


    He suddenly laughed again and then lifted her up from the sofa.


    Qin Mu had no choice but to hold onto him tightly, wrapping her legs around his strong waist as he carried her upstairs.


    For the first time, she felt that the walk up to the bedroom was as if heading toward hell.


    Qin Mu felt he could see through her heart, yet, she could never seem to fathom him.


    What was he really thinking?


    Did he still truly love her as he did before, or was it just unwillingness to let her go after these years of pursuit?


    However, the matter of bearing a son seemed to be perfectly proceeding!


    Later, Qin Mu didn¡¯t know how she endured his possession without a trace of tenderness, only that when she woke up the next day, she was lying in his warm chest.


    As if there were no cracks between them!


    He held her gently, just like always.


    Qin Mu raised her eyes to see his sleeping face¡ªhe looked like a gentle prince. Ever since she was little, in her heart, he was always a prince, although a dark-hearted one.


    He¡¯s quite dark-hearted now too, often very bad!


    She just watched him quietly, gazing up admiringly.


    The room was silent, save for their breathing and heartbeats. Qin Mu heard a strong heartbeat, it was his.


    She couldn¡¯t help but press herself against him, knowing her lack of security.


    Just like now, lying on his chest, yet feeling like she had been thrown into hell and tormented a thousand times over.


    His gaze, his breath, both could torment her.


    In the morning, he had to go out of town for a meeting and didn¡¯t bring Huanhuan along, Qin Mu thought she would finally be able to take Huanhuan to the studio, only to discover, upon going downstairs, that the Mu Family¡¯s car was already waiting there.


    "You certainly won¡¯t have time to take Huanhuan to her early education class today, right? Give Huanhuan to me!"


    Feng Fanghua, carrying her bag, walked out and smiled very kindly, of course, at her granddaughter.


    "School begins this early?"


    Qin Mu asked subconsciously, feeling a cool breeze pour into her heart the moment the child was taken away.


    "It started on the eighth!"


    After Feng Fanghua finished speaking she said to Huanhuan, "Baby, say goodbye to mommy, grandma is taking you to play with other children!"


    "Mommy goodbye!"


    Huanhuan actually just wanted to go play with the toys in the early education class, so she waved to Qin Mu happily.


    At that moment, oh, Qin Mu truly understood what it felt like to have your heart carved out.


    "Bye-bye!"


    Qin Mu smiled and said goodbye, then turned and got into her own car.


    Before she set off, she received a call from a police officer, asking her to go to the police station.


    As a result, she was detained!


    "Your counter¡¯s salesperson says you instigated this theft, do you have anything to say?"


    It was a male police officer who looked at her with a cold face, and when he sat down to speak, there wasn¡¯t a hint of emotion.


    "I want to speak to Mayor Qin of Qin City!"


    Qin Mu knew how these people treated the detained, and at this moment she didn¡¯t want to bring up Mu Yichen, only to find someone related to this case.


    "Sorry, Mayor Qin probably doesn¡¯t have the time to speak to you!"


    The officer said coldly.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just quietly looked at him. Had this officer been bought by Zhang Rujia?


    "What about Mu Yichen?"


    "Mu Yichen? The president of AM, Mu? Who are you to him?"


    "Would a wife suffice?"


    Qin Mu asked indifferently, lowering her eyes to the cold object on her wrist, and unconsciously furrowed her brow.


    "Ha, seventy percent of the girls in Rongcheng claim to be President Mu¡¯s wife. Take this seriously. If you don¡¯t confess the truth, don¡¯t blame me¡ª"


    "How much did she pay you?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t answer, but asked in return.


    "Do you know you¡¯re obstructing a police officer from carrying out official duties?"


    ¡ª¡ª


    Mu Yichen had been trying to call her all day but couldn¡¯t get through, so he called Mu Qingxin, and Mu Qingxin said only Huanhuan was there, Qin Mu wasn¡¯t.


    Mu Yichen had no choice but to call her studio, and Xiaomei nervously told him, "I haven¡¯t seen her all day, she said we were supposed to go to the garment factory for a meeting today, but I can¡¯t get through to her phone either."


    Mu Yichen glanced at his watch, it was already past eight, and it would take him at least another two hours to get back to the city.


    Helian Hao was at home arguing with Jing Feng when he received a call from Mu Yichen; he was also startled and then looked at Jing Feng puzzled, "Why would Mu Yichen call me?"


    The two who had been quarreling had to pause, and Helian Hao answered the phone with confusion, "Hello?"


    "Did Qin Mu come to see you today?"


    "No, what¡¯s up?"


    "I can¡¯t find her now!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s heart was in turmoil when he uttered those words, feeling utterly powerless.


    He suddenly had a very bad premonition; he didn¡¯t know if she was still in this city or if something had happened.


    Helian Hao was suddenly stunned too, because deep down he also felt something was off, "Did you two have a fight, so she¡¯s not answering your calls?"


    "She wouldn¡¯t!"


    Even if they had fought, she would not ignore his calls, especially these past few days.


    "Then I¡¯m hanging up!"


    Mu Yichen suddenly thought of Qin Haiming and immediately called him. Qin Haiming was entertaining guests but raised an eyebrow when he saw it was Mu Yichen¡¯s number and excused himself from the table.


    "Did Qin Mu contact you today?"


    "We haven¡¯t been in touch since dinner last night, what¡¯s up?"


    He just floored the accelerator, driving as fast as he could; she knew only a handful of people in Rongcheng, and he had called every one of them, those he should and shouldn¡¯t have.


    When he got home and hurriedly opened the door, the only sounds were the loud bang of the door hitting the wall and the feel of the warm air blowing on his face from the pitch-dark house, so warm it was almost unbearable for his eyes.

 Chapter 427 - 128 Making use of_1

    Chapter 427: 128 Making use of_1


    Qin Mu was picked up from inside and by the time they got outside, it was nearly midnight. She was draped in Mu Yichen¡¯s black jacket, gazing at the stars above, and couldn¡¯t help but laugh softly.


    Mu Yichen hugged her shoulders, "Can you still walk?"


    "The stars are so beautiful!"


    Following her gaze into the night sky, Mu Yichen suddenly remembered how just last night he was complaining about her watching the stars outside.


    Yes, the stars are so beautiful!


    He didn¡¯t ask her anything else, just lifted her off the ground and into his arms.


    She curled up in his embrace, quietly pressing against his chest.


    "Yichen!"


    Yang Bo ran out from inside.


    Mu Yichen turned his head, "I¡¯ll settle this with you later."


    Yang Bo, looking at the startled woman in his arms, understood the message and stopped, standing on the steps watching the two of them leave.


    The murderous intent flickering in Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes was clear to Yang Bo. He knew he had to explain himself to Mu Yichen, about the staff member who had detained Qin Mu without authorization...


    With that in mind, Yang Bo immediately turned around and went back inside.


    After arriving home, Qin Mu was placed on the bed, but her eyes couldn¡¯t help following him intently.


    "I¡¯ll go and run a bath for you, how about you soak for a while first?"


    He whispered softly.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just watched him quietly.


    Mu Yichen felt a sudden pang of heartache and moved to the head of the bed, pulling her into his embrace.


    "I¡¯m here!"


    Qin Mu thought back to the year when, as a child, she was bullied at the edge of the school, and it was he who had found and rescued her, promising "I¡¯m here!"


    Unconsciously, Qin Mu snuggled tightly into his embrace but stubbornly refused to say anything.


    She wasn¡¯t even sure if he still loved her.


    "Forget the bath, shall we rest instead?"


    "I want to take a bath!"


    Her face, already tear-stained at the mere thought of that year¡¯s incident, unconsciously sniffled as she spoke.


    She was still so stubborn, and Mu Yichen, seeing her as obstinate as a mule, resigned himself to running her bath.


    In the past, she would never let him watch her bathe, but this time, she grabbed hold of him as he was about to leave the bathtub.


    "Mu Yi, don¡¯t go!"


    What happened in the bathtub after that...


    Indescribable!


    After a tumultuous scene in the bathroom, Mu Yichen carried her out and placed her on the bed, found some ointment, and carefully applied it to the bruises on her arms, all acquired in just one day¡¯s time.


    Her face bore no marks of injury, but her body was covered with bruises.


    She even joked, asking if it looked like he had pinched her.


    How could he bear to?


    When he applied the ointment, she didn¡¯t make a sound, just lay on the bed, her eyes serene and unfocused, gazing into the space beneath her eyelids.


    The room felt so empty in its silence, only the warmth in his palm was real and hot.


    He didn¡¯t ask anything, because he already knew that when he saw the injuries on her body, he wanted to know more, but she wouldn¡¯t let him.


    Later, after she fell asleep, he then went out to call Yang Bo.


    But when he woke up the next day, she had disappeared.


    Upon opening his eyes, Mu Yichen reached for her body, but found nothing.


    As he fully awoke and panic set in, he saw the other side of the bed was empty, and he instinctively threw off the covers and jumped out of bed.


    She wasn¡¯t in the bathroom; he got dressed in the bedroom, put on a shirt, and then headed downstairs.


    Qin Mu had gone to the Qin Family¡¯s house. Qin Haiming had also just woken up not long ago, and upon hearing she was outside, he went out; sure enough, there she stood, wearing a down jacket but with her face already frozen red.


    "Mumu, what¡¯s wrong?"


    "I need to borrow two people from you!"


    Qin Mu, hands tucked into the pockets of her down jacket, raised the reason for her visit.


    "Come inside and we¡¯ll talk!"


    "No! This has to be discussed here."


    Qin Mu softly refused, just waiting for Qin Haiming to agree to her request.


    Qin Haiming, who had donned a coat, initially wanted to bring Qin Mu inside to talk, but seeing the determination in her eyes, he resigned to standing outside with her.


    After hearing Qin Mu¡¯s intentions, he nodded.


    Additionally, she said, "I visited the police station yesterday to experience their interrogation method. I think it¡¯s necessary to report a few individuals to the mayor."


    Qin Haiming looked at Qin Mu in surprise; she seemed calm and unharmed.


    However, when she made that statement, it made him feel as if she had been bullied there, as if she had sustained severe injuries.


    "What exactly happened? Why did you go there?"


    "You¡¯ll have to ask your wife about the specifics. Besides, the people I want to report, I hope they get their retribution today."


    "Tell me!"


    After Qin Mu left, Qin Haiming still stood there, thinking for a long time. Eventually, he reached into his pocket, took out his phone, and dialed a number: "Check these people for me, and give me a response after work starts."

 Chapter 428 - 128 Making use of_2

    Chapter 428: 128 Making use of_2


    Qin Haiming hung up the phone and returned to the house.


    He had mentioned divorce to Zhang Rujia, but she had not agreed, and had been cajoling him for the past few days, so they still shared a room, sleeping on the same bed.


    As he stood in the yard looking up at the building, he frowned involuntarily when he noticed that woman peering out of the window, then he said to the driver, "I¡¯ll go to work by myself today, you stay at home and watch over the lady, keep an eye on her every move."


    "Yes!"


    The driver was his trusted confidant, and he felt assured by him.


    When he returned to the room, Zhang Rujia had already gotten up and, seeing him come back, she said softly, "Is it cold outside?"


    "Not bad! Why are you up so early?"


    Qin Haiming asked, casting a low glance at her.


    "How could I stay in bed when you¡¯re already up? I¡¯ll go to the kitchen and personally make some porridge for you to drink."


    "No need! Sit down, I have something to tell you."


    Qin Haiming said as he sat down at the edge of the bed. Zhang Rujia initially intended to leave but, hearing his words, she had no choice but to return and sit quietly on the sofa, waiting for his instructions.


    "Don¡¯t go out these days if it¡¯s unnecessary. There might be some important guests coming over who you¡¯ll need to help me entertain," he said.


    "Are they very important guests?"


    Zhang Rujia was naturally unwilling, yet she had to feign concern as she asked.


    "Yes! It¡¯s important that you¡¯re here when this guest arrives. After all, he thinks highly of you, understand?"


    "Of course!"


    Zhang Rujia understood that when some figures visited from outside, they also brought their families along, and the house needed her as the hostess to entertain them.


    She quite enjoyed that feeling of being his wife.


    "But I still need to go to the mall this morning. There¡¯s a bit of an issue at the counter that I need to handle personally, then I¡¯ll come right back. What do you think?"


    "It¡¯s better not to!"


    Qin Haiming said, looking at her.


    Qin Mu left the Qin Family and drove straight to the mall, entering through the employee entrance at the back and heading directly for the manager¡¯s office. The manager had spent the night with a female staffer in the office, and as he was tucking in his shirt after hearing a knock at the door, he froze when he saw Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak; instead, it was two men who suddenly stood out from behind him, lifting the work badges they had prepared earlier.


    The manager was petrified on the spot, his shirt not even properly tucked into his trousers.


    The young service worker sat on the sofa, her head bowed, using her disheveled hair to cover her face, unmoving.


    Qin Mu took a photo with his phone indifferently, then turned and left.


    As for the manager, he was naturally taken away.


    The JY store manager had just hurried back from out of town. After hearing about yesterday¡¯s incident, she was also very nervous. Qin Mu stood in front of the counter, looking at the list on top while listening to the store manager say, "I¡¯ve been trying to call Zhang Xiaojie, but she isn¡¯t answering. Could she have left?"


    "She¡¯s upstairs!"


    Qin Mu said nonchalantly, glancing at his phone.


    Store Manager...


    "Starting today, you¡¯ll personally manage this counter. If anyone else causes trouble, bring out the Qin City mayor¡¯s estranged woman."


    "You..."


    The store manager was a woman with short hair, good in many ways and very smart. Understanding Qin Mu¡¯s hint, she dared not ask any further.


    "Should we still open the shop on Central Street?"


    "Of course, it¡¯s going to become our most classic and luxurious store in Rongcheng."


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes inadvertently drifted to the store opposite as he spoke.


    "Keep a close eye on that shop for the next few days and call me immediately if anything happens," Qin Mu instructed before leaving.


    After she left, the store manager quickly began to clean up. Though she was the manager, under the current special circumstances, she had to put in the hard work as well.


    Having received a call from Mu Yichen in the morning and not contacting him again after being busy, she parked her car under his office building and went up to find him.


    But as fate would have it, she ran into Jing Qing who was also coming over just as she got out of the car.


    "Are you that afraid of him being taken by someone else?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu replied with a cold laugh, then marched ahead of her.


    Jing Qing stood there, watching her walk away before starting to move towards the inside.


    Now, Qin Mu was actually at ease!


    After all, what was meant to be lost would be lost when the time came, and what was meant to be hers would be hers.


    But the woman behind her was nearly being tortured to the breaking point!


    ¡ª


    In the CEO¡¯s office, Mu Yichen sat in the chair behind the desk, looking at the somewhat defiant and wild woman standing across the desk.


    Jing Qing sat on the sofa, about to drink the tea served by the secretary.


    "Why does our company¡¯s advertisement need you as a spokesperson? Wasn¡¯t my endorsement higher than yours last year?"

 Chapter 429 - 128 Making use of_3

    Chapter 429: 128 Making use of_3


    Jing Qing hadn¡¯t even taken a sip of her tea before she was left staring angrily upon hearing those words.


    "I want to endorse all of your advertisements!"


    Qin Mu turned his head to look at Mu Yichen and stubbornly said to him.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s deep black eyes gazed at her, only faintly uttering, "Are you sure?"


    "Absolutely!"


    Qin Mu answered with certainty.


    "Including gynecological medicine and kidney medicine?"


    Mu Yichen looked at her to confirm.


    Qin Mu...


    Jing Qing was already displeased, and only felt somewhat happier after seeing Qin Mu at a disadvantage, before she lowered her head to drink her tea.


    "Then let Miss Jing handle the endorsement of the gynecological products, I¡¯m too young, I don¡¯t understand what gynecology is."


    Qin Mu raised her eyes as if she didn¡¯t see Jing Qing at all, domineering like a stubborn child.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, then turned his head towards Jing Qing, "Are you willing?"


    "I only endorse the pharmaceutical company¡¯s name."


    Jing Qing almost spat out her tea because of Qin Mu¡¯s words, eventually swallowing it down and scalding her throat in the process, she promptly replied after hearing Mu Yichen¡¯s inquiry, actually reminding him.


    Because it was indeed her who had endorsed the pharmaceutical company¡¯s name a few years ago.


    "I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s not possible this year!"


    Qin Mu stood there looking down at her and said a word before turning to look at Mu Yichen, seemingly waiting for him to make the final decision.


    "From now on, all the brands under my flag will be endorsed by Mrs. Mu, Jing Qing, you may go back now!"


    Mu Yichen looked at her tricky appearance, knowing full well she was doing it on purpose, but he could only let her be.


    But Jing Qing stood up irritably, putting the tea cup down, "Yichen, do you not have a stance of your own now?"


    "My stance is her!"


    Mu Yichen glanced at Qin Mu, helplessly replied as if with cold, unfeeling finality.


    Jing Qing laughed helplessly, "It seems I can¡¯t make it in Rongcheng anymore, unless this woman leaves."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t seem to react, but Qin Mu¡¯s sensitive eyes flickered upon hearing the word "leave."


    Jing Qing left, and only the two of them remained in the office.


    Mu Yichen still sat there, with a commanding presence surveying the woman before him.


    But Qin Mu cast down her gaze after Jing Qing had left.


    "Sorry, I didn¡¯t do it on purpose!"


    "Not on purpose?"


    Mu Yichen leaned back in his seat, looking at her listless appearance, and asked her.


    Qin Mu glanced at him subconsciously, and upon seeing the questioning in his dark eyes, she unintentionally murmured, "It was intentional! I did it on purpose!"


    "Where did you go this morning?"


    He didn¡¯t want to argue with her about these things, whatever she wanted, he would give her everything!


    "The Qin Family!"


    "It seems you¡¯re very clear about what¡¯s in your heart!"


    Mu Yichen remarked.


    "After what happened yesterday, I suddenly realized that to ¡¯kill one to warn a hundred¡¯, you must act quickly!"


    Qin Mu pulled out a chair to sit down, her hand gently resting on the table, wiping away the faint dust.


    "So..."


    "This morning, I asked Qin Haiming for some men, and we took the shopping mall¡¯s manager away first!"


    "What else?"


    His dark eyes watched her, and even though she did not meet his gaze, he could still peer into her heart.


    "Qin Haiming has imprisoned Zhang Rujia!"


    The office fell momentarily silent, until Qin Mu¡¯s phone rang.


    It was Qin Haiming, and after she finished the call, she looked up at Mu Yichen, "You were faster than me!"


    "Otherwise, how could I let you rise and fall with me?"


    Mu Yichen asked, looking at her.


    Qin Mu also stared straight back at him, the two of them separated by a desk, trying to conquer each other with their eyes first.


    Later, Qin Mu walked out of his office with pride. She wouldn¡¯t thank him, because saying thanks too much renders it meaningless!


    Since they were still together, she would accept anything he was willing to do for her, as long as it was good for her.


    "Since you¡¯re so free, why not help me investigate the past events?"


    "Which one?"


    Mu Yichen asked her!


    "Qin Haiming told me that back then, he only made a mistake any man would make. He said he was drunk and not thinking straight when he slept with Zhang Rujia!"


    "Understood!"


    Mu Yichen nodded.


    Qin Mu stood up from the chair: Then I¡¯ll be leaving, you will pick up Huanhuan this afternoon, right?


    Mu Yichen just stared at her, suddenly finding it difficult to adjust when she was so unceremonious with him, and laughed involuntarily: You¡¯re leaving just like that?


    "What else should I do? I¡¯ve said all there is to say,¡ª¡ª do you want to invite me to your resting room for a break?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes flickered, suddenly realizing.


    She had already been angered to stupidity today until this moment, looking into his dark eyes, she finally understood that his mood wasn¡¯t very good right now.


    "That¡¯s exactly what I had in mind! Does it not hurt anymore?"


    But he still asked with some hesitation.


    "The body and skin are the gifts of my parents; if they don¡¯t hurt, what do I have to hurt about?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s bright eyes looked at him, then while taking off her coat, she began to move backward, signaling with her eyes for him to follow.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak again. Her current cold and ruthless demeanor was because of what happened yesterday. He had seen the surveillance footage, so he had people deal with those who hurt her last night.


    Only...


    She was still hurt in the end!


    She had come to realize the cruelty of society, she had recognized that those who seemed righteous were indeed heartless beasts.


    This was a good thing, but he was worried about the direction she was heading in.


    In bed, she was on top of him, looking down at him, her soft fingers lightly pulling his tie undone.


    All of a sudden, Mu Yichen sat up, grabbed her waist, and with an evil grin in his dark eyes, he flipped her onto the bed.


    "Don¡¯t do this!"


    He lay on her back, biting her gently, then soothing tenderly, whispering kisses and pleadings.


    "I want to take more while you still want me!"


    She lay on the bed, her hands pinned behind her by him, yet she did not show weakness, she lifted her head towards his side and smiled as she spoke to him.


    "I¡¯ll give you as much as you want! But not like this!"


    "Then tame me!"


    ¡ª¡ª


    Afterward, Qin Mu came out from within, her clothes neat, but with several bite marks on her neck. She turned her back to the door, gently closing it for Director Mu, then nodded at Secretary Xi before leaving.


    Secretary Xi watched her, not daring to take a deep breath, wondering if their boss was still all right, but not daring to disturb him.

 Chapter 430 - 129 Hidden in the Golden House_1

    Chapter 430: 129 Hidden in the Golden House_1


    Later, Yang Bo, clad in his police uniform, went to find Mu Yichen. Walking from their office building to the rooftop, he was greeted with countless sparks of interest.


    Mu Yichen, while tucking the hem of his shirt into his trousers, walked out of the break room with utmost seriousness.


    Yang Bo stood lazily behind his desk, looking at the photo of Mu Yichen with Qin Mu, and as he glanced up...


    Haha!


    The man who claimed to love only Qin Mu couldn¡¯t be...


    "You¡¯re keeping a mistress in a golden house?"


    "It¡¯s someone else keeping a¡ªman!"


    Mu Yichen was about to say ¡¯mistress,¡¯ but he hesitated and then switched direction.


    Yang Bo put down whatever he was holding, looking incredulously at him, who¡¯s hiding him?


    "Didn¡¯t you run into Qin Mu just as he was leaving?"


    Mu Yichen looked at him with that foolish expression and simply reminded him before taking a cigarette from the box on the desk and putting it to his lips.


    Yang Bo also took one, but he sniffed it vigorously under his nose before putting it in his mouth.


    After lighting his cigarette, Mu Yichen tossed the lighter to Yang Bo. Catching it with both hands, Yang Bo lit his own and then watched as Mu Yichen took a harsh drag of smoke at the side.


    With his gaze lowered to the burning cigarette in his hand, Mu Yichen said, "Tell me, what¡¯s the situation now?"


    "Could it be that Xiaomu told her father, and now his people are getting involved? It seems like they want to reorganize our police department."


    "The top position should¡¯ve been yours all along!"


    Mu Yichen patted his shoulder after hearing this, then walked towards the window, smoking.


    Yang Bo took a hard drag of his cigarette as well, still standing there, looking somewhat anxious.


    "Yes! But have you considered how our colleagues will view me now? The matter of Qin Mu being in the police department was revealed to you by me."


    "Do you regret it?"


    Mu Yichen turned, his sharp eyes piercing as he looked at him.


    "Regret? What¡¯s there to regret about saving my own sister? It¡¯s just that if this gets out... Well, it¡¯s fate!"


    Actually, becoming the top man would benefit him too. He was originally designated for the position, everyone was already calling him boss, but then out of nowhere Cheng Yaojin appeared, and now good!


    "Xiaomu¡¯s alright, isn¡¯t she?"


    Yang Bo still remembered the pitiful sight of Qin Mu cowering in a corner being bullied; a girl must have been scared out of her wits.


    "She¡¯s fine!"


    Mu Yichen thought back to last night when she dragged him into the bathtub upon his return, the fact that he couldn¡¯t see her when he opened his eyes this morning, and just a moment ago.


    In his heart, he knew that the more frightened she was, the more rational she became. She must have been scared to death at that time, otherwise why would she look up at the stars after coming out?


    After what happened yesterday, she completely changed today.


    The woman who had just recently softened like jade suddenly became sharp and angular again, a coldness seeping from her eyes, from her body.


    "But last night when I saw her come out, she was still..."


    "Let¡¯s not talk about it; you guys don¡¯t understand her!"


    With those words, Mu Yichen shut Yang Bo down; if he didn¡¯t understand her, then there was no use thinking about it any further.


    Latehttp://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguidern, Yang Bo mentioned a few things and then left. Mu Yichen stood at the window, lighting another cigarette and looking out. His phoenix eyes half-narrowed, he watched the tiny matters below, a fierce determination seeping through.


    ¡ª¡ª


    The Qin Family!


    Zhang Rujia grew increasingly worried; this felt less like waiting for guests at home and more like imprisonment.


    Every attempt to leave the house was obstructed, and although people still respectfully called her ¡¯Madam,¡¯...


    Could she have been exposed so quickly?


    But Qin Mu had been caught; surely it couldn¡¯t have been so fast unless Mu Yichen had found her¡ª


    That would be truly terrible!


    The more Zhang Rujia thought about it, the more frightened she became. It was already dark, and Qin Haiming hadn¡¯t returned, so she took out her phone to call Qin Mingzhu: "Mingzhu, can you go to the mall and check on our store for me."


    "I¡¯m at the mall right now, and there¡¯s no issue at all; it¡¯s just the shop next door undergoing renovations."


    "JY is closed?"


    "No! It¡¯s the shop next to JY that¡¯s closed; who knows what brand will take over after that. What¡¯s wrong with you? Aren¡¯t you coming out yourself?"


    Qin Mingzhu had not been having an easy time either. Zhang Rujia had told her to keep a low profile, not to dine or play with friends for the time being, to just stay quietly in the apartment. If she felt too bored, she¡¯d take a turn around the mall, buy something, and then go back to sleep in the apartment.


    "Listen, I might be under house arrest by your father. Help me keep an eye on the mall for the next few days, and call me immediately if anything strange happens, got it?"


    Zhang Rujia nervously held her phone, giving instructions to her.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mingzhu nodded, standing behind some clothes, stealthily watching the outside.


    "By the way, did you see Qin Mu today?"

 Chapter 431 - 129 Hidden in the Golden House_2

    Chapter 431: 129 Hidden in the Golden House_2f?e?ewebn¦Òvel.com


    "No!"


    Zhang Rujia finally breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this and then gave a few more emphatic instructions before hanging up.


    After Qin Mingzhu hung up the phone, she looked across at the counter opposite and wondered, could that really be Qin Mu¡¯s counter?


    JY?


    Did it genuinely stand for Jian Yan?


    Qin Mingzhu observed the short-haired woman inside the counter introducing clothes to customers; she looked like a boss.


    Could that short-haired woman be working for Qin Mu?


    Qin Mingzhu then looked back at her own shop, where the clerks stood at the entrance constantly calling out welcomes, but still, no one came in.


    By contrast, the number of customers at the counter opposite kept increasing.


    Qin Mingzhu couldn¡¯t help but furrow her brows in annoyance as she eyed her own shop¡¯s clerks. The girl was embarrassed as well, smiling outwardly but being ignored, and she also turned back to look at Qin Mingzhu.


    "Miss Qin, I want to resign!"


    The girl eventually brought up the subject nervously.


    Qin Mingzhu was stunned upon hearing this and blinked: Resign? Who gave you permission to resign?


    "Even if you don¡¯t let me quit, I can¡¯t go on anymore. Recently our shop has had no business, look at their shop!"


    The clerk said, looking longingly at the shop opposite.


    Qin Mingzhu also looked over and suddenly became angry. Were these people blind? Their clothing was all top-quality, yet they preferred a shop that had only recently opened, and she noticed that the other store did not offer discounts.


    What kind of shop doesn¡¯t offer discounts when it first opens?


    "Mrs. Mu!"


    Just as Qin Mingzhu was fretting about what to do, she suddenly heard a voice from across the way and looked up to see Feng Fanghua standing there.


    "Hmm! What age group does your shop mainly cater to? Do you have anything to recommend for me?"


    "Of course!"


    Feng Fanghua was holding a little one¡¯s hand, and after she went in to try on clothes, a domestic helper took care of Huanhuan.


    Qin Mingzhu put down the paperwork she was working on and walked outside just in time to see Feng Fanghua examining her reflection in the trial mirror after trying on a new outfit.


    "With such a good figure, Mrs. Mu, you¡¯d look good in clothes from any age group!"


    The shop manager tied the belt on the back of the coat while softly speaking.


    "Humph! Flatterer, but old is old!"


    Feng Fanghua looked at the woman in the mirror; wearing that coat indeed made her figure seem even more slender, then she looked at her own face, and with...


    "Mingzhu?"


    Feng Fanghua turned her eyes and saw another girl reflected in the mirror.


    "Auntie, what are you doing here?"


    Qin Mingzhu stepped forward, then hugged her arm with a smile.


    The short-haired manager immediately stepped aside. Qin Mingzhu glanced at her, then coaxed Feng Fanghua: Auntie, if you want to buy clothes, come to our place, what are you doing here? Come on, I will help you choose a couple of the latest models.


    "Oh, Mingzhu! I was just taking a look!"


    Feng Fanghua, seeing her insistence, promptly reminded her. Although it was awkward, she managed to push Qin Mingzhu¡¯s hand off her arm without anyone noticing.


    Qin Mingzhu...


    "I¡¯ll come over to you in a bit. How would it look, going to your place while still wearing someone else¡¯s clothes? Look, it seems you have customers now; go over and welcome them."


    Feng Fanghua said, glancing across at Qin Mingzhu¡¯s place.


    Upon hearing the word "customers," Qin Mingzhu quickly turned back, but just as she was heading over, the customers had already made a circle around their shop and left, heading straight across to their competitors.


    "Isn¡¯t that Mrs. Gao?"


    Feng Fanghua was about to take off her coat when she saw an acquaintance and immediately stood still to greet her.


    "Mrs. Mu? You look so youthful today. Did you bring your granddaughter shopping with you?"


    The plump Mrs. Gao greeted her, and after observing Feng Fanghua¡¯s good figure, she felt a touch embarrassed and quickly turned her gaze to the girl playing with brochures beside her.


    Huanhuan glanced at her and continued playing with her own things.


    "That¡¯s right! Huanhuan, call her Grandma Zhang!"


    "Grandma Zhang!"


    Huanhuan called out reluctantly.


    "Oh, what a well-behaved little girl! But you might damage the brochures if you play with them like that. Better put them down now."


    Mrs. Gao went over and said with a smile.


    Seeing this, the manager immediately approached: It¡¯s alright. If the little friend likes it, we can just give it to her.


    Mrs. Gao didn¡¯t expect her to be so generous and stood up to scrutinize the manager: You¡¯re the owner, aren¡¯t you?


    "Yes!"


    "You are very easy to talk to. By the way, do you have the dress Mrs. Mu is wearing in your shop?"


    "The one Mrs. Mu is wearing? We have only one style and one size of that!"

 Chapter 432 - 129 Hidden in the Golden House_3

    Chapter 432: 129 Hidden in the Golden House_3


    Feng Fanghua could see that this woman didn¡¯t like her, but she wasn¡¯t angry. She merely said with indifference, "Otherwise, I can take it off for Mrs. Gao to try?"


    "That won¡¯t be necessary, anyone with eyes can see there¡¯s a difference in our figures. I¡¯d better look at other styles!"


    Speaking, Mrs. Gao went inside to pick out something else. Originally, Feng Fanghua hadn¡¯t planned to buy the coat, but after taking it off this time, she said, "Wrap this up for me, please!"


    "Of course, Mrs. Mu, please wait a moment!"


    "Hmm!"


    "We¡¯ve just received some shawls in our store that are quite lovely. How about I give Mrs. Mu one as a gift?"


    Feng Fanghua was surprised by how good the service was from the boutique owner. To be honest, she had only entered because of the JY initials, but not seeing Qin Mu, she thought she must have been mistaken. Now, she suddenly liked this place.


    Especially in front of an acquaintance, the feeling of being given a gift made her smile, "Then, thank you very much!"


    "Not at all!"


    After Feng Fanghua and the servant left with Huanhuan, Mrs. Gao also bought a piece and then asked, "Are you going to give me a shawl too?"


    "Certainly!"


    The store manager agreed easily.


    Mrs. Gao immediately became happy, "Then I¡¯ll buy another piece. Your clothes are beautiful. Are they all limited editions?"


    "Yes!"


    On hearing this, Mrs. Gao was even more pleased with herself. At her age, wearing the same outfit as someone else was truly embarrassing. Although she was a bit overweight, she still hoped to be unique.


    That evening, Mu Yichen went to pick up Huanhuan and take her back to the apartment. When he heard Mu Qingxin saying that Feng Fanghua had been out buying a coat today, he couldn¡¯t help but feel puzzled, since when did Mrs. Feng feel so proud over a piece of clothing?


    "Daddy!"


    Huanhuan, coming out from washing her hands, saw Mu Yichen sitting on the sofa and immediately ran over happily. She had missed her father after two days apart, and it had made her little heart ache.


    "Huanhuan has been a good girl! Did you miss Daddy a lot?"


    Mu Yichen asked as he lifted her onto his lap.


    "Yes! I missed you so much, right here!"


    As Huanhuan spoke, she did not forget to place both her little hands over her chest.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh. Feng Fanghua came over at a leisurely pace and fiddled with the shawl on her shoulders as she sat down.


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but laugh and said, "Mom, you don¡¯t usually wear a shawl at home. What¡¯s the occasion today?"


    "What do you know?"


    Feng Fanghua gave her daughter a glance and asked.


    Mu Yichen raised an eyebrow and, seeing the JY initials on the edge of the shawl, he understood but chose not to say anything.


    "Is this store really owned by Qin Mu?"


    Feng Fanghua asked him.


    Mu Qingxin cradled her pregnant belly, glancing between Feng Fanghua and Mu Qingxin.


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen did not deny it. Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of pride inside, while Mu Qingxin laughed and said, "Brother, is Qin Mu planning to develop in all aspects of virtue, intelligence, and beauty?"


    "Perhaps!"


    Mu Yichen stood up, holding Huanhuan, "It¡¯s getting late, I should take her back."


    "Your dad and grandfather haven¡¯t returned from their outing yet. Won¡¯t you wait to see them?"


    "I¡¯ll come back tomorrow!"


    After Mu Yichen spoke, he left with the child. Feng Fanghua sighed helplessly, thinking about how cold he appeared and wondering whom he took after - surely not her?


    Yet inside, she knew she valued relationships deeply!


    The more Feng Fanghua thought about it, the more tangled she felt, but then she remembered that her son also held relationships in high regard, which made her feel a bit better.


    "Mom, did you find that Brother was acting a bit odd today?"


    Mu Qingxin curiously asked, her eyes full of puzzlement.


    "I¡¯ve long been accustomed to it!"


    Feng Fanghua laughed and said.


    Mu Yichen drove Huanhuan home, and as they neared the parking lot, he spotted Qin Mu chatting with a handsome guy. With a resigned sigh, he drove the car over.


    Qin Mu and the handsome man both watched as his luxury car approached. Qin Mu went around to his car and opened the rear door: "Huanhuan!"


    "Mommy!"


    Qin Mu lifted Huanhuan out of the car without caring whether Mu Yichen was willing or not, and holding Huanhuan, she greeted the handsome man: "Say hello to uncle!"


    "Hello, Uncle!"


    "Hello!"


    The handsome guy was sociable and had a ready smile.


    "This is my daughter, Huanhuan!"


    Qin Mu introduced.


    "She looks a lot like you!"


    The handsome guy said.


    "Really? You¡¯re the first one to say she looks like me. Thanks!"


    After Mu Yichen got out of the car, he heard his wife¡¯s comment and walked over with an expressionless face.


    He casually placed his hand on his wife¡¯s shoulder and said softly, "Who is this?"


    "The handsome guy we met at the park last time, we just bumped into him again, so I said hello."


    "Hello, I..."


    "Let¡¯s go! It¡¯s too cold outside, don¡¯t let our daughter catch a cold."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t want to listen to the handsome man babble, so he embraced Qin Mu and forcefully led her away.


    "Goodbye!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t forget to wave goodbye, and seeing that the big boss wasn¡¯t paying him any attention, the handsome guy wasn¡¯t offended. He simply smiled and waved back at Qin Mu.


    "Goodbye, Uncle!"


    Huanhuan stretched out her arms to wave goodbye to the handsome guy.


    Mu Yichen...


    Do this mother and daughter pair start swooning every time they see a handsome man?


    "Why didn¡¯t you talk to him? That was so rude!"


    Qin Mu scolded him immediately when they got home.


    "Like politeness can feed us? Besides, did you see that sly look on his face, and you still expect me to be polite to him?"


    Mu Yichen took Huanhuan from her arms, lifted her high, and settled her onto the sofa before turning back to look at Qin Mu.


    As Qin Mu took off her coat, she said to him, "If you have an issue with me, why take it out on a stranger?"


    "Would it make you happy if I took it out on you?"


    Mu Yichen glanced at her.


    Qin Mu...


    Yeah! Better to take it out on someone else, haha!


    Later, Mu Yichen was in the kitchen preparing dinner, while Qin Mu watched him from the dining area, occasionally glancing at her little daughter outside, thinking to herself how just yesterday she had barely escaped death, and yet today everything felt so warm and cozy, like yesterday was just a nightmare.


    Luckily, Yang Bo had arrived in time. Otherwise, she might have been subjected to severe torture.


    "Mu Yichen, let¡¯s invite Officer Yang for dinner sometime when you¡¯re free!"


    She hugged herself and leaned on the dining table, speaking to the man focused on cooking in the kitchen.


    "He probably won¡¯t have the time!"


    Mu Yichen stated gravely.


    Their fraternal bond didn¡¯t require constant thanks.


    "Then thank him for me when you see him!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t insist, simply turning around and heading for the living room after saying her piece.


    Mu Yichen turned his head to look at the empty dining area...

 Chapter 433 - 130 OK, agreed! _1

    Chapter 433: 130 OK, agreed! _1


    Mu Yichen glanced at the empty dining room, and the gloom lingering in his dark eyes was eventually concealed by his long lashes.


    The dinner was particularly harmonious.


    Qin Mu rolled up his white sleeves and couldn¡¯t help but laugh while serving Huanhuan soup and watching her deliberately make a drooling face.


    "Is the soup Daddy made that delicious?"


    Qin Mu asked!


    "Yeah! Super amazing!"


    Huanhuan said, giving Mu Yichen a thumbs-up as she spoke.


    Mu Yichen raised an eyebrow helplessly. His daughter had already learned to praise him, and it was indeed something worth celebrating.


    "I want to drink some red wine, how about you?"


    "Just a little!"


    Qin Mu looked up at the man across from him and said.


    Mu Yichen stood up to get the red wine, and Qin Mu placed Huanhuan¡¯s bowl in front of her: Be careful, it¡¯s hot! Blow on it before you drink!


    "Okay!"


    Later, as the two of them drank wine, Huanhuan, holding her soup, joined them in a toast, and Qin Mu stroked her little head: How come you¡¯re everywhere?


    "We¡¯re a family!"


    Huanhuan, holding her bowl, said this and then went to drink her soup, the shyness in her eyes hidden away.


    Qin Mu gently placed his hand on his glass, stroking the rim and chuckling softly.


    Mu Yichen felt more and more that he couldn¡¯t live without Huanhuan. This little girl was like a warm furnace in winter, a cool breeze in summer, making all his bad moods disappear because of her.


    After Huanhuan had fallen asleep, Qin Mu started drawing on the first floor. When Mu Yichen came out of his study and returned to the bedroom after showering without seeing her, he went downstairs to look for her.


    Under the light, she was already focused on her drawing.


    Maybe because she hadn¡¯t given it her all during the day, she was working so hard now at night?


    Mu Yichen walked over to the sofa and sat down in the best line of sight to watch her.


    Without looking up, Qin Mu asked him while reviewing the drawing: Are you done with your work?


    "Yeah! How late do you plan to stay up tonight?"


    "I¡¯m going to add a pendant here."


    Qin Mu explained as she drew, her hand holding the pen moving agilely across the paper.


    Mu Yichen just quietly watched her, thinking she planned to pull an all-nighter, but it seemed like she was close to finishing.


    Wait for her!


    "I heard mom went shopping at the boutique today!"


    Qin Mu casually started a conversation about family matters with him.


    "Yeah!"


    Mu Yichen responded, recalling the shawl.


    "Did you know?"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes to look at him, curious about his response.


    "When I went to pick up Huanhuan, I saw her wearing the shawl from JY."


    "So she knows it¡¯s my boutique?"


    "Yeah!"


    When Mu Yichen said this, he felt slightly guilty; he hadn¡¯t known at first, but later he admitted it.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t think much of it, as she hadn¡¯t intended to keep it secret.


    She wasn¡¯t actively promoting it, but if others found out, then so be it.


    Maybe it was better to know than not to know!


    That night, after their exertions, they lay breathlessly on their respective sides of the bed, staring at the ceiling.


    "Go to sleep!"


    Qin Mu turned towards the window, the two cold words spoken, and then silence followed.


    Mu Yichen still lay there motionless, not looking at her, just staring at the ceiling, his eyes seemingly filled with doubts.


    The biggest benefit of the post-battle night was being able to sleep until morning without any dreams.


    After getting up, Qin Mu thought of changing into her running clothes, but as soon as she came out of the dressing room in her sportswear, she saw Mu Yichen leaning against the bedroom door in his homewear.


    Qin Mu subconsciously looked at him, his smile seemingly serene to the level of still waters.


    "I¡¯m going for a run, you take care of Huanhuan at home!"


    "I¡¯m practically your male nanny now!"


    Mu Yichen said grumpily, his voice somewhat low.


    Qin Mu stepped forward, hooked her arm around his neck, and looked at him with a seductive gaze: Don¡¯t you just love this kind of life?


    She lightly pecked his lips and then turned and left.


    Mu Yichen watched her descend the stairs, sighing unconsciously as he lowered his head, thinking about her words.


    This is the life he loves, isn¡¯t it?


    Yeah!


    He was just longing for her to come back to his side. Did his status really matter?


    Even if he was just a male nanny, he was her only male nanny.


    He believed no other man could be like him to her, hoping she would feel it in her heart and realize that he was her only choice.


    Qin Mu encountered that handsome guy again, but this time she ran with him, and her pace was quite good.


    The handsome guy praised her without thinking: Not bad at all!


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, and when her phone rang, she stopped to answer it, telling him to go ahead while she took the call.


    "How much more is needed? Four million?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart suddenly fluttered; four million was not a small sum for her now.

 Chapter 434 - 130 OK, agreed! _2

    Chapter 434: 130 OK, agreed! _2


    "I know, I¡¯ll figure something out!"


    After Qin Mu said that, she hung up the phone and continued running forward.


    Those four million, she planned to borrow from the bank, and using her studio as collateral should work?


    By the time she got home, Mu Yichen had already prepared breakfast, she took a quick shower, and then joined him and their son for the meal.


    "Can Huanhuan stay with me today? Xiaomei even prepared a red envelope for her and hasn¡¯t had the chance to give it to her."


    Qin Mu made the suggestion to Mu Yichen while eating.


    "Sure! But we need to make a pact."


    Mu Yichen agreed, he had no objection on this matter, but needed her promise on something else.


    "Say it!"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes.


    "From now on, if I call you and you don¡¯t answer after three attempts, I¡¯ll assume something happened to you! So no matter if we argue or give each other the cold shoulder, you must answer the phone."


    Qin Mu, recalling the night he ran to the police station, nodded vigorously.


    "You must carry your phone with you, and if you¡¯re worried about the battery dying, keep a power bank in your bag, OK?"


    Mu Yichen confirmed with her.


    "OK!"


    Just as Qin Mu was about to nod and agree, Huanhuan had already beaten her to it.


    Mu Yichen and Qin Mu turned to look at Huanhuan and couldn¡¯t help but laugh helplessly.


    They then looked at each other to confirm the agreement!


    "What about you? Does it also mean there¡¯s a problem if I can¡¯t get through to you on the phone?"


    "When have I not answered your calls?"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t remember, until Qin Mu quietly fixed him with a silent stare for a moment.


    Indeed, there were a few times when, driven mad by anger, he had chosen not to answer her calls.


    "Alright! I promise from now on no matter what happens, I¡¯ll answer the phone at the first chance I get!"


    The two came to an agreement, and Qin Mu left for work with Huanhuan in her arms.


    After the new year, the biggest event for the Mu Family was the arrival of Mu Qingxin¡¯s little treasure, a little prince weighing over six pounds.


    That day, the VIP ward was bustling with excitement, though everyone tried to keep their voices down.


    Mu Qingxin still lay in bed unable to move, with Jiang Yan by her side, while Feng Fanghua held the little one who had just arrived in this world, her eyes filled with a tenderness that made one doubt it was really her.


    "Look at him, his little mouth is moving!"


    Mu Zihao who was nearby immediately went over to look, then he chuckled: "Let me hold him!"


    Feng Fanghua was somewhat reluctant but eventually handed him over.


    "Be careful."


    Feng Fanghua said to Mu Zihao as she passed the little one to him.


    After ensuring his sister and the new baby were fine, Mu Yichen left with Huanhuan. Qin Mu stayed by the bed, poured tea for the elders, and then went to Mu Zihao¡¯s side: "Dad, let me hold him too!"


    Mu Zihao hadn¡¯t held the baby for long, but he couldn¡¯t say no to his daughter-in-law and handed the baby to her.


    Qin Mu, looking at the soft little creature in her arms, felt her gaze soften unconsciously: "So small!"


    "They may be small now, but they grow up so quick!"


    Feng Fanghua said happily, unusually not locking horns with Qin Mu.


    "Yeah! Huanhuan was like this too as a baby, but he gained quite a few pounds after the first month."


    Qin Mu, thinking back to Huanhuan¡¯s baby days, felt her heart turn to mush.


    "Still have the cheek to say that? When my granddaughter was born, I wasn¡¯t there as a grandmother. Just wait until your next one, let¡¯s see where you¡¯ll hide then!"


    At Feng Fanghua¡¯s words, Qin Mu immediately shut her mouth, fearing another rebuke.


    But when they have their next child, why would she need to hide?


    Regardless, even if they were still giving each other the silent treatment, or even if they were divorced, she would insist on him being by her side, together waiting for that little one to arrive.


    But when exactly would that little one come looking for them?


    Whatever the case, she would be waiting.


    She believed that as long as she was prepared, the little one wouldn¡¯t be long in coming.


    Hopefully it would be this year!


    Jiang Yan was the last to hold his son. After Qin Mu handed the baby to him, she said her goodbyes and left, Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t press her to stay any longer, and even sent Mu Zihao away, leaving herself and Jiang Yan to stay with Mu Qingxin, handing over the baby to the maternity matron.


    Upon returning to the studio, Qin Mu paused as she saw a car parked at the door, and then her bright eyes looked inside.


    Wen Runuan was here!


    "Heard your sister-in-law gave birth? Boy or girl?"


    Wen Runuan was excited to learn from Xiaomei that Qin Mu had gone to accompany Mu Qingxin for the birth.


    "A boy, six pounds and eight ounces!"


    Qin Mu sat down beside her, placed her bag down, and began happily sharing the news.


    The arrival of the child seemed to add an extra ray of sunshine to the world.


    "That¡¯s wonderful! Ah, I have no idea when this one in my belly will decide to come out!"

 Chapter 435 - 130 OK, agreed! _3

    Chapter 435: 130 OK, agreed! _3


    Wen Runuan said as she also touched her own slightly protruding belly, Qin Mu also glanced at her belly, "Don¡¯t be anxious, after all, it¡¯s just ten months."


    "Yes! I¡¯ll wait patiently!"


    Touching her belly, Wen Runuan agreed, but in fact, she felt a bit impatient, as if all the fame and fortune had suddenly become unimportant.


    "I¡¯ve brought a dress, could you help me modify it a bit? The waist is a bit tight, but I want to wear it to an event next week, only this one!"


    "Let¡¯s go upstairs, try it on and see!"


    Qin Mu immediately picked up his bag and stepped forward to help her.


    The two of them then went upstairs together to alter clothes, and later, as Qin Mu was helping her with the alterations, she sat on the sofa drinking tea and asked, "Do you know that Yang Qianxi is now with Jing Qing?"


    "She didn¡¯t tell me, but I guessed it!"


    Actually, Qin Mu initially intended for Yang Qianxi to follow Wen Runuan, but out of concern that it would cause Runuan trouble, he didn¡¯t say so, and Yang Qianxi indeed ended up with Jing Qing.


    It was probably out of spite!


    But what does it matter?


    If they are destined to be at odds!


    That afternoon, Qin Haiming called her, saying many apologies, yet Qin Mu didn¡¯t utter a word.


    Had Qin Haiming finally seen through Zhang Rujia¡¯s true colors?


    Not yet!


    He saw the bad things Zhang Rujia was doing now, but what about the past?


    Qin Mu felt that Zhang Rujia must have kept things from Qin Haiming back then or perhaps even Qin Mingzhu didn¡¯t know.


    Mu Yichen was already helping her investigate the past between Qin Haiming and Zhang Rujia, at that time, Qin Haiming was not the Qin Haiming he is now, he was just a minor official.


    She thought, if Qin Haiming had had his current status back then, perhaps Zhang Rujia wouldn¡¯t have waited so many years.


    But over twenty years had passed, and digging into the past was no easy feat.


    She might have thrown a big problem Mu Yi¡¯s way, but he still took it on.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qin Family!


    "You won¡¯t divorce?"


    "I won¡¯t divorce, just as I said before, I¡¯ll only be a widow in this lifetime, there won¡¯t be a divorce!"


    The Qin family¡¯s dinner was already quite desolate, even if the husband and wife were both at the dining table, the atmosphere wasn¡¯t the same as before, and now they were on the verge of separation.


    "If I weren¡¯t the mayor today, would you still be so adamant?"


    When she said these words to him years ago, he was moved, deeply moved.


    But now, hearing them, he only felt it was ridiculous.


    "I would! Do you think I¡¯m only after your position? When you were nothing, I gave birth to Mingzhu."


    Qin Haiming looked at Zhang Rujia¡¯s wronged expression and suddenly fell silent. Indeed, back then he had nothing, and they hadn¡¯t been in contact much since that night, as she appeared out of nowhere.


    "Husband, you can leave me, but can I move to the guest room? Just don¡¯t divorce me, unless you¡¯ve found another woman you like."


    "I¡¯m not so sentimental!"


    Qin Haiming turned his head away, no longer looking at her, and responded with some irritation.


    "Then let me stay, at least I can take care of you when you are sick."


    Zhang Rujia¡¯s thickly foundation-coated face already bore tear marks, that wholehearted devotion for a man now seemed scarcely credible to people.


    "You should move out too, I heard Mingzhu is living in the house you bought outside. Go live with her!"


    Whether to divorce or not didn¡¯t matter anymore, but he truly didn¡¯t want to continue living with this malicious woman.


    She had repeatedly promised she would be kind to Qin Mu, but in the blink of an eye...


    He personally saw the videos of people bullying Qin Mu and had found out that everything they did was under her orders.


    Moreover, it appeared that this wasn¡¯t the first time she used his position to instruct his people to do something improper.


    "Husband! We¡¯ve been together for so many years, do you really have the heart to let me go? Do you really have no feelings for me at all?"


    Zhang Rujia continued down the path of playing the victim.


    "Feelings? I do miss the gentle and considerate woman from the past, but how can I dare to have any feelings for the current ruthless woman who abuses power? Today you schemed against my daughter, who knows if tomorrow it will be my turn?"


    Qin Haiming laughed, then put down his chopsticks and left the dining room.


    "Go pack the madam¡¯s luggage and send her to the young miss."


    Zhang Rujia sat in the dining room, listening as Qin Haiming instructed the household servants to pack her luggage, clenching the chopsticks in her hands unconsciously too tightly. Was he really so heartless toward her?


    Past ten at night, Zhang Rujia¡¯s luggage was brought to that apartment. The driver dropped her off and left. Zhang Rujia pushed open the door, calling out, "Mingzhu!"


    The room was completely empty without a trace of Qin Mingzhu. She looked up, and when the dispirited her had searched every corner of the house and then despondently sat down on the sofa.


    How could Qin Mingzhu possibly be at home at this hour?


    That girl wouldn¡¯t come back until after twelve!


    Feeling utterly hopeless, her husband didn¡¯t want her, her daughter was disappointing, what was she supposed to do? In the not-so-deep night, she too began to suffer in agony on the couch.


    ¡ª


    That night, Jiang Zhiyuan, Qiao Yi, and Zhao Huai went to a nightclub to pick up girls. The three single men prepared to have a good time, but before they found any ladies, they saw a girl surrounded by a group of boys, drunk high in the dance floor.


    "Isn¡¯t that Qin Mingzhu?"


    Zhao Huai leaned against the bar, watching the crowd.


    Jiang Zhiyuan and Qiao Yi struck the same pose, leaning there and looking in that direction. Who else could that be, if not Qin Mingzhu?


    A boy was holding her pert butt and flirting with her; the two of them wriggling around as if boneless, with Qin Mingzhu deliberately biting her lip, looking very seductive, making the surrounding men whistle.


    "Does this girl know what she¡¯s doing?"


    Qiao Yi took a sip of his drink and asked, frowning.


    "Could she have been drugged?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan squinted too, watching her suddenly bend her head and vigorously shake it, seemingly like she was on drugs.


    "Are we going to intervene?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan looked to Qiao Yi and asked.


    "Ask Yichen!"


    He ordered, and as the junior, Zhao Huai immediately took out his phone to shoot a short video and sent it to Mu Yichen.


    "Yichen wouldn¡¯t care about this sort of thing, but for the mayor¡¯s daughter to be playing so wild here... tsk tsk tsk..."


    Jiang Zhiyuan shook his head repeatedly, thinking that these people really had some nerve.

 Chapter 436 - 131 Pigs in Name Only_1

    Chapter 436: 131 Pigs in Name Only_1


    Mu Yichen put away his phone after watching the video. Qin Mu, who had just finished taking a shower, came out and asked, "Did you see the hairdryer?"


    "Didn¡¯t you use it last night?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t mention the video, but simply asked her helplessly. After all, it was something she used every day, yet she always forgot it after using it¡ªit really was...


    Bothersome.


    Mu Yichen went to find the hairdryer for Qin Mu and helped her blow-dry her hair. Qin Mu sat on the edge of the bed being pampered by him when she heard a notification from his WeChat and asked, "Do you want me to check it for you?"


    "No need!"


    Mu Yichen glanced at the phone with his dark eyes and then simply replied.


    Qin Mu had a hunch, but then she started fiddling with her own phone.


    Mu Yichen stopped what he was doing, threw her phone onto the bed too, and as Qin Mu was about to protest, his deep voice commanded, "No looking at the phone!"


    Qin Mu obediently stopped looking at the phone.


    Actually, she was quite obedient. Essentially, all the household affairs were decided by Mu Yichen. She was forbidden to interfere in matters of work, but at home, she preferred others to direct, and she was responsible for executing.


    After drying her hair, Mu always pinned her down on the bed. No matter how far their relationship had developed, they would still do that thing.


    In the apartment, after things finally calmed down, the nightclub was still bustling. Jiang Yan and the others had already drunk quite a lot. Watching Qin Mingzhu being hugged by a group of men and taken to a corner to drink, being teased by them, they still hadn¡¯t received a reply from Mu Yichen.


    Jiang Zhiyuan was a bit nervous, "Should we give Yichen a call?"


    "Calling him at this time won¡¯t help!"


    Qiao Yi kind of understood Mu Yichen. Judging by the time, Mu Yichen had definitely seen the message but was pretending not to see it, right? So, why bother disturbing him further.


    They just had to decide whether to rescue the girl or not.


    "That¡¯s true! So, what should we do? Pretend we didn¡¯t see anything?"


    Originally, the three men came out to pick up girls, but now they were all disinterested, their eyes fixed on the table in the corner.


    Zhao Huai played with the glass in his hand and then suggested to Qiao Yi, "I do know someone who seems to have quite a special relationship with Qin Mingzhu. Why not find him?"


    Qiao Yi looked at him, "Who?"


    "Wang Huanyu!"


    They all knew the background of that boy, but they didn¡¯t expect that he was interested in someone like Qin Mingzhu.


    However, as Qin Mingzhu was about to be taken away by those men, the three quickly reconsidered, and Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan looked at Zhao Huai, who then dialed the number.


    Just at this moment, they suddenly heard a commotion, and a man in camouflage quickly picked up several bottles from the table and smashed them onto the heads of the men trying to take Qin Mingzhu away, the speed was a blur.


    Qiao Yi and the others were stunned, that was Wang Huanyu, the Zhao Huai mentioned¡ªa bona fide military second-generation.


    Wang Huanyu¡¯s phone was ringing in his pocket, but he didn¡¯t answer; instead, he fought those men to the end.


    The previously groggy girl seemed to sober up a lot, looking at those bloody heads in horror, and finally fixed her gaze on Wang Huanyu: "Stop fighting, stop it..."


    Wang Huanyu had his wrist cut open and was bleeding from bottle shards. Qin Mingzhu nervously held his wrist and quickly took off the scarf around her neck, wrapping it around his arm, "Get lost, all of you, get lost!"


    The men, aware of Qin Mingzhu¡¯s background and seeing Wang Huanyu¡¯s tiger-like, fearless demeanor, dropped their knives and bottles and ran off.


    "What¡¯s going on?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan was dumbfounded!


    Not just him; in fact, Qiao Yi and Zhao Huai were also shocked.


    Later, Qin Mingzhu left with Wang Huanyu, and the three men, without finding their targets and seemingly losing interest in all the girls, finished their drinks and went their separate ways.


    ----


    The next morning, Qin Mu and Mu Yichen got up very early. Then, Mu Yichen brought Huanhuan to their bed and asked Qin Mu to play with Huanhuan while he went to cook.


    Naturally, Qin Mu agreed. After he left, she chatted with Huanhuan for a while. Then Huanhuan, bored, started toying with his phone.


    Qin Mu lay beside her quietly watching; she didn¡¯t want to touch Mu Yichen¡¯s phone, so she asked Huanhuan, "Why don¡¯t you look at mommy¡¯s phone? Mommy¡¯s phone has your favorite Disney princess movies."


    "No, I want to see daddy¡¯s!"


    Huanhuan insisted, and after struggling for a while without being able to unlock it, she asked Qin Mu for help.

 Chapter 437 - 131 Pigs in Name Only_2

    Chapter 437: 131 Pigs in Name Only_2


    Qin Mu did know his password, but she really didn¡¯t want to do that, she would feel like a thief.


    "Look at Daddy¡¯s!"


    Huanhuan clambered into her lap and repeated herself.


    Qin Mu had no choice, so she rolled over and opened his phone with Huanhuan, intending to go straight to the video. Instead, Huanhuan accidentally tapped WeChat.


    And then...


    Qin Mu saw that video, no wonder Mu Yichen had said there was no need to worry last night. Huanhuan seemed to recognize Qin Mingzhu, glanced at Qin Mu, and then shook her head vigorously to show Qin Mu, who...


    Didn¡¯t know what happened to Qin Mingzhu in the end, but seeing her daughter like that, she laughed helplessly: Don¡¯t be silly!


    Huanhuan seemed to find it funny, seeing her mom so serious, she shook her head even harder and deliberately mimicked Qin Mingzhu¡¯s movements, making her hair sway.


    Qin Mu was about to scold her when Mu Yichen came up from downstairs, frowning when he saw Huanhuan behaving like that: What are you doing?


    His voice was gentle, but upon hearing him, Huanhuan, who had been kneeling and shaking her head, immediately lay down obediently in her mother¡¯s arms.


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Yichen...


    "Sorry, Huanhuan wanted to see your phone, so..."


    Qin Mu handed the phone back to him.


    Mu Yichen looked at his phone, then at Qin Mu. She didn¡¯t bring it up, and he didn¡¯t explain.


    "Get up and wash, breakfast is almost ready!"


    He said!


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed, then got up with Huanhuan to wash up.


    The mother and daughter brushed their teeth and washed their faces together. By the time Mu Yichen had everything ready in the dining room, she had just come downstairs with Huanhuan in her arms.


    "Daddy, good morning!"


    Huanhuan greeted Mu Yichen as she sat down.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes looked at her, and she immediately corrected herself: "Daddy, good morning!"


    "Good morning!"


    Mu Yichen raised an eyebrow. For a while, he really cared about this daddy or daddy issue, but then he suddenly realized it didn¡¯t really matter, as long as she was happy.


    After breakfast, she drove Huanhuan to the studio and then received a call from Qin Haiming who said Zhang Rujia had moved out.


    "Actually, you don¡¯t have to tell me these things!"


    Qin Mu said softly. After parking the car at the studio and hanging up, she picked up Huanhuan from the car.


    Entering February, it seemed as if everything was back on track, including the operation of their studio.


    Qin Mu had also prepared the wedding dress for Mu Qingxin. Of course, Jiang Yan¡¯s groom¡¯s suit was also ready.


    Upon sending the photos to Mu Qingxin, who was still in the hospital, Mu Qingxin, who was feeding her child, picked up her phone and was immediately dazzled.


    "Ayan, come look, my wedding dress!"


    Jiang Yan, who was warming up water for the child, went over to look after being summoned by his wife. The white wedding dress still on the mannequin was indeed a sight for sore eyes. Seeing his wife¡¯s expression, he felt it was all worth it.


    "I didn¡¯t expect that Qin Mu girl to be so reliable. I thought she was just messing around, but it turns out to be not bad at all, right?"


    Mu Qingxin put down her phone and discussed it with Jiang Yan!


    "How would she dare to just mess around with her little sister-in-law¡¯s wedding dress? Besides, if she didn¡¯t respect her own profession, how could she have hosted that show?"


    "That¡¯s true, but why do you sound so serious? So annoying!"


    "Annoying about what?"


    Feng Fanghua entered with a lunchbox and casually asked as she closed the door.


    "Mom!"


    "Mom!"


    The younger generation said in unison, and Feng Fanghua glanced at Jiang Yan and responded lightly.


    Jiang Yan finally felt recognized and more relaxed, as Feng Fanghua had previously refused to respond when he called her mom.


    "Mom, the wedding dress Qin Mu made for me is ready, it¡¯s on the phone, come look, it¡¯s so beautiful!"


    Mu Qingxin handed the child to Jiang Yan to hold and showed the picture to Feng Fanghua on her phone. Feng Fanghua chuckled upon seeing it: It is quite as you described, considerate of her!


    Only then did Mu Qingxin remember that her mom didn¡¯t get along well with Qin Mu. Normally, she wouldn¡¯t mind calling Qin Mu ¡¯that girl¡¯, but seeing Feng Fanghua always looking down on Qin Mu made Mu Qingxin feel somewhat uncomfortable: "Mom, could you stop disliking Qin Mu? I know you think she¡¯s troublesome, but my brother likes her! And she¡¯s quite compliant with our family."


    "Who wouldn¡¯t be compliant when they marry into our family? Only her, you¡¯re not unaware of her attitude towards your brother."


    Feng Fanghua got angry just thinking about it.


    "Her attitude towards my brother might seem indifferent on the surface, but she¡¯s actually quite passionate inside. She¡¯s just someone who is cold on the outside but warm on the inside. Do you expect her to pretend and playact in front of you?"

 Chapter 438 - 131 Pigs in Name Only_3

    Chapter 438: 131 Pigs in Name Only_3


    "Go away, just because you¡¯re feeling a bit stronger, you start to argue with me."


    Feng Fanghua looked at her daughter, who was regaining some color, and complained discontentedly.


    Mu Qingxin made a face at Jiang Yan but didn¡¯t defy Feng Fanghua anymore. Feng Fanghua put down her things, rubbed her hands together, and went to hold her grandson. The maternity matron had stepped out and hadn¡¯t returned yet, so she had to seize the chance to hold him before the woman came back and started finding fault again.


    "Mom, I have to leave for a couple of days, I¡¯ll be back in three or four days at the earliest."


    Jiang Yan had already discussed it with Mu Qingxin the night before, but he hadn¡¯t informed Feng Fanghua yet. In fact, with his personality, he wasn¡¯t one to report everything to his family, but given the special circumstances, he had no choice but to talk to Feng Fanghua about it.


    "Then go! Just make sure to come back as soon as you¡¯re done!"


    Feng Fanghua glanced at him. After hearing about the things he was doing in that city, she found it hard to believe if what he was showing now was true or false, and didn¡¯t want him to be so subservient, so she replied indifferently.


    "Alright! It¡¯ll trouble you to look after Qingxin these days!"


    Jiang Yan looked at the woman lying in the bed, and Mu Qingxin gazed back at him tenderly.


    "My own daughter? Since when do I need you to trouble yourself?"


    Feng Fanghua said softly, sitting on the sofa with her grandson in her arms.


    "Mom, you..."


    "Qingxin!"


    Just as Mu Qingxin was about to speak up for Jiang Yan, he called out to her, and she silenced herself.


    Feng Fanghua knew that her daughter listened to this man more than to her own mother, and it made her feel both heartbroken and pained. It seemed her son listened to others, her daughter as well, making her feel as though she, as a mother, had no value at all.


    But what could she do? This was, after all, her own flesh and blood, a child who had come from her own body.


    In the afternoon, Qin Mu brought Huanhuan to the hospital to see the baby, and also brought a big bunch of flowers for the hospital room.


    By then, Jiang Yan had already left, and Feng Fanghua, hugging her granddaughter, was joking around, Qin Mu held his little nephew and teased him, and to her surprise, she discovered the little guy could actually smile. Her delight was even greater than that of the baby¡¯s own mother.


    "Qin Mu, you haven¡¯t been arguing with my brother recently, have you? My brother came by this morning, and he seemed quite unhappy?"


    Mu Qingxin looked at her and remembered her brother¡¯s expression when he visited earlier, immediately wanting to stand up for him.


    "Unhappy? But we¡¯ve been getting along really well!"


    Qin Mu replied as if nothing was wrong.


    Truth be told, she no longer knew if things were really okay between them; she had given up on knowing.


    Feng Fanghua was all ears listening to their conversation but didn¡¯t join in. She had given up meddling in the affairs of Qin Mu and Mu Yichen as well; after all, interfering too much had only led to resentment. She¡¯d rather spend peaceful time with her granddaughter.


    "Really? Then why did my brother look so unhappy? Could it be¡ªexcess indulgence?"


    Mu Qingxin¡¯s eyes gleamed as she started to get cheeky.


    Qin Mu...


    "What are you saying? Your niece is right here."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare to say much, but Feng Fanghua was displeased. Considering Huanhuan was at an age where she could mimic others, she didn¡¯t want her granddaughter to be led astray so young.


    Qin Mu felt like she had escaped from the inside, but on her way down in the elevator, she bumped into Wang Huanyu and Qin Mingzhu.


    The pair was startled to see her, especially Qin Mingzhu, who looked like she wished she could vanish into thin air.


    Qin Mu unconsciously thought back to the previous night and wondered, based on Qin Mingzhu¡¯s appearance, if nothing had happened after all?


    But who was the man in front of her? His hand was on Qin Mingzhu¡¯s arm, looking worryingly concerned for her.


    "What are you staring at?"


    Qin Mingzhu, eyes downcast, felt Qin Mu sizing up Wang Huanyu and asked irritably.


    Only then did Qin Mu shift her gaze from Wang Huanyu and look back at Qin Mingzhu.


    "What are you doing here? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve caught some filthy disease."


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s mouth turned vicious in a split second.


    "Mingzhu!"


    Wang Huanyu called out to her, hoping she would stop spouting nonsense, but Qin Mingzhu stubbornly glared at him, "I wasn¡¯t talking about you!"


    Wang Huanyu...


    "If I had caught some filthy disease, I¡¯d probably need someone to help me walk like you do."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t contain her anger and snapped back at her.


    "You... Qin Mu, don¡¯t push people too far. You did everything you could to drive me and my mom out of the house, you¡¯ve destroyed our family, what more do you want?"


    Qin Mingzhu looked as if she were about to cry, staring up at Qin Mu as she continued her accusations.


    "If I were you, I wouldn¡¯t ask such low-class questions."


    Qin Mu always appeared so composed and restrained, and it was exactly this calm that infuriated Qin Mingzhu even more, making her want to tear Qin Mu¡¯s face apart.


    Regrettably, her own body was in too much pain, and she simply didn¡¯t have the strength right now.


    "Are you Qin Mu?"


    Wang Huanyu asked.


    "And you are?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him, seeing a normal man.


    "Wang Huanyu!"


    Wang Huanyu had changed out of his camo from last night, now wearing casual clothes, but his expression was still very serious.


    Qin Mu slightly lowered her gaze, thinking just because you tell me your name does that mean I know who you are?


    But she figured she could ask President Mu back home, he would definitely know.


    "Don¡¯t talk to this woman, it¡¯s her fault that my dad is divorcing my mom." Qin Mingzhu angrily commanded Wang Huanyu.


    Wang Huanyu didn¡¯t say anything, just looped his arm around her and led her outside once they were on the first floor.


    Huanhuan had been standing by her mother¡¯s side this whole time, and only after seeing Qin Mingzhu being dragged out did she couldn¡¯t help but yell out, "Bad woman! Old witch!"


    Qin Mu...


    "Who are you calling a bad woman? Who are you saying is an old witch?"


    As soon as she heard this, Qin Mingzhu immediately became angry, broke free from Wang Huanyu, and turned back, as if to settle the score with Huanhuan.


    Huanhuan had just stepped outside the elevator with Qin Mu, and seeing Qin Mingzhu¡¯s threatening approach, she immediately clung to Qin Mu¡¯s legs.


    "What do you think you¡¯re doing?"


    Qin Mu naturally protected her daughter right away, staring coldly at the woman who approached and stood in front of Huanhuan to confront her.


    "Qin Mu, I curse you, one day you will be abandoned by Mu Yichen, and there will be many women in Mu Yichen¡¯s life, but he will never again sleep with you."


    "Childish!"


    Qin Mu found Qin Mingzhu¡¯s behavior hilarious.


    It was funny that a woman in her twenties could be so ridiculous.


    Qin Mu picked up Huanhuan and walked around her, but Qin Mingzhu lunged forward and grabbed the collar of Qin Mu¡¯s coat, "You wretched whore, I¡¯ll fight you to the end!"


    "Mingzhu!"


    "Stop!"

 Chapter 439 - 132 Mu Yichen, do you still love me?

    Chapter 439: 132 Mu Yichen, do you still love me?


    Wang Huanyu ran over to pull Qin Mingzhu away, but just as he reached out to grab her wrist that was pulling at Qin Mu¡¯s collar, someone else had already seized her wrist first.


    The handsome man who had recently been meeting with Qin Mu quite often also made an appearance, swiftly stepping forward. He supported Qin Mu¡¯s upper body, which was leaning backward with one arm, while his other hand was about to crush Mingzhu¡¯s delicate wrist.


    The strength of the grip was so immense that Mingzhu immediately opened her mouth and began to cry out.


    "Let go!"


    Wang Huanyu saw that Mingzhu¡¯s wrist was turning red and immediately looked up and shouted at the handsome man.


    The handsome man glanced at Wang Huanyu reluctantly, then pushed Mingzhu¡¯s wrist into Huanyu¡¯s arms and turned to look at Qin Mu and Huanhuan, "Are you both alright?"


    "We¡¯re fine! Thank you!"


    She suppressed the panic in her heart and promptly thanked the handsome man who had come to her rescue!


    If he hadn¡¯t arrived in time, perhaps she and Huanhuan would have both fallen. She could have dealt with it herself, but if Huanhuan had gotten hurt, not to mention how the Mu Family would blame her, she herself would feel guilty for a lifetime.


    Therefore, once she steadied herself, she immediately turned her gaze towards Qin Mingzhu, her eyes as cold as blades, "Qin Mingzhu, remember this, it¡¯s not that you¡¯ll never get over your grudge against me in this lifetime, but that I will make sure you and your mother will never be able to stand in Rongcheng again!"


    "Ha! You foul woman, keep talking big! Do you really think my dad would bear to abandon me and my mom? The only one he¡¯s able to leave is you, you pitiful, friendless fool, you big idiot!"


    "Mingzhu!"


    Wang Huanyu felt that Mingzhu¡¯s words were too malicious, but he was unable to stop her and frowned in annoyance, pulling her back.


    "You¡¯re the one who¡¯s the real pig, right? Qin Mingzhu!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s expression shifted subtly as he spoke coldly, then turned and walked away with Huanhuan in his arms.


    The handsome man gave Wang Huanyu another look, then quickly followed after Qin Mu!


    "You... Stupid pig, I curse you to be betrayed by everyone!"


    Qin Mingzhu was so angry that she clenched her waist and cursed at Qin Mu¡¯s retreating back.


    "Mingzhu! How long exactly are you going to make a scene?"


    At this moment, the hospital¡¯s lobby was truly in a commotion caused by their disturbance, drawing the attention of passing patients¡¯ relatives and doctors.


    "I¡¯m making a scene? Did you not hear how she insulted me, Wang Huanyu? Why did you even show up? You..."


    "Why do you think I showed up? But if you keep going on like this..."


    "What are you going to do?"


    "Come with me!"


    Thinking back to the previous night, Wang Huanyu¡¯s heart softened, and he grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward the exit.


    The woman who had been feverish in the morning was now showing such a burst of strength in the afternoon.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s car was parked at the hospital entrance. He couldn¡¯t help but chuckle as he watched Qin Mu come out with Huanhuan and the handsome man. As they approached, he pressed the car horn forcefully.


    The three of them instinctively looked in his direction.


    Mu Yichen got out of the car with his long legs striding, his dark eyes flashing a momentary coldness, but they softened into a smile when he saw his daughter.


    "Daddy!"


    Huanhuan waved happily. She had been terrified inside, clinging to her mother¡¯s neck, afraid to move. Now seeing her father, she finally relaxed and showed a small smile.


    The handsome man became a bit reserved upon seeing Mu Yichen, while Qin Mu, though surprised, remained calm.


    "I heard you came by this morning!"


    Qin Mu mentioned it casually as Yichen took his daughter into his arms.


    "Just because I came in the morning doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t come in the evening. What¡¯s going on with you guys?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s penetrating gaze swept over the man behind her and then back to her.


    It was a bit chilly outside. The handsome man quickly said goodbye, and Qin Mu looked up at him, "What else could it be? Ran into Qin Mingzhu, and we almost fought. He happened to pass by and helped out."


    Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t surprised when she briefly explained the situation and then asked him, "Do you know Wang Huanyu?"


    "Wang Huanyu? He¡¯s back?"


    "He¡¯s with Qin Mingzhu!"


    Mu Yichen turned to look at the handsome man walking ahead, an involuntary smile on his face, "Do you know who he is?"


    Qin Mu then looked towards the retreating figure again, wondering how she would know him.


    "Wang Huanyu¡¯s younger brother, Wang Mingyu!"


    Qin Mu...


    Thinking about it this way, there was something strange about the way those two looked at each other in the hallway earlier.


    So they were brothers!


    The weather was somewhat gloomy. Mu Yichen placed Huanhuan in his car and asked, "Where¡¯s your car?"


    "In the parking lot. You guys go ahead, I¡¯ll follow behind!"


    Qin Mu said without lingering on his cold gaze.


    Mu Yichen then got into the car, and she turned to walk towards the parking lot.

 Chapter 440 - 132 Mu Yichen, do you still love me?_2

    Chapter 440: 132 Mu Yichen, do you still love me?_2


    Over by the parking lot, Qin Mingzhu was crying, and Wang Huanyu was comforting her.


    From a distance, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t hear clearly, but with just one glance, she felt that man must truly love Qin Mingzhu.


    Wang Huanyu also saw her, gave a slight nod, and Qin Mu didn¡¯t show any reaction but simply opened her own car door, got in the vehicle, started it, and drove away.


    It¡¯s better for her to stay away from Qin Mingzhu¡¯s man!


    The further, the better!


    And that handsome guy turned out to be Wang Huanyu¡¯s brother. She suddenly seemed to remember something about the Wang family.


    Yet, for some reason, Qin Mu was deeply annoyed.


    Mu Yichen deliberately drove his car very slowly, waiting for her!


    So, the two of them parked their cars one after the other and got out.


    Mu Yichen emerged from behind, holding Huanhuan, shut the car door with his foot, while Qin Mu, with her bag on her back, came out of her car. The family of three entered the building together, without exchanging words.


    Wang Mingyu¡¯s car actually arrived quite quickly too, but he only drove over after watching the family of three walk away. Then he got out of his car, leisurely jangling his keys as he walked toward the stairs; he didn¡¯t like taking the elevator.


    The evening seemed destined to be lonely. After dinner, the two of them were busy with their own things. Qin Mu received a message from Helian Hao inviting her for drinks. At that time, she was curled up drawing in the bedroom and subconsciously glanced towards the door.


    It seemed like he had no intention of coming upstairs, so Qin Mu put down her pen, sighed, stood up, found a jacket to put on, took her purse, and went downstairs.


    He was downstairs watching TV. As Qin Mu slowly walked down, his eyes, fixed on the TV screen, also turned to look at her.


    "Xiaohao invited me out for drinks!"


    Qin Mu explained as she continued walking down!


    His gaze returned to the TV, and he said indifferently, "Don¡¯t go."


    "But I¡¯ve already promised her!"


    "Too late, I¡¯ll tell her," he said.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t look at her, just turned his head to reach for his phone that was sitting nearby, and dialed Helian Hao¡¯s number.


    Qin Mu had already come downstairs, about to leave, when she had to turn on her heel towards him and just stood there a distance away from him, bewildered.


    "Don¡¯t call her this late for drinks in the future! Bye!"


    Before Helian Hao could react on the other end, he had already hung up the phone, tossed it aside, and raised his arms, crossing them over his chest as he looked at the TV screen.


    Qin Mu walked over, casually placed her bag in the single seater, and stared straight at the man sitting on the large sofa: "Mu Yichen, aren¡¯t you going too far? Who gave you the right to call Xiaohao like that?"


    "Then how should I have called?"


    The man who had kept his head down from start to finish was listening very intently.


    Qin Mu...


    When Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t heard a response after a while, he lifted his eyes to look at her and found her with a flushed face, glaring at him obstinately.


    "You jerk! Jerk!"


    Qin Mu stepped forward, grabbed his shoulders, and began slapping them furiously, cursing as she hit!


    "Stop making trouble!"


    He was annoyed, raised his hands, grabbed her wrists, and pulled her onto himself.


    Qin Mu ended up sitting on his lap, leaning into his arms, her red eyes incredulously staring at him.


    Mu Yichen frowned at her, as if he was completely helpless with her, yet seemed to be at his limit of endurance.


    Qin Mu had the impression that he no longer wanted her, and couldn¡¯t help but start to struggle with her hands, yet he grasped them even tighter.


    "Didn¡¯t I tell you to stop making a fuss?"


    His deep voice contained a note of cold indifference.


    "What exactly are you doing?"


    She couldn¡¯t take it anymore and was about to cry, her voice hoarse as she questioned him.


    "What can I do? I just wanted to watch the game in peace," he laughed, seemingly incredulous, then turned his attention back to the TV screen.


    Qin Mu also looked over, and then...


    Ha! Why did she feel like an unreasonable woman, utterly unsympathetic and inconsiderate?


    Suddenly, the living room went quiet, with the familiar cadence of the male commentator¡¯s voice from the TV lingering in their ears.


    He held her as if cradling a child, his hands gripping hers, eyes staring straight at the TV screen.


    Qin Mu suddenly relaxed completely, devoid of strength, she just lay back, her head resting comfortably on the sofa below.


    Mu Yichen, feeling the weight on his wrist, worried she might be uncomfortable, tried to support the back of her head. Qin Mu stubbornly resisted, choosing to lean against the sofa instead of letting him hold her.


    As a result, she later looked listless, with a flushed face, as if about to pass out at any moment from blood rushing to her head.


    When she got up, she felt dizzy as if about to faint.

 Chapter 441 - 132 Mu Yichen, do you still love me?_3

    Chapter 441: 132 Mu Yichen, do you still love me?_3


    Mu Yichen originally intended to ask her to walk back to the room with him, but when he looked back and saw her shaking her head vigorously, he knew that she had been looking up for too long, so he went back to her, picked her up, and carried her upstairs.


    "Mu Yichen, you..."


    "Want me to put you down?"


    "No!"


    The words that were about to slip out were indeed as he had asked, but then she thought, why should she get down? Just exhaust him to death!


    Qin Mu put all her weight on one of his shoulders, oblivious to the fact that he was carrying her effortlessly, as if she were featherlight.


    Although she was not as light as a feather, the idea of trying to overwhelm him was foolish.


    Back in the room, he bowed his head and tossed her onto the bed, where her slender body bounced slightly, then she looked around dizzily, not sure where to focus.


    He started unbuttoning his shirt, standing by her legs, and asked her in her dazed state, "Have you taken a shower?"


    "No! I¡¯ve showered!"


    She was almost dizzy from being tossed, but it seemed she still had a sliver of common sense, at least knowing this was not the time to say she hadn¡¯t showered.


    In fact, she had indeed showered; she had just wanted to contradict him, but then the thought that he might drag her into the bathroom for a round made her chicken out and admit that she had showered.


    "Behave and wait for me! Otherwise..."


    "I know!"


    Qin Mu immediately acted like a clever, strange girl, to which President Mu nodded in approval, satisfied with her performance, and then he turned and went to the bathroom.


    Only after he left did Qin Mu instantly get up and go downstairs to look for her bag, and then found her mobile phone to text Helian Hao.


    Little did she know, Helian Hao only replied after half a year: "I¡¯m at home, trapped by Jing Jian!"


    Qin Mu...


    Well! For Jing Jian to trap Mrs. Jing was indeed an easy task.


    Helian Hao had originally wanted to go out for a drink with her to clear her mind, but she didn¡¯t even open her door. Jing Feng had locked the door and was sitting on a stool, guarding it.


    So when Mu Yichen called, Helian Hao was just wondering how to tell Qin Mu that she couldn¡¯t go out.


    But Qin Mu was unaware of all this and feared that she stood up her friend, worried that Helian Hao would be disappointed or sad.


    Helian Hao didn¡¯t even have time to be sad, for she was in the midst of a battle with a man.


    As Qin Mu pondered what Helian Hao might be doing with Jing Feng at home, Mu Yichen emerged from the shower wrapped in a large towel.


    His lean, well-built legs caught Qin Mu¡¯s eye, and after a casual glance, she couldn¡¯t look away.


    Mu Yichen, looking at the bag on the bed, instructed, "Put the bag on the sofa."


    Qin Mu subconsciously grabbed her bag that she had thrown on the bed and tossed it onto the sofa, not wanting to leave the bed at all now.


    Lying on the bed later, Mu Yichen pulled her over without a word, diving straight in with her hands.


    Mu Yichen simply lay there observing her movements until he realized where her hand was heading and quickly grabbed it: "Mrs. Mu..."


    "Mrs. Mu?"


    Qin Mu was taken aback, gave him a glance, then suddenly grinned: "Are you calling me, President Mu?"


    She mischievously called out to him in return.


    Mu Yichen originally wanted to tease her further, but upon hearing her call him "President Mu," he quickly flipped her over.


    "Say it again?"


    His voice was cold and questioning.


    "Are you trying to break my wrist?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say a word, just struggled to raise her head to look at her hand, which he had raised above her temple.


    Mu Yichen then slightly relaxed his grip, but did not let go of her.


    "Mu Yichen, can you not be so rough, please?"


    Qin Mu looked at him pleadingly after he loosened his grip on her.


    Mu Yichen lowered his head to her forehead, his chilly breath misting her face, "What exactly should you call me?"


    "Anything is fine!"


    She answered, as long as he was happy, she would call him anything.


    "Then call me ¡¯husband¡¯!"


    He sneered, rubbing his forehead against hers, and then commanded.


    "Fine! Husband!"


    It¡¯s not like she hadn¡¯t called him that before!


    "Call me that outside too! In front of the whole world!"


    His voice was very soft, but it weighed so heavily in her heart!


    In public? In front of the whole world?


    She didn¡¯t even know if his heart still cared about her as it did before, how could she do that?


    Actually, she truly felt, not long ago, that they would last a lifetime as long as they tried.


    But all of a sudden...


    She felt that the fantasy was too perfect!


    Maybe they would become quiet former lovers in the future!


    Or perhaps they would soon part ways!


    Or maybe, after many years, when they met again, they would only laugh and say to each other, "Long time no see!"


    Then they would fall silent.


    That silence...


    She didn¡¯t dare to think further, only gazing quietly at him with her keen eyes, wanting to see into the depths of his eyes!


    The deepest depths!


    But that turned out to be quite a difficult thing, as if he had had enough of her scrutinizing gaze, he suddenly pressed his fierce kiss upon her lips, gently nibbling and tugging, allowing her to distinctly feel the slight pain accumulating...


    "What on earth do you think about all day? Hmm?"


    He kissed her, and when he felt that the kiss wasn¡¯t what he expected, he couldn¡¯t help but stop and, with a bitter smile, ask her, searching in her eyes with his dark ones.


    Qin Mu also gazed quietly at him, and when he felt that the kiss was different from before, didn¡¯t she feel the same way too?


    They were still in tune with each other, sensing each other¡¯s intentions just the same.


    She raised her hand, gently caressing the distinct contours of his face, gazing lovingly at his face, his nose, his brows and eyes¡ª


    The room was so quiet, quiet enough that she could clearly feel his heartbeat, so intense atop her own.


    She quietly looked at him, looking into the gaze he levelled at her.


    They saw themselves reflected in each other¡¯s eyes, and at the same time, they saw the helplessness.


    Qin Mu¡¯s other hand also rose, stroking the other half of his face.


    "Mu Yichen!"


    She couldn¡¯t help but softly call out to him!


    Mu Yichen once again lowered his head, quietly yet forcefully rubbing against her forehead.


    Qin Mu did not feel pain on her forehead; instead, her heart ached.


    She just held his face, feeling his warmth with both hands that stroked his face so tenderly, wanting to retain his warmth a little longer.


    For the next ten years, twenty years, throughout a very long life, she hoped she could still feel this warmth, even if they parted ways.


    "Mu Yichen, do you still love me?"

 Chapter 442 - 133 still not resting?_1

    Chapter 442: 133 still not resting?_1


    "Mu Yichen, do you still love me?"


    That voice, light as a feather, pierced heavily into the man¡¯s strong heart!


    At that moment, the whole world fell silent!


    Mu Yichen¡¯s pitch-black deep eyes looked down at the woman beneath him, and at that moment, her uncertainty chilled his heart.


    "No love! I haven¡¯t loved for a long time!"


    His ruthless reply came as he rolled off her, pulled up his trousers, and left.


    Love and being loved seemed to vanish in the blink of an eye!


    After he left, the tears that remained at the corner of her eyes...


    She then turned over and fell asleep!


    There was no anger! No sadness! It was as if everything was expected!


    So the next day, she still went to work as composedly as ever, Huanhuan being so young had already learned to make simple crafts out of drawing paper with Xiaomei.


    Qin Mu went to the bank to apply for a loan that morning, the bank loan officer, a middle-aged man in his forties, became unusually excited upon seeing her: "Aren¡¯t you the girl, that girl, from the perfume advertisement?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t immediately recall what perfume she had endorsed, but she just smiled and nodded: "Hello!"


    "My wife particularly likes the products you endorse, she has almost everything you¡¯ve promoted, haha, she would be so excited if she knew I met you, why are you also applying for a loan? I heard you¡¯re very close with our Rongcheng¡¯s Mu Shao!".


    The employee began to get excited and speak incoherently, his face growing more uneasy as if startled by his own blurting words.


    "I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯ve spoken too much!"


    The employee hastily composed himself to assist her with the loan application and afterward stealthily took out a small notebook from underneath a stack of papers: "Could you sign an autograph for me? It¡¯s to thank you on behalf of my wife!"


    Qin Mu...


    But for some reason, she couldn¡¯t refuse.


    Perhaps it was because of this seemingly honest man¡¯s adoration for his wife?


    Even though the look on his face when he talked about his wife buying luxury goods was smiling, his eyes clearly showed helplessness, but now he was asking for an autograph for his wife, this man must truly love his wife.


    She quietly sat across from him, agreed with a nod, and immediately picked up the pen and signed her name for him.


    Truth be told, not many people asked for her autograph; it seemed most people wouldn¡¯t connect her with the woman from the perfume ads on TV, as she was just a backstage fashion designer after all.


    However, it seemed that because the bank employee treated her like a star, this loan application went especially smoothly.


    After leaving the bank, she went to a restaurant by herself for a casual lunch, one dish, one bowl of rice, one cup of hot water!


    Sitting by the window was quite warm, she ate with chopsticks, listening to people nearby talking about a recent cold war with a boyfriend, her lips curling into a smile involuntarily.


    "It¡¯s his fault for promising to go to the movies with me, but then he chose to play games with his brothers instead. In his heart, I¡¯m not as important as the games."


    The girl sitting diagonally across from her vented to her dining companion.


    "Oh, aren¡¯t all men like that? Like they¡¯ve never grown up. If you¡¯re not into him anymore, let your sister have a go; I¡¯m quite fond of your little boyfriend, you know."


    "What¡¯s with you? Are you trying to comfort me, or do you hope we break up? Besides, do you have the nerve to covet your best friend¡¯s man?"


    Already furious, the girl became protective of her boyfriend the moment she heard someone else desired him, her words laced with defense.


    "Why should I feel ashamed? Haven¡¯t you heard the saying ¡¯not to covet a friend¡¯s wife¡¯? It¡¯s the same with men!"


    The woman raised her eyebrows, continuing to provoke her quarreling friend.


    "Who wants to be like you? I¡¯m telling you, if you dare to go after him, I¡¯ll fall out with you immediately!"


    It turns out every couple argues!


    After finishing her meal and paying the bill, she left the restaurant feeling as if she was utterly alone, walking in the wind, her mind occasionally drifting to the words he said last night, No love, I haven¡¯t loved for a long time!


    She hugged her chest tightly, wrapped her clothes closely around her, and walked quickly toward the parking lot, head down.


    Upon returning to the studio, everyone was thrilled to hear her loan had been approved, in Rongcheng they would have their first store.


    In fact, Qin Mu initially targeted the mall only to seize Zhang Rujia¡¯s business and didn¡¯t plan on a long-term development, although now she didn¡¯t intend to withdraw her booth either, but the first JY store in Rongcheng would be this new one, not inside the mall.


    Qin Mu, seeing everyone so happy, felt joy herself, and holding Huanhuan¡¯s hand, they looked at each other, then at everyone else: "Since that¡¯s the case, let¡¯s continue to work

 Chapter 443 - 133 still not resting?_2

    Chapter 443: 133 still not resting?_2


    Everyone quickly got to work, and she also took Huanhuan¡¯s hand and slowly walked up the stairs.


    ¡ª¡ª


    In Zhang Rujia¡¯s apartment!


    Qin Mingzhu had finally returned. Zhang Rujia looked at the daughter standing at the door, too scared to step inside, and hatefully shed tears.


    Although Qin Mingzhu used to stay out all night, at least she would call to tell her mother where she was, but this time, she truly didn¡¯t say anything.


    Zhang Rujia looked at the girl at the door with resentful eyes, full of disappointment: "You were kicked out, and I was kicked out too. If I hadn¡¯t begged repeatedly, your father would have probably cast aside all past affection and divorced me by now. Do you know what would happen to us mother and daughter then?"


    "But Dad¡¯s status means he can¡¯t get a divorce, and didn¡¯t you say Dad can¡¯t live without you?"


    Qin Mingzhu stood by the door, nervous yet still unable to resist talking back.


    "That was before, before that girl came back! Now that she is back, do you think he still cares as much about us? Right now, he probably can¡¯t wait for us to leave Rongcheng so he can live devotedly with that girl."


    Every time Zhang Rujia thought about Qin Mu possibly moving into the Qin family home, it felt like her heart was bleeding.


    Qin Mingzhu, gazing at Zhang Rujia¡¯s facial expression, unconsciously bit her lip. She hated Qin Mu even more than Zhang Rujia did: "Mom, how about we find someone to teach her a lesson, threaten her to leave Rongcheng? Or maybe we could kidnap her daughter."


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s thoughts quickly shifted, and with a turn of her eye, she blurted out the kidnapping scheme.


    "Absolutely not! If it backfires, we will truly have no place in Rongcheng anymore. Or do you really hope that I can never reconcile with your father?"


    "Of course not, but that girl is living so well in Rongcheng, while we¡¯re cramped in this little apartment. Just thinking about it makes me angry. You don¡¯t know, I ran into her at the hospital yesterday, she..."


    "Hospital? What were you doing at the hospital?"


    They had only talked on the phone the day before, but Qin Mingzhu hadn¡¯t mentioned going to the hospital.


    Realizing she had said the wrong thing, Qin Mingzhu quickly covered her mouth with her hand, her face turning pale.


    "Nothing! I didn¡¯t! I was just visiting a friend!"


    Even her voice had lost the previous boldness.


    "Mingzhu, you must never keep anything from me, you understand? No one in this world cares for you more or protects you more than I do. If you lie to me, if your father finds out... the consequences are unimaginable."


    "I¡¯m not afraid of him!"


    Qin Mingzhu muttered stubbornly. In fact, she was now holding a grudge against her father too, because he had kicked her out for his other daughter.


    Even though she had done something wrong, she still felt resentful after being thrown out!


    "Mingzhu, come here, let me have a good look at you."


    "Mom!"


    All of a sudden feeling very tired, Zhang Rujia weakly beckoned Qin Mingzhu to come to her.


    Seeing her mother like that, Qin Mingzhu felt aggrieved too, and the mother and daughter hugged each other on the sofa and suddenly burst into tears.


    "Mom, don¡¯t worry, I will definitely make Dad bring you back home. Neither Dad nor I will leave you."


    Qin Mingzhu reassured her as they embraced.


    "Silly girl!"


    Tears of sorrow covered Zhang Rujia¡¯s face.


    Later, a call came from the mall, and the day again had brought no profits. Zhang Rujia thought they couldn¡¯t go on like this; it had been two months, and their store had constantly been in the red.


    "Also, we don¡¯t have anyone at the police station anymore, so you must be very careful in everything you do, understand?"


    Zhang Rujia wiped her tears and warned her again.


    "What happened to our people?"


    Qin Mingzhu asked, stunned.


    "It¡¯s all because of that theft at the mall. Your father probably knew about Qin Mu being wronged at the station, so he withdrew all those people."


    "What?"


    Qin Mingzhu, realizing it concerned framing Qin Mu, unconsciously opened her mouth wide, then after a while, finally asked: "So, is that why Dad wanted you to move out?"


    "He wanted to divorce me. I barely managed to talk him into letting me move out first to cool down. He must still have some feelings for me."


    Speaking to this point, Zhang Rujia suddenly felt somewhat comforted.


    She always felt that Qin Haiming still had some feelings for her; they had also had good times, and he had been happy before.


    All the years she had taken care of him, it was just that he felt a bit guilty towards that girl. And now, she realized that Qin Mu was too scheming. They, mother and daughter, had to be very cautious from now on and definitely couldn¡¯t let that girl easily grasp any hold over them.

 Chapter 444 - 133 still not resting?_3

    Chapter 444: 133 still not resting?_3


    "Should I give Dad a call?"


    Qin Mingzhu thought and whispered to her.


    "That¡¯s a good idea! If you¡¯re willing to call your dad on your own, he¡¯ll definitely be moved."


    Zhang Rujia was also very excited to hear her daughter¡¯s words, as Qin Mingzhu rarely showed such understanding.


    Qin Mingzhu immediately called him, but after two rings, an auntie answered the phone.


    "Aunt Zhang? Where¡¯s my dad?"


    "We have guests at home, he¡¯s in the study talking business and it¡¯s not convenient to answer."


    "Oh! Then please tell my dad I called."


    Qin Mingzhu thought for a moment and instructed the auntie before hanging up.


    "Yes, Miss!"


    After hanging up the phone, the auntie glanced at the man sitting on the couch reading the newspaper, set down the cell phone, and went back to her chores.


    Qin Haiming had no intention of taking the call from the start, which was why he had the auntie tell a little lie.


    Qin Mingzhu was his daughter, and he, of course, wouldn¡¯t cast her aside, but the mistake she had made this time was so frightful that he couldn¡¯t easily forgive her. And once he picked up the phone, he could probably guess what Qin Mingzhu would say to him, except those definitely wouldn¡¯t be her true feelings. Having been father and daughter for so many years, he still understood Qin Mingzhu.


    Nevertheless, not long after, he called Qin Mu, "When do you have time to have a meal together?"


    "I¡¯m a bit busy recently and probably won¡¯t have time. Is something the matter?"


    For some reason, their conversations had gradually become less fraught with hidden barbs. That evening at eight, she stood on her apartment¡¯s balcony talking to him.


    "Actually, there¡¯s nothing urgent, I just haven¡¯t seen you for a few days."


    Qin Haiming said softly and then chuckled, "Then I won¡¯t bother you anymore. When you have time, come back and join me for a meal, will you?"


    "Sure!"


    Qin Mu lowered her eyes to the silver lamp on the street below and suddenly felt a numb sensation in her heart, but it was the hot kind of numbness.


    Not the cold kind!


    Huanhuan had taken a bath and was upstairs reading storybooks with Mu Yichen. After she hung up, she glanced upstairs, thinking that Huanhuan should be asleep by now.


    He hadn¡¯t come back the previous evening, and tonight, after she had taken Huanhuan home, she heard the sound of him cooking in the kitchen.


    The heartless break from the night before wasn¡¯t between them.


    Silently, it was like being pricked in the heart.


    But...


    Qin Mu later nestled on the sofa watching TV, some old Hong Kong police and crime series, though she hadn¡¯t seen them before.


    Mm! When she was in Paris, she hardly watched domestic dramas!


    Afterwards, Mu Yichen didn¡¯t come downstairs either. The two of them, one above and one below, with such a vast distance between them, it seemed they could no longer feel each other¡¯s hearts.


    Qin Mu¡¯s phone rang again, at that moment her eyes were on the TV screen, her mind on Mu Yichen.


    It was Liu Jingyuan!


    "Hello! CEO Liu!"


    "Mm! I¡¯ve shown the design you sent me to my fiancee, and it¡¯s very good!"


    Liu Jingyuan stood at the window of a high-end hotel room, gazing into the distance, alone.


    "Glad you like it! I¡¯ll find someone to work on it, and it should be done quickly."


    "Thanks for your trouble!"


    "You pay, I work, it¡¯s no trouble at all."


    Qin Mu politely kept her distance.


    "Okay then, I won¡¯t bother you anymore; I¡¯ll contact you if something comes up."


    "Mmhmm!"


    The person on the other end of the phone hung up very calmly. Qin Mu felt that Liu Jingyuan must no longer be the one who had confessed to her under the influence of drugs, and she was no longer the Qin Mu who had just arrived in Rongcheng.


    When she hung up the phone, she intended to continue watching TV, but her gaze inadvertently drifted to the man slowly descending the staircase.


    He was wearing pajamas, but his long legs were still faintly visible.


    His face was expressionless, like his sharply defined contours, so indifferent.


    Qin Mu found herself irresistibly staring at him, and he glanced at her too, but only for a moment.


    He went to the kitchen!


    Qin Mu subconsciously pricked up her ears to listen, but she didn¡¯t hear a thing.


    Mu Yichen came back from inside with a glass of red wine, standing behind her as she refocused on the TV drama, one hand in his pocket, the other holding the wine glass, dark eyes also fixed on the TV screen.


    This kind of TV show, he used to watch quite a bit when he was young.


    Back then, he was crazy about Hong Kong and Taiwanese cop shows, especially the ones with these actors. He almost never missed any of their shows; suddenly, he realized that he too had once been a fan.


    Later, Qin Mu heard a soft friction sound, and her heart gave a fierce shudder!


    She didn¡¯t know when he had come to stand behind her, nor did she know how long he intended to stay.


    Her eyes were on the TV screen, but she could no longer see the subtitles clearly.


    The cop show still featured love scenes, seemingly quite intense ones.


    When Qin Mu got to that part, she suddenly felt uncomfortable watching because the two people in that scene seemed a bit too intimate.


    But the two of them now...


    She suddenly stood up and asked without looking at him, "Aren¡¯t you going to rest?"


    Mu Yichen glanced at her briefly as if she wanted to turn around and look at him, but she just tilted her face slightly and continued to walk away.


    Mu Yichen looked down, his agile eyes fixated on the red liquid in the glass. Then he lifted the glass to his lips, paused briefly, and drank it down in one gulp.


    Aren¡¯t you going to rest?


    Of course, it¡¯s time to rest!


    The TV was still on. After finishing his drink, he walked over to the sofa, placed the glass on the coffee table, and stood there watching the scene unfold.


    Turn off the TV, go upstairs!


    After Qin Mu went upstairs, she took her pajamas and went to take a shower!


    She had thought she might have to sleep on the couch tonight, but after Mu Yichen stood over there for a while, she couldn¡¯t stay still and then returned upstairs.


    In their current situation, after he had said he no longer loved her, were they still supposed to sleep in the same bed?


    In her heart, Qin Mu was somewhat unsettled; she longed for separation and yet desired for him to sleep in the same bed with her.


    Hadn¡¯t they just returned to sleeping together?


    Back then, the idea was that perhaps love was not necessary, was it?


    Both getting what they wanted from each other¡¯s bodies, wasn¡¯t that good enough?


    So, what about now?


    This evening, should they still lie together?


    After her shower, if he was lying on the bed, would she go straight to bed and lie down, or should she say something?


    Or maybe...


    What if he hadn¡¯t come upstairs yet? Then she could comfortably lie in bed. Once in bed, she could pretend to be asleep, and then, she could get through the night with ease!


    But...

 Chapter 445 - 134 Does she not love him at all?_1

    Chapter 445: 134 Does she not love him at all?_1


    The woman with no makeup left on her face after her bath looked at herself in the mirror and ended up with nothing but a resigned chuckle.


    How many years have they been entangled?


    What was she still afraid of?


    The gloominess in her eyes suddenly became sharp, and then she walked out with insouciant grace.


    Oh!


    But what she hadn¡¯t expected was that he wasn¡¯t in bed; the bed was empty.


    But there he was, standing at the doorway!


    He leaned against the door frame, smoking a cigarette, and when he heard her, his devilish eyes glanced her way.


    Qin Mu subconsciously touched her long hair, laughing awkwardly, "Slept already!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, but her words ¡¯slept already¡¯ left him feeling rather uncomfortable inside.


    Slept already meant what?


    Did it mean she intended to sleep with him, or by herself?


    Or was she planning just to brush it off?


    Last night he had said those things, yet she hadn¡¯t shown any reaction.


    After he left last night, he didn¡¯t return for the whole night, and still, she showed no reaction.


    This was hardly the response of a married woman, but she was utterly unflappable, as if he were just the man she shared her days with, as if he wasn¡¯t the man she loved at all.


    Yes!


    He suddenly realized that he wasn¡¯t the man she loved!


    His gaze turned cold at the thought, and his emotions began to grow indifferent.


    He stared intently at the woman who got into bed and covered herself with the blanket.


    Was she intending just to muddle through?


    If that was the case!


    Qin Mu heard a clatter and subconsciously climbed up again, but he was already gone.


    The only thing left in the room that belonged to him was the scent of the brand of cigarettes he habitually smoked.


    Qin Mu sat on the bed in an awkward pose, staring blankly at the door for a long time.


    Was he planning on not coming home tonight again?


    She was so angry she couldn¡¯t help but sigh softly, before lying down again, before her anger got the best of her, telling herself, "Don¡¯t get angry, don¡¯t get angry, it¡¯s the man you chose!"


    Qin Mu wondered if perhaps in their past life they were a couple very much in love, which was why this life was filled with so many obstacles!


    But why still be lovers in this life?


    He surely wouldn¡¯t return tonight, Qin Mu thought, and after a moment, she climbed out of bed, put on her slippers, and went to her daughter¡¯s room.


    It was as she was about to climb into bed in her daughter¡¯s room that she noticed the slippers on her feet were the ones they had chosen together; she wanted dark grey, but he assertively picked light blue.


    Afterward, she fell asleep in bed, cuddling Huanhuan.


    She slept well that night, despite the worried expression on her face.


    The next day, Qin Mu rose early to cook breakfast. For some reason, she managed to make porridge really well, it was almost identical in taste to what Mr. Mu prepared.


    Then with a bit more care, hmm, today¡¯s ham slices were also very pretty.


    Huanhuan sat at the dining table watching her, a look of dejection on her little face.


    "What¡¯s wrong? Doesn¡¯t mom¡¯s breakfast taste good?"


    "Where¡¯s daddy?"


    Huanhuan shook her head and asked with her tender voice, pausing between each word.


    Listening to her, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh: If only I knew!


    After saying that, Qin Mu pulled out a chair and ate with her daughter.


    Qin Mu was terrible at frying sunny-side-up eggs, so she simply boiled them instead!


    She peeled the eggshell and placed the slippery egg on her daughter¡¯s plate.


    Huanhuan was visibly reluctant to eat the boiled egg, her eyes seemingly saying that daddy¡¯s fried eggs were tastier, and that boiled eggs had no flavor and were hard to eat.


    Of course, Qin Mu could tell Huanhuan didn¡¯t like it, but she was actually quite used to her daughter¡¯s silence regarding the breakfast she made.


    She too had fried sunny-side-up eggs before, yet she hadn¡¯t heard this little girl call them tasty.


    After breakfast, the mother and daughter hurried off to work. Huanhuan was quite accustomed to going to work with Qin Mu, and even seemed to enjoy it.


    Although she missed her father a bit, he was there last night, so why wasn¡¯t he there this morning?


    As soon as the mother and daughter reached the basement level and stepped out of the elevator, Mu Yichen¡¯s car returned.


    "Daddy!"


    Upon hearing the sound, Huanhuan turned to look, then saw her father¡¯s car and immediately began to dance with joy.


    Qin Mu...


    Was this really her daughter? Why wasn¡¯t she that happy when she saw her?


    After Mu Yichen parked the car, he got out, his well-defined features perfect and flawless, yet completely cold.


    "Daddy, daddy..."


    Huanhuan waved her beautiful little hands, calling out to him.


    Mu Yichen chuckled softly and walked over to lift her out of Qin Mu¡¯s arms.


    "Are you going to work with daddy today?"


    "Yeah!"


    Mu Yichen asked gently, and Huanhuan nodded her head vigorously in agreement.


    Qin Mu watched father and daughter, not saying a word, just licking her lips a bit helplessly, and then said, "I..."

 Chapter 446 - 134 Does she not love him at all?_2

    Chapter 446: 134 Does she not love him at all?_2


    "Daddy has to go back and change his clothes, will you accompany Daddy back home?"


    "Mm-hmm!"


    Qin Mu...


    Being ignored wasn¡¯t a first, but it still felt awful.


    "Bye, Mommy!"


    Mu Yichen carried Huanhuan past her shoulder without so much as a glance in her direction, but at least Huanhuan had enough conscience to say goodbye to her.


    "Bye~"


    Qin Mu merely uttered those indifferent words, then walked over to her own car, opened the door, and got in.


    Off to work!


    On the way to work, she received a call from Mu Qingxin, who was being discharged from the hospital today and asked her to come over to the Mu Family for dinner in the evening. Qin Mu agreed and soon turned onto the road leading to her studio.


    Xiaomei was talking with a designer. When she saw Qin Mu arrive at the studio, she immediately left to find her.


    "Qinqin!"


    Qin Mu stopped in her tracks and turned to look at her. Xiaomei approached and handed her a file folder she was holding!


    "This is Jing Qing¡¯s recent event wardrobe, clearly Yang Qianxi has been infusing you into Jing Qing, that¡¯s why she changed her dressing style."


    "Yeah! For now, it seems fine for her, but in the long run, it might not be a good thing. Don¡¯t worry about it."


    "But Wen Runuan¡¯s search popularity has dropped a lot compared to hers recently."


    "That is their company¡¯s issue; we don¡¯t need to worry about it. As for her style, it should be more understated and literary."


    "Alright!"


    Xiaomei looked at Qin Mu, whose sharp gaze on the photos hadn¡¯t changed, and nodded in agreement.


    Qin Mu put the photos back into the file folder and then handed it back to Xiaomei: If Jing Qing knew we were keeping an eye on her right now, she¡¯d probably be half dead with anger.


    "Hmph! She hasn¡¯t stopped other people from keeping a close eye on you either."


    Xiaomei said indignantly.


    "That¡¯s true!"


    Qin Mu chuckled lightly. When she got to her office, she hung her bag behind the door, then took a document from her desk and handed it to Xiaomei: Follow up personally on the wedding dress issue for Liu Jingyuan¡¯s wedding, and remember not to let there be any mistakes.


    "So cautious?"


    Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help but wink at her.


    Qin Mu sighed helplessly: Do you think there are any men in this world who can compare with President Mu?


    "Of course, there are! It¡¯s just that in your heart, there aren¡¯t!"


    Xiaomei immediately retorted.


    "Exactly!"


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t disappointed; she just wanted Xiaomei to keep in mind that she had that man who hadn¡¯t slept at home for two nights.


    And today, he saw her but pretended not to?


    Did he not touch her when he was holding Huanhuan in her arms?


    Acting so cold and heartless, was his heart really that heartless too?


    Later, the store called her to say that Zhang Rujia had been to the store today and kept an eye on their brand, so Qin Mu told them to watch her.


    This time, however, she wanted to see what else Zhang Rujia could do to her.


    The bruise on her body hadn¡¯t fully faded, and she wasn¡¯t so forgetful that right after leaving the police station the next day, she went to the mall¡¯s owner ¨C special connections, after all! Zhang Rujia had them, and so did she!


    In the evening, when she went to the Mu Family for dinner, she of course prepared exquisite little gifts for Xiaobao and the old master.


    Mu Qingxin didn¡¯t really like buying toys and such. These things, Qin Mu could take over completely. Even though they weren¡¯t wealthy when Huanhuan was young, Qin Mu would also work hard to earn money to buy toys back home for Huanhuan, always feeling that a child should spend those years accompanied by toys.


    "But you have good taste! My son seems to quite like it!"


    Hanging from the stroller was a trinket Qin Mu had bought, and the little guy always couldn¡¯t help but reach out for it, sometimes even laughing out loud. Mu Qingxin found it amazing and couldn¡¯t help praising her.


    "Huanhuan used to like these when she was little too. Since they are siblings, they should like similar things."


    Qin Mu said softly, bending down to pick up the little one from the stroller, reluctant to let go of that soft, squishy feeling.


    "The young master is back!"


    As they were chatting, Mu Yichen and Huanhuan came in from outside. Mu Yichen greeted the butler, and Huanhuan ran in cheerfully knowing that there was a baby in the house, so she didn¡¯t shout for Mommy or Grandma, but instead ran over to...


    She wanted to hug Mommy at first, but seeing Mommy holding the little one, she went to Grandma instead. Yet, her eyes couldn¡¯t help but continually watch Mommy.


    Mommy¡¯s expression while holding her brother seemed so touched, so moved, yet Huanhuan gradually felt a bit sad.


    Feng Fanghua watched Huanhuan¡¯s expression and then turned to look at Qin Mu, who was stooping to coax her grandchild, and whispered to Huanhuan: "Would you like to come over to Mommy and see your brother too? He¡¯s very cute."

 Chapter 447 - 134 Does she not love him at all?_3

    Chapter 447: 134 Does she not love him at all?_3


    Feng Fanghua was clearly trying to coax her, yet Huanhuan twisted her head into Feng Fanghua¡¯s embrace, suddenly refusing to look at her little brother.


    Mu Yichen stood by and watched his daughter¡¯s reaction, she must dislike this little brother!


    Mu Yichen suddenly frowned, worried that in the future, when they truly have another child, Huanhuan might not like him either.


    Looking at Qin Mu, who was very sad about the little one in her arms.


    "Mu Qingxin, take your son away."


    Mu Yichen said.


    The father and son playing chess turned their heads at this command, puzzled, but later chose not to interfere.


    Mu Qingxin blinked, her face saying, ¡¯I didn¡¯t provoke you¡¯: Oh!


    Qin Mu felt a pang in her heart, but still handed the little darling back to Mu Qingxin. Huanhuan immediately ran back into Qin Mu¡¯s arms.


    She finally understood why Mu Yichen didn¡¯t want her holding the little one and felt warmth in her heart. Her daughter was already showing jealousy!


    Mu Yichen sat down next to her, and Qin Mu glanced at him uncomfortably. Mu Yichen questioned, "Is there a problem?"


    Qin Mu...


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Qingxin silently watched the two of them, now quite certain that they were in a cold war, suddenly becoming wise enough not to talk too much.


    And the grandfather and grandson seemed oblivious to it all.


    After dinner, the old master said, "It¡¯s getting late. Your family of three should not go back tonight. Yichen, come to my room, I have something to tell you."


    So, before they could even decline, they had been asked to stay.


    "Huanhuan, sleep with me tonight; you go take care of your things!"


    Feng Fanghua spoke and then took Huanhuan¡¯s hand: "How about Grandma plays with you, okay?"


    "Okay!"


    Huanhuan had been away from Grandma for a few days and missed her kind grandmother. Charmed by Feng Fanghua, she followed her away.


    Mu Qingxin had just returned from the hospital, so she did not stay outside any longer than necessary. After eating, she immediately returned to her room, hugged the little guy to sleep, and then had a video call with Jiang Yan.


    As for Qin Mu, after going upstairs, she idly stood at the window, lost in thought.


    Having finished all her orders, she thought to focus on the JY Rong City store next. She wanted to personally design the interior effect drawing and then find someone to do the renovation.


    When Mu Yichen came out of the old master¡¯s room, his sister, standing at her own room¡¯s doorstep, called out to him, "Brother, brother, come over!"


    Mu Yichen lifted his eyes to look at her and then reluctantly walked over.


    His dark eyes stared at her carefree demeanor without asking a word.


    "Did you have a fight with Qin Mu? Why?"


    Mu Yichen...


    "What ¡¯that girl¡¯? That¡¯s your sister-in-law! And since when is it your turn to meddle in our affairs?"


    Mu Qingxin...


    "Also, once you¡¯re done with your confinement, hurry back to that man! I never want to see you again! Seeing you just makes me angry!"


    Mu Yichen never expected his sister to be so capable of irritating him.


    And Mu Qingxin was stunned by his words, totally unaware of what she did wrong.


    She suddenly missed her Ayan terribly.


    When he returned to his room, Qin Mu had just finished showering and was coming out with her hair up.


    She lifted her eyes to see his tall figure blocking her view.


    "Finished talking with Grandpa?"


    She didn¡¯t ask what he discussed with Grandpa, but whether he finished talking. If not, could he have come back?


    Mu Yichen felt like whipping her, though outwardly he put on a distant front.


    He entered the bathroom, ignoring her completely.


    Qin Mu gathered her hair at the back and let go, turning to watch him mutter irritably, "Childish!"


    Mu Yichen stopped at the doorway suddenly, turning to look at her coldly: "What did you say?"


    Startled, Qin Mu gazed at him wide-eyed but lost the ability to speak.


    "Say it again?"


    "I didn¡¯t say anything, weren¡¯t you going to take a shower?"


    Qin Mu smiled more awkwardly than crying, and, unable to stare him down, promptly turned and walked towards the bed.


    Mu Yichen glared at her for a while before heading back to the bathroom.


    As the bathroom door closed, she stood by the bed, exhaling with relief.


    That scared her ¨C that man!


    Later when he finished showering, he also climbed into bed.


    Was he not planning to slip away tonight?


    Qin Mu felt uncomfortable with him lying beside her, subconsciously inching quietly to the side.


    Mu Yichen frowned deeply, turned to her and asked, "What¡¯s that supposed to mean?"


    "Nothing! I just don¡¯t want to crowd you!"


    Qin Mu replied nervously, looking at him and answering guiltily.


    Suddenly, she realized how stiff her body felt, as if about to turn to stone.


    "You¡¯re far too full of yourself!"


    He retorted coldly and then turned off the light.


    Qin Mu, stubborn, held her breath without saying a word.


    The darkness enveloped her suddenly, but she wanted to explode with anger.


    However, this was the Mu Family home, and it wouldn¡¯t be proper for them to start arguing here.


    So, she held back.


    Qin Mu struggled to breathe, feeling suffocated by all of her restrained emotions, to the point where she was nearly gasping for air.


    "Why are you so tense?"


    The man¡¯s cold voice questioned her from the darkness.


    Upon hearing his words, Qin Mu tensed up even more, paralyzed with fear like facing a great disaster, unable to move or breathe deeply.


    She wished she didn¡¯t need to breathe at all.


    "Have you gotten too comfortable these last few days?"


    "Am I a natural disaster, a fearsome beast? If you dislike it so much, just leave then, considering that¡¯s what you¡¯re best at!"


    No matter when, it seemed he could hurt her effortlessly.


    "Mu Yichen!"


    That faint voice squeezed itself out from her throat!

 Chapter 448 - 135 had their luggage thrown away_1

    Chapter 448: 135 had their luggage thrown away_1


    "Mu Yichen!"


    That thin voice forced its way out from her throat!


    ¡ª¡ª


    She¡¯s leaving?


    She could storm out with Huanhuan in a huff, but did he really let her?


    On one hand she said she might as well just walk away, while on the other, she discarded her suitcase.


    But if they hadn¡¯t argued that next evening, she wouldn¡¯t have thought to pack her bags and leave, and wouldn¡¯t have realized that her suitcase had been trashed.


    But when she angrily wanted to leave, when she took out most of her clothes from the wardrobe, when she looked for her suitcase...


    Mu Yichen had prepared breakfast and was eating with Huanhuan, not even calling her. Qin Mu came downstairs and sighed unconsciously as she watched him enjoying his breakfast, then helplessly asked, "Mu Yichen, where¡¯s my suitcase?"


    "You¡¯re asking me about your suitcase?"


    He glanced up, eyeing her coldly as he retorted.


    Qin Mu...


    The vast dining room suddenly felt as if a gust of wind had swept through, and a big one at that!


    "It was you who told me to leave!"


    Her childish large eyes glared at him, then she turned away, not wanting to deal with him anymore. She went up and picked up Huanhuan, and said to Huanhuan, "Mommy will take you out to eat!"


    "No!"


    Huanhuan sadly held her spoon and flatly refused.


    Qin Mu...


    Somehow, her eyes suddenly blurred, and then she put Huanhuan back in the chair, "Then you eat with Daddy, I¡¯m leaving!"


    She had thought that without him, it wouldn¡¯t be a big deal, after all, she still had her daughter, but when her daughter rejected her, her heart really broke, leaving no place unscarred.


    Huanhuan, watching her mother walk away, was actually quite heartbroken too, then looked back at her father. That look seemed to ask, "Daddy, what do we do now? Mommy has left."


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly: "Eat."


    Huanhuan obediently continued to eat, believing that Daddy would definitely bring Mommy back!


    Helian Hao went to have lunch with Qin Mu at noon. Qin Mu had takeout in her studio for her, and watching Qin Mu eat with such lack of appetite, Helian Hao asked, "What¡¯s wrong? Another argument?"


    "Perhaps a bit more serious!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to mention it, but when Helian Hao asked, she responded.


    "A bit more serious? What, breaking up?"


    Helian Hao thought of Qin Mu¡¯s temperament. In Qin Mu¡¯s dictionary, it was either normal or severe, and reaching the word "severe" meant there really was trouble.


    "Pretty much! He told me to leave home last night!"


    Qin Mu already had a poor appetite, and remembering the events from last night and this morning made her feel even worse, unable to eat. She simply put down her chopsticks.


    In the office, they were sitting on the sofa by the coffee table, surrounded by four takeout boxes, neither having much desire to eat.


    "That¡¯s definitely a spur of the moment thing for him. If you really ran away from home, wouldn¡¯t he go crazy?"


    "I hope so!"


    Qin Mu thought about her missing suitcase. Who else could have thrown it away if not him?


    "You too! How many years has it been? You¡¯ve seen his harsh words before. Why do you still get so upset?"


    Helian Hao scolded her!


    "But his words are still like a poison piercing through the intestines!"


    Qin Mu thought that after so many years, he hadn¡¯t changed at all.


    He was still as merciless as ever!


    "Moreover, I¡¯m becoming more and more uncertain about his feelings now!"


    As Qin Mu spoke, she raised her eyes to look at Helian Hao, her gaze sharp yet troubled.


    "Why do you say that? What conflict happened between you two?"


    "Can¡¯t quite put my finger on it, just feels different from before lately."


    "Old husband and wife of course aren¡¯t like when you¡¯re in love!"


    Qin Mu had just lowered her gaze when she heard Helian Hao¡¯s words. She looked back up but eventually just gave a resigned smile.


    What she felt was that Mu Yichen¡¯s heart, was getting further and further away from her!


    "I¡¯d advise you not to overthink it every day. That doting kind of love you want? Love can be doting for a moment, maybe a few days, but to expect months, years... Besides, after all the breakups and reconciliations over the years, do you really care so much about transient joys and sorrows?"


    Qin Mu suddenly felt as though Helian Hao had changed a bit lately: "How have things been with you and Jing Feng lately?"


    Helian Hao, caught off guard by the question, had all her prepared lecturing get stuck in her throat, then slowly swallowed back down.


    "How could it be?"


    Helian Hao suddenly sounded listless.


    "Have you ever realized, even if we break up with our current men, get divorced, we¡¯re unlikely to find any better men?"


    Upon hearing Helian Hao¡¯s question, Qin Mu fell silent.


    The two sisters each had the fatal weakness.

 Chapter 449 - 135 had their luggage thrown away_2

    Chapter 449: 135 had their luggage thrown away_2


    These two men had quietly existed in their hearts for more than twenty years; indeed, no one else could replace them now.


    "Ah! Some things are better not taken too seriously, otherwise, you really don¡¯t know if you¡¯re making others suffer or just making things difficult for yourself."


    Helian Hao¡¯s spoon jabbed a few times in the box of rice, showing little enthusiasm in her eyes, but after saying those words, she took a big mouthful of rice and put it in her mouth.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh at her, then picked up a spoon and started to eat her meal with big bites as well.


    That evening, when Qin Mu returned home, she discovered that Mu Yichen and Huanhuan were not there. Without thinking, she picked up her phone to call him but then thought better of it and started fiddling with her phone as she walked towards the kitchen.


    Forget it!


    If it was already dark outside and the two of them hadn¡¯t come back, it meant they didn¡¯t plan to return for dinner, right?


    Her beautiful eyes flickered slightly, then, with happy steps, she went upstairs, changed clothes, came down, and proceeded to the kitchen.


    She might as well make something to eat! It¡¯s not like she could starve just because there was no man around.


    For some reason, once she got back to this place, she seemed to lose the ability to order takeout.


    There were all sorts of things in the refrigerator. She picked out a few vegetables of colors she liked, then found some noodles.


    She¡¯d just cook a bowl of noodles!


    The pot was clean, so she filled it with water. Once the water boiled, she added the noodles, a pinch of salt, then covered the pot and went to wash the greens.


    Suddenly remembering the tomato in the fridge, she turned around, took a tomato out, and in a few minutes, she had a steaming bowl of noodles on the dining table.


    Looking at the colors, she thought it was quite appealing, except...


    It was tasteless!


    After eating the tomato and greens, she had no desire to continue with the noodles.


    In a private room exclusive to AM, several men were dining, one of them holding a little girl.


    Mu Yichen was helping Huanhuan eat fruit salad by herself while listening to a subordinate report, "Miss Qin seemed to have applied for a loan at the bank a few days ago, and the amount was not small."


    "She used the studio as collateral?"


    Mu Yichen thought for a moment, then asked with a calm and indifferent voice.


    "Yes! Of course, to you, these amounts are like a drop in the ocean, which is why we find it strange that Miss Qin would apply for a loan at the bank. Could it be that it has something to do with Mr. Mu...?"


    The shirt-clad, aging man carefully probed, his eyes carrying a meaningful gaze towards Mu Yichen.


    "What about Mr. Mu?"


    Mu Yichen turned and gazed down at him, his question sharp and cold.


    "Of course, with Mr. Mu¡¯s conditions, Miss Qin would definitely not leave Mr. Mu of her own accord. Perhaps Mr. Mu and Miss Qin had some sort of disagreement?"


    The employee continued to speculate, the others also looking on with anticipation.


    Mu Yichen knew that as soon as he admitted that he and Qin Mu had ended things, these people would immediately take action against her.


    "Do you know who this is in my arms?"


    "Of course, this is your young daughter."


    Another man spoke.


    "Young daughter? I have only this daughter!"


    Mu Yichen said to them with a sneer.


    The group watched him with curiosity but no longer dared to ask further.


    When Mu Yichen got back home after ten, the dinner hadn¡¯t even started when he had already risen to leave. Instead of going home, he went to the Mu Mansion.


    Huanhuan had fallen asleep there, so she stayed over, and he returned alone.


    He had thought for sure she would be asleep in her room, but when he got back, he heard the TV in the living room. She hadn¡¯t gone to bed.


    Was she waiting for him?


    Mu Yichen felt a twitch in his heart, set down the car keys, and walked inside to find the couch empty.


    Turns out, she was lying on the couch; when he approached, she was idly switching channels with the remote.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t even bother to look up, her gaze fixed on the screen, yet she sensed him sitting down in the adjoining single couch.


    "Have you had dinner?"


    He asked in a tone that was neither warm nor cold, as if he was too lazy to care but felt compelled to ask.


    "No!"


    Qin Mu responded lazily, pressing the cushion further under her head as she continued to stare at the TV.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, his brow furrowed slightly, but he stood up after a few seconds.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t need to look to know he was heading to the kitchen, but she didn¡¯t call out to stop him.


    In the kitchen, there was a bowl with uneaten noodles.


    By the looks of it, no oil was added, just greens and tomato¡ªa rookie mistake in cooking even a simple bowl of noodles.


    Mu Yichen inwardly complained, yet he didn¡¯t have the time to ponder her deception.


    He went to the kitchen to heat up some milk, then suddenly heard a voice behind him: "Where is Huanhuan?"

 Chapter 450 - 135 had their luggage thrown away_3

    Chapter 450: 135 had their luggage thrown away_3


    Mu Yichen glanced over, and he saw her lying by the door looking at him, her eyes full of sincerity.


    "Fell asleep at grandma¡¯s house!"


    "You went to your parents¡¯ place!"


    He replied to her indifferently, but Qin Mu finally understood where he had been.


    Mu Yichen gave her another look, then heated the milk and brought it out to her, "Drink the milk!"


    Cradling the milk, Qin Mu followed him and asked, "Did you go to eat dinner at your parents¡¯ place today? What did you tell them about me? Said I was working overtime at the studio?"


    "I don¡¯t need to lie!"


    He turned his head, his cold gaze falling on the woman who was so taut in front of him due to nearly bumping into him, and said plainly.


    Qin Mu nearly collided with him because of his sudden turn, her whole person stunned, with just a hint of alarm in her eyes.


    "Oh!"


    Ultimately, she wanted to quietly move her gaze away, sneakily walking past the side of his shoulder.


    She might as well act as if she hadn¡¯t seen him or felt his irritation.


    Helian Hao told her not to take things too seriously, but Qin Mu felt that it wasn¡¯t her who was being too serious¡ªit was him!


    Suddenly, Mu Yichen lowered his head, and when he wanted to get angry, he saw the ring on his own hand, then turned again to look for her.


    Qin Mu was standing by the sofa drinking milk, staring at the television. The milk was just the right temperature, so she wanted to drink it all before it cooled off.


    When Mu Yichen walked over, she suddenly felt a bit wronged, and turned to ask him with furrowed brows, "Where¡¯s my suitcase?"


    Her voice was raspy, very low.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, "Are you leaving?"


    "Why would I leave? Those two suitcases were expensive!"


    She lowered her gaze, recalling the effort she¡¯d put into getting those two suitcases!


    That¡¯s right, inside them were autographs from a famous Paris singer.


    "Thrown away!"


    He declared.


    Qin Mu¡¯s drooping eyelids suddenly lifted as her gaze shot back at him, this time slightly more cutting.


    However, he massaged his brow and walked over to sit on the sofa: "If you urgently need one, use mine for now."


    Qin Mu...


    She set the empty milk cup on the coffee table and defiantly walked straight toward the staircase, wondering why she was still wasting time with him.


    She might as well go to sleep.


    "Why didn¡¯t you discuss the loan with me?"


    He suddenly asked, just as she stepped onto the first stair.


    Qin Mu turned to look at him, surprised that he knew.


    "What? You didn¡¯t expect me to know?"


    His cool gaze questioned her.


    Qin Mu walked back, "How did you find out?"


    "Did you think I¡¯d have someone spy on you? In Rongcheng, some things will reach my ears without my intervention, especially when it comes to you!"


    His words struck Qin Mu as callous, but she had to admit it.


    In Rongcheng, there were already so many people monitoring his affairs.


    She was honored, in a way, to be under scrutiny because of him.


    She then sat back down on the sofa, diagonally opposite him, in the single seat he had just vacated.


    "I bought a shop on Central Street. At the time, I didn¡¯t have enough money, so I applied for a loan. I didn¡¯t tell you because I didn¡¯t want your help, otherwise..."


    "Otherwise, the efforts you made last year would have been wasted because of me? The help I offer is different from the help others give you, isn¡¯t it? Because we¡¯re too close, you don¡¯t want my help, right?"


    He understood everything, yet he still asked her.


    Qin Mu felt a twinge of discomfort in her heart as he asked, lowering her head to look at the ring on her hand, then she still hummed in affirmation.


    But her voice was so hoarse that she could hardly hear herself.


    Mu Yichen sighed and turned to look at the television, what trashy show was she watching?


    He frowned, his hand resting agitatedly on the armrest of the sofa, drumming his fingers before letting go, then turned back to glare at her.


    "I promise I won¡¯t get involved in this matter, You want to achieve something on your own, OK! As long as you don¡¯t beg other men or go to the bank, do whatever you please, but do you need to hide it from me? Don¡¯t you even have the most basic trust in me?"


    He asked her again, struggling to contain his anger.


    "Mu Yichen! You know, you knew my temperament since I was very young!"


    She lowered her head, whispering that phrase when he lit a cigarette.


    She was like a humble child, yet hopelessly stubborn.


    He chuckled softly, taking a deep drag of his cigarette and then glared at her ferociously, really wanting to beat her, but what good would that do?


    Her stubbornness, not even death would change it.


    "So I suppose it¡¯s my own fault, who made me love you even knowing your damn stubbornness? Who made me, no matter how much I hate the way you act, still unwilling to let you truly out of my sight?"


    Her tears, they suddenly fell uncontrollably.


    From childhood to adulthood, they had quarreled countless times, too many to count.


    But his harsh words could always make her bow her head, always make her heart bleed.


    He was still looking at her, so utterly disappointed, with hatred in his eyes.


    Finally, amidst her tears, he picked up the remote control and turned off the TV.


    "Why can¡¯t you be like other girls, a bit more sensible, a bit gentler? No matter how independent you are, can¡¯t you show a little bit that I am your lover?"


    He stood up angrily, spoke those words and then didn¡¯t look at her anymore, pinching the cigarette and taking another fierce drag, thinking of leaving¡ª


    But he feared she wouldn¡¯t speak up to keep him!


    So he stood there and scoffed, then took another harsh drag of his cigarette.


    Qin Mu opened her mouth, suppressed the breath fiercely, then stood up: If you¡¯re done complaining, I¡¯m going to rest!


    Mu Yichen...


    Complaining?


    Did she think he was merely venting his emotions?


    Could she not understand his meaning?


    Was this woman truly clueless about emotions?


    She had gotten close to him, during that period!


    He still remembered her sweet-and-sour smile, remembered how she clung to his arm, reluctant to let go.


    But now...


    She said he was complaining, but what about her?


    Did she think she was a magnanimous wife?


    Or did she still think it was like before they were married, when she considered herself free, when she didn¡¯t need to take responsibility for him?


    After Qin Mu went to bed, she closed her eyes, turned over, and settled into the center of the large bed, ready to fall asleep.


    She figured he definitely wouldn¡¯t sleep at home.


    He must think she was acting up, he would surely leave in a fit of anger again.


    She was used to sleeping separately from him!


    But then...


    The door was pushed open from the outside...

 Chapter 451 - 136 Becomes a Stepping Stone Person_1

    Chapter 451: 136 Becomes a Stepping Stone Person_1


    He went inside from outside, closed the door, then took a shower, and afterwards, climbed into bed.


    When Qin Mu felt the bed dip behind her, her heart also seemed to be painfully punched full force!


    As the punch reached its deepest point, her breathing became somewhat labored.


    Afterward...


    She felt him move a bit closer, suddenly a chill brushed against her legs, and subconsciously, she moved forward quickly.


    Mu Yichen had actually just lain down and felt uncomfortable, so he shifted his position again, and then accidentally touched her, and then...


    He subconsciously turned his head to look at her, sensing she was avoiding him as if it were inevitable.


    He had slept, countless times, yet she still reacted that way.


    It suddenly reminded him of the first time they were together; he subconsciously lifted the blanket on her side.


    Suddenly a gust of cool air attacked her, and Qin Mu instinctively reached for the blanket to wrap herself in the little warmth left on her body.


    But Mu Yichen was holding onto the blanket firmly, refusing to give it to her. After several failed attempts to grasp it, Qin Mu turned her head and said, "What are you doing? Give me the blanket."


    She was angry, and ashamed, knowing well that as soon as she opened her mouth, it would all come out weakly, yet she was still biting her teeth, wanting to fight him for it!


    "If you have the guts, snatch it back!" he challenged.


    "You... snatch it back..." she retorted.


    But, how could she snatch it back?


    How to fight?


    "Here, take it all! You childish ghost!"


    In the end, Qin Mu sat up in bed, stuffing the little bit of blanket she had fought for back into his arms.


    Almost thirty years old, and still fighting over a blanket like a child.


    She couldn¡¯t play these games, was so angry she wanted to cry, but merely pondered, then turned and got out of bed.


    "Where are you going?"


    He still lay there in the same position, hugging the blanket and propping up his head to look towards the door.


    As she walked out, tears had already covered her face, for fear that she would cry the moment she opened her mouth, she kept silent, not letting a single word slip out.


    She went to her daughter¡¯s room!


    After closing the door, she really wanted to cry her heart out immediately, but after thinking it over, she just took a deep breath and lay down on her daughter¡¯s bed, hugging the little stuffed animal from the bed in her arms and closing her eyes to sleep.


    The room was pitch dark, and she clung tightly to the stuffed animal.


    All was deathly quiet, and the sound of her own breathing was so painful, so childish. She wanted to hold back, but...


    Later she heard her own crying, a sound she had struggled to suppress, but which ultimately leaked out.


    Mu Yichen lay in bed and smoked a cigarette, then got up from bed nonetheless.


    "Come back to the room to sleep!"


    Later, he pushed open the door to his daughter¡¯s room, forcefully turned on the light, and called out towards the bed.


    She kept her eyes tightly closed, hugging the stuffed animal firmly, refusing to pay him any attention.


    "Qin Mu, if you won¡¯t come out on your own, I can help you," he said.


    Hands on hips, he waited for two seconds and sighed, then stepped forward.


    He lifted the blanket off of her again and then bent down to lift her from the bed.


    Qin Mu instinctively buried her face in his chest, and by the time he pushed the door open, her crying had already stopped, but the tear stains on her face were not yet dry, so she immediately buried her face in his chest, not wanting to let him see her current state.


    Mu Yichen glanced down at her briefly, then carried her outside.


    "Turn off the light!"


    At the door, he paused to command.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t turn her head, for the room was too familiar, so she simply stretched out her hand, easily found the switch, and gently pressed it, plunging the room into darkness.


    The tall Mu Yichen carried the petite Qin Mu back to their bedroom.


    "I think from now on, we need to add one more rule."


    After laying her down on the bed, his hands propped on either side of her, he earnestly proposed.


    Qin Mu meant to turn to her side, but was blocked by him, left with no option but to turn her face away, quietly waiting as he spoke without making a sound.


    "From now on, regardless of how much we argue, no matter what misunderstandings arise, within this home, we must sleep on this bed! ¡ª No going to our daughter¡¯s room! ¡ª No sleeping on the couch!"


    Qin Mu still remained silent, only the tears on her face slowly drying.


    His chest was warm, his breaths coming at her in intermittent bursts. Slowly, Qin Mu turned to look at him again, stubbornly asking, "Can I go to sleep now?"


    Her eyes were red!


    Her voice was hoarse!


    Mu Yichen looked at her, and suddenly felt a pang in his heart, and withdrew his hands from her sides.


    When he got back into bed and lifted the blanket to lie down, she had already turned her back to him again.

 Chapter 452 - 136 The person who became a stepping stone_2

    Chapter 452: 136 The person who became a stepping stone_2


    It seemed there was a song called "Back to Back Hugs," and he suddenly felt that their current situation was quite like that.


    The floor lamp had been turned off, and the bedroom had also darkened.


    They could only sense each other¡¯s heartbeat, even though the other person was just a few centimeters behind them.


    Clearly, a slight stretch of the hand could reach each other.


    But this time, Qin Mu did not turn around to embrace him again, nor did she ask him to turn back because she disliked it.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t try to pin her down and tease her either.


    This night was unusually quiet.


    Late before falling asleep, she heard a somewhat unfamiliar voice.


    That voice was clearly that of the man beside her, but she felt it very strange.


    "Qingxin is really immature, but at least she knows how to love someone properly! She is willing to betray her parents and older brother for Jiang Yan. Qin Mu, if it were you, could you do it?"


    Later she gradually fell asleep and dreamt of her mother.


    She dreamt that her mother was sitting on the sofa downstairs, holding a cup of tea, silently watching her sleep.


    She dreamt her mother said she was nai?ve, wondering how she could have been so easily whisked away by that youngster Mu Yichen.


    She dreamt that her mother, smiling, told her to be strong, that she was still growing, and that one day she would become a towering tree, protecting those she wished to protect, but before that, she had to learn to love someone properly!


    She felt a bit wronged, she had seriously loved him, and asked her mother what it meant to love someone properly, and what to do with someone so bad!


    Her mother just smiled, and then suddenly vanished!


    Qin Mu shed tears in her sleep, with the word "Mom" unintentionally whining out of her mouth.


    The man beside her finally slowly turned his head because of her low murmurs, or perhaps it was more appropriate to call it sleep talk.


    She was calling for her mother again!


    After they got together he often heard those two words for a while, but it had been some time since she had called out in such pain.


    He turned around, and involuntarily moved closer to her, gently pressed against her beautiful back, lifting his long arm to quietly encircle her, raising his head, he dropped his eyes and quietly watched her.


    In the darkness, he unconsciously did those things.


    He wanted her to grow, he wanted her to admit she loved him, but how much longer did he have to wait?


    Why, even though it was spring, did it still feel so cold?


    The body that had been conditioned with Chinese medicine now seemed of no use again.


    Was it because birth control pills had been added to the medicine afterward?


    Or was it because he had been too tired lately?


    He couldn¡¯t help pressing his cheek against the back of her head, burying his face in her soft hair.


    The next morning, Qin Mu woke up with a cold, her throat feeling terribly uncomfortable and her mouth so dry it was about to peel.


    It was still the previous night¡¯s posture; he was hugging her from behind.


    But the moment she opened her eyes, she was startled.


    What¡¯s going on?


    Weren¡¯t they sleeping back to back?


    Qin Mu subconsciously thought it couldn¡¯t be that she went to pull him again to hold her, could it?


    If that were the case, it would be truly embarrassing!


    But he didn¡¯t move at all, was he still sleeping?


    Qin Mu wanted to move his arm away, but...


    For some reason, she just couldn¡¯t!


    Instead, her hand was suddenly clasped.


    Half of Qin Mu¡¯s arm stiffened, along with her breathing which she hardly dared to make forceful.


    "Don¡¯t move!"


    In his hoarse voice, Qin Mu¡¯s heartbeat seemed to skip a beat, then suddenly began to thump vigorously.


    Qin Mu felt he must have sensed it because his arm was right there.


    She tried to calm herself, but it was utterly in vain, and he held her even tighter instead.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why, but she suddenly coughed, so pale and weak.


    Mu Yichen sensed something was wrong, opened his eyes, and moved his arm up to her neck, so hot, so very hot!


    When his palm touched her forehead, he immediately raised his torso in the next second, opened his eyes, took her arm into his, and made her turn to face him.


    "Why do you have a fever?"


    He asked angrily, though his voice was not loud.


    Qin Mu could see the anger in his eyes, and also his displeasure.


    She didn¡¯t know what to say, just that her throat was so itchy and dry that she coughed twice more, trying to suppress it and making herself feel even worse.


    She couldn¡¯t push him away, and Qin Mu coughed in distress.


    "Wait here!"


    He immediately got out of bed, found some pants to put on, then casually grabbed a T-shirt to wear before heading downstairs.


    Qin Mu took laborious breaths as she sat up leaning against the headboard, feeling utterly weak and noticing a certain emptiness inside her as she watched him leave.

 Chapter 453 - 136 The Person Who Became a Stepping Stone_3

    Chapter 453: 136 The Person Who Became a Stepping Stone_3


    She wanted to grasp something warm and cozy to fill her heart, to saturate her entire being.


    He heated up some milk and toasted bread.


    Before long, he had prepared breakfast for her.


    He carried the meal to the bed.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes became dry and heated from the warm breakfast, her vision blurring involuntarily.


    "Eat quickly, then take your medicine!"


    "I can just take the medicine!"


    Even a fool would realize they had a fever.


    Because her breaths were scaldingly hot, she felt discomfort under her nose, and she was always sleepy, with her heavy eyelids seemingly about to close at any moment.


    "Your stomach can¡¯t handle medicine on its own, eat first, quickly!"


    He commanded, sitting beside her, and handed her the warm water.


    Qin Mu cast him a slightly aggrieved look, resenting his sudden kindness, but still took the water cup and drank.


    He then picked up the toast for her, and Qin Mu could hardly bear to look at him.


    Mu Yichen, however, didn¡¯t feel he was being excessive and even offered, "Do you want me to feed you?"


    Qin Mu...


    Hurriedly took the toast and bit into it. She really didn¡¯t want to eat; he had toasted three slices, and she barely managed one before drinking some milk.


    Afterward, he took the remaining piece she had bitten and carried the rest away.


    When he came back upstairs, he was holding a cup of fever-reducing medicine.


    "Give me your phone!"


    He said as she was taking her medicine.


    Qin Mu looked up at the man looming over her, her eyes questioning the reason.


    "You don¡¯t plan on going to work in this state, do you? Tell your assistant you¡¯re taking a day off."


    "I have a contract to sign today."


    "Central Street?"


    "Yes!"


    "You haven¡¯t signed the contract yet?"


    "Yes!"


    "Transfer the money to my account, and I will go sign the contract for you."


    Qin Mu...


    ¡ª¡ª


    On the other side, Jing Qing, wearing sunglasses, walked around the yet-to-be-renovated shop and then turned to the proprietor saying, "I¡¯ll add an extra million, I want this property!"


    "Who might you be, miss?"


    The proprietor asked. A million wasn¡¯t a significant amount to him, but it was rare for someone to throw money away so carelessly, unless...


    "Does it matter who I am? What¡¯s important is that I¡¯m paying in full."


    "But that lady has already paid a deposit, and we have signed an agreement."


    "Just find some excuse to push her aside, who in this world would refuse money?"


    Jing Qing took off her glasses, looking coldly at the well-dressed proprietor.


    It was at this moment that the door was gently pushed open from the outside. A partition stood at the door, so they did not see each other.


    The boss was startled too. Who didn¡¯t recognize this big star?


    At first, he only felt she looked familiar. Now that she had taken off her glasses, he immediately found her very familiar.


    "Are you Miss Jing?"


    "I¡¯ve said my identity isn¡¯t important. If one million is not enough, just name your price."


    Jing Qing had a rather haughty attitude, clearly unhappy about wasting time here.


    "No matter how much this lady offers, I will double it."


    Just as Jing Qing was about to persuade him, another person suddenly appeared at the door.


    Mu Yichen pushed the door open and entered, his trim overcoat draped over his tall frame, long arms hanging naturally, hands casually tucked into his pockets, his gaze commanding and full of deterrent power as he looked at the two people in front of him.


    Jing Qing was also taken aback when she saw him. Her heart skipped a beat, and it took her quite a while to manage a smile. She walked up to him with a smile and greeted him, "Yichen, what brings you here?"


    "Why can¡¯t I be here if you can?"


    Mu Yichen looked up at her. This wasn¡¯t the first time she had tried to hinder Qin Mu¡¯s progress. If he had let go of the past, he certainly couldn¡¯t let it go this time.


    "I¡¯ve been thinking about opening a store recently, so I found this place. What about you?"


    Jing Qing explained in a gentle voice, smiling even more tenderly.


    However, the boss lowered his gaze. Having experienced some trials and tribulations, he could easily tell that these two knew each other. Jing Qing called him Yichen with such a soft tone, and the boss had already guessed which Yichen she was referring to.


    He thought to himself that the missy probably wouldn¡¯t get the property. His shop was big enough, but there were very few people prepared to buy it for business since its excellent location meant the price was naturally high.


    But the two individuals who came today could afford it, and the money meant little to them. He really wanted to sell the place to Qin Mu; he liked the attitude Qin Mu had when coming to buy the property. However, both of the wealthy individuals before him were too arrogant.


    "Is that so? But what to do? My wife has already taken a liking to this place and even paid a deposit."


    Mu Yichen chuckled coldly. Since she wasn¡¯t willing to admit the real reason for her visit, he would act as if he hadn¡¯t heard anything.


    "Then you¡¯re definitely going to buy it for her, aren¡¯t you? After all, whatever she wants, you¡¯ll get for her. Fine, then I don¡¯t want it!"


    She suddenly became compliant again, nodding, showing her jealousy, yet hitting just the right note.


    Mu Yichen looked down at her: This boss should be the clearest about where her money comes from, right?


    "If you two are talking about Miss Qin Mu, then I am indeed aware of it."


    Because Qin Mu had asked him for time to gather the money, he naturally wasn¡¯t willing to wait and had asked Qin Mu to state her worth. Only then did Qin Mu tell him her situation. So when Jing Qing just mentioned adding another million, he also hesitated because he liked Qin Mu¡¯s attitude.


    "Then consider what I just said unsaid!"


    Jing Qing had no choice but to shrug, now stripped of all her pretense.


    In front of Mu Yi, she was always a loser.


    But how unwilling she was in her heart, only she knew.


    "Since Qin Mu is the one buying the property from you, why did you come here?"


    "She¡¯s not feeling well! Jing Qing, stop doing such things in the future!"


    Jing Qing looked up at him because he was too serious, too stern.


    "I can guarantee, you can¡¯t be a stumbling block on her path to success, you can only be a stepping stone."


    His dark eyes bore into hers, coldly reminding her!


    Jing Qing felt like his gaze was a sharp dagger, fiercely stabbing into her heart.


    "Can¡¯t you consider my feelings at all?"


    "No!"

 Chapter 454 - 137 Do you know he has insomnia? _1

    Chapter 454: 137 Do you know he has insomnia? _1


    The dagger was so sharp that as soon as it was drawn from its sheath, it could tear flesh and skin, blurring blood and muscles!


    "Aren¡¯t you afraid that because of what you said, she won¡¯t be able to gain a foothold in Rongcheng?"


    "Isn¡¯t that exactly what you¡¯ve been doing?"


    Mu Yichen gave the woman before him a piercing look as he questioned her in a low voice.


    "What I¡¯ve done is still not enough!"


    Jing Qing said softly, her gaze still as tender as it had been for ten years.


    Mu Yichen chuckled, lowered his eyes to his feet, his gaze deep: "No matter what you do between us, I can forgive and forget. But if you dare lay a finger on her again, Jing Qing, I never want to see you again in my lifetime."


    "What do you mean?"


    She asked him, her eyes finally showing a questioning doubt beyond the tenderness.


    "The time she took the second dose of the herbal medicine, don¡¯t say this has nothing to do with you!"


    His dark eyes stared at her, cold, accurate, and ruthless!


    Jing Qing looked at him in shock; in that moment, she opened her mouth but couldn¡¯t utter a single word, just gasped in shock.


    The shop owner still stood not far away, quietly listening to their conversation without interfering.


    After Jing Qing left, he approached Mu Yichen to talk.


    As Jing Qing stepped outside, she couldn¡¯t help but look back inside. Mu Yichen seemed to be asking the owner something, with the owner responding in a laugh that was very polite.


    But had all these people flattering Mu Yichen forgotten this man¡¯s cold-blooded ruthlessness?


    She had always thought they were childhood sweethearts; she had loved only him since they were young.


    Yet he, to protect that girl abandoned by her father, had repeatedly hurt her feelings.


    After Jing Qing left, Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze followed her departing car, still a bit ruthless. He knew that Jing Qing would always be an obstacle for Qin Mu, so, until that woman was willing to go public with him, he had to stand firmly by her side. Otherwise, her trip back to Rongcheng would have been a real mistake.


    He wanted her to come! Naturally, he couldn¡¯t let her regret this trip!


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qin Mu was still resting at home, having a fever, yet her throat had also gone hoarse.


    Helian Hao called to invite her for a meal. When he heard she was home with a fever, he directly grabbed his medical bag to administer an injection to her.


    When Mu Yichen got home, he found Helian Hao¡¯s car in the underground parking garage, his eyes shifted slightly, then he took the elevator up with his car keys in hand.


    "He¡¯s just a childish ghost, not allowing others to fight back."


    When he arrived home and came upstairs, he heard his woman berating him from inside the bedroom.


    "Isn¡¯t that what they call a domineering CEO? How come it turns into a ¡¯childish ghost¡¯ when it comes to you."


    "I don¡¯t like any domineering CEO, I just want him to love me properly!"


    Helian Hao sat on the edge of the bed, pursing his lips and remaining silent, trying not to laugh.


    It was rare to hear Qin Mu talk about love, and she knew she had misspoken, suddenly biting her lower lip.


    The atmosphere in the bedroom became a bit strange, Helian Hao thought for a moment and then asked her, "So, are you still giving him the cold shoulder?"


    "Sort of!"


    Qin Mu thought for a moment before responding.


    "What do you mean by ¡¯sort of¡¯?"


    Helian Hao asked, puzzled.


    "Sort of means¡ªyes!"


    Qin Mu thought for another moment. Although they had slept in an embrace last night, that had happened after they¡¯d fallen asleep, probably a subconscious action. How could she know that it was Mu Yichen who had taken the initiative to hold her in his sleep after she¡¯d fallen asleep?


    "During this cold war of yours, he still didn¡¯t forget to cook you breakfast, even went to sign a contract for you, Mumu, you need to be careful when you argue with him, don¡¯t actually drive him away in anger."


    "You¡¯re too late, he¡¯s already run off."


    Qin Mu said this with an unintentionally lowered head, a tinge of sadness in her voice.


    "What do you mean?"


    Helian Hao looked at the IV bag hanging next to her, adjusted it slightly, and asked her.


    "Just the other day, he wasn¡¯t sleeping at home."


    Helian Hao...


    "Why am I telling you all this?"


    After speaking, Qin Mu looked at Helian Hao¡¯s shocked expression and suddenly laughed, feeling like she must have been feverish to discuss such private matters, which she normally wouldn¡¯t talk about. Yet, today she had let it slip out so easily.


    Or perhaps their relationship had become so close that she felt there was nothing she couldn¡¯t share with him?


    Thinking of the latter, Qin Mu felt a bit more at ease. However, Helian Hao was somewhat nervous: "He actually had the heart to leave home. By the way, is he still showing symptoms of insomnia?"


    Qin Mu looked at her curiously.


    "He used to have insomnia, you didn¡¯t know?"


    Helian Hao asked, seeing Qin Mu¡¯s expression of curiosity.


    Qin Mu...


    Her eyes, like water, blinked; she truly had no idea.


    But hearing Helian Hao¡¯s inquiry, her heart suddenly felt strange and uncomfortable!

 Chapter 455 - 137 Do you know he has insomnia? _2

    Chapter 455: 137 Do you know he has insomnia? _2


    "I heard it from Jing Feng too; he had suffered from the same symptoms for the past few years and even took medication for a while!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak again. Her heart felt as though it had been struck by a small stone, sharp and angular, as if it had wounded the tip of her heart.


    Mu Yichen stood outside the door, his tall figure leaning against the cold, hard wall, quietly listening to the conversation inside, yet he felt no urge to enter.


    As for the insomnia, it was only because he worried too much about that foolish girl in Paris.


    Actually, she was particularly dependent, although she seemed very independent on the surface.


    But she was not someone who took good care of herself, and she couldn¡¯t even recognize other people¡¯s feelings towards her immediately.


    She had no idea how much he had worried about her over the years.


    "It¡¯s 38.7 degrees now!"


    Helian Hao glanced at the thermometer she just took out and said, then asked again, "Do you want to drink some water?"


    "No need!"


    Qin Mu shook her head. She had drunk too much in the morning and didn¡¯t want to drink at all now.


    "Is it troublesome for Mu Yichen to help you sign the contract? Why hasn¡¯t he come back yet, it¡¯s so late?"


    Helian Hao looked at her watch; it was already half-past ten.


    "There might be other things."


    Qin Mu always felt that a company CEO would be very busy.


    Of course, he was also very busy, but no matter how much he had to do, none of it was as important as her little cold.


    "Sigh! Actually, I think he really has it tough too. Sometimes I think Mu Yichen is very childish, but at other times I think he takes on a lot, even more than Jing Feng, that man who thinks he has to be responsible for the Jing Family."


    Qin Mu looked up at her, and Helian Hao continued in a low voice, "You should lie down to sleep for a bit. You must be very tired with such a high fever. I¡¯ll stay here with you until Mu Yichen comes back, then I¡¯ll leave."


    Qin Mu suddenly laughed: "It¡¯s the first time someone besides Mu Yichen takes me so seriously, do you know how I feel now?"


    "What feeling?"


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help asking curiously as she saw Qin Mu¡¯s eyes red but smiling so brightly.


    "Proud!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh as she replied.


    "What¡¯s there to be proud of? I¡¯ve been concerned about you for more than a day or two; it¡¯s just that I¡¯ve only now had the chance to show it."


    In truth, Helian Hao remembered that when she had a miscarriage, Qin Mu had come to accompany her as soon as she had learned about it.


    In fact, their feelings for each other were the same: seemingly reserved but actually very intense within their hearts.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t go inside. He silently went downstairs to the kitchen.


    It was rare for someone to talk to Qin Mu like that for him, and he was not ungrateful.


    So at noon, he prepared lunch and personally entertained her.


    Helian Hao was pleasantly surprised!


    "When did you come back?"


    While they were eating lunch in the dining room, Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but ask curiously, a forced smile on her face.


    "An hour ago."


    He replied indifferently, not lifting his head, but he was serving food to Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu glanced at him unconsciously; although she didn¡¯t say anything, she certainly had feelings about it.


    Helian Hao thought, if it had been an hour ago, did he hear everything they had said?


    Otherwise, she might not even have had this meal!


    Helian Hao struggled to keep her laughter in check as she glanced at Qin Mu, who was being looked after by him, and then lowered her head to eat.


    Later on, however, she found out that Mu Yichen¡¯s cooking was really quite good, better than Jing Feng¡¯s. She decided to tell Jing Feng later to improve his cooking skills.


    After the meal, Helian Hao helped Qin Mu with an injection and hung up the remaining medicine before leaving.


    When Mu Yichen escorted her to the door, Helian Hao thought for a moment, then turned back and said to him, "Mumu won¡¯t say it, but she thinks a lot. You understand, right?"


    Mu Yichen lifted his eyes and then nodded, responding solemnly, "Hmm!"


    "Since you understand, don¡¯t scare her anymore. The more you scare her, the less secure she¡¯ll feel. She thinks you¡¯re not as eager about the relationship as you were at the beginning, and she¡¯s afraid you¡¯re heading towards the same situation as her parents. She doesn¡¯t dare to stop you, so... about not coming home at night..."


    "I will be careful!"


    Mu Yichen showed respect to the woman concerned about his wife. He said "I will be careful" very sincerely.


    Reassured by his attitude, Helian Hao left with peace of mind.


    Mu Yichen went back, and after going upstairs, he saw her lying there pretending to sleep. He gently closed the door, sat down on the sofa at the foot of the bed, and casually started to browse through his phone.


    Qin Mu quietly opened her eyes after he settled down to look at his mobile.


    His decision to let Helian Hao stay for lunch today surprised her, but she could not ask him why.

 Chapter 456 - 137 Do you know he has insomnia? _3

    Chapter 456: 137 Do you know he has insomnia? _3


    As for the future, there may be even more surprises.


    She quietly closed her eyes again, then fell into a light sleep.


    Mu Yichen flipped through the news on his phone and became somewhat agitated at a certain point, setting the phone aside and massaging his temples.


    Qin Mu truly fell asleep afterward.


    He lay on the couch for a moment, finding it too hard and too short, then got up, went to the bed, quietly observed her sleeping face, glanced at the medicine bag, and finally lay down behind her.


    Strangely, no matter what happened here, he could fall asleep.


    While she was in Paris, even if nothing happened, he was too tense to sleep.


    But Qin Mu did not know why he was suffering from insomnia; she thought it was due to work pressure.


    In fact, Qin Mu was most afraid of becoming his burden because she had been protected by him since childhood. Becoming a man¡¯s burden is not necessarily a good thing; it might give a man a sense of accomplishment in the short term, but in the long run...


    Feelings can¡¯t withstand constant torment.


    When she woke up, it was because she felt her hand being pinched. As she opened her eyes in a daze, she saw him squatting in front of her, fixing his gaze on the back of her hand as if worried about accidentally hurting her, being extra careful.


    When Qin Mu clearly saw him, he had already noticed she was awake, so he cautioned her, "It might hurt, just bear with it."


    She did not move, and he quickly pulled out the needle and pressed a cotton swab against the spot.


    Qin Mu stretched out her hand: "I¡¯ll do it!"


    He looked at her and then let go, still holding the needle in his other hand, and then he tidied away the haphazardly hanging medicine bag.


    Qin Mu, watching his busy figure, felt deeply moved in her heart. When he came back after washing his hands, she couldn¡¯t help but say, "Thank you!"


    Mu Yichen looked at her, his gaze so dark that she thought she had said the wrong thing.


    "You¡¯re welcome!"


    His two words were cold, but he still sat down beside her.


    "Take your temperature again!"


    He handed her the thermometer.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, merely obediently sat up against the headboard to take her temperature.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes stayed on her, then shifted to her hand.


    The plain ring darkened his sight, and he instinctively reached out to hold that hand.


    Qin Mu glanced up at him slightly, her heart clenched tight.


    The words of Helian Hao surfaced in his mind, and he suddenly looked at her. He had thought many times about giving up, about not tormenting her anymore, but...


    "All the contract matters are settled, which company do you want for the interior design? If you need help, you can ask Secretary Xi; she has an extraordinary understanding of many things."


    "I¡¯ve been working on the studio¡¯s interior design plan lately, so I¡¯ll leave the renovation company¡¯s matters to you!"


    Just like after the last time the studio was vandalized, he had also found the renovation company for the aftermath.


    Her voice was still somewhat hoarse and feeble, but he heard her clearly, nodding in agreement: "Okay!"


    "Did that Mr. Zhang get a shock when he saw you?"


    "Yeah! He said a lot of flattering things, even mentioning that if he had known I was your husband, he wouldn¡¯t have charged you!"


    Qin Mu...


    "Were you scared? Because I told him you are my wife?"


    He asked, his voice still gentle.


    Qin Mu was indeed scared, but not because of the previous statement, but because of this one.


    What was she afraid of? She was just afraid of being agitated by him.


    "Never mind! Helian Hao said not to scare you. Are you still sleepy? Want to sleep a little more?"


    Qin Mu just looked at him, saying nothing.


    But it was he who took the initiative to get into bed.


    Qin Mu glanced at him and only heard him command when he lay down: "Lie down!"


    She slid down unconsciously and ended up in his arms.


    Since he had been outside just then, his shirt still carried a hint of coolness, but within half a minute, it had warmed up.


    Lulled by the sound of his heartbeat, sleepiness washed over her again.


    Mu Yichen suddenly murmured, "Where¡¯s the thermometer?"


    Qin Mu remembered, handed it to him, and couldn¡¯t help but look up, her vision a bit unclear.


    The two of them looked up together, eyeing the numbers on the device.


    "Thirty-seven point seven, take another look after sleeping in the evening."


    "Okay!"


    She didn¡¯t dare say anything else, and he suddenly looked down at her, eye to eye.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and nervously glancing at him, she immediately looked down.


    "Qin Mu!"


    He suddenly called her name as if holding his breath.


    Qin Mu instinctively looked up but didn¡¯t get a clear look before he suddenly cradled her face.


    That longing seemed like a forceful accusation in his heart, and feeling his kiss, she harbored that same thought.


    Her own heart stirred intensely, feeling as though their hearts were reflecting each other¡¯s, yet filled with grievances.


    "Mu Yichen!"


    She called out to him in discomfort, feeling an unspeakable tightness in her chest, as if being tormented by an itch she couldn¡¯t scratch.


    "Don¡¯t push me anymore!"


    His voice low, he looked at her with uncontrollable emotion.


    Was she pushing him?


    Clearly, it was he who was pushing her to the brink of despair.


    ----


    "Jing Feng and Helian Hao are probably going to have their wedding soon."


    Mu Yichen spoke just before Qin Mu drifted off into a drowsy sleep!

 Chapter 457 - 138 I might be pregnant!_1

    Chapter 457: 138 I might be pregnant!_1


    "Stupid woman!"


    Qin Mu was just very tired, and after snuggling in his arms, she fell asleep.


    Mu Yichen lowered his gaze and watched her, feeling the unconscious grip she had on his heart, causing an unstoppable itch. A sigh escaped him, his eyes filled with frustrated distress.


    But in the end, he helplessly smiled lightly. His deep voice slowly faded into the dust of the room, but his kiss gently landed on her forehead.


    Regarding the matter of Jing Qing going to buy the place Qin Mu had taken an interest in at a high price, Qin Mu had only heard about it from the owner later on. Clearly, the owner was very surprised that she didn¡¯t know and immediately ended the topic.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t ask Mu Yichen about it either. Since Mu Yichen could suppress the matter, she thought it was in the past!


    Once Qin Mu finished the design drawings, with the help of Secretary Xi, she found a design company, confirmed everything with the designer for the last time, and then they began the work.


    ---


    The month passed quickly, with spring flowers blooming and Mu Qingxin¡¯s baby reaching a full month old.


    Jiang Yan returned, taking Mu Qingxin back to their hometown to get their marriage certificate; the two held their wedding blissfully.


    Actually, the Mu Family¡¯s patriarch and Feng Fanghua had wanted to keep Jiang Yan in Rongcheng for the wedding, but Jiang Yan only agreed to have the banquet in Rongcheng; the wedding itself took place in his hometown. Although his relatives there had passed away, he still harbored strong memories for the place, and his childhood friends were all waiting for his wedding.


    Holding their baby, Qin Mu stood in for them on the wedding day, with all of Mu Family¡¯s relatives and friends rushing to the city to attend the wedding of Mu Family¡¯s cherished pearl.


    Mu Qingxin was so moved during the wedding that she was in tears, and Qin Mu didn¡¯t understand why, but looking at the bride cry her eyes out made her heart ache too.


    Then, turning her attention, she saw Mu Yichen staring expressionlessly at the front...


    Huanhuan and another child performed the role of flower children for them, seeming as if Huanhuan, for her age, had already begun to fantasize about wedding dresses, her eyes filled with envy as she looked at the bride.


    Feng Fanghua also shed rare tears, lying in Mu Zihao¡¯s embrace like a gentle woman.


    Sitting at the very front as the eldest patriarch, the Mu family¡¯s old man felt many emotions witnessing his granddaughter¡¯s wedding, his eyes gaining a hint of turbulence. It seemed that over the years, he had been waiting for his granddaughter¡¯s wedding.


    However, everyone was quiet, just listening silently, simply offering their silent blessings.


    Qin Mu looked down at the little one in her arms and couldn¡¯t help but think that her sister had found happiness, and she was deeply moved.


    That evening they stayed at the most luxurious hotel in town; by midnight, the child was already returned to the couple, Huanhuan had also gone to sleep with Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao, and the two of them stood alone in the large hotel room, facing the night seascape through the glass screen.


    It seemed they could still hear the sound of the waves crashing against the beach.


    Mu Yichen stood by smoking a cigarette, and when he saw her behind him, his dark eyes turned toward her. Disregarding the beautiful beach, his eyes saw only her.


    "Tired?"


    Qin Mu indeed felt somewhat tired, but being with him, no matter how tired, she felt she could last a little longer.


    "Come lie down on the bed, and I¡¯ll give you a massage."


    "No need! Just come sleep with me."


    Qin Mu looked up at him, her eyes shining like stars in the sea, breathtakingly beautiful.


    Mu Yichen took another drag of his cigarette, his phoenix eyes smiling, his charm undeniable.


    If she were always so sensible, he wouldn¡¯t have felt so upset.


    Watching Mu Qingxin get married today, he had felt a flood of emotions, both as a brother and a man.


    Mu Qingxin¡¯s willingness to marry Jiang Yan so excitedly must mean Jiang Yan had done well enough, he supposed!


    As for him and Qin Mu, or perhaps he hadn¡¯t done enough, and how could they compare with Mu Qingxin and her situation? Their lives were so different.


    He was truly jealous, envious that Jiang Yan was fortunate enough to marry his silly little sister.


    He was truly jealous, envious that others were getting married while his own wedding was still an unknown date in the future.


    When would she take the initiative to speak?


    In his dreams, he would dream of her saying, "Mu Yichen, let¡¯s have our wedding!"


    He hoped the dream would come true soon!


    Qin Mu climbed into bed first, and after finishing his cigarette, he joined her, pulling back the covers and directly rolling over to her side, pinning her beneath him.


    Qin Mu just stared at him directly, feeling her ears heat up and her heartbeat quicken.


    "I take back what I said that day."


    He suddenly spoke, his sensual fingers gently stroking her cheek.

 Chapter 458 - 138 I might be pregnant!_2

    Chapter 458: 138 I might be pregnant!_2


    "Um?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know which day or which words he was referring to, and quietly asked him.


    "Forget it! You¡¯re so dumb! Just keep loving you then!"


    It felt like someone had quietly lit a firecracker in her heart, and with a loud "bang,"


    it burst into bloom!


    But she didn¡¯t have time to contemplate his meaning because he suddenly kissed her, so dominantly that it occupied all her thoughts.


    The starlight that night, whether it was for the wedding or not, shone wonderfully, making them look particularly splendid because of it.


    They were to leave the day after Jiang Yan¡¯s wedding, and Mu Qingxin still clung to Feng Fanghua with reluctance: "Mom, please stay here a few more days with dad and grandpa! I¡¯ll feel upset without the elders at home."


    "If you miss us, come back to Rongcheng for a few days. Don¡¯t forget about your family now that you have a man."


    Feng Fanghua advised her, speaking softly because Jiang Yan was standing behind Mu Qingxin.


    "I wouldn¡¯t forget about my family! Just stay here a bit longer!"


    "I¡¯m not comfortable staying elsewhere. How about when your husband is on a business trip, you pack up with my grandson and come stay for a while? Is that okay?"


    Feng Fanghua tried to say this in a harsh tone; she didn¡¯t want to seem too sad, but ultimately her voice softened as she spoke.


    Mu Qingxin nodded vigorously, on the verge of tears.


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Mu Zihao, seeing the difficulty the mother and daughter had in parting, commented while Mu Yichen had already driven off.


    Mu Qingxin hesitantly let go of Feng Fanghua¡¯s hand. Feng Fanghua, embraced by Mu Zihao, was getting into the car. As she saw Mu Qingxin¡¯s tears fall, she too struggled to hold back her own and turned her face away as she got into the car.


    "Mom! Mom¡ª, goodbye!"


    Mu Qingxin¡¯s voice cracked.


    She couldn¡¯t say it. Jiang Yan stood by her side, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, applying a slight pressure.


    Mu Qingxin stopped her chasing steps and mournfully watched the cars from her maiden home drive away one by one.


    That familiar luxury car at the end; as Feng Fanghua saw Mu Qingxin through the rearview mirror, she finally couldn¡¯t hold back her tears, which fell on Mu Zihao¡¯s shoulder.


    The old master, watching from inside, pretended not to see the scene unfold, thinking to himself that no mother could marry off a daughter without sadness.


    After hurriedly returning to Rongcheng, Mu Yichen immediately went to a meeting, while Qin Mu rested at the apartment for a day before officially going back to work.


    That day, she suddenly seemed to understand why Mu Yichen had been so out of sorts recently.


    Because of a wedding!


    The wedding they missed out on, the marital status they hadn¡¯t made public.


    She stood in the studio all morning, and finally came to terms with the matter.


    For lunch, Xiaomei ordered a KFC family bucket to share with her. Initially, Qin Mu intended to eat just a little, but the moment she picked it up and smelled it, her stomach felt uncomfortable.


    Xiaomei, watching her look like she was going to throw up, sadly lowered her head to her bucket. Qin Mu used to be able to eat two drumsticks.


    Suddenly, Qin Mu lost interest and put the drumstick back into the bucket. Xiaomei looked at her lack of appetite and was on the verge of tears.


    Was she, as the young mistress, starting to disdain this "simple fare"?


    "I¡¯m not feeling well, it¡¯s not that it¡¯s not delicious. You eat more!"


    Qin Mu said, holding a cup of hot orange juice, watching Xiaomei eat.


    "Are you really not going to eat? But I ordered for three!"


    Xiaomei reminded her awkwardly.


    "I believe in your capacity!"


    Qin Mu told her, the corners of her mouth curling up slightly.


    Xiaomei happily continued eating, while Qin Mu felt a wave of discomfort in her stomach, wondering what was wrong with her.


    Was it the recent fatigue?


    Or was it stomach inflammation again?


    "Qinqin, could you be pregnant?"


    Xiaomei, eating slower and slower, looked at Qin Mu¡¯s tired expression, and suddenly, carefully asked in a low voice.


    Qin Mu looked up at her, truly startled by her words.


    Considering her health, getting pregnant wouldn¡¯t be easy, right?


    "It¡¯s unlikely! It¡¯s probably just my stomach acting up."


    "Oh! Actually, I¡¯d rather tell Jian Yan you¡¯re pregnant than that you have a stomach ailment; otherwise, he would surely blame me."


    Xiaomei said sadly, looking down.


    "Then let¡¯s not say anything."


    Qin Mu prompted her with a smirk, seeing her nervous look.


    Xiaomei looked up at her and suddenly laughed.


    "Right! I won¡¯t say anything, and it¡¯s not like he can fly over."


    Xiaomei felt much more at ease thinking this, but Qin Mu¡¯s heart was filled with a mix of emotions.

 Chapter 459 - 138 I might be pregnant!_3

    Chapter 459: 138 I might be pregnant!_3


    Her master really liked her...


    She had thought that theirs was a purely platonic master-disciple relationship; she believed that they could be the most beautiful master and disciple in the world.


    "But should we go to the hospital to check, just in case it¡¯s not a stomach ailment but a pregnancy? If we got it wrong and took the wrong medication, it wouldn¡¯t be good."


    Qin Mu thought about how she and Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t been careful in a long time and nodded in agreement.


    Actually, there was no need to go to the hospital; buying a pregnancy test stick would suffice.


    Having had a child before, Qin Mu felt she was quite experienced in this matter.


    But after work, she simply forgot about it.


    Because she had to go to Paris to prepare for the upcoming fashion show with Jian Yan, she spent most of her time thinking about how to discuss this matter with Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen disliked her working with Jian Yan so much that if she brought it up, she was sure he would give her the cold shoulder again.


    She came home early because there was a matter to discuss; she decided to prepare a ¡¯decent¡¯ dinner before the father and daughter came home.


    She hoped that President Mu would understand "biting the hand that feeds you" and grant her an exceptional favor just this once.


    Who would have known that after the father and daughter pair returned and saw the dinner she had prepared, they frowned, and Huanhuan sadly said, "Daddy, I want to eat beef!"


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t made beef. Looking at the ¡¯less than appetizing¡¯ dishes on the table, then at the beef her daughter mentioned, she slowly turned to Mu Yichen.


    "The beef we brought from home, go and cut some!"


    "Alright."


    Qin Mu, with no choice, had to return to the kitchen to slice the cured beef. During dinner, the rice she cooked was left to the side. Mu Yichen made a soup, and the three of them ate with the soup, beef, and rice.


    After eating, Huanhuan didn¡¯t forget to deflate her mother: "Mommy, you should just not cook anymore, we have Daddy!"


    Ha ha!


    If this had been any other time, Qin Mu would definitely have been moved by her daughter¡¯s concern for her, but now...


    Qin Mu¡¯s mouth twitched: "Go watch TV first. I have something to discuss with your daddy."


    "Oh!"


    The slighted Princess Huanhuan wasn¡¯t upset; she had been eager to watch TV anyway.


    Mu Yichen, anticipating that Qin Mu had something to say, looked at the wasted food and asked, "What is it?"


    "That is¡ªI need to go back to Paris!"


    Qin Mu licked her dry lips, her fingers holding the chopsticks as if they were holding a pen.


    Mu Yi raised his eyes to look at her but said nothing, just watched her with dark eyes that made her feel anxious.


    "Hmm!"


    He looked down for a while and then hummed in acknowledgment.


    Time seemed to freeze.


    Qin Mu looked at him in disbelief. Hmm?


    He agreed?


    He didn¡¯t even ask what it was for and just agreed?


    "I¡¯m going to prepare for the fashion show with my master soon, and I¡¯ll be back very quickly after the fashion show is over."


    "Huanhuan won¡¯t be able to accompany you. Mom won¡¯t agree."


    Qin Mu just looked at him and couldn¡¯t turn her gaze away; she couldn¡¯t comprehend his thoughts.


    "I can!"


    Qin Mu...


    His gaze was deep. Qin Mu felt he was being overly serious, and she looked at him nervously: "You can what? You don¡¯t mean to say you¡¯ll accompany me, do you?"


    "It happens that there¡¯s a business deal to discuss in Paris, so it¡¯s a coincidence."


    Qin Mu...


    "What? You don¡¯t want me to go? Is there something you don¡¯t want people to see?"


    He asked again, his dark eyes as if trying to peer into her soul.


    Qin Mu subconsciously leaned on the back of the chair, raising her hands and waving them energetically.


    "You can go! You can go!"


    Qin Mu wanted to laugh to show she didn¡¯t find anything inappropriate, but she was too nervous to manage even a smile.


    After coaxing Huanhuan to sleep, Qin Mu returned to her room where Mu Yichen was lying on the bed playing with his phone. Her palms were slightly sweaty with nervousness as she walked to the bed and sat down, asking in a low voice, "Aren¡¯t you sleeping yet?"


    "I was waiting for you!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes conveyed a rich array of expressions as if to say, "Why are you waiting for me? I¡¯m so scared I¡¯m steaming mad," but her lips dared not utter a word, and she obediently got into bed.


    As soon as Mu Yichen put down his phone, he ordered, "Come to my arms!"


    Qin Mu rolled over into his embrace.


    Mu Yichen took the opportunity to pull her close, his hand naturally sliding under her pajamas.


    "I¡¯ve known about you preparing for the fashion show for a while now. I¡¯ve told you, I will support your career."


    He looked down at her as he finally spoke those words.


    "And what about the business trip to Paris?"


    "That matter doesn¡¯t necessarily require my personal attendance, but I don¡¯t have other choices right now."


    His dark, long lashes drooped as he pondered and responded thoughtfully.


    "Are you worried that I might fall for Jian Yan?"


    "You¡¯re so silly, you¡¯d just be taken in by his sweet talk."


    Qin Mu looked up at him and suddenly placed his hand, which had been stroking her hair, onto her chest over her heart.


    "That will never happen! Who have you ever seen me date since I was young?"


    Unconsciously, Qin Mu crawled on top of his chest, weighing him down.


    She looked at him with tender eyes and said.


    "You¡¯ve never dated, and it¡¯s all thanks to my timely intervention!"


    Her hands on his chest, held by his, the two gazed at each other, one determined, the other gentle.


    "That¡¯s not true!"


    Qin Mu told him stubbornly and then defiantly lay on his chest.


    "Mu Yichen, you have nothing to worry about!"


    She listened to the sound of his heartbeat and whispered to him softly.


    At the apex of his heart, Mu Yichen¡¯s grip on her hand tightened unconsciously.


    Qin Mu seemed not to notice, just lying on his chest, feeling his body¡¯s warmth.


    The room was silent, and for a moment, only the warmth of their bodies and their faint breaths were felt.


    Later, when he became affectionate, Qin Mu felt a tightness in her heart and immediately tried to get off him, but he held her tight, "What? Trying to dodge responsibility?"


    "No! I¡¯m just a bit tired!"


    She had been feeling rather tired lately, but after saying that, her anxiety worsened. She suddenly remembered Xiaomei¡¯s words from noon; she had forgotten to buy a pregnancy test.


    "Don¡¯t fob me off with such excuses!"


    "Don¡¯t you get tired every night?"


    Qin Mu asked when he had flipped her over beneath him.


    "Tired? A man would never admit to being tired in this matter."


    Qin Mu...


    "What if I say, I..."


    "Whatever you say, you can¡¯t get away. If you¡¯re really tired, I¡¯ll make it quick."


    He nibbled her ear and murmured to her.


    But Qin Mu was a bit worried, her fists clenched against his chest, she bit her lip, then looked firmly into his eyes: "I¡¯ve been feeling a bit nauseous today!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s movements of kissing her neck came to a halt, he raised his eyes to question her.


    Qin Mu heard the beating of her own heart, wild and intense!


    "Does my presence disgust you?"


    "I might be pregnant!"

 Chapter 460 - 139 Excited and suffering from insomnia_1

    Chapter 460: 139 Excited and suffering from insomnia_1


    Mu Yichen rolled off her body, cautious and careful.


    But the excitement and anticipation in his dark eyes betrayed immature emotions that weren¡¯t typically part of him.


    Qin Mu, feeling his nervousness, also became tense.


    "It¡¯s not confirmed yet! I¡¯ve just been feeling very tired lately, and today I felt a bit nauseous."


    That night, Mu Yichen suffered from insomnia again, the news had come so suddenly and left him unprepared.


    ----


    The next morning, Mu Yichen went to the pharmacy at breakneck speed, without any embarrassment, and bought various pregnancy tests to take home.


    The weather was a bit overcast and chilly, and the two of them squatted in the bathroom, looking at two pregnancy tests.


    But when the results weren¡¯t what either of them had hoped for, Mu Yichen grabbed another one, and then another.


    "Are these even accurate?"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but frown and ask.


    It had been a long time since any sound had shattered the silence in the bedroom, like a glass cup stealthily breaking after many years.


    "The doctor said the morning is the most accurate time!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was a little shaky.


    Indeed, it wasn¡¯t a pregnancy!


    She thought to herself, how could it be so easy to get pregnant, especially when they had said there were contraceptives in her system during the last check-up.


    Suddenly feeling powerless, Qin Mu sat down on the carpet, and though Mu Yichen meant to try another test, he raised his hand only to find that it was the last one. As he turned to look at Qin Mu sitting there against the sofa, he suddenly also felt limp and leaned over as well.


    With one leg bent and his hand lightly resting on it, he cast his gaze downwards thinking deeply, before turning to look at Qin Mu again.


    "We can do it now!"


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t quite understood when suddenly she saw him pounce at her.


    The two of them tumbled together on the carpet beneath the sofa.


    Qin Mu felt that Mu Yichen was actually a bit irritable, but he didn¡¯t want to show it, did he?


    His eager kisses, however, made her feel his mood, and Qin Mu instinctively pushed him away, asking softly, "Are you angry?"


    "Angry about what? We¡¯re so young!"


    He said it lightly, and continued kissing her.


    "I promise I¡¯ll have another one for you, please don¡¯t be sad, okay?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but push him away again, comforting the man in front of her with his disappointed eyes, her hand slowly caressing his sharply defined features.


    His eyes, which held a sharp edge, suddenly softened: "Mumu, say you love me!"


    He wanted nothing else; he would rather they only had Huanhuan, he just needed her to love him.


    "I love you, I always have!"


    "You bad woman!"


    He murmured lowly, and then bit into her lips, with Qin Mu tilting her chin in response to his kiss, feeling the warmth of his palm on her waist.


    After breakfast, Mu Yichen went to the company, and shortly after, Qiao Yi followed. Seeing him somewhat perturbed and searching for documents, he asked, "What are you looking for?"


    "The Sheng Fei documents, bring them to me!"


    Mu Yichen pressed the secretary¡¯s line.


    "The one under your eyes..."


    "President, it¡¯s on your desk!"


    The voice that came through the handset coincided with Qiao Yi¡¯s, and Qiao Yi looked at him finding the document after hanging up the phone, and frowned unconsciously as he moved forward to sit down, facing the man who seemed powerful on the other side: "Did you have an argument with Xiaomu?"


    "Why do we have to argue?"


    "You¡¯re usually in a bad mood because of Xiaomu, and when you¡¯re not arguing, you typically come in humming a tune, right? Besides, with your sharpness, how could you not see the files right under your own eyes unless you were blinded by anger?"


    Qiao Yi sat opposite him, observing him and expressing his thoughts.


    Mu Yichen opened the file and kept looking at it with furrowed brows, prompting Qiao Yi to sigh helplessly: "It seems I¡¯ve hit the nail on the head, what has Xiaomu done to upset you this time? Did you find out that other boys are chasing her?"


    Mu Yichen looked up at him: "Who¡¯s chasing her?"


    "Uh! Well, actually, I was just guessing. Recently, the young master of the Pu Yang family has been asking me about her relationship with you. By the look of him, it seems like he¡¯s taken a fancy to her."


    After hearing this, Mu Yichen frowned: "Tell him, she¡¯s my wife!"


    "Hahaha! Unless you go public, nobody¡¯s going to believe that!"


    Qiao Yi dared not crush his spirits entirely, only cautiously reminding him.


    "Now, who in Rongcheng doesn¡¯t know she¡¯s my woman?"


    He asked angrily.


    "It¡¯s true that many know, but without a marriage certificate, if you only claim someone as ¡¯your woman,¡¯ that could just mean a fling or a secret lover, which are a dime a dozen."


    As Mu Yichen was looking at the file, his gaze finally paused but then fiercely snapped up to look at the man opposite him.

 Chapter 461 - 139 Excited and suffering from insomnia_2

    Chapter 461: 139 Excited and suffering from insomnia_2


    Qiao Yi instinctively sat up straight, his back stiff with nerves as he chuckled: "I¡¯m just speaking my mind, you don¡¯t have to silence me permanently, right?"


    "What¡¯s the point in killing you? I¡¯ll be going to Paris in a few days, so please take care of things here,"


    Mu Yichen lowered his head to look at the documents in his hand. Getting angry or impatient now was pointless. Stimulated by Qiao Yi, his mood actually became much more calm, and then he started to talk business with him.


    "Going to Paris? What for?"


    "Business trip!"


    "Oh! Leaving Xiaomu behind on a business trip, can you bear it?"


    "She is going there to prepare for the fashion show!"


    Qiao Yi¡¯s eyes slowly widened, but he didn¡¯t say anything. He thought, ¡¯What business trip? You¡¯re just going to accompany Xiaomu!¡¯


    "But Paris is indeed a special place for you two. It¡¯s like a pre-honeymoon for you."


    "Have you ever seen anyone honeymoon at their own doorstep?"


    Only then did Mu Yichen ask about the honeymoon location with Qin Mu, which he had actually already thought through.


    The two of them had lived in Paris for so many years. Every notable and obscure spot in Paris, whether famous or not, they had nearly visited it all ¨C it was more like their second home.


    But when would they be able to go on their post-wedding honeymoon?


    He had been too excited to sleep well last night, and he was filled with negative energy this morning. Suddenly, while looking at the documents, his gaze stalled again. He thought about the words she said this morning, promising to bear him another child.


    All those insincere love words she had said, none was more genuine than this promise.


    Qin Mu went to the hospital for a physical examination this morning, and then had Western food with Helian Hao in a nearby restaurant. Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but laugh when she heard about Mu Yichen using up a bunch of pregnancy tests that morning: "He must have been disappointed, right?"


    "Yeah! He almost ate me up!"


    Thinking of his reaction at that time, Qin Mu sighed helplessly. She initially wanted not to tell him and to check quietly by herself, so he wouldn¡¯t be so upset.


    But last night she really had no reason to refuse him and was also afraid that she might really be pregnant.


    As a result...


    "He would have eaten you up for sure, look at the back of your ear."


    Qin Mu...


    Could the back of the ear be seen?


    Did Helian Hao notice just because she accidentally touched her hair?


    "Are you and Jing Feng planning to have another child?"


    "My health isn¡¯t great right now, I need a few months at least, and these things can¡¯t be rushed anyway."


    Helian Hao shared her own situation with Jing Feng and then suddenly remembered their wedding plans: "Right, Jing Feng and I might hold our wedding after Labor Day."


    "That sounds great!"


    Qin Mu suddenly felt that this phrase sounded familiar but couldn¡¯t remember where she had heard it before.


    "Jing Feng said Mu Yi had wanted to hold a wedding with you since your first return to Rongcheng. At that time, Jing Feng asked if he wanted to get married together, and he immediately agreed. Jing Feng thought Mu Yi meant to marry Jing Qing, but later he realized that Mu Yi was so quick to agree because you had come back. So, what do you think about the four of us having our wedding together?"


    Qin Mu...


    "We get along so well, and the guys are tight. Plus, if we have our wedding together, there should be less gossip."


    "What gossip?"


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t thought about when to hold her wedding, but she was curious about the mention of gossip.


    Helian Hao¡¯s eyes dropped slightly; thinking of Qin Mu¡¯s typical obliviousness, she hesitated a bit.


    "Don¡¯t you know that there¡¯s still a ¡¯Jing Qing faction¡¯ in the city? There¡¯s one faction that wants you to marry Mu Yi, and another that supports Jing Qing marrying Mu Yi."


    Qin Mu...


    How boring these people are, what business of theirs is it?


    Liu Jingyuan went out to eat with a friend and just sat down when he turned to see Qin Mu and a woman in a white coat dining together, recognizing that it was Helian Hao and jokingly told his friend: "I¡¯ll go say hello."


    The man about the same age as him raised an eyebrow slightly and nodded with a smile.


    Liu Jingyuan straightened his suit before approaching them: "What a coincidence, two beautiful ladies dining here."


    Upon raising their eyes and seeing him, both women were somewhat surprised, but they quickly greeted him with a calm smile.


    "President Liu seems like a completely different person after getting married; you¡¯ve become more approachable!"


    Helian Hao joked.


    "Miss Helian has changed too, becoming much wittier after becoming a doctor."

 Chapter 462 - 139 Excited and suffering from insomnia_3

    Chapter 462: 139 Excited and suffering from insomnia_3


    Liu Jingyuan had just finished speaking when Helian Hao awkwardly closed his mouth, struggling to contain his laughter.


    "Then you guys take your time chatting, I¡¯m going to join my friends for dinner. Free to hang out alone sometime?"


    Before leaving, Liu Jingyuan looked at Helian Hao, then turned towards Qin Mu.


    "Sure!"


    Helian Hao agreed, and Qin Mu glanced at Helian Hao before looking up at Liu Jingyuan. However, she didn¡¯t catch his facial expression, seeing only his chin, she smiled slightly and then lowered her gaze again.


    Only after Liu Jingyuan nodded and left did Qin Mu mutter softly, "That was a quick response!"


    "Anyway, he¡¯s not going to ask me out. Honestly, I think he still has feelings for you!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t respond, just sighed helplessly.


    Of course, she could feel that his gaze towards her was different, but for the sake of President Mu, she had to keep a low profile as if she were invisible.


    After Liu Jingyuan sat down again, his friend asked him, "Let me guess which beauty you like, the one in the beige trench coat?"


    "She¡¯s Mu Yichen¡¯s woman!"


    Liu Jingyuan didn¡¯t answer but simply reminded him.


    The man was about to mock him but restrained himself when he saw Liu Jingyuan¡¯s seriousness. Speaking softly, he asked, "How are you involved with this woman? I remember last year there was some hot gossip about you¡ªwas it about her?"


    Liu Jingyuan didn¡¯t speak further, just smiled helplessly as if acknowledging it, while his friend couldn¡¯t help but let out a laugh.


    "Not bad, competing with Mu Yichen for a woman!"


    "If she had no feelings for Mu Yichen, do you think I wouldn¡¯t compete for her? Unfortunately, she has feelings for him, and I¡¯m like the falling flowers pining for the flowing water that doesn¡¯t care."


    Liu Jingyuan remarked with a sigh, then unconsciously turned his head to look back at that figure. She was facing away from him, seemingly on purpose.


    After finishing their meal, Qin Mu and the others politely went over to say goodbye before leaving.


    "We¡¯re done eating, we¡¯ll be leaving first!"


    Qin Mu smiled as she said her goodbyes and nodded to his friends.


    "Bye-bye, President Liu!"


    Helian Hao spoke as she linked arms with Qin Mu.


    "Goodbye!"


    "Goodbye to both beauties!"


    After Liu Jingyuan said his refined goodbye, his friend waved his hand, giving them a somewhat flirtatious wink as a farewell.


    Helian Hao was in a hurry to get back to work, so Qin Mu walked alone towards the hospital¡¯s parking lot, a place with a rather dismal view. When Qin Mu reached the parking area and saw the Qin Family¡¯s car parked there, she paused involuntarily.


    Afterward, she watched the Qin Family¡¯s driver walk over from a distance, alone.


    "Uncle Wang!"


    Qin Mu called out reflexively.


    Uncle Wang naturally saw her and came forward to greet her, "Miss, why are you here by yourself? Are you not feeling well either?"


    "My stomach¡¯s a bit cold. How about you?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously.


    "I have a minor ailment too. Taking the chance while the mayor doesn¡¯t need me, I came out for a check-up."


    Uncle Wang spoke politely to Qin Mu, his face inadvertently revealing a kind smile, "Miss, when you have time, do come home for a visit. The mayor¡ªhe¡¯s not having an easy time being home alone."


    "Yes! Take care of yourself too, and if you need anything, you can find me at the studio,"


    Qin Mu, concerned that his complexion looked rather wan and not wanting to trouble him with too many questions, warned him.


    "All right!"


    Uncle Wang replied, dipping his head in acknowledgment.


    Qin Mu chatted with him a bit more, then opened her car door, and drove off.


    Thinking about Uncle Wang¡¯s age and how he seemed to have been with Qin Haiming all these years, if something were to happen to him...


    No way! Absolutely not!


    Qin Mu drove to Wen Runuan¡¯s company, Xiaomei went to the factory and was helping with some things, so she went to take Xiaomei¡¯s place to measure Wen Runuan for the dress she was going to wear to the event that evening.


    Wen Runuan¡¯s belly was really big now, so Qin Mu chose an A-line dress with an artistic flair for her, which not only would cover her belly but also made her look very graceful.


    Looking in the mirror, Wen Runuan couldn¡¯t help but speak as she watched Qin Mu bowing her head and earnestly sewing the waistline, "If Xiaomei isn¡¯t available in the future, just have another designer or someone you trust from your studio come and help me."


    "I just happen to be free this afternoon! But since you¡¯ve said that, I¡¯ll really start having someone else come over from now on,"


    Qin Mu said, keeping her head down as she worked.


    Wen Runuan couldn¡¯t help but laugh softly.


    Director Zhang came in from outside, about to remind Wen Runuan to be careful about some things in the evening, and upon encountering Qin Mu, he greeted her: "Miss Qin!"


    "No, perhaps I should call you Mrs. Mu."


    After finishing the waistline, Qin Mu stood up, bowed her head to admire her work, and said with a smile, "Let¡¯s stick with Miss Qin."


    It was clear from Director Zhang¡¯s implication that he had heard about her marriage to Mu Yichen; she neither denied nor confirmed it, simply expressing her own preference.


    "Alright! I¡¯ll say it again, if Miss Qin wants to enter show business, feel free to come see me."


    "So I can compete with Miss Wen for work?"


    Qin Mu turned to look at Director Zhang.


    "Her career is my responsibility!"


    Director Zhang laughed and said generously.


    Wen Runuan felt a warmth in her heart and lowered her head to caress her belly without looking at him.


    "You two chat, I¡¯ll step out. Oh, by the way, Jing Qing¡¯s here, so if you don¡¯t want to bump into her, leave later,"


    Director Zhang said to her before opening the door and stepping out.


    Yet Qin Mu thought, why should she avoid Jing Qing? It was as if she was in the wrong, when in reality, that woman was the one constantly blocking her path.


    She had also planned to visit the shop that was being renovated, so she had even less reason to hide.


    Jing Qing was outside talking with several minor actresses, who buttered her up every day, knowing that even after sleeping with Wen Runuan, Director Zhang wouldn¡¯t dare suppress Jing Qing, making it clear to all the company¡¯s talents just how unshakeable Jing Qing¡¯s status was.


    "By the way, Sister Jing, a woman went into Wen Runuan¡¯s room just now, appeared to be the one competing with you for Young Master Mu,"


    "It¡¯s not an appearance, it is that woman!"


    "Oh, you should¡¯ve seen her high-and-mighty attitude, as if nobody else existed, and she walked as if she brought a breeze with her, didn¡¯t even glance at us, no manners at all, acting like she¡¯s some aloof queen, just a lousy dressmaker."


    Hearing their comments, Jing Qing glanced at Wen Runuan¡¯s room and then asked, "How long has she been in there?"


    "About an hour, maybe? Maybe she¡¯s heard us talking outside and doesn¡¯t dare to come out,"


    a minor actress who couldn¡¯t even compete for the third female lead asked, seeking to ingratiate herself with Jing Qing.


    "You all underestimate her; she¡¯s not afraid of me at all! After all, Young Master Mu is backing her now!"


    Jing Qing¡¯s eyes were cold yet exceedingly solemn. Although her words sounded mocking, they were dry and detached.


    The others were displeased at her words.


    "If it¡¯s about who Young Master Mu has supported the most, it¡¯s clearly you, Jing Qing. We¡¯ve all seen how he¡¯s been by your side every step of the way to the queen of actors."


    "Exactly! Even if Young Master Mu is supporting her now, it must be for some other reason,"


    the girls, eager to please her, could say anything that would make her happy.


    "She secretly had a daughter for Young Master Mu in Paris! That¡¯s her skill too!"


    Playing with the ring on her finger, Jing Qing lowered her head and murmured, then sighed with a laugh as if she was genuinely impressed,


    "So she¡¯s using the child to coerce Young Master Mu!"


    "No wonder Young Master Mu would leave such a beautiful woman like you to cohabit with that woman."


    Jing Qing listened quietly, feeling very comfortable inside. Yet, just when she slightly looked up, she caught sight of the woman coming out of Wen Runuan¡¯s room. Qin Mu was standing by the door, quietly watching over in their direction.

 Chapter 463 - 140 Are women supposed to be able to do this? (Third update)_1

    Chapter 463: 140 Are women supposed to be able to do this? (Third update)_1


    "If you ask me, Jing Qing, you shouldn¡¯t even entertain the notion of such a woman. Which woman can¡¯t have children? If that¡¯s Young Master Chen¡¯s weakness, why don¡¯t you just bear one for him too!"


    The actress, with her back to Qin Mu, was conspiring to give Jing Qing advice.


    Jing Qing smiled faintly, her eyes slowly drooping again.


    The women standing by Jing Qing¡¯s side fell silent and had turned somewhat pale.


    "Am I right, sisters? There¡¯s nothing we women can¡¯t do, but when it comes to having children, any woman can do it!"


    The girl said, sitting on the sofa and touching her fingernails, addressing the people in front of her.


    "You think you¡¯re a hen laying eggs?"


    Qin Mu stood behind her, her voice cold and clear as she spoke, her hands confidently tucked into her coat pockets, her eyes mercilessly fixed on the back of the woman¡¯s head.


    The woman was startled by the voice, and upon turning her head and seeing Qin Mu¡¯s icy gaze, her face immediately drained of color. Then she looked back at the other women who were awkwardly lowering their heads: "Sisters, you¡¯re really not being loyal!"


    The actresses were all fair-weather friends, mute as if struck dumb.


    Seeing how quiet the group of women had become, Jing Qing couldn¡¯t help but let out a sarcastic chuckle, then said to Qin Mu, "It was just a joke, sister. No need to take it seriously."


    "Miss Jing is right, I shouldn¡¯t take it seriously. I thought you were rehearsing a play, set in a brothel, perhaps? Would you like me to make a cameo as the Madam?"


    Qin Mu stepped forward, scanning the faces of all the seated and standing actresses, and finally turned to Jing Qing with a smile, "There are many women who want to bear Mu Yichen¡¯s child, but in the end, there¡¯s only one who actually did, isn¡¯t there?"


    The actresses had turned deathly pale at her words, wishing they could devour her but not daring to offend her.


    "I am a clothes designer, but I only make new clothes, not torn ones. Perhaps someday, if one of you sisters wants me to design a new outfit¡ªconsidering my prices, you probably couldn¡¯t afford it¡ªso let¡¯s just leave it at that, I¡¯ll take my leave!"


    Qin Mu raised an eyebrow, her smile charming.


    Having said that, she left stylishly, her high heels clicking, hands in her pockets and bag slung over her shoulder.


    The actresses looked at each other, feeling uneasy.


    After all, if she really became the most sought-after designer, they would want her to make clothes for them, but today, she would remember their enmity...


    "You lot really deserve to remain unsuccessful, babbling behind people¡¯s backs but unable to say a word in her presence?"


    Jing Qing looked at them with disappointment and then turned to walk toward her own room.


    The actresses were still sitting there, each harboring their own thoughts.


    As Qin Mu walked out, she ran into Yang Qianxi returning. Yang Qianxi rushed in carrying a stack of clothes and was startled to see Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu, observing her hurried appearance, asked softly, "Living a fulfilling life, it seems?"


    Yang Qianxi lowered her head, "Why did you come in person?"


    "Have you forgotten? I¡¯m Wen Runuan¡¯s designer," Qin Mu asked quietly.


    Yang Qianxi looked up at her. How could she forget? The sudden encounter left her so nervous she felt close to amnesia!


    "It¡¯s just that you rarely come in person!"


    Yang Qianxi said softly, looking down at the clothes in her arms¡ªthese were for Jing Qing. Being Jing Qing¡¯s assistant was not an easy job, but...


    Yang Qianxi looked up at her, "I am now Jing Qing¡¯s assistant!"


    Qin Mu looked at her nervous expression and simply said, "I know! Good luck!"


    After saying that, Qin Mu passed by her.


    Yang Qianxi turned to watch her, "Qin Mu, don¡¯t blame me!"


    "Blame you for what?"


    Qin Mu stood still, then turned steadily to look at her.


    Yang Qianxi¡¯s heart lurched violently. She knew, Qin Mu knew everything, yet Qin Mu chose such an indifferent way to strike at her pride.


    Seeing that Yang Qianxi was lost for words, Qin Mu turned and left, this time without looking back.


    The two of them, were truly incompatible!


    Yang Qianxi returned to Jing Qing¡¯s office with the clothes, finding Jing Qing sitting there brooding. Upon her entry, Jing Qing couldn¡¯t help but glare at her, causing Yang Qianxi to clutch the clothes tightly in fright.


    "Did you run into your former boss?"


    Jing Qing asked, noting her expression.


    "Yes!"


    Yang Qianxi went to hang the clothes one by one, not daring to look at her.


    Jing Qing took a deep breath, then looked at herself in the mirror again, "What did she say to you?"


    "Nothing at all! Just a greeting!"

 Chapter 464 - 140 Are women supposed to be able to do this? (Third update)_2

    Chapter 464: 140 Are women supposed to be able to do this? (Third update)_2


    Yang Qianxi subconsciously replied that way, but after giving it a second thought, they really hadn¡¯t said much.


    "Hmph, just passing on a greeting? She doesn¡¯t want you anymore, yet you¡¯re still protecting her."


    Jing Qing stared down at her hands as she spoke, noting that her fingers were somewhat rough today and frowned in annoyance.


    "I¡¯m not protecting her, there¡¯s not that deep a friendship between us!"


    Yang Qianxi turned her head and argued softly with her, she really didn¡¯t like Jing Qing¡¯s condescending attitude.


    "Is that so? Then have I misunderstood?"


    Jing Qing turned her gaze on her, seemingly gentle but with a look that could kill.


    Yang Qianxi naturally couldn¡¯t compare with her in various aspects, including depth of thought.


    Yang Qianxi couldn¡¯t help but feel a discomfort in her throat as she swallowed, then she bowed her head and continued to hang clothes that weren¡¯t properly placed.


    Jing Qing just kept staring at her, and eventually, irate, she picked up her bag to leave, but before she did, she said to her, "When you have time, help me dig up some dirt on Young Master Mu. Let me know immediately if you find anything useful."


    Yang Qianxi¡¯s eyes flickered when she heard the words "Young Master Mu," and then she hummed in response.


    After Jing Qing left, she glanced at the door, hung the clothes properly, and then also left the company.


    Young Master Mu! In reality, she only ever went to two places, one was his office building, the other was the AM parking lot.


    Of course, she wouldn¡¯t tell Jing Qing every time she saw Mu Yichen; that feeling of being thrilled after seeing a loved one was something she wanted to secretly cherish alone.


    Today was no different; she went to wait quietly beneath his office building, secretly anticipating his departure from work.


    Mu Yichen came out with Qiao Yi, and she watched stealthily from a corner, her heart pounding like a little deer. She felt her heart might leap out of her chest.


    After leaving Qin Mu¡¯s place, she thought it would be difficult to see him again, but she didn¡¯t expect that Jing Qing asking her to keep an eye on Mu Yichen would turn into what she felt was the best job in the world.


    Just before getting into the car, Qiao Yi suddenly looked back: "Why do I always feel like someone¡¯s watching us?"


    Mu Yichen glanced at him, thinking he was just being paranoid, and got into the car first to leave.


    Right, he was eager to pick up his wife and get home to make babies.


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t gotten pregnant yet, and the surprising extremes in his moods from extreme disappointment to feeling an inexhaustible vigor were significant.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t return to the studio; a call from Feng Fanghua took her to the Mu family¡¯s home for dinner. The old master was delighted to see her: "I heard you¡¯re going to open your own boutique here?"


    "Yes! It¡¯s currently being renovated. Once it¡¯s ready, I¡¯d like Grandpa to be our first customer."


    "Oh? Do you have clothes that this old man can wear?"


    "As long as Grandpa graces us with his presence, I can design whatever Grandpa wishes."


    "Can you design something with more style than the old man from the Jing Family, but comfortable? I can¡¯t wear clothes that are too stiff."


    "Of course!"


    Qin Mu immediately agreed, as it wasn¡¯t a difficult task.


    "Really?" The old master was thrilled upon hearing this; he wasn¡¯t someone with a taste for finery and always felt exhausted seeing the stately appearance of the old master from the Jing Family.


    "Of course, it¡¯s true, your granddaughter-in-law happens to do just that."


    Mu Zihao chimed in from the side; he held Qin Mu¡¯s design skills in high regard and always felt that his daughter-in-law would surely become a powerful force in the design world someday.


    Feng Fanghua glanced at him from beside and just smiled without saying a word. She didn¡¯t deny Qin Mu¡¯s abilities, but for Qin Mu to reach Jian Yan¡¯s level, it would naturally take some years, even though she was already known as a reputed up-and-coming designer in the country.


    "Humph, that¡¯s nice, saves me from that old man¡¯s constant complaints about my dowdy attire."


    "For your Grandpa¡¯s upcoming birthday, you really could help him design a proper suit."


    "Good! I¡¯ll get started on that in the next couple of days."


    Actually, why wait for a special occasion to design clothes? Qin Mu suddenly felt that she had been really thoughtless; she should have designed something for the old master long ago.


    "Focus on your important work first; there¡¯s no rush for mine."


    The old master shook his head, and stroked the little girl who was playing with toys near Qin Mu, his eyes growing soft and fond as he looked at Huanhuan.


    Huanhuan also looked up at him and instinctively smiled at him.


    The old master was happy: "Huanhuan, this little girl, is really getting more and more adorable!"


    "Yes, she¡¯s very much like her father when he was young."


    Feng Fanghua, super happy to hear that, quickly added on.


    "What do you mean, ¡¯like Yichen when he was young¡¯? I think she was pretty good when Mumu was young too!"

 Chapter 465 - 140 Are women supposed to be able to do this? (Third update)_3

    Chapter 465: 140 Are women supposed to be able to do this? (Third update)_3


    Feng Fanghua...


    The old man glanced at her, then said to Qin Mu, "Your mother-in-law, she¡¯s always trying to add glory to her own son."


    "Actually, she really does resemble Yichen when he was young. Look at the way she rubs her forehead; isn¡¯t it exactly like Yichen¡¯s?"


    Qin Mu, who was wondering how to smooth things over, saw Huanhuan seemingly scratching her forehead and said softly to the old man.


    The old man took a look, blinked, and then suddenly started laughing: "Well, now that you mention it, she really does!"


    Feng Fanghua felt a tug at her heart too, Mu Zihao looked at Feng Fanghua, and his gaze seemed to say: "Don¡¯t I always say this daughter-in-law is thoughtful?"


    Feng Fanghua was actually touched that after all these years, Qin Mu still remembered some of Yichen¡¯s childhood habits. It¡¯s no wonder that Yichen couldn¡¯t bear to see her suffer.


    She used to think this girl was utterly carefree from a young age, wondering how she could possibly remember those subtle things about Yichen.


    In fact, Qin Mu remembered almost everything she had seen.


    When Mu Yichen returned home, he saw the whole family gathered together, laughing and talking, which soothed his initially tense mood. He sat down next to Qin Mu, casually placing his hand behind her.


    "The moment this kid comes back, he doesn¡¯t see anyone else, only his wife," the old man said, pointing at him and teasing with a laugh.


    Mu Yichen raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t say anything. Huanhuan, seeing her dad, immediately hugged his leg. Mu Yichen looked down at his daughter, then took his arm from behind Qin Mu¡¯s back and held his daughter in his arms.


    "Dad, are we sleeping at Grandma¡¯s house tonight?" Huanhuan asked happily.


    "We¡¯ll sleep at our own home, but we can have dinner at Grandma¡¯s, okay?" Mu Yichen coaxed her.


    "Yeah! Great!"


    That "great" was genuinely joyful.


    Qin Mu sneaked a peek at him, worried he might be angry about the pregnancy test from the morning, but he looked at her without any temper and asked, "Is something wrong?"


    Qin Mu quickly shook her head like a bobblehead.


    The elders watched the two of them as if they had a little mood but didn¡¯t ask much. When it came time for dinner, the whole family went to eat.


    During the meal, the old man asked for a glass of white wine, and Feng Fanghua readily had someone get it for him, but he could only drink a small cup.


    Mu Zihao also drank a small cup, wanting to accompany his dad who was drinking.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t drink, just ate with his wife and child.


    "Speaking of which, Yichen, I¡¯ve been playing with that old man from the Jing Family these past few days. He mentioned that you demolished his house a while back?"


    Qin Mu instinctively looked up at the old man, then at Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen was quite calm: "Yeah!"


    "He¡¯s still bringing up that old news? Besides, the reason Yichen demolished his house was because he had people smash Huanhuan¡¯s mom¡¯s studio, wasn¡¯t it? That spectacle was quite dramatic; you weren¡¯t there, otherwise you would have been scared too."


    "As if I don¡¯t know his little tricks? Scare me? My granddaughter-in-law, don¡¯t be afraid of him in the future; I¡¯ve got your back. In his life, he¡¯s not afraid of anyone else, but he always has to give me some respect," the old man said, closing his eyes and sipping the white wine with immense enjoyment.


    "Yeah! With Grandpa here, I¡¯m not worried about anything!"


    Qin Mu was especially gracious in his speech.


    Feng Fanghua watched Qin Mu joking with the old man, but she couldn¡¯t help thinking about her desire for a child and asked, "Have you been feeling unwell recently?"


    "Unwell? No, not at all!"


    She thought about her minor issues, but she also didn¡¯t want to bother the elders.


    "Not at all? You two... you..."


    "Not pregnant!"


    Feng Fanghua was searching for the right words, but she didn¡¯t expect her son to blurt out the truth so plainly.


    Qin Mu was also startled to hear Mu Yichen suddenly mention pregnancy. Why bring it up all of a sudden?


    Then, realizing the awkwardness, he chimed in with an embarrassed affirmation, "Right! I¡¯m not pregnant!"


    Feng Fanghua immediately lost her appetite for the food, lamenting how difficult it was to yearn for a grandchild. She considered whether she should go to a temple to pray.


    "What¡¯s the rush about getting pregnant? They¡¯re still so young. Just look at the Jing siblings, one is married without children, and the other doesn¡¯t even have a boyfriend. Our Yichen and Mumu are already a step ahead of them. I¡¯m very content."


    The old man always spoke up for his grandson and granddaughter-in-law.


    Mu Yichen gave the elder an appreciative glance, thinking to himself that if it weren¡¯t for their plans for a second child, he really should have a proper drink with the old man.


    Upon returning home in the evening, Huanhuan was already sleepy, so Qin Mu hurriedly took her upstairs for a bath and to tuck her into bed.


    Later, when she came back to the bedroom and saw that Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t there, she went downstairs to find him and saw him seriously handling business affairs on his phone. She walked over and sat on the single-seater sofa beside him, resting her elbow on the armrest and casually threading her fingers through her hair as she quietly watched him work.


    Mu Yichen occasionally looked up at her, aware she was waiting for him, so he lowered his head again to seriously read the emails.


    Qin Mu¡¯s fingers gently massaged her own scalp, increasingly finding him irresistibly handsome as he worked, with a face that could topple empires. The key was that despite his striking looks that could make men feel inadequate, he was not at all foppish, but rather carried an imposing air.


    Qin Mu unconsciously moved to the armrest closer to him and couldn¡¯t help but lean on it, gazing at him with infatuation.


    After finishing his business, he put down his phone and looked at her seriously with his dark eyes, "Why are you mooning over me again?"


    "I just think you look super handsome when you¡¯re working," she confessed.


    Qin Mu spoke honestly while Mu, with slightly squinted eyes, looked at her with a smile that wasn¡¯t quite a smile.


    "I heard that Jing Qing once wanted to pay a high price for the shop I¡¯m renovating, and you drove her away?"


    "Did Manager Zhang tell you that?"


    "Yeah, he mentioned it inadvertently during a meeting, and he seemed afraid of having said something he shouldn¡¯t have, so he nervously changed the subject."


    "Then why didn¡¯t you come to me sooner?"


    "I was just asking. You¡¯ve already handled it for me, what¡¯s there to question?"


    As she said this, Qin Mu got up, moved over to him, sat on his lap with her knees apart on either side of his, and lightly caressed his shoulders, lips gently moistened.


    Mu Yichen noticed that she often licked her lips when contemplating something or planning a big move.


    His hands gently wrapped around her waist, giving a playful squeeze.


    Qin Mu leaned forward, but just when he tilted his head back, expecting a kiss, a wave of discomfort hit her stomach, and then she pushed him away and ran toward the bathroom.


    Mu Yichen...

 Chapter 466 - 141 Sudden surprise_1

    Chapter 466: 141 Sudden surprise_1


    "Didn¡¯t you say you weren¡¯t pregnant?"


    Mu Yichen chased her to the restroom, asking worriedly.


    "I¡¯m not pregnant! The doctor said it might be related to the season, and there¡¯s nothing seriously wrong with my stomach."


    Qin Mu recalled what the doctor had told her during the day. Then what was this...


    Her almond-shaped eyes were a little red due to the discomfort in her stomach, her vision blurred, she felt a little dizzy, and even wondered if she might have some serious illness.


    "Let¡¯s go to a different hospital and check again tomorrow,"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s brows were furrowed incessantly as he raised his hand to touch her forehead again, worried she might have a fever. Her temperature was indeed a bit high, but not alarmingly so.


    "I¡¯ll go make you a cup of cold medicine because you¡¯re a bit feverish,"


    he was still worried.


    "Don¡¯t!"


    Qin Mu stopped Mu Yichen, who was about to leave.


    Mu Yichen turned to look at her, his expression growing even more serious: Why not? You are a bit warm.


    "We¡¯re trying for a baby, right? It¡¯s best if I don¡¯t take any medicine!"


    Qin Mu explained, pulling him along with her out of the restroom. After returning to the living room, she lay in his arms: "You forgot when I was a child, I used to have a few days each fall where I¡¯d suffer from nausea and vomiting."


    "But it isn¡¯t fall now,"


    Mu Yichen was moved by her words. She was willing to avoid medicine for the sake of having a baby, which was enough to prove whether her feelings for him were genuine. So, he was even more reluctant to have her endure this without treatment.


    "It might just be a minor health issue. Let¡¯s go to the hospital for a thorough check-up tomorrow, and don¡¯t take any medication arbitrarily,"


    she said, lying in his arms and looking up at him.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze was intense as he looked at her, involuntarily letting out a worried sigh and gently stroking her long hair to comfort her.


    He had intended to have a passionate night with her after work, but now, he just wanted to hold her and let her sleep peacefully.


    Actually, she had slept quite well last night. Could it be that her stomach recently became intolerant to something? Qin Mu carefully recalled the food she had eaten over the past few days, feeling that the problem might lie with the food.


    The next day, the couple went to the hospital together. Upon seeing her, the doctor said, "Aren¡¯t you the best friend of the good doctor? Go directly to her."


    "Ah?"


    What does this have to do with her best friend?


    Qin Mu thought that Helian Hao was a gynecologist, and the issue she came to check was different.


    "You look like you¡¯re probably pregnant. Go see Doctor Hao for an examination,"


    Qin Mu...


    The doctor returned to the office after speaking and went inside.


    The door closed, and the couple stood outside the office, staring at each other in bewilderment.


    In the end, they really did go to Helian Hao¡¯s office. Helian Hao was with another senior doctor, and upon seeing the couple, she immediately asked out of curiosity, "Why have you two come? Who¡¯s feeling unwell?"


    "I wanted to get a comprehensive checkup, but the other doctor said I¡¯m probably pregnant and sent me to see you."


    Helian Hao...


    "Come sit down and talk,"


    the older doctor invited her.


    Qin Mu went over and pulled out a chair to sit down.


    The doctor asked Qin Mu to extend her hand on the table to take her pulse, then looked at Helian Hao: "You must be the most unreliable gynecologist in history."


    Helian Hao...


    Yesterday, when Qin Mu came to her, she hadn¡¯t asked her to undergo any examination.


    "Let¡¯s confirm with a test strip,"


    the senior doctor said to Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu looked at the test strip that cost one yuan and the urine collector. She glanced vacantly at Helian Hao, who awkwardly smiled in an expression worse than crying, signaling her to proceed.


    Mu Yichen stood to the side, his nerves starting to tighten again.


    Later, as soon as Qin Mu went out, he immediately followed her to the restroom.


    While Qin Mu was inside, he waited right by the door with a very grave expression.


    He felt as if the sky would fall if they couldn¡¯t confirm the pregnancy this time.


    Ladies coming to use the restroom gave curious glances at him standing by the door, but Mu Yichen seemed completely oblivious to their looks, stubbornly standing there with his head down.


    Qin Mu managed to collect a sample with great difficulty, and the two carried it back to the OB/GYN department.


    The doctor examined the test strip and sighed after only a few seconds: "Isn¡¯t this a pregnancy? Are you two newlyweds? Or not married?"


    "We already have a daughter over three years old,"


    Mu Yichen, his heart almost too full for his chest, was stirred by the news but still tried to keep a serious demeanor as he responded to the doctor.


    "So you¡¯ve already had one child, how come you can¡¯t distinguish between pregnancy and a stomach ache?"

 Chapter 467 - 141 Sudden surprise_2

    Chapter 467: 141 Sudden surprise_2


    The doctor asked another question.


    Then Mu Yichen stopped talking, just slowly turned to look at Qin Mu, Qin Mu...


    Helian Hao also lowered her head, feeling utterly ashamed of her negligence as both a doctor and a best friend.


    Just as the two of them stepped out earlier, she was given a lecture by the experienced doctor. Even though she was in a special situation when she came in, the doctor didn¡¯t just indulge her because of her status but was even stricter with her.


    Qin Mu felt her head might explode upon hearing the news of her pregnancy. Yesterday, they had tried so many pregnancy test sticks, all showing negative results, yet today, a simple test strip indicated her pregnancy.


    She opened her mouth, took a moment, and then stammered, "Yesterday morning, we tried so many pregnancy tests at home, and none showed I was pregnant."


    "If you¡¯re still not sure, try another one. Or do you not want this child?"


    The doctor looked up at her and asked.


    "No, of course not, that¡¯s not it, we really do want it, it¡¯s just ¡ª thank you!"


    After pondering for a long time, Qin Mu swallowed all her doubts. Just like that, she was confirmed pregnant?


    She turned to look at Mu Yichen, her excitement matching his.


    "All right, there are other people waiting outside, you two can go back if there¡¯s nothing wrong. The pregnancy test sticks you bought yesterday have probably expired, haven¡¯t they? Xiaohao, go explain to them and don¡¯t delay other patients from seeing the doctor."


    "Okay!"


    Helian Hao immediately stood up and led the two out.


    Mu Yichen followed behind them, listening to Helian Hao saying to her, "I was careless, too, for not having you thoroughly checked at the hospital before sending you home. Just now, when you two went to the restroom, Sister Wang gave me a thorough scolding, saying with your symptoms, she knew at a glance that you were pregnant."


    "You don¡¯t know how many pregnancy test sticks we tried at home yesterday morning, all of them showed negative."


    Qin Mu recalled feeling tired since yesterday and was thankful that the doctor didn¡¯t prescribe her any nonsense medication.


    "You¡¯re not far along, it probably wasn¡¯t clear yesterday, but today it¡¯s quite obvious, isn¡¯t it?"


    Helian Hao continued to chat with her as they walked forward.


    Mu Yichen remained behind, simply listening, not saying a word.


    Yet at this moment, his heart was as ecstatic as a big boy tasting candy for the first time.


    It was as if, finally, he could accompany her through the pregnancy!


    Such excitement was beyond words.


    "Well, since the pregnancy is confirmed, it¡¯s not good to do an ultrasound now. Come back for a check-up after a while. For the time being, rest well and don¡¯t keep working overtime doing drawings. Mu Yichen, you¡¯ll take good care of her, won¡¯t you?"


    Helian Hao was truly happy for Qin Mu and after giving her advice, she turned to Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t reply, but his eyes said it all.


    "Then I¡¯ll go back to work first, take good care of Mumu for me, and call me immediately if anything comes up."


    After watching her leave, Mu Yichen chuckled, "Call her!"


    Qin Mu looked at Mu Yichen¡¯s teasing and slapped him lightly on the arm, "Stop it, don¡¯t you make fun of Xiaohao."


    "Don¡¯t hit, what if you hurt what¡¯s inside?"


    Mu Yichen caught her hand, put his arm around her shoulders to turn her around, and embraced her as they walked outside.


    The sun was just right as they walked toward the parking lot.


    "It¡¯s so small inside, how could I hurt it? Besides, being pregnant isn¡¯t being sick; no making a fuss over nothing."


    "I¡¯m still going to make a fuss!"


    Mu Yichen declared and then scooped her up off the ground, which almost made Qin Mu scream out, and she hit him hard again, "You scared me to death!"


    But when she saw his anxious expression, she couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    He seemed very, very excited.


    Qin Mu looked into his eyes which once held something she couldn¡¯t discern, but now it was all too clear.


    He should have plenty of experience being a father, and yet he could still be so excited.


    "Hey! Don¡¯t be so nervous!"


    She told him before he put her in the car.


    "Not nervous? As if!"


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, gently placed her in the passenger seat, fastened her seatbelt, closed the door, and walked around to the other side.


    Starting now, he had to be more careful when driving.


    They returned to the apartment where Qin Mu was ordered to sit on the couch, and without his permission, she was not allowed to move. She watched him pacing back and forth by the window, calling the Mu Family.


    As soon as the call connected, he immediately said, "Ms. Feng, your daughter-in-law is pregnant!"


    On the other end, Feng Fanghua held her white phone, speechless for a long moment, thinking she was hallucinating as a ringing filled her ears.

 Chapter 468 - 141 Sudden surprise_3

    Chapter 468: 141 Sudden surprise_3


    "Additionally, remind you, no matter if it¡¯s a boy or a girl, you are not allowed to have any objections. Hung up!"


    Feng Fanghua hadn¡¯t even had time to process what had just happened before she was struck by her son¡¯s last sentence, immediately feeling aggrieved. It wasn¡¯t until Mu Zihao¡¯s voice sounded that she came back to her senses, hastily setting down her phone and sitting back down: "Did that kid just call to say, Qin Mu is pregnant?"


    Feng Fanghua was asking with some doubt because she wasn¡¯t entirely sure if what she had heard was true.


    Mu Zihao and the old master glanced at each other and couldn¡¯t help but smile out of joy.


    "Didn¡¯t they just say last night that there was no pregnancy?"


    Feng Fanghua questioned, but now her heartbeat was racing.


    This was a huge surprise for the whole Mu family.


    It wasn¡¯t that they doubted Qin Mu¡¯s capabilities, but the surprise had come so unexpectedly.


    "I¡¯ll give that kid another call."


    Listening to Feng Fanghua¡¯s tone of voice, Mu Zihao also started to worry that they might be imagining things, so he immediately picked up his phone to call his son.


    Mu Yichen had just called Jing Feng and was about to call Qiao Yi when he received a call from his father, "Dad!"


    "Your mom said you mentioned Mumu is pregnant?"


    "We just came back from the hospital today; it¡¯s confirmed, she is pregnant."


    "Oh! Oh! Well, that¡¯s fine then. Let Mumu rest well, and if there¡¯s any issue, she should come back. There are more people at home to take care of her."


    "I¡¯m capable enough; don¡¯t worry about it."


    After Mu Yichen hung up, he was eager to share the good news with his brothers.


    After Mu Zihao ended the call, he was so excited that his face turned red: "He said they just came back from the hospital, and it¡¯s confirmed she¡¯s pregnant."


    At this point, Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were both getting restless, and the old master was also so excited he could hardly contain himself, feeling as if the house was about to be filled with children and particularly pleased.


    Qin Mu sat on the sofa, looking at his serious demeanor as if he was holding some important meeting, so formal and solemn.


    After calling several brothers in succession, he turned his head to look at her: "Do you want to say something to the people at your studio?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Is that necessary? Maybe after I go to work?"


    She had just uttered the words "Is that necessary" when she saw his frown, so she hastily added a question.


    Mu Yichen, looking at her casual attitude with knitted brows, warned, "I¡¯m telling you, if you don¡¯t behave these few days, in a couple of days I won¡¯t let you go to Paris."


    "I¡¯ll call, I¡¯ll call right now!"


    Qin Mu was nearly scared to death, immediately reaching for her phone to call Xiaomei.


    Xiaomei initially thought that Qin Mu¡¯s gastric issues had worsened, which was why she had gone to the hospital. Qin Mu licked her dry lips, then after a moment of contemplation, looking into Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes and speaking to Xiaomei on the other end, she said, "Um, I¡¯m pregnant!"


    Xiaomei...


    "Hmm! I won¡¯t go to work today, could you, let everyone know for me?"


    The last words Qin Mu spoke were in a questioning tone, Xiaomei held her phone and blinked ¨C she was on the first floor at the time, and couldn¡¯t help but call out to the people who were working on the same floor: "Qinqin is pregnant!"


    Through the handset, Qin Mu was jolted by her voice, causing ear pain. She reflexively moved the phone further away, only to hear Xiaomei¡¯s excited voice repeating over and over: "Qinqin is pregnant..."


    Qin Mu...


    Later, after she put down her phone, she managed to smile at Mu Yichen, "Do you have any other instructions?"


    "Is there anything else you want at the moment, or would you like me to make you something to eat right now?"


    "Can¡¯t you go to work? Actually, I¡¯ve taken on a project recently; someone is paying a good price for me to do the design personally."


    Qin Mu carefully broached the subject with him, not daring to take her eyes off him for even a second, fearing that he might get upset.


    "Didn¡¯t you hear what Helian Hao said? He told me to take good care of you!"


    Qin Mu...


    "I¡¯ll check the kitchen to see if we still have fruit, or never mind, I¡¯ll go buy some fresh ones to bring back."


    He was about to head to the kitchen, but then he thought that the fruit there wasn¡¯t fresh anymore, so he immediately grabbed his coat and headed out the door.


    Qin Mu turned around, leaning on the back of the sofa watching his retreating figure. Only after he had closed the door did she allow herself to relax a little bit, turning her head to lay back in the sofa, involuntarily lowering her gaze to cradle her belly, and then she couldn¡¯t help but laugh softly.


    Why was she so nervous, as if there was something called a small but certain happiness growing inside her belly, bit by bit.


    That day she felt like Empress Dowager Cixi, spoiled and lying on the sofa, not even needing to set foot on the ground, everything attended to at her slightest whim by Mu Yichen, who served her like a little brother, bringing everything she needed right before her eyes.


    Qin Mu looked at his worried expression and asked him, "Do I look like Empress Dowager to you now?"


    "You¡¯re not that old!"


    He glanced up at her, letting her lie on his legs, and said to her.


    "Empress Dowager Cixi was also quite young in her time, and look at me now, with everything handed to me on a platter, the only thing you can¡¯t do for me is go to the restroom."


    He watched her spoiled and almost self-forgetting demeanor and couldn¡¯t help but laugh, his doting gaze as if to say, Mumu, you¡¯ve given me the whole world!


    He didn¡¯t say it out loud, but his eyes conveyed the message.


    His hand gently caressed her hair, then he quietly asked her, "Should I buy you a chamber pot? Your servant can manage that."


    "Get out of here!"


    Qin Mu lightly pushed him, but couldn¡¯t help laughing so hard that her smile lines showed.


    He laughed too, and carried her upstairs.


    "Hey! If you let me live like this for the next nine months, I¡¯m going to go crazy!"


    Although Qin Mu felt blissful, she didn¡¯t forget to remind him that such tension wasn¡¯t what a pregnant woman should endure, nor was it the lifestyle their family should have.


    "Aren¡¯t the first three months supposed to be especially careful?"


    He said!


    "When I was pregnant with Huanhuan, I didn¡¯t refrain from doing things, and if you look it up online, you¡¯ll see that being Empress Dowager Cixi at home is actually not good for the mother or the baby. It¡¯s wiser to move around and go outside to breathe some fresh air."


    Qin Mu, after being placed on the bed, leaned against the headboard and said to him.


    "Mmhm!"


    He stood by the side, legs against the edge of the bed, arms crossed, and gave a subdued nod in response to her words.


    "So..."


    Qin Mu looked up at him expectantly as he seemed to seriously consider her words.


    "So you rest well, and don¡¯t talk to me about this today."


    After he finished speaking, he turned and walked out the door.

 Chapter 469: Pregnant 142 days

    Chapter 469: Pregnant 142 days


    "So you take a good rest, and today you¡¯re not allowed to talk about these things with me anymore,"


    he said before turning around and leaving the room.


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Yichen knew he was not yet ready; to be honest, he felt quite disconcerted at the moment.


    He had been absent when Qin Mu was first pregnant, and seeing how Mu Qingxin carried herself during her pregnancy, he could only guess how much pressure Qin Mu must have coped with alone while giving birth to Huanhuan outside. All he wanted, upon learning of her pregnancy, was to take good care of her, to make amends, to give her all the comfort and happiness that a husband could provide during his wife¡¯s pregnancy ¡ª all at once.


    But witnessing Qin Mu¡¯s composure and poise at this moment, he suddenly realized his impulsiveness.


    Mu Yichen stood alone in a corner of the study, quietly processing the great news of her pregnancy, struggling to suppress his excited emotions.


    Perhaps he should make a plan. During these nine months, first, he could not go on business trips, and then he would accompany her and Huanhuan, awaiting the birth of their new family member.


    Only when he thought about accompanying her in bringing another little one into the world, did his expression soften, slowly immersing himself in that fulfilling happiness.


    The woman was actually going to give him another child!


    Although Mu Yichen felt she was serious when she spoke, he did not expect it to happen so soon.


    He thought, in his life, or perhaps this was the biggest pie that had ever fallen from the sky onto him.


    This little fairy had been tormenting him all his life; he had lived nearly thirty years and never thought he would get any benefits from her, but today...


    He felt it was time to open a bottle of wine to celebrate.


    That afternoon there was a stir in President Mu¡¯s social media circle. Nobody mentioned his name, nobody mentioned the word "children," but everyone was talking about him.


    Of course, he knew it too.


    For instance, the unchanging social media circle of Prosecutor Jing Feng posted today: I was in the know a long time ago!


    Or the post from Young Master Jiang: I have so many illegitimate children outside, I can¡¯t even count them all! Sigh! Without any proof, he dares to brag to me about having two kids, hmph!


    However, while everyone was feeling down, some were nearly going crazy.


    Jing Qing, after seeing the social media messages from Jing Feng and the others, read through the comments one by one, and then, out of anger, slammed her phone onto the dressing table. However, still agitated, she pushed her phone forcefully onto the floor.


    Her mother came to her room just in time to witness that scene, and hurriedly came over in shock: "Xiaoqing, what¡¯s wrong with you?"


    "Why?"


    Jing Qing looked at her gentle mother, wanting to blurt out that phrase, but instead, she just sat despairingly in the chair, with tears unceremoniously falling.


    Her mother picked up the phone, saw the broken screen, sighed involuntarily, placed the phone back on the table, and asked again, "What exactly happened?"


    "Mom! Qin Mu is pregnant again!"


    Sitting in the chair, she embraced her mother¡¯s waist, and with her face against her mother, she sadly revealed the news.


    It was still because of that girl!


    Her mother looked down at her daughter, gently caressing her hair: "Xiaoqing, can you stop thinking about him, please?"


    "I can¡¯t, Mom, I feel like I¡¯m possessed, I think I¡¯m about to break down, why do they have to treat me this way?"


    Jing Qing lifted her eyes to her mother, whose petulant demeanor made her mother¡¯s heart ache.


    "But he doesn¡¯t have you in his heart! He just wants to live life with that girl. All your longing for him, what¡¯s the use?"


    "Mom, what if I were pregnant with his child...would he stop treating me this way?"


    Jing Qing asked anxiously.


    "What? Xiaoqing, don¡¯t you dare do something foolish."


    "I won¡¯t! I won¡¯t, Mom!"


    Jing Qing hugged her mother tightly, continuing to cry, but in her heart, a tiny flame was quietly being ignited.


    However, after her mother left the room, she remained deeply worried and commanded the staff: "Keep an eye on Missy, and if she goes out, remember to tell me immediately."


    "Of course, madam!" The staff, seeing her concern, immediately nodded in agreement.


    In the afternoon, after finishing a meeting, Mu Yichen came home to find a congratulatory message from Jing Qing.


    "Yichen, congratulations on becoming a new dad!"


    Staring at the phone screen for a moment, Mu Yichen¡¯s brows subconsciously furrowed as he put the phone back in his pocket and got into the car.


    The sincerity of Jing Qing¡¯s congratulations was irrelevant; what mattered was whether she would harm Qin Mu.

 Chapter 470: Pregnant 142 days

    Chapter 470: Pregnant 142 days


    Thinking of what Jing Qing had done before, Mu Yichen called Zhao Huai after getting in the car, "Recently, help me keep an eye on your sister-in-law."


    "Hmm?"


    "Protect her."


    Zhao Huai then understood who the sister-in-law Mu Yichen was talking about and immediately agreed.


    Mu Yichen hung up the phone and drove home.


    Huanhuan had already been personally brought back by Feng Fanghua, who also brought a bunch of tonics from home.


    "Since you¡¯re pregnant again, don¡¯t work too hard from now on."


    Feng Fanghua sat on the sofa and instructed her.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu agreed, while Huanhuan was already in her arms, flipping through a picture book.


    "You didn¡¯t feel anything after getting pregnant? You said yesterday that you had no reaction."


    Feng Fanghua asked again.


    "Lately, I¡¯ve been feeling a bit uncomfortable in my stomach, and yesterday morning we tested at home and it didn¡¯t show pregnancy. I didn¡¯t expect that this morning when I went to the hospital for a checkup, I was actually pregnant," Qin Mu said softly.


    "Oh my, I didn¡¯t expect my grandson to come find me this quickly. You must take good care of yourself. If my grandson suffers in your belly, I won¡¯t let you off the hook," Feng Fanghua was genuinely happy and somewhat unable to hide it in front of Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu dared not say anything else but nodded: Mhm!


    Feng Fanghua also brought over the housekeeper, and by the time Mu Yichen got home, the housekeeper had already helped prepare the meal.


    Seeing Feng Fanghua, Mu Yichen knew why she had taken the initiative to visit and didn¡¯t point it out; he just greeted her after sitting down, "Mrs. Feng, you have worked hard."


    "Don¡¯t give me that, have you forgotten what you said to me on the phone this morning?"


    Mu Yichen of course hadn¡¯t forgotten, so he smiled and then took Huanhuan from Qin Mu¡¯s arms into his own.


    "Did you miss Daddy?"


    "Yes!"


    Huanhuan knelt on his legs, looking up and giving him a big kiss.


    "Ma¡¯am, the dinner is ready!"


    The housekeeper greeted after coming out of the kitchen.


    "The young master is back!"


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen replied.


    Standing up from the sofa, Feng Fanghua said, "Well, if there¡¯s nothing else, we¡¯ll be going first. You two should hurry up and eat."


    "I¡¯ll see you out!"


    Qin Mu immediately stood up.


    Seeing her stand up so quickly, Feng Fanghua frowned again: "Take it slow, you¡¯re not just one person anymore, be especially slow in your movements."


    "Okay!"


    "Let me do it instead!"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t stand hearing Feng Fanghua instruct Qin Mu even for a bit, and immediately stood up with Huanhuan in his arms to see her out.


    After Feng Fanghua left, she turned back to Mu Yichen, "If you get too busy, you can call Sister Zhang over to help you with the household chores, okay?"


    "When it really gets too busy, I¡¯ll ask you for help."


    Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t even thought about this problem; they were still a family of three, and he could still handle it. Moreover, they regularly had a cleaning service come to clean, so he didn¡¯t feel the need for another person at home.


    Feng Fanghua knew what he was thinking and gave him a resigned look before leaving with the housekeeper.


    After Feng Fanghua had left, Mu Yichen went back inside the door, holding his daughter in one hand and closing the door with the other, then turned back towards the dining room.


    Qin Mu had already sat down, and looking at the table full of food not cooked by Mu Yichen, she felt a bit awkward, but she still thought the dishes were good.


    Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t accustomed to eating food cooked by others in this house, and even Huanhuan had lost her appetite a bit, eagerly waiting for her dad to come back and cook for her.


    "Let¡¯s start now, I¡¯m starving!"


    Seeing Huanhuan looking a little downcast, Qin Mu deliberately picked up her chopsticks and took a big bite first.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, his eyes inevitably filled with amusement, and then turned to Huanhuan, first serving her soup.


    "Thank you, Daddy!"


    Huanhuan thanked him obediently, and began to eat with her spoon seeing her mother enjoying her food.


    After dinner, Mu Yichen wanted to bathe Huanhuan but was stopped by Qin Mu, who snatched Huanhuan away from his arms; the three of them were in the middle of the living room, the larger holding the laughing smaller, looking at each other.


    "Leave bathing Huanhuan to me for now; when I can no longer move, then it won¡¯t be too late to leave it to you."


    "Are you sure?" Mu Yichen asked, seeing her so insistent.


    "Of course! How can a girl take a bath with a boy, right, Huanhuan?"


    "Yes! I want Mommy to help me bathe!"


    Huanhuan wrapped her arms around her mother¡¯s neck, happily telling her father.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Alright, may I at least carry you upstairs?"


    Mu Yichen said.


    Qin Mu did not stop him this time, allowing him to carry Huanhuan upstairs while she followed behind.


    Just as she was about to go up, she heard the phone ring on the sofa, Qin Mu turned and said to Mu Yichen, "It¡¯s your phone."

 Chapter 471: Pregnant 142 days

    Chapter 471: Pregnant 142 days


    "You take it for me!"


    He said indifferently, carrying Huanhuan upstairs, and Qin Mu went back to the sofa to pick up his phone.


    The display showed Jing Qing¡¯s name, and Qin Mu subconsciously looked back at him, but his figure had already disappeared around the corner on the upper floor.


    She answered the call.


    "Yichen! Tonight, the brothers and sisters want to celebrate with you, congratulate you on becoming a new dad again, can you come out? Everyone is waiting for you."


    "I¡¯m Qin Mu!"


    Qin Mu responded blandly to the gentle voice on the other end.


    There was a moment of surprise, then a soft voice asked again: Where¡¯s Yichen?


    "He¡¯s helping me prepare my bathwater!"


    Qin Mu, recalling how Jing Qing had spoken about her at Wen Runuan¡¯s company, subconsciously omitted the words "for my daughter" and said he was preparing bathwater for her instead.


    There was silence on the other end of the line.


    Qin Mu looked at the phone and then, placing it back to her ear, said: "If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll hang up first. Oh, and he asked me to thank you for the congratulations, and by the way, don¡¯t forget to prepare the cash gift!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s keen eyes stared toward the corner upstairs, her voice cold and merciless.


    Jing Qing said nothing more; she was sitting among friends, all of whom intended to celebrate with him.


    After hanging up, Qin Mu went upstairs, and indeed, Mu Yichen was preparing the bathwater for Huanhuan. Qin Mu stood by for a while, but couldn¡¯t keep it from him.


    "Jing Qing said congratulations on becoming a father, and your brothers and sisters want to celebrate with you tonight; they¡¯re asking if you will attend."


    "Not going!"


    He said simply, standing up after setting up the bath: "Call me if you¡¯re tired."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak but just arched her eyebrows forcibly, clutching his phone in her hand.


    Mu Yichen looked at her pretense, took the phone from her hand, and went outside.


    After dad went out, Huanhuan quickly went to close the door, leaving Qin Mu standing there, heaving a helpless sigh.


    The moment Mu Yichen stepped out, Huanhuan closed the door, so he glanced back, but then his phone rang again.


    This time it was Qiao Yi; he answered and stepped out of his daughter¡¯s room.


    "Won¡¯t come out for a couple of drinks? We still want to congratulate you on becoming a new dad!"


    "Too late today! And from now on, don¡¯t call me at night anymore."


    "Jing Qing is here too, drinking by herself."


    Qiao Yi was walking towards the restroom when he turned his head to glance at the bar area upon mentioning Jing Qing.


    "That¡¯s none of my business, I¡¯ll hang up if there¡¯s nothing else."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say more, but later he saw a video sent to him on WeChat by Jiang Zhiyuan: Jing Qing was pouring drinks for herself, and several close friends were also there.


    They claimed to be congratulating him, yet they chose a nightclub for the venue.


    "Can you help me get Mu Yichen to come out?"


    After Qiao Yi returned, Jing Qing looked up and asked him, her voice drunken yet seemingly aware of what she was saying.


    "What do you want to do?"


    "Help me get him out, and I¡¯ll give you anything you want."


    The important part was "I¡¯ll give you anything you want"; Jing Qing gazed at him arrogantly. Qiao Yi glanced around subconsciously; everyone pretended not to hear it. As soon as he looked up at them, they clinked their drinks and drank together, including Jiang Zhiyuan.


    "You¡¯re drunk; let me take you home!"


    "I¡¯m not drunk. I just need you to agree to do me this favor. Didn¡¯t you say you liked me?"


    Qiao Yi reached for her arm, but she dodged and glared at him, demanding an answer.


    There were a couple of younger people present, but they all knew Qiao Yi liked Jing Qing. They watched the two of them on the verge of arguing and held their breath.


    ----


    Meanwhile, back at the apartment, the little girl was already asleep, and the male and female owners had also gone to bed in their big bed.


    Mu Yichen gently pressed against Qin Mu¡¯s forehead, careful not to put all his weight on her, reining in his breath as he asked her softly, "Do you want to now?"


    "Mmm, I don¡¯t want to!"


    Qin Mu, her forehead pressed and a bit achy, responded in a hoarse voice.


    "Not want to? I don¡¯t want to either!"


    He whispered, but could not help chuckling afterward.


    "Baby, but I really want to stay on top of you like this."


    His voice grew huskier, and Qin Mu felt goosebumps rising.


    "The doctor said we must be especially careful in the first three months."


    Qin Mu softly reminded him.


    "Mmh!"


    He murmured, his warm palm caressing every inch of her lovely skin involuntarily.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know how she managed to fall asleep later, but by the time she woke up, it was already the next morning.

 Chapter 472: Pregnant 142 days

    Chapter 472: Pregnant 142 days


    Mu Yichen had already gone to get Huanhuan up and prepare breakfast, and she was feeling a bit lazy, but she still got up.


    She arrived at the studio at a little past nine in the morning, and after getting to her office, she saw a not-so-large box placed on her desk.


    Qin Mu glanced at it twice, then walked around to open the exquisite box.


    Inside was a pair of white canvas shoes and a card.


    "Congratulations on adding another weapon to bind Yichen!"


    Qin Mu pinched the card in her hand, looked at the graceful handwriting on it, smiled unconsciously, then toyed with the card in her hand as she sat down, before tossing it into the trash can.


    She didn¡¯t dare wear the shoes, fearing they might be problematic, so she set them aside.


    Just yesterday, Mr. Mu had her switch to comfortable shoes, so she wouldn¡¯t wear someone else¡¯s gift, especially since Jing Qing might have put something unsafe inside, just as Feng Fanghua said: Always be cautious.


    Xiaomei came in with a cup of hot water for her, set it on her desk, and then asked, "Who sent the gift? Mr. Mu?"


    "Jing Qing!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t think much of it anymore and picked up the design draft she hadn¡¯t finished the day before to continue working on it diligently.


    Xiaomei, however, was taken aback, "She must have an ulterior motive, is there a trap in these shoes?"


    "Whatever it is, just take it out and throw it away, and be more careful when receiving parcels from now on," Qin Mu said.


    "Alright! Then I¡¯ll go throw these shoes away for you first."


    Xiaomei said as she picked up the shoes and headed out to toss them into the trash.


    Just as Xiaomei left, Qin Mu¡¯s phone rang with a call from Jing Qing. Qin Mu answered, her eyes fixed on the design in her hands, "Hello?"


    "Did you receive my gift? Mumu, I sincerely wish you well!"


    The person on the other end of the phone congratulated her generously.


    "Yes! Thank you!"


    Qin Mu responded flatly, of course, she didn¡¯t believe it, she was well aware of how much Jing Qing hated her.


    "No need to thank me. As a friend of Yichen¡¯s for so many years, I just hope to be able to help him with whatever little things I can when he¡¯s busy. Although you¡¯re together now, after all, he¡¯s a man, and there are some nuances that he might overlook, so..."


    "If you¡¯re referring to the issue with my high heels, you¡¯re being presumptuous. Mu Yichen already took care of my high heels yesterday and bought N pairs of the most fashionable canvas shoes for me to choose from and wear at home."


    Qin Mu smiled lightly, leaning back in her chair, and lifted her feet together, adorned with shoes that sported five-pointed stars; they were truly beautiful.


    "Really? Then it seems someone must have reminded him. Well, I have nothing else to say, take good care of yourself and your pregnancy, goodbye!"


    Jing Qing, hearing Qin Mu¡¯s fearless tone, felt a tremor in her heart.


    She had just arrived at the company and intended to make this call to upset Qin Mu, but instead, she was the one who ended up feeling uncomfortable.


    Yang Qianxi brought her the coffee she had prepared: "Miss Jing, your coffee."


    "Let me ask you, when you were at JY, did Yichen often go there?"


    "Yes! Yes, he did! But he wasn¡¯t there to see me!"


    Yang Qianxi thought Jing Qing had discovered something.


    "Of course, he wasn¡¯t there to see you, it¡¯s just..."


    Jing Qing¡¯s eyes suddenly turned fierce; he was there to see Qin Mu. How could he not be tired of it yet? Qin Mu had been back for over a year.


    A fellow male actor had said that a man¡¯s love for a woman doesn¡¯t last more than six months, yet...


    Jing Qing knew she couldn¡¯t go to look for Mu Yichen now, because he probably hated her the most right now, so she turned to Yang Qianxi: "Help me deliver something to Yichen¡¯s office."


    Yang Qianxi looked up at her, not asking anything.


    Jing Qing quickly took out a card and a note from her bag: "Buy these as per the instructions, just say it¡¯s a little token from me."


    Yang Qianxi nervously stepped forward and took the card and note from her hand: "Yes!"


    With the card and note in hand, Yang Qianxi left. Wen Runuan, who had just returned from outside, bumped into her.


    Yang Qianxi, who accidentally bumped into Wen Runuan, immediately turned pale with fright: "Miss Wen, are you alright?"


    Wen Runuan held her chest with both hands, thinking it was lucky she dodged quickly.


    "I¡¯m fine, but you, why aren¡¯t you watching where you¡¯re going?"


    Wen Runuan asked in a low voice, her gaze inadvertently shifting toward the items in her hands.


    "Oh, Miss Jing asked me to go out and do something, I was in such a hurry that I got carried away, sorry, sorry..."


    Yang Qianxi kept nodding in apology, and Wen Runuan, feeling pity, said: "Never mind, you may go!"


    Wen Runuan didn¡¯t want to make a big deal out of it with Yang Qianxi, but the near collision had left her feeling unsettled all day,


    and Yang Qianxi, carrying big and small packages, arrived at the base of Mu Yichen¡¯s office building, looking up at the towering position, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh inwardly: He¡¯s up there, and I can finally see him again.


    Yang Qianxi, thinking this, happily made her way inside with all her bags.


    But she was stopped by someone at the entrance: "What are you doing?"


    "I¡¯m looking for Mr. Mu, oh, I¡¯m¡ª"


    "Aren¡¯t you the Young Madam¡¯s assistant?"


    Just as Yang Qianxi was about to introduce herself, she happened to encounter Secretary Xi going out for business. Yang Qianxi gave her a look, then immediately bowed deeply at a hundred and eighty degrees.


    "Hello!"


    "Hello! Are you here on behalf of the Young Madam? Then go on up!"


    Secretary Xi saw her carrying things and assumed she was sent by Qin Mu to deliver care packages.

 Chapter 473 - 143 Yes, I did it on purpose!_1

    Chapter 473: 143 Yes, I did it on purpose!_1


    "I heard you fired Xi Secretary because she let Yang Qianxi go find you without knowing I had fired Yang Qianxi?"


    The family of three returned to the apartment that evening, and before dinner, Qin Mu asked Mu Yichen.


    "Yeah! Did she look for you?"


    Mu Yichen, holding a pan of freshly saute?ed greens, came out of the kitchen and gently placed it on what he thought was the best spot on the table, his hands resting on the edge, his gaze fixed on her.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu responded with a sound.


    Mu Yichen looked down at his adorable baby girl and touched her head, that little girl had been pricking up her ears listening to their chat the whole time.


    "Are you very close?"


    After Mu Yichen took his hands away, he looked up at her and asked; in his memory, Qin Mu didn¡¯t have much to do with Xi Secretary.


    "Although we¡¯re not very close, Xi Secretary always calls me young madam as soon as she sees me¡ªyou know that, don¡¯t you?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him, not with the silly infatuation of a young girl but with a particularly serious demeanor, seriously...


    The thing about being called young madam upon meeting actually stemmed from Xi Secretary calling Mu Yichen and Qin Mu being the one to answer; afterwards, Xi Secretary had taken her to be Mu Yichen¡¯s wife.


    "Even so, can I just let such a big mistake go?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes stared at Qin Mu as he asked.


    Qin Mu glanced at Huanhuan, who was earnestly listening to their conversation, before looking back at him again.


    The living room was quite quiet at the moment, as if a formal meeting was being held.


    "But I heard her family¡¯s situation isn¡¯t very good, and she has been diligent all these years. Moreover, Yang Qianxi did indeed work under me, and I fired Yang Qianxi without Xi Secretary knowing."


    Qin Mu continued to argue with him until he asked her that question.


    "Do you know what Yang Qianxi went to do this morning?"


    "She went to do something for Jing Qing! She is now Jing Qing¡¯s special assistant."


    Qin Mu closed her mouth after saying that; bringing up Jing Qing really made her feel nauseous.


    Mu Yichen looked at Qin Mu seriously again, he suddenly realized that Qin Mu seemed to know a lot, it¡¯s just that she had never talked to him about it.


    "Indeed, she went on behalf of Jing Qing to deliver ¡¯your¡¯ supplements, it¡¯s just those words she said..."


    He didn¡¯t finish speaking, feeling nauseous just thinking about it, so he turned to go to the kitchen to get other dishes.


    Qin Mu, too, got up and went to the kitchen with him, and Huanhuan stretched her neck out, still watching them intently as if the adults¡¯ conversation was full of mysteries.


    "I was hoping Xi Secretary would supervise you for me in the future, why don¡¯t you just take her back?"


    Qin Mu stood at the kitchen door and begged him.


    Mu Yichen was stirring the soup inside the pot when he turned his eyes to glance at Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu smiled at him and said, "Didn¡¯t you notice that Xi Secretary really likes me? Even if it¡¯s just to do me a favor, or else for the sake of the one in my stomach?"


    Qin Mu gave him a pitiful look, and Mu Yichen sighed helplessly: "Tell her to come to work tomorrow."


    "Director Mu is wise!"


    As soon as Qin Mu heard him agree, she immediately stepped forward to give him a big kiss, then turned around and went out to accompany her daughter.


    Huanhuan asked curiously, "Mummy, why were you and daddy in the kitchen?"


    "Uh..."


    "Auntie said that when you and daddy are in the kitchen, you¡¯re up to no good!"


    Qin Mu...


    "Did you talk to your auntie?"


    "Yeah! We talked for a long time, auntie said you and daddy always fight, but it¡¯s alright because I¡¯m here!"


    Huanhuan nodded her head, and at the end, she even patted her little chest with a confident and innocent expression.


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Qingxin, that woman, sure told her daughter everything.


    After dinner, the three of them sat together on the couch watching TV, Huanhuan climbed onto her mother¡¯s body, her tiny hands opened wide, hugging Qin Mu. Qin Mu, somewhat puzzled, opened her arms to embrace her, then turned her head, not quite understanding, to look at Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly: "The elders must have told her about your pregnancy."


    "Huanhuan, do you know there¡¯s a little friend in mommy¡¯s tummy?"


    "Yeah! Grandma said Huanhuan shouldn¡¯t ask mommy for hugs anymore!"


    Huanhuan looked up, feeling particularly aggrieved; the more grandma told her not to hug mommy, the more she wanted to.


    Mu Yichen helplessly raised his eyebrows, with a smile that wasn¡¯t quite a smile.


    "The little friend in mommy¡¯s tummy is your one and only blood brother or sister, only you two came from mommy¡¯s tummy. Mommy hopes you two will love each other very much, just like how daddy and mommy love you both so much, okay?"


    Huanhuan nodded her head as if she understood, then sat on her mother¡¯s lap, looking down at her mother¡¯s stomach with lowered eyes.


    "Try touching it!"

 Chapter 474 - 143 Yes, I did it on purpose!_2

    Chapter 474: 143 Yes, I did it on purpose!_2


    Qin Mu placed Huanhuan¡¯s little hand on her stomach, and Huanhuan bit her lip in fear, because the idea of a child inside her mother¡¯s belly seemed so terrifying.


    "She¡¯s not fully grown yet, so she can¡¯t communicate with you, but as long as we both love her, she will gradually grow in Mommy¡¯s belly and then come to keep you company."


    "Then will Mommy stop loving Huanhuan?"


    Huanhuan looked up at her with a hurt expression and asked.


    "Of course not, and Mommy will love Huanhuan even more!"


    Qin Mu said, caressing her little head.


    After more than half an hour of persuasion, Huanhuan finally accepted the fact of her pregnancy.


    Back when Qin Mu hugged Mu Qingxin¡¯s baby Xiaobao, Huanhuan was already a bit jealous and reluctant, so Qin Mu could very well understand Huanhuan¡¯s thoughts at the moment; still, thinking about her having a companion as she grew up suddenly made her feel very warm inside.


    Late at night, Qin Mu went to coax Huanhuan to sleep before returning to her own room. Mu Yichen had just warmed up some milk downstairs and brought it to her room right on time.


    Qin Mu, holding the milk, walked in with Mu Yichen: "Do you think Huanhuan has come to terms with it?"


    "Tomorrow I¡¯ll take her to the office. If she still can¡¯t accept it, then it¡¯s up to me, the head of the family, to step in," said Mu Yichen.


    Qin Mu looked up at him: "Psh! Don¡¯t let me down then!"


    "But what did you think when Mom gave birth to Mu Qingxin?"


    Qin Mu suddenly remembered that Mu Yichen was five when Feng Fanghua gave birth to Mu Qingxin. At that time, Mu Yichen probably wasn¡¯t too pleased either, right?


    "I¡ª as long as they were happy, that¡¯s all that mattered!"


    Back then, he was already somewhat sensible, and besides¡ª who would care about what he thought?


    Qin Mu somehow didn¡¯t quite believe the boss¡¯s words, thinking he must have been upset at the time.


    After lying down, Mu Yichen let out a distressed sigh: "How much longer do I have to endure?"


    He lay on his side, his hand embracing her abdomen and gently caressing it as he asked.


    "I don¡¯t know, sigh!"


    Qin Mu barely held back laughter as she responded to him!


    "Wouldn¡¯t it be better if you just used your hand?"


    "Hmm?"


    Qin Mu was so startled that her head recoiled half a meter from him!


    Mu Yichen, slightly indignant at the shock in her reaction, ended up merely staring at her angrily with a flushed face: "Come here!"


    "It¡¯s not cold anymore, why should I be so close to you? Plus, I¡¯m in a special condition, I should stay farther away from you!"


    "Come here, don¡¯t make me say it a third time!"


    Qin Mu, looking into his dark eyes, subconsciously reached for the floor lamp remote control, thinking out of sight, out of mind, hahaha.


    But just as she reached for the remote, he snatched it away, and, oh!


    The room went dark!


    Qin Mu lay breathless under him.


    Feeling the breath of the man above her ripple across her forehead, Qin Mu grew nervous too.


    In the pitch-black room where no one could see anyone, his hands cupped her face, slowly caressing her lips, and then his thin lips pressed down on hers.


    The sensation of kissing feels even more unique in the darkness, where there¡¯s no sense of direction.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s ragged breathing eased after he pressed his lips upon hers and began moving in a kiss.


    "As my woman, you¡¯re not allowed to evade me, got it?"


    "Can I reject you, then?"


    "The very last thing you may do is reject me!"


    Qin Mu...


    He was so domineering, yet he asked if she understood?


    Whether she understood or not, it seemed it would always end the same way, but...


    Her heart felt strangely sweet.


    She lifted her hand to wrap around his neck and tilted her head towards his ear: "Shall we find a way to ¡¯put out the fire¡¯?"


    "Now that sounds more like it!"


    He leaned down to nibble at her neck while reaching to pull her hand down, and then, ah...


    Indescribable!


    After Mu Yichen had his release, he lay in bed with her, warming each other.


    Qin Mu then remembered Jing Qing coming to deliver shoes to her, spoke in a somewhat hoarse voice: "Jing Qing brought a pair of cloth shoes to my office this morning to congratulate me on my pregnancy."


    "She probably has some kind of psychological disorder; steer clear of her!" Mu Yichen said, holding her.


    He genuinely thought that woman was insane; otherwise, why was she still lingering when both he and his wife had made things crystal clear?


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed, although she knew that some people you just can¡¯t avoid.


    Then they slept until morning.


    It rained that day, seemingly the first satisfying downpour since the New Year.


    Even if it had turned into a light drizzle by morning.


    After breakfast, Mu Yichen took Huanhuan to the office building, and Qin Mu went to her studio.


    Wen Runuan, who must have heard about her pregnancy from somewhere, brought her plenty of nourishing gifts.

 Chapter 475 - 143 Yes, I did it on purpose!_3

    Chapter 475: 143 Yes, I did it on purpose!_3


    In the office, two women sat together, both pregnant, though one had a slightly bigger belly while the other didn¡¯t show yet.


    Wen Runuan said excitedly, "I only found out you were pregnant from your social media posts. You did a better job keeping it a secret than me in the entertainment industry!"


    "But you still found out!"


    Qin Mu laughed as she spoke.


    Apart from telling the people in the studio as Mu Yichen had requested, she indeed hadn¡¯t mentioned it to anyone else. For one thing, she didn¡¯t think it was worth mentioning since it was her own private matter. And for another, she was a bit afraid. Many women had been schemed against while pregnant, and she didn¡¯t want to experience that.


    "I didn¡¯t think of it until last night when I saw a social media post mentioning someone who got pregnant with a second child without a marriage license...and then I thought of you."


    Wen Runuan looked at her in feigned shock.


    Qin Mu...


    Why did it feel like a trap earlier?


    "No more joking, have you felt especially uncomfortable?"


    Wen Runuan asked her.


    "Not really, sometimes I feel like throwing up, but nothing comes out!"


    Qin Mu thought about her symptoms and felt they were acceptable, especially compared to those who suffer heartbreaking nausea.


    "That¡¯s good, I brought you some sour things to eat when you¡¯re feeling sick,"


    Wen Runuan said.


    "Great! Thank you!"


    Qin Mu smiled her thanks.


    Actually, Wen Runuan hadn¡¯t expected that she could become friends with Qin Mu. She sought Qin Mu out because she liked the dresses Qin Mu designed for Jing Qing. She thought Qin Mu didn¡¯t get along with Jing Qing, so approaching Qin Mu seemed appropriate. However, Wen Runuan assumed that Qin Mu, being rather indifferent, probably wouldn¡¯t make a good friend. But as time went by, even the indifferent Qin Mu came to be seen as particularly warmhearted, and so she brought some things to visit Qin Mu today.


    "Let¡¯s stop with the thanks between us. After a year of getting to know each other, can¡¯t we consider ourselves friends by now?"


    Wen Runuan asked her.


    "Friends can still say thank you!"


    Qin Mu replied with her habitual, polite smile.


    Wen Runuan, feeling helpless, said, "Jing Qing hasn¡¯t been to the office these past few days, so I couldn¡¯t keep an eye on her for you. But I¡¯ve seen Yang Qianxi a few times. That woman is always sneaking around. Guess where I sent someone to follow her this morning?"


    A sense of unease suddenly jumped in Qin Mu¡¯s heart, feeling it must be related to her.


    "Where?"


    Qin Mu asked in a low voice.


    "Mu Yichen¡¯s office building. She¡¯s tracking Mu Yichen,"


    Wen Runuan spoke with a sense of dread.


    Qin Mu...


    "She¡¯s tracking Mu Yichen?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t fathom the reason, but then it dawned on her.


    "Yes, what would she be tracking Yichen for?"


    Wen Runuan furrowed her brows, puzzled after thinking it over for a while.


    "She likes Mu Yichen!"


    Qin Mu whispered, a hint of distress in her brow.


    Qin Mu thought she had diverted the troublemaker Yang Qianxi away from her, but she hadn¡¯t expected Yang to turn to Jing Qing instead, and to frequently go see Mu Yichen.


    "She likes Yichen? So she tracks him? That doesn¡¯t make sense. If Jing Qing knew she was tracking Yichen, she probably wouldn¡¯t let her, would she?"


    Wen Runuan was doubtful.


    "It¡¯s likely that Jing Qing doesn¡¯t know about her feelings for Mu Yi. So... it¡¯s very possible that Jing Qing told her to track Mu Yichen."


    Qin Mu suddenly remembered why Jing Qing always seemed to find out where Mu Yi was dining in real-time. Qin Mu had assumed Jing Qing employed someone special to track Mu Yi, without realizing it was Yang Qianxi.


    The least noticeable are the least likely to be discovered.


    Qin Mu finally understood Jing Qing¡¯s cunning tactics, and her facial expression unconsciously became more solemn.


    "How about I have someone follow Yang Qianxi and Jing Qing these next few days? Maybe they¡¯ll find out something else?"


    "Then shall we have lunch together? How about a meal for expecting mothers? Consider it my way of thanking you for doing such a big favor for me!"


    "Sure! Let¡¯s go to AM, Yichen¡¯s hotel probably makes the best meals for pregnant women, right?"


    "It should!"


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, then helplessly smiled.


    Mu Yichen might not have told the hotel about this since she rarely dined there.


    But as soon as she arrived at the hotel, the restaurant manager went to the kitchen and instructed, "Today the young lady is coming to dine with a friend; prepare the maternity meal we discussed this morning."


    Waitstaff outside courteously directed them to their seats, the best spot reserved for them.


    After Qin Mu and Wen Runuan sat down and noticed the almost full seating around, Wen Runuan asked quietly, "Did you call ahead?"


    "No!"


    Qin Mu replied with puzzlement, then smiled and said, "Let¡¯s not think about it. Let¡¯s just wait for the food to be served."

 Chapter 476 - 143 Yes, I did it on purpose!_4

    Chapter 476: 143 Yes, I did it on purpose!_4


    Because the waiter had said that their lunch was already being prepared in the back, they didn¡¯t order any dishes.


    It wasn¡¯t until the manager, along with the waiter, personally came over to serve them their food amidst some curious glances from other customers that Qin Mu and Wen Runuan felt a bit overwhelmed by the attention.


    Especially Wen Runuan¡ªshe had only mentioned it casually and had no idea that the hotel had actually designed a meal especially for pregnant women for Qin Mu. When the dishes were served, their exquisite presentation made her want to praise her own cleverness.


    "Did Mr. Mu ask you to prepare this?"


    Qin Mu asked out of curiosity.


    "No, it just so happens that I have Mr. Jiang¡¯s WeChat, and I learned about your pregnancy from his Moments."


    "Oh, thank you!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s shock was beyond words, but then she simply nodded and thanked the manager.


    After the manager left, they began to eat. Wen Runuan considerately served her soup, saying, "I can¡¯t just eat for free!"


    "Today is my treat, and besides, your belly is bigger than mine¡ªI should be the one serving you the soup," Qin Mu said with a smile, taking the soup bowl from her.


    "It seems like everyone in Yichen¡¯s social circle knows about your pregnancy."


    "Sigh! Speaking of which, I can only laugh. The day I found out I was pregnant, Mu Yichen called all his brothers, and then there was the incident with the Moments. But when I looked through the content of those Moments later on, not a single one mentioned Mu Yichen¡¯s or my name, but..."


    Qin Mu shrugged helplessly!


    Because everyone in the Moments seemed quite certain that they were expecting their second child.


    No, those in their circle didn¡¯t say they were husband and wife; they said the two of them weren¡¯t even married yet and the second child was already on the way.


    Jiang Zhiyuan even sourly claimed that his illegitimate children were all over the world; it¡¯s just a pity no one believed him.


    When Qin Mingzhu came to dine with friends, she saw Qin Mu and Wen Runuan enjoying lunch together, laughing and chatting in the sunlight from a distance.


    Qin Mingzhu asked the waiter leading them to their table: "Have Qin Mu and Wen Runuan been here for a long time?"


    "Yes!"


    "Looks like they¡¯re getting along pretty well now! Hmph!"


    Qin Mingzhu muttered angrily, then sat down with her friend at a large table that had been reserved in advance.


    While others were ordering dishes, she couldn¡¯t help herself and walked over to where Qin Mu was.


    "Wow, quite lively here, isn¡¯t it?"


    Qin Mingzhu, with her purse on her back and arms crossed over her chest, stood next to them. She frowned upon seeing the light dishes on the table.


    "Qin Mu, you¡¯re really patient, to even join someone in eating a pregnancy meal!"


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s sharp gaze fixed on Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu, who had been enjoying her meal, felt irritated at the sound of Qin Mingzhu¡¯s voice. She put down her utensils, looked up determinedly with a cold gaze, and asked, "Do you have a problem?"


    "What problem could I have? I¡¯m just complementing your good temper!"


    Qin Mingzhu boasted, hugging her chest and speaking to Qin Mu, her eyes dripping with mockery as she looked down.


    "With your current status, it¡¯s not easy for you to show up in AM. Why aren¡¯t you eating but instead causing trouble here?"


    Qin Mu eyed her and asked coldly.


    "What status? I am the legitimate daughter of the mayor, but you, on the other hand!"


    Qin Mingzhu, feeling very indignant after hearing Qin Mu¡¯s words, glared intensely, as if her eyes were knives, ready to gouge out Qin Mu¡¯s eyes.


    Qin Mingzhu thought about her recent circumstances, with all of her cards cut off by Qin Haiming, unable to return home, squeezing into that small apartment with Zhang Rujia. Her friends were unwilling to come out for dinner with her. Before, a mere phone call from her ensured everyone¡¯s immediate presence. Now she had to practically beg before anyone would even meet her.


    Take today¡¯s meal, for example¡ªof course, she had no money to treat anyone, and she had secretly used Zhang Rujia¡¯s card. If Zhang Rujia found out, who knew what kind of scolding she would face when she got home that night.


    It was as if the grudge between the two had accumulated to an uncountable degree.


    "What about me?"


    Qin Mu answered, wondering if she too knew about her pregnancy.


    "What about you? You¡¯re just a slut who knows how to seduce men and so vicious that you made my father throw me out of the house. You¡¯re absolutely shameless..."


    "Why is there a hair in this water?"


    Qin Mu spoke softly, as if she hadn¡¯t heard Qin Mingzhu¡¯s words, casually tipping the cup of boiling water to the side. The force was just right, sending the water splashing onto Qin Mingzhu.


    "Ah, it¡¯s burning me! You little bitch, are you trying to scald me to death!"


    Qin Mingzhu bent over, tugging at her pretty dress while ranting at Qin Mu.


    "Oops! It slipped out of my hands by accident, are you okay?"


    Qin Mu exaggerated her actions, turning to look at Qin Mingzhu with feigned concern.


    Wen Runuan sat quietly to the side, watching, struggling to hold back her laughter.


    Qin Mingzhu was already in a bad mood from the scald, and seeing Wen Runuan¡¯s mocking expression, she became even more enraged. "You clearly did it on purpose!"


    "Yes, I clearly did it on purpose!"


    Qin Mu casually picked up the teapot next to her, pouring water into an empty cup, the steam still rising from the hot water.

 Chapter 477 - 144 The whole city knows (Second update)_1

    Chapter 477: 144 The whole city knows (Second update)_1


    "You wouldn¡¯t do it on purpose, it was clearly a slip of the hand!"


    Wen Runuan said, holding her soup bowl and looking at Qin Mu with bright eyes.


    "It might have been a slip of the hand then, but now it certainly won¡¯t be!"


    Qin Mu, holding a cup that he had just filled with hot water, said with a smile to Wen Runuan and then turned to look at the girl standing there with a green face watching her.


    "What? You want to try and see whether I do it on purpose or if it¡¯s a slip of the hand?"


    Qin Mu asked her with a hundred percent sincere smile.


    "You... Hmph!"


    Qin Mingzhu naturally wasn¡¯t afraid of her but was afraid of the boiling water in her hand and turned away.


    The manager, who passed by Qin Mingzhu, came over with his team to clean the floor and asked nervously while bending over, "Miss Qin, are you alright?


    "I¡¯m fine, sorry for dirtying your floor!"


    Qin Mu was genuinely apologetic, but she really couldn¡¯t stand the filthiness of what Qin Mingzhu had just been saying, which is why she lost control and splashed the water out. However, only a few drops hit the floor. Qin Mingzhu¡¯s clothes absorbed the water exceptionally well, probably scalding her skin badly.


    "It¡¯s nothing serious. If something happened to you, we would be in big trouble!"


    The new manager was especially flattering to her. Qin Mu subconsciously smiled again but didn¡¯t say anything else.


    Qin Mingzhu was angry to see the restaurant¡¯s manager being so respectful towards Qin Mu, and after sitting back down, she said, "I must have really bad luck to share the same father but different mothers with such a woman."


    "You might need to rely on her someday. Haven¡¯t you heard she¡¯s pregnant again?"


    One of her friends said.


    "Yeah, these last few days everyone in Yichen¡¯s circle is talking about her pregnancy, saying she¡¯s willing to have two kids for Yichen without being married. She¡¯s no ordinary character."


    Another friend also reminded her.


    Qin Mingzhu subconsciously glanced at Qin Mu, then questioned the two who were speaking to her, "Wait, who did you say is pregnant? Whose two kids?"


    "You really don¡¯t know? Qin Mu is pregnant again. Isn¡¯t this her and Yichen¡¯s second child? Without any formal status, she¡¯s having two kids for Yichen. You know, in the past, you really had to speak nicely to her. Don¡¯t be so overbearing all the time. She can bear children for Yichen without any status, and she can make your father kick you out of the house. If you don¡¯t wise up, you¡¯re really beyond help," the handsome guy sitting next to her said.


    Qin Mingzhu turned her head to look at him, her jaw almost dropping in shock, but she was unable to articulate her thoughts.


    Qin Mu being pregnant again, what does that signify?


    Qin Mingzhu managed to compose herself only when the food started being served, yet her expression remained very tense.


    Her classmates, seeing her like this, felt somewhat helpless. They weren¡¯t sure if she would be able to return to the Qin Family or if she could continue to lead them.


    The boy sitting by her side had already lost interest in her after hearing rumors that she was close with someone surnamed Wang. It was said that she had come out of that man¡¯s apartment, which obviously meant she had slept with him, right? The two of them going to the hospital early in the morning¡ªwhat else could it be? She had been too ruthless.


    So, after dinner, everyone left. Qin Mingzhu went to the restroom, feeling very confused. She had heard that Qin Mu and Mu Yichen were having a falling out, and some people even suggested they might break up.


    But soon after, the news of her pregnancy spread.


    Qin Mingzhu thought Qin Mu was really quite fertile.


    If she has this child, wouldn¡¯t she reach the sky?


    Now that she had no place herself, Qin Mingzhu thought about what would happen if Qin Haiming knew about Qin Mu¡¯s pregnancy, then...


    Qin Mingzhu couldn¡¯t bring herself to accept this reality and doused her face with cold water desperately.


    Qin Mu was chatting with Wen Runuan as they entered the restroom and saw her splashing herself with cold water, they both looked at each other in shock.


    When Qin Mingzhu heard the noise and turned her head to look, she scoffed disdainfully, "I heard you¡¯re pregnant again. What do you think you are, a pig? All you do is breed, breed, breed!"


    Wen Runuan...


    "If even a pig is so mistreated by you, does that make you worse than a pig?" Qin Mu asked her coldly.


    "You... Qin Mu, don¡¯t think you can bully others just because you¡¯re eloquent. A despicable person like you will get what¡¯s coming one day. Be careful¡ªthat child in your belly might not live to be born!"


    Qin Mingzhu suddenly raised her hand, pointing at her belly and cursing.


    Qin Mu, of course, became furious upon hearing those words and stepped forward to slap her. "I suppose you no longer wish to stay in Rongcheng, do you?"

 Chapter 478 - 144 The whole city knows (Second update)_2

    Chapter 478: 144 The whole city knows (Second update)_2


    "What do you mean?"


    Qin Mingzhu had been slapped across to the washbasin, one hand supporting herself on the counter and the other cupping the half of her face that was struck, tearfully looking at Qin Mu and asking.


    "It means you¡¯re about to die!"


    Qin Mu stood there, shaking with anger, his voice as cold as sub-zero temperatures.


    That voice seemed to come from underground, so chilling that Qin Mingzhu shivered violently.


    Afterward, when Qin Mingzhu was about to leave, Wen Runuan lowered her eyes and fished a lipstick from her pocket, which accidentally rolled onto the floor, right under Qin Mingzhu¡¯s foot.


    Qin Mu, who had been thinking about other things, turned his head at the sound of a scream and instantly, all his anger dissipated.


    Qin Mingzhu had fallen to the ground, crying out in pain.


    "My brand-new ¡¯man-slayer¡¯ lipstick!"


    Wen Runuan performed as if the lipstick were as vital as life itself.


    After the two had washed their hands and were about to walk out, Qin Mu finally said, "You did that on purpose just now, didn¡¯t you?"


    "I just can¡¯t stand those women who are good for nothing and have wicked tongues. I was teaching her a lesson for you."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything else, but two days later, he sent Xiaomei to her office with a whole box of that brand of lipsticks.


    After seeing the gift, Wen Runuan called Qin Mu, "Thank you!"


    "Don¡¯t mention it. Next time, pack a few more. They might come in handy."


    Qin Mu stood at the window, watching a black car parked outside. A smile unconsciously hid itself as he finished speaking.


    In fact, the mayor of Qin City¡¯s car didn¡¯t just show up anywhere; it was good that Qin Mu¡¯s place was rather secretive.


    The office sofa looked as if it hadn¡¯t been used in a long time. Sitting on it made him seem unusually unapproachable.


    Qin Mu stood aside until Xiaomei brought in some tea, then he went over to sit down.


    "I heard the news that you are pregnant. How have you been feeling lately? Any discomfort?"


    Qin Haiming asked while fiddling with the teacup.


    "I¡¯ve been quite well, and you?"


    She asked, but recalled the appearance of Uncle Wang, his driver, when he went to the hospital for a check-up.


    "I¡¯m also quite well. I was free this morning, so I came to see you," Qin Haiming nodded.


    "Speaking of which, I bumped into Uncle Wang at the hospital the last time I went for a check-up. How has he been lately?"


    Qin Mu asked again.


    "Uncle Wang? What¡¯s wrong with him? He¡¯s downstairs!"


    Qin Haiming knew nothing about Uncle Wang¡¯s recent issues; indeed, it had been a long time since they had a proper talk.


    "That day I ran into him at the hospital, he said he wasn¡¯t feeling well and went for a check-up. I thought you knew about it."


    Qin Mu said softly.


    "I¡¯ll go and ask him later!"


    Qin Haiming was concerned that something might be wrong with Uncle Wang¡¯s health; over the years, Uncle Wang had become as important to him as a brother.


    "Alright!"


    Uncle Wang always acted like an excellent driver, not asking or saying much, concentrating solely on driving well. When Qin Haiming was troubled, Uncle Wang would offer his help with a few words of advice or analysis, nothing more.


    "Haven¡¯t you moved back to live with your mother-in-law? They probably want to live with you guys."


    Qin Haiming asked, looking at Qin Mu¡¯s somewhat gaunt profile.


    "My mother-in-law did mention it, but Mu Yichen hopes that we live on our own!"


    Qin Mu answered, noticing the meeting was somehow different from the past.


    Was it because she was pregnant again?


    Or did she, too, want to receive care from her own parents, like other expectant mothers?


    After a while, Qin Haiming opened his mouth again, "I heard that Mingzhu was causing trouble for you again at the hotel the other day? And there was an actress with you?"


    "You mean Wen Runan? We indeed were together that day. Qin Mingzhu cursed that my child wouldn¡¯t survive, so I slapped her. What did Qin Mingzhu tell you?"


    "She dared to say that kind of thing?"


    Qin Haiming frowned, as Qin Mingzhu hadn¡¯t mentioned a word of this to him.


    "Of course, she wouldn¡¯t tell you what she said or did to me. If you hadn¡¯t asked, it wouldn¡¯t have occurred to me to tell you."


    Qin Mu looked at him, her expression calm as she spoke.


    "She¡¯s broken two ribs and is still lying in the hospital now. Don¡¯t get angry anymore; it won¡¯t do any good for a pregnant woman, okay?"


    Qin Mu was shocked to hear that Qin Mingzhu had broken two ribs. Could a lipstick cause that?


    She thought to herself that the box of lipsticks she bought for Wen Runuan was not a waste; it would be better if it caused all of that girl¡¯s ribs to break.


    When had she become so malicious?


    After Qin Haiming left, Qin Mu stood at the window watching, Uncle Wang got out of the car to open the back door for him, and they seemed to say a few words to each other before Qin Haiming got in and Uncle Wang closed the door. When he looked up at the building, he nodded at Qin Mu.

 Chapter 479 - 144 The whole city knows (Second update)_3

    Chapter 479: 144 The whole city knows (Second update)_3


    Qin Mu smiled and exchanged a silent greeting with him. After the car left, Qin Mu turned her head back and sat down again, finding that the dreadful mood she had because of Qin Haiming¡¯s visit had actually improved.


    Being malicious isn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing. To discuss kindness with the malicious is foolish goodness.


    In the afternoon, Mu Yichen came to their studio with Huanhuan in arms. Huanhuan happily went to play with Xiaomei, and Mu Yichen headed upstairs by himself.


    At that time, Qin Mu was still engrossed in her drawing. He walked over without calling out to her, simply standing by her side, lowering his head to watch her draw intently. When he inadvertently saw the deep indentations on her fingers from holding the pen for so long, he unconsciously frowned.


    When Qin Mu reached out for something, her hand brushed against Mu Yichen¡¯s. Looking up to see him, she asked in surprise, "How long have you been standing there?"


    "A few minutes. Stop drawing!"


    Mu Yichen took her hand and placed it on his chest, his heart aching as he looked at the marks on her fingers.


    Qin Mu also felt a bit uncomfortable there and began massaging it with her thumb, but Mu Yichen took over for her.


    A gaze lifted to meet his, and Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why, but she missed him so much after not seeing him for just one day.


    "Today, the mayor of Qin City came!"


    Qin Mu looked towards the nutritional supplements placed next to the coffee table.


    Mu Yichen glanced at the sofa area and then smiled faintly, "It seems many people know you¡¯re pregnant. I think I may have made a mistake!"


    Mu Yichen felt he had been too ostentatious, but he had also underestimated the power of social circles. He had thought only his close friends would know, but the news had spread from one to ten, ten to a hundred. There were hardly anyone in their wechat circle who didn¡¯t know of Qin Mu¡¯s pregnancy.


    Mu Yichen released her hand after it got better, and then gently stroked her hair, "What would you like to eat tonight?"


    "Hmm, how about some plum juice? Do we still have it at home?"


    "We do! Didn¡¯t you realize that Lady Feng prepared several boxes for you?"


    She was probably eager for a grandson, having heard the saying ¡¯sour for a boy, spicy for a girl,¡¯ then went and bought a lot of plum-related stuff for her daughter-in-law.


    After listening to Mu Yichen, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile wryly. She too hoped that this child would be a son to fulfill Feng Fanghua¡¯s wish and give Huanhuan a little brother.


    With family harmony, happiness naturally increases.


    "Where¡¯s Huanhuan? Is she playing with Xiaomei and the others?"


    As soon as Qin Mu mentioned Xiaomei and the others, she suddenly remembered how Feng Fanghua disliked Huanhuan playing with boys and tensed up, worrying whether that boy¡¯s mental shadow had dissipated yet.


    Of course, that incident was over, and Mu Yichen must not find out. But when the two went downstairs and Huanhuan shared food with some boys on the computer, the boys shied away except one, seemingly nervous as he took and ate what she¡¯d offered.


    Mu Yichen, ever so observant, immediately noticed, yet didn¡¯t ask further on the spot. When he asked Qin Mu later that evening, she managed to deflect the question with a few words.


    Just as Mu Yichen was preparing dinner, the doorbell rang. Qin Mu and Huanhuan went to open the door together. Seeing it was Feng Fanghua and the housemaid, they both were taken aback, and then Huanhuan happily called out, "Grandma!"


    "Ah!"


    Feng Fanghua, delighted, bent down to caress Huanhuan¡¯s little face, then took her by her little hand.


    The maid behind carried a thermos, and Qin Mu laughed under her breath. The maid whispered, "This soup is specially simmered for you by the lady. You must nourish yourself well in these first three months!"


    Qin Mu responded with a smile, "Mhm!"


    Thinking to herself that at this rate, she would turn into a pig.


    But she feared Feng Fanghua would be displeased if she said anything, so she didn¡¯t dare to speak and accepted all the delicious food Feng Fanghua sent over without any objections.


    As Mu Yichen was preparing dinner in the kitchen, he turned his head upon hearing a noise and casually asked, "How come you¡¯re here?"


    "Oh! Go and help the young master with the cooking. A big boss like him returns home only to become a male nanny!"


    Feng Fanghua felt distressed seeing Mu Yichen cooking in the kitchen and couldn¡¯t bear to watch, so she instructed the housemaid!


    "Alright!"


    The housemaid agreed, rolling up her sleeves to help, but Mu Yichen, with a firm voice, said, "No need, I can handle the dinner for three by myself in a little bit. Please leave the kitchen!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t want anyone else messing in his kitchen and then turned his head towards Feng Fanghua, "Have you brought more nutritious soup? Are you worried I can¡¯t take care of my wife properly?"


    "Can¡¯t I come and check on my own grandson too?"


    Feng Fanghua was miffed that her son was always critical of her, but she didn¡¯t get angry with him. After all, Qin Mu was pregnant now, and her mood was quite good.


    "Mom, please sit down first before we talk!"


    Qin Mu walked over hurriedly and pulled a chair up for her.


    Feng Fanghua glanced down before sitting, with Huanhuan still at grandma¡¯s side, as if witnessing her grandma and dad squabble was a joyous affair.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say much more, just that the housemaid seemed a bit bored, so she went to the living room to find something to do.


    Latterly, Feng Fanghua and the housemaid left before they finished eating, taking Huanhuan along.


    After Qin Mu and Mu Yichen had dinner, they lay on the couch resting for the pregnancy, and Qin Mu, caressing her belly, asked Mu Yichen, "How should we talk to mom about the business trip to Paris?"


    "Just let her know when the time comes, but don¡¯t make a big deal of it when you tell her!"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help laughing as he said this, thinking that Feng Fanghua always made mountains out of molehills, and they certainly couldn¡¯t indulge her in that.


    Resting her head on his lap, Qin Mu looked up, brushed her hair aside, and sighed helplessly, "I¡¯m worried about upsetting her now, but I must attend this fashion show."


    "How about we take Huanhuan with us, and our family of three goes together?"


    Mu Yichen remembered the apartment in Paris that was currently unoccupied.


    "Really? My mentor said last time that he misses Huanhuan."


    Mu Yichen...


    The smile on Qin Mu¡¯s face gradually faded because her husband¡¯s expression was just too attractive.


    "Hehe, Jian Yan looked after Huanhuan very well before!"


    She had to mention this to him in a low voice.


    "Yeah! He held Huanhuan more than I did when she was little."


    "Yes, exactly!"


    "Yes, exactly?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s teasing gaze fixed on her, the ¡¯yes, exactly¡¯ pressed out through clenched teeth.

 Chapter 480 - 145 Loyal to Brother Chen_1

    Chapter 480: 145 Loyal to Brother Chen_1


    That night, President Mu had succumbed to his wife¡¯s tender advances, despite his initial anger.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Boss, Qinqin is pregnant!"


    On that day, Jian Yan received a call from Xiaomei, who still ended up telling him about Qin Mu¡¯s pregnancy.


    His rational first reaction was to find Qin Mu¡¯s number, call her, and tell her not to come over; but after only two seconds, he put down the phone.


    Because he knew all too well, they needed such a legitimate reason just to see each other¡ªone meeting he had been longing for far too long.


    The sunlight fell on his somewhat slender back as he silently gazed at the lush scenery outside the window.


    Not long after, he picked up the phone to call Qin Mu again, but this time it was Mu Yichen who answered.


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t feeling well and hadn¡¯t gone to the studio; Mu Yichen was taking care of her at home. While tidying up the room, he saw her phone ringing and answered it for her.


    "Jian Yan!"


    "President Mu? Where¡¯s my apprentice?"


    Jian Yan¡¯s heart tightened at first, then relaxed as he asked.


    "Your apprentice is drawing downstairs, is there something you need?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s sharp gaze fell on a piece of underwear beneath a cup; having looked for it for a while, he finally found it, went around to pick it up, and put it in the laundry basket while continuing to talk to Jian Yan.


    "She didn¡¯t go to the studio today?"


    Jian Yan asked again.


    "Yes, she¡¯s pregnant!"


    Mu Yichen thought about it and decided to be direct.


    As he expected, there was silence on the other end for a few seconds, followed by a voice saying, "Congratulations, take good care of her."


    "The day after tomorrow, I will go to Paris with her."


    Mu Yichen later pinched the bridge of his nose, standing by the window while talking on the phone.


    "So worried?"


    Jian Yan chuckled and asked.


    "Indeed, I am worried, especially since Jian Yan is no ordinary figure."


    Mu Yichen teased in response.


    "Thanks for the high regard; you can be at ease!"


    Jian Yan certainly didn¡¯t want to see Mu Yichen, but there wasn¡¯t a way to stop it.


    "I¡¯d rather keep an eye on things myself to be reassured."


    "Alright then, you¡¯re welcome to come!"


    Jian Yan had nothing else to say, and the two swiftly ended the call, as the conversation was not particularly engaging.


    Afterward, Mu Yichen took the phone downstairs and, sitting next to her, told her, "Jian Yan just called you."


    Qin Mu looked up at him, her pen gently resting on the drawing paper.


    "I told him you¡¯re pregnant and that I would accompany you to Paris."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t find anything amiss and just hummed in acknowledgment.


    "He seemed a bit unhappy! Do you want to call him back?"


    Mu Yichen continued.


    Qin Mu looked into his dark eyes and wondered, call Jian Yan back? She feared President Mu would chop her to pieces.


    "Hehe, no need! My master is probably busy with something else."


    Qin Mu shook her head in response.


    "Okay! You continue with your work; I¡¯ll go cut some fruit for you."


    Mu Yichen was quite satisfied with her response and stood up to go to the kitchen to cut fruit for her.


    Qin Mu was scared but thought it was a good thing she had responded that way.


    Otherwise, President Mu would certainly get angry and then question her loyalty again.


    Loyalty?


    Alright, she was as loyal to her Yichen as Xiaomei was to hers.


    Feng Fanghua heard they were taking Huanhuan to Paris and immediately refused, "You two are going, so why take my granddaughter with you? I disagree!"


    "Then you ask Huanhuan¡¯s opinion. If she¡¯s willing to stay home with you, that¡¯s fine too."


    Mu Yichen and Qin Mu mentioned going to Paris to the Mu Family when they picked up Huanhuan that evening, which was met with strong opposition from Feng Fanghua.


    Feng Fanghua immediately looked toward her granddaughter playing nearby, then walked toward her parents, looking as though she was afraid of saddening her grandma, yet she resolutely leaned on her parents¡¯ side.


    Feng Fanghua...


    "I don¡¯t care what she says, she¡¯s so young, what does she know? You two will be busy in Paris, who will take care of her?"


    Feng Fanghua continued to argue stubbornly.


    "I¡¯ll take care of her in Paris just as I do here."


    Mu Yichen declared.


    Feng Fanghua...


    She knew her son was stubborn, but she couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious thinking of him taking care of the older and the younger ones.


    "Can you manage? Taking care of your wife, your business, and still have time for Huanhuan?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu, listening to Feng Fanghua speak, always felt like a burden.


    But when she thought about how willing Mu Yichen was to be with her, she felt like a fortunate burden.


    "Anyway, I disagree!"


    Feng Fanghua stubbornly looked away from him.


    When the two of them returned from a trip outdoors, they arrived home to find everyone in the living room apparently of differing opinions on something. After sitting down, the old man asked, "What¡¯s going on? Is everyone upset?"

 Chapter 481 - 145 Loyal to Brother Chen_2

    Chapter 481: 145 Loyal to Brother Chen_2


    "Yichen is taking Huanhuan with him on a business trip with his wife, and I don¡¯t agree; Huanhuan must stay home with me."


    Feng Fanghua continued to voice her thoughts.


    As soon as the old master heard this, he turned his head to look at Mu Yichen, "You¡¯re taking the child on a trip with your wife; don¡¯t you think she will get in the way of your time alone together?"


    "Not at all!"


    Mu Yichen looked at Huanhuan. They had plenty of time for themselves, but taking Huanhuan to their old home in Paris was important. He felt that Huanhuan had always missed life in Paris. Whenever she saw Paris on TV, she would watch it more attentively than usual.


    "Then take her with you!"


    Mu Zihao said with a slap on his thigh.


    Feng Fanghua turned to her husband in surprise, "Whose side are you really on?"


    "In a few months, your grandson will be born, so take a break now and consider it an early vacation for yourself."


    Mu Zihao looked at her and reminded her gently.


    "I don¡¯t want a vacation; I don¡¯t mind the fatigue. I¡¯d be happy to be tired out by my own grandchildren."


    Feng Fanghua was still so adamant.


    "That settles it then!"


    Mu Yichen stood up from the couch, holding Huanhuan.


    "We¡¯re having dinner with Jing Feng and the others tonight, so we won¡¯t stay long. Grandpa, we¡¯ll have drinks with you when we get back from Paris!"


    "Mmm!"


    The old master nodded, knowing his grandson¡¯s temperament.


    Feng Fanghua was so aggrieved she almost cried, but Mu Yichen had already walked out carrying the child.


    Qin Mu could only greet the elders and hurriedly follow him out.


    Mu Yichen walked so fast that Qin Mu had to jog to keep up.


    "Why are you walking so fast?"


    After they left the room, Qin Mu whispered to him as she followed closely.


    "I¡¯m afraid Mrs. Feng will come to her senses."


    Qin Mu...


    "Oh!"


    After hearing Mu Yichen¡¯s response, Qin Mu was momentarily stunned. She looked up at his stern profile, then dropped her gaze and quickly followed him out. She was quite afraid of the grandmother chasing after them.


    The three of them left the Mu Family home and drove straight to AM. It was planned for days to congratulate Qin Mu on her second pregnancy, just in time to see them off before their Paris trip.


    Jing Feng, Helian Hao, and Jiang Zhiyuan had also found a girl to accompany them. Qiao Yi was a perennial bachelor, not bothering to hide his bachelor status, and Zhao Huai was also alone, although he didn¡¯t seem as pitiful due to his younger age.


    When Mu Yichen and his party arrived, they noticed an unfamiliar face. Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say anything, but Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh and asked, "Jiang Shao, this beauty is...?"


    "My woman!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan replied with a sour tone, casually placing his hand behind her, then responding with little interest.


    "Oh!¡ªI meant her name."


    With a nod, Qin Mu continued to ask with a smile.


    Jiang Zhiyuan...


    Name? What was that?


    He had randomly picked her up at the entrance when he came in, and now when he turned around to look at her, he found out they were really strangers.


    The beauty, too, looked at Jiang Zhiyuan with a disapproving gaze.


    Now everyone in the room watched Jiang Zhiyuan with a mix of curiosity and anticipation of his embarrassment.


    Jiang Zhiyuan laughed awkwardly, "Hehe, does my woman need a name?"


    "I¡¯m An Nan!"


    The girl introduced herself quite boldly, her long straight black hair resting on her shoulders, and she wore a white shirt under a thin dark trench coat.


    The others held back their laughter, but their glances conveyed their low expectations for Jiang Zhiyuan.


    Jiang Zhiyuan stopped fiddling with his hand on her shoulder, feeling a loss of face as the girl had remained so composed.


    Jiang Zhiyuan was feeling challenged by Qin Mu¡¯s second pregnancy, and had decided he must bring a woman to the gathering. But a few words from Qin Mu had left him looking bad.


    "Xiaomu, why do you always give me a hard time?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan asked sadly.


    "My fault, my fault!"


    Qin Mu pretended to be very apologetic, responding earnestly to him.


    Jiang Zhiyuan...


    "The dishes are all ordered, you two check if there¡¯s anything else you want to add."


    Qiao Yi passed the menu to Qin Mu, she glanced at it, then looked at Helian Hao. Helian Hao smiled at her from across two people, so Qin Mu closed the menu, "No need, Xiaohao has surely ordered for me."


    "Of course, a special meal for the expectant mother!"


    Helian Hao replied with good humor.


    "Love you!"


    Qin Mu winked at her, the two women exchanged looks, making the surrounding men almost unable to bear it.


    The meal began with Jiang Zhiyuan harping on about Mu Yichen and Qin Mu having a second child, until someone knocked on their door.

 Chapter 482 - 145 Loyal to Brother Chen_3

    Chapter 482: 145 Loyal to Brother Chen_3


    Jiang Zhiyuan glanced at the table, "Everything we ordered should be here, right?"


    "Indeed, it is!"


    Jing Feng looked at the table once more before sitting back down.


    Zhao Huai, who was sitting at the edge, stood up to open the door.


    When he opened the door and saw Jing Qing, he was first taken aback, then greeted her with a smile, "Jing Qing, what brings you here?"


    "I was entertaining some guests nearby and heard you were having a gathering, so I thought I¡¯d come by." Jing Qing said as she peeked in, scanning the room. Aside from the unfamiliar face of An Nan, the rest were all known to her.


    Huanhuan was alone, playing with toys. When a toy fell and rolled toward the door, she chased after it. It stopped at Jing Qing¡¯s feet; Huanhuan instinctively looked up from the toy to Jing Qing¡¯s face. Upon recognizing her, she immediately grabbed her toy and retreated back to her parents.


    Qin Mu immediately embraced her, bending down to gently kiss her forehead: "It¡¯s alright!"


    Only after seeing her mother¡¯s eyes did Huanhuan relax somewhat.


    Jing Qing couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "It seems like Princess Huanhuan is scared of me!"


    She had walked in on her own, and since Zhao Huai was already behind her, he couldn¡¯t say anything else and closed the door.


    "Why doesn¡¯t the little princess like me? Is it because I haven¡¯t given her any toys?"


    Jing Qing smiled and greeted everyone, not moving any closer though she was just two people away.


    Huanhuan peered up at her from beside Qin Mu¡¯s leg, gripping her toy tightly.


    Qin Mu looked up, "She¡¯s just shy!"


    Those three simple words, though, made it clear that she and her daughter were not familiar with Jing Qing.


    Jing Qing¡¯s expression changed momentarily, but she smiled again and stood straighter, "Your daughter has a poor memory, doesn¡¯t she? We¡¯ve met several times already."


    She pulled out an empty chair to sit down, placing her elegant bag on top, and looked up at everyone with a beautiful smile, "You don¡¯t mind me joining you, do you?"


    After asking, she finally fixed her gaze on Qiao Yi. Qiao Yi was initially looking at her, but when he saw her looking his way, he looked down instead.


    "Why does it get so cold every time I show up at these gatherings?"


    Jing Qing looked around, puzzled as why it seemed everyone suddenly lost their appetite.


    The girl who introduced herself as An Nan curiously surveyed the large table, thinking that this group must all be the wealthy elites of Rongcheng, judging by their attire, taste, and treatment, especially since Jing Qing was immediately recognizable as the Best Actress from a couple of years ago.


    And to think the Best Actress was so unwelcome among these people, how sad.


    Suddenly, Qin Mu remembered what Wen Runuan mentioned about Yang Qianxi stalking Mu Yichen. Her eyes instinctively sharpened as she looked in Jing Qing¡¯s direction.


    Jing Qing was looking at her too, seemingly with a magnanimous demeanor, "What¡¯s the matter? Although I¡¯ve taken your assistant, I haven¡¯t bothered you lately, have I?"


    Qin Mu merely smiled faintly.


    It wasn¡¯t that Qin Mu intentionally spared her face, but rather she didn¡¯t want to have a fallout in front of everyone.


    Although tearing into someone like this is livelier with more people, Qin Mu simply didn¡¯t enjoy it.


    She¡¯d deal with it after returning from Paris, she thought to herself.


    "Why is everyone here tonight, Jiang Zhiyuan, have you got a boyfriend?"


    Jing Qing asked, looking toward Jiang Zhiyuan.


    Jiang Zhiyuan smiled awkwardly, waving his hand slightly, "Yep!"


    That "yep" once again drew contemptuous glances.


    Jing Qing didn¡¯t understand and took it that he really had a girlfriend, "Well, congratulations then!"


    Jing Qing poured herself a glass of wine and said,


    "Thank you!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan put another hand on An Nan¡¯s back, his other hand holding his wine glass as he leaned in to clink glasses with her.


    "Welcome to our band of brothers and sisters."


    Jing Qing politely said to An Nan.


    An Nan also raised her glass and said softly, "Thank you!"


    Although Jing Qing was a celebrity, she knew that she wasn¡¯t unique in this setting, and An Nan wasn¡¯t lacking in self-awareness either.


    But to others, Miss An was far too composed.


    Jing Qing took another look at her, certain that Miss An recognized her and also felt that Miss An was no ordinary character. She thought it would be too much trouble to ask more now and decided to have someone investigate slowly later.


    "Tomorrow, Yichen and Xiaomu are going to Paris on a business trip together. We¡¯re celebrating for them tonight."


    After drinking with her, Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s fondness for her multiplied, prompting him to add another sentence.


    "Oh? So, it looks like they¡¯ll be gone for quite a while, huh?"


    Saying this, Jing Qing turned to look at Mu Yichen and Qin Mu.


    "It¡¯s just for half a month, but since they¡¯ve just had their second child, we feel that we should treat them to a meal no matter what, so that¡¯s why it¡¯s like this now."


    Jiang Zhiyuan continued, holding a glass of wine that had just been filled.


    Right now, he was the one talking the most.


    "I know about that. By the way, do you still like the sneakers I bought for you? Yang Qianxi knows your tastes pretty well, so I had her go to the mall to choose them for you personally."


    Jing Qing said to Qin Mu in a soft voice that sounded like a caring older sister after hearing those words.


    But Qin Mu found that gesture incredibly phony.


    "They were accidentally taken away by a little dog that my partner is taking care of."


    Qin Mu said to her with a smile.


    Jing Qing...


    The scent of gunpowder was in the air, and no one had expected Jing Qing to so generously gift shoes to Qin Mu, nor did they expect that Qin Mu would not appreciate it.


    "That¡¯s a real shame! Wearing high heels is very dangerous for pregnant women, which is why I immediately thought of getting you new shoes."


    "But it¡¯s quite unusual to give shoes as a gift, isn¡¯t giving shoes a way of telling someone to leave?"


    Helian Hao bluntly asked.


    Jing Feng was already a bit upset by the arrival of his sister, and with his wife speaking up, he felt an even greater headache coming on, showing evident signs of fatigue in his eyes as he looked at Helian Hao.


    "Send whom away? Send Qin Mu or the child in Qin Mu¡¯s womb? Am I that malicious? Sister-in-law, you really think too highly of your sister-in-law."


    Jing Qing looked at Helian Hao with a smile as she spoke.


    "I don¡¯t really think highly of you, just that I suppose you¡¯ve already considered both of the questions you just mentioned, haven¡¯t you?"


    Helian Hao laughed lightly, her gaze sharp as a knife hidden within a smile.


    "My dear sister-in-law is really something... Miss An, I apologize for making you witness this!"


    Jing Qing laughed awkwardly, grinding her teeth to keep from making a fool of herself in front of others.


    An Nan dared not interject, just silently smiled.


    "If you truly wanted to take care of me as a pregnant woman, why didn¡¯t you send the supplements you got for me along with the shoes to my studio, but instead had your assistant deliver them to President Mu¡¯s office?"

 Chapter 483 - 145 room card_1

    Chapter 483: 145 room card_1


    "Miss Jing can¡¯t come up with an answer?"


    Qin Mu smiled faintly, her keen gaze piercing right into Jing Qing¡¯s black pupils.


    If before Qin Mu wanted to keep calm and steady, now she only wanted to tear Jing Qing¡¯s hypocritical mask to shreds.


    Jing Qing looked at her, and for a whole minute, she just smiled in front of her¡ªa smile that was filled with grievance, as if she had been wronged.


    During that minute, the atmosphere in the private room was chilly, as if a large syringe had quietly entered the room, secretly drawing away all the warmth.


    Jing Feng glanced at Qin Mu, then towards Mu Yichen, and when Mu Yichen also lifted his eyelids to glance at him, he didn¡¯t show any reaction.


    "I just suddenly remembered that I had some tonics I hadn¡¯t brought you, and it just so happened that I was near Yichen¡¯s company running an errand at that time¡ªAre you satisfied with this answer?"


    Jing Qing had never felt herself groveling like this before, as if she were a palace maid being questioned.


    "Actually, I¡¯m not satisfied! But we are here to drink! Talking about this just kills the mood!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s sharp apricot eyes looked at her, so piercing that it seemed they could gouge Jing Qing¡¯s eyes and make them bleed.


    Jing Qing had no choice but to suppress her heiress temperament and turn her face away.


    "Mr. Jiang, how about another round of finger-guessing games?"


    All of a sudden, Qin Mu rolled up her sleeves and spoke to Jiang Zhiyuan.


    Jiang Zhiyuan was initially startled, but then he immediately cracked a smile: Sure!


    Someone needed to liven up the atmosphere, and of course, it was most fitting for the person who caused it to cool down to do so.


    Qin Mu, with Huanhuan at her side, played the finger-guessing game with him, and when Jiang Zhiyuan lost, his companion An Nan drank for him, and when Qin Mu and Huanhuan lost, President Mu drank.


    Jing Qing soon felt unbearable staying there, watching as they blatantly ignored her, and she stood up unconsciously.


    Mu Yichen was about to drink for the mother and daughter who lost, when she suddenly stepped forward, dodging the glass in his hand: I¡¯ll drink for you!


    The crowd...


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes, filled with sharpness, stared at her, while Jing Feng also immediately looked over and uttered: Jing Qing, put it down.


    But Jing Qing didn¡¯t comply, and before tears could fall, she raised his glass to her lips and downed the drink in one gulp.


    Qin Mu followed everyone¡¯s gaze to look over, but only saw Jing Qing¡¯s eyes, desolate and pleading, as she asked her in a hoarse voice: Are you satisfied now?


    Jing Qing shed tears!


    Large teardrops fell down her cheeks in front of everyone, genuinely making some feel sympathy.


    But Qin Mu¡¯s heart remained numb.


    Jing Qing put down the glass on the table¡¯s edge, then turned to grab her bag and strode towards the exit.


    The loud slam as the door closed once again chilled the atmosphere in the room.


    Jing Feng glanced over at Qiao Yi, who was also struggling to contain himself and rose to follow her.


    Even if it meant only being able to follow her silently in the darkness, when she walked down the street, wiping away her tears with strong steps, Qiao Yi quietly stood guard from a dark corner not far away.


    Later, Jiang Zhiyuan and An Nan played the finger-guessing game, while Qin Mu and Helian Hao chatted while eating fruit.


    Mu Yichen, holding Huanhuan, drank with Jing Feng, who seemed very displeased, and couldn¡¯t help asking Mu Yichen as he looked at the two people chatting, "Do you think it¡¯s appropriate to spoil her like this?"


    "What¡¯s wrong with it?"


    Mu Yichen asked in a deep voice.


    "Do you have to make Jing Qing lose face in front of so many people?"


    Jing Feng pressed the question in a low voice.


    "My wife is standing up for your wife, or do you prefer watching your sister walk all over your wife?"


    Mu Yichen looked at him and asked indifferently.


    Jing Feng naturally did not like the disdainful tone and looks Jing Qing had for Helian Hao, but when he saw Jing Qing pushed to tears by Qin Mu, he immediately felt that Qin Mu was truly too much. When had the Jing Family ever been humiliated so badly?


    However, Mu Yichen felt that Qin Mu was not too much at all. Jing Qing indeed did those things, and she had such an air about her at the dinner table; it was good for Qin Mu to put her in her place.


    After dinner, when everyone was about to disperse, Jiang Zhiyuan wrapped his arm around Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder and wouldn¡¯t let go: "Let¡¯s play two more rounds. I don¡¯t believe that I, a big man, can lose to you, a little lady."


    Qin Mu helplessly tried to push him away, but he just wouldn¡¯t budge.


    It was Mu Yichen who kicked him from behind, directly sending him flying to the door.


    An Nan and Qin Mu both jumped with fright, especially An Nan, who was clearly startled by the kick.


    Jiang Zhiyuan was kicked right to the door.


    Just then, people from another private room came out, and it looked as if he was kneeling before them.


    Raising his head, Jiang Zhiyuan then immediately lay on the ground as if dead drunk.

 Chapter 484 - 145 room card_2

    Chapter 484: 145 room card_2


    An Nan nervously stepped forward, but Helian Hao held her back: "Pretend!"


    An Nan...


    Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s father frowned as he looked at his own son and then turned his gaze to some people standing inside the room: "What¡¯s going on here?"


    "Uncle, Zhiyuan drank too much!"


    Zhao Huai said awkwardly.


    Mu Yichen and Jing Feng nodded awkardly at him, "We¡¯ll take him back."


    Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s father finally breathed a sigh of relief, then his eyes moved to the girl Helian Hao was holding, and An Nan also looked at her curiously.


    "Who is this young lady?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s father asked with a hint of expectancy.


    "That¡¯s your daughter-in-law!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan slurred as if he were speaking drunk.


    "Hmph!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s father looked down, then with hands behind his back he strode forward. There were many people behind Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s father, so Jiang Zhiyuan continued to lie on the ground.


    Qin Mu laughed all the way home, while Huanhuan was a bit confused and scratched her soft hair.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, "We might have to fork out the money soon!"


    Hearing his words, Qin Mu looked at him curiously: "What do you mean?"


    "Intuition!"


    Mu Yichen furrowed his brows as he felt his own heart, his brow twitching slightly.


    Upon hearing him say so, Qin Mu reflected carefully and indeed started to feel that Jiang Zhiyuan and An Nan seemed quite fitting.


    An Nan looked like a pretty decent girl; dealing with Jiang Zhiyuan, the not-so-decent young master, might be quite suitable?


    That night they went to bed after washing up, and early the next morning they rushed to catch the plane to Paris.


    It was Huanhuan¡¯s first time flying with her parents, and she was clearly excited, eagerly choosing her own food when the flight attendant came by.


    Qin Mu was reading a novel and unconsciously smiled when she saw Huanhuan¡¯s eager small figure.


    Mu Yichen, wrapped up in a newspaper, looked like a peacefully handsome man.


    This business trip felt more like a family trip for the three of them.


    Above the sky, beauty was beyond description.


    When Qin Mu looked out the window, it felt as if her heart was wrapped in layers of cotton, soft, sweet, and warm.


    Huanhuan sipped her drink while flipping through a picture book. After she¡¯d had her fill but hadn¡¯t finished, she held it up high for her dad.


    Mu Yichen turned to look at her, then took her drink in his hand. He hadn¡¯t had this kind of drink for many years, but having a daughter, it seemed he¡¯d returned to the past, and under his daughter¡¯s expectant gaze, he took a sip.


    The flight attendant brought them more food, and Huanhuan ate as if she was a competitive eater.


    How many people actually find airplane food this delicious?


    Or perhaps the joy of flying with parents as a child is exceptional? Expressing such happiness in this manner.


    Upon landing, Mu Yichen received them at the company branch there and took them straight to Qin Mu¡¯s apartment in Paris.


    Qin Mu almost sold the place at one point, but ultimately hesitated and kept it, never imagining it would be so useful in the future.


    Huanhuan seemed to remember this place, and as soon as the door opened, she rushed in with her eyes slightly teary.


    Qin Mu, thinking about all the times she and Huanhuan had spent in this apartment, also felt sentimental.


    Mu Yichen, handling the luggage, entered and saw both mother and daughter so moved, he couldn¡¯t help but sigh lightly: "You two go rest on the sofa, I¡¯ll put the luggage inside."


    Jian Yan knew the code to her place, so he had already arranged for a cleaner to come before their return. When Qin Mu went to boil water in the kitchen, she saw Jian Yan¡¯s personal cup placed in a corner and not in the cabinet above, which meant he must have stayed late the previous night.


    Huanhuan was already rummaging for her old toys in her room, and after Mu Yichen left the master bedroom, he found Qin Mu in the kitchen about to boil water and stood there without moving: "How does it feel to be back?"


    Qin Mu turned and looked at him with a faint smile: "It¡¯s no longer as it was yesterday!"


    Her eyebrows twitched slightly, and Mu Yichen stepped forward to embrace her: "But I¡¯m still here!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile. Yes, no matter how much things had changed, he was still there.


    She looked up at him, and Mu Yichen nestled his chin in the crook of her neck, lightly kissing the edge of her ear.


    However, glancing up unintentionally, he caught sight of Jian Yan¡¯s distinctive cup. In contrast to Qin Mu¡¯s preference for cleaner colors, that cup was much darker, leading Mu Yichen to guess it wasn¡¯t Qin Mu¡¯s.


    "This cup is..."


    Qin Mu set up the kettle, pressed the on switch, and then glanced at the cup: "It¡¯s Master¡¯s. He came by yesterday to open the door, and the cleaning lady came to tidy up."

 Chapter 485 - 145 room card_3

    Chapter 485: 145 room card_3


    "He still has a personal cup here?"


    Mu Yichen frowned, even though his voice wasn¡¯t loud.


    "Xiaomei has one too, are you going to get jealous?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him, gently caressing his neck with her hand, her soft gaze questioning him.


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s brows furrowed.


    He didn¡¯t care whether Xiaomei had her personal cup here, but Jian Yan was a different matter.


    Seeing him leave, Qin Mu had no choice but to follow: "Dear, please don¡¯t get angry over this, okay?"


    Starting a cold war just after they¡¯d arrived in Paris was truly unwise.


    Qin Mu quickly caught up and grabbed his arm, looking up at him pleadingly.


    The calling of "dear" was what made Mu Yichen stop in his tracks.


    She held his arm, looking into his dark eyes: "Can we discuss this matter later? We just took a long flight back, how about we get something to eat and then rest?"


    Mu Yichen let out a helpless sigh: "If I were you, I¡¯d throw that man¡¯s stuff out of here immediately."


    "Fine! I¡¯ll throw it out right now!"


    Qin Mu said as she let go of him and headed for the kitchen.


    Mu Yichen turned to watch her, not believing she would actually do it.


    And sure enough, once in the kitchen, she filled a cup with boiling water and then turned to look at him.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes were filled with a forbidding gloom; Qin Mu ran over, clutching his waist recklessly and kissing him with both hands holding his face.


    Mu Yichen...


    What could make him surrender more easily than this woman¡¯s kiss?


    Jian Yan received a call from Qin Mu in the evening, and Mu Yichen had personally prepared a Chinese dinner, with Qin Mu contributing a vegetable salad.


    Sitting together, Jian Yan and Mu Yichen actually seemed quite harmonious. Although they appeared to be adversaries, they were still two good-looking men of different ages. Jian Yan possessed a mature and somber air that Mu Yichen lacked, and the cold and domineering aura of Mu Yichen was something Jian Yan didn¡¯t have.


    Qin Mu opened a bottle of wine from the inside: "Tonight you two should drink less, I¡¯ll stick with juice for company."


    "Me too!"


    Huanhuan held up her cup of orange juice and told them.


    Both men softened at the sight of Huanhuan.


    Jian Yan felt he had underestimated just how much Mu Yichen cared for Qin Mu. The Patriarch Mu, known for pampering his wife, was also truly a suspicious person.


    Of course, since Qin Mu was pregnant this time, it was not unreasonable for him to come along.


    "How¡¯s the recovery going?"


    As he picked up his wine glass, Mu Yichen challenged Jian Yan with his question.


    "Thank you for your concern, Mu President. I¡¯ve completely recovered now," Jian Yan said with a knowing smile.


    Their dinner was kept light because of Jian Yan¡¯s stomach, and Qin Mu served them each a bowl of soup. Jian Yan enjoyed it, but Mu Yichen glanced at her, not quite used to it.


    "Have some soup before the wine!"


    Qin Mu immediately looked up at him with a caring reminder.


    Mu Yichen picked up his bowl to drink the soup while Jian Yan sipped his soup spoon by spoon, as if they were competing for the most exquisite pleasure on earth.


    However, Huanhuan was holding her cup of juice and looking at the two men, feeling as if they were about to fight.


    "This soup must be made by President Mu, right? Mumu doesn¡¯t have this kind of culinary skill," Jian Yan asked with a smile after finishing his soup.


    Qin Mu looked embarrassed as she lowered her gaze. Mu Yichen laughed and said: "Having my wife¡¯s mentor¡¯s approval is indeed an accomplishment for me."


    Mu Yichen raised his glass to toast with Jian Yan, who, in true mentor fashion, accepted the toast without any pretense.


    For some reason, the atmosphere in the dining room was so strange it was nearly suffocating.


    Huanhuan quietly lifted her cup toward Jian Yan: "JY, I want to drink with you too."


    Jian Yan looked down at her and gently clinked his cup against hers, indulgently smiling: "Huanhuan, why do you want to drink with JY?"


    "Because I love you!"


    Huanhuan said mischievously, her eyes crinkling with laughter.


    Mu Yichen...


    Qin Mu...


    But Jian Yan was quite gracious, stroking her hair and then downing the rest of his wine.


    Huanhuan felt quite honored, gulping down several large sips of juice.


    Mu Yichen went downstairs to see off Jian Yan, the two men lighting up cigarettes and chatting for a while below.


    Taking a drag, Jian Yan said: "You came to Paris this time specially to take care of the pregnant lady, didn¡¯t you?"


    "She¡¯s more important to me now than anyone else. I can¡¯t leave her side for a moment during this time!" Mu Yichen declared seriously, his youthful arrogance still apparent.


    "Yeah, I heard that as soon as you arrived, someone else followed right after," Jian Yan commented.

 Chapter 486 - 145 room card_4

    Chapter 486: 145 room card_4


    Jian Yan hung her head low, slowly took a puff of her cigarette, and started speaking to him.


    Qin Mu was unaware that someone had followed them.


    Qin Mu also received a WeChat message from Helian Hao that Jing Qing had arrived in Paris with Yang Qianxi to attend an event.


    This is getting lively, thought Qin Mu, certain that they would definitely meet with Jing Qing and her group on this trip.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t tell Qin Mu about this, and Qin Mu didn¡¯t mention anything to Mu Yichen either. The next day, Qin Mu took Huanhuan to JY Studio, while Mu Yichen went alone to a meeting at their subsidiary company.


    Today, several models were trying on dresses, and Jian Yan was supervising his subordinates working when Qin Mu and Huanhuan arrived; it was then that his gaze shifted.


    "Qin!"


    Former colleagues greeted her.


    "Hi! Thanks for your hard work!"


    Qin Mu said with a smile, her hands full of tasty treats for everyone.


    Jian Yan stood with his arms folded, leaning against the wall watching her, remembering when she first came to the studio.


    Later on, few who hadn¡¯t eaten breakfast went over to eat the lovingly bought bento boxes she brought, and Qin Mu immediately took over their tasks and dived into the alterations.


    Jian Yan occasionally stepped forward to check the fit around the models¡¯ waists, whispering instructions to her.


    Huanhuan sat on the sofa watching TV by herself; the television here mostly played fashion-related content, and Huanhuan snuggled into the couch, holding a bag of chips given to her by someone, watching a fashion show.


    Perhaps due to growing up in such an environment, she knew to adjust her clothes and stretched her back, trying to make her waistline more prominent while lounging on the couch.


    At noon, Mu Yichen had lunch at a restaurant near his company and happened to encounter Jing Qing, Yang Qianxi, and several Parisian celebrities there.


    Mu Yichen was with a young and handsome manager from his own company. They were planning on having a simple meal, but they didn¡¯t expect Yang Qianxi to come over and invite them.


    "Mr. Mu, Miss Jing has asked me to invite you to join them at their table, and this gentleman is welcome too," she said.


    Since they all had Asian faces, it was easy to communicate. Still, Mu Yichen¡¯s manager looked at Mu Yichen with anticipation, as he found the prospect of joining a table full of celebrities quite exciting.


    Mu Yichen glanced up and saw several foreign celebrities gesturing for them to come; they had already cleared a good spot for them.


    Mu Yichen turned to his colleague and asked indifferently, "Do you want to go over?"


    "It¡¯s just mingling, you know, for such an opportunity."


    Mu Yichen then stood up and led him over without saying much more.


    Yang Qianxi followed them, her heart thumping wildly due to the briskness of his walk, which made her feel as nervous as a deer startled.


    Afterward, Yang Qianxi ended up sitting next to Mu Yichen and kept serving him like a little maidservant, pouring tea and handing him water. Mu Yichen¡¯s manager frowned involuntarily at this scene; he had always thought that Jing Qing was the one who liked Mu Yichen.


    "I wasn¡¯t expecting you to actually come to the fashion show with Qin Mu."


    Jing Qing didn¡¯t find anything unusual about Yang Qianxi serving tea; in her eyes, Yang Qianxi was fit for just that. She spoke in a low and soft voice with a familiarity that suggested she knew Mu Yichen quite well.


    "What¡¯s so hard to guess about that?"


    "Aren¡¯t you going to introduce me, boss?"


    The company¡¯s manager clearly wanted to get acquainted with Jing Qing, admiration written all over his face.


    "Hello! I¡¯m Mu Yichen¡¯s childhood friend, Jing Qing!"


    "Oh? Childhood friends?"


    This handsome manager immediately thought of Qin Mu, but something told him they didn¡¯t look like they were five years apart.


    "If living in the same courtyard for a few years counts as childhood friends, then I have too many to count. Actually, this is Miss Jing Qing, the second daughter of the prestigious Jing Family of Rongcheng."


    Mu Yichen, unwilling to let her use such an intimate title, gently but firmly distanced himself from their relationship.


    "I¡¯m Zhao Yan, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Jing!"


    The good-looking manager reached out his clean hand, and Jing Qing, seeing it, accepted the handshake out of necessity because Mu Yichen was there. She would have preferred shaking hands with Mu Yichen, recalling that they rarely had the opportunity to do so.


    After shaking hands with Jing Qing, the manager, who identified himself as Zhao Yan, proceeded to shake hands with the female celebrities nearby.


    Mu Yichen simply sat back lazily, uninterested in joining the buzz.


    After finishing the meal, when someone asked him for his WeChat, he just gave a faint smile and coldly replied, "Sorry, I don¡¯t have WeChat."


    People were surprised but couldn¡¯t really say much in response given his attitude. Zhao Yan promptly took out his phone to add everyone on WeChat and said with a smile, "I have it! Add me, and I¡¯ll refer you to him later."


    Mu Yichen glanced at him and looked out the window, distinctly displeased.


    Jing Qing cast a glance at Yang Qianxi, who still sat quietly beside him eating lunch. Provoked by Jing Qing¡¯s look, she immediately stood up.


    "I¡¯m staying at the RS Hotel, come see me tonight."


    She deftly slipped a room card into Mu Yichen¡¯s pocket.


    Mu Yichen did not see the room card but turned his head toward her since her voice had suddenly changed, and upon seeing Jing Qing instead of Yang Qianxi, he frowned unintentionally, "If there¡¯s something to say, say it here."


    "You¡¯ll know when you come over tonight. I promise, after you see me tonight, I won¡¯t bother you anymore, and I¡¯ll forget about you."


    Jing Qing looked at him earnestly.

 Chapter 487 - 146 Use the enemy’s own tactics against them_1

    Chapter 487: 146 Use the enemy¡¯s own tactics against them_1


    Yang Qianxi saw Jing Qing slipping the room card into Mu Yichen¡¯s pocket and asked her after returning to the hotel, "Why did you give Yichen the room card?"


    "What else can a woman give a man a room card for?"


    Jing Qing, having put down her bag, stood there with a proud posture and glanced at Yang Qianxi.


    "But he already has a child with Qin Mu!"


    Yang Qianxi was somewhat agitated.


    "So what? If it¡¯s mine, no matter what, I will figure out a way to get it. You just need to help me pick out the clothes for tonight, and remember, they must be sexy."


    Although Qin Mu usually dressed conservatively, Jing Qing didn¡¯t think that Mu Yichen would like a woman who was still conservative in bed.


    Or perhaps it was inconvenient to do many things within Rongcheng, so might as well take advantage of this evening.


    Jing Qing frowned unconsciously as she saw Yang Qianxi standing there in a daze, "What¡¯s the matter with you lately?"


    "I just think that people should have a bottom line. They already have two children. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re shameless?"


    Yang Qianxi turned and walked out angrily.


    As Jing Qing watched her leave, shameless?


    Jing Qing laughed unconsciously, "When it comes to shamelessness, I¡¯m no match for Qin Mu!"


    Jing Qing believed that all these years between Qin Mu and Mu Yichen, it had been Qin Mu¡¯s scheming that prevailed.


    After Yang Qianxi went out, she took out her phone, intending to call Qin Mu, but suddenly recalled the words Qin Mu said when asking her to leave. Thinking of Mu Yichen, she deleted the dialed number and placed the phone back in the back pocket of her pants.


    It wasn¡¯t her place to meddle in this matter, or else she wouldn¡¯t have a good outcome in Rongcheng later on.


    As for the matter between Jing Qing and Mu Yichen...


    Yang Qianxi¡¯s eyes flickered, and then she strode outside.


    Jing Qing found a bottle of perfume that she had been reluctant to use. She vaguely remembered he liked this scent and lightly sprayed a bit on her neck, confidently smiling at the fresh and elegant beauty reflected in the mirror.


    Mu Yichen took Zhao Yan to meet Qin Mu in the evening, and upon seeing her, Zhao Yan called out, "Sister-in-law!"


    Qin Mu felt very satisfied with this address and greeted him with a smile, "Hello!"


    "I¡¯m Zhao Yan, Yichen¡¯s junior in school, now in charge of his projects here."


    Zhao Yan introduced himself with a smile.


    Qin Mu nodded; there were quite a few people in the studio. After picking up Qin Mu from work, they all walked out together.


    Mu Yichen was holding Huanhuan, and Qin Mu turned to say to the man who wanted to see her out but was stopped, "Master, we¡¯re going back first; I¡¯ll come over earlier tomorrow."


    "Hmm!"


    Jian Yan wanted to escort her but just couldn¡¯t get away, so he could only watch her wave goodbye from afar.


    Jian Yan felt a bit upset; after signing some documents, he walked forward two steps but ultimately stopped.


    She had already gotten into Mu Yichen¡¯s car.


    "Zhao Yan is a good cook; later, let him be the chef at our place!"


    "Isn¡¯t that inappropriate?"


    Mu Yichen joked with Qin Mu, who felt it was improper.


    "You shouldn¡¯t take it too seriously, sister-in-law. It¡¯s my fortune that the seniors like my cooking! Honestly, although I¡¯ve seen sister-in-law on TV, I never thought you¡¯d be so charming in real life."


    "Watch your words!"


    Mu Yichen said while driving the car.


    "Haha, I¡¯ll watch my words. But really, you¡¯re much better than Miss Jing. I felt she was a bit old the moment I met her."


    Qin Mu, hearing the mention of Jing Qing¡¯s name, couldn¡¯t help but become curious for a moment, "You guys encountered Jing Qing here?"


    "Right? We bumped into her at lunch; she even said she was Yichen¡¯s childhood sweetheart."


    Zhao Yan talked incessantly.


    "Well! Yichen¡¯s childhood sweethearts are quite numerous."


    Qin Mu glanced at him, her bright eyes twinkling, and she spoke sincerely.


    Zhao Yan suddenly had nothing to say, and Mu Yichen was silent as well. Qin Mu turned to look at the little guy in the child safety seat behind her: "Huanhuan, what do you want to eat tonight? Let¡¯s order now!"


    Qin Mu thought to herself that she must not be polite, or others might think she was being pretentious, which wasn¡¯t good.


    After Zhao Yan arrived at their not very large little house, he was taken to the kitchen by Qin Mu. As he prepared the ingredients, he muttered, "Sister-in-law, living here with your conditions is a bit stifling, isn¡¯t it? Let Yichen find you a bigger place."


    "I¡¯d like that too, but I¡¯m worried Yichen won¡¯t part with it!"


    Qin Mu chatted with him frivolously, leaning on the door frame.


    "Yichen won¡¯t part with it? Could it be that Yichen, who is so generous with others, would be stingy with you? I¡¯ve long heard about the two of you. They say Yichen left his family for you when he was young. I really admire this unwavering affection, brother."


    Zhao Yan spoke as he took the vegetables out and put them in the sink, busying himself with work, his actions brisk and speech rapid.

 Chapter 488 - 146 Use the enemy’s own tactics against them_2

    Chapter 488: 146 Use the enemy¡¯s own tactics against them_2


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze drifted towards Mu Yichen as he approached, his hand resting on her shoulder, "Don¡¯t listen to his nonsense!"


    "I think what he said was quite good!"


    Qin Mu turned her neck to speak to him, then went to find Huanhuan.


    Mu Yichen went in to help, and between the two men, it was quite a spectacle.


    Qin Mu helped Huanhuan take off her coat, changed into comfortable clothes once they got home, and Huanhuan curiously ran into the kitchen to join in the fun, discovering Dad and Uncle blessing the gathering together, a scene too beautiful for words.


    Qin Mu stood by, watching, but her eyes were filled only with her darling daughter.


    She took a drawing from the studio that she hadn¡¯t finished, settling down on the sofa to work on it while they cooked.


    The two men were indeed efficient at preparing dinner; in less than half an hour, five dishes and a soup were ready.


    Qin Mu put down her drawing paper, washed her hands, and joined the meal, praising the food before rubbing her hands together, "Looks like I¡¯m going to be stuffed tonight!"


    "Just eat as much as you like, I¡¯ll cook for you again next time,"


    Zhao Yan said as he distributed chopsticks.


    "That honor is certainly not yours to claim!"


    Mu Yichen reminded from the side with a calm tone.


    Zhao Yan raised an eyebrow, not daring to retort, knowing indeed it wasn¡¯t his turn.


    "Thank you for coming to our house and cooking, here¡¯s a toast to you!"


    Qin Mu raised her glass to Zhao Yan, even though her cup was filled with water.


    "Thank you, little sister-in-law!"


    Zhao Yan held his drink with both hands, looking very much the part of a younger brother.


    "If you really feel awkward, you can just call me Qin Mu!"


    Qin Mu sincerely suggested to him.


    "Then I¡ªdare not. I¡¯ve heard that Brother Qin and the others call you ¡¯Xiaomu¡¯¡ª"


    "Call her sister-in-law!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even glance his way, but his indifferent voice was indeed directed at him.


    Zhao Yan had to suppress a laugh, pretending to be serious: "I won¡¯t stand on ceremony with you, little sister-in-law!"


    By the time Zhao Yan left, Huanhuan was already falling asleep on Mu Yichen¡¯s shoulder, and after Zhao Yan had left, Mu Yichen carried Huanhuan back to the room.


    The guest room used to be Xiaomei¡¯s, now temporarily lent to Huanhuan.


    "Did you always sleep together before?"


    Mu Yichen asked as he lay down.


    Qin Mu was already somewhat tired, so she lay down early. After he joined her in bed, she leaned against him quietly in his arms.


    In response to Mu Yichen¡¯s question, she softly confirmed that in the past, she and her daughter were together¡ªfragile and heavy, yet their warmth was hard to come by.


    Unlike now, now Huanhuan is happy every day, and so is she!


    "Was it because of Huanhuan that you pushed me out when I came over that time?"


    He asked her in a low, husky voice that seemed gentle.


    As if afraid to touch on her painful memories.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes shone like the stars in the sky, habitually twinkling, yet done so slowly.


    She quietly pondered over that moment, then shifted in his arms, reaching out to embrace him: "Mu Yichen, wouldn¡¯t it be wonderful if we could stay like this forever?"


    "That¡¯s exactly what we¡¯re going to do!"


    "Thank you for coming with me to Paris this time!"


    This trip felt different from all her previous work trips. Before, each visit had been a hurried affair, as if she were a zombie, busy just for the sake of survival.


    Mu Yichen gently wrapped his arms around her, his lips lightly touching her forehead.


    Perhaps he came with her because he knew how difficult it had been for her to raise Huanhuan on her own; he didn¡¯t want her to struggle alone with a child any longer.


    Jing Qing had prepared a candlelit dinner, having thought through all the words she¡¯d say. Yang Qianxi was sent away, and Jing Qing sat alone in the restaurant of the presidential suite, facing the glimmers of light.


    She had loved him since she was a child, looking up to him as high as the sky, a man so lofty that only she could match his stature.


    Jing Qing thought that she would definitely get her way tonight, confident enough to persuade him to drink that glass of wine.


    Yet by after ten o¡¯clock, she was still waiting for him, her initial girlish longing for a man fading to indifference in just two hours.


    Clutching her phone tightly, she told herself not to make a call right then, but she wanted to know where he was at the moment; could he have been held up or was he on his way?


    Yang Qianxi too was anxiously waiting. In fact, Yang Qianxi was quite aware of what Jing Qing intended to do that night. Hearing a knock at the door, she immediately looked towards it and went to open it, only to see a woman in a sexy black slip dress.


    The robe Jing Qing wore over it was not tied, revealing her beautiful collarbone which was easily visible to anyone.

 Chapter 489 - 146 Use the enemy’s own tactics against them_3

    Chapter 489: 146 Use the enemy¡¯s own tactics against them_3


    Yang Qianxi looked at her nervously, "Miss Jing!"


    "Could you please make a call to Yichen for me and ask where he is?"


    Jing Qing, holding her pink cell phone, entered and gave a cold command before sitting down and casually picking up a magazine from the couch to suppress her excitement.


    Standing at the door with Jing Qing¡¯s cell phone in her hand, Yang Qianxi¡¯s eyes followed the somewhat weary figure inside. She was clear in her heart that Jing Qing had not succeeded; Mu Yichen had not come.


    This only increased Yang Qianxi¡¯s esteem for Mu Yichen. She had seen Jing Qing slip her room card into Mu Yichen¡¯s pocket. A man who rejects a woman¡¯s room card is rejecting that woman himself. She felt she had not harbored unrequited love for the wrong person because only a true man could maintain such integrity. She found herself falling even deeper for Mu Yichen.


    Yang Qianxi closed the door with her cell phone in hand, sat down opposite Jing Qing, and silently dialed Mu Yichen¡¯s number.


    The other side rang continuously but nobody picked up.


    They rarely went to bed early, so when Yang Qianxi called, his phone was vibrating but the clothes were not in the bedroom; therefore, the two sleeping people couldn¡¯t possibly hear it.


    Yang Qianxi felt an inexplicable sense of loss. After hanging up the phone, she looked up at Jing Qing and whispered, "No one answered!"


    Jing Qing looked up at her, the irritation in her eyes now irrepressible.


    She snatched the cell phone back and then dialed the number herself.


    The clear ringing continued, yet still no one answered.


    Could it be he didn¡¯t see the room card she gave him?


    Or was it that he truly didn¡¯t want anything to do with it?


    Jing Qing got up and returned to her own room without saying anything more to Yang Qianxi.


    Yang Qianxi stood up, looking toward the door, and her repressed emotions remained unreleased, even after that door was closed from the outside again.


    Yang Qianxi was unable to pinpoint the feeling but felt that some emotions she had been suppressing were almost bursting forth; it seemed she was very fond of that man.


    Seeing Jing Qing consumed with thoughts of Mu Yichen every day, she wondered how she could help Mu Yichen escape Jing Qing¡¯s pursuit.


    Truthfully, she did not want Jing Qing to be with Mu Yichen at all.


    The night in Paris had deepened, yet her mood was far from bright. She had studied design but ended up as a costume assistant to an actor. What would come next?


    Would her path keep sloping downward?


    Mu Yichen...


    She murmured that name in her heart, thinking he must be the kind of man who could bring a woman back to life.


    The next morning after Mu Yichen got up, he looked for his phone in the coat¡¯s pocket only to find something hard in one of the lower pockets.


    Qin Mu had followed him as well, originally intending to cling to him for a while, but the moment she hugged him from behind and tilted her head, she saw the room card in his hand.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes widened instantly, "Whoa! Did you miss something?"


    Mu Yichen frowned as he looked at the room card and then glanced at Qin Mu, a trace of unfathomable confusion in his downcast eyes.


    Qin Mu, on the other hand, was smiling as she looked up at him. Of course, she had no reason to be worried since no one had slipped a room card to her.


    Mu Yichen sighed as he recalled the events of the previous day, "Yesterday Jing Qing asked me to go to her room last night, but I completely forgot!"


    Mu Yichen told the truth.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyebrow raised slightly but her expression remained calm.


    "As for this card..."


    He flipped the card in his hand and chuckled unintentionally, "I really don¡¯t know when she put it there."


    Qin Mu watched him for a moment and, upon realizing he wasn¡¯t lying, turned her attention away from him and took the card from his hand, saying, "Since you don¡¯t know anything about it, give this card to me."


    Mu Yichen watched her indifferently.


    Qin Mu casually slipped the card into her trouser pocket, a fleeting malice in her eyes.


    Jing Qing actually wanted to seduce her man into bed?


    Haha!


    After breakfast, Qin Mu, with Huanhuan in tow, went to that hotel and smiled as she spoke to the receptionist in French.


    "Hello, a young lady misplaced her card in my husband¡¯s pocket yesterday. Could you please return it to her?"


    The reception staff, two Caucasian girls, looked at each other upon hearing her words, as if doubting their own ears.


    With Huanhuan still in hand, Qin Mu gently placed her hand on the counter and, seeing them nod in agreement, tapped the desk lightly and thanked them politely with a smile.


    However, as she was leaving, she suddenly turned back, "Oh, please tell her that trying to seduce someone else¡¯s man really does not suit her status as a lady of a distinguished family. Remind her to think before she acts in the future."

 Chapter 490 - 146 Use the enemy’s own tactics against them_4

    Chapter 490: 146 Use the enemy¡¯s own tactics against them_4


    Qin Mu had been smiling the whole time, and after finishing speaking, she led Huanhuan out, brimming with joy.


    The two attendants watched the mother and daughter, with their fine figures dressed in branded parent-child outfits, walk out and couldn¡¯t help feeling it was surreal.


    Yet, the message was still conveyed to the distinguished guest in the luxurious presidential suite.


    The butler pressed the doorbell, Jing Qing was inside chatting and having morning tea with a few celebrities. Hearing the bell, she got up to open the door, accompanied by a close friend.


    The staff member spoke fluent English, explaining the origin of the card to her and tactfully relayed Qin Mu¡¯s words.


    The room butler was also quite embarrassed, especially since this young butler found it somewhat awkward to speak of such matters, and after delivering the message, he bowed and left.


    Jing Qing, however, stood frozen at the door holding the card.


    Her friend laughed and said, "What¡¯s this all about? Is there really a man you, Jing Qing, can¡¯t handle?"


    Jing Qing turned to look at her, giving a wry smile, "Let¡¯s go back inside and talk about it!"


    The actor simply shrugged and didn¡¯t pry further, but once inside, everyone¡¯s curious eyes were on Jing Qing. The words were soft, but everyone was all ears and caught the gist of it.


    However, Jing Qing managed to brush the matter aside with a simple sentence.


    "I have only loved one man from childhood to now, and I will only love that man for the entirety of my life."


    If a girl loves many men in her lifetime, she might be looked down upon, but if she only loves one, she seems stubborn yet genuine to people.


    Some admire this, calling it courage.


    In truth, whether it¡¯s courage, obsession, or something else, opinions vary.


    Upon arrival at the studio, Qin Mu and Huanhuan began working. Perhaps due to exhaustion, Qin Mu felt slightly nauseated again but suppressed the feeling while she worked.


    Jian Yan, ever observant, had his staff bring her a cup of sour plum drink.


    When the staff member handed it to her, pointing at the master who was focused on his work, Qin Mu nodded in understanding and thanked him.


    The sour plum drink was probably simmered in advance, yet the sensation of sipping it from the cup was still comforting.


    Qin Mu watched as Huanhuan collected scraps of fabric in the studio, her arms already filled with beautiful and textured pieces. Qin Mu called out to her, "Huanhuan, come here!"


    Huanhuan, with round, wide eyes, looked up at her mommy calling for her and immediately ran over, curious about the pretty cup in her mother¡¯s hands.


    Qin Mu crouched down, then held the cup up for her to see.


    Since Huanhuan also liked sour plum drink and this one had no additives, Qin Mu boldly let her drink more.


    Huanhuan¡¯s expression instantly became animated.


    After helping a model with her dress, Jian Yan walked over and saw Huanhuan¡¯s cute expression, crouched down, and took her hand, "Do you like this too, Huanhuan?"


    "Hmm!"


    Huanhuan affirmed with a sound but said nothing more, just planted a sugar-water stained kiss on his cheek and then scampered away.


    Jian Yan turned his head to look at Huanhuan while Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but sigh, "She seems to really like you, always kissing you."


    "I like her a lot, too!"


    Qin Mu feigned surprise.


    Jian Yan grasped Qin Mu¡¯s wrist to help her stand, her hands still cradling the cup, but she stepped back, leaning against the makeup mirror and looked down.


    Jian Yan¡¯s gaze shifted away, "If you¡¯re too tired, take a rest. Just help keep an eye on things for me!"


    "Hmm! I know you didn¡¯t bring me here just to help out," Qin Mu whispered.


    She knew well that Jian Yan had only wanted to give her a chance to show herself.


    Knowing that she understood, Jian Yan didn¡¯t say more, just turned to lean beside her.


    The cup Qin Mu was holding now had been personally selected for her at the supermarket by him; he knew she would like it.


    Qin Mu looked from the cup in her hand to where the colleagues were still busily engaged and quickly joined in with them.


    Jian Yan laughed helplessly, knowing she wasn¡¯t one to shirk, but he hadn¡¯t expected her to work as hard as she did before she was pregnant.


    But then he remembered how she had been when she was pregnant with Huanhuan¡ªit must be fate. No matter when, she took her work seriously.


    He still recalled the vow she made when she first approached him, declaring that she would always put her career first, and it seemed, looking at her now, she hadn¡¯t broken that promise.


    And that little girl still picking up fabric scraps, would she one day become a great designer like her mother?


    It was only natural for Huanhuan to like design, as she swiftly cleared the fabric scraps off the couch, piling them higher than her own head without seeming to mind the mess and congestion, as if she was used to it.


    Then she stripped all seven of her Barbie dolls, ready to design new clothes for them.


    Jing Qing later directly called Qin Mu¡¯s mobile. Seeing the caller ID, Qin Mu took her phone to a quiet place to answer.


    She found a small warehouse, closed the door after entering, and only then clearly heard the question.


    "Qin Mu, what on earth are you up to?"


    "What¡¯s the matter? You only allow yourself to charm my husband, yet I can¡¯t reciprocate with the same method?"

 Chapter 491 - 147 My Darling Baby_1

    Chapter 491: 147 My Darling Baby_1


    "What, I¡¯m only allowed to seduce your husband, and you¡¯re not allowed to fight fire with fire?"


    Qin Mu tucked one hand lightly into her pocket, a sharp glint beginning to show in her eyes!


    "I seduced your husband?"


    Jing Qing, hand on her hip, felt so humiliated by Qin Mu¡¯s words that she was about to explode in rage.


    "Jing Qing, why pretend to be clueless? In Rongcheng, who doesn¡¯t know about my relationship with Mu Yichen? Surely no one in the Jing Family is unaware that Mu Yichen and I are already legally married, right?"


    Qin Mu asked her, somewhat irritated.


    "I know, so what?"


    "Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re blinded by love, I actually think your IQ¡¯s been eaten by a dog!"


    Qin Mu was indeed provoked by those words, so...


    her speech became a bit harsh!


    She knew that initially, Jing Qing did care about Mu Yichen¡¯s marriage, but later on, she had no choice but to let go of her concerns.


    Qin Mu was very clear in her heart that Jing Qing¡¯s pursuit of Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t just about feelings; actually, Jing Qing was also driven by her unwillingness to accept defeat.


    She was angry; a proper young lady actually stooped to do such foolish, demeaning things, making Qin Mu feel like her rival was so unintelligent that it was an insult to her own IQ.


    After hanging up the phone, Qin Mu opened the door to leave, only to see a man standing outside smoking.


    Jian Yan seemed to have been smoking quite a few already; Qin Mu found the smell of smoke heavy, making her even more irritable.


    "Can¡¯t you smoke a little less?"


    Qin Mu reproached him, her temper being quite big at the moment.


    "Rival?"


    After taking a puff of his cigarette, Jian Yan asked her, a faint light in his eyes.


    Hearing that low voice, Qin Mu felt as if her heart was pricked.


    "She considers me a rival, but in my eyes, she¡¯s nothing but a loser!"


    With her hands behind her, leaning against the wall, Qin Mu started chatting with Jian Yan.


    "That confident?"


    Jian Yan asked her with a smile.


    "Of course, you wouldn¡¯t understand what it feels like when you meet someone you think is a competitor, only to find out they¡¯re a complete letdown in every way except for bullying by authority."


    Qin Mu looked up slightly at the wall in front of her; the place was quite simple but somehow felt very secure.


    "I¡¯ve encountered many like that! In business!"


    Jian Yan was still chuckling softly, his gaze always deep, sometimes his smiling expression making people nervous.


    Qin Mu felt exactly that way.


    "Master!¡ª¡ª"


    She suddenly called him that, having something to say but afraid of making him overthink, so she got up and went to work.


    Master, I really miss the days when I was just your apprentice, just the woman Mu Yichen cared about, just a simple creator.


    And now, back in Rongcheng, she felt like her wings were tied with string, wanting to fly but only able to flutter desperately.


    After she left, Jian Yan continued smoking, his brows furrowed into a frown.


    Qin Mu always said she didn¡¯t care, but weren¡¯t her words, which seemed indifferent, actually proof of her care?


    Mu Yicheng had indeed changed her!


    Jian Yan¡¯s eyes held a look of loss; he knew all he could do was support all her decisions, yet he couldn¡¯t feel happy about it.


    By the time he finished his cigarette, she was already busy, showing not the slightest awareness of being pregnant.


    ¡ª¡ª


    This show was many times larger than the ones back home. Before the show began, they did a simple rehearsal, with male and female models wearing tonight¡¯s clothes walking out from behind the runway.


    Jian Yan and Qin Mu sat with their respective teams below, watching intently; Jian Yan uncharacteristically wore a pair of black-framed rectangular glasses, staring straight at the stage, his breath held.


    Qin Mu and her team were also whispering among themselves, their gazes frequently observing the stage.


    No matter how beautiful the models from anywhere in the world were, as long as they were professional, they were bound to carry any fashion outfit with grace.


    They also invited a famous male singer from Paris to sing on stage, and before the show started, they gathered for photos.


    Many designers from home and abroad came to the event, and of course, many bigwigs from the international fashion circle and the entertainment elite were present.


    Mu Yi came with Zhao Yan, and they brought Huanhuan along.


    To be honest, although Huanhuan was only three years old, it was clear she was already quite accustomed to such scenes.


    Jian Yan and Qin Mu stood among the crowd, and some late-arriving fashion celebrities also had to stand, chatting with those they knew occasionally.

 Chapter 492 - 147 My Darling Baby_2

    Chapter 492: 147 My Darling Baby_2


    Qin Mu unintentionally glanced over and saw among the seated fashionistas in the front row, Jing Qing occupied one of the better seats.


    She hadn¡¯t looked at the seating arrangements beforehand, but still felt a bit irked upon seeing Jing Qing there.


    Although she couldn¡¯t deny that Jing Qing indeed had an extremely good figure and was among the most beautiful of actresses, Qin Mu simply couldn¡¯t feel comfortable with her.


    Qin Mu thought that there was a reason people called her aloof.


    When Jian Yan saw Jing Qing, she nodded at him. Jian Yan smiled slightly, turned to the girl beside him, and whispered in her ear, "Keep your mind on the stage."


    "Of course!"


    "Trouble, one of the male models¡¯ trouser legs got torn backstage."


    Jian Yan¡¯s assistant strode out from inside, then broke into a jog, and spoke near Jian Yan and Qin Mu¡¯s ears.


    Jian Yan frowned, "Isn¡¯t there a spare?"


    "No!"


    The assistant said.


    Hearing this, Qin Mu turned to him and said, "You can¡¯t leave here, I¡¯ll go over!"


    "Mhm!"


    Jian Yan trusted Qin Mu a great deal, so when she said she would go, he had no worries at all.


    It was only when Mu Yichen saw his wife enter the backstage with the male assistant that he turned to Zhao Yan and said, "Take care of Huanhuan for me."


    Zhao Yan subconsciously took Huanhuan in his arms but didn¡¯t quite understand what Mu Yichen was intending!


    Not until Mu Yichen¡¯s silhouette entered the backstage did Zhao Yan have to laugh and say to the little girl in his arms amidst the beautiful music, "Your dad really can¡¯t take his eyes off your mom!"


    "Daddy loves mommy!"


    Huanhuan looked at Zhao Yan and said, her innocent big eyes making it impossible for Zhao Yan to doubt her, leaving him no choice but to laugh and playfully nuzzle her head.


    Mu Yichen walked in and saw that among a group of models there was a space left empty; while those models looked at him with curiosity, he saw the woman squatting on the ground, sewing a man¡¯s trousers.


    If she weren¡¯t in this profession, he would have immediately gone to lift her up.


    But now, he simply suppressed the urge in his heart and just watched her silently, deftly sewing with a needle and thread.


    "Darling, hand me that scarf!"


    The female model immediately ran to the makeup table and fetched the scarf. Qin Mu, with scissors at her feet, took the scarf and cut it down the middle, tearing it in half, then went on to sew one half and connect it to the waistband of the trousers.


    As Qin Mu stood up, both Darling and the assistant couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    Such accidents were common during runway shows, and Qin Mu had handled countless such situations big and small, so this occurrence was nothing unusual for her.


    "Please check the light boards again, Zhang Yang. Move any that aren¡¯t smooth."


    "Alright!"


    Once Qin Mu made sure everyone was okay, she went back out, but as she walked toward the exit, she saw Mu Yichen standing there watching her, which made her heart skip a beat. She then smiled, "Why aren¡¯t you out front watching? There are a lot of beauties there!"


    "I don¡¯t like ones that are too beautiful," said Mu Yichen, with his hands in his pockets and eyes fixed on her.


    "Shouldn¡¯t you say that I¡¯m the most beautiful?"


    Qin Mu blinked her eyes, understanding his meaning but still couldn¡¯t resist making a joke.


    Mu Yichen merely looked at her once more and then wrapped his arm around her shoulder to walk outside.


    "If it were any other time, would you let other men sew trousers for you?" Mu Yichen whispered in her ear as he took her outside.


    Qin Mu looked up at him and saw the annoyed yet indulgent look in his eyes, prompting her to also wrap her arms around his waist from behind.


    Under the dazzling lights outside, Qin Mu was nonchalantly led by Mu Yichen to the front.


    Later, Mu Yichen went over to where Huanhuan and Zhao Yan were, and Qin Mu found Jian Yan, "It¡¯s done!"


    Jian Yan chuckled, muttering, "I guess the fashion trend for this fall is going to be revised by you again."


    "Thank the master for the opportunity!"


    Qin Mu gave him a respectful bow with hands folded in front.


    Jian Yan sighed helplessly, his gaze never straying from the stage.


    Jing Qing was sitting in the front, with other actresses chattering with her, but she didn¡¯t hear a word, her gaze fixed on Qin Mu.


    Mu Yichen had moved back into the crowd¡¯s corner, allowing Qin Mu and Jian Yan to be at the forefront.


    Jing Qing actually wanted to grab Mu Yichen and ask him why he didn¡¯t go to the hotel to find her; was it because Qin Mu found out?


    As just a minor assistant, Yang Qianxi stood in the corner on tiptoes trying to look inside.

 Chapter 493 - 147 My Darling Baby_3

    Chapter 493: 147 My Darling Baby_3


    All of this was once her favorite, now she could only admire from a distance.


    But it didn¡¯t matter, because better than the runway was the man on her right, not far from her were Mu Yichen, Huanhuan, and Zhao Yan, of course, her eyes were mostly on Mu Yichen.


    When Huanhuan saw Yang Qianxi, she waved to her; Yang Qianxi used to give her snacks, so they had a decent relationship back then.


    Yang Qianxi also waved to her, smiling at Huanhuan as usual.


    "It¡¯s Auntie Qianxi!"


    Huanhuan whispered excitedly in her father¡¯s ear.


    Mu Yichen frowned upon hearing that name, until Huanhuan cupped his face and turned him to look back.


    Yang Qianxi obviously hadn¡¯t expected Huanhuan to do that and nodded shyly, not wanting to seem impolite.


    Mu Yichen just helplessly glanced at his daughter.


    Yang Qianxi wasn¡¯t qualified enough to warrant his nod.


    Huanhuan, on the other hand, communicated with Yang Qianxi with her eyes for a while, her arms wrapped around Mu Yichen¡¯s neck all the time.


    "Auntie Qianxi, come here!"


    Huanhuan called out to her.


    Yang Qianxi, upon hearing Huanhuan¡¯s call, subconsciously pointed to herself, and after seeing Huanhuan smiling and nodding, she walked over, still somewhat nervous.


    "Mr. Mu!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, only watching his daughter, unsure what she was planning.


    "Auntie Qianxi, long time no see!"


    "Yes, Auntie Qianxi changed jobs!"


    As Huanhuan greeted Yang Qianxi, she responded with her gentle voice.


    "Oh!" Huanhuan thought for a while, tangled her hands for quite some time before she replied, still quite happy.


    "Huanhuan!"


    Qin Mu approached and noticed her daughter was chatting with another woman and seemed to be getting along quite well.


    "Mommy! It¡¯s Auntie Qianxi!"


    Upon hearing Qin Mu¡¯s voice, Huanhuan turned her head and pointed out Yang Qianxi to her.


    "Mommy knows!"


    Qin Mu glanced at Yang Qianxi but didn¡¯t greet her, just smiled and picked Huanhuan up into her arms, "Come with mommy over there, uncle is waiting for you!"


    "Okay!"


    "I¡¯ll take her to find Jian Yan."


    Qin Mu whispered to him, and Mu Yichen, tired of having Yang Qianxi around, nodded.


    But as Qin Mu walked away with Huanhuan in her arms, Yang Qianxi didn¡¯t leave his side. Zhao Yan managed to take his eyes off the male models coming out just in time to see a beautiful woman standing next to Mu Yichen, and unintentionally smiled, "Isn¡¯t that Miss Yang we met the other day?"


    When Yang Qianxi heard someone greeting her, she slightly leaned forward and nodded in acknowledgment, "Hello!"


    Zhao Yan smiled harmlessly, but after catching Mu Yichen¡¯s cold expression, he had to look back at the runway seriously. At this moment, the music switched to a more dynamic style, the male models adopted a more unique catwalk, and after watching for a few moments, Zhao Yan¡¯s mind wandered, unwittingly scanning the seats in the front row and recognizing several familiar faces, he inclined his head towards Mu Yichen and whispered, "All acquaintances here, is that my sister-in-law¡¯s love rival?"


    "No!"


    Mu Yichen replied indifferently.


    "Oh?"


    Zhao Yan didn¡¯t believe him and looked at him with skeptical eyes.


    "A love rival is based on the assumption that I have feelings for that woman, but apart from your sister-in-law, I have no feelings for any other woman!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s icy voice defined what it meant to be heartless.


    "This is awkward!"


    Zhao Yan looked at Jing Qing, who was clearly deeply in love, like fatally poisoned!


    It wasn¡¯t until Jian Yan brought Qin Mu and the team onstage that the crowd looked anything but ordinary models; their attire wasn¡¯t as distinctive as fashion models, but neatly tailored and elegantly dignified nonetheless.


    Jian Yan and Qin Mu gave their speeches in turn, and then Jian Yan continued, "Next, I would like to invite a special guest from China, a major contributor to our event. Please welcome our sponsor, Mr. Mu Yichen, President of the Mu Family Corporation!"


    Qin Mu had already been suspecting when he mentioned their home country, and nearly laughed out loud when she heard the name Mu Yichen. Hesitantly, she looked towards Jian Yan.


    Jian Yan gazed at her affectionately and smiled, continuing to applaud.


    Qin Mu and the others stepped aside, still clapping.


    Mu Yichen, dressed in a black coat, took the stage and stood under the spotlight, looking only at Qin Mu: "Allow me to introduce the true hero of this show, a beautiful lady from the same city as I am, Ms. Qin Mu!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s clapping slowed to a halt, her dazzling eyes fixed on the man in front of her.


    His expression shifted slightly as he extended his hand to her.


    Qin Mu had no choice but to reach out, her hand meeting his palm, and he easily pulled her to his side.


    "The most talented and youngest fashion designer in Rongcheng, JY¡¯s beloved prote?ge?, my¡ªdarling treasure!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark gaze was fixed on her; Qin Mu held her breath in fear as she thought he would reveal her identity to the world before he finished his sentence.


    But amidst the applause, he called her his darling treasure.


    Qin Mu felt as if her heart had been tenderly reshaped after being crushed.


    She could barely breathe, just gazing up at him.


    She knew how much he had done for her; he could bear the jealousy of introducing her as Jian Yan¡¯s prote?ge?, without mentioning the words that she was his wife.


    Qin Mu felt a prickly sensation in her lustrous eyes and, unable to consider how many people were present, she impulsively moved forward, tiptoed, cupped his face, and delivered a deep kiss.


    Yes! A deep kiss!


    In that moment, it was as though the rest of the world ceased to exist.


    All Jian Yan could do was awkwardly lower his head as everyone else openly watched his prote?ge? locking lips with her man.


    Huanhuan in Zhao Yan¡¯s arms couldn¡¯t help but shout, "Mommy, Mommy, Daddy, Daddy..."


    Zhao Yan was pestered to the point of ear pain, yet he was helpless.


    It was then Zhao Yan understood just how fiercely in love Mu Yichen was with a woman who harbored such a fire in her heart.


    Mu Yichen wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close into his embrace, kissing her deeply as he bent his head, his hand unable to resist cradling the back of her head to deepen their kiss.


    By now, everyone around had stood up, almost as if by contagion, all screaming and clapping.


    Jing Qing sat alone in the front row, her eyes filled with stunned disbelief, her blurry gaze fixed on the stage, and then she slowly stood up.

 Chapter 494 - 148 On Pampering Wife_1

    Chapter 494: 148 On Pampering Wife_1


    This is not what she wanted to see.


    Yichen had publicly admitted that Qin Mu was his darling.


    Jing Qing had heard that this show was sponsored by a tycoon, but she had never expected it to be Yichen.


    She didn¡¯t care how much money Yichen had spent on the show, but that he openly called Qin Mu his darling in front of so many people.


    Even hearing it with her own ears, she couldn¡¯t believe such a nauseating confession, not even if she died.


    She slowly stood up, finally in line with everyone else present.


    Her blurred gaze contained something sharp, and her hand clutching the latest Chanel bag was so tense that her fingers were turning white.


    It was as if the pain of loving someone never fully revealed itself.


    Even though her heart felt as if it had been stabbed to pieces, she still refused to give up.


    The spotlight rested on the two kissing figures on stage, while Jing Qing glared at them fiercely from the shadows.


    Yang Qianxi didn¡¯t have it much better than her, in fact.


    Yang Qianxi found herself wanting to laugh, but she was on the verge of tears.


    She had often heard about Yichen and Qin Mu¡¯s public displays of affection, but now, at this moment...


    She felt wronged to her limit!


    In fact, she still didn¡¯t understand that it was precisely because Qin Mu knew she would end up like this that she had dismissed her.


    The next day, Qin Mu and Yichen took Huanhuan and Jian Yan to say goodbye and quickly flew back home amidst Feng Fanghua¡¯s relentless calls.


    The show must have been the most tiring for Jian Yan, but no doubt the most profitable for Qin Mu.


    Yichen¡¯s confession was like declaring his love for her to the whole world.


    It was only that when the three of them encountered Jing Qing and Yang Qianxi again at the airport, Yang Qianxi¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t conceal her own feelings when she saw Yichen, the only thing she could control was her mouth.


    With a lowly call, "President Mu, Miss Qin!"


    Qin Mu looked at her and said nothing, instead turning to gaze at Jing Qing before saying to Yichen, "You sit inside!"


    Yichen gave her a look and then carried Huanhuan to sit inside.


    A family of three in their designated seats, with Qin Mu on the outside.


    Jing Qing also sat outside, while Yang Qianxi sat on the inside, remaining quiet and reading a magazine.


    Jing Qing occasionally glanced over at Qin Mu, "There¡¯s never a shortage of gold-diggers in the world, but now that I think about it, there seem to be very few as glorious as you."


    "Indeed, I am lucky!"


    Qin Mu held "Pride and Prejudice" in her hands, having taken off her coat and wrapped a shawl around her shoulders for the show, and specially dyed her long, oriental black hair, making her appear calm and composed.


    Jing Qing hated how Qin Mu dismissed her with just a few words.


    "But being too lucky as a woman isn¡¯t always a good thing, after all, so many women have had their lucky times, but in the end..."


    Jing Qing suddenly gave a low chuckle.


    "Are you talking about yourself, Miss Jing?"


    Qin Mu turned slightly, noting Jing Qing¡¯s face turn noticeably pale.


    Jing Qing turned to look at her, her gaze sharp as a knife.


    "Spoken with such deep understanding; it sounds like a personal experience. It¡¯s as if people like us who never had a chance to feel it wouldn¡¯t understand what it¡¯s like."


    Qin Mu continued to speak with a smile.


    The smile that hid a knife¡¯s edge; anyone who had been around in society for a while knew a trick or two.


    Meanwhile, Yichen seemed not to have heard anything, entirely focused on reading a book with Huanhuan, yet Huanhuan would lift her eyes every few seconds to look at her mother and the ¡¯bad auntie.¡¯


    Huanhuan felt like they were arguing, even if there was no shouting.


    Qin Mu later noticed Huanhuan looking at her and stopped speaking, but Jing Qing dropped a sentence, "You don¡¯t deserve to be treated too preciously, you¡¯ll soon feel what you claimed to have never felt."


    "Unless her man dies!"


    Yichen leaned slightly against the seat, his words balanced, just loud enough to reach Jing Qing¡¯s ears.


    In the first-class cabin, for a moment, the silence felt as if it would freeze over.


    With a realization of her fortunate life, Qin Mu turned to look at Yichen, feeling a slow sadness well up inside her. Fearful that Huanhuan might overthink, she took his hand and wrote a few characters in his palm.


    Yichen felt the characters she wrote, yet his eyes were fixed on her face.


    Huanhuan curiously watched her mother write, not understanding and looked up at her parents. Both remained silent, patting her head and smiling at her.


    Huanhuan sighed like a little adult, as if tired of her parents¡¯ mushiness, her young face secretly blushed while she pretended to be engrossed in her book.

 Chapter 495 - 148 On Pampering Wife_2

    Chapter 495: 148 On Pampering Wife_2


    After getting off the plane, Qin Mu and the others came out through the VIP passage. Huanhuan wore a pair of super cool children¡¯s glasses, while Qin Mu and Mu Yichen were dressed as before in simple, comfortable clothes.


    It wasn¡¯t long before they saw Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao waiting for them. Qin Mu became nervous and licked her lips, a small habit of hers, but she still took a deep breath and followed the father-daughter duo forward.


    Jing Qing and Yang Qianxi were behind them. Yang Qianxi was holding all their belongings, while Jing Qing only had her purse in hand, her face completely hidden by sunglasses and a mask.


    "Why did you only just get back? I¡¯ve been waiting for half an hour!"


    Feng Fanghua asked urgently as she took Huanhuan.


    "That¡¯s because you came early, not because we were late!"


    Mu Yichen said.


    "Grandpa, Grandma!"


    Huanhuan happily kissed Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao, and was then lifted into Mu Zihao¡¯s arms. "Did my sweet granddaughter miss Grandpa?"


    "Very much!"


    Huanhuan sweetly said and kissed his cheek again.


    "Uncle, Auntie!"


    Jing Qing, wrapped up tightly, gently greeted them as they walked over.


    Feng Fanghua was startled by her because she couldn¡¯t see her face at all, only recognizing her by voice. Once she realized who it was, she could only smile awkwardly: "Xiaoqing? It¡¯s certainly not easy for a big star to go out."


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t stand it that she wrapped herself up so tightly just to chat.


    As for Jing Qing, her face was already expressionless beneath the wrapping.


    After following behind the elderly couple, Jing Qing stood there feeling awkward. Some people were looking at her, and she was so accustomed to those stares, and already impatient, that she quickly lowered her head and walked away.


    Yang Qianxi struggled as she dragged one large and one small suitcase behind her.


    On the way back, it was Mu Yichen driving, with Mu Zihao, Feng Fanghua, and Huanhuan cozy in the back seat.


    However, the atmosphere in Jing Qing¡¯s car was quite chilly, with Yang Qianxi in the front seat, not daring to make a noise.


    After thinking it over, Jing Qing took out her phone: "Do me a favor!"


    Yang Qianxi didn¡¯t know who she was calling, but Jing Qing¡¯s command truly frightened her.


    Later, Jing Qing returned to the Jing Family house, and Yang Qianxi went back to the office.


    "Should I call Qin Mu? Should I call President Mu?"


    On the way back, Yang Qianxi kept pondering that question, but just like the last time, she could not bring herself to make the call.


    After returning home, Qin Mu was dragged back to the bedroom by Mu Yichen, who placed her directly on the bed: "You¡¯re not allowed to move again!"


    She sat in the center of the bed, leaning against the headboard.


    Mu Yichen sat next to her and issued his stern command.


    "Please, I¡¯m perfectly fine!"


    "No! Absolutely not!"


    "Then I¡¯ll stay still, but could President Mu pour a glass of water for little me?"


    Qin Mu said with a smile, not wanting to disobey him.


    Mu Yichen stroked her head, then went to pour her some water.


    She actually did feel somewhat exhausted, but at the same time, she felt extremely happy. This trip had been the happiest one in many years.


    Her hand gently rested on her lower abdomen, and Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but whisper softly to the little one inside: "See that? Your dad is such a domineering guy!"


    Her voice carried a complaining tone, yet her eyes were filled with deep affection.


    After Qin Mu fell asleep, Mu Yichen finally went downstairs. Feng Fanghua saw him and whispered to Mu Zihao, "Did you see? That¡¯s your good son!"


    "Indeed, he¡¯s not bad!"


    Mu Zihao said proudly, his face brimming with satisfaction.


    "What are you talking about?"


    Mu Zihao walked over and sat down. As he picked up his tea, he asked.


    "After coming back, he didn¡¯t even drink a sip of water and took care of her until she slept, only then did he think of resting."


    Feng Fanghua quickly poured him a cup.


    But Mu Yichen chuckled: "If I don¡¯t take good care of my wife, how can I take good care of your grandson in my wife¡¯s belly?"


    "Humph! Without my grandson, you wouldn¡¯t take care of her? Think about how many years you owe me!"


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but grumble.


    "Ah, Fanghua, you¡¯re not being fair. Children and grandchildren have their own happiness. You can¡¯t hold a grudge just because they¡¯re pursuing their own happiness."


    The old man sat there with the steadiness of Mount Tai, emitting a presence that made his words unquestionable. Feng Fanghua had no choice but to fall silent.


    Mu Zihao couldn¡¯t resist teasing: "Only you, Dad, could make your daughter-in-law swallow her pride. But if you keep complaining about my wife, I may have to get angry too!"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the sight of his father, despite his age, still doting on his mother.


    Feng Fanghua turned red with embarrassment from the teasing: "I¡¯m not talking to the three of you anymore."


    After Feng Fanghua left, Mu Zihao seriously asked, "Did you gain anything from the trip to Paris?"

 Chapter 496 - 148 On Pampering Wife_3

    Chapter 496: 148 On Pampering Wife_3


    "Mm! Basically, everything needed is already in hand, and Zhao Yan is in charge of wrapping things up."


    Mu Zihao nodded while listening, his expression also a bit somber, "Our family¡¯s pharmaceutical factory has been around for a good number of years, no matter how successful you are in other ventures in the future, but you must promise Dad, you can¡¯t abandon this pharmaceutical factory."


    "You¡¯ve said this at least two hundred times, if not three hundred."


    Mu Yichen replied seriously.


    "Hmph, when I wanted you to join the military, you went off to do business instead, and now you have the nerve to order your son around?"


    The old master¡¯s head full of white hair, his criticism came with no softness in his voice.


    Mu Zihao was conversing with his son, and upon hearing his father bring up the past, he immediately objected, "Dad, how many years ago was that?"


    "Hmph! Why does the Jing Family want to outdo you at every turn, isn¡¯t it because you¡¯re in business and he¡¯s in politics? If back then you had taken the path I laid out for you like his son did, you both wouldn¡¯t be so far apart today, would he dare show you any disrespect?"


    A bit of liverache surged within the old master at the thought of the past events.


    "Dad, everyone has their own path they want to take, I..."


    Mu Zihao suddenly realized that what he was saying resembled exactly what the old master had said to Feng Fanghua just moments ago, and he suddenly closed his mouth.


    The old master raised his eyebrows as if he were watching a drama unfold.


    Mu Yichen also raised his eyebrows, suppressing a smile as he watched his father, thinking that he would have to be more careful with his words in the future to avoid ending up like his dear dad.


    Later, Mu Yichen received a WeChat message from Jian Yan asking, "Got home?"


    "Arrived!"


    Jian Yan did not send a message to Qin Mu, but to Mu Yichen instead, which both surprised and relaxed him a bit.


    That night, Qin Mu had a dream. She dreamt that she woke up on a boat, the sea so calm it was like the quiet before a tsunami.


    Only when she opened her eyes and saw his warm chest did she gently snuggle into it, "What time is it?"


    "Half-past ten in the evening! Are you hungry?"


    "A little!"


    Mu Yichen looked down at her, while Qin Mu wrapped her arms around his waist, "Just let me hold you for a while."


    She knew he wanted to go get something for her to eat, but she could tolerate being hungry for now; she didn¡¯t want to endure being alone. She wanted to hold him and to feel his presence.


    "Mu Yichen, should we name the baby or leave it to our parents and grandfather?"


    "What do you think?"


    Mu Yichen replied softly. In truth, he had already thought of several names, but he guessed that the elders had their ideas too.


    "How about the elders give the proper name, and we come up with a nickname, would that be good?"


    Qin Mu asked him softly.


    "Mm! It can¡¯t be Lele, right? Qiao Yi has a dog named Lele!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, speaking somewhat irreverently but actually quite seriously.


    Qin Mu looked up at him, nearly unable to restrain her laughter, if not for the warmth in his deep eyes that touched her heart.


    In the evening, the kitchen had prepared an incredibly expensive nourishing soup for her, but the moment Mu Yichen lifted the lid, she immediately felt like throwing up, covering her mouth to hold back the sensation of nausea as she looked at him with watery, pleading eyes.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s brow furrowed, a look of disdain on his face, but...


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know how she managed to gulp down that bowl of soup. It looked deceivingly soft and tender, but it was truly horrendous to drink.


    So much so that after she drank it, she ran to the restroom and threw up twice the amount.


    Qin Mu thought of the airplane meal she had eaten and really felt it was a waste.


    When she came out of the restroom, Mu Yichen was already waiting for her with a cup of boiled water. The water looked very pretty in the clean glass.


    Touched by his considerate gesture, she took the cup of water and quickly took a sip.


    "In a bit, I¡¯ll take a bowl to Mom and Dad¡¯s room and let the two old folks have a taste," Mu Yichen murmured, his eyes deep.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh twice, "Why are you so bad?"


    "Would you love me this much if I weren¡¯t bad?"


    "Who said I loved you?"


    She said and was about to walk forward.


    Her body was blocked, and Mu Yichen instantly wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back, his dark eyes looking down at her slightly reddened face, "Do you love me or not?"


    "Love!"


    Qin Mu teased him.


    Mu Yichen was so irritated his teeth itched, but he couldn¡¯t hit her. He could only lower his head and bite her shoulder through her clothes, making her wince with pain. However, she didn¡¯t cry out, and the smile on her face couldn¡¯t be suppressed.


    "Do you love me or not?"


    He kissed her neck, and he couldn¡¯t help but ask again for some reason.


    It was as if at that moment, a devil in his heart was urging him to confirm her feelings, as if without her saying it out loud, his heart would not be at ease.


    Something seemed to have hit Qin Mu¡¯s heart hard, probably a fist. It ached dully.


    "What are you two doing?"


    Feng Fanghua came out for a drink and saw them hugging inappropriately and asked.


    Qin Mu was still holding a cup in her hand and, startled, the water in the cup swished around.


    Feng Fanghua looked down and went to the kitchen, muttering, "It¡¯s this late, do whatever you need to in your own room."


    "You go back to your room first, I¡¯m going to help Mom with the soup!"


    The topic was thus interrupted by Feng Fanghua. Mu Yichen frowned as he watched Feng Fanghua¡¯s retreating figure, then looked down at Qin Mu.


    "Don¡¯t overdo it!"


    Qin Mu whispered a reminder, then went upstairs first.


    "What¡¯s that smell?"


    Feng Fanghua also frowned when she smelled something in the kitchen.


    "Isn¡¯t it the nourishing soup you asked the kitchen to stew tonight? Just now, Mumu vomited twice after drinking it."


    Mu Yichen said, and then picked up another bowl as he spoke.


    "You¡¯re going to drink it?"


    Feng Fanghua sipped her water, looking at her son ladle out more soup.


    "No, this is for you and Dad. Pregnant women can¡¯t drink it, but we shouldn¡¯t waste it. I heard it¡¯s quite expensive, right? You¡¯ve always been frugal."


    Feng Fanghua...


    Feng Fanghua went back to her room chuckling, "Old Mu, your son has come to honor you!"


    Mu Zihao was wearing reading glasses and reading the newspaper on the bed. He took off his glasses when he heard that, showing a satisfied expression, "Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve brought me. I¡¯m a bit hungry."


    Feng Fanghua laughed mischievously, got into bed, and leaned against the headboard.


    Mu Yichen walked over to Mu Zihao and handed him the bowl.


    Mu Zihao stretched his neck to look at it and immediately sat back down after smelling it, "Isn¡¯t this what your mom bought for Mumu?"


    "But she vomits just from smelling it now, and you¡¯re not pregnant, so don¡¯t waste it. Go on."


    Mu Yichen urged.


    Mu Zihao...


    ¡ª¡ª


    The next evening, Qin Mu was at the apartment with Huanhuan waiting for Mu Yichen to come back and cook, but he was unexpectedly detained due to social obligations and couldn¡¯t return, so mother and daughter ended up cooking a bowl of noodles for themselves. Huanhuan looked very disdainful as she watched her mother, only begrudgingly accepting the bowl of noodles upon seeing her mother¡¯s crestfallen expression.


    But it was past ten o¡¯clock in the evening and Mu Yichen still hadn¡¯t come home. After putting Huanhuan to sleep, Qin Mu went downstairs, took out her phone, and called Helian Hao, "Xiaohao, is Jing Feng with you?"

 Chapter 497 - 149 Floating unease_1

    Chapter 497: 149 Floating unease_1


    "Here!"


    "You give him the phone!"


    "I can¡¯t get through to Mu Yichen right now, do you know where he is entertaining tonight?"


    Qin Mu quickly descended the stairs while asking.


    "Isn¡¯t it AM? You seem very anxious?"


    "It¡¯s ten o¡¯clock now, he promised me he¡¯d definitely be home by nine. I¡¯m pregnant now, if nothing happened to him, he¡¯d definitely have called me if he wasn¡¯t coming home this late."


    She sat in the dark first floor, in the living room sofa.


    "Don¡¯t jump to conclusions. No one dares to touch him in Rongcheng. I¡¯ll make some calls and get back to you, wait for my phone call."


    Jing Feng hung up Qin Mu¡¯s call and she held her phone, her head buried in her chest.


    At that moment, her heart seemed to have an ominous premonition, desperately trying to emerge.


    Qin Mu always felt like something had happened!


    ¡ª¡ª


    Jing Feng lay in bed and called AM to make sure Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t there, and then he called Qiao Yi, who said they did have an engagement tonight, but it was canceled at the last minute.


    Jing Feng had no choice but to get out of bed, "Yichen might have had an accident, call our brothers to make sure no one knows where he is, and then let¡¯s meet at AM!"


    Helian Hao sat there, "What exactly is going on?"


    "Qin Mu said she can¡¯t get through to Mu Yichen¡¯s phone and she suspects something happened to him."


    Jing Feng said while dressing.


    Helian Hao¡¯s heart panicked and she also got out of bed, "I¡¯m going with you, I¡¯ll go to their apartment."


    "It¡¯s too late, be careful!"


    Jing Feng felt a headache coming on, but he knew the relationship between Helian Hao and Qin Mu so he didn¡¯t dare to stop her.


    "Yeah! Keep the phone open at all times. We¡¯ll keep in touch."


    The couple hurried out the door.


    Helian Hao suddenly stopped before getting into the car, turned around and called, "Jing Feng, should you call Jing Qing?"


    Jing Feng¡¯s tired eyes looked at her, and for a moment both of them stood still as if all their thoughts had been exchanged through their gazes.


    "I got it!"


    Jing Feng quickly left and Helian Hao then got into the car to find Qin Mu.


    At that time, Qin Mu was still downstairs waiting for Jing Feng¡¯s news. She was sitting restlessly when she heard a knock on the door. Her dark eyes lifted and the very next moment, she immediately got up and ran to the door.


    But when she hurried over and saw Helian Hao¡¯s face as she opened the door, her heart began to throb with excitement and her eyes flooded with tears, blurring her vision.


    "Don¡¯t worry too much, maybe his car broke down on the road and at the same time, his phone just happened to die?"


    Helian Hao hugged her as they walked inside, softly comforting her.


    "For the past two days, I¡¯ve felt so stifled in my heart. I thought it was because I was pregnant that I felt this way, but now¡ªXiaohao, I have a very strong feeling that something bad is going to happen."


    After sitting down, Qin Mu looked down, her voice calm as she spoke. She lowered her gaze and habitually tried to remain cool, but her tightly twisted hands betrayed the semblance of calmness on her face.


    Helian Hao gently embraced her, took her cold hands in his, and comforted her in a low voice, "It won¡¯t happen, you¡¯re just overthinking because of the pregnancy."


    Qin Mu quietly leaned on Helian Hao¡¯s shoulder, and suddenly noticed how lean Helian Hao¡¯s shoulders were, and thoughts of leaning against Mu Yichen made her heart ache again.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Jing Feng and the others drove separately to meet near AM. Jing Feng, seeing his brothers smoking outside, didn¡¯t get out of his car. With so many people having no news of Mu Yichen, he suddenly thought of what Helian Hao had said before leaving. Clenching his phone tightly, he hesitated for a few seconds before turning it on and dialing Jing Qing¡¯s number.


    But that night, he couldn¡¯t get through to Jing Qing¡¯s number either.


    Jing Feng¡¯s frown deepened. Then he hung up the unanswered call and immediately called home. They told him that Jing Qing hadn¡¯t come home that evening, and then it dawned on him¡ªsomething was wrong.


    Qiao Yi, Zhao Huai, and Jiang Zhiyuan leaned against a car, blowing smoke rings into the chilly air and continuing to make calls, searching everywhere that might know where he was.


    Jiang Zhiyuan suddenly startled, having forgotten to flick the long ash from the cigarette between his fingers. When he involuntarily shook his hand and the ash fell, his face tense, he spoke, "Could Brother Chen have been kidnapped?"


    Qiao Yi¡¯s back was to the light, his face in shadow, indecipherable, and the others were visibly shocked.


    Brother Chen kidnapped?


    Who would dare to kidnap him?


    "Call Yang Bo!"


    Qiao Yi suddenly spoke up, Jiang Zhiyuan, too, remembered that guy and quickly dialed the number, while Zhao Huai, too anxious to even smoke, waited.

 Chapter 498 - 149 Floating unease_2

    Chapter 498: 149 Floating unease_2


    If both of them disappeared from Rongcheng tonight, then they could probably guess what happened.


    "How do we explain this to Xiaomu?"


    Later on, the four of them gathered to smoke and think of a solution. Zhao Huai asked worriedly.


    "I don¡¯t know how to explain it, but if anything happens to her again, we might as well never see Mu Yichen again."


    Jing Qing looked at his brothers and suddenly felt extremely restless.


    "I suddenly thought of someone!"


    As Zhao Huai fiddled with car keys, he suddenly mentioned in a low voice.


    The others looked at him.


    "Yang Qianxi! She¡¯s now Jing Qing¡¯s assistant. I heard she was with Jing Qing a few days ago at a show in Paris. According to Zhao Yan, the way she looks at Yichen is as if she¡¯s deeply poisoned."


    The moment Zhao Huai finished his words, they all inhaled a breath of cold air.


    "If this was just a debt of passion, that¡¯d be easy to deal with!"


    Qiao Yi replied after listening.


    But Jing Feng didn¡¯t think so, nor did Zhao Huai. After all, considering the relationship between Qin Mu and Mu Yichen, if either of them really had done something with someone else, the situation could be very troublesome. They might even be hoping it was some other kind of set-up.


    Qin Mu waited until midnight but couldn¡¯t wait any longer. Seeing Helian Hao already asleep beside her, she took a blanket to cover him, then took her long coat and left the house.


    By the time she drove out of the neighborhood at half past midnight, she felt terrible. She had to go out and try her luck.


    She called Jing Feng. When it took a long time for the other end to pick up, Qin Mu started to have other thoughts.


    "Have you not found him yet?"


    "Hmm! Yang Bo is already helping out. Don¡¯t panic yet!"


    "I got it!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t continue the conversation. She hung up his call and then dialed Yang Qianxi.


    It took a long time for the other end to pick up, but she felt her waiting wasn¡¯t in vain.


    "Hello?"


    "Where are you?"


    Qin Mu asked, listening to the faint voice on the other end.


    "I, I¡¯m at Meilin¡¯s house!"


    The voice from the other end got even weaker, even trembling.


    "Got it!"


    Qin Mu hung up the phone, then used Baidu Maps to find the directions to Meilin¡¯s house, which turned out to be a bed and breakfast.


    The night wind was cool, but how could it be colder than someone¡¯s heart?


    Qin Mu¡¯s car turned into the tree-lined path that led to the bed and breakfast on the mountain.


    There was only one car parked there, and Qin Mu recognized at a glance that it was Jing Qing¡¯s car.


    Actually, her mood stabilized somewhat at that moment. She opened the car door, her eyes full of coldness as she looked at the dark bed and breakfast and walked toward it.


    At that moment, she felt no fear whatsoever.


    Until she was struck fiercely on the back of the head just as her hand grasped the doorknob, her hand weakly released it.


    Finally, darkness fell before her eyes!


    Finally, she couldn¡¯t remember anything, except for one name.


    Mu Yichen!


    ¡ª¡ª


    The next morning, when Qin Mu woke up, her hair was disheveled, and she wasn¡¯t wearing anything.


    And lying on the blanket that covered her was a man.


    Qin Mu, her head aching, touched the back of her head and slowly sat up in a particularly simple room that had nothing but a bed.


    She was still groggy, thinking she was at home, in bed with Mu Yichen, until she saw the simplicity of the room and gradually her eyes became sharp.


    Listening to the pounding of her heart, she turned to look at the naked man lying next to her under the blanket, and then...


    Wang Mingyu!


    He lay stark naked on her bed.


    Qin Mu suddenly found it hard to breathe, her gaze gradually filled with loathing, then with listlessness. She couldn¡¯t see clearly at all, just suddenly felt that she must be having a nightmare, only wanting to quickly leave this filthy place that made her want to vomit.


    She threw off the blanket, shivering as she picked up her clothes from the floor, wrapped herself in her coat, her head lowered as she rushed outside.


    At this moment, her mind was a blank.


    She couldn¡¯t remember anything, only feeling that this nightmare had to end quickly.


    It was the moment the door opened, she was bumped into by someone rushing out of another room.


    She could feel that person was just as panicked because his body was ice cold.


    But what she never expected¡ª


    "Mumu!"


    Then she heard a familiar voice.


    Qin Mu nervously looked up and then her eyes filled with the sight of Mu Yichen¡¯s face.


    This! It truly was a nightmare!


    He excitedly gripped her arms tightly as if to confirm she had come to find him.


    But then he immediately noticed her disheveled appearance, her hair so wildly unkempt, her face streaked with tears, and even beneath her coat...

 Chapter 499 - 149 Floating unease_3

    Chapter 499: 149 Floating unease_3


    His expression was indescribable in that moment, as if he had been cruelly thrown from the clouds to the ground, suffering a fall as disgraceful as a dog eating shit.


    Qin Mu simply lifted her eyes to look at him, and she was gradually remembering something.


    He really was here, but...


    Where was he last night?


    "Mr. Mu!"


    Behind him was a voice all too familiar to Qin Mu.


    Yang Qianxi!


    Yang Qianxi came running over, looking disheveled and embarrassed as if she had just been through something scandalous.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart seemed to suddenly plummet off a cliff.


    Her eyes brimming with weighty emotion, Qin Mu could no longer see clearly.


    She only tried to choke back a sob, forcefully pushing away the man gripping her shoulders before the tears could fall down her cheeks.


    She turned and hurried towards the stairwell, her steps staggered and rushed.


    The guesthouse wasn¡¯t very large, yet...


    "Mr. Mu!"


    Yang Qianxi was behind him, clad only in a simple nightgown.


    As Mu Yichen tried to chase after Qin Mu, the disheveled Yang Qianxi grabbed hold of him, and in that moment, Mu Yichen wished he could punch the woman in the face, but¡ª


    It was then, that the man emerged from Qin Mu¡¯s room wearing only shorts and a tank top.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark, hawk-like eyes instinctively searched for the source of the noise, and Yang Qianxi also involuntarily looked that way.


    Wang Mingyu walked out, his face darkening when he saw the two of them, and then he froze.


    Suddenly, Mu Yichen remembered the disheveled way Qin Mu had bumped into him, and his fists clenched tightly before swinging fiercely at Wang Mingyu.


    Yang Qianxi was inadvertently pushed by him, her body slamming into the cold wall, where she stood huddled and embarrassed, not daring to approach.


    "Wang Mingyu!"


    Mu Yichen gritted his teeth, he didn¡¯t need to speak the harsh words, because he would act on them.


    Completely bewildered, Wang Mingyu remained frozen in place until Mu Yichen, wearing his crumpled suit, hastened downstairs, then Wang turned to see the girl standing by the wall, her face streaked with tears, and his brows furrowed.


    Qin Mu¡¯s car was shaking on the way back to the city, her face was wet with tears, streaming down ceaselessly.


    She had meant to go to Meilin¡¯s house to find Mu Yichen last night, so why did she wake up in the morning lying in the same bed as Wang Mingyu, and naked at that?


    Her slender hands gripped the steering wheel with all her might, her face indescribably distressed.


    Trembling, she dialed a number: "I want to see you!"


    Her voice sounded weak as if quivering.


    She had traveled that road in the city for over a year, but for the first time, she felt so frightened, so desperate.


    Like a little bird finally with its wings broken, with no more hope of soaring once again.


    After returning to the city, Mu Yichen immediately went home, Qin Mu¡¯s car was not in the garage; he rushed upstairs, and when he saw the woman eating with his daughter in the dining room, his gaze became somewhat scattered.


    "Mu Yichen, where were you last night? Where¡¯s Mumu? Why didn¡¯t Mumu come back with you?"


    Upon seeing him, Helian Hao breathed a sigh of relief, but then he asked again anxiously.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s heels suddenly gave way, and under Huanhuan¡¯s puzzled gaze, he turned and ran back outside.


    Helian Hao...


    Huanhuan was holding the big bowl of small wontons that Helian Hao had helped her cook. She looked at Helian Hao curiously while Helian Hao turned to glance at her, afraid of startling her, then said softly, "Your daddy had to go to work because of an emergency meeting, can you stay with auntie today?"


    Huanhuan recognized Helian Hao and obediently nodded her head.


    Helian Hao immediately went to find her phone to call Jing Feng, "Hello? Mu Yichen has come back, but Mamu is nowhere to be found."


    "Yichen came back? Did he mention where Xiaoqing is?"


    "What?"


    Helian Hao had no idea what had happened last night, but suddenly remembered the words Qin Mu had whispered to her... Could something really have happened?


    That day, not daring to take Huanhuan to the Mu Family, Helian Hao went to the hospital with her instead.


    There was still no news from Jing Qing. Jing Feng wanted to contact Mu Yichen, but Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t answering his calls and was just searching the whole city for Qin Mu.


    Jing Feng went to the hospital and involuntarily frowned again when he saw Huanhuan there.


    "He came back this morning looking disheveled. When I asked him where Mamu was, he didn¡¯t say anything. He just glanced at Huanhuan and left. Now, I can¡¯t get through to his phone or Mamu¡¯s phone. What on earth happened last night?"


    Helian Hao asked anxiously.


    "Weren¡¯t you with Qin Mu last night?"


    "I was, but later when she seemed to have fallen asleep, I lay down beside her ¡ª and when I woke up, she was no longer at home."


    Helian Hao spoke with some guilt; if she had taken good care of Qin Mu last night, perhaps nothing would have gone wrong.


    Jing Qing¡¯s gaze fell weakly: Xiaoqing was still missing. What exactly happened last night?


    "Didn¡¯t you call Mu Yichen? He might know something."


    "He¡¯s not answering the phone at all!"


    Jing Feng responded.


    Huanhuan sat in the chair that Helian Hao used while working, clutching the Barbie doll that Qin Haiming had bought her, but her eyes were on her uncle and auntie.


    "What exactly happened? Why did they suddenly disappear? Mamu is pregnant; if something happened to her..."


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t bear to continue, for her heart began to tremble as she spoke.


    Jing Feng looked down, lost in thought, with his brows continuously furrowed.


    Later, Yang Bo called Jing Feng to tell him that both Qin Mu¡¯s and Jing Qing¡¯s cars had been spotted at an inn on the outskirts of the city called Meilin¡¯s Home the previous night.


    "I need to head out of the city."


    Jing Feng said to Helian Hao after hanging up the phone.


    "Is there a lead?"


    "Yang Bo said Xiaoqing¡¯s car is there."


    "Then go quickly!"


    Helian Hao urged anxiously.


    Jing Feng then left her office, and Helian Hao intended to see him out, but the phone on her desk began to ring.


    Huanhuan was the first to answer. After hearing the voice on the other end, Huanhuan immediately called out, "Mommy!"


    Helian Hao walked over and stood there, making sure she had heard the word "mommy" clearly before softly coaxing Huanhuan, "Can Huanhuan give the phone to auntie?"


    Huanhuan looked at her, then handed over the phone.


    "Hello? Mamu, is that you? Where are you?"


    Helian Hao asked nervously, her hands tightly gripping the phone.

 Chapter 500 - 150 The play is performed very well_1

    Chapter 500: 150 The play is performed very well_1


    Rongcheng was suddenly hit by a heavy rain that day.


    "If someone asks, just tell them you haven¡¯t seen me since you handed Huanhuan over to me."


    "What exactly happened last night?"


    "Nothing!"


    Qin Mu lowered her head, and when her eyes caught sight of the ring, tears clung to her eyelashes and almost fell, but ultimately they did not.


    "If it¡¯s really nothing, why would you come here and tell me not to tell anyone about your whereabouts? Mumu, what happened that you can¡¯t even tell me?"


    Helian Hao looked at her anxiously, really wanting to delve into Qin Mu¡¯s heart to see what had happened, but she ultimately couldn¡¯t.


    It wasn¡¯t because she didn¡¯t dare, but because Qin Mu¡¯s heart was like a fortress made of copper walls and iron barricades, harshly keeping her out.


    "It really is nothing! It will pass soon!"


    Qin Mu whispered, and later even gave Helian Hao a smile.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Later, Helian Hao met with Mu Yichen and relayed to him what Qin Mu had entrusted her with. Mu Yichen then asked with a single word: Is she alright?


    Helian Hao, looking at Mu Yichen¡¯s bloodshot eyes, felt an indescribable, heavy pain inside and nodded: Yeah! She¡¯s fine!


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t inquire further, and it seemed like the matter was left in the past.


    ¡ª¡ª


    That day, the rain continued to pour!


    Mu Yichen¡¯s car was parked outside Qin Mu¡¯s studio. Her car had always been there, sometimes taken by her colleagues, but Qin Mu never showed up again.


    He sat in his car indifferently, listening to the rain outside, watching others take her car and bring it back again, several times in a day.


    Eventually, the staff at the studio noticed him, but no one dared to approach him to say anything, as if the relationships among everyone had changed overnight.


    But there was one person searching tirelessly across the city for Qin Mu¡¯s whereabouts.


    That was Wang Mingyu.


    The man who had bonded with Qin Mu over running in the park.


    The man who had once helped Qin Mu escape a predicament in the hospital.


    The man who one morning awoke to find out he had slept with Qin Mu.


    The day Mu Yichen arrived at the office, Qiao Yi followed him inside: "Wang Mingyu is here!"


    "I didn¡¯t seek him out, and yet he dares to come to me?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes turned chillingly cold as he stared ahead.


    "It¡¯s likely our people will have a hard time stopping him, I heard he underwent special training abroad in the past few years."


    Qiao Yi reminded him.


    Mu Yichen was well aware of Wang Mingyu¡¯s story, but what of it?


    "If they can¡¯t stop him with their hands,¡ª"


    Mu Yichen looked at Qiao Yi, his eyes cold as if he were about to kill.


    Qiao Yi understood him, nodded, and then clutched his phone as he went out to make a call.


    Mu Yichen sat back in his chair, only to hear a sudden loud thump outside.


    Secretary Xi stood up startled from her desk and watched in shock against the wall as Qiao Yi fell to the ground. Then she looked at Wang Mingyu, not daring to intervene.


    "Mu Yichen, where is Qin Mu?"


    Wang Mingyu burst into the room, pointing at Mu Yichen and demanding.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark, hawklike eyes lanced towards his angry face¡ªthe man who appeared a few years younger than him was indeed brimming with youthful arrogance.


    "I want to know where she is more than you do! Sadly!"


    Mu Yichen finished speaking and then lowered his gaze, his cold eyes obscured by his long lashes.


    Wang Mingyu, feeling powerless, let his arms droop and breathlessly forced out the words from his throat: "That night, I drank too much!"


    Wang Mingyu was heartbroken and could hardly remember what happened that night. He only remembered drinking, and then everything was a blur.


    In truth, he really liked Qin Mu, but he would never stoop so low as to use such a method.


    However, when Yang Qianxi told him that Qin Mu had just left his room, God only knows what he felt at the time.


    And at that moment, in this imposing office, the chill was terrifying.


    Behind that solemn desk, the man in the executive chair, upon hearing those words, easily snapped the pen he was holding in his hand.


    Two distinct emotions coexisted in the silence of the office space.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s heart, which had just begun to calm down, was again stirred by his irresponsible mention of being drunk, and gradually, it swelled into a tsunami-like rage.


    "Tell me where she is, I¡¯ll apologize to her!"


    Apologize?


    Mu Yichen wanted to laugh, but slowly stood up instead, his enigmatic gaze fixed on the somewhat confused man across from him.


    Secretary Xi helped Qiao Yi up, dabbing at the cut on his mouth, just as they heard the clattering sounds from inside; both turned simultaneously towards that expensive door panel.

 Chapter 501 - 150 performed very well in the play_2

    Chapter 501: 150 performed very well in the play_2


    Wang Mingyu was admitted to the orthopedic ward of the hospital as a child.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even open the door to his office that afternoon.


    There was total silence around; Secretary Xi didn¡¯t dare to go in and report for work.


    And there was still no news from Qin Mu.


    It was as if she had disappeared from Rongcheng.


    That day, Xiaomei was dining at AM and ran into Helian Hao when she went to the restroom; Helian Hao was also there for a family meal, and they started chatting in the restroom.


    "Has she contacted you?"


    Helian Hao asked in a low voice.


    "Of course! We can¡¯t do without her for so many things at work; we call each other every day."


    Xiaomei nodded in agreement; it seemed that ever since the incident with Qin Mu and Mu Yichen, she had matured quite a bit, become much steadier.


    "You¡¯re really lucky; there¡¯s a man in town who¡¯s probably growing old waiting for a phone call from her."


    Helian Hao remembered how thin Mu Yichen had looked when he saw him that day and chuckled bitterly.


    "Are you talking about Director Mu? He¡¯s been to the studio too, but he always just parks his car there without getting out."


    Xiaomei had something she wanted to say about Mu Yichen but stopped herself.


    "Has it been over a month?"


    Helian Hao asked her.


    "Forty-five days!"


    Xiaomei remembered clearly because Qin Mu had made plans with her to go to the clothing factory that day.


    Helian Hao sighed helplessly, "When she gave birth to Huanhuan, she was alone; now..."


    "Now she¡¯s not alone!"


    Xiaomei said, her eyes becoming misty, too, as she spoke.


    Helian Hao nodded again, "I came to dine with my parents; let¡¯s talk more when I¡¯m free."


    "Okay!"


    Helian Hao left, and Xiaomei, after washing her hands, also returned to the dining table.


    In the past, she always felt happy dining at AM, but now...


    Even the discount they received felt joyless.


    Her colleagues all felt the same, heavy-hearted, as if their once-favorite dining spot in Rongcheng, which had the best environment and offered a sense of superiority, had suddenly become the place that saddened them most.


    But when they finished eating and were about to leave, they suddenly heard sneering laughs coming from behind.


    "Hey! That girl from the studio!"


    Xiaomei frowned; what did they mean, "that girl from the studio"? Didn¡¯t they have names?


    When she turned and saw it was Qin Mingzhu, Xiaomei immediately wanted to slap her, but then she remembered Qin Mu¡¯s admonition to be more patient.


    "Isn¡¯t this the poor girl kicked out of her house by her father? I heard all your accounts have been frozen; how do you still afford to eat in such a fancy place?"


    Xiaomei asked mockingly; while she could refrain from hitting her, she couldn¡¯t help but taunt her.


    "You... now that Qin Mu is gone, do you think your studio can last a few more days in Rongcheng? Pack up and leave as soon as possible, so it won¡¯t be too embarrassing when you¡¯re kicked out!"


    Qin Mingzhu said, with her arms crossed and chin tilted upward, as she started arguing.


    "Who gets kicked out first remains to be seen!"


    Xiaomei said coldly, then turned around: "Let¡¯s go!"


    "Oho, you walk away because you can¡¯t win the argument? If you dare, call that dead girl Qin Mu to defend you!"


    Qin Mingzhu shouted.


    "Take good care of that face of yours, wait until Qinqin comes to smack you to Korea for plastic surgery."


    Xiaomei turned back and was about to confront her when a colleague held her back.


    "You..."


    Qin Mingzhu, upon hearing "face", subconsciously raised her hand and touched her own, remembering that any clash of words with Qin Mu usually ended with her getting a figurative and literal slap in the face, and she was scared.


    Now, just thinking about Qin Mu made her face feel cold, and because of this, her hatred for Qin Mu grew.


    Yet now she didn¡¯t even know where Qin Mu was, which only fueled her hatred more.


    She had intended to provoke Xiaomei to see if she knew where Qin Mu was, but she didn¡¯t get the result she wanted; she only ended up being threatened. Fuming, Qin Mingzhu went back up to the private room upstairs where she was dining with Wang Huanyu. She had made the excuse of going to the bathroom to pick on Xiaomei and dared not linger too long.


    Meanwhile, someone who had also been dining upstairs went out to smoke and observed the scene from a dark corner, then quietly ordered the person behind him, "Find a way to bug Qin Mingzhu¡¯s private room!"


    "Yes!"


    The subordinate nodded and immediately turned to arrange this task.


    Mu Yichen went back to the private room where Qiao Yi and Zhao Huai were, and seeing him brooding and smoking in solitude made them a bit anxious: "What are you thinking? You must have smoked at least eight cigarettes during this meal, haven¡¯t you?"


    Mu Yichen squinted at the cigarette held between his fingers, what could he do?

 Chapter 502 - 150 The performance was quite satisfactory_3

    Chapter 502: 150 The performance was quite satisfactory_3


    After Qin Mu became pregnant, he cut down on smoking, but now that she was gone, he had picked it up again.


    Later, a staff member placed a pen on their table. Qiao Yi and Zhao Huai curiously stared at the pen, while Mu Yichen sat there indifferently.


    "Boss, everything has been done as you ordered!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes lowered, and the staff member nodded and left.


    Qiao Yi and Zhao Huai instinctively leaned forward, then listened to the sounds coming from it, a man and a woman moaning, both of them...


    Mu Yichen¡¯s pitch-black eyes lifted slightly, then he continued to listen.


    It was only after he had overheard Qin Mingzhu speaking with Xiaomei outside that he began to suspect Qin Mingzhu.


    That afternoon, when they returned to the office building and got out of the car, they saw a woman standing in the rain.


    It was Jing Qing!


    A girl stood behind her, holding an umbrella but not daring to come close to her.


    Jing Qing stood determinedly in the rain, gazing persistently at one of the three men.


    All of them held umbrellas, but it was still easy to tell them apart by their familiar silhouettes.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her once and then turned to leave, as did Zhao Huai, but Qiao Yi turned around and walked toward Jing Qing.


    When the umbrella covered Jing Qing, he looked down at her with tears and rain on her face and whispered, "What¡¯s the point of this?"


    "That night I¡ª"


    "Maybe you didn¡¯t do anything that night, but what about your assistant?"


    Qiao Yi whispered to remind her.


    Jing Qing looked at him in surprise, then turned to look at the woman holding the umbrella behind her.


    Yang Qianxi was startled, unconsciously stepping back.


    "Yichen will never forgive you in this lifetime, Jing Qing, you¡¯ve always known what he most wanted. Don¡¯t come looking for him again, or one day he might just destroy the Jing Family... It would be best to prevent that day from coming!"


    Jing Qing was still staring at Yang Qianxi, unable to snap out of it even after Qiao Yi finished cautioning her, as if her brain had short-circuited.


    Qiao Yi grabbed her hand and made her hold the umbrella handle, then turned and walked inside.


    Only then did Jing Qing look at his somewhat broad back, but it wasn¡¯t long before she again couldn¡¯t resist turning her head to stare intensely at her assistant.


    "Miss Jing!"


    As Jing Qing stepped forward, the assistant instinctively took another step back, calling out in the process.


    Jing Qing wanted to slap her, but after thinking it over, she only clenched her fist. She let go of the umbrella and walked into the car from the rain.


    Yang Qianxi turned to watch the car drive away. In such heavy rain, Jing Qing had just left her behind?


    Yang Qianxi¡¯s heart trembled violently; she always felt Jing Qing had been too cruel to her, remembering the way Jing Qing had schemed against her before.


    She didn¡¯t know what Qiao Yi had just said to Jing Qing, but she felt that Jing Qing¡¯s look at her had been a bit off.


    It wasn¡¯t until that day at the company when she took advantage of Jing Qing¡¯s meeting to try to find Mu Yichen¡¯s phone number on Jing Qing¡¯s phone left in the room.


    Since that day, they had never seen each other alone. She missed him, and was going crazy with longing!


    Yang Qianxi quietly saved the number into her own phone before putting Jing Qing¡¯s phone back in its place.


    Just as she was about to stand up, Jing Qing pushed the door open from the outside. Panic-stricken, Yang Qianxi scrambled to her feet and stumbled over her words before finally calling out, "Miss Jing!"


    "I forgot to take my phone!"


    Jing Qing¡¯s gaze was somewhat empty as she looked at her, uttering only a faint response.


    Yang Qianxi immediately bent down to get her phone and turned around to hand it to her, "Here!"


    Jing Qing still watched her, her eyes like a dead person staring at a living one who had done something wrong, terrifying Yang Qianxi so much that she hardly dared to breathe.


    Yang Qianxi felt she might need to resign.


    "Oh, right! Later, go and handle a task for me!" Jing Qing walked away then turned back at the doorway and instructed Yang Qianxi¡ªwho was contemplating resignation¡ªonce again.


    Yang Qianxi felt Jing Qing¡¯s voice was devoid of warmth. She subconsciously nodded and agreed, "Okay!"


    "Take my car. It¡¯s a bit far. Remember to go early and come back early!" Jing Qing said.


    Yang Qianxi just nodded vigorously!


    Only then did Jing Qing leave, but the resolute look on her face never changed.


    Driving Jing Qing¡¯s car to pick up the clothes, Yang Qianxi thought about resigning all the way. And she needed to make a phone call to Mu Yichen; she had to see him again, to let him know that her feelings were unconditional. She just wanted to see him occasionally; she wouldn¡¯t try to monopolize him completely like Jing Qing did. Just occasional meetings¡ªthat¡¯s all she wanted. She wouldn¡¯t disturb his life with Qin Mu, not at all.


    Thinking this way made Yang Qianxi feel much better, and she stopped considering how terrifying Jing Qing could be.


    But at the red light at the intersection, her brakes...


    With a loud "bang," there was a crash!


    Rong City¡¯s evening news reported that Jing Qing¡¯s car had been destroyed, but she had miraculously survived the ordeal.


    As for Yang Qianxi, she was only mentioned as ¡¯the assistant.¡¯


    On TV, Jing Qing said during an interview while looking panicked, "I don¡¯t know what happened. I just sent my assistant to fetch some clothes for me, and then this catastrophe happened."


    "Miss Jing, the police inspected your car afterwards. Regarding the brake failure, we suspect someone tampered with your car. In fact, the intended victim was you. Do you have anything you want to say?"


    The reporter asked her, holding a microphone.


    Jing Qing was surrounded by bodyguards, with reporters all in front.


    She shook her head, her face tense as if she was about to faint at any moment under the gloomy skies.


    "I have nothing to say. With my status, I don¡¯t need to engage in open and secret fights with anyone in the industry. If it really happened as you speculated, that someone intentionally wanted to harm me, I first want to apologize to my assistant, who has not yet awakened. Next, I want justice for her. What kind of grudge must one have against me to want to take my life?" Jing Qing spoke, her voice breaking with emotion as she began to cry.


    "Miss Jing, don¡¯t be too anxious. We¡¯re all fans of yours; we wish you well and will also help find the culprit to bring them to justice," the reporter, a woman with precise words, said.


    "Thank you very much! And thank you on behalf of my assistant as well. I can take whatever comes, but right now, what concerns me the most is my assistant. Please, let¡¯s all pray for her together, wishing her a speedy recovery, okay?"

 Chapter 503 - 151 Mommy, it’s Daddy_1

    Chapter 503: 151 Mommy, it¡¯s Daddy_1free?we?bnovel.com


    Jing Qing put on a good show in public, acting every bit the model boss.


    ¡ª¡ª


    The Mu Family¡¯s house had returned to the loneliness of a year ago, no, it was even worse than before.


    Even though the old master had moved back in, the sudden disappearance of Qin Mu and Huanhuan made this home, which had been warm for over a year, once again lack its lively atmosphere.


    In the spacious and elegantly simple living room, by the window, the old master sat on the sofa, reading the newspaper through his reading glasses. Feng Fanghua brought over some tea from the kitchen and sat down.


    "Jing Qing really touched people¡¯s hearts today. Her own car was tampered with, yet she only worried about her assistant," she remarked.


    After putting down the newspaper, the old master leaned forward to drink some tea, just as Feng Fanghua had finished pouring it for him and gently placed the teapot aside.


    "Sigh! If only she was as kind-hearted as she seems on camera!"


    Feng Fanghua thought about Jing Qing¡¯s past actions and found herself with little trust in her.


    "What? Has that girl Jing Qing done many unkind things?"


    "The separation between her and her husband, although Yichen came back and said nothing, I always felt it had something to do with Jing Qing. I watched that girl grow up since she was little, but now I really can¡¯t say I understand her anymore," he reflected.


    Feng Fanghua slowly shook her head as she spoke, feeling somewhat uneasy inside.


    Listening to his daughter-in-law¡¯s words, the old master frowned slightly and then slowly picked up the newspaper again: "If this matter between my grandson and granddaughter-in-law has anything to do with that Jing girl, then I must go to the Jing Family and demand an explanation. They really take too many liberties."


    "Sigh! Your son and I always thought it¡¯s better to avoid trouble when possible and keep the peace, trying not to fall out with them. After all, you and old Mr. Jing were good friends back then, and we¡¯ve put Qin Mu through a lot of grievances to maintain a good relationship with the Jing Family, Dad..."


    "What? You let my granddaughter-in-law suffer for the sake of that family? Are you foolish?"


    "Isn¡¯t everything I do for the sake of our family?"


    Apart from the old master, nobody had ever called Feng Fanghua foolish; she felt incredibly wronged being called foolish now.


    "Hmph! Why bother with whether another family is happy or not for the sake of ours? Hasn¡¯t that girl suffered enough since she was young? How could you bear to make her suffer grievances?"


    Feng Fanghua...


    The old master¡¯s eyes were downcast, but the words he uttered were so sharp that they made Feng Fanghua feel ashamed.


    The old master raised his eyes to look at his daughter-in-law, who was too embarrassed to talk back, before he sighed again: "Think about it, that girl was sent abroad by her father¡ªher mother was your closest friend in town, besides being the wife of Jing Xianzong. She could have received grievances from anyone else in town, but you two, being her mother¡¯s friends, how could you do such a thing?"


    "I was wrong. If she comes back, I¡¯ll be sure to treat her well, okay? But where is she now?"


    Feng Fanghua felt extremely anxious remembering they still had not found Qin Mu¡¯s whereabouts. She also didn¡¯t know how her grandson was doing.


    "Yichen probably knows, he just doesn¡¯t want to say," the old master speculated after thinking for a bit.


    Feng Fanghua looked at him excitedly, finding herself at a loss for words. She had asked Mu Yichen over a hundred times, but no matter how she asked, his answer was always the same three words.


    "Enough! We can only wait and see how things unfold! But once that girl is found, if she wants to come back to live here, you¡¯d better take good care of her," said the old master to his daughter-in-law.


    "I know I need to take good care of her. She is pregnant now, and no matter how heartless I am, I couldn¡¯t possibly argue with her at this time, could I?"


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t think she was particularly unreasonable. Why did her father-in-law see her as such a bad woman?


    "Call my grandson and tell him to come home for dinner later," ordered the old master.


    "Okay!"


    Feng Fanghua truly felt relieved at the old master¡¯s words; she was really worried about her silly son. She had been shamelessly visiting his company recently to see him, distressed at how thin he had become.


    When Mu Yichen came home in the evening, Mu Zihao also returned from outside, so he waited by the car for his son to approach, and they walked in together.


    "Any news from Mumu?"


    Mu Zihao asked as they walked.


    "No!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes looked ahead, void of warmth.


    "Are you really without news, or do you not want to tell?"


    Mu Zihao stopped him at the door, and Mu Yichen turned to look at his father, a helpless wry smile on his face: "You really are my father!"


    Mu Zihao involuntarily let go, raising his eyebrows in understanding as he grasped the meaning behind those words.

 Chapter 504 - 151 Mommy, it’s Daddy_2

    Chapter 504: 151 Mommy, it¡¯s Daddy_2


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Mu Yichen stood to one side, waiting for Qin Mu to enter first before following him inside.


    After they returned, they washed their hands in the restroom and went directly to the dining room, where Feng Fanghua was already sitting with the old man.


    The old man looked up to see his son and grandson return and showed a face full of satisfaction, "Where did you two bump into each other?"


    "At the entrance!"


    Mu Zihao sat down and casually responded.


    "I thought you weren¡¯t planning on coming back today, you rascal."


    The old man then lifted his gaze to his beloved grandson sitting across from him.


    "How could I not come back when you summon me?"


    Mu Yichen picked up his wine glass, took a small sip, then licked his lips in compliment.


    "Hmph! If only you were that obedient!"


    The old man glanced at him and then picked up his chopsticks to eat.


    Feng Fanghua had a stomach full of questions but didn¡¯t know where to start, and she was worried that asking might spoil her son¡¯s appetite, so she held back.


    Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t unaware of what Feng Fanghua wanted to ask, so he didn¡¯t look at her while eating. He just quietly ate his meal, drank his wine, and even accompanied his grandfather for two shots of the clear liquor.


    Feng Fanghua wanted to persuade him out of concern, but the old man gently pressed her hand down, signaling her not to interfere.


    After Mu Yichen finished drinking, he said with a low chuckle, "I will sleep at home tonight!"


    "I¡¯ll have someone change the bed sheets for you later; it¡¯s been a while since they¡¯ve been changed!"


    "No need!"


    Feng Fanghua nodded eagerly, about to instruct the housekeeper to change the bedding when Mu Yichen immediately refused, and his gaze swiftly shifted to the maid with a cold indifference.


    The maid, frightened, dared not move any further, and Feng Fanghua¡¯s eyes also paused for a moment before nodding, "Alright, if you say there¡¯s no need, then there¡¯s no need!"


    Mu Zihao exchanged a knowing glance with the old man, aware of the reason for his nephew¡¯s refusal and sighed helplessly in his heart.


    Later, after having his fill of drink and feeling a headache, he went upstairs to sleep.


    It was as though the moment he returned to that room, he could smell the perfume she used to wear.


    The room seemed to retain everything about her; he walked wearily over, one hand unbuttoning his shirt as he sat at the end of the bed and looked despondently at the sofa in front of him.


    He actually saw her sitting quietly there, drawing. When she was inspired, her drawing was incredibly fast; he could hear the intimate friction between the pen tip and the paper.


    His eyes gradually became dry, and he lowered them slightly before snapping back to reality.


    How could she still be in this room?


    Remembering the morning they met in a strange place and then the sudden appearance of Yang Qianxi, she probably never wanted to see him again.


    Lately, he always felt so tired, like a walking corpse.


    Each night was mysterious, calculated, but after he knew the truth, he just wanted to quietly resolve the matter.


    Everyone had their grudges to settle and he didn¡¯t believe those who wanted to ruin their marital bliss would end well.


    Indeed, retribution began with Yang Qianxi!


    Indeed, retribution manifested quickly on a person.


    He was keeping his temper in check, trying to stay calm and waiting. Once this sick revenge started, it wouldn¡¯t end until everyone involved got their just deserts.


    As for Jing Qing, it was better she didn¡¯t show up now, at least she was safe!


    He just wanted to see her, but suddenly she didn¡¯t want to go out.


    His biggest worry was that she would shut herself away again. Although Huanhuan was now with him, he was still concerned.


    Late at night, he lay in the bed they had once shared and dialed her number, listening to the continuous ringing without hearing it picked up.


    Yet, he felt extremely happy.


    Waiting was always torturous, but this time, he found it enjoyable.


    Hearing no response was better than hearing the cruel words of a breakup.


    Mu Yichen was actually quite afraid of her saying "break up"¡ªtruly afraid.


    The next day, Mu Yichen went to work. Qiao Yi came to his office, noticeably nervous, "Jing Qing tampered with her car by herself."


    "Hmm!"


    He was calm, as if he had known all along.


    Qiao Yi, however, grew more nervous and even agitated, "Did you ask me to tell her that so she would do this?"


    "I thought you knew from the start!"


    This time, Mu Yichen lifted his eyes, his dark gaze shooting straight at him.


    Qiao Yi felt his heart lurch.


    He should¡¯ve guessed it, but he didn¡¯t think Jing Qing would act so rashly. At worst, he imagined, she would just curse out that woman and then force her to leave Rongcheng for good, but never to such an extreme.

 Chapter 505 - 151 Mommy, it’s Daddy_3

    Chapter 505: 151 Mommy, it¡¯s Daddy_3


    "Will she go to prison?"


    Qiao Yi¡¯s arms were shaking slightly as he thought over and over, and then he asked Mu Yichen with a headache.


    "That¡¯s her business! Since she dared to do it, she naturally prepared herself to face the consequences. If you truly care about her, then don¡¯t interfere with anything."


    "Yichen, you¡¯re being too cruel!"


    Qiao Yi said to him with furrowed brows, his emotions somewhat out of control.


    Mu Yichen had just lowered his eyes to look at a document. When he heard that sentence, he immediately lifted his gaze again, but it was a cold and deadly stare.


    "Qiao Yi, has love clouded your judgment?"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help asking him sternly.


    Qiao Yi just stared at him intensely but couldn¡¯t say a word.


    Mu Yichen then lowered his head to work again, and Qiao Yi left with a huff, turning around and going out.


    Secretary Xi was startled by the slam of the door and looked up, holding her glasses, only to see Qiao Yi exiting with a dark face.


    "Assistant Qin!"


    Secretary Xi called out, but he didn¡¯t turn his head.


    Secretary Xi...


    Having no idea what had happened and not daring to ask, Secretary Xi lowered her head back to her work.


    After leaving the company, Qiao Yi immediately called Jing Qing: "Where are you?"


    "At the apartment, why?"


    "I¡¯m coming to see you right now!"


    Qiao Yi, in a hurry, blurted out a sentence and hung up the phone, then headed to the parking lot to drive off.


    Later, Mu Yichen received a message from Zhao Huai: "Where did Brother Qin go?"


    Mu Yichen glanced at it but didn¡¯t respond. He knew that Qiao Yi had gone to find Jing Qing. Over the years, Qiao Yi had always been struggling with his own feelings, but in the end, he couldn¡¯t let her go.


    So, why bother wasting these years?


    With nothing better to do and having not received any message from Mu Yichen, Zhao Huai followed the trail of Qiao Yi¡¯s car. He truly didn¡¯t expect him to go to Jing Qing¡¯s apartment. According to what Zhao Huai knew of him, in all these years he hadn¡¯t set foot in that apartment alone.


    Zhao Huai¡¯s car was parked outside, and as he saw Qiao Yi¡¯s car enter the complex, he leaned against it, smoking. He was curious to see how long his Brother Qin could stay inside.


    Qiao Yi knocked on the door, and when Jing Qing saw him, she was furiously angry but still immediately pulled him inside: "Come in quickly!"


    "Why are you so nervous?"


    "Didn¡¯t you notice the paparazzi outside?"


    Jing Qing asked him breathlessly, as if he had committed the greatest error under heaven.


    "Nope!"


    But when Qiao Yi came in, the corridor was empty, not even a ghost in sight.


    Jing Qing looked at him incredulously but trusted his intuition enough to believe him.


    "You should stay indoors as much as possible recently and not accept any interviews."


    Qiao Yi warned her anxiously.


    "Why?"


    The two stood in the living room, arguing vehemently.


    "Why? If Yang Qianxi is dead, it¡¯s still okay, but if she¡¯s alive, do you think she won¡¯t suspect that you tampered with the car yourself?"


    Qiao Yi questioned her urgently.


    "She dares?"


    Jing Qing turned her head toward the window and walked over; she felt a heaviness in her chest and became irritable every time this subject came up.


    "What makes her think she can¡¯t? You think you¡¯re the only one who can make sacrifices? Xiaoqing, stop everything else. Otherwise, go abroad, or from now on live quietly as the second young lady of the Jing Family."


    "Qiao Yi, what gives you the right to decide my life?"


    Jing Qing turned around and looked at him with cold eyes as she asked lightly.


    "I decide your life? How dare I decide your life? If it weren¡¯t for all I¡¯ve done these years¡ªI¡¯m begging you, do you really intend to ruin yourself?"


    Qiao Yi felt he had truly exhausted every effort, but it seemed he just couldn¡¯t get through to her.


    "I ruin myself? Even if I¡¯m forced to ruin myself, I¡¯ll do it after destroying those who keep me from happiness."


    Jing Qing¡¯s voice rose; she was genuinely angry to hear Qiao Yi lecture her as if he were an advisor.


    She hated that Qiao Yi wanted to restrain her, to control her.


    "You already caused Yichen and Qin Mu to break up. What more do you want? Yang Qianxi is still lying in the hospital unable to move. Isn¡¯t that enough?"


    Qiao Yi questioned her again.


    "Not enough, of course it¡¯s not enough! This is still far from what I want!"


    Jing Qing suddenly laughed, and even the most beautiful clothes lost their appeal on her at that moment.


    "It seems I need to have a talk with the Jing Family¡¯s old master!"


    Seeing that she was so obstinate, Qiao Yi nodded as if to admit that his efforts to persuade her had ultimately failed, and with those words, he turned and walked outside.


    "Wait! You¡¯re not allowed to go see my grandfather."


    Jing Qing hurriedly ran forward and blocked the door.


    Qiao Yi looked down at her standing guard in the doorway, his heart twisting suddenly at the sight of the numerous red veins in her eyes.


    "Then promise me, stay here quietly and wait for this to blow over, okay?"


    Qiao Yi¡¯s eyebrows knitted slightly as he spoke in a low and gentle voice, attempting to persuade her.


    "Fine! I promise! But you¡¯re not allowed to go see my grandfather!"


    Qiao Yi nodded, hearing her finally relent.


    Jing Qing hung her head for a long time, then asked him, "Is there still no word from Qin Mu?"


    "No, Yichen has been searching for her all along."


    Only then did Jing Qing let Qiao Yi leave. After he went downstairs, he was still somewhat confused. As he drove out and saw Zhao Huai standing there fiddling with a lighter, with a cigarette in his other hand, he stopped the car: "Why did you follow me?"


    "Xiaomu isn¡¯t around, and Brother Yichen hasn¡¯t assigned me any other tasks!"


    Zhao Huai said somewhat boredly, slipping the lighter into his pocket.


    "Let¡¯s go; we still have to leave for a business trip this afternoon!"


    Qiao Yi nodded and then left first.


    Zhao Huai followed behind him, glanced at the time on his wristwatch¡ªbarely more than half an hour had passed¡ªand thought to himself that certainly it wasn¡¯t for that reason.


    Zhao Huai didn¡¯t understand why Qiao Yi was so fixated on Jing Qing; he clearly felt that Qiao Yi was sometimes annoyed by her, but at other times, it seemed he cared about her particularly.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Mommy, come and see, the flowers are blooming!"


    In a certain residence by the warm window, Huanhuan dragged Qin Mu over to stand in front of the pot of begonias, happily pointing out the blooming begonia flower to her.


    Qin Mu looked down at the flower blooming so vibrantly but gently stroked her daughter¡¯s hair.


    The phone suddenly rang, and she, dressed in a plain, comfortable dress, turned her head to look at the phone.


    Hearing it, Huanhuan immediately ran to the sofa, grabbed the phone, and turned to Qin Mu: "Mommy, it¡¯s Daddy!"

 Chapter 506 - 152 Long time no see_1

    Chapter 506: 152 Long time no see_1


    He often called, but he would hang up before she could answer each time.


    Qin Mu thought he probably felt the same way as her!


    She hadn¡¯t been out for a long time, just stayed at home watering the plants and tending to the fish. When she had some free time, she learned to braid little Huanhuan¡¯s hair, her head full of braids.


    Huanhuan was always very patient, sitting in front of Qin Mu letting her do her hair, while she would braid her Barbie doll¡¯s hair. Of course, it could only end up in a tangled mess, then she would look up with puckered lips at her beloved mom.


    ¡ª¡ª


    That night, Qin Mingzhu went back to get some things, thinking that if her father asked, she would say she was getting things and stay if the weather was bad, then that would count as a visit home.


    But when she returned home and saw the scene inside, she was completely stunned.


    The two females, one big and one small, sitting on the sofa, weren¡¯t they the ones she had¡ª¡ª


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s mouth hung open and she couldn¡¯t utter a word for a while, only approaching slowly.


    "Miss is back!"


    The auntie came out of the kitchen with food, and after seeing Qin Mingzhu, she asked.


    The two on the sofa who were reading turned their heads towards the door, then stared at Qin Mingzhu¡¯s contorted face.


    Qin Mu put down the book in her hand and held her breath as she watched her step forward, step by step.


    "Why are you in my house?"


    Qin Mingzhu quickened her last few steps, walked around to face Qin Mu, and asked with a frown, raising her hand.


    "Are you sure this is still your house?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s features remained delicate, her gaze devoid of ripples, as she calmly asked a question.


    "If this isn¡¯t my house, is it yours?"


    Qin Mingzhu pressed hard with anger in her voice, then her eyes suddenly widened and with a tremble, she moved forward a bit more: "I know now, you came back to Rongcheng just to wait for today, right? You¡¯ve done everything to drive my mom and me out and then moved in with that dead child, you are so terrifying!"


    Qin Mingzhu accused, thinking she had figured everything out.


    "Mommy!"


    Huanhuan, saddened by being called a dead child, tugged at her mother¡¯s hand.


    Qin Mu looked down at her: "It¡¯s okay! Go play with Grandma!"


    Qin Mu whispered, then turned her eyes toward the auntie who stood aside.


    The auntie stepped forward and picked up Huanhuan to take her inside.


    Qin Mu then turned her gaze back to her: "Don¡¯t talk nonsense in front of children. She is a flower of our country, she doesn¡¯t deserve to be defiled by your words."


    "You¡ª then take her and leave, get out of my house, and I won¡¯t say anything about her."


    Qin Mingzhu stuttered, then said to her again.


    "Why are you so flustered?"


    Qin Mu observed her trembling hands and couldn¡¯t help asking with curiosity.


    "I¡ªI¡¯m unwell! Yes, I¡¯m unwell!"


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s eyes flickered and then she nodded vigorously in agreement.


    "Who¡¯s unwell?"


    The man of the house had finished his work in the study upstairs and had come down and heard his younger daughter¡¯s voice.


    "Dad! Dad, I missed you so much!"


    Qin Mingzhu turned and immediately ran over to embrace him, hugging him and starting to cry pitifully.


    Qin Haiming instinctively looked at the other daughter standing by the sofa.


    "Didn¡¯t I tell you never to come back?"


    "But I missed you! I¡¯m your daughter, no matter what, you can¡¯t abandon me."


    Qin Mingzhu clung to him even tighter.


    "Stop making a child¡¯s tantrum. If I tell you to leave, you leave, okay?"


    "I won¡¯t leave! Why can she stay here and I can¡¯t? I¡¯m also your daughter; you can¡¯t be biased."


    As Qin Mu listened to Qin Mingzhu, she glanced at her father¡¯s troubled appearance, then circled around him and went upstairs.


    Qin Haiming frowned worriedly: "Mingzhu, behave yourself for a while, and after some time, I¡¯ll ask you to come back. Be good and listen to me this time, okay?"


    Qin Haiming looked at his daughter seriously.


    Qin Mingzhu looked up at him: "It¡¯s all because of her, isn¡¯t it? Dad, can¡¯t you see clearly? From the very beginning, it¡¯s all been a play directed and acted by herself. She¡¯s taking revenge for my mom and me replacing her. She purposely came to stir discord in our relationship, to ruin our family."


    "It¡¯s not as grave as you make it out to be. Besides, it¡¯s Qin Mu who needs her father the most right now, and Dad can¡¯t neglect her."


    "I don¡¯t care; if she stays here, I am staying too!"


    Seeing that her father was so determined to kick her out for Qin Mu¡¯s sake, Qin Mingzhu released him and ran upstairs.


    Qin Mu¡¯s room had been tidied up by Zhang Rujia during her stay. Afterward, only the bed sheets and such were changed. After Qin Mu returned to her room, the auntie brought Huanhuan to find her: "Eldest Miss, the younger Miss seems to have settled in; she just ran to her own room."

 Chapter 507 - 152 Long time no see_2

    Chapter 507: 152 Long time no see_2


    "Mmm!"


    Qin Mu calmly agreed with a nod and when he looked up and saw how tense the aunt was, he gave her a grateful smile.


    The aunt said anxiously, "That girl is capable of anything, you should stay away from her now that you¡¯re pregnant."


    "Okay! I¡¯ll definitely keep my distance from her!"


    Qin Mu agreed, but in his heart, he was already thinking of leaving.


    Once Qin Mingzhu knew he was here, then soon everyone else would know too.


    And since their store was about to open, he couldn¡¯t hide even if he wanted to.


    Having not seen him for nearly two months, Qin Mu thought maybe it wasn¡¯t necessary to hide anymore. Now wasn¡¯t the best time to leave Rongcheng, so he might as well meet up!


    Qin Mu packed his luggage that very night. He went to Qin Haiming¡¯s room to say goodbye. Qin Haiming asked him, "Is there no room for discussion?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just shook his head.


    "Have I ever asked you about anything since you moved in?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, and indeed, he hadn¡¯t.


    "If you don¡¯t want to talk, I won¡¯t force you, Mumu. I just hope I can do whatever I can for you."


    "I really did trouble you a lot during this time!"


    Qin Mu nodded to him, then stepped out the door.


    Qin Haiming wanted to stop him but knew his temperament was much like his own; once he decided on something, not even eight bulls could pull him back, so he didn¡¯t try to stop him.


    Qin Mu and Huanhuan dragged their luggage out of the room and walked towards the staircase when Qin Mingzhu, who had just finished her shower, came out and blocked their way.


    "Hey! Are you trying to escape?"


    Qin Mingzhu stood at the top of the stairs blocking his path and looked down at the luggage in his hand.


    "Please move aside!"


    "I won¡¯t move. How do I know you haven¡¯t sneaked any antiques or any valuable items from our family into your suitcase?"


    Qin Mu furrowed his brow at her raging demeanor and retorted, "Do you think everyone is as unclean as you?"


    Qin Mu asked.


    "What did you say?"


    "I said, do you think everyone is as dirty as you?"


    "If you¡¯ve got the guts, open up your suitcase. I want to see whether you packed it or not."


    Huanhuan, holding Qin Mu¡¯s hand and seeing Qin Mingzhu roll up her sleeves as if she was going to hit her mother, clung tightly to her Barbie doll and pushed it towards Qin Mingzhu.


    Qin Mingzhu, still in her high-heeled slippers, felt an assault on her lower abdomen. Instinctively covering it, she lost her balance and toppled over backward.


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s instinct was to grab Huanhuan.


    Qin Mu quickly grabbed Huanhuan¡¯s hand and pulled her into his arms. Mother and daughter stood upstairs watching Qin Mingzhu tumble down the stairs, emitting a horrific cry.


    Huanhuan, nervous, leaned into Qin Mu¡¯s chest, clinging tightly to him.


    Qin Mu also held Huanhuan close, watching Qin Mingzhu fall and thinking she wouldn¡¯t die, at worst she might be disabled.


    But unexpectedly, she curled up on the ground, clutching her stomach and groaning in pain.


    The aunt ran out from the first floor, took a startled look at the person on the ground, and after a long pause, she ran over, "Miss, are you alright?"


    "My stomach hurts so much!"


    Qin Mingzhu¡¯s weak voice.


    Qin Mu slowly rose to his feet and watching the scene below, suddenly feeling uneasy.


    Huanhuan might have caused a disaster!


    Qin Mu, holding Huanhuan, went down the stairs, then told the aunt, "Call an ambulance first!"


    "Okay!"


    The aunt, looking at the situation, couldn¡¯t keep calm anymore. It wasn¡¯t until Qin Mu came down and told her to call an ambulance that she shakily got up to make the call.


    Qin Mu looked at the little girl in his arms, covered Huanhuan¡¯s eyes, then with her in his arms, he strode outside.


    Qin Hai stepped out of his room and upon seeing his younger daughter lying on the ground, he too went down the stairs with heavy steps, "What happened?"


    "The young miss had an accident falling from upstairs, it seems!"


    The aunt said anxiously.


    Qin Hai asked, "Where¡¯s the eldest miss?"


    "The eldest miss just took Huanhuan and left!"


    Qin Hai had a bad feeling that this might be related to Qin Mu.


    "Dad, it was Qin Mu who pushed me, Dad..."


    Qin Mingzhu, while clutching her stomach and speaking weakly to him, had her white dress already stained red with blood.


    Qin Hai frowned at her and inadvertently noticed the tall slippers on her feet.


    He had warned her about not wearing such high slippers at home, yet she didn¡¯t listen.


    And her body, why was it bleeding?


    When Zhang Rujia arrived at the hospital later, she looked hysterical, her face pale; seeing the man standing outside the ward made her rush over immediately, "Husband!"

 Chapter 508 - 152 Long time no see_3

    Chapter 508: 152 Long time no see_3


    Qin Haiming turned to look at her, his eyes cold.


    "What have you been doing with her lately?"


    Qin Haiming asked her in a cold tone.


    "What? What do you mean? What do you mean by ¡¯what have I been doing with her¡¯? What¡¯s wrong with our daughter? I called home and was told by the nanny that she fell down the stairs. How could she fall down the stairs in her own house?"


    Zhang Rujia asked him with a nervous look in her eyes.


    "Your precious daughter, she¡¯s pregnant!"


    Qin Haiming ignored her subsequent words, just responding to the initial ones, his face turning green with anger.


    "What?"


    Zhang Rujia¡¯s hand, which had been grabbing his clothes, suddenly let go, looking at him in disbelief, her eyes gradually becoming empty.


    "Didn¡¯t I tell you to keep a close eye on her? Can you even understand what I¡¯m saying?"


    Qin Haiming angrily looked at her and questioned again.


    "How could that be? She¡¯s with me every day..."


    Zhang Rujia tried to refute, but then she suddenly remembered the night her daughter did not come home, and afterwards, Qin Mingzhu mentioned going to the hospital. Zhang Rujia, anxious, turned around again and grabbed his arm, "Husband, could the hospital have made a mistake? How could she be pregnant?"


    "Hmph! Go ask her yourself!"


    Qin Haiming shook her off and stood aside, asking indifferently.


    Only then did Zhang Rujia remember her daughter in the hospital room, and she pushed the door and walked in.


    Qin Mingzhu was sobbing softly, as if she had been greatly wronged.


    "Mingzhu, your father said you¡¯re pregnant, is it true?"


    Zhang Rujia asked her in a hushed voice, she could hardly believe that her carefully raised daughter would get pregnant, especially when she had no partner. Whose child was it?


    "Mom! It wasn¡¯t on purpose, please don¡¯t be angry, okay? Besides, the child is already gone, I¡ª"


    "Who said the child is gone?"


    Qin Haiming entered the room and looked at the girl crying on the bed.


    Qin Mingzhu shrank back in fright at the sound of his voice: "Dad!"


    "Whose child is this?"


    "This¡ªI, I don¡¯t know!"


    Qin Mingzhu had the name on the tip of her tongue, but she dared not say it.


    "What¡¯s the matter with you, still not speaking up? Do you want to drive me to my grave? Tell me right now, when did this happen? Whose child is it? Or were you... outside?"


    "I didn¡¯t, I didn¡¯t!"


    Qin Mingzhu shook her head incessantly.


    "Didn¡¯t? Then how did this child come to be?"


    Qin Haiming saw right through the evasiveness in Qin Mingzhu¡¯s eyes. The more she tried to hide something, the easier it was for her eyes to betray her.


    "I¡ªThe child is already gone, isn¡¯t it? Let¡¯s not discuss it anymore, it¡¯s just a nightmare, right, a nightmare!"


    Qin Mingzhu curled up on the bed, continuously comforting herself. She didn¡¯t even dare to look at her parents again, just nervously shrinking under the blankets, muttering to herself in the end.


    "The child is still there!"


    Qin Haiming reiterated that statement again.


    Qin Mingzhu then looked up again, staring at him in disbelief.


    The child is still there?


    How could it still be there?


    Falling from such a high staircase, she felt her legs had been injured, how could it still be there?


    And so much blood had been shed!


    Qin Mingzhu kept shaking her head, "No, the child must be gone by now, definitely gone!"


    "You seem to really hope that this child doesn¡¯t survive?"


    Qin Haiming suddenly made this startling discovery, his precious daughter was such a ruthless girl, she actually wanted to terminate that little life.


    But if that was the case, why did she get pregnant in the first place?


    "Mingzhu, what on earth happened? Just spit it out!"


    Zhang Rujia was also getting anxious, she had been hoping that her daughter would marry into a good family to better her life, but who knew her precious daughter had gotten herself pregnant with someone outside.


    "Mom! Please stop asking, I can¡¯t tell, I really can¡¯t!"


    Tears incessantly welled up in Qin Mingzhu¡¯s anxious eyes.


    "You might hide it temporarily, but not for a lifetime, if you don¡¯t speak up, I will investigate it myself!"


    Qin Haiming turned and left as he spoke.


    "Dad¡ª, do you care so much about this matter because you¡¯re worried I¡¯ll disgrace you? What about Qin Mu pushing me down the stairs, then?"


    "How did she push you down the stairs? And why would she do that, once I figure that out, whichever of you owes the other an explanation, I will make sure you give each other that explanation."


    Qin Haiming left after leaving those words behind.


    But as he reached the door, he couldn¡¯t help but pause: "Don¡¯t let her go anywhere during this time, make sure she rests well in the apartment."


    "I understand!"


    Zhang Rujia responded quietly.


    Qin Haiming left.


    Zhang Rujia looked down at her daughter and couldn¡¯t help but give her a hard pat on the back: "What on earth is going on?"


    "Mom, you¡¯re so annoying, just stop asking, ok?"


    Qin Mingzhu irritably covered herself with the blanket.


    Having rolled down from such a height and still having her child, after losing so much blood, how was the baby preserved?


    Meanwhile, Qin Mu took a cab with Huanhuan to Xiaomei¡¯s apartment, Xiaomei held Huanhuan and wanted Qin Mu to come in as well, but Qin Mu stood outside and said, "You take care of her for now, give her to Mu Yichen if you see him tomorrow."


    "What about you?"


    "There are some things I haven¡¯t figured out yet, I must understand them."


    Latter, Qin Mu took a cab to Qin Haiming¡¯s place, where Qin Haiming had just returned from the hospital, and father and daughter ran into each other.


    After getting out of the car, Qin Mu joined Qin Haiming in his car and asked worriedly, "How is Qin Mingzhu doing?"


    "She almost had a miscarriage, but now she¡¯s fine, where¡¯s Huanhuan?"


    He asked in return, sounding weary.


    "I took her to my friend¡¯s place, she shouldn¡¯t see certain things. Huanhuan pushed her a bit, but..."


    "How could Huanhuan possibly push such a big person like her?"


    Sitting side by side, father and daughter, Qin Haiming asked slowly.


    "So, you suspect this incident is..."


    "At first, I thought it was you who accidentally pushed her down the stairs, but then at the hospital, I discovered..."


    Qin Haiming trailed off and shook his head, while Qin Mu looked at him, somewhat moved.


    Just then, a light suddenly shone on the back of their car, Qin Mu turned to look.


    She knew that car all too well!

 Chapter 509 - 153 Together Again_1

    Chapter 509: 153 Together Again_1


    He stepped out of the car, standing by it in a light-colored coat, patiently waiting.


    Qin Mu subconsciously looked back, her heartbeat noticeably quickening.


    Witnessing her sudden change, Qin Haiming couldn¡¯t help frowning. "What on earth is going on between you two?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak but intertwined her hands tightly together.


    "Mumu! Mu Yichen hasn¡¯t bothered you these days, but he¡¯s been waiting for you," Qin Haiming reminded her.


    Only then did Qin Mu glance at him slightly. Qin Haiming sighed faintly, "Although I don¡¯t know what happened between you two, considering the recent news¡ªand the fact you were even able to stay at my place¡ªhave a proper talk with him. No matter what, your dad is willing to be your safe haven, but that man is the one you¡¯ll rely on for the rest of your life."


    "What if I told you I¡¯ve also had thoughts of suicide¡ªwhat would you think?"


    Qin Mu stared straight at the man next to her and asked.


    Qin Haiming¡¯s hand on his leg visibly shook, and his gaze turned anxious.


    "Mumu!"


    He seemed to understand something.


    Qin Mu¡¯s lips moved slightly, then she got out of the car.


    Qin Haiming¡¯s car eventually left the place. Qin Mu turned to look at the man next to that car, who had already lit a cigarette.


    Qin Mu turned decisively and walked toward him. Mu Yichen didn¡¯t put out his cigarette but simply looked at her after taking a puff, with a gaze that was both cool and indifferent, yet somewhat refreshing.


    He just watched her quietly, as if he had a thousand words to say but swallowed them all back down. He seemed unable to open his mouth to speak and took another harsh drag of his cigarette to suppress the wicked feelings in his heart.


    Perhaps, neither of them knew how to speak to each other.


    Qin Mu observed his exquisitely handsome features that now looked cold enough to chill someone¡¯s heart, so she lowered her head. The taxi from earlier had long since gone, and she turned to walk east.


    Mu Yichen took another puff of his cigarette, then, with apparent concern, followed after her.


    The night was so frightening. He quickly caught up with her within a few steps and firmly grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going?"


    At his anxious voice, Qin Mu felt a warmth in her eyes and suddenly stopped, unable to move or look up again.


    "Come with me!"


    He grasped her hand, refusing to let go, intending to take her back to the car.


    "That day..."


    "I don¡¯t care!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t move, just lowered her head, steadfastly wanting to tell him what had happened that day.


    Mu Yichen interrupted her in time, his stern voice conveying that he didn¡¯t care.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why she suddenly felt like laughing and disbelief raised her eyes to look at him, "You really don¡¯t care?"


    She didn¡¯t believe it.


    She was sure he didn¡¯t either.


    What kind of person was Mu Yichen?


    Stubborn, cold-blooded, how could he stand someone else touching his belongings?


    "I have no choice!"


    His piercing gaze met hers, a determined "no choice" causing Qin Mu to choke up involuntarily.


    They both had no choice.


    "I¡¯m fine, there¡¯s no need for you to worry!"


    She pushed his hand away and told him stubbornly, keeping her head down.


    Mu Yichen watched her with lowered eyes, a gust of wind blew by, and he felt as if half of his face had swollen.


    "Do you¡ªbecause you care?"


    "Yes! I care!"


    His eyes suddenly showed shock and disappointment, and he suddenly thought that she cared that he had slept with another woman.


    And sure enough, Qin Mu¡¯s answer was just as he thought.


    It felt as if his heart had been swiftly slashed by a sharp blade, gashing out a long wound that immediately bled profusely.


    "I can pretend that nothing happened, but I can¡¯t face you!"


    Qin Mu looked at him, and her words were not harsh or pretentious, they were just merciless.


    "So we should break up? Just let those damned people win?"


    He raised his hand in anger, frowning and starting to argue with her.


    "No! They don¡¯t have the right to win!"


    Qin Mu replied softly to him, her gaze both cold and calm, then she turned to leave.


    In that moment, Mu Yichen found himself without the strength to follow her, just standing there as if his feet were nailed to the ground, his dry eyes fixated on the direction she was leaving, watching her silhouette grow more distant.


    Finally, she was willing to leave that house, but not for him.


    The next day, Qin Mu went to the studio. Everything seemed to have returned to normal. She worked on drawings in the office with dedication, while Huanhuan ran up and down the stairs.


    When Xiaomei went out on errands and received some promotional flyers for a kindergarten, she brought them back to Qin Mu¡¯s office for her to see. Qin Mu only glanced at them casually before ignoring them completely.

 Chapter 510 - 153 Together Again_2

    Chapter 510: 153 Together Again_2


    """


    "Don¡¯t you want Huanhuan to go to kindergarten and make new friends? She¡¯s already over three years old!"


    "I currently have no plans for her to attend kindergarten, not to mention we¡¯re strangers in a foreign land here."


    Qin Mu¡¯s response was indifferent.


    Xiaomei was shocked to hear the phrase "strangers in a foreign land" but then thought there might be some truth to it.


    Indeed, they were strangers in a foreign land.


    While the two of them were chatting, someone suddenly knocked on the office door. Xiaomei curiously glanced at the door and then went to open it, expecting it to be a colleague. However...


    "You are..."


    "Wang Mingyu, I¡¯m looking for Qin Mu!"


    He politely stated his name.


    When Qin Mu heard that voice and name, her hand trembled while drawing, her sharp apricot eyes lifted for a moment, but soon lowered again. She just folded the paper she was working on, crumpled it, and threw it into the trash can.


    Xiaomei didn¡¯t know what this handsome man wanted, she simply instinctively turned her head to look at Qin Mu.


    But the expression Xiaomei saw on Qin Mu¡¯s face did not seem to welcome the handsome man.


    "Um, Qinqin..."


    "I¡¯m not available for visitors right now!"


    "You must see me!"


    Qin Mu coldly declined, but before Xiaomei had a chance to convey the message, she was pushed aside. Wang Mingyu walked in on his own, and with equal seriousness, told her that she must see him.


    Qin Mu was unwilling to lift her eyes to look at him, "It seems I have no business dealings with Young Master Wang."


    "But we have private dealings!"


    "I¡¯m at work right now, please wait for any private matter until after work."


    Qin Mu lowered her head and took a new sheet of paper to draw on.


    Xiaomei stood by the door, unsure whether to stay or leave.


    "Could this lady please leave us for a moment?"


    Wang Mingyu turned his head and spoke to Xiaomei at the door.


    Xiaomei nodded, took another look at Qin Mu, and then quietly stepped out, feeling like they needed some private space.


    Although Qin Mu didn¡¯t stop Xiaomei from leaving.


    As soon as Xiaomei left, she couldn¡¯t help but eavesdrop at the door.


    Qin Mu raised her eyes to look at Wang Mingyu, "If you¡¯ve come because of what happened that morning, I think there¡¯s really no need for this visit."


    "But you and Mu Yichen separated because of what happened that morning."


    "The separation is a private matter between me and Mu Yichen, not because of you."


    "I don¡¯t believe it!"


    He laughed, saying as he held his waist with both hands, "I went to find Mu Yichen, I wanted him to tell me where you were, Qin Mu¡ª"


    "If Young Master Wang really knew how much trouble he has caused others, he wouldn¡¯t reappear at a time like this in their sight, right?"


    Qin Mu suddenly put down the pen in her hand, her hands involuntarily went through her long hair holding her head, her voice very low.


    "But what exactly happened that night? Why did you..."


    Wang Mingyu couldn¡¯t resist asking her out of curiosity.


    "Why did I? I was just going to find my man, how was I to know I¡¯d be knocked out with a club the moment I got there, how was I to know that when I opened my eyes again I¡¯d be lying in bed with an unfamiliar man, Young Master Wang, do you understand what I¡¯m saying now?"


    Qin Mu looked at him again, since it had come to this, she wasn¡¯t afraid to speak out.


    Wang Mingyu frowned, "I saw Yang Qianxi with Mu Yichen, and later Mu Yichen probably went after you, Yang Qianxi told me that she saw me enter your room, and then..."


    As Qin Mu heard Yang Qianxi¡¯s name, she questioned him with a look, "Who did you say told you?"


    "Yang Qianxi!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze unintentionally drifted elsewhere; suddenly, she felt like the incident also had something to do with Yang Qianxi.


    Was Yang Qianxi really just a simple victim, or was the incident masterminded by Jing Qing, or was there another conspiracy?


    "You should know her, she seems to be another case of drunken promiscuity!¡ª¡ª"


    "There seem to be far too many instances of drunken promiscuity amongst you!"


    Qin Mu could not stand those messy excuses, but after she cut Wang Mingyu off, she raised her eyes again to look at him, "Why were you at that guesthouse that night?"


    "My brother asked me to have drinks!"


    "Wang Huanyu?"


    In Qin Mu¡¯s mind, a time bomb seemed to finally explode with a loud bang.


    Yang Qianxi and Jing Qing, Wang Huanyu and...


    Qin Mingzhu!


    No wonder Qin Mingzhu trembled with excitement when she saw her yesterday. It turns out it wasn¡¯t simply because Qin Mingzhu was worried about losing her position¡ªit was also because...


    More than a month had passed!


    Qin Mu felt like an idiot for only now piecing together the series of events; it was clearly a coordinated act by those people.

 Chapter 511 - 153 Together Again_3

    Chapter 511: 153 Together Again_3


    "Qin Mu! Actually, I liked you from the first time I saw you!"


    She was thinking about that plot when her thoughts were interrupted by a faint remark. Qin Mu instinctively looked at him and, not having heard clearly, asked again, "What did you just say?"


    Wang Mingyu, feeling as if her gaze had cut through half his neck, still regained his composure and said resolutely, "If Mu Yichen doesn¡¯t want you because of this, I can take responsibility for you!"


    "The only thing I need is for you to never appear in front of me again!"


    Cold, utterly un-womanlike!


    The words came out devoid of emotion¡ªa simple sentence composed of plain words, yet it was incredibly hurtful.


    When Wang Mingyu left her place, he couldn¡¯t help but look back at the upper floor, unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t see where she was sitting.


    Qin Mu looked down at her blank piece of drawing paper, then glanced at the trash bin to retrieve the sheet she had thrown away earlier and flattened it out again.


    After everyone had left work, Qin Mu and Huanhuan were cooking noodles in the kitchen. Huanhuan even stood on tiptoes to take a tomato out of the fridge to give to the woman stirring the instant noodles.


    Qin Mu glanced down at the tomato in her daughter¡¯s hand and took it with a smile, "Do you want it sliced into rounds or rectangles?"


    "Rounds!"


    Huanhuan replied!


    "Ok!"


    Qin Mu nodded and washed the tomato, sliced it into rounds, placed it on top of the noodles in their bowls, and then poured the soup over everything.


    Huanhuan, being considerate, sniffed and then nodded in approval.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh. How could her daughter be so dramatic at such a young age?


    As mother and daughter were eating, suddenly the door was pushed open from the outside.


    Sitting on the sofa in the living area, bowl in hand, they both looked toward the entrance.


    "Grandma!"


    Seeing a relative, Huanhuan excitedly put down her bowl and ran over.


    Qin Mu...


    Shocked, she tried to hide her bowl.


    "Why is there a smell of junk food?"


    Feng Fanghua frowned, holding Huanhuan in her arms and asked unhappily.


    Qin Mu really wished her bowl could vanish, like in Harry Potter. Alas, this was real life, where she couldn¡¯t hide anything that was apparent.


    "Mom!"


    Qin Mu called out softly, fearing Feng Fanghua would immediately lash out at her with a cold rebuke.


    When Feng Fanghua stepped forward with Huanhuan and saw the two bowls of instant noodles on the table, she was displeased. However, upon seeing Qin Mu¡¯s protruding belly, her anger subsided.


    "What time is it for you now? Who are you protesting against by eating such nutritionless food?"


    Feng Fanghua saw the tomato slices on top of the noodles but was still unsatisfied.


    Qin Mu actually thought it was just a simple meal for her and her daughter because they wouldn¡¯t eat much anyway.


    Honestly, Qin Mu had eaten a lot of noodles when she was pregnant with Huanhuan, so Huanhuan had grown quite fond of noodles too.


    "Grandma, the noodles are really tasty!"


    Huanhuan, sensing her grandmother¡¯s displeasure and fearing her mother might be scolded, immediately tugged at Feng Fanghua¡¯s hand and said.


    Feng Fanghua bent down, touched her granddaughter¡¯s face, and coaxed, "If our Huanhuan likes noodles, come back home with grandma. I¡¯ll have the chef make you even tastier noodles, alright?"


    Feng Fanghua said, trying to persuade her.


    Huanhuan didn¡¯t agree but looked at her mother instead.


    Qin Mu could only smile; she had nothing to counter with, especially to her beloved mother-in-law.


    "You come back with me too!"


    As soon as Feng Fanghua learned that Qin Mu had finally shown up, she immediately had the driver take her to pick Qin Mu up, not being able to stand Qin Mu just making do with meals like that.


    "You take Huanhuan with you, I..."


    "What about you? Do you want to worry the whole family? Or do you want your grandfather to think his mother-in-law looks down on you and won¡¯t let you come back?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Don¡¯t dawdle! Grab your things and let¡¯s go!"


    "But..."


    Qin Mu lowered her gaze to her freshly cooked noodles¡ªher own effort.


    "But what? Grandfather can¡¯t eat worrying about you at home. How worried would he be if you don¡¯t come back?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare say more. She couldn¡¯t let the old man worry about her.


    "Understood!"


    Qin Mu nodded.


    "Then what are you waiting for?"


    "Go ahead, I¡¯ll tidy up and follow you shortly!"


    Qin Mu looked at the two bowls of noodles on the table¡ªshe couldn¡¯t just leave them there, could she?


    Feng Fanghua, who also disliked seeing yesterday¡¯s things still on the table the next day, went ahead with Huanhuan in tow.


    Qin Mu, with her bowl of noodles, headed to the kitchen, not daring to linger in the living area for fear of Feng Fanghua spotting her and voicing her opinion.


    Unable to bring herself to just throw them away, she sneakily ate a bit.

 Chapter 512 - 153 Together Again_4

    Chapter 512: 153 Together Again_4


    But soon, she found herself with no appetite and poured everything out, cleaned the bowl thoroughly, and placed it in the cupboard above. She then left her apartment carrying the trash and her bag.


    When Qin Mu stepped outside, she felt as if someone was watching her. Not far off, a pricey off-road vehicle was parked. Qin Mu didn¡¯t know whose car it was or whether there was someone inside. After throwing the trash into the bin, she got into her own small car.


    The off-road vehicle started up shortly after hers left but was quickly blocked by another off-road vehicle just a short distance away.


    The person inside braked abruptly, angrily staring at the person emerging from that car, his dear younger brother.


    It seemed his brother was also very angry, his facial expression exceptionally cold and stern. Wang Huanyu hadn¡¯t seen such indifference from his brother in a long time.


    Qin Mu drove back to the Mu Family home, where everyone seemed to be unusually gathered tonight.


    Even Mu Yichen was there!


    Mu Yichen had just come downstairs holding Huanhuan, and his eyes, which had been gentle when looking at his daughter, turned cold the moment he saw her.


    Qin Mu suddenly felt as though she couldn¡¯t move forward, gripping her bag tightly: "Grandpa! Dad! Mom!"


    Huanhuan, now in new clothes and carried out by her father, squirmed out of his arms and ran toward her mother when she saw her, bumping into her legs. Feng Fanghua, who was sitting nearby, stood up in fright: "Oh my, my dear little ancestor, you can¡¯t be this naughty now!"


    Huanhuan then looked at Qin Mu with a pitiful gaze.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare say anything else, only gently touching Huanhuan¡¯s head to comfort her.


    Mu Yichen, hands in pockets, walked over from inside, but not towards her. Instead, he sat down in an unoccupied single-seat sofa.


    Qin Mu walked over, head lowered, as the old master asked with concern, "Where have you been recently? You¡¯ve lost so much weight!"


    "I haven¡¯t lost that much!"


    Qin Mu said, smiling subtly, to the old master.


    "Sit down! It¡¯s been almost three months, from now on don¡¯t neglect yourself. If you don¡¯t want to live alone with Mu Yichen in the apartment, come to the family home. Whatever you want to eat, the family chef will prepare it for you right away!"


    "Okay!"


    The old master, leaning in his armchair, was full of sincerity as he spoke, and Qin Mu smiled and agreed.


    "It¡¯s good you¡¯re back! I think the three of you should stay here tonight. Your apartment hasn¡¯t been lived in or cleaned for a while, and everything here has been prepared for you!"


    Mu Zihao said to Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart fluttered, and she instinctively looked at Mu Yichen.


    But as soon as her gaze went his way, Mu Yichen, seeing her intense look, turned his attention elsewhere, Qin Mu...


    "Old master, the meal is ready!"


    The kitchen maid came out to report.


    "Then let¡¯s eat and talk!"


    With that command from the old master, he stood up and walked forward.


    Mu Yichen, seated on the sofa with his legs propped up, didn¡¯t move but watched the woman who was preparing to follow the elders upstairs with his dark eyes.


    Mu Yichen then lowered his gaze and stood up, rushing ahead to lift Huanhuan and carry her to the dining room first.


    Feng Fanghua was startled by his sudden action yet didn¡¯t say anything, just sighed helplessly: "How rash, at his age!"


    "What age is he? We are the ones who are old!"


    Mu Zihao whispered to Feng Fanghua.


    "Don¡¯t talk about being old in front of this old man!"


    The old master said as he took his seat.


    Everyone...


    "Great-grandpa is not old at all!"


    Huanhuan, her words learned from somewhere, said tenderly to the old master as she sat down.


    The old master¡¯s face lit up with joy hearing this, and Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua also felt happy because of their granddaughter¡¯s thoughtful comment.


    This meal seemed to grow less gloomy because of the little girl¡¯s few seemingly innocent words.


    The old master, looking at everyone present with some emotion, nodded thoughtfully and then, as usual, had someone pour him a glass of white liquor.


    The dinner went on for quite a while, and after finishing, Qin Mu wanted to be alone, but she did not dare make a sound as the elders had not given permission.


    It appeared that fresh fruit had been specially prepared for her. Qin Mu sat quietly, eating.


    Mu Yichen was on the phone upstairs. Half an hour later, he went to their main bedroom, but seeing the bed empty, he furrowed his brows.


    Was she still downstairs making forced conversation?


    Knowing she was reluctant and too embarrassed to leave, he went to the stairway entrance: "You!"


    Everyone downstairs looked up to where he was standing high above. His dark eyes gazed down.


    Who knew whom he was calling?


    But someone¡¯s heart trembled fiercely!


    "Come upstairs!"


    He said blandly, then turned and went back to the room.


    Everyone looked at Qin Mu, and the old master said, "He¡¯s calling you, go on!"


    Qin Mu would have preferred to stay with them, but she nodded and stood up nonetheless.


    Huanhuan, sitting on her grandmother¡¯s lap, said as her mother was about to go upstairs, "Mommy, good night!"


    Qin Mu bade her good night and headed upstairs. She actually had some issues she wanted to discuss with him, so she resolutely went to find him.

 Chapter 513 - 154 because I’m afraid something will happen to you!_1

    Chapter 513: 154 because I¡¯m afraid something will happen to you!_1


    "Go take a shower first!"


    He pulled out clothes from the wardrobe and tossed them into her arms; his pitch-black eyes were devoid of any tenderness when they met hers.


    Qin Mu reflexively clutched the super slippery pajamas and looked up at him, "You surely already know the truth behind that day¡¯s events, don¡¯t you?"


    "Go take a shower first!"


    Even though she directly expressed her desire to know, Mu Yichen still insisted she take a shower first.


    "Can a shower wash away what happened that night?"


    She asked stubbornly.


    "Take a shower first, we¡¯ll talk after! Do you need me to help you?"


    His voice was low, as if he were desperately restraining his temper.


    Qin Mu knew him well; when his stubbornness flared up, no one could convince him otherwise, so she held the pajamas and went to the bathroom.


    Mu Yichen stood there with his head lowered and his hands on his waist. The drooping eyelashes concealed his eye expressions, making it impossible for others to guess what he really was thinking.


    Qin Mu took her shower inside, feeling the tepid water cascade over her from head to toe, soaking her completely. Yet, the only thing she wanted to know was one single matter.


    Yang Qianxi drove Jing Qing¡¯s car to run errands for her. It made no sense to Qin Mu. If Jing Qing and Yang Qianxi had planned the whole thing from the start, why would Jing Qing sabotage her own car to harm Yang Qianxi? To prevent Yang Qianxi from divulging their secrets?


    Qin Mu walked out of the bathroom in a state of agitation after her shower, only to be immediately embraced by him.


    In reality, he was wrapping a towel around her hair. He was helping her dry it.


    "Sit on the couch, I¡¯ll dry your hair for you!"


    He commanded her in a deep voice, and Qin Mu obediently went to sit down.


    She guessed he wanted to quietly let things pass, as if nothing ever happened.


    But she thought he should be clearer than anyone, that neither of them was the type to pretend as if a real event was merely a dream.


    How could they brush aside an event that had truly taken place right in front of their eyes?


    The hairdryer¡¯s gentle breeze caressed her long hair. In the warmth of his hands, her hair was gradually warmed and dried.


    Besides the sound made by the hairdryer, there was silence in the room at this moment.


    She sat there with a straight back, and he stood beside her, seemingly intent on drying every single strand of her hair.


    Hair can be dried completely, but how can one act as if things that happened never really did?


    The fact is, they cannot!


    So both pretended to be calm, suppressing the restlessness within their hearts.


    Both of them were afraid to just let it end, yet remembering the scene when they met that morning...


    After drying her hair, he took the hairdryer back to its place in the washroom, as if to ensure she wouldn¡¯t struggle to find it the next evening.


    He returned to sit at the edge of the bed, silent for a long while across from her. Then he crossed his arms and touched his nose bridge before speaking in a low voice, "Just now, you asked if I knew the details about what happened that day. I can now tell you, yes, I know!"


    Qin Mu simply looked up at him curiously without asking further.


    "These people will all get what¡¯s coming to them. When the time comes, I will then explain the details to you slowly. For now, you just need to take good care of yourself and the pregnancy, okay?"


    His dark eyes fixed on her, he walked over and crouched beneath her gaze, looking at her intently, his eyes offering solace.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile slightly, "Wang Mingyu came to see me today, he said he was very sorry."


    "He must have also said he¡¯d take responsibility for you, right?"


    Mu Yichen grasped her hand a little more tightly, his alert eyes immediately catching the emotions in hers.


    Qin Mu smiled faintly, "Yes!"


    "He also came to see me. He probably knows nothing, unwittingly caught up in our ordeals," said Mu Yichen, unable to suppress a wicked smile!


    "But he still deserves to die!"


    Yet, that last sentence was shockingly cold!


    Qin Mu looked down at his suddenly merciless expression and couldn¡¯t help but shiver internally.


    "Go to sleep now! We¡¯ll deal with the rest after I¡¯ve made sure those responsible have faced their karma."


    After speaking, Mu Yichen stood up and picked her up from the couch.


    Qin Mu¡¯s hands reflexively encircled his neck, her eyes intently on him, her heart managing all the emotions trying to surge forth.


    As Mu Yichen put her down, his eyes, no longer capable of hiding their deep affection, looked at her. Qin Mu looked up at him, the suddenly intense gaze causing her heart to flutter, and inexplicably, her eyes grew a little blurry.


    "Why did you come out looking for me that night?"

 Chapter 514 - 154 because I’m afraid something will happen to you!_2

    Chapter 514: 154 because I¡¯m afraid something will happen to you!_2


    He kept a few centimeters¡¯ distance, his eyes tenderly adoring as he looked at her, lifting his hand to gently brush away the hair on her forehead as he softly asked.


    His voice was somewhat hoarse, and Qin Mu felt an ache in her heart when she heard it.


    "Because I was afraid you¡¯d get hurt."


    "But you¡¯ve let yourself get hurt!"


    He suddenly laughed, and as he spoke, it sounded like he was scolding her, but his eyes were the first to moisten.


    Qin Mu had never seen him like this and couldn¡¯t help but raise her hand to cradle his face, "Mu Yichen, don¡¯t be like this!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say anything, just lowered his gaze and gently pressed his forehead against her burning one.


    It was as if he feared she¡¯d see his sorrowful expression, as if he wanted to maintain a certain image in her heart.


    Qin Mu¡¯s breath grew hotter, but...


    When she felt her eyelashes dampen, heavy...


    Those tears seemed to silently fall onto her heart, becoming an indelible cinnabar mole.


    Unable to open her eyes, she simply drooped her lashes, gently cradling his face, feeling his presence.


    The days seemed calm and unrippled¡ª


    Yet were full of turmoil!


    His hand caught hers on his face, his thumb caressing the back of her hand back and forth.


    Time seemed to halt in that moment, and in the silence, it was as if they¡¯d quietly shared their heavy longing for each other.


    For a long time, neither spoke another word, just quietly nestled together.


    Even without kissing, they just felt each other¡¯s breaths entwining around one another, and after a while, he finally moved slightly away from her, "Sleep now!"


    Qin Mu reluctantly let go of his hand, and looking at him, already composed, she struggled to remain calm.


    She closed her eyes obediently and went to sleep.


    Mu Yichen later sat on the edge of the bed, but his hand never let go of hers.


    Looking at her haggard face, he held her hand and then gently kissed her fingers, one by one.


    In his pitch-black eyes, he finally poured out all his longing, staring straight at her, unable to avert his gaze.


    Over the past month, they had tried to suppress that impulsive feeling with separation, and now, he wished everything could return to the morning before everything had changed.


    When she woke up the next day, he was already gone; most of the bed was empty. She lay quietly on her side, looking at his pillow, then quietly brought it into her embrace, clutching it tightly, her face gently pressed against it.


    It still held the scent of his shampoo, and her eyes moistened once more. Before she could break into tears, she took deep, difficult breaths, covering her face with the pillow, hiding all the tears.


    As if it wasn¡¯t right to cry.


    Two people caught in a scheme should be thinking of revenge, not shedding tears.


    But she couldn¡¯t hold back, especially when she thought of him crying last night; her heart hurt even more.


    Someone was knocking on the door from outside, the sound not very heavy but enough to remind her.


    "Young Madam, it¡¯s time for breakfast!"


    The maid called out to her softly from outside the door.


    She wanted to speak but ended up pressing her face into the pillow forcefully, smearing all her tears on it, until the heat of any emerging tears were pushed back. Only after she had calmed her breathing and suppressed the turmoil in her heart, did she manage to reply, "I know!"


    The maid stood outside the door, feeling that her voice sounded strange, as if she had been crying.


    Not knowing what had happened recently, and therefore not knowing what advice to give, the maid quickly went downstairs.


    Qin Mu quickly went to the bathroom to wash her face and only after getting herself together did she open the door and step out.


    Everyone was already having breakfast in the dining room. She went over and greeted them, "Good morning Grandpa! Good morning Dad! Morning Mom! Sorry I overslept!"


    "It¡¯s normal for a pregnant woman to sleep in, come sit and have your breakfast!"


    Mu Zihao said.


    Qin Mu nodded and went to pull out a chair to sit down, but as the maid served her porridge, she couldn¡¯t help but look at the seat beside her, "Where¡¯s Yichen?"


    "The young master had something to attend to early in the morning and he asked us to make sure you got up for breakfast."


    The maid said while setting down the porridge.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t ask any further questions, just wondering where he might have gone so early in the morning.


    "I want to talk to you about something. Recently, someone recommended a kindergarten that¡¯s quite good, asking if we should send Huanhuan there for the nursery class."


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t really want to discuss this with Qin Mu, but Mu Zihao had told her to take Huanhuan¡¯s opinion into account, forcing her to bring it up to Qin Mu.


    "Xiaomei mentioned this to me yesterday, but I have no plans to send Huanhuan to kindergarten right now."

 Chapter 515 - 154 because I’m afraid something will happen to you!_3

    Chapter 515: 154 because I¡¯m afraid something will happen to you!_3


    Qin Mu became somewhat nervous when Feng Fanghua brought up the kindergarten. She knew saying this would upset Feng Fanghua, but she was more worried about her daughter¡¯s safety than anything else.


    Yesterday, when she was coming here, she felt like someone was following her. Frankly, if Huanhuan wasn¡¯t by her side or Feng Fanghua¡¯s, she really didn¡¯t feel at ease leaving her with anyone else.


    "Technically, she can start kindergarten at three, but if you don¡¯t want to, there¡¯s no rush. Your mom and I have time to look after her, and we¡¯re happy to do so,"


    Mu Zihao said slowly.


    "Thank you, Mom and Dad!"


    Qin Mu quickly whispered her thanks, treating the matter as settled.


    "You don¡¯t have a problem with the kindergartens here, do you? I¡¯ll have you know, our city¡¯s kindergarten is not one bit inferior to those abroad. Check it out for yourself if you don¡¯t believe it,"


    Feng Fanghua earnestly told her.


    "It¡¯s not that I¡¯m worried about that, it¡¯s just¡ªMom, there have been some things happening recently, and I feel that..."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but lick her lips, afraid that speaking out would worry her elders, but keeping silent would surely lead to a bigger misunderstanding.


    "Can we talk about it after the summer vacation? That would be the time for class promotions, it should be a better time to start then,"


    Qin Mu had no choice but to suggest more delicately.


    "I think that would be fine!"


    The elder nodded upon hearing this.


    That suited Feng Fanghua too; she wasn¡¯t really eager to send her granddaughter to kindergarten that early, she just didn¡¯t like Qin Mu going against her.


    "Has the studio been busy lately?"


    Mu Zihao asked.


    "It¡¯s been alright, not too busy!"


    "If it¡¯s not too busy, why don¡¯t you rest at home for a few days? If you need a quiet place to sketch, feel free to use the study,"


    Mu Zihao continued.


    Qin Mu looked at him, somewhat bewildered by the unexpected favor.


    "Your dad¡¯s noticed you¡¯ve lost weight recently and wants you to stay home so we can take care of you and help you regain your strength,"


    Feng Fanghua explained, fearing she wouldn¡¯t understand.


    "Thank you, Mom and Dad!"


    Qin Mu quickly expressed her gratitude.


    "We¡¯re family, there¡¯s no need for thanks, but you can¡¯t just keep making do at a time like this. Your mother told me that yesterday when she went to see you, you were eating noodles. How can you eat such non-nutritious food every day while you¡¯re pregnant?"


    Mu Zihao said.


    "I need to drop by the shop this morning. The renovations are almost done, and I need to check if there is anything else that needs to be improved. I¡¯ll definitely be back for lunch,"


    Qin Mu said.


    "Hmm! If you¡¯re too tired to drive yourself, have the family driver take you,"


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed.


    But she didn¡¯t use the family driver, nor did she drive herself; Zhao Huai was again her chauffeur.


    As Zhao Huai drove her to Central Street, he couldn¡¯t help but say, "During this time you were gone, Yichen bro has been looking utterly dejected. It¡¯s taken the fun out of drinking for all of us. At least you¡¯re back now."


    "Sounds like I¡¯m quite important!"


    "Of course! Extremely important!"


    Zhao Huai complimented her while driving.


    "None of us went home that night, but it¡¯s a pity we weren¡¯t of much help."


    "You all did your best, let¡¯s not dwell on it anymore."


    Qin Mu explained.


    Zhao Huai didn¡¯t say anything more; he knew they hadn¡¯t done enough.


    "How did you find out Yichen was at Meilin¡¯s place?"


    "I contacted Yang Qianxi, she told me!"


    Zhao Huai shook his head after hearing that: "That woman is really cunning!"


    "How¡¯s she doing now?"


    "She won¡¯t die! Yichen has someone keeping an eye on her!"


    "What do you mean by that?"


    "Didn¡¯t you know? Jing Qing wanted to put her to death, but Yichen believes she must have some important information, so he spared her life."


    Zhao Huai continued to speak with her.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart stirred slightly. Yang Qianxi certainly knew a lot, and now Qin Mu even suspected that in that incident, Jing Qing had been manipulated by Yang Qianxi, otherwise why would Jing Qing want to resort to killing?


    After arriving, Qin Mu got out of the car. Zhao Huai rolled down the window: "Xiaomu, I¡¯ll wait for you outside! But don¡¯t worry about me!"


    Qin Mu smiled, understanding that he meant he was watching over her.


    The store¡¯s photos had been printed, incredibly exquisite, upscale, and impressive. Qin Mu stood there, looked up at them for a while, then walked inside.


    Zhao Huai immediately made a phone call to Mu Yichen: "Someone¡¯s following my car!"


    "It¡¯s Wang Huanyu, be careful!"


    "Got it!"


    Zhao Huai hung up the phone and continued to wait there, chewing gum.

 Chapter 516 - 154 because I’m afraid something will happen to you!_4

    Chapter 516: 154 because I¡¯m afraid something will happen to you!_4


    But why Wang Huanyu? Zhao Huai really couldn¡¯t figure it out; how could that night¡¯s incident possibly be related to Wang Huanyu?


    And how would Wang Huanyu know about Jing Qing¡¯s plans?


    He couldn¡¯t understand¡ªwas there a relationship between Jing Qing and Wang Huanyu? Or was it someone else with someone else?


    He¡¯d heard that Qin Mingzhu and Jing Qing had long been estranged; moreover, Jing Qing wouldn¡¯t likely tell anyone about such matters.


    There was also Yang Qianxi¡ªshe had been harmed by Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu once before. Could it be that she still hadn¡¯t learned her lesson and was doing their bidding?


    Or was it something else?


    He felt that the way women¡¯s minds worked was truly beyond his comprehension.


    After over half an hour, Qin Mu came out and said to Zhao Huai after getting into the car, "Could I visit Xiaohao at the hospital?"


    "Of course, no problem!"


    Zhao Huai, always easy to talk to, agreed and immediately drove to the hospital.


    He also sent a WeChat message to Mu Yichen: "Xiaomu is going to the hospital to see Helian Hao? Is it for a check-up?"


    Mu Yichen replied: "Stay with her, I¡¯ll be right there!"


    Thinking about it, their baby was also due for a check-up.


    Qin Mu just listened to his phone ring, unaware that he was messaging Mu Yichen.


    When the two arrived at the hospital, Mu Yichen¡¯s car also arrived just in time.


    The moment Qin Mu got out of the car, she saw him, and unconsciously looked toward the man in the driver¡¯s seat inside.


    "No need to thank me. I¡¯ll take my leave now!"


    Zhao Huai, hanging on the car door, winked at Qin Mu and then waved goodbye and left.


    Mu Yichen stepped forward and embraced her: "Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll accompany you!"


    "How did you know what I was coming here to do?"


    Qin Mu asked him, curious.


    "You¡¯ve been at your father¡¯s place all this time and didn¡¯t come out. Of course, the first thing after leaving would be to schedule a check-up for the baby."


    Qin Mu found his analysis very reasonable.


    When the two of them appeared in the obstetrics and gynecology department, it still gave Helian Hao quite a shock. Helian Hao looked at Qin Mu for a while before glancing at Mu Yichen, then went to the other side of Qin Mu and whispered in her ear, "Have you made up?"


    Qin Mu gave a slight side glance and reminded her in a whisper, "Doctor, I¡¯m here to have a check-up."


    "Ok!"


    Knowing it wasn¡¯t the time to ask more, Helian Hao immediately acted professionally, gave her the ticket, and told Mu Yichen to pay for it, and then the two of them could chat about private sister topics.


    "Has it gotten much better?"


    As soon as Mu Yichen left, she couldn¡¯t wait to ask again.


    "Today I was betrayed by Zhao Huai. Zhao Huai actually told Mu Yichen about my visit to the hospital, and that¡¯s why this happened."


    Qin Mu explained the situation to Helian Hao.


    "Yeah, Zhao Huai is most loyal to Mu Yichen!"


    Helian Hao nodded, full of trust.


    "I see that now!"


    Qin Mu was a bit angry when she spoke; it had been easier to come for a check-up alone, but she became nervous when Mu Yichen showed up.


    "Nearly three months, how do you feel?"


    "To be honest, I¡¯ve even lost the feeling of nausea. Occasionally, I feel sick, but I can seldom vomit anything."


    "Maybe this time it¡¯s really a boy!"


    Helian Hao raised her eyebrows suggestively.


    "Hopefully!"


    Qin Mu chuckled softly, responding in a low voice.


    "You also wish for a boy?"


    Helian Hao asked curiously.


    "Of course I¡¯m okay with either, but my mother-in-law is more hopeful for a boy, so..."


    "Understood! Happiness in the home brings prosperity in all things!"


    Lately, Helian Hao seemed in a good mood, looking rather healthy and rosy-cheeked.


    Helian Hao took Qin Mu to another room, ready to do the ultrasound before Mu Yichen came back from paying.


    Qin Mu sat on the small bed and said softly, "Let¡¯s wait for him."


    Helian Hao looked up at her, saw the clear expectation in her eyes for Mu Yichen to be there with her, and couldn¡¯t help but sit beside her, holding her hand: "Have you made up with your father?"


    "I always thought I¡¯d never live in that place again, I thought our father-daughter relationship ended when I was eight. It wasn¡¯t until that day when I had nowhere to go, and I hid in his house¡ª"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t continue, her eyes reddened, and she lowered her head, fingers pinching the fur on her dress as she struggled to hold back tears.


    "At that moment, I realized that in Rongcheng, apart from Mu Yichen, he was the only one I could turn to!"


    "You also have me!"


    Helian Hao immediately said.


    Helian Hao knew, if Qin Mu stayed at her place, Mu Yichen would certainly follow right away, but she still wanted Qin Mu to know that in Rongcheng, Helian Hao was definitely a pillar she could rely on.


    "I know!"


    Qin Mu smiled, her voice a bit hoarse!


    The man outside, who had come back after paying, stood at the door without pushing it open immediately, listening to the sisters inside talking; he didn¡¯t want to disturb them.


    When the noise inside stopped, he pushed the door open.


    At that time, Qin Mu was already lying on the bed, her soft tummy exposed.


    Hmm! Three months, and not showing at all!


    Mu Yichen quietly walked up behind Helian Hao, bent over to look at the image showing on the monitor¡ªthough he couldn¡¯t really understand it, he looked extremely serious.


    Qin Mu lay there silently, feeling the cool tool Helian Hao was using on her stomach. When she saw Mu Yichen, her eyes flickered, but then she just quietly watched him, looking like an expectant new father!

 Chapter 517 - 155 Congratulations on getting what you wished for_1

    Chapter 517: 155 Congratulations on getting what you wished for_1


    He looked like an expectant new father, excited and waiting!


    Qin Mu just watched him quietly until he furrowed his brow and softly asked, "Where exactly is it?"


    Qin Mu...


    Helian Hao looked up, and when he saw Qin Mu¡¯s patience as he bent over to look at the screen, he couldn¡¯t help but laugh out, "Here!"


    Helian Hao pointed it out to him!


    Mu Yichen¡¯s brow furrowed even tighter, that tiny little thing on the screen, it was really hard to imagine that in a few months, he would be holding it in his arms.


    Now, it wasn¡¯t even as long as his finger.


    "It¡¯s still very small right now, but it will grow quickly from here on out!"


    As Helian Hao spoke, he turned to glance at her good sister.


    Qin Mu had been staring dreamily at Mu Yichen, but turned her gaze back to Helian Hao when he suddenly caught her eye.


    Helian Hao whispered to her, "Congratulations on getting your heart¡¯s desire!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart felt like fireworks that had been ignited and suddenly soared into the sky, bursting into stunning beauty at their peak!


    Helian Hao winked at her and, with a serious face, turned back to Mu Yichen and said, "Mumu has been a bit malnourished recently, so make sure to nourish her well when you go back. Also, pregnant women should not get angry, so..."


    Helian Hao turned to look at him.


    "Understood!"


    Mu Yichen, still puzzled by Helian Hao¡¯s mention of having her wish granted, immediately agreed upon hearing Helian Hao¡¯s instructions and looked from the screen to his beloved woman.


    If he wasn¡¯t worried about her becoming too excited, would he have let her stay elsewhere for so long? Would he have kept her from even seeing him?


    Qin Mu lowered her eyelashes when he looked over, not wanting him to see the wetness in her eyes.


    In fact, Qin Mu was already very excited. She understood what Helian Hao meant by getting her wish, it¡¯s just a shame that Mr. Mu was still in the dark.


    However, Qin Mu thought Mr. Mu really was special, for not even asking once about the baby¡¯s gender.


    Qin Mu thought he must be a great father, it¡¯s only that they...


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to think about the unhappy things, so she simply stopped thinking about them, chatted with Helian Hao for a few more sentences, and then left with Mu Yichen.


    On the way back, Mu Yichen drove very slowly. When they reached a fork in the road, he asked her, "Do you want to go to the Mu Mansion or our apartment?"


    "I promised Mom to go back for lunch."


    "Okay!"


    Mu Yichen then turned the car towards the direction of the Mu Mansion.


    Qin Mu turned her head to look at him, still having many questions she wanted to ask him, but in the end...


    Remembering that last night he had shed such precious tears, Qin Mu did not dare to ask any more questions, just suppressed the bad emotions at the bottom of her heart, and waited during the car ride home.


    Home...


    "I¡¯ll have to find some time to talk with my father-in-law!"


    He suddenly said this with a frown on the road that turned towards the Mu Family.


    "What do you need to talk to him about?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously while looking at him.


    "My wife has been living with him for nearly two months, and she¡¯s become malnourished. When she left from my place, she was a chubby little pig, but now three months into the pregnancy, there¡¯s not a bit of meat on her belly. Shouldn¡¯t I talk to him?"


    Mu Yichen, focused on driving, turned to glance at her after speaking.


    Qin Mu...


    Why did she feel like he was setting a trap?


    "That has nothing to do with him. After that sort of incident happened, I suppose I wasn¡¯t the only one who couldn¡¯t eat, right?"


    Qin Mu asked, looking at him.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, that one-second glance enough to convey his feelings.


    He then focused his gaze back on the road ahead, so focused that one might think he wasn¡¯t thinking of anything else when actually, he thought to himself that if he were her, he would definitely force down all the food.


    But in truth, Mu Yichen himself also couldn¡¯t eat. At that time, he had smoked the most, wishing he could cut the Gordian knot and clear things up for her, eager to drag those people out and kill them all on the spot.


    Back then, he¡¯d rather wrongly kill a hundred than let one culprit escape.


    But his brothers stopped him; there are many ways to kill, and taking action personally was definitely not the wisest one.


    In Rongcheng, to think someone dared to let both him and his wife be...


    To let those people kill each other, to slowly torture them to death amidst fear.


    Suddenly feeling a twinge in his heart, Mu Yichen subconsciously placed his hand on hers. When Qin Mu felt her hand being grabbed, she reflexively looked down, and her heart tightened.


    During that period, he must have endured no less than her.


    Both of them were definitely people with severe obsessions in some respects.


    "But you still lost a lot of weight, and he can¡¯t be completely absolved from responsibility."


    Mu Yichen stubbornly repeated it, neither cold nor warm, like making small talk, yet in a manner not to be ignored.

 Chapter 518 - 155 Congratulations on getting what you wished for_2

    Chapter 518: 155 Congratulations on getting what you wished for_2


    Qin Mu gazed at him for a long time until the car entered the Mu Family estate.


    He finally let go of her hand, which by then was quite warm.


    After Mu Yichen brought her back, there was no one else at home. The auntie greeted them: "Young Master, Young Madam, welcome back!"


    "Mm! Are my parents not here?"


    "They took Miss Huanhuan out to eat and said they would play in the amusement park in the afternoon, so they will come back for dinner in the evening," the auntie explained.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t ask any further and went straight to the kitchen after washing her hands.


    Just the two of them were eating at home, and indeed, there was a super nutritious pregnancy meal prepared in the kitchen. All the dishes, aside from the natural colors of the vegetables, really had no other colors from seasoning.


    There was also soup, all boiled from ingredients to a natural creamy white, which was, truly, quite appealing to the eye!


    But!


    "Helian Hao said you¡¯re malnourished, so don¡¯t be picky!"


    After washing his hands, Mu Yichen sat down and, seeing her lost in thought while looking at the lunch, he bluntly reminded her.


    Qin Mu smiled slightly: "I didn¡¯t say I wouldn¡¯t eat it, I actually like it very much!"


    She was actually worried that accompanying her in eating the pregnancy meal would be tasteless for him!


    She didn¡¯t say it out loud, just quietly served herself a bowl of soup.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her actions briefly. Qin Mu looked up at him: "Do you plan to just watch me until I finish eating?"


    "Why not?"


    His voice was cool and detached.


    Qin Mu still responded with a smile, having nothing more to say.


    She thought to herself, as long as you¡¯re happy!


    Afterward, Mu Yichen ate very little¡ªhis attention was almost entirely on her!


    He thought she would be fussy with her food. She used to be so troublesome and so short-tempered when she first came to Rongcheng, prickly like a hedgehog, unable to tolerate even a slightly displeasing word.


    But now...


    Mu Yichen suddenly realized she seemed to have changed, so much.


    Later, she nearly agreed with whatever he said, unlike before when she just knew how to glare at him, using her eyes to protest.


    Qin Mu, feeling her ears tingle under his gaze, didn¡¯t want to make eye contact anymore, worrying that saying too much might affect her appetite. Thus, she kept her head down and ate ferociously.


    Foods that were good for the baby, she could endure no matter what.


    Just as she had endured so many big and small incidents over the years, let alone a few months of a pregnancy diet.


    The pregnancy meal looked bland, but each ingredient was meticulously selected, and consuming them was beneficial to her health without a doubt.


    So later, even though she knew Mu Yichen was staring at her, she still took her time eating the meal.


    Qin Mu ate her lunch with exceptional elegance. After lunch, the staff even cut some fruit for her¡ªall her favorites. Qin Mu felt full yet couldn¡¯t stop eating, thinking to herself, oh no, this is the rhythm of getting fat, but she just couldn¡¯t control her mouth.


    Mu Yichen was sitting beside her, dealing with documents on his phone. Qin Mu thought he might as well go to the office, but knowing his temper too well, she said nothing. They each occupied a sofa, busy with their own things.


    "There¡¯s something I should probably tell you."


    After finishing with his files, Mu Yichen placed his phone aside, folded his arms, and looked at her.


    Qin Mu paused for a moment while eating the fruit, then continued while asking him: "What is it?"


    "Those two brothers have been tracking you!" Mu Yichen said.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    "You mean¡ª"


    "Wang Mingyu and Wang Huanyu! I know why Wang Mingyu is following you, but why Wang Huanyu?"


    "That night at the Qin Family, I had a dispute with Qin Mingzhu; Huanhuan stood up for me and pushed Qin Mingzhu down the stairs¡ªcould it be because of that?"


    Qin Mu explained as she recalled the events of that evening.


    "Right! Qin Mingzhu is pregnant!"


    Qin Mu remembered the most crucial detail.


    "Indeed, just like my daughter, resourceful! But with Huanhuan¡¯s capabilities, she probably couldn¡¯t have pushed her down the stairs, right?" Mu Yichen looked at her and said.


    "That¡¯s true! When you saw me at the Qin Family, I was actually there to tell Qin Haiming about this. I wanted to tell him it might have been a play directed by Qin Mingzhu herself; perhaps she knew she was pregnant and didn¡¯t want the child, which is why she ¡¯fell¡¯ down the stairs. Huanhuan was merely a pawn she wanted to use. But this time, Qin Haiming didn¡¯t doubt me!"


    Qin Mu was puzzled as she explained.


    "Want to know why?"


    "What reason?"


    Qin Mu looked at him earnestly, genuinely curious.


    "Because Qin Haiming finally saw his precious daughter for what she really is. Also, regarding the incident you asked me to investigate about Zhang Rujia and the mayor of Qin City, my people found evidence that the woman had a man before."

 Chapter 519 - 155 Congratulations on getting what you wished for_3

    Chapter 519: 155 Congratulations on getting what you wished for_3


    Qin Mu looked at him, incredulous, his emotions swelling like tides.


    "So you¡¯re saying Zhang Rujia got involved with Qin Haiming just because she found out he might get a promotion?"


    "Yes, she came with Qin Mingzhu to ruin your family, but Qin Mingzhu might actually be his daughter. Their blood types match."


    After hearing this, Qin Mu nodded, "I know, Qin Mingzhu is allergic to kiwi just like me!"


    This trait was passed down from Qin Haiming.


    "Back to the main point, as you say, the reason Wang Huanyu followed you must be because he heard from Qin Mingzhu that Huanhuan pushed her down the stairs. He wanted revenge!"


    Mu Yichen chuckled unconsciously after speaking, "This man is actually led by the nose by Qin Mingzhu!"


    "He probably loves her very much. That time I saw them going to the hospital together, it was obvious he cared deeply for Qin Mingzhu."


    "And that justifies her unforgivable actions?"


    Mu Yichen looked up at her.


    "There¡¯s still some things I haven¡¯t figured out, but the answers should be revealed soon. Yang Qianxi has woken up!"


    Speaking of it, he looked at her again, this time his gaze had changed slightly.


    The name of this person, no matter how guarded or disliked by both of them, had become the third party between them.


    Without realizing it, Qin Mu¡¯s eyes fell, and she didn¡¯t question him further.


    Mu Yichen also fell silent, letting something lonely within the room flow quietly by itself.


    Somehow, Qin Mu suddenly caught a sob in her throat.


    "I¡¯m tired!"


    She slowly stood up, deciding to end this silent standoff.


    "I¡¯ll accompany you to rest!"


    Mu Yichen immediately nodded in agreement.


    "No! You go do your work! I can manage on my own!"


    Qin Mu turned to look at him and confidently said those words before lowering her head and walking away.


    In fact, she was particularly afraid of getting too close to him because she feared she no longer belonged so close to him.


    She often dreamed of him wrapping himself around her; she missed him so much that she¡¯d dream of their passionate moments.


    But upon waking, she was just alone, holding herself.


    She fled in panic, though he couldn¡¯t tell she was fleeing, but in her heart, she was indeed running away¡ªbecause she couldn¡¯t face it, so she fled.


    Mu Yichen stood up but simply gazed through half-closed eyes at her departing figure.


    She really did care!


    His heart felt like the rhythm before a tsunami, with something creeping into motion.


    But in the end, he didn¡¯t follow her upstairs.


    He suddenly bowed his head, his dark hawkish eyes hidden by his long lashes, but the sharp contours of his face were unmistakably revealing his cold, dark turmoil.


    He thought of Yang Qianxi, and then his gaze grew even more ruthless!


    Yang Qianxi deserved to die, but before that, she had to spill everything she knew.


    Yang Qianxi was actually a tight-lipped person, but after this incident, she must have realized that some things need to be made clear to certain people.


    After Qin Mu returned to her room, she gently closed the door, leaned against it, and thought back to that morning, Yang Qianxi¡¯s faint cry, "Mu Yichen." At that moment, she felt as if her world had collapsed.


    She didn¡¯t know the exact nature of Yang Qianxi¡¯s relationship with Mu Yichen, but if they really had been intimate...


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t bear to think about their future. Did they even have one?


    Maybe not anymore!


    Mu Yichen drove to the hospital where Jing Feng was waiting for him, "I¡¯ll accompany you to see her!"


    "Since when did my people start doing things for you?"


    Mu Yichen just asked him coldly before walking ahead.


    "Mu Yichen, I have a right to know about this. Jing Qing¡¯s car was at Meilin¡¯s place that day, but she told me she didn¡¯t touch you."


    Upon hearing this, Mu Yichen felt as if someone had yanked a cord from his body, causing him such pain that he clenched his fist to strike back.


    That heavy punch, as he turned to grab Jing Feng, plunged deep into Jing Feng¡¯s stomach.


    "Ah!"


    Jing Feng¡¯s face turned deathly pale from pain; he bent over, one hand on Mu Yichen¡¯s arm, the other covering the wounded spot.


    "How many times have I told you to keep an eye on her and not to cause me any more trouble? Do you take my words for wind, or do you really think I wouldn¡¯t dare touch the Jing family?"


    Mu Yichen brutally grabbed his collar, gritted his teeth, and spat those words out clearly for him.


    "She¡¯s my sister!"


    "Great! Then go to jail for her, good brother!"


    Mu Yichen sneered before forcibly pushing him away.


    Jing Feng managed to brace himself against the cold wall before being pushed down and looked up at the retreating figure of Mu Yichen walking inside.

 Chapter 520 - 155 Congratulations on getting what you wished for_4

    Chapter 520: 155 Congratulations on getting what you wished for_4


    He gasped for breath, for Mu Yichen¡¯s punch had been truly lethal.


    Jing Feng¡¯s complexion still looked terrible, but he had no choice but to continue moving forward with difficulty.


    When Mu Yichen reached the door of the hospital room, he saw Qiao Yi standing there, his eyes dark and terrifying.


    Qiao Yi clearly felt his anger as well and looked at him with fear in his eyes.


    "We¡¯ll settle our accounts later, but for now, stop that man for me. Consider it repayment for the years I treated you like a brother in vain,"


    Mu Yichen said coldly and then pushed the door open to enter.


    The two bodyguards glanced at Qiao Yi. Qiao Yi coldly eyed the two men and then looked down the hallway, where Jing Feng was holding his stomach and walking step by step, leaning against the wall.


    Qiao Yi stepped forward, blocking Jing Feng¡¯s chest with one hand, "Forget it!"


    "What did you say?"


    Jing Feng looked up at him!


    "Can you stop Yichen once he¡¯s made up his mind to do something?"


    Jing Feng didn¡¯t speak, only his uncomfortable expression turned towards that door.


    Jing Feng called Jing Qing, "Yang Qianxi has woken up!"


    Jing Qing was in the makeup room, getting ready for a press conference, but after the call, her cheeks, which were originally rosy, turned pale.


    Yang Qianxi has woken up? What does that mean?


    Jing Qing stumbled out of disbelief, grabbing her bag and phone and heading for the exit. The makeup artist was discussing what makeup to apply when she heard a chair being tripped over and realized she had left.


    When Jing Qing arrived at the hospital, Mu Yichen was still sitting in the chair in front of Yang Qianxi¡¯s hospital bed, as cold as an iceberg.


    Upon hearing the sound of the door, he raised his authoritative gaze towards the entrance.


    Jing Qing fell into his icy gaze.


    Seeing him, Jing Qing¡¯s face lost even more color, but the next instant, she ran to the bedside, "Yang Qianxi, you¡¯re finally awake!"


    Yang Qianxi¡¯s face, swathed in bandages, turned towards her, and her two exposed eyes brimmed with tears, as if trying to convey something, but Jing Qing could not understand at all.


    "Miss Jing, please be prepared to be summoned by the relevant authorities. You shouldn¡¯t go abroad during this time; else, I have ways to have you brought back, and¡ª"


    Mu Yichen rose dominantly from the chair, fiddled with his suit button half-way, and with a cold look, walked out without finishing his sentence.


    "Yichen! Don¡¯t treat me this way! Yichen, I haven¡¯t done anything to you, I¡¯m a victim too!"


    Jing Qing chased after him, grabbing his arm and pleading tearfully.


    "Tell that to the judge!" He coldly grabbed her wrist and flung her hand off his body, leaving without a trace of compassion.


    Then the door closed with a loud bang.


    Jing Qing¡¯s legs gave in, and she immediately knelt beside the bed.


    Of course, she wasn¡¯t apologizing to Yang Qianxi; she was just scared out of her wits.


    She understood what Mu Yichen¡¯s unfinished sentence meant. She couldn¡¯t find her normal breathing and had been thinking, as long as Yang Qianxi wasn¡¯t stupid, she would not dare betray her, or else Yang Qianxi couldn¡¯t even save herself.


    But...


    Yang Qianxi had still stabbed her in the back.


    Jing Qing knew she might have really caused a serious problem this time, and her grandfather might not be able to protect her.


    Jing Qing¡¯s tearful eyes lifted again, looking at the woman in the bed who had nearly died in a car accident, then she stood up, suddenly stepped forward, and asked loudly with hatred, "Why? You stole my man and betrayed me too? Did you drug me that night and make me pass out, right? How dare you betray me? Why don¡¯t you just die? Why don¡¯t you just die?"


    Jing Qing grabbed her arms and shook her fiercely, roaring.


    Scared by her behavior, Yang Qianxi couldn¡¯t move, only shaking her head in misery and making indecipherable sounds.


    When Mu Yichen returned home, Qin Mu was still napping. He stood by her side without touching her, feeling a heavy pressure in his chest, and then turned and went into the bathroom.


    He submerged himself completely in the bathtub, the cold water engulfing him entirely.


    When Qin Mu woke up and went to the bathroom, she planned to wash her face and then pretend to happily go downstairs. However, as soon as she looked up, she saw the person in the bathtub suddenly sitting up. He propped his forehead with both hands and swept his wet hair back, then rested his hands on his knees in the water again.


    Qin Mu gasped in fright and took a while to react.


    She immediately took a large towel from the cabinet beside her and approached him. His head was lowered in the tub, an aura of untouchable coldness radiating from him.


    "What are you doing?"


    Qin Mu, for some reason, felt like he might have been frozen stiff.


    Mah Yichen breathlessly gasped for air in the water, his body covered in goosebumps as if the chill had stiffened his solid flesh, but when he lifted his dark eyelashes, his eyes were still filled with lethal intent.


    "Get up quickly!"


    Qin Mu tried to pull him up and wrapped the towel around his entire body, drying him off.


    "Who allowed you to treat yourself like this? Who gave the permission?"

 Chapter 521 - 156 The water is very deep! _1

    Chapter 521: 156 The water is very deep! _1


    "Mu Yichen, you bastard! Bastard!"


    Qin Mu pounded his chest with heartache, pushed him angrily, stepped back twice, and couldn¡¯t help but look at him with tear-blurred eyes in question.


    Why did he treat her this way?


    What if he got sick?


    Even if there really was no possibility between them, even if they were bound to break up sooner or later, at the very least, he had to be alive for her to have the strength to keep trying to live.


    Did he truly think that after a year of entanglement, she could still regard him as just her childhood crush?


    Beyond the simplicity of their past bedroom relationship, and more than just innocent childhood sweethearts, there was something else between them.


    They had marriage, a family, a baby; they were no longer people who could just let themselves fall ill or give up on themselves at any moment.


    She was persisting, so why did he treat himself this way?


    She suddenly remembered the times when she couldn¡¯t accept the truth and even considered suicide. She was terrified of letting him down, scared that she was no longer worthy of him, but later, she thought of their two children and realized they needed each other to survive.


    But at this moment, she was just terrified of him leaving her.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, just looked at her with her eyes brimming with tears, her angry yet endearing appearance piercing his heart, and then he stepped forward, grabbed her arm, pulled her into his embrace, and held her tight.


    "Mumu! Forgive me!"


    He murmured in her ear with sorrow.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t say anything, just instinctively held his icy back tightly, her face pressed against his cold chest.


    They were both terrified of losing each other!


    It¡¯s as if they had lived all these years, just because they knew of each other¡¯s existence!


    "Mu Yichen, I won¡¯t allow you to hurt yourself again! Do you hear me?"


    Her voice was hoarse as she issued him a low command.


    "Silly girl! I was just taking a shower!"


    He chuckled bitterly and then hugged her even tighter.


    His voice was hoarse because he had spent too long in the cold water just now.


    But at this moment, Mu Yichen didn¡¯t care about such things; all he knew was that she worried about him, she was anxious for him!


    Qin Mu hugged him tightly, her voice low and pained, "Who takes a shower with water that cold?"


    She was worried about him like a child, her heart aching, and despite trying to hold back, she still couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    "Some do!"


    He said, then slightly distanced himself from her, unable to resist cupping her face.


    His dark eagle eyes were now tender as water, both chilly hands cradling her face, then he leaned in closer, pressing his forehead to hers: "Worried about me that much? Yet you still managed to stay away from me for so long!"


    Qin Mu held her breath, tense. At that moment, she could feel his breath on her face, feel the fiery intensity of it from within radiating such heat, yet his body was still so cold. She worried he might catch a cold, grasping the towel tightly with the intention to wrap him up completely.


    Mu Yichen ignored the chill on his body and insisted on picking her up from the ground.


    "I¡¯ll take you back to bed! Did I disturb your nap just now?"


    His voice was so gentle! And it burned right to the soul!


    Qin Mu just looked straight at him, suddenly unable to do or say anything at that moment.


    "Mu Yichen!"


    She sensed what he was about to do, and she knew what he wanted to do.


    "Shh!"


    After laying her down on the bed, his finger gently pressed onto her lips.


    His hair was still dripping water, Qin Mu raised her hand to gently touch his hair, her eyes full of concern: "Go dry your hair first!"


    Her voice, surprisingly, was as hoarse as his.


    His lips lightly touched her warm forehead, eyelashes, nose, and then landed on her soft lips.


    "Baby, if one day I asked you for a divorce, remember, it would definitely not be my intention!"


    He murmured softly into her ear amidst her confused and enchanted state.


    Qin Mu heard a loud noise inside her heart.


    Divorce?


    He...


    Had confirmed that he had a relationship with Yang Qianxi?


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart shook violently, and she couldn¡¯t help but shake her head vigorously, her arms tightly wrapped around his neck.


    "Mu Yichen, don¡¯t say such things to me!"


    She pleaded, humbly!


    "Silly girl! I am still the Mu Yichen who loves you the most, and that will never change!"


    "I know! I know!"


    His voice regained warmth, while Qin Mu¡¯s remained raspy.


    They rested their foreheads against each other, Mu Yichen feeling the tear streaks between his fingers, imagining how salty they must be, so he kissed away her tears to taste their flavor.

 Chapter 522 - 156 The water is very deep! _2

    Chapter 522: 156 The water is very deep! _2


    Mu Yichen went out again in the evening. After dinner, Qin Mu returned to her bedroom to lie in bed. It was only when she saw the caller ID "Xiaohao" on her phone that she picked up, "Hello?"


    Since she had cried in the afternoon, her voice still had a soft and tender touch to it.


    "Mumu! I have some bad news for you!"


    "What is it?"


    "Yang Qianxi is pregnant!"


    Helian Hao¡¯s voice lacked strength and was very low.


    Qin Mu¡¯s hand holding the phone suddenly lost its strength and the phone slipped from her palm. She stared vacantly ahead, her gaze empty.


    "Mumu! We don¡¯t know for sure whose child it is in her belly. You must stay calm and not do anything foolish, understand?"


    Helian Hao said anxiously through the phone.


    She had known about this a few days earlier but had not dared to tell Qin Mu, agonizing over it for a long time and struggling internally before finally deciding to tell Qin Mu today.


    Qin Mu could no longer make out the woman¡¯s voice coming from the phone on the bed. It seemed as if a black cloth had suddenly been draped over her vision, utterly dark!


    "Xiaohao, I want to see her! In secret!"


    "Okay! I¡¯ll arrange it!"


    Later, Qin Mu picked up the phone again, pressed down all the tumultuous emotions in her heart, and tried to speak calmly.


    Helian Hao agreed immediately, so the next day Zhao Huai took her to the hospital. On the way, Zhao Huai said, "Yichen was with me all last night, don¡¯t overthink it."


    "Does he know about Yang Qianxi¡¯s pregnancy?"


    Qin Mu asked!


    Zhao Huai suddenly fell silent, and with that, the car became eerily quiet.


    "He mentioned divorce yesterday, and I didn¡¯t even think about it!"


    She suddenly laughed, but her eyes were full of tears.


    "Yang Qianxi is pregnant, but whose child it really is, is yet to be determined! Yichen probably didn¡¯t tell you because he has yet to find evidence to prove his innocence. He was unconscious that night. Can a man who has passed out really have the ability to be intimate with a woman? Besides, there wasn¡¯t even a surveillance camera there, who knows what really happened that night or didn¡¯t?"


    After contemplating for a long time, Zhao Huai decided to say something.


    After hearing his words, Qin Mu slowly lifted her eyes to look at the back of his head, "What was Mu Yichen doing last night?"


    "We¡¯ve actually been busy with a big project for over a month, but it¡¯s not convenient to tell you right now. It¡¯s for your safety, so you just wait patiently," Zhao Huai said.


    Qin Mu wanted to wait patiently, but how could she be at peace.


    When the car arrived at the hospital, Qin Mu merely gazed at the entrance from afar and suddenly lost the desire to go in.


    "Forget it! Let¡¯s go home!"


    She suddenly said disinterestedly.


    Zhao Huai turned to look at her, "Xiaomu, this really won¡¯t do! If a pregnant woman is too sad, the baby born will also be sad. Do you want her to be unhappy from the moment she is born?"


    Zhao Huai really felt sorry for Qin Mu, a young girl who had to bear so much.


    Zhao Huai thought if she were just a girl from an ordinary family, living a normal life, with a stable job after graduating college, pursued by a few boys, then picking one to marry and have children with, at most dealing with a few love rivals; how could she possibly endure the treacherous life within wealthy families, being hurt again and again.


    Zhao Huai then took her back to the house. Upon returning, Qin Mu heard that Feng Fanghua was also back but was lying in bed with a bad back, so she went to see her.


    "Weren¡¯t you at the studio?"


    "It feels better to be at home! How¡¯s your back?"


    Qin Mu approached and asked softly.


    "Ah! My back has always been bad, and it¡¯s probably going to rain soon, so it¡¯s even worse!"


    Feng Fanghua was lying in bed reading the newspaper. When she saw Qin Mu sit down, she put the newspaper aside, "Huanhuan is with your father and grandfather, don¡¯t worry about her."


    "I¡¯ve always been at ease with her staying with you! Shall I give your back a rub?"


    Qin Mu offered and began to massage. Feng Fanghua initially wanted to stop her, but it was so comfortable that she did not ask her to stop.


    "Where did you learn these skills?"


    "We, designers, are always drawing. Many colleagues in the studio suffer from backaches and shoulder pains, so we learned from each other. Whenever someone is in discomfort, we help out with a massage to alleviate it."


    "They say that foreigners pay a lot of attention to health preservation, and it seems to be true!"


    Feng Fanghua murmured after hearing her words, and Qin Mu smiled lightly.

 Chapter 523 - 156 The water is very deep! _3

    Chapter 523: 156 The water is very deep! _3


    "You¡¯re having a boy this time, aren¡¯t you? You haven¡¯t had much of a reaction lately."


    "Xiaohao says so, but we¡¯ll have to wait until the baby is born to be sure!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to argue about this issue and simply told her what Helian Hao had said.


    "That girl told you, it can¡¯t be wrong! To think you, without making a sound, became our Mu Family¡¯s great hero. Don¡¯t blame me for not being happy about it, you took Yichen abroad since he was young, and I¡¯ve held some resentment towards you."


    "I understand!"


    If some woman had taken her son away, she guessed her temperament would not be much better than Feng Fanghua¡¯s, and allowing that woman into her home would truly be an act of mercy.


    "You understand everything, but your temper is not good!"


    Feng Fanghua said.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh again: "Mom, I think our tempers are quite alike!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s remark, neither light nor heavy, would normally not matter, but upon hearing it, Feng Fanghua was suddenly too angry to speak.


    Mu Zihao always said they had similar tempers; she didn¡¯t agree in her heart, and now that Qin Mu herself said the same, she disagreed even more.


    "Hmph! It¡¯s true that birds of a feather flock together!"


    Feng Fanghua humphed, and although she was not convinced, in her mind, the fact was already set.


    Little did she know that just yesterday her son was discussing divorce with someone.


    Qin Mu, massaging her waist, felt that Feng Fanghua did not have much flesh on her waist and unconsciously felt a bit of heartache.


    "Mom, you should eat more regularly!"


    "I need to keep my figure, or do you think your dad would still like me so much?"


    Uh!


    Qin Mu suddenly found herself at a loss for words, thinking that if she still needed to maintain her figure at her age, then her¡ªa younger woman...


    Shameful!


    "What happened between you and Yichen, that led to your separation a while back? Was Jing Qing stirring trouble between you two again?"


    "It wasn¡¯t troublemaking! She did something major!"


    Qin Mu, unable to explain clearly, only mentioned it this way.


    Feng Fanghua, lying on the bed with her hands propping up her chin, hummed: "If she keeps acting this way, she¡¯s just destroying herself! Just the other day, your grandfather was still talking about going to the Jing Family to seek justice for you!"


    Qin Mu suddenly became quiet!


    It wasn¡¯t that Feng Fanghua had said something wrong; it was simply that she was unaware of what Qin Mu might be like if Jing Qing destroyed herself.


    She wondered what she and Mu Yichen would be like then!


    Truth be told, Zhao Huai had eased her mind today. Zhao Huai said the child might not necessarily be Mu Yichen¡¯s, and Qin Mu also thought the child might belong to someone else, especially since Mu Yichen had been knocked unconscious at the time¡ªhow could there have been any reaction?


    She suddenly thought of herself, remembered Wang Mingyu saying he had been drunk that night, and then suddenly felt a tightness in her chest.


    "Qingxin is returning in a few days; stay here throughout this period!"


    Ever since Qin Mu came back, Feng Fanghua had been honestly looking for a reason to have Qin Mu stay.


    In the evening, Qin Haiming went home, and the old Master immediately asked him to stay for dinner, which Qin Haiming agreed to as he wanted to spend more time with Qin Mu.


    After being called downstairs, Qin Mu sat in her place on the sofa, a spot designated for the younger generation, and didn¡¯t move. After chatting with the old Master for a while, Qin Haiming looked towards Qin Mu: "Have you been okay these past few days?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu responded softly.


    "You can rest assured about her at home! There¡¯s nothing else I can manage, but I promise that I¡¯ll take good care of her health."


    Feng Fanghua assured Qin Haiming.


    "Indeed! I see that she has gained some weight these past few days since she came back than when she was with me."


    Qin Haiming spoke with a laugh, showing a somewhat embarrassed expression.


    "This has to do with diet, and it also relates to the locale!"


    The old man said proudly, thinking to himself that it was all thanks to his grandson.


    "That¡¯s right!"


    Qin Haiming gave a face-saving reply and looked towards Qin Mu, sensing that she was unhappy.


    "Mingzhu has been discharged from the hospital, so you don¡¯t have to worry anymore."


    Qin Haiming, fearing she was thinking of Qin Mingzhu, mentioned it to her again.


    It was only after hearing the name Qin Mingzhu that Qin Mu lifted her eyes to look at him, but there was a hint of indifference in them.


    "What¡¯s wrong with your daughter? Right, she must have gone home by now, hasn¡¯t she?"


    "She is currently living with her mother; her mother and I... we¡¯ve separated!"


    As Qin Haiming spoke these words, his face was more awkward than usual, but as someone who had weathered major storms, he spoke calmly.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao exchanged glances, having heard about the Mayor of Qin City separating from his wife, but only today did they feel it was true.


    "It¡¯s all for Mumu¡¯s sake, isn¡¯t it? You¡¯ve had it tough!"


    Feng Fanghua said.


    "It¡¯s not for Mumu; it¡¯s that we have many different views. It¡¯s better not to talk too much about it!"


    Mu Zihao said, looking down, before he put an end to the conversation himself.


    Since he put it that way, no one else asked any further questions.


    "Couples, eh! If they get along, they stay together; if not, let it be, and nobody is allowed to mention this matter again!"


    The elderly gentleman finally gave the order.


    Later, when the two of them were washing their hands in the restroom, Qin Haiming said, "The child is Wang Huanyu¡¯s, did you know about this early on?"


    "I only thought of it that night, but at the time, I felt there was no need to say anything, so I just..."


    "I know! You¡¯ve always been a man who doesn¡¯t pry into other¡¯s business, but this time with Mingzhu¡ªsigh! The Wang Family is currently unable to save themselves, and if Mingzhu really ends up with Wang Huanyu, who knows if it¡¯s a blessing or a curse."


    Qin Haiming mumbled as he dried his hands.


    "The Wang Family is in trouble?"


    "Very much so!"


    Qin Mu could hardly believe it; she had heard from Mu Yichen not long ago about the solid foundation of the Wang Family, which was much deeper than that of the Jing Family.


    "You may not know some things now, but if you really want to know, just ask your husband!"


    Was it Mu Yichen again?


    Qin Mu looked at him incredulously.


    It wasn¡¯t until everyone had settled down at the dining table that Mu Yichen finally came home. Seeing Qin Haiming, he nodded, "Father-in-law is here too!"


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Haiming nodded, Mu Yichen handed his coat to an attendant by his side, and then sat down next to Qin Mu.


    "Daddy, why are you only back now?"


    As soon as he sat down, the little girl sitting opposite him asked.


    "Daddy has been a bit busy with work lately; I will come back earlier in a few days to spend time with Huanhuan!"


    "Okay! Huanhuan will wait for you!"


    Huanhuan agreed, and everyone couldn¡¯t help feeling cheerful seeing her so understanding.


    However, Qin Mu was looking at Mu Yichen, full of questions.


    Mu Yichen turned and glanced at her, "What¡¯s wrong? Not hungry?"


    "No, that¡¯s not it!"

 Chapter 524 - 157 How dare you come to me for mercy?_1

    Chapter 524: 157 How dare you come to me for mercy?_1


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was very soft.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes fixated on her until she picked up her chopsticks to eat.


    Feng Fanghua quietly observed the couple, suddenly realizing that although they had been together recently, they hadn¡¯t reconciled. She looked unconsciously towards Mu Zihao.


    Mu Zihao, having caught his wife¡¯s glance, curiously looked back at her.


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t say anything, just lowered her head to eat, thinking some things are better discussed when the younger ones are not around.


    After dinner, Feng Fanghua had the kitchen prepare some beautifully cut fruit and bring it to the living room.


    Qin Mu, once in the living room, had hardly spoken, just quietly eating her fruit, knowing it was prepared for her, or more accurately, for the little one in her belly.


    Later, Qin Haiming stood up to leave, and Mu Zihao accompanied Mu Yichen to see him off.


    Upon their return, the elder suggested, "Go get the chessboard, let¡¯s have a couple of games."


    "Sure!"


    Mu Zihao was about to sit down, but upon hearing this, he smiled in agreement and asked the staff to fetch the chessboard from the study.


    "Mumu, would you like to join Grandpa for a couple of games?"


    Just as Mu Zihao was about to join the elder at chess, the elder had someone else in mind.


    When Mumu was called, she reflexively lifted her gaze, then set down her fruit plate, "Okay!"


    She had been studying recently, not particularly for accompanying the elder, but she could manage a few moves.


    An out-of-favor Mu Zihao sighed helplessly, "Dad, you really play by your own rules!"


    "What rules should I follow? I¡¯m at such an age; I just want to play chess with the youngsters."


    At the elder¡¯s words, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, then rubbed her hands together and began setting up the chessboard.


    Mu Yichen, who had been sitting beside them, also quietly moved to the opposite side, staying behind his wife.


    Huanhuan, seeing Grandpa and Mom play chess, also grew curious and came closer, reaching out several times, only to be pulled back and embraced by Mu Yichen.


    Seeing this, Feng Fanghua sighed, "Huanhuan, come to Grandma, let¡¯s go take a bath and then Grandma will tell you a story!"


    "Okay!"


    Uncomfortable with Mu Yichen¡¯s chin digging into her, Huanhuan was finally able to escape.


    Mu Yichen, feeling his daughter¡¯s lack of interest, was too preoccupied to be heartbroken and instead concentrated on watching Qin Mu play chess with the elder.


    Mu Zihao also crowded closer, not understanding why the elder had suddenly asked Qin Mu to join him in chess but felt he had chosen the wrong opponent, so he waited for his turn to take over.


    Little did he know, Qin Mu was quite meticulous, and far from appearing clueless, she eventually gave the elder quite the challenge in moving his pieces.


    The elder frowned, chess piece in hand, puzzled, "Didn¡¯t you say you didn¡¯t know how to play chess before?"


    "I¡¯ve been learning recently," Qin Mu said with a cunning smile.


    Upon hearing this, the elder didn¡¯t reply, but his expression showed he was quite proud.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t know Qin Mu had learned chess and gave her an extra glance before whispering, "Shall we have a game later?"


    "I learned it for Grandpa!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s slow voice shattered Mu Yichen¡¯s heart.


    The elder couldn¡¯t help but laugh out loud.


    "Sigh! Dad, stop laughing; they¡¯re distracting you, and you¡¯re about to lose!" Mu Zihao gave a friendly warning.


    "Jinx!"


    The elder immediately gave his son a look.


    Mu Zihao...


    In the end, the elder won, stretching with satisfaction, "Xiaomu, are you convinced?"


    "Sigh! I¡¯m not yet skilled enough. Grandpa, surely you didn¡¯t choose me for some easy wins?" Qin Mu teased.


    The elder...


    "So that¡¯s it!"


    Mu Zihao had an epiphany after hearing Qin Mu¡¯s words because when he played chess with the elder, his father rarely won, so today he had changed opponents.


    "I was about to compliment you, son, but take your wife up to rest!" The elder, having his thoughts exposed, quickly urged the two to go upstairs.


    "Understood!"


    Mu Yichen, who had been watching quietly at the side, now stood up promptly and at the same time reached for Qin Mu, "Let¡¯s go, wife, Grandpa asked us to rest."


    Qin Mu propped her chin with her hand, "I want to watch Grandpa and Dad play, to learn a bit more!"


    "Let¡¯s go, you!"


    Seeing her pay him no mind, Mu Yichen bent down, wrapped his arms around her from behind, and lifted her up, carrying her as she was bound against him.


    The grandfather and son, their eyes lifting slightly, watched the young couple ascend the stairs with a secretive glance, the elder humming, "You¡¯re winning against a little girl; does that seem right?" Mu Zihao spoke while setting up the chessboard.

 Chapter 525 - 157 How dare you come to me for mercy?_2

    Chapter 525: 157 How dare you come to me for mercy?_2


    ""Don¡¯t you always say there¡¯s no father-son relationship at the gambling table?"


    The old master threw his son¡¯s often-used words back at him.


    Mu Zihao smiled helplessly.


    Qin Mu was dragged back to the room and pushed forcefully outwards. Mu Yichen immediately raised his hands and stood to the side, looking afraid of hurting her.


    "What are you doing?"


    Qin Mu asked him, raising her eyebrows.


    "Grandpa told us to come up and rest!"


    "Since when did you, President Mu, become someone who follows orders?"


    Qin Mu asked him.


    "I do listen to some things, especially the words of my elders!"


    He looked particularly sincere.


    Qin Mu stared into his eyes, yet her gaze clearly said, ¡¯I don¡¯t believe a word of it!¡¯


    "May I come a little closer?"


    The room lapsed into silence for several seconds before he asked her in a suddenly low and serious voice.


    Qin Mu saw a faint weakness in his eyes, like a glimmer of light.


    As her heart trembled, she suddenly laughed, tears seemingly on the verge of falling. She turned her head towards the window but stepped closer to him.


    "Mu Yichen, I don¡¯t care!"


    She reached out, wrapped her arms around his waist, and buried her face deeply in his embrace.


    Mu Yichen felt as if his heartbeat might stop at that moment, as his gaze directed towards the door, and he gently placed his hands on her.


    "Let¡¯s sleep together tonight!"


    Qin Mu whispered to him.


    Mu Yichen looked down, his gaze tender but hidden behind long lashes.


    His lips planted a gentle kiss on the top of her head: "Mhm!"


    He was never so well-behaved with her, as if even touching her was a crime.


    Qin Mu stripped herself bare in his arms, looked up at him, and asked, "Do you care? If I¡¯ve slept with Wang Mingyu?"


    "I don¡¯t care!"


    He looked at her and replied after a few seconds.


    Qin Mu knew that neither of them didn¡¯t care, but that they both couldn¡¯t afford to care, so she clung to him tighter.


    Nothing happened; they just held each other¡¯s bodies.


    "Zhao Huai said you guys are working on a big project lately. Mu Yichen, no matter what you do, I just hope you stay safe by my side."


    She said softly to him, nestled in his embrace.


    "Of course, I will be fine, but some people might be in trouble!"


    "Have you figured it all out?"


    "Jing Qing had someone knock me out and took me to Meilin¡¯s house without realizing that Yang Qianxi knew her plan and drugged her drink."


    He said quietly.


    Qin Mu lifted her gaze in disbelief. Could it be true that Yang Qianxi, who seemed unable to stir much trouble, had really set Jing Qing up?


    "Did you call Yang Qianxi?"


    "Yes!"


    "So Yang Qianxi gave you the address and then called Qin Mingzhu. She knew Qin Mingzhu hated you enough to be manipulated, leading to the conflict between the brothers over you."


    Qin Mu looked up at him, incredulous at what he was telling her.


    Then she leaned softly against his chest: "So, does that mean we were all played? You, me, Wang Mingyu, and Jing Qing!"


    "Yes! Jing Qing is in the next room; the drug was rather potent, so she took longer to wake up."


    "Last night, someone quietly went to Qin Mingzhu¡¯s apartment. Qin Mingzhu herself admitted she colluded with Wang Huanyu to spike Wang Mingyu¡¯s drink with a drug that would make him lose his inhibitions."


    Qin Mu suddenly held her breath, daring not to ask any more questions.


    She had been knocked out that night; so, had she and Wang Mingyu...


    "Mumu, I truly don¡¯t mind."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t lift her head; she pressed her face against his chest, gripping his arm tightly, the light in her eyes hard yet seemingly fragile enough to shatter with one touch.


    "Yang Qianxi has admitted there was one night between us, but I¡¯ve consulted with a doctor. Under those circumstances, it¡¯s impossible that anything happened between us."


    He looked down at the woman in his arms, her eyes moist, with tears rolling down her cheeks and onto his chest.


    Qin Mu lifted her hand to her tear-streaked cheek, then turned away, unable to face him.


    It was better not to speak of these matters; discussing them made it too difficult to remain unaffected.


    This night, this conversation, cleared many lodged words from their throats!


    The room fell silent once more.


    Outside, rain began to fall quietly!


    The raindrops pelted the window with no mercy, blurring all light beyond recognition.


    The next day, Mu Yichen left early again, causing Qin Mu¡¯s heart to race.


    Not seeing him there made her feel particularly uneasy!


    Although Mu Yichen had shared so much the previous night, he had conspicuously not mentioned what he was currently working on. She worried that his many enemies would harm him once more.

 Chapter 526 - 157 How dare you come to me for mercy?_3

    Chapter 526: 157 How dare you come to me for mercy?_3


    She couldn¡¯t help herself and leaned on his pillow, her hand gently stroking the side, but when she tried to find his scent, she inadvertently touched something very thin.


    A piece of paper!


    It was a letter!


    She looked up to see the strong and vigorous characters on the paper, as if they were about to burst forth from the page.


    "Good morning! Don¡¯t think too much! Love, Yichen!"


    As if all her bad moods vanished in that instant, she rested her hand under her chin and looked at the words on the paper with ease and composure.


    His writing was truly beautiful, full of energy and wildness, much like him.


    Qin Mu gazed straight at them, mesmerized.


    After breakfast she went to the study to sketch and vaguely heard guests arriving downstairs. She glanced up but ultimately didn¡¯t allow herself to go out.


    The weather was poor today, so the whole family gathered in the living room to watch TV and chat. Huanhuan wandered around the living room, stopping here and there, and when the visitors arrived, she went over to her grandmother, leaning against her legs.


    Jing Xianzong, accompanied by Jing Qing and Jing Feng, came over, being extremely polite.


    The arrival of this trio surprised the Mu Family, and everyone speculated something, as Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua rose to greet them. Only the old master sat dominantly on the sofa, his eyes¡ªweathered by time¡ªstaring at Jing Xianzong¡¯s face.


    Jing Xianzong¡¯s manner was not merely polite today; there seemed to be something subservient in his gaze.


    Although Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t told the family what exactly happened last month, by now, if they as a family couldn¡¯t guess, they wouldn¡¯t deserve to be called one.


    "Is Xiao Feng still working at the prosecutor¡¯s office? He should be promoted by now, right?"


    "He should be moving up again this autumn!"


    Jing Xianzong answered for his son, his voice low and humble.


    "Xiao Feng is a promising and obedient child, not like our Yichen, who goes west when told to go east."


    The old master chatted casually from the sofa.


    "Yichen isn¡¯t interested in politics, but that¡¯s not a bad thing. The political arena these days is cutthroat, and, after all, there¡¯s no match for the glamour of businessmen."


    Jing Xianzong continued to play along with the conversation.


    Jing Feng didn¡¯t even know why he came; he just sat there cooperatively.


    When the servant came to pour tea, he whispered a question: "Is Qin Mu here?"


    "The young mistress is upstairs working on designs!"


    "Xiaohao asked me to bring something for her; I¡¯ll go deliver it."


    Upon hearing this, Jing Feng nodded and, after exchanging words with the elders, stood up and headed upstairs, as he was well-acquainted with the Mu Family¡¯s home.


    Jing Qing was unhappy to see Jing Feng leave, but considering they were not in their own home and given the current circumstances, she had no choice but to bow her head and hold back, listening to her father chit-chat with the old master of the Mu Family.


    Once Jing Feng left, the old master turned to Jing Qing: "Young lady, are you unwell?"


    Startled by the question, Jing Qing lifted her eyes nervously: "Not at all, Grandfather!"


    Her smile was somewhat awkward.


    The old master raised his eyes slightly, then let them fall, with just a shallow smile: "The young lady seems to have her concerns too! I heard that she was recently close with a second-generation official from the capital; didn¡¯t work out?"


    Jing Xianzong, after hearing this, laughed embarrassingly and replied for his daughter: "This girl has high standards; she wasn¡¯t interested in him!"


    Jing Xianzong looked embarrassed, for lack of a better term.


    Jing Qing kept her gaze lowered without speaking again, not knowing whether it was out of grievance or fear, her eyes became slightly moist.


    "Old Master, Zihao, sister-in-law, I¡¯ve brought Xiaoqing here today, actually, as we have an urgent matter to ask for your help!"


    Jing Xianzong knew that idle chatter wouldn¡¯t solve anything, and since the Mu Family wouldn¡¯t be the first to ask their purpose, he had to open his mouth first.


    "Oh?"


    The old master lifted his eyelids slightly, eyes narrowing.


    "Xiaoqing got herself into trouble and angered Yichen. I¡¯m here because I had no other choice but to shamelessly ask for your help in persuading him. After all, our two families almost became one, and even without that tie, we¡¯ve been friends for many years, haven¡¯t we?"


    Feng Fanghua kept her gaze down without speaking; she felt somewhat indignant internally. During that period, the Jing Family, knowing about Mu Yi¡¯s marriage to Qin Mu, had given several of Mu Yi¡¯s deals to others. Now they come talking about friendship?


    And although she didn¡¯t know how much her son and daughter-in-law had suffered, if it were just a petty quarrel, the young couple wouldn¡¯t have gone nearly two months without seeing each other.


    Mu Zihao smiled slightly: "They¡¯ve all grown up together; what¡¯s there that¡¯s so serious it requires us elders to demean ourselves to plead with them? Xiaoqing, you¡¯ve always been good at organizing drinks and such for them. Can¡¯t you handle this little matter?"

 Chapter 527 - 157 How dare you come to me for mercy?_4

    Chapter 527: 157 How dare you come to me for mercy?_4


    Mu Zihao genuinely took it to heart and stared at Jing Qing intently as he asked.


    Jing Qing slightly lifted her eyes, clearly wanting to cry but instead, she laughed: "Uncle, Yichen has changed, he¡¯s not the Yichen we used to know!


    "Xiaoqing, don¡¯t talk nonsense!"


    Jing Xianzong immediately cautioned her. Before coming, he had said that they shouldn¡¯t utter a single unnecessary word, but Jing Qing just couldn¡¯t control her temperament.


    "Dad told me not to speak, but I couldn¡¯t help it because I consider Uncle and Auntie as my own family. The moment Qin Mu returned, he had already forgotten all of us childhood friends."


    Jing Qing said aggrievedly.


    Mu Zihao¡¯s brows also slightly furrowed: "I know this young man; since childhood, he has always cared more for Mumu than for anyone else. Even we, as parents, have to take a back seat to Mumu. But to say he has forgotten us, I can¡¯t believe that! My son, Mu Zihao, is still very loyal."


    Jing Qing didn¡¯t expect Mu Zihao to praise his son so highly, as he rarely did so in front of so many people.


    Jing Qing¡¯s eyes filled with panic.


    "The girl has been unwell lately, her mind isn¡¯t clear either. Yichen, of course, is a child with strong feelings. But Zihao, regarding the matters between our two families, can we discuss them privately? Yichen is currently collecting some things... You also know my father has always valued reputation the most. So, ah! What do you think if I have Xiaoqing apologize to them in front of everyone, even if it means kneeling and kowtowing, just that this matter doesn¡¯t escalate further, okay?"


    Jing Xianzong pondered deeply and blurted out everything he wanted to say.


    "I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying. What is Yichen doing?"


    Mu Zihao looked at his father before asking seriously again.


    "Girl, what on earth did you do to actually anger my grandson? Hmm?"


    The old master didn¡¯t bother with the young people¡¯s nonsense; he had heard that previously the Jing Family patriarch had often made things difficult for his grandson¡¯s wife. So, when the Jing Family came to them this time, he naturally wanted to seek justice for his granddaughter-in-law.


    "Grandfather! I didn¡¯t do anything, I¡ª"


    Thinking of last month¡¯s events, Jing Qing closed her eyes in frustration and shook her head repeatedly: "I wanted to do it, but I achieved nothing. It was my assistant, no, Qin Mu¡¯s assistant, who had a conflict with Qin Mu and turned to me. Then she schemed against Yichen, slept with him, and Yichen thought it was me so now... He¡¯s in the middle of doing something that could crush the Jing family, Grandfather, please think of a way to persuade him, okay? You¡¯ve always known that in this life I¡¯ve only ever loved him, and he really shouldn¡¯t be so heartless and ruthless towards the Jing Family for this!"


    Jing Qing, growing agitated while speaking, squatted down in front of the old master, held his hand, and looked up at him pleadingly.


    "Girl, you haven¡¯t told the truth to Grandfather, have you?"


    The old master spoke to her very seriously.


    Jing Qing began to cry: "Grandfather! I really didn¡¯t do anything, I am also a victim!"


    She hugged the old master¡¯s knees, resting her head against them and crying fearfully.


    "If you didn¡¯t do anything, given the years of friendship between our two families, and the close brotherly bond between that young man and your brother, would he be as unsympathetic as your father says?"


    The old master spoke in a lowered voice, but still with authority.


    "But I was also drugged, I wanted to have him, but I got nothing."


    Jing Qing looked at the old master and spoke earnestly.


    "You were also drugged? What do you mean by that?"


    The old master suddenly frowned and asked.


    "This girl initially planned to trap Yichen and force him, but was outsmarted by a woman named Yang Qianxi, who seems to have then¡ª"


    Jing Xianzong found it difficult to continue with such words, and ended up sighing helplessly.


    Everybody...


    No wonder the young couple hasn¡¯t seen each other for over a month; so it turns out...


    Feng Fanghua, the thought of her son being defiled made her suspect that¡¯s why her daughter-in-law couldn¡¯t accept it; it was hard for her to accept too, right?


    She also seemed to finally understand why the young couple had been at odds lately.


    "Actually, this isn¡¯t really a big deal, but Yichen is now taking the Jing Family alongside the Wang Family¡ª"


    "Xianzong, if this isn¡¯t a big deal, what is a big deal?"


    The old master didn¡¯t let Jing Xianzong finish, interrupting him with a temperate yet severe question.


    Though his voice wasn¡¯t as cold and hard, Jing Xianzong could clearly see that the old master wasn¡¯t inclined to show him any face.


    "The Wang Family? What does the Wang Family have to do with this?"


    Feng Fanghua curiously inquired upon hearing the unfamiliar term.


    "That young man from the Wang Family is said to be involved in this too. You didn¡¯t know anything? They didn¡¯t tell you, the couple? Have both of them been schemed against?"


    Feng Fanghua opened her mouth, but couldn¡¯t force out a single word.


    Both father and son alike were shocked.


    "Hmph! With such a serious matter, you still have the nerve to come to our house asking for sympathy? What face do you have?"


    The old master, enraged by Jing Xianzong¡¯s words, slapped the armrest of the sofa, questioning loudly with a stern tone.


    "You treat them like what, they are a married couple with a child, what you¡¯re doing is simply¡ªget out, all of you! I don¡¯t want to see anyone from the Jing Family ever again!"


    The old master stood up, lowered his head, and pointed outside, telling them to leave.

 Chapter 528 - 158 The answer is revealed_1

    Chapter 528: 158 The answer is revealed_1


    "Grandfather!"


    Jing Qing slowly stood up, looking at him in disbelief, calling out to him as if she had suffered a great injustice!


    She wondered how this could be the same elderly man who had doted on her, loved her, and always greeted her with a smile.


    "Don¡¯t call me grandfather! If you really regarded me as your grandfather, how could you do such despicable things to my grandson and his wife? To think you are from a reputable family!"


    The old man said angrily, and after speaking, he turned around and walked past the sofa to the interior.


    Feng Fanghua also stood up slowly after the old man left.


    "Auntie, do you think the same as Grandfather?"


    Jing Qing asked Feng Fanghua with sadness.


    "Ever since Qin Mu came to our family, I have been deliberately making life difficult for her in order to get along with your family. I thought that a prominent family like the Jing Family would be sensible, but Xiaoqing, what am I supposed to say about you today?"


    Feng Fanghua sighed in disappointment.


    "What about Qin Mu? She¡¯s been dominating Yichen since we were kids, why does she get to? Aren¡¯t I the one who was pre-arranged to be your family¡¯s daughter-in-law?"


    Jing Qing stubbornly pressed her for answers.


    "Yes! I did intend for you to be my daughter-in-law, but I believe my son has made his relationship with you very clear to you, and besides, Xiaoqing, can¡¯t you really tell the difference? Whose words should you trust between what the elders say and what the man you like says? Other than following your own heart to feel whether that man loves you or not..."


    Feng Fanghua struggled to continue speaking several times, thinking perhaps she was really at fault and that she would never dare to speak carelessly again in the future.


    "It¡¯s also our fault as elders for causing the children to be misled. Xianzong, when Yichen returns, I¡¯ll talk to him, but as for how things will turn out, I can¡¯t promise you anything."


    Mu Zihao thought for a while with his head bowed, and finally spoke calmly to Jing Xianzong.


    Upon hearing these words, Jing Xianzong finally felt he had an out, nodded, and said, "With your words, I¡¯m already quite satisfied. I leave everything in your hands!"


    After Jing Xianzong finished speaking, he turned his head to Jing Qing and said, "Let¡¯s go!"


    "Uncle, Aunt, how can you treat me like this? Didn¡¯t you used to like me so much? How much you hated Qin Mu, have you forgotten?"


    Jing Qing didn¡¯t want to leave. As Jing Xianzong reached for her wrist, she dodged it and continued staring straight at the elderly couple, reminding them again.


    "What we liked was the gentle and sensible Xiaoqing, not the Jing Qing who lost herself over a man and did so many vile and despicable things. Don¡¯t you understand? Xiaoqing, you¡¯re no longer a teenager. You should be able to tell right from wrong. What do you expect us to do?"


    Feng Fanghua truthfully hadn¡¯t expected Jing Qing to turn out like this today. If she had known Jing Qing¡¯s heart was so twisted, she would never have dared to say the girl was fit to be their daughter-in-law all those years ago.


    "If it was just a minor quarrel between you two, we as parents could scold our own child regardless of right or wrong, but my daughter-in-law is pregnant. My son and his wife have both suffered great humiliation because of this. Jing brother, she¡¯s young and doesn¡¯t understand; what if it happened to your children¡ª"


    Feng Fanghua started tallying up the score, becoming fierce as any ordinary housewife would.


    "Last year, the old man from your family simply smashed Qin Mu¡¯s studio in Rongcheng because she was getting close to my son. Your daughter has harmed her multiple times, and just a few days ago, my father spoke of Qin Mu¡¯s mother. Back then, it was my wife and I who were closest to her, but now¡ªhow can we bear to see that girl wronged again and again?"


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s eyes widened, seemingly furious, tears almost spilling out.


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    "Dad!"


    "I said let¡¯s go!"


    Jing Xianzong always cared about his reputation, but on this day, at the Mu Family, where he thought he would never be embarrassed in his life, his daughter had made him lose all face, and he couldn¡¯t wait to leave even for another second.


    "Dad, you¡ª"


    "Are you leaving or not?"


    "I need to talk to Yichen myself, I¡ªah!"


    Jing Qing shook her head vigorously, refusing to believe that Mu Yichen had no lingering feelings for her, but Jing Xianzong slapped her across the face, and Jing Qing¡¯s cheek instantly burned hotly, half of her face numb and flushed red.


    Her tears immediately fell, and in that moment, she was unable to speak.


    It was also at this time that Qin Mu came down the stairs with Jing Feng, just in time to witness the scene.


    The sound of Jing Feng running down the stairs still managed to draw everyone¡¯s attention. Jing Xianzong shook with anger, and only said to Jing Feng, "Take your sister away!"

 Chapter 529 - 158 The answer is revealed_2

    Chapter 529: 158 The answer is revealed_2


    He walked out first.


    Jing Feng stepped forward with a helpless look at his sister, then turned to glance at the two elders standing there, and pulled Jing Qing along, "Come with me!"


    Before being pulled away by him, Jing Qing covered her face and glanced upstairs, just in time to see Qin Mu standing there.


    Although Qin Mu¡¯s face was calm and showed nothing, in Jing Qing¡¯s eyes, Qin Mu¡¯s proud stance as she witnessed her being slapped was humiliating. This humiliation deepened Jing Qing¡¯s hatred towards her.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t come downstairs because the situation had developed beyond her control. She just heard the maid say that the old master was very upset, so she went to her grandfather¡¯s room.


    The old master heard the knock and sighed heavily in discomfort, composing himself before saying, "Come in!"


    "Grandfather!"


    Qin Mu opened the door and walked in, looking worriedly at her grandfather¡¯s pale, angry face.


    "Grandfather, are you alright?"


    The old master, sitting on the sofa, managed a strained smile at the sight of his granddaughter-in-law¡¯s calm face, "Mumu, how do you manage to restrain yourself like this, huh?"


    "Grandfather! I¡¯m not holding back!"


    Qin Mu said softly, standing aside with her head lowered.


    "No? You two have faced such a big incident, and you haven¡¯t mentioned a word to the family. That Jing Qing is taking advantage of her grandfather¡¯s support, but¡ª You have a grandfather too, who could also support you. Mumu, come here!"


    The old master motioned for her to sit beside him.


    After Qin Mu sat down, she looked up; she roughly understood that the old master wanted to protect them and take their side.


    "Grandfather, there are some things that we just can¡¯t bring ourselves to tell you and my parents, but please don¡¯t worry about us, we will overcome all difficulties."


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was soft, yet firm.


    The old master looked into her determined eyes and sighed involuntarily; he probably understood why Qin Mu was reluctant to speak. She had become accustomed to loneliness.


    "Alright, don¡¯t you still have drawing to do? Go on! Don¡¯t worry about me!"


    The old master then looked down with a faint smile, bidding her to leave.


    After Qin Mu returned to the study, the old master called his son to his room.


    Mu Zihao closed the door and stood at the side: "Dad, are you okay?"


    "Yes! But Zihao, don¡¯t get involved in this matter. Let Yichen handle it however he wants to, alright?"


    "We can¡¯t underestimate the power of the Jing Family and the Wang Family, and he is just a businessman¡ª"


    "If he can¡¯t breathe easy, do you think he¡¯ll let those two families off?"


    The old master turned and asked his son.


    Not only did the old master know, but Mu Zihao was also well aware of Mu Yichen¡¯s personality.


    Having suffered such humiliation this time, Mu Yichen was bound to seek revenge.


    Mu Yichen returned home in the afternoon, and upon hearing that the Jing Family people had been over, he was about to go upstairs, but the elders kept him in the living room.


    "I heard Qin Mu was¡ª, is it true?"


    Feng Fanghua struggled to utter some words but still longed to know the truth.


    "What do you want to do?"


    Mu Yichen raised his eyes to inquire of Feng Fanghua, "If it¡¯s true, what do you want to do?"


    "Can¡¯t I even ask now? Such a big incident happened, and you kept the elders in the dark, do we not even have the right to ask about it?"


    Feng Fanghua retorted angrily, for she saw distrust in her son¡¯s eyes.


    "What else are we supposed to do? Should I or my wife come tell you that we¡¯ve been schemed against, raped?"


    Mu Yichen looked at her with questioning eyes. How could anyone say such things, especially to an elder?


    "What kind of attitude is that? Now you¡¯re causing such a scene, if you¡¯re not careful, your father¡¯s and my lifetime of efforts could be gone. And you still have the nerve to be angry."


    "Don¡¯t worry, even if I die, the wealth of you and Dad will remain."


    "You..."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say another word, and simply stood up and left.


    Feng Fanghua was left gasping for breath in anger. She had originally intended to gently inquire about the matter, but for some reason, the conversation had escalated into an argument.


    "What are you doing? Didn¡¯t we agree not to interfere in this matter?"


    Mu Zihao asked Feng Fanghua in a low voice.


    "I was just asking casually; who knew he¡¯d react as if covered in thorns."


    Feng Fanghua still felt her chest pounding painfully.


    "Sigh! We shouldn¡¯t mention this issue, it¡¯s better left alone."


    The old master sighed; he couldn¡¯t help but feel that the young couple was very pitiful.


    Qin Mu had just woken up from a nap when she opened her eyes to see him sitting beside her, and she sat up excitedly: "You¡¯re back!"


    "Yeah! Did the Jing Family people give you a hard time?"

 Chapter 530 - 158 The answer is revealed_3

    Chapter 530: 158 The answer is revealed_3


    He simply acknowledged with an "Okay" and immediately asked if she had suffered.


    "No! But it seems like mom and dad didn¡¯t leave them much face in front of grandpa."


    "Is that so?"


    Mu Yichen asked curiously.


    Qin Mu nodded, "Yeah, you¡ªwouldn¡¯t happen to¡ª"


    "Just now mom asked me about the incident last month, and I¡ª"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t continue, helplessly raising his eyebrows.


    With one small gesture, Qin Mu understood completely, then lay there again and spoke softly to him, "Apologize to mom later."


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen agreed, raising his hand to gently stroke her hair.


    "Your dad divorced Zhang Rujia!"


    He suddenly said, his dark eyes staring straight into hers.


    Qin Mu looked at him in surprise, "Divorced?"


    "Once your dad found out about what happened back then, he couldn¡¯t tolerate her any longer."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark, ink-like eyes continued to stare at her as he spoke.


    "I guess Zhang Rujia never expected that the man she once had would be found by you, right?"


    Qin Mu wanted to laugh, but realized there was nothing funny about it, feeling only that if one doesn¡¯t live life genuinely at least once, it¡¯s truly sad.


    If you hold onto false hopes to get something that wasn¡¯t yours to begin with, eventually you¡¯ll lose it, and by then, you¡¯ll be left with nothing of value.


    She didn¡¯t know what would become of Zhang Rujia in the future, but she thought, without Qin Haiming, whatever Zhang Rujia wanted to do probably wouldn¡¯t be so easy.


    "Are we going back to the apartment?"


    He asked her.


    Even though it was much bigger here than their apartment, they weren¡¯t as happy here as they were in their apartment!


    "Mom said Qingxin will be back in a few days, how about we wait until after Qingxin has come and gone before we leave?"


    Qin Mu tried to ask him.


    "Up to you! Just let me know if you¡¯re really annoyed, and we¡¯ll leave!"


    He told her, each word serious.


    Qin Mu lay on her side looking at him, reached out her hand, and grabbed his, "Mu Yichen!"


    "Hmm?"


    He answered with a muffled voice.


    "Or is there something I can do?"


    She quietly asked!


    "Just focus on your pregnancy and don¡¯t overthink!"


    He said to her as he touched her forehead.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but curve her arm around his neck, pulling him closer, "Just that?"


    "Yes!"


    She let out a light laugh, after his earnest "Yes."


    Mu Yichen lowered his eyes, gazing tenderly into her gentle eyes before slowly shifting his gaze to her soft lips, his hand gently cradling her face, his thumb lightly stroking her lips.


    Qin Mu held her breath, silently watching the deep affection in his eyes.


    Suddenly, she remembered that embarrassing morning, and then, with more force, she hugged him.


    Mu Yichen lowered his head, lightly kissing her hair, her neck.


    Qin Mu held him tight, not wanting to let go, wishing that it had all been a nightmare and that upon waking they would still be their old selves.


    It was already not easy to love, so why did fate have to create so many obstacles for them?


    ¡ª¡ª


    The next day, Qin Mu was driven to the studio by Zhao Huai, who sighed helplessly, "Xiaomu, that kid has been following us nonstop, should we shake him off or shall I stop the car and give him a good beating?"


    Wang Mingyu?"


    Qin Mu, who was sitting in the back, turned to look behind.


    "Indeed, that kid. With such a big mess at home and he acts as if nothing happened, just circling around you all the time, not even considering if he¡¯s worthy."


    Zhao Huai was utterly annoyed by Wang Mingyu.


    "Ignore him, and if you¡¯re free later, help me keep him out of the studio. I don¡¯t care about anything else."


    Zhao Huai looked at the woman in the backseat through the rearview mirror, a smile in his eyes, "Understood!"


    Qin Mu thought that although Wang Mingyu was innocent, he didn¡¯t need her pity, right?


    After arriving at the studio and getting out of the car, she knocked on the window of Zhao Huai¡¯s car, "I¡¯ll have Xiaomei bring you a cup of coffee!"


    "Thanks, Xiaomu!"


    Qin Mu smiled lightly and then turned back into the studio, asking Xiaomei to grind a cup of coffee for the person outside the car before going to her office.


    Zhao Huai didn¡¯t get out of the car; Wang Mingyu¡¯s car was parked not far behind, but he also hadn¡¯t gotten out, so Zhao Huai felt a bit annoyed, as if the reason for a fight wasn¡¯t sufficient.


    "Handsome guy!"


    Xiaomei walked over, holding a white cup with the aroma of coffee wafting from it.


    Zhao Huai was about to smoke but immediately put the cigarette behind his ear, grinned as he took the coffee from Xiaomei, and cheerfully said, "Thanks, Xiaomei!"


    "Don¡¯t mention it, you take care of Qinqin for me, making you a cup of coffee is the least I could do. But I¡¯m really curious, what exactly do you do? Driver? Bodyguard?"

 Chapter 531 - 158 The answer is revealed_4

    Chapter 531: 158 The answer is revealed_4


    "Actually, that¡¯s all true! But I¡¯m more often just a free man, so, Xiaomei, if you ever get bored and have nothing to do, feel free to call me for a free ride and flower guard service!"


    Zhao Huai said this as he pulled a business card out of the box in front of him, looked up at her with squinted eyes, smiled, and handed her the card.


    Xiaomei lowered her arms, which had been resting on the car, took the business card, glanced at it, and then said with a smile, "Then thanks, goodbye for now!"


    "Bye!"


    Zhao Huai bid her goodbye and then happily sipped his coffee.


    It had to be said that this was worlds apart from the instant coffee at his home; there really was no comparison.


    When Wang Mingyu received a call from home, he only glanced at his phone once, and then threw it back onto the passenger seat. He didn¡¯t know a thing about the family¡¯s affairs. All he knew was that Qin Mu had left his room that morning. If they indeed had relations, why did he still feel that something was off?


    Wang Mingyu wanted to find the answer. Wang Huanyu and Qin Mingzhu insisted that it was Qin Mu who had slept with him that night; thus, he was somewhat agitated.


    If he really had relations with Qin Mu, could Mu Yichen ever accept Qin Mu? How could Qin Mu remain so composed up until now?


    And his own brother scheming against him, heh!


    Wang Mingyu still started his car; he wanted to ask Qin Mu if she felt unwell that morning. If they had been intimate, especially while he was drugged, the woman should¡¯ve been in bad shape, exhausted.


    If she wasn¡¯t...


    No! Actually, he would rather she was.


    Zhao Huai had only taken two sips of his coffee when he saw the man coming out of the car behind him, so he immediately set his coffee aside and got out of his car as well.


    "Mingyu, don¡¯t make it difficult for your brother!"


    Zhao Huai walked out and stopped him.


    "You¡¯re here watching over her for Mu Yichen!"


    Wang Mingyu asked with furrowed brows, unafraid of Zhao Huai.


    "Watching over her? Yichen just asked me to take good care of our Xiaomu, that¡¯s all. I just wanted to remind Mingyu that this isn¡¯t the place for you."


    "I need to talk to her!"


    Wang Mingyu said earnestly and looked towards the second floor.


    The window was empty, but this made him even more anxious to see her.


    "You might have a lot to say to her, but she¡¯s now a married woman. It really isn¡¯t appropriate for you to meet with her under these circumstances, being a stranger."


    "A married woman?"


    "Mingyu, being the smart man you are, should know what I mean, right?"


    Zhao Huai looked at Wang Mingyu¡¯s expression, asked again, and smiled.


    "You¡¯re saying they are married? How is that possible?"


    Wang Mingyu couldn¡¯t believe it.


    "You know, ¡¯hidden marriages¡¯ are popular these days; that¡¯s what they are in."


    Zhao Huai inserted his hands into his pockets, squinting against the sunlight, and yet he smiled casually.


    "So I can¡¯t see her? Who will be the one to stay by her side till the end is still uncertain!"


    "No other men in her life, not in this one!"


    Zhao Huai shot back directly.


    "Zhao Huai, do you not know how tough I can be?"


    Wang Mingyu stepped forward impulsively and grabbed Zhao Huai by the collar, to which Zhao Huai immediately raised his hands in a surrender gesture, "I can¡¯t beat you, ¡ª but ¡ª"


    Zhao Huai suddenly looked behind him as another car stopped and Wang Huanyu got out.


    Wang Mingyu, hearing the sound of the car door closing, turned his head, and then, reluctantly, he released Zhao Huai. Zhao Huai actually breathed a sigh of relief and then watched as Wang Mingyu turned to walk towards his brother.


    "Ignoring phone calls and here fighting over a woman?"


    Wang Huanyu asked disapprovingly.


    "I¡¯ve said it before, you deal with the mess you make; I want no part in this mess."


    Wang Mingyu replied coldly.


    "You want no part? You never put in an ounce of effort for the Wang Family¡¯s empire, but you¡¯ve basked in the Wang Family¡¯s honor for many years. You tell me you don¡¯t want to participate? Do you think you have that right?"


    Wang Huanyu yanked up Wang Mingyu¡¯s collar, his aggressive demeanor much stronger than Wang Mingyu¡¯s.


    Zhao Huai retreated back to his car, fetched his coffee again, and now, no longer hot, it tasted just perfect.


    "It¡¯s not like I got to choose the family I was born into; otherwise, I¡¯d have preferred not to be a part of the Wang Family."


    "You little punk, say that one more time!"


    Wang Huanyu, infuriated, punched him in the face.


    Zhao Huai dramatically widened his eyes from a distance and almost burst out laughing.


    "I¡¯ll say it ten more times, the same thing. Do you think the Wang Family brought me honor? To me, it¡¯s been nothing but a burden. Just because my surname is Wang, no one sees the effort I put in; everyone credits my achievements to the family. Am I wrong?"


    Wang Mingyu almost fell to the ground with the punch but stood up, strode towards Wang Huanyu, grabbed him by the collar, and punched him back. When Wang Huanyu fell to the ground, Wang Mingyu straddled his waist and struck another hard punch: "Right now, aside from the woman inside, I don¡¯t care about anyone else!"


    Zhao Huai chuckled to himself from a distance, thinking, is this lad so passionately in love?


    If Yichen heard this, he¡¯d probably cripple him!


    "You care about her? What if I told you the woman who slept with you that night wasn¡¯t her?"


    Wang Huanyu suddenly asked, managing to turn the tables after being momentarily stunned by his brother¡¯s words, then pressed his brother to the ground and grabbed his collar, ready to punch. But looking at Wang Mingyu¡¯s stunned expression, he ultimately didn¡¯t follow through.

 Chapter 532 - 159 After the rain comes the sunshine_1

    Chapter 532: 159 After the rain comes the sunshine_1


    Zhao Huai almost choked to death on his coffee, and when he heard those words, he thought he was hallucinating, his mind echoing just two words: "Fuck!"


    "What did you say?"


    Wang Mingyu only saw Wang Huanyu¡¯s lips move, and his ears buzzed continuously.


    "The woman you slept with is currently lying in the hospital, and she¡¯s pregnant!"


    Wang Huanyu put down his fist and, leaning over to the other side, said in a low voice, his eyes looking up at the sky in despair.


    Wang Mingyu just lay there dumbly, not caring about the bruise on the corner of his mouth, just thinking about Wang Huanyu¡¯s words over and over again in his head.


    "What exactly happened that night?"


    Wang Mingyu asked weakly.


    "It was a mistake, Yang Qianxi went into the wrong room."


    "So, it was me who had relations with Yang Qianxi¡ª"


    Wang Mingyu thought about what Yang Qianxi had said to him that morning, he had believed everything, how could he know that a girl, if she put her mind to it, could be so shameless.


    Although he felt that he didn¡¯t do that kind of thing with Qin Mu, he always thought he did something to someone that night; otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have been so tired the next day, and more importantly, there was blood on the bed.


    He had thought Qin Mu got her period the next morning.


    It turns out it was all wishful thinking! How could Qin Mu have her period if she was already pregnant at that time?


    The one he had relations with was Yang Qianxi, who then returned to Mu Yichen¡¯s room after he had fallen asleep. So, Yang Qianxi was the main character in this drama, this woman who appeared to have nothing, seemingly innocent, had actually directed such a grand play!


    The two brothers lay on the ground for a while, as if many things had become clear to them.


    Wang Mingyu got up from the ground and then walked toward his car.


    Wang Huanyu also sat up, "Mingyu!"


    "I¡¯m going to the hospital!"


    As Wang Mingyu opened the car door, he told his brother and then looked at Zhao Huai, who was still standing there in a daze, "Tell Qin Mu the truth for me!"


    Zhao Huai nodded seriously, and Wang Mingyu drove off.


    Wang Huanyu turned to Zhao Huai, "Also, pass a message to Mu Yi for me, don¡¯t be too much!"


    Zhao Huai chuckled but did not respond.


    His eyes, however, conveyed much, "You acted ruthlessly first, and now you¡¯re telling others not to follow suit?"


    After the two brothers left, he immediately took out his phone and called Mu Yichen, nearly crying with excitement, "Brother! I just discovered an earth-shattering secret."


    "I¡¯m busy now, if you have something to say, say it quickly!"


    An icy voice came through from the other end.


    "Brother! I swear, there¡¯s no other secret I know now more worthy for you to stop what you¡¯re doing."


    Mu Yichen was silent for a few seconds, then asked, "Aren¡¯t you with Qin Mu?"


    "I¡¯m downstairs at your wife¡¯s studio, Wang Mingyu and Wang Huanyu just came over!"


    Zhao Huai took another sip of coffee as he walked towards the studio, speaking to him.


    "The two of them¡ªwhat else?"


    Mu Yichen finally seemed intrigued.


    "Brother Chen, don¡¯t cry with excitement when you hear this news! No, I have to go to your office and tell you in person, I want to witness that historic moment!"


    Zhao Huai said, spinning in a circle before finishing the last drop of his coffee.


    Mu Yichen¡ª


    Zhao Huai returned the cup to the studio and when he came across Xiaomei, who was with a stack of documents for the designers, he said to her, "Xiaomei, let¡¯s go out tonight!"


    Xiaomei, who was about to distribute the documents to the designers, just looked baffled as Zhao Huai spoke to her about dating, but he walked away before she even had a chance to respond.


    The colleagues were all curious about the man who left through the door and then turned to Xiaomei, their eyes seemingly congratulating her.


    Whereas Xiaomei just shrugged her shoulders, wondering why that man seemed a bit foolish just now.


    Zhao Huai left the studio and approached his car, glanced up at the building one more time, and then quickly drove to his office block.


    In fact, Zhao Huai was also relieved; his brother was all right, it felt like he didn¡¯t have to be so tense anymore.


    Otherwise, he had been thinking lately about whether he should go fight those guys, to the point that he even ignored Jing Feng.


    Mu Yi was discussing matters with Qiao Yi, Yang Bo, and Jiang Zhiyuan, and since they knew Zhao Huai was coming, they didn¡¯t find his arrival strange. But for Zhao Huai himself, he was grinning foolishly, "Guys, breaking news!"


    "If it¡¯s not breaking news, Brother Chen is gonna throw you off this building, so¡ª"


    Jiang Zhiyuan said with a smile that wasn¡¯t quite a smile.


    "It better really be breaking news!"


    Yang Bo reminded him, following Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s thoughts.

 Chapter 533 - 159 After the rain comes the sunshine_2

    Chapter 533: 159 After the rain comes the sunshine_2


    "Damn! You think so little of me? Can¡¯t I have some major news? After those two brothers fought three hundred rounds at the studio¡¯s door, do you know what Wang Huanyu said to Wang Mingyu?"


    "Cut the crap and get to the important stuff," Qiao Yi leaned back, reminding.


    "That night, that kid just slept with Xiaomu, hahaha!"


    Everyone had a dark expression, thinking have you gone stupid, how can you still laugh about this?


    Realizing he had said something wrong, Zhao Huai seriously said to Mu Yichen¡¯s perfect face while sitting on the side, "Bro! You didn¡¯t sleep with Yang Qianxi."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s expression did not change at all, on the contrary, his eyes grew deeper.


    "Can¡¯t you make things clear all at once?" Jiang Zhiyuan was getting impatient.


    "Yeah! Stop hemming and hawing, my heart¡¯s about to leap out of my chest because of you!"


    Yang Bo touched his chest, not daring to take a deep breath.


    "That night, the one who slept with Yang Qianxi was Wang Mingyu. Yang Qianxi originally wanted to sleep with Yichen but entered the wrong room. It was only later that she found Yichen¡¯s room."


    Everyone was still silent, the air seemed to have been sucked out, and all eyes were uniformly fixed on Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen, like a king, sat in the sofa for a few seconds before standing up with an indifferent face. He then went to take the car keys from the table and left.


    Not until the door was forcefully closed did the men in the office exchange glances again.


    That false alarm had almost claimed a few lives in secrecy.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s car was parked outside the studio, where Xiaomei was entertaining guests with Qin Mu; with one glance, she saw the parked car outside the window.


    He walked out with his eyes down, striding towards the entrance without ever looking inside through the window.


    But the person inside kept watching him.


    For some reason, Qin Mu felt that he seemed very anxious.


    Subconsciously standing up from the sofa as everyone had heard that the boss¡¯s man of this studio is President Mu, so when they saw him walking over coldly, they also stood up.


    "This is..."


    "You..."


    Mu Yichen ignored everyone else, and after seeing the tumultuous waves in Qin Mu¡¯s eyes, he just rushed forward to hold the face of the woman standing in front of the sofa wanting to talk to him.


    In that moment, her heart was pounding fiercely, feeling as though something had happened.


    Wanting to call out to him but unable, she, too, went mad along with him, forgetting the people around her.


    Qin Mu felt his breath somewhat cool and crisp.


    He had suddenly run over, amidst so many people, without saying anything, just rushing in front of her.


    It had been a long while since he had done this!


    Qin Mu¡¯s heartbeat could not calm down.


    The guests looked away awkwardly, and Xiaomei didn¡¯t dare keep looking, only shyly lowering her head.


    For some reason, Xiaomei felt like something good was happening.


    Alas! How miserable for us single dogs!


    His forehead rested against hers, striving to calm the excitement in his heart, his face slightly weary.


    He was ready for the worst-case scenario¡ªif he had indeed been taken by another woman, he was prepared to let her go, to protect her from a distance hereafter.


    Because in his heart, the woman Qin Mu was someone who had to match a unique man.


    And at that time he believed he was no longer unique, so he felt he didn¡¯t deserve her.


    Their disdain for each other was less than for themselves.


    They truly despised themselves, despised their inability to keep hold of themselves.


    Qin Mu reopened her large, limpid eyes, and after sensing that he had somewhat calmed down, asked in a hoarse voice, "What exactly happened?"


    He had suddenly run over, so agitated, something important must have happened.


    "It was a misunderstanding! I¡¯m still yours!"


    His equally hoarse voice, his eyes still downcast, now resting against her forehead, he confided softly.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t believe it and kept her gaze lowered, not lifting her eyes until over a minute had passed.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but give her a wry smile, his thumb gently stroking her lips, her cheeks.


    They were like fools, afraid to touch each other again.


    They were like fools, avoiding each other!


    They were like fools, almost parting ways.


    In this world, how could you ever find another person exactly like the other?


    "Really?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes glistened as she looked at him, shining like bright diamonds.


    "Mm!"


    He affirmed.


    "Is this for real? Mu Yichen, is this really true?"

 Chapter 534 - 159 After the rain comes the sunshine_3

    Chapter 534: 159 After the rain comes the sunshine_3


    Qin Mu was on the verge of tears, her eyes brimming with emotion as she looked at him and asked again.


    "Wang Huanyu personally said that the person who slept with Yang Qianxi that night wasn¡¯t me, it was Wang Mingyu!"


    He held her face in his hands, and every word he uttered, he spoke in a voice only she could hear.


    In Qin Mu¡¯s already tearful eyes, the world became a blur, yet she clutched his arm with such intensity, "Then, then us¡ª¡ª"


    "I belong to you, and you alone are mine!"


    Looking into his deep and dark eyes, Qin Mu suddenly found herself struggling to maintain control.


    Turning to see the guests smiling at her, she had intended to hold back, but she could not stand it any longer. She felt that these two long months were like two centuries, and that was truly enough.


    So, with her breath coming in uneven gasps, she bowed her head, nudged his chest slightly, and after a few seconds, looked up at Mu Yichen again, unable to say a word, just breaking out into tears like a fool.


    Snuggling into his embrace once more, she burst into uncontrollable sobs.


    The guests and Xiaomei were dumbstruck, both feeling that it wasn¡¯t appropriate for them to stay there any longer.


    Xiaomei swiftly led the guests away with polite haste, while Qin Mu continued to cry loudly in Mu Yichen¡¯s embrace.


    "My silly girl!"


    He held her close, his hands soothing her back as his lips curved slightly.


    Hiding in his arms, Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare to look up, her face already stained with tears.


    Just hearing him call her silly girl made her miserably raise her hand to flail against his chest in protest.


    Silly girl?


    She had simply been living insincerely these past days.


    She had been trying to numb herself, to remain as calm as possible during this time.


    But when this period was truly over, she felt that she could no longer bear it.


    As her colleagues couldn¡¯t help but look at them out of curiosity, Mu Yichen turned his head slightly, a fleeting look of helplessness in his dark eagle eyes, and then he whispered in her ear, "Shall I take you upstairs to let it all out, is that okay?"


    Taking her silence as consent, Mu Yichen lifted her into his arms and turned towards the staircase.


    Their colleagues looked at each other, feeling as if their boss had finally overcome an ordeal, and they involuntarily breathed a sigh of relief for her.


    Qin Mu found herself carried to the room she once used, and after the door was shut, Mu Yichen gently put her down, reaching behind to lock the door. He firmly held her face to prevent her from burying it in his chest again.


    "My shirt is completely soaked, shall I change into a new one and let you continue crying, is that okay?"


    He coaxed her softly, his hands gripping her arms.


    "Hate you!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice, hoarse from crying, complained petulantly.


    Mu Yichen tenderly held her face, not waiting for her to look up before her tears drenched his palms. In that moment, his heart ached beyond measure.


    So he forced her to lift her head, and as soon as her face appeared, he began to wipe her tears away.


    "Tell me again, okay? We haven¡¯t slept with any of those disgusting people."


    She sobbed and asked him once more, her gaze still anxious.


    "When have I ever lied to you? Do you want me to bring those brothers in front of you so they can admit it to your face?"


    He asked her softly.


    "Jerk! Jerk! I never want to see them again."


    She spoiled herself with petulance, behaving like the indulged girl she used to be with him.


    Mu Yichen resigned himself to letting her hit him.


    "Mu Yichen, you must never let me go through something like this again!"


    Her eyes looked at him tenderly, insistent and firm.


    "I swear!"


    Mu Yichen dared not take it lightly, embracing her and gently soothing her with his hands.


    Looking at his serious expression, Qin Mu suddenly noticed how much thinner he¡¯d become, his features sharper and more distinct than before, and her heart ached, "You..."


    Mu Yichen raised a hand to cover her mouth, signaling her not to say another word.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Is it still about Wang Huanyu and Jing Qing?"


    She asked quietly.


    "Let¡¯s not talk about that right now!"


    "Mu Yichen, can we talk about it now, please?"


    Recently, she had been wanting to ask him if he intended to be utterly ruthless, but because she wasn¡¯t certain about some things, she hadn¡¯t spoken up. Now that there were no barriers between them, she couldn¡¯t hold back any longer.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Today, for both of them, was more than just the passing of a storm!


    But Mu Yichen was still not willing to let those people off, even though it had turned out to be a huge misunderstanding. The events of that night were indeed real.


    And the stress that they, as a couple, had endured during this time¡ªthey were determined to make the perpetrators pay the price.


    The first to be dealt with was the Jing Family. Overnight, scandals about Jing Qing flooded the media, from celebrated actress to the arrogant daughter of a wealthy family¡ªall it took was a few photos and just over a hundred words.

 Chapter 535 - 159 After the rain comes the sunshine_4

    Chapter 535: 159 After the rain comes the sunshine_4


    Jing Qing was first implicated in a gossip scandal about having committed suicide due to the hidden rules of a director in her early years, followed by rumors of her having special relationships with numerous politicians and key evidence of accepting bribes for the Jing Family. Overnight, the Jing Family became the biggest gossip among Rongcheng City residents during their post-dinner leisure time.


    On the third day, Jing Qing received a summons from the court!


    That night, the Jing Family home became deathly quiet, with all the members returning, even Helian Hao was called over.


    However, the once majestic and grandiose mansion now seemed sinister and gloomy.


    The old patriarch sat exhausted on the sofa, now grey-haired and displaying the decadence of old age, no longer as arrogant as he was last year.


    Jing Xianzong and his wife sat on one side, Jing Feng and his wife on the other, while Jing Qing knelt in front of the patriarch.


    Helian Hao felt like an outsider even though she had been dragged into this.


    She was merely curious about how this would end but had no intention of getting involved even in the slightest.


    "Grandfather, if even you can¡¯t help me, then I truly have no way out! You once said that no matter what happened, you would always stand by my side."


    Jing Qing reminded the patriarch sitting in the sofa, her eyes red and swollen with tears.


    Not a single person dared to speak for her, all waiting for the patriarch to make a decision.


    Helian Hao thought their family was truly terrifying, how could a home resemble a living hell?


    Helian Hao felt fortunate that Jing Feng had not forced her to move into this house, but at the same time, she worried about their future. Just as her thoughts began to wander, she heard the patriarch¡¯s forceful questioning.


    "But did I tell you to accept those people¡¯s gifts? Tell me, how much benefit did you secretly take without my knowledge? My whole life I¡¯ve held my head high, never once involved with the word ¡¯bribery¡¯, but you¡ªhow could you so easily destroy the image I¡¯ve worked so hard to build over the years? Xiaoqing, how could you do this to your grandfather?"


    The old man looked down at his tearful granddaughter, wanting to save her, but how could he?


    Ever since he had taken that position, he knew that touching any of that would mean ruining his life, so he never dared to get involved. He¡¯d rather wear poorer clothes, would even prefer to wear his official uniform every day, but how could he have known that his beloved granddaughter had done everything he dared not to do, on his behalf?


    "It wasn¡¯t supposed to be a big deal, the whole world is like this now, and those people begged me to take it, grandfather, what should I do now? Please teach me, won¡¯t you teach me?"


    She asked the old man in a lowered voice.


    "You accepted gifts but did not do favors in return, facing these consequences was only a matter of time! Ah! Your father and I have always prided ourselves on our integrity, Xiaoqing, isn¡¯t the money you make in the entertainment industry enough? How could you destroy our family¡¯s honor in Rongcheng over these past few decades?"


    The grandfather looked down at his granddaughter, overwhelmed with heartache and disappointment.


    "Grandfather, I really didn¡¯t know it would be so serious, I truly didn¡¯t. I realize my mistake now, grandfather. Can I return all those things to them? Please think of a way to help me, I will go to prison!"


    "Dad! Please help Xiaoqing, she¡¯s still young, she can¡¯t just go to prison. After a few years, her whole life will be ruined!"


    As Jing Qing¡¯s mother, Jing Xianzong¡¯s wife couldn¡¯t help but plead on behalf of her daughter.


    "Xiaoqing, if you really have to go to prison, I will manage connections to ensure you don¡¯t suffer at all in there. After a few years, you could start over, how does that sound?"


    The grandfather knew he had students in prison. He couldn¡¯t save his granddaughter now because he had already made all the calls he could make earlier, but those people had responded with nothing but placation.


    Who dared to disobey him when he held power?


    But now that the Jing Family had fallen, those that didn¡¯t avoid him were already showing him great respect.


    The Jing Family patriarch had seen through the truth of ¡¯when the walls fall, everybody pushes¡¯ and had also come to accept his fate.


    "Sigh!"


    "Grandfather! I don¡¯t want to go to jail, how can I go to jail? I am Jing Weixian¡¯s granddaughter, how can I go to jail?"


    Jing Qing had not expected Mu Yichen to be so ruthless. She thought that no matter how Mu Yichen warned her, considering they had grown up together, at most he would just give her a small lesson. She could never have anticipated that Mu Yichen would find those things and resort to legal measures to punish her.


    "You¡ªXiaohao! Weren¡¯t you like sisters with that girl?"


    The old man thought and thought, then turned his head to look at the woman sitting next to Jing Feng and asked.


    Helian Hao didn¡¯t expect the topic to turn to her suddenly. Startled at first, she was about to speak the truth when Jing Feng spoke up for her: "Xiaohao doesn¡¯t have that ability, and Qin Mu can¡¯t decide for Mu Yichen."


    Helian Hao, who had been somewhat nervous, relaxed, bowing her head and continuing to act as if she were invisible.


    "What about you? Haven¡¯t you always regarded him as your good brother?"


    The patriarch asked his grandson unhappily, thinking Helian Hao still might be able to help Jing Qing.


    "Me? Do I still have the face to see him? Since it¡¯s a debt incurred by Jing Qing herself, I think it¡¯s good for her to spend a few years in prison!"


    Jing Feng said coldly.


    Jing Qing turned her head and looked at Jing Feng, disbelieving.


    "Jing Feng! I am your twin sister!"


    "Yes, indeed!"


    Jing Qing asked, and Jing Feng nodded; he had never denied it.


    "You treat me like this?"


    Jing Qing felt like her brother didn¡¯t love her at all.


    "Have you forgotten what you said to the Mu Family elders when Dad and I took you there to apologize? Why didn¡¯t you apologize? Why do you always think you¡¯re right?"


    Jing Qing collapsed on the ground, unable to say anything.


    "So there¡¯s no other way, she must go to jail?"


    "The only way now is for her to sincerely apologize to Mu Yichen. Only if she truly realizes her mistakes might there be a chance!"


    Jing Feng declared!

 Chapter 536 - 160 Let’s have a wedding!_1

    Chapter 536: 160 Let¡¯s have a wedding!_1


    But could Jing Qing still meet Mu Yichen?


    Mu Yichen simply wouldn¡¯t see her; Mu Qingxin happened to bring her child home to her parents that day, so when the Mu Family butler came to the living room to say that Miss Jing from the Jing Family was outside asking to see him, no one agreed to let her in.


    Qin Mu was right by Mu Yichen¡¯s side. She turned her head to look at the man who was languidly leaning on the sofa, and Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes were indifferent, "Don¡¯t see her!"


    After Qin Mu heard that, she didn¡¯t say anything else, and it seemed the elders also let out a sigh of relief. At this moment, no one was willing to see anyone from the Jing Family anymore.


    Since their paths did not align, there was no need to maintain a superficial relationship.


    So, a direct refusal was the most appropriate.


    "Miss Jing says she must see the young master!"


    The butler said another sentence, seeming somewhat troubled.


    "Just because she wants to see, should she be seen? She¡¯s the young lady of the Jing Family, not a princess highness; she really thinks too highly of herself, huh?"


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but mutter.


    Feng Fanghua glanced at her daughter, and Mu Qingxin went on, "Did I say something wrong? Hasn¡¯t she caused enough trouble for my brother and Qin Mu? Hasn¡¯t she troubled our family enough?"


    Feng Fanghua sighed helplessly after listening, "There¡¯s an old saying, ¡¯Don¡¯t judge a book by its cover,¡¯ which means not to look down on others! But now I think we shouldn¡¯t overestimate others either. It¡¯s enough to just be ourselves!"


    Mu Qingxin was surprised by her mother¡¯s sudden statement and couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "Wow, my mom should become a teacher!"


    "Go on! Stop causing trouble!"


    Feng Fanghua said again after looking at her daughter.


    Mu Qingxin had no choice but to stop causing trouble, took her son out of the stroller, and then lovingly nestled him in her arms.


    "Just say Yichen isn¡¯t here! Tell her not to come again in the future!"


    Mu Zihao said, looking down.


    "Yes! If she doesn¡¯t listen again, just ignore her. That girl is really stubborn!"


    The old master was also looking down at his newspaper, adding a few more words after hearing his son¡¯s remark.


    "Yes!"


    The butler immediately nodded, then went to tell Jing Qing.


    Qin Mu suddenly remembered her early days in Rongcheng. Back then, Jing Qing wasn¡¯t so humble, nor particularly scheming.


    She remembered how Jing Qing had tried to befriend her, even attempted to call her ¡¯sister.¡¯ But then...


    Since she hadn¡¯t agreed to be called ¡¯sister,¡¯ Jing Qing had categorised her as an enemy.


    Actually, even if she had called Jing Qing ¡¯sister,¡¯ she believed that she would still have fallen out with Jing Qing eventually. The pattern of their altercation might have been different, and Jing Qing would have had more excuses to reprimand her for stealing Jing Qing¡¯s man.


    Hmm! That was clearly her, Qin Mu¡¯s, man.


    A man who had followed her to Paris since she was eight years old! Of course, he was her man!


    "Mumu, call your dad and ask him to come home for dinner tonight!"


    Mu Zihao suddenly suggested.


    "Oh! Okay!"


    Qin Mu was a bit surprised, but after thinking it over, she nodded.


    "You two have put that matter behind you, and your dad has been so worried about both of you. It¡¯s only right to invite him over for a meal."


    Mu Zihao explained in a low voice.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t really say much about Qin Haiming¡¯s matters, she just nodded again.


    Mu Qingxin noticed that the relationship between father and daughter seemed to have become a bit tricky, but she didn¡¯t ask further.


    Later, Jiang Yan told her many things, which made her no longer ask others about things that could make them sad, as she might have in the past.


    Mu Yichen lifted his hand to gently gather the hair in front of Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder to the back, his gaze at her¡ª


    killing those who aren¡¯t in the company of their husbands!


    Qin Mu fiddled with her hair to the side and glanced at him, "Don¡¯t mess with my hair!"


    Mu Yichen, after hearing that, messed with it again, her hair becoming disheveled.


    Qin Mu looked at him a bit angrily, but he just smiled, his hands going to smooth her hair again.


    "Sigh! There¡¯s just no way to deal with you! And our daughter is watching right there!"


    Feng Fanghua spoke and raised her eyes toward the window where the little girl was sitting on the carpet playing with Legos.


    Huanhuan, upon hearing the word ¡¯daughter,¡¯ looked up, then started pulling Mu Qingxin, who was holding the child, to sit with her as if she wanted to play with her brother as well.


    Everyone couldn¡¯t help but start laughing.


    Mu Qingxin sat down with crossed legs, playing with her, and asked, "Huanhuan! Do you really want to play with your auntie?"


    Huanhuan looked up at her, using those particularly pitiful eyes of hers, then shook her head, her little hand pointing at the little guy in her arms.


    Mu Qingxin...


    "This girl seemed quite opposed to having another child in the house at first, but now she seems quite fond of it!"


    Feng Fanghua was the happiest, thinking that her lessons these past days hadn¡¯t been in vain.

 Chapter 537 - 160 Let’s have a wedding!_2

    Chapter 537: 160 Let¡¯s have a wedding!_2


    "Yes, this couldn¡¯t have been done without your grandmother¡¯s contribution!"


    Mu Zihao said, placing his hand on Feng Fanghua¡¯s.


    "Don¡¯t flatter me, I know exactly what you¡¯re thinking,"


    Feng Fanghua spoke frankly.


    Qin Mu watched the old couple banter and couldn¡¯t help but let out a low chuckle, not realizing it made Mu Yichen¡¯s heart flutter.


    Hmm!


    A simple gesture from the young mistress of the Mu Family, and Yichen was all stirred up, itching with desire!


    Especially now, when he couldn¡¯t fully satisfy those urges!


    Unable to resist, Mu Yichen grabbed her hand, and Qin Mu turned to look at him.


    Love comes without warning, and with it a profound depth of feeling!


    At this moment, they were in their best state of loving each other!


    As for when they fell in love, it had to go back a long, long time ago, so far back that they could no longer clearly remember whether it was a look one day or a phrase!


    But really, why bother being so clear about it?


    ¡ª¡ª


    Meanwhile, outside the distant gate, Jing Qing was still waiting desperately. She had dressed simply today, even her makeup was light, all in hopes of appearing weak to garner sympathy, but...


    Under the scorching sun, the butler said he would go back in to announce her, but never came back out again with a response. She was getting restless, knowing Mu Yichen was here, having confirmed his location with Qiao Yi beforehand, only...


    It must be Qin Mu, right? Qin Mu surely doesn¡¯t want Mu Yichen to see her again, afraid Mu Yichen might soften?


    Jing Qing felt extremely anxious as she looked toward the deep courtyard, becoming more and more agitated.


    At that moment, a sapphire blue sports car drove up from afar. Jing Qing turned her head curiously, then saw Wang Mingyu and Wang Huanyu getting out of it.


    The brothers seemed surprised to see her, but quickly it wasn¡¯t much of a surprise. Of course, Jing Qing wasn¡¯t surprised to see them there either, as she knew, Mu Yichen had targeted the Wang Family as well.


    Wang Huanyu managed to persuade Wang Mingyu to join him in pleading with Mu Yichen, but Mu Yichen didn¡¯t meet them either.


    The three of them looked at each other outside. Jing Qing was the first to mock, "Does the Wang Family really need to try this hard to please the Mu Family?"


    "Our situation is different from the Jing Family. If you say pleasing, it¡¯s more about apologizing to Yichen and his wife for what happened before. We genuinely didn¡¯t know about their marriage. But Miss Jing, the Jing Family is so close to the Mu Family, you must know everything, right? How could Miss Jing do such a thing?"


    Wang Huanyu asked her coldly.


    "I¡ªI don¡¯t need you to meddle in my family¡¯s affairs!"


    Jing Qing said before turning to leave, then looked back at Wang Mingyu, "That night, did you really not have anything happen with Qin Mu?"


    "I heard you passed out before you could even begin. Miss Jing, as the mastermind of the plan, you really failed!"


    Wang Mingyu laughed, his hands in his pockets and eyebrows raised as he spoke disdainfully.


    Jing Qing¡¯s heart felt like it was slashed open by a sharpened blade, a pain beyond what could be simply described.


    "Don¡¯t think he will let you off! You¡¯ll soon find out just how ruthless Mu Yichen can be!"


    After saying this, Jing Qing got into the car, but didn¡¯t leave.


    Seeing Mu Yichen today was crucial for her future.


    Although the brothers didn¡¯t get to see Mu Yichen, they received a phone call and soon left in their car.


    Jing Qing had a bad feeling, wondering whether the brothers seemed less anxious because they were composed or because Mu Yichen had a change of heart and let Wang Mingyu and Wang Huanyu go?


    She didn¡¯t believe Mu Yichen would let them off.


    From the midday sun to the sunset, she never saw Mu Yichen come out.


    At dinner time in the Mu Family, upon hearing from the butler that Jing Qing¡¯s car was still outside, Feng Fanghua sighed and said:


    "She used to be such a good girl, how did she end up like this, acting as if the whole world should please her!"


    Feng Fanghua sighed her assessment.


    "She¡¯s just full of negative energy! And ever since she was little you all spoiled her, no wonder she turned bad!"


    Mu Qingxin muttered.


    "We spoiled her? Did we pamper her as seriously as we pampered you? Pampering her was courtesy, pampering you and your sibling was genuine. Thank goodness you didn¡¯t turn out that way, or else I would have to slap some sense into you!"


    Feng Fanghua looked at her daughter and said.


    Huanhuan, sitting next to her grandmother, heard about her aunt getting a slap and couldn¡¯t help but look up at her aunt. Mu Qingxin then stuck out her tongue at her, inducing a silly laugh from Huanhuan.

 Chapter 538 - 160 Let’s have a wedding!_3

    Chapter 538: 160 Let¡¯s have a wedding!_3


    "Ah, perhaps the Jing Family girl¡¯s face lacks a few slaps, which is why she¡¯s become so unreasonable today!"


    Mu Zihao took over the conversation, feeling that if a child understands what¡¯s right on their own, that¡¯s for the best. If not, as a parent, you really should discipline them. Otherwise, if they end up like Jing Qing, it might be too late for any lessons.


    "Let¡¯s change the subject! I really want to know, does Wang Huanyu actually have the ability to take Qin Mingzhu away?" Mu Qingxin asked.


    "That remains to be seen!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t pay too much attention to other people¡¯s affairs, but if Wang Huanyu couldn¡¯t do it, he had already made his stance clear in advance.


    "Qin Mingzhu is carrying Wang Huanyu¡¯s child, and he will take her away no matter what."


    Qin Mu muttered softly upon hearing this.


    "So that¡¯s how it is! I never thought that Qin Mingzhu would get herself a talisman."


    Mu Qingxin muttered disapprovingly.


    "At first, she didn¡¯t want the child, but now she probably can¡¯t bear to part with it."


    Qin Mu found Qin Mingzhu frightening when thinking of the reason Wang Huanyu agreed to cooperate with her against their own brother and Qin Mu. Qin Mingzhu had told Wang Huanyu that it was Qin Mu who wanted to kill their child, and he had joined forces with her after believing her words.


    "If she really leaves Rongcheng, then you truly will have one less thorn in your side. In Rongcheng, the two women who can¡¯t stand you most have both gotten their comeuppance. What are your plans for the next step?"


    Mu Qingxin asked!


    "JY¡¯s shop on Central Street is about to open, and I probably won¡¯t have time to enjoy a moment¡¯s peace."


    Qin Mu spoke softly, the past now a gentle breeze. She was focused on the future.


    "Wow! Opening at this hour, it¡¯s bound to be a hit right away! When that happens..."


    Mu Qingxin raised an eyebrow at Qin Mu, whose money-loving little demeanor made Qin Mu help but laugh, "No matter how hard I work, I¡¯m afraid it won¡¯t come close to a certain person¡¯s single deal!"


    Qin Mu said, glancing meaningfully at her husband.


    Mu Yichen turned around, "Apart from my parents¡¯, everything I have is yours!"


    Mu Yichen expressed his heartfelt sentiment without delay.


    Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua felt a bit awkward being suddenly mentioned, but Qin Mu was deeply satisfied by that eternally affectionate gaze from him.


    "Brother! What about me?"


    Mu Qingxin asked, sounding heartbroken!


    "You? Your parents have been saving up for you!"


    Mu Yichen said.


    Indeed, that old couple had early on put away a large sum for the younger generation and were also handling finances, so it was money making money. Mu Qingxin should already be quite wealthy now, even without Jiang Yan.


    As for their Huanhuan! She was definitely set to be a little heiress!


    Upon learning they had such a granddaughter, Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua promptly arranged a sum for Huanhuan to invest and told Mu Yichen that this money would be handed over to Huanhuan after she graduated from university.


    So Mu Yichen didn¡¯t leave money for anyone; everything he had was indeed his wife¡¯s.


    After dinner, when everyone had rested, Mu Yichen quietly took Qin Mu downstairs and went to their car.


    As Qin Mu buckled her seatbelt, she asked him, "Where are we going so late at night?"


    "Back to the apartment!"


    Mu Yichen had wanted to leave earlier but was afraid of running into Jing Qing and getting entangled, so he had put it off until now.


    Qin Mu looked at him puzzled, wondering what they were doing returning to the apartment at such a late hour.


    But President Mu felt that, as the two of them had reconciled, they hadn¡¯t been back yet, which seemed improper.


    So tonight, he wanted to take Qin Mu back there.


    Yet no sooner had their car left the Mu Family¡¯s entrance than they were stopped.


    Jing Qing was actually still there.


    Jing Qing ran straight to the front of their car and stretched out her hand to stop it, her eyes tightly closed, waiting for her fate.


    Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t even sped up when going out, but as he hit the brakes, he immediately turned to look at Qin Mu, who gripped the safety handle with one hand and anxiously watched the woman outside the car.


    Tears welled up in Jing Qing¡¯s eyes, and she stood there stubbornly.


    "I¡¯m fine! It seems you still need to have a talk with her!"


    Qin Mu turned and spoke softly to Mu Yichen.


    "In the car?"


    He asked her quietly, his eyes full of concern.


    "Yes! I¡¯ll wait for you!"


    Qin Mu gave him a reassuring look.


    Mu Yichen stepped out of the car, and fearing that Qin Mu would get cold, he quickly closed the door and approached.


    Jing Qing turned her gaze to him, and her tears began to flow, looking at him pitifully: "Ever since I can remember, you¡¯ve been the only one in my heart!"


    "Don¡¯t confess your feelings to me anymore, I¡¯m tired of hearing it!"


    President Mu reminded her bluntly, his hands irritably tucked into his coat pockets.

 Chapter 539 - 160 Let’s have a wedding!_4

    Chapter 539: 160 Let¡¯s have a wedding!_4


    "You¡¯re tired of hearing it, but have you ever really listened?"


    Jing Qing asked weakly, by now she couldn¡¯t muster any anger because she didn¡¯t want to go to jail.


    "It¡¯s not that I haven¡¯t listened, it¡¯s just that I can¡¯t give you anything! Jing Qing, when will you finally understand?"


    Mu Yichen asked her, his dark eyes filled with helplessness and indifference when he looked at her.


    "So now I understand! You don¡¯t like me, you like her! But please spare me, okay? For the sake of our growing up together, I promise I won¡¯t interfere with you two anymore, okay? Anyway, I have nothing now, I just don¡¯t want to go to jail, only you can save me now, Yichen, please, Yichen!"


    As she spoke, she tried to grab his hand, but Mu Yichen stepped back: "Don¡¯t touch me!"


    He avoided her desperately, and looked helplessly towards the car window.


    He realized that Qin Mu was looking down and not at them, suddenly feeling a sense of loss. Didn¡¯t that woman get jealous at all?


    "Yichen, between jail and death, I¡¯d rather choose death. I¡¯ve been proud for so many years, I will not allow myself to waste time in jail!"


    She said sadly, also with a hint of a threat!


    "It might have been possible a few days ago, but now all the evidence already lies with the police, there¡¯s nothing I can do for you now!"


    "How can it be of no use? You have such a good relationship with Yang Bo, he listens to you, doesn¡¯t he?"


    "What do you take me for? I can¡¯t stand above the law, otherwise, why would I have to go through such pains to find evidence?"


    Jing Qing looked at him in disbelief, feeling nothing but darkness before her eyes.


    If Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help her...


    "Sorry, excuse me, I need to get home!"


    Mu Yichen felt they had nothing more to say, and since his wife didn¡¯t even give him a glance, he had to get into his car and leave.


    Jing Qing knew that Mu Yichen was determined to have her sent to jail, so she made way.


    Mu Yichen actually breathed a sigh of relief after driving away from Jing Qing, and then asked the woman in the passenger seat: "Aren¡¯t you curious about what we talked about?"


    "She definitely begged you for mercy, and you disagreed!"


    Qin Mu knew him inside out.


    As for Jing Qing, Qin Mu knew she was desperate or else, Miss Jing¡¯s temper would not have led her to wait from dawn to dusk, and then till midnight.


    Mu Yichen chuckled bitterly, thinking to himself that she had seen right through him, what was the point?


    But things were interesting when he got back to the apartment.


    He tossed the car keys carelessly, and then picked her up from the ground.


    The moment Qin Mu turned on the light downstairs, he held her legs, lifting her and walked upstairs.


    "Hey! Put me down!"


    Qin Mu felt a little dizzy!


    "No!"


    Mu Yichen held her firmly, but still he lowered her while climbing the stairs, letting her climb around his waist for a safer path.


    Yet once on the bed he pressed against her and whispered, "Do you know what a man and a woman should do on their first night of marriage?"


    "Sleep!"


    Qin Mu guessed right.


    "No! The groom should carry the bride home. The bride¡¯s feet must not touch the ground, indicating that her status in this home will be higher than the groom¡¯s."


    His gaze was dark and tender, so affectionate and focussed.


    His voice was like a pot of pure baijiu; Qin Mu just quietly looked at him, suddenly unable to say anything.


    Thinking she had figured it out made her slightly sad, and she pursed her lips lightly.


    "Let¡¯s have a wedding, shall we?"


    He asked suddenly, so casually, so nonchalantly, yet so sincerely!


    Qin Mu suddenly couldn¡¯t speak, her heart pounding heavily.


    Have a wedding?


    To declare to the world that they were married!


    Qin Mu still smiled, and before the tears could flow, she nodded vigorously.


    Her throat didn¡¯t know why it was hoarse, and she couldn¡¯t speak a word.


    Mu Yichen looked down at the woman beneath him without excessive excitement, as if he felt that all this was within reason.


    He looked at her gently, as if he was reflecting on their past.


    "Do you remember when you were little how I kissed you?"


    He teased her suddenly.


    "Ugh! You¡¯ve got the nerve to talk about that time!"


    She gave his chest a shy pinch, and Mu Yichen winced, but didn¡¯t cry out in pain. Instead, he bent down to kiss her.


    Qin Mu reflexively dodged, but when he couldn¡¯t kiss her lips he found other places to kiss.


    After this ordeal, they already understood what the other was thinking.


    There was no need for further proof.


    They gazed at each other deeply, Mu Yichen¡¯s hands gently cradling Qin Mu¡¯s blushing face, tenderly caressing it.


    Mu Yichen bent down to kiss her eyelashes.


    The whole room was so warm and romantic.


    As if, on this night, everything turned into the most beautiful moments.


    They had each other, kissing deeply and passionately.


    ----


    The next day.


    Gossip headlines: Film queen Jing Qing in a car accident last night, still unconscious!

 Chapter 540 - 161 Very Satisfied_1

    Chapter 540: 161 Very Satisfied_1


    "Was it after she broke up with us last night?"


    "It should be!"


    In the video, Jing Qing was lifted out of the damaged car onto the ambulance, her head bleeding, her plain clothes also stained. In the darkness of the night, she lay on the ambulance stretcher looking as if she had no breath left.


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen woke up this morning and watched gossip news in bed, and the headline was a video of Jing Qing being taken to the hospital after a car accident last night.


    There was still the lingering warmth of two people in the bed. Qin Mu sighed helplessly, then propped herself on his chest, "She won¡¯t be in trouble, will she?"


    "That¡¯s her business!"


    Mu Yichen said in a low voice, his hand gently wrapping around her shoulder.


    "Hmm! I don¡¯t want to think about her anymore! I¡¯m hungry!"


    With that, she crawled out of his embrace, clutching her stomach and turned to Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen lay there, motionless, feeling a bit lost because she suddenly left his embrace, "There¡¯s a cool breeze in my arms now!"


    Upon hearing that, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but blink and, realizing what he meant, smiled and said, "The baby¡¯s hungry, huh!"


    "I¡¯ll go cook!"


    Mu Yichen had no choice but to get up to find his clothes and quickly got ready to go downstairs to cook.


    After rising, Qin Mu had just finished washing up when she received a call from Mu Qingxin.


    "You two left in the middle of the night yesterday? I¡¯m not trying to scold you, but can¡¯t you show some spine and take charge of my brother? After sleeping at our parents¡¯ place for half the night, you went back to the apartment. With breakfast prepared for so many of us, isn¡¯t it a waste just left for you two?"


    Qin Mu laughed a little while listening to Mu Qingxin¡¯s endless talk. While she was buttoning up her shirt, she headed downstairs, the hint of a black camisole underneath somewhat captivating.


    "For one, I can¡¯t control your brother, and for another, I can¡¯t bear him, so¡ª"


    "So you¡¯ve just been left at his mercy! Sigh! Look at our family, Ayan does whatever I say. If I tell him to go east, he wouldn¡¯t dare go west. Now look at your family, you..."


    "If you ask Jiang Yan to come pick you up right now, I¡¯m afraid he wouldn¡¯t be able to do it, right?"


    Mu Qingxin hadn¡¯t finished speaking when she was left speechless by Qin Mu¡¯s question.


    "Qin Mu, I¡¯ve realized that all your skills are being used to argue with me!"


    Mu Qingxin protested to Qin Mu while sitting on the sofa alone, touching up her beautiful toenails.


    "Well, I wouldn¡¯t dare! Today I have to go to the garment factory, so if you¡¯re free, you can come with me!"


    By the time Qin Mu finished saying this, she had already reached the dining room. Mu Yichen had prepared a simple breakfast, but it was quite nutritious.


    Mu Yichen watched her talking on the phone with Mu Qingxin without making a sound, just quietly arranging his chopsticks and bowls with utmost seriousness, as if even their position must be perfect.


    "Then that¡¯s settled! I¡¯ll come to your apartment to find you later!"


    "I¡¯ll drive to pick you up!"


    Qin Mu said!


    "That¡¯s good too! Call me when you get here, bye!"


    Mu Qingxin hung up the phone cheerfully, thinking that with the elders taking the kids out, she could finally indulge in some fun with Qin Mu. She could never have imagined she would become so close to Qin Mu, and excitedly clipped her toenails before hurrying upstairs to change clothes.


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen ate breakfast quietly at home. Mu Yichen asked her, "Why go pick her up? She surely hasn¡¯t forgotten the way to her hometown."


    "You¡¯re that confident in her?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t believe it.


    Mu Yichen...


    He had been quite confident, but Qin Mu¡¯s question suddenly made him doubt.


    "You¡¯re pregnant yourself, and you still want to pick her up?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes glared at her, with a hint of reproach.


    "Should I take that as Mu¡¯s way of showing concern for me?"


    Qin Mu gave him an ambiguous wink and then focused on eating her breakfast.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly and lowered his head. It seemed that finally, after all this time, they could have a normal breakfast.


    It was simple, but both of them were quite full.


    Before leaving, Mu Yichen told her, "Drive slowly on the road. Also, there¡¯s something I need to talk to you about. Come to my office this afternoon. If you¡¯re tired, have Zhao Huai pick you up."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu promised immediately after hearing Mu¡¯s instructions. After Mu Yichen left, she got in the car and drove off. The two of them left the area one after another, one heading east, the other west.


    But it seemed like they were heading to the same place.


    When Qin Mu was about to arrive at the Mu Family¡¯s home, she called Mu Qingxin. She had wanted to check on Huanhuan, but Mu Qingxin said the child was already out with the elders, seemingly having gone to some resort.


    Qin Mu waited for Mu Qingxin at the door, but suddenly remembered the scene from last night with Jing Qing there.

 Chapter 541 - 161 Very Satisfied_2

    Chapter 541: 161 Very Satisfied_2


    Jing Qing at that time looked absolutely cornered.


    Mu Qingxin came out back with the most sought-after designer bag of the moment, looking nothing like a wife or a mother, but rather like a proud and arrogant girl fresh out of college.


    Qin Mu was captivated by the carefree and self-assured aura on Mu Qingxin¡¯s face.


    The two of them went to the garment factory together, where Xiaomei had been waiting for them with a male colleague, and all four headed to the workshop.


    Their unique garment factory was unlike the ordinary ones, producing clothes that were non-existent in the current fashion world.


    Mu Qingxin, upon seeing the fabric of the dress on the model beside her, and noticing the material wasn¡¯t bad, reached out to touch it, then turned to whisper to Qin Mu who was speaking with a designer, "These fabrics aren¡¯t domestic, are they?"


    "The one you¡¯re touching comes from the United Kingdom! Those two over there, from the United Kingdom!"


    After Qin Mu introduced them, Mu Qingxin¡¯s mind whirred, and she said with a laugh, "Make me two as well!"


    "Later, when we go to the warehouse, I¡¯ll let you pick out two to your liking first. These are the latest models we¡¯re going to display in our shop soon, nowhere else in the world could you find a second piece besides here!"


    Qin Mu said earnestly to her.


    "Then I¡¯ll thank you in advance!"


    Mu Qingxin patted her butt and continued to wink at her happily.


    Qin Mu reflexively dodged, and Xiaomei, frightened, immediately stepped forward to hold her arm in case she was hurt.


    Seeing Xiaomei¡¯s anxious expression, Mu Qingxin teased, "Wow! You care so much about her. Do you like her?"


    "Miss Mu, you¡¯re always joking. Don¡¯t forget, Qinqin is pregnant now, remember?"


    Xiaomei quickly reminded her, genuinely concerned for Qin Mu.


    "I actually did forget, hahaha! You¡¯re even more considerate than me, her assistant!"


    "I¡¯ve been with Qinqin for quite a few years! Naturally, our bond is deeper!"


    Xiaomei explained, always feeling that Miss Mu, with her careless and impulsive manner, brought chaos to their past.


    Qin Mu looked back at Xiaomei, then turned to Mu Qingxin, who was somewhat embarrassed, and sighed softly without saying anything. But the two women promptly stopped talking. Mu Qingxin continued curiously walking around, stopping here and there to touch and look, while Xiaomei quietly accompanied Qin Mu.


    Yep! She¡¯s becoming more and more like Qin Mu¡¯s shadow.


    Around noon, Mu Qingxin drove her car, asking Qin Mu to sit in the passenger seat, "Isn¡¯t it about time for you to change your car?"


    "I¡¯d like to, but circumstances this year don¡¯t allow for it!"


    Owing so much to the banks! And with the shop unable to profit immediately after opening, with so many employees to pay, Qin Mu felt being a boss was truly not easy.


    "Let my brother buy one for you!"


    "Better not, I still have the capability to fend for myself."


    Qin Mu sat in the passenger seat, looking at the vast roadside, feeling the air around her was dry but fine.


    "Alright! I know you¡¯re quite stubborn. So is your little assistant."


    Mu Qingxin brought up Xiaomei, unable to resist commenting.


    "She¡¯s just straightforward, but she means no harm. Don¡¯t take her words to heart."


    Thinking back to the little friction Mu Qingxin had with Xiaomei at the factory, Qin Mu spoke.


    "Yeah! It¡¯s also because I¡¯m too clumsy sometimes. If my brother saw me hit you, he would be far more terrifying than her, and also¡ª"


    "And also what?"


    Qin Mu turned to look at the woman driving seriously, seldom seeing Mu Qingxin so earnest, which reminded her of Mu Yi.


    "And also, having an assistant who takes good care of you, I feel relieved!"


    Mu Qingxin suddenly added.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart tightened unexpectedly.


    The inside of the car went quiet, not because of the tight space, but because of what Mu Qingxin had said.


    "Oh, don¡¯t overthink it. I am mainly worried that my brother will get too worn out from worrying over you. If someone else worries for you, he can relax a little."


    Mu Qingxin, sensing the change in the atmosphere, immediately amended her statement.


    Qin Mu, however, smiled faintly and said nothing more.


    It was only when they were nearing the city that her phone rang, with Xiaohao on the other end.


    Qin Mu quickly answered, "Hello?"


    "Mumu, are you busy today?"


    Helian Hao¡¯s voice sounded a bit frail.


    "Today? Not really, what¡¯s up?"


    Qin Mu, sensing something off in her voice, thought for a moment before replying.


    "Oh! My mom, my mother-in-law, she wants to meet with you!"


    The voice of Helian Hao grew weaker and seemed reluctant.

 Chapter 542 - 161 Very Satisfied_3

    Chapter 542: 161 Very Satisfied_3


    Qin Mu finally understood why she was hesitating and unwilling to speak directly.


    "Is the old lady with you now?"


    After hearing the news, Qin Mu softly asked her.


    "Yes!"


    "Let her go to my studio; her family driver should know the way very well."


    Qin Mu thought for a while and then said to Helian Hao.


    After hanging up, Mu Qingxin asked, "What¡¯s going on?"


    "I can¡¯t have lunch with you today, how about we get together next time?"


    "You at least owe me the name of the deity who snatched you away from me, right?"


    After asking, Mu Qingxin looked at Qin Mu and noticed he was reluctant.


    Qin Mu could have directly refused, but if he did, the Jing Family would inevitably make things difficult for Helian Hao.


    After Helian Hao put down her phone, she turned to look at the woman sitting in her office.


    "I¡¯ve troubled you! I haven¡¯t mentioned this to Jing Feng, so..."


    "I understand!"


    Helian Hao nodded her head.


    Jing Feng¡¯s mother then stood up to take her leave, and Helian Hao went to see her out.


    In truth, if the person who had come today hadn¡¯t been her mother-in-law, she probably wouldn¡¯t have called Qin Mu and put him in a difficult position, but her mother-in-law was usually a fairly stable and restrained woman, which is why she had no choice but to trouble Qin Mu.


    Helian Hao only hoped everything would go smoothly. With Jing Qing now lying in the ICU, she honestly didn¡¯t wish for her death; rather, she hoped Jing Qing could wake up and live her life anew.


    Mu Qingxin had planned to have lunch with Qin Mu but ended up having to drive Qin Mu¡¯s little car to her brother¡¯s office building.


    When Mu Yichen saw her, he was somewhat surprised, "Weren¡¯t you with Mumu?"


    "I was supposed to be! But Cheng Yaojin came out of nowhere, so I had to come to you for a meal! It¡¯s also been a long time since we, brother and sister, ate alone together!"


    Mu Yichen, sitting behind his office desk with dark eyes watching his sister, smiled faintly, not expecting his sister to conceal things for Qin Mu: "Tell me who Cheng Yaojin is, and I¡¯ll treat you to lunch today."


    Mu Qingxin¡¯s beautiful eyes slowly looked at him, and her gaze spelled out the words, "Brother, you¡¯re putting me in a difficult position!"


    In Qin Mu¡¯s studio, since Xiaomei hadn¡¯t returned, she spoke softly, "What would you like to drink? I¡¯ll get it for you!"


    "No need! Sit! I just have a few words to say, and then I¡¯ll leave!"


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother looked at her, her voice very light.


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother was shrewd, that much was clear from her expressive eyes, but at the same time, she was very repressed, a likely result of years of suppressed living.


    Qin Mu then sat there without moving further.


    The two women sat on the sofa in the reception area, Jing Qing¡¯s mother quietly watching Qin Mu, gauging her temperament and character.


    Qin Mu was quite composed, only glancing at Jing Qing¡¯s mother once before quietly waiting for her to get to the point.


    "The year your mother passed away, you were not even eight years old, right?"


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother suddenly asked.


    Qin Mu did not answer but just looked at her thoughtfully, as Jing Qing¡¯s mother suddenly brought up the past, employing tactics...


    "The ones closest to your mother back then were me and Feng Fanghua, but after she passed away, I¡ªMumu..."


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother suddenly seemed distressed, as if blaming herself, bowing her head with a flicker in her eyes that Qin Mu deemed insincere.


    Now, when discussing the past, Qin Mu, as one of the parties involved, would no longer easily shed tears.


    "All of that is in the past!"


    Qin Mu simply responded blandly.


    "No! Given my relationship with your mother, I should have taken care of you after she left. I could have asked your father to let you stay in the country, but at that time..."


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother found it hard to speak.


    "Is it because you were afraid of troublesome complications? Even if you wanted to help, it¡¯s likely that the other members of the Jing Family wouldn¡¯t have allowed it, right?"


    Qin Mu mentioned dispassionately.


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother didn¡¯t expect her to be so aware, looking at her in surprise, but still, the tears in her eyes didn¡¯t vanish.


    "Do you still remember things from when you were little?"


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother asked her eagerly.


    "Some, but most of it is rather blurry now!"


    Qin Mu replied in a low voice, very composed and calm.


    "Yes! It¡¯s been too long!"


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother nodded her head, her lips moved slightly, then she looked up at her again, somewhat pityingly.


    "I have a keepsake belonging to your mother! Mumu, can I make a trade with you?"


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother thought for a moment then asked, without any sign of anger, she merely wanted to secure something for her own daughter.

 Chapter 543 - 161 Very Satisfied_4

    Chapter 543: 161 Very Satisfied_4


    It¡¯s just that the word "auntie"...


    After her mother left, in Rongcheng, there really wasn¡¯t any "auntie" for her anymore!


    Out of sight, out of mind, it seems that¡¯s how people in this world are, all becoming fleeting shadows.


    "That depends on whether this keepsake is worth the exchange,"


    Qin Mu said to her, and at that moment, Qin Mu really was detached, even though she knew the reason Jing Qing¡¯s mother had come from the beginning, she truly hadn¡¯t expected Jing Qing¡¯s mother to still have something of her own mother¡¯s, but as for those so-called keepsakes, Qin Mu no longer cared all that much.


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother looked at her, understood her intent, and then turned to take out a pocket watch from her delicate purse.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart skipped a beat!


    "This pocket watch was a New Year¡¯s gift your mother had prepared for you, but that day after she left my home¡ª, well, you know what happened after that!"


    Qin Mu suddenly found herself speechless, just silently looking at the pocket watch in her embrace.


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother opened the pocket watch, which had music inside, the melody of a song she once adored, each note jumping out, striking her heart intensely.


    After a glance, she reached out to hand it to Qin Mu.


    When Qin Mu took the pocket watch, her usually calm composure blurred at the sight of the photo of the family of three inside.


    She felt her heart being tormented.


    "Is this sufficient for auntie to make a small request of you?"


    Finally, Qin Mu gently closed the watch, the music stopped, and the faces of the family of three vanished.


    "Your mother said that the photo inside was your favorite, so she specifically cut it from the larger picture to paste it in there, and the music too..."


    "Don¡¯t speak any further!"


    Qin Mu looked out the window, as the memories of the New Year¡¯s Eve from that year surged forward.


    "If you need this pocket watch, you can take it back with you!"


    Qin Mu gently placed the pocket watch on the coffee table.


    It was probably a watch that cost her mother quite a bit of money, and despite the years, its appearance was as good as new, but now, with the person gone, what was the point of holding onto this old object?


    It would only add to her sorrow!


    "Mumu..."


    "Since it wasn¡¯t given to me at the time, let¡¯s leave it that way forever! Thank you for letting me know what New Year¡¯s gift my mom prepared for me that year, but Mrs. Jing, I¡¯m no longer the little girl who couldn¡¯t stand being away from her mother and, moreover, if the Jing Family is powerless regarding Jing Qing¡¯s situation, what can a girl with nothing to her name do for her?"


    Qin Mu spoke calmly and firmly.


    "You can do so much! Mumu, would you consider it if auntie pleads with you? Please, for the sake of the good relationship your mother and I had, give Xiaoqing a break, auntie only has that one daughter, and I simply cannot bear to see her..."


    "Are you implying she¡¯s already awakened? Since she survived such a major car accident, are you still afraid she won¡¯t be able to endure in jail?"


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother, hearing the word "jail", became even more agitated, but she just looked at Qin Mu tearfully and helplessly.


    "If it weren¡¯t a legal matter, I would plea on her behalf, but the law is involved, and we, as citizens, don¡¯t have the power to change it."


    All of a sudden, Jing Qing¡¯s mother seemed weakened, sitting there looking down at her aged palms as her tears dripped down persistently.


    This mother had always been discreet and proper, she always knew how her days should go, but now...


    "I¡¯m really sorry, but I can¡¯t help you!"


    All Qin Mu could say was this before turning to Xiaomei who had returned.


    Xiaomei was clearly taken aback, then stepped forward: "And you are?"


    "The matriarch of the Jing Family!"


    Qin Mu formally introduced.


    Xiaomei¡¯s mouth opened slightly, and only after quickly determining that this matriarch was not there to cause trouble for their Qinqin did she nod again, "Have you had lunch? Should I order takeout for you?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu nodded in agreement.


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother kept her head down until Xiaomei walked away with her phone.


    "I¡¯m sorry to have interrupted your meal. I heard you¡¯re pregnant, and you should eat regularly. I won¡¯t disturb you anymore!"


    Jing Qing¡¯s mother said softly as she stood up.


    Qin Mu also stood up to see her out, and Jing Qing¡¯s mother left with tears streaming down her face.


    Qin Mu stood at the door watching her car drive away before returning inside, where Xiaomei was waiting with her phone: "Here! A call for President Mu!"


    Qin Mu took over the phone, and Xiaomei walked away.

 Chapter 544 - 161 Very Satisfied_5

    Chapter 544: 161 Very Satisfied_5


    Qin Mu continued his phone conversation as he walked upstairs, knowing all the while that Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t keep it a secret from Mu Yichen.


    "The Jing Family matriarch left?"


    "Yeah! She just left! Jing Qing woke up!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s steps were light on the stairs, his hand gently touching the railing as he walked up, his voice also very soft.


    "What¡¯s for lunch?"


    He asked while still on the phone with Mu Qingxin.


    "Xiaomei ordered takeout for me, we¡¯ll just have something simple later!"


    "Got it!"


    Mu Yichen finished speaking and hung up, then lifted his hand slightly, and a staff member immediately approached to receive his instructions. Mu Qingxin, struggling to peel crawfish, watched as Mu Yichen ordered a staff member to prepare a pregnancy-friendly meal for Qin Mu, unconsciously pouting and exaggeratedly miming without making a sound.


    After the staff member left, Mu Yichen finally looked at her, "What are you doing?"


    "Imitating you! If you¡¯re so worried, you might as well make it yourself. Mom said you love cooking for Qin Mu. Even I as his sister have never..."


    "Did you just say you¡¯re his sister? Has your brother ever tasted the food you¡¯ve cooked?"


    Mu Yichen immediately retorted.


    She struggled to peel the crawfish, then glared at him angrily, "Peel it for me!"


    Mu Yichen really didn¡¯t want to help her because it looked so disgusting, but knowing she loved it, he reluctantly agreed to help.


    "But your son is currently breastfeeding. Can you eat this?"


    Mu Yichen asked as he put on gloves and took over.


    Mu Qingxin...


    "Should be fine!"


    Mu Qingxin didn¡¯t know, and Mu Yichen didn¡¯t know either, so the siblings stared at each other for a while. Later, to eat the shrimp her brother had peeled, Mu Qingxin hurriedly took out her phone to search on Baidu.


    Jing Feng just happened to be dining with a client at AM. After finishing, he came out and encountered the Mu siblings, but he didn¡¯t intend to greet them. However, when Mu Qingxin saw Jing Feng, she instinctively lifted her hand, "Jing Feng, brother!"


    Jing Feng had no choice but to walk over, "Qingxin is back!"


    "Yeah! Brother Jing Feng, you¡¯re eating over here too!"


    Mu Qingxin, seeing another man behind him, felt too embarrassed to reveal her true nature, courteously nodding her head like a gentlewoman from a prestigious family.


    Jing Feng was a bit unaccustomed to her fake niceness, smiled awkwardly, then turned to glance at Mu Yichen. Just then Mu Yichen was also staring back at him. After a brief eye contact, Jing Feng said, "I¡¯ve got some business to attend to, I¡¯ll be off first!"


    "Sure!"


    Mu Qingxin bade him farewell, and Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak. Jing Feng didn¡¯t bother with him either and just left with his client.


    Only after Jing Feng was far away did Mu Qingxin stretch her neck and ask Mu Yichen, "Brother! Have you and Brother Jing Feng become enemies now?"


    "You should ask him about that!"


    Mu Yichen glanced at his sister.


    To him, Jing Feng wasn¡¯t an enemy, but if Jing Feng wanted to regard him as one, he wouldn¡¯t stop him.


    Mu Qingxin raised her eyebrows, unable to understand what was truly in the minds of these two brothers, and sighed, "Men are unfathomable as the sea!"


    After hearing this, Mu Yichen looked at her, "Just eat your food!"


    Mu Yichen, after having lunch, had to return to the office for a meeting, so he went to the kitchen to supervise the preparation of the pregnancy-friendly meal for his wife before leaving.


    Mu Qingxin drove back to the Mu Mansion in Qin Mu¡¯s car.


    It was nearly 1 PM when Qin Mu had her meal, she gave a thumbs-up to Xiaomu sitting across her, "Not bad at all! Very considerate!"


    Xiaomu looked at the food she was eating, thinking to herself that it didn¡¯t seem like the takeout she had ordered from this place.


    "Xiaomei, your takeout has arrived!"


    Just as Xiaomei was puzzled, a Meituan delivery guy burst in energetically, holding two bags.


    Qin Mu...


    Xiaomei¡¯s mouth twitched awkwardly, "Hehe! That must be something your husband prepared for you, right? That¡¯s what I ordered for you!"


    "Oh! Then I won¡¯t claim expenses for it!"


    Qin Mu glanced at the two bags and lost her appetite, quickly returning to her own meal.


    Hearing that she wouldn¡¯t get reimbursed, Xiaomei was even more distraught and decided she would eat until she burst, finishing the bland food because it was specifically ordered from another hotel for Qin Mu, as AM didn¡¯t offer that takeout service.


    After lunch, Qin Mu received a WeChat message from Mu Yichen, "Zhao Huai is coming to pick you up!"


    Just when Qin Mu was about to take a nap, she was startled by his instruction to have Zhao Huai pick her up. Then she remembered what he said in the morning about needing to talk to her and immediately realized that she was supposed to go to his office in the afternoon.


    She quickly rushed to the restroom to apply some lipstick, ensuring her makeup was presentable before heading out with her bag. Zhao Huai had waited five minutes for her but had kept himself busy chatting with Xiaomei.


    "Didn¡¯t we agree to have dinner together that night?"


    "But you didn¡¯t call me afterwards, did you? As a girl, I can¡¯t be the one to initiate a dinner invitation with a man."


    Xiaomei replied with feigned sophistication.


    "You didn¡¯t give me your business card."


    Zhao Huai said, irritated.


    Xiaomei...


    "You¡¯re just not sincere enough. If you were, you could have called Qinqin and found me through her!"


    Zhao Huai...


    The two were in the midst of their conversation when Qin Mu came out. Seeing her, Zhao Huai naturally shifted his focus to business, so before leaving, he said to Xiaomei with sincerity, "I¡¯ll come to pick you up after you get off work, is that sincere enough for you?"


    "I¡¯ll give you my answer after you come pick me up."


    "It¡¯s a deal!"


    Zhao Huai just couldn¡¯t believe it; this little girl was still playing hard to get.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help laughing when she saw how well they got along.


    Zhao Huai drove her to the office building, "Yichen is indeed a bit busy today, but do you really have to discuss things at the company?"


    "I don¡¯t know either!"


    Qin Mu pondered in the back seat for a while but couldn¡¯t figure it out.


    "You don¡¯t know? Yichen is being mysterious now?" Zhao Huai grew more curious, but he didn¡¯t dare to probe further. Then he asked, "Your assistant, Xiaomu, has she ever dated or had a boyfriend?"


    Qin Mu was taken aback when he suddenly mentioned Xiaomei.


    She didn¡¯t know why he suddenly brought up Xiaomei and indeed didn¡¯t know how to respond.


    After a while, Qin Mu shook her head, "I haven¡¯t heard of her dating anyone!"


    Indeed, Xiaomei had never had a boyfriend; she only had unrequited crushes, which didn¡¯t count as dating.


    "It¡¯s quite strange for someone your age to have never had a boyfriend, isn¡¯t it?" Zhao Huai pondered, squinting and daydreaming.


    "Shouldn¡¯t that be the best proof of a girl¡¯s integrity? What¡¯s so strange about that? Besides, are we that old? Compared to those ¡¯leftover women,¡¯ we¡¯re practically still kids."


    Zhao Huai...


    Kids?


    Kids who have kids already?


    Haha!


    Qin Mu teased him, so when they arrived at the office building and she was about to get out, Zhao Huai turned to her and said, "Xiaomu, if you¡¯re still a child, then Yichen would be accused of child abduction, that¡¯s no small matter!"


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Yichen had just finished a meeting and was going upstairs when he encountered Qin Mu in the elevator. Secretary Xi was surprised to see her but immediately greeted, "Young Madam!"


    Qin Mu smiled, remembering the last time she met Secretary Xi.


    Then, the two entered the office, where Mu Yichen took her bag off her shoulder, placed it aside, and sat down with her on the sofa with his arm around her shoulder, "Was lunch to your satisfaction?"


    "Absolutely satisfying!"


    Qin Mu nodded in response.


    "That¡¯s good to hear!"


    He gently pulled her into his embrace, itching to kiss her.


    Qin Mu was about to be pressed on his thigh, so she quickly grabbed his wrist and asked curiously, "Can we discuss official business first? What did you call me to your office for?"


    Mu Yichen still wanted to hug her and kiss her a bit longer, so he frowned sadly, "Isn¡¯t this something that can¡¯t wait for even a minute? It¡¯s important too, right?"


    Qin Mu looked at him with wide eyes, and Mu Yichen, feeling a bit sore, lowered his head to bite her nose, startling her into leaning back, which sent her straight onto his lap, where he pinned her mouth shut, perfectly sealing it!

 Chapter 545 - 162 booked the date_1

    Chapter 545: 162 booked the date_1


    Kissing can actually suffocate a person to death, can¡¯t it?


    That¡¯s what Qin Mu thought at the time!


    Later, they lay on the couch together, with Qin Mu in his arms, held by him and having her hand played with. She looked up at him, "What exactly did you call me here for?"


    "You¡¯ve forgotten already?"


    He kissed her forehead, cherishing her so dearly.


    It made Qin Mu feel very fuzzy; indeed, she couldn¡¯t remember what she had told him.


    "Last night!"


    He whispered two words in her ear.


    Last night?


    Qin Mu continued to think, her beautiful brow furrowing slightly, her gaze a bit unfocused.


    What had they talked about last night?


    "Haven¡¯t you heard that pregnant women usually have poor memory? Otherwise, why don¡¯t you just tell me directly?"


    Qin Mu said with a foolish smile as she frowned; she really couldn¡¯t recall.


    "Getting married!"


    He nibbled on her ear, murmuring near it.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart trembled suddenly; this time, she remembered everything.


    Ha-ha!


    She had indeed agreed on a whim last night to have a wedding with him.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes turned towards her, and feeling disappointed after seeing no reaction from her, he bit her shoulder, "Planning to back out?"


    This time it was Mu Yichen¡¯s turn to frown.


    "No! Not at all!"


    Seeing his thick brows furrow, Qin Mu kept explaining over and over, although her explanation was somewhat pale.


    The wedding was definitely going to happen; they were at this point already, what difference would a wedding make?


    Let the whole world know they were together!


    But the strained, nervous way she said it made Mu Yichen feel like she was regretting it.


    "No backing out now! I¡¯ve already picked the date for the wedding."


    He held her tightly in his embrace as he told her.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t ask him what day it was, only feeling a deep tension in her heart.


    Actually, everything now was up to him!


    "Then! You have to treat me well in the future!"


    Qin Mu thought and thought, and in the end, could only put forth that one nervous, somewhat feeble request.


    "Mmm!"


    Mu Yichen agreed, and then kissed her shoulder again¡ªher blouse had already been unbuttoned by him, freeing three buttons, exposing her shoulder under his gaze, within easy reach of his mouth.


    Qin Mu¡¯s beautiful skin, bitten by him, had long turned red, the teeth marks still clearly visible.


    She had no choice but to raise her hand to cover his mouth, looking up at him with a smile through her pretense of upset, "If you bite again, it won¡¯t be pretty!"


    "Will you dare to forget again? Will you dare to be unwilling?"


    His voice was still pressed low, but it made it impossible for her to take his words lightly anymore.


    "In our house, you¡¯re the one in charge!"


    Her clear eyes looked at him, very sincerely, as the little woman spoke to him.


    "Then I¡¯ll call the mediators right now, and tell them we¡¯re already married."


    He said it seriously, his voice still not loud.


    "Uh! Can¡¯t we just let it be, and let things take their natural course? Start preparing for the wedding, and when the day comes, won¡¯t everybody in Rong City know?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes sparkled with a nimble light as she soothed him with her soft voice, trying to capture the shadowy gleam in his eyes.


    "Humph!"


    Mu Yichen laughed heartily; he knew she was probably still scared deep down, so he didn¡¯t press her.


    Actually, she didn¡¯t know how incredibly touched he was inside¡ªhe couldn¡¯t believe she had agreed to have a wedding with him.


    While she still thought he was angry at her lack of firm decision, she really couldn¡¯t understand his feelings.


    Mu Yichen naturally didn¡¯t call the media, but his inky eyes grew heavy, and he asked her in a low voice, "Jing Qing¡¯s mother came to see you to plead for Jing Qing, didn¡¯t she?"


    "Yeah! But she also brought an old thing!"


    Upon hearing about Jing Family¡¯s matriarch, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but recall that item; after all, Jing Qing¡¯s mother hadn¡¯t taken it back with her, so she had put it in her bag.


    "What old thing?"


    He asked!


    "In my bag!"


    Qin Mu said, lifting her eyes and pointing with her foot to the bag at her feet.


    Then she hooked it towards him with her foot.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, then opened the bag and seriously started rummaging through it, chuckling involuntarily after spotting her cosmetics until he touched the pocket watch.


    "Is it this?"


    He gently placed the bag down on the floor, then lay with her on the couch again, holding her close before opening the pocket watch.


    The music inside softly played again, and then he saw the photo within.


    It must be a photo of her at six or seven years old, a family portrait of their trip to climb the snow mountain.


    Mu Yichen remembered being angry back then because his own parents hadn¡¯t taken him along.


    "How old were you in this picture?"

 Chapter 546 - 162 booked the date_2

    Chapter 546: 162 booked the date_2


    He asked softly.


    His lips gently grazed her forehead.


    "I can¡¯t remember clearly, it was either when I was six or seven, this was my favorite photograph at the time."


    She still remembered, she insisted that her mother frame the photo for her, she probably mentioned wanting to carry it with her always, so her mother must have thought of placing the photo in the locket.


    Mu Yichen gently touched the little girl¡¯s face in the photograph, then chuckled softly, and said to her, "After you give birth to our baby, let¡¯s go climb it together, okay?"


    He softly sought her opinion.


    Qin Mu smiled and looked up at him, her voice also kept very low, "There¡¯s something I won¡¯t forget, back then when you knew I went mountain climbing with my family for several days and wasn¡¯t around, you ignored me for almost a week, didn¡¯t you?"


    "Because that time, you went mountain climbing with the Jing Family."


    Mu Yichen reminded her, seeing that she was about to make fun of him.


    "Yes! Back then, our family and the Jing Family had a good relationship, and I thought of Jing Feng as if he were my brother."


    Memories always make one¡¯s chest feel a bit stuffy.


    "That¡¯s why I was mad at you for so long!"


    He reminded.


    The office was very quiet, both of their voices were not very loud, the memories, however, had already drifted far away.


    Later, Qin Mu snuggled in his arms and thought of many things, but she wasn¡¯t sad anymore.


    There was a pleasantly mushy feeling, her heart felt full to the brim, and she didn¡¯t feel lonely or helpless, so why would she be sad?


    Latter on, Mu Yichen put the locket aside, and they ended up snuggling on the sofa in an uncomfortable position, and even took a short nap.


    Later, while Qin Mu was still asleep, he woke up first to take care of some official business. When Secretary Xi went in to deliver documents, his gaze prohibited her from speaking.


    Secretary Xi cared a lot about Qin Mu, so she immediately nodded upon seeing Qin Mu sleeping on the sofa, then quietly placed the documents on the desk and left.


    Qin Mu was still covered with his suit coat, but in fact, she heard the deliberately muffled sound of the door closing when Secretary Xi left, she just didn¡¯t hurry to open her eyes.


    Because she really liked this feeling.


    He should be working, while she was sleeping by his side.


    Their life just went on like this, and it was actually quite beautiful.


    Thinking back to the day they almost got divorced, but in a blink of an eye...


    Qin Mu felt she was starting to cherish this relationship more and more.


    Yes!


    Relationship!


    The two of them, loving each other!


    She could no longer deny it, both in her heart and to others.


    She quietly thought about it while he thought she was still sound asleep.


    Mu Yichen finished reviewing all the documents, and when he looked up, he found she was already awake, lying on the sofa and looking at him thoughtfully. When she saw him looking at her, she smiled again, but it was still so calm, so beautiful.


    In the evening, the two of them returned to the Mu Family together, where Mu Yichen told the elders about their plans to hold a wedding this year.


    The elders were all surprised, and the old master anxiously asked, "Why have you two suddenly decided to get married? When do you plan to do it?"


    "Christmas!"


    Mu Yichen said!


    Initially, everyone was quite excited, but when they heard the wedding was set for Christmas, they all frowned, "There are plenty of good days in the coming months, why choose Christmas? It¡¯s a bit too far off!"


    Mu Zihao expressed.


    "We¡¯ve been together for so many years already, we can wait a few more months!"


    Mu Yichen said, turning to look at Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu also looked at him!


    But in her heart, she couldn¡¯t help but think, Christmas?


    That Christmas, the two of them...


    Qin Mu lowered her gaze, her face slightly flushed.


    "Christmas must be some special day, right? In the past, you two were together every Christmas, weren¡¯t you?"


    Mu Qingxin immediately guessed something.


    Indeed, they had almost spent every Christmas together, watching over each other on Christmas Eve.


    Huanhuan curiously asked, "What¡¯s Christmas, Daddy?"


    "Christmas? That¡¯s a very special holiday!"


    Mu Yichen explained to his daughter in a low key, but his look at Qin Mu was full of meaning.


    Qin Mu felt a tingling sensation under his gaze.


    "Anyway, it¡¯s better to have this settled than to continue with a secret marriage! Since we have time, let¡¯s properly prepare for this wedding. It¡¯s been many years since our home had such a celebration."


    Feng Fanghua suggested.


    "Yeah! This wedding, we indeed have to do it big!"


    Mu Zihao nodded, approving of his wife¡¯s opinion.


    "Right! It has to be grand!"


    The old master clapped his hands in agreement, and the matter was settled just like that.

 Chapter 547 - 162 booked the date_3

    Chapter 547: 162 booked the date_3


    Actually, Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to make a big fuss; it just seemed that she didn¡¯t have much say in the matter. By Christmas, they should be a family of four. Thinking about it, they might as well just go along with what everyone else wanted.


    Mu Yichen quietly watched her, the tenderness sparkling in her eyes. He gently took her hand and held it firmly.


    "But Christmas¡ªwhat¡¯s Mumu¡¯s due date?"


    Feng Fanghua suddenly became puzzled again.


    "Mid-January!"


    Qin Mu remembered, and said!


    "If there¡¯s a chance something could..."


    Feng Fanghua looked worriedly at her husband, then spoke up, but she was cut off before she could finish.


    "There¡¯ll be no ¡¯just in case¡¯; it¡¯ll be on Christmas!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t think his son was in such a rush to meet them, but as for their wedding, he wanted it scheduled on Christmas.


    Qin Mu let him have his way, because she felt his decision was just right and exactly what she hoped for.


    "Oh my! Seriously, brother, how can you be so... tsk tsk tsk!"


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t stand to see her brother being so rigid and serious about the things between him and Qin Mu.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, "Make sure you keep your schedule clear for me then!"


    "Of course, I would! Otherwise, I¡¯d have already put down roots at my parents¡¯ house with my son!"


    Mu Qingxin said with a laugh.


    "I meant your husband!"


    Mu Yichen said!


    Mu Qingxin...


    "You two siblings, really a pair of treasures!"


    The old master couldn¡¯t help but point at them and laugh heartily.


    "Grandpa! My brother always bullies me, he has ever since we were kids!"


    Mu Qingxin immediately went over to grandpa to act spoiled and tattle.


    "In the future, your brother will be a father of two. He won¡¯t have time to bully you anymore!"


    Old master still sided with his grandson.


    "Hmph! Grandpa¡¯s biased towards my brother!"


    Mu Qingxin huffed, pretending to be unhappy.


    "All right, all right, Yichen, you are not to bully your sister anymore, okay!"


    The old master immediately sought justice for his granddaughter.


    Mu Yichen, looking at Mu Qingxin who loved to act spoiled, felt helpless. He turned his head and glanced at his wife, then reminded, "Couldn¡¯t you learn to be a bit more mature like your sister-in-law?"


    "My sister-in-law? Qin Mu? Mature?"


    Mu Qingxin thought, does he even understand the meaning of steady and mature?


    Qin Mu blushed with surprise when suddenly praised by her husband.


    Feng Fanghua, seeing them so playful, felt a bit of a headache and quickly changed the subject.


    "I heard that the Wang Family moved from Rongcheng to the capital, and Qin Mingzhu went with them; has your dad mentioned this to you?"


    After hearing this, Qin Mu lifted her eyes and thought for a moment, "No! We haven¡¯t been in touch recently!"


    Qin Mu said.


    "Oh!"


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t say anything more.


    "It¡¯s good that girl left; at this crucial time, she really can¡¯t be here anymore, and it puts our minds at ease."


    Mu Zihao said.


    "That¡¯s true! With that girl around, my heart never settles down."


    Feng Fanghua really worried that Qin Mingzhu would suddenly show up to make trouble for Qin Mu. If anything happened to Qin Mu, the Mu Family really couldn¡¯t bear it.


    "Now even if she wanted to stay in Rongcheng, she couldn¡¯t. Wang Huanyu cares a lot about her. Now that she¡¯s pregnant with the Wang Family¡¯s child, the Wang Family wouldn¡¯t let her stay in Rongcheng by herself, especially since she has always been reluctant to have this child."


    Qin Mu rarely spoke up so much.


    "That girl really hasn¡¯t settled down. She probably doesn¡¯t want the child at this time, but that young man from the Wang Family isn¡¯t getting any younger, and there hasn¡¯t been any news of them getting married."


    Feng Fanghua muttered to herself, as if pondering over the matter.


    "Mom! Since when have you been so interested in other people¡¯s business? The Wang Family marrying her? I doubt it. It¡¯s probably just the Wang eldest¡¯s unrequited feelings. If the Wang Family knew about Qin Mingzhu¡¯s reputation in Rongcheng, they¡¯d likely have kicked her out by now, if not simply for the sake of the child in her womb."


    Mu Qingxin also shared her opinion.


    "I was just making conversation! Are you the only one who can talk?"


    Feng Fanghua looked at her daughter and asked.


    "Huanhuan is sleepy; let¡¯s go back!"


    Mu Yichen, looking at the little girl on his lap about to fall asleep, interrupted the women¡¯s trivial domestic chatter.


    "Okay!"


    "Just stay here! It¡¯s so late; why go back? What if you catch a cold from the wind on the way back, then what?" Feng Fanghua said.


    "Yeah, since you¡¯re already here, just stay. Tomorrow, we have to take Huanhuan to her early education class, and we promised to take her to exercise," Mu Zihao also said.


    Mu Yichen then looked at Qin Mu, and Qin Mu happily stood up, "I¡¯ll take her to bathe!"


    "If she¡¯s too sleepy, she can bathe tomorrow morning. Don¡¯t carry her yourself; let Yichen carry her!"


    In fact, Qin Mu¡¯s pregnancy wasn¡¯t very noticeable yet, but now that she was wearing lighter clothes, and with Feng Fanghua¡¯s eagerness as a grandmother-to-be, she always felt that Qin Mu¡¯s belly was different than before. She hurriedly prevented her from carrying the child upstairs.

 Chapter 548 - 162 booked the date_4

    Chapter 548: 162 booked the date_4


    "Actually, I¡¯m fine! I don¡¯t feel anything yet."


    Qin Mu said with a smile.


    "That won¡¯t do! Besides, there are so many people in our family, we won¡¯t miss one more who¡¯s overburdened!"


    Feng Fanghua added.


    "Your mother makes sense, Mumu. Just take it easy and let others do the work."


    The old master nodded in agreement with his daughter-in-law¡¯s words. He was beyond satisfied with his granddaughter-in-law¡ªa thousand, ten thousand times over.


    He really didn¡¯t feel that his grandson marrying a girl like Jing Qing was necessarily a good thing.


    Even if Jing Qing wasn¡¯t bad, he always found the girl raised in seclusion somewhat odd. He preferred a granddaughter-in-law like Qin Mu, who had a strong will from a young age, and was both hardworking and humble.


    In fact, the old master had been wanting to meet Qin Mu for a long time!


    Later, Qin Mu went upstairs carrying Huanhuan with Mu Yichen, but the family downstairs was even more excited than before.


    "This is great! The girl has finally come to her senses!"


    Feng Fanghua was so close to bursting into laughter that her face turned bright red.


    "Yes! I was really worried that the girl would never get out of her parents¡¯ shadow! Then our son would have to live in a hidden marriage for life!"


    Mu Zihao laughed as he spoke.


    "My son would never hide his marriage for life. He managed to sneakily have a child with that girl Qin Mu, and he also tied the knot by getting the marriage certificate. One day, he will take her to the chapel for a wedding ceremony. For my brother, isn¡¯t that a piece of cake?"


    Mu Qingxin felt that her parents were making too much of a fuss about her brother¡¯s marriage and didn¡¯t understand her brother¡¯s temperament well enough.


    That guy, when he¡¯s scheming, you have no idea what he¡¯s capable of, okay?


    "Qingxin really understands her brother! Don¡¯t you remember how your son married his wife?"


    The old master agreed with his granddaughter¡¯s opinion.


    "If he really dared to do everything on his own, he wouldn¡¯t wait so long after getting the marriage certificate to announce it to the world. He can force Qin Mu to marry him, but he would never hold a wedding ceremony without Qin Mu¡¯s permission. How could I not understand my son? What he fears most is Qin Mu getting hurt. Knowing the severe trauma Qin Mu has been through, how could he bear to hold a wedding without her consent?"


    After Feng Fanghua finished speaking, Mu Zihao laughed and said to his father and daughter, "You think you understand Mu Yichen the best, but you¡¯re both wrong. The person who understands him the most is this woman who gave birth to him!"


    As Mu Zihao spoke, he reached out and took Feng Fanghua¡¯s hand, holding it gently in his own.


    With that simple gesture from Mu Zihao, Mu Qingxin felt like her parents had fed her another mouthful of dog food!


    Before returning to her room, Mu Qingxin mischievously knocked on Qin Mu¡¯s door, then tiptoed away quietly.


    Mu Yichen opened a crack in the door to check, then opened it further and stuck his head out, frowning.


    "Nobody there?"


    "Mu Qingxin!"


    Mu Yichen locked the door again and went back inside, knowing that aside from Mu Qingxin, nobody else in the family would engage in such a trivial prank.


    "Then she..."


    "She went back to her room after knocking!"


    Little did Mu Qingxin know, her brother knew her all too well.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile helplessly, "I find Mu Qingxin really adorable, no wonder Jiang Yan likes her so much."


    "Adorable?"


    Mu Yichen pondered the two words carefully right before getting into bed. Are those two words even related to his sister?


    "Jiang Yan hasn¡¯t seen much of the world. What¡¯s so good about that girl?"


    Mu Yichen said, lifting the covers and lying down beside her.


    "What¡¯s with this ¡¯what¡¯s so good about that girl?¡¯ Weren¡¯t you the one who said Jiang Yan was not worthy of your sister a while ago?"


    Qin Mu, spotting his serious demeanor, directly called him out from under the covers.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Shall we go take our wedding photos first?"


    Seeing him starting to get annoyed, Qin Mu immediately wrapped her arms around his waist from under the covers, negotiating with him.


    "Have you made it?"


    "I won¡¯t design the wedding dress for the photo shoot myself; it¡¯s too much trouble! I actually have a lot of very, very expensive, historic wedding dresses. As for the wedding dress I¡¯ll wear at our ceremony, I think my master will design it for me!"


    Qin Mu thought that with such a big event decided, she needed to inform her master first.


    With Jian Yan likely to design a wedding dress for her, she didn¡¯t need to worry about it herself.


    "What about mine?"


    Mu Yichen felt unhappy as soon as she mentioned Jian Yan, especially since she didn¡¯t seem to care much about her own wedding dress. He became even more displeased upon the thought that she had designed suits for so many men, yet he didn¡¯t have even one. Mu Yichen was practically ready to explode with envy.


    "Mine what?"


    Qin Mu curiously asked him.


    The man under the covers tightened his grip around her waist suddenly.


    "Ah! That hurts!"


    Qin Mu immediately pressed herself closer to his body to ease the pain, frowning tightly, complaining persistently.


    "Mrs. Mu, don¡¯t be too outrageous. You¡¯ve designed suits for so many people, huh?"


    "You have them too!"


    Qin Mu, in too much pain, was almost speaking in a different tone.


    But Mr. Mu¡¯s threats did not end quickly.


    "I do? Where?"


    Mu Yichen asked her with a frown, slightly easing the pressure with his hand.

 Chapter 549 - 163 kicked the wrong place_1

    Chapter 549: 163 kicked the wrong place_1


    It¡¯s really there!


    It¡¯s still in her studio now!


    "But that suit isn¡¯t made for you to wear as formal attire! I have prepared another wedding suit for Mr. Mu!"


    Speaking of which, she felt ashamed that she had never seriously told him she loved him, but she had already drawn countless sketches of his suit in her mind!


    "So mysterious?"


    Mu Yichen looked at her with lowered eyebrows, still slightly furrowed.


    Qin Mu raised her hand to gently poke at the center of his brows: "Stop frowning now!"


    That soft command set Mu Yichen¡¯s heart racing, so in the next second, he kissed her awkwardly.


    If there is one thing in life that can¡¯t be delayed, it¡¯s making love to the person you adore!


    Everything! It was all beyond her expectations!


    Everything! It was all within his expectations!


    That night, a hospital in the city center, in the VIP ward building, experienced an explosion.


    ¡ª¡ª


    The next day when Mu Yichen arrived at the hospital, he saw Jing Feng standing alone next to the collapsed doorway, which had burned down to its frame.


    When Jing Feng saw him, he merely glanced at him, then with his head down, walked up to him: "Are you satisfied now?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say a word, just held his breath and looked at him.


    Jing Feng¡¯s face was weary, and there were crimson bloodshot streaks in his eyes.


    Mu Yichen just looked at him directly; now there was no one else in the hallway.


    Yet Jing Feng looked at him with such heart-wrenching pain, as if he wanted to punch him, as if he hated him to the point of losing himself, but in the end, he just walked by.


    When the television broadcasted this news, the whole city of Rongcheng was shaken.


    The Mu Family, naturally, was also startled; no one had expected Jing Qing to take such drastic actions.


    Two days later, the Jing Family didn¡¯t notify any relatives or friends, and only they gathered at the cemetery, led by the elderly patriarch, with Mr. and Mrs. Jing Xianzong by his side, Jing Feng and Helian Hao on the edges.


    On the gravestone, Jing Qing¡¯s photo was serene and gentle, like a fairy untouched by mortal troubles, smiling peacefully.


    That day¡¯s weather was clear, although the faces of the Jing Family were all weary: the patriarch had suddenly become much thinner, and especially Mrs. Jing, her eyes were swollen with tears.


    Jing Feng¡¯s dark eyes looked at the girl on the gravestone, and then he silently lowered his gaze. As for Helian Hao, he was slightly moved.


    The next day at noon, Helian Hao went to Qin Mu¡¯s studio to find her: "It¡¯s strange to say, but that night before I left work, I went to see her. She was smoking and didn¡¯t react when I chided her. I thought her drastic change was due to despair over Mu Yichen, but two hours after I left, there was an explosion in her ward."


    Qin Mu stood in front of the glass screen, listening to the woman leaning on her desk speak, and for a long time didn¡¯t respond.


    Jing Qing is dead?


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t believe it!


    How could such a proud person just die like that?


    "The old man collapsed instantly; these past few days, the Jing Family has been gloomy, as if everyone has lost their souls!"


    Helian Hao said, her head bowed, her voice tinged with guilt.


    Qin Mu turned to look at her, walked over, and leaned against the desk with her, hands lightly tucked into her pockets: "Maybe, she just left!"


    After Qin Mu spoke in a low voice, a sharp glint flashed briefly in her eyes, and then she looked up at Helian Hao.


    Helian Hao also looked at her curiously, and Qin Mu gave a slight smile.


    "Is Jing Feng alright?"


    Qin Mu decided to change the subject and asked her softly.


    "Not very well! But he¡¯s still going to work, so I guess it¡¯s not too bad, right?"


    Helian Hao spoke, her smile returning.


    Qin Mu raised her hand to embrace her shoulder: "Don¡¯t be too pessimistic! And Jing Qing¡¯s thing is not your fault!"


    "Hmm! I just think, if only I had made sure she fell asleep before I left that night."


    "If all this was in her plan, you couldn¡¯t have helped her."


    Qin Mu simply reminded her.


    Helian Hao realized that Qin Mu¡¯s thoughts differed from hers, but she couldn¡¯t quite grasp the difference.


    Helian Hao felt that Qin Mu was too calm, calm as if it wasn¡¯t about an explosion, but just a person leaving. Was that departure not about death? Just a long journey?


    Helian Hao wanted to ask her, but in the end, she didn¡¯t.


    After Helian Hao left, it wasn¡¯t long before Qin Mu grabbed her bag and headed out.


    When she arrived at the prosecutor¡¯s office building below, she saw a familiar car parked there. She waited quietly inside for a while, thought for a while, and then silently turned the car around and left.

 Chapter 550 - 163 kicked the wrong place_2

    Chapter 550: 163 kicked the wrong place_2


    If she could think of it, then how could Mu Yichen not?


    After Qin Mu returned, she went to the early education center. The old couple was performing a program there with Huanhuan. The usual stern matriarch of the Mu Family was now so gentle, just like an ordinary elderly lady.


    The elders were curious when they saw her. Qin Mu was standing outside and quietly pushed the door open and snuck in along the wall after being spotted.


    "Mom, Dad!"


    She greeted them in a low voice, crouching by their side.


    "Why are you here?"


    Feng Fanghua asked curiously.


    "I was nearby on business, and just thought I¡¯d drop by to take a look."


    Qin Mu whispered.


    "Mommy!"


    The little one performing saw her mommy and excitedly waved her hands with vigor, though not taking up much space.


    Qin Mu also waved back at her, "Hi! Sweetheart!"


    The teacher had seen Qin Mu a few times, so she also nodded at Qin Mu with a smile as a greeting, and the class went on.


    Qin Mu took Huanhuan home in the evening. Mu Yichen had already prepared dinner in the apartment.


    He came out of the kitchen when he saw her return: "Why did you suddenly go to pick up Huanhuan today?"


    "I happened to be free!"


    Qin Mu said!


    Mu Yichen looked at her with such deep eyes as if he wanted to say something but eventually turned back into the kitchen to bring out the dinner.


    After putting Huanhuan to sleep late into the night, the two lay in their own bed when Mu Yichen finally said, "Did you go to the prosecutor¡¯s office today?"


    "Yes! Huh? How do you know?"


    The woman who was looking at her phone turned her gaze to the man beside her and asked. She thought he hadn¡¯t noticed.


    "I just happened to see your car leaving."


    Mu Yichen said.


    The expressions in Qin Mu¡¯s eyes were actually quite captivating, but after thinking about it, she decided not to ask proactively.


    "Jing Qing really left! She left you a letter too!"


    "Huh?"


    Mu Yichen looked at her, a trace of distress in his eyes!


    Qin Mu was also curious, looking at him. Although the two were lying close together, there seemed to be a distance between them. Under Qin Mu¡¯s puzzled gaze, Mu Yichen still took out the letter from under the pillow.


    "This was given to me by Jing Feng, it¡¯s a letter Jing Qing had written a long time ago!"


    Mu Yichen said!


    But he seemed to not want her to read it.


    The envelope was made of a peculiar material, indeed reflecting Jing Qing¡¯s aesthetic.


    Qin Mu carefully observed the envelope, then gently opened it!


    The letter paper was folded neatly, and Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but handle it with care as she took it out.


    But as the graceful handwriting entered her eyes one by one, Qin Mu unconsciously let go of her concern for the letter paper.


    "I am Jing Qing, the Jing Family¡¯s pearl, the queen of the entertainment circle, Mu Yichen¡¯s childhood friend! Qin Mu, by the time you read this letter, I will be dead! I will have finally left no traces in this city."


    "He is the dream of my childhood! But you were his childhood dream! I couldn¡¯t catch up with him because he caught up with you, Qin Mu. The three of us finally have to come to an end."


    "Although he loves you very much, you still have to admit that you are a downright bad woman. You intrigued this man whose heart is bigger than the sky without raising any suspicion, I won¡¯t bless you! But you must make this man happy!"


    "Qin Mu, I hated you from the moment you were born! Though you never say it, you must hate me too, right? But still, we fell in love with the same man!"


    "Nearly thirty years¡ª, I lost! But I didn¡¯t lose to you! I lost to the Mu Yichen who rejected me for over twenty years!"


    "One last thing, may you forever not dare to face marriage! Jing Qing!"


    Qin Mu took a long time to finish reading the letter. Then she turned her gaze to sneak a peek at Mu Yichen, only to find Mu Yichen looking a bit gloomy and helplessly let out a light sigh.


    This uninteresting woman, even in leaving, was reluctant to let her go.


    Qin Mu gently leaned on his shoulder, Mu Yichen¡¯s downcast eyes looked at her, reflecting a slightly lost expression.


    This was the first time she showed sadness since finding out about Jing Qing¡¯s departure.


    In fact, Jing Qing had always been an obstacle in her heart for many years.


    But she didn¡¯t feel that having this obstacle would make her life any worse.


    Jing Qing ended herself with that explosion, making people only have memories of her from then on, but what about Qin Mu?


    "I¡¯ve always been suspicious of this explosion!"


    He thought about it and decided to bring it up with her.


    "Forget it!"


    Qin Mu stretched out her arms to hug him, rubbing her face against his chest, and then whispered softly.


    Mu Yichen looked at her, his brows still furrowed.

 Chapter 551 - 163 kicked the wrong place_3

    Chapter 551: 163 kicked the wrong place_3


    "Since Jing Feng has already made it clear, let¡¯s just drop it,"


    Qin Mu said.


    "You trust him that much?"


    Mu Yichen asked in a low voice.


    "Yes, I trust you,"


    Qin Mu whispered, leaning against his chest.


    Mu Yichen raised his hand to hold her, and the room suddenly became very quiet.


    JY finally opened its doors!


    Inside, Xiaomei was busily walking around with her phone, showing the man in the video their store.


    "Boss, our young boss is over there busy greeting customers. Doesn¡¯t she look the part today?"


    Qin Mu, who is not used to dressing so formally or dealing with strangers, hurriedly greeted the man in the phone when she saw Xiaomei pointing it at her: Hi, Master! Everything is great here!


    Jian Yan, watching the dignified woman in the video, couldn¡¯t help but reflect.


    It seemed like not long ago when that girl in simple clothes came to seek him out, and now she stood tall and graceful, having finally opened her first store in Rong City.


    She insisted on naming the store JY, and knowing her personality, Jian Yan didn¡¯t say much more. After all, there was no need for unnecessary words between mentor and apprentice.


    "Mr. Mu is over there with some of his friends helping to greet guests. Do you see?"


    As the camera shifted, Xiaomei then focused on a few men over there, as well as some middle-aged ladies. Jian Yan didn¡¯t say anything. Mu Yichen just felt like he was being filmed, so he reflexively glanced towards the camera with deep eyes, causing the man in the video to unconsciously raise an eyebrow.


    Jian Yan knew that for Qin Mu¡¯s store opening, Mu Yichen would naturally help her drum up business, like those friends who seemed to be rich businessmen, all of whom brought their wives, which made it all the easier to understand!


    "That over there is the newly-crowned Best Actress Wen Runuan. She¡¯s with the second young miss of the Mu Family and Qinqin¡¯s mother-in-law. The cheongsam that Qinqin¡¯s mother-in-law is wearing is one that Qinqin designed for her not long ago."


    Xiaomei whispered to him, with one hand covering her mouth.


    Jian Yan, looking at the dark cheongsam on Feng Fanghua, felt very proud inside; his disciple¡¯s skills were improving!


    "Boss, it¡¯s such a pity you couldn¡¯t be here today. Ta-da, my dears, come and say hello to the boss!"


    A few colleagues turned their heads at Xiaomei¡¯s words and solemnly greeted Jian Yan when they saw him.


    Jian Yan, sitting on the couch, sighed at the sight of those youngsters, as if he were some fearsome character.


    "I wish you smooth sailing on your new store¡¯s grand opening! Now, go get busy!"


    "Right away, sir!"


    Xiaomei grinned and hung up the phone, then immediately ran over to Qin Mu.


    "I¡¯m utterly exhausted by now!"


    After arriving, Xiaomei first clutched her chest and exhaled.


    Qin Mu looked at her: "Why don¡¯t you go take a break then?"


    As soon as Xiaomei heard that word ¡¯you,¡¯ she immediately replied, "I¡¯ll keep working for now. I¡¯ll rest after the celebration banquet tonight!"


    Without saying more, Qin Mu then went over to Wen Runuan, who, pregnant and with a few friends, had left them momentarily to talk to Qin Mu alone.


    "It looks like your place will be a hit! My friends have said they¡¯ve never seen clothes like these anywhere else."


    "I believe that,"


    Qin Mu nodded earnestly, then laughed.


    The celebration banquet that evening was held at AM.


    In a huge banquet hall, tables were laden with all sorts of delicacies and fine wines.


    Seated were all the staff from JY, but on a day like this, everyone was less serious than usual, excitement more or less visible on their faces. The male employees had rolled up their shirt sleeves, and watching Xiaomei represent everyone in offering suggestions to Qin Mu and Mu Yichen, they couldn¡¯t help but pitch in with their demands.


    "Mr. Mu, since Qinqin can¡¯t drink, but on such a grand occasion, shouldn¡¯t we have a few drinks? Could you drink on behalf of everyone?"


    Xiaomei boldly brought this up.


    "Just by looking at my glass, you know I haven¡¯t planned to stop you from drinking tonight. However, I¡¯ll need to take care of your Qinqin later, so you can¡¯t go too far!"


    As Mu Yichen spoke, he perfectly gauged the moment and even gave Qin Mu, sitting beside him, a deep look, causing her to blush and turn her head away.


    Mu Yichen, holding his glass, toasted with everyone in turn.

 Chapter 552 - 163 kicked the wrong place_4

    Chapter 552: 163 kicked the wrong place_4


    "Everyone¡¯s worked hard today, and I¡¯ve heard from Qinqin that you¡¯ll all have half a day off tomorrow, so tonight let loose and have fun. After you¡¯re done drinking, a private room upstairs at the club has been reserved for you, enjoy yourselves,"


    Mu Yichen said as he poured himself another drink.


    When everyone heard about partying at the club, they were nearly whistling with excitement.


    Qin Mu quietly sipped tea on the side, while Mu Yichen clinked glasses with everyone again.


    Xiaomei did not expect Mu Yichen to be so generous, and for a moment, she didn¡¯t know what to say.


    But it was Mu Yichen who said, "After one more drink, I¡¯ll have to say goodbye to ¡¯Qinqin¡¯! She¡¯s pregnant now, and today she¡¯s worked hard all day; she needs to rest early tonight."


    He purposely paused for a moment when he said the name Qinqin.


    "No wonder you¡¯re so eager; you¡¯ve been waiting for us here! But we¡¯re not unreasonable¡ªgo on ahead. But why do you say our Qinqin¡¯s name so weirdly, President Mu?"


    "Because Qinqin¡ªbelongs to your family!"


    Mu Yichen replied with a smile.


    "Isn¡¯t she part of your family?"


    Xiaomei thought she was instigating something and even winked at Qin Mu; Qin Mu looked at her helplessly, thinking you can¡¯t outwit President Mu.


    "What¡¯s mine is Mrs. Mu!"


    Mu Yichen put his hand on Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder and spoke while looking at her blushing ears.


    His eyes, dark and unfathomable, seemed to be electric.


    However, the woman across from him did not take the bait, acting nonchalant as she sipped her juice without a change in expression.


    Everyone couldn¡¯t help but laugh, as Mu Yichen picked up Qin Mu¡¯s coat and purse: "Shall we go?"


    Qin Mu then stood up: "We¡¯re all family here, so don¡¯t stand on ceremony. Whatever you need, just tell the server. I¡¯ll take my leave first!"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t get over how long she was taking to say her goodbyes, then forcefully whisked her away, arm in arm.


    "Going home now?" Qin Mu asked the man who was holding on to her as they left.


    "Let¡¯s go to the upstairs,"


    Mu Yichen suggested while wrapping his arm around her and leading the way.


    Qin Mu turned to look at him; Mu Yichen¡¯s black eyes stared back, serious yet...


    Gentle as water!


    Qin Mu felt a bit overwhelmed by his gaze, thinking of going upstairs...


    A small surge of excitement rippled through her heart, and were it not for the pregnancy, she would have pinned him down first tonight.


    But as soon as the two entered the elevator, the private room behind them buzzed to life¡ªnot with the noise from before, but a wild frenzy of excitement.


    Xiaomei then took charge, inviting everyone present to take turns playing games. Later, even the restaurant manager was pulled in to join the fun, and knowing they were Qin Mu¡¯s people, the manager reluctantly had a couple of drinks.


    The group played unrestrainedly and had a blast!


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen returned to the room Qin Mu stayed in when she first came to Rongcheng.


    Mu Yichen asked, "Does it feel different now that you¡¯re here compared to before?"


    "What¡¯s different?"


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t noticed.


    "When you came here the year before last, you weren¡¯t a local, and you didn¡¯t even consider staying."


    Mu Yichen wrapped his arm around her shoulders, walking and talking.


    Standing in front of the living room window, looking out at the myriad stars in the night sky intertwined with the Wan Family¡¯s lanterns afar, Mu Yichen held her shoulder. Qin Mu, shorter by nearly a head in her comfortable flats next to President Mu, seemed especially harmonious this way.


    "And now, here I am, having a child with a man in this place!"


    "And in a few months, you¡¯ll be marrying him in a grand wedding!"


    "By then, the whole world will know he married his childhood sweetheart!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile proudly as she said this, extending her arms as if embracing the entire night sky.


    Mu Yichen gazed at her optimistic demeanor, then turned towards her.


    Qin Mu also turned and was suddenly embraced at the shoulders, all quiet.


    Qin Mu¡¯s throat felt an unease, Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes were intoxicating, fixing her in place, unable to move.


    "Now little Qingmei has grown up! She¡¯s even having children with her childhood friend! And now she¡¯s daring enough to talk about a wedding with him!"


    Just as he raised his hands to hold her, what should have been a touching speech left Qin Mu feeling shy, but then he squeezed her cheek a little too firmly.


    "Ah! Mu Yichen!"


    Startled at first, Qin Mu then raised her hands to slap away his, and after he laughed and let go, she hit his shoulder hard: "Mu Yichen, you jerk!"

 Chapter 553 - 163 kicked the wrong place_5

    Chapter 553: 163 kicked the wrong place_5


    "Haha! Qingmei can actually get angry? Impressive!"


    He suddenly turned and ran, even daring to provoke her.


    Qin Mu was so upset by his words that she chased him from the couch into the interior.


    "Mu Yichen, if you¡¯ve got the guts, don¡¯t run!"


    "Even when I run, I¡¯ve got guts, just look at your belly to know that!"


    Mu Yichen dashed into the bedroom, grabbing onto the doorframe and leaning his body at an angle, his eyes super wickedly charming and super serious as he spoke to her.


    Qin Mu...


    "Ha! You¡¯re really something! Then why are you running? Are you afraid you can¡¯t beat me?"


    Qin Mu caught up with him in the bedroom.


    But just as she caught him, she heard a snap from behind.


    It was the sound of the door closing. She turned in alarm, and before she could see clearly, he had already scooped her up.


    "As your husband, this is ¡¯luring the tiger out of the mountain¡¯! To capture, you must first let loose!"


    "Lure the tiger? Who is the tiger?"


    Qin Mu wrapped her arms around his neck, disbelievingly staring at him, beginning to doubt her own ears.


    "Of course, you, this tigress!"


    "I¡¯ll bite you to death!"


    Saying this, Qin Mu hugged his neck and leaned in, trying to bite him.


    Mu Yichen dodged as he held her, swiftly reaching the bed.


    After they both collapsed onto it, Mu Yichen didn¡¯t wait for her to recover before he flipped on top of her, straddling her and looking down: "What¡¯s wrong with my little tigress now?"


    "You¡¯re the one who can¡¯t handle it! Come lower!"


    Qin Mu blushed as she looked at him, her piercing gaze fixated on his eyes as if to purposely seduce him.


    Mu Yichen smirked wickedly, adoring her flushed little face.


    "My little treasure!"


    Mu Yichen suddenly leaned in but instead cradled her face, confessing so tenderly.


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Yi¡¯s unpredictable nature really drove her crazy.


    Just a second ago she wanted to bite him to death, but now, feeling his kisses on her lips, she suddenly forgot how to open her mouth to bite him, instead kissing him back repeatedly.


    That feeling was simply too wonderful.


    As they kissed, Mu Yichen reached for the remote and adjusted the room¡¯s light to an extremely warm and ambiguous setting, then while pulling her shirt out of her pants, he wildly kissed her lips and teeth, enticing her tongue until she almost drooled.


    But if the drool really did come out, Mu Yi would devour it all.


    Qin Mu¡¯s hands also teasingly played under his shirt, and not long after he mastered her body¡¯s sensitive spots, Qin Mu had become thoroughly familiar with his sensitive areas as well.


    Not because they were husband and wife, but due to their understanding of each other¡¯s bodies, some couples may spend many years together and still not know how to arouse each other¡¯s interest.


    Mu Yichen held her, stripping her to the head of the bed while kissing and nibbling her neck, his hands ceaselessly igniting fires.


    Qin Mu later had her hands forcefully clinging to the white wallpaper, but she no longer had the strength to tempt him.


    Because of Mu Yi¡¯s strength and skill, Mrs. Mu was quickly subdued.


    While JY¡¯s colleagues were still partying wildly at the clubhouse, that guest room was also heating up.


    The first half of the night was full of stars across the sky, but the latter half suddenly experienced a heavy downpour.


    When Mu Yichen got up to use the bathroom, he heard the faint sound of rain outside and unconsciously smiled. Looking at the sleeping woman on the bed, he suddenly felt like having a cigarette. He took his coat and stepped outside the bedroom to smoke.


    The rain fell satisfyingly, and Mu Yichen, leaning against the window sill, watched the rain lash against the window, squinting as he took a heavy drag on his cigarette.


    After finishing the cigarette, he went to the bathroom to rinse his mouth, then quietly returned to bed, lying behind her and gently embracing her.


    When the two of them woke up, it was already eight o¡¯clock the next day.


    Their phones had rung countless times, but neither heard it, nor cared.


    Mu Yichen began planning their wedding, although it was still several months away.


    Qin Mu had chosen various wedding dresses to be shipped in from different places for the wedding photo shoot.


    The wedding dress designed by Jian Yan for Qin Mu was also about to be finished; the next step was for him to start sewing it personally.


    Qin Mu was the first to get out of bed. After using the bathroom, she went to the living room to find her phone, brought it back to bed, and snuggled into Mu Yichen¡¯s arms to read the messages that Jian Yan had sent her.


    Mu Yichen wouldn¡¯t go as far as to ask why Jian Yan was chosen to design her wedding dress, because from every aspect, Jian Yan was the most suitable candidate.


    It was just that watching her chat so seriously with Jian Yan made him feel a bit sour, so he burrowed into the covers from where he had been leaning against the headboard.


    Qin Mu leaned against the headboard, feeling his hand on her belly. She was about to chide him for being improper, but then she felt him kissing her abdomen.


    Was he kissing their little treasure?


    Thinking this, Qin Mu relaxed her guard, unaware that as he continued to kiss, he crossed a line.


    Qin Mu quickly tossed her phone aside and dove under the covers as well.


    From under the covers came a weak female voice, "Hey! Keep it up, and the baby is going to protest!"


    "I¡¯m just kissing it!"


    Yichen whispered, holding her chin and leaning in for a kiss.


    Qin Mu immediately dodged, "No, you just kissed there!"


    "So what? Try it, it¡¯s divine!"


    Being forceful, Yichen cupped her face, and soon enough they were tussling under the blankets.


    Later on, Qin Mu accidentally kicked Yichen in the groin, then she lifted the covers to see him pale-faced, clutching at his abdomen and frowning in pain.


    "Mu Yichen, Mu Yichen? Are you okay? Mu Yichen?"


    Qin Mu prodded his shoulder gently with a finger, worried sick when he didn¡¯t respond.


    "Mu Yichen, I didn¡¯t mean it!"


    Her tone was one of coaxing, of needing to apologize.


    Mu Yichen looked at her with eyes full of the urge to throttle her, yet he was powerless.


    "You don¡¯t want happiness for the rest of your life, do you?"


    He asked through clenched teeth.


    "No!"


    Qin Mu shook her head vigorously, wronged.


    Mu Yichen saw her feigning terror, but the playful twinkle in her eyes was impossible to hide.


    Suddenly, harmony returned to the bed, with the man in the upper left and the woman in the lower right, both looking quite unhappy, especially the woman.


    "Should I rub it for you?"


    Qin Mu softly suggested.


    "No need! Go freshen up!"


    Mu Yichen pressed on his abdomen, half propped up, murmuring softly.


    "Oh!"


    The chance to escape thrilled Qin Mu, who nonchalantly agreed, then in less than three seconds she was out of bed and dashing for the bathroom.


    As Mu Yichen raised his head at the sound, she was already out of sight.


    Mu Yichen...


    Breakfast was served in the room because the boss wasn¡¯t feeling well.


    Knowing she had caused a huge trouble, Qin Mu vowed never to be so bold again, and to be extra careful not to kick the wrong spot in the future.


    For a split second, she had intended to kick him there, but she definitely didn¡¯t want to ruin her happiness for the rest of her life.


    After eating, Mu Yichen noticed she was still on edge, so he sighed helplessly, "Come here!"


    "What for?"


    Qin Mu was apprehensive to approach.


    As Mu Yichen stood up from his chair and walked out, he said, "I have a drinking gathering here at noon; do you want to stay and accompany me?"


    "JY just opened; I need to go to the store today!"


    "It¡¯s almost midday now!"


    Mu Yichen kindly reminded her.


    Qin Mu sprang into action and followed him out.


    As Mu Yichen turned suddenly at the door, Qin Mu collided unprepared into his arms¡ªinto the embrace he had already readied.


    "Naughty girl, dare to kick your husband, hmm?"


    He held her with one hand while with the other he tilted her chin up, compelling her to look at him. His dark eyes bored into the depths of hers, straight to the very center of her heart.

 Chapter 554 - 164 Kiss, let you go_1

    Chapter 554: 164 Kiss, let you go_1


    "Kiss me! Then you can go!"


    Mu Yichen looked down at her with his deep, dark eyes, commanding her.


    Qin Mu felt a tickle in her heart, licked her unlipped lips, and then tiptoed to kiss him.


    But it was supposed to be just a peck...


    It took her a while to escape before she almost passed out from the kiss.


    She had just arrived at the store at noon, checked that everything was in order, and decided to leave, when unfortunately, she ran into Zhang Rujia and her friend shopping as she was just about to exit the door.


    Zhang Rujia sneered when she saw her, "Hey, isn¡¯t this Miss Qin from JY?"


    Qin Mu glanced at her casually, then turned her attention to the noblewoman beside her. Since they weren¡¯t acquainted, Qin Mu simply said indifferently, "The customer is king, please go ahead, ladies!"


    Zhang Rujia didn¡¯t expect her to ignore the provocation and was slightly angered, but still dragged her friend inside the store.


    Of course, Zhang Rujia came because she knew the store¡¯s clothes were all unique. Although not pleased with Qin Mu¡¯s various actions, she was still attracted to the clothes inside the store once she entered.


    The service staff, seeing two well-dressed ladies, approached immediately: "Welcome, may I assist you today, madams?"


    "We¡¯re just looking for now!"


    The noblewoman with Zhang Rujia replied with a pleasant smile.


    "Of course!" The service staff immediately stepped aside.


    "Why have a server and not use them? Hey, you serve us!"


    Zhang Rujia turned her head, saw Qin Mu standing behind, and pointed at her, instructing.


    The service staff immediately wanted to step forward to explain, but Qin Mu slightly raised her hand to have her step back, then walked over to them: "No problem!"


    The wealthy are always the bosses, so she had to cater to them.


    Zhang Rujia did not expect her to agree to provide personal service, sneered, and continued to shop with her friend!


    "If you find anything you like, feel free to try it on. However, it seems Mrs. Zhang¡¯s figure has recently become a bit more... prosperous. I wonder if anything will fit."


    Qin Mu spoke while Zhang Rujia and the noblewoman were touching a dress together.


    The noblewoman glanced at Qin Mu and then at Zhang Rujia, whose face turned green.


    "Whether I¡¯ve put on weight or not, trying on the dress will tell!"


    Zhang Rujia, provoked by Qin Mu¡¯s comment, suddenly picked up a dress and headed to the changing room.


    The service staff attended carefully nearby, and Qin Mu nodded to the noblewoman as she seemed quite amiable after speaking for a few minutes. Qin Mu approached to suggest, "This piece is also lovely! And this one, in Rongcheng, is the only one! Your figure is outstanding, madam, and you have a great aura. Why not give it a try?"


    "Really? This is the only piece in Rongcheng?"


    "I designed this dress. When I say it¡¯s the only one, it definitely is the only one!"


    Hearing Qin Mu¡¯s confident words, the noblewoman nodded. Qin Mu signaled with her eyes for the service staff to lead her to the changing room, then sat down on a nearby sofa, flipping through a magazine nonchalantly.


    Zhang Rujia coming to her store was indeed unexpected for Qin Mu.


    But now, Qin Mingzhu was no longer in Rongcheng; she¡¯s reportedly been restrained by the Wang Family, probably not getting out before she gives birth. Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but wonder what Zhang Rujia was thinking. Did she believe her daughter would marry into the Wang Family, and then she could wield their power?


    Qin Mu heard the sound of the changing room door opening and put down the magazine.


    Zhang Rujia came out first, the dark cheongsam enhancing her persona significantly; if she kept silent, she indeed looked like a refined noblewoman.


    Zhang Rujia was surprised by her reflection in the mirror and the arrogance on her seemingly reduced.


    She glanced at Qin Mu awkwardly, who nodded slightly: "I didn¡¯t expect Mrs. Zhang to have such a good figure!"


    "Of course!" Zhang Rujia responded.


    When the other lady came out in her new outfit, she rushed to compliment Zhang Rujia effusively, "Mrs. Qin, that dress suits you so beautifully, it looks amazing on you!"


    "Flattery will get you everywhere. Look at you; the dress really complements your skin!"


    The two middle-aged women praised each other for a while, then paid with their card. Qin Mu thought people were strange; Zhang Rujia actually bought a dress she designed.


    But as long as the money was coming in, she didn¡¯t care who it was from.


    Later, as they continued shopping without showing further interest in Qin Mu, she quietly left. The service staff took over, and they didn¡¯t say anything else. Zhang Rujia only commented, "Does your store have any other one-of-a-kind pieces?"

 Chapter 555 - 164 Kiss, let you go_2

    Chapter 555: 164 Kiss, let you go_2


    ""Just a few more pieces!"


    The sales clerk felt like she had met a rich lady and immediately took her to see the items! In the end, the commission she made was so substantial that it left her hands soft. Zhang Rujia bought three more sets, each of them unique!


    No matter how much money she still had, or even if it meant going into overdraft, many women seem to be unable to stop themselves when they see something nice; Zhang Rujia was exactly one of those.


    Later on, Qin Mu left the city center for the studio and saw the boutique manager waiting for her in the reception area, so she went over,"Why didn¡¯t you give me a call?"


    "I was afraid of disturbing your work!"


    The woman with short hair explained with a smile.


    "Have a seat!"


    Qin Mu looked down at the coffee that had already been served and didn¡¯t call for Xiaomei. She set down her bag and looked at her again,"Did you come over suddenly today because something¡¯s up?"


    "Nothing special, it¡¯s just that recently there have been some people causing trouble at the counter. I really had no way of dealing with it, so I came to you for help."


    Qin Mu frowned involuntarily as she listened to the manager¡¯s story,"Some women?"


    "Yes! I could handle it at first, but later it got too much for me. They change up their tactics, picking and choosing, and a few times they even demanded to see the boss. I said I was the boss, but they didn¡¯t believe me, claiming the boss is hiding and afraid to show his face. So that¡¯s why I came to you, perhaps you have an idea!"


    The manager discussed her reason for coming.


    "I think I understand what¡¯s going on! I¡¯ll arrange for some people to come and help this afternoon!"


    Qin Mu pondered and said!


    "That would be great!"


    Upon hearing Qin Mu agree so readily, the manager felt a weight lifted off her heart.


    "The contract for this shop should expire by August, and then it will probably close!"


    Qin Mu thought about it and mentioned it to her.


    The manager couldn¡¯t help but feel a rush of nervousness upon hearing this, but finally just smiled,"Okay!"


    "JY opened a store on Central Street; you also helped out yesterday. How do you feel about it?"


    Qin Mu asked her again.


    "I think it¡¯s really good! I know you¡¯re a big brand, and besides, you¡¯re a particularly talented designer, so..."


    "I¡¯m not asking for flattery; I¡¯m thinking you should continue as the manager, and for now, you can run between the mall and Central Street. Of course, your salary will be a bit higher. After August, you can focus on managing this store. What do you think?"


    The manager had always assumed she would be unemployed by now, so she felt a bit excited, hugged her arms and tried hard to hold back a smile. She couldn¡¯t help but let out a laugh,"I will work very hard, no need for a raise!"


    She shook her head, insisting on not needing a raise, truly enjoying her work at this special fashion store.


    "The salary will be increased, and I¡¯ll discuss the specifics with you in a couple of days. First, let¡¯s solve this recent trouble, shall we?"


    "Sure!"


    After seeing off the manager, Qin Mu immediately called Jiang Zhiyuan. He was just having tea in Mu Yichen¡¯s office when he received her call. Seeing her number, he couldn¡¯t resist showing his phone screen to Mu Yichen,"Your wife is calling me!"


    Mu Yichen raised his eyes slightly, then stayed silent.


    Jiang Zhiyuan teased with an ambiguous raised eyebrow and then answered the call, deliberately adopting a tone,"Hello? Xiaomu, what instructions do you have?"


    "If Jiang Zhiyuan is free, I actually do have something to ask for your help with!"


    Qin Mu said!


    "Oh? Xiaomu, you¡¯re coming to me despite having Yichen, who¡¯s powerful and influential?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan asked, and deliberately turned on speakerphone after asking.


    "This little matter isn¡¯t worth bothering Yichen with!"


    As soon as she said this, Yichen, who wasn¡¯t too pleased to begin with, casually leaned back in his chair, resting a hand on the back of the sofa, and with a self-satisfied look, watched the man opposite him turn dark with annoyance.


    "Xiaomu, that¡¯s not nice. Oh, am I really that idle?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan asked with a hint of sourness.


    "Of course not! It¡¯s just that this task would probably be right up Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s alley, wouldn¡¯t it?"


    After hearing this, Jiang Zhiyuan glanced up at Mu Yichen, then curiously asked,"Well Xiaomu, tell me, what exactly is it?"


    "Recently a few women have been causing trouble at the store and disrupting business, and I really was at a loss, so I thought of asking Jiang Zhiyuan for help to find some handsome guys to guard the place. If it works out, I¡¯ll treat Jiang Zhiyuan to a drink, is that okay?"


    "Just that little thing?"


    After hearing this, Jiang Zhiyuan immediately felt a sense of chivalry and started thinking about who he could call for help.


    "Yes! Just that little thing! Jiang Zhiyuan..."

 Chapter 556 - 164 Kiss, let you go_3

    Chapter 556: 164 Kiss, let you go_3


    "Call me Brother Zhiyuan!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan suddenly said with a mischievous tone.


    "Brother Zhiyuan!"


    Qin Mu, looking up at the ceiling, pinched her voice and called out.


    She was almost nauseous herself.


    But on the other end, they burst out laughing for a while.


    Jiang Zhiyuan finally stopped laughing and said, "Don¡¯t worry, Xiaomu. Your Brother Zhiyuan has got this covered. I¡¯ll send someone over in a bit."


    "Okay! Thank you, Mr. Jiang, but please, just a little scare, don¡¯t actually kill anyone. That wouldn¡¯t be worth it!"


    "Rest assured, brother knows how to measure!"


    After hanging up the phone, Jiang Zhiyuan couldn¡¯t help but laugh again. Mu Yichen looked at his smug expression and sighed helplessly, "Brother Zhiyuan? So, do you plan to have me call you ¡¯brother¡¯ as well?"


    "I never thought about that!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan thought to himself, you¡¯re the older one; calling me ¡¯brother¡¯ would be jinxing my lifespan, wouldn¡¯t it?


    "Your little sister Xiaomu has agreed to have a wedding with me. If she calls you ¡¯brother,¡¯ wouldn¡¯t that be..."


    "You guys are having a wedding?


    "Christmas!"


    President Mu played casually with the cup in his hand.


    It wasn¡¯t a loud affirmation, but it was nevertheless official.


    The brothers had always thought that Mu Yichen¡¯s wedding with Qin Mu would have to wait until they were old and grey.


    Everyone knew what Qin Mu had gone through as a child. Everyone was aware of the trauma in her heart. No one expected that just over a year after her return, she would be holding a wedding with Mu Yichen. It was simply...


    "First, go take care of the matter for your little sister Xiaomu. We¡¯ll set another time to talk about the other stuff!"


    Mu Yichen quickly reminded him, fearing he would forget the important task at hand.


    "Right, I¡¯ll go handle matters for my little sister first!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan nodded, picked up the almost cold tea on the table, drank it in one gulp, and stood up to take care of business.


    After he left, Mu Yichen listened to the door closing and sighed slightly with a sense of loss.


    The look in his eyes was clearly one of abandonment, as if he wished that woman would think of him first, no matter what time it was.


    Even though he knew why Qin Mu had directly sought out Jiang Zhiyuan, his heart still felt a pang of loss. Was it really good for his wife to understand him so well?


    It was the first time he felt that being understood wasn¡¯t entirely pleasant.


    In the evening, after work, Qin Mu returned to the Mu Family¡¯s house. Since Mu Qingxin was still there, they usually had dinner and sometimes stayed over at the Mu Family¡¯s house.


    It was raining outside. After dinner, they sat on the sofa and chatted. Mu Qingxin winked at Qin Mu, "Hey, are you not leaving tonight? Are you two especially scared of making noise when you sleep in your room?"


    Their conversation was very quiet, but Mu Yichen still heard it.


    Mu Yichen glanced toward his wife¡¯s sister sitting next to them, "Mu Qingxin, if you¡¯re bored, go see if your son is awake!"


    "My son has an aunt to look after him. What¡¯s wrong with having someone to talk to when I finally get the chance? Men, stay out of women¡¯s conversations, alright?"


    As she said this, Mu Qingxin even linked her arm with Qin Mu¡¯s.


    Such a close gesture wasn¡¯t common between them, and Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    "What are you two talking about?"


    Feng Fanghua, who had been focused on the news, suddenly asked.


    The three younger ones immediately fell silent.


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but frown at their expressions, "You really are..."


    Then she continued watching the news with her husband and father-in-law. Later on, she had grown quite fond of watching the news.


    While Huanhuan, lying on her grandfather¡¯s lap, was also about to fall asleep, Mu Zihao lowered his head and then whispered, "This little fellow is sleepy, shall we go rest?"


    "Yes! I won¡¯t watch anymore either, I¡¯m a bit tired today."


    The old master also stood up, looking somewhat weary.


    Mu Yichen and the others looked up at the old master, "Are you alright?"


    "Grandpa! My brother is good at massages, let him give you one!"


    Mu Qingxin said, holding Qin Mu¡¯s arm and speaking to the old master.


    The old master perked up at that, "Oh? You have that skill? Go ahead and give me a massage!"


    Mu Yichen...


    Had no choice but to go and serve the old master.


    Mu Zihao, holding his granddaughter, with Feng Fanghua following behind, the three of them went to Huanhuan¡¯s room first.


    Once they were alone, Mu Qingxin asked again, "We didn¡¯t finish our earlier conversation, come on, spill it!"


    Qin Mu had been paying attention to Huanhuan all this time and had forgotten Mu Qingxin¡¯s question. Now reminded, she awkwardly cleared her throat, "What¡¯s there to talk about? I¡¯m pregnant now!"


    "Come on! After the first three months, it¡¯s fine to do it. I¡¯ve been pregnant; why hide it from me?"


    Mu Qingxin gave her a disdainful look and urged, "Come on, tell me! Tell me! This is the perfect opportunity to strengthen our sister-in-law relationship. If you don¡¯t seize it, you might regret it."

 Chapter 557 - 164 Kiss, let you go_4

    Chapter 557: 164 Kiss, let you go_4


    "So you want to call me sister-in-law now?"


    Qin Mu looked at her curiously and asked.


    Mu Qingxin suddenly fell silent, her expression as if she had been fed a giant goose egg.


    "Yeah! Come on, say it!"


    In the end, with a blushing face, she urged Qin Mu on.


    "Just calling me Qin Mu is fine, no need to call me sister-in-law!"


    Qin Mu shook her head, not falling for her trap.


    Mu Qingxin, unable to help herself, almost laughed out loud, "Why are you so silly?"


    "If you want to talk about that topic, I don¡¯t mind listening to what you and Jiang Yan do in the room."


    Qin Mu¡¯s sharp gaze turned towards her, smiling earnestly as she made her suggestion.


    Mu Qingxin...


    "Do tell! Jiang Yan seems pretty formidable!"


    Qin Mu whispered to her.


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but laugh when she heard her praise her husband, leaning on Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder and bragging quietly, "Indeed, he¡¯s quite amazing!"


    "Lots of positions?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but ask curiously again, looking down at the woman whose face was flushed red against her shoulder.


    "Mhm!"


    Mu Qingxin agreed while trying not to laugh too hard, but her face was already so red it looked as if blood might drip from it.


    She¡¯s actually shy!


    Qin Mu thought it was quite a feat.


    "Loads of positions! Even better than the guys in those films!"


    Mu Qingxin lifted her head, covering her mouth with one hand, and whispered into Qin Mu¡¯s ear.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but let her imagination run wild.


    In the living room, there were only the low sounds of the two women¡¯s conversation for a long stretch of time, with no other noise.


    The rain outside wasn¡¯t heavy, but it seemed persistent.


    After Qin Mu returned to her room, she saw Mu Yichen¡¯s accusatory look and couldn¡¯t help but ask him, "Why are you looking at me like that? What did I do wrong?"


    "Hmph! You still know that you¡¯ve done something wrong!"


    Mu Yichen sat on the edge of the bed, arms crossed, looking at her.


    Qin Mu nervously licked her lips, wondering if the conversation she had with Mu Qingxin had been overheard? That shouldn¡¯t be, Mu Yi didn¡¯t have superhuman hearing, and their voices were so low.


    Qin Mu walked over, stood between his knees, her hands on his shoulders, slowly moving up to his neck, and then cupping his face, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "What were you talking to Mu Qingxin about just now?"


    Qin Mu...


    Did he really have superhuman hearing?


    "Mu Qingxin had such a strange look on her face when she walked by the doorway just now!"


    Qin Mu...


    She nearly died of fright, thinking he had heard them.


    "She told me Jiang Yan is quite impressive!"


    Qin Mu chose to emphasize the ¡¯important¡¯ part!


    Mu Yichen...


    Qin Mu, holding his face and standing close to him, cooed and gave him a mischievous smile.


    "Did you share any of our stories with her?"


    "Of course not! I was just fishing for her stories!"


    Qin Mu said, and felt a little shy shaking her lips.


    "Then what¡¯s with her expression? You think I¡¯m an idiot?"


    Qin Mu...


    She thought she had managed to fool him, not expecting Mu Yi to be so perceptive.


    Hurt, she pouted and then wiggled him, "Ah, come on, I just said you were impressive, I didn¡¯t mention any positions, she told me all about theirs."


    Mu Yichen frowned, backed away a bit, looking at her in disbelief.


    The two women were actually discussing such topics?


    Weren¡¯t only men supposed to do that?


    Qin Mu felt somewhat panicked seeing Mu Yichen¡¯s expression, "I really didn¡¯t say anything else, I swear!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say anything, just couldn¡¯t help coughing twice.


    Why did he feel uneasy?


    "We¡¯ll let this matter go, but how about the afternoon situation with Jiang Zhiyuan?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Has Young Master Jiang called you?"


    "You explain first!"


    Qin Mu...


    Pitfalls, pitfalls everywhere!


    Qin Mu thought, but seeing his serious expression, she dared not hide it from him and simply sat on his lap, "It wasn¡¯t anything important, I was going to look for you, but I figured it would be troublesome for you to search again. Since he knows a lot of those street kids, I just asked him directly for help! He didn¡¯t call you right after putting down the phone with me, did he?"


    "He was having tea in my office at that moment!"


    Mu Yichen told her seriously, his arms around her soft warmth, he began to lose interest in discussing those matters.


    Qin Mu looked at him curiously, her arms still around his neck, "The two of you drinking tea in the office, then..."


    "That ¡¯Brother Zhiyuan¡¯ sounded really sweet!"


    Mu Yi said, his hands already caressing her slender waist.


    Qin Mu clamped her mouth shut, her agile eyes looking downward, suddenly resembling a little girl who had done something wrong.


    "Don¡¯t pretend with me!"


    "Who¡¯s pretending, hm?"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes, coquetting, feigning innocence, capitulating - she could deploy all these tactics on him.


    "Yichen brother just wants to be properly attended to now!"


    Mu Yichen kindly reminded her, truly serious about it.


    The atmosphere in the room became ¡¯serious¡¯, especially serious!


    "Attending to Yichen brother is just something little sis should do! No need for brother to remind,"


    Qin Mu said and then shook her fist lightly punching his shoulder, eager to please.


    "Kneel down!"


    Yichen brother, not the least bit softened by the flattery, commanded with an authoritative gaze looking at the woman showering him with eagerness to please.

 Chapter 558 - 165 Your husband will strive to keep himself clean and pure_1

    Chapter 558: 165 Your husband will strive to keep himself clean and pure_1


    Kneel?


    Qin Mu thought she must have heard wrong, blinking her long, curly lashes with a look of aggrieved innocence at the man holding her.


    He had been caressing her waist a moment ago, but suddenly returned to his aloof demeanor!


    "I¡¯m pregnant now! Be a bit gentler!"


    "Fine, then lie down!"


    ¡ª¡ª


    That rainy night was both romantic and nourishing.


    And after a night of rain, everything in the morning was so beautiful!


    The air outside was a bit cool, yet refreshing enough to invigorate the spirit.


    The big news from the hospital came from Helian Hao: Yang Qianxi had miscarried the day after being admitted to the obstetrics and gynecology ward!


    "She¡¯s in a terrible state right now, appears to be shocked by her own condition, and it¡¯s uncertain whether she¡¯ll make it through! Furthermore, if no one pays her medical bills, I¡¯m afraid our hospital might..."


    After hanging up the phone, Qin Mu¡¯s gaze fell pensively for a moment. Just the thought of that woman even touching her husband made her unsympathetic; even if that woman truly passed away, she wouldn¡¯t feel the slightest bit of pity.


    At first, Qin Mu thought that Yang Qianxi, having been harmed once by Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu, would surely become wiser. Some people couldn¡¯t be collaborated with, not in a lifetime.


    Since Yang Qianxi had brought this upon herself and Wang Mingyu had no intention of dealing with her, Qin Mu, who held a grudge against Yang Qianxi, was even less inclined to intervene.


    After getting up, Mu Yichen went to the window to hold her, his lips curving into a smile as he admired the refreshed scene outside: "Good morning!"


    "It¡¯s not early anymore!"


    She turned her head slightly to speak to him and then looked forward again.


    Mu Yichen gently clasped her hand and, noticing she had her phone, inquired, "Who called you so early?"


    "Xiaohao! He said Yang Qianxi had a miscarriage and her condition isn¡¯t very optimistic."


    Qin Mu relayed Helian Hao¡¯s call to him, expecting that he wouldn¡¯t want to hear it, but...


    "Such matters... maybe you shouldn¡¯t let Helian Hao tell you about them in the future!"


    Mu Yichen released her and went to change clothes, feeling a dampening of spirits just by bringing up that woman, extremely dampening.


    Qin Mu glanced at him and offered a resigned, light chuckle. Had it not been for the need to get to the bottom of things, he wouldn¡¯t have cared about Yang Qianxi¡¯s fate, right? He was the one who most wished for Yang Qianxi¡¯s disappearance.


    After breakfast, she headed for the studio. Feng Fanghua followed her, pleading, "You¡¯re pregnant, slow down in everything you do, don¡¯t rush, alright?"


    "Yes! You can go back, I¡¯ll take good care of myself. I promise!"


    Seeing Feng Fanghua about to escort her outside, Qin Mu felt somewhat reluctant. Feng sighed, "When you get busy, you forget you¡¯re pregnant, don¡¯t you? With your recent workload, do you think I¡¯d believe you?"


    "You could ask my assistant, she¡¯s always forthright and never lies."


    "You think I wouldn¡¯t ask?"


    Mother and daughter said their goodbyes at the door. Qin Mu drove her little car to the studio.


    Mu Qingxin embraced her mother at the doorway, watching the departing car and sighed, "Mom, you seem to care more and more about that girl!"


    "Hmph! Next to me, she¡¯s the woman who has contributed the most to the Mu Family!"


    Having said this to her daughter, Feng Fanghua then walked inside.


    In other words, this woman is a Mu Family woman, and of course, I need to care about her.


    Mu Qingxin shook her head and followed her mother leisurely, feeling somehow left out.


    After arriving at the studio, Qin Mu went upstairs. Xiaomei brought her a cup of warm milk: "Your mother-in-law specifically contacted me to make sure I take good care of you. You must have a cup of hot milk every morning."


    After seeing the hot milk, Qin Mu smiled and asked, "What else did she say?"


    "If anything happens to you, she¡¯ll blame it on me, you know? She also demands that the milk must be a particular brand, the fruits you eat must be the freshest, all peeled by me. And yes, make sure they¡¯re the prettiest fruits... and there¡¯s a lot more. She¡¯s practically treating me as her servant now isn¡¯t she?" Xiaomei complained as she paced back and forth in front of Qin Mu, thoroughly engaged in her account.


    Qin Mu just listened quietly and hadn¡¯t expected Feng Fanghua to give Xiaomei so many instructions; these tasks indeed posed quite a challenge for Xiaomei.


    "How about I give you a couple of days off after this busy period? You like to sleep in, don¡¯t you? Your holiday could be from Thursday all the way to Sunday; four days off would allow you to plan a trip somewhere nice, right?"


    "That would be like a four-day holiday! But, but¡ªI don¡¯t have money!"


    "Wednesday night¡¯s sales will cover your expenses for a short trip."

 Chapter 559 - 165 Your husband will strive to keep himself clean and pure_2

    Chapter 559: 165 Your husband will strive to keep himself clean and pure_2


    "Ah! Qinqin, you are simply my god of fortune, I love you to death! Muah muah muah muah!"


    Xiaomei excitedly rushed forward and hugged her neck, showering her with kisses.


    Qin Mu felt that an assistant should be like Xiaomei, maybe not the smartest, but definitely the most hardworking and uncomplaining.


    There was a time when Qin Mu really thought Xiaomei would stay in Paris and not come back, yet unexpectedly her master was so stubborn to send Xiaomei back to her.


    Probably it was Xiaomei¡¯s loyalty and hard work that was valued, the girl who seemed to have a temper turned out to be exceptionally good-tempered.


    In fact, for Qin Mu, the current situation was already the best since she had come to Rong City.


    After Xiaomei left, she continued to sketch, until Mu Yichen called her at noon asking if she wanted to join him for lunch at AM, today he was treating.


    Qin Mu thought about it and still refused, she felt it was OK to just maintain a good relationship with him and his siblings.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t insist, only saying, "Don¡¯t order takeout at noon, AM will deliver your meal on time at twelve."


    Qin Mu laughed upon hearing this and said with feigned surprise, "Why bother having them prepare lunch for me specially?"


    "What else? To have you eat takeouts? You better kick that habit of ordering takeout early, or else one day your mother-in-law will see¡ª"


    "Hmm! But compared to being lectured by Mom, I¡¯m actually more afraid of getting Mu Yichen angry!"


    Qin Mu rested her cheek on her hand, blissfully fantasizing about Mu Yichen¡¯s angry face. When she brought up this matter, she thought of how anxious she would be when he got angry, but her heart actually felt delight and her facial expressions were filled with joy.


    "Then you definitely need to change that, because Mu Yichen is indeed very angry!"


    Mu Yichen grabbed his car keys and walked out of the office, continuing the call with her as he walked outside.


    "Alright, alright, I know!"


    The two of them got mushy for a while longer before ending the call. Close to noon, she went downstairs to pour herself a glass of water. She had intended to sit in the visitor¡¯s area as it was getting late and the other colleagues had already left work. However, seeing Xiaomei attending to a client, she casually sat in front of another colleague¡¯s desk and pretended to be a regular designer, just ¡¯drinking water¡¯!


    The client, gazing at Qin Mu¡¯s retreating back, asked curiously, "Is she one of your designers too?"


    "Yes!"


    Xiaomei glanced back and answered.


    "Why does she look like a celebrity?"


    The female client inquired further.


    "Er! Are you seeing things? She¡¯s just an ordinary designer, but recently she has a lot of projects on her hands, so I can¡¯t introduce her to you."


    "That¡¯s fine, it¡¯s just that she resembles the spokesperson for a perfume brand. Oh, right, I heard that the miss is the boss of your JY in Rongcheng!"


    Xiaomei¡¯s expression became rich with emotion as she looked towards Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu, sitting there, showed no outward reaction but was already regretting sitting over here.


    "Hmm!"


    Until the nausea in her stomach became unbearable, Qin Mu covered her mouth and ran off, leaving behind the steaming cup of water on the desk.


    The client couldn¡¯t help but ask, "What¡¯s wrong with her?"


    "She is pregnant and not feeling well!"


    Xiaomei said awkwardly, looking worriedly in the direction Qin Mu had run off to.


    "Oh! Being pregnant can indeed be uncomfortable, but by the looks of her, she¡¯s only in her early twenties, is she already married?"


    "Um..., uh-huh!"


    Xiaomei thought for a moment, and since the client didn¡¯t know who she was, she simply nodded after biting her lip.


    When Qin Mu came out, the client had already left. Qin Mu walked to the visitor area to sit down, and Xiaomei brought her water over: "Have some water first, why did you suddenly feel unwell again?"


    "It¡¯s probably because your milk is toxic!"


    Qin Mu said flippantly to her.


    Frightened, Xiaomei nearly crumbled and couldn¡¯t find a word to respond to her for a long time.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh: "Just now, I didn¡¯t throw up anything. I have to drink milk every night. Don¡¯t heat it up for me in the morning anymore."


    "Ah? But what about your mother-in-law..."


    Xiaomei said anxiously.


    "She won¡¯t see it, just say I had a cup. Every time I drink milk recently, I want to vomit."


    Qin Mu spoke the truth.


    Xiaomei...


    ¡ª


    Noon was the treat from Mu Yichen, and almost all the brothers he had grown up with were present. In the super-luxury private room, Mu Yichen sat at the innermost part, smoking and watching Jiang Zhiyuan across from him talking non-stop.


    "Guess none of you can figure out why our Brother Yichen is treating today, eh? Sigh! I¡¯m the only one who knows everything. So, does anyone want to hear my take on it?"


    Mu Yichen took another puff of smoke, really wanting to kick this kid in the butt, but ultimately he held back.

 Chapter 560 - 165 Your husband will strive to keep himself clean and pure_3

    Chapter 560: 165 Your husband will strive to keep himself clean and pure_3


    "You should go to sleep now!"


    "The thing about Mu Yichen marrying Qin Mu?"


    Jing Feng sat next to Mu Yichen, and as he spoke, he looked provocatively at Mu Yichen. Mu Yichen also glanced back at him, but neither said a word to the other.


    Jiang Zhiyuan almost spat out a mouthful of old blood.


    "How did Jing Jian know?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan asked him exaggeratedly, almost putting one leg up on the chair, barely containing his discontent.


    The brothers were all curious, too, and several girls nearby were all ears as well.


    Jing Feng glanced at Mu Yichen but didn¡¯t answer.


    He and Helian Hao had known about Mu Yichen¡¯s and Qin Mu¡¯s marriage registration for a long time.


    "Damn! Didn¡¯t you say the wedding was at Christmas? Haven¡¯t you had the chance to tell everyone yet?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan had wanted to introduce the subject to everyone, but now he wasn¡¯t sure everyone was really unaware.


    "Who knows I am getting married at Christmas?"


    Mu Yichen, his hand holding a cigarette, lightly tapped it on the edge of the table, his domineering gaze sweeping over everyone.


    This time, everyone was truly shocked and looked at him in disbelief.


    Jiang Zhiyuan...


    "Before and during Christmas, clear your schedules. If you can¡¯t make time then..."


    Mu Yichen took another drag of his cigarette, looking at his childhood friends with a look that was half-mocking, half-serious, and finally fixed his gaze on Jiang Zhiyuan.


    Jiang Zhiyuan was still stunned and took a while to react, raising his hand and pointing at everyone: "This means war!"


    Seeing Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s wide-eyed surprise, everyone couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    "Brother Yichen, you and Xiaomu are finally getting married?"


    "Ah, our Mumu is just going to be spirited away by you like that?"


    "That¡¯s not fair, why do you get to marry the beautiful Xiaomu? I also chased after her back in the day."


    Listening to their sour comments, Mu Yichen chuckled involuntarily, the way he smoked exuding an extra air of arrogance.


    He didn¡¯t act like someone nearly thirty at all.


    "That¡¯s because you didn¡¯t chase her abroad!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan kindly reminded him.


    "Zhiyuan is right. If I had chased her abroad back then, Xiaomu might have ended up being my wife!"


    "Impossible!"


    The firm voice came from the confident and exceptional President Mu.


    "Jing Brother, now that Yichen is getting married, what about you and Sister-in-law Xiaohao..."


    Just as someone was about to ask Jing Feng about his and Helian Hao¡¯s wedding, they were suddenly kicked by someone next to them.


    Jing Feng lifted his gaze but remained silent.


    His and Helian Hao¡¯s wedding had been delayed again and again, and now that Jing Qing had left, their wedding was even less likely to happen in the short term.


    But now he wasn¡¯t so anxious about the wedding. Since Jing Qing¡¯s incident, he actually had some time to breathe.


    The dinner party was Zhiyuan¡¯s doing, and since their brotherly affection remained and he just happened to be free, he came.


    Every time he thought of Jing Qing, the gathering seemed tinged with melancholy. When she was around, they felt she was out of their league for years, too proud to pay attention to any of them. But after the explosion, they began to miss her.


    Jing Feng, with a cigarette in his mouth, poured himself a drink and then raised his glass: "Why all this nonsense? Let¡¯s have a toast first!"


    Upon hearing that, everyone hurriedly emerged from the shadow of that topic, drinking and chatting, and steering clear of forbidden subjects.


    The few girls felt helpless. An Li, who had just returned to the country, couldn¡¯t help asking, "Both of Rongcheng¡¯s most eligible bachelors are taken, what are we single ladies to do now?"


    "Sister! You might as well die an old maid. Xiaomu is five years younger than you and is already the mother of two kids!"


    Her younger brother sitting beside her couldn¡¯t resist teasing her.


    "Get lost! You¡¯re the one who¡¯s going to die an old maid. I¡¯m still a beauty, and if I can¡¯t find a brother-in-law among your buddies, what about guys like Jiang Zhiyuan and Qiao Yi?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan, hearing this, immediately shrank his neck: "Sister, please don¡¯t! I respect you just as much as Xiaoming does."


    Xiaoming is An Li¡¯s younger brother, An Ming. Because his full name was only one character different than his sister¡¯s, people called him Xiaoming from a young age.


    "Bro! Can we drop the ¡¯Xiaoming¡¯?"


    An Ming voiced his protest.


    While An Li and another female friend of the same age went to the restroom, An Li sighed, "I never would have expected it. Jing Qing leaves, and here comes Qin Mu. What¡¯s with our luck?"


    "Tough luck! Anyway, I¡¯m not touching Mu Yichen anymore. Jing Qing committed suicide because of his cold-heartedness; I think any woman in the world with a brain wouldn¡¯t dare to even fantasize about him."

 Chapter 561 - 165 Your husband will strive to keep himself clean and pure_4

    Chapter 561: 165 Your husband will strive to keep himself clean and pure_4


    The friend sighed, "Both of us came back from abroad together, both top students, and soon we¡¯ll go to the Science Research Institute to assume our positions."


    "So pessimistic?"


    An Li asked.


    "Don¡¯t think about him anymore. Just like you said, Jiang Zhiyuan and Qiao Yi are also not bad. Besides, we¡¯re going to work in Beijing soon. Do we still have time to think about men from Rong City?"


    After hearing this, An Li thought for a moment and couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, realizing the truth in those words.


    "How about we go to AM this afternoon if we¡¯re free? As Mu Yichen¡¯s classmates, neither of us has met that Xiaomu sister yet. Let¡¯s see what she¡¯s really like¡ªwhat do you think?"


    "That¡¯s actually a good idea!"


    The two women agreed, clapped their hands, and happily made the decision.


    After lunch, it was almost two o¡¯clock. Mu Yichen drove straight to Qin Mu¡¯s studio because he had drunk a little extra and went to cuddle with her for a nap.


    When Xiaomei knocked on the door, Qin Mu, groggy, went to open it, standing at the doorway with sleepy, tousled hair.


    "Two girls who claim to be Mr. Mu¡¯s classmates are here to see you!"


    Xiaomei whispered to Qin Mu, knowing that Mu Yichen was inside.


    Qin Mu suddenly became alert, nodded, and said, "Greet them for me first!"


    "Hey, hey, hey, those two girls seem to be up to no good!"


    Xiaomei added another reminder before Qin Mu could tidy up, causing Qin Mu to frown and reply, "Oh!"


    By the time Qin Mu came downstairs, An Li and the other girl were already drinking tea in the reception area, with publicity materials from their studio in hand.


    "Our boss is here!"


    Xiaomei was by their side, presenting their fashion works, and when she saw Qin Mu approaching, stood up.


    The two girls also turned their heads to look towards the stairwell.


    Qin Mu walked over with a calm expression and smiled faintly as she looked up at them.


    "I hear you¡¯re Mr. Mu¡¯s classmates! It¡¯s a pleasure!"


    She shook hands with them as she arrived at the reception area.


    The two girls stood up to shake hands with her and then sat down again, looking at the composed and solid young woman across from them: "Are you the Qin Mu who whisked Mu Yichen away overseas when he was just a teenager? You¡¯re nothing like you were as a child?"


    "If you¡¯re people I knew when I was younger, then I must also say, you really are different than before!"


    The faces of the two women showed a bit of embarrassment, but they quickly regained their composure.


    "I¡¯m An Li! I used to live quite close to your family!"


    "I¡¯m Jia Weihua, our family used to live near the Jing Family¡¯s old house, but later on, we moved to the UK. We didn¡¯t see each other much before."


    After introducing herself, the girl named Jia Weihua gave a shallow smile, reasonably friendly, although her gaze at Qin Mu was sharp, as if trying to see right through her stomach.


    "I heard you¡¯re pregnant again! Quite impressive!"


    An Li stared at her belly for a while before speaking.


    "The impressive one is Mr. Mu!"


    Qin Mu humbly replied.


    An Li and Jia Weihua found themselves at a loss for words. They hadn¡¯t expected Qin Mu to block them so deftly, her soft demeanor and quiet nature belying her sharp tongue.


    "Of course Mr. Mu is impressive. Since childhood he¡¯s dazzled all the girls around him¡ªwe included. It¡¯s just that you¡¯re the one who hooked him and took him away. Today, we just wanted to see what this girl who charmed him away since youth looks like now."


    An Li added.


    "Are you satisfied with what you see?"


    Qin Mu asked, thankful she had applied some light makeup.


    "But, aren¡¯t pregnant women not supposed to wear makeup? Although your makeup is exquisite, won¡¯t it affect the baby in some way?"


    "All the products are prepared by professionals, specially made for pregnant women. When you two sisters reach this stage in the future, you¡¯ll naturally understand all of this."


    Qin Mu responded cheerfully, taking a glass of water Xiaomei brought for her and holding it in her hand.


    She thought to herself, why do Mr. Mu¡¯s female classmates all seem to be so high and mighty?


    "So that¡¯s how it is? We students who are still studying probably have a long way to go before we can understand that."


    An Li responded with a forced smile.


    "I heard you¡¯ve designed evening gowns for many celebrities, and you¡¯ve achieved so much at such a young age. That¡¯s really impressive!"


    Jia Weihua held An Li¡¯s hand, then praised Qin Mu with a light grin.


    "It¡¯s all thanks to my master¡¯s good teaching and giving me the opportunity!"


    Qin Mu refused to take all the credit for herself.


    "If it weren¡¯t for your own exceptional talent, having a master wouldn¡¯t be enough. After all, they say the master leads you to the door, but the practice is up to the individual."

 Chapter 562 - 165 Your husband will strive to keep himself clean and pure_5

    Chapter 562: 165 Your husband will strive to keep himself clean and pure_5


    Jia Weihua continued to make polite conversation with her.


    Qin Mu gave a brief smile after hearing him and lowered her head to drink water.


    She couldn¡¯t figure it out; what exactly did these two women want with her?


    The woman of Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t some rare animal in a zoo.


    "We heard you two are getting married on Christmas, and Yichen asked us all to come back for it, so don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll definitely be back then,"


    An Li knew what Jia Weihua meant, but still couldn¡¯t help but speak with a prickly edge.


    "It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t come back! Both of you doctors are very busy!"


    Mu Yichen came downstairs from above, his cold voice reaching them from a distance before he came into view.


    Jia Weihua and An Li turned their heads to look in that direction, and Qin Mu glanced over curiously, thinking to herself: The savior has finally arrived.


    "Yichen! We just came to see Mrs. Mu!"


    Jia Weihua immediately began to explain earnestly.


    "Actually, there¡¯s not much to see. My wife isn¡¯t one for excitement, and as for me, you all know, I give face to my friends, and there¡¯s no need to force those who aren¡¯t friends to stick around,"


    Mu Yichen stepped forward and sat on the sofa. Stretching an arm out behind Qin Mu, he lightly rested it on the back of the sofa beside her, his sharp gaze fixed on the two women standing opposite them.


    "Didn¡¯t we agree you¡¯d nap with me? Sneaking down here by yourself, hmm?"


    Jia Weihua was about to explain, but Mu Yichen had already turned to question Qin Mu, seemingly in reproach.


    Qin Mu glanced up slightly and, seeing the expression in his eyes, felt compelled to say, "How could I neglect your classmates?"


    "You should neglect everyone except me!"


    Mu Yichen said, lifting his hand to touch her chin, then looked up and said, "Ladies, didn¡¯t you say you were going home to rest early after the meal? Why the great interest in my wife?"


    "We¡¯ve grown up together since we were kids. Isn¡¯t it okay to come and see your woman? Why are you being so protective? We don¡¯t have the guts to harm your woman,"


    An Li really couldn¡¯t stand it. Being a decisive woman, she wasn¡¯t one to beat around the bush.


    "Top students sure don¡¯t leave room for others¡¯ feelings when they speak!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes dropped, a smile playing on his face.


    Knowing Mu Yichen was annoyed, Jia Weihua took An Li¡¯s hand and said to him, "It¡¯s getting late, and since you two are napping, we won¡¯t disturb you any longer. We¡¯ve seen the person we came for, and she¡¯s fine! We¡¯ll take our leave now!"


    Jia Weihua nodded at Qin Mu then pulled An Li away with him.


    Before leaving, An Li turned back and said, "Hey! Qin Mu, if you ever treat Yichen badly, I will still come back to scold you."


    It was only at An Li¡¯s last word that Qin Mu realized this woman had deep feelings for President Mu as well.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s originally serious face suddenly relaxed, and he laughed uncomfortably upon seeing the look Qin Mu threw his way.


    "Shall I go back to sleep with you for a while? Hmm?"


    "What¡¯s the deal with An Li?"


    Qin Mu whispered her question to him, turning her head away from him on the sofa.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but lift his hand to his brow, letting out a troubled sigh, "She once confessed to me in college, and that was that, nothing followed!"


    "Just one confession? And she¡¯s threatening me like this?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t believe him.


    "That¡¯s her problem. This time a few good brothers wanted to have dinner together. I didn¡¯t expect An Ming to blab about it to her, so that¡¯s how you got into this mess. Don¡¯t be angry; will it be alright if I apologize to you?"


    "If you haven¡¯t done anything wrong, why are you apologizing on behalf of others to me?"


    Qin Mu stood up and walked away with a twist of her head.


    "You really have a temper!" Mu Yichen muttered to himself as he watched her leave, but in a blink, he stood up, hands in his pockets and coolly followed her, staying two steps behind her all the way to the door before quickly stepping forward.


    After closing the door and seeing him by her side, Qin Mu glared at him, "Aren¡¯t you going to tell me the truth?"


    "Sigh! There are a few women with unrequited love for your husband, some things your husband truly doesn¡¯t know about,"


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, wrapping an arm around her waist and pinching her chin with the other, his deep gaze locking onto her, as if wanting to draw her into himself.


    Qin Mu, convinced, then asked him with a smile, "So, both of them have doctorates?"


    "Hmm! I¡¯m going to start working in Beijing soon, so I won¡¯t have the chance to trouble Mrs. Mu anymore!"


    "Hmph! Do you think they can cause me any trouble?"


    Qin Mu glanced at him, then lifted her soft hand to gently stroke his chest, "You, you¡¯re just a magnet for romantic troubles."


    "As your husband, I¡¯ll do my best to avoid it!"


    He grasped her hand, his gaze deep, his breathing a bit restrained, and in an instant, he lifted her off the ground.


    "In broad daylight!"


    Qin Mu reminded him, looking up.


    "Draw the curtains, hmm?"


    Qin Mu...


    The curtains closed and the room went dark, but why did it still feel so...


    Exciting!


    That evening, the couple went to the Mu family¡¯s old house, and finally, Jiang Yan came to pick up his wife.


    Just as they drove up to the house, they saw two familiar figures at the entrance, hmm, indescribable.


    "Isn¡¯t that Qingxin?"


    Qin Mu asked doubtfully, from a not too distant place.


    Mu Yichen looked coldly at the girl being pressed against the wall, then forcefully honked the car¡¯s horn.


    The two people immediately turned their heads to look at them.


    Jiang Yan immediately wrapped Qingxin in his arms with his coat, waiting for Qin Mu and Mu Yichen¡¯s car to get inside before he slightly released her.


    Qingxin hit him, feeling wronged, "You¡¯re going to suffocate me!"


    "Your brother and sister-in-law!"


    Jiang Yan said awkwardly.


    Qingxin hadn¡¯t seen clearly who it was at first; once she recognized the car that entered, her entire face flushed red, "Jiang Yan, you¡¯re going to be the death of me!"


    Jiang Yan laughed helplessly, thinking, as long as he acted like everything was natural, it would be fine.


    "There, there! Everything¡¯s going to be okay with me here, hmm?"


    Jiang Yan coaxed her gently, hugging her.


    Qingxin shyly glanced at him, then burrowed back into his arms, "I don¡¯t care anyway!"


    Jiang Yan smiled, thinking to himself, this was the real Qingxin.


    After Mu Yichen and Qin Mu arrived home, they didn¡¯t rush inside, but got out of the car to wait for those two to return. Ten minutes later, that couple¡¯s car also came in. Jiang Yan and Qingxin emerged and walked towards them.


    "Big Uncle! Sister-in-law!"


    Jiang Yan greeted them politely, dropping his usual aloofness in front of others.


    "You two were waiting here for us? Kind of creepy, huh!"


    Qingxin pouted her lips, still not forgetting to mock.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but snicker at the mention of creepy, "Do you really think we¡¯re the creepy ones?"


    "Hey, hey, hey, Qin Mu, don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know, you and my brother outside in the middle of the night, hmm?"


    Qingxin¡¯s face turned red immediately after hearing that, but she didn¡¯t forget to raise her hand and challenge Qin Mu.


    "At least we were in the middle of the night, you two... tsk, tsk, tsk..."


    Qin Mu held back her laughter, gazed at today¡¯s beautiful blue sky and white clouds, then sighed helplessly and shook her head.


    Qingxin jumped with embarrassment, "You, you, you..."


    Jiang Yan lowered his head, sensing that things were somehow amiss.


    "Let¡¯s go, these two women have become so deranged that they discussed all of your forty-eight positions!"


    Mu Yichen originally wanted to scold them a little, but after hearing his wife¡¯s words, he sighed helplessly and walked ahead.

 Chapter 563 - 166, his heart only has his wife.

    Chapter 563: 166, his heart only has his wife.


    Jiang Yan, upon hearing Mu Yichen¡¯s words, dared not stay any longer, and incredulously looked at his sister-in-law and his wife before quickly following his uncle ahead, into the interior. The world of women was simply too terrifying for him.


    Jiang Yan was the kind of person who never shared his private life with others. In his more than twenty years of life, apart from fighting wars and staying on guard, there were only Mu Qingxin and his son; nothing else mattered.


    Mu Qingxin stayed glued to his side, sitting on the sofa next to him without a bone in her body, leaning against his shoulder.


    Jiang Yan just glanced at her with a questioning look, hoping she would sit up straight since there were so many elders around to watch, but she insisted on clinging to him.


    "Mu Qingxin, as a lady from a prominent family, don¡¯t you know the basic etiquettes of sitting and standing properly?"


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and said something.


    A pitiful Mu Qingxin retorted, "Mom, you don¡¯t understand anything, don¡¯t talk!"


    Despite Mu Qingxin¡¯s noncompliance, the young girl sitting next to Feng Fanghua straightened her hunched back thoroughly, as if fearing everyone would notice her poor posture. She cautiously examined the faces around her and held her back particularly straight.


    Mu Qingxin, watching Huanhuan¡¯s serious demeanor, couldn¡¯t help but give an embarrassed cough and reluctantly let go of Jiang Yan.


    "Look, even Huanhuan knows better than you!"


    Feng Fanghua, seeing her granddaughter being so sensible, was quite relieved and continued to scold her daughter.


    "Huanhuan, Huanhuan! Ever since Huanhuan arrived, you¡¯ve had no eyes for Qingxin!"


    Mu Qingxin complained and then called out to Huanhuan, "You little girl, come over to your aunt!"


    Huanhuan got down from the sofa next to her grandmother and walked over to her aunt¡¯s side.


    The old master, seeing the little girl so obedient, couldn¡¯t help but smile and said, "Huanhuan, this little girl, is indeed well-behaved!"


    Well-behaved! Qin Mu watched her daughter pretending and couldn¡¯t help but laugh, thinking that the elders must be fooled by this little girl, right?


    When Huanhuan came over to Mu Qingxin, she also straightened her back forcefully. Sighing, Mu Qingxin patted her shoulders and told her, "Huanhuan, believe in your aunt, one shouldn¡¯t be so rigid. Why be so tiresome all the time? In your own home, you can sit however you want. When you¡¯re out, then you can pretend for those people."


    Hearing her aunt¡¯s words, Huanhuan couldn¡¯t help but look at her uncle. Jiang Yan actually agreed with Mu Qingxin¡¯s words, but in front of the elders, he didn¡¯t dare to concur and only gave her an embarrassed yet polite smile.


    "Is that how you teach a child? Does a hunched back look good?"


    Just as Huanhuan was about to relax, her grandmother¡¯s remark about looking good made her immediately straighten her back again; she thought looking good was more important after all, and it seemed like her mom always sat up straight too.


    Later, Huanhuan went to Qin Mu¡¯s side, thinking that she might be led astray if she stayed next to her aunt.


    Seeing her daughter finally coming to her, Qin Mu happily embraced her and kissed her, making Huanhuan feel a ticklish sensation where she was kissed. She giggled and touched her small face, falling into her mother¡¯s embrace. As she laughed, her neat white teeth and sparkling eyes both curved beautifully.


    That evening, the family made dumplings, and they were quickly devoured.


    But because Feng Fanghua noticed Qin Mu enjoyed eating them, she told everyone to let Qin Mu eat first.


    An irritated Mu Qingxin muttered, "Stepmother!"


    Feng Fanghua paid little attention, only saying, "When it¡¯s your turn to be pregnant again, we¡¯ll let you eat as much as you want too."


    Qin Mu loved dumplings, so naturally she didn¡¯t hold back and ate quite a few whenever the family made them.


    Only later did she realize that Feng Fanghua, having noticed her fondness for dumplings, would have the kitchen make them every now and then and even have them delivered to her studio at noon.


    At that time, Qin Mu felt she was so blissful it was almost unbearable.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Summer crept in quietly, and it really began to heat up.


    The air conditioning in the studio was also turned on, and several colleagues had already caught colds due to the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures. Unsurprisingly, Qin Mu joined them.


    Feng Fanghua directly kept her at the old house instead of letting her go back to the studio, telling her to have someone run errands for her if needed. Qin Mu thus spent most of the time lying in bed or on the couch.


    Fortunately, she had taken fewer orders this year, so she was able to relax for a few days.


    Mu Qingxin and her beloved son were picked up by Jiang Yan, leaving her and the old master alone at home during the day. Fearing she¡¯d be bored, he had someone call her downstairs to play chess with him.

 Chapter 564 - 166, his heart only has his wife.

    Chapter 564: 166, his heart only has his wife.


    Qin Mu put on a mask and went downstairs.


    "Girl, what are you doing? Your grandpa has brushed his teeth, there¡¯s no smell."


    "Grandpa! I¡¯m worried about giving you a cold!"


    In the spacious house, other than the staff, it was just the two of them sitting on the couch, drinking tea and playing chess.


    Qin Mu¡¯s progress wasn¡¯t much, so although the old master occasionally had a headache, he basically won steadily.


    After losing two games, Qin Mu felt utterly disheartened, "Grandpa, you¡¯re killing me!"


    "Haha! Let¡¯s go again, this time I¡¯ll let you win!"


    "Really?"


    Qin Mu gaped with her big red eyes, disbelieving as she looked at the old man.


    "Would I lie to you? Come on, continue!"


    Qin Mu was actually skeptical, and sure enough, it went just as she expected.


    The old master quickly won another game, then laughed, "Oh dear, I forgot to hold back."


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart cried, but she could only laugh along, "Grandpa, please show some mercy!"


    Qin Mu thought, if no one else came home, she would be done for!


    In less than an hour and a half, Qin Mu was almost falling asleep when the old master, feeling sorry for her, was about to let her go upstairs to rest. Mu Yichen came back from outside.


    Hearing the housekeeper greet Mu Yichen, the old master turned to look at his grandson returning, "Boy, what brings you back so early?"


    "You¡¯re still letting her play chess with you looking like this?"


    Mu Yichen walked up and directly lifted Qin Mu from the couch.


    "I did it because I was afraid she¡¯d get bored!"


    The old master explained.


    "Who¡¯s the one that¡¯s bored?"


    Mu Yichen asked, then turned with Qin Mu in his arms and headed toward the staircase.


    "Grandpa, I¡¯ll come back later to accompany you!"


    Qin Mu, feeling bad for dampening the old man¡¯s spirits, promised the old master with wide eyes.


    "Do you want me to spank you?"


    Mu Yichen looked down at her unhappily and asked in a low voice.


    "You¡¯re finally back!"


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t upset, instead, she snuggled into his embrace with a smile.


    "Actually, grandpa is very entertaining; he always tricks me into playing chess with him. He¡¯s like a cute little kid."


    Mu Yichen looked at Qin Mu¡¯s reddened eyes, then at her spirited appearance, and couldn¡¯t help but sigh, "He is cute, but you¡¯re even cuter!"


    It was definitely not a sincere compliment.


    Once Mu Yichen put her on the bed, he gave her a reproachful look, "Don¡¯t you know your own condition? If this continues, I think it¡¯s better we move back to the apartment!"


    He said!


    "Moving back to the apartment, will you take time off work to take care of me personally?"


    "Have I not taken care of you personally before? Or are you worried I¡¯m not good at it?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t answer, instead questioning her.


    Seeing he was really angry, Qin Mu raised her hand to cup half of his face, "Oh, I was just keeping grandpa company for a game of chess. Plus, I¡¯ve been sleeping so much that I¡¯m getting stupid. It¡¯s hard to find someone willing to play with me."


    "And the result?"


    Mu Yichen asked her patiently.


    "Well, I lost pretty badly! Me!"


    "Sigh!"


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly and pulled her hand down, tucking it under the blanket, "Your eyes are so red, and you still care if others are happy or not, you¡¯re really something."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s deep gaze settled on her as he lay down beside her.


    "I have a slight fever, but it¡¯s not too serious!" Qin Mu touched her forehead, then used the back of her hand to press against her eyelids, feeling the hotter sensation there.


    "If you don¡¯t get better, I¡¯ll have to take you to the hospital. Or should I call Helian Hao to give you a shot?"


    "No way! Medicines can be harmful, our baby needs to grow up healthy and strong."


    "First, his mother has to be healthy!"


    Mu Yichen reminded her.


    "Alright, I get it!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t argue with him!


    Later, Mu Yichen spent the entire afternoon with her in bed, and no one came to disturb them.


    Because Mu Yichen was by her side, Qin Mu fell asleep quickly. After she was asleep, Mu Yichen looked down at her, then went to the bathroom to wet a towel and brought it back to gently place on her forehead.


    When Secretary Xi called him, his first reflex was to glance at Qin Mu, then he quickly picked up the phone, "Hold on!"


    Secretary Xi waited as he quietly went to the bathroom to take the call.


    "What¡¯s the matter?"


    "President Li from Construction Bank is here!"


    "I have something at home, let Qiao Yi entertain him!"


    Mu Yichen thought for a moment, probably about something related to joining Construction Bank, but none of that was as important as his wife¡¯s health.


    "Alright!"


    Secretary Xi was standing with Qiao Yi, and immediately looked at the man next to him after the call, "The boss says it¡¯s up to you now!"


    Qiao Yi raised his eyebrows slightly, then nodded, "Hmm!"

 Chapter 565 - 166, his heart only has his wife.

    Chapter 565: 166, his heart only has his wife.


    In fact, regarding Jing Qing¡¯s matter, though Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t troubled him, he knew Mu Yichen was aware of everything. All he decided was to devote himself entirely to his brother in the future, out of the guilt he felt within.


    Secretary Xi had been standing with him in his office, but after she finished speaking, Qiao Yi left, and she immediately went out the door, sensing that their boss¡¯s voice seemed very suppressed!


    That evening, after Qin Mu fell asleep, Mu Yichen went to the bar where Qiao Yi was waiting for him. Seeing him arrive, he immediately took the initiative to pour him a glass of wine, "Drink this first, I have some things to talk to you about."


    "Some things don¡¯t need such a clear explanation from me!"


    After downing the glass of wine, Mu Yichen turned his eyes to him and threw out a reminder.


    "So, this is totally clear?"


    Qiao Yi looked at him, his voice even lower.


    "We¡¯ve known each other for almost thirty years; you wouldn¡¯t harm me."


    "But..."


    "The company can¡¯t do without you now, let¡¯s talk about everything else later!"


    Mu Yichen had someone pour him another glass, then raised it, waiting for Qiao Yi to clink glasses with him.


    Qiao Yi gave a bitter smile, "From now on, my life is yours!"


    "That sounds so familiar!"


    As Mu Yichen drank, he slightly raised his eyes to look at the bartender¡¯s cocktail shaker, carefully chewing over that phrase.


    Qiao Yi choked on his drink, unable to hold back a cough!


    "Hey, handsome! Come dance with me!"


    Suddenly, a girl dressed provocatively walked up and gently tapped on Mu Yichen¡¯s back.


    Instinctively frowning at the contact, Mu Yichen then glanced to the side. The girl walked up to him, smiling and winking, "Let¡¯s go?"


    "Married!"


    President Mu just tossed two cold words at her, then turned his gaze to Qiao Yi.


    "I¡¯m single! Can I go?"


    Qiao Yi, receiving the cue, immediately put down his glass and spoke to the lady.


    The girl wasn¡¯t blind; she nodded and then stepped forward to take Qiao Yi¡¯s hand, leading him toward the dance floor.


    "Girls, did I not bring a real hottie over?"


    Qiao Yi¡¯s face turned slightly red, but luckily the light was dim enough.


    Mu Yichen stood aside and had another drink before he paid the bill and left.


    His mind was on his wife at home, so he dared not linger over his drink!


    However, as he was leaving, he accidentally bumped into a girl who had come in with a few young men at the entrance. Initially flirting with the guys, she glanced at him after the collision.


    Mu Yichen merely glanced back reflexively and left without looking back.


    Watching his indifferent silhouette leave, the girl couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Who¡¯s he? Seems like he¡¯s got quite the temper."


    "He¡¯s really someone important!"


    Someone familiar with him explained to the girl.


    "Oh? Let¡¯s hear it, how important can someone be to be out drinking here in the middle of the night?"


    "The business emperor of Rong City!"


    The man beside her shared.


    The girl¡¯s expression became serious for a moment and then she laughed as she walked further in, "Mu Yichen!"


    "That¡¯s him!"


    Remembering that name and thinking back on the indifferent glance from moments before, the girl felt she had made the right connection.


    However, running into him on her first night in Rongcheng made her feel quite pleased.


    After Mu Yichen got home, he tiptoed to the bathroom to shower. Only after changing into clean pajamas did he lie down next to her.


    As Qin Mu turned over, she happened to hold onto him, murmuring unconsciously, "Why are you so cold?"


    "Went out for a bit!" he said in a low voice.


    Qin Mu said no more, only holding him tight, continuing to sleep peacefully without even opening her eyes.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh at how quickly she fell asleep, as if she were a piece of cotton candy accidentally touching his nose, the soft and tender feeling making his mood as good as if spring had arrived.


    He kissed her on the forehead softly and fell asleep with her in his arms.


    The next day, when Mu Yichen went to work, after a meeting, he looked at the man who hadn¡¯t moved and asked, "Didn¡¯t go home last night?"


    Qiao Yi¡¯s face flushed, then he cleared his throat, sitting weakly in his chair.


    Secretary Xi was still sitting there; seeing her, Qiao Yi lowered his eyes, and Secretary Xi laughed unintentionally, "Is it inconvenient? I¡¯ll step out!"


    "Well... it¡¯s indeed a bit inconvenient!"


    Qiao Yi tried to call her back, but after thinking, he added.


    Secretary Xi¡¯s face shifted, then she took her notebook and walked out. At the door, she turned back, "Assistant Qin, ¡¯a bit inconvenient¡¯ indeed means that you¡¯ve admitted to not going home last night."


    After speaking, Secretary Xi walked away.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t understand why Secretary Xi was so upset and turned his gaze to Qiao Yi, "Do you two... have an issue?"

 Chapter 566 - 166, his heart only has his wife.

    Chapter 566: 166, his heart only has his wife.


    "No, no! She might be having her period!"


    Qiao Yi immediately shook his head in denial, explaining.


    Mu Yichen looked at Qiao Yi, frowning, "What on earth happened last night?"


    "The girl was kind of straightforward, so I didn¡¯t make it back home."


    After hearing this, Mu Yichen just looked at him for several seconds before casually nodding, "At least that¡¯s out in the open now!"


    "Uh, well, actually..."


    "There¡¯s no need to explain to me! I think you should explain to Secretary Xi instead!"


    As Mu Yichen spoke, he had already stood up, his keen gaze fixed on Qiao Yi. After he finished speaking, he left.


    Qiao Yi wanted to explain more to Mu Yichen; in fact, he had wanted to talk to someone about last night¡¯s incident, but he didn¡¯t know who to turn to, and since he worked closely with Mu Yichen, he thought of confiding in him. Who knew that Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t interested in listening at all.


    Qiao Yi sighed helplessly, and during lunchtime in the cafeteria of the office building, he coincidentally saw Secretary Xi eating alone. He walked over out of habit to join her and casually greeted, "Why are you eating alone today?"


    Secretary Xi glanced at him, then picked up her tray and moved to another spot.


    Qiao Yi...


    Having no idea what had transpired, Qiao Yi went to Mu Yichen¡¯s office, quite upset that afternoon, "Hey, President Mu, what¡¯s the deal with your secretary? I kindly went to eat lunch with her, and she just picked up her plate and left without acknowledging me."


    "Are you sure you didn¡¯t provoke her?"


    After Mu Yichen finished signing the documents and closed his pen, he lifted his eyes and looked at him seriously and asked again.


    Qiao Yi...


    "How could I dare to provoke her? Didn¡¯t you say I¡¯m not allowed to mess with your secretary?"


    "Then I don¡¯t have a clue!"


    Mu Yichen thought, if the person involved didn¡¯t understand what was happening, it wouldn¡¯t be good for him to speculate.


    ¡ª¡ª


    That day, Qin Mu went with Helian Hao to pick out clothes in a store and heard a woman next door asking a salesperson, "I heard that the clothes in your store are all unique. I want something that won¡¯t be duplicated, yet not old-fashioned. It should be subtly revealing, give an impression of politeness while still being sexy."


    The salesperson listened to her request and picked out several items for her, which she repeatedly shook her head at, "No good, the color should be mainly dark shades."


    After listening, Qin Mu thought about it and rummaged through a few items before pulling out a dark-colored V-neck dress with a hollow-out back design, sexy yet forward-looking from the front without losing a sense of propriety.


    "I wonder if this dress meets the lady¡¯s expectations?"


    Qin Mu carried the dress over.


    The woman glanced at Qin Mu, first in confusion, then at the dress.


    "It looks decent, I¡¯ll try it on!"


    "All right!"


    Qin Mu smiled faintly as the woman took the dress and followed the salesperson to the fitting room.


    Helian Hao stepped out from the side and said, "This woman must have some motive, right? Isn¡¯t she trying to seduce a man?"


    Qin Mu curiously looked at Helian Hao, "Seduce who?"


    Helian Hao was taken aback, then shrugged, "How should I know?"


    For some reason, Qin Mu¡¯s heart thumped.


    "But you see, with her requirements, all that subtly revealing yet dignified and sexy stuff, if it¡¯s not for a man, who would believe it?"


    Helian Hao whispered in Qin Mu¡¯s ear, her discerning eyes fixed on the fitting room area.


    "Then let¡¯s each pick out something like that too?"


    Qin Mu suddenly suggested excitedly.


    "Hm?"


    Helian Hao was taken aback!


    "To seduce men at home, of course!"


    Qin Mu replied!


    Helian Hao...


    "Although I¡¯m not too keen on it, to be honest, I still have what it takes to seduce men, after all, I can handle it now. But what about you? With your current situation..."


    Helian Hao didn¡¯t finish speaking but reached out and patted her belly.


    Qin Mu...


    Sigh! Nowadays, I can only wear dresses that are more on the loose side.


    She felt somewhat dismayed and couldn¡¯t help sighing.


    The beautiful woman had just come out of the fitting room wearing the new dress and looked at herself turning left and right in front of the mirror. Then she turned to look for Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu and Helian Hao were also astonished by her figure; she truly had the perfect model¡¯s body, with cleavage and long legs, and a gorgeous back highlighted by the dress design that made both women feel envious.


    Qin Mu quietly asked Helian Hao: could she be an actress or a model or something?


    "I wouldn¡¯t know, but I¡¯ve never seen this woman among the refined ladies of Rongcheng."


    Helian Hao¡¯s gaze was very serious as she scrutinized the woman¡¯s face.


    "I¡¯m Su Zhen, from D City!"


    Su Zhen happily greeted them after purchasing the dress, her sharp gaze noticing that Qin Mu and Helian Hao were wearing the same brand and deduced they must be close friends.


    "Hello! Qin Mu!"


    Qin Mu introduced herself simply yet politely!


    "Helian Hao!¡ªWe¡¯re both genuine Rongcheng locals!"


    Helian Hao thought for a moment and added a few more words.


    "That¡¯s wonderful, I¡¯ve just arrived in this precious place and still don¡¯t know much about it. Can we be friends?"

 Chapter 567 - 167 How can she compare with you?_1

    Chapter 567: 167 How can she compare with you?_1


    "I¡¯m an obstetrician working at the downtown hospital, and I¡¯d be more than happy to help if Miss Su has any issues in that area. Here¡¯s my business card!"


    Helian Hao said, reflexively fishing a business card from her bag, which indeed had her phone number on it.


    Qin Mu felt a bit shy upon hearing someone wanted to befriend her, but she was genuinely surprised when she heard Helian Hao produce her business card.


    Helian Hao was also that kind of person who doesn¡¯t make friends easily, having been through a lot, she knew all too well how precious the word ¡¯friend¡¯ could be.


    They didn¡¯t need friends who were just there for casual eating and drinking, so that¡¯s why Helian Hao had to say it that way.


    Su Zhen smiled a bit awkwardly but still took Helian Hao¡¯s business card: "I hope I won¡¯t have to consult you on such issues."


    "Here¡¯s my business card!"


    Su Zhen also politely took out her own business card and handed it to them.


    Qin Mu and Helian Hao both held their breath involuntarily upon seeing this card.


    "I just started working at AM on Monday, and I got my business cards just this morning. If you two ever dine at AM, be sure to look for me!"


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qin Mu and Helian Hao had never expected that this stunning beauty named Su Zhen had come from out of town to work at AM. Now, they wondered which gentleman at AM she was so carefully selecting an evening gown for.


    Before parting ways, Helian Hao reminded her, "You might want to gauge Mu Yichen¡¯s opinion first."


    "I¡¯ll ask him directly, why beat around the bush?"


    Qin Mu laughed, opening her car door and leaving first.


    In the evening, when Qin Mu and Huanhuan returned to their apartment, Qin Mu went to the kitchen to prepare dinner, while Huanhuan sat in the dining room reading a picture book on her own.


    Mu Yichen only knew that they had gone back home, but seeing no one in the living room, he glanced toward the kitchen, saw the light on, and headed there, shedding his coat along the way.


    To his surprise, Qin Mu was rolling up her sleeves to chop tomatoes. He approached Huanhuan and tenderly stroked her little head while his eyes irresistibly followed the woman in the kitchen.


    Looking up at her dad, Yichen finally lowered his gaze to meet her eyes, smiled gently, viewed her picture book and then asked with a smile, "Do you understand what you¡¯re reading?"


    "Yes!"


    Huanhuan nodded seriously, then pointed at a princess in the book for her dad: "This is Belle! The princess that Huanhuan likes the most."


    Yichen frowned slightly, vaguely remembering his daughter saying she liked Princess Elsa just a few days ago.


    So, the dreams of a little girl are always changing, aren¡¯t they?


    Yichen smiled helplessly.


    Qin Mu came out from the kitchen: "She¡¯s changed her favorite character seven times this month."


    Yichen looked up at her, noting that his wife looked particularly radiant today.


    "Are you sure you can be trusted with cooking?"


    Yichen walked toward her.


    Qin Mu stepped aside to give him a view of the kitchen.


    She had already arranged several dishes.


    "To be truthful, I don¡¯t want to wait every day for you to come home and cook for me, so I¡¯ve chopped all the vegetables."


    "Hmm! Not bad chopping! How long did it take you?"


    "Not too long, just over half an hour or so!"


    Yichen placed his hands on his hips, and while laughing, he couldn¡¯t help but raise one hand to touch the center of his brow; then, turning his head to contain his smile, he looked at her with eyes full of affection and not a hint of disdain.


    "Mrs. Mu, is it just these greens and two tomatoes? Half an hour, you say?" Yichen was quite skeptical of his wife¡¯s abilities.


    "What about ginger? Chopped onions? Carrots? Don¡¯t they count as vegetables? And didn¡¯t you notice how beautifully I chopped everything? Aren¡¯t those tomato pieces all the same size?"


    Qin Mu went over and picked up a slice to show him.


    Yichen sighed lightly and watched her eat a slice of tomato, then rolled up his sleeves.


    "Start the fire!"


    He ordered softly, then took a piece of beef out of the fridge.


    "Oh!"


    Qin Mu quickly assisted him.


    Rather than just watching him cook as she used to, she wanted to be actively involved in this realm.


    After all, during the two years without him, she and Huanhuan had relied on her cooking skills to get by.


    Occasionally, Huanhuan would look up to see her parents in the kitchen, cooking her favorite dinner, then she would climb contentedly down from her chair and head to the living room on her own.


    Soon enough, the sound of the TV came on in the living room, they exchanged glances, and Qin Mu shrugged, "Your daughter can do a lot now, finding her favorite TV shows, browsing on a phone, and she can accurately find both our names."

 Chapter 568 - 167 How can she compare with you?_2

    Chapter 568: 167 How can she compare with you?_2


    "Hmm! Who taught her this?"


    Mu Yichen looked at Qin Mu and asked.


    "Mu Qingxin! Her aunt!"


    Qin Mu was startled but immediately pushed the responsibility onto the woman who had already left the Mu Family.


    Mu Yichen nodded, "I see!"


    Qin Mu silently sighed in relief, then continued to nibble on a slice of tomato.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, "Am I still frying this or not?"


    "Mixing it with some sugar is also fine," Qin Mu thought for a moment before suggesting.


    "It looks like you have enough to eat like this!"


    Mu Yichen observed as he spoke.


    "Hmm, indeed!"


    Qin Mu, wearing slippers and standing in front of him, was much shorter, looked up at him with bright eyes that sparkled with dazzling light.


    "Go accompany Huanhuan first."


    The feeling of happiness was beyond words.


    All the beauty was reflected in her eyes, on her face, and even in every gesture she made, which seemed to radiate her current happiness.


    After dinner, Qin Mu was going to bathe Huanhuan, and Mu Yichen said to Qin Mu, "Don¡¯t give her a bath, just wash her up quickly, OK!"


    "Alright!"


    Qin Mu obediently agreed.


    However, after mother and daughter got to the bed, Qin Mu forgot that Mu Yichen was waiting for her. She cuddled with Huanhuan in bed, telling a bedtime story until Huanhuan fell asleep, and then listened to her daughter¡¯s breathing as she slept.


    The sound made her feel very comfortable, so she fell asleep too!


    Mu Yichen dealt with some emails for a while, but when she didn¡¯t return, he looked at his wristwatch on the table. It was already ten o¡¯clock. He frowned slightly and went to find her.


    When he got to his daughter¡¯s room and saw Qin Mu sleeping beside her, he sighed helplessly.


    He was still waiting!


    And she had fallen asleep just like that?


    After he brought her back to the room, she woke up and asked him, "Did I fall asleep just now?"


    "Hmmph!"


    The normally good-tempered Mu Yichen just smiled it off.


    Qin Mu was now wide awake, fluttered her lovely lashes, and then smiled at him, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "What do you think?"


    "Have you been feeling sleepy lately?"


    "Just a little bit!"


    Qin Mu answered.


    "Do you know Su Zhen?"


    Qin Mu was actually a bit nervous when she asked, afraid he might think she was jealous.


    "I don¡¯t know her!"


    Mu Yichen frowned as though he needed a moment to think.


    After hearing his response, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but raise her eyebrows, "You don¡¯t know her, huh, but... she said she¡¯s going to work at AM on Monday!"


    Her voice was still low and indeed had a tinge of probing.


    Hearing the letters AM, Mu Yichen looked up and frowned at her, "Which Su Zhen?"


    "The Su Zhen from D City?"


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t quite sure and asked softly, her facial expression all questioning.


    "I know her!"


    He thought for a while then started to explain slowly, "She comes from a connected family, studied hotel management, and I¡¯m currently cooperating with that sector. So, her father approached me and asked me to arrange a position at AM for her, saying it would be a good opportunity for his daughter to gain some experience."


    Mu Yichen recalled the situation with a hint of helplessness, his brows still knotted.


    "She has quite the background!"


    Qin Mu also frowned at this, not too pleased!


    "She¡¯s not worth a finger of yours¡ªyou, how do you know her?"


    Mu Yichen suddenly thought, Qin Mu shouldn¡¯t have known this woman before.


    "She was shopping for clothes at our store today, and I happened to go with Xiaohao to pick up some clothes, and we ran into each other. She specifically asked for a dignified dress, so I introduced one to her, that¡¯s how I know!"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but give a wry smile after listening, "I promise you, there is absolutely nothing inappropriate between this woman and me, I swear it!"


    "Oh? Then with which woman are things not so innocent?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him and asked, her eyes sharp as knives.


    Mu Yichen felt a bit of a shiver in his scalp at her question, "Just dealing with you is more than I can handle, do you think I have time to fool around with other women?"


    "That¡¯s for the best, or else..."


    "Or else what?"


    "Mu Yichen, if that woman dares to cause trouble, I¡¯m warning you in advance, I won¡¯t be polite!"


    "Hmm! Mrs. Mu, feel free to be impolite to her!"


    ----


    The following day!


    Qin Mu took Huanhuan to the Mu Family, where Feng Fanghua had the kitchen prepare freshly washed and cut fruit for her.


    "These were all freshly cut for you this morning, take them with you, and have some when you¡¯re tired from work. I¡¯ve told your assistant to make sure you drink milk every day¡ªare you doing it?"


    Feng Fanghua handed over the box the maid gave her to Qin Mu while speaking.


    "I am, drinking it every day!"


    Qin Mu replied.


    "That¡¯s good, then take care!"


    Feng Fanghua said goodbye while holding Huanhuan¡¯s hand.


    "Bye-bye, mommy!"


    "Bye-bye, Huanhuan, be good!"


    After bidding farewell to her mother, Huanhuan went with her grandmother to the house, where many people were waiting to play with her, and she was quite eager.

 Chapter 569 - 167 How can she compare with you?_3

    Chapter 569: 167 How can she compare with you?_3


    Qin Mu drove to the studio and after arriving, she opened the food box given to her by Feng Fanghua. Inside were two large boxes filled with super pretty, super fresh fruit!


    Qin Mu felt that she had gained some weight around her stomach recently.


    But she couldn¡¯t resist eating! And the more she ate, the bigger her appetite grew.


    Xiaomei brewed her some flower tea and brought it over, then saw her eating fruit.


    "Wow! Eating secretly by yourself!"


    Xiaomei accused her, then leaned forward, propping herself on the office desk and reached out to grab some fruit.


    Qin Mu slapped her hand away, and Xiaomei immediately looked like she was about to cry.


    Qin Mu handed her a fruit pick, and Xiaomei cheered up again, quickly helping herself to a few pieces.


    "Mmm! The fruit from rich families is really different!"


    Xiaomei said while eating, totally relishing it and tilting her head back as if she was drooling while eating.


    Qin Mu helplessly glanced at her, "You talk as if you haven¡¯t eaten anything yummy with me over the years."


    "But I never get enough each time."


    Xiaomei continued to complain, then picked out some unfamiliar fruits to taste.


    "This time you still won¡¯t get enough."


    Qin Mu kindly reminded her, but couldn¡¯t help laughing after she finished talking.


    "Qinqin, you¡¯re getting better at expressing yourself! I kinda miss the old Qinqin who only loved her work."


    Xiaomei muttered.


    Qin Mu...


    Did she only love her work before?


    How could that be?


    She loved Huanhuan too!


    What about her now?


    Suddenly, she felt like she had fallen in love with the whole Rongcheng!


    This astonishing discovery made her stop talking and retreat into a memory.


    Xiaomei, still eating with her head down, looked up at Qin Mu after noticing her silence. Realizing that Qin Mu was lost in thought and that Xiaomei herself had no memory of what she had just said, she looked at her and said, "You¡¯re not eating anymore? Then, I won¡¯t hold back!"


    "Why?"


    Qin Mu came back to her senses and asked her.


    "It¡¯s much nicer to have someone to compete with when eating! Plus, this was prepared by your mother-in-law. Sigh, I¡¯ll go out first, just call me if you need anything!"


    Xiaomei said while standing up with her fruit pick.


    "When you¡¯re pregnant, I¡¯ll definitely buy you lots and lots so you can eat your fill!"


    Qin Mu immediately promised.


    "Then you¡¯ll have a long wait!"


    Xiaomei shrugged her shoulders and then left the room.


    Thinking to herself, when can someone without even a man hope to get pregnant?


    Ha ha, if not, I¡¯ll just go to the sperm bank when I¡¯m thirty!


    Xiaomei thought cheerfully and then went downstairs to bury herself in work again.


    In the morning, Helian Hao had asked Qin Mu to also order lunch for her from the restaurant, so at noon, they ate the meal delivered by AM in the studio together.


    By lunchtime, a dining table had been set up next to the first-floor kitchen, with six dishes and two soups arranged on it.


    The three women exchanged looks, then turned to the restaurant manager.


    "This was Mr. Mu¡¯s idea. He said you didn¡¯t seem comfortable eating over there, so we picked a dining table suitable for the studio and moved it here," said the manager.


    "Thank you all for your hard work!"


    Qin Mu was really embarrassed, but had to thank them nonetheless.


    Yet, she felt a bit uneasy about troubling them.


    "This is what we should do. If you need anything in the future, Madam, just instruct me and I will do my best to take care of it," the manager said with great courtesy.


    "Okay! Thank you!"


    After sending the staff away, the three women sat down at the table, "If I had known it would be this lavish, I wouldn¡¯t have ordered milk tea. I love these soups!"


    Xiaomei said as she hastily served herself a bowl of soup. Even the bowl was exceptionally pretty, white and translucent.


    "Being Mrs. Mu sure is nice!"


    Helian Hao took Qin Mu¡¯s bowl to serve her soup but didn¡¯t forget to sigh with envy.


    "Jealous, aren¡¯t you?"


    Qin Mu tried to contain her pride, but eventually, she let out a laugh.


    Helian Hao gave her a look, then served herself some soup. However, a sudden surge of nausea hit her, and she quickly put down her utensils and ran to the restroom.


    Qin Mu and Xiaomei curiously watched her go, then looked at each other.


    Later, Qin Mu put down the utensils she had just picked up and followed her to the restroom. Seeing Helian Hao vomiting, she frowned, "You¡¯re..."


    Helian Hao turned to look at her with eyes brimming with tears, about to speak but overcome with distress again.


    Qin Mu leaned against the door with her arms crossed, silently watching Helian Hao finish vomiting, then said earnestly, "Congratulations! You¡¯ve got joy coming again!"


    Helian Hao looked at her, "That can¡¯t be possible, right?"


    Helian Hao asked worriedly.


    Qin Mu smiled, "You¡¯re a doctor and even you don¡¯t know?"


    Helian Hao...

 Chapter 570 - 167 How can she compare with you?_4

    Chapter 570: 167 How can she compare with you?_4


    Alright, she indeed had a bit of a slow reaction to certain things.


    When the two of them returned to the dining table, Xiaomei was scarfing down food like crazy, having eaten nearly half of several dishes already.


    Xiaomei looked up at them and said, "You don¡¯t need to tell me anything, I don¡¯t want to know!"


    Helian Hao and Qin Mu gave a helpless laugh, then went over and sat down to eat.


    However, Helian Hao still couldn¡¯t help but react a little at the sight of the fish soup.


    "Fish soup is very nourishing, you should drink more of it."


    Qin Mu, remembering her own first three months, then reminded Helian Hao.


    But in her heart, she thought, ah, you have your day too.


    Helian Hao gave a helpless sigh and said, "I might as well keep it a secret for now. Otherwise, if Jing Feng finds out, how am I to deal with him forcing me to eat all sorts of bizarre things?"


    "And what if he figures it out just by your behavior?"


    Upon hearing this, Xiaomei immediately began talking and mimicking the behavior at the same time.


    Helian Hao thought about it and, feeling helpless, shook her head and said, "You actually make a lot of sense. Why does a single young woman like you seem to understand men so well?"


    "I don¡¯t understand men at all!"


    When Xiaomei heard Helian Hao¡¯s words, she protested softly but unconsciously thought of Jian Yan, having been with him for so long. She figured that perhaps this is what unrequited love is like; you gradually understand everything about that man, you guess his thoughts, you realize that a lot of things about men cannot be forced, and you come to know just how perceptive men can be.


    Perhaps Jian Yan had sensed Qin Mu¡¯s feelings for Mu Yichen right from the start?


    Suddenly, Xiaomei remembered how Jian Yan had been distracted during that period, memories like a long river, leading to unknown places, making one lose their way.


    Seeing Xiaomei¡¯s soul-lost appearance, Qin Mu guessed she was thinking of Jian Yan and simply said softly, "Didn¡¯t you say you liked the soup? Drink more of it, it won¡¯t taste good once it¡¯s cold!"


    Xiaomei, reminded about the soup, quickly recovered her spirits and started competing with the two pregnant women for food.


    After Helian Hao returned to the hospital, she found a pregnancy test stick and took it to the restroom.


    When she confirmed later that she was pregnant, her heart almost stopped from the fright.


    She sent a WeChat picture to Qin Mu: "Dear, I really am pregnant!"


    "What did you originally think?"


    Qin Mu thought to herself, she had made it so clear in the studio at noon, so that woman had never believed it.


    "I thought you were joking!"


    She also sent a crying emoji.


    Qin Mu laughed helplessly and replied, "Take good care of yourself, you should tell Jing Feng by tonight at the latest when you get off work."


    Helian Hao sent a string of ellipsis.


    The relationship between Helian Hao and Jing Feng lately, how to put it?


    Helian Hao always felt that they were just getting by, although there were feelings, it was hard to get fully invested.


    There was a period when she almost thought they were going to break up.


    But day by day, they got through the past few months.


    And then one day, out of the blue, she discovered she was pregnant.


    If Jing Feng found out about her pregnancy...


    Jing Feng must have been hoping for her to be pregnant, she thought. Thinking of his reaction when he would find out, she felt somewhat gloomy all afternoon, and went straight home after work.


    In the evening, she prepared dinner on time as usual. Jing Feng also seldom socialized after work and would come home to eat.


    But tonight, Jing Feng did not return. He called to say that there was something at the old house that required his attention, so Helian Hao prepared dinner and ate alone.


    Around ten o¡¯clock, she sat on the sofa holding the remote control and watched TV. The house was silent except for the sound of the remote. She occasionally glanced at the beautiful clock hanging not far away on the wall, and then her gaze would return to the television.


    She was kind of nervous, not knowing how to bring up her pregnancy.


    However, as he didn¡¯t come back, she found herself wanting to say less and less.


    When Jing Feng finally returned home, nearly at eleven o¡¯clock, she still sat on the sofa. She glanced at him as he came over and sat beside her and then asked softly, "Is there something going on at home?"


    "Nothing much!"


    Jing Feng said tiredly, leaning back in the sofa and lifting his head.


    Helian Hao felt that ever since Jing Qing left, Jing Feng seemed to be under a lot of pressure. She wondered if Jing Qing had truly died in that explosion, or if it was just the Jing Family¡¯s arrangement for her departure.


    She couldn¡¯t be sure and later decided not to ask too much about it. Affairs of the Jing Family that she shouldn¡¯t meddle in, she wouldn¡¯t bother with.


    The two of them sat quietly on the sofa for a while.


    "Let¡¯s go to sleep!"


    Jing Feng suddenly spoke up, then straightened his back.


    Helian Hao turned her head to look at him, holding back again and again. Remembering the message from Qin Mu, she finally mustered the courage, "Jing Feng, I¡¯m pregnant!"

 Chapter 571 - 167 How can she compare with you?_5

    Chapter 571: 167 How can she compare with you?_5freew§Ö?bno¦Íel.com


    Jing Feng sat motionless, his lowered eyelids hiding all the emotions in his eyes. Only after a long time did he turn to look at Helian Hao.


    "Do we want this child?"


    Helian Hao asked him in a low voice. She was not joyful about being pregnant; instead, she now felt a bit nervous and uncertain.


    "You¡¯re pregnant?"


    He repeated, his voice lowered.


    "Mhm!"


    Helian Hao replied with a sound of affirmation.


    Jing Feng¡¯s expression gradually changed, and then he suddenly took a deep breath, his back, which had been straight already, now even more rigid.


    "When did you confirm it?"


    He asked another question.


    "This afternoon at the hospital!"


    She answered, then lowered her head again; his expression was even more tense than hers.


    "If you think it¡¯s not the right time to have this child, I also plan to..."


    "Who said I don¡¯t want it? Where is it not suitable to want?"


    Jing Feng asked her, very seriously and earnestly.


    Helian Hao turned to look at him, her eyes gradually growing warm, and then filling with tears.


    Then she choked up and turned her head away, looking elsewhere.


    "You have been unhappy lately, Jing Feng. I thought maybe the pressure is really big when you are with me, or perhaps we should have seriously considered our relationship long ago."


    Helian Hao lowered her eyes, tears falling onto her hand as she analyzed their situation.


    "I indeed have not been happy, but when did I ever say we were not suitable? Or did I do something to make you feel that I don¡¯t care about you?"


    He asked her, barely suppressing his anger.


    Helian Hao didn¡¯t look at him and stood up: "Let¡¯s talk about it tomorrow!"


    If he hadn¡¯t realized how much he had been neglecting her recently.


    Sometimes she even felt that they only sought each other out to solve physical needs when necessary.


    If it hadn¡¯t been for this pregnancy, she wouldn¡¯t even have thought to talk to Jing Feng about these things¡ªshe didn¡¯t want to talk.


    They had known each other for more than twenty years, and it seemed that many things didn¡¯t need to be stated explicitly.


    They could go on living like this for another twenty years, forty years, sixty years, as long as they were alive, they could just get by.


    That is, if she hadn¡¯t been pregnant.


    After watching her return to the room, Jing Feng sat outside for a minute and then followed her in: "Helian Hao, look at me!"


    Helian Hao didn¡¯t look at him, her head bowed forcefully, tears falling uncontrollably down her cheeks; how could she still look at him?


    "How could you have such an illusion? Hmm?"


    Unable to hold back, Helian Hao sobbed on his shoulder.


    "I¡¯m sorry for neglecting your feelings recently, but I swear, I have never given up on loving you," he confessed quietly.


    "About being pregnant, let¡¯s not tell the old house yet, okay?"


    Helian Hao¡¯s hoarse voice asked him.


    "Alright!"


    He agreed, "Xiaohao, look at me!"


    Helian Hao shook her head desperately.


    She didn¡¯t want to look at him.


    "You¡¯ve always been confident, haven¡¯t you?"


    Jing Feng asked her.


    She couldn¡¯t help but give a bitter laugh, her head resting on his shoulder.


    She used to be very confident, but now, she wasn¡¯t so sure anymore.


    She thought she could restrain herself, that even though they were married, she could manage her own heart. She didn¡¯t need to show she loved him too much, as long as he loved her, and she would always be the most nonchalant one.


    But now...


    Later, Helian Hao sent a message to Qin Mu while Jing Feng was in the bathroom.


    "I told him!"


    Down in the living room of Mu Yichen¡¯s apartment.


    Two people were sitting on the sofa waiting to watch a soccer match, and now Mu Yichen was watching another sports program while Qin Mu leaned on his shoulder flipping through a book, both planning not to go to work the next day.


    Upon hearing a sound from the phone, he looked at the message in front of him.


    "Xiaohao told Jing Feng about her pregnancy."


    Qin Mu mentioned, with a tired voice.


    "Hmm! Huh? Helian Hao is pregnant?"


    Mu Yichen was engrossed in the sports program, a bit too earnestly, and after snapping back to reality, he looked towards the woman resting on his shoulder, who now appeared a bit weary.

 Chapter 572 - 168 There is no place in the AM where I am not inconvenienced_1

    Chapter 572: 168 There is no place in the AM where I am not inconvenienced_1


    Mu Yichen was engrossed in another sports program, a bit too seriously. After snapping out of it, he looked towards the woman leaning on his shoulder, showing signs of fatigue.


    "Yeah! I just found out today! Has Jing Feng had a drink with you alone recently?"


    Qin Mu lifted his eyes to look at him, curiously asking.


    "No!"


    Mu Yichen thought about it; the two of them hadn¡¯t eaten alone together in a long time.


    "Is it still because of Jing Qing¡¯s affair?"


    "Perhaps!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s brows furrowed, disliking this topic.


    "Xiaohao has been feeling a bit uncertain about their relationship recently. When you have time, help me test Jing Feng."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu leaned back on his shoulder again with a sigh of resignation after hearing his agreement, suddenly staring at the TV: "I¡¯m sleepy!"


    "Go to sleep!"


    As Mu Yichen spoke, he lifted his hand, wrapping his arm around her to let her lie comfortably on his lap.


    Qin Mu then lay on his legs and fell asleep in less than three minutes.


    Later, Mu Yichen looked down at her sleeping and couldn¡¯t help but smile, draping the blanket he had prepared over her and continued to watch the television screen.


    He then took out his phone to find Jing Feng¡¯s number, intending to call Jing Feng, but a call came in before he could dial out.


    "Come out for drinks!"


    "Come to my office for tea tomorrow!"


    "Alright!"


    It seems that men¡¯s phone calls can always end so simply.


    After putting down his phone, Mu Yichen looked at the woman sleeping on his lap, thinking that she had promised so confidently to watch the game with him, and yet she had fallen asleep so soundly after not too long.


    After setting aside the phone, he gently lifted her from his lap and carried her directly to the room upstairs.


    Sleeping, of course, is more comfortable on a bed.


    After setting her down, he did not rush to leave but lay down with her on the bed, fearing that a hasty retreat might disturb Qin Mu¡¯s sleep.


    Qin Mu needed to sleep at least ten hours every day recently, a fact of which she remained blissfully unaware.


    Every night after ten o¡¯clock, she would become sleepy and struggle to keep her eyes open, yet she still thought she could control it like she used to when she was single?


    When Qin Mu woke up in the morning, she thought she was still dreaming. How could it be so bright?


    Then, turning over and seeing him propped up on one hand, looking at her in the sunlight, she lay back down on the bed.


    "I must be dreaming!"


    Qin Mu said, trying to sound serious.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh: "Yeah! This dream probably won¡¯t end!"


    Mu Yichen could only agree.


    Qin Mu immediately turned her head to look at him: "Didn¡¯t we agree to watch the game together?"


    "But then Mrs. Mu fell asleep!"


    Mu Yichen stated, looking at her with an indulgent gaze.


    Qin Mu...


    Why did his gaze feel so difficult? Qin Mu licked her lips, then burrowed into his embrace to act coquettishly: "I don¡¯t care, you promised to wake me up if I fell asleep!"


    Mu Yichen looked down at her playful appearance: "Mrs. Mu, your coquettish demeanor right now is really unimpressive."


    Qin Mu...


    What does it feel like to be wounded by one¡¯s own husband?


    "Are all the wedding dresses in place for tomorrow?"


    Mu Yichen shifted the topic, so she wouldn¡¯t keep feeling guilty about not accompanying him to watch the game last night.


    "Yes!"


    "I have arranged with the photographer. Let¡¯s take the wedding photos in the next few days!"


    His hand reached out to caress her lower abdomen, which was already different from before.


    Upon hearing this, Qin Mu finally stopped fretting about last night and became serious: "Alright!"


    In the morning, Qin Mu went to the store. The mall had already withdrawn the counters, and all the fashion items had been transported to Central Street, where the new manager also officially took charge.


    Mu Yichen went to the office building, and at 10:30 AM, Jing Feng arrived as promised.


    The secretary, Xi, was taken aback upon seeing Jing Feng; it had been a long time since Jing Feng had visited their office building.


    "Mr. Jing!"


    Secretary Xi greeted him politely.


    "Yes! Is Mu Yi in?"


    "Our boss is here!"


    Jing Feng nodded and knocked on the door before pushing it open and entering.


    Mu Yichen looked up and saw him.


    "Am I interrupting your work?"


    As Jing Feng walked over, he asked and sat down opposite him.


    "Ah! Being so formal?"


    Mu Yichen narrowed his eyes slightly, asked, quickly finished checking and signing the document, set it aside, and then pressed the intercom to call in Secretary Xi: "Prepare a pot of good tea for Mr. Jing."


    "Right away!"


    Secretary Xi said and went about her business.


    Just then, Qiao Yi came up, exchanged a glance with Secretary Xi, who looked at him and, without a greeting, went off to prepare the tea. Qiao Yi frowned and, scratching the back of his head, knocked on the door to the president¡¯s office.

 Chapter 573 - 168 There is no place in the AM where I am not inconvenienced_2

    Chapter 573: 168 There is no place in the AM where I am not inconvenienced_2


    However, when he saw Jing Feng inside, Qiao Yi couldn¡¯t help but snort, "Why are you here?"


    "Got some business!"


    Jing Feng watched Qiao Yi approaching and couldn¡¯t resist kicking the leg of the chair before Qiao Yi sat down.


    Qiao Yi agilely dodged, but still looked at Jing Feng in astonishment, "Damn, Young Master Jing, are you looking for trouble?"


    "Looking for trouble? Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what you did with Jing Qing."


    "Eh!"


    Instantly deflated, Qiao Yi walked over to the sofa and sat down, deciding to keep his distance from Jing Feng.


    Jing Feng sat in the chair opposite Mu Yichen, turned his gaze to Qiao Yi, who was a bit annoyed but could only simmer in silence, immediately bowing his head in resignation.


    "I¡¯m in a good mood today so I won¡¯t settle accounts with you, but remember, we need to have a talk about this sooner or later," Jing Feng threatened.


    Frightened, Qiao Yi let out an awkward laugh.


    "I heard Helian Hao is pregnant?"


    Mu Yichen interrupted the topic at hand.


    Jing Feng was startled, but considering Qin Mu¡¯s relationship with Helian Hao, it wasn¡¯t hard to figure out where Mu Yichen had learned of his wife¡¯s pregnancy, and he responded with a nod, "Yeah!"


    "So, the call late last night was to have me congratulate you?"


    Mu Yichen asked curiously again, but his facial expression remained impassive as always.


    "No!"


    Thinking of Helian Hao¡¯s condition the night before, Jing Feng unconsciously furrowed his brow.


    "Then what is it?"


    "It¡¯s a bit complicated!"


    Jing Feng started to feel a headache coming on.


    In fact, Jing Feng had been troubled by some matters lately, and though he was actually excited about Helian Hao¡¯s pregnancy, he was also worried about how to handle his relationship with her, which is why he wanted to talk to someone.


    "Then let¡¯s have a drink together at noon? I¡¯ll treat!"


    Upon hearing Jing Feng had something to say, Qiao Yi immediately volunteered to go drinking.


    Having tea and a chat between them never seemed satisfying enough; a few drinks and basically everything came out.


    Secretary Xi just happened to come in with tea, overheard Qiao Yi¡¯s drinking proposal, and couldn¡¯t help but give him another look, but still said nothing.


    "Young Master Jing!"


    Secretary Xi placed the brewed tea in front of them and then left.


    Qiao Yi frowned helplessly, "What¡¯s been up with this woman lately?"


    "You could ask her!


    Mu Yichen suggested.


    For some reason, Qiao Yi felt a chill at the back of his neck; he unexpectedly had no courage to ask.


    Several times he had wanted to ask, fumbling around the issue, but in the end, he always brushed it off.


    If Secretary Xi really liked him, that would be...


    Right now, he was getting along with the girl he had slept with at the nightclub that night, and she even asked him out again today.


    "I¡¯ll pass on provoking this madam for now!"


    Qiao Yi said.


    "What¡¯s going on?"


    Jing Feng asked curiously, having been too caught up with family issues lately to notice Qiao Yi had been acting off.


    "Hmph! You should ask him!"


    Mu Yichen raised an eyebrow, realizing Jing Feng was looking at him, and he smiled while reminding him, turning to look at Qiao Yi.


    Qiao Yi rarely talked about personal affairs, and he seldom had such troubles, so now, being cared about by his friends like this, he awkwardly chuckled in ignorance, "Actually, it¡¯s nothing much, just that I¡¯ve been getting close to a girl these past few days."


    Jing Feng said nothing, just silently looked at him for a few seconds, then laughed with his face down.


    Qiao Yi later realized that Jing Feng¡¯s expression was off, as if reminded of Jing Qing, and felt awkwardly obliged to lower his head again.


    At noon, Qiao Yi suddenly made an excuse about having something to do, leaving only Mu Yi and Jing Feng to have lunch at AM.


    Jing Feng asked him, "How did you deal with Qin Mu feeling so insecure back then?"


    Mu Yi was pouring wine when he heard the question, continued to pour steadily, then set down the bottle and sat beside it, lighting a cigarette.


    "Didn¡¯t you use to dislike discussing such matters? You¡¯ve hit a wall with Helian Hao too."


    After taking a puff, Mu Yi placed the lighter on the edge of the table, narrowing his eyes at him.


    "It used to be like that, but now she¡¯s pregnant."


    "She changed?"


    Mu Yi asked him.


    "She says I¡¯ve changed!"


    Jing Feng murmured, looking down at his wine glass.


    "Mm, that is indeed true!"


    Mu Yi lowered his gaze, then lifted his eyes to look at him again.


    "Lately, my grandfather has been in poor health, and the departure of Jing Qing has hurt him deeply, so..."


    "Then why not just tell him the real situation?"


    Mu Yi asked bluntly.


    Jing Feng looked puzzledly at him, his expression even colder than before.


    "Do you fear your grandfather would be foolish enough to announce it to the world?"


    Mu Yi prodded further.

 Chapter 574 - 168 There is no place in the AM where I am not inconvenienced_3

    Chapter 574: 168 There is no place in the AM where I am not inconvenienced_3


    "Yichen, I know you¡¯re mad at me about this, but..."


    "If there¡¯s already no basic trust between us brothers, then what¡¯s the point of us sitting here at lunch today? It¡¯s nothing but a waste of each other¡¯s time!"


    Mu Yichen directly interrupted him, his frosty gaze fixating as he spoke his mind.


    Jing Feng didn¡¯t speak, only holding his glass of liquor and downing it in one gulp.


    In truth, only Jing Feng himself knew how much pressure he had been under during this period, facing his family¡¯s expectations, his departure, his brother¡¯s issues, all he could do was endure.


    He neglected his relationship with Helian Hao, solely focusing on handling the matters at hand, thinking they had such a long road ahead as husband and wife, yet forgetting that in a marital relationship, neglect is not an option.


    A woman is the most sensitive creature, and once a man neglects her, whether deliberately or inadvertently, no matter the reason, it inflicts great pain upon her!


    After finishing his drink, Mu Yichen headed to Qin Mu¡¯s studio. She had taken a nap after lunch, and he quietly lay down behind her. Qin Mu felt someone¡¯s chest in a drowsy turn and, barely opening her eyes to see his clothes, closed her eyes again to continue sleeping, but not before reaching out to embrace him.


    Mu Yichen, with his eyes cast down, couldn¡¯t help but smile, kissing her forehead and whispering softly, "I missed you so much!"


    "You¡¯ve been drinking?"


    Qin Mu, sensing the smell of liquor on his breath, immediately lifted her eyes to look at him, though her gaze was still sleepy.


    Caught having drunk alcohol, Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh as he told her, "Had a few extra glasses with Jing Feng!"


    Qin Mu, now fully awake, propped herself up slightly to look at him seriously and asked, "Did you ask him about what I told you last night?"


    "He was scared to death! Afraid that Helian Hao would abandon him."


    Just those two sentences were enough!


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh and let out a sigh of relief, burrowing into his embrace and mumbling softly, "If he can say that, then nothing¡¯s wrong!"


    "Hmm!"


    Mu Yichen, seeing she was drifting back to sleep, didn¡¯t say any more. Feeling a bit tired himself and wanting to serve his wife better that evening, he decided now was the time to hold his wife close and earnestly sleep.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Monday night, a senior dinner at AM!


    In the spacious private room, the leather sofas were filled with men in suits and women in dresses they believed to be the most beautiful of the evening, all chatting together about the bright prospects of the hotel, then after a few drinks, the conversation shifted from official matters to personal lives.


    As the evening¡¯s hostess, Su Zhen arrived a few minutes late.


    When she knocked and entered, upon not seeing Mu Yi, she said with a smile, "Sorry I¡¯m late!"


    "Oh, a beauty always has her reasons for a delay! Miss Su, please come over and sit here!"


    A company executive stood up to offer her a seat.


    "Thank you!"


    Su Zhen walked over and sat down, dressed in the gown she had purchased from JY, with a golden clutch in her hand, sitting next to the executive.


    "Mu is downstairs picking up his wife. He¡¯ll be a bit late," someone said.


    "Oh! I see! And here I thought Mu didn¡¯t respect me enough to show up on time. Turns out he¡¯s even bringing his family to meet me," Su Zhen said with a laugh, then also waited for the door to open again.


    In her heart, she thought she should meet this woman, a designer as she was told, but for her, any woman was going to be outdone by her.


    After everyone had a couple more drinks, Mu Yichen and Qin Mu finally arrived, leisurely late.


    The moment the door was pushed open from the outside, the people inside who had already recognized Madame Qin stood up immediately, greeting them politely.


    "Director Mu, Miss Qin!"


    Since everyone already knew Qin Mu, it was just small talk.


    Qin Mu nodded and then caught sight of Su Zhen.


    Of course, Su Zhen had been watching her for a while and suddenly, pretending to be surprised, she said to Qin Mu, "So it¡¯s you! I¡¯m Su Zhen! Remember, the one you met that day at JY buying clothes!"


    "I remember!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t pretend to forget, responding to her with a smile.


    Surprised, Su Zhen said while grabbing her hand, "So you¡¯re Mu¡¯s wife! You didn¡¯t mention a word when I gave you my business card. If I had known earlier you¡¯re our boss¡¯s lady, why would I even show off? By the way, are you and Mu finally getting married?"

 Chapter 575 - 168 There is no place in the AM where I am not inconvenienced_4

    Chapter 575: 168 There is no place in the AM where I am not inconvenienced_4


    Su Zhen turned her head to look for Mu Yichen, but Mu Yichen had just moved around from the other side behind Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu turned her head and glanced at Mu Yichen, "Someone is asking you a question?"


    "My wife speaks for me!"


    Mu Yichen said with a smile near her ear, his voice was not loud, but loud enough for the people around them to understand.


    Everyone started laughing, and before Mu Yichen could speak to Qin Mu, someone said, "President Mu and Miss Qin¡¯s wedding has been set, it¡¯s on Christmas."


    "Oh? Such a big event, and I¡¯m actually not aware of it, President Mu, that¡¯s not very nice of you!"


    Su Zhen said as she looked at Mu Yichen with smile-filled eyes.


    Mu Yichen did not even lift his gaze, feeling that the pair of eyes on him was too bright, he lowered his gaze, simply toying with his wife¡¯s hand.


    "Actually, the senior management at AM already knows about it, and the hotel has been preparing for their wedding procedures for some time, it¡¯s just that you¡¯ve just joined us, so you didn¡¯t know."


    Since many of the senior executives did not know the real identity of Su Zhen, they also did not show her much reverence.


    "Oh? Then I really am uninformed!"


    Su Zhen said, pulling on Qin Mu¡¯s hand, making Qin Mu very uncomfortable. One hand was being toyed with by Mu Yichen, and the other was being pulled by a woman.


    Qin Mu smiled politely, subtly pulling her hand back from Su Zhen: "Miss Su, you look even better in this outfit tonight than the day you wore it in the store!"


    Qin Mu was really making small talk; she honestly didn¡¯t know what else to say to her.


    "That¡¯s all thanks to your discernment, but when I think about it, isn¡¯t the owner of JY none other than you?"


    Su Zhen asked again.


    "This Rongcheng¡¯s sole JY belongs to our Miss Qin! It¡¯s just that Miss Qin has always kept a low profile and does not like to promote herself too much."


    A female executive beside her spoke up for Qin Mu, seeing that she did not like to talk much.


    "So that¡¯s how it is! No wonder you didn¡¯t mention a word about it that day. By the way, that friend of yours who¡¯s a doctor, she mustn¡¯t be an ordinary one, right?"


    Su Zhen asked, leaning towards Qin Mu¡¯s side.


    "That must be Miss Helian Hao from the Helian Family, right? She¡¯s Miss Qin¡¯s best friend."


    Again, it was the lady who answered for her.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but give her a thankful look. The female executive didn¡¯t mind, but she didn¡¯t like Su Zhen¡¯s attitude of acting like everyone¡¯s good friend upon arrival.


    "It seems that Director Zhang has a very good relationship with Miss Qin and Miss Helian!"


    Of course, Su Zhen was not pleased, but she still asked with a smile.


    "As veterans in the hotel industry, we are naturally familiar with the people around Miss Qin, and besides, Miss Helian is already a well-known socialite in Rong City."


    Director Zhang answered smoothly.


    "I see!"


    Su Zhen seemed to have run out of topics and fell silent.


    "Why don¡¯t we drink and chat? How about we start with a toast to Miss Su, to welcome her to our big AM family?"


    One of the company executives felt the atmosphere was a bit awkward and stood up first, raising his glass in a friendly manner.


    "Then I¡¯ll drink first as a sign of respect!"


    She said, raising her glass.


    Everyone stood up at the same time.


    Qin Mu was holding juice, and Su Zhen glanced down and said immediately to her, "You can¡¯t possibly drink juice for the first toast? We are fated, and you are our future lady boss."


    "It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to drink with you, it¡¯s just that with my current condition, I can only replace alcohol with juice."


    Qin Mu replied with a slight smile, humble yet confident enough to make Su Zhen¡¯s heart clatter from the sky to the ground, leaving a big crater.


    "Oh?"


    Su Zhen looked puzzled and followed her gaze, only seeing a slight bulge at her belly and assumed she hadn¡¯t maintained her figure well.


    "Miss Su may not be able to tell, but Miss Qin is already almost five months pregnant."


    Someone kindly intended to give her a reminder.


    Su Zhen¡¯s smiling face stiffened immediately and it took her a while to react, she laughed awkwardly, "I must drink a penalty cup. My observations were really poor. To our future young madam, please forgive my oversight."


    Su Zhen said with a smile, and without waiting for others to say anything, she seriously drank the glass of wine in her hand and then poured herself another glass.


    Actually, she didn¡¯t have to take it so seriously, but at this point, everyone was just watching.


    The atmosphere in the private room suddenly became a bit strange.


    Mu Yichen stood beside Qin Mu with a frown, pulling his hand out of his pocket to support her waist, as if he was afraid she would get tired.


    After filling her glass, Su Zhen looked up and said to everyone, "Su Zhen is new to this esteemed place and this is also my first official job in society, I hope the seniors here will not be stingy with their guidance!"


    "We dare not presume to offer guidance, but if there¡¯s anything you need, just come to us!"


    The people at AM have always been harmonious, especially since most of their ages were under thirty-five, so communication was relatively easy and everyone was more open-minded.


    "Then I¡¯ll drink first as a sign of respect!"


    Su Zhen said, drinking another glass.


    This time, although everyone felt a bit awkward, they quickly finished the alcohol in their glasses and sat down again.


    "I think I¡¯ll go to the bathroom!"


    After a while, Qin Mu looked up at Mu Yichen and whispered to him. She actually wanted to get some fresh air; sitting with Su Zhen made her uncomfortable.


    "Okay, I¡ª¡ª"


    "Miss Qin is going to the bathroom, it¡¯s not appropriate for President Mu to accompany her, I¡¯ll go with you!"


    Su Zhen turned her head, then leaned over to put down her own glass and said.


    Qin Mu reflexively looked back at her, thinking to herself: I¡¯ll endure!


    Everyone also looked at Su Zhen, not understanding her actions.


    "Is there anywhere at AM where I¡¯m not welcome?"


    Mu Yi raised his eyes, his gaze shooting off to the side, keeping people at a distance.

 Chapter 576 - 169 Public restrooms are also convenient_1

    Chapter 576: 169 Public restrooms are also convenient_1


    "Inconvenient?"


    He chuckled softly, his eyes sweeping over the crowd with an intimidating gaze.


    "Convenient, convenient! The two of you have been together for so long, what¡¯s there to be inconvenient about?"


    "Didn¡¯t President Mu reserve a room in the guest department for Miss Qin?"


    "Exactly! The hotel¡¯s name is even taken after Miss Qin¡¯s name. How could it be inconvenient for the lady boss and the boss to use the restroom in their own house?"


    "Right! Miss Su, you¡¯re overthinking it. Our President Mu and Miss Qin wouldn¡¯t use the public restroom."


    The executives nearby all naturally understood what was going on and naturally spoke according to the boss¡¯s intentions.


    However, Su Zhen found out too much about the two of them that night.


    A moment later, the private room quieted down again.


    "Where my wife is, even if it is a public restroom, I would go there too."


    Mu Yichen stood up, wrapping his arm around Qin Mu, with a mischievous smile on his face.


    Su Zhen also stood up, and Mu Yichen turned to her, "Tonight is Miss Su¡¯s show, so my wife and I won¡¯t steal your limelight here. See you tomorrow in the conference room!"


    Su Zhen was completely startled by what he had just said, and could only smile and nod, wanting to explain something but not daring to say more.


    "Why are you being so fierce?"


    Later, as everyone watched them leave the private room, they heard Qin Mu¡¯s small voice chiding Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen immediately responded with a light smile, "Where I take you is not for others to judge!"


    The door of the private room was closed by a waiter from the outside, and the room became lively again, while Su Zhen still stood there, unable to regain her composure for a long time.


    "Miss Su, sit down. Don¡¯t worry about them; let¡¯s enjoy ourselves."


    Her colleagues called to Su Zhen.


    Su Zhen came back to her senses, smiled, and sat down, "Sure!"


    But as she leaned back after sitting down, she suddenly felt discomfort in her back and remembered why she had bought that particular dress. Unexpectedly, the person she wanted to attract couldn¡¯t see her at all.


    She suddenly laughed at herself and then raised her glass, smiling casually, "A toast to everyone!"


    The first round was a complete disaster.


    But Su Zhen was not discouraged; instead, she suddenly became calm.


    "You mentioned that President Mu and Miss Qin have a special suite in our hotel?"


    Su Zhen pretended to inquire casually, although it was an open secret.


    "Isn¡¯t that so! The room where Miss Qin stayed for her first show at our hotel has never been occupied by anyone else since - President Mu has reserved it exclusively for private moments with Miss Qin. The two almost spend one night there every month."


    Since Su Zhen was pretending, her colleagues, as good co-workers for several years, tacitly fed her some "dog food."


    "Oh? President Mu is quite romantic?"


    Su Zhen endured the awkwardness with a smile, then lowered her gaze and sipped her wine, trying to mask the embarrassment on her face, but she herself felt how stiff her smile was.


    "President Mu should be quite romantic, to Miss Qin, that is! For most of us, he is the boss, and we work for him. His romantic side has nothing to do with us."


    One kind-hearted male colleague said to her.


    Su Zhen looked at the smile in his eyes and responded with a light smile while holding her glass.


    "By the way, Miss Su, you¡¯re from D City. You look like you come from a scholarly family at least, right?"


    "Somewhat!"


    Su Zhen sipped her wine and replied casually with just three words.


    In fact, everyone was genuinely curious about her background. She seemed to have been parachuted in, although she was introduced through the HR department, but it was likely that President Mu himself had referred her. Otherwise, President Mu wouldn¡¯t attend a welcome party for a typical newcomer.


    "If Miss Su were just a normal newcomer, President Mu wouldn¡¯t have had any precedent for participation like this. When we joined, President Mu never held any kind of welcome party for us."


    A more mature, handsome man remarked.


    "Oh, really?"


    Su Zhen asked.


    "So we are actually very curious about your true identity."


    After hearing this, Su Zhen just laughed again. She wasn¡¯t ready to reveal her identity yet, feeling that a bit of mystery was quite pleasant.


    But after leaving the private room, Su Zhen gasped for air. Why did she feel that, although these people were polite on the surface and told her a lot, they were not sincere?


    Su Zhen went to the restroom, pulled out her cell phone, and made a call, "Come to AM tomorrow, bring the stuff you¡¯ve prepared for me."

 Chapter 577 - 169 Public restrooms are also convenient_2

    Chapter 577: 169 Public restrooms are also convenient_2


    After hanging up the phone, Su Zhen thought she had to build good relationships with these "colleagues" first! Perhaps she should keep a low profile as a newcomer, just like the elder had said. Maybe she should give gifts when it¡¯s appropriate. She had thought it unnecessary, but after tonight¡¯s events, she decided to follow her elders¡¯ advice.


    Qin Mu went upstairs with Mu Yichen, just in time to watch the fireworks by the sea. Wrapped in his embrace, Qin Mu watched the fireworks through the window for a while.


    When the fireworks ended, Qin Mu sighed, "It¡¯s just like they say, fireworks bloom like flowers but are not flowers, fleeting in an instant."


    "Feeling sentimental?"


    Mu Yichen asked with a laugh, holding her.


    "This is a reminder to you that women out there are like these fireworks; they¡¯re beautiful when they explode, but in the blink of an eye can leave you covered in ash, you know?"


    Qin Mu turned around with a coquettish look, her eyes looking up at him as she playfully reminded him.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh again, "I thought I had made myself clear enough!"


    "Ha! Are you daring to say you don¡¯t find her pretty?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s bright eyes stared at him as she asked.


    "I am face-blind to all women other than my wife!"


    President Mu said solemnly, very seriously and with chest slightly lowered.


    "I¡¯m impressed with you!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s interest waned with just a few words from him, but knowing his heart was at home put her at ease. Then she turned around, stretching lazily and threw her arms around his neck, then looking up at him, she said, "I want to sleep!"


    "Shall I carry you to take a bath first?"


    He asked in a low voice.


    "Bathing is fine, but nothing else, okay?"


    Qin Mu spoke slowly, shaking her head as a reminder.


    "As you command!"


    Mu Yichen said helplessly, but the next moment he swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bathroom. Afterward, Qin Mu¡¯s words about ¡¯nothing else¡¯ were ignored by President Mu, and things became indescribable.


    Later, Qin Mu fell asleep as soon as she touched the bed, and Mu Yichen went out for a smoke, then received a WeChat message.


    "Sorry for the embarrassment today!"


    There was no name, but he could still feel it was Su Zhen, then he directly found the app and blocked her.


    After that, Su Zhen could no longer find his WeChat, and her requests to reconnect remained unapproved. That night, Su Zhen couldn¡¯t sleep.


    But President Mu and Mrs. Mu slept very well.


    The next day, Qin Mu went with Mu Yichen to the restaurant for a meal and encountered Su Zhen again.


    Today Su Zhen wore a sharp business suit, a colorful silk scarf around her neck, and a white blouse.


    "President Mu! Miss Qin! Good morning!" Su Zhen approached to exchange pleasantries with them.


    "Good morning!"


    "Good morning!"


    The couple politely returned her greeting, and then Mu Yichen bowed his head ready to have breakfast.


    "I¡¯m eating breakfast over there with other colleagues. Let¡¯s talk when you¡¯re free! Also, Miss Qin, can I add you on WeChat?"


    As Su Zhen was about to leave, she suddenly turned around and stepped beside Qin Mu, taking out her phone.


    Qin Mu reluctantly let her scan and added her as a friend, glancing at Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen thought about the number he had blocked the night before, but this woman indeed didn¡¯t belong in his phone, while saving his wife¡¯s contact was another matter.


    Mu Yichen planned to find a time to block her on his wife¡¯s phone as well.


    "Okay! Let¡¯s keep in touch. Bye!"


    Su Zhen lightly touched Qin Mu as she said goodbye with a smile and left.


    Watching her leave, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but sigh, "Her intentions are so obvious!"


    She finished speaking and turned to look at her husband.


    Mu Yichen looked at her earnestly, then smiled and said, "Eat your meal, it¡¯s getting cold!"


    Qin Mu then shifted her gaze back to her food.


    Right now, nothing was more important than eating.


    After breakfast, Mu Yichen dropped Qin Mu off at the studio. Bored in the morning, she browsed her phone¡¯s social circle, intending to see if there were any updates from Helian Hao, only to see Su Zhen¡¯s post from last night. The picture was from the private room with a caption thanking her ¡¯family¡¯ for their affection.


    She laughed to herself, wondering why there was so much drama.


    Suddenly, Qin Mu thought about whether or not to hide her social circle from view, but then she looked through it and saw nothing but photos from fashion shows, so she put her phone aside again.


    Helian Hao came to her studio at noon to have lunch. After hearing about Su Zhen¡¯s antics the night before, he couldn¡¯t help laughing and asked, "Was she surprised to see you there?"


    "Yes! But I guess she was even more surprised at how President Mu showed her no face!"


    Qin Mu said while picking up some food to put in her bowl.


    "She should¡¯ve considered what kind of man your Mr. Mu is."

 Chapter 578 - 169 Public restrooms are also convenient_3

    Chapter 578: 169 Public restrooms are also convenient_3


    "She¡¯s the young miss from a leading family in D City!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but mention it to her again.


    Helian Hao looked up at her and, after a long while, coughed uncomfortably, "A formidable opponent!"


    "But even Jing Qing and Mu Yichen aren¡¯t interested in her, this woman may have a nice figure, but I think, hmph!"


    Qin Mu replied to her seriously, now actually quite confident in herself when it came to Mu Yichen, no longer feeling like the two of them might break up at any moment.


    Now, she felt like she already had the self-awareness of being a wife and a mother, aware that she had a solid home.


    Qin Mu suddenly couldn¡¯t help but let out a laugh, Helian Hao was eating and looked up at her foolish laughter: "What¡¯s the matter with you, laughing so happily despite such a big rival showing up?"


    "It¡¯s not because of that!"


    Qin Mu explained, then couldn¡¯t help but laugh again.


    Helian Hao put down her chopsticks, resting her elbows on the table edge, and looked at her seriously, waiting for her to explain.


    "I feel like there¡¯ve been quite a lot of changes after coming to Rongcheng. I used to think I could lead a pretty good life easily just by myself with the child, completely forgetting I was a woman, but now¡ª"


    She couldn¡¯t help but start laughing again.


    "Now you¡¯re being so spoiled by Mu Yichen that you don¡¯t even know if you can still manage the household, right? Just looking at your smug little face, I can tell Mu Yichen has been doting on you a lot!"


    Helian Hao said seriously and then couldn¡¯t help but laugh as well.


    "Who¡¯s to say otherwise? When you first came to Rongcheng, during the Jing Family¡¯s old master¡¯s birthday, you were so straightforward as if you didn¡¯t care, but look at you now, already pregnant with the second child, already a wife, yeah, also the Mu Family¡¯s most cherished daughter-in-law."


    "I¡¯ll strive to become the Mu Family¡¯s most proud daughter-in-law in the future."


    Qin Mu said.


    She knew that the Mu Family was proud because she was pregnant again, and this time, it was a boy.


    She didn¡¯t want to boost herself with children; there was no sense of superiority in that for her. She wanted to continue working hard in her career, and one day, she wanted to stand at the very peak of the mountain and make the Mu Family truly proud.


    "You¡¯re already great! It¡¯s just that the Mu Family has higher expectations, but compared to me marrying into the Jing Family, you¡¯re so much happier."


    Helian Hao sighed bitterly as she spoke.


    "Right! Does the Jing family¡¯s elders know about your pregnancy yet?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes flickered as she became serious.


    "I told Jing Feng not to tell them, I don¡¯t want them to know either."


    Helian Hao sighed softly.


    "Xiaohao! That day Mu Yichen and Jing Feng were drinking together, you know about that, right?"


    "Mmm!"


    "Jing Feng said he¡¯s especially afraid you don¡¯t trust him anymore!"


    Having heard that, Helian Hao raised her eyes.


    "Jing Feng loves you, and you love him! Don¡¯t let yourself be unhappy because of people who don¡¯t care about you. Haven¡¯t you said the same to me before, right?"


    Qin Mu said to her earnestly.


    "Mmm!"


    "Besides, you¡¯re pregnant now, and soon you¡¯ll be a trio, a happy family. Why let yourself be troubled by those people?"


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but laugh: "You! What are you like!"


    Yet she hadn¡¯t expected to be schooled by Qin Mu again today.


    "Let¡¯s eat! After lunch, it¡¯s back to work!"


    The two women picked up their chopsticks and resumed eating.


    Since it was a meal for pregnant women, Xiaomei had already refused to join them, saying bland soup and water would make her nauseous, according to Xiaomei.


    After lunch, Helian Hao left, and Qin Mu leaned on the door waiting for everyone to return from their meal, taking a moment to enjoy the splendid view.


    When her colleagues returned in twos and threes, she went upstairs.


    After finishing her meal, Xiaomei ran upstairs to find Qin Mu: "Guess who I ran into today?"


    Qin Mu looked up at her, waiting for the answer.


    "Wang Mingyu!"


    Xiaomei said, revealing those three words.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart trembled for a moment, then unconsciously leaned back slightly: "I thought he went to the capital, didn¡¯t he?"


    "I didn¡¯t greet him, just saw him, so I don¡¯t know what he came back for."


    Xiaomei said with a hint of disappointment.


    "But I can confirm he saw me, too, and looked particularly disdainful."


    Xiaomei thought for a moment and then added, how could anyone disdain her when she thought of herself as the adorable type?


    Qin Mu¡¯s hand tapped the table inadvertently, then she nodded: "Mmm, got it!"


    "Got it? What the hell does that mean?"


    "Get back to work, stop chatting with me, or you¡¯ll get fined!"


    Xiaomei...


    "Alright, I¡¯ll be right on it, slaving away for you!"


    After Xiaomei trudged away, Qin Mu received a call from an unknown number, and although she hadn¡¯t expected it, she had the feeling it might be him before picking up.

 Chapter 579 - 169 Public restrooms are also convenient_4

    Chapter 579: 169 Public restrooms are also convenient_4


    "Hello?"


    "This is Wang Mingyu. I¡¯m at the coffee shop behind your studio right now. Are you free? Just a few minutes will do!"


    Some people just can¡¯t be refused. Qin Mu took her phone and headed to the coffee shop behind. Upon entering, she saw that Wang Mingyu was indeed sitting alone at a table.


    Qin Mu nodded to the owner and then walked over. Knowing she couldn¡¯t drink coffee now, the owner didn¡¯t bother her.


    Qin Mu sat down opposite Wang Mingyu, who smiled faintly upon seeing her, "Do you still remember that morning when we first met?"


    "I do!"


    She admitted openly. Though her voice was not loud, it was very sincere.


    How could she forget so soon, when a man¡¯s chest was so impressive?


    Qin Mu reined in her inappropriate thoughts and just looked at him, "Are you here to reminisce?"


    "No! I just wanted to see you and to sincerely say I¡¯m sorry."


    He took a deep breath as he spoke.


    "Speaking of which, you¡¯re also a victim, so let¡¯s forget the apology!"


    The past was the past; clinging to it wouldn¡¯t bring any joy to either party.


    Wang Mingyu nodded: "That¡¯s just like you, but what if I told you that our first encounter was premeditated, would you still be so calm with me?"


    "What do you mean?"


    Qin Mu asked, puzzled.


    "Back then, my brother was crazy about Qin Mingzhu, but you know better than I do what kind of girl Qin Mingzhu is. So, since I couldn¡¯t stop my brother from being with her, I decided to get ambiguously involved with her half-sister. My brother always puts the overall situation first; knowing that I was after Mu Yichen¡¯s woman, he would definitely negotiate with me. My aim was to make him give up on her, but you know the result."


    Wang Mingyu then glanced out the window, feeling incredibly naive about it all.


    Because, in the end, Qin Mingzhu became pregnant with Wang Huanyu¡¯s child, and Wang Mingyu brought Qin Mingzhu to Beijing, where she now lives with the Wang Family.


    "So, it¡¯s a brotherly dispute!"


    Qin Mu said softly, then looked at him again, "Aside from that morning, I actually hold no grudge against Huanyu. So, thank you for coming to tell me this, but really, it wasn¡¯t necessary. I hope we don¡¯t meet again in the future, and also, I wish you well!"


    Having said that, Qin Mu stood up.


    The weather outside was getting gloomier; she feared she might get caught in the rain if she didn¡¯t head back soon.


    "I wish you happiness too, and if you go to Beijing, feel free to reach out to me for anything."


    Wang Mingyu still sat there, calmly speaking to her.


    After listening, Qin Mu turned and left.


    She walked briskly, and Wang Mingyu could see from the window her figure walking quickly away with her arms wrapped around herself, her head down. He touched the coffee on the table that had grown cold, feeling like his heart was finally at ease.


    He went to the hospital, paid enough medical expenses for Yang Qianxi, and then left Rongcheng.


    That night, Qin Mu received a call from Feng Fanghua, inviting her to dinner at AM to discuss her wedding arrangements with Qin Haiming. Knowing that she couldn¡¯t escape meeting with Qin Haiming, she agreed.


    Recalling her last visit to AM, also arranged by Feng Fanghua to dine with Qin Haiming, but that time she left quietly without giving any face. This time¡ª


    This time she didn¡¯t need to leave, indeed, time can change a person.


    She sat quietly beside Qin Haiming like the younger generation usually do, while Qin Haiming listened to Mu Zihao talking about the wedding preparations, occasionally nodding in agreement.


    Mu Yichen was late by a few minutes, and upon entering and seeing everyone, he walked over to sit down beside Qin Mu with an embarrassed smile, "Sorry for being late!"


    No explanation, just a humble apology.


    "You¡¯d better apologize to your father-in-law first, or he might not let his daughter marry you. What will you do then?" The elder at the head of the table joked.


    "Yes!"


    Responding to his grandfather¡¯s words, Mu Yichen smiled and lifted his wine glass, "My apologies to my father-in-law!"


    Qin Haiming looked at Mu Yichen getting up to clink glasses with a pleased expression, "The elder is just joking with you!"


    While saying this, Qin Haiming had already picked up his glass to clink with him, but Qin Haiming didn¡¯t drink, and of course, Mu Yichen finished the whole glass.


    Qin Mu watched from the side, her heart aching as he was forced to down a glass of alcohol immediately upon his arrival.


    "Eat something first!"


    Qin Mu quickly pushed her bowl of soup towards him, her voice very soft.


    Yet, the elders at the table couldn¡¯t help but let out comforting chuckles.


    "Although this girl may not understand much, it¡¯s clear to see, she really does care for our boy!"

 Chapter 580 - 169 Public restrooms are also convenient_5

    Chapter 580: 169 Public restrooms are also convenient_5


    Feng Fanghua said with a smile.


    Mu Yichen glanced at Jing Qing, then obediently held his bowl and spoon and drank all the soup.


    Jing Qing¡¯s heart warmed at his sudden glance, but it wasn¡¯t until he had finished the soup that she felt at ease.


    "Yichen is luckier than I am, I¡¯m quite envious!"


    Qin Haiming didn¡¯t like it when people said his daughter wasn¡¯t very knowledgeable; how much Jing Qing knew was something he had come to understand very clearly by today.


    Jing Qing just didn¡¯t like to express herself, that¡¯s all.


    The look in Qin Haiming¡¯s eyes when he watched Jing Qing was filled with affection.


    Jing Qing felt a bit embarrassed by his gaze but pretended to stay composed.


    "Let¡¯s discuss their wedding plans. With ample time, we can be more thorough."


    Mu Zihao brought up the serious matter.


    "Sure! If the in-laws have any requests, just mention them!" the elder also said.


    A table of delicious dishes lay before them, but no one was in a rush to touch them, simply sipping wine and discussing their wedding.


    "Actually, my only request is for Mumu to be happy. As long as Mumu is happy, the scale of the wedding isn¡¯t something I¡¯m concerned about. You decide. Mumu, what do you say?"


    After speaking, Qin Haiming turned to ask Jing Qing.


    "I will listen to¡ª"


    "She will listen to me!"


    Mu Yichen said as he picked up another bottle of wine, examined its label, then stepped out. A waiter stood at the door; he instructed, "Replace the wine with the bottle I placed in the wine cabinet a few days ago."


    "Yes!"


    The waiter immediately went to change the wine, and Mu Yichen returned to the private room, "Today, I¡¯ll let you taste something special."


    Everyone could tell that CEO Mu was truly joyful, even willing to share his treasured collection.


    "You wouldn¡¯t happen to have been waiting for tonight¡¯s dinner to bring out the good wine, were you? Prepared just for this meal?"


    The elder saw through his grandson¡¯s intentions with a glance.


    "Exactly as you said, Grandfather!"


    Mu Yichen said, unable to restrain a proud look towards his wife, as if to say, I can finally be taken out to meet people with you, and that¡¯s worth celebrating.


    Jing Qing pretended not to understand his gaze and struggled to suppress her laughter.


    Seeing their loving relationship, Qin Haiming smiled contentedly.


    "Can we make the news of your two getting your marriage certificate public now?"


    Mu Zihao suddenly asked.


    Mu Yichen glanced at Jing Qing again, then said, Is it still necessary to make it public now? It seems everyone already knows she is your daughter-in-law, right?


    "Humph! Now you¡¯re relieved."


    Mu Zihao couldn¡¯t help but tease him.


    "Yichen¡¯s words are quite right. These past few days, I¡¯ve also received congratulations from some acquaintances. It seems their relationship is known throughout the city," said Qin Haiming, nodding his head.


    No sooner had Qin Haiming finished his words than Mu Yichen¡¯s pride grew even more. Wrapping an arm around Jing Qing¡¯s shoulder, he stared straight at her with a smile.


    Jing Qing couldn¡¯t stand his intense gaze, with so many people staring at her, so she raised her hand to cover his eyes and push him away, "Sit properly!"


    Feng Fanghua sighed helplessly, "Honestly, I have never seen my son act so silly in front of other girls like he does with Jing Qing. I¡¯m starting to doubt if the one who used to scoff at me is my son or if this one here is?"


    After Feng Fanghua finished speaking, the senior members of the family looked at Mu Yichen, who then realized his image wasn¡¯t quite right and sat up straight again, still keeping one hand on the back of Jing Qing¡¯s chair though.


    "Both are your son!"


    Mu Yichen kindly reminded Feng Fanghua.


    The family was chatting happily when they heard a knock on the door.


    "May I come in?"


    Su Zhen approached with a bottle of wine in her hands.


    Upon hearing a girl¡¯s voice, several people curiously looked towards the entrance. Mu Yichen and Qin Mu also turned their heads and saw Su Zhen walking in.


    "I just went to the back to find someone and heard that this is the wine Mr. Mu requested, so I brought it over. Is it a family dinner? Mayor Qin!"


    When Su Zhen saw Qin Haiming, she was taken aback for a moment, then she greeted him courteously.


    Qin Haiming also paused when he saw Su Zhen, but then he looked at his own daughter and asked her in a low voice, "Miss Su, are you working at AM now?"


    "Yes! I studied hotel management. My father knew that Mr. Mu owns a super luxurious hotel and asked him to let me come and learn."


    Su Zhen eagerly explained.


    After listening, Qin Haiming glanced at Mu Yichen and smiled modestly, "I see!"


    "Let me pour the wine for you! I am also an employee of the hotel."


    Su Zhen said and was about to help pour the wine.


    "This is Su Zhen, the daughter of D City¡¯s mayor! Miss Su, please don¡¯t joke with me. Although Mayor Su is currently not here, we cannot allow ourselves to command you!"


    Mu Yichen said as he took the bottle of wine from her, maintaining a distance while speaking politely, then he went on to pour wine for his elders himself.


    Qin Mu sat by the side, and Su Zhen stood behind Mu Yichen. As Su Zhen looked on, she suddenly asked Qin Haiming and Qin Mu doubtfully, "Miss Qin wouldn¡¯t be Mayor Qin¡¯s... daughter, would she?"


    Su Zhen knew that Qin Haiming had a daughter, but she remembered that the daughter was not married to Mu Yichen.


    "This is indeed my eldest daughter, Mumu, do you know Miss Su?"


    Qin Haiming affectionately called out to Qin Mu and asked.


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Mu nodded slightly.


    Qin Haiming then also nodded.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao exchanged glances, feeling that the atmosphere was a bit odd.


    Su Zhen went to the back, took a cup for herself, and poured herself a little wine, "Although the hotel has rules about not drinking during working hours, this is my first time meeting the Mu family patriarch, as well as Mu uncle and Mu aunt. As a junior, and entrusted by my father, I must toast to all the elders, not to mention Mayor Qin."


    Su Zhen held her glass, standing very upright in front of everyone, making her courtesies.


    Who would want to give her this face?


    Especially the Mu family patriarch¡ªhe was displeased the moment he heard Su Zhen calling Mr. Mu repeatedly, so he didn¡¯t even touch his wine glass.


    "I¡¯ll drink first!"


    Su Zhen then said softly and drank her wine first.


    Mu Zihao smiled, "Miss Su can really hold her liquor! However, we are currently discussing the wedding details of your Mr. Mu and his wife-to-be, so could you please leave for now?"


    Mu Zihao was very polite in dealing with the mayor¡¯s daughter.


    Su Zhen didn¡¯t linger any longer, nodded, placed the wine glass back, and then left.


    Throughout the entire time, Qin Mu sat there without moving or showing any inappropriate expressions.


    However, Mu Yichen seemed somewhat irritated, tugging at his tie.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao both glanced at Mu Yichen, as if asking: Is this another Jing Qing?


    Mu Yichen slightly raised his eyes, saw his parents¡¯ looks, and just helplessly lowered his gaze. He didn¡¯t want to elaborate further.


    How could he complain about the directions of the boss?


    He didn¡¯t expect that woman to be so annoying, having met her in D City. She seemed sensible, always left shortly after each visit, but since she came to their Rong City, she seemed to become a different person, constantly appearing before him, even before his family.


    "Now that you are pregnant, try not to come to the hotel anymore."


    Qin Haiming reminded her with a voice that also expressed his dissatisfaction.


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Mu glanced at him, understood his meaning, and agreed with a sound.


    "Rest assured, I won¡¯t let Mumu face any danger."


    Mu Yichen still had his arm around Qin Mu¡¯s shoulders but suddenly became serious.

 Chapter 581: Ao Jiao Like a Queen_1

    Chapter 581: Ao Jiao Like a Queen_1


    "That would be for the best! The lesson from last time must have been profound for you two, and with such a good example here, Yichen, don¡¯t say I, your father-in-law, look down on you, but truly, don¡¯t disappoint me, alright?"


    "Understood!"


    Mu Yichen agreed.


    Qin Haiming nodded, then turned to Qin Mu and said, "Come over to the house tomorrow, I have something else I need to discuss with you alone."


    Qin Haiming wasn¡¯t trying to disrespect the Mu Family, but he was genuinely concerned for his daughter.


    "Alright!"


    Qin Mu obediently agreed.


    After the dinner party, Qin Haiming returned home, only to slump tiredly on the sofa.


    He had frequently been dreaming of the scene where Qin Mu¡¯s mother died in a car accident, and he was truly worried that Qin Mu would follow in her mother¡¯s footsteps.


    Or was it because once Qin Mu mentioned she had thought about suicide, and since then, he¡¯d been having such dreams?


    Qin Haiming couldn¡¯t figure it out, but at this moment, the silence of the large but empty house made his heart panic.


    All those good and bad things were replaying in his mind over and over.


    It was almost as if he had lived this life for nothing!


    Only today did he realize what is most important to him!


    ¡ª


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen returned to the old house with the elders. After arriving, Qin Mu went to Huanhuan¡¯s room, but soon her parents called her into her grandfather¡¯s room.


    Mu Yichen, seeing the seriousness of the situation, frowned and said, "It¡¯s getting late! Shouldn¡¯t everyone be resting?"


    "What exactly is going on with Su Zhen?"


    Feng Fanghua asked first, standing by the wall with a stern look.


    "I swear, I have nothing to do with that woman, it was strictly for work."


    He could only tell the truth.


    "There are no outsiders here, just tell your grandfather the truth. Do you really have nothing to do with this woman?"


    "I swear!"


    Mu Yichen, upon hearing his grandfather¡¯s words, couldn¡¯t help but solemnly reiterate, suddenly feeling that the family had called him over on such serious business just to accuse him.


    But whom were they asking this for, that he had offended?


    "If you make that girl sad again, it¡¯s not just her father who won¡¯t let you off, I, as her grandfather, won¡¯t forgive you either. Got it?" the old man instructed.


    "Got it!" Mu Yichen nodded, suppressing a laugh.


    "If you stir up any more trouble, you¡¯re really going to disgrace your parents... You must have heard what the Mayor of Qin City said tonight, he was really angry about the sudden mention of Su Zhen. How long is this woman going to stay at your hotel?"


    "That, I can¡¯t say!"


    Mu Yichen furrowed his brows, how would he know how long that woman intended to stay?


    However, his subordinates had already given her a warning, so if she dared to cause trouble in the future, then he would have the freedom to deal with her as he saw fit.


    When he returned to his room, he saw that Qin Mu had already tucked Huanhuan into bed and was lying between them.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes looked at Qin Mu, who was holding back laughter; she seemed completely unaffected by Su Zhen, as if her entire heart and eyes were filled only with him, only this family.


    He sat down beside her, lying next to her and their daughter, and asked in a low voice, "Why are you laughing like a sly fox?"


    "Hehe! No, no! I just wanted to say, let¡¯s let Huanhuan sleep with us tonight!"


    "If it¡¯s just occasionally, I¡¯ll accept!"


    Mu Yichen said.


    Qin Mu looked at him in surprise; Mr. Mu was really easy-going tonight.


    "I¡¯m going to take a bath, and then head to bed if I get sleepy."


    He stretched out his hand, caressing her hair over their daughter.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed, watching him get out of bed, go to the wardrobe to grab his pajamas, and then head to the bathroom.


    She quietly lay beside her daughter, enjoying the bliss of her daughter¡¯s sleep, and admiring his tall figure from behind.


    Wow! Every time he took off his clothes like that, she thought he looked incredibly cool.


    But she didn¡¯t expect that, within just ten minutes, she would actually fall asleep.


    Mu Yichen, dressed in his pajamas, came out and saw that the mother and daughter were asleep on the bed. He couldn¡¯t help but have a slightly twitching brow and a rich expression in his eyes.


    He seemed to be helplessly amused that she fell asleep so quickly, yet he was also moved that she and their daughter were right there by his side.


    Mu Yichen lay beside his wife and daughter, thinking about what Qin Haiming had said to him at the hotel earlier that day, and he knew he couldn¡¯t let Qin Mu be exposed to any more danger.


    Thinking back on how they, as a couple, had been calculated against but had been lucky, he knew that nobody could guarantee that luck would follow them for a lifetime. Hence, being prepared, striking first to gain an advantage, was often the best way to protect oneself.

 Chapter 582: Ao Jiao Like a Queen_2

    Chapter 582: Ao Jiao Like a Queen_2


    Qin Mu went with Mu Yichen to take their wedding photos that day, not far from Qin Mu¡¯s studio, by that beautiful lakeside.


    Xiaomei was the bridesmaid, and Zhao Huai was the best man, so both of them tagged along.


    Of course, Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan also followed; for such a big event, who wouldn¡¯t want to join in the fun and maybe see a joke or two?


    In truth, it was jealousy, dissatisfaction, and the desire to mock.


    Jing Feng and Helian Hao arrived a bit later, Qin Mu and Mu Yichen had already started posing for pictures.


    The two got out of the SUV and walked toward the couple being photographed in their wedding attire, all the while observing them.


    Dressed in a pristine wedding gown, Qin Mu leaned on Mu Yichen¡¯s shoulder as they were taking pictures, when suddenly she saw Helian Hao standing not far off and waved at her.


    Helian Hao, hands in pockets, stood beside Jing Feng watching, unable to restrain the happiness she felt for her good friend.


    Mu Yichen, in his white suit, stood next to Qin Mu, who was wearing flat shoes, looking like the type of man who gives a strong sense of security.


    Especially that spoilt, delicate look on Qin Mu¡¯s face, at first glance it gave off the impression that she was utterly pampered.


    Mu Yichen gently wrapped his arms around her waist, striking various awkward poses at the photographer¡¯s request, but each time he couldn¡¯t help gazing at Qin Mu with deep affection.


    "Ah, this is torture for us singletons!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan sat on the hood of his car, watching the scene unfold as though he had been force-fed poison.


    But it seemed that the others didn¡¯t share his agony.


    Qiao Yi seemingly imagined himself in a suit on his own wedding day, yet he just couldn¡¯t figure out who the woman beside him would be.


    Could it be Secretary Xi?


    Secretary Xi?


    Startled by the thought, Qiao Yi immediately slapped his own face.


    The man sitting on the hood heard the noise and turned to look at him in confusion, "What the hell, what¡¯s wrong with you?"


    Qiao Yi looked at him, "Nothing!"


    "Nothing?" Jiang Zhiyuan expressed his skepticism.


    It wasn¡¯t until they saw Helian Hao and Jing Feng arriving that Jiang Zhiyuan was about to say here come two more single dogs, but then he bitterly exclaimed, "I have to take multiple wives, I¡¯ll make all you monogamous mortals envious."


    Upon hearing this, Helian Hao and Jing Feng turned their eyes to him.


    "We live in a society governed by law, if you get in trouble, I can¡¯t help you."


    Jing Jian immediately cautioned.


    "I was just speaking hypothetically."


    Jiang Zhiyuan was startled and quickly assured him seriously.


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "Say, Young Master Jiang, what about that girl who was with you the other day? Don¡¯t you have her WeChat? Haven¡¯t you contacted her again?"


    "We¡¯re not close, why would I contact her for no reason? She might think I¡¯m interested in her, how would that look?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan frowned and grumbled.


    "Don¡¯t mind him."


    Jing Feng told Helian Hao.


    "Xiaohao, come here!"


    Qin Mu, with her arm around the groom¡¯s, was calling Helian Hao.


    "She¡¯s calling me, I¡¯ll go over!"


    Helian Hao said as she left Jing Feng behind and walked forward.


    Jing Feng, watching Helian Hao leave him heartlessly, sighed helplessly and leaned against Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s car, "Got a cigarette?"


    "Got it!"


    So, the three men leaned against the car, disgruntled, smoking.


    Meanwhile, Xiaomei and Helian Hao took turns taking photos with Mu Yichen, and the three sisters happily took pictures together.


    That day, they changed into many wedding dresses; Helian Hao and Xiaomei both put on wedding dresses, not bridesmaid dresses, but one of the ones Qin Mu had just worn.


    The three women stood beautifully by the lake for pictures.


    Qin Mu whispered to Helian Hao, "Should I ask Jing Feng to take a picture with you?"


    Helian Hao was startled, but Xiaomei overheard and shouted, "Jing, they¡¯re calling you for a photo!"


    The man smoking froze as he was about to raise the cigarette to his lips, as if he couldn¡¯t believe his ears.


    "Hah! I will take multiple wives if it kills me."


    Jiang Zhiyuan couldn¡¯t take the torture anymore.


    But Jing Feng stubbed out his cigarette and headed over to them.


    He walked straight to Helian Hao, though she wouldn¡¯t look at him. To his left was Helian Hao, to his right was Xiaomei.


    Xiaomei was definitely crashing the party, so she ended up being pulled away by Zhao Huai, "Xiaomei, you¡¯re mine!"


    Xiaomei¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Zhao Huai.


    But Jing Feng was already nervously hooking his arm around Helian Hao¡¯s shoulder.


    The wedding photo shoot today was supposed to be Mu Yichen¡¯s show, but he eventually realized his wife¡¯s elaborate intentions.


    Qin Mu could unreservedly switch wedding gowns with Helian Hao, and naturally, Mu Yichen only had to switch suits with Jing Feng.


    They then went to a few famous scenic spots in the city, where Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan occasionally joined in and took a few photos, as good brothers would.

 Chapter 583: Ao Jiao Like a Queen_3

    Chapter 583: Ao Jiao Like a Queen_3


    But the two of us were still tormented all the way through by the three couples in formal attire taking pictures, especially since Zhao Huai and Xiaomei even ended up as a pair, wearing a wedding dress and a suit to take those kinds of photos.


    At dinner, everyone went out to a private restaurant, and Jiang Zhiyuan asked, "Why don¡¯t we go to AM?"


    "That¡¯s a question for our boss Mu!"


    Helian Hao said, casting a sharp glance towards Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen let out a slight smile, "So who¡¯s paying for today¡¯s wedding photos?"


    Suddenly, silence fell around us.


    We were led to an elegant private room, took our respective seats, and then, smartly, Helian Hao shut his mouth.


    "Definitely not me, I¡¯m just a poor worker, and really poor at that!"


    Xiaomei fiddled with her teacup while talking, her round black eyes looking at Qin Mu.


    "Nor me, I¡¯m just a poor driver, and also a groomsman," Zhao Huai also said, dead serious.


    "Xiaohao and I don¡¯t make much," Jing Jian added severely.


    Helian Hao poured himself a cup of tea, sealing his own lips even tighter.


    "Qiao Yi and I only took a couple of shots, and as two single dogs, would you really have the nerve to ask us for money?" Jiang Zhiyuan commented, with Qiao Yi nodding along.


    "Looks like I¡¯m footing the bill then. Shouldn¡¯t you guys be more considerate and not ask me for depressing stuff?"


    Mu boss poured tea for his wife, opting for a herbal tea that was safe for pregnant women, which he had specifically requested from the staff.


    Qin Mu laughed, "I¡¯ll take care of the bill tonight, feel free to criticize away!"


    Upon hearing this, several men blushed, especially Jiang Zhiyuan and Qiao Yi.


    Zhao Huai continued shamelessly pretending to be poor, and Xiaomei joyously freeloaded food and drinks as well.


    "When Mumu and I first met Su Zhen, we thought she must be an actress or a model, what a figure she has," Helian Hao chimed in again.


    "Yeah! It was quite nice!" Mu Yichen remarked before sipping his tea, then winced as he felt pain in his thigh, still holding his coffee but unable to resist giving Qin Mu a bad grin.


    Qin Mu pinched his thigh and glared at him.


    "Haven¡¯t I already told you everything I think?"


    Qin Mu, recalling how she had pledged her loyalty just the night before, instantly felt a surge of joy and began to sip her water in small, delicate gulps.


    Qin Mu was supposed to meet with Qin Haiming these past two days, but since Qin Haiming suddenly went on a business trip, she was relieved of that burden for the time being.


    After dinner, everyone headed home. Before Helian Hao and Jing Feng left, Qin Mu, as Helian Hao¡¯s close friend, warned Jing Feng: "Take good care of our Xiaohao or you¡¯ll have to answer to me."


    Mu Yichen stood on the side, remembering how not long ago Helian Hao had issued him the same warning; the two women were indeed close sisters.


    Then Qin Mu got into the car, and Mu Yichen followed suit.


    Jing Feng stood beside his own car but suddenly walked towards hers, opening the car door for her.


    Helian Hao curiously glanced at him, "No need for that."


    "I¡¯m afraid Qin Mu will ask Mu Yichen to beat me up. You know he¡¯s quite skilled, and I might not win every time," Jing Feng said, a man not usually given to jokes.


    Yet, for some reason, Helian Hao felt moved by those few words and got into the car without looking up.


    Jing Feng closed the door for her, reminded her to buckle up, then made his way to the driver¡¯s side, started the car, and drove off.


    The whole ride home was quiet, but inside, both were actually very excited.


    Even though they had come to watch others take wedding photos, they ended up taking some themselves, albeit not many.


    They had done this before, but this time, it felt...


    Completely different.


    When they arrived home, Helian Hao went to take a shower, while Jing Feng cut some fruit for her in the kitchen, but then he received a call from home.


    It was his mother.


    "Xiaofeng, I heard Xiaohao is pregnant. Is it true?"


    His mother¡¯s voice was still soft, and Jing Feng¡¯s eyebrows twitched slightly before he responded with a heavy "Hmm."


    "Really? Then I¡¯m going to be a grandmother?" His mother¡¯s voice, tinged with excitement, came through the phone.


    In the dark night, this voice sounded somewhat fragile.


    "Mom! Can we talk about this tomorrow? It¡¯s very late," Jing Feng didn¡¯t quite know what else to say at the moment but wanted to let Helian Hao know that his family was aware of her pregnancy.


    "Oh, alright! Please take good care of Xiaohao. If there¡¯s anything we can do, just let us know. She shouldn¡¯t overexert herself now that she¡¯s pregnant. Rest is what a pregnant woman needs the most."

 Chapter 584: Ao Jiao Like a Queen_4

    Chapter 584: Ao Jiao Like a Queen_4


    "Okay!"


    After Jing Feng hung up the phone, he continued to place the fruit he had prepared on a plate and carried it over.


    Later, when Helian Hao came out after taking a shower, she looked at him and said, "Do you think my hair is too long? I¡¯ve been feeling a bit tired lately. How about I go cut it?"


    Jing Feng put down the fruit plate, looked at her with her back to him as she held up a handful of her hair, and agreed, "Okay!"


    Upon hearing his response, Helian Hao let her hair down again, sat on the sofa while drying it, and suddenly, her appetite returned as she eyed the fruit on the table.


    "Go take a shower, I¡¯ve already drawn the bathwater for you."


    Some things had become habit.


    "Mm!" Jing Feng replied, but after a few steps, he turned back again.


    Helian Hao wrapped her hair in a towel and was about to bend down to pick up the fruit plate when she saw him return and looked up at him curiously, "Why did you come back?"


    "The family knows about your pregnancy!"


    He still told her.


    Helian Hao looked at Jing Feng¡¯s tired face and then suddenly smiled slightly, "Oh! So they know. Let it be!"


    Jing Feng looked at her, not understanding.


    "Go take your shower, and we¡¯ll talk later!"


    She still picked up the fruit plate.


    Jing Feng, seeing that she was in the mood to eat, felt that things might not be as bad as he had anticipated and went to the bathroom to shower.


    Helian Hao thought that it was probably because they had taken wedding photos today, that sudden intimacy had calmed her heart considerably.


    Truth be told, Jing Feng was still the same Jing Feng; he was always caught between work and family, a very focused man, but a single glance from him weighed heavily on her heart.


    Suddenly, she realized he had never told her that he was tired; he was always trying to give for everyone without asking for anything in return.


    For the Jing Family, he likely endured too much exhaustion.


    During this brief period, she should be there for him!


    And then today, Qin Mu suddenly suggested they take wedding photos together, Helian Hao picked up another grape and put it in her mouth, finding the cool sourness especially delicious.


    The grapes had been cut in half, and the seeds were already removed, which made her all the more touched.


    Her phone then rang; when she saw it was her mother calling, she guessed her mother-in-law must have told her mother about the pregnancy and decided to answer, "Mom!"


    "Xiaohao, why didn¡¯t you tell us about something as big as a pregnancy?"


    "I just found out! I didn¡¯t have time yet!"


    "This is great news; everyone is happy for you. Can you come home tomorrow? Mom has some things to tell you."


    "Okay!"


    After Helian Hao hung up the phone, Jing Feng came out of the bathroom, the usually stoic man always seemed to have a sense of distance, but that wasn¡¯t the case in front of her.


    Jing Feng walked over to her, half-sat on the armrest of the sofa beside her, grabbed a piece of fruit to eat, and asked, "Was that a call from Mom?"


    "Mm! She wants me to come home for dinner tomorrow night."


    Helian Hao reported truthfully.


    "Do you want me to come with you?"


    "No need!"


    Helian Hao said softly.


    Jing Feng just looked down at her, and he suddenly realized the distance between them lately had truly been extraordinary.


    So he swung his legs aside, leaned back from the armrest, and lay down on her legs.


    Helian Hao instinctively leaned back, her hands awkwardly spread out as she looked down at him sprawled on her legs, gazing up at her.


    "What are you doing? Go lie on the bed!"


    "Just stay like this for a while!"


    He said.


    His voice was so soft, it made her heart ache.


    Helian Hao gently cradled his face, her eyes suddenly turning red with a touch of sadness, "Jing Feng, you¡¯ve been working hard lately, haven¡¯t you? Why haven¡¯t you told me?"


    "I¡¯m a man!"


    "But you¡¯re still my husband!"


    She murmured softly, tears nearly spilling out.


    "I don¡¯t want you to be so tired either! Xiaohao, just being Mrs. Jing simply is enough."


    Helian Hao held back and held back, finally keeping the words at the tip of her tongue unsaid, just tenderly cradling his face.


    Qin Mu received a message from Helian Hao before going to sleep.


    "Mumu, I suddenly feel like I¡¯m so selfish."


    Qin Mu lay in bed, puzzled by her message, unconsciously frowning.


    Xiaohao, selfish?


    It seemed to her that there was no one better than Xiaohao in this world.


    Mu Yichen finished his shower and lay down next to her, wrapped his arms around her and asked, "Whose message?"


    "Xiaohao!"


    Qin Mu lifted the phone a bit and then replied to Helian Hao, "I think you are the best person in the world."


    "But Jing Feng has taken on so much alone, and as his wife, I haven¡¯t done anything for him."


    Helian Hao sent back to her, with a teary smiling emoji leading the message.


    "Who says? You married him because he loves you, and you are having a child for him. Having given so much, how can you say you haven¡¯t done anything for him?"


    Helian Hao...


    Mu Yi, watching Qin Mu¡¯s message, couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "I must say, Mrs. Mu, or maybe they¡¯re feeling down right now, do you have to make it so funny?"


    "Funny?"


    Qin Mu asked him curiously, her big round eyes unblinkingly staring at him.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Say I¡¯m serious!"


    Qin Mu suddenly straddled him, pinning him down with the haughty air of a queen, her mischievous hand gripping his chin as she commanded.

 Chapter 585 - 171 You are my queen_1

    Chapter 585: 171 You are my queen_1


    But she was completely unaware that a pair of hands had already quietly slipped under her nightgown.


    It wasn¡¯t until she felt her waist being hooked and suddenly lost her balance, falling forward onto his chest, that Qin Mu snapped back to reality, "You..."


    "My queen, whatever you say is right!"


    His voice was low as he kissed along her ear, whispering to her.


    Qin Mu suddenly felt a tickling in her heart, and her chest also began to feel uncomfortable, "Mu Yichen, don¡¯t you..."


    "Hmm?"


    "Don¡¯t do this!"


    "I want you!"


    Having gone without for two nights straight, President Mu had reached his limit.


    Especially since she had moved onto him herself, even if it wasn¡¯t to seduce him.


    But that unintentional movement made it even more unbearable, as if to almost cause a nosebleed.


    Mu Yichen only knew the fire within him needed to be released, or he wouldn¡¯t be able to hold back much longer.


    Qin Mu felt his body burning hot, so... she nervously reminded him to be gentle, and then the unspeakable happened.


    ¡ª¡ª


    When the two woke up in the morning, Qin Mu turned over and nestled into his arms, feeling the warmth and couldn¡¯t help but rub against him again and again.


    President Mu hadn¡¯t even opened his eyes yet, but couldn¡¯t help but warn her, "Stop rubbing, I¡¯ve been suffering from holding back recently, and last night was not satisfying."


    "Where are you uncomfortable?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was a bit hoarse, her soft fingers on his waist.


    "You little temptress, do you have a death wish?"


    "I¡¯m just soothing!"


    Mu Yichen was nearly driven mad with frustration, but could only offer a helpless, wry smile.


    "Mrs. Mu, are you trying to kill your husband?"


    "Not at all! I¡¯m just sincerely inquiring."


    "Then do you understand?"


    He lowered his head, hooked her chin, and kissed her lips lightly.


    Qin Mu almost instantly got it, so...


    When they finally climbed out of bed it was almost eight o¡¯clock, Mu Yichen had already prepared breakfast for her, and walked towards her in a suit jacket, kneeling at the edge of the bed he hugged her tousled hair and planted a heavy kiss on her forehead.


    "I¡¯ve prepared breakfast for you, hurry up and eat, I have a meeting this morning and won¡¯t be there to join you, you rest at home. If you¡¯re too tired, don¡¯t go to work, I¡¯ll come home after the meeting to be with you."


    "Yeah!"


    Qin Mu nodded weakly, looked up into his dark, worried eyes, then flashed him a smile. Mu Yichen sighed helplessly before bending over to ruffle her hair and left.


    After Mu Yichen¡¯s car drove away, Qin Mu finally got up with some effort, her drowsiness deepening. She visited the bathroom then collapsed back into bed, wrapped up in a blanket, and continued sleeping.


    When she woke up again, it was past ten in the morning. Qin Mu went downstairs to eat breakfast. The porridge was still hot, and she served herself a bowl to eat leisurely alone in the dining room.


    Later, she lounged on the sofa, opened her phone, and casually browsed, then upon opening her social circle of friends, she saw Mu Yichen¡¯s photo, and instantly her drowsiness vanished, her attention fully on the text and the source of the post.


    From Su Zhen.


    "First meeting after starting the job! Isn¡¯t the boss handsome?"


    The boss was indeed handsome, but...


    It bothered her how openly her husband¡¯s photo was posted, Qin Mu frowned.


    Just as she was getting angry, Helian Hao called to ask her, "What¡¯s with that Su Zhen? Daring to take photos of your husband during a meeting and post them in her circle of friends, is she provoking you?"


    "I just saw it myself and I¡¯m angry too!"


    Qin Mu lowered her head, playing with her fingers, her long hair almost covering her entire face.


    "Does Mu Yichen know? That Su Zhen took his picture and posted it on her social media? Su Zhen¡¯s friends even think that she snagged herself a wealthy husband upon arriving in Rongcheng. You must take this seriously, understand?"


    "Mmm-hmm!"


    The anger stewing inside her had dissipated mostly after hearing Helian Hao¡¯s stern words. Now feeling a bit relieved, she lay back on the sofa looking at the ceiling, pinching her phone in one hand while stroking her long hair back with the other, and asked Helian Hao, "I didn¡¯t go to work today, do you want to come to the apartment?"


    "I have a surgery to do later, I just saw this post and wanted to give you a heads up. Besides, this woman seems dignified, but her actions are utterly shameless, even having the audacity to ask us for our phone number and adding us on WeChat. The key point is, having the gall to post Mu Yichen¡¯s photo after adding WeChat. If you don¡¯t nip this in the bud, you won¡¯t have a moment¡¯s peace for months."


    In the photo, Mu Yichen¡¯s expression appeared grim, clearly upset.


    After hanging up the phone, Qin Mu held her phone up in the air with both hands, thinking and looking over and over again.


    Qin Mu immediately took a screenshot of the social media post and sent it to Mu Yichen.


    "Waiting for you to come back for lunch, your husband who got posted in another woman¡¯s circle of friends."

 Chapter 586 - 171 You are my queen_2

    Chapter 586: 171 You are my queen_2


    Mu Yichen heard his phone chime and picked it up for a glance. He frowned slightly upon seeing the photo his wife sent him, and subconsciously lifted his eyes to look at Su Zhen, who was diagonally across from him, several people away.


    Su Zhen had already been watching him, and when she saw him looking her way, irrespective of how much disgust was in his eyes, she smiled and nodded at him.


    Mu Yichen continued to listen to the report with a frown of annoyance, and then set his phone aside.


    When the meeting ended, Mu Yichen tapped his hand gently on the edge of the table and then lifted his gaze to look at those seated around him.


    "Let¡¯s set a little rule, from now on, during meetings, no one is to bring their phones into the office, especially those who love to post on social media! This is the place where you serve, not where you show off and take pictures! Dismissed!"


    After finishing his statement, Mu Yichen was the first to get up and leave, his presence as chilly as air conditioning, making people reluctant to approach him even in the heat of summer.


    Su Zhen sat there dumbfounded without moving, while everyone else left one after another, seemingly still discussing who had been so bored as to take pictures during the meeting.


    Su Zhen, who had added quite a few people on social media, suddenly thought of how everyone would soon know about her post, and immediately reopened her phone in anger, found her social media post, and deleted it.


    As she looked at Mu Yichen¡¯s side profile on the screen, Su Zhen felt as if her heart was pricked, and she gripped her phone tightly in her hand.


    However, the upper echelons still found out, as everyone had seen her taking pictures with her phone aimed at Mu Yichen before the meeting started. Even the media wouldn¡¯t dare to expose Mu Yichen without consent, and to everyone¡¯s view, this woman was far too overconfident.


    When Mu Yichen returned home at noon, he brought Huanhuan back as well, carrying many things in his hands.


    Qin Mu, lying on the sofa and lifting her head, saw the two returnees, especially when she spotted the little one, and immediately crawled up from the sofa: "Huanhuan!"


    "Mummy!"


    Huanhuan ran towards Qin Mu on her little legs, and Qin Mu scooped her up from the couch in one swift move, startling Mu Yichen, who hurried over: "Now you know why Ms. Feng has been reluctant to let you take Huanhuan lately."


    "Why?"


    Qin Mu asked, curious.


    Mu Yichen settled Huanhuan onto the couch and also sat her down, pressing her into the sofa: "No more rough handling like that, do you think you¡¯re still on your own?"


    He planted his hands on either side of her, on the back of the sofa, cornering Qin Mu against the backrest.


    Huanhuan, unable to resist watching her parents being so close, covered her small mouth and giggled.


    Mu Yichen turned his head and saw his daughter¡¯s squinted eyes, so he had no choice but to let Qin Mu go: "I¡¯ll go cook!"


    Huanhuan couldn¡¯t help but laugh, intentionally covering her mouth with her hand.


    Qin Mu turned to look at her daughter and then, with one arm, pulled her onto her lap, pressing the little girl down: "You dare mock your mom, huh?"


    "Hehe, Mummy¡¯s shy!"


    Huanhuan cupped Qin Mu¡¯s lowering cheeks in her hands and squeezed hard.


    Qin Mu...


    Is this what they mean by a mischievous child, describing her Huanhuan?


    Turning her head towards the dining area and thinking about Mu Yi preparing lunch, and the social media incident on her phone, she then let go of Huanhuan and headed to the kitchen.


    "Mu Yi?"


    A pair of slender hands clung to the doorway, and a beautiful face appeared, visible to the man in the kitchen.


    "What¡¯s the instruction? Mrs. Mu!"


    Mu Yi was busy cooking earnestly; he glanced at Mrs. Mu when she appeared, then continued with his task.


    Qin Mu approached and, with round eyes, looked at her favorite vegetable simmering in the pot: "Su Zhen has deleted your photo from her social media."


    Her voice wasn¡¯t loud, but it was enough for him to hear.


    "Hmm!"


    Mu Yichen still seemed disinterested, and Qin Mu looked up at him, unable to curb her curiosity.


    Hadn¡¯t he said something to Su Zhen, she probably wouldn¡¯t have deleted the social media post so quickly, would she?


    Now playing mysterious with her?


    "Did you talk to her?"


    Qin Mu asked again, curious and batting her eyes pleasingly.


    "I just set a rule after the meeting that no phones are allowed during meetings, that¡¯s all."


    Mu Yichen continued seriously.


    "Oh!"


    Qin Mu felt genuinely shocked; she could almost imagine Su Zhen¡¯s expression and internal world when she heard those words ¨C it must have been quite a spectacle.


    "Then you cook well, I¡¯ll go play with our daughter for a while."


    After speaking, Qin Mu slipped away, and Mu Yichen slightly raised his eyebrows, struggling to contain the urge to laugh at the sight of her trying to please him, finding satisfaction in her gestures.

 Chapter 587 - 171 You are my queen_3

    Chapter 587: 171 You are my queen_3


    After lunch, the family of three settled in the living room. Mu Yichen was responsible for reading to the mother and daughter, who cuddled together and eventually fell asleep while listening.


    When Mu Yichen put down the book, he turned to see Huanhuan asleep in Qin Mu¡¯s arms, and as he lifted his gaze, he saw the tender image of the woman also sleeping, reflected in his soft eyes.


    At that moment, he couldn¡¯t help but smile, feeling incredibly warm.


    He got up, first carried Huanhuan away from Qin Mu¡¯s embrace, and after putting Huanhuan back in her room, he went downstairs to carry Qin Mu, who murmured in a hoarse voice, "Do you still have to go to work later?"


    "Not going!"


    Mu Yichen replied, and looking down at her with her eyes still closed, he didn¡¯t say anything more.


    Afterward, the three of them fell asleep together in bed, and then father and son went out to play, leaving Qin Mu to continue sleeping at home by herself.


    Her current state was what people call ¡¯the more you sleep, the sleepier you get,¡¯ and so, her day was pretty much wasted.


    When Qin Mu woke up again, it was already evening, and one look in the mirror scared her with the image of a woman with disheveled hair looking like a ghost.


    Was this still her, Qin Mu?


    She gripped her hair tightly with her hands and then patted her heart forcefully before hurrying to take a shower.


    ¡ª¡ª


    In the evening, at Qin Haiming¡¯s request, she went to the Qin Family home alone.


    After Qin Haiming came downstairs, he saw Qin Mu sipping bird¡¯s nest soup in the living room and unconsciously curled his lips into a smile, then went to sit on a separate sofa diagonally across from her.


    "Yichen knows you¡¯re here, right?"


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Mu put down the bowl and spoke to him in a low voice.


    "Today, I wanted to talk to you about your dowry. If you have any special requests, you can put them forward," Qin Haiming suggested, watching her.


    "There¡¯s no need to trouble yourself with the dowry, Mu Yichen said we don¡¯t need any of that pomp," Qin Mu relayed to Qin Haiming what Mu Yichen had told her beforehand.


    "Hmm, he may not care about my things, but that¡¯s his business. As your family, how can we not prepare a dowry for you? Since you don¡¯t have any requests, then I¡¯ll just get something ready. I don¡¯t have many good things here, but there are still a few," Qin Haiming said, smiling as he spoke.


    Seeing his insistence, Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything more. After the incident last time, Qin Mu was mostly silent towards Qin Haiming, not knowing how to interact with this father of hers¡ªthere was still a river separating them.


    "What do you think of Su Zhen¡¯s intention?" Qin Haiming decided to bring it up after some thought.


    "She can¡¯t change the status quo between Mu Yichen and me. Of course, she is indeed a troublemaker," Qin Mu replied.


    "Let me take care of this issue for you," Qin Haiming offered.


    Qin Mu looked up at him, and Qin Haiming smiled gently, "I¡¯ve dealt quite a bit with her father over the years."


    Qin Mu lowered her gaze, "Then I¡¯ll trouble you with that!"


    He smiled slightly; she still didn¡¯t call him ¡¯dad¡¯. Every time she would say ¡¯I¡¯ll trouble you with that¡¯, a formal politeness that pained his heart, but he just laughed it off.


    "There¡¯s no trouble between us, father and daughter!"


    He declared.


    Qin Mu nodded.


    "Finish the bird¡¯s nest soup; we don¡¯t keep these things at home normally, it was all prepared for you," Qin Haiming added.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu then picked up the bowl of unfinished bird¡¯s nest soup and continued to drink it.


    The housekeeper came out with a platter of cut fruit, "Miss, this was also bought for you today on the mayor¡¯s orders. Are these all your favorites?"


    Qin Mu smiled at the housekeeper after a glance.


    The housekeeper understood her meaning, knowing that there was a rift between the father and daughter, she didn¡¯t say more and left.


    After Qin Mu left, Qin Haiming picked up the home phone and made a call to D City.


    "Old Su, I hear your precious pearl has come to work in Rong City?"


    Su Zhen¡¯s father, on the other end, chuckled at the topic, "Yes, indeed! The girl studied hotel management, and you know, even the best hotels in our city don¡¯t have much clout. Recently, Mu has been working on a cooperation project with our city, so I asked him to let the girl go over and learn a thing or two. Why? Has she caused any trouble over at your place?"


    "So that¡¯s the situation. There¡¯s a decent hotel in Beijing, and I happen to know the president there. If you don¡¯t mind, why not consider my suggestion? I assure you, the opportunities there will not be any worse than here in our city," Qin Haiming pondered, each word carefully weighed.

 Chapter 588 - 171 You are my queen_4

    Chapter 588: 171 You are my queen_4


    "Oh? Must that girl have caused some trouble over there? Otherwise, why would you suddenly make this call? We have been friends for years now¡ªyou can speak frankly."


    So, later on, Qin Haiming slowly started talking about Qin Mu¡¯s situation: "Old Su, I owe my daughter too much, so you should understand my feelings."


    "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll contact Su Zhen right away and have her resign from there immediately."


    "I still have some influence over things in Beijing," Qin Haiming added just before hanging up the phone.


    "Great! I definitely won¡¯t stand on ceremony if I need something."


    After the two of them hung up the phone, Qin Haiming finally breathed a sigh of relief. He really feared that Su Zhen¡¯s father wouldn¡¯t give him this face. But just as he was about to get up, he heard a shout from inside: "It¡¯s not good, Mayor¡ªBrother Wang has fainted!"


    "What? Quick, call an ambulance!"


    During all this, Qin Haiming was running towards Uncle Wang¡¯s room while giving orders.


    The next day, Qin Mu learned of Uncle Wang¡¯s hospitalization from Helian Hao. Qin Mu and Helian Hao bought fruit baskets and flowers and went to visit him. Uncle Wang looked worse than the last time they had seen him.


    "The Mayor had some urgent matters this morning, so he left early, but he will come back tonight."


    The aunt taking care of him explained to Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu nodded, unable to help asking as she looked at Uncle Wang¡¯s gaunt appearance: "The last time I saw you in the hospital, you should have told me¡ªtreat an illness early to avoid such suffering, right?"


    "I¡¯m fine! Really fine!"


    Uncle Wang said with a bit of an embarrassed smile, also afraid of worrying her.


    Qin Mu and Helian Hao exchanged glances, "Xiaohao is a doctor here, you know that, right? If there¡¯s an emergency, just call someone to fetch her."


    Uncle Wang nodded, "Of course, I know Miss Helian."


    "Not to mention! If you said you didn¡¯t know me, I would have to revert back to my childhood and let you watch me grow up all over again."


    Helian Hao joked.


    "You two girls¡ªunexpected that after so many years, you could still reunite. It¡¯s also your fate. Seeing you together like this makes Uncle Wang happy for you."


    Uncle Wang reflected, remembering the days when the two girls used to carry their schoolbags and go to school together.


    "You two are also quite busy, so don¡¯t come over again. I¡¯ll contact you if I need anything, and besides, everything is taken care of by your father. He treats me like his own brother, so don¡¯t worry."


    Uncle Wang later said to Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu nodded and walked out of his ward with Helian Hao.


    Helian Hao said, "Uncle Wang really hasn¡¯t followed your father for nothing these years."


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu walked with her head down, murmuring her agreement.


    Helian Hao, seeing her preoccupied, curiously asked, "What¡¯s wrong? Are you troubled?"


    "Qin Hai said he is going to prepare my dowry."


    Qin Mu leaned against the wall and spoke to Helian Hao in a low voice.


    "Isn¡¯t that a good thing? He¡¯s finally willing to take on a father¡¯s responsibility,"


    Helian Hao asked her.


    "He also said he would help get Su Zhen away from AM but¡ªI know he¡¯s being good to me, but I just can¡¯t quite accept it."


    Qin Mu said, lowering her head again.


    Helian Hao also lowered her head, then lifted a hand to Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder, consoling, "Just let your relationship with your father take its own course, okay?"


    After visiting Uncle Wang, Qin Mu returned to the studio. Xiaomei saw her car come back and ran out. Qin Mu gave her a curious look: "What¡¯s up?"


    Looking at the blue convertible aside, she asked again, "We have a visitor?"


    "She said her name is Su Zhen and she has come to see you!"


    Xiaomei looked at Qin Mu with a hint of wariness in her eyes. She was being vigilant on behalf of Qin Mu.


    Upon hearing Su Zhen¡¯s name, Qin Mu became curious too. Then, thinking of what Qin Hai had told her the night before, she nodded and walked in.


    Su Zhen was sitting in the reception area, looking through their promotional brochures. Hearing footsteps, she looked up: "You¡¯re back!"


    "Yes! Ms. Su, what brings you here? Do you want to have some clothes made?"


    "Not really! Just came to have a chat with you!"


    Su Zhen said with a smile.


    Qin Mu was slightly taken aback by this straightforward reply but nodded and gestured, "Please, have a seat."


    Su Zhen then sat back down.


    "I¡¯ve only just learned that Miss Qin is actually the treasure in the palm of Secretary Qin¡¯s hand. I had never before heard that Secretary Qin had a daughter who is a designer and is his treasure."


    Su Zhen spoke, her words polite and tactful.


    "I grew up in Paris, so it¡¯s normal that you don¡¯t know about me."


    Qin Mu finished speaking but couldn¡¯t help recalling that when she had first arrived, Qin Hai had already introduced her to his political friends. If Qin Hai really had a good relationship with Mayor Su, how could Mayor Su not know about her?

 Chapter 589 - 171 You are my queen_5

    Chapter 589: 171 You are my queen_5


    "Can we go somewhere more private to talk?"


    Su Zhen glanced around and then suggested to her.


    "Then let¡¯s go to my office!"


    Qin Mu was taken aback but quickly agreed, leading her to the office.


    After Su Zhen arrived at Qin Mu¡¯s office, she couldn¡¯t help but exclaim, "It looks really professional!"


    "Do you think I¡¯m just for show?"


    Qin Mu asked jokingly.


    But when Su Zhen turned to look at her, she noticed the sharpness in her eyes and immediately laughed, "I would never dare! I¡¯m just not familiar with your line of work, that¡¯s all."


    "Sit down, let¡¯s talk!"


    Qin Mu made room for her and then sat behind the large desk.


    Su Zhen took a seat on the sofa and couldn¡¯t resist picking up a pebble from the coffee table and fondling it, "It feels so good in the hand."


    "That¡¯s something my daughter picked up from the beach."


    Qin Mu looked up and told her.


    "Right, you have a daughter too, I heard she¡¯s over three years old, isn¡¯t she?"


    Su Zhen started the conversation again.


    Qin Mu felt this was clearly an awkward chat, and it was really pointless for two strangers to talk about this.


    "Yes!"


    "You¡¯re really blessed to have given Mr. Mu two babies."


    Su Zhen gently placed the pebble back in its place and clasped her hands together as she spoke to her.


    "It¡¯s my blessing, just as much as it is Mr. Mu¡¯s!"


    Qin Mu corrected.


    "There must be no shortage of women who want to have children with Mr. Mu, right?"


    "Miss Su, what would you like to discuss? Let¡¯s get straight to the point!"


    Qin Mu put her hands together, gave a slight smile, and then became serious about business, her piercing eyes drilling into the depths of Su Zhen¡¯s gaze.


    "Last night my father called and asked me to resign. He said that your father had called him, asking me not to disrupt your marriage. I don¡¯t know where you got the idea that I intended to disrupt your marriage, and have you actually registered your marriage?"


    Su Zhen asked confidently, questioning her.


    Qin Mu stood up from her chair and walked out, standing in front of her desk facing Su Zhen, her sharp eyes fixed on Su Zhen¡¯s, and she smiled faintly.


    "Mu Yichen and I have indeed registered our marriage, two years ago."


    Qin Mu said, then lowered her eyes slightly and lightly pinched a small thread on her loose clothing.


    "Now, about how I knew you intended to disrupt our marriage?"


    Qin Mu raised her eyebrows slightly and looked at her, her fondness for Su Zhen dropping to negative.


    "If your attitude when choosing clothes at the store during our first meeting wasn¡¯t clear enough, if your behavior at that evening¡¯s gathering wasn¡¯t indicative enough, then the fact that you posted Mu Yichen¡¯s photo on your social circle should explain it all."


    Qin Mu engaged in an argument with her. She had originally thought they didn¡¯t need to spell things out so clearly, after all, they weren¡¯t close.


    Su Zhen¡¯s face finally lost all its smile.


    "You know, I¡¯m actually not good at communication, but I really feel your way of interacting with others is too presumptuous. Besides, you really don¡¯t have the right to come here and question me about these things."


    Qin Mu looked down upon the woman sitting on the sofa whose expression had collapsed, her words meant to make Su Zhen look bad.


    Feeling as though she had been belittled by Qin Mu, Su Zhen stood up from the sofa and still managed a smile, "What if I told you that I do like him, but I don¡¯t want to leave? And, with so many women liking Mr. Mu, do you think you can drive them all away?"


    "Honestly, although there are many women who admire Mu Yichen, there are indeed not many who are as shameless as Miss Su, so luckily, I can drive them all away!"


    Qin Mu held her arms and spoke these words with a bit of a teasing tone.


    Su Zhen¡¯s heart pounded violently as if someone had smashed it with a garlic press.


    "You..."


    Su Zhen¡¯s face flushed with humiliation, turning from red to white.


    "Actually, if the hotel just got a pretty female executive, I¡¯d think that was quite nice. But if this woman came to seduce my man, I believe, as a woman, I need to defend my rights."


    Qin Mu continued to speak.


    "Was it you who suddenly blocked me on Mu¡¯s WeChat that night? And was it also you who made Mu embarrass me in front of so many people during the meeting that morning by sending him the photo I posted to my Moments?"


    Su Zhen thought for a moment and then irritably questioned her.


    "No!"


    Qin Mu thought about it and shook her head, realizing that this woman had been humiliated and even blocked?


    Wow, Mr. Mu from their family is really quite impressive!


    "Not you? Then who else could make him embarrass me in front of so many people?"


    Su Zhen asked again, frowning deeply.


    "Of course, it was him. In Rongcheng, no one but himself can control him."


    Qin Mu answered honestly, yet it made Su Zhen¡¯s face even less able to hold up.


    "I didn¡¯t even know he had you on WeChat, how would I know about him blocking you? As for ¡ª actually, I don¡¯t need to explain so much to you. I still have some work to do, so Miss Su, if there¡¯s nothing else, you can leave now."


    Having said that, Qin Mu went back behind her desk and sat down.


    Yet Su Zhen suddenly laughed, looking somewhat dispirited.


    "The battle hasn¡¯t even started, and I have already lost? Qin Mu, I must stay. If I go back now, I will become the laughingstock of others."


    "That¡¯s your problem!"


    Qin Mu thought that an adult should be able to handle their own issues.


    "I will continue to stay here, but I won¡¯t deliberately approach Mu Yichen anymore. Are you satisfied with this promise?"


    You really take the road less traveled, Miss Su!


    Qin Mu looked up at her curiously, "I don¡¯t understand?"


    "I am not so desperate as to gamble with my reputation, nor am I like Jing Qing, willing to stake my life for the love of a man. So, from now until the end of the year, I will stay at AM and work my hardest to achieve some results."


    Later, Su Zhen talked a lot more, and then she left.


    In the following days, Su Zhen indeed didn¡¯t bother their life anymore. Of course, Mu Yichen was also not visiting AM so frequently now.


    That night, after coaxing Huanhuan to sleep, Qin Mu returned to the bedroom with Mu Yichen and lay on the bed. Mu Yichen was massaging Qin Mu¡¯s feet. Qin Mu, while pressing on her temples, looked at Mu Yichen and eventually decided to tell him about Qin Haiming calling Su Zhen¡¯s father. After hearing this, Mu Yichen just looked up at her and didn¡¯t offer any opinion.


    Qin Mu nudged his hand with her foot and then asked him, "Tell me what you¡¯re thinking!"


    "What should I think? You call the shots on all my affairs."


    Mu Yichen held her foot and pressed firmly, confessing to her.


    "I call the shots on everything? Really?"


    Qin Mu actually knew that Mu Yichen was telling the truth, but she just couldn¡¯t resist teasing him.


    Mu Yichen was really frustrated recently because of her pregnancy, and he couldn¡¯t handle her flirting with him all the time.


    "Mrs. Mu, if you keep on like this, your husband will be gone before the baby is even born."


    Qin Mu...


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Qin Mu was so frightened that she stammered.


    "Where do I start? From the root!"


    Mr. Mu frowned childishly as a reminder.

 Chapter 590 - 172 has a visual now_1

    Chapter 590: 172 has a visual now_1


    Qin Mu¡¯s big, black, shiny eyes were cooperating fully as they looked deeply at the root!


    Uh-huh! It¡¯s indeed important to take good care of their roots!


    The weather was getting hotter, and Qin Mu wore particularly thin pajamas in bed, so Mu Yichen took two cold showers that night.


    ¡ª¡ª


    The next day, President Mu had a majestic fever!


    When he got up in the morning, he was staggering. Qin Mu followed him to the restroom to brush their teeth and noticed his complexion was a bit dark, so she immediately grabbed his arm and made him face her, then reached out to touch his forehead.


    Thirty-eight point eight degrees!


    "What an auspicious number!"


    After checking the thermometer, Qin Mu said to him, and Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, "I¡¯m fine, I¡¯ll go get breakfast ready for you."


    "No need, I¡¯ll go downstairs and make some porridge. We¡¯ll have a light breakfast, and then send Huanhuan to Mom and Dad¡¯s place. I¡¯m worried you might pass it on to her."


    Mu Yichen lay on the bed while Qin Mu held him down, and then they heard their door gently pushed open from the outside.


    Huanhuan had just pushed the door open, then slowly backed out and closed it.


    Both of them curiously looked at the door, only to hear a very soft knock from outside.


    "Daddy, Mommy, may I come in?"


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Yichen...


    "No, you may not!"


    Qin Mu playfully refused.


    However, the door was slowly pushed open from the outside again.


    The little girl saw both of them looking at her from the side of the bed, then she giggled and ran inside.


    "Daddy, Mommy, are you playing the kissing game again?"


    Huanhuan hugged Qin Mu¡¯s legs and shyly buried her face in them.


    Qin Mu smiled helplessly, looking at Mu Yichen: It¡¯s all your fault!


    "How is it my fault? You were on top just now!"


    President Mu felt profoundly wronged.


    Just as Qin Mu¡¯s hand was about to smack him, he caught it and pressed it against his chest.


    Huanhuan raised her little face that had been buried in her small hands to look at her dad lying on the bed: "What¡¯s wrong with Daddy?"


    "Your daddy has a fever!"


    Qin Mu whispered to her.


    "Daddy has a fever?"


    Huanhuan asked, then walked forward, her tender little hands touching her dad¡¯s head and then seriously touching her own: "It¡¯s really hot!"


    She nodded with earnest seriousness.


    "How about going downstairs with Mommy to cook breakfast? Let Daddy rest here by himself, okay?"


    Qin Mu asked.


    "Yeah! Okay!"


    Huanhuan agreed, leading her mommy by the hand like a little grown-up.


    "I really can do it!"


    "I said no means no, just lie down. Wait until I call you for breakfast."


    Truth be told, President Mu was really worried about his kitchen being messed up.


    But how could he tell Mrs. Mu about his concern?


    Qin Mu went to the kitchen to cook, and Huanhuan stood there for a while, feeling like she couldn¡¯t help, so she turned around and left.


    After breakfast, Qin Mu initially wanted to take Huanhuan to Feng Fanghua¡¯s place, but thinking there were no early education classes that day, she ended up driving to her studio. She gave a helpless smile, then picked up Huanhuan from the car: "It seems you¡¯ll have to spend the day here with mommy."


    "I want to go play with Aunt Xiaomei!"


    Huanhuan looked up and said, her soft hair cascading over her shoulders as she looked up, since she had just a single braid on top and the rest of her hair loose, it was particularly heartwarming.


    Qin Mu nodded, "Alright! And ask Aunt Xiaomei to tie up the rest of your hair too."


    At home, she thought it looked pretty, but now Qin Mu found it a bit hot, so she carried Huanhuan to the studio.


    Xiaomei immediately came over to take Huanhuan from her arms: "Oh, my little ancestor, if your granny saw how I¡¯m holding you, she¡¯d have my hide."


    "Isn¡¯t that a bit exaggerated?"


    Qin Mu asked, then went to the small kitchen to make herself a drink.


    Huanhuan whispered in Xiaomei¡¯s ear, causing Xiaomei to laugh and cry: "It¡¯s all being saved for you!"


    But she looked worriedly toward the small kitchen; Feng Fanghua had been calling every day to check on Qin Mu¡¯s condition.


    That afternoon, Feng Fanghua brought a meal to the studio with an aide, seeing Huanhuan with her, she asked, "Where¡¯s Mu Yichen? Didn¡¯t he say he would take her?"


    "Oh! Today he..."


    "Daddy has a fever!"


    Before Qin Mu could finish, Huanhuan spoke up.


    Qin Mu wanted to laugh but seeing Feng Fanghua¡¯s expression, she quickly became cautious.


    "He¡¯s taken some medicine and is resting at home. I just took Huanhuan with me."


    "Don¡¯t go back these few days, let him stay at his apartment alone!"

 Chapter 591 - 172 has a visual now_2

    Chapter 591: 172 has a visual now_2


    Qin Mu originally thought Feng Fanghua was just worried about her own son when she suddenly put on a serious face, but she didn¡¯t expect to be told not to return to the apartment.


    "What if his fever is contagious and you catch it? With your current condition, taking medicine or getting injections is bad for your health, and Huanhuan is also at an age where she can easily catch it. You two will stay at my place starting tonight, and you can go back once his fever has subsided and stabilized,"


    Feng Fanghua said, hugging Huanhuan while sitting on the sofa.


    Qin Mu just felt...


    She just felt that Mu Yi might be unhappy!


    Xiaomei was standing by, and upon hearing Feng Fanghua¡¯s words, could barely keep her composure to appear slightly stern.


    If Mu Yi knew that he was going to be forced to be separated from their Qinqin, he would probably be devastated.


    "That¡¯s settled then. I¡¯ll take Huanhuan home first, and you come over after work. I¡¯ll have the kitchen prepare what you love to eat,"


    Feng Fanghua said as she took Huanhuan and left.


    Qin Mu licked her lips, and somehow didn¡¯t have the courage to disagree.


    Actually, Qin Mu didn¡¯t think she would catch anything from Mu Yi. Was she really that fragile?


    Besides, he must have started running a fever in the latter half of the night, and they both slept hugging each other in the morning. If she was going to get infected, wouldn¡¯t she have caught it by now?


    And with Mu Yi seldom falling ill, how could she, as his wife, not be by his side?


    Thinking about it made Qin Mu feel wronged.


    Qin Mu was eating lunch by herself when she couldn¡¯t resist calling Mu Yi, "Have you eaten lunch yet?"


    "Yeah! Mom has brought someone over, and she said you can¡¯t come back tonight,"


    Mu Yichen frowned, sipping the soup Auntie made for him, but his expression was a bit pitiful.


    "Mom is afraid you¡¯ll catch it from me, but I¡¯m really not afraid of getting infected. Can you talk to her and let me come back and stay with you tonight?"


    Qin Mu said, already missing the sound of his voice.


    "Yes! That¡¯s what I think, too. Can¡¯t I just be a little careful? You¡¯ve never passed on a cold to me before. Mrs. Feng must be doing this on purpose,"


    Mu Yi frowned, looking at the soup in his bowl and taking another sip.


    He seemed childishly stubborn, but he was so earnest about it.


    "Then I¡¯ll come back to the apartment tonight!"


    Qin Mu said excitedly.


    "No, with your special condition, you should go there tonight,"


    Mu Yi, though reluctantly, had to give up.


    Qin Mu felt her enthusiasm deflate upon hearing this.


    "Oh!"


    "Not happy, huh? You really want to be with me?"


    Mu Yichen teased, hearing her flat response.


    "Mu Yichen, don¡¯t you gloat!"


    Qin Mu grumbled a reminder to him but was really worried about him.


    "How do you feel now? Is it any better?"


    "It was awful at first, but it¡¯s a bit better now,"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s appetite improved a bit after their phone call.


    Qin Mu relaxed a little upon hearing him say that.


    But in the afternoon, she quietly drove back to see him.


    He was rarely home alone to rest, so she quietly opened the apartment door, tiptoed to make as little noise as possible, and found him in the bedroom, sound asleep under covers.


    Without making a sound, she got into bed and hugged him from behind.


    Mu Yichen felt a weight on his body, furrowed his brows unconsciously, thinking it was a dream.


    But as he turned his head slightly and felt her breath, he was startled and immediately pushed her arm away a little: "Why did you come back?"


    "I was afraid I wouldn¡¯t be able to hug you tonight, so I came back now to hug you first,"


    Qin Mu said, leaning in again.


    "No! What if you catch a cold from me?"


    Mu Yichen frowned, vehemently opposing.


    "Mu Yichen, I¡¯m getting angry!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t reach his neck, feeling a bit stifled in her chest.


    "If you weren¡¯t pregnant, do you think I would fear giving you a cold? But now is a special situation, and we both have to endure!"


    Qin Mu almost laughed when she heard him say "endure."


    Mu Yichen frowned even more at her expression: "Hey, Mrs. Mu, take this seriously!"


    "It was you who wasn¡¯t being serious, okay? If you don¡¯t want me here, I don¡¯t care if you guard the empty house tonight all by yourself. Anyway, I have Huanhuan and the little one in my belly,"


    Qin Mu got up from the bed, pretending to be angry as if she were about to leave.


    She was actually hoping Mu Yichen would ask her to stay.


    Mu Yichen lay in bed, holding the quilt and watching her stubbornly act silly: "Go ahead then, let me taste the agony of loneliness once again."


    He said so with a wry smile; in the past, he never could have said such a thing.

 Chapter 592 - 172 has a visual now_3

    Chapter 592: 172 has a visual now_3


    Thinking back to when she had insomnia because of her, but now, she was able to say these words.


    She finally stopped leaving and stayed by his side.


    "If you want to leave, then leave!"


    Qin Mu glanced at him, then turned and walked away.


    Mu Yichen lay there watching her, and he felt a bit more uncomfortable with each step she took.


    That emotion suddenly surged in his heart, and he suddenly jumped out of bed.


    "Qin Mu!"


    As soon as Qin Mu turned at the sound, he was already in front of her, one hand pulling her tightly into his embrace, the other cupping her face, and a kiss followed, fierce and lingering.


    Qin Mu¡¯s lips hurt from the kiss, but she couldn¡¯t bear to let him go, involuntarily wrapping her arms tightly around him.


    In the end, he couldn¡¯t bear to let her go.


    Qin Mu felt that this sensation was truly wonderful.


    Although it was late at night and she was lying in the Mu Family¡¯s house in the bedroom that belonged to them and Huanhuan, her heart was still sweet.


    She almost instantly thought of what he said while holding her face and kissing her: "Forget it! I want you first, and we¡¯ll talk later!"


    Qin Mu liked that reckless desire of his to possess her.


    Huanhuan had already fallen asleep; she lay beside Huanhuan, quietly watching her peaceful face, and felt that Huanhuan really resembled Mu Yichen, especially the mouth.


    Suddenly, she remembered someone saying Huanhuan¡¯s mouth resembled hers, but now she felt that Huanhuan¡¯s mouth was very much like Mu Yichen¡¯s.


    Later, someone knocked on the door and Qin Mu got up only then. Feng Fanghua came in with milk: "You haven¡¯t slept yet? I came up because you didn¡¯t drink your milk; I had the kitchen heat up another cup for you."


    Feng Fanghua really cared about her, but...


    Qin Mu took the milk: "Thank you, Mom!"


    "Yeah! In the studio, your assistant still heats up milk for you every day, right?"


    Feng Fanghua sat by the bed, looking at her sleeping granddaughter, the rosy cheeks so lovely that it made her eyes even softer.


    "Yes!"


    Now Qin Mu could tell this lie to Feng Fanghua without feeling any guilt at all.


    "That¡¯s good! The kid is sensible and quite capable."


    Feng Fanghua did not forget to praise her.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu agreed, thinking that Xiaomei would be so proud if she heard such compliments.


    In their studio, the most common compliment Xiaomei got was for her efficiency; it was really rare for people to say that she was obedient or sensible.


    Feng Fanghua watched Qin Mu gulp down the cup of milk, then stood up, took the empty cup, and said to Qin Mu: "Then you should rest early. If you don¡¯t feel like getting up in the morning, don¡¯t rush. I¡¯ll come early to look after Huanhuan for you; just sleep in."


    "Okay! Thank you, Mom!"


    Qin Mu felt that her living conditions now were really like those of a queen.


    Since becoming pregnant, Feng Fanghua really treated her with utmost care.


    Sometimes Qin Mu wanted to stay pregnant forever, the feeling of happiness was just too good.


    It was just that when she texted President Mu before bed saying this, President Mu would reply: "You should have the baby. If you keep on not giving birth, when will our world of two return?"


    Mu Yichen truly regretted why he had been so eager for her to have the child in the first place?


    Since she became pregnant, it truly became impossible for them to spend quality time together.


    A world of two!


    Qin Mu, on the contrary, felt that their world of two was not as joyful as it was now!


    It seemed to be after that little one in her belly came that she gradually found her sense of happiness.


    However, thinking about the days when they could freely roll around together, she couldn¡¯t help but feel nostalgic.


    In the morning, she woke up very early, probably because she had slept too much in the past two days.


    When she got up, Huanhuan was still asleep, so she went downstairs on her own, only to find that the old man had already gone out for a walk and come back.


    Just as he sat down with his trouser legs rolled up, he looked up to see Qin Mu coming out, and the old man immediately said cheerfully, "Granddaughter-in-law woke up? Did you sleep well without that boy beside you?"


    "Very well! Good morning, Grandpa!"


    Qin Mu greeted him and went to sit down.


    Now that she was visibly pregnant, the old man was especially happy: "Yeah! It¡¯s good for you to stay here for a few days. Without you, the house really isn¡¯t lively."


    The old man leaned closer to her and said in a low voice like a secret.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh: "If Grandpa likes it, then I¡¯ll stay for more days."


    "I¡¯d be happy about that, but that boy would probably go crazy!"


    The old man said.


    "This time he even suggested I come back and stay here. Moreover, he loves Grandpa so much, he will definitely listen to Grandpa obediently."


    Qin Mu replied.

 Chapter 593 - 172 has a visual now_4

    Chapter 593: 172 has a visual now_4


    "He was obedient? That kid never listened from the time he was young, if I told him to go east, he¡¯d go west, huh! Just take the years you were away, I tried so many ways to get him to come back, but he stubbornly stayed in France. When he came back for the New Year, I wanted to keep him grounded for a few days, but he managed to climb down from the second floor and left with his backpack, not even looking back."


    As the old man spoke of that stubborn youth from those days, he felt as if those times were still lingering before his eyes.


    Qin Mu listened, her heart feeling somewhat damp. She knew his family probably didn¡¯t approve of him always going to Paris to see her, but she didn¡¯t know he¡¯d dare to climb down from the second floor.


    "I¡¯m telling you this without any other intention, so don¡¯t overthink it. Now that the two of you are together, nothing makes this old man happier."


    The old master saw a subtle change in her expression and gave her a hint.


    "Mm!"


    Qin Mu nodded, then wrapped her arms around the old man¡¯s shoulders, gently leaning on his shoulder, "I know!"


    The old man felt comforted to see Qin Mu acting coquettishly on his shoulder. He was always worried she wouldn¡¯t feel at home here and was too reserved.


    Especially with Feng Fanghua¡¯s sharp tongue.


    But it seemed that Qin Mu was adapting well, which eased his mind.


    Feng Fanghua had ordered someone to prepare breakfast for Mu Yichen early. After getting up and washing briefly, Mu Yichen came downstairs. When he heard noise in the kitchen, he doubted it for a second, slowed his footsteps subconsciously, and tried to control his heartbeat. However, when he cautiously entered the dining room, hoping it would be her, returning to make porridge for him, he saw the auntie in a light-colored shirt and pants instead. The anticipation and anxiety on his face immediately turned into disappointment, and his eyebrows furrowed.


    "Don¡¯t come over tomorrow, I¡¯m feeling much better today."


    Mu Yichen still slowly walked over, his voice somewhat hoarse as he spoke.


    "You look in poor condition still. The young mistress and the little miss are doing fine there, it¡¯s the Madam who can¡¯t stop worrying about you, young master."


    "I¡¯m a grown man, a little cold isn¡¯t going to do much to me. It¡¯s just..."


    Mu Yichen suddenly didn¡¯t want to talk too much with the auntie, and resignedly sat there eating his flavorless meal.


    "Does the young mistress know you came to cook for me?"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    It had only been one night, yet it felt like an eternity.


    "She knows! She got up early this morning, said she slept too much the past few days, so she¡¯s been sleeping a little less these two days. She¡¯s been chatting with the old master since the morning. I greeted her when I came out."


    The auntie stood by responding.


    "Didn¡¯t she leave you a few words for me? Or a message to pass along?"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but ask another question.


    "Well¡ª the young mistress said to make sure you rest well, and if you¡¯re too tired, to not go to work."


    The auntie thought for a moment before speaking.


    But her subtle expressions couldn¡¯t escape Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes. Seeing her like that, he simply lowered his eyes to continue eating without making it difficult for her any longer.


    He thought how the woman had acted like she couldn¡¯t be away from him for a minute yesterday, but this morning she¡¯d already forgotten about him?


    The phrase ¡¯out of sight, out of mind¡¯ must have been created for her.


    The auntie couldn¡¯t help but laugh softly at the sight of him but immediately turned to clean up the kitchen.


    Mu Yichen went to work after eating and made a phone call to Qin Mu, waiting at the doorway for her to pick up.


    "Hello?"


    "What¡¯re you doing?"


    "Playing chess with grandpa, if you¡¯ve got something to say, say it quick, otherwise I¡¯m going to lose again!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was filled with anxiety, not paying him much attention.


    Mu Yichen¡ª


    "Just hang up already, he¡¯s got nothing important to say, getting in the way of our game!"


    "I¡¯m hanging up! I¡¯m hanging up! Hanged up, all right!"


    Qin Mu said she¡¯d hang up, and she did. Mu Yichen stood at the doorway, looking up at the sun that wasn¡¯t too fierce in the sky yet feeling the urge to commit murder.


    Could someone tell him why, with so many rooms in the apartment, he had to let that woman go stay with his parents?


    Not coming back was a loss, and yet she still had the mood to hang up just like that, completely disregarding him, wasn¡¯t she?


    And to think she said she was worried about him...


    Mu Yichen hung up the phone with a cold feeling in his heart.


    Come noon, Qiao Yi visited his office looking completely worn out.


    Mu Yichen put down the document in his hand and leaned back in his chair, frowning at him, "You¡¯ve been completely drained?"


    Qiao Yi looked up at him, his headache worsening due to the seemingly nonsensical comment.


    "That woman¡¯s not mine alone."


    Qiao Yi irritably ran his hands through his hair, slapping himself a couple of times to stay calm.


    Mu Yichen, curious, asked again, "How many?"


    Qiao Yi...


    What made it even more awkward was Mu Yichen¡¯s deadly serious expression, which was why he found it so embarrassing that he had thought Mu Yichen wouldn¡¯t bother about it or that he might even offer some comfort.


    "If only I knew... I went to the bar to find her yesterday, and I saw her drinking a toast with another man. The important thing is, she was sitting on that man¡¯s lap, and he was touching her waist..."


    Qiao Yi was on the verge of jumping up but neglected the fact that the man across from him had been celibate for too long.


    "Stop! Don¡¯t describe anymore, okay?¡ªI¡¯ve already got the picture!"


    Mu Yichen squinted towards the window, emphasizing very solemnly!

 Chapter 594 - 173 Can’t go a day without seeing you_1

    Chapter 594: 173 Can¡¯t go a day without seeing you_1


    Mu Yichen went to Qin Mu¡¯s studio at noon, hoping to take a nap in her office as long as she was there.


    "Qinqin didn¡¯t come to work today, she said she¡¯s resting at home."


    Xiaomei stared at him with her big eyes, deeply suspecting that the couple had quarreled again.


    Mu Yichen just turned around and left, how could he sleep if she wasn¡¯t there?


    "Are you at your parents¡¯ house right now?"


    Mu Yichen called her as he was walking home.


    "Yes! Everyone went out to have fun, it¡¯s just me and grandpa at home playing chess, but grandpa went to rest after lunch, now I¡¯m alone in my room drawing."


    Qin Mu sounded like she finally had time for him.


    "Stay right there and don¡¯t move!"


    He hung up the phone and sped up.


    Damn it, without her, even sleeping felt like just going through the motions.


    Don¡¯t move at all? Wouldn¡¯t that be exhaustingly tiresome?


    Qin Mu was drawing on the bed in the bedroom, thinking that staying still wasn¡¯t an option, and then put down her phone to continue with her work seriously.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s car stopped right at the front door, and only the housekeeper was cleaning. Seeing him walking in with his head down, she greeted him: "The young master has returned!"


    "Hmm!"


    Mu Yichen responded without looking up and headed straight for the staircase.


    The housekeeper watched his retreating figure going upstairs and couldn¡¯t help but smile: "He must be here for the young mistress."


    Another housekeeper laughed, "This young couple is really clingy, missing each other after just one night."


    "Right! These days, it¡¯s rare for young couples who have been together for so long to still have such a good relationship."


    As the housekeepers continued chatting and working, Mu Yichen had already reached the second floor.


    Standing at the door about to push it open, he suddenly shrugged his shoulders and frowned slightly before pushing the door open.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t even look up, intending to finish drawing that part, when suddenly the bed next to her bounced a little.


    Qin Mu, supporting her glasses, turned to see him lying on the bed, eyes closed.


    Her heart ached a little, and she asked him softly, "What¡¯s wrong? Are you still feeling unwell?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, just gazed at her, resting his hand on her lower abdomen to pull her closer, burying himself in her clothes.


    Qin Mu looked down to see the drawings being pressed under him and just raised her hand to gently stroke his hair, soothing him gently back and forth.


    Mu Yichen moved on her side of the bed, then lifted his eyes: "Wearing glasses looks pretty good on you!"


    Qin Mu...


    His black eyes were weary, and then suddenly, he rose up a little and pinned her beneath him.


    "Hey, hey, hey, my drawings!"


    Qin Mu nervously reminded him.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hand gently moved over her legs, carefully lifting the sheets of paper and tossing them off the bed, before pressing down upon her again.


    "Sleep with me, okay?"


    He kissed her forehead, not daring to fully lie on top of her, and spoke while propping himself on his arms.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed, irresistibly.


    Her soft fingers cradled his face: "I seem to recall it was President Mu who wanted to break up with me yesterday."


    Her voice was soft as she spoke.


    Mu Yichen kissed her forehead again: "This is the first time in over twenty years that you¡¯ve been so obedient."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, wanting to kiss him but he dodged: "You¡¯re punished, no kissing me!"


    Qin Mu...


    Later, he rolled off her and, reaching into her comfortable skirt, he then embraced her and fell asleep.


    Qin Mu lay quietly beside him, continuing to stroke his hair after he fell asleep, soothing him to sleep like one would a child.


    His forehead was no longer as hot as yesterday, thank heavens.


    Qin Mu felt relieved while gently pressing her body even lower against his.


    Then Xiaomei sent her a WeChat message.


    "President Mu came over at noon, did you guys have a fight?"


    Qin Mu replied after reading the message: "No! What did he say?"


    "He didn¡¯t say anything, but he seemed very anxious when he heard you weren¡¯t there." replied Xiaomei!


    Qin Mu gently put down her phone, then turned over and cuddled up to him to sleep.


    For some reason, she got the feeling that he was sad because he couldn¡¯t find her.


    ¡ª¡ª


    While the two of them were still sleeping upstairs, that old couple also came home with Huanhuan. Feng Fanghua entered asking, "Did the young mistress have lunch today?"


    "She did! She¡¯s upstairs with the young master now!" replied the housekeeper.


    "Yichen is here?"


    Mu Zihao was a bit excited to hear that his son had come.


    "Why is he here? How long have they both been upstairs?"


    Feng Fanghua, reassured to hear that Qin Mu had eaten well, got slightly anxious hearing her son was there and murmured as she handed her coat to the housekeeper.

 Chapter 595 - 173 Can’t go a day without seeing you_2

    Chapter 595: 173 Can¡¯t go a day without seeing you_2


    "Go call them down!" Feng Fanghua ordered in passing.


    "Yes!"


    The auntie grabbed her coat, about to go call them.


    "Hey hey hey, don¡¯t go! Don¡¯t disturb them."


    Mu Zihao immediately raised his hand to stop her.


    "Why? Your son has a fever right now, what if he infects Qin Mu?"


    Feng Fanghua asked anxiously.


    "Isn¡¯t that a bit exaggerated? Your daughter-in-law isn¡¯t made of clay, leave them alone!"


    Mu Zihao probably thought they were sleeping and couldn¡¯t bear to wake them up, so he pulled Feng Fanghua to sit down on the sofa.


    "Go make a pot of tea for me, and freshly squeeze a glass of juice for Huanhuan, she¡¯s been saying she wanted apple juice on the way here."


    Mu Zihao instructed the auntie.


    "Alright! I¡¯ll go right away!"


    The auntie didn¡¯t really want to disturb the couple either, so after she put Feng Fanghua¡¯s coat and bag away, she went to the kitchen to get to work.


    Huanhuan also trotted to the kitchen, following behind the auntie: "Grandma Wang, I don¡¯t want apple juice anymore."


    The auntie looked down at the little girl and asked softly, "Then what would our little princess like to drink?"


    "Orange, the big orange one!"


    Huanhuan specifically reminded her.


    The auntie laughed and agreed, "Okay, Grandma Wang will make you orange juice right away."


    "Mm! Thank you, Grandma Wang!"


    Huanhuan stood on the side, her little hands resting on her small pockets around her waist.


    Sitting down, Feng Fanghua was still a bit anxious: "Now is a critical time for that girl, if she gets a headache or a fever, she will be the one to suffer, do you think I had them live separately for nothing?"


    "I know! It¡¯s fine! Just relax!"


    Mu Zihao of course knew what his wife was thinking, but he knew even better what his son was thinking.


    He believed his son would never willingly let his wife catch a cold.


    By the time Mu Yichen woke up, it was almost dark. The first thing he saw when he turned his head was Qin Mu lying beside him, watching him with those beautiful eyes like bright stars in the night sky, the corners lifted slightly, so beautiful that he felt at peace.


    "President Mu must not have slept well last night, right?"


    Qin Mu asked him, barely holding back a laugh.


    "I¡¯m not like someone, who said she couldn¡¯t be without me one minute then only remembered to play chess with the old man the next."


    He looked at her reproachfully, moved forward, wrapped his arms around her, and pressed his forehead against hers: "I didn¡¯t call and just went to look for you at the studio, but to no avail!"


    Qin Mu felt a pang of emptiness in her heart, feeling that he must have felt really bad at that moment, and then she pressed her forehead against his reassuringly, "The fever seems to have gone, can I kiss you now?"


    Mu Yichen was startled, then a soft pair of lips was pressed against his, breathless for several seconds until her lips parted from his.


    Qin Mu looked up at him: "If we don¡¯t go down soon, it might not be so good! The elders have been back for quite some time!"


    Qin Mu had been wanting to get up, but he held her so tightly, only willing to let her go just before he woke up.


    Mu Yichen, though touched, heaved a resigned sigh after hearing her words: "Couldn¡¯t you let me enjoy it a little longer?"


    "What?"


    Qin Mu asked.


    "Being confessed to by you!"


    Mu Yichen replied, unable to help laughing again.


    "Did I? I don¡¯t remember doing that."


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes slightly, thinking hard about their recent conversation. When had she confessed to him?


    As the two of them went downstairs, Feng Fanghua saw Mu Yichen settle into the sofa and asked, "Didn¡¯t you say you were staying in the apartment?"


    Mu Yichen lifted his gaze, awkwardly scratching his hair: "I was just passing by!"


    Qin Mu sat beside him, hearing him say ¡¯just passing by,¡¯ she couldn¡¯t help but move a little away from him to look.


    President Mu was such a terrible liar! Ms. Feng was too shrewd.


    When Mu Yichen turned his head, he saw his wife looking at him with an unusually critical eye and glared back at her.


    "Just passing by? Where were you going that you just happened to pass by our house? It¡¯s not even in the city center."


    Feng Fanghua looked at him with disdain, her straightforward nature piercing through his pretense.


    Qin Mu, trying not to laugh, shared the same thoughts as her.


    "Enough, enough! Does a son need to pick a time to come home?"


    Mu Zihao, unable to watch any longer, rounded off the conversation for his son.


    Mu Yichen was slightly embarrassed but that didn¡¯t stop him from sitting there.


    "Right! Why hasn¡¯t Grandpa come back?"


    Qin Mu noticed the old man was not there and quickly seized the chance to change the subject."


    Mu Yichen thought, I knew you couldn¡¯t just leave me be.


    "Oh! He¡¯s having a get-together with a few old comrades, won¡¯t be back until after dinner."


    Mu Zihao immediately responded, also successfully steering the conversation elsewhere.


    "If you ask me, you should call Dad later and tell him to come home early¡ªOld Master Jing is also there, and I¡¯m worried they might end up fighting."

 Chapter 596 - 173 Can’t go a day without seeing you_3

    Chapter 596: 173 Can¡¯t go a day without seeing you_3


    Feng Fanghua heard this question and was reminded of her own concerns from the afternoon, and quickly reminded them.


    "Hmm! That makes sense, Yichen will pick up your grandfather later!"


    Mu Zihao said to Mu Yichen.


    "Hmm!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say much else, as he was indeed a bit worried that the old gentlemen wouldn¡¯t get along, especially after drinking, when everyone¡¯s patience would probably wear thin.


    It was just that Qin Mu had also become nervous, remembering Jing Qing and fearing that the Jing Family patriarch would harbor resentment towards the Mu Family, and might cause trouble after a few drinks...


    "Madam, dinner is ready!"


    The maid reminded them from the kitchen.


    "Then let¡¯s have dinner! We¡¯ll pick up your grandfather early after eating!"


    Feng Fanghua said.


    No one objected to Feng Fanghua¡¯s dinner arrangement, and everyone hurried to eat.


    After dinner, Mu Yichen went to pick up the old master from AM. As soon as he parked the car, he happened to run into Su Zhen, who was also returning from outside.


    "I went out to buy a dress. Are you here for a gathering, President Mu?"


    "No! I have some other matters!"


    Mu Yichen replied.


    "Oh! President Mu, it¡¯s been a long time since you last ate here, is it because of my impolite behavior last time? I apologize to you and I promise to keep a low profile from now on, in both my words and actions!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t know what to say, so he just listened.


    After entering the elevator, the atmosphere was exceptionally oppressive. Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, and Su Zhen, after a few seconds of staring as the elevator ascended, couldn¡¯t help but break the silence, "I haven¡¯t been able to find a suitable apartment here, do you have any recommendations, President Mu?"


    "For this matter, you can have my office secretary take care of it for you! As for your father, tell him not to worry too much; as long as you do your job well, it¡¯s OK!"


    Mu Yichen said to her before stepping out of the elevator.


    "Alright! Thank you, President Mu!"


    Su Zhen watched Mu Yichen leave with only a smile and nodded her head, then watched him walk away as the elevator doors closed, her expression turning somewhat crestfallen.


    When Mu Yichen reached the floor of the private rooms, he asked the staff who was waiting for him, "Is there any noise inside?"


    "Although the old masters are not having a very pleasant conversation, none of them seems to have any intention of leaving. It¡¯s like they want to determine a winner or something."


    The manager had been helping with pouring drinks inside because of Mu Yichen¡¯s instructions and came out a few minutes earlier to report to him.


    "These old men!"


    Mu Yichen raised an eyebrow, looking somewhat headaches.


    "Are you going in?"


    "I¡¯ll wait until they start fighting before going in!"


    Mu Yichen thought for a moment and stood at the door lighting a cigarette.


    It wasn¡¯t wise to go in at this time.


    Then, after a few minutes, he turned around and saw a woman coming down the stairs in a black evening gown. Wasn¡¯t that Su Zhen, who had just gone out in a suit?


    "My goodness, why did you just arrive? We¡¯ve been waiting for half a year!"


    The door to another private room opened, and a woman came out and immediately pulled Su Zhen inside.


    "I had something to do and just stepped out! What¡¯s the rush?"


    With his back to them, Mu Yichen waited until they went inside before asking, "Who booked that private room tonight?"


    "A Miss Lin. It seems she¡¯s not from around here; she¡¯s been staying in our hotel recently, in the executive suite."


    "Check her background!"


    Mu Yichen immediately ordered.


    "Okay!"


    The manager agreed and then went to the front desk to gather information.


    That woman was the one Qiao Yi had recently been ambiguously involved with, the woman causing him endless headaches.


    The light in the hallway was dim, and Mu Yichen continued to stand in the corner smoking. After three cigarettes, the old gentlemen finally began to come out one after the other.


    Still, two had not come out, and he wrinkled his brow involuntarily.


    Those who hadn¡¯t come out were the patriarch of his family and the patriarch of the Jing Family. Were these two planning to have a showdown inside?


    But at their age, were they still able to do it?


    Jing Feng received a call from home and immediately rushed over. When he saw Mu Yichen, he approached him right away, "I saw the others have left, what happened?"


    "I¡¯m also curious!"


    Mu Yichen said and glanced at the door.


    "I¡¯ll go check!"


    Jing Feng was worried about an incident since the old master¡¯s heart hadn¡¯t been well recently.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t stop him, but before Jing Feng could push open the door, a waiter who had been inside helping with serving drinks came out first, "Sorry, young master Jing, the two old masters have commanded that you and President Mu wait outside."


    Jing Feng...


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh, the old men actually knew they had come.


    Jing Feng had no choice but to stand aside again, agitated, and also lit up a cigarette.

 Chapter 597 - 173 Can’t go a day without seeing you_4

    Chapter 597: 173 Can¡¯t go a day without seeing you_4


    "Just went to the hospital last week, my blood pressure was high."


    "Then you should call the hospital and have them prepared, it¡¯s said they drank quite a bit tonight, and it was the strong stuff."


    Qin Mu had almost finished speaking when he turned to look at Jing Feng, with a particularly serious look in his eyes.


    Jing Feng¡¯s brow was furrowed with worry after hearing his words.


    "How¡¯s your grandfather?"


    "The old man¡¯s health is generally okay! But his blood pressure is a bit high, too."


    As Mu Yichen spoke, he too furrowed his brow, thinking, these two stubborn old men.


    By the time the two elder gentlemen came out, it was almost half an hour later, both of their faces were livid, and neither paid any attention to the other.


    "Little Feng! Let¡¯s go!"


    "Yichen, let¡¯s go!"


    Each of the old grandfathers called for their own grandson, neither willing to give in to the other.


    Jing Feng didn¡¯t dare delay, immediately extinguishing his cigarette and went to support his grandfather, only to be promptly pushed away by the old man: "I¡¯m not that frail yet!"


    Jing Feng...


    But he had been using a cane for several years already!


    "Help me, I¡¯m a bit drunk!"


    The elder of the Mu Family, however, whispered to his grandson.


    Mu Yichen then raised his hand to wrap it around his grandfather¡¯s shoulders, and the old man even grunted.


    They took separate elevators to the underground parking garage, each helping their family¡¯s old man to the car, too rushed to say goodbye before each driving off.


    Mu Yichen had just driven out of the parking garage when he received a call from his supervisor: "This Miss Lin comes from D City, and I just heard some juicy gossip, she¡¯s quite close to our new Miss Su!"


    "Got it!"


    Mu Yichen said and hung up the phone, then looked at the elder who was dozing off in the back seat.


    "How many drinks did you have?"


    Mu Yichen asked.


    "Hmph! They even dared to serve me plain water, I see you¡¯re tired of living!"


    The old man got even angrier upon being asked.


    "You know full well how high your blood pressure is, the whole family is waiting for you, afraid you¡¯d get drunk, what else could I do?"


    Mu Yichen was very reasonable.


    "Hmph! Don¡¯t use the family to threaten me! Your plain water has made a mockery of my dignity."


    "The old man from the Jing Family was drinking plain water too, does that make you feel a bit more balanced?"


    Upon hearing his grandson¡¯s words, the old man didn¡¯t say anything else, as both old men had realized back then that they were drinking plain water. They kept silent about it, knowing that their health was paramount¡ªthey weren¡¯t ready to kick the bucket yet. So, when the waiters came around to pour the drinks, despite normally hating outsiders¡¯ presence, they didn¡¯t ask the waiters to leave.


    "That old geezer from the Jing Family is becoming more domineering with age, as if he still rules the world. I was far more imposing than him back in the day."


    The old man suddenly began to complain again.


    The so-called gathering of old war buddies was just a chance for each to boast of their valiant past.


    Mu Yichen glanced at the rearview mirror and chose to keep his mouth shut.


    When they returned home, everyone hurried to the doorway to greet them.


    Seeing the commotion, the old man said: "What¡¯s all this about? We were just out for a drink, not going to battle!"


    "Oh boy, you nearly scared us to death, just stop with that talk!"


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao said as they crowded around him and guided him inside.


    "Your son served me plain water, what¡¯re you afraid of?"


    "I¡¯m afraid you and Jing Feng¡¯s granddad would start a fight!"


    Feng Fanghua continued.


    "We¡¯re all old bones now, nothing works well except for our mouths, what¡¯s there to fight about?"


    The old man muttered to himself.


    He couldn¡¯t hold back and after everyone had left, the two old men sneakily finished off the leftover liquor before coming out. Normally at home, they were not allowed to drink, and were they also supposed to abstain when out?


    So, during their argument, they conveniently finished their leftover drinks.


    Qin Mu followed behind, stopping only when they reached the old man¡¯s room. Mu Yichen, with hands in his pockets, watched as the old man was helped onto the bed: "Now that we¡¯ve safely brought the person home, let¡¯s go back to sleep. Is Huanhuan asleep?"


    Mu Yichen said, turning to look at his wife.


    "Just fell asleep!"


    Qin Mu answered softly.


    Just as the two were about to take their leave, Feng Fanghua suddenly turned around: "Mu Yichen, you sleep in the guest room!"


    Mu Yichen had already turned to leave, but hearing this, he turned back with a mischievous look and then walked out with his arm around Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu...


    "Mu Yichen, I told you to sleep in the guest room, did you hear me?"


    Feng Fanghua tried to follow them out, but Mu Zihao held her back: "Didn¡¯t we tell you not to worry?"


    Feng Fanghua...


    "Hmph! Cursed with worrying! Always worrying about one thing or another!"


    The old man lay in bed and said, then hurried them out: "You two as well, get out, you¡¯re both so annoying!"

 Chapter 598 - 173 Can’t go a day without seeing you_5

    Chapter 598: 173 Can¡¯t go a day without seeing you_5


    Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua...


    "You go back to the room first; I¡¯m going to check on our daughter!"


    Mu Yichen said after going upstairs.


    "The daughter is in our room!"


    Qin Mu reminded him.


    Mu Yichen turned back to her: Hmm?


    "Mom thought you wouldn¡¯t sleep here tonight, so..."


    "Ha!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s mouth twitched, and then he pushed the door open and went in.


    The little guy really was asleep on their bed, a big bed, and with her legs flailing about as if she were dancing, she occupied half of it.


    "So you..."


    "So you¡¯re planning to continue to heartlessly make me sleep by myself tonight?"


    "Right! You haven¡¯t taken your medicine yet; I¡¯ll go get it for you right away!"


    The medicine had been prepared for him a long time ago! Saying this, Qin Mu was about to leave.


    "Do I, a grown man whose fever has subsided, need to take it so seriously for a minor cold?"


    Mu Yichen held onto her, really unable to tolerate everyone making such a fuss about him.


    "You still need to take the medicine! After you take it, I¡¯ll sleep with you!"


    Seeing that he was unwilling to take the medicine, Qin Mu added another sentence.


    Mu Yichen had been holding onto her, but upon hearing this, he immediately released her.


    "Tonight, you¡¯ll sleep with me in the guest room!"


    He lowered his voice and whispered in her ear.


    "Alright!"


    Qin Mu obediently agreed and went downstairs to get his medicine.


    Feng Fanghua had just sat down on the sofa with Mu Zihao when they saw Qin Mu coming out and said, "Where is the young lad?"


    "Mu Yichen is upstairs with Huanhuan; I¡¯m getting his medicine!"


    "Let that cold sufferer stay away from my granddaughter."


    "Alright!"


    Qin Mu agreed with an embarrassed smile and then went to the kitchen to pour water for him.


    "Let him get his own medicine; you, a pregnant woman, don¡¯t need to look after him."


    Mu Zihao mentioned this as she came out holding a cup of water.


    "It¡¯s okay! The doctor said I still need to move around."


    Qin Mu agreed and went upstairs again.


    Mu Yichen really didn¡¯t want to go downstairs, thinking that once he did, this old couple would definitely start nagging him again.


    He really couldn¡¯t stand the nagging from this old couple anymore.


    When he returned to the room and closed the door, he saw Mu Yichen watching a magazine on the sofa, so he went over to him.


    "Open your mouth!"


    She was holding a capsule in her hand.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even look up; she extended her palm to him, and he just ate it straight from her hand, and Qin Mu then placed the water cup to his mouth.


    Um! It was like feeding a child!


    But it felt very warm.


    Qin Mu set the water cup on the not-so-large side table and then sat down beside him: "What are you reading so intently?"


    "A Closed Room Murder Case."


    Mu Yichen said and pushed the magazine toward her!


    "I don¡¯t want to watch that!"


    Qin Mu picked up her phone to look at it.


    "Pregnant women shouldn¡¯t be on their phones all day!"


    "Then what should I be looking at?"


    "At a man!"


    Mu Yichen said and directly scooped her up, cradling her onto his lap.


    "Which man?"


    "Are you asking for a spanking? Hmm?"


    Mu Yichen squeezed her buttocks hard under him, then stood up holding her, "To the guest room!"


    "I know which one Mom had Auntie prepare for you tonight!"


    So, Mrs. Mu led the way, and she and Mr. Mu went to that guest room.


    Afterwards, in the deep night, this normally unoccupied guest room was tranquil and romantic.


    ¡ª¡ª


    The next day, Mu Yichen took Huanhuan to the office. When Qiao Yi came in, he couldn¡¯t help but twitch the corner of his mouth, "Why did you bring her to work again?"


    Hearing her uncle¡¯s unfriendly tone, Little Huanhuan, who was playing by the sofa, just turned to look at him and didn¡¯t even greet him with a ¡¯hello, uncle.¡¯


    "Any objections?"


    Mu Yichen looked up and asked, then continued to seriously review the documents, casually sending over a file sent to him from the hotel to Qiao Yi.


    Qiao Yi sat in the chair opposite him and couldn¡¯t help but frown upon seeing the file bag tossed over: What¡¯s this?


    "Open it and see for yourself!"


    Mu Yichen kept his head down, finishing the last few lines seriously, then signed his name with a flourish.


    Qiao Yi opened the file bag, his brow still tightly furrowed, feeling that there was something ominous inside.


    Qiao Yi felt he had really been unlucky lately, but when he opened that folder, in an instant, he was petrified.


    "What the hell is this?"


    Qiao Yi looked at one of the photos where, in the dim light, two women dressed in sexy attire clung to each other, their tongues intertwined.


    "It is exactly as you see!"


    Mu Yichen looked up, finally taking the time to appreciate Qiao Yi¡¯s expressive face.


    "She, she¡ª"


    "She and Su Zhen are from the same city. They were both among several rich girls known as the most beautiful sisterhood in D City, and the rest is what you see here."


    Qiao Yi quickly looked through a few more photos, then sprang from the chair, his eyes never having been so wide before.


    Huanhuan heard the noise of the chair and turned to look at Qiao Yi, blinked, then looked at her father for answers.


    Mu Yichen turned his head to Huanhuan, "Your uncle just choked!"


    Huanhuan had been choked before, so after listening to her dad, she turned her head back to play with her Legos.


    Qiao Yi raised his eyes and looked at Mu Yichen, his face wanting to cry.


    "Think of this as one of the most unforgettable things of your life, not everyone encounters such a thing, so cheer up!"


    Mr. Mu ¡¯kindly¡¯ comforted him.


    "Are you sure that¡¯s supposed to be comforting?"


    Qiao Yi murmured, frowning.


    "Absolutely sure!"


    Mr. Mu was even more serious.


    Qiao Yi¡¯s mouth twitched, and he kicked his leg in frustration, but when he turned and saw Huanhuan looking at him, he slowly put his leg down and forced a smile at Huanhuan, feigning composure.


    Huanhuan really didn¡¯t understand what was wrong with her uncle, and didn¡¯t want to ask her dad anymore, she just kept her big eyes trained on Qiao Yi.


    "I have something else to attend to, I need to leave first!"


    Qiao Yi looked down, feeling that he couldn¡¯t have certain gestures and expressions in front of a little girl, but then after a moment¡¯s thought, he went back, took all the photos from the table, and said to Mu Yichen before leaving, "I hope you don¡¯t have a backup!"


    "Hmph! I¡¯m fairly confident in my own sexual orientation," Mr. Mu said with a slight smile, his tone especially magnanimous.


    Qiao Yi, holding the photos, headed for the door, which he opened but suddenly closed again.


    The sudden action of Qiao Yi made both the father and son inside frown in unison, looking at him from two different directions.


    "You better not tell Secretary Xi about this!"


    Qiao Yi turned his head back to Mu Yichen, approached him very seriously, even with a bit of severity, reminding him.


    Mu Yichen nodded, yet he didn¡¯t respond.


    After getting assurance from his eyes, Qiao Yi left again, unable to suppress a curse under his breath: Damn it!


    After Qiao Yi left, Huanhuan slowly moved to Mu Yichen¡¯s side. Mu Yichen lowered his head to look at Huanhuan and lifted her onto his lap, "Did your uncle¡¯s discomfort scare you?"


    "No!"


    Huanhuan shook her head, her large eyes seemingly saying: I just think uncle was very strange today, like a monkey at the zoo.


    After Qiao Yi left, he saw Secretary Xi who watched him with all four eyes, her brow wrinkling at his ashen face, then she stood up and knocked on the door of Mu Yichen¡¯s office.


    "Come in!" Mu Yichen had just seated himself on the sofa planning to play Legos with Huanhuan.


    "Boss, I want to ask you about Qiao Yi!"


    Secretary Xi looked at him with a stubborn demeanor, expressing her request.

 Chapter 599 - 174 Ghostç²¾_1

    Chapter 599: 174 Ghost¾«_1


    Mu Yichen could only say, "You¡¯d better go ask him about his matters yourself, okay?"


    The secretary dared not show temper to the boss and left with his head down, disheartened!


    ¡ª¡ª


    At noon, Qin Mu and Helian Hao had arranged to meet at a Chinese restaurant downtown. Helian Hao was still quite slim since she had only recently become pregnant. She was wearing simple jeans and a short-sleeved shirt, while Qin Mu wore a simple maternity dress she designed herself. The light color made her skin look very tender, and unless one deliberately glanced at her belly, one wouldn¡¯t be able to tell that she was pregnant.


    "Last night, Jing Feng told me he thought his grandfather would have to be hospitalized for drinking, but it turned out his blood pressure just went up a little bit."


    "Then you really should tell Jing Feng to thank our Mr. Mu!"


    The two women chatted as they sat down after putting down their bags.


    "Oh?"


    Helian Hao looked at her curiously.


    "Mu Yichen knew that both of them had slightly high blood pressure, so he had the staff swap their wine for boiled water."


    "Pfft! No wonder he kept cursing your husband on the way back!"


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but laugh and quickly covered her mouth for fear of being overheard.


    Qin Mu frowned unhappily when she heard that her husband was being cursed, but then the waiter came over for their order, and she didn¡¯t have a chance to say anything else.


    It was Helian Hao who said, "Last night, I was really afraid the two old gentlemen would come to blows. Jing Feng ran out as soon as he heard they were drinking together, but fortunately, although they¡¯re both stubborn, they didn¡¯t do anything unbecoming of their stature."


    "My grandfather said after he got home that he¡¯s too old to fight, so that¡¯s why they didn¡¯t come to blows."


    Qin Mu closed the menu after ordering and said.


    "Your family¡¯s old gentleman is so magnanimous!"


    Helian Hao said it with real admiration.


    "The best quality of our family¡¯s old gentleman is knowing he can¡¯t have the final say at home by himself."


    Qin Mu also thought highly of Mu Yichen¡¯s grandfather; he was genuinely kind, would coax her to be happy, asked her to join him in chess to pass time, and was exceptionally approachable.


    As for the Jing Family¡¯s old gentleman...


    Well, let¡¯s not talk about that old gentleman.


    "Has Mu Yichen¡¯s cold gotten better?"


    "Uh-huh! He didn¡¯t even want to take his medicine today."


    "And then what happened?"


    "Then..."


    "Ah! No need to say, I¡¯ve already guessed!"


    Qin Mu...


    "Do you know how much I envy your life now? Not only is Mu Yichen devoted to you, but his heart is also full of you. Unlike Jing Feng, who worries about everything but me, whether it¡¯s inside or outside the house."


    Helian Hao grew sentimental while pouring water.


    "If he were an irresponsible man, what would be the point of marrying him? Besides, do you truly not know whether he¡¯s anxious for you in his heart?" Qin Mu asked her, holding her glass.


    "Of course I know! But what¡¯s the point if he is anxious inside yet doesn¡¯t show it? It¡¯s like someone loving you for a lifetime but never saying ¡¯I love you.¡¯ Would you still like that?"


    Helian Hao asked gently, her hands clasping the rim of the teacup.


    Qin Mu...


    "It¡¯s not that Mu Yichen has never said ¡¯I love you¡¯ to you, right?"


    Helian Hao asked her incredulously.


    "Aah! That¡¯s not it!"


    It was she who hadn¡¯t properly said those three words.


    "Then what?" Helian Hao looked at her curiously.


    "Have you said those three words to Jing Feng?"


    Qin Mu slowly licked her lips and countered.


    "Eh! Women don¡¯t need to say it, right? It¡¯s a must for men!"


    Helian Hao was nearly rendered speechless by the question, then quickly found an excuse.


    "Exactly, exactly! That¡¯s what I think too!"


    Qin Mu quickly nodded in agreement, and afterward, neither of them brought up the topic again.


    Perhaps, when it comes to emotions, many people are not adept at expressing them directly.


    But love can still be shown in many other ways.


    After lunch, Helian Hao wanted to go shopping at the mall, and Qin Mu decided to join her for a stroll, but they didn¡¯t expect to run into someone they knew while browsing the vegetable section.


    Liu Jingyuan was pushing a shopping cart, following his wife, and inadvertently looked up to see Qin Mu and Helian Hao.


    Qin Mu and Helian Hao were also surprised to see him and instinctively nodded their heads in greeting.


    "Do you want this lettuce?" His wife picked up a bunch of exceptionally fresh lettuce, looked back at him, and noticing his gaze was elsewhere, followed it to see Qin Mu and Helian Hao. She too was taken aback, but then she smiled and nodded.


    Qin Mu and Helian Hao nodded back.


    "Miss Qin, long time no see!"


    Liu Jingyuan¡¯s wife greeted her politely.


    Qin Mu smiled appropriately, feeling it wasn¡¯t the time for a lengthy conversation.

 Chapter 600 - 174 Ghostç²¾_2

    Chapter 600: 174 Ghost¾«_2


    "President Liu and Mrs. Liu look like they are very affectionate from afar, unlike Mumu and me who can only keep each other company while shopping for groceries,"


    Helian Hao said with a laugh, hugging Qin Mu¡¯s arm.


    Liu Jingyuan¡¯s wife turned her head to glance at Liu Jingyuan and said, smiling, "He does indeed pamper me a lot!"


    Liu Jingyuan¡¯s gaze shifted away from Qin Mu¡¯s face, and he managed a restrained smile only after noticing her abdomen, "How many months along?"


    "Five months!"


    Qin Mu instinctively covered her belly and responded to him.


    "I heard Miss Qin and President Mu are getting married, I hope I¡¯ll have the honor of celebrating with a toast at the time!"


    Liu Jingyuan¡¯s wife said demurely to Qin Mu.


    "Of course!"


    Qin Mu promised.


    "We¡¯ll take our leave then, he still has to work this afternoon."


    Liu Jingyuan¡¯s wife added, and then turned to Liu Jingyuan, "Shall we go?"


    She was a very understanding wife, she knew what was on her husband¡¯s mind, but chose not to point it out or to get angry; as if she knew nothing, just like everyone said ¨C he loved her, loved her very much.


    Liu Jingyuan left with his wife, Helian Hao and Qin Mu went to pick vegetables, Helian Hao whispered, "Why do I feel like there¡¯s no affection between them at all?"


    Qin Mu...


    Who just said they look like a couple very much in love?


    "We haven¡¯t bought groceries in several days, we¡¯ve been either eating at my parents¡¯ or in restaurants lately," Helian Hao sighed while shopping for groceries.


    "If you¡¯re not going to work this afternoon, come home early to prepare and give Jing Jian a surprise!"


    Qin Mu said, hugging her shoulder.


    "Sigh! Well! You know? I suddenly can¡¯t wait for this baby to be born! Wouldn¡¯t the house feel less dreary with a baby around?"


    "Dreary?"


    Qin Mu looked at her, puzzled.


    "Yeah! It¡¯s like this now between Jing Feng and me, I think it¡¯ll be better once we have the baby!"


    Qin Mu nodded reflexively, then continued to watch her buy some random vegetables, grabbing the same ones Helian Hao picked.


    When Helian Hao glanced at the shopping cart, she couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "What are you going to make with these? Didn¡¯t you already buy them at home?"


    Qin Mu...


    They had been staying at Mu Mansion recently, so she had no idea whether there were any vegetables left in the fridge at home.


    But she didn¡¯t want to bother Yichen with such a trivial matter, so she bought them anyway, and as a result...


    The fridge still had the groceries they bought a few days ago, Qin Mu turned to look at the vegetables she purchased and couldn¡¯t help but laugh, wondering if she should hide them?


    Then she thought, why not just stir-fry them all tonight? Eating more vegetables should be pretty good.


    So, she took out a box of greens from the fridge as well and washed them together with what they bought today.


    When Mu Yichen came home holding Huanhuan and entered the kitchen, he saw the big basin full of vegetables and unconsciously frowned, "What are you doing?"


    "Stir-fried mixed vegetables, I can make that."


    Qin Mu glanced at him and said.


    "You should go accompany Huanhuan!"


    Mu Yichen said, as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and started to usher her out.


    "Are you disgusted with me?"


    Qin Mu turned to look at him, her voice filled with grievance.


    "How could I be disgusted with you? I just don¡¯t want you to be exposed to cooking fumes, it¡¯s bad for your skin, okay?"


    Qin Mu...


    She clearly saw a look of disdain in Yichen¡¯s eyes and had to leave the kitchen feeling aggrieved.


    Mu Yichen sighed with resignation at the sight of the big basin of vegetables before hanging his jacket over the dining room chair and returning to the kitchen. He took some vegetables, and wrapped them again with plastic wrap to put back into the fridge.


    When he saw the fridge now filled with so much extra greens and fruits, he seemed to understand why she had suddenly washed so many vegetables and sighed deeply once more.


    With such a wife at home, how could he not be happy?


    During dinner, Qin Mu looked at the not-too-abundant yet beautifully arranged greens on her plate and couldn¡¯t help but blink, "It turns out vegetables really do shrink so much when cooked!"


    Mu Yichen...


    About to eat, he had to put his chopsticks back down after hearing her comment, "I just thought there were too many vegetables, so I put some away. Did you suddenly decide to go to the supermarket today?"


    Upon hearing his question, Qin Mu subconsciously raised an eyebrow and asked, "How did you know?"


    "With so many new things in the fridge, your husband¡¯s vision happens to be just fine."


    Mu Yichen explained seriously.


    Qin Mu...


    Huanhuan had already started eating her food, finding the meal her father cooked to be super delicious, even the simple stir-fried vegetables.


    "Mm! I went with Xiaohao, and just bought a bit while I was there!"


    Qin Mu smiled and replied, her mouth wide with laughter.

 Chapter 601 - 174 Ghost Spirit_3

    Chapter 601: 174 Ghost Spirit_3


    "By the way, I bought some stuff."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s brows furrowed again.


    "Just bought a portion of whatever Xiaohao bought."


    "Why?"


    "Why are there so many ¡¯whys¡¯? If you don¡¯t let me eat now, the one in my stomach is going to protest."


    Qin Mu felt like she was being interrogated and felt wronged.


    "Fine! After dinner, you¡¯ll explain everything slowly!"


    Mu Yichen also started to eat, casually reminding her in a flat tone.


    Scared, Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare to finish her meal.


    After dinner, Mu Yichen carried Huanhuan upstairs. Although Qin Mu helped Huanhuan bathe, Mu Yichen felt that it was becoming inconvenient for Qin Mu to do so and considered hiring a housemaid.


    Later, it was Mu Yichen who coaxed Huanhuan to sleep, urging his wife, who he suspected was too tired, to go to their room to wash up and wait for him in bed.


    After half-past ten, the two lay in bed under the blanket and chatted. Qin Mu burst into giggles upon hearing Mu Yichen talk about Qiao Yi, her body shaking with laughter as she lay on his chest.


    "So, what¡¯s Qiao Yi up to now?"


    "He went out drinking with Jiang Zhiyuan tonight!" Mu Yichen said, noting that Jiang Zhiyuan had called him out, and Qiao Yi hadn¡¯t wanted to invite him, but it was pointless¡ªhe had to go home and be with his wife.


    "Qiao Yi¡¯s got it tough too!"


    Qin Mu said but couldn¡¯t help chuckling.


    First, there was Jing Qing, who loved without reciprocation and almost turned into an enemy. Then Miss Lin showed up and turned out to be bisexual.


    This wouldn¡¯t normally be an issue, but for a man who¡¯s only attracted to the opposite sex, it posed a problem.


    "So, if that¡¯s the case, is Su Zhen bisexual or homosexual?"


    Qin Mu suddenly thought of an important question.


    Mu Yichen frowned¡ªwhy was she suddenly bringing up that woman?


    "It¡¯s probably just homosexual," he eventually replied, uninterested.


    "But if she likes the same sex, why did she get with you... no, it must be bisexual."


    Qin Mu pondered seriously before shaking her head.


    "Let¡¯s sleep, it¡¯s late!"


    "But if she¡¯s homosexual, why did she try to get your attention as soon as she arrived in Rongcheng?"


    Qin Mu continued to ponder.


    "Let¡¯s sleep! I¡¯m exhausted!"


    Mu Yichen grabbed a pillow to cover his ears and turned away to sleep.


    Only then did Qin Mu realize he didn¡¯t want to talk about it, so she kept quiet.


    "Fine, let¡¯s sleep!"


    So she also turned over, facing away.


    The light went off, and the room grew dark, leaving only the sound of their heartbeats echoing against each other.


    Qin Mu never closed her eyes, feeling the sudden silence in the room and began silently counting in her mind.


    "Weren¡¯t we agreed never to sleep with our backs turned?"


    Suddenly he turned over, wrapped his arms around her from behind, and questioned her.


    Qin Mu pressed her lips tightly, almost bursting into laughter.


    She knew he wouldn¡¯t leave her to sleep alone over such a trivial matter.


    Therefore, Qin Mu turned as well, her cool hands reaching out to touch him: "I was just waiting for you to turn back and coax me."


    "Crafty little thing!"


    Mu Yichen bowed his head and kissed her forehead.


    Qin Mu wriggled forcefully into his embrace to avoid his kisses.


    The atmosphere in the room grew tender and intimate again, and when Qin Mu looked up, he kissed her.


    Suddenly, Feng Fanghua¡¯s words, "you¡¯re not allowed to sleep together," echoed in both their minds, and they laughed together, though the kiss did not stop. A few seconds later, they were passionately kissing each other, utterly consumed.


    When they finally managed to restrain their passion and were about to sleep, Mu Yichen¡¯s phone lit up in the darkness.


    "Hello?"


    "Has your cold gotten better?"


    It was Feng Fanghua¡¯s call.


    "Mom, it¡¯s the middle of the night!"


    "Am I not just worried about you?"


    "Let¡¯s hang up! We¡¯ll talk tomorrow!"


    Mu Yichen was truly too lazy to deal with her and sighed after hanging up: "Feng Fanghua really is a worrywart."


    "Hahaha!"


    Qin Mu was already shaking with laughter in his embrace.


    She knew her dear mother-in-law would have to call no matter what.


    After being hung up on, Feng Fanghua was still annoyed: "Heaven help that he doesn¡¯t pass his cold onto that girl Qin Mu."


    "Even if he did, it¡¯s nothing. They¡¯re young and strong. If you keep fussing about it, it might seem like you¡¯re going through menopause!"


    "What?"


    Feng Fanghua had already gotten into bed after Mu Zihao¡¯s remark and turned to look at him in shock.


    Mu Zihao immediately realized he had said the wrong thing.


    "No way, I¡¯m suddenly so sleepy, let¡¯s sleep!"


    Mu Zihao quickly turned off the light and lay down.


    Feng Fanghua sat there, unable to process, and in the darkness, she nudged the man next to her: "Hey, did you just say I¡¯m going through menopause?"

 Chapter 602 - 174 Ghostç²¾_4

    Chapter 602: 174 Ghost¾«_4


    "Asleep, so tired!"


    Just two minutes later, Feng Fanghua heard Mu Zihao¡¯s snoring and suddenly felt a massive headache, accusing her again of going through menopause.


    The next morning, before Qin Mu and Mu Yichen could get out of bed, they heard the doorbell ring. Qin Mu hurried downstairs to open the door and, seeing that it was Feng Fanghua with the nanny, she nervously called out, "Mom!"


    "Uh-huh! I was afraid you wouldn¡¯t wake up, so I brought the nanny over to prepare breakfast. Is that little guy Mu Yichen awake yet?"


    "Uh! He¡¯s up!"


    Qin Mu quickly replied and then turned to follow them into the house.


    "Ma¡¯am, Mistress, I¡¯ll go to the kitchen and get breakfast ready!"


    Qin Mu thought to herself that it was only six o¡¯clock, and though it was already broad daylight outside, it was so early to come and cook...


    "Did you sleep separately last night or together?"


    Feng Fanghua turned her head to ask her.


    "Mom! Mu Yichen¡¯s cold is already better!"


    "It¡¯s only been a few days, even if he¡¯s better, he¡¯s not fully recovered! You¡¯re pregnant now, not as light as you used to be; can¡¯t you sleep separately for a few days?"


    Feng Fanghua could tell from Qin Mu¡¯s expression that they definitely had not slept separately.


    Being scolded, Qin Mu could only lower her head and dared not say anything more.


    "Go change your clothes and come down!"


    "Oh!"


    Qin Mu agreed with her head down, then turned to leave dejectedly.


    "Wait! If you¡¯re tired, sleep in a bit more, just get that young man up!"


    Startled, Qin Mu immediately turned around awaiting her instructions, then nodded: "Got it! I¡¯ll go wake him up right now."


    As Qin Mu went upstairs, she couldn¡¯t help but touch her little heart, nearly scared into having a heart attack.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t want to get up yet; she looked at the man still sleeping in bed and walked over listlessly: "Mu Yichen, your mom is telling you to get up."


    "Taking advantage of me? Lay down and take more, calling me ¡¯Grandma¡¯ is okay too!"


    Mu Yichen turned his head, squinting at her with sleep-mussed hair, still not forgetting to joke with her.


    Qin Mu...


    She turned back to her own side of the bed and then flopped down, feeling utterly forlorn: "Really, it¡¯s because Mom has arrived!"


    Mu Yichen lifted his eyes to look at her look of despair, then immediately furrowed his brow, and after a few seconds gave a resolute reply: "Ignore her!"


    It¡¯s only six o¡¯clock!


    "If you don¡¯t get up, I¡¯m afraid she might come and knock on the door, so..."


    Mu Yichen...


    Qin Mu watched him get out of bed and couldn¡¯t help but laugh: "Seems like only Mom can handle you!"


    Mu Yichen hummed with a smile of resignation, and then turning his gaze to her, said: "You sleep a bit more!"


    "Mm!"


    In fact, once he was out of bed, there was no longer any warmth in the covers; where would she want to sleep?


    After all that hassle, and seeing the big sun outside, she was completely awake too.


    At breakfast, Qin Mu sat down in the dining room and saw Huanhuan with her hair styled into a pretty little braid by her grandmother, making her look like a big child, which brightened Qin Mu¡¯s mood.


    "Didn¡¯t I tell you to sleep more if you were tired?"


    "I¡¯m not tired anymore!"


    Qin Mu responded as she sat down.


    "It¡¯s normal for pregnant women to feel tired, you..."


    Feng Fanghua wanted to say more, but then she saw Huanhuan and suddenly swallowed her words, thinking to herself that a woman who had already had a child surely knew what conditions a pregnant woman might experience.


    She also remembered how Qin Mu was alone in France when pregnant with Huanhuan, given her young age at that time, which softened her heart, and she said softly: "Be careful, it¡¯s hot!"


    "Oh!"


    Qin Mu looked up at Feng Fanghua and felt like she was experiencing some kind of illusion.


    After breakfast, Feng Fanghua took Huanhuan away, saying she would take her to an early education class. Qin Mu remembered Feng Fanghua mentioning last time about Huanhuan attending kindergarten. Now that there was no one following her in Rongcheng anymore, it might be time to consider kindergarten, especially with the school year starting in September.


    So when she went downstairs with Mu Yichen, she asked him, "Should we check out the kindergarten Mom mentioned last time? It¡¯s time for Huanhuan to go to kindergarten!"


    "Today?"


    Mu Yichen asked her, and then took out his phone.


    "Anytime is fine, what are you doing?"


    Qin Mu immediately asked as she saw him about to call Secretary Xi, but it was already too late.


    "Today I have to meet with Director Zhang, I won¡¯t be able to go over."


    After hanging up the phone, Mu Yichen turned back to Qin Mu: "Let¡¯s go now!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help thinking to herself, President Mu, you really handle things efficiently.


    Throughout the drive, Qin Mu was a little nervous, wondering why visiting a school for her daughter felt like she was going for an interview.


    As they approached the kindergarten and the car slowed down, Qin Mu saw the colorful walls not far away and couldn¡¯t help but smile, the previous tension dissipating quite a bit.


    Suddenly remembering her pregnancy with Huanhuan, she turned to Mu Yichen and said with a laugh, "Do you know? Even before Huanhuan was born, I had scouted several kindergartens near the apartment, thinking I would never return to Rongcheng."


    "What did you say?"


    Mu Yichen was busy parking the car carefully and only caught what she said at the end.


    "Nothing, let¡¯s get out of the car!"


    Qin Mu felt a twinge in her heart, then opened the door and got out first.


    Mu Yichen, with his gaze lowered, thought for a few seconds, and before she entered the kindergarten, caught up to her, seizing her wrist and pulling her into his arms!

 Chapter 603 - 175 Your Boss’s Legal Wife_1

    Chapter 603: 175 Your Boss¡¯s Legal Wife_1


    "Why are you suddenly thinking about all these?"


    He wrapped his arms around her, his dark eyes tenderly gazing at her as he asked.


    "I just feel like time flies so fast! In the blink of an eye, our Huanhuan has grown up so much, and me, who thought I would stay in Paris for a lifetime, am now living with her childhood friend."


    Qin Mu looked into his gentle eyes, but then tilted her head back to gaze at the azure sky above, everything seemed like a dream, yet at that moment, her smile was especially brilliant.


    "It does feel a bit surreal! But it¡¯s indeed real! From now on, your little Qingmei will always be right by my mouth!"


    He lifted his hand to gently stroke her hair, comforting her.


    Qin Mu chuckled, "Mm! I believe you! You definitely won¡¯t let me end up someone else¡¯s to talk about."


    She tiptoed for a kiss on his lips and then turned to walk inside.


    The security guard who had been waiting for them on the side was already looking green and black from the sourness.


    Mu Yichen failed to grab her hand but laughed happily.


    Unconsciously, he touched his lips that she had kissed and followed her into the kindergarten.


    ¡ª¡ª


    After visiting the kindergarten, Mu Yichen called Feng Fanghua to ask her to bring Huanhuan over when she had time if Huanhuan liked it, it would be no problem for them.


    Since Qin Mu wasn¡¯t very busy lately, he took her directly to his office building.


    As they walked through the lobby, the receptionists greeted her, "Good day, Miss Qin!"


    Mu Yichen suddenly wrapped his arm around her, stopped in his tracks, turned his head to those few girls, "This Miss Qin is your boss¡¯s lawful wife, ¡ª¡ª do you know how you should address her now?"


    President Mu¡¯s gaze was deep as he looked at the three girls at the reception.


    The three girls were startled for a moment, then all nodded their heads, "Hello, Mrs. Boss!"


    Qin Mu awkwardly snorted a laugh, "Hello to you all!"


    Qin Mu felt her smile was particularly stiff, even her cheeks started to hurt.


    She didn¡¯t understand why President Mu suddenly became so serious, making her nervous.


    But Mu Yichen dominantly wrapped his arm around her and turned to leave.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t quite describe how she felt, but she thought she would eventually get used to being introduced as his wife.


    The hand he held tightly was sweaty, and her heart was anxious.


    Qiao Yi went to discuss work with Mu Yichen, and upon seeing the woman sitting on the couch, he paused, then his entire mood soured.


    "I heard Mrs. Boss was coming for inspection and thought it was a joke."


    Qiao Yi, holding documents in his hand, approached Mu Yichen¡¯s desk to hand them over while also glancing at Qin Mu.


    "Assistant Qiao seems to have lost quite a bit of weight recently? Is there something troubling you?"


    Qin Mu smiled playfully as she greeted him.


    Qiao Yi...


    Mu Yichen seriously reviewed the documents, as if he hadn¡¯t heard his wife teasing his friend.


    Qiao Yi glanced at Mu Yichen, wanting to ask if he had told Qin Mu about his issues, but then he just sighed.


    One would guess that there was nothing this couple didn¡¯t share. His little troubles weren¡¯t enough for their excitement.


    Then looking at Qin Mu¡¯s gaze.


    Qiao Yi suddenly turned and sat down across from her, smiling, "Xiaomu, when did you become so accepting? Ready to go public about your marriage with our Brother Yichen?"


    "Of course, it¡¯s because our Brother Yichen has great taste, so I decided to."


    Qin Mu earnestly continued to tease him with a smile.


    Qiao Yi felt as if several knives had pierced his chest, the pain making it hard to breathe.


    "Brother Yichen, is your wife mocking me?"


    "Congratulations, your hearing is perfectly fine."


    Mu Yichen signed the contract after reading it, held it out for Qiao Yi to retrieve, and solemnly congratulated Qiao Yi.


    Qiao Yi...


    This couple is simply...


    Meant for each other!


    "Brother Yichen, is it really okay to teach Xiaomu to be so sharp-tongued?"


    Qiao Yi, frustrated, wanted to stamp his feet but just stood up from the sofa and asked pitifully, then went to get the document.


    "Xiaomu needs to rest now, so if Assistant Qiao has nothing important, we can talk later."


    Mu Yichen sat behind his desk, looking every bit the refined ruler!


    In reality, he was a sharp-tongued man who didn¡¯t need to use curse words!


    Those who knew his skill best were his few good brothers and his dear little Qingmei.


    After Qiao Yi left, Mu Yichen got up and walked over to sit next to Qin Mu, "Do you want to go to the break room to lie down awhile?"


    "Hmm, I am a bit tired, but are you sure you don¡¯t want me to go home?"


    "Stay with me tonight! I¡¯ll accompany you to rest."

 Chapter 604 - 175 Your Boss’s Legal Wife_2

    Chapter 604: 175 Your Boss¡¯s Legal Wife_2


    "Eh! You¡¯re going too? Don¡¯t you have to work?"


    Qin Mu watched as he reached out his hand under her knees as if to pick her up and immediately lifted her leg, moving slightly away from him as she asked.


    "I¡¯ve just wrapped up a phase!"


    Mu Yichen saw her dodging and reflexively frowned, the next thing he did was scoop her up from the sofa.


    "What are you dodging for?"


    He questioned, nibbling on her ear.


    "I just suddenly remembered how in ancient times, because of a woman, the emperor would skip the morning court, and then that woman would become the beauty who brought disaster to the nation!"


    "Are you afraid of becoming that beauty who brings disaster?"


    Mu Yichen asked as he set her down in the lounge.


    Qin Mu immediately nodded, her long, curled eyelashes trembling.


    "You¡¯re the empress, completely unrelated to any beauty who brings disaster! Besides, you only push me to work harder, you have never held me back! Hmm?"


    Originally, Qin Mu was leaning against the headboard, and Mu Yichen was sitting at the edge of the bed comforting her for a while. But then, seeing her silly look, he wrapped an arm around her knees and dragged her to lie flat on the bed. Then leaning over her, he kissed her forehead forcefully, "Mrs. Mu, scoot over and make some space for your husband."


    Qin Mu mechanically scooted over and over.


    Mu Yichen lay down beside her, his hand instinctively lifting her shirt to touch her belly.


    But Qin Mu never got used to his actions, always feeling like he was about to do something next, and then tensing up in resistance.


    "Don¡¯t move, I¡¯m just feeling if that little guy is making any fuss in your belly."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hand was on her stomach, but his expression was very serious! As if, if that little guy dared to make a fuss in his wife¡¯s belly, he¡¯d be ready to take on a fight with him through the belly first.


    Qin Mu laughed at his words, "Even if he¡¯s a son, he¡¯s still our little treasure!"


    "Hmph! My little treasure is only two women!"


    Mu Yichen disagreed.


    "Hmm? Two?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him with questioning eyes.


    "You and Huanhuan!"


    Qin Mu startled, and after he finished speaking, she relaxed again, "I thought you dared to hide another woman behind my back."


    "Do I have the skill? I can¡¯t even take care of one of you properly."


    Mu Yichen squinted at her, but Qin Mu could still feel the teasing in his eyes, and she snorted with laughter before turning her head away from his gaze.


    Mu Yichen immediately leaned closer to her, enveloping her in his arms, "Go to sleep! I like how you drool in my arms."


    "What?"


    Qin Mu immediately turned to look at him, disbelieving, alright?


    She drools in her sleep?


    And there¡¯re men who like women drooling?


    "Drooling, what¡¯s that about?"


    Qin Mu stared with wide eyes at him and asked.


    "Why so nervous? I¡¯ve eaten your drool Lord knows how many times!" Mu Yichen kindly reminded her.


    Qin Mu...


    Why does she feel a tiny urge to curse, even though it¡¯s such an embarrassing thing, he talked about it so...


    Wickedly!


    "Alright, go to sleep!"


    Mu Yichen raised his hand to cradle her face and caressed it.


    Qin Mu looking into his eyes filled with tenderness, felt that it didn¡¯t quite match the current situation, and also because she was worried about whether she really would drool, she couldn¡¯t help but wake up several times just as she was about to fall asleep to wipe the corners of her mouth.


    After she fell asleep, Mu Yichen went to get some documents and sat beside her, accompanying her while reading them.


    At noon, Qiao Yi went up again, and seeing the secretary Xi engrossed in calculating spreadsheets with her head down, he stopped in his tracks, "Is Qin Mu still in there?"


    Secretary Xi lifted her eyes, gave his face a glance and simply "Oh"ed, then bowed her head and got back to earnest work.


    Qiao Yi saw her ignoring him, what day was this already? They hadn¡¯t had such an impassive interaction before.


    "Secretary Xi, is there a misunderstanding between us?"


    "Is there? ¡ª Maybe I just don¡¯t like to get too close to others."


    Secretary Xi considered before smilingly answering him.


    Qiao Yi felt like he received a slap to the face, not a heavy one, but enough to make him feel numbness on his cheek.


    "You didn¡¯t say that before!"


    Qiao Yi reminded her, with his face already looking quite displeased.


    "Did I? How did I put it before?"


    Secretary Xi lifted her gaze to look at him, that one look piercing Qiao Yi¡¯s heart as if a needle had lodged itself deep within and refused to come out.


    "You said you were an approachable and helpful secretary! That I could ask for your help anytime."


    Qiao Yi watched her, reminding her.


    "So, does Assistant Qin have something he wants my help with?"

 Chapter 605 - 175 Your Boss’s Legal Wife_3

    Chapter 605: 175 Your Boss¡¯s Legal Wife_3


    Secretary Xi asked, her gaze suggesting, "If you need my help now, I¡¯m available."


    "That¡¯s not necessary! How about we go for lunch together later?"


    "No thanks! I already have plans for lunch!"


    Secretary Xi refused, then lowered her head and didn¡¯t look up again.


    Qiao Yi felt she simply looked down on him. Recently, she had always had this attitude, as if he owed her something.


    "After all, we¡¯re just colleagues, both working ourselves to the bone for Yichen. Why do you act like you¡¯re better than me? How have I offended you?"


    Unable to bear their indirectness any longer, Qiao Yi decided it was better to open up.


    "I¡¯ve offended you? How¡¯s that? I¡¯ve just been a bit busy lately, and I¡¯ve started dating someone, so I don¡¯t really like getting too close to male colleagues. Besides, as Assistant Qin, there¡¯s no need for you to lower yourself to converse with me, right?"


    "You¡ª, got a boyfriend?"


    Qiao Yi heard the key point and hesitated as he asked.


    "Yeah! I got a boyfriend! Isn¡¯t it stranger for girls our age not to have one? Don¡¯t you wish me well, Assistant Qin?"


    Secretary Xi looked up again, her piercing gaze questioning him.


    "Wish you well? Of course, of course, I wish you well!"


    Qiao Yi glanced at her, then laughed awkwardly before turning away.


    Secretary Xi watched his retreating figure, her gaze slightly dazed.


    Qiao Yi turned back to tap her desk corner as if he had more to say, but ultimately held back and left.


    Secretary Xi felt unsettled, yet thought maybe this was the best outcome for both of them.


    After all, he was busy dating other girls, so she should just be the better person, right?


    At noon, Qin Mu had lunch with Mu Yichen in the office, and in the evening, he was called back to the Mu family home.


    The kitchen had prepared especially delicious soups and fresh fruit for the pregnant woman.


    As soon as Qin Mu sat down on the couch, the maid brought over some pastries and gently placed them on the coffee table, "Madam just bought these today; they look like they¡¯ve been freshly picked. Young Madam loves tangerines, please try some!"


    "Thank you!"


    Qin Mu thanked her out of habit.


    "Go on, try them! It seems we have some similar tastes!"


    Feng Fanghua said, looking at the tangerines on the plate. She had people buy them from out of town; indeed, they were picked in the morning and delivered in the afternoon.


    Qin Mu, however, felt moved that Feng Fanghua would go to the trouble of getting tangerines for her and obediently began eating them.


    The tangerines were quite sour, but being pregnant, they suited her taste just right.


    The old master couldn¡¯t help shaking his head as he watched her eat, "Just looking at those makes my mouth water; they¡¯re too sour!"


    "You don¡¯t understand, the taste preferences of pregnant women tend to be stronger than men¡¯s," Feng Fanghua reminded.


    Mu Zihao sat beside his granddaughter, playing with paper folding. Baffled and unable to just give up, he frowned until he laughed at Feng Fanghua¡¯s words.


    Mu Yichen also tried a piece and it was indeed exceptionally sour, causing him to frown, "Do you really like it?"


    Qin Mu glanced at Mu Yichen¡¯s twisted face and couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "I think it¡¯s just perfect!"


    Mu Yichen also chuckled, certainly not agreeing that the tangerines were tasty. But Feng Fanghua, she ate one despite the sourness, appearing to enjoy it quite a lot.


    Huanhuan saw both women eating and reached for one herself. After biting into it, she immediately opened her mouth; her beautiful little face flushed, her mouth full of saliva and nearly crying out with the bitten tangerine in her mouth, she distressedly exclaimed, "Mommy, so sour!"


    Qin Mu, feeling helpless, quickly grabbed a trash bin, "Spit it out quickly!"


    Huanhuan ran over and spat it out while tears also welled up.


    "So sour!"


    Qin Mu immediately offered her a cup of water, "Drink some water; you¡¯ll be fine!"


    Huanhuan obediently drank water and it took nearly half a cup before she felt better.


    Mu Yichen watched Huanhuan¡¯s silly reaction and couldn¡¯t help but laugh, his shoulders shaking.


    "Come to grandma, let me see. It¡¯s sour, isn¡¯t it?" Feng Fanghua said with concern, kissing her forehead once Huanhuan came close, then added, "Huanhuan¡¯s taste is just like her daddy¡¯s."


    Qin Mu felt a pang of jealousy at these words, but still nodded against her better judgment, "Yeah! A bit!"

 Chapter 606 - 175 Your Boss’s Legal Wife_4

    Chapter 606: 175 Your Boss¡¯s Legal Wife_4


    Mu Yichen listened to his wife¡¯s somewhat unconvinced voice and turned to look at her, just as Qin Mu¡¯s burning gaze met his. The two locked eyes, and for a moment, it was as if all the others sitting around them became transparent, and they only had eyes for each other.


    At night, Mu Yichen was coaxing Huanhuan to sleep. Huanhuan tossed and turned next to him and then mumbled, "I want Mommy to sleep with me!"


    "Hm? Why do you suddenly want Mommy to sleep with you?"


    Mu Yichen lowered his head to ask her, and Huanhuan stretched out a hand to touch her little face: "I just want to sleep with Mommy."


    Little children always have these sudden whims.


    "But Mommy is taking a bath right now, how about I call her over after she¡¯s done?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hand gently held his daughter¡¯s small one, and he looked at her with a doting expression as he asked.


    "Okay then! Daddy, I want to sleep with both of you!"


    Huanhuan lay next to her father, gazing at him, feeling like he loved her very much, so she added another soft sentence.


    Mu Yichen...


    This child really had a new idea every day.


    "Then shall Daddy take you to Mommy and Daddy¡¯s room? But just for tonight, okay?"


    "Mhm-mhm!"


    Huanhuan immediately turned around in his arms, waiting excitedly.


    Mu Yichen helplessly raised his hand to touch her hair, then carried her to the bedroom.


    When Qin Mu came out of the bathroom with her hair dry, she was naturally happy to see her daughter lying in the bed. Huanhuan giggled, "Mimi! Huanhuan wants to sleep with you."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu softly replied to her, climbing into bed to hold her.


    Mu Yichen was on the phone by the window. Hearing their mother-daughter soft voices, he turned his head for a glance, then continued talking on the phone.


    "Yes! Send it to my email."


    After Mu Yichen finished the call, he walked back to the bedside: "She insisted on sleeping with us tonight."


    "No problem! If Huanhuan wants to sleep with Mommy and Daddy, then she will sleep with us, right?"


    "Mhm-mhm!"


    Huanhuan nestled in her arms, nodded vigorously, and turned to hug Qin Mu with her forehead inevitably rubbing in Qin Mu¡¯s embrace, as if...


    Qin Mu felt something was off, her face slowly reddening as she looked down to see her daughter¡¯s forehead moving higher and those little hands crawling inside from the neckline of her pajamas.


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Yichen also noticed his daughter¡¯s actions, thinking she was over three years old, but could he really stop her?


    But then seeing his woman being snatched away, Mu Yichen sighed, lay back on the bed, and told himself he saw nothing.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t look up at him but whispered softly into Huanhuan¡¯s ear.


    However, Huanhuan reluctantly withdrew her hand and still looked up to mumble softly, "Mommy, there¡¯s milk-milk!"


    Qin Mu...


    There was indeed just a little bit left.


    But this little one seemed to fondly recall the days of breastfeeding.


    Qin Mu, seeing the need in Huanhuan¡¯s eyes, couldn¡¯t help but let out a wry smile.


    "No way!"


    Huanhuan pouted her little mouth in a sulk.


    "Really, no way!"


    Qin Mu still signaled her with her eyes.


    Huanhuan¡¯s eyes began to well up with unwilling tears: "Mimi doesn¡¯t love Huanhuan anymore, Mimi only wants little brother."


    Qin Mu was shocked at this...


    After Huanhuan fell asleep, Mu Yichen crawled behind Qin Mu to hold her: "What¡¯s with Huanhuan tonight?"


    "I don¡¯t know!"


    Qin Mu was curious too¡ªeverything had been fine at dinner, so why the sudden clinginess?


    "Sigh! A girl¡¯s mind is really hard to guess," Mu Yichen lamented.


    Qin Mu turned to look at him, couldn¡¯t help laughing, "Is it?"


    "Mhm!"


    Mu Yichen peered into her embrace and whispered, "Did she take her hand out?"


    "No!"


    Mu Yichen sighed again: "Well, she¡¯s the daughter, she¡¯s the boss!"


    Qin Mu laughed again at his words: "Initially, I really didn¡¯t think you¡¯d be a good dad. I always felt you didn¡¯t even like kids, let alone take care of them or have the patience for them."


    "And then?" Mu Yichen asked softly.


    "I was stunned!"


    Qin Mu replied to him and took the opportunity to turn around and hold him: "Mu Yi, you¡¯re so good!"


    Mu Yichen...


    "Hold me!"


    Qin Mu commanded in a low voice, nestled in his embrace.


    Mu Yichen wrapped his arms around her back, secretly delighted.


    Because when Qin Mu turned around, that little hand was no longer in her embrace.


    Meaning, he finally had her to himself.


    After a while of intimacy, Mu Yichen returned to his side of the bed, still wary of Huanhuan¡¯s slipshod sleeping habits causing her to fall off.


    The next day, when Huanhuan woke up and saw her daddy sleeping beside her, her little face flushed with embarrassment and she immediately burrowed into her mother¡¯s embrace again!

 Chapter 607 - 175 Your Boss’s Legal Wife_5

    Chapter 607: 175 Your Boss¡¯s Legal Wife_5


    The next day at noon, their wedding photos were delivered to Qin Mu¡¯s studio.


    Qin Mu and Xiaomei were looking on as the studio staff put down the photos and had Qin Mu sign: "Miss Qin, if there¡¯s anything else you need, feel free to contact us."


    "Thank you! You¡¯ve all been so great!"


    After exchanging pleasantries with them and seeing them off, Qin Mu called Helian Hao: "Honey, the wedding photos are out! They¡¯re at the studio. Bring your man over to pick them up!"


    Then she went back, and there was Xiaomei, holding her face and looking at her and Zhao Huai¡¯s wedding photo.


    "Qinqin, that was fast; Zhao Huai really looks quite handsome!"


    "That fits your taste, though he¡¯s a bit too glib!"


    Qin Mu remembered the first man Xiaomei liked, Jian Yan, who was particularly reticent, whereas Zhao Huai, being older, was quite good at playful banter with girls.


    "I need to send a message to Zhao Huai, deciding where to move these wedding photos is also an issue."


    Xiaomei slapped her face hard, wondering why on earth they impulsively took these photos when they weren¡¯t even boyfriend and girlfriend.


    Even if they didn¡¯t have to pay, who was going to hang them in their house now that they were developed?


    Worried that Mu Yichen might be busy, Qin Mu sent him a WeChat: "Wedding photos have arrived, in the studio!"


    Unexpectedly, Mu Yichen replied in less than half a minute: "I¡¯ll come over after lunch to take a nap with you."


    To take a nap together...


    Qin Mu touched her nose and hoped no one would see how red her face was at that moment.


    After sending a message to Zhao Huai, Xiaomei came back: "Zhao Huai said he¡¯ll come over with Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan this afternoon to hang out and pick up the photos."


    Qin Mu subconsciously glanced at Xiaomei and nodded solemnly: "Great!"


    "Li Lin likes Jiang Zhiyuan!"


    Xiaomei whispered into Qin Mu¡¯s ear.


    Curiously, Qin Mu turned to look at her. Li Lin was a well-known designer in their studio, and the first person she liked after being in China for so long was Jiang Zhiyuan, but due to concerns over her status, she decided not to confess, only mentioning it to Xiaomei once when she had drunk a bit too much.


    At noon, Helian Hao brought Jing Feng directly to have lunch with her, without ordering a meal from AM, just at a Western restaurant near their studio.


    Jing Feng ordered himself a glass of wine, while the two of them couldn¡¯t drink, so they both had juice.


    "Had I known you were coming for lunch, I would have asked Mu Yichen to join us!"


    Qin Mu said during the meal.


    "Do we really need to bring him along just to have a meal?"


    Jing Feng asked Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu looked up at Jing Qing and wondered if the two brothers still hadn¡¯t reconciled.


    Helian Hao glanced at Jing Feng: "If you two brothers can¡¯t make up, just let us sisters know, and from now on, when we meet, just call each other brother-in-law, shall we?"


    Qin Mu responded earnestly: "That¡¯s actually not a bad idea!"


    Jing Feng...


    Who wants to call Mu Yichen brother-in-law?


    "We¡¯re fine with calling each other by name, but what about you two? When have you ever called each other ¡¯sister¡¯?"


    With a glass in hand, Jing Feng gently swirled his wine, his keen gaze falling on the two women¡¯s faces.


    "Of course, we don¡¯t call each other ¡¯sister¡¯ in everyday conversation, but we are indeed closer than real sisters."


    Helian Hao replied to him.


    "I believe that!"


    Thinking of the saying "It is hardest to deal with villains and women," Jing Feng decided it was best not to argue with them over this matter.


    After lunch, the three of them walked together to the studio, with Helian Hao at the front, holding Qin Mu¡¯s arm, and Jing Feng following behind like a Flower Guard.


    Helian Hao whispered to Qin Mu, "Yang Qianxi is awake. Wang Mingyu said if Yang Qianxi needs more money, she should call him."


    "That¡¯s just the kind of person he is!"


    Qin Mu only commented on Wang Mingyu.


    "What if I told you that a few days ago Yang Qianxi vaguely mentioned wanting to see you, would you... blame me for not telling you sooner?"


    After thinking for a moment, Helian Hao suddenly stopped in her tracks and asked Qin Mu seriously.


    Qin Mu looked at her too, then smiled after a few seconds, curiously asking, "Then why are you telling me now?"


    "It¡¯s just my sudden surge of sympathy. When I went to her hospital room today, I found her so thin, she looked like a skeleton, and I couldn¡¯t bear it! After all, she didn¡¯t get any advantage over Mu Yichen, but she almost lost her life in the process."


    "It is a bit tragic, but I still don¡¯t want to see her!"


    Qin Mu thought about it. She had already categorized Yang Qianxi as a hopeless case, so she didn¡¯t want to see her.


    What could Yang Qianxi possibly do by seeing her?


    It was nothing but bringing up old issues!


    Qin Mu already knew about those things, so what else was there to talk about?


    If Yang Qianxi wanted to apologize to her...


    The loss Qin Mu had suffered, not even a sorry from Yang Qianxi could make up for it.


    If Yang Qianxi didn¡¯t think she was wrong, then wouldn¡¯t Qin Mu just be making herself angry by going?


    So Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to meet Yang Qianxi. For a while, she didn¡¯t even want to hear that name.


    When the three of them arrived at the studio, Mu Yichen¡¯s car had just parked. Seeing the three of them arriving together, he was somewhat curious.


    "We three had lunch together. Isn¡¯t it a bit late for you, President Mu, to come over for food at this hour?"


    Everyone stood at the door, and Helian Hao asked.


    "He¡¯s not here for the meal!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak. Qin Mu went to stand by Mu Yichen¡¯s side, speaking for him, with a hint of shyness on her face.


    Mu Yichen looked down at Qin Mu for a moment then raised his eyes, looking at the distance where two more cars were arriving, and frowned unconsciously, "Didn¡¯t we agree to rest after the meal?"


    "We can sleep after they¡¯ve moved the photo albums back home!"


    Qin Mu slightly turned her body and whispered in his ear, tilting her head upward.


    Mu Yi looked at his ¡¯innocent¡¯ Qingmei at this moment, thinking to himself, you¡¯re thinking too much.


    Jiang Zhiyuan, Qiao Yi, and Zhao Huai each drove over, and it did seem like they really came to help move things.


    The group chatted for a while at the door, then entered the studio together.


    The reception area on the first floor was unusually busy.


    Xiaomei went to pour tea for everyone and then stood by to listen to their conversation.


    "Xiaomu, for such a big event as your wedding, we groomsmen should have a coordinated outfit, right? You are the big designer. We have no problem with you not personally crafting it due to your pregnancy, but at least drawing up a design draft should be alright, shouldn¡¯t it?"


    "Yes! It¡¯s already in the works!"


    Qin Mu nodded as she agreed.


    Her main task this year was to design the outfits for some important relatives for her wedding. The bridesmaids¡¯ dresses were already being designed by other designers in the studio, and as for the groomsmen¡¯s suits...


    Others were preparing them as well. She only planned to design the dresses for the seniors, but after hearing Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s suggestion, she somehow felt embarrassed to admit it.


    "Jiang, you make it sound so easy. It¡¯s tiring enough for a pregnant woman just to carry her belly around. Sitting there designing dresses is not such a simple matter, you know?"


    Xiaomei, as Qin Mu¡¯s assistant, was not shy to speak her mind with the familiar young masters.


    "The bridesmaids¡¯ and groomsmen¡¯s outfits will be completed by other designers in the studio. You are only tasked with one person¡¯s outfit, right?"


    Mu Yichen, who had been silent since entering, suddenly spoke up, turning his gaze to the woman beside him and authoritatively made his order known. His long arm lifted, and his slender fingers gently tucked her hair behind her ear, revealing her pink earlobe...

 Chapter 608 - 176 Mrs. Mu had planned this all along!_1

    Chapter 608: 176 Mrs. Mu had planned this all along!_1


    "Except for me, you¡¯re not allowed to be concerned about anyone else!"


    Mu Yichen issued the command in a domineering fashion while touching his woman¡¯s ear.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but swallow, glanced at Mu Yichen, and then lowered his head with a hoarse voice, pretending to be deep in thought.


    Everyone was watching from the side. Aside from Helian Hao, everyone else looked at the two of them with disdain in their eyes.


    First it was tea drinking, then critiquing the photo album, and by the time everyone had left it was already four in the afternoon. Mu Yichen stood at the entrance of the studio, frowning, hands naturally in his trouser pockets, squinting his eyes as he watched the cars drive away and sighed helplessly.


    As expected, his nap had been interrupted. He turned and went into the studio, then casually sat down on the sofa as if he was in his own home.


    Just as Qin Mu finished a phone call and put down his mobile phone, he saw Mu Yichen looking somewhat tired and sat down next to him, "What¡¯s the matter?"


    "It¡¯s nothing! Heading home?"


    He turned his head to ask her, leaning back in the sofa with his hands still tucked in his pockets, just lifting his eyelids slightly as he asked her in a low voice.


    Qin Mu nodded, "Sure!"


    So the two of them carried some easy-to-move wedding photos on the way to the apartment.


    In the quiet car, suddenly there was a familiar voice. Qin Mu lowered her eyes and took out her phone from her bag. Seeing that it was a call from Feng Fanghua, she first said to Mu Yichen, "It¡¯s Mom calling!"


    "Tell her we¡¯ll be home by seven!"


    Qin Mu knew they were going to the apartment, but it was only just past four, and they didn¡¯t need so long to get to the apartment.


    "Oh!"


    But as a habit, she agreed and then answered the call, "Hello? Mom!"


    "When are you two coming back? I heard the wedding photos were sent over, bring some for us to see."


    "Oh! Alright!"


    Qin Mu thought to herself that they could avoid going to the apartment to get the photos; it would be most suitable to take them directly to the old house instead.


    After hanging up the phone, Qin Mu said to Mu Yichen, who was focused on driving, "Mom said to bring our wedding photos back for them to see."


    "Just say they¡¯re in the studio."


    Mu Yichen drove the car towards the apartment, and Qin Mu, seeing his stubborn refusal to acknowledge anyone, settled back into her seat.


    She wondered if he was upset because he couldn¡¯t take a nap?


    The temper of their Mr. Mu at home! He was really nice when he felt good, but he could so easily become moody.


    Qin Mu then casually leaned against his shoulder, watching the scenery outside, "Mu Yichen! Mom will definitely be angry."


    "And you?"


    He turned his face slightly, asking her.


    "Me? In our house, you make the calls!"


    She held his arm with both hands, linking arms with him.


    Mu Yichen focused on the road ahead, yet felt the warmth she offered.


    "Do you remember the male classmate who confessed to me in Paris?"


    Qin Mu looked outside and asked softly against his shoulder.


    "Mmm!"


    How could he forget?


    If it weren¡¯t for that guy, he wouldn¡¯t have made her his own so quickly.


    "He sent me an invitation yesterday¡ªhe¡¯s getting married!"


    Qin Mu replied.


    Mu Yichen turned to look at her, "Really?"


    "Yeah! But I¡¯m not planning to go, we weren¡¯t that close. How about I have my master send a gift on my behalf?"


    Qin Mu spoke in a gentle tone, calmly discussing it with him.


    "Mmm! That¡¯s fine!"


    Mu Yichen agreed with feigned indifference, while his eyebrows slightly furrowed.


    He actually wanted to laugh.


    There really weren¡¯t many people like his wife who could say they were unfamiliar with a man who had pursued them.


    After all, that guy had knelt down and professed his love to her, not in the casual ¡¯I like you¡¯ sort of way.


    Even he...


    Mu Yichen suddenly realized that between them, an official proposal was actually still missing.


    From wanting her, to dragging her to the civil affairs bureau to get married, to now with her carrying their second child, he had never seriously proposed to her.


    Previously when he asked, she didn¡¯t agree; later, when he casually asked, she said yes, and then he started preparing for the wedding. But he still owed her a formal proposal ceremony.


    Gathering all their friends and family to witness the moment they came together.


    He suddenly remembered Jiang Yan and Mu Qingxin¡¯s arrival, with Jiang Yan presenting the world to his sister, which was why Mu Qingxin was so devoted to him afterward.


    He knew Qin Mu didn¡¯t need those things, and she might never remember to consider such cumbersome matters as long as he didn¡¯t bring them up, but suddenly, he felt that he needed to prepare for this.


    The car slowly entered the residential complex and stopped in the parking lot. Even the CEO had to carry a stack of photo albums and a display stand like a mover up to the apartment.


    Despite wearing an expensive, crisply tailored suit.

 Chapter 609 - 176 Mrs. Mu had planned this all along!_2

    Chapter 609: 176 Mrs. Mu had planned this all along!_2


    And Qin Mu just carried her own bag, holding a photo album that was neither too big nor too small.


    "Shall we also pick a few beautiful ones to put in Mom and Dad¡¯s place? They would probably like that," she suggested as they emerged from the elevator.


    "Mm!" Mu Yichen agreed.


    They had taken so many pictures after all.


    Once they were home, Mu Yichen set all their things aside and, after removing his coat, embraced the woman who had just taken off her shoes.


    Qin Mu, startled, exclaimed, "Hey, where did you get all this strength from?"


    Holding her, Mu Yichen walked upstairs: "Let¡¯s lie down for a bit, and then we¡¯ll go have dinner at Mom and Dad¡¯s, okay?"


    "Mm! But I asked you, how do you have so much strength!" she persisted, hooking her arms around his neck and smilingly gazing at him.


    "To hold you! I have plenty of strength!" he boasted with a proud smile on his face.


    Qin Mu looked directly at him with her apricot eyes, so full of adoration and affection. By the time they reached the second floor, she couldn¡¯t resist and planted a kiss on his cheek.


    The thought of always wanting to sleep with her made CEO Mu so adorably cute.


    This thought crossed Qin Mu¡¯s mind, and as he laid her on the bed, she was anything but well-behaved, wrapping her arms around his neck and initiating a kiss.


    Mu Yichen kissed her back for a while before holding her face to stop her eager kisses: "Don¡¯t start a fire you can¡¯t put out!"


    "I¡¯m not afraid!"


    "I am!"


    Mu Yichen kissed her on the nose and then lay beside her, holding her in his arms: "This is perfect."


    The sunlight outside was no longer so intense, but her heart felt very warm.


    "I really detest those guys!"


    Mu Yichen muttered.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but bury her face in his shoulder, laughing and quivering.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly but finally laughed as well.


    He thought it wasn¡¯t because he, Mu Yichen, was petty, but rather those guys were too annoying. They were newlyweds, and those guys had no sense of propriety.


    At night, the two arrived at Mu Mansion at seven-thirty. Huanhuan heard that her parents had arrived but didn¡¯t rush to embrace them, instead continuing to sit on the carpet playing with her new toy.


    "Grandfather, Mom and Dad, we¡¯re back!"


    Qin Mu first went to greet the elders, then turned to look at Huanhuan: "Huanhuan!"


    "Mummy!"


    Huanhuan called out but didn¡¯t even look back.


    Mu Yichen walked over and squatted in front of her: "Hmm! Is this a new purchase?"


    He examined a block of building bricks in his hand, which Huanhuan immediately took from him, happily telling him, "Grandpa bought it for me."


    Grandpa?


    Qin Mu thought of Qin Haiming. Uncle Wang had fallen ill, and it seemed Qin Haiming had also been attending less social engagements recently, devoting time to caring for Uncle Wang, yet he had still remembered to buy a toy for Huanhuan.


    "I went there with your dad at noon. Huanhuan¡¯s grandfather said he had bought it in advance," explained Feng Fanghua.


    Qin Mu smiled slightly, said nothing more, and took a seat nearby.


    Huanhuan, having played enough, finally went to Qin Mu¡¯s side, leaning on her knee: "Mummy, Grandpa Wang is sick."


    "Mm! Has our Huanhuan visited Grandpa Wang?" Qin Mu gently stroked Huanhuan¡¯s head and asked.


    "Mm! And with Grandpa and Grandma too!"


    Huanhuan said softly, counting on her fingers.


    "Mm!"


    Qin Mu responded, then took out a photo album from her purse that she had secretly placed there. It wasn¡¯t very large.


    "Most are still in the studio and haven¡¯t been brought back. You guys can take a look at this first."


    As she spoke, Qin Mu placed the album on the table.


    The old master picked it up first, and Huanhuan also ran over to stand next to her great-grandfather, stretching her neck to look.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao both stood up and walked over to look over the old master¡¯s shoulder, eager as if the album was a precious treasure.


    Qin Mu found this very peculiar. This family, who always seemed to have everything, cared so much about a simple wedding photo album.


    At this moment, they were all free of temper, only discussing which photo was taken well.


    Mu Yichen too became curious and walked over.


    While Qin Mu knew it might not be very polite, she still quietly took out her phone, opened the camera app, and captured this moment worth remembering.


    Yes! To her, this was a moment worth remembering, a very precious one indeed.


    "Grandfather! Mom and Dad, could we take a family portrait together?" Qin Mu softly asked after taking the picture.


    The family all looked up at her.


    And then the butler helped them take an ordinary family portrait, without any Photoshop.


    "If Qingxin saw this, she would sure be jealous!" Feng Fanghua said after looking at the photo, her thoughts drifting to her daughter again.

 Chapter 610 - 176 Mrs. Mu had planned this all along!_3

    Chapter 610: 176 Mrs. Mu had planned this all along!_3


    "She didn¡¯t skimp on photos for her wedding!"


    Mu Zihao said, and then he said to Qin Mu, "Send that photo to my phone too! Shouldn¡¯t we set up a family group? I see the Lis and the Zhangs have one."


    "Sounds good! I¡¯ll create it!"


    Qin Mu said as he began to add people, the old man spoke up, "Get me an account too!"


    He had always found it a hassle, so he had never bothered with a WeChat account, but now, listening to the lively discussion, he felt excited and wanted to join in with the family.


    "Alright! Grandpa, would you like a screen name?"


    Qin Mu reminded him.


    "What screen name? I won¡¯t change my name sitting or standing!"


    The old man raised an eyebrow, not entirely disinterested, but more out of nervousness about being new to the internet, and uncertain what name to pick for himself.


    "Great-grandpa is our boss!"


    Huanhuan suddenly turned to everyone and spoke out.


    Feng Fanghua nearly burst out laughing, explaining, "This morning at the supermarket, she heard a friend¡¯s family calling each other ¡¯Big Boss¡¯, ¡¯Second Boss¡¯; she must have picked that up from them."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh as well, "Don¡¯t talk nonsense."


    "I think it¡¯s great! Aren¡¯t I the boss of the Mu Family?"


    So the old man settled for the name, Boss of the Mu Family.


    At first listen, you might think it belonged to the mafia!


    The old man declared it had presence, and he liked it.


    Mu Zihao suggested the name ¡¯Old Taishan¡¯, but the old man retorted, "How old am I? Old Taishan! I am the Boss of the Mu Family."


    Agreed! Just those four characters.


    Once the group was established, Mu Zihao sent a red envelope first, and everyone kept asking him to send more because the money was not evenly distributed, so Mu Zihao did nothing but send red envelopes after dinner.


    "How about you send some, Zihao? Fanghua, you send a couple for fun too!"


    The old man always missed out on the bigger red envelopes from his son, so he decided to switch targets.


    "Dad! The person who should be sending red envelopes here is you. Besides, doesn¡¯t it all come to the same whether Zihao or I send them?"


    Feng Fanghua immediately retorted, and the old man, upon hearing her words, asked everyone, "Is that so? I am the one who should send them? But I haven¡¯t linked my bank card yet!"


    "It¡¯s time for your grandson to step up! Give me your phone!"


    Mu Yichen, who was on the verge of dozing off from snatching red envelopes, opened his own phone and transferred a substantial amount to the old man¡¯s account, directly claiming it for himself and then returned the phone to the old man, "Now you can send them."


    "How many times can I send them?"


    The old man didn¡¯t know how to check his WeChat wallet, so sending red envelopes was a learn-as-you-go process.


    "Send as many times as you like!"


    Nobody was hurting for money; it was more a matter of envy.


    Yet in the end, Mu Yichen only made transfers to his wife, and they were significant amounts.


    Later on, he remembered she still owed a sum in her bank account and, taking advantage of the moment when she had no qualms asking him for money, he kept transferring funds as a game.


    Later on, unable to bear it any longer, she slapped him lightly, "Stop transferring, what are you doing? Playing the God of Wealth?"


    "It wouldn¡¯t be too late to call me ¡¯Your Majesty¡¯ afterwards!"


    Mu Yichen, originally teasing her with innuendos, leaned forward and softly reminded her near her ear.


    Qin Mu...


    Feng Fanghua looked at her son¡¯s antics with dissatisfaction, "Stay and sleep over tonight, both of you. Huanhuan also wants to sleep with you, doesn¡¯t she?"


    Mu Yichen frowned at the thought of Huanhuan sleeping with them, "She¡¯s grown up too; she can¡¯t keep sleeping with her parents."


    When Mu Yichen said this, he felt especially cruel, but he really didn¡¯t want to sleep apart from his wife.


    Feng Fanghua looked incredulously at him, "Are you really Huanhuan¡¯s dad?"


    Mu Yichen awkwardly looked down, rubbing his forehead with his hand.


    Qin Mu, holding back laughter, watched Huanhuan lying on her lap, looking up at Mu Yichen, and suddenly burst into laughter.


    "I¡¯m definitely her dad, right?"


    Mu Yichen ambiguously sought confirmation from Qin Mu.


    Given the presence of the elders, Qin Mu refrained from arguing with him and simply pushed him away by pressing against half of his face as he leaned in.


    "Hahaha! Poor Daddy!"


    Huanhuan covered her mouth with her hand, giggling uncontrollably as her natural, refreshing laughter spilled out.


    "Daddy¡¯s poor?" Mu Yichen smiled as he lowered his head to nuzzle Huanhuan¡¯s forehead and teased her back.


    "Yes! Daddy¡¯s poor, Mommy¡¯s mine!"


    After saying that, Huanhuan left him, smoothed her tousled hair with her hand, then knelt on Qin Mu¡¯s lap and wrapped her arms around her neck to show off.


    Mu Yichen suddenly had a bad feeling.

 Chapter 611 - 176 Mrs. Mu had planned this all along!_4

    Chapter 611: 176 Mrs. Mu had planned this all along!_4


    By the time the late night arrived, indeed, his premonition regrettably came true.


    Huanhuan really did fall asleep on their bed, and she didn¡¯t let go of Qin Mu even in her sleep.


    In fact, they both knew it was because Qin Mu¡¯s belly had started to show, and Huanhuan felt a sense of crisis.


    Feeling both sorry for his daughter and helpless at the same time, especially Mu Yichen, he really wanted to carry his little darling back to that princess room, but he also felt a bit reluctant.


    "Once her little brother is born, as long as he sleeps by himself, she won¡¯t compete with me for you anymore, right?"


    When Mu Yichen got into bed, he casually asked, separated from his beloved wife by their crystallization of love.


    "Should be!" Qin Mu responded in a low voice, her eyes sparkling with light as she looked at Mu Yichen.


    "Sigh!"


    Mu Yichen looked at Qin Mu with a look of wistful grievance.


    "Are you really a father? Didn¡¯t you used to carry her everywhere? Why are you suddenly so repelled?"


    "If she doesn¡¯t compete with me for my wife, I¡¯m still a good dad," Mu Yichen replied, then turned and lay flat, placing both hands behind his head, and after that, calmly looked at the ceiling.


    Qin Mu also turned and lay in the same cool posture, gazing at the ceiling.


    In the blink of an eye, they went from being a couple to a family of four.


    "Do you remember when you were in third grade?"


    Mu Yichen suddenly started reminiscing about the past again.


    "Yeah! What about it?"


    She remembered most of the things from that time.


    "Once, when I went to pick you up from school, I saw a kid slipping a love letter into your bag, so I threw it away when you weren¡¯t looking."


    As he talked about these things, it was as if he had returned to those days.


    After hearing this, Qin Mu turned her head to look at him, her gaze seeming eternal.


    "And afterwards?"


    Qin Mu asked, curious, as she was the recipient of the love letter yet knew nothing about it.


    "Many times after that, I secretly threw away the love letters they wrote to you. Oh, and there were a few kids who called you. I set their mobile numbers to call forwarding and got rid of them all for you."


    Mu Yichen spoke, his eyebrows raising slightly as he did so.


    Unable to hold back any longer, Qin Mu turned to face him, even though they were separated by their daughter, even though the lights were dim.


    "So tell me! How many love letters from others did you receive for me? How many phone calls from them did you block?"


    It¡¯s no wonder during those years there were always boys asking her strange questions, and some people suspected she was a delinquent, a young girl living with an older boy.


    Now, she had finally found the root of all evil.


    "I can¡¯t remember! Anyways, all that I knew about, I blocked for you! I knew you were particularly bad at resisting these things," Mu Yichen said, turning to look at her with a serious expression.


    Qin Mu...


    "Why should I resist these things? Girls like being pursued!" Qin Mu responded.


    "Really?"


    Mu Yichen also turned over, propped one arm under his head, frowned, and looked at her seriously, his gaze passing over their daughter.


    "Don¡¯t you know? I always thought that everyone disliked me and ostracized me, but all this time it was you pulling strings from behind. Mu Yichen, are you really sure you¡¯re not the bad boy who ruined my childhood?" Qin Mu asked.


    "I don¡¯t think so! Filling your entire childhood by myself, that¡¯s more than enough!" Mu Yichen said, turning away again to look at the ceiling.


    She was his, why should he let those annoying boys confess to her?


    Want to hold her hand?


    Want to play kissing games with her?


    Did they think he followed her all the way to Paris just for sightseeing?


    He was there to protect his little wife, after all.


    "Selfish!" Qin Mu, propped up on the bed with both arms, lifted her upper body slightly and scolded him, even though deep down she felt a profound sense of pride.


    He knew to fend off rivals from such a young age!


    It¡¯s no wonder only he could capture her admiration, Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu felt that one should, of course, get what one likes.


    Qin Mu felt that everything Mu Yichen did was right!


    Qin Mu felt they should have confessed their affections for each other long ago!


    It¡¯s just that at the time, she was so fearful!


    Only after the shadow in her heart was completely gone this year did she dare to face his feelings, dared to acknowledge her own.


    "Am I selfish? You dare to promise you never told any other girl you were living with me?" Mu Yichen asked her, suspecting that at least she had broken that news more than ten times!


    Especially since she was the kind of person whose every word seemed so genuine.


    When the two of them were in Paris, they often lived together, especially after Qin Mu was abandoned by her guardians there, Mu Yichen almost became her guardian.


    Upon hearing his question, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but move her mouth. After a long while, she finally mumbled, "There was a girl from your school who came to your apartment to find you, but I definitely didn¡¯t say I was your girlfriend."


    "Then what did you say?"


    Mu Yichen remembered that afterwards, that girl had cornered him at school and cried in front of him for at least half an hour.


    "I just said you were helping me wash my panties," Qin Mu said.


    Interestingly, the day that girl went to find Mu Yichen, Qin Mu had just taken a bath at his place, ha! The girl was just in time; otherwise, just washing panties probably wouldn¡¯t have been enough to make her leave so heartbroken.


    "Hmm! So Mrs. Mu also had her plans early on!" Mu Yichen looked straight at her again.

 Chapter 612 - 177 So sweet, so sweet!_1

    Chapter 612: 177 So sweet, so sweet!_1


    "Ah!"


    In the stillness of the early morning, a scream suddenly pierced the quiet room.


    Qin Mu, bleary-eyed, sat up and turned her head to see a man trying to get up from the floor.


    Fearing he might roll onto his daughter, yet unwilling to sleep on the sofa, Mu Yichen had been sleeping on the edge of the bed. But in his morning drowsiness, he had completely forgotten about this arrangement and rolled off the bed.


    Meanwhile, the little girl in the middle of the large bed was still sleeping soundly!


    "Are you okay?"


    Qin Mu whispered to him, not wanting to wake their daughter.


    "I¡¯m dying!"


    Mu Yichen decided to just lie on the carpet.


    Upon hearing this, Qin Mu immediately lifted the blanket, got out of bed, and walked over to him, crouching down to ask, "Where are you hurt?"


    No sooner had she spoken than she was pulled down next to him, ending up right beside his face.


    "Silly woman! How could your husband, a grown man, get hurt from that? It¡¯s not like I fell from the sky."


    Qin Mu...


    But Mu Yichen turned around and embraced her.


    "What are you doing? Let go!"


    "I¡¯ve finally got you, let me hold you a bit longer!" His voice was muffled and heart-wrenchingly tender.


    Qin Mu then let him hold her and suddenly went still.


    Being parents wasn¡¯t easy after all. It was manageable when it was just the two of them, putting all their attention on Xiaobao. But now, she felt even more sympathetic towards her husband, separated as they were and unable to voice their grievances.


    "How about taking a nap in my studio this afternoon?"


    "No!"


    "No?"


    "Mm! Let¡¯s go to AM, to the guest room!"


    He held her and whispered softly, unwilling to let go, holding her even tighter.


    Qin Mu, pressed against him and listening to his words, suddenly blushed.


    It seemed a long battle awaited them this afternoon.


    "Alright!"


    She agreed, and couldn¡¯t help blushing.


    Their deliberately quiet voices, mindful not to disturb their daughter¡¯s rest, filled the room with even more warmth and beauty.


    "Daddy, Mommy, why are you on the floor?"


    The childish voice suddenly yanked the two adults from their afternoon daydream back to reality.


    Qin Mu looked up to see her daughter stretching her little head over the edge of the bed, looking at them, and was startled.


    Mu Yichen also turned his head to see the girl on the bed and then couldn¡¯t help but chuckle as he turned back to embrace his wife.


    "Our little darling must be my enemy from a past life, come to settle a debt."


    Mu Yichen said this with a semblance of a headache, yet it was tinged with emotion.


    In moments of sentiment, this man was especially precious, mostly focusing on being sexy.


    "They say a daughter is her Daddy¡¯s lover from a past life, but you¡¯re definitely the first to call her an enemy."


    Qin Mu laughed, reminding him. Mu Yichen chuckled in response too. Of course, Xiaobao was still their precious little darling. They would have to find another time for intimacy.


    Afterwards, Mu Yichen helped Qin Mu up from the floor. Huanhuan was still looking up at her father with an amused expression, covering her mouth to stifle her giggles.


    "Darling, you look too happy!"


    Mu Yichen said, then stood up to pick her up and said to Qin Mu, "If you haven¡¯t slept well, sleep some more. I will take this little imp away."


    "Daddy, who are you going to give me to?"


    Huanhuan asked!


    "Who to give you to? How about the Big Bad Wolf Grandma?"


    Mu Yichen carried Huanhuan away.


    "Is Granny the Big Bad Wolf Grandma?"


    Huanhuan asked, hugging her father¡¯s neck.


    Mu Yichen was shocked, already envisioning the scene of Mrs. Feng twisting his neck after hearing this.


    Qin Mu was also stunned, sitting on the edge of the bed and touching her forehead with a sense of helplessness, wondering how her daughter¡¯s imagination could run so wild.


    She then got up to go to the bathroom to freshen up.


    She had just finished washing her hands when she heard the door again; stepping out, Mu Yichen had returned.


    "What are you doing?"


    Mu Yichen asked with a furrowed brow.


    "Washing up!"


    Qin Mu replied.


    "Didn¡¯t I tell you to sleep some more?"


    "I¡¯m not sleepy anymore!"


    "I am!"


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Yichen stepped forward, lifted her straight from the bathroom, and carried her out.


    "Hey! I haven¡¯t dried my hands yet!"


    Qin Mu held out her arms, not wanting to get his shirt wet.


    "Dry them on my body!"


    Mu Yichen said seriously to her and then placed her on the bed.


    When Qin Mu lay down and saw his stern face, she couldn¡¯t resist blinking. Mu Yichen then turned to the bedside table, took out some tissues to dry her hands, and only then lay down beside her again.


    "My back is about to break!"


    He complained, pulling Qin Mu into his arms.


    "How about we sleep separately for now? Huanhuan seems to be growing quite attached to me! It¡¯s a bit cramped for three people on one bed!"


    Qin Mu snuggled in his arms and quietly discussed with him.


    "No way!"


    Mu Yichen immediately rejected the idea!

 Chapter 613 - 177 So sweet, so sweet!_2

    Chapter 613: 177 So sweet, so sweet!_2


    "But like this, you¡¯re too tired!"


    Qin Mu knew that he had given up his spot in the bed for her and their daughter.


    "For you and our daughter, even if I¡¯m worked to death, it¡¯s fate!"


    Mu Yichen embraced her, signalling that he was resigned to whatever came their way.


    So the two of them enjoyed the warmth of the big bed alone for a while before going downstairs. That morning, Qin Mu didn¡¯t rush off to the studio, and Mu Yichen left in his car first.


    Qin Mu stayed at home to continue playing chess with the old man, who couldn¡¯t help but grumble, "With your chess skills, if I train you for a bit longer, you¡¯ll be unbeatable across Rongcheng!"


    "Really? That amazing?"


    Qin Mu asked with a perfectly coordinated surprised face, holding a chess piece.


    "Of course! Anyone I personally train!"


    The old man responded proudly.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, thinking how nice it would be if she and Mu Yichen could be as cheerful when they grew old?


    "You and that boy Yichen, stop living in your apartment so much! Take advantage of this time while you¡¯re pregnant and your mother-in-law is in a good mood, stay here more often. It relaxes you both and I have company, right?"


    The old man spoke seriously about chess again as he played.


    Qin Mu glanced at the old man with a light in her eyes, then agreed, "Okay! If you win this game, I¡¯ll promise you!"


    The old man looked up, "Ha, have you ever beaten me?"


    "So does that mean I have to listen to you no matter what?"


    Qin Mu acted as if she had accidentally fallen into a trap, making the old man laugh again, "Or should I give you another red envelope? Otherwise, it seems like this old man is tricking you."


    "Ugh, no need for a red envelope! I won¡¯t tell anyone I was tricked by an old man."


    Qin Mu said to him, pretending to be nervously concerned.


    When the old man got distracted, Qin Mu sneakily checkmated him. Upon realizing his impending loss, the old man exclaimed in shock, "What¡¯s going on?"


    "Ah! Am I about to win? Am I not always the one who loses? It must be grandfather¡¯s good luck blessing me!"


    Qin Mu playfully clapped her hands and exclaimed.


    The old man...


    In the competition of dramatics, the old man conceded this round.


    After playing two games of chess with him, Qin Mu prepared to leave. The old man, seeing her pack up to go, beckoned her, "Come here, come here! They¡¯re playing your advertisement!"


    Qin Mu walked over curiously to look. It was still that perfume advertisement, which had been airing for over a year now¡ªapparently, it was doing well.


    "Do you know people in the entertainment industry?"


    "Uh, well, not as many as Mu Yichen!"


    Qin Mu realized why the old man¡¯s eyes were shining and quietly whispered to him.


    The old man only remembered the family¡¯s pharmaceutical business, and with his grandson involved in all sorts of muddles, he could never keep track of whether his grandson had invested in these things.


    So when Mu Yichen went out to discuss a business partnership with Secretary Xi and Qiao Yi at lunchtime, he chose a restaurant on the way and received a call from the old man.


    Seeing the old man¡¯s number and the two people sitting in front, Mu Yichen took the phone and walked towards the restroom, "Do you have any orders, sir?"


    As Mu Yichen stepped away to the restroom, Secretary Xi and Qiao Yi, without any communication, both ate silently, heads bowed. Secretary Xi finished her meal quickly, "Please tell the boss I¡¯m done and leaving first, there are documents I need to sort out immediately."


    Qiao Yi, seeing her businesslike manner, just gave a nod in response, and she walked off briskly, bag in tow.


    Qiao Yi couldn¡¯t help but turn to watch her departing figure, thinking why do women nowadays seem so unfeminine?


    They all seem to be competing, for positions, for money, for many things, but why aren¡¯t they competing for men?


    Oh! No!


    She already had a boyfriend!


    Suddenly remembering the conversation he previously had with Secretary Xi, Qiao Yi felt rather discomposed.


    When Mu Yichen returned from the restroom and noticed Secretary Xi had left, he asked, "Gone?"


    "Hmm!"


    Qiao Yi replied.


    Mu Yichen, seeing Qiao Yi¡¯s wistful expression, quietly asked, "Is this what you¡¯d call bringing it upon yourself?"


    "What?" Qiao Yi looked at Mu Yichen in shock, truly not hoping for Mu to rub salt into his wounds any further.


    "That¡¯s why I said, you should keep it clean."


    Mu Yichen added another reminder.


    Qiao Yi...


    "Brother, I only started living it up at my age, isn¡¯t that clean enough? Considering you jumped into bed with Xiaomu so young and even ended up with an illegitimate daughter, did I say anything?"


    Qiao Yi asked him, with a mix of grievance.


    "What did you say you¡¯ve forgotten? Besides, we¡¯re not an illegitimate daughter, we¡¯ve got it on paper, and another thing, I¡¯m a one-woman man, don¡¯t compare me with you."

 Chapter 614 - 177 So sweet, so sweet!_3

    Chapter 614: 177 So sweet, so sweet!_3


    Mu Yichen teased with a lightness in his voice.


    Qin Mu, suddenly!


    After having lunch, the two men left the restaurant together. Qiao Yi turned his head, "I¡¯ll go get the car!"


    "Okay!"


    A few minutes later, Qiao Yi stood at the entrance of the restaurant, watching the car that had already driven off into the distance.


    He thought to himself, did I go get the car just to let you go flirting? We still need to go to the studio and discuss some serious wedding matters, haha!


    Mu Yichen drove the car to the studio and went straight upstairs, then¡ª


    He missed again!


    He stood at the door, uttering with a weak voice from outside: that one! Qin Mu went to the store!


    "When did she say she¡¯d be back?"


    Mu Yichen stood at the window, hands on his hips, frowning as he looked downstairs and asked.


    "That! She didn¡¯t say!"


    "Got it! You go ahead and take care of things!"


    Upon receiving his orders, Xiaomei helped him close the door and went off to attend to her own affairs. Actually, she had just returned from lunch herself, went to the restroom, and when she came out, she saw that it seemed like Boss Mu had arrived. Xiaomei immediately followed upstairs and found that indeed, he had.


    After Xiaomei went downstairs, she quickly sent a message to Qin Mu, who was selecting clothes with Wen Runuan. After seeing the message, Qin Mu suddenly remembered her arrangement with Boss Mu and immediately said to Wen Runuan, "You keep looking, I just need to make a call."


    "Alright!"


    Wen Runuan continued looking at clothes, while an excited sales assistant came up with a small notebook to ask for her autograph. She obliged kindly, signing it and offering her well wishes.


    Qin Mu dialed Mu Yichen¡¯s number, and at that time, Mu Yichen was already lying on the only bed in her studio: "When will you be back?"


    "I¡¯m picking out clothes with Wen Runuan. You go to sleep; I¡¯ll be back in an hour at most."


    "Okay!"


    Mu Yichen hung up the phone after speaking, already having an ominous premonition that she would definitely not return within an hour. She was with Wen Runuan after all; how could she just extricate herself and leave?


    Wen Runuan was about to give birth, so all the clothes she chose were in larger sizes!


    "Afterwards, when I can¡¯t wear them anymore, I¡¯ll give them to you. Wouldn¡¯t that be just right?"


    "That¡¯s actually a good idea! After I wear them, I can give them to Xiaohao!"


    Qin Mu thought about it and felt it was a good deal: one piece of clothing could be worn by three women.


    When Wen Runuan was paying with her card, the sales assistant whispered, "So, do we still take the money?"


    Qin Mu...


    Wen Runuan...


    "We still take the money!"


    Qin Mu said to the sales assistant very seriously, then let out a laugh.


    Fearing the boss might really get upset, the sales assistant immediately went to process the payment, while Wen Runuan, good-natured as ever, said, "You scared her!"


    "Hmm! I think it did look a bit like that! But I think what I ought to do right now is to cultivate a spirit of money-making among the staff, huh!"


    Qin Mu said, then looked at Wen Runuan, who seemed to be all money.


    "Stop making fun of me!" Wen Runuan replied.


    After choosing their clothes, the two sat down in a coffee area set up in the store, each with a cup of plain water in front of them.


    "How do you feel about this pregnancy compared to your first? Is it different?"


    "Yes! It¡¯s a big difference!"


    Wen Runuan¡¯s question reminded her of the time when she was pregnant with Huanhuan. Back then, her whole heart was set on making money. She had to make enough money for Huanhuan; she couldn¡¯t let her daughter down!


    At that time, she had no love, no family, not to mention a man¡¯s shoulder to lean on.


    This pregnancy, well! She lived the blessed life of a rich man¡¯s wife, with everything provided for her hand and foot.


    "I was asking about the reactions you have to being pregnant."


    Wen Runuan saw her immersed in memories and tapped her to remind her.


    Qin Mu...


    That¡¯s really awkward, okay?


    Seeing Qin Mu¡¯s embarrassment and her cheeks turning red, Wen Runuan started to laugh, but as she laughed, her eyebrows suddenly furrowed.


    "Oh no! Something¡¯s burst!"


    "What?"


    As soon as Qin Mu heard her exclamation, all her previous thoughts vanished, and she just looked at Wen Runuan whose face had suddenly turned pale. She immediately stood up and assisted her.


    "You, are you about to give birth?"


    Qin Mu asked anxiously, then without waiting for a response, she turned her head to the store manager who had just come in, "Hurry and get my car to the front!"


    Although the store manager hadn¡¯t had children, seeing Wen Runuan¡¯s face, she immediately ran out to help with the car.


    Qin Mu carefully helped Wen Runuan up: "Can you walk?"


    "Hmm!"


    Wen Runuan clutched her belly and managed to utter a difficult hum.


    The young sales assistants were terrified, but they quickly put down their pamphlets and rushed to help support her.


    Once in the car, the store manager took responsibility for driving ahead, and Qin Mu accompanied Wen Runuan in the back. Wen Runuan, terrified, had tears in her eyes: "Call my child¡¯s father for me!"


    It was hard for Wen Runuan to pull out her phone; she could barely see anything.

 Chapter 615 - 177 So sweet, so sweet!_4

    Chapter 615: 177 So sweet, so sweet!_4


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed, but since opening the phone required a password, she had to ask again, "What¡¯s the password?"


    "611721!"


    Wen Runuan¡¯s voice trembled somewhat.


    Qin Mu hurriedly bowed her head to unlock the phone, and as soon as she succeeded, she immediately found her man¡¯s mobile number and called, "Hello? Wen Runuan is about to give birth, hurry to the city hospital!"


    After hanging up, Qin Mu turned to look at Wen Runuan, her eyes blurred with tears, then looked down at Wen Runuan¡¯s hand that she had been gripping tightly, continuing to feel tense.


    The hospital staff had long prepared the gurney at the entrance, ready to help as soon as their car arrived.


    As soon as a strange doctor grabbed Wen Runuan¡¯s arm, her tears couldn¡¯t stop flowing, gripped by fear, she clutched Qin Mu¡¯s hand tightly, "What do I do? I¡¯m so scared!"


    "Don¡¯t be afraid, it will be over soon."


    All Qin Mu could do was comfort her in that way, Helian Hao also came running out, "Did you notify her husband?"


    Qin Mu immediately nodded, and Helian Hao looked at the person being pushed inside and said, "Don¡¯t be nervous, take a deep breath!"


    Wen Runuan, already familiar with Helian Hao, relaxed a bit upon seeing her, couldn¡¯t help but nod. She thought about the many times she had acted in childbirth scenes, but when it came down to the real deal, that sense of panic...


    "Our director will personally deliver the baby, don¡¯t worry!"


    Helian Hao turned to respond to Qin Mu, who had been following them, and looking down at Qin Mu¡¯s belly, she frowned and asked, "What are you running for?"


    "I¡¯m worried about her!"


    Qin Mu replied, continuing to follow.


    "You stop running, you¡¯re pregnant for several months now, what if something happens to you? Who could bear that responsibility? Just walk slowly to the upstairs!"


    After saying this, Helian Hao signaled to the store manager.


    Qin Mu indeed couldn¡¯t keep up anymore, and once she reached the elevator, she stopped as she watched them enter.


    The store manager approached to help her, "We will take the regular elevator up!"


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu replied, watching the doors of the medical elevator close and then turning to walk with the store manager to the regular elevator.


    There were already some people waiting, and Qin Mu, for some reason, suddenly thought of Mu Yichen and reached out to touch her phone to call Mu Yichen, only to suddenly realize in her rush she had forgotten to bring her bag, though she still had Wen Runuan¡¯s phone, so she used it to call Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t fallen asleep either, he¡¯d been lying in bed scrolling on his phone waiting for her.


    When he saw the strange number, he frowned, but then followed his intuition and picked up, "Hello?"


    "Wen Runuan is giving birth, I¡¯ve accompanied her to the hospital."


    "I¡¯m on my way!"


    That kind of tacit understanding, as if there was no need to elaborate, just from the tone of the other¡¯s voice and the perceived state, one knew what the other needed.


    Qin Mu was indeed hoping he would come to the hospital, and just after she hung up, the elevator arrived, so she entered with the store manager.


    Soon Wen Runuan was pushed into the delivery room, and by the time her husband arrived, the door to the delivery room had already been closed for half an hour.


    Helian Hao also came out to see Qin Mu and quickly stroked her and had her sit down next to her, "What¡¯s the rush, you being pregnant and all?"


    "I feel like I¡¯m about to give birth myself!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but bitterly smile, not understanding why she felt that way.


    "Sigh!"


    Helian Hao sighed helplessly.


    When General Manager Zhang arrived after half an hour, Qin Mu and the others stood up.


    "How is she doing?"


    General Manager Zhang rushed over and asked after seeing Qin Mu.


    "It shouldn¡¯t be so quick! You must be good to her."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t even know why she suddenly said such things.


    Was it simply because she knew how hard it is for a woman to become a mother?


    Probably!


    "Of course!"


    General Manager Zhang responded concisely, then looked towards the delivery room again, but within a minute he turned to look at Helian Hao wearing a white coat standing beside, asking, "Can I go in?"


    Helian Hao was briefly stunned, then went ahead to lead the way, "Yes, you can!"


    Helian Hao helped him to open the door, and when the doctors and assistants inside saw the man enter, Helian Hao explained, "This is her husband."


    Ha!


    Everyone was surprised to learn that the famous star Wen Runuan had a husband; they were taken aback and then continued with their work.


    General Manager Zhang was startled by the scene before him, then immediately went over to Wen Runuan¡¯s side.


    Wen Runuan was already drenched in sweat, her face utterly drained of color, and she was exerting effort when she saw him arrive.


    Helian Hao stepped out again and saw Mu Yichen had also arrived.


    "You two are quite something, other people give birth, and you both are in such a hurry!"

 Chapter 616 - 177 So sweet, so sweet!_5

    Chapter 616: 177 So sweet, so sweet!_5


    Helian Hao walked over and said to them.


    "What am I in such a hurry for?"


    Mu Yichen asked, his dark eyes gazing at Qin Mu.


    He was just here to find his wife, after all.


    Qin Mu looked up at him, clearly relaxing because of his arrival.


    Afterward, she let the store manager leave first, and Helian Hao had work to do, so he left early, leaving just the two of them waiting outside the door.


    "It seems that we really do have some fate!"


    There were actually many people in the delivery room, but here, at this moment, it was just the two of them.


    Mu Yichen held her hand, "When you called, you were so anxious!"


    "Yeah! At that time, I felt like I was the one about to give birth! Do you know when I gave birth to Huanhuan? I was so nervous I was about to pass out, but when I got to the delivery room, I couldn¡¯t help but shout your name. I even terrified the doctor."


    Mu Yichen, still holding her hand, tightened his grip but didn¡¯t speak.


    If he had told her he loved her earlier, perhaps there wouldn¡¯t have been those two years of absence, those two years when she needed him the most.


    "Now it¡¯s so good! You are by my side!"


    Qin Mu leaned gently against his shoulder, a sense of satisfaction welling up within her.


    Mu Yichen looked down at her and finally couldn¡¯t resist lifting his hand to hold her in his embrace.


    "You are also silly! Knowing that a single call would have me flying over to be with you!" Mu Yichen said reproachfully.


    "I didn¡¯t want to call you! At that time, I had no idea how you were faring in Rongcheng. The rumors of your engagement with Jing Qing never stopped. Since it was something I had already used, why would I touch it if others wanted to use it?"


    Qin Mu muttered, just as stubborn as she had always been.


    "Who else could use a man you¡¯ve used?"


    He asked her quietly.


    Qin Mu, not understanding, looked up at him.


    "Your man is precious! Others can¡¯t afford him."


    Qin Mu initially thought he was about to mock her, but she couldn¡¯t help laughing when she heard this.


    "If I had known you were pregnant early on, I would have brought you back to Rongcheng sooner. You wouldn¡¯t have been alone in Paris, making it seem like you had no man."


    Mu Yichen continued to scold her.


    "But at that time, I really didn¡¯t have a man! Yichen, after spending a night with me, you disappeared without a trace. I never thought you would come looking for me again. How could you have the face to come find me again?"


    Qin Mu tilted her head back, her chin resting on his arm, looking intently at him as she asked.


    "Because I couldn¡¯t get over you, that fool, I shamelessly went to find you!"


    Mu Yichen raised his eyebrows, speaking as if it was so heartbreaking, but his eyes were filled with indulgence for her.


    "Tch! Shamelessly indeed, you really were shameless!"


    Qin Mu thought about it for a moment and then couldn¡¯t help laughing.


    "Why are you still so silly? But thankfully, the shameless me was smart enough not to let a relationship just end like that."


    Qin Mu...


    Yes!


    If it weren¡¯t for his persistence, they really might have gone their separate ways.


    If, after that night, he had returned to Rongcheng and never looked for her again, she really would have forgotten him.


    She was just that heartless at the time!


    But he went!


    He waited for her outside her apartment. She still remembered that lonely man, like a desolate young man leaning against her door, and in those dark eyes, she could never forget the way he looked then.


    "What were you thinking when you came to find me after Christmas that day?"


    Qin Mu continued to ask him in a low voice, seemingly forgetting they were outside the delivery room.


    "At that time, I was thinking, ¡¯Why can¡¯t I let go of this stupid woman?¡¯"


    He looked down for a moment, and only after speaking did he look back at her again.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just kept stubbornly looking at him.


    At that time, she felt the same way.


    He must have been unwilling, yet he couldn¡¯t resist the soul within him driving him to go find her.


    Finally, she stopped looking at him and leaned against his shoulder to look towards the delivery room¡¯s door, "Who knows if it¡¯s been born yet!"


    Mu Yichen glanced at the ceiling, "Qin Mu! We are destined by heaven!"


    A few seconds after hearing those words, Qin Mu snapped out of it and then laid her head against his shoulder, "Mu Yichen, no more talking!"


    "Who brought it up first?"


    Mu Yichen gave a helpless, wry smile.


    Qin Mu...


    It was her who had brought it up first.


    Lately, she was particularly fond of reminiscing, despite not being very old.


    "I guess I¡¯ve just been too bored with too little work lately, that¡¯s why I keep reminiscing," she stated.


    Qin Mu also felt she was at fault.


    "Silly! I still despise you! But I still won¡¯t let go of you!"


    He wrapped his arms a little tighter around her shoulders.


    Wen Runuan gave birth to a beautiful little boy, fair and clean, weighing eight catties and two liang.


    Wen Runuan herself was shocked by her son¡¯s weight. Qin Mu and Mu Yichen held the little guy for a while in the room. Despite being extremely weak, Wen Runuan didn¡¯t forget to joke, "I didn¡¯t expect this little fellow to weigh as much as a pig."


    "What are you talking about? My son a pig? What does that make me? What about you?"


    Protection for the new son from the new dad!


    ¡ª¡ª


    Since it was getting late, the two of them planned to go straight home. However, as they were passing by a hospital room on their way out, they heard a commotion inside the room. Curiosity got the better of them, and they looked ahead, only to see a nurse coming out of a room, muttering angrily, "They say the disabled aren¡¯t heartless, but this woman has completely gone insane! Why is she still in our ward?"


    The two had to pass by that hospital room, and it was Qin Mu¡¯s curiosity that prompted her to peek inside.


    Inside, sitting on the bed, scratching her head and looking disheveled, the woman who had been hanging her head suddenly looked up.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes instantly widened.


    Was that¡ªYang Qianxi?


    She had heard before that Yang Qianxi¡¯s condition had been poor recently, but seeing her in that state still sent a shudder through her.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Mu Yichen, with his eyes downcast, also glanced inside after seeing the change in Qin Mu¡¯s expression.


    Yang Qianxi was initially just nervous when she saw Qin Mu, but as soon as she saw Mu Yichen, she immediately tensed up. It was difficult for her to sit up with her legs still immobile, but as soon as she managed, she urgently raised her hand, first scratching her hair and then covering most of her face, leaving only her large eyes peering out at the doorway. Tears streaked through her pained eyes as she immediately began to sob.


    "What¡¯s the matter now? What¡¯s happening?"


    The nurse who had just given her sedatives heard the crying and shouting and rushed back, while the two stepped aside.


    Mu Yichen, noticing Qin Mu¡¯s distressed look, put his arm around her shoulder, "Let¡¯s go."


    As Qin Mu turned and walked out with him, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh, "She used to be such a good girl."


    "Do you pity her?"


    Mu Yichen inquired.


    Qin Mu shook her head, not possessing so much sympathy.


    "It¡¯s just terrifying how desires can devour someone¡¯s heart!"


    After speaking, Qin Mu glanced at Mu Yichen, hoping she would always remain the girl true to herself and that they would always walk side by side, just like now.


    When they reached the parking lot, Mu Yichen opened the car door and ushered her inside.


    "Those driven by desire, whatever their end, have only themselves to blame, no need for pity!"


    Mu Yichen reminded Qin Mu once more.


    Qin Mu looked up at him and after a few seconds, she smiled faintly, "Hurry up and drive."


    Did he think she would pity Yang Qianxi?


    She indeed did pity her once when she thought Yang Qianxi was being used by Jing Qing and Qin Mingzhu, feeling that it was pitiable for a girl to face such things upon entering society.


    But when Yang Qianxi let herself be used again, despite knowing it would destroy her, Qin Mu no longer found her pitiable.


    And as for the woman who attempted to steal her husband, death was too light a punishment!

 Chapter 617 - 178 expensive bottles also for wife’s flower nurturing_1

    Chapter 617: 178 expensive bottles also for wife¡¯s flower nurturing_1


    The two of them drove directly to Mu Mansion because the elder hoped they¡¯d have a lively time at home, so they started to freeload off the family¡¯s meals and drinks.


    After dinner that evening, the family sat on the couch watching entertainment news when they saw a report about Wen Runuan and her boss¡ªthere was all sorts of talk.


    However, the final footage showed CEO Zhang holding his son as he came out of the hospital ward, announcing to the media, "We are indeed together, and have already registered our marriage, we are a legally married couple! Miss Wen will hold a press conference at some point to provide details. For now, please orderly leave and don¡¯t disturb her rest, thank you!"


    If a man truly loves a woman enough, he wouldn¡¯t care about how the outside world sees them, right? As for the future and whatnot, it seems none of that is as important as actually enjoying the time together.


    Qin Mu leaned back on the couch with the fruit plate, sincerely wishing them well as he watched the scene on TV.


    "My goodness, the young people these days can really endure,"


    Mu Zihao sighed.


    Qin Mu felt like he choked on an apple.


    Mu Yichen raised his eyes, and when he heard her coughing, he raised his hand to pat her back to help.


    "That¡¯s true. Your son and daughter-in-law already have a child over three years old, on their second already, and there are still many people unaware they¡¯ve registered their marriage!"


    Feng Fanghua glanced at Qin Mu and couldn¡¯t help but speak out.


    Qin Mu smiled awkwardly, and Feng Fanghua just sighed.


    "Everyone¡¯s not a fool. Seeing them living together, what else could they be if not husband and wife?"


    The elder looked at his grandson and granddaughter-in-law, his eyes full of affection no matter how he looked at them.


    Feng Fanghua kept her mouth shut after hearing the elder¡¯s tone, as she would never argue with the elder.


    The elder then stretched his back, acting as if he was in the right.


    Qin Mu could barely hold back her laughter, and Mu Yichen sighed, "Isn¡¯t it good to just go with the flow?"


    Mu Yichen now felt especially content because they hadn¡¯t kept their marriage a secret from anyone anymore.


    Yesterday, the hotel even called, saying that the daughter of a high-ranking official wanted to have her wedding on Christmas, and when the hotel refused, they called to have a talk. The staff had no choice but to call Mu Yichen to ask if it was alright to reveal his wedding plans, to which he agreed.


    It wasn¡¯t intentional, things just naturally happened that way, and gradually, those who needed to know would find out.


    Besides, what did it matter if some didn¡¯t know?


    He felt that all those insignificant people, whether they knew about their marriage or not, was it truly important?


    What¡¯s important is that this woman is now by his side, and her heart is already with him.


    When she no longer rejects marriage!


    When she no longer thinks of parting!


    Mu Yichen felt there was nothing more wonderful in the world than this.


    "That¡¯s right! Just go with the flow!"


    The elder felt the same way.


    Later, the elder changed channels, Qin Mu finished her small bowl of fruit, and then started to feel sleepy.


    Mu Yichen, with his eyes half-closed, saw her eyelids beginning to battle, so he stood up first: "It¡¯s getting late, everyone should head to bed early!"


    Qin Mu glanced up. She rarely admitted to being tired first at her in-laws¡¯, seeing as she was the younger family member and felt she needed to keep the elders company.


    At his own home, Mu Yichen, of course, did as he pleased, always indulged by Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao and acting however he wished. The young master¡¯s mood took over, and he directly pulled Qin Mu to go to sleep.


    After the two went upstairs, Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t resist her tart comment: "That kid is even cool when going to sleep."


    "How is going to sleep cool?"


    Mu Zihao asked her.


    Feng Fanghua turned to look at him, feeling recently that her husband was always disagreeing with her.


    No, everyone in the family except Qin Mu dared to sing a different tune, everyone seemed to be going in the opposite direction to her.


    After Mu Yichen pulled Qin Mu into their room and closed the door, he embraced her from behind and walked towards the bathroom: "Shall we shower together?"


    "You go ahead, I¡¯ll wait for you!"


    Qin Mu said and then turned her eyes to Huanhuan.


    Yes! That little girl was still sleeping in their room.


    After dinner, Huanhuan had slept early, not forgetting to mutter before sleep that she wanted to sleep with her mom.


    Mu Yichen glanced at the bed and sighed helplessly: I almost forgot about her!


    Then he laughed, and Qin Mu laughed too: "Do you often forget that you¡¯re a father?"


    "Not quite that, although I don¡¯t like it when she takes up the bed, she is still our little sweetheart."


    He bowed his head, whispering softly in the hollow of her neck.


    "If our little sweetheart heard you say that, she¡¯d definitely be comforted."


    Qin Mu reached up to touch his face.

 Chapter 618 - 178 expensive bottles also for wife’s flower nurturing_2

    Chapter 618: 178 expensive bottles also for wife¡¯s flower nurturing_2


    Mu Yichen said, "If only she had grown up earlier!"


    "Well, I have no problem with that since I¡¯m still young. As for you, President Mu... Ah!"


    Before she could finish speaking, she was suddenly picked up, and as she was lifted into the air, she tightly wrapped her arms around his neck, "You..."


    "What about me? Is it that I can¡¯t carry you, or I can¡¯t do you?"


    Mu Yichen looked at her arrogantly, his eyes full of doting affection.


    "You! You! You... so annoying!"


    Qin Mu struggled for a while, and after saying the last two words, she couldn¡¯t help but laugh first.


    Mu Yichen also laughed, and carried her directly to the bathroom.


    "Pajamas, pajamas!"


    As they were approaching the bathroom, Qin Mu reminded him that you have to wear pajamas to come out since it wasn¡¯t just the two of them in the bedroom.


    Mu Yichen...


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qiao Yi went to AM for drinks with Jiang Zhiyuan, and just so happened to run into Miss Lin and Su Zhen, who were also out for fun. The four of them met under the dim, colorful lights of the club.


    Miss Lin couldn¡¯t resist leaning toward Su Zhen, who then raised an arm to wrap around Miss Lin¡¯s slender waist.


    Qiao Yi...


    Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of his head in shock.


    "How about we drink together?"


    Su Zhen proposed.


    Everyone looked at her with confusion, but in the end, the four of them found a private room to sit down. Su Zhen said she was treating, inviting everyone to order drinks freely.


    Jiang Zhiyuan wasn¡¯t about to be polite with her. Watching Qiao Yi sitting there dumbly, he couldn¡¯t help but snicker and then ordered some expensive drinks. For him, of course, it was nothing, but Su Zhen, who had seemed generous at first, did furrow her brow for a moment before regaining her composure.


    Su Zhen sighed upon noticing the way Miss Lin looked at Qiao Yi and said to him, "My sister likes you."


    Qiao Yi thought there was something wrong with his ears. Previously looking down, he lifted his head to stare at Su Zhen, unable to shift his gaze to her ¡¯sister¡¯.


    He really couldn¡¯t understand what kind of creature a woman was.


    "Two women can¡¯t really do anything, can they? If you like her, shouldn¡¯t you accept all of her?"


    Su Zhen asked Qiao Yi again.


    Qiao Yi couldn¡¯t help but scoff, "I¡¯m not that magnanimous. How can I accept that?"


    Qiao Yi truly felt he was cursed. How could he meet such people?


    He had thought he was just dealing with a woman who had been with many men. Her passionate nature didn¡¯t seem odd considering the men, but if women were involved, then he just...


    He simply couldn¡¯t accept it.


    After hearing his words, Su Zhen laughed, "Can¡¯t you even accept one woman? And you dare call yourself a man?"


    "Miss Su, being a man isn¡¯t something I need to claim for myself!"


    Qiao Yi frowned, a bit headachy, wondering how he ended up in this room with her.


    Su Zhen herself didn¡¯t expect Qiao Yi to speak so directly and felt a bit awkward.


    "What if I accept you? If Zhen Zhen can be tolerant for Yichen, I can do the same for you."


    Miss Lin said, moving towards him and standing behind him, her hands gently resting on his shoulders.


    Jiang Zhiyuan, terrified, immediately backed away, looking incredulously at the woman who came from D City.


    Qiao Yi stood up immediately, "Enough! This farce ends here!"


    After saying that, Qiao Yi headed out, and Jiang Zhiyuan also quickly stood up and eagerly slipped away along the wall.


    Su Zhen was still sitting there, motionless, gazing at the glass on the table.


    Miss Lin sat angrily in Qiao Yi¡¯s chair, "He sure has a temper. What era is it now to still be so inflexible?"


    "Why did you just say I¡¯m still being patient for Yichen?"


    "Isn¡¯t that the case? By letting them know about our relationship, you¡¯re just trying to get him to lower his guard, right?"


    Su Zhen didn¡¯t speak again, just watched Miss Lin with a sharp gaze.


    "You should go back to D City!"


    Women who are too forthright can easily attract trouble.


    Miss Lin looked up at her, "What?"


    Disbelief. Her best friend was telling her to go back to D City!


    "You saw it yourself, Qiao Yi can¡¯t accept bisexuality, so what¡¯s the point of you staying here? Go back to D City and wait for me."


    Su Zhen said to her in a soft yet commanding voice.


    After Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan came out, they went straight to the underground second floor to drive away, but just as they left the elevator, they heard a man and a woman laughing while approaching.


    Both of them looked up to see Secretary Xi walking with a handsome gentleman.


    Even though the two weren¡¯t holding hands or embracing, the handsome gentleman in the crisp suit was intentionally getting close to Secretary Xi, so they still looked like a couple.

 Chapter 619 - 178 expensive bottles also for wife’s flower nurturing_3

    Chapter 619: 178 expensive bottles also for wife¡¯s flower nurturing_3


    Secretary Xi was momentarily surprised to see them both, but it was only for a moment.


    This was Mu Yichen¡¯s restaurant; the two of them were his close brothers, so their appearing here was completely normal.


    "Hey, our beautiful Secretary Xi got a boyfriend?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan swept aside his previous displeasure and, with hands in his pockets, looked at the man beside Secretary Xi as he greeted her.


    "These two are good brothers of my boss, Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan!"


    She introduced them in a low voice to the gentleman beside her.


    "Hello! I am Xi Meng¡¯s fiance?, Zhong Anliang!"


    Jiang Zhiyuan didn¡¯t know why, but he suddenly glanced at Qiao Yi. Qiao Yi didn¡¯t speak and just walked past them.


    Secretary Xi just scoffed, nodded to Jiang Zhiyuan, and then told the man beside her, "Let¡¯s go!"


    "Sure!"


    The three exchanged greetings and went their separate ways.


    Watching them enter the elevator, Jiang Zhiyuan pulled out a cigarette from his pocket, placed one in his mouth, handed one to Qiao Yi, and, after lighting up, took a puff before asking, "Does Secretary Xi really have a man now?"


    Qiao Yi took a drag of his cigarette, his eyebrows raising slightly, then took another heavy pull.


    She indeed had hinted at it that day, saying she had a boyfriend.


    But what did that man just introduce himself as? Xi Secretary¡¯s fiance??


    Was a fiance? something that could be claimed so casually?


    Qiao Yi took another fierce drag of his cigarette.


    "Tell me the truth, do you like Secretary Xi?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan looked at Qiao Yi, noticing his evident frustration.


    And this frustration didn¡¯t come from the humiliation inflicted by the two women upstairs, but from Secretary Xi¡¯s and her fiance?¡¯s recent appearance.


    "How is that possible? Remember how we used to make jokes about her all the time?"


    Qiao Yi retorted.


    "Yes, we used to joke about her all the time, but then didn¡¯t we all become friends? She¡¯s competent, we all recognized that, didn¡¯t we?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan propped himself against the car and asked.


    "So what?"


    Qiao Yi lifted his gaze, this time with a particularly troubled look on his face.


    It was like he could no longer conceal his displeasure.


    "Forget it! Secretary Xi isn¡¯t right for you anyway! Let¡¯s just head home!" Jiang Zhiyuan thought for a moment, said his piece, and then went over and got into the car first.


    Qiao Yi finished his cigarette but didn¡¯t leave.


    When Secretary Xi and her fiance? came out, it had been two hours later. The couple was still laughing and talking, Qiao Yi¡¯s car was still there, except he was no longer outside.


    Sometimes he couldn¡¯t make sense of what love was supposed to look like.


    He had never been in a serious relationship before, had harbored a crush on Jing Qing, the dazzling Jing Qing. Later, when Jing Qing disappeared, it was as though there was nothing left inside him, empty, then suddenly a girl turned up asking him outright if he dared to sleep with her.


    What man wouldn¡¯t take up such an offer?


    But what after?


    The girl was bisexual and had approached him with an agenda.


    Qiao Yi felt he was really unlucky when it came to love.


    As for Secretary Xi, to this day, he was still unclear.


    Even Mu Yi seemed to think that he cared about Secretary Xi, but he still didn¡¯t feel it.


    But why did his heart feel like it was being pricked with needles when he saw her with another man, when he saw her overlooking him?


    He used to like Jing Qing, watching her eyes only look at Mu Yichen, he had felt this way then too.


    So, did he fall for someone again?


    This unassuming woman!


    All of Mu Yichen¡¯s brothers had teased her before, and they had even considered chasing her together to see who she would choose, but in the end, Mu Yichen put a cold stop to that.


    Later...


    Gradually, they became colleagues who worked together quite harmoniously.


    She really was capable, not only in dealing with Mu Yi, but she seemed to immediately know how to cooperate very well with whatever any colleague asked of her, including him.


    She had accompanied him on several business trips, each one flawless.


    But what did that have to do with feelings?


    Fiance??


    Their car passed by on the main road leading out, and he vaguely saw inside the car, the man driving was laughing and talking, and saw Secretary Xi leaning forward slightly, smiling so tenderly.


    Uh!


    This damn woman hadn¡¯t talked seriously with him for a long time, let alone laughed.


    Talking about work...


    Mu Yichen and Qin Mu were just about to go to bed when they received a call from Qiao Yi, it was already past eleven.


    "Going on a business trip? Who with?"


    Qin Mu, perceiving that Mu Yichen didn¡¯t seem too happy, looked up curiously at him and heard him say, "Impossible!"

 Chapter 620 - 178 expensive bottles also for wife’s flower nurturing_4

    Chapter 620: 178 expensive bottles also for wife¡¯s flower nurturing_4


    Mu Yichen mercilessly refused Qiao Yi¡¯s request and hung up the phone directly.


    Qin Mu still looked up at him, "Whose call was that?"


    "Qiao Yi! He said he wanted to take Secretary Xi on a business trip!"


    After reporting, Mu Yichen frowned and turned to look at Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu thought of Secretary Xi and blinked curiously: Qiao Yi likes Secretary Xi?


    "Even he isn¡¯t sure himself, how can we conclude?"


    After saying this, Mu Yichen lay back down, turning to face the mother and daughter.


    "So, he really does like Secretary Xi! Actually, Secretary Xi is very good, always feeling Qiao Yi doesn¡¯t care much about home."


    Qin Mu was still contemplating seriously, feeling that Secretary Xi was a good girl and deserved to be treated well by a man.


    "You seem to really care about Secretary Xi?"


    "Secretary Xi is quite nice, I have to get along well with her!"


    Qin Mu said, laughing.


    "Oh? Secretary Xi, Mrs. Mu¡¯s spy arranged by your side, right?"


    "Clever!"


    Mu Yichen reached over their daughter and pinched Qin Mu¡¯s face: "You little devil!"


    "That really hurt!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice changed from being pinched by him.


    Mu Yichen released her face and then massaged it for her: "When he sorts out his feelings, I¡¯ll send him on a business trip then!"


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Mu agreed.


    Some things indeed should not be rushed.


    Moreover, in the middle of the night, the guy suddenly made this request; he must have been provoked.


    However, Mu Yichen had forgotten about the matter by the next morning, but as soon as he arrived at work, he was the first one Qiao Yi sought out.


    "I¡¯m going to D City on a business trip this Wednesday. Secretary Xi is the most familiar with the work situation there, why not let her come along?"


    "Don¡¯t you have your own assistant? If you take my secretary away, who will I use?"


    Mu Yichen leaned back into his chair, looking up and countering his question.


    Qiao Yi...


    "What¡¯s the matter?"


    Mu Yichen, seeing that Qiao Yi was genuinely troubled, asked another question.


    "She has a fiance? now!"


    Qiao Yi said, his voice sounding unnatural as he spoke.


    Secretary Xi stood at the door, not intending to eavesdrop, but it just so happened that she was about to come in to deliver documents.


    "That man actually claims he¡¯s her fiance?, ha! What right does he have?"


    Qiao Yi yelled.


    Secretary Xi, standing outside, felt her heart tremble fiercely, tears almost falling. She chose to turn around, placed the documents on the desk, and then went to the restroom.


    When Qiao Yi left Mu Yichen¡¯s office, he saw her desk was empty, with only the documents left there. He frowned unconsciously and then left.


    After he left, Secretary Xi came back, dried her hands with paper, threw the tissue in the trash, and then carried the documents to knock on the president¡¯s office door.


    "Come in!"


    Mu Yichen was looking at electronic files.


    "Boss!"


    Secretary Xi carried the documents over.


    Mu Yichen responded as usual, "Hmm!"


    With just a faint sound, he continued focusing on his work.


    Secretary Xi glanced up, thinking he had something to say to her.


    "What is it? Aren¡¯t you here to report on the work schedule?"


    Mu Yichen turned to look at her and asked.


    Then, he noticed that Secretary Xi¡¯s eyes were actually red.


    Do women all love to cry so much?


    Mu Yichen furrowed his brows, annoyed, and turned back to the computer screen, reminding her softly, "Don¡¯t have unnecessary emotions during work hours."


    "Yes!"


    Secretary Xi stepped forward two steps, placing the documents requiring his signature in front of him, and then reported his schedule for the next couple of days.


    After reporting her work, Secretary Xi left. When she reached the door, Mu Yichen said, "On Wednesday, head to D City for a business trip with Assistant Qin, and assist him well in his work!"


    Secretary Xi was startled and turned back to look at him.


    "Go ahead!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s voice was indifferent.


    He really didn¡¯t want to deal with these romantic affections. If the two of them ended up together, that would be fine, but if not, wouldn¡¯t he be making a mess of things?


    Yet that kid actually said he would gift him a family heirloom valued at millions. He had liked that antique for a long time, wanting to take it the moment he saw it, to give to Qin Mu for arranging flowers.


    Qiao Yi really bled for this one; it was one of the most valuable vases in his family, and it was his grandmother¡¯s favorite.


    But what could be done?


    That afternoon, after Qin Mu returned to the studio from lunch, she found an exquisite blue and white porcelain vase on her desk.


    She couldn¡¯t help but look at it for a long while, slightly nervous, she reached out to touch it, and eventually let it go reluctantly.


    "Like it?"


    Mu Yi sent her those two words.


    After seeing the message on her phone, she hugged the vase again for quite some time, "Hmm!"


    "Then aren¡¯t you coming over to serve?"


    Mu Yi texted her back.


    Qin Mu was stunned, holding the vase and sitting in her chair as she texted him, "Where are you?"


    "In your studio, on the bed!"


    Qin Mu...


    She directly took the blue and white porcelain vase and went over, beaming, "Hey! Where did you unearth this from? It looks so real!"


    Although she did not understand much about it, judging by the color, and the feel, it indeed seemed genuine.


    "This was Assistant Qin¡¯s way of showing respect to the President¡¯s wife," Mu Yichen casually mentioned to her, having expected she would like it, but not to such an extent that she would hold it and be reluctant to let go. He stretched out comfortably, hands behind his head, as though it didn¡¯t matter much to him.


    "Wow, Qin really laid it on thick, huh!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but lower her head again to examine the blue and white porcelain vase carefully, her touch becoming even more cautious.


    "Where do you think I should place this vase?"


    Qin Mu cherished it while asking, not even glancing at Mu Yi.


    Mu Yi, with a frown, asked her, "Mrs. Mu, have you forgotten what I called you in here for?"


    Qin Mu glanced at him and said, "Hey, I¡¯m so fond of it because it¡¯s from you! Why are you upset about it?"


    "Would you be happy if I only paid attention to other women?"

 Chapter 621 - 179 Endless Night_1

    Chapter 621: 179 Endless Night_1


    ¡ª¡ª


    "So you¡¯ve agreed to let Secretary Xi go on a business trip with him?"


    "Yeah! Take people¡¯s money," Mu Yichen agreed.


    "and help them out with their troubles! Poor Secretary Xi!"


    Qin Mu sighed, but then thought about the vase and was still very pleased!


    In the evening, Qin Mu had dinner with Mu Yichen at AM along with the leaders, which of course included Qin Mu¡¯s father.


    But she definitely did not expect Su Zhen¡¯s father from D City to be there as well.


    Mu Yichen had also mentioned it was only a few leaders, but upon pushing the door open and seeing several men over fifty inside, one of them from D City¡ª


    "Here you are! Come in and have a seat!"


    Qin Haiming immediately raised his hand and pointed to the two remaining chairs behind him.


    Mu Yichen and Qin Mu walked over and sat down before Qin Hai Ming began to introduce, "You don¡¯t need me to introduce your Uncle Yang, do you? You and Yang Bo grew up together. Uncle Su has cooperated with Yichen, and Mumu, this gentleman is from D City¡ª he¡¯s also a good friend of your father."


    "Mr. Su!"


    Qin Mu knew this man was Su Zhen¡¯s father, calling him uncle? Qin Mu couldn¡¯t say it.


    "I really didn¡¯t expect your precious daughter to have grown up so beautiful!"


    Upon speaking, Su Zhen¡¯s father praised Qin Mu highly. Thinking of Su Zhen, Qin Mu could already guess the purpose of this leader¡¯s visit, and naturally, Mu Yichen, although silent, had also made some guesswork early on.


    "Today, Uncle Su mainly came to see his precious daughter, whom you all know, and she¡¯ll be coming down in a bit."


    Qin Haiming subtly reminded Qin Mu, casting a glance in her direction. Of course, he hoped Qin Mu would stay seated here, even if she didn¡¯t show a good face, just sitting was enough.


    "Speaking of Xiao Zhen, these past two years she¡¯s also grown much more beautiful! Ah, speaking of which, both of you have daughters, while I¡¯ve only got that no-good son, hmph! That kid Yang Bo, just mentioning him gets me angry!" Yang Bo¡¯s father sighed as he talked.


    "Yang Bo is quite good! He¡¯s helped me out several times!"


    Upon hearing Yang Bo¡¯s father speak like that, when nobody else picked up the conversation, Qin Mu took the initiative to chat with Yang Bo¡¯s father.


    She was truly grateful to Yang Bo; if he hadn¡¯t found her car parked at the police station that time, she might have been tortured inside to a point worse than death.


    "Well, he was just fulfilling his duty. Besides, what relationship do you few have? You don¡¯t need to thank him for that."


    Yang Bo¡¯s father chatted politely with Qin Mu.


    "Am I late?"


    Su Zhen finally pushed open the door from outside, then smiled as she walked in after looking at everyone: "Uncle Qin, Uncle Yang, President Mu, I came down after finishing up my work, Miss Qin."


    After greeting everyone, Su Zhen sat next to her father: "Dad, why did you suddenly come over?"


    "If I don¡¯t come to see you, you won¡¯t come home. What can I do? ¡ª¡ªI came to discuss some matters with your Uncle Qin!"


    It seemed as if he was afraid his daughter or others would overthink, so Mr. Su explained.


    "I just knew you didn¡¯t come just to see me! Besides, why wouldn¡¯t you feel at ease with me working here? President Mu takes good care of me!" Su Zhen spoke to her father.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say a word, only frowned slightly upon hearing himself mentioned as taking care of Su Zhen, and eventually looked towards his wife.


    Qin Mu sat there quietly, playing with her water glass on the table, discreetly calling for him to worry for her.


    So, one of Qin Mu¡¯s hands that was resting on the table was gently held by Mu Yichen.


    Qin Mu then reflexively looked at him as Mu Yichen smiled at her and said, "Indeed, I haven¡¯t taken care of Miss Su!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes widened, seemingly not expecting him to contradict.


    In fact, there was no need to contradict. How could he have taken care of Su Zhen these days when he hadn¡¯t even been coming to AM for meals? Moreover, if he had to care for her and his daughter, where would he find the time to care for another woman? He was not made of iron.


    Qin Mu suddenly couldn¡¯t help but smile at him.


    Qin Haiming and Yang Bo¡¯s father watched their interaction with lowered brows and exchanged glances, as if reassured.


    Su Zhen, however, couldn¡¯t hide her awkwardness and had to correct herself: it was only because her colleagues all took care of her, just out of respect for President Mu.


    This time, Mu Yichen did not contradict and, afterwards, played with Qin Mu¡¯s hand he was holding, as if indifferent to a dinner that didn¡¯t concern him, solely focused on accompanying his wife.


    "President Mu is also looking out for your father¡¯s sake, isn¡¯t he? Since you don¡¯t want to go home, but you can¡¯t cause any trouble for me in Rongcheng anymore, can you? Otherwise, your father might just have to send someone to tie you up and bring you back!"

 Chapter 622 - 179 Endless Night_2

    Chapter 622: 179 Endless Night_2


    Mr. Su¡¯s words were naturally not meant just for Su Zhen to hear; they were also intended for Qin Haiming and Mu Yichen to listen. As for Qin Mu, even though she was Qin Haiming¡¯s daughter, he still didn¡¯t take her seriously.


    However, Mr. Su couldn¡¯t disregard Qin Haiming, especially now that he had such a son-in-law, and the last time they talked on the phone, Qin Haiming had made that very clear.


    "Good! I got it!"


    Su Zhen agreed, and after serving the dishes she took the initiative to stand up, "Let me toast Uncle Qin first, for all the worries you¡¯ve had since I came to Rongcheng!"


    Mr. Su looked up with a smile to watch his daughter, then turned his gaze to the other man sitting beside him.


    Qin Haiming was seated at the head of the table this time. He had made way when he came in, but when Mr. Su insisted, he had said, "Obedience is better than politeness," and sat down. After all, he needed to show support for his daughter, and now Su Zhen unexpectedly stood up to toast him.


    He lifted his eyes to look at Su Zhen, also smiling, but his smile was naturally different from Mr. Su¡¯s.


    Under his gaze, Su Zhen drank a glass of red wine in one go.


    "Miss Su, you can really hold your liquor!"


    Qin Haiming simply remarked.


    "This girl takes after me. She started drinking a little when she saw me drinking from a young age, and indeed, her capacity for liquor is quite good. Let her accompany you for a few more drinks later," Mr. Su said.


    "My daughter does take after me too, but she¡¯s terrible with alcohol, and now that she¡¯s pregnant, she can¡¯t drink at all."


    Qin Haiming said with a smile.


    "That¡¯s nothing! You still have a fine son-in-law, don¡¯t you!"


    "Yes! Yichen, later on, have a few more drinks with your Uncle Su on Mumu¡¯s behalf."


    "No problem!"


    Mu Yichen looked up, as Yang Bo¡¯s father was among the elders he respected the most, so he decided to grant this face-saving favor.


    Yang Bo¡¯s father gestured subtly and exchanged a mutually understanding look with Mu Yichen, while Qin Mu simply sat there properly, not concerned about whatever they were planning.


    "I heard from Zhen Zhen that Miss Qin is an incredible designer. May I ask who she studied under?"


    Mr. Su inquired of Qin Mu with seeming modesty.


    Mu Yichen turned to look at Qin Mu, who gazed back at Mr. Su across the table.


    "My master is JY!"


    Qin Mu responded politely, her smile seeming warm, but her eyes clearly displayed a "do not disturb" sign.


    It seemed Mr. Su had heard something about it, and after listening he nodded, "I haven¡¯t really heard much, although I don¡¯t understand your fashion world, but Zhen Zhen does have some resources in the fashion circle, she should have heard of him, right?"


    "Dad! He¡¯s a world-class design master, you really are out of touch," Su Zhen replied, following his question.


    "Oh? Such an impressive figure," Mr. Su raised his eyebrows, still looking at his daughter indulgently.


    "Maybe JY will come to Rongcheng if Miss Qin and Mu get married? Perhaps then you could meet him."


    "My master doesn¡¯t really like making new friends!"


    Qin Mu only replied with a smile, not caring for the spectacle the father and daughter duo were putting on, but surely her master wasn¡¯t someone just anyone could meet?


    Mr. Su and Su Zhen both glanced at Qin Mu with a touch of awkwardness while Qin Haiming and Yang Yaorong clearly didn¡¯t expect her to be so dismissive. They all looked her way.


    "Actually, whether he comes to our wedding is still unknown, although he has personally made my wife¡¯s wedding dress in Paris," Mu Yichen explained as he watched everyone look at them as if they were oddities, while he held his wife¡¯s hand within his own and lightly chuckled.


    "This person has some quite unpleasant quirks!"


    Mu Yichen added another line, and the tension in the air eased momentarily as Mr. Su, Qin Haiming, and Yang Yaorong began to laugh softly and chit-chat again.


    Qin Mu, on the other hand, looked at her husband displeased, her eyes accusingly questioned him: How dare he speak of her master¡¯s quirks? He was asking for trouble.


    Mu seemed amused, his eyebrows lifted with a look that seemed to say: I¡¯m willing.


    Qin Mu felt her annoyance chilled to the bone by his gaze.


    Su Zhen sat quietly across from them, watching. In her eyes, the two were blatantly flirting.


    In front of three senior family members, they held hands and made eyes at each other. The more Su Zhen thought about it, the more uncomfortable she felt, and then she cast her eyes down.


    "Actually, I don¡¯t necessarily need to meet JY, even though he is famous! But what fashion circles don¡¯t lack are celebrities," Su Zhen couldn¡¯t help but raise her head and say that to Qin Mu.


    The atmosphere, which had just relaxed, chilled once again.


    Qin Haiming and Yang Yaorong looked at her doubtfully, while Mr. Su kept his head down, only his eyes betraying his motion, and then raised his head with a smile, saying to everyone, "Ah, the temper of my precious daughter is truly something that can¡¯t be changed in a moment!"

 Chapter 623 - 179 Endless Night_3

    Chapter 623: 179 Endless Night_3


    Su Zhen then lowered her gaze.


    "You¡¯re now stepping into society, joining the workforce," her father said, "it¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t follow the path I¡¯ve arranged for you, but if you can¡¯t chat properly with others outside, you¡¯re going to suffer a big loss."


    "Mhm!"


    Su Zhen looked at her father then responded unhappily.


    Mr. Su sighed softly: It¡¯s all because her mother and I spoiled her! I¡¯ll drink first then! Firstly, to apologize for the trouble this girl has caused you all in Rongcheng.


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t expected Mr. Su to lower himself so much, but it had nothing to do with her.


    After Mr. Su finished a drink, he remained standing and gestured to Su Zhen to help him pour the wine.


    Su Zhen immediately picked up the bottle and stood up to help with the pouring.


    Mr. Su then raised his glass: This one is to thank you all for taking care of this girl, and I hope you¡¯ll be more tolerant of her in the future. If there¡¯s any issue, please communicate with me promptly, and I¡¯ll surely criticize and educate her.


    Qin Mu thought, what use is criticizing and educating her after she¡¯s made a mistake?


    "Father-in-law, Uncle Yang, could you help me take care of Mr. Su?" Mu Yichen suddenly looked up and said, "We still have a daughter waiting for us to come home to tuck her in, and it¡¯s really not suitable to stay late."


    Then, he also picked up his glass, and standing up, called to Qin Mu, "Let¡¯s toast Mr. Su together to welcome him to Rongcheng for sightseeing, shall we?"


    Qin Mu knew these matters were troublesome, but still stood up with her own glass in hand.


    She had juice in her water glass, but no one could pick fault with that, after all, she was pregnant.


    "Mr. Su, please don¡¯t overthink it, it¡¯s just that my wife and child need care now, and I don¡¯t have much spare time. Next time you come to Rongcheng, I will surely do my duty as a host," Mu Yichen said before clinking glasses.


    Su Zhen, seeing that Mu Yichen had given her father enough respect, finally breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly stood up to help her father with the wine.


    "Mmm!"


    "Yichen, with your father-in-law and Uncle Yang here, is there a need for you to play the host?"


    Yang Bo¡¯s father said with a smile.


    It wasn¡¯t to criticize Mu Yichen¡¯s words as incorrect, but to remind certain people not to take themselves too seriously in Rongcheng.


    Mu Yichen remained composed, just smiling faintly, and after finishing his drink, he left with Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu nodded to Yang Bo¡¯s father before leaving, then glanced at Qin Haiming and ultimately, she just lowered her head.


    Mr. Su, watching from beneath lowered lashes as Qin Mu looked at Qin Haiming, always felt that the father-daughter relationship was not good, at least Qin Mu had a barrier in her heart towards Qin Haiming.


    Not long after they left, Su Zhen also stood up, toasted the elders, then left, only returning to her father¡¯s room after all the drinks were finished.


    After Mr. Su went into the guest room, he sat down on the living room sofa and asked his daughter, "Did you see clearly during the meal today? Your father has no right to speak in Rongcheng."


    "Mu always treated my father with politeness," Su Zhen replied, sitting down on the sofa with him.


    "Hmph! That¡¯s all just a fac?ade; he doesn¡¯t think that way at all! Zhenzhen, your father still hopes you¡¯ll come back with me to D City. What boy there wouldn¡¯t you be able to choose from? I heard that the two of them have already registered their marriage and the wedding is coming soon. What¡¯s the point of staying here?"


    "I just want to watch them get married!"


    Su Zhen said carelessly.


    Mr. Su looked at his daughter and raised his hand to grasp hers: "Don¡¯t worry your father, okay?"


    "I know! How could I make you worry? I was just too high-profile when I first came. I thought even if Mu cherished Qin Mu, he wouldn¡¯t ignore a beauty delivered to his doorstep, but who knew¡ªit¡¯s probably because Qin Mu is pregnant now, so he doesn¡¯t want to provoke her. Oh well, from now on, I¡¯ll be more careful in everything I do. Don¡¯t worry about me, and let mom rest easy, too. I¡¯m not a child anymore."


    "Whether you¡¯re a child or not, look at Qin Hai¡¯s daughter. She¡¯s younger than you, speaks less than you, but isn¡¯t she much shrewder? Hmm?"


    Mr. Su asked his daughter, also reminding her.


    "You noticed her shrewdness after just one meeting?"


    Su Zhen asked incredulously, with a hint of jealousy.


    "Hmph! If she wasn¡¯t shrewd, could a sly fox like Mu Yichen treat her so well? Daughter, have you been so focused on your studies these past years that you¡¯ve forgotten about real life?"


    Mr. Su looked at his beloved daughter with some concern and asked her.


    Su Zhen then became anxious, standing up with a sigh: "Dad, I know she¡¯s smart, but your daughter is definitely not a fool. It¡¯s just that she¡¯s too guarded, and she had blocked my way before I even entered the battlefield."

 Chapter 624 - 179 Endless Night_4

    Chapter 624: 179 Endless Night_4


    Su Zhen sighed again and then sat beside her father, "Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t be so impulsive from now on, just wanting to show off myself."


    "Weren¡¯t you just going to watch their wedding and then go back?"


    Mr. Su asked with some worried doubt.


    "¡ª¡ªYes! But I still have to be careful everywhere and won¡¯t provoke her anymore."


    Thinking about how, if it hadn¡¯t been for her father coming over this time, Mu Yichen might not have come to AM for a long time to have a meal, Su Zhen actually felt quite suffocated. She originally invited Xiaolin and the others over to help her out, but ended up arousing Mu Yichen¡¯s suspicions. The girls¡¯ little secrets fell into Yichen¡¯s hands. That aside, after all, this also made Mu Yichen and Qin Mu let their guard down a bit towards her, but the feeling of not seeing her beloved afterwards was enough to make her wish she were dead.


    "Hmm! That¡¯s right! If you¡¯re thinking of finding a boyfriend in Rongcheng, dad has a suitable candidate to recommend to you."


    Mr. Su thought for a moment and added another comment.


    "What?"


    Su Zhen turned her head curiously to look at him, only then realizing that her father was once again trying to recommend a boyfriend to her.


    "It¡¯s Uncle Yang¡¯s son whom you met tonight. The kid has been doing quite well these two years, and he even got a promotion this year. Dad thinks his future prospects will definitely be even better."


    "Dad, why are you always pushing men on your daughter?"


    Su Zhen immediately complained, as she hated it most when her parents arranged blind dates for her.


    "Dad is just mentioning it to you. If you¡¯re not interested, forget it, but you should at least meet him, right? What do you say?"


    "I won¡¯t meet him!"


    Su Zhen said, then turned and walked out: "It¡¯s too late. I need to get back to my apartment."


    After she left, Mr. Su couldn¡¯t help but sigh again. He suddenly thought of Qin Mu, who had hardly interacted with him during dinner.


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen returned home and had the kitchen prepare something more to eat in the dining room.


    Feng Fanghua finished bathing Huanhuan, and thinking that her son had been somewhat tired these past two mornings because of his little daughter taking over his bed, she coaxed Huanhuan while carrying her out, saying, "Baby, do you want to sleep with grandpa and grandma tonight? Grandpa and grandma have thought of several little stories they want to tell Huanhuan."


    "Huanhuan wants to sleep with daddy and mommy."


    Huanhuan said in a soft voice, hugging her grandmother¡¯s neck, looking a bit worried as she lowered her head.


    "Why must you sleep with daddy and mommy? Grandma and grandpa also want to sleep with Huanhuan very much, and we specially prepared stories that Huanhuan would be interested in, to tell you. Grandpa and grandma even made a bet to buy Huanhuan a toy if one of us wins."


    Huanhuan¡¯s interest perked up at the mention of toys, but still seemed somewhat reluctant. However, she eventually nodded in agreement.


    Mu Yichen and Qin Mu finished their meal and came out of the dining room just in time to see Mu Zihao leaving the sofa area. Qin Mu greeted him, "Dad, are you going to rest so early?"


    "Yep! Your mom has ordered me to go tell Huanhuan bedtime stories. Tonight you two can have a good night¡¯s sleep!"


    Mu Zihao said this with a raised eyebrow, clearly a bit troubled by the task.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but glance at Qin Mu, the look in his eyes as if to say: Tonight, I shall enjoy you all to myself!


    Qin Mu felt chills all over from his look and went to sit on the sofa to chat with grandpa.


    Mu Yichen watched her go over to talk with grandpa and followed suit, sitting down.


    The long night stretched on, and the general wasn¡¯t in a hurry.


    "The little one has started moving, hasn¡¯t he?"


    The old grandpa asked, looking curiously at his granddaughter-in-law¡¯s belly.


    Qin Mu reflexively touched her little belly and replied to the old man, "A little bit, but it doesn¡¯t feel very strong yet."


    "Hmm! It suddenly reminds me of when your grandma was pregnant with your grandpa! That old lady has been gone for so many years now."


    Gazing toward the TV , the old grandpa suddenly became sentimental, his voice sounding a bit unnatural as he spoke the latter part.


    Qin Mu subconsciously pursed her lips and looked at Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen merely chuckled and then told her, "Grandpa misses grandma like how you women feel during those few days of the month."


    Qin Mu...


    She had truly never heard such a description of her grandpa¡¯s feelings during those days.


    "You kid!"


    The old grandpa, hearing his grandson¡¯s explanation, really ¡¯couldn¡¯t bear¡¯ to land a slap on him.


    "Are you going to hit me?"


    Mu Yichen asked, smiling and lowering his head.


    Just as the old man was about to lift his hand, Mu Yichen quickly stood up: "I need to go and sleep with my wife."


    "Clearly, it¡¯s my granddaughter-in-law who is accompanying you to sleep. But Mumu, watch TV with grandpa for a bit longer tonight, don¡¯t accompany him."

 Chapter 625 - 179 Endless Night_5

    Chapter 625: 179 Endless Night_5


    The old man said to his granddaughter-in-law.


    "Hmm! Listen to Grandpa!"


    Qin Mu immediately agreed.


    "Hey! Mrs. Mu, don¡¯t forget who you are, which side are you on?"


    Mu Yichen stood beside her.


    "As the granddaughter-in-law of the Mu Family, of course, I¡¯m on Grandpa¡¯s side."


    Qin Mu replied to him, simultaneously reminding him with her eyes: Who asked you to provoke the old man?


    "Hmph! Try to talk back to me again!"


    The old man challenged his grandson.


    "Talk back to you? I wouldn¡¯t dare! Just give me my wife back."


    Mu Yichen then looked at Qin Mu, saw her sitting there unmoving, and gave her a meaningful look.


    Qin Mu just smiled at him.


    "If you don¡¯t stand up, believe it or not, I¡¯ll carry you."


    So Qin Mu had no choice but to obediently stand up, bid Grandpa goodnight, and then she went upstairs to ask him, "Mr. Mu, you can finally sleep on half the bed tonight, how does it feel?"


    "How does it feel?"


    Mu Yichen turned around and asked her, opening the door to let her go in first.


    ¡ª¡ª


    This was the best night¡¯s sleep Mu Yichen had in a long time, and he went to work the next day full of energy.


    However, the person outside his office door seemed to be in a low mood, constantly looking down, working attentively but with a sad expression.


    Of course, Mu Yichen didn¡¯t notice, as he habitually didn¡¯t care to look at other women.


    It wasn¡¯t until later, when Secretary Xi came to deliver documents, then she said to him, "Boss, I don¡¯t want to go on a business trip with Qiao Yi anymore."


    Mu Yichen finally lifted his eyes and saw her eye sockets were somewhat blue.


    "Got it!"


    Mu Yichen thought they might have had a fight but didn¡¯t ask further, just nodded and then dismissed her.


    Qiao Yi arrived at his office less than half an hour later: "About the business trip next week..."


    "Secretary Xi just came by to talk about that!"


    Mu Yichen said while flipping through the documents.


    "Huh? She took the initiative to talk to you?"


    Qiao Yi got excited for a moment but still restrained himself.


    "Yeah! She came to me to say that she won¡¯t go on business trips with you anymore."


    Mu Yichen said seriously, then lifted his eyes to look at Qiao Yi, noticing Qiao Yi had lost some weight these past few days; his profile had become more angular.


    Qiao Yi nearly choked on his own blood hearing this: "Did she really say that?"


    "She¡¯s right outside, you can go ask her yourself, and by the way, if personal matters affect work, I¡¯ll fire her, so you¡ª"


    Mu Yichen earnestly looked at Qiao Yi, kindly reminding him.


    "What? Fire her? She¡¯s been with you for so many years."


    "But her recent performance is clearly affecting work, in my eyes, anyone who is useless at their job will be¡ª"


    Mu Yichen motioned with his eyes, as Qiao Yi, who had not even sat down yet, paced around his office impatiently.


    "We¡¯re brothers, I¡¯ve been slaving away for you all these years!"


    "Haven¡¯t you earned a fair share as well?"


    Qiao Yi...


    This really made the conversation difficult to continue.


    "Yichen, I couldn¡¯t really say much before about Jing Qing, she sets her sights too high, but Secretary Xi..."


    "You think Secretary Xi sets her sights low? I think they¡¯re even higher!"


    Two men discussing such matters was indeed quite dull, Mu Yichen heard a sound from his phone and glanced at it, seeing a photo sent by the woman he loves the most, he opened it and it was a beautiful dessert.


    "Show me your face!"


    Mu Yichen quickly composed a message, then waited for Qin Mu to reply, meanwhile, giving Qiao Yi a glance: "If you really like her, just have a proper talk with her. Secretary Xi doesn¡¯t seem like the kind of woman who likes to play games. If you¡¯re not considering marriage... you know!"


    Qiao Yi looked at the man staring at his phone, then irritably ran his hand over his forehead: "Well, I suddenly remembered I still have some things to take care of."


    Qiao Yi beat a hasty retreat, but Mr. Mu was already sending another message to Qin Mu: "Where¡¯s the face?"


    Qin Mu went to pour herself a cup of hot water, and when she sat down again, she saw his message and couldn¡¯t help feeling embarrassed as she cleared her throat. Wasn¡¯t he fed enough last night, Brother Chen sure has a big appetite?


    "Qinqin! A Mr. Su is here to see you."


    Xiaomei suddenly knocked on her door.


    Qin Mu frowned unconsciously when she heard the words "Mr. Su." What Mr. Su does she know?


    Just as she was about to send Mu Yichen a voice message, she released the button she had been pressing...

 Chapter 626 - 180 You are the best medicine_1

    Chapter 626: 180 You are the best medicine_1


    The mayor actually went to find her.


    After the mayor left, Xiaomei went to her office to find her: "Qinqin? Are you okay?"


    "I¡¯m fine! But from now on, except for clients, nobody is allowed to come up here without my consent!"


    "Yes!"


    Xiaomei, holding her phone close to her chest, agreed very seriously; she also felt that the older man who had just visited meant no good.


    "But, was that, some important person?"


    Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help but ask again, her eyes brimming with curiosity.


    "The mayor of D City!"


    Qin Mu gave a reply, then recalled his words: "My precious daughter has been spoiled, some things she may not do well, without a sense of measure. Knowing Miss Qin is a person of deep understanding and righteousness, I hope you will look favorably upon my humble request and give her another chance. If there is an issue, you can call me directly, and I will deal with it immediately."


    "I am not some deeply righteous person, and you should know that although I grew up without a father¡¯s love, it is precisely because of this that my father feels indebted to me and indulges me in everything. We¡¯re both daughters of mayors, and I don¡¯t see any obligation on my part to tolerate your daughter¡¯s mistakes, nor do I feel the need to call you and wait for you to handle it. By then, I might have lost half my life, right?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what came over her at that moment, to have spoken so defiantly to a leader.


    "She wouldn¡¯t go that far without sense or measure!"


    "Mayor Su, you might be asking too much of someone even younger than your daughter. Furthermore, you can ask President Mu; I am narrow-minded indeed! Mayor Su has many responsibilities, so I won¡¯t keep you any longer!"


    Although Mayor Su had always appeared very kind, Qin Mu just couldn¡¯t stand it, and within a few sentences she had chased him out.


    Fortunately, Qin Haiming was indeed indulging her now.


    Qin Haiming later told her that he had called Mayor Su to negotiate, hoping that Mayor Su would take his daughter away, but not only did Mayor Su not take his daughter, he even came to Rong City to stand up for her.


    When they went to dinner together last night, Qin Mu guessed that Mayor Su was there to save face for his daughter, and sure enough, he was.


    But no matter what, he shouldn¡¯t have come to her studio, first with praise that she herself found unconvincing, and then telling her to put up with Su Zhen.


    If Su Zhen dares to provoke her, huh!


    The only people Qin Mu would tolerate were her family and friends.


    Yet, having been lonely from childhood, later it was only the Mu Family and Qin Haiming, and for friends, it was Helian Hao and Wen Runuan, Xiaomei, and the others, a handful of people she would tolerate.


    If Su Zhen had kept a low profile when she first arrived in Rongcheng, it would have been fine, but Su Zhen made her stance clear from the start. So as the lawful wife of Mu Yichen, Qin Mu certainly had to defend her family. And what woman had the right to get involved with her husband?


    It wasn¡¯t just that she was displeased; Mu Yichen himself felt repulsed.


    Mu Yichen came to pick her up in the afternoon and asked on the way, "Did Mayor Su come to see you today?"


    "How did you know?"


    Qin Mu, who was enjoying the scenery, turned to look at him and asked.


    "WeChat."


    Mu Yichen knew from her question that she had accidentally sent him the message.


    Qin Mu lowered her head to open WeChat on her phone, then saw a voice message she had sent him. Upon playing it, she heard Xiaomei¡¯s voice.


    Qin Mu sighed helplessly, "I was actually thinking of telling you naturally in a few days. Mayor Su said a lot, things both flattering and not so flattering, but the crux of it is that no matter what mistakes his daughter makes, he wants to be the one to punish her. Me? I should just notify him."


    "Hmph! Mayor Su is indeed a rather self-assured elder, but¡ª"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t finish his sentence, just scoffed coldly.


    "I told him that even though he loves his daughter and is willing to apologize for her, Huanhuan¡¯s grandfather is also willing to go through fire and water for me because of the guilt he feels about the past. We¡¯re all daughters of mayors, so I don¡¯t have to spare something for Su Zhen, right?"


    "She¡¯s in no position to compare with you!"


    Mu Yichen retorted with a laugh, still seriously focusing ahead.


    He always felt that Qin Mu should be angry, indignant, yet she always managed to explain things easily and calmly.


    Perhaps it wasn¡¯t the right time.


    If he had been there, he might have seen her feign composure, but now she really had calmed down.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but glance at her again, noting that her gaze remained fixed outside the window.


    "What¡¯s so interesting out there?"


    He asked curiously, his voice as clear as mountain spring water.

 Chapter 627 - 180 You are the best medicine_2

    Chapter 627: 180 You are the best medicine_2


    Qin Mu looked at the shade of the trees outside and responded to him, "I haven¡¯t paid proper attention to the roadside trees these past days; their leaves have already grown to their largest!"


    Qin Mu kept gazing at the shade outside, and in this summer, the tree shade was truly important for the pedestrians.


    In her heart, too, a towering tree had grown, sheltering her from wind and rain.


    While thinking, Qin Mu looked back at the man in the car and then gently leaned on his shoulder, "Mu Yichen! You are my big tree! Your every word and action, they are those leaves, large leaves!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s brows furrowed slightly upon hearing this, but he still couldn¡¯t help smiling indulgently.


    "Oh? Then won¡¯t I be like those leaves that fall in autumn? I certainly wouldn¡¯t hope for such an outcome."


    "You will always be the grand era in my heart,"


    Qin Mu said to him, turning her gaze.


    Mu Yichen slowly pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned around.


    One hand gently rested on the seat behind her, another lightly on the steering wheel, his dark eyes gazing at the woman in front of him.


    "Qin Mu, are you confessing to me again?"


    It was a question!


    Though it sounded like a certainty.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart fluttered as she looked into his eyes, gentle with a hint of puzzlement.


    "Hmm?"


    Mu Yichen asked again, lifting his hand, pinching her chin to make her look directly into his eyes.


    "Seems like it!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes darted around, her face turning slightly red.


    Actually, it was just an unconscious confession!


    Sigh! But it was a confession after all!


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak further, just gazed at her with his deep eyes for a while, then turned back to start the car, taking them home again.


    Qin Mu, however, turned to look at him again, holding her breath at that moment, not wanting anything to disturb the feeling they had in the car right then.


    Mu Yichen, you indeed are the undefeated towering tree in my heart!


    If there is a next life, I will still cling to you, forever and ever.


    When they got home, Huanhuan ran out from inside with her pretty backpack to greet them.


    Mu Yichen bent down to lift the little girl who had run up to them into his arms, and Huanhuan happily called out to him, "Daddy, look at my backpack, isn¡¯t it pretty? It¡¯s Princess Belle!"


    Mu Yichen glanced sideways, smiling and said, "Mhmm! It really is beautiful!"


    "Heehee! Mommy, what do you think?"


    Huanhuan then turned her back to Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes slightly curved up, calmly and with a smile, she said to her daughter, "It¡¯s just alright!"


    Huanhuan immediately stared with wide eyes as her mother walked past her.


    "Daddy, Mommy doesn¡¯t seem to like it!"


    Huanhuan whined to Mu Yichen.


    "Mhmm! Your mommy is jealous because Huanhuan has a new backpack!"


    Mu Yichen coaxed his daughter, holding her as he followed Qin Mu inside.


    "Grandpa! We¡¯re home from work!"


    As Qin Mu entered, she saw the old man reading the newspaper on the couch and greeted him while approaching.


    "Hmm! You¡¯re home early today!"


    The old man lifted his eyes, and the sight of the young faces seemed to cheer him up.


    "Mu got off work to pick me up, so of course it¡¯s early!"


    Qin Mu sat down with the playful expression of someone spoiled by Mu.


    The old man lifted his eyes, not teasing his grandson until he came over; after all, that was his beloved grandchild.


    "Is this kid very clingy?"


    The old man whispered to Qin Mu!


    "I like it very much!"


    Qin Mu, feeling that father and daughter were already coming in, also whispered to the old man¡¯s ear.


    The old man didn¡¯t say a word, just squinted his eyes and feigned a serious look at his granddaughter-in-law, as if to say: Don¡¯t give that kid too much face, he¡¯ll become arrogant.


    Qin Mu still couldn¡¯t help smiling at that.


    Mu Yichen, holding Huanhuan, moved to the side, and Huanhuan got off her father¡¯s arms and ran to her mother: "Mommy Mommy, Daddy says he¡¯ll buy you a new bag tomorrow, don¡¯t be mad!"


    Qin Mu...


    Looked up at the instigator, Mu Yichen smilingly sat next to her: "Huanhuan thought you were jealous not to have a new bag."


    "Weren¡¯t you the one who told her that?"


    Qin Mu questioned him, her seemingly angry little face causing Yi to itch inwardly with delight.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but look at her with such indulgent eyes, raising his hand to touch her hair, gazing tenderly at her.


    Qin Mu blushed at his sudden gesture, considering that grandpa and Huanhuan were still there, she coughed awkwardly to remind Mu Yichen to take his hand away.


    But it seemed that Mu didn¡¯t feel the hint from his wife: "Lately, you¡¯re really getting cuter!"

 Chapter 628 - 180 You are the best medicine_3

    Chapter 628: 180 You are the best medicine_3


    Qin Mu...


    What does it mean to get cuter and cuter?


    She¡¯s a woman who has given birth to two children, and she still needs to be described with the word "cute"?


    "Huanhuan is also very cute!"


    Huanhuan immediately ran from Qin Mu¡¯s side to Mu Yichen¡¯s legs, wanting her dad to pat her head too.


    Mu Yichen indeed lazily reached out and patted his daughter¡¯s head and even ruffled the top of it.


    "Our Huanhuan is the cutest!"


    "Daddy, you¡¯re going to mess up my hair!"


    Huanhuan reminded.


    As soon as Feng Fanghua came out of the kitchen, she saw the whole family together and her face unconsciously filled with tenderness.


    "You came back so early today!"


    "Mom!"


    Qin Mu habitually stood up to greet her.


    "Sit down! There¡¯s no need to be so formal with family. When have you ever seen me stand up when Qingxin is at home?"


    Feng Fanghua mentioned Mu Qingxin.


    Qin Mu just smiled and sat back down.


    She knew that Mu Qingxin¡¯s treatment was naturally different, at any time.


    Feng Fanghua said with a smile, "Today your dad¡¯s old friend from the south came to visit, and he brought a lot of specialties. You¡¯ll get to try them later."


    "Great!"


    Qin Mu nodded her head in agreement, her obedience made Mu Yichen want to laugh.


    So when Qin Mu turned her head and saw the expression on Mu Yichen¡¯s face, she immediately bristled, which finally made Mu Yichen laugh, albeit silently, as he said, "Little wild cat!"


    Qin Mu...


    Feng Fanghua heard it too, first puzzled, then couldn¡¯t help but look at her son with reproachful eyes.


    Flirting with his wife in front of elders, what kind of behavior is that?


    When Mu Yichen saw Feng Fanghua¡¯s gaze, he became a bit more serious, although his eyes couldn¡¯t help but linger on Qin Mu¡¯s face.


    Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, Qin Mu stood up and said, "I¡¯m going to change my clothes!"


    "Sure, go ahead!"


    Having received permission, Qin Mu quickly went upstairs to change.


    Less than two minutes after she left, Mu Yichen wanted to follow, prompting Feng Fanghua to finally lose patience: "Can¡¯t you sit with me for a while? Do you really have to follow her every step she takes?"


    "Isn¡¯t it you who said that she can¡¯t be left alone now?"


    Mu Yichen kindly reminded.


    Feng Fanghua...


    The old master, holding a newspaper, also sighed, "Yichen, you¡¯re making Mumu feel uncomfortable, you know. You should contain yourself in front of the elders."


    Mu Yichen looked lazily at his grandfather and had to sit there and wait obediently for Qin Mu to come downstairs.


    In fact, Mu Yichen suspected that Qin Mu went upstairs just to avoid him.


    Whenever at home, she doesn¡¯t want to sit with him on the sofa, as if he were some kind of plague.


    But he is clearly her idol!


    Mu Zihao had an appointment with friends and Rongcheng¡¯s old friends to dine at AM, so he was absent from dinner that evening.


    Nevertheless, the meal was still lively. Mu Yichen earnestly helped his beloved wife pick out the bones from the fish, with Huanhuan waiting by his side, thinking it was for her.


    Feng Fanghua also thought Mu Yichen was picking out the bones for Huanhuan, so she didn¡¯t pay Huanhuan any mind, only to realize Mu Yichen placed a bowl of pristine white fish meat without bones in front of Qin Mu.


    "Dad!"


    Huanhuan¡¯s eyes widened first, then she called out loudly to Mu Yichen with her spoon in hand.


    Mu Yichen turned his head in confusion, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Why only give Mommy the fish and not Huanhuan? Huanhuan likes fish meat too!"


    Huanhuan complained with a sense of injustice.


    Mu Yichen...


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes then immediately moved the fish in front of her daughter: "Daddy isn¡¯t giving it to Mommy; he¡¯s just having Mommy check for bones first. Mommy has checked it, no bones, so Huanhuan, you eat it quickly!"


    Mu Yichen turned his eyes towards his wife, fully aware it was meant for her.


    "You eat this, I¡¯ll pick out some more for Huanhuan," he said as he took the bowl back to her, then took Huanhuan¡¯s bowl to help her.


    "You too, is it really that hard to prioritize the child over the adult?"


    Feng Fanghua glanced at her son, first picking a boneless piece of fish meat for Huanhuan and putting it in her bowl.


    "Humph! Daddy is biased! Huanhuan doesn¡¯t like Daddy anymore!"


    It was as if Qin Mu¡¯s words had not placated her.


    Qin Mu sighed inwardly, thinking to herself, when did this little girl become so talkative? It seems like she¡¯s also becoming quite shrewd.


    She couldn¡¯t help but wonder if it was Mu Yi¡¯s influence?


    After dinner, Huanhuan no longer sought Mu Yichen, just cuddled with Qin Mu, watching Mommy and Grandpa play chess. As soon as Mu Zihao returned, Huanhuan hurried off to find him.


    Because Mu Zihao had gifts for the little ones in his hands!


    "Dad! You¡¯re back!"


    Qin Mu looked up as Mu Zihao did not forget to greet her.

 Chapter 629 - 180 You are the best medicine_4

    Chapter 629: 180 You are the best medicine_4


    "Mm!"


    Mu Zihao said as he carried his granddaughter over to the sofa to sit down. He first glanced at the chessboard and then looked at his father, "Dad, you¡¯re going to lose this one!"


    "Shut up!"


    The old master looked up and said unhappily.


    Mu Zihao immediately refrained from commenting further and instead said to the girl who was clinging to her toy box, "How about Grandpa helps you open it?"


    "Mm!"


    Huanhuan nodded immediately and started to open the box facing Grandpa.


    "Is Old Zhao staying at AM now?"


    Feng Fanghua asked.


    "Yeah! He refuses to come stay with us no matter what!"


    Mu Zihao replied, continuing to help his granddaughter unwrap the box.


    "Is he asking you for something? He brought so much stuff this time."


    "His wife got a terminal disease, and our family runs a pharmaceutical factory, right?"


    This remark drew the attention of the whole family, who all looked towards him.


    "There¡¯s no cure!"


    Mu Zihao said, seeing everyone looking at him, and added another line.


    However, Mu Yichen¡¯s expression was clearly troubled upon hearing this.


    As the owner of a pharmaceutical company, Mu Yichen also hoped he could produce life-saving medicine, but despite ongoing research, a breakthrough for some cancer drugs remained elusive.


    Upon hearing this, Mu Yichen got up and left.


    Qin Mu was still looking down at the chessboard until she heard someone behind her, "Mrs. Mu, come upstairs with me."


    Qin Mu turned around and saw that Mu Yichen was already at the stairwell.


    "I..."


    "Go on!"


    The old master was still looking at the chessboard, but he let her go anyway.


    "I¡¯ve got this! We¡¯ll definitely win this round, just you and I!"


    Mu Zihao tried to sound casual, encouraging Qin Mu to accompany Mu Yichen.


    After Qin Mu followed him upstairs and closed the door, she asked, "What¡¯s wrong? You seem to be in such a bad mood all of a sudden."


    "It¡¯s nothing! I just wanted to spend some time alone with you!"


    Always the same cheesy love talk!


    But seeing his expression that day, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but to step forward and gently wrap her hands around his waist, "What¡¯s the matter? Is it about the pharmaceutical company?"


    Qin Mu asked.


    "Yes! The company has been searching for a breakthrough these past years, but that day has yet to come!"


    He felt like a failure.


    "Then we¡¯ll just keep trying harder!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare to joke with him and could only skirt around the subject to encourage him.


    "Do you know how grandma passed away?"


    "You told me before, leukemia!"


    Qin Mu remembered.


    "Yes! Your parents started the pharmaceutical factory because of grandma¡¯s illness, but it¡¯s been so many years."


    Mu Yichen was just lightly holding her, but as he talked, he held her even tighter in his arms.


    Qin Mu¡¯s face pressed against his chest, feeling the warmth that was different from every other day.


    He was seldom this dejected!


    Late into the night, in the vast living room where only the grandfather and son remained seated on the sofa, the old master asked Mu Zihao, "Also leukemia?"


    "Yes! It was already at an advanced stage when diagnosed!"


    Mu Zihao confirmed.


    "Sigh! Even deities are powerless in such cases! That kid is taking it so hard!"


    The old master felt a twinge of sympathy for his grandson.


    "These past few years, it might seem like he hasn¡¯t been managing the pharmaceutical company much, but he has always been sending people around the world looking for a cure for terminal illnesses."


    Mu Zihao responded.


    "Yeah! I understand my own grandson! When you gave up on your dreams back then and quit, he took over the pharmaceutical company and picked up those dreams for you."


    The old master said slowly, reminiscing about the early years when the Mu Family rose to success.


    "Dad! It¡¯s my incompetence as well."


    "Your mother has been gone for so many years now! Moreover, with so many pharmaceutical companies in the world, which one has developed a cure for terminal illnesses at an advanced stage? I¡¯ve come to terms with it, why are you two still questioning yourselves?"


    To the old master, these memories were just fleeting moments with his wife that had long passed, and he had long since allowed himself to let go of the things he couldn¡¯t change.


    Mu Yichen went downstairs to get some food for his pregnant wife, and he heard the conversation between the grandfather and son.


    So, another voice joined the quiet in the living room.


    "Why are you not asleep yet?"


    Mu Yichen, with his hands in his pajama pockets, spoke while already heading towards the kitchen.


    Watching the young man walk away, the grandfather and son in the living room muttered, "When did he come down?"


    "No idea!"


    Mu Zihao frowned slightly, wondering if their conversation had been overheard by the young man.


    But it was probably for the best if he heard it.


    "Go to sleep early!"


    As he went back upstairs, he reminded them again, his voice lacking warmth but resonating with the pair sitting in the distant sofa.


    Mu Yichen returned to the bedroom, handed Qin Mu the warm milk, placed the snacks on the bedside table, and then spoke after getting into bed, "That father and son were having a heart-to-heart!"


    Qin Mu turned to look at him, took a small sip of milk, cradling the cup, and asked, "Dad and Grandpa?"


    "Yeah!"


    Mu Yichen also leaned against the headboard, his hands behind his head, "I didn¡¯t expect Grandpa to have such a sentimental side!"


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Yichen suddenly laughed, then his peach blossom eyes turned towards the woman beside him, "How about doing something else after you finish drinking?"


    "Hm?"


    Qin Mu reflexively looked at him, while her mind had already conjured up the romantic scenario he was suggesting.


    "I need to relax now! You are the best medicine!"

 Chapter 630 - 181 Serious enough_1

    Chapter 630: 181 Serious enough_1


    "A panacea of relaxation?"


    Qin Mu almost sprayed the milk she was drinking from her mouth.


    "Can¡¯t you be serious for once!"


    Qin Mu lifted her leg and nudged his waist.


    "Mrs. Mu! Your man is serious enough!"


    Mr. Mu turned around, directly holding her foot, looking straight into her eyes as he declared his statement.


    "You shut up too! You never were serious once we hit the bed!"


    Qin Mu reminded him, trying to kick him again, but she missed, and her foot was caught at his abdomen.


    "If I were too serious, wouldn¡¯t you just accuse me of being hypocritically serious?"


    Mu Yichen asked her, his hands gently massaging her foot.


    "When have I ever called you hypocritically serious when you¡¯re actually being serious?"


    "The first time, you said I was putting on an act of being serious in front of you, remember?"


    Qin Mu...


    The hearts of men are the most poisonous! He even remembered something that happened so long ago.


    Back then, she was so infuriated that she¡¯d held back her anger for too long, so during their first time, she wanted to appear stronger, but in reality...


    She really didn¡¯t know anything! Back then, she was so innocent, having only read those kinds of novels, never having watched the videos.


    Mu Yichen, seeing her blush, licked his lips, "Come into your husband¡¯s arms! Your husband knows you can¡¯t hold back much longer!"


    "Go to hell!"


    Qin Mu kicked out again, but Mu Yichen dodged to the side, then swiftly moved to her side, pinning her down. Qin Mu¡¯s milk cup was taken over by one of his hands, and he leaned down to press a hard kiss on her lips.


    Backed against the headboard with nowhere to retreat, Qin Mu could only watch his domineering and proud gaze closing in on her, then her breathing grew fainter.


    Mu Yichen shifted slightly to put the cup down, "Hungry?"


    "Hungry!"


    Qin Mu, afraid he was going to do ¡¯that thing,¡¯ used hunger to stop him.


    Little did she know, Mu Yichen took a piece of pastry, bit half of it in his mouth and leaned back to eat it, leaving the other half bitten on the edge, and then bent down over her again.


    And as he bent over, he also entwined her knees with his arm, dragging her down a bit.


    Qin Mu then lay on the pillow, watching him bite the pastry and offer it to her.


    "Open up!"


    Mu Yichen murmured, as if the pastry might fall out if he spoke a few more words.


    Frightened, Qin Mu immediately opened her mouth and took in the other half of the pastry.


    But Mu Yichen didn¡¯t let go, instead he pressed against her, sharing the bite.


    Inside, Qin Mu was collapsing, truly terrified that pastry crumbs would fall on the bedsheet, and scared he might choke.


    After finally finishing a piece of pastry, Mu Yichen reached for another, but Qin Mu quickly grabbed him, "What about relieving some stress? Can I give you a massage instead?"


    Qin Mu, holding onto his sturdy arm, suggested.


    "Just a massage? You¡¯re not as good at it as I am!"


    "Then! I¡¯ll do whatever you say, is that okay?"


    Qin Mu, grasping his hand, really couldn¡¯t think of any other solution.


    "Hmm, quite sensible!"


    Mu Yichen looked at her with an approving gaze, smiling in a way that was unfathomably smart and made Qin Mu think he deserved a beating.


    "Mu Yichen!"


    "Why haven¡¯t you started? Thinking about the position?"


    Mu Yichen lay on his side next to her, watching her hands draw circles on his chest, but she hesitated to move, so Mr. Mu raised the question.


    "Believe it or not, I¡¯ll bite you to death?"


    Qin Mu resorted to acting tough since she knew she couldn¡¯t argue with him.


    "Try biting me!"


    Mu Yichen said to her with a smile.


    "You think I don¡¯t dare? Stay still if you¡¯re so tough!"


    Qin Mu said as she moved to bite his chest, but as soon as she touched his chest, he dodged.


    Qin Mu felt a cool breeze on her face, and the corner of her mouth got wet from saliva.


    "Didn¡¯t you say not to move?"


    Qin Mu questioned him.


    Leaning against the edge of the bed, Mu Yichen said, "You said ¡¯stay still if you¡¯re tough.¡¯ My toughness is now worthless, and ¡¯worthless¡¯ means nonexistent, so of course, I have to move."


    Qin Mu...


    She truly hadn¡¯t expected that Mr. Mu would be so shameless.


    Qin Mu raised her hand to pinch his face, "Your skin is quite tender, so why do you speak in such a disgusting manner, huh?"


    "Tender? Are you calling your husband a pretty boy?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s hand was caught, and Mu Yichen glared at her questioningly.


    ¡ª¡ª


    While the matter of whether Mr. Mu was a pretty boy remained unresolved, Qin Mu received a message from Helian Hao.


    "The Jing Family wants me and Jing Feng to have a wedding too!"


    Qin Mu looked at the WeChat message on her phone, thinking that to the outside world, Jing Qing had only died not long ago, yet the Jing Family was already asking Helian Hao and Jing Feng to hold a wedding?


    Casting her gaze down slightly, Qin Mu shielded the twinkling stars in her eyes with her long lashes, considering in her heart that it must be because of Helian Hao¡¯s pregnancy news.

 Chapter 631 - 181 Serious enough_2

    Chapter 631: 181 Serious enough_2


    "They want to schedule it on Jing Feng¡¯s birthday, but I don¡¯t agree,"


    At noon, the two of them were having Chinese food in a restaurant in town, sitting behind an antique screen, and Helian Hao¡¯s voice was low and heavy.


    Qin Mu sat opposite her, looking at the sarcastic expression on her face, and silently lowered her head again.


    "Is it because of Jing Qing?" Qin Mu guessed in a low voice, asking her.


    "They are twins, and on that day the Jing Family will inevitably reminisce about Jing Qing. Why should I get married on this day? It would be okay if she were still here, but she¡¯s already gone."


    Helian Hao, irritated, ruffled her newly cut short hair and then angrily looked out the window.


    "What about Jing Feng? What did he say?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s imperturbable gaze met hers as she asked.


    "He just asked if I agreed or not, so I wanted to talk to you about it. You know how long my parents have been looking forward to our wedding, they always feel like I¡¯m without a proper status and want us to hurry and have a wedding,"


    Qin Mu nodded, "Tell Jing Feng your thoughts! See how he responds to you!"


    Helian Hao looked up at her, "And you? Don¡¯t you want to give me any advice?"


    "Xiaohao! There are many things that I no longer care so much about! If it were me, I probably would have agreed!"


    Qin Mu just gently smiled at her, having confirmed her own feelings, she no longer dwelt on many things, being with the one she loved was more important than anything else.


    "Yes! Ever since you confirmed that Mu Yichen loves you, you haven¡¯t looked back! I think you¡¯re practically loving him to the point of self-forgetfulness,"


    Helian Hao said indignantly, originally thinking it was a big deal, but then suddenly feeling like it was just a trivial matter.


    Qin Mu also smiled, but asked, "So will you agree?"


    The mood suddenly became very cheerful.


    "Probably! After all, a birthday is not a day of mourning,"


    Helian Hao shrugged.


    "But I still have to talk to Jing Feng about it!"


    Helian Hao paused for a few seconds then said, and when she saw the waiter come to serve the dishes, she changed the subject, "I¡¯ve really been able to eat a lot lately!"


    "I¡¯ve noticed! Especially after cutting your hair short, you seem to have gained a couple of sizes!"


    Qin Mu teased her.


    Startled, Helian Hao immediately covered her face, "Liar, it¡¯s not that much!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh happily, Helian Hao seeing her expression knew she was joking and relaxed a little, but still grabbed her hair, "Is it that you¡¯re not used to it? Feel like your face has gotten a lot bigger?"


    "Ugly! ¡ª¡ª I really don¡¯t know how Jing Feng tolerates it."


    Qin Mu answered her, thinking if she found it displeasing, how could Jing Feng, such a straightforward guy, stand his sweetheart suddenly switching to short hair.


    "He says I look more like a college girl now! Reminds him of when we were in university!"


    Helian Hao felt sweet recalling Jing Feng¡¯s praise.


    Qin Mu suddenly felt as if she had been fed a mouthful of dog food.


    "With things going so well with Mu Yichen now, do you ever regret not having had the courage to accept him back then?"


    "Before I returned to the country, he had never really confessed to me!"


    When Qin Mu heard Helian Hao¡¯s question, she seriously thought about it and then realized that tragic fact!


    "Eh! So you mean that before, you two were just sleeping together?"


    Helian Hao widened her eyes in disbelief.


    "Pretty much!"


    Qin Mu coughed twice after hearing this, but upon reflection, it was indeed the case.


    In school, although he often did inexplicable things, he definitely never said half a word about loving her and frequently criticized her.


    After that, he returned to the country, and he often visited her, helped her prepare some household stuff, criticized her again, stayed for a couple of days, sometimes just one day, or only a few hours, or even just a short while.


    Later, after they became intimate, he was even harsher in his words, and love seemed like a concept he didn¡¯t even comprehend, only to sleep with her then get dressed and leave.


    After she returned to the city, they registered their marriage, and it seemed only then that he gradually started to tell her he loved her.


    Qin Mu could hardly recall when he first said "I love you," but she always remembered the feeling of her heart racing that day.


    When he got tender with her, it truly made her feel cherished.


    She was almost never nonchalant when he said he loved her.


    Hmm! Shy! Nervous! Her brain seemed suddenly to be stuffed with a pink cotton candy, soft and sweet, but with no memory.


    "So he never even said ¡¯I love you,¡¯ and you just..., do you ever regret not having dated other guys?"

 Chapter 632 - 181 Serious enough_3

    Chapter 632: 181 Serious enough_3


    Helian Hao asked her.


    Qin Mu straightened her back, her face full of collagen beamed at her friend of the same youthful age across from her, and she couldn¡¯t help but laugh as she said, "Yichen told me the other day that he stopped a lot of guys from pursuing me, I used to think I just didn¡¯t fit in."


    "So, it¡¯s not that you didn¡¯t fit in, it¡¯s that he had you all to himself!"


    "Yeah! But I don¡¯t regret it, nor do I feel it¡¯s a pity, I think it¡¯s quite nice!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh! The codfish tofu soup turned out to be very good, so she served a bowl for Helian Hao, then helped herself to a bowl, "Have some soup! You really need to replenish your nutrition right now."


    "My mother-in-law has been coming to our apartment a lot lately to make me fish soup! All kinds of fish soup! And they¡¯re all the same color, pure white!"


    Helian Hao didn¡¯t expect Qin Mu to order fish soup too, but she picked it up and drank it, knowing it was good for the little one in her belly.


    "Eh! It feels different from the one made at home, it¡¯s tasty!"


    Helian Hao took a sip and was pleasantly surprised by the taste, and then she drank a bit more.


    "Because the restaurant doesn¡¯t care if you¡¯re pregnant or not, they just make it taste good, but at home they deliberately don¡¯t add salt because they know you¡¯re pregnant."


    Both women could relate to this, ever since they got pregnant it was as if their homes had run out of salt.


    "How about we go shopping after we finish eating? Have you been taking on any work lately?"


    "I haven¡¯t been taking much work this year! Let¡¯s go shopping!"


    Qin Mu finished her bowl of fish soup before moving on to the dishes, she felt that the taste of the dishes couldn¡¯t compare with what Yichen made at home, so after taking a bite, she stopped eating and continued with the soup.


    Qin Mu realized that she suddenly liked drinking soup again.


    After finishing their meal, the two went to the mall together. At the watch counter, Helian Hao dragged her over, "It¡¯s been a long while since I got a new one!"


    "Do you need to change it often?"


    Qin Mu looked at the dazzling array of watches in the showcase, all quite expensive, and to be honest, they all looked rather similar.


    The one she was wearing had been on her wrist for several years, a gift from Yichen on her birthday.


    Was it her eighteenth birthday?


    She didn¡¯t understand it before, but now that she thought about it, she felt like she understood the significance of the watch he gave her back then.


    But whether she understood it or not, she had not changed it over the years.


    And Yichen didn¡¯t seem to want her to change it either, he was the type to wear the same watch for many years.


    "How about we buy a pair of couple¡¯s watches?"


    Qin Mu looked at the couple¡¯s watches and thought they were not too bad.


    Helian Hao was looking at single watches, but upon hearing her suggestion, looked up at her, "Us two?"


    "You and Jing Feng!"


    Qin Mu reminded her, looking at her with an exasperated expression.


    "Uh! Cough cough!"


    Helian Hao coughed awkwardly, her cheeks flushing red, but she went to look at the couple¡¯s watches anyway.


    Qin Mu always had the feeling that Miss Helian came to look at couple¡¯s watches, just too shy to mention it.


    What couldn¡¯t sisters talk about? Qin Mu almost kicked her in the butt, if it wasn¡¯t for the inconvenience of being pregnant.


    Actually, she didn¡¯t dare to kick her, even if not pregnant, Qin Mu was afraid if she did and Jing Feng found out, he would cause trouble for her.


    Knowing Jing Feng¡¯s temperament, if anyone touched Helian Hao, no matter who they were or how they touched her, he would be troubled for a lifetime.


    In the end, Helian Hao happily purchased a pair of couple¡¯s watches and left satisfied. Qin Mu initially thought she wanted to shop more, but it turned out she came just for the watches.


    After parting with Helian Hao, Qin Mu was about to drive back to the studio when she received a call from Qin Haiming, so she turned the car toward the Qin family¡¯s place and stopped to buy some fresh flowers and nourishing gifts on the way.


    Uncle Wang got discharged today, but he was still lying in bed. He sat up and leaned against the headboard when he saw her come in.


    Seeing the carnations and baby¡¯s breath Qin Mu brought made him a bit excited, "Miss, you¡¯re too kind; you really didn¡¯t need to bring me flowers."


    "You¡¯ve been sick! Seeing some fresh flowers and greenery can help with recovery."


    Qin Mu stood by the bed, with Haiming by her side.


    Haiming felt quite sour inside.


    What gifts had Qin Mu given him over the years? Since she went to Paris, their father-daughter relationship revolved around money. Remembering later how Qin Mu used her earnings from advertisements to repay him for the money he spent raising her, he unconsciously lowered his head.


    Uncle Wang, seeing this, couldn¡¯t help but laugh again, "The mayor has been taking good care of me these days, Miss doesn¡¯t have to worry, I¡¯m doing very well!"


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Mu smiled, but when she turned her head and saw the look of loss on Haiming¡¯s face, she reflexively thought a bit more about it, but then pretended as if she understood nothing and just smiled.

 Chapter 633 - 181 Serious enough_4

    Chapter 633: 181 Serious enough_4


    Qin Haiming led her to the living room and had her sit down, while Auntie happily brought out some fruit and pastries, along with drinks.


    "Miss hasn¡¯t come back for a long time!"


    "Yes! How have you been?"


    Qin Mu asked with a smile!


    "I¡¯ve been well! Everyone¡¯s doing quite alright. We¡¯ve just missed you a lot, Miss, and hope you can come home more often!"


    Auntie stood beside her, clasping her hands and pouring out her heart to her.


    Qin Mu could only respond with a smile.


    "Especially Mr. Mayor, he¡¯s actually been looking forward to your return all the time."


    After glancing at Qin Haiming, Auntie added another sentence.


    "You go and prepare dinner!"


    Without letting her say more, Qin Haiming dismissed Auntie, and she obediently left.


    Qin Mu then lowered her head again, her smile gradually fading from her face.


    "Uncle Wang¡¯s health has recovered pretty well!"


    Qin Mu broke the silence that hung in the living room.


    "Yes! He was just discharged from the hospital today, and he wanted to celebrate by having a meal together as a family."


    Qin Haiming revealed the reason she was called back.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say much. She hadn¡¯t actually planned on staying for dinner, but now...


    "I¡¯ll send a message to Mu Yichen!"


    Qin Mu said this to him while searching for her phone in her bag.


    Qin Haiming slightly looked up at her rummaging for her phone, waiting with some anticipation.


    Mu Yichen was still in a meeting. His phone was on the table, but on silent mode. Noticing the screen light up, he glanced at it. The name that flickered by seemed to be his wife¡¯s. Bored as he was, he picked it up to take a look.


    In the tense meeting room at the hotel¡¯s upper level, the atmosphere lightened slightly when he suddenly checked his phone.


    The F&B executive was continuing to report, with everyone else listening intently, except for Su Zhen who was silently observing the man sitting in front. They were separated by several people, but this only made it easier for Su Zhen to watch him.


    Lately, it seemed their meetings were the only times they met.


    Seeing the message from Qin Mu saying they would eat at the Qin Family¡¯s home, Mu Yichen replied, "I¡¯ll come over later!"


    After reading his message, Qin Mu looked up, just as Qin Haiming was expectantly watching her, which suddenly made the atmosphere a bit tense.


    "Mu Yichen says he will come over tonight for dinner."


    Taking a deep breath, Qin Mu finally mentioned it to him.


    "Good! Good! I¡¯ll go check on the kitchen!"


    Qin Haiming never imagined that there would come a day when he could eat calmly with his daughter and son-in-law, suddenly feeling at a loss as to where to place his hands, so he stood up and headed to the kitchen with his head down.


    Qin Mu sat there watching Qin Haiming¡¯s somewhat sorrowful back, suddenly feeling a twinge of sadness at the tip of her nose.


    But in the end, she didn¡¯t follow him, only replying to Mu Yichen, "Tell mom and dad!"


    "As you wish!"


    Mu Yichen responded, and as he lifted his head, his alert gaze caught Su Zhen, who was watching him from across the room.


    Su Zhen pretended to lower her gaze casually, but he stared straight at the direction where Su Zhen was for a while before looking away.


    After the meeting, Su Zhen had planned to be the last one to leave, thinking Mu Yichen would do the same.


    Far from it, as soon as the meeting ended Mu Yichen stood up and left first. She quickly gathered her materials and hurried after him, by which time several executives had already left. She tried to catch up with Mu Yichen¡¯s long strides, "Mr. Mu!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t answer, and she had to nearly run to keep pace with him, "My father has left, and he made me promise to thank you for your hospitality!"


    "Hmm! As the host of Rongcheng, it¡¯s only right for me to welcome Mayor Su."


    "Still, I¡¯m very grateful!"


    Already at the CEO¡¯s private elevator, he turned and looked at her when he saw she was still following, "This is the executive elevator, doesn¡¯t Miss Su know?"


    Startled, Su Zhen blushed furiously at his words.


    He pressed the elevator button and stepped in with brisk strides, and when he turned, the unapproachable coldness on his face and the aura of inviolable authority were enough to make her feel ashamed.


    That feeling of humiliating oneself suddenly assaulted her restrained heart.


    As the elevator doors closed, other executives came over, and she reluctantly retreated to their dedicated elevator.


    "Miss Su is truly devoted to our Mr. Mu!"


    A straightforwardly handsome colleague commented.


    Glancing at him, Su Zhen replied, "How can Manager Wang tell that I¡¯m devoted to Mr. Mu? I was just giving my thanks."


    "Oh? What kind favor did the CEO do for Miss Su that warranted your thanks?"


    A female colleague looked at her curiously as well.


    When the elevator arrived, everyone entered together, the bustling inside making Su Zhen feel almost breathless.


    No one here knew she was the treasured daughter of D City¡¯s leader, she had promised Mu Yichen not to tell, and if she did now, it would be like slapping her own face, so she could only endure it.

 Chapter 634 - 181 Serious enough_5

    Chapter 634: 181 Serious enough_5


    But her colleagues were increasingly treating her like an ordinary person, not placing her on a pedestal as they did when she first arrived, she felt that she was close to accepting incompetence.


    Mu Yichen went down to the hotel¡¯s wine cellar and picked out a bottle of red wine, then drove to the Qin family¡¯s home.


    Qin Mu was sitting on the sofa with Qin Haiming, watching the news. The father and daughter had nothing to talk about, so the living room was silent except for the sound from the TV, making the air seem thin.


    "Why is the house so quiet? I heard Uncle Wang was discharged today, I..."


    Zhang Rujia, laden with bags, came back from outside and stopped after entering the living room in her beautiful dress.


    Because the woman sitting on the sofa was none other than the one she detested the most?


    Qin Haiming also turned his head, and on recognizing the visitor, he frowned, "What are you doing here?"


    "I, I heard that Uncle Wang was discharged today, so I came especially to see him!"


    Zhang Rujia, seeing the way Qin Haiming looked at her, felt sad and continued to walk forward.


    The aunt came out from inside, her face fell upon seeing Zhang Rujia, but she still stepped forward, "You¡¯re here!"


    Zhang Rujia glanced at the aunt and had reached the sofa, "Why aren¡¯t you taking the things?"


    The aunt looked down and glanced at Qin Haiming; Qin Haiming didn¡¯t speak, and Zhang Rujia, looking down at him, said, "Don¡¯t I even have the right to visit Uncle Wang?"


    When she said that, her voice was very low, carrying a hint of grievance.


    Qin Haiming, not wanting to make a scene, simply said to the aunt, "Take it!"


    "Yes!"


    The aunt went to take the things from Zhang Rujia¡¯s hands, and Zhang Rujia then sat down next to Qin Haiming, "Husband, after so long, are you still angry?"


    Qin Mu...


    Husband?


    Weren¡¯t they already divorced?


    "When you lied to me, didn¡¯t you ever consider that I wouldn¡¯t forgive you after knowing the truth?"


    Qin Haiming didn¡¯t want to tear into her, nor did he want to shout at her, he only quietly asked back.


    "Husband! I really know I was wrong, besides, it all happened so many years ago, I..."


    "Mumu is here today, I don¡¯t want to argue with you, please leave!"


    Qin Haiming wouldn¡¯t look at her again, his body even turned the other way, coldly asking her to leave.


    "Husband..., I¡¯ve said it, no matter what, even if you want her to come back to live, but please don¡¯t ask me to leave, recently, being out there,¡ªI miss you!"


    Zhang Rujia rested one hand on his arm, looking as if she was about to burst into tears.


    Qin Mu sat quietly at an angle opposite to them, simply listening, occasionally glancing up.


    Seeing Zhang Rujia in such a humble state in front of her, such a scene was indeed a rarity.


    She had originally thought that only young people would endlessly repeat the words ¡¯I miss you¡¯, she had actually forgotten that these words did not discriminate by age.


    "Enough! Don¡¯t say these things to me anymore, leave!"


    Qin Haiming pulled his arm away from her hand, unwilling to even touch her.


    "Husband!"


    Zhang Rujia called him again, her eyes brimming with tears.


    "At best, I¡¯m just one of your ex-husbands, right?"


    Qin Haiming chuckled sarcastically, the word ¡¯husband¡¯ now felt like an irony to his ears.


    "Husband! How can you say that? Ever since I followed you, I..."


    "Stop talking! Heaven watches what we do! Haven¡¯t we committed enough sins?"


    Qin Haiming finally looked at her, even though his eyebrows were tightly furrowed.


    He hoped to completely sever his relationship with Zhang Rujia, not just because he was disgusted with her deceit, but also because their impulsive actions had caused Qin Mu¡¯s mother to die in a car accident, ruining his own family and leaving him with guilt¡ª


    In this world, retribution always comes.


    "It was that woman who couldn¡¯t think straight, why blame us? To soothe your feelings I even agreed to divorce¡ªHusband, we are already of age, can¡¯t we stop separating?"


    Zhang Rujia tried to grab his hand, her eyes constantly on him.


    "If my mother couldn¡¯t think straight, then aren¡¯t you living retribution right now?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s sharp gaze lifted, shooting straight at Zhang Rujia, her seemingly calm surface hiding a strong and forceful heart, like a sharp sword.


    Zhang Rujia was disturbed by the sudden voice and turned to look at her, her voice somewhat vague: "What did you say?"


    "If it weren¡¯t for your deception back then, I would still be living in a happy family of three, my mother wouldn¡¯t have died in a car accident, and my father wouldn¡¯t still be living with guilt till this day! If not for you, my mother would still be alive, I would still be a child with a mother, I would have had my parents at my wedding and their advice, but now¡ªYou say it has nothing to do with you? You¡¯ve cleared yourself of responsibility a bit too cleanly, in my opinion. We are living unhappily now, all because of you!"


    Qin Mu, composed and serene, with sharp eyes that never left Zhang Rujia, spoke in a gentle, slow manner, yet her words pierced the heart.


    "What did you say? How can you spout such nonsense? I was only pursuing my happiness!"


    Zhang Rujia angrily retorted.


    "If everyone is allowed to do as they please for their happiness, then isn¡¯t it justified for me to seek my happiness by asking you to leave? I hope you won¡¯t appear in this house anymore, stop any connection with my father, I hope you leave Rong City, from now on in Rong City I never want to see you again, okay?"


    Qin Mu said the word ¡¯okay¡¯ with a slight smile.


    Zhang Rujia, however, turned pale with anger.


    Qin Haiming also looked at his daughter in disbelief, as she had not called him "father" for many years. Since her return to the country, she had always referred to him as the Mayor of Qin City.


    But today...


    She finally spoke up for herself!


    "How can you be so malicious? Why should I leave Rong City?"


    Zhang Rujia asked, turning to face her.


    "Because I¡¯ve lived alone abroad for over ten years, I¡¯ve had enough of the suffering without a family! Since you can pursue your happiness, I can pursue mine, too!"


    "You really..."


    "I¡¯m really selfish! Yes! I¡¯m selfish! I still need to learn a lot from you."


    Qin Mu smiled faintly, looking at Zhang Rujia¡¯s pale face, she found it deeply satisfying.


    "You... Husband, look at her, how ill-mannered she is!"


    Zhang Rujia looked at Qin Haiming with a pitiful gaze, hoping he would speak up for justice, because even Qin Mingzhu wouldn¡¯t be allowed to say such disrespectful words at home.


    "It¡¯s all my fault! I¡¯m the father who didn¡¯t educate his daughter properly, do you want me to apologize to you on her behalf?"


    Qin Haiming asked her.


    "Qin Haiming!"


    It took several seconds for Zhang Rujia to react after hearing this, and then she stood up abruptly, bending over and looking at him with some hatred.


    "What do you both take me for? Fine! Now that father and daughter are reunited, what about me? Divorced, my daughter taken away, I have nothing left, are you all happy now? All the mistakes are my own doing, is that okay?"


    After speaking, Zhang Rujia picked up her bag and turned to walk out.


    But after only a dozen steps, she turned back: "Qin Mu! You put on such a weak act to gain your father¡¯s sympathy when in fact, you are colder-hearted than anyone! We shall see!"

 Chapter 635 - 182 Arrogant_1

    Chapter 635: 182 Arrogant_1


    Zhang Rujia had just finished speaking and stepped outside again. The night wind was still hot, but she had just stepped out when she encountered Mu Yichen driving up from outside.


    After recognizing his car, Zhang Rujia couldn¡¯t help but scoff before striding away.


    After Mu Yichen got out of his car and closed the door, he looked at her stubborn figure with a worried frown and immediately turned to head inside.


    The living room was very quiet. When Mu Yichen walked in and saw the father and daughter watching TV, he felt some relief and approached them, "I haven¡¯t come too late, have I?"


    The night had just descended upon the city, bringing a long-missed warmth to the house.


    Qin Haiming had not mentioned Zhang Rujia¡¯s visit, and Qin Mu naturally did not wish to discuss it at home, so Mu Yichen pretended he had seen nothing.


    Only after leaving did he bring it up on the way home, "Did Qin Mingzhu¡¯s mother visit?"


    "Yeah! But they simply didn¡¯t hit it off, so don¡¯t worry!"


    Qin Mu turned to look at him, reassuring him.


    "Hmm!"


    Mu Yichen responded, now quite trusting in his wife¡¯s determination and capability.


    She was no longer the little girl who used to make him anxious about work, worrying about whether she could take care of herself whenever he couldn¡¯t see her, but now¡ª


    She had grown into an independent woman with her unique personality and the ability to live her life.


    His little Qingmei had grown up!


    Mu Yichen felt sentimental but tried to appear ordinary.


    It seemed that once their relationship stabilized, everything was so much more composed.


    The car stopped at the Mu Family home, and Mu Yichen, out of habit, waited for her to step ahead of him before extending his hand to her.


    Qin Mu looked at his large hand and placed hers in his palm, and they walked into the house together, hand in hand.


    It seemed to have finally cooled down after nine o¡¯clock.


    Once they were home, the family sat together and talked, and the old patriarch asked, "I heard your father¡¯s chauffeur had surgery a while ago. Is he doing better now?"


    "Yeah! He was just discharged from the hospital today!"


    Qin Mu replied with a smile.


    Everyone understood the reason for her visit then.


    "People really need to live life well and not just get by!"


    Mu Zihao stated reflectively!


    "Yeah! Your father¡¯s driver has been with him for many years and always courteous and kind whenever we meet."


    Feng Fanghua remarked.


    "That¡¯s true! I hadn¡¯t seen him for so many years, and when he saw me again, his eyes were brimming with tears; I guess back in Rongcheng, there weren¡¯t many who would remember me like that!"


    Qin Mu reminisced.


    "Hmm!"


    Mu Zihao agreed, then his eyes drifted to the old patriarch setting up a chessboard.


    "You two have just come back; go take a shower and change your clothes. If you¡¯re not too tired, come back down, and if Mumu is too tired, just rest!"


    The old patriarch frowned at his son¡¯s words, wondering if his son was discouraging the chess game he intended to play with his granddaughter-in-law.


    "Dad! I¡¯ll play a game with you!"


    Mu Zihao took a seat.


    The old patriarch glanced at his son with a desire to scold him if he weren¡¯t already of a certain age.


    As for Mu Yichen and Qin Mu, they realized the old patriarch wanted to play chess with Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu actually wouldn¡¯t have minded joining him; she quite liked chatting and playing chess with the elderly, but Mu Yichen immediately stood up and once again extended his hand to her, "Let¡¯s go! Didn¡¯t you just say your back hurt? Let¡¯s go upstairs and rest early."


    Qin Mu...


    When had she said her back was hurting?


    "Then go rest! With the months passing, back pain will probably become more frequent, so you need to rest more. Go on!"


    Feng Fanghua immediately took it seriously and urged.


    Left with no option, Qin Mu stood up: "Okay! Then, Grandpa, Dad, Mom, we¡¯re heading upstairs!"


    "Hmm!"


    The elders watched the couple go upstairs then gathered again, with Feng Fanghua watching the father and son play chess and listening as the old patriarch said, "You did that on purpose, didn¡¯t you?"


    "Dad, how old am I?"


    Mu Zihao reminded him.


    "So what? No matter how old you are, you¡¯re still my son! Besides, with the couple not here, can¡¯t I say something to you?"


    Mu Zihao had nothing to say and just kept nodding his head.


    "Humph!"


    The old patriarch gave his son another look, still clearly displeased.


    Feng Fanghua watched her husband being scolded without daring to interject, instead reminding, "Dad, are you letting Zihao make the first move?"


    "You wish!"


    The old patriarch then returned his gaze to the chessboard.


    Mu Zihao grinned secretly before quickly resuming a serious demeanor.


    Feng Fanghua settled down beside them to watch TV.


    Qin Mu gently opened the door to Huanhuan¡¯s room, her hand softly resting on the door frame as she peered inside. Under the dim glow of the nightstand lamp, she saw the little girl asleep and couldn¡¯t help but curiously murmur, "Why are you so well-behaved today?"

 Chapter 636 - 182 Arrogant_2

    Chapter 636: 182 Arrogant_2


    "Be good, all right! My daughter, Mu Yichen¡¯s daughter, should be so sensible!"


    President Mu wrapped his arms around her shoulders from behind and looked at the little girl sleeping soundly on the bed.


    Qin Mu looked up at him, thinking to herself that President Mu was thick-skinned again.


    Mu Yichen looked down at her: "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Nothing! Let¡¯s go back to the room!"


    Qin Mu quickly smiled in response and turned to wrap her arms around his, following him to the bedroom.


    "Who should go fill up the bath water first?"


    As they entered the room, Qin Mu asked him.


    "I will! You find the pajamas!"


    Mu Yichen held her from behind and planted a firm kiss on her cheek before going to fill up the bath water.


    Qin Mu, feeling helpless, looked for pajamas for them both after he went into the bathroom.


    She suddenly felt like wearing pajamas and pants so she took out a couple¡¯s matching pajama set.


    But after finally taking a bath, President Mu looked at the pajamas she had given him and frowned involuntarily, watching her put on the pants and asking, "Why is it a set?"


    "I just felt like wearing it!"


    Qin Mu sat down to pull on one leg.


    President Mu simply put on his vest and tossed the sleep pants aside, then walked over and squatted next to her feet.


    ¡ª¡ª


    After resting for a while, Qin Mu discussed with him, "Can I talk to you about something?"


    "Mhm!"


    Mu Yichen looked down at her, noticing she was quite serious.


    Qin Mu also looked up at him: "Wen Runuan has had a baby, shouldn¡¯t we send the baby a gift?"


    "Of course!"


    Mu Yichen agreed without hesitation.


    "What should we send then? Money? Or something else?"


    Qin Mu really didn¡¯t know what to send; after all, this was the first baby born among her friends.


    "Let¡¯s give something!"


    Mu Yichen thought for a while and said, admitting he wasn¡¯t quite sure either.


    "What kind of thing? A toy? A children¡¯s car?"


    "A children¡¯s car?"


    Mu Yichen thought about it, feeling a headache, as he was also unfamiliar with these matters.


    When it came to Mu Qingxin¡¯s child, he directly gave them an upscale property.


    But that was his own nephew, naturally it was different.


    For such affairs with business partners, Secretary Xi took care of them directly.


    "How about we ask Mom tomorrow?"


    Qin Mu asked him.


    Mu Yichen, looking down at her, suddenly couldn¡¯t help but let out a laugh, "Yes! Let¡¯s ask Mrs. Feng!"


    Mu Yichen thought it was a great idea, but still couldn¡¯t help laughing.


    Actually, what to give didn¡¯t really matter; the important thing was the sentiment.


    He just felt this casual conversation, discussing a small matter, was surprisingly delightful and made him feel exhilarated.


    Qin Mu felt the same; it seemed like they were truly living a domestic life. The feeling was really wonderful, and she couldn¡¯t help but wrap her arms around his chest: "Mu Yichen!"


    "Hmm?"


    "Mu Yichen!"


    "Hmm?"


    "Mu Yichen!"


    Her voice grew louder with each call, and by the last one she couldn¡¯t help laughing, her chin resting against his chest.


    "What do you want?"


    "I just really like calling your name!"


    Every time she was happy, she would call his name over and over, yet never explained why.


    But this time, Mu Yichen understood the reason.


    Somehow, it got very late.


    Outside, the world quieted down, and a gentle rain began to fall on this corner of the city.


    The curtains were softly drawn, completely shutting out the rainy night outside.


    In the room, the temperature was moderate, the ambiance soft and tranquil, as the man and woman embraced each other, falling asleep.


    The next morning, after breakfast, Mu Yichen rushed off to work. Mu Zihao went out with the old master to find a place for tea, while Qin Mu stayed at home with Feng Fanghua and Huanhuan. After hearing Qin Mu¡¯s question, Feng Fanghua pondered seriously for a while, then, cupping her delicate teacup, suddenly looked up at Qin Mu and said: "Why not give gold jewelry? They must have already purchased a children¡¯s bed and car. How about a piece of gold jewelry for peace?"


    Qin Mu thought about it seriously and couldn¡¯t help but laugh: "This is why we need to ask you! Mu Yichen and I had absolutely no idea what would be appropriate to give!"


    "You two are still young, you¡¯ll naturally understand these things as you face them more often in the future!"


    Feng Fanghua said to her, mentioning that their relationship had clearly thawed a lot recently due to Qin Mu¡¯s pregnancy.


    "Yeah!"


    Qin Mu responded.


    "Oh! As for Huanhuan¡¯s school, if you guys have no objections, shall we send her there? The school didn¡¯t specify that we must wait for enrollment day; they are hoping we can do it now, and Huanhuan really likes that school."


    "You decide that!"


    Qin Mu knew Huanhuan liked the atmosphere of the school, and that little girl must really enjoy it, but Qin Mu was still a bit worried about her relationship with her classmates.

 Chapter 637 - 182 Arrogant_3

    Chapter 637: 182 Arrogant_3


    "I still need your approval as the mother. Otherwise, what if the kids get into a fight later and you blame me?"


    Feng Fanghua looked at her as a reminder.


    "If Huanhuan suffered any grievance at school, I¡¯m afraid you would have already been anxious to confront the other parents."


    Qin Mu also said something.


    Feng Fanghua...


    Indeed, that was true. How could Feng Fanghua allow her granddaughter to suffer any grievances? She would definitely seek justice.


    "You¡¯re not wrong. If Huanhuan is wronged, I would definitely be the most heartbroken one in this house."


    Feng Fanghua said, looking over at the little girl playing on the side, actually feeling somewhat reluctant about Huanhuan going to school.


    Little did she know that in the evening, Mu Zihao would bring her major news; he had acquired four tickets for a cruise to Europe from a friend. Feng Fanghua had always wanted to travel by boat, but now...


    "How could we travel now? Qin Mu is already more than five months pregnant. If something happened to her while we were gone, who would take care of her?"


    "We can¡¯t help much at home either. Besides, with so many servants in the house, what¡¯s there to worry about? It¡¯s also good to give that young couple some alone time, isn¡¯t it? You¡¯ve also wanted to travel by ship, and Dad, at his age, has never been to Europe but has always wanted to. If the four of us go this time, it¡¯s as if we and the Zhangs and Lis have chartered the ship. They¡¯re bringing their grandchildren too. It¡¯s a rare opportunity, isn¡¯t it?"


    "I need to discuss this with my son!"


    Feng Fanghua also thought her son wouldn¡¯t want her to go away at this time.


    But when she turned around, she saw her son standing at her door: "You, Dad, and Grandpa should go! I¡¯ll take care of Mumu well!"


    Feng Fanghua...


    ¡ª¡ª


    The next day, the elders and Huanhuan boarded the ship to Europe. Before leaving, Feng Fanghua kept giving instructions to the young couple, while Qin Mu listened and watched her precious daughter running ahead with a few boys.


    That girl really got on the boat heartlessly, standing on it while waving to her: "Bye Mummy! Bye Daddy!"


    Mu Yichen and Qin Mu waved back at her, and she ran inside after the two boys.


    "Sigh! I don¡¯t know if this girl will stick around when she grows up!"


    Qin Mu muttered.


    "Can you keep her for a lifetime?"


    Director Mu asked, pressing her shoulders as he saw everyone onto the ship.


    "Mu Yichen, you remember, take it easy these days. If anything happens to Mumu, I won¡¯t let you off the hook."


    "I know! I know! Have a great time!"


    Mu Yichen took his hands out of his trouser pockets and wrapped an arm around her, then called out to Mu Zihao: "Dad! Quickly find Mom a good seat!"


    The couple finally sent off their elders and child. On the way back, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but sigh: "Doesn¡¯t it feel empty?"


    Mu Yichen almost hummed a tune, suppressing it only when he heard his wife¡¯s sentiment.


    However, his joyful eyes betrayed him.


    Seeing his expression, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but ask curiously, "Why do you seem so happy?"


    "Do I?"


    Mu Yichen responded, and then with a serious face, he drove.


    When Qin Mu returned to the studio, Mu Yichen poked his head out to tell her, "I¡¯ll come to pick you up tonight. Remember, don¡¯t take on any work during this time!"


    "Got it! Bye!"


    Qin Mu waved at him, and Mu Yichen sighed at her feigned obedience before driving away.


    Qin Mu turned to enter the studio. Xiaomei, who hadn¡¯t seen her for several days, followed happily behind: "If you don¡¯t come to work, we¡¯ll all collapse!"


    "Is it that exaggerated?"


    Qin Mu asked as she walked in.


    "Of course! How can the subordinates be motivated if the boss is often absent?"


    Xiaomei followed her with her phone, closing the door after entering the office.


    Because Xiaomei usually doesn¡¯t close the door, Qin Mu took notice of her action and kept staring at her.


    After closing the door, Xiaomei turned around, grinned at Qin Mu¡¯s sharp gaze, walked forward arm in arm, and sat down on the sofa: "I have something to tell you!"


    Qin Mu looked up at her and simply smiled: "Go ahead!"


    Qin Mu thought to herself: I knew there was a catch!


    "The driver of Director Mu, that Zhao Huai! He wants to take me on a date! A very formal one!"


    Xiaomei said it with an unnatural touch, scratching her hair and after finishing, she anxiously bit her lower lip.


    After hearing this, Qin Mu nodded: Yeah! That¡¯s okay!


    "Eh! Don¡¯t you think we¡¯re not suited for each other?"

 Chapter 638 - 182 Arrogant_4

    Chapter 638: 182 Arrogant_4


    Xiaomei hadn¡¯t expected Qin Mu to not have any objections at all.


    "You won¡¯t know if it¡¯s suitable until you try, and besides, Zhao Huai isn¡¯t actually Mu Yichen¡¯s driver. He just helps out sometimes."


    "Uh!"


    "Then go on a date! Our child is not getting any younger, it¡¯s time for a proper date! Wear your prettiest dress tonight, carry your finest bag, and go have a handsome date!"


    Qin Mu raised his hand to touch her hair, doting on Xiaomei like a little sister.


    But Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help the twitch at the corner of her mouth after hearing this.


    What do you mean, our child is not getting any younger?


    "People our age are still in school, okay? You¡¯re the one who got married and had children early. Dare to mock me for not having been in love?"


    Xiaomei pouted, but she wasn¡¯t angry. Instead, her face turned red as if she were very shy.


    "Hey! Dare I mock you? Your skin is so thick, how could I even make a dent?"


    Yet Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh twice, then he touched her head and ruffled her hair.


    Xiaomei...


    "Ah! Qinqin, you¡¯re just too bad!"


    Xiaomei raised her hand to gently hit Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder.


    Since they had arrived at the studio just before eleven, they simply ate lunch at a nearby restaurant and the whole group from the studio walked back together.


    Zhang Rujia stood at the entrance of their studio. As the group approached and everyone stopped, Qin Mu and Xiaomei, being in the front, naturally stopped as well.


    Zhang Rujia was staring straight at her. Even from a distance, it was evident she was holding a sharp knife.


    Subconsciously, Xiaomei moved in front of Qin Mu. Looking down slightly, Qin Mu hadn¡¯t expected Xiaomei to have such courage, yet he didn¡¯t want her to be in front.


    Qin Mu pulled Xiaomei behind him, standing in front himself.


    Zhang Rujia approached, her drooping hand gripping the sharp knife not aimed at Qin Mu, but instead at someone behind him.


    Clenching the dagger tightly, she gave Qin Mu a hate-filled look from afar, grinding her teeth in anger.


    Several male colleagues moved beside Qin Mu. Though Zhang Rujia had a dagger, the men, towering over one meter eighty, naturally weren¡¯t afraid of one woman.


    "Xiaomei, take Qinqin back to the studio. Leave this to us!"


    The designer from Paris at the front was very responsible, giving instructions.


    Xiaomei looked up at him, admiration rising within her involuntarily, and she nodded, ready to lead Qin Mu inside.


    Qin Mu actually felt Zhang Rujia wouldn¡¯t call her in, and moreover, it wasn¡¯t in her style to disregard her colleagues¡¯ wellbeing.


    "I can¡¯t let you take risks for me. I¡¯m not worthy."


    "You¡¯re pregnant now, and have you forgotten? I worked as a coach in a martial arts school for two years."


    The male colleagues who usually preferred not to be in the limelight were particularly calm and contained at this moment, communicating with Qin Mu in French.


    Zhang Rujia didn¡¯t understand what they were saying, so her gaze became a bit frantic.


    "But are you sure you can take the knife away from her?" Qin Mu was still worried.


    The male colleagues nodded in assurance, their watchful eyes on the middle-aged woman a few meters away, and said to Xiaomei, "Xiaomei! Quick, take Qinqin inside."


    Xiaomei feared something might really happen to Qin Mu, especially since she had another life inside her, so she tried to pull her away. However, Zhang Rujia suddenly spoke up.


    "Qin Mu, if you go inside now, I¡¯ll die right here at the door of your studio!"


    Qin Mu turned to look at her, initially thinking she was there to assassinate her. But now, it seemed she was threatening suicide?

 Chapter 639 - 183 I will cling to you for a lifetime_1

    Chapter 639: 183 I will cling to you for a lifetime_1


    "Qin Mu, I need to speak with you alone. I know you¡¯re unwilling, but if you refuse, I will die right in front of you!"


    Zhang Rujia said as she dragged the knife across her neck, which could no longer hide the lines on it.


    Qin Mu just felt that this woman, despite her age, really knew how to cause trouble, and couldn¡¯t help but frown unconsciously.


    "Are you sick or something?"


    Xiaomei, frightened by her behavior, immediately shielded Qin Mu and turned to question her.


    Qin Mu slightly turned to the side, gently cradling her own abdomen, "I can¡¯t stand the sight of blood, so I¡¯m going inside first!"


    "What?"


    Zhang Rujia looked at her in shock, the knife still on her own neck.


    "I said I¡¯m going inside now! Oh right! There are a lot of security cameras here, so if you commit suicide, I won¡¯t be held responsible at all!"


    After Qin Mu finished, Xiaomei escorted her inside, trying hard to puff her cheeks to suppress a laugh.


    Zhang Rujia watched Qin Mu¡¯s retreating figure in disbelief, "You really are heartless! You¡¯ve achieved your goal! Now that my family is ruined and I¡¯m left with nothing, you¡¯ve taken your revenge for your mother!"


    Zhang Rujia¡¯s tears fell in large drops from her eyes.


    Qin Mu turned on the steps and looked back at her, "Your family is ruined, but no one has died! And the reason your family is ruined is entirely your own doing. ¡¯What did my mother do wrong? She was frugal and clear about what she loved and hated. She only cared about her husband and daughter with all her heart. You don¡¯t even deserve to be compared with my mother; you¡¯re not even worthy of mentioning her. You¡¯re nothing but a leech, whereas my mother was the warmest person in our family!¡¯ You took her life so you might as well go ahead and die, just die!"


    For some reason, Qin Mu, seeing the knife held to Zhang Rujia¡¯s own neck and the small amount of blood that had accidentally been drawn, recalled the scene of her mother¡¯s death in the car. She thought of the pool of fresh red blood in the snow, and the warmest person in her life who had left this world covered in wounds!


    Qin Mu was even trembling, her teeth clenched as tears began to fall.


    She indeed harbored hate, indeed her heart was cold!


    Because she simply could not find any reason to feel mercy.


    Startled by her sudden extreme outburst, Zhang Rujia gaped, speechless, her eyes wide as she stared at Qin Mu, her hand trembling as she held the knife.


    Qin Mu glared fiercely at her face, suddenly feeling disgusted, and turned to stride towards the interior of the building.


    The colleagues in the studio, after seeing Qin Mu leave, decided not to bother with Zhang Rujia anymore. Just as Zhang Rujia was dumbfounded, an old commercial vehicle drove up from a distance. It stopped, and several journalists with cameras, taking photos and holding microphones, rushed up to her.


    Zhang Rujia, scared, stepped back several paces, and immediately removed the knife from her neck and hid it behind her.


    "Madam, why are you here with a knife? Do you have any grudges with the people inside this studio?"


    "Madam, could you please say a few words? Did someone inside cause any harm to your family?"


    "Harm? Yes! Yes! It was her who ruined my family and left me with nowhere to go! It¡¯s that woman named Qin Mu who¡¯s to blame!"


    "Ma¡¯am, is this Qin Mu you¡¯re talking about the same woman who has recently been revealed to be getting married to President Mu?"


    Qin Mu watched from the office on the second floor through the glass screen as the media swarmed below and instructed Xiaomei at her side, "Bring me my phone!"


    Xiaomei glanced at her and immediately went to fetch her phone from the desk.


    This time she didn¡¯t call anyone else. Although she was calm on the surface, she knew the situation was urgent inside.


    "Zhang Rujia is down at the studio with a bunch of media, causing a stir. This piece must not get out!"


    "Understood!"


    On the phone, Mu Yichen responded with just two words before hanging up.


    Qin Mu then continued to watch the scene unfold below while holding her phone.


    The knife discarded on the ground gleamed blindingly in the sunlight, while Zhang Rujia below pitifully answered questions from the media.


    Qin Mu was actually curious; did Zhang Rujia arrange for these journalists to be there?


    If everyone is the director of their own life, then Qin Mu couldn¡¯t tell whether the scene below was prearranged by Zhang Rujia or not.


    However, if this piece got out, it would probably be Qin Haiming who would be most affected.


    If Zhang Rujia still had any desire to continue with Qin Haiming, how could she be so foolish?

 Chapter 640 - 183 I will cling to you for a lifetime_2

    Chapter 640: 183 I will cling to you for a lifetime_2


    Qin Mu remembered the first time he saw her at the Jing Family¡¯s place several years later, her elegant and affluent appearance, and now, she was also at a loss for words.


    Half an hour later, the parking lot downstairs was empty at last, finally clean.


    Xiaomei whispered in Qin Mu¡¯s ear with a question, "If this report gets out, I¡¯m afraid it would be quite unfavorable for our development in Rongcheng, right?"


    "Fool! There are still many trials and tribulations we must face in Rongcheng!"


    This was nothing!


    She was just worried it might implicate Qin Haiming.


    After finishing her words, Qin Mu went back to work, and Xiaomei thought about it, unable to help but sigh, "That¡¯s true indeed!"


    Suddenly, she thought about how much had happened since coming to Rongcheng!


    That evening, Qin Mu returned home early, Mu Yichen was out socializing, so she sat alone on the sofa drawing, the first night of her family going on a trip, the house was quiet again, and lonely.


    Qin Mu suddenly felt that even the nagging of Feng Fanghua was somewhat pleasing to the ear.


    A beam of light slanted down from above her head, casting a light on her beautiful, hanging long eyelashes.


    At that moment, in the vast living room, she was the only one, focusing on her drawing paper, the sound of the pencil friction against the paper especially clear.


    Mu Yichen, having finished socializing, went directly to the underground level to get his car, not expecting to bump into Su Zhen who had just finished work.


    Su Zhen, carrying a bag and wearing a business suit, came out of another elevator and was also pleasantly surprised to see him.


    "Mr. Mu!"


    She walked up to him, greeting him with her soft and gentle voice.


    Mu Yichen slightly lowered his gaze before striding towards his car.


    "I heard Mr. Mu was socializing and I was going to come over to say hello, but then I remembered Mr. Mu doesn¡¯t like it, so..."


    "Good job! Keep it up!"


    Mu Yichen looked at her only when he opened his car door, his commanding gaze piercing straight through Su Zhen¡¯s heart.


    "Yes!"


    She stopped in her tracks, responding like a typical subordinate taking orders from her leader.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s car quickly left, and Su Zhen walked over to her own car a few spaces away, looking at the now empty spot and just secretly smiling before she also got into her car and left.


    After Su Zhen got home, she turned on the TV; it was 9:30 PM, just in time for the entertainment news on the satellite channel.


    She had actually been keeping an eye on the entertainment gossip on her phone since the afternoon, but didn¡¯t see what she wanted, so she came home, found the remote control in the living room, turned on the TV, and then slowly started to take off her coat.


    This 80-plus-square-meter bachelor apartment was rented for her by Mu Yichen¡¯s hotel secretary following his instructions. The location was not bad, but even so, she was still unhappy.


    Tonight, she was even more dissatisfied!


    She took out her phone from her bag and dialed a number she had just memorized not long ago.


    The sound from the TV in the apartment was muted for a moment.


    "Didn¡¯t manage to interview that Miss Zhang today?"


    "What?"


    "Okay! Understood!"


    Su Zhen quickly hung up the phone, then picked up the remote control and turned off the TV, heading to take a shower.


    The wind that night was a bit warm, the night market was still bustling, and there was an especially heavy flow of traffic on the roads, all with closed windows.


    When Mu Yichen got home, he frowned at the heat as soon as he opened the car door from the inside and headed towards the house with quick steps.


    In front of the glass screen in the living room, a floor lamp was on, and Qin Mu sat on the carpet intently reading a book that was unknown.


    Mu Yichen then stood behind her, blocking her view.


    Qin Mu looked up, and there he was, high above her, looking down at her.


    "You came home early!"


    Qin Mu smiled and stretched out her hand to pull his.


    Mu Yichen then sat down next to her and glanced at the cover of the book she was reading, a book about philosophy.


    Mu Yichen smiled lightly, though his brows were still slightly furrowed, "Why suddenly read this kind of book?"


    "Found it in the study, placed in a very conspicuous position, so I took it out to take a look," Qin Mu explained to him.


    Mu Yichen flipped through a couple of pages, glanced at a few lines, and couldn¡¯t help but look at her with an indulgent gaze and chuckled, asking, "Is it really that boring?"


    Without realizing it, Qin Mu laughed again, leaning slightly against his shoulder, "I¡¯m not that boring, I am cultivating my character and temperament!"


    "Hmm! Are you planning to become a nun in a few years?" Mu Yichen looked at her askance and asked, his dark eyes brimming with love for her.


    "Me, become a nun? Are you planning on marrying someone new? Huh?"


    Despite being pregnant, Mrs. Mu¡¯s temper was still as prickly as ever, and she might just glare at Mr. Mu.


    But Mu Yichen always looked at her with such sappy eyes, "Yes! Please, do give me a chance to marry anew!"

 Chapter 641 - 183 I will cling to you for a lifetime_3

    Chapter 641: 183 I will cling to you for a lifetime_3


    Qin Mu pushed him gently, "Dream on! I¡¯ll cling to you for a lifetime!"


    Unable to hold back a laugh upon hearing this, Mu Yichen let himself fall to the side with the momentum of her push.


    Seeing him so cooperative, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but lift her foot to kick him. It was rare for the always-serious CEO to laugh so innocently, his voice so pleasing.


    Just hearing his laughter made her heart flutter, but she still couldn¡¯t resist continuing to kick him.


    On the floor, the two of them tumbled about in a playful disarray, yet it brought them boundless joy.


    In the tranquil depths of the night, it seemed as if the most wonderful things were just beginning to unfold quietly.


    Later, Mu Yichen carried her upstairs, pausing halfway up the steps with a sudden sigh.


    With her arms around his neck, Qin Mu looked at him curiously as he sighed and asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "You¡¯ve gotten much heavier!"


    Mu Yichen squinted down at her with a look of mock distress on his face.


    Qin Mu...


    How could she not have gotten heavier?


    He fed her all day like she was a pig, urging her to eat and eat!


    "I¡¯m going to crush you to death!"


    Qin Mu hugged him and intentionally leaned back with force.


    "Stop fooling around!"


    Mu Yichen, frightened, quickly held on tight to her and continued upstairs.


    He was terrified that if she were really to get hurt, he couldn¡¯t bear it, for that would be more painful than hurting himself.


    After they got into bed, Qin Mu then asked, "Do you know which news agency those journalists at my studio were from?"


    "Vanguard! Someone anonymously provided the tip, but although the person¡¯s phone number is from out of town, I¡¯m sure that this anonymous individual is definitely in Rongcheng."


    Sitting on the edge of the bed, Mu Yichen spoke to her, a flicker passing through his dark pupils as the face of a certain person suddenly crossed his mind.


    "Hmm! Which city?" Qin Mu leaned against the headboard, looking earnestly at Mu Yichen, her voice filled with curiosity as she inquired further.


    "Feng City! But who have we or Zhang Rujia managed to offend in Feng City?"


    Mu Yichen questioned in return, for them, that city was unfamiliar territory, hence no enemies were likely there.


    Qin Mu lowered her eyes because she couldn¡¯t think of anyone she was particularly close to in that city either.


    "I¡¯m going to take a shower, okay?"


    Mu Yichen said as he reached out to stroke her hair.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu responded, then lay down on the bed and winked at him, "I¡¯ll wait for you to come back!"


    Mu Yichen just smiled, but his dark eyes shone like twinkling starlight, bright enough to illuminate the heart of the petite woman beside him.


    However, by the time he returned from his shower, Qin Mu had already fallen asleep.


    Mu Yichen quietly got into bed beside her, watching her rosy-cheeked face in sleep and involuntarily letting out a soft smile.


    "Little liar!"


    She couldn¡¯t hear his gentle voice, but her lips twitched slightly.


    Like a habitual gesture, she snuggled into his embrace, her hand also reaching to rest on his waist.


    Looking down at the movement of her hand on his waist, Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes unconsciously filled with deep affection. As he looked at the small woman, ah, the pregnant lady, in his arms, he felt his heart melt.


    Why was she so wonderful?


    And this wonderful woman was his!


    With just the two of them at home, Mu Yichen got up early in the morning to prepare breakfast, relegating the cook to the role of assistant, who watched with internal gloom as their young master cooked: "Young Master! You must have honed your culinary skills in Paris, right?"


    "Hmm! But I also practiced after returning to the country!"


    Mu Yichen remembered the past, in fact, when he was in Paris they mostly ate Western food, and at that time he was reluctant to make an extra effort because he still couldn¡¯t accept that this silly girl had captured his heart. It wasn¡¯t until after returning home that he couldn¡¯t let go.


    So, he started doing more and more.


    Now he understood that regardless of whether you accepted it or not, some things were already fated to be.


    ¡ª¡ª


    In the morning, neither of them went to work, snuggling together on the sofa and watching the news and gossip.


    Close to noon, Qin Mu¡¯s phone rang. She found her phone and then saw that it was Qin Haiming¡¯s number. Mu Yichen also glanced up and said, "It¡¯s probably about Zhang Rujia¡¯s visit to your studio yesterday."


    Qin Mu had the same feeling and indeed heard about the incident when she picked up the call.


    But unlike before, there was no trace of suspicion in his voice, only concern.


    "Why didn¡¯t you tell me about such a big thing? Are you hurt?"


    Qin Haiming asked her worriedly.


    Qin Mu leaned back on the sofa, her head resting against Mu Yichen¡¯s arm on the back of the sofa; her eyes seemed a little hollow as she said, "I¡¯m not hurt! She might be a little hurt though!"


    Qin Mu recalled the incident, where Zhang Rujia¡¯s neck got accidentally nicked by her knife, drawing blood.


    "I¡¯ll talk to her, ask her not to bother you anymore! Don¡¯t think too much, you must stay calm and composed now that you¡¯re pregnant, you know?"

 Chapter 642 - 183 I will cling to you for a lifetime_4

    Chapter 642: 183 I will cling to you for a lifetime_4


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Haiming quickly hung up the phone. After Qin Mu hung up, she just looked up at the ceiling, unable to say a word.


    It seemed as if her eyes were a bit dry.


    "He¡¯s like a completely different person!"


    It was a while before Qin Mu could say that sentence.


    "Over the past years, he was just unaware of the kind of woman he was dealing with! Your dad is quite pitiful too, isn¡¯t he?"


    "Pitiful for doing the evil he did? I don¡¯t think so!"


    Sometimes, she would feel sorry for him for a few seconds, but as soon as she thought about it carefully, she remembered he was not pitiful at all.


    Mu Yichen lifted his hand and wrapped it around her head, pressing it against his shoulder, not saying a word, just holding her.


    Qin Mu leaned on his shoulder, and for a long time, her mind was blank.


    That evening, Qin Haiming went to the Mu Family, only to deliver some supplements then left. Uncle Wang was still in recovery, so he drove himself. When he passed a certain corner on the road, he suddenly stopped the car.


    In his mind, that scene suddenly appeared before his eyes.


    The snow-white ground, that pool of red blood, the woman he loved most trapped in the car.


    The night passed without him realizing it.


    By the time he came back to his senses, it was already daylight.


    The car slowly headed in the direction of home, but his heart remained uneasy for a long time.


    He ruined his own family with his own hands!


    Zhang Rujia had been calling his phone all night, but he had not answered.


    When he got home, he saw Zhang Rujia¡¯s car parked there as soon as he reached the front door.


    Zhang Rujia sat in the car, and when she saw his car return, she immediately opened the door and stepped out.


    The sky outside was overcast, as if it was starting to drip with rain.


    Qin Haiming didn¡¯t want to see her, but still, the two of them ended up sitting on the couch in the living room at home.


    Zhang Rujia lowered her gaze. He saw the red marks on her neck and thought of Qin Mu saying she was injured.


    "Why did you cause a scene at her studio? And call the reporters?"


    "The reporters weren¡¯t called by me! I went to see her, not to make trouble!"


    Zhang Rujia lifted her eyes to look at him, teary-eyed.


    "Then why?"


    "I just wanted her to plead with you on my behalf, I just wanted to reconcile with you. I even gave up my self-respect."


    Zhang Rujia said these words with a bit of agitation.


    "I¡¯ve made myself clear, and besides, you went to her with a knife. Do you think I can still trust you? Say what you want, if it¡¯s within my power, I¡¯ll do it for you, as compensation for the years of care, but¡ªevery time I think about your deceit, it makes me sick!"


    Qin Haiming was very calm, but when he looked out the window at the end, his eyes showed disdain.


    Zhang Rujia¡¯s tears immediately rolled down from her eyes: "After all those years of sharing a bed, you say I disgust you?"


    "Did you think I didn¡¯t know about the man you met three years ago? By the time I found out about your past, I already knew everything about you! Yet, you kept coming back to me, do you really need me to burst that bubble?"


    Finally, Qin Haiming was a bit agitated, even his fingers trembling.


    But Zhang Rujia could no longer say a word.


    "If you had any dignity left, you wouldn¡¯t show up in front of me again. We can part on good terms this way, but if you keep making trouble..."


    Qin Haiming¡¯s gaze was fixed on her, finally showing no more veiled contempt.


    When Zhang Rujia left the Qin Family, the downpour had started, and the rain was very cold that night!


    Her car was parked outside the Qin Family¡¯s home. She had been walking on eggshells for years, and now, she couldn¡¯t escape her fate.


    That night, Zhang Rujia found Su Zhen¡¯s apartment. When Su Zhen saw her, she was shocked, as Su Zhen was a stranger to her and had never seen her in person.


    "You are...?"


    "Zhang Rujia!"


    Zhang Rujia stood proudly at the doorway of her home.


    Disbelieving, Su Zhen opened her mouth. Before she could recover from her shock, Zhang Rujia raised her hand and slapped her hard across her delicate face, ¡¯smack¡¯.


    "Ah!" Su Zhen was caught off guard and got slapped, covering her face and standing by the door, looking at the woman who hit her in panic and anger, shouting loudly.


    "A little girl trying to scheme against me? I was already mixing in society while you were still nursing!"


    Zhang Rujia said these words through gritted teeth.


    "What are you talking about? I don¡¯t even know you!"


    Su Zhen covered her face and shouted angrily.


    "You don¡¯t know me? You sent reporters to follow me? Anonymously? The day you called reporters from the hotel, my friend happened to be right behind you. Surprise, isn¡¯t it?"

 Chapter 643 - 183 I will cling to you for a lifetime_5

    Chapter 643: 183 I will cling to you for a lifetime_5


    Zhang Rujia gritted her teeth as she revealed the truth to her.


    Suddenly, Su Zhen couldn¡¯t say anything, just covering her swollen face.


    "You... I..."


    "You wanted to use me to go against Qin Mu, but you¡¯re too foolish!"


    Zhang Rujia also received a call from a friend after leaving the Qin Family estate and immediately sought out Su Zhen using her former connections.


    "The daughter of D City¡¯s mayor? In my eyes, you¡¯re just a snotty little girl! With just you, you think you can surpass Qin Mu and climb into Yichen¡¯s bed? Even Jing Qing¡¯s end was a suicide, don¡¯t overestimate yourself!"


    After saying her piece, Zhang Rujia turned and left.


    "Wait, don¡¯t you also hate Qin Mu?" Su Zhen, holding her face, chased after her to the doorway.


    Zhang Rujia turned back: "Qin Mu? Don¡¯t overestimate yourself! In Rongcheng, there¡¯s no room for an outsider like you to run wild! Think about Jing Qing; think about what happened to her."


    Su Zhen¡¯s legs went weak, and she stumbled backward, her eyes brimming with tears that blurred her vision.


    She never expected that Zhang Rujia, a woman, could display such murderous intent.


    She hadn¡¯t realized how Zhang Rujia once maneuvered through the treacherous social scenes and plotted to seize her position as Mrs. Qin Haiming.


    Zhang Rujia puffed out her chest as she entered the elevator, arrogantly raising her head as she left Su Zhen¡¯s apartment.


    Su Zhen clearly remembered making a call in the restroom that day; she¡¯d seen it was completely empty.


    But...


    After getting into her car, Zhang Rujia took out her phone and called Qin Mu, who was taking a shower, so Mu Yichen, looking out the window at the rain, answered her call.


    "I know who brought the reporters to your studio!" Zhang Rujia got straight to the point.


    "Who?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s indifferent voice asked.


    "Is it you?"


    Zhang Rujia was still in the car, watching the rain intensify. The voice that suddenly came through the phone made her tense.


    "It¡¯s Su Zhen! That miss from D City. She somehow found out I¡¯m at odds with Qin Mu and has been having people follow me. Then, she used an out-of-town phone number to call the newspaper that day."


    "Do you have any evidence?"


    "Evidence? Mrs. Zhang, you know, right? She heard it with her own ears; you can ask her to confirm."


    After Zhang Rujia finished speaking, she expected more questions from the other end, but Mu Yichen asked nothing more, and the call was hung up.


    After Qin Mu finished her shower and came out of the bathroom, she noticed he wasn¡¯t in their room. She started to feel gloomy when she didn¡¯t see any lights on outside; she then heard a cellphone ring from the study and as she approached to open the door, he opened it from inside at just the same moment.


    Qin Mu looked up at his handsome features, unable to resist asking curiously, "I thought we were going to rest?"


    "Had to make a quick call, let¡¯s go back to the room!"


    Mu Yichen wrapped his arms around her as they walked back to their room. Qin Mu looked up at him, feeling for some reason that he was lying.


    Later in bed, Qin Mu lay in his arms playing with her phone, to which Mu Yichen sighed resignedly: "How many times have I said pregnant women should avoid using cellphones so much!"


    The phone was snatched away from her hands.


    "I haven¡¯t really played today, I was just about to."


    "No more!"


    Mu Yichen held both of her hands in his.


    Qin Mu smiled, feeling sweetly controlled by him.


    Mu Yichen put both of their phones on the bedside table on his side, then he wrapped his arms around her and laid down, covering her with a blanket: "Sleep now! Don¡¯t we have to go to the hospital for a checkup tomorrow?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu agreed, then snuggled into his arms and quickly fell asleep.


    Mu Yichen looked at her phone again after she had fallen asleep.


    Qin Mu¡¯s client the next day was a handsome actor, Li Yu.


    "Hello! I¡¯ve seen the commercials you¡¯ve shot, which is why I really wanted to work with you, so here I am!"


    He spoke without any pretense, coming across like a big boy, very casual.


    Qin Mu nodded, smiling as they touched hands briefly, then both took a seat on the couch.


    Xiaomei brought Li Yu some tea and then stood behind Qin Mu, staring straight at him.


    Hmm! He wore comfortable casual attire, not the domineering CEO look from idol dramas, which made him seem much more down-to-earth in front of them.


    "Mr. Li, are you twenty-five years old this year?" Xiaomei asked curiously.


    Li Yu glanced up at her and then asked with a smile, "The Baidu profile says twenty-five, right? In fact, I am already twenty-seven!"


    "Wow! You look like you¡¯re two years younger than me."


    Xiaomei held her cell phone and stood behind, biting her lip after speaking.


    Qin Mu glanced at her briefly and then casually said, "Why don¡¯t you have a seat? I don¡¯t think Mr. Li is that kind of stiff person!"


    "Of course!"


    Li Yu replied with a smile, and Xiaomei immediately went over to sit next to Qin Mu, her face turning red as she lowered her head.


    Qin Mu thought, I wonder what Zhao Huai would feel seeing this scene!


    Women, ah!


    Sigh!


    "The award this time was actually decided for me in advance, so I don¡¯t want to show up looking too shabby! I trust Miss Qin has the ability to make me worthy of that award, right?"


    Li Yu turned to Qin Mu to say.


    "I can draw the design, but I am afraid I need the cooperation of colleagues for the production!"


    Qin Mu nodded her head; with the generous offer they made, she had no reason to refuse.


    "Miss Qin is now pregnant, and I¡¯m already grateful that you agreed to help design the fashion! Hmm..., it¡¯s so awkward to talk like this! Anyway, I came because I trust you!"


    Li Yu said, finding himself being too formal, frowned, and then spoke more casually.


    Xiaomei was still bashfully looking at him, and Li Yu, feeling a bit self-conscious, said with a smile, "Beauty, if you keep looking, I might have to start charging you!"


    Xiaomei blushed even more and stood up subconsciously, "I¡¯m off to work!"


    As Qin Mu watched Xiaomei disappear, she sighed helplessly, and Li Yu asked her, "Your assistant is quite interesting, does she have a boyfriend yet?"


    "Not settled down yet!"


    Qin Mu had to tell the truth.


    "Ah! Not bad!"


    Li Yu hadn¡¯t expected her to answer like that; he was momentarily embarrassed and managed to say it was not bad.


    Actually, he thought Qin Mu would say she already had one or wasn¡¯t good enough or something like that.


    Later, when Xiaomei personally took Li Yu¡¯s measurements, his ears turned red looking at her, and he couldn¡¯t help asking, "How about dinner together tonight, beauty?"


    "Ah?"


    Xiaomei blushed, looking up at him with a face so red her blood might drip.


    "Never mind if you¡¯re not free!"


    Li Yu said with a smile.


    Xiaomei...


    "Mr. Li, if you keep teasing her like this, I reckon you¡¯ll have to personally take her to the hospital later!"


    Qin Mu, sitting on the side, couldn¡¯t help but interject.


    Li Yu turned to look at Qin Mu, raised an eyebrow, and said no more.


    Meanwhile, Xiaomei was thinking: It¡¯s over, it¡¯s over! I¡¯ve been flirted with by Brother Li Yu, I¡¯ve been flirted with by Brother Li Yu!


    Her heart was racing nervously: What to do? What to do? I touched Brother Li Yu¡¯s waist, I¡¯m going crazy...


    Not until Li Yu had left did Qin Mu sigh and head upstairs helplessly, then Xiaomei on the first floor received the teasing and ribbing of her colleagues.


    "Go ahead and make fun of me all you want! But I will still be ecstatic!"


    Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help but clench her fist and stamp her foot.


    "What could possibly make you so ecstatic?"


    Zhao Huai just happened to come to deliver something to Qin Mu, and as he entered, he heard her talking about being ecstatic.


    Seeing Zhao Huai, Xiaomei immediately shut her mouth, and the others also pretended to be deeply immersed in their work.


    "Why are you here at this time?"


    Xiaomei was frantic, but she managed to shift the topic.


    "Ah! I came to deliver something to ¡¯Mrs. Mu¡¯!"


    He was holding a file bag, as if he had just remembered the purpose of his visit.

 Chapter 644: Media seeks confirmation on the marriage_1

    Chapter 644: Media seeks confirmation on the marriage_1


    "This recording pen was from her apartment; today, I secretly took it out while she wasn¡¯t there. I thought I should let you listen to it first. Furthermore, although this woman is a lesbian, she has been trying to find opportunities to get close to Yichen. I feel I need to warn you¡ªget rid of the problem early on!"


    "You haven¡¯t let Mu Yichen listen to this yet?"


    Qin Mu held the recording pen and asked Zhao Huai, who stood across from her desk at an angle.


    "Qiao Yi and I have both listened to it, so it¡¯s as if he has, right? We all want you to decide on this matter."


    With his hands in his pockets, Zhao Huai stood there and spoke very seriously, his gaze sharper than usual.


    Qin Mu nodded: "Hmm."


    Her heart was calm, and she already knew why Zhao Huai would come to her first.


    "What do you plan to do?"


    Zhao Huai couldn¡¯t help but lower his head and ask her curiously as he saw her so deep in thought.


    "Call Mayor Su!"


    Remembering the words Mayor Su said when he came to see her, now that she had the leverage, it was time to make that thorn leave Rongcheng.


    "Brilliant!"


    Zhao Huai said in admiration.


    "Mu Yichen is currently not in a position to fall out with Mayor Su, so it¡¯s most appropriate for me to handle it, right? That¡¯s what you and Qiao Yi mean?"


    "Uh..."


    Zhao Huai didn¡¯t expect Qin Mu to so sharply grasp their intentions, and for a moment, he felt somewhat embarrassed.


    "It¡¯s fine, I also think that matters between women should be settled by women themselves."


    Seeing his discomfort, Qin Mu then said.


    "I knew Xiaomu would be the most generous! Otherwise, Yichen wouldn¡¯t have only wanted you for all these years, right?"


    "Stop flattering me! I still have things to do, you..."


    Qin Mu glanced up at him, signaling him to leave.


    "Got it! I¡¯m leaving now! Oh, by the way, why was Xiaomei so excited today?"


    With his hands together, Zhao Huai was about to leave but couldn¡¯t help asking one last question.


    Qin Mu...


    "That, you should ask Xiaomei about!"


    How could she, an outsider, comment on that?


    "Right! Then, see you!"


    Zhao Huai thought for a moment, then nodded and left.


    After the door had been closed from the outside, Qin Mu opened the recording pen again; its content seemed to have been filtered, leaving only the key points.


    Listening to the conversation between the women inside, Qin Mu was unfamiliar with the one surnamed Lin, but she was well acquainted with Su Zhen¡¯s voice.


    Moreover, the content of Su Zhen¡¯s phone call made Qin Mu think that, in terms of indecency, Su Zhen might be no better than Jing Qing.


    Jing Qing¡¯s childhood admiration for Mu Yi was something Qin Mu could understand, but what was Su Zhen¡¯s deal?


    Just because of a few brief encounters, she couldn¡¯t extricate herself?


    Still, she dialed Mayor Su¡¯s number. She couldn¡¯t make things difficult for Mu Yi, and she didn¡¯t think she was incapable of handling the situation.


    Besides, no matter who spoke to Mayor Su, it was probably most appropriate for her to do it.


    Mayor Su was quite surprised to receive her call. By the time he had hung up, his face was very grim, yet he still made the call to Su Zhen.


    After receiving the call from Mayor Su, Su Zhen couldn¡¯t help but yell into the phone: "What¡¯s the big deal if I leave now? Let her make it public, what¡¯s the big deal?"


    "What?"


    Su Zhen¡¯s face turned pale upon hearing Mayor Su¡¯s reasoning; she stood behind the sofa, breathing heavily in disbelief, tears dripping from her eyes and hitting the floor.


    "Come back! I don¡¯t want my daughter involved in any indecent rumors, okay? You still have a bright future ahead of you. Don¡¯t ruin yourself over a man."


    "Dad! He hasn¡¯t even looked at me properly since I came here!"


    "He doesn¡¯t love you!"


    Upon hearing this, Su Zhen couldn¡¯t help but cry even more.


    Just then, the door to her office started opening, and she looked up.


    "Dad! Someone is coming, I have to hang up!"


    Seeming a bit nervous, Su Zhen quickly hung up the phone and then stood up, wiping away her tears.


    "Who?"


    "Miss Su! You¡¯ve been dismissed!"


    One of Mu Yi¡¯s direct subordinates sat in her office chair and said to her tear-stained face as he looked up.


    "Dismissed? Why?"


    Su Zhen asked in confusion.


    "Because you really lack any work capabilities!"


    Su Zhen¡¯s face turned from red to white. These mild words were actually humiliating her, weren¡¯t they?


    Questioning her abilities?


    "During all the time spent in this hotel, apart from coming to work on time every day and bribing colleagues..."


    "I want to see President Mu!"


    Su Zhen stubbornly raised her objection.


    "President Mu isn¡¯t so idle that he can meet anyone who wishes to see him. He¡¯d otherwise have no time for anything else! You should just pack your things and leave!"


    Not giving her any face.


    "Was it President Mu who told you to fire me?"


    After some thought, Su Zhen then looked at the man sitting arrogantly in her chair, like a boss, and asked.

 Chapter 645 - 184 Media seeks confirmation on the marriage_2

    Chapter 645: 184 Media seeks confirmation on the marriage_2


    "You could say that! Mr. Mu has to manage such a vast range of affairs that this sort of trifle was left for me to deal with, and Mr. Mu has already prepared a car to take Miss Su back to D City immediately!"


    "What?"


    Su Zhen looked at him incredulously.


    "Your apartment has been packed up for you!"


    After hearing this, Su Zhen was utterly speechless. As she sat in the car taking her out of town that afternoon, she suddenly impulsively reached out and grabbed the driver.


    ----


    It wasn¡¯t until the evening that Qin Mu found out Su Zhen had been in a car accident and was sent to the hospital. Helian Hao told him she had hit her head and fractured her knee.


    The driver was fine, but the car was severely damaged.


    When Mu Yichen returned from the hospital, Qin Mu was curled up on the sofa. She looked up at him and asked, "Are you sure there¡¯s no other problem?"


    "Amnesia! It could be temporary, or it could be long-term. The doctor didn¡¯t give a definite answer!"


    "Ah?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t believe it. From Helian Hao¡¯s description, it had seemed like only a minor concussion.


    "Mayor Su has already sent someone to take her back to D City for treatment."


    Qin Mu sat on the sofa and slowly bowed her head.


    "Don¡¯t overthink it! Being alive means everything is alright!"


    Mu Yichen sat beside her, holding her hand, and looked at her earnestly as he spoke.


    "Mm."


    Qin Mu nodded.


    Seeing her demeanor, Mu Yichen let out a resigned sigh, and felt compelled to tell her, "Actually, the doctor told me it was Su Zhen who asked him to say that to me."


    Qin Mu...


    "Which means, she was faking it!"


    Trying to contain a smile, Mu Yichen played with Qin Mu¡¯s fingers as he spoke.


    "This..."


    "No need for me to say more, right? However, Zhao Huai does indeed need a lesson!"


    Mu Yichen suddenly changed the subject.


    Qin Mu lifted her downcast eyes, "Don¡¯t fight with him! I think what he did was right!"


    "I am your husband, and your affairs are mine!"


    "But I¡¯m your wife. Can¡¯t I share your burdens as well as your fortunes?"


    Qin Mu grew stubborn as she saw how serious he was.


    "As a pregnant woman, you¡¯re as stubborn as a mule. Do you know how dangerous it could be if Mayor Su holds a grudge against you?"


    "What about you? Even if you are rich and powerful, do you think he wouldn¡¯t hold a grudge against you?"


    Qin Mu challenged him.


    "I am a man! Mrs. Mu, a man should always stand in front of a woman!"


    He raised his hand, gently touching the back of her head, reminding her with great seriousness.


    "I don¡¯t see it that way!"


    Qin Mu turned around, took her legs off the couch, and then got up and went upstairs.


    Mu Yichen stayed seated on the sofa, watching her stubborn figure with a helpless sigh.


    If it weren¡¯t for him planning to find Zhao Huai and Jiang Zhiyuan for tea in the office after finishing the meeting that afternoon, Qiao Yi wouldn¡¯t have had to tell him about it.


    These youngsters had already learned to keep things from him!


    Qin Mu¡¯s nature was such that she had never put him in a difficult spot, but if needed, Mu Yichen believed she would go to jail for him without a second thought.


    The dinner was ready in the kitchen, and seeing him, the housekeeper greeted, "Young Master is back! Dinner is ready, would you like me to call the Young Madam?"


    "No, I¡¯ll go!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s deep voice responded as he stood up and headed upstairs once more.


    Qin Mu was changing her clothes when Mu Yichen pushed the door open and saw her slipping into a black camisole, a surge of warmth instinctively filling his chest.


    Qin Mu turned and saw him but didn¡¯t give it much thought. She simply pulled her hair out of her clothing and then put on a thin overlay.


    "What are you doing up here? Isn¡¯t it time for dinner?"


    Mu Yichen stood at the doorway, motionless, watching her approach before immediately grabbing her hands and calling her to stand in front of him.


    "Are you mad at me? I¡¯m not even mad."


    His dark eyes looked at her tenderly.


    "How could I dare to be mad at the decisive Mr. Mu? I¡¯m just mad at myself for being so useless that Mr. Mu doesn¡¯t trust me to handle even a little trouble!"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes slightly and then lowered them again.


    Mu Yichen pulled her into his arms and raised a hand to touch her face, "All right, I¡¯ll let you share the burden! I never said you couldn¡¯t. Aren¡¯t you currently helping me by carrying our child?"


    Mu Yichen lowered his eyes to her belly, then hugged her and suggested, "Shall we go downstairs to eat? Hmm?"


    "Of course we should eat first, I¡¯m starving!"


    Without looking at him, Qin Mu finished speaking and pushed him towards the wall, opening the door and stepping out first.


    Mu Yichen turned to watch her and followed her downstairs, reminding her from behind, "Take it easy! There¡¯s no rush for those two minutes."

 Chapter 646 - 184 Media seeks confirmation on the marriage_3

    Chapter 646: 184 Media seeks confirmation on the marriage_3


    Qin Mu ignored him and walked straight toward the dining room.


    "Hey, moving that fast at nearly six months pregnant!"


    Mu Yichen muttered softly from behind.


    "What did you say?"


    Qin Mu suddenly turned her head and asked him with a slightly fierce look in her eyes.


    Mu Yichen...


    "It¡¯s nothing! Let¡¯s go eat!"


    Mu Yichen caught up with her during her pause and then wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they continued forward.


    Qin Mu tried to push his hand away but couldn¡¯t manage to, so she had to let him hold her as they went inside.


    "Young Master and Young Madam, dinner is ready!"


    The auntie had already set the table for them.


    "Thank you!"


    Though Qin Mu was fierce with Mu Yichen, she was consistently gentle with the help.


    The auntie nodded, wishing them a pleasant meal before leaving, and then there were only the two of them left in the dining room, falling back into silence.


    Qin Mu ate her own meal, occasionally looking up to see Mu Yichen staring at her. She gave him a somewhat queasy look in return and then continued eating.


    To be honest, her stomach was full of anger, so she didn¡¯t even notice how she managed to fill it up.


    In any case, she still felt uncomfortable in her stomach past ten o¡¯clock that night.


    Mu Yichen lay beside her, processing emails, and asked with concern when he saw her tossing and turning: "What¡¯s wrong? Are you feeling uncomfortable?"


    Qin Mu ignored him, thinking she didn¡¯t need his concern.


    It was only later when she felt she needed a cup of hot water and sat up but was too lazy to get out of bed that she turned her head to look at the man still leaning there, checking his emails.


    "Could President Mu be so kind as to fetch me a cup of water?"


    "I¡¯d be happy to, but it would require Mrs. Mu to give me a kiss first."


    Mu Yichen replied with utmost seriousness.


    "Up to you!"


    Qin Mu, upon hearing that, got angry and immediately lay down again, turning her back to him.


    "Ah!"


    Mu Yichen sighed and got out of bed to fetch her water.


    "I want it hot!"


    As Mu Yichen left the room, Qin Mu raised her head slightly and called out towards the doorway, worried he might bring lukewarm water and she¡¯d have to go down again.


    "If it¡¯s not hot enough, I¡¯ll go heat it for you!"


    Five minutes later, Mu Yichen came upstairs and approached her with the water, telling her.


    Qin Mu sat up again and, when she saw his hand gripping the glass, she thought about how tough a man¡¯s hands are, not fearing the heat at all.


    But when she held the cup in her hand, it was hot, felt just above fifty degrees, a nice temperature that felt comfortable in her stomach.


    Qin Mu gave him an involuntary glance, Mu Yichen gazing back at her with a patient look.


    "Turn around!"


    Qin Mu said with a blush.


    Mu Yichen obediently turned around, helplessly placing his hands on his waist.


    He was wearing pajama pants, but Qin Mu felt as if she had seen his firm buttocks, her mind wandering, and she finished the water without realizing it.


    "Young Madam! The water¡¯s finished. If you¡¯re satisfied, shouldn¡¯t we honor our earlier agreement?"


    Mu Yichen lay behind her and gently reminded her.


    Qin Mu turned slightly. "What agreement?"


    "Didn¡¯t you say we must never sleep back to back, no matter what?"


    Mu Yichen kindly reminded her again.


    Qin Mu then remembered she once cautioned him about that, never imagining that it would be used on her today.


    For some reason, her heart suddenly didn¡¯t feel as cold.


    It probably wasn¡¯t because of the hot water but because of his words.


    Qin Mu thought for two seconds, then turned over.


    "Don¡¯t think just because I turned over, I¡¯ll let you do whatever you want!"


    Qin Mu mumbled in his arms.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    "How could I dare to think that?"


    "I don¡¯t believe you!"


    Qin Mu grumbled.


    Thinking that if you wanted to do something, would you care about my feelings?


    If anything doesn¡¯t go your way, would you be happy?


    Alas!


    Qin Mu suddenly felt that dealing with President Mu of their house was really troublesome!


    But for some reason, her arms found themselves holding him tighter.


    "You were thinking about it, weren¡¯t you?"


    Mu Yichen asked softly into her ear.


    Qin Mu¡¯s ears turned red instantly.


    "Are you going to let a pregnant woman sleep or not!"


    It was meant to be stern, but it came out more like coquetry.


    The next day, when Helian Hao found out she wasn¡¯t feeling well, he went to Mu Mansion to visit her. After checking and confirming nothing was seriously wrong, he asked her, "Doesn¡¯t it seem like a joke?"


    "Huh?"


    Qin Mu slowly sat up against the headboard and questioned back.


    "Su Zhen, oh Su Zhen! With her visit and all this commotion, doesn¡¯t it seem like a joke?"


    Helian Hao asked her while sitting on the bedside.


    "What kind of joke is like this? If all jokes were like that, it wouldn¡¯t take many before someone gets scared to death! Luckily, she was fine. If something serious had happened, I¡¯d have been really scared!"

 Chapter 647 - 184 Media seeks confirmation on the marriage_4

    Chapter 647: 184 Media seeks confirmation on the marriage_4


    Qin Mu was actually worried. If Su Zhen encountered any trouble in Rongcheng, could the mayor, Mr. Su, with his good temper, easily let her go? Even if he didn¡¯t deal with her immediately, her life wouldn¡¯t be easy from then on.


    Fortunately, Su Zhen¡¯s amnesia was just for the sake of saving face.


    After thinking about it, Qin Mu sighed forcefully, "Men who are too handsome are really troublesome. In the future, I¡¯ll have to make him wear a full suit of armor whenever he goes out, so that no one can see his face."


    Helian Hao glanced outside the door, "He¡¯s downstairs making soup for you right now. Can¡¯t you have a little bit of conscience?"


    "Ah! If he weren¡¯t downstairs making soup for me, I wouldn¡¯t be blocking his face," Qin Mu responded and couldn¡¯t help but laugh, her eyes full of mischief.


    "What¡¯s that?"


    Helian Hao asked curiously.


    "Hehe!"


    Qin Mu smirked naughtily, and Helian Hao...


    "Mumu, you¡¯ve really changed a lot this year. How come you¡¯re getting more and more improper?"


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but reproach her.


    "I didn¡¯t say anything, and you understood. And you say I¡¯m improper?"


    Qin Mu stared at her, giving her a super face-saving reminder.


    Helian Hao...


    "However, now that Su Zhen is gone, that¡¯s one problem solved. I hope we can have some peace in the future, and no more women will come to snatch your Yichen away."


    "What makes me the angriest is that they torment me under the guise of looking for Yichen. I¡¯m starting to wonder if these women have fallen in love with me instead. Otherwise, why not go directly to Yichen?"


    Qin Mu replied after hearing what Helian Hao said.


    "You still want them to go after Yichen? Have you forgotten about Yang Qianxi?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Ah, why do I mention her, so depressing!"


    Helian Hao regretted saying that as soon as she had finished.


    Helian Hao looked up at Qin Mu again, "Honestly, I really hope that no messy people appear around you two anymore, so you can have a peaceful life."


    A peaceful life?


    That might be difficult!


    "You¡¯re not suggesting there¡¯s someone else after him, are you?"


    Qin Mu looked at Helian Hao and asked with sudden seriousness and anxiety.


    "How could that be? It¡¯s just that there have been too many third parties between the two of you," Helian Hao explained.


    Qin Mu...


    "Besides, I¡¯m not any better myself!"


    "Huh?"


    Qin Mu was startled.


    "There¡¯s a girl at the Prosecutor¡¯s Office who has been chasing Jing Feng. I heard she often brings him a love-packed lunch, and yesterday I went to see him and just happened to catch them eating lunch together."


    Qin Mu...


    "But Jing Feng probably won¡¯t like her, after all, he¡¯s used to being with me," Helian Hao said with a smile, but her expression was somewhat gloomy.


    "What are you talking about? ¡¯Used to being with you?¡¯ Is it just about being used to it? Does that mean after all these years, is Mu Yichen with me out of mere habit?"


    "Why do you both feel the same way?"


    Helian Hao was looking down, but when she saw the ring on her hand, she felt another wave of sadness.


    "It¡¯s exactly the same."


    Qin Mu reminded her, but as soon as she finished speaking, Helian Hao¡¯s tears started flowing.


    Qin Mu immediately felt upset as well. Helian Hao didn¡¯t burst into tears, but awkwardly raised her hand to wipe the tears and said with a nasal voice, "You rest well, I¡¯m going back to the hospital now!"


    "Xiaohao!"


    Qin Mu wanted to stop her, but she had already rushed out, seemingly not wanting Qin Mu to see her cry.


    But when Helian Hao closed the door for her and looked up to see the man standing aside with a fruit plate, she just nodded and said, "Take good care of Mumu, she shouldn¡¯t get too agitated right now."


    "He¡¯s always been very faithful in relationships."


    Helian Hao was about to leave when she looked up at Mu Yi after hearing his bland statement.


    "Take care!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say much.


    Helian Hao didn¡¯t stay longer and didn¡¯t ask more, just left with her head down.


    They all say Jing Feng is very dedicated to her. Colleagues eating together is normally no big deal, but why was that fried egg shaped like a heart?


    After Helian Hao left, Qin Mu watched Mu Yichen come in with a plate of fruit: "I can¡¯t eat anymore right now!"


    Because of your good sister?"


    Mu Yichen walked over and sat beside her, asking.


    "Yeah!"


    Qin Mu agreed and then looked at the watermelon on the plate, from which he had picked out the seeds, yet she couldn¡¯t resist taking a piece and putting it in her mouth.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but chuckle softly, "Who just said they couldn¡¯t eat?"


    "You have to help Xiaohao teach Jing Feng a lesson, and also, if you dare to dine alone with a female subordinate, you see me... huh?"


    Qin Mu was speaking as she inserted a cherry tomato straight into his mouth.


    Mu Yichen, forced to swallow the oversized cherry tomato, looked at his wife dissatisfiedly, "Mrs. Mu, you really take your husband for a punching bag, don¡¯t you?"


    "Who told you to be his brother?"


    Qin Mu murmured, then directly took the bowl of fruit and walked away, Mu Yichen...


    "Some reporters called the office building today!"


    Mu Yichen watched Qin Mu nearly finish a small bowl of fruit before mentioning it.


    Qin Mu nodded and continued to eat, asking him, "Is there some major news at your office building?"


    "They¡¯re seeking confirmation of our marriage!"


    Mu Yichen explained, his reserved gaze on her.


    Just as Qin Mu was about to eat the last piece of watermelon, she couldn¡¯t help but turn to look at him.

 Chapter 648 - 185 Borrow Pajamas_1

    Chapter 648: 185 Borrow Pajamas_1


    "What¡¯s there to verify?"


    Qin Mu reflexively asked, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly.


    The air in the room seemed suddenly still, leaving only the two people on the bed facing each other in uncomfortable positions.


    "To verify that we¡¯ve already gone to the Civil Affairs Bureau to register our marriage!"


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Is it that you don¡¯t want to publicize the fact that you¡¯re already married? Hey! I¡¯m talking to you, Qin Mu, do you know how many years my brother has put up with you? How much longer do you expect him to endure?"


    Mu Qingxin, having had a spat with her husband, had come to her parent¡¯s home for a visit. After the child fell asleep, she and Qin Mu sat on the living room sofa, snacking and exchanging verbal jabs.


    Qin Mu caught a glimpse of Mu Qingxin¡¯s look and laughed unconsciously, "I didn¡¯t stop it! It just so happened that your brother wasn¡¯t there at the time."


    "Really?"


    Mu Qingxin didn¡¯t quite trust her, eyeing her suspiciously.


    "If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask your brother!"


    Qin Mu stated her position.


    "Why should I ask my brother? Don¡¯t you know he always sides with you? But I see it all too clearly. For those past twenty-something years and for the many years to come, between you and me, he has always chosen you. Right, if you were sincere, why wait for my brother to announce it? Why not sell the news to the media yourself?"


    "But the wedding is not far off, and by now, the whole Rongcheng probably knows about us, except maybe those who don¡¯t check their phones, right?"


    Qin Mu saw no need to make a public announcement; things were proceeding naturally, and wasn¡¯t it already clear?


    "Ugh! It¡¯s so annoying! I can¡¯t figure out what my brother sees in you. Boring, unlucky, and always so serious, there¡¯s not a single thing about you that¡¯s cute, and you still manage to create trouble for him, just like this..."


    Mu Qingxin ate some more fruit, then looked very displeased with Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu...


    "Am I that bad?"


    "What do you think? I can¡¯t wrap my head around it at all!"


    Mu Qingxin looked at her disdainfully, shaking her head repeatedly as if her brother¡¯s flower had been planted in Qin Mu¡¯s pile of dung.


    Qin Mu felt a bit annoyed by her contempt.


    "And you? You just cause trouble, and still, Jiang Yan dotes on you?"


    "Me? How am I not cute? Jiang Yan says I¡¯m the cutest person he¡¯s ever met! And you¡¯ve seen how much my parents and grandfather spoil me, right? I¡¯m the little cutie in their hearts!"


    Mu Qingxin started to have a staring contest with Qin Mu. The two were originally sitting on the same sofa watching TV, but then they turned to face and verbally spar with each other.


    "Little cutie? Mu Yichen also says I¡¯m his beloved treasure, didn¡¯t I tell you?"


    Qin Mu eyed Mu Qingxin, unwilling to back down and continued to argue.


    "Ha! He treasures only you!"


    "Yes! My mother died long ago! I was her little darling too, you know that!"


    For some reason, the atmosphere suddenly became a little weird.


    Mu Qingxin stopped talking all of a sudden, and so did Qin Mu, who then lowered her head.


    They had only meant to tease, never thinking of anything else.


    But now, as the mood shifted, both women bowed their heads as if regretting the unfriendly topic.


    Later, Qin Mu looked at Mu Qingxin again, "Change the subject? Why did you and Jiang Yan argue?"


    Mu Qingxin, seeing that Qin Mu wasn¡¯t holding a grudge, turned her body toward the television, "What else? It¡¯s about another woman!"


    Qin Mu was about to watch TV, but upon hearing Mu Qingxin¡¯s murmured complaint, she couldn¡¯t help but turn her head to look at her.


    "Oh, come on! Can¡¯t you hold a conversation properly? Why bring him up again?"


    Mu Qingxin started muttering again, clearly dissatisfied, but not raising her voice.


    It was like a small complaint, but there was no real anger.


    Qin Mu then stopped speaking as well. She actually wanted to ask more, but seeing Mu Qingxin¡¯s expression, she chose to stay silent.


    Let Mu Yi deal with his dear sister after he gets off work.


    Qin Mu later went to the study, having promised a male celebrity to design a suit for him, and she was planning to come up with a design in the next few days.


    Mu Qingxin saw Qin Mu leave for the study and then quietly slipped into Qin Mu and Mu Yi¡¯s bedroom. She first went to the bedside cabinet and began to rummage quietly.


    There was quite a lot in their cabinet, especially condoms.


    Mu Qingxin picked one up to look at it and then reflexively threw it back down after seeing the brand.


    She didn¡¯t expect her brother¡¯s taste to be so intense, thinking you¡¯re not afraid Qin Mu can¡¯t handle it.


    She continued to search in the drawer below.


    But inside there was nothing except for two jewelry boxes. Mu Qingxin then lifted her gaze toward the cabinet across the room. Though there was no one else in the room, she couldn¡¯t help but bend down and tiptoe across carefully.

 Chapter 649 - 185 Borrow Pajamas_2

    Chapter 649: 185 Borrow Pajamas_2


    There was still nothing, Mu Qingxin¡¯s mouth twitched slightly, and she was cursing silently without making a sound.


    Disdain filled her eyes. Their marriage certificate wasn¡¯t here?


    In their apartment?


    Mu Qingxin thought for a moment, growing angrier the more she thought about it.


    "Damn it, if it were here, I¡¯d expose you today," she muttered.


    Mu Qingxin squatted in front of the cabinet, pushed the drawer in, then smacked it shut with force.


    Then she turned her head to look at the wardrobe. Could it be inside?


    But as she tiptoed to the wardrobe, just as she opened one door, she heard the front door being pushed open.


    Instinctively, she looked back and saw Qin Mu standing at the door, stunned.


    "What are you doing?"


    Qin Mu asked with puzzled curiosity as he slowly approached.


    "Ah, that! I think I forgot to bring my pajamas, can I borrow a pair from you? Do you have any you haven¡¯t worn?"


    Mu Qingxin¡¯s mouth opened and closed before she managed to come up with an excuse, nervously batting her eyelashes at Qin Mu¡¯s wide eyes.


    "I should have some!"


    Qin Mu walked over, opened the adjoining wardrobe door, glanced at the neatly folded varieties of pajamas, and looked at Mu Qingxin, "Over here! Pick one for yourself."


    He hadn¡¯t even worn them and they¡¯d already become too big!


    Qin Mu was pondering whether he should continue wearing them next year if he couldn¡¯t this year.


    It would be perfect if Mu Qingxin wanted them.


    "My God! Why are they all so thin?"


    Mu Qingxin walked over, plucked two garments out, shook them, and eyed the thin silken pajamas before gazing suggestively at Qin Mu.


    "Each of these is over five digits in price. Do you want them?"


    Qin Mu had no choice but to awkwardly lower his head, trying to change the subject.


    "Yes! Of course!"


    Mu Qingxin agreed eagerly, thinking she¡¯d wear them for Jiang Yan someday ¨C he¡¯d surely have a nosebleed.


    But as she was about to leave with the pajamas, she suddenly turned back: "That... After you two registered your marriage, were you the one keeping the certificate?"


    "Huh? The marriage certificate? It¡¯s in the apartment!"


    Qin Mu recalled and replied.


    "It¡¯s in the apartment, huh!"


    Mu Qingxin¡¯s face lit up with understanding as she walked out, still muttering, "I knew it would be in the apartment."


    "Why are you suddenly asking about the marriage certificate?"


    Qin Mu followed her, asking curiously.


    "Oh! Jiang Yan hid our marriage certificate, so I was just asking who keeps yours and my brother¡¯s, that¡¯s all."


    Once Mu Qingxin left their bedroom, she clearly became more at ease.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t dwell on it, heading back to his study to design fashion and casually messaged Mu Yichen: "What time will you be back?"


    "Still in a meeting! Something up?"


    "Qingxin came back! How about we all have dinner together tonight?"


    "Sure! I¡¯ll definitely make it back before dinner!"


    Mu Yichen was seated at the conference table, head down, carefully texting.


    Several executives were seated around him, one was earnestly giving a report, others were watching Mu Yichen.


    Qiao Yi couldn¡¯t help but watch from the side, musing to himself that even during meetings, President Mu couldn¡¯t stay focused ¨C his mind was entirely on his woman!


    After sending the message, Mu Yichen looked up and caught Qiao Yi staring at him, and his dark gaze met Qiao Yi¡¯s directly.


    Within seconds, Qiao Yi frowned and turned his head away, attentively looking at the person reporting.


    Mu Yichen then withdrew his gaze, before lowering his head again to look at the phone in his hand.


    Secretary Xi sat on the side, helping with the records, her head bowed over her notebook the entire time, never looking up.


    It was past six in the evening when the meeting concluded. Someone suggested going for dinner together, but with Mu Yichen eager to get home he said, "Let Assistant Qin treat, at AM!"


    After Mu Yichen left, the older executives watched his retreating figure and couldn¡¯t help exclaiming, "Look at President Mu, still so eager to get home at his age!"


    "Yes! He probably won¡¯t be so eager when he¡¯s our age," another added.


    Qiao Yi and Secretary Xi walked out after the rest and heard the older leaders discussing.


    "Did you only start disliking going home when you reached our age? Didn¡¯t you say you and your wife separated in your thirties?"


    The senior leaders were chatting ahead while they followed quietly, listening in.


    When Secretary Xi reached the elevator, she sighed holding her notebook, thinking that if one is bound to grow tired of it eventually, why bother starting at all?


    Secretary Xi just hoped her boss and his wife would never get tired of each other.


    Separating in your thirties...


    Just the idea made the long, remaining years of marriage seem meaningless.


    Secretary Xi was about to go upstairs to put away her notebook when Qiao Yi suddenly caught her sleeve. She turned to look at him.

 Chapter 650 - 185 Borrow Pajamas_3

    Chapter 650: 185 Borrow Pajamas_3


    "Assistant Qin, we¡¯ll wait for you downstairs!" They took the elevator up first.


    "Okay!"


    Qiao Yi nodded slightly, and only after the elevator doors closed did he slowly release her sleeve, looking at her somewhat tired eyes, "Let¡¯s go together tonight!"


    "I¡¯d rather not. I have plans with friends tonight!"


    Secretary Xi calmly refused.


    "Your fiance??"


    Qiao Yi didn¡¯t know why, but he scoffed and his expression was one of utter disdain.


    Looking at his displeased expression, Secretary Xi asked, "What¡¯s it to you? I¡¯m going to put my laptop away and then I¡¯m off. If there¡¯s work, let¡¯s discuss it during the day. If not, then just treat me as a normal colleague."


    After saying this, Secretary Xi left with brisk steps, choosing the stairs as the elevator had not arrived.


    Qiao Yi remained standing at the elevator entrance, and even when the elevator arrived at his floor, it took him a long while before he stepped in.


    The elevator didn¡¯t wait for him and went up.


    Qiao Yi turned his head to look at the closed door and suddenly couldn¡¯t help but scoff.


    What was he doing?


    It was as though he was jealous of that man!


    What was there to be jealous of? A fiance??


    Qiao Yi waited for the elevator to come back down before getting in and heading straight to the parking garage.


    While Secretary Xi was still diligently working overtime, summarizing the content of today¡¯s meeting. When her phone rang, she glanced at it and quickly turned it off, locked her laptop, secured the important documents on her desk, and left with her bag.


    Mu Yichen had just arrived home and before he could get out of the car, he received a call from Qiao Yi.


    "Hello! Why do I have to dine with these old geezers alone?"


    "Didn¡¯t Secretary Xi go with you?"


    Mu Yichen asked as he opened the car door and stepped out.


    "I¡¯ll get Zhao Huai to join me," Qiao Yi suggested after a few seconds of silence before hanging up.


    Mu Yichen then slid his phone back into his pocket and casually walked inside with his hands in his pockets.


    The house was lively again with the addition of Mu Qingxin; her son was still lying in the stroller, looking up with big eyes, ears perked, listening to the strange noises on the TV.


    To a small life, all external sounds are strange noises.


    Both women turned their heads at the sound of faint footsteps and their expressions were completely different upon seeing Mu Yichen return. Qin Mu showed just a slight smile before turning back to the television, while Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but scoff, "Well, well, my dear big brother is back!"


    Qin Mu instinctively looked at her, finding her comment a bit odd.


    Mu Yichen walked over with a frown and sat down, first glancing at his beloved nephew in the stroller, noticing the little guy staring at the ceiling as if listening intently to something.


    After checking on his nephew, Mu Yichen settled into a single-seater sofa nearby, giving Qin Mu¡¯s foot a light kick as a greeting.


    Qin Mu just glared at him, moved her foot aside, and continued watching TV.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes shifted to his sister, "Why have you come back after just a few days away?"


    As he had been looking forward to a couple of days alone with his wife, the unexpected arrival felt like an intrusion.


    Mu Yichen asked wearily.


    "Do I need a reason to come back to my own home?"


    Mu Qingxin retorted!


    "Hmm! Do I need a reason to kick you out?"


    Mu Yichen looked at his sister¡¯s irresponsible demeanor and inquired.


    "Of course, you do!"


    Mu Qingxin looked at him incredulously, her voice changing in disbelief.


    Qin Mu listened silently as the siblings bantered, finding it amusing despite their seriousness; perhaps it was because there was no real resentment, just a playful quarrel.


    "Spousal disputes, huh!"


    Qin Mu commented nonchalantly to Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen turned to his wife, grasped the situation, and then looked at his silently brooding sister on the sofa.


    "Is that kid bullying you again? Where is he now?"


    "He¡¯s on a business trip with his female secretary!"


    As she spoke, Mu Qingxin pouted, looking wronged and vulnerable, having lost the sharpness she had earlier, leaving only her capriciousness.


    "If he doesn¡¯t come to pick you up, don¡¯t you go back!"


    Mu Yichen thought, I¡¯d like to see how that kid has the face to pick you up.


    Mu Qingxin looked up anxiously, "But what if he doesn¡¯t come for a long time?"


    "What? You can¡¯t live without him?"


    Mu Yichen asked with his hands still in his pockets, legs crossed, and an intense gaze on his sister.


    Caught between them, Qin Mu quietly listened as they continued their interrogation.


    "No, it¡¯s just that if he has to go on a long business trip, then... well..."


    "What ¡¯well¡¯?"


    Mu Yichen interrupted as Mu Qingxin began to sound feeble, and he questioned her; he detested such affectation in her.

 Chapter 651 - 185 Borrow Pajamas_4

    Chapter 651: 185 Borrow Pajamas_4


    Qin Mu felt that people really couldn¡¯t empathize unless something happened to themselves.


    If those two had an argument, if someone dared to speak to Qin Mu like that...


    Qin Mu thought if anyone dared to provoke their relationship, Mu Yichen would definitely make that person look awful.


    But now...


    Mu Yichen, CEO Mu is actually inciting his sister and brother-in-law¡¯s relationship, sigh.


    "Brother! You¡¯re being so cold-hearted, do you want to beat up Jiang Yan?"


    Mu Qingxin slightly raised her eyes, keenly observing Mu Yichen¡¯s expression.


    "Ha! Why do I feel like I¡¯m meddling? Since you¡¯re so concerned about him, why did you come back? Just roll back there tomorrow!"


    Mu Yichen said and then stood up, heading in the direction of the kitchen.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just watched as Mu Yichen walked away, then turned to look at Mu Qingxin, who was muttering to herself, seemingly complaining about her brother¡¯s despotism.


    Qin Mu squeezed her waist and slowly stood up: "I¡¯m going to see what¡¯s in the kitchen!"


    "Are you going to have an affair?"


    Mu Qingxin asked with a shudder.


    "I¡¯m with your brother! We¡¯re a legally protected, lawful married couple, do we still call it having an affair?"


    "Behind my back it is!"


    Mu Qingxin declared.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but let out a light, resigned laugh and turned back towards the kitchen.


    She had barely stepped into the dining room when someone embraced her from behind: "Have you been listening to her all afternoon?"


    "Just for a bit!"


    Qin Mu yelped, startled, and as she answered, she tried to move his hands from her chest, but was unsuccessful.


    "Aren¡¯t you supposed to be having an affair?"


    Mu Yichen hugged her even tighter and whispered in her ear.


    It turned out he had heard everything they said in the living room.


    Qin Mu had no choice but to reluctantly tell him the truth.


    "My chest is getting squished by you!"


    Super helpless! Super effortful! Super upsetting!


    After Qin Mu finished speaking, he couldn¡¯t help but lean on her shoulder and laugh, releasing one hand, letting it hang naturally, while gently holding her with the other.


    "You can still laugh?"


    Qin Mu turned slightly to look at him and asked.


    Mu Yichen suppressed the urge to laugh even more and then cheekily asked her, "How about my chest?"


    "Get lost! You¡¯re never serious!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but curse him.


    Mu Yichen still held her: "I was thinking about you at the office too, and this is the treatment I get when I come home?"


    "So you don¡¯t miss Mu Qingxin at all?"


    Qin Mu doubtedly asked him.


    "Why would I miss her? She¡¯s someone else¡¯s family now!"


    Uh...


    CEO Mu was so heartless and ungrateful, very unlike him.


    One moment he was doting on his sister, ready to beat up his brother-in-law.


    The next he was disdainfully sending his sister back to her in-laws¡¯ house.


    This brother...


    Mu Yichen personally made a soup in the kitchen, speaking harshly but with sincere intentions.


    It was a soup that Mu Qingxin loved to drink.


    While eating, Mu Qingxin murmured, "I didn¡¯t expect my brother¡¯s cooking to be so good! Bro! Since mom and dad aren¡¯t home lately, why don¡¯t we just give auntie and the butler some time off, and you can stay at home to cook for Qin Mu and me."


    "Do you think I¡¯m your nanny?"


    Mu Yichen furrowed his brows and asked her, giving no face at all.


    "Oh, don¡¯t say it like that! Whether it¡¯s as a brother or a husband, it¡¯s only right to contribute a little! Besides, we love you so much! Right, Qin Mu?"


    Qin Mu was dragged into the siblings¡¯ verbal fight without a clue, then nodded absentmindedly: Oh!


    In fact, she was just seriously eating, barely listening to their conversation.


    Just as she had finished nodding, Mu Yichen looked straight at her and suddenly agreed: "Alright! I¡¯ll cook tomorrow¡¯s breakfast and dinner! I might not be able to come back for lunch! Let the kitchen prepare for you guys."


    "Really?"


    Mu Qingxin, unaware of the actual situation, thought she had touched her brother¡¯s heart.


    "What are you guys talking about?"


    Qin Mu looked at the sibling duo, puzzled.


    Mu Qingxin...


    "Never mind! Pretend I didn¡¯t say anything!"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t stand Qin Mu¡¯s curious gaze any longer.


    She was so focused when eating.


    "Uh! I only had some fruit this afternoon, so I¡¯m a bit hungry now. You two can repeat it for me, I promise I¡¯ll listen carefully."


    Qin Mu spoke and put down her chopsticks carefully, resting her arms gently on the table.


    Mu Qingxin looked at Mu Yichen and then sighed, continuing to eat.


    After dinner, Mu Qingxin dragged Qin Mu to watch TV with her, while Mu Yichen had to sit on the sofa with them, holding the little one in his arms.


    "Bro! If your nephew falls asleep, you can put him down, and the three of us can play Fight the Landlord together, how about it?"


    Mu Qingxin suddenly suggested.


    Qin Mu looked at Mu Yichen, then shook her head at Mu Qingxin: "I don¡¯t know how!"

 Chapter 652 - 185 Borrow Pajamas_5

    Chapter 652: 185 Borrow Pajamas_5


    Qingxin...


    "So what can you do? You can barely hold a pen or a pair of scissors!"


    Qingxin was infuriated by Qin Mu¡¯s dullness.


    "I can have babies!"


    Qin Mu patted her own belly.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Bro! Your wife is amazing! She can do what any woman can, and she actually knows how to do it too!"


    Qingxin looked at Qin Mu but spoke to Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes looked at his wife beside him: She already knows enough!


    The man who had absolutely no demands of his wife.


    "It¡¯s just sad! Bro! You really are pathetic!"


    Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but make a snide remark.


    Qin Mu found it a bit hard to stay, being made fun of by her sister-in-law like this.


    "Pathetic? Compared to Jiang Yan, I think I¡¯m quite blessed."


    Mu Yichen held his nephew in his arms, while he teased his sister.


    Qingxin, so angered by her brother she wanted to cry, let out a helpless sigh: "If you two want to keep bickering, I think I should excuse myself! Mu Yichen, give me the baby, I¡¯ll take him to sleep with me tonight."


    Qin Mu said as she reached out to take the child.


    "You dare?"


    Mu Yichen immediately glared at her with a threat.


    "Ha! I think the one who should leave is me!"


    Qingxin stood up from the couch all at once.


    Mu Yichen and Qin Mu looked up at her.


    Qingxin...


    "I won¡¯t go! I just want to prevent you two from being alone, hmph!"


    Qingxin said as she sat back down.


    Qin Mu...


    "Take the child away!"


    Mu Yichen ordered his sister with a stern face.


    In the end, Qingxin still went to sleep with her son, but once he fell asleep in bed, she snuck into the couple¡¯s room.


    As soon as Mu Yichen came out of the shower, he saw someone trying to climb into his bed and immediately grabbed her hair and pulled her back: "What are you doing?"


    "I¡¯m chatting with Qin Mu."


    Qingxin said, reaching back to grab her hair, feeling like her scalp was going to be ripped off.


    "Chatting? Since when are you two close enough to chat on the same bed? Also, she¡¯s pregnant and already exhausted, you..."


    "Let go of my hair first! It hurts!"


    Qingxin hated it when someone pulled her hair.


    Mu Yichen let go of her, but said coldly: "Go back to your room, if you want to talk, wait until tomorrow."


    "Bro! I¡¯m just saying! She¡¯s like this now, and since you can¡¯t enjoy it anyway, why not let her stay with me."


    "Say that again?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s ears were burning with anger.


    "Hey! Can you two not ignore me completely? I¡¯m a living person on this bed, is it really alright for you two to talk about that stuff right in front of me?"


    Qin Mu felt she couldn¡¯t tolerate them much longer.


    "Hmph!"


    Qingxin left unhappily.


    After Mu Yichen got into bed, he leaned against the headboard shoulder to shoulder with her: "Don¡¯t let that girl get on our bed again, got it?"


    "Got it!"


    Qin Mu answered him with a resigned sigh.


    "Why do the two of you act like immature kids when you¡¯re together?"


    Qin Mu turned and looked up at him critically.


    Her serious demeanor made him frown.


    "Are you saying I¡¯m like Qingxin?"


    "What else?"


    Qin Mu gave him a disdainful glance: "Not cute at all!"


    Then, she turned over, pulled the blanket over herself, closed her eyes, and fell asleep.


    Mu Yichen...


    Mu Qingxin could actually compare to him?


    He had not known that before!


    Mu Yichen also lay down but used one hand as a pillow and gently placed the other by his side.


    "Turn back!"


    Qin Mu heard a soft voice behind her, not commanding but reminding.


    Suddenly remembering something, she closed her eyes, turned around, naturally resting her forehead against him, and continued to sleep.


    Mu Yichen lowered his gaze to look at her, gently wrapping his arm around her shoulder, "Just now, Qingxin said you both love me! You nodded!"


    Qin Mu...


    She, who was feeling a bit sleepy at first, suddenly felt less so due to the scare, yet she dared not lift her head to look at him.


    "Come to think of it, Mrs. Mu, we are about to have a wedding, shouldn¡¯t you formally confess to me as well?"


    He waited for a while; the room was too quiet, but her voice was still absent, so he lowered his gaze to look at her again earnestly.


    He found her breathing evenly, as if she had fallen asleep.


    Mu Yichen smiled wryly, unable to help but let out a sigh.


    Really asleep?


    No matter whether she was truly asleep or not, he didn¡¯t have the heart to push her further and simply turned to embrace her, gently patting her back.


    Qin Mu felt he was a bit like cooing a child to sleep.


    But she couldn¡¯t open her mouth to speak since she was pretending to be asleep.


    Unsure of what kind of emotion it was, Qin Mu felt her heart racing unusually fast.


    Was it nervousness?


    They were already an old married couple!


    Yet, she could still feel her erratic heartbeat, so indeed, she was nervous.


    Late into the night, she truly fell asleep.


    Mu Yichen then accompanied her in sleep.


    Meanwhile, in another room, Mu Qingxin was propped up in bed, legs raised, scrolling through her phone. The female secretary Jiang Yan, with her scholarly background and decent family, was too elegant.


    So elegant that it almost made her forget she was a woman.


    Seeing that elegantly dressed secretary, Mu Qingxin was overcome with frustration, so in a fit of anger, she left home.


    It was better that her parents were not home, which allowed her some ease; otherwise, she would constantly be asked what was going on. What could she say? That she had been negligent in her studies since childhood, which was why she was being outdone now?


    Blaming the heavens and the earth, ultimately, she could only blame herself.


    Even Qin Mu had her own career, while she, at this moment...


    She thought, perhaps she should also find a proper job? Otherwise, wasn¡¯t her university education in vain?


    The morning after waking up, Mu Qingxin went out to get a drink and bumped into her brother coming out in his pajamas.


    The two exchanged glances, and Mu Qingxin merely blinked, while Mu Yichen turned his head away and went back into his room the next moment.


    As if he was avoiding something deliberately.


    Mu Qingxin looked down at her clothing, hurried back to her room to put on a coat, and then went out again to pour herself a water.


    Mu Yichen stood by the door, pinching his brow, as Qin Mu, who was lying on the bed, curiously asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Nothing!"


    But after thinking it over, why did the pajamas Mu Qingxin was wearing look so familiar?


    "Was the pajamas Mu Qingxin wearing yours?"


    He suddenly asked.


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, then nodded, "Hmm! She said she didn¡¯t bring her pajamas, so I found a couple of mine to lend her. The tags haven¡¯t been removed, they¡¯re very clean!"


    Clean?


    Was that the issue?


    Mu Yichen touched his forehead again, looking down as he said, "I¡¯ll go pour you some water to drink."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t feel like moving, so she turned over and waited for him to return with the water.


    The siblings met in the kitchen without any awkwardness this time, as Mu Qingxin had changed clothes. Holding her cup of water, she sidled up next to him, looking at him pour water, and whispered in his ear, "Brother! I¡¯m planning on doing something big!"


    "What big thing can you do?"


    Mu Yichen asked her with a frown, setting the kettle down, ready to leave with his water.


    "Bro! Tell me the password to your apartment¡¯s door, will you?"


    Mu Qingxin immediately hooked his arm, conspiratorially negotiating with Mu Yichen!

 Chapter 653: Fried Pan_1

    Chapter 653: Fried Pan_1


    "No!"


    "Oh my! I¡¯m doing this for your own good! Why do you think I¡¯m doing this, huh? Guaranteed to surprise you."


    Qingxin nodded firmly at him, yet Yichen looked at her rather unhappily, "What exactly are you up to?"


    ¡ª¡ª


    After a while, Yichen returned to the bedroom, bringing water to Qin Mu¡¯s bedside, "The temperature is just right!"


    "Mm!"


    Qin Mu leaned against the headboard, sipping water while looking at him, "You seem preoccupied with something."


    Yichen finally glanced at her and then casually slid his hands into the pockets of his pajama pants, "What preoccupations could I have? Oh! It¡¯s nothing but Qingxin, that girl, always causing trouble!"


    Yichen said this and swept another glance at her.


    While Qin Mu continued sipping her tea and watching him, Yichen turned around, casually informing her, "I¡¯m going to freshen up!"


    "Mm!"


    Qin Mu responded slowly, continuing to hold the cup and sip water, lost in thought.


    After breakfast, Yichen went off to work. Strangely, Qingxin was also absent.


    And there she was, reduced to staying at home to look after the kids, thankfully the housemaid was there to help, so the housemaid was looking after Qingxin¡¯s son while she continued with her drawings.


    "Miss Second has been all secretive today."


    The housemaid was gently patting the little one, mentioning this in passing.


    "Really? I think so too!"


    Qin Mu stopped her drawing to reply.


    "Yeah! This morning she was mumbling something with the young master in the kitchen, but they came out after only a little while."


    Qin Mu just listened, her eyes flickering slightly as she remembered Yichen¡¯s actions this morning, which seemed a bit off?


    "Oh well! Maybe it¡¯s just siblings having a little private family chat. They haven¡¯t always been together, but blood is thicker than water, it¡¯s really nice."


    The housemaid began to get sentimental on her own, and Qin Mu involuntarily smiled, thinking to herself that it was probably Qingxin teasing Yichen! That girl loves to play pranks on people.


    As Qin Mu returned to her drawing and the housemaid took the child behind her to watch, Qin Mu¡¯s hand, holding the pen, moved naturally and freely across the paper, prompting the housemaid to exclaim in admiration without even realizing it.


    "Did you study fashion design abroad, Young Mistress? I¡¯ve only heard that you were trained by renowned masters, but we laypeople don¡¯t understand any of it."


    "Mm!"


    As she immersed herself in her design, she hardly had time for anyone else and responded reflexively.


    Seeing her so engrossed, the housemaid took the child to the nursery.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qingxin went to their apartment, bouncing up the stairs.


    Sitting down at the desk in the study, she gently pulled out the chair next to her.


    The two red marriage certificates were indeed quietly lying inside, Qingxin, feeling as if she had found treasure, held them joyfully in her hands.


    "Ha! Why does this feel so thrilling?"


    She muttered to herself, then took out her phone to snap a photo of the marriage certificates.


    The people in the photo seemed...


    Not very happy.


    Qingxin couldn¡¯t help frowning, "This definitely looks forced! Oh my, my brother really! Well done!"


    After taking the photo, Qingxin put their marriage certificates back in the drawer, closed it properly, and left, contacting her friend in the media on the way out.


    "Yuanyuan, it¡¯s me! Qingxin! How about a cup of tea together?"


    Qingxin wandered around the ground floor, feeling bored, and after making the call, she left the building.


    She bumped into Wang Mingyu who was driving back, but Qingxin didn¡¯t recognize him; she only thought he was a good-looking man and then cheerfully walked away.


    Wang Mingyu, however, couldn¡¯t help but laugh. He actually had some recollection of that girl.


    Qingxin met up with the girl named Yuanyuan at the tea house, Qingxin put her phone in front of her.


    "This should be an exclusive, right? No one else has had such solid evidence, have they?"


    The girl named Yuanyuan was excited to see the photo on Qingxin¡¯s phone but also appeared to be nervous.


    "Do you know that a few days ago, a newspaper made trouble at Qin Mu¡¯s studio and then was put on ice by the newspaper because your brother pulled some strings?"


    Although Yuanyuan really wanted the scoop, she was more afraid of jeopardizing her career over this.


    "What are you worried about? If I¡¯m giving it to you, it means I have someone¡¯s approval, right?"


    Qingxin winked at her.


    "What do you mean by that? ¡¯Someone¡¯ implies¡ª"


    "Well, I don¡¯t need to say it outright, do I?"


    Qingxin gave her a meaningful look again.


    "If something goes wrong, you have to protect me!"


    The girl said as she took out her own phone.


    "Of course! But you must write up this sensational news beautifully for me, can you guarantee that?"

 Chapter 654: Fried Pan_2

    Chapter 654: Fried Pan_2


    Mu Qingxin looked around and then earnestly briefed her.


    "Don¡¯t you know my writing? I¡¯ll send it to you first to check before publishing; that should put your mind at ease, right?"


    Yuanyuan opened her heart to Mu Qingxin.


    "Don¡¯t trouble yourself! But I really didn¡¯t expect you to still be in this field."


    Mu Qingxin looked at the girl across from her, full of vigor, still striving for her career, and let out a sigh.


    "I¡¯m not as fortunate as you are. Since we studied this, of course we have to achieve something. I heard you got married, and to a young talent on par with your family, no less! You¡¯re the truly impressive one!"


    "Oh, please! There¡¯s nothing impressive about it; it¡¯s just because I liked him!"


    Mu Qingxin felt a bit shy when others mentioned her affairs.


    By the time the two said their goodbyes, it was already noon. Knowing she would be back, Qin Mu waited to have lunch with her. When Mu Qingxin returned, she happily went behind her and put her arms around her shoulders, "You¡¯ve been waiting so obediently at home for me, huh?"


    Qin Mu laughed at such an affectionate greeting: "Of course! I didn¡¯t dare to go to the restaurant without you, Second Miss."


    "Well, now you can! Come on! Accompany this young lady for a grand meal!"


    Mu Qingxin cheerfully hooked her arm and went off to eat, ready to take on the world.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know how she managed to stay so cheerful. Wasn¡¯t she having a fight with her husband? Shouldn¡¯t she be distressed?


    Well! One can¡¯t wallow in misery forever!


    Qin Mu thought she must be feeling pretty down inside, just not showing it.


    "What were you up to so early this morning? It¡¯s so late for you to be just getting back!"


    "Met an old classmate I hadn¡¯t seen for ages, went for a tea!"


    Mu Qingxin said nonchalantly.


    Qin Mu nodded and didn¡¯t ask further. She had been hungry for quite a while, and would have eaten already had she not been waiting for Mu Qingxin.


    In the afternoon, Mu Qingxin went off for a nap, and Qin Mu spent the afternoon sketching out Li Yu¡¯s dress design.


    Before she off work, she drove the design to the studio, and told her colleagues that they would work on the dress together. As she was heading home, she received a call from Mu Yichen: "We¡¯ll dine out tonight!"


    "Qingxin is at home!"


    "Just let her stay home. Should I come to pick you up, or will you come over on your own? I¡¯m with Jing Feng and Helian Hao at AM."


    "Then I¡¯ll come over by myself!"


    What else was there to say? Everyone would be there.


    Qin Mu drove to AM. When she arrived, Mu Yichen was already standing at the hotel entrance waiting for her.


    A warmth spontaneously filled her heart.


    They had been together for such a long time, yet he still waited for her like this.


    Qin Mu parked her car, and Mu Yichen came over to open the door for her, "Drive slower next time!"


    "Got it!"


    Qin Mu smiled and wrapped her arm around his as they walked inside, "Why did you think to have dinner together today?"


    "We haven¡¯t gathered in a while! Also, Jing Feng and Helian Hao¡¯s wedding has been moved up, so there are some details to discuss."


    Mu Yichen, with his hands in his pockets, let her cling to his arm as they walked, patiently explaining to her.


    "I really never thought our Xiaohao would suddenly be getting married!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh and talk happily, sincerely happy for Helian Hao.


    "I¡¯m having regrets! Why did I insist on waiting for Christmas? It would have been better to move the wedding earlier to avoid any regrets."


    "Who¡¯s having regrets?"


    Qin Mu turned her head to look at him, thinking she had misheard.


    "I¡¯m having regrets!"


    Mu Yichen glanced at her as he said it.


    "You¡¯re having regrets? I¡¯m the one who should be having regrets, don¡¯t you think?"


    Qin Mu patted her stomach to remind him.


    Mu Yichen finally couldn¡¯t help curling his lips into a smile: "Yeah! You could have regrets too! But it¡¯s no use."


    As they reached the elevator, Mu Yichen took his hand out of his pocket to wrap her back protectively as they stepped inside.


    Qin Mu still couldn¡¯t help but openly gaze at him: "Honestly, Mu Yichen, you really want to have the wedding soon, don¡¯t you?"


    "Hmm."


    He hadn¡¯t really thought about it before, but after Jing Feng suddenly mentioned getting married, he indeed started to feel some regret.


    "Actually, I think a Christmas wedding is quite nice, and besides, we¡¯ve already registered, haven¡¯t we?"


    Qin Mu reassured him.


    "Hmm! That makes sense!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes shone brightly as he looked at the mirror on the opposite wall, his expression deep and meaningful.


    Qin Mu thought he had truly come to terms with it.


    Once they arrived at the private room¡¯s entrance, Mu Yichen¡¯s phone rang. Seeing that it was Secretary Xi, Qin Mu said, "I¡¯ll go in first!"


    "Hmm!"


    The door opened from the outside, the atmosphere bustling inside, making it impossible to discern who was talking.


    Helian Hao was already bothered by the noise, but perked up when he saw Qin Mu: "Mumu, over here!"

 Chapter 655: Fried Pan_3

    Chapter 655: Fried Pan_3


    Qin Mu closed the door and walked over, "Why are you out to eat so early?"


    "I¡¯ve been feeling sleepy lately, Jing Feng said to finish dinner early so I can go back to rest earlier," Helian Hao said after pulling her to sit down.


    "Hi!"


    Qin Mu nodded and casually greeted everyone at the table with a smile.


    "Xiaomu, while Yichen isn¡¯t here, we really need to catch up! I heard that actor, what¡¯s his name, Li Yu, went to you for a costume? Is that right?" Jiang Zhiyuan called out to her from across the table.


    "Yeah! There is indeed such a matter! What about it?" Qin Mu responded in a muffled voice.


    "That Li Yu is infamous in the industry for being a womanizer; almost every actress he works with ends up in his bed, so... you know," Yang Bo said after getting off work and lighting a cigarette, taking a puff before speaking to Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t expect Yang Bo to be so knowledgeable about entertainment industry gossip, but she was not.


    "Is that so? But I¡¯m just helping him design clothes!" Qin Mu thought about it and felt there was no contradiction.


    "We¡¯re worried about you!" Jiang Zhiyuan added.


    "Worried about what?"


    Qin Mu stood up, gently caressing her belly with both hands.


    Jiang Zhiyuan...


    The men, who were just overly concerned, suddenly grew silent. But after twenty seconds, they started chattering again, "He may not be able to do anything to you now, but he can still flirt with you! What if he has some weird fetish..."


    Qin Mu...


    "You guys really! Mumu is not a kid anymore! Besides, is that male actor stupid? He knows full well who Mumu is; would he dare to touch her?" Helian Hao pulled Qin Mu back to her seat and said to Jiang Zhiyuan and the others.


    "That¡¯s true! Nevertheless, Xiaomu, if anything happens, you must remember to call us brothers. If that bastard dares to lay a finger on you, we¡ª"


    "Call who brother?"


    Mu Yichen, having finished a phone call, entered from outside and curiously asked.


    Suddenly, the room went quiet again.


    "Fourth, put out the cigarette!"


    Mu Yichen reminded Yang Bo, who was smoking.


    Yang Bo was startled and then remembered that pregnant women should not be exposed to secondhand smoke. He apologized while snuffing out the cigarette, "Sorry, a bachelor like me often forgets pregnant women can¡¯t inhale secondhand smoke!"


    "Yichen! We were just teaching Xiaomu a lesson. She¡¯s been designing a gown for a notorious playboy actor in the entertainment circle!"


    "Is that so?"


    Mu Yichen asked, looking at Qin Mu.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu responded, feeling a bit uneasy inside because Yichen had told her not to take on any business before having the baby.


    "Hmm! What¡¯s his name?"


    "Li Yu, didn¡¯t he win a Best Actor award at the Golden Bell Awards during the New Year?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan, who had some involvement with the entertainment industry in recent years, said with insight.


    "Li Yu, age twenty-seven, 184 centimeters tall, graduated from¡ªUniversity of Washington..."


    Zhao Huai was looking up Li Yu¡¯s personal information on his phone, and when he saw the university, he froze, then nervously raised his eyes to look at everyone.


    A young actor, you thought he was so young to win awards and assumed he must have studied at a film academy? To everyone¡¯s surprise, he turned out to be a superb talent from the University of Washington.


    Why would a man with such a solid background choose to be an actor?


    Everyone could only think of one reason, which was to make money.


    Qin Mu, after listening for a while, finally sighed with resignation, "I actually think he¡¯s not that inherently frivolous type of actor; at least there was nothing frivolous about his behavior when he saw me! For now, let¡¯s just consider him an acquaintance we don¡¯t know well. Why bother thinking so much about it?"


    "Right! Aren¡¯t you all here for my wedding today?"


    Jing Feng had been sitting on the side for quite some time, listening to the brothers fuss over Li Yu until his ears nearly developed calluses.


    "Let¡¯s talk about serious business! Brother, shall we order food and drinks first?"


    Since everyone needed a drink to feel alive, the drinks were poured before the dishes were even fully served.


    Unable to bear their constant ruckus, Helian Hao, claiming they were going to the restroom, took Qin Mu to find a quiet place.


    The staff found them an unoccupied private room, and once the two of them were inside, they sank onto the couch, "My goodness! Those brothers sure can drink!"


    "It¡¯s all because you two are finally making it official, everyone is happy for you," Qin Mu said, leaning against her shoulder.


    "They sure can drink! I know their capacity for alcohol! They won¡¯t head home tonight until they¡¯re completely drunk."

 Chapter 656: Fried Pan_4

    Chapter 656: Fried Pan_4


    Helian Hao spoke up and then took hold of Qin Mu¡¯s hand, the two of them nestled together on the couch, "I never thought I¡¯d be the first to have a wedding."


    Helian Hao¡¯s voice was soft, as if tinged with a hint of loss.


    "Yeah! Truly unexpected! But it wasn¡¯t easy for the two of you to finally come together, congratulations!"


    Qin Mu raised a hand and wrapped it around her shoulder.


    "Lately, I¡¯ve had Jing Feng to take care of everything! Ever since becoming pregnant, my body¡¯s been feeling worse every day; I don¡¯t know how you made it this far!"


    The more Helian Hao spoke, the sadder she became. Now all she did aside from eating was sleeping, not even setting foot in the operating room, and she went to work punctually and left right on time, never staying in the hospital a minute longer.


    "Oh, by the way! Do you remember that female colleague who made the love-filled meal for Jing Feng that I mentioned a few days ago?"


    Helian Hao suddenly turned her head and asked.


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, recalling that Helian Hao had mentioned something like that.


    "She resigned!"


    Helian Hao said.


    The room fell silent for a long while, when suddenly Qin Mu turned her head to look at Helian Hao.


    Suppressing her laughter, Helian Hao said, "Jing Feng didn¡¯t go into details, but that girl came to the hospital to find me."


    "She actually went to the hospital to see you?"


    Qin Mu asked.


    "Mhm! But she came to offer her well wishes and left after that!"


    Helian Hao explained to Qin Mu, recalling the events with a bit of shock herself.


    The girl had been very sensible; after Jing Feng had made his stance clear, she chose to resign to avoid awkwardness, and she even apologized to her.


    Qin Mu found it scarcely credible ¡ª were there still girls who knew when to retreat?


    After all, what kind of people had she encountered? They were either too proud, silently enduring, or utterly self-righteous.


    Then, the little guy in Qin Mu¡¯s belly suddenly moved. Qin Mu raised her hand and gently caressed her belly, while Helian Hao, looking down, couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Did he kick you?"


    "For an obstetrician, you¡¯re way too curious, aren¡¯t you?"


    "I¡¯ve never felt it by lying on someone¡¯s belly before. Can I listen to it, please? Before Mu Yichen finds out."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "Would he be that petty?"


    Helian Hao just smiled without arguing back, thinking to herself, what do you know?


    Helian Hao lay on her belly quietly feeling the movement. Before long, the little one started to stir inside again. Although the movement wasn¡¯t significant, lying on her belly made it detectable.


    "A few days ago, my belly felt a bit uncomfortable, and Jing Feng thought it was the fetus moving! He really should feel what real fetal movement is like."


    Helian Hao muttered while lying on her belly and feeling the movements.


    "Well! Although I¡¯m pretty sure Mu Yichen wouldn¡¯t mind you lying on my belly, Jing Feng would probably kick."


    Qin Mu whispered softly.


    Helian Hao chuckled softly, as if afraid of startling the little one inside Qin Mu¡¯s belly.


    The room was lit with spotlights but the overhead lights were off, the two women sat on the plush leather couch chatting aimlessly, as time ticked away slowly.


    When they fell asleep, they couldn¡¯t tell, but when they woke up it was already the middle of the night, lying on the bed in the familiar guest room upstairs.


    Qin Mu felt the surroundings as soon as she opened her eyes.


    And Mu Yichen, had just returned from outside.


    Qin Mu struggled to sit up in bed and then asked the man who came in, "When did we come up here?"


    "You fell asleep with Helian Hao in the other private room around nine-thirty, and I carried you over,"


    He then went back down and continued to drink a few more.


    "What about Xiaohao?"


    "She¡¯s in another guest room, don¡¯t worry about her, Jing Feng has already joined her!"


    Mu Yichen walked over, sat down, and casually leaned in for a kiss as he started to undress.


    Qin Mu immediately refused when she smelled the alcohol on his breath.


    Mu Yichen arrogantly wrapped his hand around the back of her head, forcing her into his kiss.


    "Ugh! That smells terrible!"


    Mu Yichen let go of her, "Then I¡¯ll go freshen up. Do you want me to order you something to drink?"


    He touched her face as he got up, his besotted eyes lingering on her.


    "I¡¯ll order it myself, just go take your shower!"


    Qin Mu urged him and then looked askance at him before finding her phone.


    "Good idea!"


    Mu Yichen went to the bathroom!


    After finding her phone, Qin Mu wanted to check for messages from friends first but felt a bit hungry, so she called room service to order some food.


    When she unlocked her phone and saw the time, it was already midnight!


    How much can these people drink?


    To have been drinking until this late.


    Qin Mu sighed with a twinge of sympathy, then accessed WeChat.


    She thought about sending a message to Helian Hao but remembering what Mu Yichen said, decided not to.


    When she saw a message from Mu Qingxin, she paused because it wasn¡¯t marked as unread, which meant it wasn¡¯t sent just now.


    The time was a little after nine-forty.


    "So you¡¯re disgusted with me, huh? Humph! I¡¯m being generous today and won¡¯t hold it against you, but if you don¡¯t come back to sleep tomorrow, I¡¯ll be really angry!"


    "Qin Mu, check your Moments!"


    Two messages, nothing more.


    Qin Mu opened her Moments and then...


    Boom!


    Moments were filled with reposts of a major piece of news.

 Chapter 657 - 187 marriage certificate exposed_1

    Chapter 657: 187 marriage certificate exposed_1


    The road to a hidden marriage between the president of the Mu Family and a prestigious heiress.


    This status was all over the friends¡¯ circle, and when she casually clicked on a link, her marriage certificate with Mu Yichen was brazenly displayed at the beginning. The super-clear proof even showed their marriage date without any reservation.


    A series of reports followed, with sharp wording, concise and to the point, and utterly compelling!


    After Qin Mu finished reading that report and clicked back, she unconsciously lifted her gaze, feeling somewhat oxygen-deprived. With one hand supporting her forehead, she sat there mindlessly scrolling through the friends¡¯ circle.


    When she discovered that there were also blog posts about their marriage on Weibo, Qin Mu lightly tapped into it, only to find that they had made it to the top of Weibo without spending a penny.


    Photos of them that had gained legal recognition had been uploaded to Weibo, and she had never known that there could be citizens secretly taking their photos.


    When Mu Yichen came out of the bathroom, he saw her sitting on the bed with her hand supporting her forehead, seemingly very troubled while constantly grabbing at her hair. He approached and sat beside her, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Look for yourself!"


    Her voice was somewhat weak.


    Mu Yichen took her phone, looked down at the Weibo posts, and with graceful fingers lightly swiped the screen, his expression serious and focused.


    Qin Mu¡¯s hand was still in her hair, gently pressing on her own scalp, and she looked up at him, "We¡¯ve been exposed! Our marriage certificate!"


    "Hm!"


    He gave a muffled response, slightly frowning.


    Qin Mu said nothing, merely curiously sizing him up. Those sharp eyes held no heavy expression, merely more perplexed.


    It took a while for Mu Yichen to look up, and when he unexpectedly met her keen gaze, he just asked with a frown, "Shall I make a call to ask?"


    "Yeah!"


    Qin Mu gave a slight nod, her attractive skin making the man swallow hard, but he still sat there without moving.


    The two of them just sat there, seemingly lost in thought and appearing calm as they looked at each other.


    It seemed like a very long time had passed!


    There was a knock at the door for service, and Mu Yichen got up with his phone in hand, "Did you order something?"


    "Yes!"


    "I¡¯ll go open the door!"


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, then slowly walked out.


    Qin Mu¡¯s hand moved from her hair to her temple, continuing to press gently.


    Mu always had his cool, didn¡¯t he!


    Wasn¡¯t he eagerly anticipating their affair being exposed?


    Should he not be excited at this moment?


    Qin Mu thought he would happily pour a glass of wine!


    But he seemed not to be too happy, and Qin Mu couldn¡¯t figure it out.


    Later, the two of them sat on the sofa eating. After a few bites, Qin Mu began to lose her appetite. She held her milk and slowly leaned back against the sofa, watching Mu continue to eat heartily, as if half a night¡¯s drinking hadn¡¯t quenched his thirst.


    His ears were a bit red, seemingly because of the alcohol!


    Why was he so quiet now?


    Abnormal!


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes drooped, her brow slightly furrowed, and when she was carefully considering things, her lips subtly drew inwards. She hugged herself with one hand, while the other held the clear milk cup.


    In the vast bedroom, the silence was such that Qin Mu could hear him eating.


    But actually, the sound was very faint.


    "Yichen!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but call out softly to him.


    After finishing his pastry, Mu Yichen looked up at her, his mouth perfectly clean, not a crumb in sight.


    "Our marriage certificate..."


    "What about the marriage certificate?"


    "Um..., could it be that our apartment was burglarized?"


    Qin Mu was suddenly alarmed by her own idea.


    Mu Yichen looked at her, still very restrained and calm.


    "Quick!, Go back and check! There are also cards I used for advertising in the apartment, and several pieces of jewelry worth a lot!"


    Qin Mu suddenly stood up, mumbling while looking for her clothes inside.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly after she entered the room, but eventually got up from the sofa and followed in.


    Qin Mu was putting on her clothes when he came in and closed the door; she looked up at him, "What are you dawdling for? Hurry up and change! If stuff¡¯s gone missing, we¡¯ll have to call the police."


    "There has never been a theft in the community we live in."


    Mu Yichen told her with certainty, his voice still light.


    "Then..."


    "It was Mu Qingxin!"


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly and lowered his head as he spoke. He couldn¡¯t very well have her running to the apartment in the middle of the night to cause a fuss.


    "Huh?"


    Qin Mu was startled, and then remembering the situation when Mu Qingxin went to their room during the day searching for something, she ended up feeling both amused and puzzled.


    "She said she came to borrow a nightgown, and she asked about the marriage certificate. It was all for this!"

 Chapter 658 - 187 marriage certificate exposed_2

    Chapter 658: 187 marriage certificate exposed_2


    Qin Mu frowned slightly, almost driven mad by that girl.


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen walked over, then stripped off her clothes again, pushed her onto the bed, one arm encircling her, the other bracing against the bed.


    "Really don¡¯t feel like helping you put on pajamas."


    "Humph! Then don¡¯t put them on!"


    Seeing her own figure nowadays, she couldn¡¯t even bear to look at it herself; it was a wonder he could still stand to see it.


    Mu Yichen leaned down to kiss her, and Qin Mu¡¯s mind went blank all of a sudden.


    Until she fell asleep, she had no time to think about their marriage being exposed, nor did she get angry.


    Only after she fell asleep did someone breathe a sigh of relief. Having drunk too much, he fell asleep beside Qin Mu within two minutes of her dozing off.


    As for their marriage certificate finally coming to light, President Mu expressed it felt great.


    The night was peaceful, and everything was changing for the better quietly.


    Until the next morning, she was still groggy, her mind somewhat unclear.


    Mu Yichen had gone to work early, but the clothes she was supposed to change into were already laid out at the end of the bed in her room.


    Upon getting up, Qin Mu sighed helplessly at the sight of the long dress at the end of the bed and got out of bed.


    When she returned to the studio, Xiaomei said, "Do you know what happened this morning at our studio? A horde of reporters!"


    Qin Mu was heading upstairs when she stopped at these words and turned to look at Xiaomei: A horde of reporters? Where?


    "Oh, they had left before you arrived! But don¡¯t worry, we haven¡¯t said a word about you and President Mu, keeping the door tightly shut and not opening it."


    Xiaomei praised with dramatic enthusiasm.


    "Humph! Have reporters become so lackluster nowadays? To leave so easily!"


    Qin Mu continued walking upstairs, muttering to herself.


    "They didn¡¯t seem willing to give up; it looks like they were just called back by their boss!"


    Xiaomei recalled how she had peeked earlier and seen a few people receiving phone calls, then leaving with reluctant expressions.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes shifted, and she immediately thought of Mu Yichen.


    How did Mu Qingxin know the password to their apartment?


    The housekeeper said the siblings were being all secretive in the kitchen early in the morning.


    Even Qin Mu, who had to walk with her chest out and head high despite being pregnant, couldn¡¯t understand why she hadn¡¯t realized that those siblings were in cahoots.


    That girl, Mu Qingxin!


    Alas!


    "Bring me another pouch of the tea Wen Runuan sent over the other day to brew," Qin Mu mentioned as she entered the office.


    "Okay!"


    Xiaomei agreed but didn¡¯t follow her in.


    As Qin Mu sat down in the office and pulled out her phone, she heard a beep and glanced to see a WeChat message as she rifled through drawings.


    Mu Qingxin.


    That girl daring to send her a message, acting as if she had done something good.


    Qin Mu put down the stack of papers and picked up the phone. She unlocked it and saw the message from Mu Qingxin: "Today¡¯s news is really explosive, have you seen it? I¡¯m almost scared to death!"


    "Miss Mu, thank you!"


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, licked her lips, and replied with a cheeky smile.


    Mu Qingxin was sitting on the couch, holding her child, and when she saw that message, she immediately dropped her phone, her little heart nearly stopping in fright.


    Qin Mu then got back to work seriously. Several minutes passed, and she didn¡¯t receive any more WeChat messages from Mu Qingxin. She knew Mu Qingxin wouldn¡¯t contact her again today, but after some thought, she still sent another message: "Let¡¯s have dinner together tonight! No running away!"


    She really feared Mu Qingxin might just take off.


    Mu Qingxin pondered for a moment, then immediately sent a WeChat to Mu Yichen: "Brother! Qin Mu knows I leaked your marriage thing, we¡¯re eating together tonight, save me!"


    Mu Yichen was still in a meeting with Qiao Yi in his office. After seeing the message, he placed his phone aside, ignoring it.


    Mu Qingxin was unaware that the one who betrayed her was her dear brother.


    Qiao Yi looked up at Mu Yichen, who was somewhat repressing his emotions, and asked curiously, "Is it Qin Mu? About the marriage certificate being exposed?"


    "Mu Qingxin!"


    The pleasing voice of Mu Yichen spilled out with his sister¡¯s name.


    Qiao Yi...


    "Seriously though, that couldn¡¯t have been leaked by Qingxin, could it? But it doesn¡¯t make sense. How would she know where your marriage certificate was?"


    Mu Yichen actually had no good response but smiled wryly.


    Looking at him sharply, Qiao Yi chuckled after a few seconds: "You and your sister are really..."


    "How so?"


    The president asked with a suppressed laugh.


    As if the relationship between the two had only truly become a cause for celebration after last night.

 Chapter 659 - 187 marriage certificate exposed_3

    Chapter 659: 187 marriage certificate exposed_3


    "Really true siblings!"


    Qiao Yi looked at him with disdainful eyes and said.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, just slightly raised his eyebrows.


    "Qin Mu really must have committed some sins in her past life to encounter both of you siblings. Tell me, over these years, how many traps have you set for her? She¡¯s five years younger than you! There¡¯s a generation gap every three years, so think about it, is what you¡¯re doing really appropriate? At this age, shouldn¡¯t you as the elder be a bit gentler to her?"


    Qiao Yi had been quite upset recently, and seeing their marriage exposed suddenly made him even more upset.


    In fact, no one had ever seen their marriage certificate, so when the marriage certificate was exposed, the brothers really felt like their hearts were shattered.


    Showcasing love in the middle of the night, it¡¯s really torturous for those single dogs without a woman.


    Mu Yichen, elbow propped on the table edge, fingertips gently tapping his lips, looked at the man across from him with half-lidded, devilish eyes, "Are you very jealous? I¡¯m already a dad, and you¡¯re still single!"


    Qiao Yi felt as though someone had just hurled a bomb into his heart, blasting it to pieces.


    "I actually understand how you feel! I sincerely wish you find your other half soon!"


    Mu Yichen said with a slight smile afterward.


    "Fuck off!"


    Qiao Yi couldn¡¯t help but spit out those two words, then chuckled lightly and immediately retracted his smile, pushing the chair back as he stood up, also expressing his anger.


    "Despicable! I just don¡¯t believe that Qin Mu would let you off that easily!"


    After saying this, Qiao Yi left.


    Mu Yichen watched him leave with a lazy gaze, the smug look on his face fading as he straightened his back and let out a deep, contemplative hum.


    That was why he had left early this morning.


    By the time Qin Mu realized, she¡¯d probably be furious enough to kill him.


    Looking at Mu Qingxin¡¯s terrified bear-like appearance, his brows furrowed even more.


    He had hoped that Mu Qingxin could stand up to Qin Mu in the evening, but knowing Mu Qingxin¡¯s nature of bullying the weak and fearing the strong, if Qin Mu got even slightly serious, Mu Qingxin would probably end up just getting lectured.


    So, what to do tonight?


    He had thought that after the elders left, only the world of two would be left for them, sticky and sweet, but it didn¡¯t take two days for unease to start.


    In the evening, all three returned home: Mu Yichen, Qin Mu, and Mu Qingxin sat at the dinner table, ready to eat.


    Mu Yichen quietly observed the two women beside him, gaze lowered.


    Qin Mu then lifted her eyes to look at the siblings but just kept staring straight at them.


    Mu Qingxin slightly lifted her eyes and then chuckled, "Ah! Why is the atmosphere so strange? Let¡¯s eat first! Otherwise, it¡¯ll get cold and that¡¯s bad for the stomach."


    Mu Qingxin began eating with her head lowered, enduring the tumultuous feelings as she continued to eat.


    Qin Mu withdrew her sharp gaze from her and looked at her husband, "Have you been in meetings all day? Have you been very busy recently?"


    Mu Yichen looked up at her, also picking up his bowl and chopsticks, "Not too busy actually, let¡¯s eat first!"


    Qin Mu, after hearing his words, picked up her bowl and chopsticks but once again took a long look at the siblings before starting to eat.


    On the surface, everything looked calm, but it seemed like there were raging waves ready to burst within the hearts of those two siblings.


    Qin Mu felt as if she hadn¡¯t used her brain in certain aspects for a long time.


    But today, she indeed had some extra thoughts.


    Because it was so quiet during the meal, Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but lift her head to look at Qin Mu. Halfway through the meal, she couldn¡¯t contain herself, "Actually, I did it for your own good! If you two continue your hidden marriage, other men and women will always try to be the third party."


    As if she had suffered a great injustice, Mu Qingxin muttered her piece and then looked at Qin Mu, hoping to be forgiven.


    Qin Mu smiled slightly but remained silent.


    Mu Qingxin then looked at her brother, "Bro, what do you think? Didn¡¯t you want to expose your marriage yourself long ago?"


    Upon these words from Mu Qingxin, Qin Mu also turned her gaze to Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Is that so? But you should have discussed these things with me before doing them, so I could give Mumu a heads-up."


    After saying this, Mu Yichen looked at Qin Mu with a sincere face.


    "Uh! Bro! I seem to have sought your opinion on this matter a long time ago, didn¡¯t I?"


    Mu Qingxin¡¯s heart sank.


    "Really? I don¡¯t remember," said Mu Yichen, his dark eyes shifting toward her.


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but grit her teeth.


    Qin Mu bowed her head and continued eating.


    It was clear she wasn¡¯t bothered, but those two siblings were intensely acting out their drama before her.

 Chapter 660 - 187 marriage certificate exposed_4

    Chapter 660: 187 marriage certificate exposed_4


    Clearly, this brother and sister duo lacked talent in acting.


    The meal was, truly, super awkward.


    Neither sibling seemed to enjoy their food, but Qin Mu ate quite comfortably.


    After watching the "performance," Qin Mu put down her utensils, "I¡¯m done eating! You two continue."


    She glanced at them with a smile and stood up from her seat.


    The sudden silence in the dining room left the siblings looking at each other, as if they¡¯d lost the ability to speak.


    Not long afterward, Mu Qingxin leaned slightly outward to look, then slowly sat up straight and asked the man across from her, "Mu Yichen, what are you doing?"


    "What did you call me?"


    Yichen furrowed his brow, this girl actually dared to call his full name, she really was living on the edge.


    "Why do I have to take all the responsibility? That girl didn¡¯t say a single word, do you know how scary that is?"


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but glare as she continued to argue with him.


    "Scary? Who is scared to death?"


    Mu Yichen raised his eyes to ask his sister.


    Mu Qingxin...


    "You¡ª, do you believe I¡¯ll tell Qin Mu it was you who asked me to make this public?"


    "You think she doesn¡¯t know?"


    Mu Yichen retorted.


    Mu Qingxin was petrified again.


    She thought to herself, that girl knows everything? How is that possible?


    "Aren¡¯t you going to eat? Stop messing around!"


    Mu Yichen gave her another look, but just after telling her to eat, he looked at his bowl and lost his appetite, putting down his chopsticks.


    Mu Qingxin looked up at him, then lowered her head again. She was very hungry, so once Qin Mu¡¯s sharp gaze left, she planned to eat until she was stuffed.


    Mu Yichen looked at Mu Qingxin with a frown.


    Suddenly so hungry, this behavior was quite like Qin Mu.


    When Qin Mu was angry, she could also eat a lot.


    But...


    Just now, she hadn¡¯t eaten to bursting, instead, she ate elegantly.


    That means...


    Mu Yichen had an epiphany and stood up, while Mu Qingxin continued to eat her rice and looked up at him.


    "If you dare to call me by name again, don¡¯t bother coming back!"


    Mu Yichen completed his threat.


    "Psh! I¡¯m scared of you!"


    Mu Qingxin mumbled defiantly, continuing to eat.


    Qin Mu was sitting on the sofa watching TV when Mu Yichen came over to sit beside her, looking at the screen together.


    The leading man and woman were going through a tearful parting, crying snot and tears. Mu Yichen only managed to watch for two seconds before he averted his gaze, finding it disgusting.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes remained fixed on the TV screen, but her face was expressionless.


    Mu Yichen turned to look at her, "Do you want something to drink?"


    "Mm!"


    She agreed without taking her eyes off the TV or looking at him.


    Mu Yichen was about to go get her a drink but then saw the maid coming out with water and fruit, so he sat back down.


    Qin Mu asked him, "Don¡¯t you think this female lead is particularly disgusting? Always crying at the drop of a hat! And this male lead, a grown man, crying snot and tears, what woman would love such a fragile man?"


    Mu Yichen turned to look at her and couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. He lifted his hand and hooked his arm around her neck, pulling her into his embrace, and looked down at her, "Want me to cry for you?"


    His mischievous eyes half-closed as he gazed at the woman in his arms, then he gently bit her earlobe. Qin Mu stirred, and he tightened his hold slightly.


    "Ah! Mu Yichen, enough is enough!"


    Qin Mu tried to raise her hand to save her ear, but he caught it, wrapping her entirely in his arms.


    With her in his arms, Mu Yichen said, "Not even close! Still got an attitude, huh?"


    Qin Mu forcefully slapped his arm, "If you don¡¯t let go, I¡¯ll really turn against you."


    Mu Yichen did let her go but then cupped her face, squishing her mouth out of shape.


    "Turning against me does look quite cute."


    He looked at her, eyes narrowed, smiling gently.


    Qin Mu looked at him with wide eyes, grabbing at his wrists to try and push his hands away.


    "Kiss me and I¡¯ll forgive you!"


    He suddenly whispered his demand.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes almost popped out, her fingers digging into his sturdy muscles from grabbing his arm to digging her nails in.


    The skin slightly exposed at the cuff of his shirt was pinched until it nearly peeled.


    Mu Yichen slightly frowned, feeling the pain, and without waiting for her to comply, he directly sealed her mouth with his.


    "Bro! Could you two be mindful of other people¡¯s feelings?"


    Mu Qingxin had just come out, thinking of how to make Qin Mu happy, but instead saw the two of them on the sofa, kissing as if they couldn¡¯t get enough of each other, and it broke her heart.


    After Mu Yichen and Qin Mu parted, Mu Qingxin sat down angrily with her arms crossed and turned her head away to look at them.

 Chapter 661 - 187 marriage certificate exposed_5

    Chapter 661: 187 marriage certificate exposed_5


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but let out a laugh at her pitiful appearance, "What¡¯s there for you to feel so wronged about? Is it just because Jiang Yan isn¡¯t here? I haven¡¯t even held it against you for stealing my marriage certificate."


    "Does this mean... you¡¯re not angry with me anymore?"


    Mu Qingxin snapped back to reality, so excited she almost cried.


    "I wasn¡¯t really angry in the first place, it¡¯s just that you two were acting all nervous."


    As Qin Mu spoke, she glanced at Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen stood up, "I¡¯ll go handle some official business!"


    Qin Mu and Mu Qingxin watched him leave with an affected air, and then Mu Qingxin took over his spot.


    "Let me tell you, it was all Mu Yichen¡¯s idea, he was using me to..."


    "Mu Qingxin, do you want me to give Jiang Yan a call for you?"


    The man at the stairway lifted his head, unable to bear listening to the girl¡¯s nonsense any longer.


    Mu Qingxin stuck out her tongue, making faces while confident that he couldn¡¯t see her.


    Qin Mu watched her helplessly, then looked at the retreating figure continuing up the stairs.


    The siblings were both somewhat childish.


    Mu Qingxin said to her, "Actually, I just wanted to help you guys out. Your marriage certificate has been made public, so if some shameless person tries to seduce my brother, you can just smack them away!"


    "Yeah! But even if this incident hadn¡¯t been exposed, I¡¯d still smack them away just the same!"


    Qin Mu agreed, but she was really expressing her own thoughts.


    Mu Qingxin looked at her awkwardly, feeling like she was quickly losing the ability to converse with this woman.


    "Then what about Jing Qing in the past? Why didn¡¯t you smack her and let her almost break you two up?"


    "That¡¯s because the relationship between the Jing Family and the Mu Family is different from the others."


    At that time, Qin Mu simply didn¡¯t want to cause trouble for the Mu Family.


    "And later, there was someone called Su Zhen; I didn¡¯t hear about you laying a hand on her either." Mu Qingxin observed Qin Mu¡¯s calm demeanor, unconvinced.


    "She¡¯s the mayor¡¯s daughter; how could I dare to touch her? Besides, she got into a car accident later, which was a kind of retribution, I guess."


    Qin Mu said, smacked her lips, and suddenly laughed, adding, "I¡¯ve realized that all the women chasing after your brother belong to prominent families!"


    "You¡¯re the real ¡¯lady¡¯ from a distinguished family!"


    Mu Qingxin suddenly bumped Qin Mu with her shoulder.


    After so long, Mu Qingxin had gradually begun to like the girl who enchanted her brother.


    Qin Mu looked at her with disbelief, and suddenly, Mu Qingxin hugged her, "I still owe you an apology for making your marriage certificate public, just like my brother said, I should have given you a heads up!"


    "But he knew about it too, and he didn¡¯t inform me either. His heart is with me, that¡¯s all that matters!"


    Qin Mu said softly, suddenly letting out a laugh.


    She thought about how many things he had done without informing her; there were too many to count, yet she had never really been angry.


    It seemed as though all his unilateral decisions were made for her.


    Mu Qingxin also fell silent suddenly, "I wonder if Ayan promoted that woman to secretary for my sake."


    "Hmm?"


    Qin Mu looked at her curiously.


    The room remained quiet, but Mu Qingxin suddenly started talking about Jiang Yan¡¯s secretary.


    "I heard her father saved Jiang Yan¡¯s life. Without her father¡¯s help, Jiang Yan wouldn¡¯t have been able to bring down the Jiang Family so quickly. But I got into a fight with her for giving Jiang Yan a gift. I wonder if Jiang Yan promoted her to secure her father¡¯s loyalty..."


    After Mu Qingxin finished talking about her, Jiang Yan, and that woman, the room fell silent for a long time.


    Qin Mu just held her, letting her head rest against her shoulder, gently patting her.


    Sometimes impulsive actions for short-term satisfaction can lead to endless troubles.


    No one can cover the sky with one hand! Being cautious in your actions doesn¡¯t mean being a coward.


    For example, right now, Jiang Yan is dealing with that woman outside, and Mu Qingxin can only stay at her parents¡¯ house. If she had just held back then, maybe none of these troubles would have followed.


    However, everything will be resolved in the end!


    That night, Qin Mu talked with Mu Yichen in bed about Mu Qingxin and Jiang Yan. Mu Yichen muttered, "I¡¯ll give that kid a call."


    "A phone call is fine! But you should know that the person who is most anxious right now is probably Jiang Yan, so..."


    "Then let¡¯s sleep!"


    Qin Mu smacked him lightly, and Mu Yichen laughed and went to make the call.


    As an elder brother and sister-in-law, it was only appropriate to put some pressure on the brother-in-law to get him to handle things quickly.


    Later, as they cuddled in bed, Qin Mu lay on his chest and questioned him, "Why did you talk with Jiang Yan on the phone behind my back?"


    "It wasn¡¯t behind your back; it¡¯s just that some things are not nice to say in front of you!"


    Mu Yichen explained, holding her securely in his arms.


    "Ha! What have you never said in front of me?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him with disdain.


    "Men¡¯s talk, it¡¯s still not nice to say it in front of you!"


    Mu Yichen lifted her chin with his hand, smirking as he spoke to her in a soft voice.


    Qin Mu immediately took his hand away, looking up at him with radiant eyes, "You must have a lot of things you¡¯re keeping from me, right? I suddenly realized tonight that I¡¯m too nice, which is why you¡¯re so arrogant with me."


    "You? Nice?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief, and then he suddenly burst out laughing.


    Qin Mu felt so angry that her throat seemed clogged.


    "If you¡¯re considered to have a good temper, then are there any women in this world with a bad temper?"


    Mu Yichen thought, your temper is clearly written all over your face. Every time you scare the daylight out of me, you still dare say you¡¯re good-tempered.


    It¡¯s just that you have a stronger endurance.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help laughing, watching her looking so angry as if she wanted to devour him, and he offered his arm to her mouth, "Since you already scratched it, why not just bite down and vent your anger! Tomorrow morning I will go to the hospital and get a rabies vaccine first thing!"


    Qin Mu...


    In her heart, ten thousand alpacas stampeded past.


    "Mu Yichen, you little brat!"


    Suddenly, Qin Mu pounced on him, grabbing his neck with both hands, pretending to strangle him.


    "Ah! Murdering your own husband!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s neck turned red from being choked, as if his veins were about to pop out.


    "Who are you cursing? And rabies vaccine? Huh?"


    Qin Mu relaxed her grip slightly, but didn¡¯t let him escape from the palm of her hand.


    He pretended to stretch his neck, acting as if she was about to choke him, then suddenly grabbed her delicate wrists, "My dear, if I die! Remember to remain a widow for me!"


    "What?"


    Qin Mu widened her eyes and smacked his shoulder forcefully with one hand.


    At that moment, the siblings had acted as if they couldn¡¯t perform in the restaurant, but now, they had suddenly turned into drama queens.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but suspect they had multiple personalities, and she smacked his shoulder hard a couple of times.


    "If I die, you wouldn¡¯t remarry, would you?"


    "If you died, I would remarry immediately!"


    Qin Mu meant to tell him not to talk like that, but suddenly, she clenched her teeth and blurted it out to him.


    "What other man could satisfy you like I can?"


    He smirked at her, deliberately thrusting his hips.


    Qin Mu, still straddling him, blushed at his sudden movement, "Mu Yichen, you have the guts to say that again? See if I don¡¯t break you!"

 Chapter 662 - 188 Stay with me to sleep a little longer_1

    Chapter 662: 188 Stay with me to sleep a little longer_1


    "Once it¡¯s broken, you can¡¯t use it anymore! Have you thought it through?"


    ¡ª¡ª


    The next day, after Qin Mu woke up, she couldn¡¯t help but tease the man lying next to her, unwilling to get up: "How is it? Even Mr. Mu gets tired sometimes, doesn¡¯t he?"


    "It¡¯s all because of you, you vampire!"


    His sexy fingers gently caressed her waist, his burning gaze fixed on her beautiful profile.


    "Even vampires have times when they can¡¯t get blood! Sigh! I should get up and wash up, I have to meet Li Yu today!"


    Mumbling to herself, Qin Mu was about to get out of bed when her wrist was suddenly caught by the person behind her: "Meet who?"


    "Li Yu, of course!"


    Qin Mu turned back to look at him, curious why he suddenly grabbed her with such a serious expression.


    "You haven¡¯t sucked all the blood from your man yet, come back!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hand gently pulled her back in.


    By the time Qin Mu got to the studio, Li Yu had been waiting there for half an hour already, the several girls in the studio all took photos with him and also got his signature.


    She tiptoed forward and in the reception area, she saw Li Yu signing for Xiaomei, on Xiaomei¡¯s diary no less.


    A diary, huh!


    A girl of this era still using a diary, and it was her most precious one at that.


    Qin Mu sighed incredulously, a sound that was heard by the two people sitting together, and both turned to look back at her.


    "Hi!"


    "Hi!"


    Li Yu greeted her as well and then returned Xiaomei¡¯s notebook to her.


    Xiaomei stood up from the couch, holding her notebook, and said to Qin Mu: "He has been waiting for you for a long time."


    Qin Mu simply smiled at her, nodding after she finished speaking.


    Made nervous by her gaze, Xiaomei said to Li Yu: "I¡¯ll go and refill your coffee!"


    "Okay, thanks!"


    Li Yu said with a smile.


    Qin Mu sat down across from him, still smiling at him, and asked softly, "Do you always take such good care of your female fans?"


    Li Yu shrugged: "To create a friendly and approachable image!"


    As if he also found it somewhat helpless, though he said it with a smile.


    Qin Mu nodded: "Wasn¡¯t the dress ready last night?"


    "We ran out of these buttons, they only arrived half an hour ago."


    A colleague answered, then after sewing the last button and snipping off the thread, brought it over.


    Li Yu stood up and took off his casual jacket to put on the new one.


    It was sapphire blue, and he looked very noble in it.


    Qin Mu sat in a single couch and quietly watched, as if he had suddenly transformed into someone else. She looked up calmly and appraised Li Yu¡¯s face; she had to admit, he certainly had the kind of looks that could captivate countless young girls, not to mention a great physique.


    "Wow!"


    The female colleague, having adjusted his bow tie, stepped back to admire and couldn¡¯t help exclaiming.


    "Nice work!"


    Li Yu didn¡¯t even check in the mirror but just looked down at the pocket on his chest and the waistline. Having worn many high-end brands before, even he was astonished.


    "Of course, the designer deserves most of the credit!"


    After speaking, Li Yu lowered his eyes to look at Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu still smiled, only saying, "I can¡¯t take all the credit by myself!"


    "You¡¯re modest! But also a bit aloof!" Li Yu evaluated her.


    Qin Mu slowly stood up, circled around him, and after confirming there were no issues with his suit, asked the colleague beside her: "What about the trousers? Let¡¯s have our big star try them on."


    "Alright!"


    The colleague agreed, motioned politely, as another male colleague already brought over the trousers.


    "We¡¯ll talk later then!"


    Having acknowledged Qin Mu, Li Yu followed them to the fitting room.


    Qin Mu sat back on the couch, waiting quietly. When she glanced down, she suddenly recalled that before leaving home, Mu Yi had embraced her from behind in the courtyard, whispering, "If you dare smile at him, you¡¯re dead."


    Childish, oh!


    Qin Mu unconsciously pursed her lips, unable to hide the smile that spread across her face.


    After refilling Li Yu¡¯s coffee, Xiaomei came over and set it down. She looked down to see Qin Mu immersed in her thoughts, her face flushed red.


    "Ahem ahem!"


    Xiaomei cleared her throat.


    Qin Mu looked up at her: "What¡¯s up?"


    "What are you thinking about? You look dreamy!"


    Qin Mu...


    Dreamy?


    What on earth?


    She was clearly thinking of her husband!


    Yet if thinking of her own husband could be considered dreamy, Qin Mu thought that might not be such a bad thing after all.


    "Go do your work, and don¡¯t you dare get snippy with me again, or I¡¯ll call Zhao Huai."


    Qin Mu threatened her with a stare.


    "Ha! You think you can scare me with him? We haven¡¯t even dated yet!"


    Xiaomei stood tall, feigning bravado with hands on hips.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help laughing again until Li Yu came back out.

 Chapter 663 - 188 Stay with me to sleep a little longer_2

    Chapter 663: 188 Stay with me to sleep a little longer_2


    "Wow! Li Yu, you look incredibly handsome, like a prince from a royal family."


    Xiaomei clapped her paws together and immediately put on an adoring performance.


    "Thank you for the compliment! But I¡¯m just Li Yu!"


    Li Yu stepped forward and leaned in slightly as he spoke.


    And he said it with an elegant and confident smile.


    Qin Mu looked at Li Yu and thought to herself that this man must be really confident in himself. He always seemed so casual, but then she suddenly remembered what Jiang Zhiyuan and others had said: almost every actress he had worked with had been involved with him.


    Does a little brother like Li Yu also have an unknown side?


    Qin Mu was pondering this when suddenly, her phone rang from inside her bag. She stood up, "Xiaomei, could you please attend to our big star for me? I¡¯m going upstairs to take a call!"


    "Okay!"


    Xiaomei agreed, and Qin Mu said goodbye to Li Yu before heading upstairs with her bag to take the call.


    "Hello? Are you back from your business trip?"


    "Yeah! I heard about the exposure of your marriage, so I called."


    The voice on the other end sounded very hoarse.


    "That¡¯s right, it¡¯s been exposed! But now I¡¯m quite at peace with it."


    Qin Mu responded, closing the door behind her as she went upstairs.


    Li Yu went to change back into his own clothes and upon leaving, asked Xiaomei who was following him, "Is Miss Qin always this secretive? She even has to hide in her room to take a phone call?"


    "A phone call taken in a room is definitely a secret not meant for others to hear, and we all have such calls,"


    Xiaomei hinted gently, guessing that it was probably Qin Haiming.


    "Oh? Isn¡¯t it just President Mu?"


    Li Yu nonchalantly stood to the side with his hands in his pockets and commented.


    "If it was President Mu, she wouldn¡¯t need to hide."


    Xiaomei still smiled at him, but at that moment, she felt a bit annoyed by him; she didn¡¯t like men who pried.


    Li Yu nodded in understanding as the staff helped to pack up his clothes. Taking them, he said, "Thank you very much for your hospitality today and for the exquisite dress the studio crafted. I¡¯ll be heading out."


    "Sure! I¡¯ll walk you out!"


    Xiaomei said, gesturing for him to lead the way, and Li Yu walked ahead with long strides.


    Once they reached the parking lot, he couldn¡¯t help but laugh again when he saw his car parked next to a rather unassuming vehicle that cost several hundred thousand, before getting in his car. He placed the box in the back, rolled down the window, and bid farewell to Xiaomei.


    "Till we meet again!"


    After finishing, he put on his sunglasses and left.


    Xiaomei waved at him until he turned the corner, then shrugged her shoulders, thinking: Such a handsome big guy, I hope he isn¡¯t trouble!


    After finishing her call, Qin Mu stood at the window flipping through a magazine. When she caught sight of Li Yu leaving, she turned her head and said, "Let¡¯s go to the garment factory!"


    Qin Mu called out to Xiaomei, who had just come looking for her.


    Xiaomei nodded, "I¡¯ll grab my phone!"


    "Right! Lina, let¡¯s go together!"


    Qin Mu called another designer.


    Lina took the wheel, Xiaomei sat in the passenger seat, and she sat alone in the back. Since her belly had grown, she found sitting in the front too cramped.


    At noon, Lina suggested eating at the Wonton Restaurant near the garment factory. Qin Mu glanced outside and then said, "If we¡¯re going to eat wontons, let¡¯s head downtown. I¡¯ll take you to a nice little place."


    The main reason was she couldn¡¯t bring herself to enter the place after seeing its dusty sign.


    So, the three of them ended up at the wonton shop downtown that Qin Mu had mentioned. Qin Mu and Lina had clear broth wontons while Xiaomei added several spoonfuls of chili oil to her bowl.


    "You¡¯ll probably break out in pimples by tonight at the latest after eating this meal!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but comment halfway through Xiaomei¡¯s meal.


    "What are pimples to a foodie? I¡¯ll think about it after I¡¯ve eaten!"


    Xiaomei, completely unbothered, kept her head down and ate voraciously.


    So when everyone was gathered in the apartment in the evening to watch a show, she was the only one to come down from upstairs with a face mask on, complaining, "I¡¯m going to die! Several pimples popped up around my mouth; I can¡¯t show my face to people!"


    "Who said at noon that foodies don¡¯t care about pimples?"


    Lina kindly reminded her, then turned to chat in French with a friend about Xiaomei¡¯s predicament.


    Feeling resigned to her fate, Xiaomei sat in a corner of the four-person sofa, with her head against the backrest, sadly staring at the ceiling in a daze.


    Helian Hao and Jing Feng were hosting a dinner at their home for Mu Yichen and Qin Mu. After dinner, while the two men smoked on the balcony, the women chatted inside the house.


    "So was it Mu Qingxin who conspired with Mu Yichen to expose your marriage? Wasn¡¯t Yichen always claiming he didn¡¯t care anymore?"

 Chapter 664 - 188 Stay with me to sleep a little longer_3

    Chapter 664: 188 Stay with me to sleep a little longer_3


    Helian Hao said this and even turned to glance at the silhouettes of the two men on the balcony.


    "Yeah! So he really was just talking!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but give a wry smile, letting out a sigh involuntarily.


    "Hmm! When you were together with Mu Yichen, there must have been many times when his words didn¡¯t match his feelings, right?"


    "Now it¡¯s better! Thinking about it, there probably were more such instances in the past."


    Qin Mu suddenly lowered her gaze, remembering how he always put on a facade of aloofness in front of her, perhaps even glaring at her with that look in his eyes.


    "I can totally picture it! When he used to be alone in China, he would always have that sullen expression. Jing Feng and the others would often secretly say he acted as if they owed him a lot of money, putting on airs in front of his brothers while constantly missing you like a grandson, too afraid to say it aloud."


    Helian Hao recalled the past, which was also deeply etched in his memory.


    "Really?"


    Qin Mu asked.


    "Yeah! Every time we went out to eat together, he would sit there with a scowl, and then Jing Feng and the others would secretly discuss how he had mental issues and needed to see a psychologist whenever he went to the restroom."


    Qin Mu, with her head bowed, fell silent, not expecting that even Jing Feng would think Mu Yichen had mental issues when they were so close.


    Helian Hao, still innocently oblivious to Qin Mu¡¯s expression, continued, "Look at him now, sometimes he cracks a cold joke, laughs when it¡¯s time to laugh, how different from before, right?"


    Did they both have incomplete childhoods?


    Qin Mu wondered if her family was her obstacle; therefore, was she Mu Yichen¡¯s obstacle?


    Qin Mu turned her head to look at the balcony, where Mu Yichen was smoking and talking about something with Jing Feng. His profile was very handsome, and she felt an urge to go over and touch it.


    Her heart inexplicably stirred!


    Mu Yichen occasionally glanced towards the sofa inside where the woman was sitting, and just as their eyes met, he looked intently inside to make sure Qin Mu was alright.


    Qin Mu simply smiled knowingly, then turned back to Helian Hao and said, "We¡¯re both normal now, aren¡¯t we?"


    "You two? I suppose so!"


    Helian Hao gave a serious answer after some thought.


    Thinking to himself, not at all!


    A singing competition program was playing on the TV in the room, and suddenly an old song started, and the surroundings fell quiet.


    The two women sat shoulder to shoulder, listening to the old song together.


    Old songs are like aged wine! After many years, they become more mellow and rich.


    Jing Feng and Mu Yichen seemed to have heard it too. They put out their cigarettes and walked back in from the balcony casually, standing behind the sofa with hands naturally in their pockets, watching the TV.


    The song "Later" by Liu Ruoying slowly made its way into their hearts.


    However, this song was sung by a very young and sweet girl. Perhaps because both her face and voice were excessively sweet, the song didn¡¯t have the same depth of flavor.


    In the hearts of the four of them, it was actually Liu Ruoying¡¯s voice they heard, sinking into the memories of their seventeenth year.


    Together, apart, and together again.


    Ever since they came of age, they¡¯ve continuously experienced the taste of their togetherness and separateness deep in their hearts.


    Jing Feng walked behind the sofa and gently rested his hand on Helian Hao¡¯s shoulder.


    Mu Yichen, however, still stood there, and it was a long time before he lowered his eyes to look toward the body that was as stiff as his.


    By then, they had already parted!


    Even though he occasionally flew to Paris to see her, in her heart, he no longer belonged to her.


    To her, he was just a memory.


    Later, for a long time, every time Mu Yichen went to find her, her heart was hurt once again, and it took a long time to heal.


    At that time, she also wondered if there were other women who kept Mu Yichen from feeling lonely over the years.


    By then, she had gradually begun to understand love, but she was afraid to be clear about it, so she let go bit by bit amidst the tears, enduring, abiding.


    Then, she thought, if only they would never meet again!


    How wonderful that would be!


    There would be no more pain; let Mu Yichen become a cinnabar mole on her chest, forever and ever, existing only in memory.


    But being in a memory, where is the joy of living together?


    Later!


    After they left their apartment, the two drove to a nearby fountain square. Many people were exercising there, and they followed the crowd, walking slowly.


    Her hand gently wrapped around Mu Yichen¡¯s arm, she suddenly said with a smile, "I really want to run with them."


    "Can you even run? Otherwise, should I carry you?"

 Chapter 665 - 188 Stay with me to sleep a little longer_4

    Chapter 665: 188 Stay with me to sleep a little longer_4


    Mu Yichen glanced up at those people, willing to fall behind at this moment.


    Mu Yichen then looked down at her, his dark eyes full of adoration for the woman by his side.


    "My belly says it refuses to let you carry it!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t look at him, but she kept chatting with him.


    The two walked quietly together, an extraordinary sense of domestic normalcy enveloped them, surreal yet she particularly did not want to stop.


    "Huanhuan must be having a blast outside with mom and dad and grandpa, right? She really likes the sea!"


    "Yeah! She¡¯s so busy playing every time we video call, she barely pays attention to us, so she must be having a lot of fun."


    Mu Yichen responded to her, but thinking about their daughter playing with two boys instead of paying attention to him¡ªhe was irritated.


    "We¡¯re also doing very well, aren¡¯t we?"


    Qin Mu suddenly placed her hand in his palm, looked up, her eyes brimming with love as she gazed at the man so much taller than herself.


    Under the light, her eyes struggled to clearly see his face, yet they captured his most gentle demeanor.


    It was as if time had frozen at that moment.


    After they returned home, Qin Mu fell asleep in the car.


    Mu Qingxin was on the sofa watching a drama series when she heard the noise, turned her head, saw Mu Yichen carrying the sleeping Qin Mu in his arms, her mouth gaped open in silence.


    Only after they went upstairs did she murmur, "Goodness! Such disregard for others! Completely inconsiderate of other people¡¯s feelings, we have someone else at home too, all that cuddling and hugging, really!"


    Mu Qingxin complained, yet she never remembered how glued she was to Jiang Yan whenever he was home.


    After setting down Qin Mu, Mu Yichen came back downstairs, and just when he was about to smoke, he suddenly looked at his sister, "Have you had dinner?"


    "Yeah!"


    Mu Qingxin replied, then lifted her eyes to look at him.


    Mu Yichen walked over and sat down, smoking and squinting at his sister, "You¡¯re this rude to your brother? Huh?"


    After hearing him, Mu Qingxin leaned back, her eyes filled with contempt.


    "Did that kid Jiang Yan call you?"


    Despite her disdain, the fact that she and her brother often didn¡¯t get along was nothing new, so he was used to it, but he asked an important question.


    "Oh! I heard you called him to hurry him back? Why are you rushing him?"


    A woman contradictory in nature, wanting Jiang Yan to come back quickly yet worrying about whether he¡¯s under too much pressure.


    "Humph! Then let him come back later! I don¡¯t want to see him anyway!"


    Mu Yichen replied.


    Mu Qingxin...


    "Also, this year for the New Year, the three of you should come back!"


    "Why are you bringing up New Year¡¯s now?"


    Mu Qingxin asked him, puzzled.


    "Just occurred to me!"


    Mu Yichen frowned, tilted his head, and scratched his hair.


    He was serious! It indeed just came to mind, afraid that the family of three might feel pitiful.


    Mu Qingxin scooted closer to the sofa, moving closer to him, "Brother! Did Jiang Yan tell you what¡¯s the deal with that woman?"


    "Just a reminder to stop causing him trouble!"


    Mu Yichen answered again, of course, those weren¡¯t Jiang Yan¡¯s words.


    "He would never say that, only you dare talk to me this way¡ªalong with those women who don¡¯t know whether they¡¯re dead or alive!"


    When Mu Qingxin thought of those women clinging to her husband, she couldn¡¯t help but want to curse.


    Mu Yichen...


    But that¡¯s how the Mu Family should be, straightforward.


    He loved his sister¡¯s temperament¡ªgirls shouldn¡¯t be too sensible or they¡¯ll end up suffering.


    "Brother! You¡¯ve never betrayed Qin Mu, have you? You¡¯ve always loved her so much, how could you let other women touch you, right?"


    Mu Qingxin, still worried about Jiang Yan, couldn¡¯t help but ask such a private question.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, just took a puff of smoke, and upon hearing his sister¡¯s words, his brow furrowed in annoyance, yet he didn¡¯t utter a word, suddenly at a loss.


    "Brother?"


    Mu Qingxin, seeing him lost in thought, couldn¡¯t help but call out to him.


    "Get some sleep early!"


    Mu Yichen said nothing more, just got up to finish that cigarette outside.


    Mu Qingxin, realizing he was going out to smoke and momentarily setting aside her earlier question, had to raise her voice slightly, "Can you two not leave me to eat dinner alone at home tomorrow night?"


    ¡ª¡ª


    In the morning, Qin Mu woke up and without opening her eyes, she nudged the man beside her.


    "Mu Yichen, Mu Yichen?"


    "Hmm?"


    Mu Yichen frowned, groggy.


    "Go get me a glass of water!"


    Qin Mu mumbled, still with her eyes closed.


    "Get up and drink water!"


    Mu Yichen said, then got up, turned around, and picked up the thermos mug from the bedside table, which already contained warm water prepared for her.


    Qin Mu felt his return was too quick, tiredly leaned against him, and took a few sips in the position he fed her.


    With a dry throat and difficult breathing, Qin Mu frowned in discomfort.


    Mu Yichen looked down at her pale face, put down the cup, and then touched her forehead with his hand, which was cold.


    "Will you stay with me to sleep a little longer?"


    She turned her head, wrapped her arms around his waist, and buried her face in his embrace.

 Chapter 666 - 189 Protector of Wife Without Limits_1

    Chapter 666: 189 Protector of Wife Without Limits_1


    "Can you stay with me a little longer, please?"


    She turned her head, wrapped her arms around his waist, and buried her face in his chest.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s palm was still on her forehead, her forehead was slightly cold to the touch, but seeing her condition now, Mu Yichen first embraced her and coaxed her to sleep again, before he found his phone to call Helian Hao: "Could you come over? Mumu¡¯s feeling a bit unwell, yeah! Just took her temperature, it¡¯s a low fever."


    After Mu Yichen had explained the situation to Helian Hao, he lay beside her and continued to hold her close.


    In the dead of summer, she always liked to snuggle into his arms.


    Mu Yichen looked down at Qin Mu¡¯s face, felt the temperature on her leg, and his eyebrows tightened then tightened some more.


    Mu Qingxin came to call them both for breakfast, thinking they must be lazing about, but when she quietly opened the door and saw the man on the bed leaning against the bedside holding the woman in his arms, gently stroking her long hair, that look...


    Affection!


    That was the only word that came to Mu Qingxin¡¯s mind, as if, over there, was the most accurate depiction of affection, both in posture and in manner.


    She knocked lightly on the door, not nearly as flippantly as when she first wanted to pick a fight.


    Mu Yichen looked over toward the door, and Mu Qingxin stepped forward, not finding it awkward because Mu Yichen had his pajamas on, and asked with concern, "What¡¯s wrong? Is Qin Mu not feeling well?"


    "Mm!"


    Mu Yichen replied softly, very softly.


    "Then, about breakfast..."


    "You go ahead and eat!"


    Mu Yichen instructed.


    Mu Qingxin looked once again towards his embrace, her eyebrows furrowed, "She does look quite pale, better get a doctor."


    "I¡¯ve already called Helian Hao, go eat!"


    Mu Yichen gently told her.


    "Oh!"


    Mu Qingxin was somewhat reluctant, but still turned and left.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, thinking to himself that even at her age she was still like a child, and one mustn¡¯t eat a cold breakfast.


    Mu Qingxin ate breakfast alone, somewhat bored, and said to the aunt standing beside her with a sigh, "Tell me, why does my brother dote on Qin Mu so much? Could it really be that he owes her from their past lives? Or perhaps Qin Mu saved the entire Milky Way Galaxy in her past life?"


    "Maybe that¡¯s the case!"


    The aunt replied, her hands clasped together, smiling as she conversed with her.


    "Hmph! Yeah, I really envy that girl!"


    "The young master and young mistress have a good relationship; it¡¯s mutual. If the young mistress hadn¡¯t had any affection for the young master since childhood, why would the young master have never looked at another person all these years?"


    The aunt continued to talk, perhaps because of her age and having seen much, she felt these things were easy to see through.


    After hearing her, Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but look up at the aunt, "It seems people with age indeed know more, I think what you said makes a lot of sense."


    "Hurry up and eat! It¡¯s not good if it gets cold."


    The aunt urged her.


    "Hmm! The way my brother told me to hurry down for breakfast, he probably was afraid I¡¯d eat something cold. Thinking about it that way, my brother actually loves me a lot, too."


    Mu Qingxin suddenly felt much more balanced inside, though it was still self-comforting.


    The aunt couldn¡¯t help but laugh, then turned to do something else.


    Helian Hao arrived at their house a little after eight o¡¯clock, and Mu Qingxin went upstairs with her.


    "I didn¡¯t expect you to be so tenacious!"


    Helian Hao had grown up with her and didn¡¯t need to be deliberately polite.


    "Yeah! I¡¯m just here to be the third wheel for both of them. I¡¯m bad, aren¡¯t I?"


    Mu Qingxin said intentionally.


    "If the two of them would take you seriously, then you really would be bad. But they just don¡¯t see anyone else but each other," Helian Hao laughed, knowing Mu Qingxin had disliked Qin Mu since childhood, so she deliberately contraried her.


    "How can they not have me in their eyes?"


    Mu Qingxin confidently asked her.


    Helian Hao didn¡¯t continue the banter, only looked at her while knocking on the door.


    The two women looked at each other, both understanding what the other meant.


    "I¡¯ve brought her medicine, no need for an injection!"


    Helian Hao said while taking the medicine out of her bag, her heart aching a bit at the sight of Qin Mu¡¯s pale face.


    "But she looks rather serious! In the middle of summer, wrapped up so tightly!"


    Mu Yichen had just stood up for a moment, listening to his sister and Helian Hao chatting without joining in but he looked worriedly at the woman in bed who had wrapped herself up tightly.


    Qin Mu forced a smile, "It must have been from last night¡¯s trip to the square! Should have just gone straight home."


    After Qin Mu finished speaking, Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes dropped.


    "You two didn¡¯t go straight home after leaving our house?"


    Helian Hao curiously asked her.


    "There¡¯s a fountain square nearby, we walked a couple of laps there."


    Qin Mu said, a faint sweat still on her forehead.

 Chapter 667 - 189 Protector of Wife Without Limits_2

    Chapter 667: 189 Protector of Wife Without Limits_2


    Helian Hao¡¯s gaze quickly shifted towards Mu Yichen, who only gave her a faint glance.


    "Ha! Is it because I¡¯m disturbing your little world at home that you deliberately stayed out so late?"


    Mu Qingxin felt deeply hurt after hearing this.


    "With so many rooms in our house, isn¡¯t there enough space for the two of you to use? Besides, Qin Mu is still pregnant."


    Mu Qingxin¡¯s voice became more aggrieved as she spoke, and it grew softer when she noticed her brother was ignoring her.


    "I just wanted to go out for a stroll, that¡¯s all!"


    Qin Mu immediately stated her position, her voice uncomfortable, and she couldn¡¯t help coughing twice.


    "Anyway, I¡¯m not leaving!"


    Mu Qingxin stubbornly muttered, then turned around and walked out first.


    Mu Yichen watched his silly sister¡¯s retreating back and helplessly raised his hand to rub his temples.


    "If you have things to do, just go. I took the day off since I¡¯m free, so I can keep her company here," Helian Hao said as she looked up at him.


    "I have an important meeting this morning¡ª, I will definitely rush back before noon."


    Mu Yichen looked at Qin Mu and paused; truth be told, he didn¡¯t want to attend the meeting anymore, as nothing was more important than her.


    "Go ahead! Don¡¯t hold up the three of us from enjoying our affection," Qin Mu managed to say with a sharp tone despite her weak voice.


    Mu Yichen laughed helplessly, "You¡¯re sick, and yet your mouth is still so stubborn?"


    But his voice was so tender when he spoke to her.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile, her lips dry.


    "Then I¡¯m off now!"


    Mu Yichen had already changed clothes but left without having breakfast.


    As he walked downstairs and headed out, the housekeeper followed behind him, "Young Master, don¡¯t you want to eat something before you go?"


    "No need!"


    Mu Yichen answered and walked away.


    Qin Mu had just taken her medicine and gone back to sleep, with Helian Hao sitting by her bed and Mu Qingxin sitting on the sofa, both of them began to chat.


    "Speaking of which, Helian Hao, you and Jing Feng really never give anyone a surprise. Why just stay together like that? You could at least try dating someone else! Both of you have been together since young and will stay together even when old, how boring."


    "So, did you not fancy Yang Bo because you found him boring, and that¡¯s why you married a Mr. Jiang?"


    Helian Hao asked curiously.


    "Uh!"


    Both kept their voices down, not wanting to disturb the person sleeping due to sickness.


    Yet at that moment, the atmosphere was somewhat...


    "It¡¯s not that I didn¡¯t fancy Yang Bo, it¡¯s just that he looks too much like my elder brother."


    Mu Qingxin explained; she had always treated Yang Bo as an elder brother.


    "If Yang Bo and Mu Yi hear what you said, I¡¯m afraid both would be upset."


    "Then I don¡¯t care!"


    Mu Qingxin responded with a mischievous smile.


    Helian Hao sighed helplessly, thinking that this girl truly hadn¡¯t changed over the ten years, always indifferent to others¡¯ feelings.


    But what does it matter?


    Life is short!


    Helian Hao thought Mu Qingxin lived her life carefreely.


    Ever since she was young, it seemed she had been living life in her own way, and of course, her elder brother was the same, traveling to a foreign country at a young age with a little girl.


    The two of them chatted for over an hour without realizing it. Although they weren¡¯t very close normally, now they seemed to have a lot to talk about.


    From reminiscing the past to the future, it wasn¡¯t like before when they would glance at each other as if they were strangers.


    Later, Helian Hao, too, felt tired and leaned against Qin Mu¡¯s side.


    "Hey, hey, hey! If Mu Yichen knows you¡¯re leaning on his spot, he¡¯ll chop you up," Mu Qingxin quickly warned from the sofa.


    "He¡¯s not here!"


    Helian Hao lay down steadily, fearing Mu Yichen?


    "But his sister is here!"


    After thinking for a while, Mu Qingxin realized how stupid she was being; she didn¡¯t want to remain stupid forever.


    "Then go ahead and tell him! I¡¯m leaving soon anyway!"


    Helian Hao said this and then touched Qin Mu¡¯s forehead again; she seemed much better after taking the medicine.


    "We listened to an old song last night! One you used to love singing¡ªdo you know what it is?"


    "A song I used to love singing? The ones I liked before, I still like now. It wouldn¡¯t be a song by Naicha, right?"


    Mu Qingxin thought for a moment, her eyes looking exceptionally sharp as she spoke, her long lashes fluttering while she held a cushion and asked Helian Hao.


    "Exactly! I reckon the two of them were feeling nostalgic, so they went for a walk. Those two hardly ever go shopping; such boring people."


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but complain.


    "Yeah! One is obsessed with money, and the other is foolish."


    Helian Hao muttered while looking at the woman on the bed.


    "I¡¯m already awake! Who are you calling foolish?"


    Qin Mu mumbled, slowly opening her eyes.


    Helian Hao...


    Mu Qingxin stood up with her face blushing red, stretching her neck to look at the bed: "Hey, Helian Hao, you knew she was awake all along, didn¡¯t you?"

 Chapter 668 - 189 Protector of Wife Without Limits_3

    Chapter 668: 189 Protector of Wife Without Limits_3


    "A few seconds ago."


    Helian Hao answered.


    "You... Qin Mu, the foolish one I¡¯m talking about isn¡¯t you, it¡¯s my brother!"


    Mu Qingxin sat back down, nonchalantly continuing to lean on the cushion as she explained to her.


    Qin Mu...


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "If Mu Yichen hears what you¡¯re saying, there really will be trouble."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just slowly sat up, seemingly with some effort.


    Helian Hao quickly soothed her, leaning on the headboard, "Are you feeling better?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu agreed, but because she had been pregnant for so long she was naturally weary, and with the added low fever, she actually didn¡¯t have much strength at all; she could only say she no longer felt as cold as to shiver like before.


    At lunchtime, Mu Yichen came back, so the four of them had lunch together, and in the afternoon, when Helian Hao left, Mu Qingxin went out with her.


    Actually, she just didn¡¯t want to bring the kids and took the chance to slip out to meet old friends.


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen were sitting on the sofa in the living room, Qin Mu, lacking the strength to do much else, leaned on his shoulder and sighed, "I¡¯m really just fattening up at home!"


    She looked at her belly, looked at her legs, and then sighed sadly.


    "What silly thing are you saying?"


    Mu Yichen asked, his long lashes fluttering as he lowered his gaze, those incredibly beautiful eyelashes.


    "I¡¯m not talking nonsense, I¡¯m telling the truth. Haven¡¯t you noticed I¡¯ve gained a lot of weight recently?"


    Qin Mu said, lifting her arms in front of them; Mu Yichen reached out to hold one and then asked, "Where have you gained weight?"


    She was still as slender as ever.


    The only place she had gained weight during her pregnancy was her belly.


    She had put on a bit of weight a while ago, but recently as her belly grew, she seemed to have slimmed back down.


    "Haven¡¯t I? I think I¡¯ve put on a lot!"


    Qin Mu grumbled a bit vexed.


    In this sweltering summer, her mood was far from stifled, just a bit worried about getting fat.


    "Silly! Were you also constantly afraid of getting fat when you were pregnant with Huanhuan?"


    Mu Yichen lowered his head to ask her.


    "No way! Back then, I was too busy working to support her, so I didn¡¯t have time to worry about getting fat, and I was very svelte."


    Qin Mu said, a bit proudly.


    It seemed like when she was twenty, no matter what she ate, she wouldn¡¯t gain weight, no matter how much she ate.


    But suddenly, Mu Yichen stopped talking and just watched her as she reminisced about the time she was pregnant with Huanhuan.


    They had mentioned that time more than once, but every time it came up, his feelings were always a different kind of desolation.


    Back then, she probably didn¡¯t realize how hard and tiresome it truly was; she was just focused on forging ahead.


    His arm draped behind her shoulder, he gently pulled her into his embrace, his sexy voice reminding her, "After we have this child, let¡¯s not have any more kids."


    Qin Mu looked up at him, wondering why he would suddenly say that.


    Actually, she hadn¡¯t planned on having more children, or perhaps she had never thought about it at all; it seemed best to just go with the flow.


    But when he said it, as she looked into his eyes, she suddenly felt a bit oppressed.


    "In the years to come, let¡¯s spend them together and make up for the decade and more we weren¡¯t with each other," Mu Yichen told her, holding her hands and speaking earnestly.


    Qin Mu was expressionless for a few seconds, but then she leaned against his shoulder and whispered, "Why are you getting so sentimental all of a sudden? We¡¯ve been together all these years."


    "But back then, we weren¡¯t seriously together," he said softly, his voice heavy.


    He regretted it deeply, wondering why he hadn¡¯t said those words to her when he was fifteen.


    He regretted his stubborn nature from before, always wanting her to make the first move.


    But she was never the type to take the initiative.


    "Sigh! To be honest, I¡¯m already very content," Qin Mu leaned into his embrace and sighed before contentedly saying to him.


    She had never known hardship before, and now she was always content.


    Being able to put everything aside and be with him was something she wouldn¡¯t have dared dream of after she was eight.


    Mu Yichen spoiled her so, and as Qin Mu rested in his arms looking at the hand that held hers, she thought that now, was the most beautiful time of her life since she was eight.


    In the afternoon, Mu Qingxin didn¡¯t come back until after four, and before she returned, Mu Yichen had even made a bottle of formula milk for the child.


    Seeing her return with loads of luxury goods, Mu Yichen frowned and looked at her from the sofa, "Did you just go shopping this afternoon?"


    "What else would it be? But I did it to give you two some private space! It¡¯s not easy to find a sister as understanding as me; you should cherish it!"

 Chapter 669 - 189 Protector of Wife Without Limits_4

    Chapter 669: 189 Protector of Wife Without Limits_4


    Mu Yichen looked straight at her without speaking.


    Mu Qingxin tugged at her throat awkwardly, "Hehe! Actually, I¡¯m a good girl!"


    Qin Mu glanced at those boxes and then asked curiously, "I seem to have seen you with all these a few days ago."


    "We¡¯ll use them together!" Mu Qingxin said, then took out a few items and placed them in front of Qin Mu.


    "But I haven¡¯t used this kind for six months now!"


    Qin Mu said earnestly, subconsciously touching her own belly.


    Mu Qingxin...


    "I forgot!"


    She said with innocent eyes looking at Qin Mu.


    "But the shelf life should be pretty long!"


    Qin Mu said smilingly, then leaned over to pick something up.


    "Hahaha! Actually, I¡¯m buying these for someone else."


    Mu Qingxin quickly snatched the items away just as Qin Mu¡¯s hand was about to touch them.


    Qin Mu looked at Mu Qingxin in astonishment.


    Mu Yichen frowned and suddenly picked up a cushion from behind him and threw it at Mu Qingxin¡¯s head.


    "Ah!"


    Mu Qingxin held her head incredulously looking at her dear brother.


    Her dear brother actually hit her on the head.


    "Don¡¯t you know you can¡¯t hit a child on the head? It can make them stupid!"


    Mu Qingxin complained, feeling wronged.


    Qin Mu watched their sibling spat with a fluid glance, quietly observing.


    "You¡¯re already a fool now."


    Mu Yichen remarked, looking at her, then instructed, "Give them all to your sister-in-law."


    Mu Qingxin¡¯s jaw almost dropped.


    "I have a fake brother."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but chuckle softly, feeling physically unwell today but still couldn¡¯t help laughing.


    "By the way, what time is it now?" Mu Qingxin asked.


    "Five o¡¯clock!"


    Qin Mu checked her watch and replied.


    "Don¡¯t forget to remind me to watch TV at eight o¡¯clock; the award ceremony is on tonight, lots of young hunks."


    Mu Qingxin said.


    Qin Mu suddenly thought of Li Yu, the handsome guy who had said he would be receiving an award tonight.


    After dinner, the two women sat on a sofa munching snacks and watching the award ceremony.


    As they watched the celebrities walk the red carpet, Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but click her tongue and criticize, "These actresses, each and every one of them might as well come in bikinis; who are they trying to seduce? Really..."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything, feeling the same way, it was indeed very revealing. Although some indeed had nice figures, she lazily turned to look at the man behind them and realized he was also watching. She unconsciously cleared her throat, "Mr. Mu, what are you watching?"


    Mu Yichen reflexively looked down, responding with one hundred percent sincerity, "Just looking around!"


    Qin Mu scrutinized him with a piercing gaze, and Mu Yichen turned to go outside for a smoke, also making a phone call.


    Mu Qingxin tilted her head and whispered in Qin Mu¡¯s ear, "Men like to watch this stuff, aside from our family¡¯s Jiang Yan!"


    Qin Mu looked at Mu Qingxin disapprovingly and then turned back to the TV.


    "Wow wow wow, our Little Moon is simply radiating new levels of handsomeness this year."


    Mu Qingxin swooned over the appearance of the male actor.


    Qin Mu asked, "Who¡¯s ¡¯Little Moon¡¯?"


    "His eyes, if you look carefully, you should see they¡¯re as beautiful as the moon when he smiles, their shape as enchanting as a crescent."


    Mu Qingxin continued to gush.


    "Wow! Who is this man, Li Yu? Why has he changed his style today?"


    Mu Qingxin snacked while her eyes stayed glued to the screen.


    "Is changing style bad?"


    Qin Mu watched Li Yu make his entrance, seemingly to high acclaim.


    "Not really, just not used to it. He always had this boy-next-door look, but today he¡¯s got a bit of a prince vibe going on. My little heart is fluttering again!"


    Mu Qingxin clutched the snacks to her chest, and Qin Mu, seeing her slight figure nearly spilling out, suddenly had her thoughts wander.


    However, on the red carpet, he seemed much more attractive than when he had been in the studio before.


    "That outfit, it doesn¡¯t look like anything he¡¯s worn in public before, does it? Have you seen it?"


    "Yeah! I have!"


    "Ah? I really have turned into a fool this year, being pregnant and taking care of kids, not knowing anything. Which show was it from?"


    "It hasn¡¯t been on stage before, and this is the only piece."


    Mu Qingxin¡¯s mouth twitched, then she turned to look at Qin Mu, "Don¡¯t tell me you designed it for him?"


    "The sketches I was drawing the other day were for him."


    Mu Qingxin...


    She really didn¡¯t want to believe or admire it, snorted, and continued munching on snacks and watching others.


    Qin Mu noted that every time a male actor came out, Mu Qingxin would clutch her chest.


    But when her own heartthrob appeared, Qin Mu also couldn¡¯t help but get excited.


    There weren¡¯t many male actors she liked, and those she did were generally older.

 Chapter 670 - 189 Protector of Wife Without Limits_5

    Chapter 670: 189 Protector of Wife Without Limits_5


    But she was just quietly excited, from her gaze to her very soul, yet she wouldn¡¯t jump for joy.


    "This uncle must be almost sixty this year, right? But even after so many years, he still has such a good figure."


    Qingxin also pressed her chest, and at that moment, she lowered her voice as if these mature male actors, despite their age, deserved even more respect.


    "Don¡¯t know how old he is, but every character he interprets, no matter what identity, is done to perfection."


    Qin Mu whispered, with two male stars over forty coming on stage next, but their applause was not as loud as the previous one.


    "Suddenly I thought of someone!"


    "Don¡¯t say it!"


    Qingxin turned to look at Qin Mu, and when Qin Mu told her not to speak, she closed her mouth.


    "But, wasn¡¯t she sent abroad by the Jing Family?"


    Qingxin still couldn¡¯t help but ask afterward.


    "She couldn¡¯t possibly be really dead, could she? If she were really gone, would the Jing Family let Jing Feng and Helian Hao have their wedding so soon? It just doesn¡¯t fit the old man of the Jing Family¡¯s character."


    Qingxin muttered to herself.


    Yichen was walking indifferently inside, pondering certain things after hearing his sister¡¯s comment.


    Even Qingxin could notice such things.


    He looked up and saw the displeased expression on Qin Mu¡¯s face and suddenly felt that this little sister of his was truly...


    Qingxin looked over at Qin Mu and then suddenly stopped talking.


    "Let¡¯s go upstairs!"


    Yichen walked over to Qin Mu, took her hand, and helped her stand up from the couch.


    "You two are going to bed so early?"


    "If we¡¯re not sleeping, should we stay here and listen to you ramble?"


    Yichen looked at her with a slight reprimand in his eyes.


    Qingxin had to close her mouth and say no more. Yichen led Qin Mu upstairs, and only after leaving the couch did Qin Mu snap back to reality, turning her head to Qingxin and saying, "Qingxin, we¡¯re going to rest first!"


    "Oh!"


    Qingxin acknowledged, then upon realizing Qin Mu was back to her senses, she couldn¡¯t help but let out a wordless laugh, thinking: "This girl really is..."


    However, the blow Jing Qing dealt seemed quite significant to Qin Mu; after some reflection, Qingxin felt she really knew too little about the art of speaking.


    She then took a few photos of her favorite male actors and posted them on her social media. Yes, it was to make sure a certain someone would see them.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t go to work for two consecutive days, and on the third day, as soon as she arrived at the studio, she saw the blue-and-white porcelain vase worth millions, gifted by Yichen, filled with lovely starflowers.


    Xiaomei stood at her office door and said, "Li Yu had the flower shop send them, I put the card on the side for you."


    Xiaomei left to get busy with other things, and Qin Mu, standing behind her desk, picked up the card and glanced at it.


    "Thank you!"


    Just two words were written, signed by Li Yu.


    Li Yu¡¯s handwriting was actually quite good; he must have practiced especially hard.


    Qin Mu put the card aside, then played with the flowers a bit, in quite a good mood.


    Later, she didn¡¯t get much work done and went downstairs to see her colleagues drawing, taking the opportunity to have a chat with them. The morning passed quickly.


    In the afternoon, Li Yu called her, "Miss Qin, did you see the flowers?"


    "I saw them, thank you."


    Qin Mu liked to express her feelings simply.


    "I¡¯m glad Miss Qin likes them! They¡¯re not any valuable species, but Miss Qin isn¡¯t the type of vulgar person."


    Li Yu stood in his lounge, looking out the misty window as he spoke to her.


    "Actually, I¡¯m just an ordinary person!"


    Qin Mu said.


    "If Miss Qin is ordinary, then wouldn¡¯t everyone in the world be unbearably vulgar! I have to go to an event later, but when I¡¯m free, I hope to invite Miss Qin for a meal."


    "Actually, you can call me Mrs. Mu; I¡¯m fine with that, too."


    Qin Mu added after a moment¡¯s thought, providing a reminder.


    "In the studio, you¡¯re Miss Qin, there¡¯s no Mrs. Mu, right? I have to go, bye!"


    Li Yu promptly ended the call after speaking, let out a long sigh, and then continued staring down from the building.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but frown unconsciously.


    Before, she truly would have been unhappy if someone called her Mrs. Mu, but now, hearing people insist on calling her Miss Qin, she actually found it headache-inducing.


    At noon, Xiaomei was forcibly kept by her to share the pregnancy meal that AM had brought; the rest went out to eat more flavorful food, and the two were chatting in the dining room when suddenly they heard someone else approaching from behind.


    The two stopped talking and turned their heads to look in that direction.


    Jian Yan, dressed in black trousers and a light blue shirt, stood there, smiling gently at them.


    "Am I dreaming?"


    Xiaomei mumbled, unable to move for a long time.


    It was indeed like a dream!


    Jian Yan¡¯s eyes gazed at the expression on Qin Mu¡¯s face, then slowly shifted downward.


    Qin Mu slowly stood up, but her abdomen had already started to show.


    Jian Yan slightly smiled and then approached, "Sit down, why are you standing up? It¡¯s so inconvenient."


    As he spoke, he took the initiative to pull out a chair, "Can I have a bowl of the rice?"


    He addressed Xiaomei with this question, who immediately took out another bowl, and the three of them shared the rice meal.


    Since the hotel worried about them having many people for the meal, they always gave them two extra sets of utensils. As Xiaomei was serving him the rice, Jian Yan¡¯s gaze returned to Qin Mu.


    "You seem to have become haggard recently."


    His voice was very low.


    "You don¡¯t know, she just got over an illness, and today is her first day back at work," Xiaomei said casually while serving the rice to Jian Yan.


    "Illness? What happened?"


    Jian Yan¡¯s eyebrows furrowed anxiously.


    "It was just a slight fever, it got better in a day, but Mu Yichen wanted me to rest at home for a couple more days. Why did you come over so suddenly without calling so we could pick you up?"


    "I came on a business trip, was passing by and decided to drop in to see you all. My flight back is at four in the afternoon."


    He looked elegant as he said those words and then began eating his meal with chopsticks.


    "So soon?"


    Xiaomei asked him, surprised.


    "Let¡¯s eat first!"


    Jian Yan said and continued eating gracefully.


    He evidently wasn¡¯t able to eat much.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but look at him several times, before stopping herself from speaking.


    Xiaomei watched Jian Yan eat and felt worried; ever since his surgery, he seemed to always eat very little and very delicately.


    After the meal, Xiaomei immediately went to grind some coffee for Jian Yan, knowing his taste, and considering she hadn¡¯t taken care of him in a long time, Xiaomei was especially diligent in making the cup.


    Outside the upstairs office door, Xiaomei stood poised to push the door open directly, but then she paused, thinking.


    A man¡¯s gentle voice was heard from inside.


    "Just take a look at your wedding dress, there are only some small details left."


    It was already shaped on a mannequin; Qin Mu looked at it and simply nodded, "Very nice."


    Xiaomei raised her hand to knock on the door, knowing that Jian Yan would do his utmost for Qin Mu.


    "Come in!"


    Qin Mu said, turning her head to the door.


    Xiaomei entered and saw Jian Yan sitting in Qin Mu¡¯s office chair, while Qin Mu sat in the outside chair, but both of them were leaning towards each other.


    "What¡¯s going on? Since when do you need to knock to enter my office?"


    Qin Mu asked, seeing the discomfort on Xiaomei¡¯s face.


    "Well, because the big boss is here!"


    Xiaomei said softly, placing the coffee in front of Jian Yan.


    Just by the smell, one could tell it was Jian Yan¡¯s preference.


    Jian Yan looked up slightly at Xiaomei upon hearing her words, the corners of his mouth curling up faintly, but his eyes bore no excess emotion.

 Chapter 671 - 190 Originally_1

    Chapter 671: 190 Originally_1


    Suddenly the door was knocked upon from outside, yet the door was clearly open.


    The three people all looked towards the outside.


    Mu Yichen stood by the door with his hands in his pockets, smiling.


    "Wife, how could you not tell me about such a big incident with your master?"


    Mu Yichen looked at the two of them, took a step forward, bent down behind Qin Mu, his hands resting on the armrests of her chair, and whispered in her ear.


    Although he didn¡¯t touch her, his posture had already completely enveloped her in his embrace.


    Qin Mu helplessly lowered her gaze, knowing from the look in Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes that he was consumed with jealousy.


    "He just arrived half an hour ago, and has a flight back to Paris at four o¡¯clock."


    Jian Yan sat in the chair behind the office desk, leaning casually backward, and easily threw out that sentence as he lifted his eyes to Mu Yichen.


    Only then did Mu Yichen lift his gaze to him, "That hurried?"


    "Passing through Rongcheng on a business trip, just thought I¡¯d come to see her."


    Jian Yan continued to explain, but without any discomfort, quite at ease instead.


    Mu Yichen smiled faintly, then lowered his head to look at Qin Mu, "By the way, it¡¯s been a long time since you¡¯ve seen Mumu, haven¡¯t you? Have you noticed anything different about her now?"


    Qin Mu...


    Xiaomei could hardly stand it any longer, wasn¡¯t President Mu being too obvious?


    Jian Yan took only one glance before averting his gaze, casually saying with his head lowered, "There is quite a big change, heard she even had a slight fever the other day. My disciple has always been in good health, I wonder how President Mu managed to make my generally healthy disciple fall ill?"


    Qin Mu looked up at Jian Yan, completely unprepared for him to ask this kind of question.


    Mu Yichen also straightened up slowly, standing behind Qin Mu, gazing with a domineering attitude at the man sitting across from him in the chair, and after a while, he tugged at the corner of his mouth.


    "Perhaps you don¡¯t know, actually her health wasn¡¯t that good before. These past few years, after returning to Rongcheng and under my careful care, she has improved a lot. Before, she just tended to overexert herself. In front of me, she no longer does that."


    Xiaomei and Qin Mu both stayed silent, both feeling the atmosphere in the office was somewhat off.


    "Is that so?"


    Jian Yan asked with a smile, his eyes once again focused on Qin Mu¡¯s face.


    Qin Mu looked up, meeting Jian Yan¡¯s gaze, and awkwardly smiled, "Master, don¡¯t stoop to his level."


    "Hmm!"


    Jian Yan responded.


    Mu Yichen immediately withdrew his hand from his pants pocket to Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder, leaned down, gritted his teeth, and whispered to her, "Don¡¯t you start taking sides now."


    Qin Mu turned to look at him and also tilted her head to whisper in his ear, "Aren¡¯t you too old for this, can¡¯t you stop? "


    Mu Yichen looked down at her with a predatory gaze.


    Qin Mu gave back a similar look.


    "Well, I¡¯ll be leaving first!"


    Xiaomei felt she can¡¯t stay any longer; she was a bit embarrassed to interrupt the awkward atmosphere at the moment, but she just couldn¡¯t take it anymore and swiftly left after speaking.


    In fact, the two men hadn¡¯t really noticed her presence.


    Now that she had left, the gaze between the two men became even more confrontational.


    "How about I go and have a look too?"


    Qin Mu whispered, her eyes seeking agreement from her master.


    Jian Yan smiled slightly, "That would be good!"


    As soon as Qin Mu heard her master agree, she immediately got up.


    Mu Yichen then stood up straight, not minding her, and waited until she closed the door and left before pulling out the chair she had been sitting on to take a seat.


    The two men locked eyes again, each unyielding to the other.


    "Why must you be so anxious? I was just coming to see."


    "Why did you come to see? If I heard correctly, shouldn¡¯t you be a thousand miles away on a business trip? You just happened to pass by and wished to visit?"


    Mu Yichen asked in a deep voice.


    "So? Do you wish that master and disciple never see each other again?"


    Jian Yan let out a resigned sigh, looking at Mu Yichen.


    "I seem to recall someone promised me they would never voluntarily come back to Rongcheng."


    Mu Yichen reminded him with a gaze.


    Yes, Jian Yan had indeed promised!


    But since he had returned to the country, he couldn¡¯t restrain himself.


    He originally thought he would just come by and leave, how could he have anticipated running into Mu Yichen so coincidentally.


    But it didn¡¯t matter; he was open about it, for his feelings were already well known to Mu Yichen.


    "Yes! But I¡¯m already here!"


    Jian Yan earnestly reminded him.


    The atmosphere in the office had become a bit frosty; both men spoke in low voices, yet each held on to their own views.


    "Actually, what are you afraid of, President Mu? Afraid that I won¡¯t be able to restrain myself from making a move on my own disciple? Or do you lack confidence in your wife, believing she might develop feelings for her master?"


    Actually, Qin Mu was just worried they would come to blows, thinking of Jian Yan¡¯s physical condition, that¡¯s why she didn¡¯t dare to go far.

 Chapter 672 - 190 Originally_2

    Chapter 672: 190 Originally_2


    But when she stood against the wall, listening to the conversation inside, she unconsciously lowered her head.


    Was this all destined?


    "I have complete confidence in my own wife, of course, but it¡¯s just that I detest you two being together," Mu Yichen expressed bluntly.


    "Who was it that begged me to take her as an apprentice? Have you forgotten?" Jian Yan asked.


    Qin Mu¡¯s downcast eyes reflexively lifted.


    What?


    Jian Yan taking her as an apprentice had something to do with Mu Yichen?


    "I did ask you to accept her as an apprentice, but I never told you to fall in love with her," Mu Yichen said, a hint of annoyance in his eyes.


    "But can one really control their own feelings? All I can control is not scaring her, President Mu, you must believe, as her mentor, even if I have feelings for my young apprentice, I have never had any inappropriate thoughts," Jian Yan asserted.


    "That¡¯s because I¡¯m here!"


    "So?"


    Jian Yan¡¯s gaze met Mu Yichen¡¯s with sincerity. At that moment, there was no need for further words¡ªthey had reached a mutual understanding.


    Qin Mu stood frozen at the door.


    At that moment, she felt an urge to go in. She wanted to ask, for what reason did Jian Yan take her as an apprentice? Was it coerced by her persistence, or because of Mu Yichen?


    She remembered that shortly after she joined, Jian Yan held a personal fashion show in Milan. Could it be...


    With Jian Yan¡¯s talent, he did not need help to hold a fashion show; he was capable enough.


    As Qin Mu was lost in her thoughts and reminiscing, the door was suddenly opened from inside.


    Qin Mu instinctively turned her head. Mu Yichen frowned slightly upon seeing her: "Why are you here?"


    Qin Mu said nothing, only looking at him with eyes full of confusion.


    Mu Yichen felt something was amiss, but after glancing at his wristwatch, he said, "I¡¯ll talk to you about it when we get home tonight. I need to step out now."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu softly agreed, her emotions surprisingly well controlled.


    Jian Yan, hearing the noise outside, remained silent as Qin Mu took the initiative to walk in.


    "Master!"


    Qin Mu walked over and stood beside him, calling out to him.


    "Sit down, then we¡¯ll talk! I¡¯ll explain everything slowly," Jian Yan knew she must have heard everything.


    Qin Mu looked down at her seat before walking over and sitting down.


    "Actually, I wasn¡¯t planning on keeping it from you. It¡¯s just that I didn¡¯t expect to be telling you under these circumstances," Jian Yan said, looking at her somewhat saddened expression.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes widened as she looked at him: "Was it Mu Yichen who asked you to take me as an apprentice, back then?"


    "He did come to me, and he even personally sponsored my fashion show," Jian Yan explained.


    Qin Mu looked straight at the person across from her, her breath held, unable to utter a word.


    Jian Yan¡¯s keen eyes watched the emotions in her eyes: "However, the reason I took you as an apprentice was that I saw potential in you; I¡¯ve seen your design drawings."


    "But if it weren¡¯t for Mu Yichen¡¯s sponsorship..."


    "Without his sponsorship, I might have only kept you to do chores around the studio," Jian Yan conceded.


    Qin Mu listened to his explanation without a word, just taking a deep breath to steady herself.


    "Master!"


    "You have to believe, all of this is a coincidence of fate," Jian Yan assured her, with a look in his eyes that begged her to have faith.


    "You haven¡¯t let me down, nor have you let Mu Yichen down. Nothing else matters," Jian Yan continued.


    Qin Mu looked at him, not quite grasping his words.


    "Back then, when he found out you were frequently coming to me, he knew that you were dedicated to fashion design, so he came to me. He truly loves you, from that time, or perhaps even earlier," Jian Yan decided he had said enough.


    Looking at his beloved apprentice¡¯s confused frown, he felt a pang of sadness as he took out a cigarette case from his pocket.


    "Sorry, just one," he said, aware that secondhand smoke wasn¡¯t good for a pregnant woman, but right now, he was struggling to control his emotions.


    Qin Mu stayed silent for a long time, having thought she made it here all by her stubbornness.


    "Maybe he¡¯s quietly done a lot for you that you¡¯re unaware of," Jian Yan said, taking another deep drag on his cigarette, not wanting to say these things, but feeling he must.


    "That year, when I had a special visitor in my studio, I had already secured a sponsor, but in the end, I accepted his offer. I admit I was thinking about the future, but more importantly, he was so confident when he told me you surely wouldn¡¯t disappoint me," Jian Yan finished, taking another cigarette, his eyes squinting towards the window, as if reminiscing the day Mu Yichen suddenly appeared before him.


    Mu Yichen had been capable of managing the Mu Family¡¯s enterprises on his own for many years. He had always had the demeanor of a helmsman, and of course, he had the ability.

 Chapter 673 - 190 Originally_3

    Chapter 673: 190 Originally_3


    If Qin Mu¡¯s stubbornness couldn¡¯t move him, then it must have been her edgy work, along with Mu Yichen¡¯s confidence, that compelled him to reluctantly take on Qin Mu as his disciple. He thought that it might also be time for her to know about those past events.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Mu Family, evening!


    After dinner, three young people sat on the sofa together, watching a show, which was really just keeping each other company. Mu Yichen had been looking at his phone by their side the whole time.


    Mu Qingxin was watching the show intently while Qin Mu, seated directly opposite Mu Yichen, couldn¡¯t help but lift her eyes to look at him now and then.


    He seemed to have forgotten the events of the afternoon.


    Mu Qingxin felt the living room was too quiet; perhaps it was because of the high ceiling? She even found the chill in this summer air headache-inducing: "What¡¯s with you two?"


    Only then did Qin Mu and Mu Yichen look at her before turning back to their respective phones and the television.


    Mu Qingxin curiously scrutinized them: "Don¡¯t you two always sit together? Aren¡¯t you always hugging and cuddling me as if I¡¯m invisible? What¡¯s going on tonight?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t answer, just looked at the person opposite her.


    Mu Yichen, feeling uneasy under Qin Mu¡¯s gaze, confessed, "I admit, I did go looking for Jian Yan back then."


    Qin Mu still didn¡¯t speak, just gazed at him straightforwardly.


    Mu Yichen found it a bit hard to breathe. He glanced at an empty spot on one side and then said reluctantly, "Let¡¯s talk in the room."


    "No way! I¡¯m curious too!"


    Mu Qingxin immediately stopped the two from retreating to their room.


    But Qin Mu stood up, ready to go to the room to talk. As long as they talked, that would be enough.


    Qin Mu was too stubborn, her expression somewhat solemn.


    Mu Qingxin watched her leave and then immediately turned her head to her brother on the other side, but he also got up. Clearly, he had no interest in dealing with her and treated her as if she were invisible.


    Mu Qingxin pouted, hurt. The two of them went back to their room one after the other. After Qin Mu entered, she wrapped her arms around herself and looked at him.


    Only after Mu Yichen closed the door and turned around did he meet her insistent gaze and heave a sigh: "Hasn¡¯t Jian Yan told you anything after I left?"


    "What he says is his business, what you say is yours."


    Qin Mu looked at him intently, a considerable assessment.


    Mu Yichen nodded, "Then I¡¯ll tell my story."


    He said, stepping aside to allow her to pass, and Qin Mu turned and walked towards the window.


    Mu Yichen walked up to stand next to her, hands in his pockets: "Remember the night it rained in Paris when I came to find you?"


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Mu looked away and muttered an acknowledgment.


    The air suddenly became still, and Mu Yichen¡¯s voice deepened.


    "You were soaked through from the rain; I scolded you, you said you went to apprentice and that getting a little wet from the rain was nothing as long as he would take you on as a disciple. You¡¯ve always thought rainwater was dirty, never allowing even a drop on you."


    He reminded her of some of her past quirks.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, her gaze drooping.


    "I went to see him the next day."


    Mu Yichen continued, his eyes meeting Qin Mu¡¯s across the way.


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes again.


    "He was quite reluctant to take you on as a pupil because you¡¯re too stubborn, have too much of your own personality, and are too obsessive. So I gave him a design you had made before, the one you designed for your father¡¯s birthday and then threw away."


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart trembled fiercely.


    She remembered, that year she inexplicably sketched out that men¡¯s suit, although it was an unfinished work.


    "You hadn¡¯t finished the cuffs, but I showed it to him, and I also promised him funding to support his show. He said he¡¯d consider it, and then you got a call from him, right?"


    Mu Yichen asked her, and she knew the rest of the story.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes, which had been cast down, flickered slightly, and then she smiled wryly, "I thought it was because I pestered him shamelessly that he agreed to me reluctantly."


    "Perhaps that¡¯s also a reason."


    She smiled again.


    "So I think, I only played a supporting role, it was still your work that moved him."


    Qin Mu looked up at him, and it was a long time before she moved closer, "Mu Yichen, why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier?"


    "Silly girl, some things don¡¯t need to be explained!"


    He looked at her intently as he spoke.


    "But if you don¡¯t tell me, how would I know what you¡¯ve done? How would I know you¡¯ve been making sacrifices all along?"


    Qin Mu asked him seriously, now she¡¯s a little irrational.


    "I don¡¯t need you to know all the things, you just need to know that the man in front of you has been loving you, and loving you even more."


    He held her face, smiled faintly, then rested his forehead against hers.


    Qin Mu felt her heart was like it was drunk.


    "Mumu! You just need to know I love you, okay?"


    "Okay! But I still really want to know, what other silly things have you done for me?"


    Qin Mu agreed with her head down, feeling the warmth of his forehead while not forgetting to tease him.


    "Silly things? There¡¯s a lot! "


    He laughed too.


    "Then tell me bit by bit, I love to hear it."


    Qin Mu looked up slightly.


    Later, as they browsed Weibo together, they saw that ¡¯Li Yu Prince¡¯ ranked third in the hot search. Mu Yichen bit her shoulder.


    "My wife is indeed capable, turning a boy-next-door into a noble prince."


    "Of course, I can¡¯t disappoint you!"


    "Really? If that man dares to trouble you, I¡¯ll make him go from a prince to a beggar, believe it or not?"


    Mu Yichen said.


    Xiaomei told her that Li Yu even sent a bouquet of starry flowers to the office. Although he hadn¡¯t sent other things, Mu Yichen, thinking of Jian Yan, couldn¡¯t help but topple the vinegar jar again, finding any excuse to threaten Qin Mu.


    "I believe you! But nobody would be interested in a woman with a big belly like that, why are you overthinking?"


    Qin Mu asked him, after opening the hot search and looking at Li Yu¡¯s photos from over the years, it had to be said, he indeed had a good appearance.


    "So handsome!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but exclaim.


    "What?"


    Mu Yichen lifted his head slightly, looking down at her.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes flickered, and the next moment she laughed and said to him, "But no man can compare to my husband, it¡¯s still my husband who¡¯s the most handsome!"


    "Silly woman, still daring to praise other men¡¯s looks."

 Chapter 674: Tiger on the Mountain_1

    Chapter 674: Tiger on the Mountain_1


    As soon as words fail, they resort to biting.


    Mu Yichen loved to use his mouth more than she did; he truly could bite anywhere, even leaving two teeth marks on her buttocks once, that peculiar hobby of his...


    The next day.


    It was just past seven in the morning, and the sun was already startlingly bright.


    When Qin Mu woke up, she saw a WeChat message from Xiaomei on her phone: "Big Boss has already arrived home."


    She gently placed her phone back and turned to see that the other side of the bed was now empty. Then she rolled over to continue being lazy.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Helian Hao and Jing Feng¡¯s wedding was a few days later.


    The location was a private club, set on a green lawn, creating a fresh and clean setting.


    The overall style of the wedding was lush and verdant; the arch was mixed with white, light pink, and light blue blooming flowers.


    It was like their childhood sweetheart relationship¡ªpure, innocent, simple, yet beautiful.


    The chairs for the guests were all simple light brown wooden chairs, with vines naturally scattered over the surrounding walls, covering them in lush greenery.


    The guests were all seated, and the master of ceremonies was already standing up front, perfectly straight, with a microphone and cards in hand.


    The backdrop in front was dominated by white and pink, with pictures of the two of them from childhood to adulthood hanging all over.


    That simple yet warm wedding did not have the elders¡¯ approval, but at that moment, both parents were present and seated.


    Helian Hao in a white wedding dress, and Jing Feng walked slowly down the white carpet from the arch, arm in arm.


    The applause rose from the crowd.


    The two smiled and greeted everyone. When they arrived at the front, Helian Hao glanced at Qin Mu, apparently extremely nervous. Qin Mu was sitting with Mu Qingxin and Mu Yichen, and they waved to her in congratulations.


    The bridesmaids and groomsmen were already standing there waiting for the couple to walk over.


    It was only a short distance, but it felt like they were revisiting their past once again.


    From birth to now, from companionship to understanding and commitment.


    At that moment, the usually mature pair looked at each other, both experiencing an uncharacteristic sentiment.


    Jing Feng was also a bit nervous, but seeing Helian Hao so tense made him feel a bit better.


    The master of ceremonies began reciting the words he had prepared beforehand, and the two stood face to face, beginning their wedding ceremony under the gaze of the well-wishers.


    Parents and elders sat in the front row, brothers and sisters in the row behind, followed by a few friends and colleagues. In total, there were only seventy or eighty people, but it was the simple wedding they had all been looking forward to.


    When Helian Hao said "I do," tears fell involuntarily; Jing Feng felt a pang in his heart and subconsciously raised his hand to wipe away her tears, gently.


    Helian Hao lowered her head, then helped Jing Feng with the ring.


    This summer, that was the most romantic event.


    As Helian Hao¡¯s tears fell, Qin Mu¡¯s tears followed.


    Only they understood each other¡¯s struggles over the years, between ambiguity and love.


    Fortunately, the lovers finally became a family.


    Outside the private club, there was a mountain and a small stream, an exceptionally beautiful sight.


    Probably, just like their love, for many years to come, it would remain ever green and thriving.


    Lunch was enjoyed at the club, with the best western chef from AM personally in charge.


    In the evening, a party for the young people was held in the banquet hall of AM.


    But both pregnant women expressed their fatigue, especially Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu suddenly wondered, is getting married at Christmas reliable?


    Looking at Helian Hao throughout the day, she claimed it was enough to just make an appearance, but what was the result?


    Mu Yichen clearly shared this concern and even fretfully smoked a cigarette while chatting with his friends.


    ¡ª¡ª


    That evening, when they returned to the Mu family home, Mu Qingxin turned to the two people behind her before returning to her room, reminding them, "I think it¡¯s best if you postpone the wedding!"


    Mu Yichen was already displeased, and hearing his sister¡¯s warning made him even more unhappy.


    Qin Mu glanced at the man following her and could only offer him a smile.


    Once back in their room, Qin Mu saw him still frowning, so she turned, went over to him, embraced him and coaxed, "If not, why don¡¯t we wait until after the baby is born? The day we got our marriage certificate isn¡¯t bad either. In the future, it will save us the trouble of having to celebrate twice a year; what do you think?"


    Mu Yichen looked down at her adorable demeanor and simply caressed her hair gently with his hand.


    As Qin Mu looked up at him, Mu Yichen¡¯s hand pushed down on her head, forcing her to keep it lowered, and he gently placed a kiss on her forehead.

 Chapter 675: Tiger on the Mountain_2

    Chapter 675: Tiger on the Mountain_2


    "First, take a shower; we¡¯ll talk after we get into bed."


    Mu Yichen spoke softly to her and then went to prepare the bathwater while Qin Mu habitually got their pajamas ready.


    But taking a bath together every day is actually quite troublesome.


    However, for the first time in history, they washed up so quickly.


    It was indeed the most disciplined he had ever been; he simply carried her to bed after the bath.


    Qin Mu looked at him in surprise, and in the soft lighting, his gentle demeanor made her feel that he was the best husband in the world.


    Until he lay down, he didn¡¯t forget to pull the blanket a bit for her, and, propping his forehead with one hand, he lay on his side next to her: "Sleep!"


    "What about you?"


    "I¡¯ve been tired all day!"


    Mu Yichen laughed softly, his tender eyes watching her, gradually leaning in: "Unless you want something else to happen?"


    Qin Mu...


    Where did she have the energy for anything else?


    But with the wedding halfway done, to prevent Helian Hao from becoming overworked, both the date of their wedding and Qin Mu¡¯s growing belly had their friends worried.


    Qin Mu snuggled into his arms: "Actually, I¡¯m fine with whenever the wedding is held."


    "After all, I want you, the person, you know I can do without all the superficial stuff!"


    Qin Mu raised her head to look at him, watching him as he mentioned being stressed about the wedding date.


    Mu Yichen just had to stroke her hair, gazing at her gentle face, and at that moment, felt that there was nothing more beautiful in this world than holding her in his embrace.


    But how could he not give such a wonderful woman a perfect wedding?


    That was what he was looking forward to himself.


    "Sleep!"


    Then, Mu Yichen held her in his arms, whispering softly.


    Qin Mu did indeed start to feel sleepy, so she fell asleep quickly.


    The next day, when Qin Mu woke up it was already past eight. Mu Qingxin had come to find her in her room and she was already awake. Mu Qingxin was nibbling on an apple, and seeing her come out of the bathroom, said: "Yichen asked me to tell you, if the studio isn¡¯t busy, don¡¯t bother going. Better to rest at home!"


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Mu agreed, then dabbing her face, walked towards Mu Qingxin: "Come on, join me for breakfast."


    So Mu Qingxin linked her arm and they went downstairs together.


    "Why are you so relaxed? You don¡¯t seem like a normal person at all."


    Mu Qingxin observed Qin Mu¡¯s composed manner, as if she had mastered all the secrets of life, and couldn¡¯t help but be curious.


    "What should I be like, then?"


    Temperament, once restrained for too long, becomes second nature.


    "You, at the very least, shouldn¡¯t be so composed, so composed it¡¯s otherworldly."


    Mu Qingxin mentioned unhappily.


    "So now you¡¯re baiting me into your trap?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, her eyes curving as she looked towards her.


    "Ugh, annoying!"


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but tease her, but still wrapped her arm around Qin Mu as they headed to the dining room.


    Both had a satisfying breakfast, and after eating, they practiced yoga together. Mu Qingxin didn¡¯t forget to tell her, "Be happy, like me, keep a smile on your face, and the baby will be more cheerful."


    Mu Qingxin deliberately contorted her mouth into an exaggeratedly happy shape.


    "I am happy! Happiness doesn¡¯t necessarily have to be shown on one¡¯s face."


    Qin Mu said, slowly stretching out her body and mind.


    Mu Qingxin found Qin Mu particularly boring to be around.


    She had never met such a boring woman before.


    But such a boring woman was treasured by a man.


    "Ah! You act this way, my brother acts this way, how can Huanhuan be so optimistic? Could it be because you gave birth on your own in Paris that you took the wrong baby home?"


    This thought frightened Mu Qingxin¡ªif it was really a mix-up...


    But Qin Mu remained nonchalant, lifting her leg gently as she spoke softly: "You can ask Mom and Dad about that, they¡¯ve already done a paternity test for Huanhuan."


    "Uh..."


    Mu Qingxin was actually joking, being dramatic for effect, and after hearing Qin Mu¡¯s response, she thought the old couple went too far, but then again, they were her own parents.


    "Ah, my parents too! How could they do such a thing?"


    "It¡¯s okay because I¡¯m easy-going!"


    Qin Mu responded to her this time.


    Mu Qingxin...


    Thought that Qin Mu¡¯s words made some sense, if Qin Mu wasn¡¯t easy-going, the Mu Family wouldn¡¯t be such a harmonious scene today.


    "By the way! My classmate is going to come over to play, you don¡¯t mind, do you?"


    Just then, the doorbell rang and Mu Qingxin remembered.


    "Can I mind?"


    Also hearing the doorbell ring.


    The maid went to open the door, and then the classmate¡¯s car slowly drove in.

 Chapter 676: Tiger on the Mountain_3

    Chapter 676: Tiger on the Mountain_3


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh when she saw a car stopping in the distance, slowly lowering her legs.


    "What are you laughing at?"


    Mu Qingxin asked her curiously.


    "I finally saw a car as niche as mine."


    Mu Qingxin...


    The car was at most fifty thousand more expensive than Qin Mu¡¯s. After looking at it, Mu Qingxin said to her, "She is the journalist who leaked your marriage certificate; both her parents are high school teachers. I don¡¯t know much about her character, but she wants to report on the news about your surroundings, you understand."


    After finishing, Mu Qingxin winked at her.


    That is to say, rather than a class reunion, it was...


    Originally indifferent, Qin Mu now felt somewhat uncomfortable.


    "Hello!"


    After Yuanyuan arrived, she nodded at the aunt before entering.


    Walking into the Mu Family¡¯s spacious living room, which was a few hundred square meters, Yuanyuan felt a flood of emotions but had to maintain a composed demeanor as she walked forward.


    That was the first time Yuanyuan realized walking could be such a tiring task.


    "Qingxin! Mrs. Mu!"


    Yuanyuan first called out to the familiar Mu Qingxin, then stood up straight at just the right distance to greet Qin Mu.


    "Hello!"


    Qin Mu also nodded back in greeting.


    It was rare for a woman to willingly call her Mrs. Mu; she still remembered when Su Zhen was there, and even when she reminded Su Zhen to call her Mrs. Mu, Su Zhen wouldn¡¯t agree.


    Alas!


    There was someone willing to call her that, but that woman almost ended up sleeping with her husband.


    Qin Mu pondered back and forth, finally pulling herself out of the memories.


    With guests arriving, the coffee table in front of the sofa was naturally filled with tea and fruit to entertain the guests, but they were hardly touched.


    "After we graduated, Qingxin went traveling, and it seems she got married after she came back, right?"


    Later on, sitting on the sofa chatting, Yuanyuan reminisced with Mu Qingxin.


    Mu Qingxin could only laugh. Indeed!


    She had only intended to go out for a year before returning but then met Jiang Yan.


    "But I¡¯m planning to get a job once I¡¯m back with my husband! Everyone is striving, I can¡¯t just idle around forever."


    Mu Qingxin replied.


    "How can you be the same as us? We are the hardworking ones; you are the lady of a wealthy family."


    As Yuanyuan spoke to her, a smile stayed freshly painted on her face.


    Qin Mu listened quietly, and since she wasn¡¯t familiar, she stayed out of the conversation.


    "Ah, if you care about status, you¡¯ve already lost!"


    Mu Qingxin shook her head and looked over at Qin Mu, "You agree, right?"


    "As for Miss Le, I don¡¯t know, but for me, I indeed think status is quite important."


    Qin Mu joined in the conversation.


    "Don¡¯t be shameless, okay? You¡¯re the mayor¡¯s daughter!"


    Mu Qingxin hated it when she downplayed herself.


    "Hmm."


    On that topic, Qin Mu had little to say.


    However, Le Yuanyuan looked towards Qin Mu and asked, "Actually, I¡¯ve always been curious about Mrs. Mu¡¯s life after leaving Rongcheng in those years, I¡¯m just not sure if I¡¯m fortunate enough to hear a word or two from Mrs. Mu herself."


    "Life abroad might be different from here, but in the end, I¡¯ve returned to this place."


    Qin Mu has never liked sharing such things with others, especially with someone so unknown, who was also a journalist.


    "Ah, this boring woman!"


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but exclaim, knowing Le Yuanyuan would never get anything out of Qin Mu.


    Le Yuanyuan just smiled, "It¡¯s said that those who have suffered never speak of their hardships, seems there¡¯s truth in that."


    "But how does Miss Le know I¡¯ve suffered? I¡¯ve never drifted alone, Mu always stayed by my side, and that to me is the best thing. Does my growing up overseas mean I had a bad life?"


    It was not a quarrel, but a matter-of-fact discussion.


    Upon hearing that, Le Yuanyuan felt a jolt in her heart, then nodded, "Mrs. Mu makes a very good point!"


    "Ah, let¡¯s play games. Let¡¯s not talk about this anymore!"


    "I feel a bit tired. I¡¯ll go upstairs and rest for a bit."


    Qin Mu looked at Mu Qingxin and spoke to her softly.


    Mu Qingxin could only agree, and Qin Mu got up to leave, giving Le Yuanyuan a slight nod in farewell without making eye contact.


    After Qin Mu left, Le Yuanyuan sat nervously clenching her hands: "Did I say something wrong?"


    "Probably! But she¡¯s always been that way, not fond of dealing with outsiders! These things we discussed, make sure you don¡¯t write about them, or else she might not get angry, but my brother would see it and have you blacklisted."


    Given the nature of the work, Mu Qingxin still felt it was wise to be cautious.


    "Relax! For the sake of my livelihood, I only write praises, never slander."

 Chapter 677: Tiger on the Mountain_4

    Chapter 677: Tiger on the Mountain_4


    "That¡¯s good!"


    Mu Qingxin raised her cup of tea to clink glasses with her.


    "But is your sister-in-law easy to get along with? She seems quite aloof."


    Le Yuanyuan asked while sipping her tea.


    "Oh, her! If you get to know her, she¡¯s very approachable, but she¡¯s shy with strangers."


    "I see!"


    Le Yuanyuan nodded, thinking to herself that this kind of personality must be related to childhood shadows. If one grew up in a cheerful family, a child definitely wouldn¡¯t be so introverted or shy.


    "But she is certainly a person who distinguishes right from wrong, rest assured."


    Mu Qingxin said as she put down her tea cup and then added, "By the way! I heard our class leader is chasing you, what do you think about that?"


    "Him? Everything¡¯s good, just his family background isn¡¯t that great! You know my situation, my family isn¡¯t that well off, so of course, I hope my husband¡¯s family will be better off. Even if not as rich and wealthy as your family, at the very least, capable of a decent living, right? If the other half still has to work hard for a living after getting married, I don¡¯t think our marriage would be very happy, so... maybe, not all childhood sweethearts end up as husbands."


    Le Yuanyuan touched their family¡¯s tea cup, finding her own life somewhat laughable.


    At the same age, but because of different backgrounds, everything is different.


    Different food, different homes, and naturally, different experiences.


    It¡¯s like one person is at the very bottom of society while another, bored with life, occupies a high position in society.


    Le Yuanyuan looked at Mu Qingxin, who had been a little mischievous since childhood and was still somewhat improperly behaved now, and couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Your husband adores you, doesn¡¯t he?"


    "Humph! If he didn¡¯t cherish me, why on earth would I marry him?"


    Mu Qingxin muttered, remembering the phone call from last night, he said he would come to pick her up today, but she didn¡¯t ask what time he would come, nor did she want to ask, so...


    Clearly anxious, yet pretending to be calm.


    "That¡¯s right! You don¡¯t worry about food or clothes, living in a mansion, with people to serve you. If you want to travel, maybe tomorrow you¡¯re already in the country farthest from Rongcheng."


    Le Yuanyuan said with a smile, her expression full of wistfulness.


    "Hey, what¡¯s with you today? So jealous!"


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but ask, feeling that something was off with Le Yuanyuan.


    Le Yuanyuan, however, was looking around the house, feeling that even a single bench here might cost more than their family¡¯s sofa.


    "Qingxin, what¡¯s it like to be pampered from childhood?"


    "No big deal! Aren¡¯t parents supposed to love me? But I¡¯ve always disliked Qin Mu since childhood, she stole my brother away, hmph!"


    Mu Qingxin, in fact, no longer harbored any resentment, talking casually as she nonchalantly ate her fruit.


    Le Yuanyuan looked down at her, chuckling softly.


    Mu Qingxin invited Le Yuanyuan to stay for lunch at her home, and Le Yuanyuan agreed, wanting to taste what meals were like in a wealthy household. Although Mu Qingxin felt a bit awkward, she didn¡¯t say much, only feeling a bit guilty as she glanced upstairs, worried that Qin Mu might really get upset.


    "Don¡¯t bring up Qin Mu¡¯s matters during the meal; she doesn¡¯t like to talk about it."


    "Mm!"


    Mu Qingxin whispered a reminder, and Le Yuanyuan agreed.


    When Mu Yichen came home at noon, he saw there was an extra person, and Qin Mu was not there.


    In the living room, two girls of the same age sat, talking about fun times at school. Mu Qingxin was the most boisterous, while Le Yuanyuan maintained an air of dignity.


    "The young master is back!"


    The aunt came out to refill their tea and noticed the presence of Mu Yichen.


    Both girls looked to the side and saw Mu Yichen coming over, Mu Qingxin raised her hand to greet him: "Bro, this is my classmate, that female reporter who helped you fulfill your wish."


    Mu Qingxin said, winking at him.


    "Where is your sister-in-law?"


    Mu Yichen frowned slightly without looking at Le Yuanyuan and asked Mu Qingxin.


    "She said she was a bit sleepy, so she went to bed!"


    Mu Qingxin replied, and suddenly the living room fell quiet.


    "Just went up?"


    Mu Yichen asked again.


    "No, she¡¯s been there since nine something... it¡¯s already..."


    "Two hours plus!"


    Mu Qingxin said, glancing at Le Yuanyuan, who then chimed in.


    "Right, right, right!"


    Mu Qingxin nodded again and again in agreement.


    Mu Yichen finally gave a glance towards Le Yuanyuan, devoid of any warmth in his eyes.


    Le Yuanyuan politely nodded at him without greeting him out loud, the perfect portrait of propriety.

 Chapter 678: Tiger on the Mountain_5

    Chapter 678: Tiger on the Mountain_5


    "You guys chat!"


    Mu Yichen said indifferently, and then his tall figure walked towards the upstairs.


    "Mu is truly a dragon among men!"


    Le Yuanyuan couldn¡¯t help but express her admiration as she watched his ramrod straight back.


    "What about me? Am I a phoenix among people?"


    "Uh! I always thought that when people say ¡¯dragon and phoenix,¡¯ it meant they are a couple."


    Mu Qingxin...


    "Hey! Are you still going to eat your meal or not?"


    Mu Qingxin theatrically threatened her.


    "Of course, I will! You indeed are a phoenix among people, okay?"


    Le Yuanyuan immediately corrected herself.


    "That¡¯s more like it! Besides, we are siblings! If he is a dragon among men, then naturally, I am the phoenix among them. As for Qin Mu... She is my brother¡¯s queen."


    Mu Qingxin said with a helpless laugh towards the end.


    In Mu Yichen¡¯s heart, Qin Mu was his princess as a child, and as she grew up, she became his queen.


    "Is it that exaggerated?"


    Le Yuanyuan asked curiously.


    "Mmm! You don¡¯t understand, once a man is enchanted by a woman, he¡¯s willing to die for her, alas!"


    Mu Qingxin said, shaking her head, thinking about how her brother, a man of such renown, could be ruined by a mere girl.


    Mu Yichen returned to his room and saw Qin Mu lying on the sofa playing with her phone, realizing she didn¡¯t like interacting with strangers, especially such a sensitive work outsider.


    Qin Mu was quite surprised to see Mu Yichen return: "How come you¡¯re back at this hour?"


    "From now on, as long as you¡¯re at home, I¡¯ll try my best to come back and have lunch with you."


    "Don¡¯t, the company isn¡¯t very close to the house."


    Qin Mu immediately refused.


    Mu Yichen went up to her, sat by her side, and gently held her hand, "But I just want to be with you."


    "Then how about this, why don¡¯t Qingxin and I move to the apartment with you? It would be more convenient for you to come home if we¡¯re in the city, and the elders aren¡¯t here anyway."


    Qin Mu thought it over, figuring it might be more convenient for him to return home if they were in the city, since there were no elders around.


    "That¡¯s a good idea, but Qingxin probably won¡¯t be able to come!"


    "Hm?"


    "Jiang Yan should be able to come over tonight. Finally, this girl won¡¯t be bothering me anymore."


    Mu Yichen said, curling his lips into a smile.


    "You and your sister are really close!"


    Qin Mu could only express her sentiment.


    "I heard it¡¯s Qingxin¡¯s classmate? She¡¯s staying for lunch at home?"


    Mu Yichen asked!


    "Yeah! Is she a beauty?"


    "She has a somewhat petty look?"


    Mu Yichen thought about it but couldn¡¯t remember the specific appearance, just guessing.


    Qin Mu lay on the sofa, smiling proudly: "Hey, can¡¯t you take a good look at her?"


    "Didn¡¯t you forbid me from looking at other women?"


    Mu Yichen retorted.


    "It was you who told me not to look at other men first, okay? And besides, life goes on as usual."


    Qin Mu said.


    "Young master, young mistress, it¡¯s time for dinner!"


    The aunt came upstairs knocking on the door.


    "Let¡¯s go! Let¡¯s eat first!"


    Mu Yichen said, holding Qin Mu¡¯s hand, his eyes filled with deep affection.


    "Alright!"


    The two of them went downstairs together. Mu Qingxin and Le Yuanyuan were already sitting in the dining room, with Le Yuanyuan exclaiming how their dining room was even bigger than her own family¡¯s.


    "Isn¡¯t that an exaggeration?"


    Mu Qingxin disbelieved.


    "It¡¯s true. There are five people in our family, living in a bit more than eighty square meters."


    Le Yuanyuan sincerely said it out, feeling a bit awkward, but without hiding anything.


    Right then, Qin Mu and Mu Yichen happened to come over.


    "Brother! Qin Mu!"


    Mu Qingxin was looking at the door, so she greeted them first.


    Le Yuanyuan sat opposite Mu Qingxin, greeting the two, "Mr. Mu, Mrs. Mu!"


    Qin Mu habitually put on that inoffensive smile, while Mu Yichen¡¯s expression was always indifferent, but he thoughtfully pulled out a chair for his wife.


    "Bro, are you going back to work this afternoon, or will you stay and keep Qin Mu company?"


    "Do you have something to do?"


    Mu Yichen looked up at his sister sitting diagonally across from him.


    "Of course not, it¡¯s just that if you¡¯re not at home this afternoon, I will take Yuanyuan and Qin Mu out for fun. If you¡¯re at home, how could I possibly impose?"


    "Leave out inviting your sister-in-law for fun; she¡¯s not comfortable at the moment."


    Mu Yichen said, serving the soup for Qin Mu and placing it in front of her.


    Qin Mu was seated beside him, not far from the soup bowl, but she was also used to him doing this for her.


    "Mr. Mu really loves Mrs. Mu! He even personally serves soup like it¡¯s no small feat."


    Le Yuanyuan said.


    "What¡¯s so special about that? Shouldn¡¯t a husband do anything for his woman?"


    Mu Yichen asked.


    "Of course not! My parents have been together for so many years, and all the cooking at home has always been done by my mom, let alone my dad serving soup for my mom!"


    Le Yuanyuan said with a laugh.


    "Ah, that must be our Mu family tradition then! In our house, it¡¯s always the men serving soup to the women. You never see women running around doing this or that for the men. My mother has a terrible temper, but my dad dotes on her like there¡¯s no tomorrow."


    "Oh? Is that so?"


    Le Yuanyuan asked a bit awkwardly.


    "Of course! When they come back, you can come over and see for yourself!"


    Mu Qingxin said.


    "What do you take mom and dad for?"


    Qin Mu asked her with a smile.


    "Ah?"


    Mu Qingxin was stunned, not catching on immediately.


    "Is our house turning into a zoo?"


    Mu Yichen also asked a question.


    Mu Qingxin suddenly realized that people at home didn¡¯t like to interact with outsiders and immediately regretted saying too much.


    "I would certainly be honored to visit the Mu family again, but if it¡¯s inconvenient, that¡¯s also okay."


    Le Yuanyuan said tactfully after observing their expressions.


    "Hehe, I¡¯ve just remembered, my husband said he¡¯s coming to pick me up today, I might leave Rongcheng tonight."


    Mu Qingxin thought, thankfully for having such a suitable excuse.


    "Then we¡¯ll meet again another time."


    After lunch, Le Yuanyuan was ready to leave. She and Mu Qingxin talked at the door for a long while. Feeling tired, Mu Qingxin said to her, "I¡¯m sorry, I intended to go shopping with you, but my husband suddenly called saying he¡¯s on his way."


    "No problem! We¡¯ve been old friends for many years! It¡¯s also fine if I look for you next time you¡¯re back."


    Le Yuanyuan replied softly.


    "Right! See you then!"


    "Okay!"


    Le Yuanyuan drove away, taking one last involuntary glance at that car which looked even more unimpressive than hers. She couldn¡¯t imagine who from the Mu family would drive such a vehicle, having heard that even the Mu family¡¯s staff were picked up in luxury cars.


    Even she, a mere reporter, cared about appearances and took a loan for a decent car. How could someone from a grand family like the Mu¡¯s be so shameless?


    After seeing off Le Yuanyuan, Mu Qingxin went back into the house, running straight upstairs to find the couple.


    "Brother! Qin Mu!"


    Upon entering the room, she saw the two cuddling on the bed, pouting and complaining, "Hey, we¡¯ve only just eaten, can you two not do this now?"


    "Come in!"


    Mu Yichen said.


    "What for?"


    Mu Qingxin had a sudden bad feeling but obediently went in.


    "Who allowed you to bring outsiders into our house at will?"


    Mu Yichen questioned, his voice not loud, but with an authoritative tone.


    "Le Yuanyuan? She¡¯s my classmate! And I barely keep in touch with any others now. Besides, she has helped you before."


    "She had the honor of leaking our marriage certificate. Do you realize how high that single piece of news could take her in their company? Do you know her real purpose for coming today?"


    It wasn¡¯t until Jiang Yan arrived in the evening that the siblings stopped their bickering, but Mu Qingxin didn¡¯t expect that just a few days after her departure, Le Yuanyuan would pay another visit, and this time, she didn¡¯t come alone.

 Chapter 679 - 192 Very Love_1

    Chapter 679: 192 Very Love_1


    When Jiang Yan arrived, Mu Qingxin was actually feeling restless. Although they had started communicating recently, she had been feeling quite awkward deep down.


    It was anger, grievance, feeling sorry for him.


    As Jiang Yan¡¯s car stopped at their house, just hearing the sound of the door closing nearly brought her to tears.


    Mu Yichen and Qin Mu were waiting for him in the living room; only Mu Qingxin hadn¡¯t come downstairs.


    "Big brother! Sister-in-law!"


    Jiang Yan came bearing gifts. Despite feeling guilty, he greeted them very politely.


    Sitting on the couch, Mu Yichen glanced at him, "She¡¯s upstairs!"


    "Um, then I..."


    "Hurry up and go!"


    Qin Mu smiled at him, finding Jiang Yan¡¯s struggle to balance his rush to go upstairs with his respect for his elder brother and sister-in-law quite admirable.


    "Okay! We¡¯ll talk later!"


    Jiang Yan said, about to set down the gifts, when the housekeeper came by, took the gifts as he wished her a happy new year, and then he strode towards Mu Qingxin¡¯s room upstairs.


    Qin Mu turned to look at Mu Yichen, "It¡¯s really not easy, huh!"


    "Hmph!"


    Mu Yichen, legs crossed and one arm around his wife, chuckled smugly, the posture of a successful man.


    "What are you laughing at? Don¡¯t you think they have it tough?"


    "Was it ever easy for anyone?"


    That¡¯s all Mu Yichen responded with a counter-question.


    "Oh, you! Can¡¯t you have a little compassion? I see that recently, although Qingxin tends to act happy, she¡¯s actually very sad inside. You¡¯re her big brother, and since we¡¯re at home, can¡¯t you act a bit more normal?"


    Qin Mu reached out to touch his face.


    "I¡¯m already being normal!"


    Mu Yichen said, looking down at her as he replied.


    "Ah!"


    Qin Mu was at a loss of what to do with him, anxiously peering upstairs, wondering what the young couple was doing.


    Mu Yichen saw the look in her eyes, pulled her into his embrace, and covered her eyes with one hand, "What are you trying to see?"


    "Let go! I¡¯m just curious!"


    Qin Mu replied, trying to free his hand from her face.


    "Curious? What¡¯s there to be curious about?"


    Mu Yichen asked, cradling her face in his hands.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just snuggled into his embrace and barely managed to look up at him.


    "I¡¯ll just tell you then!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes gazed at her, and in an instant, he silenced her lips.


    Qin Mu felt her vision suddenly darken. In the quiet descent of night, she heard her heart as if a drop of honey had slipped into it, spreading slowly.


    It wasn¡¯t until dinner that Jiang Yan came down with Mu Qingxin, by which time her mood had already improved significantly, radiating happiness from the inside out. Jiang Yan, needless to say, was also contented after having cheered up his wife.


    During dinner, he even toasted Mu Yichen, "The past while has put Qingxin in my brother and sister-in-law¡¯s care. I¡¯d like to toast to you both first."


    He didn¡¯t have the aloof CEO demeanor he usually displayed in public but looked more like a little brother a few years younger than Mu Yichen, with an everyman¡¯s warmth.


    Mu Yichen watched him drink without stopping him, merely holding his glass without taking a sip.


    "I¡¯ll have another! Thanks again to my brother and sister-in-law."


    "Oh my, don¡¯t drink too much!"


    Right after Jiang Yan finished speaking, before he could take a drink, Mu Qingxin snatched the glass from him, "We¡¯re all family, why the need for all these thanks?"


    Mu Qingxin asked.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, thinking that daughters married away were like water splashed out, wondering if one day his own daughter would also side with some outsider boy like that.


    "Hehe, my wife is right!"


    Jiang Yan laughed in relief, promptly putting his arm around her shoulder.


    It seemed, everything he did was just to make his wife happy.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, then started serving food to Qin Mu, "Let¡¯s eat!"


    Qin Mu glanced at him and couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, noting the siblings both truly had the same temperament.


    After dinner, each couple retreated to their respective rooms to rest. Qin Mu, lying in Mu Yichen¡¯s arms, couldn¡¯t resist saying, "I remember the first time I met Jiang Yan, is he still the Jiang Yan I knew back then?"


    "What are you trying to say?"


    Mu Yichen asked her dispassionately as he held her.


    "Jiang Yan really loves Mu Qingxin."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, like a little girl spoiled with affection.


    Mu Yichen lowered his gaze at her, "What about you?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s face flushed red immediately, her?


    "Sleep!"


    Two words, and she turned around to sleep.


    Clearly moving at a snail¡¯s pace, but once she decided to ignore, she simply did.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t press her, only after she fell asleep did he tuck her in and then get out of bed.


    After smoking two cigarettes downstairs, Jiang Yan finally came down.

 Chapter 680 - 192 Very Love_2

    Chapter 680: 192 Very Love_2


    "Big brother!"


    "Hmm?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even look at him, simply flicking out a cigarette and lighting it up.


    Jiang Yan stood outside with him by the glass screen; their silhouettes were witnessed by an auntie coming out to fetch things. She even murmured, "It¡¯s so late, what are these kids up to, being all secretive?"


    The auntie felt that the two seemed to have a good rapport, even though on the surface Mu Yichen always appeared indifferent to Jiang Yan.


    That night, the two talked until midnight.


    The next morning, Jiang Yan left with Mu Qingxin and his son. Before leaving, Mu Qingxin wound down the car window and popped her head out to address them both, "Brother! Don¡¯t bully Qin Mu. I¡¯ll come back early for your wedding."


    Having spoken, Mu Qingxin waved at them and rolled up the car window.


    This was the first time Mu Qingxin had asked her brother to take care of Qin Mu. Past enemies now seemed like best friends, or perhaps it would be better to say family.


    Mu Yichen looked down at Qin Mu, "Was she just speaking up for you?"


    "Yeah!"


    Qin Mu softly agreed, also somewhat disbelieving.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Three days later, Le Yuanyuan found Qin Mu again, and she brought their boss¡ªa man nearly fifty years old.


    Le Yuanyuan¡¯s dress was as artsy as ever, and she still seemed very much like an angry youth.


    But the man beside her with a protruding belly and a balding head...


    Even though he was the chief editor...


    "Qingxin left three days ago, didn¡¯t you know?"


    Qin Mu sat across from the two of them and asked softly.


    "We know! We¡¯re here to see Mrs. Mu this time."


    Le Yuanyuan said, turning to look at the man sitting beside her.


    "Yes, we specially came to visit Mrs. Mu."


    The man nodded with a smile, trying to charm Qin Mu with his words.


    "Oh?"


    Qin Mu just smiled slightly, with no intention of saying another word.


    "It¡¯s like this! Our newspaper is planning to do an exclusive interview with Mrs. Mu and President Mu, to be published across seven issues in our publication. We¡¯ve come to discuss this with Mrs. Mu."


    Seeing her boss not doing much to persuade, Le Yuanyuan, driven by the prospect of profit, felt compelled to speak first.


    An exclusive interview?


    And spread over seven issues?


    My God!


    At that moment, the only thought in Qin Mu¡¯s mind was, how much of her past needs to be serialized in a newspaper.


    Moreover, she had never intended to display her past to others again; there was no benefit in it for her.


    Some memories are always painful.


    "If Mrs. Mu thinks that seven issues is too many, we could do fewer. What do you think?"


    Le Yuanyuan could tell from Qin Mu¡¯s expression that she was reluctant, so she immediately asked for her opinion again.


    In front of people who were neither friends nor foes, Qin Mu remained easygoing, smilingly saying, "Sorry, I have no plans to do any interviews!"


    "You don¡¯t need to worry about our newspaper publishing anything detrimental about you. I guarantee we¡¯ll only praise your legendary love, never a word of unfavorable commentary."


    Le Yuanyuan continued.


    "But our love is not legendary, on the contrary, it¡¯s very ordinary!"


    Qin Mu responded after listening.


    "How could the love between Mrs. Mu and President Mu be ordinary? I¡¯ve heard you¡¯ve been together since you were very young, with President Mu running off to Paris with you in his teens, and you had your little princess even before you were married."


    Le Yuanyuan continued, spouting these information like a true media person.


    "Rest assured, Mrs. Mu, our newspaper¡¯s reputation needn¡¯t cause you any concern. Plus, Yuanyuan¡¯s relationship with the Second Young Miss of the Mu family is so good, so please, Mrs. Mu, just cooperate a little bit with us. It won¡¯t take much of your time."


    Seeing Qin Mu still hesitant, the boss started to make his own assurances.


    The auntie stood behind Qin Mu, who had been at the Mu family¡¯s house for a while and had gotten a sense of Qin Mu. With the elders and Mu Yichen not around, she spoke up for Qin Mu, seeing as she remained restrained and was not overly talkative, "Our young lady is aware of her current situation, which you both also know. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that Miss Le is our second young miss¡¯s classmate, in truth, you wouldn¡¯t even be able to enter the Mu family¡¯s door today. As for anything else, if you¡¯re really insistent, why not visit our young master¡¯s office building? If our young master agrees, our young lady will naturally cooperate."


    Qin Mu felt a little better after hearing what the auntie said, her eyes calmly observing the two people seated before her.

 Chapter 681 - 192 Very Love_3

    Chapter 681: 192 Very Love_3


    Judging by the way Le Yuanyuan and the club president were sitting, their relationship seemed quite ambiguous.


    Mu Qingxin mentioned that Le Yuanyuan wasn¡¯t satisfied with the pursuit from their class president because his family background really didn¡¯t match Le Yuanyuan¡¯s aspirations. Qin Mu suddenly wondered if their relationship was exactly what she thought it was?


    An older man who had been divorced, a girl of twenty-five or twenty-six who had already been baptized by life.


    One for beauty, one for wealth.


    "As for President Mu over there, we really feel bad for bothering such a busy person. We all know he¡¯s a very busy man. Mrs. Mu, do you think you could talk to President Mu for us? We all know he dotes on you, and he usually listens to everything you say."


    Le Yuanyuan was a very quick-witted girl and naturally knew what she should say and what she needed to be careful about saying.


    "You¡¯re wrong about that. In our family, it¡¯s President Mu who has the final say, and I am just the obedient one."


    Qin Mu suddenly thought, since it was his sister¡¯s classmate, he might as well leave it to him to deal with.


    Chances were these two wouldn¡¯t even be able to get into their office building.


    "No one would believe that if Mrs. Mu said it!"


    The club president spoke up again.


    "Then I can¡¯t help you! But in my current state, I will not accept any interviews, exclusives, or any form of visitation; and also, please do not come to our house again in the future."


    Qin Mu was actually very polite when he said this.


    But it indeed made it hard for the two of them to save face.


    "Home is a quiet, restful place. I don¡¯t want to discuss anything else here. You two smart people surely don¡¯t need me to say more, right?"


    Qin Mu remained polite, but both of them bowed their heads in awkwardness.


    "I thought Mrs. Mu would give me a chance because I¡¯m Qingxin¡¯s friend!"


    Le Yuanyuan said awkwardly, and when she looked at Qin Mu again, her eyes no longer held their brazen gaze, instead, they seemed evasive.


    "If you weren¡¯t our Qingxin¡¯s friend, I wouldn¡¯t have answered you so directly today, causing you to make unnecessary trips here. It¡¯s not impossible for someone who doesn¡¯t play by the rules like me to do that, but since we are all friends, and Miss Le has eaten at our house once, I spoke openly with you so casually. Still, I am very thankful for Miss Le and your leader¡¯s good intentions."


    Qin Mu stood up as he spoke.


    It was naturally time to see the guests out.


    They had no choice but to stand up as well.


    The aunt came forward to help Qin Mu out of the sofa.


    "I get some back pain if I sit too long now and have trouble moving around. So, I won¡¯t see you out! Aunt, please take Miss Le."


    Qin Mu said to the aunt on his side as he slightly turned away.


    "Alright!"


    After Qin Mu finished, the aunt immediately agreed, let go of her, walked a bit towards the exit, and said to Le Yuanyuan, "Please, this way!"


    "We apologize for the intrusion!"


    Le Yuanyuan wanted to show more courtesy, but she couldn¡¯t muster the energy after seeing Qin Mu¡¯s smile. She just nodded her head and walked in front.


    "We apologize for the intrusion!"


    Their club president was also that polite as he said his parting words to Qin Mu and then left.


    Qin Mu¡¯s expression only collapsed after watching the two leave the doorway. He raised his hand and pinched his cheek, pretending to be inflated was really tiring.


    She usually wouldn¡¯t act like this, sitting so dignifiedly on the sofa like a grand young mistress from a wealthy family, speaking softly and carefully measuring her words.


    The old Qin Mu...


    Qin Mu could hardly remember what he used to be like, only now, he was surprisingly accustomed to sitting on the sofa and chatting with guests.


    Hmm! So many changes since returning to Rongcheng.


    Qin Mu stood by the window for a while. The aunt finished sending the two off and then came back to stand behind her: "That Miss Le really, what does she think our home is!"


    "She just thinks too highly of herself!"


    Qin Mu chuckled lightly; Le Yuanyuan was clever, but smart people often tended to be somewhat arrogant.


    "However, I feel that she doesn¡¯t take you seriously. She said last time that the second young miss is a young mistress from a wealthy family who doesn¡¯t understand your lifestyle, as if her background is the same as yours. Can she compare to you?"


    The aunt expressed her indignation on her behalf.


    Qin Mu turned to look at the aunt and couldn¡¯t help laughing again, but this time it was sincere.


    "Aunt, you are so kind!"


    Qin Mu walked over, raised his hand to lightly rest it on her shoulder, and embraced the aunt from the side, with his chin resting on her shoulder.

 Chapter 682 - 192 Very Love_4

    Chapter 682: 192 Very Love_4


    "At your age, and being so endearing, to say something presumptuous, it¡¯s like you¡¯re my own little daughter."


    Auntie was nearing sixty, but she still had long black hair.


    Of course, it was dyed.


    "Ah? You have a younger daughter too? How old is she?"


    "Twenty-six!"


    Auntie said with a laugh, remembering that this year the girl had started her PhD, and although she was actually very proud, she wasn¡¯t the sort of elder to parade her pride.


    "Wow! Then how many children do you have?"


    Qin Mu was quite surprised.


    "Five, and she¡¯s the youngest. Not long after she was born, her father had a car accident and broke his leg. Since then, I have been working for the Mu Family. The Madame may be fierce, but after finding out about my family¡¯s situation, she gave me a higher salary than others. During holidays, she also secretly sent me various gifts, so I really have a lot of affection for the Mu Family."


    It was the first time Qin Mu had learned of this, but she did believe that Feng Fanghua was the type with a sharp tongue but a soft heart, capable of doing good deeds.


    You could tell by looking at Feng Fanghua¡¯s charitable work; there weren¡¯t many aristocratic ladies who were truly dedicated to charity.


    "I now feel that having many children at home is quite nice. Watching Mu Yichen and Mu Qingxin together, they bicker all day long, but if anything happens to one of them, the other gets anxious and defensive."


    Qin Mu said, hugging Auntie¡¯s shoulder, with her eyes full of memories about the sibling duo.


    "That¡¯s true, my kids are the same, always fighting when together. But once, when the little girl got her heart broken, her four brothers went to the boy¡¯s apartment and beat him until his nose swelled and his face bruised. They even made the boy apologize to the little girl," said Auntie as she thought of her youngest daughter, who she had spent the least time with, but who was indeed her dearest.


    "What a pity my mother passed away so early!"


    Qin Mu suddenly felt a sense of sorrow.


    If that incident hadn¡¯t occurred, it seemed like her parents were considering having a second child, but her father¡¯s status did not permit a second child; they were planning on having one secretly.


    But suddenly, a woman named Zhang Rujia appeared.


    And then their family fell apart.


    Thinking of Zhang Rujia, Qin Mu realized it had been a long time since she had heard from her. Had that woman disappeared from Rongcheng?


    "Life, it¡¯s all fate! But though you don¡¯t have siblings, having the young master devotedly protecting and doting on you is something others might never obtain their whole lives," Auntie mentioned again.


    "Yes! You¡¯re right!"


    "Just like me, I wanted to find a simple man to live life with, him providing for the family, me raising the kids. But who could have expected that the second half of his life would be spent in a wheelchair? He felt useless inside, and sometimes I also ¡ª "


    Auntie¡¯s eyes suddenly blurred, and she choked up, unable to speak. She lowered her head, finally only shaking her head: "You should get some rest! I¡¯ll go to the kitchen to prepare lunch."


    Qin Mu let go of her, watching her head determinedly toward the kitchen, Qin Mu felt sympathetic.


    Every person¡¯s fate was mixed with bad times, more or less.


    Hers...


    Though she lost her mother at a young age, it was just that, nothing more than the absence of a mother.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Let¡¯s go to President Mu¡¯s office building!"


    On the road, Le Yuanyuan suddenly said to the man driving beside her.


    "Hmm? Why do you want to go to the office building again? Everyone in our circle knows that Mu Yichen is notoriously difficult to deal with."


    The club president was delivering a lesson to his staff.


    "But he likes to show off his relationship! The last time Mu Qingxin allowed me to expose their marriage certificate, she told me it was under President Mu¡¯s orders. If we don¡¯t go and try our luck, how will we know if it will work?"


    Le Yuanyuan said earnestly to the man driving.


    "True!"


    The president directed the car towards Mu Yichen¡¯s office building.


    "Qin Mu must be a very proud woman, even though she seems low-key. I suddenly think, perhaps Mu Yichen is the one who¡¯s easier to talk to. Do you get that feeling?"


    Le Yuanyuan turned to the man while driving, her excitement evident in her grasp on his arm.


    "The beauty is always right! I trust your intuition."


    The president gave her a serious look, his eyes shining.


    "Stop it! Aren¡¯t I doing all this for our newspaper? For you?"


    "I know! Yuanyuan, I¡¯m grateful!"


    The president reached out and caressed her cheek, then continued to drive attentively.


    "To be on the safe side, I¡¯ll give Mu Qingxin another call. If she helps us out, this interview is as good as ours. Then, in Rongcheng, our newspaper will become famous effortlessly."


    Le Yuanyuan looked at the man, bit her lip, then suddenly bowed her head and rummaged through her bag for her phone. She had to work hard for her future.


    "Will Mu Yichen listen to his sister?"


    "What if he does?"


    "If this thing works out ¡ª let¡¯s get married at the end of the year!"


    Le Yuanyuan looked at him, her face flushed with excitement. It was undoubtedly the biggest temptation for her. The man smiled at her, and the car finally arrived at the office building¡¯s parking lot.

 Chapter 683 - 193 Doting (1) Hurry Up_1

    Chapter 683: 193 Doting (1) Hurry Up_1


    Mu Yichen came home to have lunch with Qin Mu, arriving a whole half-hour later than the agreed time.


    Qin Mu sat in the dining room, supporting her chin as if gently gazing at her husband walking over with his head down.


    Mu Yichen sat down beside her and turned to look at her, with one hand habitually on the back of her chair, his dark eyes looking at her and asking, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Why are you late?"


    The hand supporting Qin Mu¡¯s face gently tapped the side of her cheek.


    "The car broke down on the road!"


    So he was in a bit of a bad mood, not just because the meal was delayed, but mainly because his time with his wife was interrupted.


    "The car broke down? Wasn¡¯t it because Le Yuanyuan stopped you?"


    Qin Mu had also received a call from Mu Qingxin, who had chided her for not seizing such a perfect opportunity to show off their love to the whole world, making Qin Mu deeply regret it.


    "No!"


    He answered, then glanced at the food on the table.


    "Le Yuanyuan didn¡¯t go looking for you?"


    Qin Mu curiously asked him.


    "She did! But by that time, I was already in the underground parking lot."


    After the call from Mu Qingxin, he had immediately gone downstairs and drove another car that had been parked in the underground lot for a long time. It had broken down on the street because it hadn¡¯t been checked in a while, which added half an hour to the delay and made him a bit gloomy.


    Qin Mu...


    Only then did Qin Mu remember who their Mu family head was¡ªa man who was not easily stopped by others.


    "What? You¡¯ve met?"


    Mu Yichen thought for a moment, his eyes narrowing.


    "Yes! She came to our house! She wanted to do a special interview with us, as Qingxin said, it¡¯s an opportunity for us to show off our love."


    With her other hand also supporting her cheek, Qin Mu immediately felt very sweet when she mentioned "showing off their love."


    "That sounds not bad!"


    Mu Yichen said with a frown, a hint of a smile on his lips.


    "You¡¯re interested?"


    Qin Mu briefly turned her eyes to look at him.


    "Let me go wash my hands first!"


    Mu Yichen gently touched her smooth hair and then got up to go to the restroom.


    Qin Mu began thinking seriously again, feeling that their Mu family head was in an unfathomable state at the moment, and she needed to be clever to cope with him.


    The two of them had lunch at home and then snuggled on the sofa to relax.


    Qin Mu said with a smile, "As for Miss Le! In my opinion, she¡¯s too forthright. Pretending to showcase our love but actually aiming for her newspaper¡¯s benefit. I hate being used by others under the guise of kindness, so! I sent her away."


    Mu Yichen wrapped his arm around her shoulder, caressing her hair lightly, "Hmm! My woman, Mu Yi, should always be the one using others."


    "Is that a compliment or a criticism?"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes to look at the man above her.


    "What do you think?"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but raise his hand to tease her nose.


    "Stop it!"


    Qin Mu pulled down his hand, holding it to her lips and biting down hard.


    Later, she didn¡¯t have the heart to bite too hard. Her teeth relaxed, and she just held on and sucked firmly.


    Mu Yichen looked down at the shimmer of light in her eyes and couldn¡¯t resist gently stroking her hair and bending his head to lightly kiss it.


    Later, Qin Mu fell asleep in his arms, so he used one hand as a pillow for her and the other to deal with work on his phone.


    Secretary Xi mentioned that two senior executives had come from out of town specifically to meet him in the afternoon, but he did not even lift an eyelid and replied directly with two words: "No time!"


    Standing at the office door, Secretary Xi looked at his ¡¯no time¡¯ and then glanced at Qiao Yi beside her.


    Under normal circumstances, if he was unavailable, that meant he was handing it over to Qiao Yi to handle.


    Qiao Yi stood with his hands on his hips, understanding the meaning from Secretary Xi¡¯s expression and sighed helplessly, "Now he really is becoming a better husband every day, but how can he leave such a big corporation in the hands of others all the time? Is that reasonable?"


    Having vented, Qiao Yi looked at Secretary Xi.


    Secretary Xi blinked and said with utter seriousness, "But isn¡¯t your friendship very good?"


    Qiao Yi stared blankly at Secretary Xi, even more troubled by her persistent unawareness of who was an insider and who was an outsider.


    "Now that the young madam is pregnant, as a husband, he really should stay by his wife¡¯s side. Or when Assistant Qiao¡¯s wife is six or seven months pregnant, will Assistant Qiao still let her fend for herself?"


    Secretary Xi asked seriously.


    Qiao Yi...


    "Since the boss said he¡¯s unavailable, you can handle this matter!"


    "You come with me!"


    Qiao Yi didn¡¯t refuse again; he wouldn¡¯t really refuse. After all, a brother is someone you would fight for no matter what.

 Chapter 684 - 193 Doting (1) Hurry Up_2

    Chapter 684: 193 Doting (1) Hurry Up_2


    But he had a condition, this woman.


    "Me, go with you? It¡¯s just downstairs in the visitor¡¯s lounge, and what about this place if I leave? I can¡¯t leave here unattended, and Xiaozhan isn¡¯t here."


    Xiaozhan is the assistant to the secretary at the creek, and if the creek secretary isn¡¯t there, she would usually be here keeping watch.


    "You and your fiance?..."


    "We¡¯re getting married soon!"


    The creek secretary turned her head, pulled back her chair, and sat down at her own desk. As soon as she finished speaking, she was already seriously facing the computer, her fingers casually tapping on the keyboard, looking very earnest.


    After hearing this, Qiao Yi looked straight at her.


    How long had the two of them been like this?


    Abnormal communication, just like this...


    He nodded and then, putting down what he had in his hands, strode toward the elevator.


    The secretary¡¯s fingers were still on the keyboard, her eyes fixed on the laptop screen, but her heart was already surrounded by pain.


    Her breath was so weak that it seemed as if she lacked the strength to breathe.


    In the afternoon, after meeting with the client, Qiao Yi took the materials to the Mu Family, and saw Qin Mu alone on the couch watching TV. He walked over and greeted her, "Mrs. Mu, you seem quite leisurely!"


    Qin Mu, holding the remote, snuggled in the couch, turned her head at the sound and said, "Qiao Yi! Have a seat!"


    After saying so, Qin Mu moved her legs off the couch, though continued to stare at the TV.


    Qiao Yi took a seat on the single couch nearby, watching her concentrated, somewhat childish, silly demeanor, and asked, "Where¡¯s Yichen? Out being your nanny again?"


    "How does a husband doing things for his wife equate to being a nanny? He¡¯s in the kitchen, will be out soon!"


    Because she had already called, she knew Qiao Yi would come over, but Mu Yi still insisted on personally cooking for his lady.


    "I¡¯ll go find him!"


    Qiao Yi didn¡¯t often come to the Mu Family mansion, but he still knew his way around.


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Mu responded, knowing they needed to talk business so she didn¡¯t interrupt, just focused on watching her drama at home.


    What she was watching was Tom and Jerry.


    The one that Huanhuan really loves.


    When Qiao Yi went to their kitchen, he saw the chef standing to the side while Mu Yi was busily working inside. Qiao Yi sighed helplessly, "The creek secretary said this is normal life for you, but I always find it strange."


    "It seems you two communicate quite a bit when I¡¯m not around."


    Mu Yichen bent over, properly preparing the vegetable platter, chatting with Qiao Yi in the process.


    "Young Master Qiao!"


    The chef recognized him, greeted him, and came forward, "Young Master, let me take over!"


    Mu Yichen placed the mixed vegetables aside and slowly walked out of the kitchen. As the two of them walked out, Mu Yichen was already looking at the materials that Qiao Yi had brought back.


    "These two old men really know how to take advantage of a situation!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes sharply scrutinized the black and white document, his voice cool and indifferent as he remarked.


    "Right? They think you¡¯re young and therefore more generous!"


    As Qiao Yi said this, he involuntarily put his hands in his pockets and looked up at the ceiling, suddenly letting out a laugh.


    Mu Yichen was famously stingy with some people.


    "Reply to them next week. Give them this order!"


    When Mu Yichen arrived at the living room couch, he said this as he sat down and casually tossed the materials onto the table.


    The sound was actually very soft, but Qin Mu still couldn¡¯t help but glance at him.


    Qiao Yi still sat on the single couch, looking at the two of them sitting together, yet he asked Mu Yichen seriously, "Are you sure?"


    "Yeah!" Mu Yichen responded, his hand naturally reaching behind Qin Mu.


    "These two old guys are known for stirring trouble in K City. If we let them take advantage of this deal, won¡¯t they just make things worse for us?"


    "Isn¡¯t this contract just for a year? Our group has a cooperation with K City at the end of this year, and this contract will be helpful for us."


    Mu Yichen looked down at the materials on the table, his voice low as he explained.


    Qiao Yi...


    Qin Mu, although not sure what was happening, heard them discussing something that seemed to indicate her husband was unleashing a big move?


    "Have you already planned to expand into K City?"


    Qiao Yi asked him.


    "Yeah! You will have to stay there for a while too!"


    Mu Yichen said as he raised his eyes to look at Qiao Yi, but his chest was still turned towards Qin Mu.


    Watching his confident, relaxed posture, Qiao Yi couldn¡¯t help but let out a bitter laugh, "Fine! As long as there is money."


    Accustomed to following orders. Resigned.


    Out of curiosity, Qin Mu asked, "Are you pursuing the creek secretary?"


    Qiao Yi...


    Their work discussion was going well, but the moment this topic came up...


    "No way! Who told you that?"

 Chapter 685 - 193 Doting (1) Hurry Up_3

    Chapter 685: 193 Doting (1) Hurry Up_3


    Qiao Yi denied it, but his gaze involuntarily drifted towards Mu Yichen.


    As Mu Yichen sat beside Qin Mu, he slightly smiled when he looked down.


    "Yichen! We¡¯ve been brothers for so many years, can¡¯t you at least leave me some privacy?"


    "Women hate men who love to lie the most!"


    Qiao Yi wanted to find trouble with Mu Yichen, but Qin Mu had already spoken first, making both men beside her somewhat tense as soon as she opened her mouth.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze reflexively lowered to look at her, and her eyes accurately glanced at him before shifting to Qiao Yi, causing Qiao Yi¡¯s heart to shudder violently.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Qiao Yi looked at Qin Mu, then turned to Mu Yichen, but his eyes clearly showed avoidance.


    "What I mean is, a woman is looking for a safe harbor. If a man can¡¯t give her that sense of security, it¡¯s as if he¡¯s garbage that belongs in the trash can."


    "Damn!"


    Qin Mu just finished speaking, and Qiao Yi couldn¡¯t help but curse, his sharp eyes turning towards the television.


    Qin Mu knew he didn¡¯t want to admit it, but she felt it necessary to remind him.


    "To make a woman feel secure, at the very least, you need to start by being honest with her."


    "Honest? Are you sure that just by being honest, she will stand by my side? Do you know she¡¯s already about to marry her fiance??"


    Qiao Yi remembered what Secretary Xi had said that afternoon and felt as if his internal organs had been humiliated.


    "Back then, everyone was saying that Mu Yi was going to marry Jing Qing! Yet didn¡¯t he end up marrying me?"


    Qin Mu raised her hand slightly.


    Qiao Yi...


    Mu Yichen simply watched the woman beside him with lowered eyes; at this moment, his woman was so breathtakingly beautiful that he almost couldn¡¯t contain himself.


    "You¡¯ve never opened up to her, yet you resent her for wanting to marry another man. Do you have the right?"


    Qin Mu asked him again.


    In the vast living room, the atmosphere suddenly became still.


    The air was filled with an awkward tension.


    "If you were me, what would you do first?"


    "If I was sure she¡¯s the woman I want, then I would start by confessing to her, admitting my mistakes, and then... let nature take its course."


    After Qin Mu finished speaking, she shrugged her shoulders.


    This was actually a very simple matter. In love, if you care too much about face, you¡¯re doomed to lose miserably.


    Both men suddenly fell silent.


    "But I¡¯m not sure!"


    It took a while before Qiao Yi finally said that.


    "Then why do you keep entangling with her?"


    Qin Mu was puzzled, and actually quite surprised.


    "Just because it irks me!"


    Qiao Yi laughed, a particularly awkward low laugh.


    Qin Mu looked at him and suddenly had nothing more to say.


    Qiao Yi¡¯s inner world was different from what she had imagined; some people¡¯s emotions are not a simple yes or no.


    Some people¡¯s spirits are so complex that they are difficult to fathom.


    He wasn¡¯t sure if this woman was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, yet he couldn¡¯t bear to see her marry another man; so what would their ending be?


    It was like everyone had a hidden card in their hand, and until the moment it¡¯s revealed, nobody knows its value.


    "I¡¯m leaving now! I won¡¯t disturb your dinner!"


    Actually, he had intended to mooch off their meal, but suddenly, his mood turned heavy. Qiao Yi stood up, patted Mu Yichen¡¯s shoulder, and left, worn out.


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze couldn¡¯t help but follow him out until Mu Yichen reached out and forcefully turned her face back to him.


    "Has he been hurt by love?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously.


    Mu Yichen lowered his eyes towards her, at that moment thinking his woman seemed like an innocent little girl.


    "Does Jing Qing count? Oh, and that Miss Lin, I heard she recently came to Rong City."


    As Mu Yichen spoke, he unconsciously touched his brow. Sometimes one must admit, some women really are a headache to men.


    Qin Mu was also startled; that bisexual girl came looking for Qiao Yi again...


    "What¡¯s Qiao Yi¡¯s attitude? Is he still meeting that girl? Or having a relationship?"


    "He wouldn¡¯t go that far, he¡¯s been hanging out with Jiang Zhiyuan lately."


    To avoid wrongful debts, he could only temporarily live in Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s apartment.


    "No wonder Secretary Xi is unhappy."


    Qin Mu muttered softly.


    "You¡¯ve met with Secretary Xi?"


    Mu Yichen asked curiously.


    "No! WeChat Moments, ah, we added each other on WeChat, so I can see her updates."


    "Really?"


    Mu Yichen thought carefully, as his own Moments didn¡¯t seem to include Secretary Xi. Could it be that Secretary Xi had blocked him?


    The feeling of being blocked by a subordinate as a boss...


    "It¡¯s normal for subordinates to not like their superiors seeing their private lives."


    Before he could ask, Qin Mu already answered for him, then she stood up from his embrace, holding her lower back and walking away from the sofa, turning around to tell him, "Let¡¯s go for a walk!"

 Chapter 686 - 193 Doting (1) Hurry Up_4

    Chapter 686: 193 Doting (1) Hurry Up_4


    "Hmm!"


    Mu Yichen agreed and went to the yard with Qin Mu.


    The swing they had bought for Huanhuan recently was just perfect for them to enjoy the coolness.


    Qin Mu sat beside him and asked, "Do you feel a bit chilly tonight?"


    "Entering September, the nights will all be cooler!"


    Mu Yichen bowed his head, his hands in his pockets, gently exerting force with his feet on the ground.


    Qin Mu nodded.


    "Let¡¯s ask Grandpa and the others to come back! I miss them!"


    Qin Mu said.


    She probably guessed that their trip was to give them some time alone as a couple, but it really wasn¡¯t necessary.


    They had known each other for so many years, and after their family had been gone for so long, the house became too quiet with just the two of them.


    Especially after Mu Qingxin had left as well.


    "Hmm! It¡¯s time to call them back!"


    Mu Yichen said, looking up at the sky, also missing his precious daughter.


    "I wonder if Huanhuan misses us?" he suddenly mused sentimentally.


    Qin Mu turned to look at him and then asked with a smile, "Of course she does, but she¡¯ll still carry on playing wildly with others as usual."


    Qin Mu knew Huanhuan too well. Perhaps it was because she had been thrown into things from a young age, or maybe it was just her independent nature. When Qin Mu used to return from business trips, Huanhuan would cling to her for a while but would soon go off to play with other things.


    "Did you often separate before?"


    "Not that often! She was in my belly for so long, and for the first three months after she was born, I never went out. After that, even though I did go on a few trips, the time I spent alone with her was only about two years, and I was by her side for over three hundred days each year."


    Qin Mu thought about the past.


    Actually, being separated wasn¡¯t much of an issue. The girl had always been understanding since she was little, knowing that her mother needed to make money to support the family, so she never cried or fussed when her mother had to leave on trips.


    Hmm! She didn¡¯t believe it before, didn¡¯t believe that a baby could be so understanding from birth, but ever since she had a daughter herself, she began to believe it gradually.


    Later on, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but start singing a song to him. It was Xin Xiaoqi¡¯s "Flavor," inspired by the starry sky, somehow humming the tune brought to mind the scent of socks.


    As they went inside, Mu Yichen wrapped an arm around her shoulder and whispered, "Did you ever secretly smell the scent of my cologne I left behind after I left?"


    That voice seemed distant, yet it sparked imagination.


    Autumn had finally become a bit cooler.


    ¡ª¡ª


    On the afternoon of August 15th, the family finally all came back.


    The elder asked his son to call Qin Haiming, and then the family gathered for a reunion dinner that evening.


    Qin Mu noticed that her daughter seemed very fond of sticking close to the Mayor of Qin City. They were happily chatting when suddenly, Huanhuan ran over to the mayor¡¯s side.


    "I was afraid we wouldn¡¯t make it back tonight, it¡¯s good we didn¡¯t delay!"


    The elder had a couple of sips of white wine and spoke joyfully.


    "Yes, my father has always said he wanted to invite you for a reunion dinner, regardless of whether you¡¯re busy or not. We didn¡¯t hold you up from anything, did we?"


    Mu Zihao, holding a glass, asked the man in the sharp suit. Qin Haiming raised his glass and chuckled softly, "If you didn¡¯t look for me, I would have spent it alone!"


    On the night of August 15th, he had no intention of working no matter what.


    In previous years, the presence of Qin Mingzhu and Zhang Rujia at home made the festival somewhat meaningful, but this year...


    However, Zhang Rujia also went away this year, merely being turned away just before his arrival.


    Later, he learned too much about Zhang Rujia¡¯s past, and so he had no more energy to be entangled with her.


    As for Qin Mingzhu, of course, he hoped his daughter would be happy. If the Wang Family was willing to accept her, he would definitely accompany her with a generous dowry and sincerely hoped Qin Mingzhu would correct her bad temper and behave well.


    "How could one spend it alone? Although it¡¯s us who have reached above our station, we are one family now, and so we don¡¯t need to speak in terms of two. From now on, for the New Year¡¯s, let¡¯s celebrate together, the younger ones don¡¯t mind it either."


    The elder raised his hand, and as the head of the family, naturally, nobody objected.


    Qin Mu was in the habit of not having much to say to Qin Hai, especially seeing how much Huanhuan adored her grandfather, she didn¡¯t want her to lose the affection of being doted on by him.


    But as for herself...


    "Yichen, have a drink with your father-in-law!"


    The elder raised his hand, directing.


    "I thought you two would talk until dawn!"


    Mu Yichen stood up with his glass, naturally, as a junior, he had to bow.


    Qin Haiming sat diagonally across from him, a glass in hand, the other hand gesturing downward, "Sit down, let¡¯s not be so formal, just the two of us, father and son."

 Chapter 687 - 193 Doting (1) Hurry Up_5

    Chapter 687: 193 Doting (1) Hurry Up_5


    "Then, with all due respect, I¡¯ll drink this one first as a toast,"


    Mu Yichen said, sitting down and finishing a glass on his own.


    "You still need to take care of the pregnant lady, so you can just have one glass!"


    Qin Haiming seemed worried Qin Mu might feel upset, so after that one glass, he didn¡¯t ask him to drink any more.


    Mu Yichen looked at Qin Mu, "Can I have another glass?"


    Qin Mu also looked at him, pausing at his question before smiling and saying, "Why are you asking me? At home..."


    At home, of course, it¡¯s fine to drink however much, as long as one doesn¡¯t get foolishly drunk.


    "I haven¡¯t really been able to enjoy a few drinks lately, so today is a good opportunity to drink a little more under the pretext of keeping company with dad, mom, and grandfather,"


    At this moment, Mu Yichen was very humble. He didn¡¯t need anyone to pour the wine for him; instead, he took on the role of a waiter, serving the elders.


    That night, Feng Fanghua also rarely picked up a wine glass.


    "Mrs. Feng, you had a good tolerance for alcohol before, right?"


    Mu Yichen watched his mother who had already had two glasses and yet wasn¡¯t red-faced or out of breath, deeply suspecting that his mother had been a drinking champ back in the day.


    "In those days, spending all day running the business with your father, I did wish I couldn¡¯t drink at all,"


    Feng Fanghua held her wine glass while speaking, her hand adorned with a gemstone ring bought during travels abroad, glittering under the light.


    "So when I wanted you to persuade him to go into politics back then, you refused. Regretting it now, aren¡¯t you?"


    The old man asked after hearing this.


    "It¡¯s not about regretting, it¡¯s just that whatever he liked, I would go along with him,"


    Although Feng Fanghua had a tough personality, her heart was true, devoted only to Mu Zihao, going wherever Mu Zihao went.


    "You! You¡¯re stubborn!"


    The old man sighed, but by now, he had resigned himself to their choices.


    Anyway, his son had not followed his wishes, nor had his grandson, and he dared not even think of his great-grandson.


    Qin Haiming had been silent at this stage, just listening.


    He thought of Qin Mu¡¯s mother, of how a couple¡¯s original bond was best.


    He also thought that all of this was perhaps fate.


    But by now, the fact that Qin Mu allowed him to sit here was all he could ask for.


    Late at night, after the meal, the family went to the yard to eat mooncakes and drink tea while admiring the moon. The moon that night was exceptionally round, which made them lose track of time as they chatted.


    Later, when Huanhuan fell asleep in Qin Haiming¡¯s arms, Mu Yichen and Qin Mu carried Huanhuan to bed. Qin Haiming then also took his leave.


    Qin Mu was already not so good at carrying children, but she still followed by their side.


    When Mu Yichen put Huanhuan down, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Have you noticed that Huanhuan seems to really like sticking close to her grandpa?"


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen agreed, carefully tucking in Huanhuan and then standing in front of Qin Mu, wrapping his arms around her shoulders as they both watched the little one sleeping on the bed.


    This little one hadn¡¯t missed them much since coming home, always sticking close to Qin Hai.


    Mu Yichen raised his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, "They say nieces are close to their uncles, so is Huanhuan so fond of her grandpa because she doesn¡¯t have an uncle?"


    Qin Mu gave a light laugh without speaking, and turned to walk ahead of him.


    After the two of them returned to their room and took a bath, they lay in bed embracing each other. Qin Mu sighed softly, "Living together with such a big family now, Yichen, this is something I never dared to dream of before."


    "Do you dare to dream now?"


    Mu Yichen asked in a low voice.


    "Now, I already have it!"


    Qin Mu chuckled softly, hugging him and whispering back.


    Her heart also felt sweet.


    "Yes! But still, I am the most important person to you!"


    No sooner had Mu Yichen finished speaking than a little protest came from within Qin Mu¡¯s belly.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but raise her hand to her belly and gently soothe, "Don¡¯t talk nonsense, he can hear you."


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was very soft.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hand also rested on her belly, their hands quietly entwining together, a pair of plain rings nestling against each other, as if reflecting the intertwined hearts of the two.


    The next morning, when Qin Mu came downstairs, she found Feng Fanghua with a feather duster, gently tapping at the sofa intermittently.


    "Mom! Good morning!"


    Qin Mu made her way down slowly, greeting her.


    Feng Fanghua looked up as she cradled her belly, immediately stepping forward at the staircase to meet her, "You should hold on to the banister when you walk."


    "I¡¯m only six months along."


    Qin Mu could only gently remind her in a soft voice.


    "Even so, you need to be careful, my grandson is precious,"


    Feng Fanghua said, caressing her all the while.


    Qin Mu felt helpless but couldn¡¯t help laughing a little.


    It¡¯s completely understandable for elders to dote on their grandchildren.


    "Has Yichen not gotten up yet?"


    Feng Fanghua asked after sitting down with her.


    "He¡¯s up, on a phone call,"


    Qin Mu replied.


    Before she had finished washing up, Secretary Xi¡¯s call came through.


    "Sigh! All he ever knows is work, work, work!"


    Feng Fanghua muttered, then asked, "Isn¡¯t it about time for your prenatal checkup? If Yichen is too busy, I¡¯ll go with you. After all, anything he can do, I can handle for you."


    Qin Mu...


    "What? Not willing?"


    Feng Fanghua looked at her expression and asked.


    "Uh, no! Of course, that¡¯s great!"


    Qin Mu readily agreed.


    She was just unaccustomed to going to prenatal checkups with her mother-in-law.


    And besides, Mu Yichen had probably cleared his schedule for that day as well, hadn¡¯t he?


    A man who had never missed his wife¡¯s prenatal checkup.


    "Then it¡¯s settled!"


    Feng Fanghua happily squeezed her hand.


    Qin Mu...


    Well then, so be it!


    Qin Mu thought that it didn¡¯t really matter who went with her, so on the way to the company after breakfast, with Mu Yichen and Huanhuan, she mentioned, "Let Mom accompany me for the checkup this time."


    "Hmm?"


    Mu Yichen looked puzzled for a moment, then glanced at the rearview mirror.


    Qin Mu and Huanhuan were sitting in the back seat, with Qin Mu hugging Huanhuan.


    "Mom wants to accompany me, just let her come with us. It¡¯s no bother,"


    Qin Mu told him the truth.


    "Did Mom speak to you?"


    Mu Yichen asked.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu affirmed, and Mu Yichen raised his eyebrows but said nothing. Once they arrived at the studio and parked the car, he got out first to open the car door and carry his daughter out, then reached for Qin Mu¡¯s hand to help her out.


    "I might not be able to come back at noon, but as soon as I finish in the afternoon, I¡¯ll come find you both."


    "Just focus on your work! Hurry along now! I¡¯m just pregnant is all, I am perfectly capable of doing things, completely okay. Why are you always with me? It¡¯s like I¡¯m some delicate flower,"


    Qin Mu felt so pampered by him that she thought she was becoming spineless, and she needed to remind him¡ªand herself¡ªthat she was still a normal person.


    "Do you think you¡¯re not delicate? A light push and you¡¯d fall over."


    Mu Yichen whispered in her ear, his dark eyes looking at her with an ambiguous gleam.


    Huanhuan stood beside them, gazing up curiously at them as if her head was filled with a hundred thousand whys!


    "Mr. Mu, Mrs. Mu!"


    Just as they were about to part ways, Le Yuanyuan suddenly appeared again, parking her car across the street and then walking over to greet them.


    Both turned to look, with Huanhuan also curiously glancing toward Le Yuanyuan.


    "Mr. Mu, I went to your office building yesterday to find you but was told you had already gone home, and I didn¡¯t expect to run into you here today."


    "You are?"


    Mr. Mu asked, frowning with a cold tone!

 Chapter 688 - 194 Pampering (2)_1

    Chapter 688: 194 Pampering (2)_1


    The breeze was cool in this autumn.


    Mu Yichen frowned as he looked at the neatly dressed woman before him, who was even wearing the same cool dress she had worn to his home last time, but surprisingly, Mr. Mu didn¡¯t recognize her.


    Qin Mu subconsciously lowered her gaze, wondering if Mr. Mu truly didn¡¯t remember or was pretending not to remember.


    "Oh, that one! I¡¯m Qingxin¡¯s classmate, Le Yuanyuan! We even dined together last time! Right at the Mu Family!"


    Le Yuanyuan hurriedly explained, masking her embarrassment with a forced smile, explaining while carrying her bag on her back, and then seeking Qin Mu¡¯s help with her eyes.


    Qin Mu simply smiled slightly: "Yes indeed!"


    Le Yuanyuan hadn¡¯t expected Qin Mu¡¯s response to be so lackluster but was already very grateful and looked back at Mu Yichen.


    "Really? I¡¯ve been quite busy lately, oh right, I have a meeting later, so now..."


    "Go on with your work! Hurry up then!"


    Qin Mu looked at him again, waving her hand, urging him to walk faster.


    "Huanhuan, say goodbye to Daddy!"


    Mu Yichen looked down and greeted his daughter.


    "I want to stay with Daddy."


    Huanhuan muttered, then looked pitifully at her mommy, waiting for her to speak.


    "Aunt Xiaomei has already prepared some delicious food and is waiting for you, are you sure you want to go with Daddy?"


    Qin Mu asked.


    Huanhuan, who had been thinking about going to eat something delicious with her dad, turned around and left after hearing her mom¡¯s words. It was only before she ascended the steps that she remembered to turn back and say to Mu Yichen: "Goodbye, Daddy!"


    Mu Yichen, one hand in his pocket, waved at his daughter with the other and sincerely smiled while saying goodbye to her.


    "This little girl is getting more and more unruly; don¡¯t stand outside for too long. If anything goes wrong, I will be upset."


    Before leaving, Mu Yichen took another look at Qin Mu and told her.


    Qin Mu heard that, and so did Le Yuanyuan.


    Thus, Le Yuanyuan didn¡¯t dare to stop Mu Yichen from leaving and, after his car had left, turned to Qin Mu: "If Mrs. Mu has the time, may I come in and talk with you?"


    "Sorry! I just happen to have no time today; my daughter just got back from a trip, and right now, I only want to be with her, thank you."


    Qin Mu finished speaking, nodded once, and then turned to walk inside.


    "Mrs. Mu! I come with goodwill!"


    Le Yuanyuan fixed her bag again, looking up at the woman ascending the steps.


    Far away, the leaves were fluttering in the wind, ready to fall, making a rustling sound, like the noise of rainwater.


    That cool shaded area didn¡¯t have much foot traffic seeking shade anymore; instead, it seemed that people now preferred places bathed in sunlight.


    As Qin Mu stood at the door, Xiaomei ran over to greet her, looked outside, paused, gave Qin Mu a glance, and then closed the door after Qin Mu had entered.


    Le Yuanyuan hadn¡¯t expected Qin Mu to actually refuse her entry today.


    So, without lingering in embarrassment, she turned around and took out her phone from her bag to call Mu Qingxin: "Qingxin, can you help me again? Your brother and sister-in-law aren¡¯t willing to cooperate with my interview, and you know, this interview is very important to me."


    "What can I do? You know how they are; unless they¡¯re willing, no one can help you. Oh dear, my son is crying, I have to go, let¡¯s talk when we have time."


    Mu Qingxin quickly ended the call.


    Le Yuanyuan helplessly furrowed her brows, gently touching the screen of her phone before swiftly sliding it into her bag.


    If she could not get her way here, surely there was another way she could finagle an opportunity?


    Le Yuanyuan got into her car but before leaving, glanced at the car parked next to the studio, which was even less upscale than her own, then she had a sudden thought and took out her phone to snap a photo of the area.


    Qin Mu, standing by the upstairs window, watched as Le Yuanyuan¡¯s car drove away, frowning with slight annoyance.


    She was worried that Le Yuanyuan might bring an unpleasant surprise to her in the near future.


    When she first met Le Yuanyuan, she thought this woman was very polite and measured.


    However, after a few minutes of conversation, Le Yuanyuan¡¯s true nature revealed itself, and Qin Mu began to worry about the future.


    Indeed, it wasn¡¯t long before Le Yuanyuan showed up, seeking to do an exclusive interview with her.


    It wasn¡¯t exactly a love debt, but it was another kind of trouble.


    Just then, Mu Qingxin¡¯s call came, and Qin Mu turned her head toward the desk, then walked over to answer: "Hello?"


    Mu Qingxin was out shopping with her son and casually sat down to call Qin Mu.


    "Did Le Yuanyuan come to see you again?"


    Mu Qingxin asked while gently rocking the stroller.


    "Yes!"

 Chapter 689 - 194 Pampering (2)_2

    Chapter 689: 194 Pampering (2)_2


    Qin Mu relayed the truth, his brows lifting slightly.


    "I didn¡¯t think she would be so troublesome, I only knew she had a good way with words when she was in school, and it just so happened that she¡¯s still in this industry. It looks like I¡¯ve brought you trouble!"


    Mu Qingxin said this with a headache already starting.


    "Indeed, a bit!"


    Qin Mu, eyes cast down, agreed with a laugh, while his other hand began to fiddle with the drawing paper on the desk.


    "So what do we do now? Can you get rid of her?"


    As Mu Qingxin wiped the drool from the little one in the child¡¯s car seat, she asked.


    "Hmm! I should be able to! Since you¡¯ve already left, don¡¯t worry about this matter."


    Qin Mu thought it wasn¡¯t easy for her to worry about things from afar.


    "How can I not worry? I¡¯ll talk to her later and set things straight, or I¡¯ll just block her! But if I do that, will she get angry and take even more extreme actions?"


    "Hmm! So don¡¯t worry about it for now. If she calls you again, just give her the run-around if you¡¯re bored, or don¡¯t answer if you¡¯re busy. As for me, I¡¯ll handle things here!"


    Qin Mu said softly, looking down at the blueprint on the table and walking slowly toward the window.


    "Alright then! My dear, I am really sorry. I didn¡¯t expect to cause such a problem."


    Mu Qingxin truly felt sorry.


    "What silly thing are you saying?"


    Qin Mu said.


    After chatting for a while and coming to an understanding, Qin Mu hung up the phone and immediately dialed Wen Runuan¡¯s number.


    Wen Runuan was surprised to receive her call, but happily so.


    "Hello? Mrs. Mu finally has time to call me?"


    Wen Runuan wasn¡¯t staying home with the kids today; she was attending an event, so she had gone out and was now doing her makeup in the makeup room.


    "How are you feeling?" Qin Mu asked softly, ambling toward the window.


    "Not bad! You wouldn¡¯t be calling just to ask about my health, would you? What¡¯s up? Tell me!"


    Wen Runuan spoke while looking at herself in the mirror and directing her makeup artist.


    "I¡¯ve run into some trouble these past few days. Do you know about that tabloid that exposed my marriage with Mu Yichen?"


    Qin Mu asked.


    "Hmm! I know about it!"


    "After I refused their request for an exclusive interview these past days, they seemed quite disgruntled. I¡¯m afraid they might kick me when I¡¯m down, so I wanted to ask you about the situation of their company."


    "Their company ranks within the top three in Rongcheng, right? But they are very competitive, and to be honest, they lack conscience. Why did you involve such a company with your marriage exposure?"


    Wen Runuan asked curiously, pausing her makeup artist to turn around and talk more seriously with Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu explained the whole situation to her, and Wen Runuan couldn¡¯t help but snicker, muttering, "Your husband is really cute! In that case, just contact President Zhang directly, he probably knows more than I do, and you can also go to him for any action you want to take."


    Wen Runuan chatted with Qin Mu for a while longer, made plans to eat together when they had time, and then resumed having her makeup done by the artist.


    "Would Miss Wen have other women call President Zhang?"


    The makeup artist asked while applying her makeup, seemingly reminding Wen Runuan of something.


    "Hmm! Don¡¯t worry about it, she is not one of those women trying to steal men from me."


    Wen Runuan, seeing the makeup artist¡¯s concern, told the truth.


    "First Jing Qing leaves, now here comes a Fengqing. Just hearing that name..."


    The makeup artist had been with Wen Runuan for a few years, so she was quite frank.


    "No matter what ¡¯qing¡¯ she has, but as for President Zhang, I already have him in my pocket! So she can only look on with envy," Wen Runuan said confidently, placing her phone on the vanity and looking at the beautiful woman in the mirror.


    "President Zhang hasn¡¯t been coming to the company much lately. Could it be because of that woman?"


    "Hmm! President Zhang said that now that our relationship is public, I should handle the things here from now on. Sigh! Just thinking about it tires me out."


    That last part was heartfelt; she really didn¡¯t like dealing with these things.


    But for the sake of her man, she would fight!


    "If Fengqing found out about this, she¡¯d probably be furious!"


    The makeup artist couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    Wen Runuan, looking at the two of them in the mirror, spoke with a bit of severity: "Do they all think that the women behind these big bosses are easy to bully? That¡¯s really strange! Would a capable man fall for a worthless woman by becoming blind?"


    After speaking, Wen Runuan shook her head.


    She really detested those women who cling to successful men and refuse to let go, especially those men who already had wives or girlfriends.

 Chapter 690 - 194 Pampering (2)_3

    Chapter 690: 194 Pampering (2)_3


    "They say if we are in love but not married, I still have the right to fight for you, I can still bear it!"


    "But when they say even being married doesn¡¯t matter, I just can¡¯t take it anymore. I may not be able to utter a curse word, but deep down, I really want to slap that person, no, two slaps, until she remembers she still has a face."


    After Le Yuanyuan went back, her boss called her into the office, and not long after, she angrily got up from her chair, and all the colleagues outside saw her throw her handbag onto the table.


    She always took good care of her things, but this time, she was so angry that everyone speculated the boss was breaking up with her.


    "So, you mean I won¡¯t get this news piece?"


    "Yuanyuan, if this piece doesn¡¯t work out, we can report on other news, but as long as you want to stay in this industry, let¡¯s forget about the news regarding President Mu and Mrs. Mu."


    As the boss, naturally, he was more tactful than his subordinate.


    "Forget about it? Why should I? I think I¡¯ve given her too much face! Do you know how much Qin Mu¡¯s car costs? It doesn¡¯t even come to five hundred thousand total. She thinks that¡¯s staying true to herself? She thinks by driving a broken car I¡¯d see her as a woman who doesn¡¯t love money? Just by marrying into the Mu Family, I could write about her until she wants to hide underground."


    Le Yuanyuan roared angrily, thinking about it.


    "But if it¡¯s discovered, what about your career?"


    "Career? Isn¡¯t my career all about exposing these hypocritical high-society ladies? Each one decked out in gold and silver while pretending to be virtuous, acting all innocent and sweet when they¡¯re actually sanctimonious with only dirt in their hearts."


    Le Yuanyuan continued to speak.


    Her boss, however, was scared by her speech.


    He had never expected Le Yuanyuan to hold such extreme views.


    He had only thought she was a capable and beautiful woman, but now it seemed...


    "Since we can¡¯t report on their couple using our newspaper¡¯s name, we might as well find another way to make their relationship infamous forever."


    "What are you thinking?"


    "I¡¯ll just go to some internet cafe, open a new account, or change my location. Who would know it was me? Since they act as if they don¡¯t know me, they can¡¯t blame me for being merciless."


    Le Yuanyuan muttered, then planted her hands on her hips, her eyes full of schemes.


    Her boss slumped in his chair, speechless for a long time.


    In fact, Le Yuanyuan hadn¡¯t expected things to reach this point either.


    She thought that with Mu Qingxin¡¯s connection, getting the interview would be easy, especially with her sincere attitude.


    But Qin Mu just wouldn¡¯t play ball, and Mu Yichen even pretended not to recognize her.


    Le Yuanyuan just couldn¡¯t swallow her pride.


    It was deep into the night when she finally drove to an internet cafe.


    In this world, some people try so hard to make themselves seem unremarkable, while others strive to live the lives of the elite.


    These two kinds of people are never in short supply in the world.


    But when these two kinds of people cross paths, one side ends up hating the other to the bone.


    Qin Mu woke up early in the morning and started checking the news, but Mu Yichen snatched away her phone, cuddled up to her, and climbed on top of her: "Mrs. Mu, aren¡¯t you being a little negligent towards your husband?"


    "Am I?"


    Qin Mu looked at the distance between the two; although he was on her, he wasn¡¯t pressing down on her. His fists were clenched on either side of her head, which was genuinely terrifying.


    But!


    How could Mrs. Mu be afraid of President Mu?


    "You think so? You probably thought the phone was your husband!"


    President Mu frowned, very serious.


    Qin Mu...


    "Look at me!"


    Mu Yichen said, his hand gently pushing her hair to the side of her face.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t find the gesture flirtatious, but just thought President Mu¡¯s arm strength was impressive.


    He could support himself with one arm on the bed, a gesture that could make any girl swoon.


    Luckily, she was the only one who got to see it.


    She relaxed her arms on either side of her legs, blinking and asking him, "I¡¯ve been looking at you from the start. Are you feeling unwell? Can¡¯t see me clearly?"


    Qin Mu stared at him intently for a moment.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Qin Mu, take this seriously!"


    President Mu lost his temper.


    Qin Mu instantly stopped talking, just looking at him seriously, although she couldn¡¯t help blinking every few seconds.


    Then her hands quietly stroked his firm chest.


    "Don¡¯t touch aimlessly!"


    "What if I touch? What about it?"


    Qin Mu suddenly started flirting around his chest with her hands.


    Mu Yichen was beside himself, gritting his teeth as he looked at her: "Baby, do you know? I just wish you were a bit more affectionate."

 Chapter 691 - 194 Pampering (2)_4

    Chapter 691: 194 Pampering (2)_4


    "I just wanted to look at the phone!"


    Qin Mu answered truthfully.


    "Damn phone!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s fist hit the bedsheet next to her head.


    The bed bounced a little at that spot.


    Immediately, Mu Yichen rolled off her, "Go ahead and look at your phone, but remember not to crawl into my arms again when you sleep tonight."


    Qin Mu...


    "Husband!"


    Qin Mu immediately turned her head to call him.


    The man getting out of bed looked back, pretending to be indifferent, "Hmm?"


    "I don¡¯t want to look at the phone anymore!"


    She said with an innocent smile.


    "What do you want to do then?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s mouth straightened into a line, and it took her a long time to suppress the words "do you" that almost slipped out, then she softly said, "Love you!"


    Mu Yichen returned to the bed and lay down beside her.


    Last night he had wanted to ask for her help, but she was too sleepy and had fallen asleep after touching him a little.


    This morning, Director Mu certainly wouldn¡¯t let her off.


    ¡ª¡ª


    By the time the two of them went downstairs, it was already half-past eight. Feng Fanghua and Huanhuan were drinking bird¡¯s nest soup, and upon seeing them, they called the maid to serve them as well.


    "I¡¯ll pass. I have a meeting soon and need to head out immediately. Give it to the young mistress instead, since she¡¯s not working today."


    Qin Mu blinked, wondering since when she didn¡¯t have to work?


    "Didn¡¯t you say your leg hurt?"


    Mu Yichen answered her with that look in his eyes.


    Qin Mu...


    "Leg pain? What happened?"


    Feng Fanghua asked worriedly, looking at Qin Mu.


    "It¡¯s nothing, nothing at all!"


    Qin Mu denied it immediately.


    "Anyway, she¡¯ll stay home to rest for the day, I¡¯m off to work."


    As he spoke, Mu Yichen looked towards his daughter.


    "Bye daddy!"


    Huanhuan said to him, then turned around to play.


    Mu Yichen left with a smile.


    He thought to himself, it wasn¡¯t bad at all for a daughter to be independent-minded.


    However, if she grew up to run away for years like Mu Qingxin and even brought a man back with her when she returned, hmph!


    After Mu Yichen left, Feng Fanghua was still worried. Just as Qin Mu had taken the bird¡¯s nest soup handed to her by the maid, she heard Feng Fanghua ask, "What exactly happened? Did you get tired from going to work yesterday?"


    "Oh, it¡¯s not that!"


    Qin Mu hurriedly responded. How could she say it was from being tired in the morning?


    "What¡¯s wrong with the young mistress?"


    The maid, with clasped hands by her side, also inquired with concern.


    "Mommy¡¯s leg hurts!"


    Huanhuan said, and then, clutching her doll, she went over to Qin Mu, set the doll aside, and began to massage Qin Mu¡¯s thigh.


    Qin Mu...


    "Could it be because the stomach is growing now, so it¡¯s pressing down and causing leg pain?"


    The maid suggested thoughtfully.


    "That¡¯s possible indeed, or it could be a calcium deficiency. This is serious for a pregnant woman. I¡¯ll call Dr. Zhang to come and have a look at you."


    "No need, Mom, really! It¡¯s just that I was busy in the studio for a while yesterday, and only today I felt a bit uncomfortable, but it wasn¡¯t pronounced, and it¡¯s much better now."


    Qin Mu nervously stopped her, then looked down at her little daughter who was massaging her legs and felt even more...


    Mu Yichen was practically trying to get her killed.


    "I told you not to overwork yourself! Didn¡¯t you start doing things again because you couldn¡¯t sit still?"


    Feng Fanghua thought of her habit of wanting to snip and sew whenever she saw fabric, and frowned.


    Qin Mu...


    "Yes!"


    She could only nod in agreement, her voice very soft, very soft.


    She couldn¡¯t possibly tell everyone that it was because Director Mu had her doing ¡¯whatnot¡¯ in bed that morning.


    The elders, of course, would never think in that direction, naively assuming she was simply tired from work.


    After finishing the bird¡¯s nest soup, Feng Fanghua asked her to rest upstairs, so Qin Mu lay on the sofa holding her phone and scrolled through the screen.


    There was no information about them.


    As she pondered why, her phone suddenly rang. She looked down to see the name "Director Zhang" and immediately picked up, "Hello?"


    "Just as you expected, between last night at 11:30 and 1:00 in the morning, the internet intercepted no less than ten gossip posts about you."


    "Can we confirm it was their press doing this?"


    "The location is an internet cafe? in the Southeast District. I didn¡¯t verify who it was, but you can guess, can¡¯t you?"


    Director Zhang sat in his office, looking at the intercepted gossip news and talking to her.


    After all, when Director Zhang¡¯s child was born, they still gave a generous gift, so he didn¡¯t hesitate to help with this small favor.


    "Hmm! But it would be best if we could catch her spreading rumors."


    "Then, for the rumors to spread, there¡¯s got to be another occurrence. I think she will probably continue this in the next few days. Actually, you could have Mu Yi handle it, or just track her directly, it would be easy to catch her."


    Director Zhang¡¯s reminder made Qin Mu realize she had been neglectful lately. Right, just tracking her directly would do the trick, wouldn¡¯t it?


    "Also, these news articles, do you want to take a look? This woman¡¯s prose is pretty good."


    "No need, give them to Director Zhang for your downtime!"


    Qin Mu joked. She could actually guess what Le Yuanyuan would write¡ªif praising didn¡¯t work, then it would be slander.


    She had encountered plenty of this kind of thing abroad while shooting advertisements.


    She hadn¡¯t cared then, and cared even less now.


    But such people couldn¡¯t be allowed to run rampant. She had to resolve this quickly.

 Chapter 692 - 195 Pampering (3)_1

    Chapter 692: 195 Pampering (3)_1


    This kind of trouble, if not resolved as soon as possible, will haunt you in the future.


    ¡ª¡ª


    After Mu Qingxin¡¯s heartfelt apology, Qin Mu went to the studio to find Mu Yichen and asked, "Have you been busy lately?"


    Sitting on the couch with his legs crossed and seriously checking his phone emails, Mu Yichen looked up, "Hmm?"


    "Nothing!"


    Qin Mu could only smile wryly, seeing how he was right there with her, but his eyes were glued to his phone.


    Qiao Yi said he was actually extremely busy recently, but he still managed to come home on time every day and even found time to visit her office for some alone time with her. Qin Mu just quietly watched him.


    Qin Mu walked over to sit beside him, gently placing her hand on his shoulder and resting her chin on it too, looking down at the emails on his phone while silently sighing to herself. She then asked him, "What¡¯s for dinner tonight?"


    "What would you like to eat?"


    Mu Yichen turned his head and asked her, his deep gaze falling on her delicate lashes.


    "Hmm! As for me! I feel like having hot and sour soup!"


    Mu Yichen looked at Qin Mu with tenderness in his eyes and couldn¡¯t help but gently kiss her forehead, "Okay!"


    Qin Mu closed her eyes, feeling his kiss, then leaned on his shoulder. He continued to check his phone emails, and she casually picked up a newspaper to read.


    It wasn¡¯t until Xiaomei knocked on the door that Qin Mu lifted her eyes; Mu Yichen was still intently looking at his phone.


    Xiaomei made a mouth gesture to Qin Mu, who glanced at the door and then whispered to the person beside her, "I¡¯ll step out for a bit; I¡¯ll be back soon to keep you company."


    "Hmm!"


    Mu Yichen responded, not expecting Qin Mu to suddenly kiss him. He turned to her, lifting his hand to mess with her hair.


    "Stop it! You¡¯ve messed up my hair!"


    Qin Mu covered her head and protested, then stood up, hands on her hips.


    After leaving, Qin Mu gently closed the door behind him and then walked downstairs with Xiaomei, who linked arms with her, ostensibly as a supportive gesture.


    "Does that newspaper have some kind of issue?"


    "Did you get everything I asked you to fetch from Runuan?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t answer; she just asked in a low voice and slowly made her way downstairs.


    "Yep! Just brought it back, it¡¯s on my desk," Xiaomei responded while escorting her outside.


    After going downstairs, Qin Mu saw the newspaper¡¯s president sitting in their visitor¡¯s lounge, surprisingly without Le Yuanyuan. Qin Mu turned to Xiaomei, who said, "Didn¡¯t I make myself clear? It¡¯s Le Yuanyuan¡¯s boss who has come over."


    Only then did Qin Mu understand Xiaomei¡¯s earlier comment about the newspaper¡¯s people possibly being sick, but still, she decided to walk over.


    "Mrs. Mu!"


    The newspaper¡¯s president immediately stood up to greet her when he saw her approaching.


    "Hello! Please, have a seat!"


    Qin Mu smiled in response and then also took a seat beside him.


    "Go and make a cup of tea for President Zhang," Qin Mu instructed Xiaomei, who nodded and went to make the tea.


    President Zhang felt relieved to see Qin Mu treating him with courtesy, not as heavy-hearted as when he had first been sitting there.


    "May I know if President Zhang has come to see me... for the interview matter?"


    Qin Mu guessed, noting the evasion in President Zhang¡¯s eyes, and suddenly wasn¡¯t sure about the purpose of his visit.


    "Oh! No! I¡¯m here because of Yuanyuan¡¯s issue," President Zhang said, his demeanor surprisingly humble, as if he had given up on his initial intent after understanding Qin Mu¡¯s standpoint.


    Hearing him say that he came regarding Le Yuanyuan¡¯s issue, Qin Mu became even more focused on the conversation.


    "To be honest, I would really like to conduct the interview with Mr. Mu and Mrs. Mu. It would be a good promotion for you as a couple, and for our newspaper, it¡¯s the most beneficial way to enhance our value. But since Mr. Mu and Mrs. Mu are not inclined towards such an arrangement, I have no choice but to let it go. However, if Le Yuanyuan does anything to harm you or your family unilaterally, that has nothing to do with our newspaper," President Zhang suddenly became serious, a different demeanor from when she last saw him.


    Qin Mu found the man rather heartless.


    "Yes!"


    But since he had come to clear the air.


    "Zhang Zhiyuan, what are you talking about?"


    When Le Yuanyuan appeared was unknown, but upon hearing the voice coming from the other side of the lounge, Qin Mu and Zhang Zhiyuan turned their heads to look. Le Yuanyuan, incredulous and with her large, watery eyes, gazed at the man sitting on the couch.


    Zhang Zhiyuan, clearly not expecting Le Yuanyuan¡¯s sudden appearance, looked somewhat embarrassed as he watched her approach.

 Chapter 693 - 195 Pampering (3)_2

    Chapter 693: 195 Pampering (3)_2


    "It has nothing to do with the newspaper? Everything I did was for our newspaper."


    Le Yuanyuan clarified with a broken heart. In her heart, Zhang Zhiyuan knew everything; she had given so much for the newspaper, even sacrificing her reputation, simply wishing to see the newspaper thrive and hold an unshakable position in Rong City.


    As an onlooker, Qin Mu naturally wouldn¡¯t intervene at this moment and was silently watching.


    "Yuanyuan, let¡¯s go back and talk about this!"


    Zhang Zhiyuan stood up, nodded at Qin Mu and was ready to leave.


    "Go back and talk? How can I go back? Didn¡¯t you say you would marry me if I got this exclusive interview? Now you say I have nothing to do with it, how can I go back?"


    She kept repeating the words "how can I go back," never having imagined that the man she trusted would see her as so worthless.


    "Yuanyuan! Be rational."


    The man with the big belly and slight baldness, wearing an ill-fitting suit with sleeves that were a bit too long, yet Qin Mu could still see his trembling, insecure fists.


    Was he restraining some kind of emotion?


    And Le Yuanyuan, her eyes already blurred by tears at this time.


    She thought he would support her!


    She believed he would always stand by her side.


    But now, he actually came here to tell Qin Mu that everything she had done had nothing to do with the newspaper.


    "Rational? Zhang Zhiyuan, I¡¯ve been with you for three years. Do you think I¡¯ve been working so hard just for the newspaper? It¡¯s all because I fell in love with you."


    Le Yuanyuan suddenly broke down, crying out those words.


    Qin Mu looked down quietly, listening. They should both be around the same age; this Le Yuanyuan was a university classmate of Mu Qingxin.


    "I know! That¡¯s why I said we should go back and talk."


    Zhang Zhiyuan walked out from the reception area¡¯s sofa, towards her, trying to take her hand.


    "Three years of youth, all dedicated to you, to your newspaper, and for these three years, I even gave up meeting with friends... but go back and talk? What is there left to talk about?"


    Xiaomei, carrying tea, came out and, seeing the situation outside, stood still.


    The other colleagues were all curiously watching the scene; whether or not they understood the words, the changes in expressions between the man and the woman told even a fool that they were arguing.


    "You insist on discussing this here? Do you want me to expose, in front of everyone at JY, your efforts to destroy Mrs. Mu¡¯s reputation? Do you want me to tell everyone about the things you¡¯ve been quietly doing lately?"


    Zhang Zhiyuan trembled, deeply disappointed with the woman before him.


    "Zhang Zhiyuan, you bastard!"


    Le Yuanyuan was shocked, and on impulse, she grabbed her bag from around her neck and hurled it at his head.


    Zhang Zhiyuan dodged, and the bag flew past his head towards the sofa.


    Qin Mu was startled and quickly dodged backward; the bag whizzed past her, eventually landing behind the screen.


    Xiaomei, frightened, dropped her cup of tea and immediately ran to Qin Mu, "Qinqin, are you okay?"


    "This is not the place for you to argue. If you want to fight or kill each other, please go outside."


    Qin Mu stood up from the sofa; although she wasn¡¯t hurt, she was still shaken, and her face turned serious.


    Le Yuanyuan and Zhang Zhiyuan both startled at her expression.


    "Mrs. Mu, I am truly sorry!"


    Zhang Zhiyuan said, then turned back to Le Yuanyuan, suppressing his anger, he sharply warned her.


    Although his voice was not too loud, his anger was clearly visible.


    Le Yuanyuan, too, was frightened by the recent turn of events. After a moment¡¯s thought, biting back her grievances, she walked towards Qin Mu.


    "Le Yuanyuan!"


    Zhang Zhiyuan grasped her wrist to stop her.


    "What are you doing? I¡¯m going to get my bag."


    Le Yuanyuan shook off his hand with a look of grievance, reminding him.


    "I¡¯ll get it!"


    Zhang Zhiyuan, as if afraid she might do something drastic, turned around to fetch the bag for her.


    Le Yuanyuan clenched her teeth watching him walk away, then looked at the glass water cup on the coffee table.


    Then she glanced at the man going to retrieve the bag at the window; she strode towards the coffee table, picked up the water cup and, without waiting for Zhang Zhiyuan to get up, hurled the glass cup viciously at his head.


    Qin Mu and Xiaomei, standing together, were stunned.


    This woman had such a fierce temper.


    And Zhang Zhiyuan slowly stood up from the ground, still holding her bag in his hand.


    The cup fell onto the floor with a not very crisp shatter, and blood flowed from Zhang Zhiyuan¡¯s head, quickly increasing in speed.

 Chapter 694 - 195 Pampering (3)_3

    Chapter 694: 195 Pampering (3)_3


    That originally greasy face now looked even more horrifying, and both Qin Mu and Xiaomei were too scared to speak. Le Yuanyuan, however, stepped forward, her tears streaming down uncontrollably.


    "Zhiyuan, are you okay? Zhiyuan, I didn¡¯t do it on purpose, how are you feeling, Zhiyuan?"


    "You crazy woman, get out of here!"


    Zhang Zhiyuan angrily raised his hand to push her away.


    Xiaomei and Qin Mu hurriedly moved away, while other colleagues also slowly stood up.


    "What¡¯s going on here?"


    When Le Yuanyuan was pushed toward the sofa and nearly bumped into Qin Mu, Mu Yichen came down from the staircase, his deep voice sounding as if it came from hell itself.


    Suddenly, the room fell silent.


    Zhang Zhiyuan clenched his fists several times before awkwardly lowering his head: "I¡¯m very sorry!"


    Le Yuanyuan, however, was clutching her arm that hurt terribly from hitting the corner of the sofa. She stood up straight again and looked at Zhang Zhiyuan with wounded eyes: "You bastard, grandson!"


    Le Yuanyuan picked up something and threw it at Zhang Zhiyuan.


    Qin Mu watched as her own cup was snatched by Le Yuanyuan. While retreating to a safe place with Xiaomei, she shouted: "Stop it!"


    But it was too late, Le Yuanyuan had already raised the cup intending to smash it down on Zhang Zhiyuan, who had no choice but to flee, with Le Yuanyuan chasing after him, hitting him with whatever she could grab.


    "I said stop it!"


    Qin Mu shouted angrily, out of breath, her hands on her hips.


    Mu Yichen walked over to stand by Qin Mu¡¯s side, then pulled out his phone: "Hello? I need to report a fight, this is 17 Rigus Road, JY Studio. I¡¯m Mu Yichen!"


    After Mu Yichen hung up the phone,


    the entire first floor finally returned to calm.


    Le Yuanyuan finally caught up with Zhang Zhiyuan, but upon hearing that familiar, cold voice, she stopped her assault and turned back to look at him.


    Zhang Zhiyuan was overcome with embarrassment.


    "Private conversations are too much hassle, let¡¯s just call the police. If you two want to be treated leniently, then at the very least, you should clean up the mess you made, and then pay compensation."


    After speaking, Mu Yichen walked over to the sofa with Qin Mu and sat down.


    Ten minutes later, the couple sat on the sofa watching the two clean up. Zhang Zhiyuan then sat down on the ground exhausted, trying to endure the pain from where the cup had hit him on the head. The emotions had compounded, and he was beginning to feel overwhelmed, everything in front of him blurring.


    Le Yuanyuan immediately felt a pang of regret at the sight and looked towards the man on the sofa still staring at his phone. She then had no choice but to lower her head and finish cleaning up.


    "There are still shards of glass over there! Our Qinqin is pregnant and can¡¯t afford these minor injuries, sweep it all clean."


    Xiaomei stood to the side giving orders, her large eyes staring unflinchingly at the woman sweeping with the broom.


    Le Yuanyuan, who usually never did such chores, had no choice but to clean diligently.


    "Mr. Mu, Mrs. Mu, could we possibly not call the police? I¡¯ll compensate double for everything I broke just now, please? Once it¡¯s taken to the police station, many things that are simple will become complicated."


    After pondering, Le Yuanyuan straightened up and suggested to Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen lifted his eyes: "What did you say?"


    In just a second, he lowered his gaze back to his phone, while Qin Mu was drinking water that Mu Yichen had suggested to calm her nerves. So, she obediently drank her water and kept silent.


    Le Yuanyuan...


    "Sounds like a habitual offender, doesn¡¯t it? Your tone seems quite familiar with the police station!"


    Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help but make a sarcastic comment, her dark eyes continuously fixed on her.


    "What¡¯s there to be curious about with our line of work?" muttered Le Yuanyuan, as she finished cleaning.


    She put the cushion, the newspapers, and everything else back in their places, then stood opposite the couple: "But this time..."


    "Is there a fight here?"


    The nearby police officers arrived, two handsome female officers.


    Qin Mu glanced up, her gaze involuntarily drawn to their uniforms, which looked incredibly stylish.


    The two female officers glanced at Mu Yichen and Qin Mu, then toward the chubby man sitting against the wall with blood still drying on his head, and the woman standing beside the sofa looking nervous.


    "You two, come with us."


    Hearing the officers¡¯ words, Le Yuanyuan anxiously looked at Qin Mu: "Mrs. Mu!"


    "Go and give Le Miss the item I asked you to retrieve."


    Qin Mu turned to the young woman standing beside her and instructed.

 Chapter 695 - 195 Pampering (3)_4

    Chapter 695: 195 Pampering (3)_4


    "Okay!"


    Xiaomei immediately went to fetch a thick document bag for Le Yuanyuan, and then they were taken into a police car.


    "Really don¡¯t know whether to call that woman hateful or pitiful."


    Xiaomei muttered this after they were taken away.


    Qin Mu said with a smile, "A pitiful person must have a hateful aspect, don¡¯t think too much about it. Go buy me a crystal cup that¡¯s exactly like the one I used before."


    "Roger that!"


    Xiaomei didn¡¯t dare to delay, but before leaving she still said to Qin Mu, "Then I¡¯m going to drive your little car, okay?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything, only gave her a look before going back inside.


    Xiaomei had her own spare keys, so she left in the car.


    "Shall we go home?"


    Qin Mu walked back to the reception area; since it was a battlefield just now, she didn¡¯t want to stay there at all.


    "Come and sit down!"


    Mu Yichen put down his phone, crossing his legs with an assertive aura.


    Qin Mu walked over and sat down, feeling a bit guilty unconsciously, but she couldn¡¯t recall what she had done wrong.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    She snuggled up close to him.


    "Have you been tracking Le Yuanyuan recently?"


    "Yeah!"


    Qin Mu nodded; she hadn¡¯t told him about this, so now that Mu Yi knew, was he planning to confront her?


    "Why didn¡¯t you tell me?"


    Mu Yi asked her earnestly, his low voice was captivating.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes fell, and her lashes fluttered.


    "I was planning to tell you after you weren¡¯t busy anymore. Plus, I hadn¡¯t expected that they would meet in the studio today, or that it would end with heads split and blood flowing."


    Frankly, she found the whole scene spectacular!


    In her heart, she gave the encounter a perfect score.


    Mu Yichen, seeing how she was being humble, wasn¡¯t too angry. He understood that she was worried about his schedule, but it still made him feel distressed.


    "No matter how busy I am, many things can still be discussed with me first, okay?"


    "Understood!"


    He gently hugged her head against his chin, his deep and powerful voice speaking to her before lightly kissing her forehead.


    That sight made other onlookers feel heartache.


    A wail from the heart of a single dog.


    "Why so silly?"


    Mu Yichen looked down at her, rubbing her hair while chiding her.


    "Hey! Mu Yi, your wife is already in her twenties!"


    Qin Mu always felt that him touching her hair had been going on for years.


    From when she was a child, that was okay because she was little, but now that she was a mother, it was odd to still be treated that way¡ªespecially since her hair could get messed up easily!


    And...


    Qin Mu suddenly remembered all her staff members were there, and in her embarrassment, she pulled his hand away from her hair: "That¡¯s enough."


    "Aren¡¯t you still that same fool?"


    Mu Yichen reminded her as he continued to rub her hair despite her resistance.


    Qin Mu was nearly at her breaking point.


    By five o¡¯clock, Mu Yichen drove her home.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Autumn was passing in the blink of an eye, and Qin Mu¡¯s belly was growing larger and larger.


    Qin Mu saw Le Yuanyuan again in the hospital; Le Yuanyuan was there for an abortion, and she for a prenatal checkup.


    Qin Mu deliberately went a bit later, waiting for Helian Hao to finish work, but unexpectedly, Le Yuanyuan was following behind Helian Hao as he came out of the operating room.


    Helian Hao said to Qin Mu, "Have you been waiting long?"


    "No!"


    Qin Mu was just curiously observing Le Yuanyuan, who lowered her head in embarrassment upon seeing her.


    "This Miss Le came for an abortion, messed up with the wrong guy."


    After chatting with Le Yuanyuan on the operating table, Helian Hao felt quite sympathetic towards Le Yuanyuan¡¯s misfortune.


    Yet, the words "abortion" made Le Yuanyuan feel so ashamed she wished she could disappear.


    "Mrs. Mu!"


    Le Yuanyuan thought it over and still greeted her.


    Qin Mu replied softly, "Hmm!"


    Le Yuanyuan¡¯s face looked awful, and Helian Hao said, "Go lie down in the ward for a bit, you can leave after half an hour."


    "Okay!"


    Le Yuanyuan agreed.


    "I¡¯m going to wash my hands, hang on a minute!"


    Helian Hao excused himself to Qin Mu before leaving.


    Le Yuanyuan approached Qin Mu and said, "Mrs. Mu, I¡¯m very sorry for what happened in the past!"


    "If it¡¯s in the past, let¡¯s leave it there!"


    Qin Mu said softly.


    "I¡¯ve already resigned."


    Le Yuanyuan added.


    Qin Mu looked at her with sharp eyes, saw her shaky appearance, and after a moment of pondering, she spoke again, "You should go lie down for a bit, we can talk about everything else later."


    "Actually, there isn¡¯t much to talk about, I just feel disgusted by my past self."


    She was very grateful that Qin Mu had spared her last time.


    "If you had continued trying to ruin me back then, I was actually already prepared to retaliate. The proofs you had, I have backups of them all."

 Chapter 696 - 195 Pampering (3)_5

    Chapter 696: 195 Pampering (3)_5


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes were calm as she looked at her, her muted voice reminding her.


    Le Yuanyuan looked up at her, startled, but ended up just smiling, "Then I¡¯ll go out first!"


    Helian Hao also came out from the inside washroom, and looking at the Helian Hao who had just left, she whispered, "Do you know her?"


    "Sort of!"


    Qin Mu smiled.


    "Actually, I also think she looks very familiar."


    But she really couldn¡¯t recall who it was.


    At noon, the two of them went out for lunch together, and Helian Hao said, "My mother and my mother-in-law are on the same side for the first time, insisting I take a break for now. They say things like how can a pregnant woman perform abortions on others, isn¡¯t that equal to committing a sin? Even if it¡¯s a caesarean section to hold a baby, but that bloody scene is also harmful to the fetus inside, and so on. Anyway, they just use various excuses to get me to take a break."


    "Actually, what they say makes sense. I¡¯ve always wondered how you ended up choosing this profession."


    Qin Mu thought about the little girl who used to put wildflowers in her hair, wondering how she grew up to have the courage to pursue this profession.


    "Hehe! Angel in white, it sounds so beautiful, so I chose it."


    Helian Hao pondered for a moment.


    But Qin Mu couldn¡¯t agree.


    "Let¡¯s talk about something serious. Your wedding with Mu Yichen is still decided for Christmas? Not changing it?"


    This matter, they had not mentioned it for a while, but the family kept preparing.


    "I guess so! We haven¡¯t talked about it! But it seems like the family has always been preparing!"


    Qin Mu thought for a while, occasionally hearing the elders discussing the guest list and menu.


    "Sigh! If it has to be Christmas, we might as well wait another year. By then, the baby will be bigger, and you can have a wedding with ease. Look at you now; your stomach is already like this!"


    Helian Hao said this while lifting her head and touching Qin Mu¡¯s belly.


    Qin Mu looked down at her own stomach and smiled helplessly.


    "As long as Mu Yi is happy, that¡¯s fine!"


    Qin Mu said.


    She could actually do without a wedding altogether, but since Mu Yichen wanted one, since Mu Yichen wanted to give her a wedding, she felt that they should just go ahead with it.


    Plus, she thought there probably wasn¡¯t such a thing as an easy wedding. Having the wedding this way might be better, since at least no one would dare to trouble her. If they waited until the baby was born, people might want to prank them in the bridal chamber, and having seen so many videos of wedding pranks online, she was honestly a bit scared.


    "You just want him to be happy? You don¡¯t wish for it at all?"


    "Rather than having a wedding, I look forward to a simple, quiet life."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile as she answered her.


    Helian Hao shook her head repeatedly but didn¡¯t have the heart to criticize her further.


    Because how could Helian Hao not understand? The simple, unostentatious life that Qin Mu liked, she liked it not because she was showy or boastful. It was because her heart wasn¡¯t completely free of shadows.


    After entering November, it really got cooler. All the air conditioners in the house were turned on. Qin Mu sat on the couch, feeling her belly being gently nudged by the little one inside.


    Feng Fanghua and Huanhuan sat on either side of her. Huanhuan was so mesmerized that she didn¡¯t dare to touch.


    But Feng Fanghua happily reached out to touch Qin Mu¡¯s belly; the little one, because of her sudden touch, stopped moving, but after a few seconds, began to move again.


    "My little grandson must be so endearing!"


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but exclaim excitedly.


    This was the Nth time Feng Fanghua had said this since Qin Mu got pregnant.


    It meant countless times.


    Huanhuan gazed at her mother¡¯s undulating belly, looked worriedly at her mother, her big eyes shimmering with tears, as if she was about to cry.


    "Mommy, does it hurt?"


    Huanhuan asked nervously, with a hoarse voice, looking up at her pitiful mother.


    "It doesn¡¯t hurt! It¡¯s just that your brother is dancing in Mommy¡¯s belly. Huanhuan, do you want to touch?"


    Qin Mu questioned her in return.


    "No! Huanhuan hates having a little brother, he makes Mommy very tired,"


    Huanhuan stubbornly said, anger flashing in her eyes before she jumped off the sofa and ran inside.


    Feng Fanghua watched Huanhuan¡¯s obstinate little figure with some concern, "This little girl is actually quite sensible, she even knows how to be sympathetic towards you! But she¡¯s been like this recently, no matter what advice we give her, she doesn¡¯t listen. What should we do?"


    "It¡¯s fine! It¡¯ll be better after the baby is born,"


    Qin Mu had read many such stories on Baidu and besides, Huanhuan was genuinely worried about her, so Qin Mu didn¡¯t really mind. She guessed that once she returned to her normal self, Huanhuan would cheer up again.


    For now, it seemed Huanhuan was just frightened.


    "I hope so!"


    Feng Fanghua sighed softly. Yet, when she looked at Qin Mu¡¯s belly again, she couldn¡¯t help but reach out with a smile, "This little guy sure has a strong kick."


    "He¡¯ll be even more lively after a while,"


    Qin Mu thought to herself, feeling that the real challenge was just beginning!


    Late at night, after Qin Mu and Huanhuan had gone to sleep, the family gathered together. Upon descending the stairs and seeing everyone waiting for him, Mu Yichen sat down and asked, "What¡¯s up?"


    "About your wedding, you really want to hold it on Christmas? Are you certain about that?"


    Mu Zihao was the first to ask his son.


    "Yes! It¡¯s settled!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s brows were slightly furrowed, his voice low.


    "Your wife is in this condition, are you truly certain? Don¡¯t you want to ask for her opinion?"


    The elderly Mu pondered before asking.


    "My opinion is her opinion! On that day, she just needs to show up, she¡¯s not the type to shy away from work anyway."


    Mu Yichen had thought it through; he knew that Qin Mu would be tired on that day, but he also knew she wasn¡¯t the kind of person to be knocked down by a bit of fatigue.


    "She might be up for work now, but when it comes to eight or nine months, do you still expect her to work? By then, her belly will be sticking straight out, and the baby could be ready to be born at any moment,"


    Feng Fanghua recalled her own pregnancy and reminded him.


    Mu Yichen looked up at her, his expression growing silent.


    The baby¡¯s growth seemed to have accelerated once Qin Mu was six months along.


    Lately, the little one had been increasingly active inside his wife¡¯s belly. Although he was already a father of one child, during Huanhuan¡¯s time, he wasn¡¯t by Qin Mu¡¯s side. He might have occasionally seen expectant mothers on the street, but he had never lived with a pregnant woman so closely and felt the changes as he did now.


    Thus, he really didn¡¯t know how big Qin Mu¡¯s belly could get before giving birth to their son!


    Therefore, he also felt quite a lot of pressure lately.


    But when it came to his own nerves and stress, he could not express them in words.


    If the wedding preparations were already in progress, then he might as well let fate decide. If she was able to attend, then they would go ahead with it, if not, they would postpone.


    "You¡¯d better still ask Mumu for her opinion!"


    Mu Zihao thought for a moment then added.


    "I¡¯m afraid she won¡¯t have an opinion! When has she ever voiced her opinion on domestic matters?"


    Feng Fanghua felt her husband was troubling their son, so she spoke up on behalf of him.


    Mu Yichen laughed without meaning to; in these increasingly cold days, he suddenly felt very content.


    "Grandfather has a few old comrades who will definitely want to come. Since you don¡¯t plan on changing the date, send the invitations early so they can prepare."


    The elderly Mu considered before saying.


    "All right! I¡¯ll have someone draw up the list tomorrow, and I¡¯ll send someone to deliver them personally."


    The elderly Mu always treated his old comrades even closer than brothers, whether they were across oceans or not. Therefore, the Mu family would send someone specially to deliver the invitations.


    Mu Yichen stepped outside to smoke a cigarette before returning to the room. In the dark room, he sat for a long time next to her, gently holding he

 Chapter 697 - 196 Pampering (4) What’s there to accompany her?_1

    Chapter 697: 196 Pampering (4) What¡¯s there to accompany her?_1


    The night was deep and silent.


    In the quiet room, there were effectively three people lying on a single bed.


    Qin Mu frowned even in her sleep, as if she wasn¡¯t sleeping deeply.


    Mu Yichen lifted his hand to touch her face and unintentionally cast his eyes downward, landing upon Qin Mu¡¯s belly.


    It was that little guy bullying his wife again!


    Mu Yichen scowled, thinking to himself that he really wanted to pull that little guy out and kick him a couple of times to avenge his wife.


    The feud between father and son seemed to be officially forged at that moment.


    ¡ª¡ª


    When Qin Mu opened her eyes in the morning, she saw the man sitting on the edge of the bed buttoning up his shirt and said in a husky voice, "Help me call Xiaomei, I won¡¯t be going over today."


    "Mm!"


    Mu Yichen finished fastening the last two buttons, then went to find her phone to call Xiaomei.


    Qin Mu lay on her side in bed, sleeping, unable even to lie on her stomach.


    During the latter half of the night, she had a nightmare, dreaming that Mu Yichen had left her, and thus she hadn¡¯t slept well afterward.


    After Mu Yichen went to work, Feng Fanghua saw that Qin Mu still hadn¡¯t gotten up and went to their bedroom, where she saw the sleeping girl looking pale. She couldn¡¯t help but feel worried as she sat beside her and lifted her hand to touch her forehead.


    "Mumu?"


    "Mom! Mom! Mom! Don¡¯t leave me, don¡¯t leave me, mom..."


    Qin Mu muttered under her breath, her voice quite muffled.


    But in that moment, Feng Fanghua¡¯s hand trembled on her forehead, and she just stared straight at the girl lying beside her.


    Almost twenty years, and she still dreams of her mother constantly?


    Feng Fanghua sighed helplessly, stroked Qin Mu¡¯s forehead firmly, the corners of her eyes wrinkled with silent tears.


    Normally, Qin Mu would never see this sentimental side of her, but at that moment, she simply couldn¡¯t contain herself.


    Feng Fanghua recalled when she was pregnant, her own parents still alive, and she acted spoiled before her mother every day, always asking for this or that, or intentionally bossing her mother around.


    Yet looking at the girl before her, she sadly had lost her mother early, unable to enjoy the care her own mother gave her during her pregnancy, and she hadn¡¯t felt her mother¡¯s love since she was eight.


    Feng Fanghua used to think that everyone experiences pain, and she had never wanted to pity Qin Mu.


    But today, she couldn¡¯t help feeling distressed, and raised her eyes to wipe the tears from the corner of her eyes.


    Qin Mu opened her eyes to see Feng Fanghua with her back to her, raising her hand as if wiping away tears.


    "Mom, what¡¯s wrong?"


    Qin Mu asked in a hoarse voice.


    "Ah, nothing! I¡¯m fine!"


    Feng Fanghua, startled by her voice, stood up while wiping her tears, "If you¡¯re not feeling well, sleep a bit more; I¡¯ll have the maid bring your breakfast up in a little while."


    Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t look back at her again and left after speaking.


    After Feng Fanghua went downstairs, Mu Zihao happened to come out of the study and quickly approached her upon seeing her moist eyes: "What¡¯s this about?"


    "That girl is dreaming about her birth mom!"


    Feng Fanghua suddenly felt distressed and became tearful again just seconds after saying those words.


    It seemed she couldn¡¯t help but cry because she was by Mu Zihao¡¯s side.


    "What¡¯s all this? When did you become so emotional, hm?"


    Mu Zihao was pained and unsure how to comfort her.


    "How can you be so silly? It¡¯s been so many years! Did that woman think of her daughter when she went to crash into those people? But this foolish girl has lived in that shadow for so many years!"


    Feng Fanghua murmured; in her eyes, Qin Mu¡¯s mother was good but also truly selfish.


    Not only was she young, she had a seven-year-old daughter.


    Yet she left so recklessly, just like that.


    "Sigh! Stop thinking about it, it¡¯s been so long!"


    Mu Zihao hugged her and soothed her gently.


    "It¡¯s been a long time, indeed, but has that girl let go? Such behavior always makes me feel like I¡¯ve wronged her, yet she¡¯s never asked me for anything. How do I give to her?"


    Feng Fanghua spoke more and more distressfully and eventually felt aggrieved.


    Qin Mu stood at the top of the stairs, listening; she dared not descend, fearing that confronting them then would only lead to awkwardness.


    She returned to her room but couldn¡¯t help but take a deep breath.


    She didn¡¯t know why, but every important day, she would dream about her mother.


    Feng Fanghua said her mother was selfish, and she too had resented her, but she had been even harsher, directing all her resentment toward Qin Haiming.


    Later, the maid prepared her breakfast and sent it up; she only managed a few bites before lying back down to rest.

 Chapter 698 - 196 Pampering (4) What’s there to accompany her?_2

    Chapter 698: 196 Pampering (4) What¡¯s there to accompany her?_2


    Suddenly, she realized that this pregnancy didn¡¯t seem as strong as the first one.


    Was it because she had family around, so she became more sentimental?


    In the afternoon, Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua took Huanhuan out, and she stayed in the living room to play chess with Grandpa, who said he was holding her to ensure she had no chance of turning the game around.


    "How about I introduce you to a friend?"


    The old master asked her after taking one of her pieces.


    "What kind of friend? A boyfriend or a girlfriend?"


    "Aren¡¯t you afraid Yichen will fall into a vat of jealousy? And you still dare mention a boyfriend?"


    The old master seemed to be joking, but he was also speaking sincerely.


    "Even if he gets jealous, he knows in his heart that there won¡¯t be anyone else for me."


    When it came to this matter, Qin Mu was actually quite confident.


    "Hmph! You sure have confidence in that boy."


    "In a few days, a comrade¡¯s granddaughter is coming back from overseas for some work. They¡¯ve sold their house here, so I¡¯ve asked her to stay with us for a few days."


    The old master instructed.


    "Oh! Okay!"


    Qin Mu nodded after hearing this, but then she turned to look at the old master: "Grandpa! Are you introducing a friend to me? You¡¯re not trying to make a move on Mu Yichen again, are you?"


    Qin Mu originally wanted to hold back from asking, but what if a beauty capable of overthrowing states came along and swooned her husband?


    "Of course not! She¡¯s already got a fiance?!"


    Grandpa said.


    "Oh!"


    Qin Mu sighed with relief.


    Two days later, the comrade¡¯s granddaughter arrived at their home.


    It was a Saturday afternoon; it was slushy snow outside. The girl entered wearing a caramel-colored coat.


    Mu Yichen personally went to pick her up, and the two of them were chatting as they walked into the house.


    At that moment, Qin Mu began to feel uneasy.


    After the girl greeted everyone and gave out gifts, she then said, "Actually, I was planning to stay at a hotel, but I heard Grandpa insisted! I promise I won¡¯t be a disturbance for too long."


    "What are you talking about? We¡¯re family. What¡¯s all this talk about being a disturbance?"


    Old master said cheerfully, also complimenting the girl for looking like grandfather.


    "If she looked like Grandpa, wouldn¡¯t she be rather plain?"


    Mu Yichen, sitting next to Qin Mu with his legs crossed, arm resting behind her, chimed in.


    "Yes, Grandpa! Everyone says I actually look more like my mother!"


    The girl followed up on Mu Yichen¡¯s comment.


    "Oh, am I mistaken?"


    The old master was still very happy, as his old comrade had sent a memento from their days working together.


    "Hello! Let¡¯s get properly acquainted. My name is Zhuo Wen, and whenever I¡¯m back in the country, I always come to visit. It¡¯s just that back then, Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t won you over yet."


    Zhuo Wen extended her hand, politely and lively chatting with her.


    "Qin Mu!"


    Qin Mu extended her hand too, but only lightly clasped hers.


    "You¡¯re really beautiful! No wonder Mu Yichen was reluctant to return to the country for so many years."


    Zhuo Wen said, throwing a glance at Mu Yichen.


    Qin Mu suddenly realized, they seemed quite familiar?


    Observing the expressions on everyone¡¯s faces more carefully, they indeed appeared to know each other well.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s deep eyes were already looking at his wife, his hand gently pressing down a strand of hair that was sticking up on her head.


    "Oh! You two are really lovey-dovey!"


    Zhuo Wen sounded like an older sister.


    She was the same age as Mu Yichen, but she had studied in Australia.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile awkwardly, taking his hand from her head and placing it back on his leg.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze remained fixed on Qin Mu¡¯s face, and the smile finally began to fade.


    "Xiaowen is now a well-known designer in Australia."


    Feng Fanghua introduced to Qin Mu.


    "Really?" Qin Mu asked with a smile.


    "Yes, if there are any good projects in the future, be sure to refer them to me."


    Usually more grounded, Qin Mu¡¯s inner child wondered, "I¡¯m not going to invite you to Rongcheng to bother me."


    Strangely, or perhaps it was a woman¡¯s sixth sense?


    Qin Mu always felt that this Zhuo Wen wouldn¡¯t become her friend, even though Zhuo Wen was so generous and beautiful, and had given her a valuable gift.


    Later, Qin Mu felt her cheeks aching from smiling, so she used fatigue as an excuse to go upstairs.


    Hmm!


    A bit inhospitable!


    A bit improper!


    But why should she pretend in front of someone else for so long?


    Since they were going to be living together for a while, it might be better to let the other person get used to her true temperament sooner.


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t vain, but she wasn¡¯t self-deprecating either. She felt that a few hours were enough to tell whether someone was a friend or a foe.


    After she went upstairs and caught her breath, Mu Yichen followed."

 Chapter 699 - 196 Pampering (4) What’s there to accompany her?_3

    Chapter 699: 196 Pampering (4) What¡¯s there to accompany her?_3


    Turning around, he saw him closing the door and coming over, so he asked, "Why aren¡¯t you staying with Miss Zhuo?"


    "What¡¯s there to accompany her for?"


    Mu Yichen said, then walked past her to the bed and lay down directly on it.


    Qin Mu felt that Director Mu was in quite a good mood today.


    "Honestly, Mu Yichen, you¡¯re happy that Zhuo Wen is at the house, aren¡¯t you?"


    She had never seen him smile like that at any other woman.


    Mu Yichen propped himself up on the bed with his arms, lifted his upper body to look at her, "They say pregnant women are particularly prone to fanciful thoughts, and I believe it!"


    Qin Mu...


    He lay down again, "Come and lie down!"


    "I can¡¯t lie down as easily as you can, I¡¯d better sit!"


    After saying this, Qin Mu walked over to the couch and sat down, then lowered her head to fiddle with her fingers.


    Honestly, she really didn¡¯t like this guest at the house.


    But everyone seemed so happy.


    Mu Yichen sat up again, and when he saw she was genuinely upset, he stood up, went over, sat beside her, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and asked her seriously in a low voice, "Don¡¯t you like her being at home?"


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Mu responded.


    "Then I¡¯ll ask her to leave!"


    Mu Yichen said.


    Qin Mu turned to look at him upon hearing his straightforward statement.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t move but kept looking at her.


    The air suddenly became awkward.


    Qin Mu knew he would not do such a thing, but he indeed let her down.


    "How about we move back to the apartment in a couple of days?" he pondered, realizing she truly disliked the situation and thus made a decision.


    "Hmm!"


    She responded blandly again, but unintentionally chuckled, then looked out the window, "What¡¯s with the weather today? Did you feel the ground was dirty on your way back? Rain mixed with snow?"


    She supported her waist with her hands, carrying her large belly and slowly walked towards the window.


    Mu Yichen still sat there, one hand resting on the back of the couch, his sexy fingers tapping lightly a couple of times before immediately turning his head to look at Qin Mu¡¯s figure.


    She had always been very sensitive.


    In the few years since she came back, he had been working hard to prevent her from feeling uncomfortable.


    So...


    He absolutely couldn¡¯t let his efforts go to waste.


    That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t talk to Zhuo Wen during dinner like he did in the afternoon.


    Zhuo Wen, being perceptive, naturally noticed the change and refrained from speaking much.


    The old master didn¡¯t think too much of it but Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao sensed something subtly off.


    "I hear your master is JY! That master is as elusive as a dragon, it¡¯s impressive that you could become his apprentice,"


    Zhuo Wen began speaking to Qin Mu.


    "Hmm! Actually, I¡¯m not that impressive, it¡¯s more that Director Mu is impressive."


    Qin Mu spoke, then turned to look at Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen just smiled faintly: Do you really think Jian Yan can be bribed with money? I am just part of your additional conditions.


    "Additional, but the only one."


    Mu Yichen looked at Qin Mu, Qin Mu also looked at him, and then turned to Zhuo Wen.


    "Oh my! That¡¯s just too sweet! Too bad my fiance? isn¡¯t here, otherwise, I¡¯d make you two taste the flavor of being tormented,"


    Zhuo Wen couldn¡¯t help but laugh while saying this to them.


    "Xiaowen, when did you get engaged?"


    "Not engaged yet, Auntie!"


    Zhuo Wen answered Feng Fanghua¡¯s question.


    "Oh? But you already have a fiance?, don¡¯t you?"


    Feng Fanghua asked curiously, suddenly feeling a little worried.


    "We plan to get engaged once I return, and by the way, I¡¯m already wearing my engagement ring!"


    Zhuo Wen said, lifting her hand to show off her diamond ring.


    Feng Fanghua then seemed relieved.


    "Even though mutual affection between two people is more important than anything else, without marriage, how can you form a family? Isn¡¯t that like saying it could end at any moment? You must get married."


    The old master, as part of the older generation, also seemed somewhat traditional in his thinking.


    "Yes! You¡¯re right! My grandfather said the same, so we¡¯re planning to get engaged by the end of the year, and maybe we¡¯ll get married before May Day after the new year!"


    Zhuo Wen agreed, not contradicting the elder at all.


    Her arrival had suddenly made the house lively.


    Huanhuan, eating her meal, glanced at the pretty aunt, feeling like she seemed radiant when she smiled.


    So she deliberately knocked over her little bowl.

 Chapter 700 - 196 Pampering (4) What’s there to accompany her?_4

    Chapter 700: 196 Pampering (4) What¡¯s there to accompany her?_4


    Everyone¡¯s gaze finally shifted to her.


    Qin Mu turned to the little girl by her side who had spilled her bowl and immediately picked up a napkin, worried, "Did it burn you?"


    "Ouch, my darling, did you get burned anywhere?"


    Feng Fanghua, who sat on the other side of Huanhuan, also asked with concern.


    The elders were all very anxious about her; Huanhuan shook her head, then made a face at Qin Mu and continued to pretend to be pitiable.


    Qin Mu, with her sharp eyes, saw her daughter¡¯s expression and was at a loss for words.


    But inwardly, she couldn¡¯t help but give the little rascal some silent praise.


    Zhuo Wen was obviously too eye-catching, able to chat well with anyone, which made Huanhuan quite impatient.


    "Sister Zhang, quick, take the young miss to change her clothes."


    "I¡¯ll go!"


    After Feng Fanghua finished speaking, Qin Mu stood up and extended her hand toward her little daughter.


    Huanhuan looked at her, feeling a bit nervous, but still handed her hand over.


    "I should go too!"


    Mu Yichen also got ready to stand up.


    "There are guests here! I¡¯ll go, it¡¯s not a big deal!"


    Qin Mu whispered to him and then took Huanhuan upstairs.


    The dining room suddenly wasn¡¯t as noisy as before, quieting down.


    But as soon as the door to Princess Huanhuan¡¯s room upstairs closed...


    "Tell me! Was it intentional just now?"


    Qin Mu stepped back slightly because standing too close would block her daughter¡¯s line of sight with her belly.


    She questioned Huanhuan sternly.


    "Yeah! I dislike that aunt!"


    Huanhuan nodded, thought about it, and still decided to tell her mother, feeling that her mother probably also didn¡¯t like that aunt.


    "Fortunately, the rice just now wasn¡¯t hot; what if it had burned you? If your delicate skin got hurt, Mommy would be heartbroken."


    Qin Mu finally squatted down and caressed her little nose as she spoke.


    "Mommy, why does that aunt have to be at our house?"


    Huanhuan grumbled.


    "Because she¡¯s a guest of our family! She¡¯s the granddaughter of your great grandfather¡¯s friend, and they have a very good relationship."


    "But, she could stay at a hotel!"


    Huanhuan blinked her big eyes.


    "There are many things you¡¯re too young to understand, but you¡¯re not allowed to do such things again, understand? It¡¯s absolutely not okay to hurt yourself because you¡¯re angry at someone else, okay?"


    Qin Mu pressed her shoulders and earnestly advised her.


    "Oh!"


    Huanhuan agreed, thought for a moment, and realized her leg was actually burned a little just now. She decided it would be better to listen to her mother from now on.


    Huanhuan said she was already full, so Qin Mu didn¡¯t accompany her downstairs, but directly prepared a bath for her and changed her into pajamas for bed.


    When Mu Yichen came over, mother and daughter were at the end of a storybook.


    Huanhuan sat inside, her black hair draped over, listening intently as her mother read to her.


    After finishing the last few sentences, Qin Mu looked up, and Mu Yichen was already standing not far away.


    "Why have you come up too? You¡¯re not going to ask me to go downstairs and entertain the guests, are you?"


    "Zhuo Wen has already gone back to her room," Mu Yichen reminded.


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t expected Zhuo Wen to return to her room so soon and thought she¡¯d have to chat until midnight.


    "Oh!"


    Qin Mu then wondered if she was being too petty.


    What if the girl was actually nice?


    Yet no matter what, she couldn¡¯t quell the irritation deep inside her heart.


    The couple lay in bed, and after a while, Qin Mu felt insecure for the first time in a long time.


    "When did you meet Zhuo Wen?"


    "After coming back from Paris! She did a project here once and came to visit Grandfather." Mu Yichen recalled the first time he met Zhuo Wen as he lay with one hand behind his head and the other around Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder.


    "Oh!"


    Qin Mu, hearing his calm explanation, suddenly felt like she had nothing much to say.


    She thought to herself that she must be too petty and too sensitive!


    Yes! The problem was with her!


    Could it be that pregnancy was making her this unreasonable?


    Qin Mu felt troubled, with an added sense of frustration, especially when she struggled to turn over in bed.


    Suddenly having another woman in the house, one as beautiful as a fairy and such a good conversationalist, who seemed to say things that the elders all liked, unlike herself, as inexpressive as a rock.


    Qin Mu felt she was going mad, lying awake in the middle of the night. She eventually sat up.


    It wasn¡¯t until nearly two o¡¯clock that she managed to lie down, with her half-finished drawing and a pen still on the floor.


    ----


    In the morning, the Mu Family home bustled with activity again.


    Just after six o¡¯clock, Zhuo Wen was already up, practicing yoga outside the window.


    The old master watched from inside the window and let out a chuckle, "Youth really is wonderful!"


    "But Dad, having Zhuo Wen stay at our house, are you trying to incite a civil war on purpose?" Mu Zihao had stood behind him for a while and, after thinking all night, couldn¡¯t help but raise the concern.


    "What are you talking about?"


    The old master turned his head, looking puzzled at his son.


    "Your grandson, your granddaughter-in-law, their relationship has just stabilized not long ago, and suddenly having Zhuo Wen stay over at our house, and with her way with words, do you think your granddaughter-in-law would be happy?" Mu Zihao explained.


    "Don¡¯t paint my granddaughter-in-law as so unreasonable. Mumu is a sensible child!"


    The old master huffed, speaking as if defending, and returned his gaze to the window!

 Chapter 701 - 197 Indulgence (5) Childbirth_1

    Chapter 701: 197 Indulgence (5) Childbirth_1


    "He¡¯s sensible, all right! But¡ª"


    "Don¡¯t go assuming everyone¡¯s like your daughter-in-law, now scram!"


    The old man couldn¡¯t be bothered with him and waved a hand behind him to shoo Mu Zihao away.


    "What are you two talking about?"


    Feng Fanghua had just come downstairs, initially thinking the two had a quarrel, only to find them...


    They feigned calmness, each looking away¡ªsome at the window, others at the sofa.


    Feng Fanghua walked over and unconsciously chuckled upon seeing outside the window, unable to help but murmur, "They¡¯re starting this early in the morning? That girl is really something."


    "I hear she also exercises every morning at home and now she¡¯s keeping it up even after moving out; truly a role model for the younger generation."


    The old man reflected on his old comrade¡¯s words and gave a high appraisal.


    Feng Fanghua glanced at Mu Zihao, who also seemed somewhat helpless.


    Mu Yichen went to work after getting up this morning, not even eating breakfast.


    Zhuo Wen found him in the restaurant where he was having lunch with Qiao Yi, tapping gently on his table.


    When Mu Yichen and Qiao Yi looked up and saw her, Qiao Yi¡¯s eyes were drawn to the delicate face before him, and the next moment he looked at Mu Yichen.


    There was no extra expression on Mu Yichen¡¯s face, he simply asked, "What are you doing here?"


    "That¡¯s exactly what I wanted to ask you. Why are you here? I have an appointment to meet a client here."


    She sat down next to them and cast a glance at Qiao Yi with her exquisite face, "This is Mr. Qiao, isn¡¯t it?"


    Qiao Yi often hung out with Mu Yichen, so she had seen him a few times before, but didn¡¯t remember clearly.


    "Indeed! And who might this beautiful lady be?"


    Qiao Yi¡¯s memory was even worse, which made things awkward.


    "Zhuo Wen! My grandfather¡¯s old comrade¡¯s granddaughter, don¡¯t you remember?"


    Mu Yichen gave Qiao Yi a look, as if saying, ¡¯Stop putting on an act.¡¯


    "Oh, Miss Zhuo! Women truly change as they grow. I didn¡¯t recognize you."


    Qiao Yi immediately played along, striking a certain pose.


    "Ha! Mind sticking around later? I have something I¡¯d like to talk to you about."


    Zhuo Wen didn¡¯t linger with Qiao Yi for too long, instead turning to Mu Yichen with a particularly serious tone and saying in a low voice.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t respond, just looking at her.


    "Gotta go! My client is waiting upstairs!"


    Zhuo Wen stood up, said her farewells, and strode off.


    Qiao Yi, leaning against the sofa, watched Zhuo Wen leave, and only when she was far enough did he turn to Mu Yichen, "What¡¯s going on?"


    "What¡¯s going on?"


    Mu Yichen asked back, curiously.


    "This is so ambiguous! What¡¯s the situation?"


    Qiao Yi looked at him seriously.


    "Ambiguous?"


    Mu Yichen inadvertently frowned.


    "Yeah! The way she looked at you, it¡¯s not just a simple relationship."


    "So a relationship that¡¯s not simple must be ambiguous?"


    Mu Yichen disagreed.


    "What else could it be?"


    Qiao Yi couldn¡¯t figure it out.


    "A person who can¡¯t even understand his own feelings is trying to guess those of others?"


    Mu Yichen looked at him, sparing no mercy in his criticism.


    Qiao Yi...


    "You believe I won¡¯t rat you out to Qin Mu?"


    Qiao Yi thought, if you dare mock me like this, I must put you in your place.


    Mu Yichen looked up at him and sighed helplessly, "She¡¯s now staying at the Mu Family home."


    Qiao Yi...


    "Let¡¯s eat!"


    Mu Yichen crossed his legs and casually reminded Qiao Yi to start eating as he picked up his chopsticks.


    Qiao Yi couldn¡¯t focus on his food, his eyes lingering on Mu Yichen.


    "A thruple, perhaps?"


    After a while, he posed another question.


    Mu Yichen finally lost his appetite, his cold gaze shooting sharply towards him.


    "Eat your food!"


    Qiao Yi had no choice but to bow his head and pretend to eat.


    After finishing their meal, they both headed towards the parking lot. Qiao Yi asked in confusion, "Didn¡¯t she ask you to wait for her? Just like that, you¡¯re leaving?"


    Mu Yichen thought to himself, could he really wait?


    But when the two arrived at the parking lot and looked up, there was the exquisite woman, leaning against Mu Yichen¡¯s luxury car.


    She stood with her arms folded, as if she¡¯d been waiting for a long time.


    Qiao Yi got into his car; they had come in separate vehicles.


    Outside, Zhuo Wen stared straight at the man before her, radiating a sense of superiority yet appearing approachable.


    She couldn¡¯t help but chuckle first, and Mu Yichen, hands on his hips, looked elsewhere before finally looking at her, "What¡¯s so funny?"


    "Coward!"


    Zhuo Wen said softly, the word not heavy, but striking a nerve with the man standing beside her.


    Mu Yichen also laughed, "What do you know?"

 Chapter 702 - 197 Indulgence (5) Childbirth_2

    Chapter 702: 197 Indulgence (5) Childbirth_2


    "Are you that afraid of upsetting her? Is it because of her that you don¡¯t even dare to make a single female friend?"


    Zhuo Wen still had her arms crossed, her voice not exactly loud, but every word carried a seriousness.


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen lifted his head but had to admit that it was the truth.


    Zhuo Wen opened her mouth in disbelief and finally let out a mocking laugh, "So from now on, you won¡¯t even talk to me at home? Mu Yichen, this is so not like you! Our relationship isn¡¯t something that needs to be hidden, why can¡¯t we even talk? There was nothing to it, but you¡¯re making it seem shady."


    Zhuo Wen began muttering, growing angrier as she spoke.


    "Just bear with it! For Grandpa, and for yourself."


    "I refuse to!"


    After saying that, Zhuo Wen walked past him and then opened his car.


    Qiao Yi, who was going to drive, sat up front. He hadn¡¯t expected Zhuo Wen to come in and asked with a submissive air, "Miss Zhuo, where would you like to go?"


    "Back to the Mu Family!"


    Zhuo Wen said, then lowered her head to flick through her phone.


    Mu Yichen had no choice but to knock on the door, "You take her back."


    Qiao Yi thought to himself, this man really knows how to cause trouble.


    "Okay!"


    He nodded nonetheless, and then the car window was rolled up.


    Zhuo Wen, who sat in the back, still heard their conversation and let out a bitter laugh involuntarily. As Qiao Yi started the car, she pushed open the door, slung her bag over her shoulder, and got out.


    Qiao Yi...


    Mu Yichen turned to look at her getting out of the car and asked, "Weren¡¯t you going to let him take you home?"


    "I won¡¯t cause you trouble, if we are friends, we should consider each other¡¯s feelings."


    Zhuo Wen said, then walked ahead briskly.


    Mu Yichen stared at her departing figure, not looking away until she turned around.


    "Hey! Mu Yichen, you really think too highly of yourself, do you? Do you think all the women in the world revolve around you? And your wife, she¡¯s put you on too high a pedestal, don¡¯t you think?"


    After saying that, Zhuo Wen walked off and went straight to the front to hail a taxi.


    Mu Yichen let out a helpless chuckle and then got in the car.


    ¡ª


    That night, when the two of them returned home, neither of them spoke to the other. However, Zhuo Wen seemed to continue chatting congenially with others, even with Qin Mu.


    "This is a photo from my trip to the Aegean Sea last year. My future husband, he¡¯s handsome, isn¡¯t he?"


    Zhuo Wen was sitting on the sofa chatting with Qin Mu, showing her the photos on her phone and bringing him up in their conversation.


    Impressed, Qin Mu nodded unwittingly, "Indeed, he¡¯s handsome!"


    The man looked like some actor, not inferior to their Mu Family head in any way.


    "So you can rest assured? I absolutely do not like Mu Yichen¡¯s type."


    Zhuo Wen whispered in her ear, barely stifling a laugh.


    Qin Mu turned to look at her, awkwardly smiling, "I admit, I was being petty."


    "Good that you admit it! You should know that there are plenty of good men in the world. The same goes for you, you¡¯ve been so focused on this one man since you were young, which is why you think he¡¯s the best in the world. But I¡¯m different. I¡¯ve seen my share of good men, and there are actually lots of them. I knew Mu Yichen a long time ago, and with my intelligence and wit, if I had any romantic interest in him, would it have taken till today? My fiance? is the result of careful selection."


    She spoke as though she made perfect sense.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but admire Zhuo Wen¡¯s eloquence and quietly lowered her gaze.


    Mu Yichen, to avoid causing Qin Mu any more worry by interacting too much with Zhuo Wen, spent his time in the study with his father and grandfather playing chess.


    Feng Fanghua went to coax Huanhuan to sleep before coming back downstairs, relieved to see them chatting happily: "What are you two talking about?"


    "Just chit-chat! Auntie, I feel you look even younger than when I saw you last time, your skin is getting better and better."


    Zhuo Wen complimented the woman who had just taken a seat on the sofa.


    "Oh my! You really know how to flatter! Old is old, how much better can one¡¯s skin get?"


    Feng Fanghua said bashfully, touching her cheek.


    "That¡¯s not true! You must have a habit of applying a facial mask before bed every night, right?"


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s eyes twinkled with mischief as she spoke, while Qin Mu silently listened and nonchalantly reached for the desserts Auntie had prepared earlier, focusing on eating while they talked.


    Engaging in conversation wasn¡¯t her forte, after all.


    "That¡¯s actually true! It may not always be at night, but I do make sure to apply a facial mask every day."


    Feng Fanghua felt excited at being able to keep up with the younger generation.


    But Qin Mu, nibbling on her snack, felt a bit disheartened because she wasn¡¯t someone who stuck to a daily mask routine; sometimes she wouldn¡¯t even do it for ten days to a half-month.

 Chapter 703 - 197 Indulgence (5) Childbirth_3

    Chapter 703: 197 Indulgence (5) Childbirth_3


    Sigh!


    Qin Mu heaved a deep sigh within her heart.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Two days later, Qin Mu¡¯s wedding dress arrived, but it was sent directly to the workshop.


    Qin Mu and Xiaomei, along with a few others, gathered around, barely daring to breathe heavily as they opened the box.


    It had been a long time since they had seen a work by JY, and they were all eager.


    "Wow! It¡¯s so exquisite!"


    Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help but reach out to touch it.


    "Don¡¯t touch it carelessly!"


    Qin Mu immediately slapped her hand away, thinking to herself that this was the first official gift from her master, which she had to cherish and keep safe.


    "You¡¯re so stingy!"


    Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help but mumble.


    Qin Mu took the wedding dress out of the box with her own hands, and then everyone helped to unfold it.


    It was simply too beautiful for words.


    But at this moment, she...


    Qin Mu took a serious look at her belly and then turned to Xiaomei, saying, "Come with me to try it on!"


    It was said that Jian Yan had specifically consulted with the doctor for her to wear a wedding dress on Christmas, regarding the dimensions of her lower abdomen and such.


    "Aren¡¯t you calling Mu Yichen? Don¡¯t you want him to be present for the first fitting?"


    "I¡¯ll surprise him at the right time!"


    Qin Mu thought to herself that a woman with a big pregnant belly, no matter how she dressed, could hardly surprise a man?


    So she never thought to let Mu Yichen come to see it.


    But her colleagues in the workshop got to witness its splendor.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Their wedding was imminent, and Zhuo Wen had already stayed at the Mu Family home for a week, showing no signs of leaving.


    One afternoon when Qin Mu was resting at home, Zhuo Wen came back from outside and went to her happily, saying, "I might have to stay here longer. Mrs. Mu, you wouldn¡¯t mind, would you?"


    "Has something happened?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously.


    "Yes! The client wasn¡¯t satisfied, so we have to start over. But I¡¯m used to this by now; it¡¯s just that I¡¯m troubling you..."


    Zhuo Wen finished speaking, went around to sit beside her, and looked at her with all sincerity.


    Qin Mu just smiled at her; until today, Qin Mu was still subconsciously on guard against her.


    "It seems that I will have to leave after your wedding."


    Zhuo Wen smiled again, as if looking forward to this.


    "By the way, I heard that your master has already sent you your wedding dress. Can I see it? It¡¯s a work by JY! I really want to have a preview."


    Zhuo Wen said, and then gently massaged Qin Mu¡¯s shoulders.


    Qin Mu instinctively dodged: "The wedding dress is at the workshop; I didn¡¯t bring it back. I¡¯ll show you when I do."


    Zhuo Wen was startled, somewhat surprised by Qin Mu¡¯s sudden avoidance.


    "Alright!"


    Qin Mu still smiled: "Sorry, I¡¯m not too comfortable with people touching me."


    "Oh! I won¡¯t touch you in the future then!"


    Zhuo Wen said as she took her hands off Qin Mu¡¯s shoulders, smiling awkwardly.


    That night, Qin Mu tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep, feeling as though she was about to run out of breath.


    Mu Yichen was not in the room; she glanced at the empty other side and then struggled to get up.


    When the door was opened from the outside, Mu Yichen¡¯s sharp gaze caught sight of her struggling to get out of bed, and he immediately rushed over: "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Water! Cold water."


    Qin Mu said in a low voice.


    "Wait here!"


    Mu Yichen said and then went to help her pour water from the sofa.


    At one in the morning, the pregnant woman fainted and was rushed to the hospital.


    ¡ª¡ª


    The wedding was postponed.


    Due to her indisposition, on Christmas Eve night, as snow fell, Mumu gave birth to a boy weighing 6 jin and 2 liang (approximately 3.1 kilograms), named Mu Chengyang.


    The baby was taken to the incubator immediately after birth, leaving only her and Mu Yichen alone in the room.


    Qin Mu remained unconscious, Mu Yichen stayed by her side the entire time.


    When the door was gently pushed open from the outside, Mu Yichen didn¡¯t notice until a coat was quietly draped over his shoulders.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hand had been holding Qin Mu¡¯s the whole time without daring to let go, his head bowed until that coat was placed on his shoulders.


    "Do you want to rest for a bit? I¡¯ll stay here with her for you."


    Zhuo Wen bent down and whispered to him from beside him.


    "No need!"


    Mu Yichen refused in a low voice.


    Qin Mu wouldn¡¯t want to wake up and find him absent. Besides, he had missed being there once before; he couldn¡¯t possibly miss it again.


    "But you¡¯re so tired right now. If you break down, who¡¯s going to take care of her tomorrow?"


    Zhuo Wen continued to explain softly, hoping she could stay.


    "I¡¯m not that fragile!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s mouth moved slightly, he looked up at the woman on the bed covered in sweat, then turned to get a tissue from a cabinet to wipe her forehead.


    "Let me!"

 Chapter 704 - 197 Indulgence (5) Childbirth_4

    Chapter 704: 197 Indulgence (5) Childbirth_4


    Zhuo Wen saw him being so careful and also raised her hand to pull out two tissues, wanting to help.


    "No need! I¡¯ll do it myself! You go out first!"


    Mu Yichen grabbed her wrist, dismissively refused, and then slowly wiped the sweat off her forehead by himself.


    Zhuo Wen watched him with a bit of heartache, he seemed not to allow anyone near the woman lying on the hospital bed.


    Yet the woman lying on the bed now had no idea what he was doing.


    "Fool!"


    Zhuo Wen had no choice but to leave. In fact, when he took her hand away, Zhuo Wen felt a sense of humiliation, but after a second thought, she quietly left the room.


    When Qin Mu woke up in the morning, Qin Haiming and Uncle Wang had already come over and were standing by her bedside.


    Qin Haiming clearly showed great excitement when he saw her awaken, his eyes welling up with warmth.


    Uncle Wang also hurriedly called out, "Miss, you are awake."


    "Uncle Wang!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice moved slightly, barely managing to utter that sound.


    She clearly first saw Qin Haiming, she also wanted to call him, but in the end, she still didn¡¯t say it out loud.


    But how could Qin Haiming blame her?


    Despite the disappointment, he was just grateful that his daughter was alive and well.


    Mu Yichen, sitting on her other side, felt his hand being held and then quickly looked at him, "You sure slept a long time."


    "It¡¯s all right now!"


    Qin Mu murmured, her eyes also full of joy as she looked at him.


    Mu Chengyang was born almost a month early, but it didn¡¯t disrupt their lives.


    The wedding was postponed to their anniversary, the day before New Year¡¯s.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao walked in from outside, seeing everyone there and also very excited, "The baby is in the incubator and is very healthy, is Mumu awake?"


    "She¡¯s awake!"


    Qin Haiming stepped aside slightly to let the couple in.


    "Our family¡¯s big hero has woken up! You made everyone worry so much last night!"


    Feng Fanghua sat beside her, gently patting Qin Mu¡¯s slightly bruised hand where the needle had been.


    "Mom and Dad have had it hard too!"


    Qin Mu thought, the unexpected situation last night must have alarmed everyone and made them busy at a moment¡¯s notice.


    That little guy, he¡¯s really something.


    "What hard times have we had? You¡¯re the one who suffered so much. If there¡¯s anything you want, just tell me, I¡¯ll satisfy your every need,"


    Feng Fanghua gently coaxed her.


    Qin Haiming and Uncle Wang exchanged looks, naturally understanding that all this was thanks to the little boy Qin Mu had just given birth to.


    "I feel like I¡¯m not lacking anything."


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, then added, "Who does the baby resemble?"


    "Just like his father when he was born, exactly the same,"


    Feng Fanghua said proudly.


    Mu Yichen, sitting across from her, couldn¡¯t help but laugh after hearing that, "Aren¡¯t all newborns alike? How can you tell?"


    "How can I not recognize my own child?"


    Feng Fanghua retorted to her son.


    "Indeed, he¡¯s just like you were as a child, the spitting image!"


    Mu Zihao also spoke in support of his wife, and he too felt that the resemblance was uncanny.


    "Didn¡¯t you say I was eight pounds and two ounces when I was born? That little guy is just over six pounds, how can he compare to me?"


    Mu Yichen retorted, getting angry at the memory of how that little guy had put his wife through so much suffering.


    In the past month, Qin Mu¡¯s health suddenly declined, he¡¯d seen firsthand how much she suffered, so to this day, he hadn¡¯t gone to see that little guy yet.


    The ward was so crowded at the moment that there wasn¡¯t much space to stand.


    "Since the child is all right, then I¡¯ll go back first, if anything happens, call me!"


    Qin Haiming felt that he couldn¡¯t contribute to the conversation, so after saying his piece, he left.


    Before leaving, he looked at his child with a bit of concern but only said, "You rest well."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just silently watched him leave.


    Uncle Wang accompanied him to wait for the elevator, and as the doors opened, a girl in beautiful clothes walked out, holding a thermos in her hand.


    Zhuo Wen didn¡¯t recognize them, so she just lowered her head and passed by them.


    When Qin Haiming entered the elevator, he suddenly turned to look at the figure, then asked Uncle Wang in a low voice, "This floor seems to be booked by Mu Yichen, right?"


    "Yes!"


    Uncle Wang responded!


    "Do you recognize that girl?"


    "No!"


    Uncle Wang was also puzzled, seeing that the girl¡¯s dress didn¡¯t seem like that of a commoner¡¯s child; she only carried a thermos as if delivering something.


    After knocking on the door, Zhuo Wen still had a bright smile on her face.


    "Is our big hero awake?"


    "She is! Why did you come so early?"


    Feng Fanghua got up to take the thermos from her.


    "I¡¯m worried about our family¡¯s big hero too! Plus, Grandpa is also extremely worried, said he¡¯s coming over to check in a bit."


    Zhuo Wen said, placing the thermos on the table.


    "The kitchen says Mumu cannot eat solid food yet, so I only brought some tasteless broth."


    "She can¡¯t have broth right now. You are our guest, don¡¯t worry about that. We haven¡¯t been able to attend to you much recently, don¡¯t go back and complain to your grandpa."


    Feng Fanghua told her.


    "What are you talking about? We¡¯re all family here, there¡¯s no such thing as whether we can attend to someone or not. It¡¯s me who hasn¡¯t been much help. Last night I wanted to come and keep Yichen company for a while, but he, oh he loves his wife so much, he wouldn¡¯t let me get close."


    Zhuo Wen said and glanced towards the bed.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak because he was in eye contact with Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu only looked at Mu Yichen after hearing Zhuo Wen mention what happened last night, and Mu Yichen looked back at her frankly.

 Chapter 705 - 198 Pampering (6) Cherishing one’s own child_1

    Chapter 705: 198 Pampering (6) Cherishing one¡¯s own child_1


    "I still have to discuss business with clients today, so I can¡¯t stay long. Qin Mu, rest well!"


    Zhuo Wen said his goodbyes and immediately left.


    Feng Fanghua went to see Zhuo Wen off, after which the room suddenly became quiet again.


    Qin Mu smiled as she looked at the man standing beside her; Mu Yichen was also looking at her.


    At this moment, it seemed as if their eyes conveyed different thoughts.


    So quiet, yet so profound.


    Mu Zihao glanced at his son, then whispered, "I¡¯m going to check on the child."


    Once Mu Zihao had left, the room was completely devoid of any other sound.


    The breathing of the two people seemed to become the heaviest sound in the room.


    "Did Zhuo Wen come to you last night?"


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t deny it.


    The air around them quieted down.


    Despite Zhuo Wen¡¯s great performance, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t give her full marks in this act.


    Because if it were full marks, then at the very least, Zhuo Wen shouldn¡¯t have made her feel uncomfortable, at least not before the final confrontation.


    A woman stays in another place for so long; wouldn¡¯t her fiance? be anxious?


    Zhuo Wen didn¡¯t even go back to Australia for Christmas; what exactly was she planning?


    ¡ª¡ª


    While there was no one else in her ward, Helian Hao took the opportunity to chat with her. Seeing her uncomfortable appearance, he asked, "Is it because of that woman?"


    "It should be!"


    Qin Mu lay in bed, looking at the ceiling; she felt that maybe she wouldn¡¯t be able to hold on much longer.


    "Does Mu Yichen know?"


    Helian Hao leaned against the cabinet, crossed his arms, and asked again.


    "He probably knows."


    Qin Mu thought, Zhuo Wen had talked to Mu Yichen on her first night there; how could Mu Yichen not understand her feelings?


    "Why do you keep saying ¡¯should¡¯?"


    Helian Hao frowned. Qin Mu¡¯s state seemed more dejected than he had ever seen.


    Even when Qin Mu and Mu Yichen¡¯s relationship was unstable, and Qin Mu felt insecure, she wasn¡¯t as dejected as she was now.


    "Ask Jing Feng to help me investigate something," Qin Mu said after some thought to Helian Hao.


    "Sure, tell me!"


    Helian Hao agreed readily. Qin Mu told her the matter, and after thinking for a while, Helian Hao added, "Any woman who stays in a married man¡¯s house for a long time, and insists on living there, wouldn¡¯t be believed as having pure intentions by anyone."


    No need to investigate; she already knew the reason.


    But Helian Hao later sought out Jing Feng to help with the investigation.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    "But now nobody at home dares to say anything to her. Grandfather values the camaraderie with his old comrades very much and likes Zhuo Wen a lot."


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was soft and weak, but her mind remained very clear.


    Qin Mu knew that if she didn¡¯t do something soon, she would continue to feel this confusion.


    "Sigh! Elders are always like this, arranging all kinds of troubles without the younger generation knowing."


    Thinking of her own issues, Helian Hao also felt it was tedious.


    "By the time you¡¯re discharged, I¡¯ll probably have to take a leave of absence!"


    Helian Hao thought to herself, she was using Qin Mu¡¯s hospitalization as an excuse, but she couldn¡¯t delay for much longer. Many doctors worked during their pregnancy, but she had to take an extended leave due to her special family circumstances.


    "You don¡¯t want to take a leave? You can come visit me often after your leave, or we can chat in the studio every day?"


    Qin Mu offered her a suggestion.


    "Cut it out! I won¡¯t bother you at work; I¡¯m not going there."


    Helian Hao teased her back.


    "I¡¯m not planning to work during this time."


    Qin Mu said.


    "Do you think I believe you? You¡¯ll probably itch to chop off your hand if you don¡¯t draw for three days?"


    "Is it that extreme?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, the first time she had been amused since being hospitalized.


    "What are you exaggerating about now?"


    Mu Yichen had returned with a bunch of lilies, and hearing Qin Mu sounding cheerful, his expression unconsciously brightened a lot.


    What he feared most was her unhappiness.


    Helian Hao glanced at the lilies in Mu Yichen¡¯s hand, "Did you buy them from the florist at the entrance of our hospital?"


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen glanced at the flowers and was puzzled to see Helian Hao¡¯s disdain, wondering if there was something wrong with them.


    "Alright then, I won¡¯t disturb the two of you in your world. I¡¯m off to guard my last shift."


    Helian Hao dropped her arms and left.


    Mu Yichen came out with a vase full of water, and Qin Mu, leaning on the headboard, couldn¡¯t help but ask curiously as he brought over the flowers, "Why did you suddenly decide to buy flowers?"


    "Just, felt like it!"


    Mu Yichen thought for a moment and unexpectedly found himself at a loss to say it was because he wanted to make her happy.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but mockingly laugh at him, reaching out to gently touch the lily petals; the cool, moist feeling was surprisingly pleasant.

 Chapter 706 - 198 Pampering (6) Cherishing one’s own child_2

    Chapter 706: 198 Pampering (6) Cherishing one¡¯s own child_2


    Mu Yichen finally smiled as he let out a sigh of relief, sitting beside her and gently catching her hand that she was about to lower, "Do you feel better now? Does it still hurt?"


    Qin Mu was startled when her hand was caught, and almost pulled away, but with a shiver, she simply said to him faintly, "Oh, it still hurts a bit! But it will be fine soon."


    Mu Yichen then held her hand tightly, "You can eat something now, is there anything you particularly want?"


    "I want to eat you!"


    Qin Mu looked at him, her voice casual yet incredibly tender.


    At least the man opposite her was hooked.


    "You¡¯re so haggard yet you still have the energy to think about those things?"


    Mu Yichen asked her, his gaze focused and affectionate.


    Qin Mu¡¯s earnest dark eyes looked at him, and when he said she looked haggard, she felt that he also looked much more worn out.


    "Come here! Can I lean on you, please?"


    Qin Mu asked him.


    "Not really!"


    Mu Yichen frowned slightly, his eyes downcast, but the next moment he had already moved to sit beside her.


    Qin Mu leaned against his shoulder, feeling the hand he was holding, "Did I disappoint you again? About the wedding."


    "No!"


    Mu Yichen responded.


    In fact, he had long thought that this accident might happen, especially in the past few days, seeing how tired Qin Mu was, he had already given up.


    "How about the twenty-eighth before the new year? It¡¯s our marriage certificate anniversary!"


    Qin Mu discussed with him.


    "That¡¯s not bad!"


    Mu Yichen thought for a moment, and a smile unconsciously appeared on his face, as if honey had been spread across his lips.


    No! It was like honey had been spread in his heart.


    He looked down at the woman in his arms and then hugged her a bit tighter, "Qin Mu!"


    "Hmm?"


    She turned to look at him because it was rare for him to call her by her full name.


    "Let¡¯s stay like this, always!"


    He wrapped his arms around her and lowered her forehead to rest under his chin.


    Qin Mu suddenly felt something was off with his voice, but she didn¡¯t dare to look up at him and just gently agreed.


    Zhuo Wen didn¡¯t come over until the next afternoon, still impeccably dressed, but today she wore especially striking large earrings.


    "How are you feeling today? Our hero?"


    She was as polite and warm as ever.


    Mu Yichen was washing a towel in the bathroom so he didn¡¯t know what was going on outside.


    "Much better!"


    Qin Mu habitually answered without wanting to offend anyone.


    Zhuo Wen sat on the bed edge and looked at Qin Mu leaning against the headboard, "You rest well, I can¡¯t stay long. My man has called countless times, I must go back."


    Zhuo Wen finished speaking and couldn¡¯t help but sigh, couldn¡¯t help saying, "Men these days really clingy, right?"


    Qin Mu was surprised but only smiled and said, "Safe travels."


    It was a calm farewell, just those few words of blessing.


    Zhuo Wen smiled awkwardly yet politely, "Are you worried I¡¯ll stay here and steal Mu Yichen away, so you¡¯ve been looking forward to me leaving?"


    "Yeah!"


    Qin Mu candidly admitted, even though she looked haggard without makeup, she was neither sloppy nor pitiful.


    Zhuo Wen held her breath for a few seconds, surprised by Qin Mu¡¯s honesty.


    Even though Qin Mu was so weak, every word she said was so, making her feel awkward.


    When Mu Yichen came out from the inside and saw Zhuo Wen, he curiously asked, "When did you come?"


    "Just now!"


    Zhuo Wen stood up from the bed edge, smiling at him, "I¡¯m heading back to Australia, so I specially came to say goodbye to you both."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes moved slightly, only nodding, "Bon voyage!"


    "Wow! You guys really are a couple, even your tone is the same!"


    Zhuo Wen expressed her surprise.


    The room once again fell silent, as the awkward atmosphere slowly spread.


    Later, Zhuo Wen, with her bag slung and hands tucked coolly into her pockets, looked at Mu Yichen, "How about seeing me off?"


    After she spoke, she also glanced at Qin Mu, who could only smile, "Hurry back!"


    Mu Yichen went to escort her, the two of them walking towards the elevator together. Zhuo Wen finally didn¡¯t look so pleasant, just maintaining a polite smile.


    "Isn¡¯t there anything else you want to say to me?"


    "I can¡¯t go to see you off."


    Mu Yichen could only say that.


    When the elevator opened, Zhuo Wen got in, but as she turned around, she noticed that Mu Yichen had no intention of going in and had to say to him as the elevator doors were closing, "We are friends now, don¡¯t be so cold to me in the future!"


    The doors were closing gradually, she tilted her head, about to lose sight of him, and eventually lost sight of him completely.

 Chapter 707 - 198 Pampering (6) Cherishing one’s own child_3

    Chapter 707: 198 Pampering (6) Cherishing one¡¯s own child_3


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but give a pensive hum, tiredly pinching the bridge of his nose.


    Friends?


    When Mu Yichen got back, Qin Mu asked him, "Back so soon, huh?"


    "If I¡¯m late, I¡¯m afraid Mrs. Mu will start worrying unnecessarily," he said as he walked over.


    "Why does it always feel so surreal?" Qin Mu asked, her long lashes fluttering.


    "Do you wish she had stayed?" Mu Yichen asked her, his dark, eagle-like eyes staring intensely at her.


    "Am I that foolish?" she retorted sharply, her eyes piercing as she looked back at him.


    Mu Yichen reached out to touch her hair, but Qin Mu immediately held his hand in her arms: "Don¡¯t mess with my hair again."


    "Then whose hair are you preparing to let touch?" Mu Yichen asked, his gaze drifting from her neck downward, to the place where his palm rested.


    Qin Mu quickly let go of his hand: "Hey! Be serious!"


    Mu Yichen let out an unconscious sigh: "Finally got through this ordeal! But you owe me a wedding, are you ready to prepare for it?"


    "Mm! But we have to get Jian Yan to help fix the wedding dress!" Qin Mu raised her eyebrows, thinking it over before reluctantly admitting the fact.


    That evening, as they lay together on a hospital bed, Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    In the pitch-black space, his gentle voice was particularly infectious.


    "Finally, no more competing with that kid!" he murmured, kissing her warm forehead.


    "If Mu Chengyang knew his dad hated him this much... hey, didn¡¯t you go to see him with me just yesterday?" Qin Mu suddenly sat up, turning on the lamp beside her, staring straight at the man in front of her.


    Light suddenly flooded the room, and their voices weren¡¯t very loud under the dim lighting.


    "So what if I did? He made you suffer so much; do you still expect me to see him?" Mu Yichen questioned.


    "Hey! You feel sorry for me, but how can you truly not love your son? I¡¯m getting angry!" Qin Mu huffed, her hands restlessly pinching at him.


    "How could I not be angry?" Mu Yichen gritted his teeth as he asked.


    "Think about it, I love him so much, how could you not love him?" Qin Mu looked up at him, continuing to be upset.


    "I swear! Let¡¯s not have any more children in the future," Mu Yichen declared, cupping her face, looking fragile in the dim light.


    He had been so worried these past few days; he put all company matters aside, stayed by her side, wanting only to watch her slowly get better.


    Before having their son, she had weighed a hundred jin, but in just the few days after giving birth, her weight had already dropped to eighty-five, given her height...


    Mu Yichen had not expected her to be so strong, or so magnificent.


    Pregnancy, turned out, could make a woman go through so much hardship.


    He couldn¡¯t help but recall the days when she was carrying Mu Chengyang, when Chengyang would squirm around in her belly every day, sometimes kicking her till she cried, but even then, she would scold through tears without ever complaining about the pain.


    The moon quietly appeared after midnight.


    Two days later, Qin Mu was discharged from the hospital.


    Helian Hao had to go to the operating room and didn¡¯t see her off; he just called her: Jing Feng said that Zhuo Wen¡¯s work here had finished a month ago.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao had taken their little one onto the Mu Family¡¯s car and left early.


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen were behind, just stepping out of the hospital when they received such a call from Helian Hao.


    Qin Mu suddenly stopped walking, her mind going blank.


    Mu Yichen had one arm around her, the other hand pressing down on the hat on her head, afraid that she¡¯d catch a cold.


    "But it doesn¡¯t matter now, she¡¯s gone!" Qin Mu said after a moment of thought, continuing to walk forward with Mu Yichen.


    "Who¡¯s gone?" Helian Hao asked.


    "Zhuo Wen!" Qin Mu replied as she and Mu Yichen got into the car, mentioning it to her in passing.


    "Didn¡¯t she move to a hotel from the Mu house? Our department had dinner at AM last night, and I ran into her. Didn¡¯t she move out because her fiance? came over?" Helian Hao emerged from the restroom to his office, asking Qin Mu with confusion.


    Qin Mu...


    Zhuo Wen hadn¡¯t left?


    "Did she tell you she had left?" Qin Mu...


    "I understand! Let¡¯s talk when I¡¯m free!" Qin Mu hung up the phone, then slowly fastened her seat belt.


    Mu Yichen turned to look at her, asking before he started the car: "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Nothing!" Qin Mu turned to look at him, giving him a faint smile.


    Mu Yichen knew she simply didn¡¯t want to talk about it, so he started the car to head home, not pressing the matter further.


    Yet, on the way home, Qin Mu kept thinking about what Helian Hao had said.


    It seemed like the bright moon had come out last night after all.

 Chapter 708 - 198 Pampering (6) Cherishing one’s own child_4

    Chapter 708: 198 Pampering (6) Cherishing one¡¯s own child_4


    But now, it was gloomy again.


    There was still some snow accumulated in the roadside grass, from the snow on Christmas Eve; it just hadn¡¯t melted yet. Now, it seemed like it might snow again.


    "Qiao Yi and the others were supposed to come over tonight, but they figured it would be too crowded so they declined. How about we invite them out after you¡¯re able to go outside?"


    "Yes! That would be nice!"


    Qin Mu nodded in agreement.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her and couldn¡¯t help but raise his hand to touch the back of her head.


    Qin Mu then leaned gently on his shoulder, looking outside.


    "It¡¯s winter already, yet so many dead leaves are still hanging on the trees!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but mutter.


    "Yes, after a bit more cold, they¡¯ll all fall off."


    Mu Yichen said, also glancing at the trees by the roadside.


    Qin Mu gave a soft laugh.


    At the traffic lights, Mu Yichen stopped the car and turned his head to embrace her, then tenderly kissed her forehead again.


    Qin Mu had been unhappy lately, but there were some things that were uncertain, and actually, neither of them wanted to talk too much about it, so things had continued like this until now.


    Fortunately, Zhuo Wen had left, and truth be told, Mu Yichen was also relieved.


    Finally stepping through the front door of their home, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but exhale deeply, "Finally home!"


    Mu Yichen heard that and pressed down on her head more firmly. Her woolly hat was on, so when he pushed it down, it got deformed on her head. Qin Mu looked up at him with a silly expression.


    "How can you be so silly?"


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but ask her as he embraced her and walked inside.


    "Grandpa! We¡¯re back!"


    Qin Mu happily greeted the old man coming out to meet them, and also gave him a big hug.


    "Oh my, these past few days grandpa has been so worried, but your parents wouldn¡¯t let me come see you. Have you lost weight? Indeed, you¡¯ve lost quite a lot!" the old man said, looking at Qin Mu¡¯s face.


    "Not at all!"


    Qin Mu said cheerfully, not really fond of the phrase "great hero."


    "Not yet! But there¡¯s a nutritious soup stewing for you in the kitchen, I believe it won¡¯t take long before you become the plump little girl you used to be."


    The old man said to her again.


    "I don¡¯t want to be a plump little girl."


    Qin Mu wrapped her arm around the old man and walked toward the sofa.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao had arrived home a bit earlier and were already sitting on the sofa, holding the little one, with Huanhuan also gathered around grandma, looking at her little brother.


    Seeing how Huanhuan was looking at Mu Chengyang, Qin Mu felt like Huanhuan didn¡¯t dislike her brother that much anymore; she actually seemed quite fond of him.


    "Mommy!"


    Huanhuan immediately ran to her when she saw her come back and hugged her tightly.


    Realizing how much smaller mommy¡¯s tummy had gotten, she became even more delighted.


    That look seemed to say: My mommy is back!


    "Our family has another member now; oh my, in my lifetime, I, this old man, am truly content."


    After grandpa sat down, he seemed different from usual, propping his hands on the arms of the sofa, looking particularly distinguished.


    "Wait till Cheng Yang can call you great-grandfather before saying that."


    Feng Fanghua commented.


    "It wouldn¡¯t be too late even if grandpa waited until Huanhuan and Cheng Yang are married to say that!"


    Qin Mu laughed as she said it too.


    "Let¡¯s go upstairs!"


    Mu Yichen, standing aside and watching her sitting on the sofa without intending to go upstairs, finally couldn¡¯t help but urge.


    Everyone curiously looked towards Mu Yichen, who simply said, "She needs to lie down and rest now."


    "Right, right, right! We weren¡¯t thoughtful enough, quickly go lie down with your husband and rest."


    Feng Fanghua said, trying to hold back her laughter as she hurried Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu looked up at Mu Yichen, thinking to herself, Mr. Mu, couldn¡¯t you have been a bit more tactful?


    However, just a few steps after Qin Mu began to follow him, he scooped her from the ground and carried her straight upstairs.


    Huanhuan covered her mouth and giggled again, while the elders shook their heads with a resigned sigh.


    "Can that boy¡¯s brazen behavior ever change?"


    The old man said, feeling happy inside but pretending to ask seriously.


    "Probably not for the rest of his life."


    Feng Fanghua said intentionally.


    The two people climbing the stairs, well, Qin Mu alone, buried her head in his chest, embarrassed, and lightly punched his shoulder, "So embarrassing!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t care if she felt embarrassed; he just quickly carried her back to the room and laid her on the bed.


    "After being away for so long, don¡¯t you miss your bed?"


    He then sat beside her, gently touching her forehead and asked her.


    "I do miss it a bit."

 Chapter 709 - 198 Pampering (6) Cherishing one’s own child_5

    Chapter 709: 198 Pampering (6) Cherishing one¡¯s own child_5


    Qin Mu whispered softly.


    "Is your belly still cold? Let me warm it up for you!"


    "Mommy, I¡¯m here!"


    Just as Mu Yichen was planning to have a moment of warmth in bed with the two of them, Huanhuan slowly opened the door from outside.


    But like she usually did when she saw this scene, she closed the door again and then gently knocked, "Mommy, I¡¯m coming in, okay?"


    Mu Yichen helplessly took his hand out, tugged at her clothes, sighed, then buried himself in her shoulder, "What should I do with her?"


    Qin Mu soothed him by gently stroking his hair, then told the person at the door, "Come in!"


    Huanhuan gently opened the door, and Mu Yichen sat up, "Mu Cheng Huan, don¡¯t we need to set some rules?"


    "Huanhuan missed Daddy and Mommy!"


    Huanhuan stood by their bedside and said.


    Mu Yichen immediately choked on his words and leaned over to pick up Huanhuan, helped her take off her shoes, and let her sit beside Qin Mu.


    "Mommy, you finally came back! Huanhuan missed you so much!"


    As she spoke, Huanhuan lifted the quilt and then looked at Qin Mu¡¯s stomach.


    "Mommy, your tummy is smaller! Is it because the baby brother came out?"


    Huanhuan blinked, full of curiosity.


    "Yes! Because the baby brother came out, Mommy is back to how I was before, are you happy, Huanhuan?"


    Qin Mu asked, touching her little head.


    "Happy!"


    Huanhuan leaned over to touch Mommy¡¯s small belly and found that there really was no baby inside. She then sighed deeply as if imitating an adult and seemed relieved.


    "So does Huanhuan like your baby brother now?"


    "I like him! He¡¯s so cute!"


    Huanhuan nodded, then looked up at Daddy, "Daddy, let me go back now, I want to play with the baby brother again."


    So...


    Did this little girl come just to disturb them?


    Or to confirm Qin Mu¡¯s belly?


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile as she watched her daughter direct Mu Yichen so smoothly.


    Mu Yichen had no choice but to put her down, then asked, "Are you sure you won¡¯t come back again?"


    Huanhuan looked up at her daddy and couldn¡¯t resist tiptoeing to touch his cheek, "Daddy, shy shy!"


    Mu Yichen...


    After Huanhuan left, Mu Yichen turned to Qin Mu, "What did she say? What is ¡¯shy shy¡¯?"


    Qin Mu was pressed against by his head and had to lie down, but she couldn¡¯t help laughing so hard that her stomach hurt.


    That evening, Qin Haiming brought a pile of things. After setting them down, Mu Zihao politely invited him to sit, but Qin Haiming smiled and said, "I have some things to do tonight, so I can¡¯t stay. I¡¯ll go upstairs to see the kids first."


    Mu Zihao thought about it and immediately nodded, then accompanied him upstairs.


    They say a parent¡¯s love is boundless, but sitting on the sofa, Feng Fanghua thought it was very surprising that one day Qin Haiming would care so much for Qin Mu again.


    She couldn¡¯t help but think, if he hadn¡¯t let Qin Mu leave back then, maybe the relationship between father and daughter wouldn¡¯t have deteriorated so badly.


    But, there¡¯s no turning back.


    Qin Mu, who had just woken up, washed her face in the bathroom and came out. Hearing a knock at the door, she went to open it and saw Mu Zihao and Qin Haiming standing there.


    "Dad!"


    Qin Mu instinctively called out to Mu Zihao, causing Qin Haiming to freeze.


    "Oh! Your dad came to see you. You two catch up; I¡¯ll head downstairs."


    Mu Zihao just greeted them briefly.


    Qin Mu had no choice but to invite him in.


    After Qin Haiming entered, he retreated to the side, "Are you feeling better? Get back to bed quickly!"


    "I¡¯m already much better, please take a seat!"


    Qin Mu gestured for him to sit on the sofa.


    The housekeeper immediately brought tea and then retreated.


    Qin Mu sat at the foot of the bed and, after enduring for a while, finally spoke, "You don¡¯t have to worry about me, I¡¯m doing well here."


    Qin Haiming nodded, without looking up at her.


    "You must be busy too, with the end of the year approaching!"


    Qin Mu asked again.


    "It¡¯s alright! Not too busy!"


    He answered, his hands resting on his knees, gripping and then releasing, repeating the motion.


    Qin Mu noticed his fidgeting and knew he was also uneasy, not knowing what to say herself, she too lowered her head.


    "That girl, I heard she stayed at your house for quite a while?"


    Qin Haiming asked.


    "Oh! Yes, the granddaughter of Grandfather¡¯s wartime comrade. How did you know?"


    Qin Mu asked, curious.


    "That day I went to the hospital to see you, I met her when I was leaving. Later I asked your grandfather-in-law a couple of questions. She¡¯s gone now, right?"


    Qin Haiming asked her again, since he hadn¡¯t seen the girl at the house when he came.


    "She has already moved out!"


    Qin Mu answered him.


    "It¡¯s good that she has moved out!"


    Qin Haiming said softly and then stood up.


    He hadn¡¯t touched the tea.


    Qin Mu stood up with him.


    "No need to see me out. I still have some documents to review later. I was passing by and thought I¡¯d come to see you. Get some rest, I¡¯ll see myself out."


    His hand, constantly fidgeting, just as his words were carefully measured.


    Qin Mu slightly raised her eyes but couldn¡¯t manage to look at him sincerely before her gaze fell again.


    Too many years.


    So she had long become unaccustomed to his concern.


    Seeing how uncomfortable he was around her tonight, Qin Mu suddenly felt a pang of distress.


    So as soon as he closed the door behind him and left, she found herself unable to hold back, and tears began to flow.


    She raised her hand to vigorously wipe the tears from her face, but the tears had already reached her chin.


    She wiped the tears from her chin with force, only to realize that below her eyes everything was blurred with tears.


    How she longed for her parents¡¯ casual concern, how she longed...


    But there was no going back!


    Unable to help herself, she covered her mouth and slowly retreated to sit on the edge of the bed, the tears unstoppable as she tried to restrain herself from crying out loud.


    Downstairs, Mu Zihao went to see him out, "Rest assured, we definitely won¡¯t let her suffer any grievances at home."


    "Mmm! I do trust you on that. But Zihao, in the future try not to let other girls stay at your place. Mumu might not say anything, but she is quite sensitive about it. Although it¡¯s all my fault, I still hope that you don¡¯t put too much pressure on her in regards to those issues."


    After much thought, Qin Haiming couldn¡¯t resist saying these words to Mu Zihao.


    If he didn¡¯t speak for his own child, he feared no one else would truly stand up for her.

 Chapter 710 - 199 Pampering (7)_1

    Chapter 710: 199 Pampering (7)_1


    Mu Zihao knew very well that it wasn¡¯t ideal to have a girl living at their home, especially since they as a young couple were living there now, but it was all because of the old man.


    No one really dared to directly refuse whatever the family¡¯s old Taishan wanted to do.


    ¡ª¡ª


    After Qin Haiming left, Qin Mu wiped away her tears and stood by the window for a while, her mind full of contradictions that nearly exploded.


    She didn¡¯t know if her mother, if she were still alive, would forgive that man now.


    She didn¡¯t know what she should do.


    In the past, she thought going with the flow was fine, but now, whenever she saw Qin Haiming¡¯s restrained tenderness towards her, she would feel anxious. She could go with the flow, but what about Qin Haiming?


    Could she merely assume everything Qin Hai was now deprived of was retribution for what he had done in the past?


    As the younger generation! She seemed not as heartless as she had thought she was.


    These past few days, people had been bringing gifts, and Mu Yichen had begun to reciprocate by treating guests.


    By the time he returned home at night, it was nearly ten o¡¯clock, but he wasn¡¯t heavily intoxicated.


    Before sleeping, Qin Mu, lying in his arms, asked him, "Did you ask Qiao Yi to help you avoid drinking too much?"


    "Mhm! And Jiang Zhiyuan too!"


    Mu Yichen laughed, those two were experts at intercepting drinks.


    Without thinking, Qin Mu¡¯s hand reached into his pajamas; Mu Yichen looked down, and in the dim room, asked her in a low voice, "Do you want me to take it all off?"


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was a bit hoarse.


    For some reason, she suddenly didn¡¯t like the excess fabric on his body.


    Mu Yichen immediately took off his clothes, even though he couldn¡¯t see anything clearly.


    But in this winter, when the two of them clung together, it was especially warm.


    "Do you want to take yours off too?"


    Mu Yichen pondered for a moment and then asked again.


    "If I take it off, it will leak out!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s face turned red with shame.


    Mu Yichen let out a helpless chuckle.


    No one could clearly see each other¡¯s faces, but they could kiss each other¡¯s lips just right.


    The feeling was very subtle, very good.


    The biggest nuisance after having the baby was the issue of breast milk.


    It didn¡¯t seem like much when it was needed, but after the child fell asleep, it would increase.


    Especially at night, Qin Mu would sometimes have trouble sleeping because of it.


    In the darkness, Mu Yichen held her tightly to his chest and said in a teasing tone, "I think, I¡¯m finally about to get through this, huh?"


    Unable to help herself, Qin Mu laughed: "There¡¯s still a month to go!"


    In the darkness, Mu Yichen whispered: "This has been for months already, am I missing just one more month?"


    A blushing Qin Mu just pressed closer to his chest and held him tighter without speaking further.


    It felt somewhat like two newlyweds, diligently exercising restraint, waiting.


    The anticipation was filled with joy.


    After daylight, heavy snow covered the yard and the several cars parked outside.


    Qin Mu looked out the window at the thick layer of snow covering everything and felt her mood brighten unconsciously.


    Huanhuan was already playing in the snow with grandma, rolling up snowballs and throwing them at Feng Fanghua.


    Feng Fanghua, not wanting to hit her hard, made small snowballs and threw them back at Huanhuan without much force.


    After being hit, Huanhuan couldn¡¯t stop laughing with joy. Seeing the people shoveling snow, she immediately called out to Feng Fanghua, pointing at the brooms.


    "Grandma! No!"


    Worried, Huanhuan shouted, afraid that all the snow would be swept away.


    "Only clear out a small path."


    Feng Fanghua immediately led Huanhuan to give the order.


    Everyone seeing Huanhuan so astonished by the snow laughed along; the entire family cosseted her for her happiness, of course they wouldn¡¯t clear all the snow away.


    They only cleared the sidewalk and the path for the cars to drive out.


    After Mu Yichen got up, he put on a robe and went to find Qin Mu, embracing her from behind and also looking out the window.


    "Mu Chenghuan sure loves to play, doesn¡¯t she!"


    He commented, his chin on Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder.


    Qin Mu, however, smiled: "Isn¡¯t it great? I loved playing with snow when I was young."


    "Hmm! You especially loved to throw it at others."


    Mu Yichen remembered when Qin Mu was Huanhuan¡¯s age.


    "Is that so?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t have many memories of that; her memories were mainly from her time in Paris.


    "Of course, you can ask Jing Feng, he knows best, you at that time, huh!"


    Mu Yichen sighed.


    However, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but wonder, would she have dared to hit him? Her impression was that he had always been quite stern and cool as a child. How could she, being so timid, dare to offend him?


    In reality...


    With Helian Hao¡¯s holiday starting, Jing Feng joined her at the window to watch the snow and casually talked about the snowball fights they played as children.

 Chapter 711 - 199 Pampering (7)_2

    Chapter 711: 199 Pampering (7)_2


    "Do you remember how Mu Yichen used to love throwing snowballs at Qin Mu when we were kids? Every time he saw Qin Mu playing with other boys, he couldn¡¯t help but take action. He¡¯d pelt her first before driving the other boys away."


    Standing at the window with his hands in his pockets, Jing Feng watched the snowy landscape outside, which was compressed by the cars but still smooth in some places.


    Helian Hao thought for a moment, "I don¡¯t quite remember, but I do recall one time when Qin Mu was kicked by him into a snow drift."


    Jing Feng suddenly burst into laughter, shaking a bit with mirth.


    With a resigned sigh, Helian Hao said, "That pair is a real pair of sworn enemies! By the way, what do you think about Zhuo Wen? You must have known about this woman early on, right?"


    "Yeah! But she already has a fiance?, could it be that you women are too sensitive?"


    Jing Feng asked her.


    "Sensitive? If she was really that open and aboveboard, why did she keep the Mu Family in the dark about completing her work long ago? And another thing, she went to the hospital to tell Qin Mu and Mu Yichen that she was leaving, but what happened? She¡¯s still staying at AM, isn¡¯t she?"


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but question.


    Jing Feng sighed helplessly, "That¡¯s true! But however you look at it, Zhuo Wen doesn¡¯t seem like the kind of woman who would destroy their family!"


    "It seems like you men have no guards up against this kind of woman at all!"


    "Where are you going with this?"


    Leaning against the window, Jing Feng looked at his wife.


    Helian Hao glanced at him disdainfully and then turned to walk inside.


    Jing Feng continued to lean there but couldn¡¯t help chuckling silently, thinking to himself that pregnant women indeed had fiery tempers.


    Then he called Mu Yichen, "I¡¯m coming to your place for lunch!"


    "This noon? Didn¡¯t we agree to get together in a few days?"


    "My wife insists it must be this noon."


    "Got it!"


    After hanging up Jing Feng¡¯s call, Mu Yichen thought to himself that Jing Feng actually couldn¡¯t stand up to Helian Hao, poor guy.


    But he forgot that he himself also...


    Mu Yichen came downstairs after the call and said to Feng Fanghua, "Jing Feng and his wife are coming over for lunch today."


    "Really? Quick, tell the kitchen to prepare the menu."


    Upon hearing this, Feng Fanghua immediately got up from the sofa and handed the child to Qin Mu, who was sitting next to her.


    Qin Mu gently cradled her young son, unable to resist lightly touching his chubby little lips.


    Feng Fanghua went to arrange the midday menu.


    Mu Yichen sat down leisurely beside her, and the old master asked, "That boy Jing Feng, his wife is pregnant too, right?"


    "Yes!"


    "The children of you fellows who are about the same age will grow up together. Hmm! Their bonds are bound to be strong in the future."


    Although there had been some unpleasantness regarding Jing Qing¡¯s matter, who could guarantee a trouble-free youth? Who could ensure that all friendships would remain untroubled from childhood to old age?


    So, after everyone accepted Jing Qing¡¯s issue, they actually looked forward to the brotherly relationship between Jing Feng and Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen made no comment on this; the bond between brothers didn¡¯t need to be spoken out loud.


    However, he took his son from Qin Mu¡¯s arms and gently held him on his lap, "In the future, you¡¯re not allowed to hold him!"


    Mu Yichen said to Qin Mu fiercely, but not loudly.


    Qin Mu stayed silent, just giving him a disapproving look.


    "What kind of mother doesn¡¯t hold her own child? If your mom hadn¡¯t held you, would you have grown this big?"


    The old master raised his eyes to his grandson, disliking the bullying streak in him.


    "With your grandfather here, you can¡¯t turn on her."


    Mu Zihao said from the opposite side.


    Qin Mu almost couldn¡¯t hold back her laughter, and Mu Yichen sighed helplessly.


    Looking at the fair and tender little one in his arms, he thought of all the suffering his wife had endured for him, yet he still wanted her to hold him?


    He couldn¡¯t bear the thought of Qin Mu becoming tired again.


    During that time, Qin Mu had grown increasingly frail, especially on the night of the childbirth. Everyone thought she was resting upstairs, but as soon as he went up, he saw the carpet stained red with her blood.


    Qin Mu had long forgotten the scenes of giving birth to her son, or perhaps because women are more accepting of pregnancy and childbirth, aware of the potential complications. There used to be sayings that giving birth was like trading one life for another, and now television dramas often depict such dramatic moments of choosing between the mother¡¯s and baby¡¯s lives, so once she got through it, she forgot the pain and danger of that time.


    "Hmph!"


    The old master grunted at his son¡¯s words, then looked at Qin Mu again, "If this kid dares to be so fierce with you again, just tell your grandfather, and see if I don¡¯t teach him a lesson."

 Chapter 712 - 199 Pampering (7)_3

    Chapter 712: 199 Pampering (7)_3


    Qin Mu smiled happily but said, "Grandpa, I really can¡¯t bear you scolding him."


    Mu Yichen was all ready to banter back with her, but she suddenly hugged his arm and said that to the old man, which left him in a state of ¡¯disdain¡¯.


    Actually, he couldn¡¯t believe it and after he had accepted it, he muttered, "You¡¯re smart."


    Qin Mu looked up at him, her eyes sparkling like starlight.


    Mu Yichen suddenly lost his temper too. His wife loved him so much that he had no temper left.


    At noon, those two with toys came over from their home, and Mu Yichen stood with Qin Mu at the doorway to greet them.


    Helian Hao immediately said upon entering, "Why are you standing at the door in such cold weather?"


    He immediately pulled Qin Mu inside while continuing to scold her.


    "Waiting for you!"


    Qin Mu said softly, communicating with Helian Hao through a series of meaningful glances.


    "Do women need to be so affectionate with each other?"


    Jing Feng grumbled from behind.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly and then said to him, "Come in, everyone is waiting for you!"


    Jing Feng had no choice but to follow inside and greet the elders one by one.


    "You two really shouldn¡¯t have brought so many gifts."


    Feng Fanghua immediately said.


    An aunt hadn¡¯t even had the chance to help with the gifts when Huanhuan already ran out to take a doll set, saying, "Thank you, Auntie."


    "Good girl, Huanhuan!"


    Feng Fanghua stroked Huanhuan¡¯s hair; Huanhuan, toy in hand, turned and left to find her grandfather.


    The other toy set for the younger son was put aside; Helian Hao then gave Qin Mu a very formal gift: "I don¡¯t have much money, so please don¡¯t disdain it."


    Qin Mu...


    holding the thick red envelope, couldn¡¯t help laughing, "Jing Feng has already given a gift!"


    "His gift is his business; mine is a separate gift from me."


    Helian Hao hinted at Qin Mu with her eyes.


    She knew Jing Feng had already given a big gift to the child, but she still wanted to give a separate one to the child as a sister, even if it was just a small red envelope.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu tucked the red envelope into her embrace, the very first cash red envelope she had ever received.


    Feng Fanghua was happy to see their close relationship and indeed feared that Qin Mu didn¡¯t have anyone in Rongcheng she could really talk to. Seeing her relationship with Helian Hao, she felt reassured.


    The old man asked, "How many months is Xiaohao now?"


    "Almost five months, Grandpa!" Helian Hao answered happily, rubbing her belly.


    "Hmm! You sisters got married around the same time and are having babies at about the same time, too. That¡¯s a kind of fate!"


    "Indeed!"


    Helian Hao agreed.


    "In the blink of an eye, all you youngsters have become parents. Time really spares no one."


    The old man reflected, thinking it was no wonder he already had a full head of white hair.


    "Grandpa, you look almost the same as before, and you seem even more fashionable than you used to be."


    Helian Hao cheerfully comforted the old man.


    "Really? I¡¯m even more fashionable?"


    Today, the old man was wearing a sweater that Qin Mu had the factory make for him. Though it was a simple style and dark in color, it looked very tasteful on him.


    Yes, indeed very fashionable.


    After lunch, Helian Hao pulled Qin Mu to the restroom: "Has Zhuo Wen come to the house again?"


    "No."


    Qin Mu shook her head.


    "Sigh! I always feel that woman might have something up her sleeve for later. Pay more attention; as for Mu Yichen..."


    Helian Hao whispered her caution.


    Qin Mu reflexively looked at her: Huh?


    "Just be careful, that¡¯s all!"


    Helian Hao whispered again, lower this time.


    Qin Mu nodded subconsciously: Oh!


    But inside, her thoughts churned in turmoil.


    Why should she be wary of Mu Yichen? There was no rift between them as a couple.


    After Helian Hao and Jing Feng left, Qin Mu went back upstairs, unable to help herself as she repeated Helian Hao¡¯s words over and over in her mind.


    After Mu Yichen saw them out, he went upstairs to find her lying on the bed reading, and he approached her to take her book away, "Didn¡¯t the doctor say you should be careful not to strain your eyes too much recently?"


    "Looking for a little while is fine!"


    Qin Mu said in a low voice, taking her book back to continue reading.


    Mu Yichen sighed at her stubbornness, sat beside her, and said, "Why be so stubborn?"


    Qin Mu glanced at him, just once, then dropped her gaze back to her book.


    For some reason, she felt that Mu Yichen was very open; he didn¡¯t seem like the kind of man who would have dealings with female friends behind her back.


    Mu Yichen figured she was probably just bored and didn¡¯t say anything more. Feeling somewhat sleepy himself, he simply got onto the bed, lay beside her, and fell asleep.

 Chapter 713 - 199 Pampering (7)_4

    Chapter 713: 199 Pampering (7)_4


    His hand habitually wrapped around her body.


    Qin Mu lowered her gaze slightly and silently digested the small swell of emotions inside her.


    In the evening, Mu Yichen went out to socialize with Mu Zihao, and Qin Mu saw Zhuo Wen¡¯s friend circle post featuring a photo with her fiance?; they seemed to be in a nightclub, and both of their beautified faces appeared to be quite happy.


    Later, Feng Fanghua carried the little one over for her to breastfeed, and Qin Mu whispered, "Mom, let me sleep with Chengcheng tonight."


    "You need to rest well recently, take care of yourself first," Feng Fanghua softly advised, sitting aside and looking around their room, "I¡¯ll have someone send over some flowers tomorrow, okay? This room feels so oppressive."


    "Oh! Really?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t understand, was their room really oppressive?


    Feng Fanghua turned to watch Qin Mu breastfeed the child, looking quite proper, before she again said cheerfully, "Back when you were taking care of Huanhuan, who asked you to breastfeed her?"


    "The hospital had professionals to help," Qin Mu recalled and replied.


    "You¡¯ve worked hard! Mumu, from now on, can you treat me like your own mother?" Feng Fanghua suddenly said, becoming emotional.


    Qin Mu was taken aback and almost uttered some perfunctory words, that she had always regarded her as her own mother, but in the end, she didn¡¯t say it upon seeing Feng Fanghua¡¯s sincere eyes.


    "What¡¯s wrong?" Qin Mu simply asked with a smile.


    "These days, I¡¯ve been thinking a lot. We can¡¯t keep a distance in our hearts anymore. I may have a temper, but I can tell right from wrong. From now on, a mother will protect her daughter and daughter-in-law properly, and I won¡¯t let you be bullied anymore, okay?" Feng Fanghua said to her again.


    Qin Mu, startled, felt it was somewhat surreal.


    "Okay!" But she ended up saying just that.


    And then the child was taken away, and Qin Mu was left to toss and turn bored in bed alone.


    Later, out of boredom and unable to sleep anyway, she took out her phone and messaged Xiaomei, who sent back three surprised emojis upon receiving her text.


    "My goodness, is my little boss finally online?" Xiaomei continued to send messages.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "How have you been recently?"


    "The studio is all good, please don¡¯t worry. How about you?" Xiaomei even changed ¡¯you¡¯ to the more respectful ¡¯you¡¯.


    "I¡¯m fine too, just missing you a bit!" Qin Mu replied.


    "Uh! Are you okay? Why are you suddenly thinking of us?" Xiaomei asked unconsciously.


    In her mind, Qin Mu was someone who should only miss Mu Yichen and her children.


    "Just thinking, what are you up to?"


    "Well... having dinner with Zhao Huai!" Xiaomei thought it over before telling her.


    Only then did Qin Mu learn that the two had been secretly dating.


    "But it¡¯s not definite we will become a thing, seems a bit boring." Xiaomei continued to message, completely ignoring the feelings of the man opposite her.


    "If it¡¯s not working, pull back!" Qin Mu could only give her those four words.


    "That¡¯s what I thought too, but it¡¯s nice to mooch off meals, so I plan to freeload a few more times before pulling back." Qin Mu...


    Thought to herself, how many relationships have started from shared meals.


    "Why aren¡¯t you resting so late?" Xiaomei sent another message.


    "I¡¯ve been sleeping a lot recently!" Qin Mu flipped over and replied, holding up her phone.


    "Eh! That¡¯s true, you must have been doing nothing but eating and sleeping like a pig recently, and we can¡¯t even visit you, huh!" Xiaomei complained.


    "I¡¯ll be out of confinement soon, then I¡¯ll return to the studio," Qin Mu longed to get back to the studio now; staying at home was stifling.


    "By the way, if you¡¯re too busy, send a few orders my way!" After thinking it over, Qin Mu figured it was better to do something rather than be idly bored to death.


    "Didn¡¯t Mu Yi issue an order a while ago? We¡¯re not allowed to give you any business during this time." Qin Mu...


    Later, Xiaomei stopped responding to her, and she fell into a drowsy sleep.


    When Mu Yichen returned home, he saw her lying on the bed asleep, her blanket not even properly covering her.


    He quietly sat by her side, covered her with the blanket, watched her for a while, and then went to shower.


    After showering, Mu Yichen got into bed, lay next to her, and wrapped his arms around her warm body, unconsciously sighing softly.


    Qin Mu, feeling a chill on her shoulder, reflexively moved away.


    "Cold!" The weak voice came out with a touch of distress from her throat.


    Mu Yichen laughed softly to himself and gently bit down on her shoulder.

 Chapter 714 - 199 Pampering (7)_5

    Chapter 714: 199 Pampering (7)_5free¦Øebnove?l.c?m


    "Sleep!"


    She struggled gently, then scooted a bit more towards the edge of the bed.


    The person who usually nestled into his arms was now suddenly resistant to him, and Mu Yichen reflexively moved closer to her from behind, "Baby!"


    "Mu Yichen, stop messing around!"


    Qin Mu muttered softly.


    Only then did Mu Yichen realize she was aware of his return.


    Mu Yichen slightly lifted his head, concerned by her upset demeanor, worrying if she felt unwell, but then heard his phone go off behind him.


    He reluctantly reached for the phone to check the WeChat message.


    "Home?"


    "Mhm."


    Mu Yichen responded with a word, put the phone down, and then went back to coax her, only to be interrupted just as he had embraced her.


    He couldn¡¯t help but sigh, then reached for the phone again.


    "When you get home, you need to accompany your wife!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t reply, his eyes flickered, and in a flash, he turned his phone to silent mode.


    Afterward, as he laid behind Qin Mu once more, there were finally no more sounds to disturb them.


    Even though Qin Mu had her eyes closed, she constantly felt bursts of light in the room.


    Mu Yichen flipped his phone over again, but by the time he looked back, Qin Mu had already pinned down the blanket, including the part that covered him.


    What¡¯s with this woman?


    Without thinking, Mu Yichen wrapped the blanket around them both and asked her in a low voice, "Are you trying to freeze me to death?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak but just wrapped herself up tighter.


    "Are you disgusted with me for drinking? I promise not to touch a drop tomorrow, how about that?"


    Mu Yichen asked her, his voice especially tender in the darkness.


    Qin Mu ignored him.


    Left with no choice, Mu Yichen lay beside her, sighing over and over again, looking at the woman who turned her back on him.


    "It¡¯s so cold!"


    "Why is it so cold today? Didn¡¯t it just snow?"


    "Right! Snowing isn¡¯t cold, but when it melts, it gets cold!"


    "Wife, you¡¯ll catch a cold!"


    Qin Mu had intended to continue sleeping, but now he had disturbed her so much that she was no longer sleepy, and she turned to look at him.


    "Why are you over there by yourself?"


    Mu Yichen...


    "Are you joking with me?"


    With a swoop, Mu Yichen turned over, quickly lifted the blanket, and snuggled up behind her on the bed to warm himself up.


    Qin Mu...


    "Why did you suddenly pin the blanket down just now?"


    Mu Yichen asked her while he sighed.


    "Did I?"


    Qin Mu opened her innocent big eyes, although she clearly knew what she had done.


    "Ha! You¡¯re forgetting awfully fast!"


    Mu Yichen teased her, then held her tightly in his arms, "Bad woman! Abusing your husband? Huh?"


    Qin Mu remained silent, thinking to herself, so what if I did?


    "What time is it?"


    Wrapped in his embrace, Qin Mu asked in a hoarse voice, struggling to breathe.


    "Eleven o¡¯clock."


    Mu Yichen turned to grab his phone, yet he kept one hand around her.


    "Someone messaged you. Aren¡¯t you going to check it?"


    Qin Mu glanced up slightly, asking him.


    Mu Yichen...


    "It¡¯s not from another woman, is it?"


    "Spam message!"


    Mu Yichen stated.


    Then, he looked at Qin Mu again.


    Illuminated by the phone¡¯s light, their gazes met.


    "Oh! Let¡¯s sleep!"


    Qin Mu said, then buried her head in his chest again.


    Mu Yichen suddenly felt a little uncomfortable where his heart was being pressed.


    But when he looked down, he saw that she had already closed her eyes.


    The month had passed quickly, and though it was very cold that noon, the sun was still quite nice. Qin Mu, after repeated pleading, was finally allowed to leave the house by Feng Fanghua.


    Then, driving her own little car, she went straight to Helian Hao¡¯s place, picked up Helian Hao, and then they went to find Wen Runuan. The three women went to the grand theater together to watch a drama about punishing the adulterer.


    After leaving there, the three women couldn¡¯t help but talk about it: "The actress who played the other woman, she isn¡¯t one in real life, she¡¯s the beloved of our Film Academy¡¯s Teacher Zhang, and it is said that they have been married for twenty years without a single argument,"


    As soon as Wen Runuan finished speaking, Qin Mu and Helian Hao were both shocked into a silly giggle.


    "Not having argued for twenty years, does that mean their relationship is good or bad?"


    Helian Hao asked.


    "Yeah, not arguing for twenty years, could it be they don¡¯t actually have feelings for each other instead of being respectful?"


    Qin Mu speculated as well.


    "It shouldn¡¯t be the case, right? Usually, they walk together hand in hand, and also, they have four children."


    Wen Runuan thought for a moment and then added.


    Qin Mu and Helian Hao were so shocked they could barely breathe.


    Four children...


    "Never mind her, let me tell you about the actress who played the leading lady this time, she¡¯s a true homewrecker in real life. She¡¯s been with several men, all of whom were married, but when it comes to stage plays, she¡¯s always the main character, always the lawful wife, don¡¯t you think her skills are amazing?"


    "Indeed, very amazing!"


    But no one felt that this kind of ¡¯amazing¡¯ was something to brag about.


    After leaving the theater, the three of them went to a cafe?, but as they all couldn¡¯t drink coffee, they ordered three glasses of milk instead.


    Sitting in the cafe? and just enjoying the ambiance felt wonderful.


    Wen Runuan said, "I¡¯m going to join a crew next spring, are you two interested in making a friendly cameo for me?"


    "I¡¯m fine with it, but by that time Mrs. Jing might be in her confinement, right?"


    Qin Mu laughed.


    Helian Hao sighed helplessly, "Having a baby is really something else. Jing Feng said he¡¯d take paternity leave to accompany me because he heard that you nearly didn¡¯t make it when you gave birth, so he said he¡¯d be right by my side."


    "Mu Yichen just went to conduct a video meeting with his subordinates."


    Qin Mu remembered the incident and couldn¡¯t help but sigh unconsciously.


    It really felt like she had survived a great calamity.


    No wonder Yichen had said that he would never let her be pregnant again.


    She herself was still frightened by the experience.


    "Hey, hey, hey, look!"


    Helian Hao, holding a glass of milk, glanced out of the window unintentionally, then gently tapped Qin Mu¡¯s arm, which was engrossed in thought.


    Seeing her so anxious, Qin Mu became curious and looked outside.


    Wen Runuan also looked over curiously, not recognizing the couple and not sure if it was the same people Qin Mu and Helian Hao were looking at.


    "Isn¡¯t that Zhuo Wen, and that¡¯s her fiance, right?"


    Helian Hao asked.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes flickered, remembering the two faces she saw last night, and frowned slightly, "I suppose it is!"


    "I didn¡¯t get a clear look last time, but now I¡¯ve seen him up close, and he¡¯s not bad looking."


    Helian Hao muttered.


    Qin Mu smiled, appearances weren¡¯t important, what was important was whether their feelings were genuine.


    If Zhuo Wen had a good relationship with her fiance, why was she still lingering in Rongcheng?


    Could they have had some other business to do?


    "Someone you know?"


    Wen Runuan asked softly.


    The couple had already come in through the door but headed in another direction.


    With partitions in between, they couldn¡¯t see each other.


    But their voices were still quite audible.


    "Saw that person last night? How did you feel?"


    "Just so-so! He has his guard up against me!"


    Soon after the two sat down, they started chatting, with the man asking Zhuo Wen a question, and Zhuo Wen answering somewhat annoyed.


    "Should we head back?"


    Then Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance asked.


    "If you want to go back, go by yourself, I can¡¯t just go back like this!"


    "Baby! We¡¯re about to get married! Can you be serious for a moment?"


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance gently reminded her, seeing her reluctance to leave.


    Zhuo Wen looked up at him and suddenly laughed, "In a few days."


    As they were chatting, Qin Mu¡¯s phone rang abruptly on the table. Helian Hao and Wen Runuan reflexively looked at her phone, and the ringtone disturbed the entire floor.

 Chapter 715: Indulge (8) Poor Daddy_1

    Chapter 715: Indulge (8) Poor Daddy_1


    "Hello? It¡¯s me!"


    The familiar voice startled Zhuo Wen from a distance, and her fiance? asked her, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Nothing!"


    Zhuo Wen answered in a low voice, but her complexion had already turned quite ugly.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Could you come to the studio on Monday? Great! I¡¯ll wait for you at the studio then."


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was steady yet polite, and after finishing, she hung up the phone, slightly lifting her downcast eyes.


    Wen Runuan and Helian Hao both sweated for her, but she handled the call with composure.


    "What¡¯s wrong? The milk is getting cold!"


    Qin Mu reminded them in a low voice.


    The two women picked up their milk but neither drank, just looking at her.


    After putting down the phone, Qin Mu leaned gently against the sofa back, thinking this was for the best.


    Since she already knew of Zhuo Wen¡¯s existence, it was time to let Zhuo Wen know as well.


    Zhuo Wen clearly became nervous upon knowing this and fell silent.


    The cafe? was already quiet with just their two tables, and now it became totally silent.


    Helian Hao whispered, "Should we leave?"


    "At least finish the milk!"


    Qin Mu looked up with a sharp gaze and said.


    "Honestly, I can¡¯t drink it!"


    Wen Runuan whispered.


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, then sighed helplessly, "Then let¡¯s go!"


    Without a word to anyone, the three women left together and drove to the JY Store in the city center.


    Wen Runuan picked several outfits, and though Qin Mu¡¯s figure hadn¡¯t fully returned to its best, she also picked some for herself. When it came to wearing clothes, none of them were the type to wait for their figures to improve first.


    Even Helian Hao picked out a long dress.


    Qin Mu and Wen Runuan even suggested, "How about we give you the clothes we¡¯ve worn these past days?"


    "I mentioned it to Jing Feng, and he said it would feel odd holding me if I wore clothes from another woman."


    Helian Hao laughed helplessly.


    Wen Runuan and Qin Mu both nodded as if to agree that men generally don¡¯t like their women wearing clothes other women have worn.


    Except for the occasional pervert.


    The three of them had lunch together at AM, and since they didn¡¯t take a private room and Wen Runuan was there, many phones were aimed at them for photos.


    Until Qin Mu showed an unhappy expression on her face, and even the manager couldn¡¯t take it, going to remind customers not to take pictures.


    "Are we going to hit the headlines on Weibo today?"


    Helian Hao asked curiously.


    "It¡¯s possible!"


    Wen Runuan expressed her apology, but it was too late.


    "Why are you two speaking in such low voices?"


    Qin Mu asked them curiously.


    The two women looked up at her, and indeed, they found her a bit strange.


    "Hey! Are you okay?"


    Helian Hao looked at her worriedly and asked.


    "Is something wrong with me? Isn¡¯t it you two who are acting all sneaky?"


    Qin Mu questioningly asked them.


    Helian Hao...


    Wen Runuan...


    "Madam, the CEO is entertaining upstairs and requests your presence."


    Soon after, the manager came up to her and whispered into her ear.


    "Just tell him I¡¯m with friends, and ask him to take my place!"


    Qin Mu said lightly, with a juice glass in her hand.


    "Yes!"


    The manager felt awkward, but seeing her expression and knowing she was in a bad mood, he dared not provoke her.


    "Did you have a fight?"


    Wen Runuan asked in a low voice, not to Qin Mu, but to Helian Hao.


    "Isn¡¯t it all because of that Zhuo Wen?"


    Helian Hao answered, equally upset.


    "What¡¯s the deal with Zhuo Wen, anyway? Is she here to seduce Yichen? Is that the woman from the cafe?? But didn¡¯t she say she was getting married to a man?"


    Wen Runuan¡¯s gossip impulse kicked in.


    "That¡¯s what¡¯s so annoying."


    Helian Hao replied for Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu, seeing Helian Hao angrier than herself, suddenly smiled and sighed, "You tell me, how come Mu Yichen is plagued with so many rotten peaches?"


    "You should attract a few yourself someday, so he won¡¯t be so smug."


    Helian Hao grumbled.


    "That¡¯s not a bad idea!"


    Qin Mu nodded.


    "What idea is not bad?"


    Suddenly, a familiar voice from behind them startled the two women.


    Wen Runuan, sitting across from them, was deep in thought and also jumped at the sound before looking up: "Yichen!"


    Qin Mu and Helian Hao completely froze, their expressions as colorful as can be.


    Mu Yichen walked over, pulled out the chair next to Wen Runuan and sat down, crossed his arms in front of him and stared straight at them.


    "Why aren¡¯t you talking anymore? Weren¡¯t you just chatting away?"


    Mu Yichen asked, his keen gaze eventually settling on Qin Mu across from him.

 Chapter 716: Indulge (8) Poor Daddy_2

    Chapter 716: Indulge (8) Poor Daddy_2


    Qin Mu looked up at him, "Aren¡¯t you treating guests to a meal? Why did you come down?"


    "If you don¡¯t go up, I have to come down to invite! They are your father¡¯s old friends,"


    Mu Yichen said.


    "What does that have to do with me?"


    Qin Mu said as she got up, grabbing her phone and turning to walk out.


    Mu Yichen watched her walk out before standing up to follow her.


    Helian Hao and Wen Runuan continued to chat closely, their eyes gleaming with cleverness.


    "We haven¡¯t done anything bad, have we?"


    "Shouldn¡¯t have!"


    Helian Hao answered, but inside she felt uneasy. Mu Yichen wouldn¡¯t stop her from associating with Qin Mu just because she made a few jokes, would he?


    Wen Runuan was just worried about their quarrel. She had seen the coldness in Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes earlier.


    After going to the restroom, Qin Mu¡¯s hands were wet and she used a lot of soap. Mu Yichen stood by: "What exactly is wrong with you?"


    "Can¡¯t I wash my hands?"


    Qin Mu cast him an indifferent glance, then continued scrubbing her hands.


    Mu Yichen observed her producing so many bubbles on her hands and, unconsciously raising his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, helplessly moved behind her, and when she was angry and had a cold face, he hugged her from behind: "What¡¯s wrong? Hm?"


    "Can you not accompany the guests?"


    Qin Mu asked softly, not intending to argue with him.


    "How can I feel like accompanying guests when you¡¯re like this? If I knew this was on your mind today, I would have taken you out with me this morning,"


    Mu Yichen said softly, looking at her profile.


    "Weren¡¯t you going to the company this morning? Why would you take me with you?"


    Qin Mu looked down, her long lashes hiding the faint sadness in her eyes.


    "If you don¡¯t want to go up, just forget it. After dinner, go upstairs and wait for me. Shall we rest upstairs in the afternoon?"


    Qin Mu turned to look at him, the clarity in her dark eyes making the viewer somewhat anxious.


    Yet she suddenly gave a small smile: After dinner, I have to go back to feed your son. I only asked for time off until two o¡¯clock.


    Mu Yichen...


    Qin Mu then bowed her head to finish washing her hands and dried them, took his hands off her, turned around, and stood there with her hands gently resting on the edge of the washbasin, her head lowered in front of him.


    She wanted to bring up Zhuo Wen, but on second thought, decided to wait for him to mention it.


    She wondered how long he could hold out.


    "I have to go! Otherwise, they¡¯ll think we¡¯re arguing in here,"


    "Kiss me first, then I¡¯ll let you go."


    Mu Yichen leaned in, wrapping his arms around her back to steady her, and looked at her very seriously with lowered eyes.


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, then suddenly smiled with lowered brows.


    The sight of her smile relaxed Mu Yichen a bit, then he cradled her face in his hands, their gazes meeting.


    "You kiss me!"


    Qin Mu stood up straight, her head tilted back, waiting for his kiss.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh, she was being too formal.


    But the laughter in his eyes turned serious the next second, as he moved closer to seal her lips with his.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t move, just felt his kiss.


    Mu Yichen was startled by her lack of response.


    Though both had their eyes closed.


    Mu Yichen felt a wave of turmoil, then suddenly, while cradling her face, he pried open her lips and coercively invaded her mouth with his tongue.


    Qin Mu suddenly had a bad feeling, wondering if this was the end for them.


    That afternoon as she drove home, she felt an abrupt loneliness.


    It was sunny in the morning, but after lunch, snowflakes suddenly began to fall.


    Mu Yichen returned home after four in the afternoon, and Qin Mu was already drawing in the study.


    Hearing this, Mu Yichen wanted to find her, but Feng Fanghua stopped him.


    "You come home and don¡¯t even think to see your son? Your wife is busy drawing and ordered not to be disturbed,"


    Feng Fanghua said, looking somewhat displeased at her son.


    Mu Yichen looked down at his mother Feng: "Since when did you become her gatekeeper?"


    "What gatekeeper? Can¡¯t you speak properly? She¡¯s busy now, why would you disturb her? You¡¯re stuck together all day, don¡¯t you get tired of it?"


    Feng Fanghua reminded him.


    Mu Yichen helplessly rubbed the back of his head, thinking that in all his years, indeed only this woman left him at a loss for what to do.


    "Fine! I will go see the little guy!"


    Mu Yichen nodded and turned away, feeling helpless.


    After watching him walk away, Feng Fanghua glanced again at the door to the study, sighed with resignation, and then went downstairs to spend time with her granddaughter.


    She still couldn¡¯t bear to send Huanhuan to school, planning to wait a bit longer.

 Chapter 717: Indulge (8) Poor Daddy_3

    Chapter 717: Indulge (8) Poor Daddy_3


    Huanhuan, though heartbroken, eventually forgot about the school incident as time went on.


    It wasn¡¯t until after dinner that Qin Mu came down from upstairs.


    Mu Yichen was facing away from the staircase, looking at his phone, but in reality, he was waiting for her.


    Qin Mu stopped two flights of stairs away from him, her arms lightly resting on the handrail as she watched his profile with deep, silent eyes, observing him absorbed in his phone.


    Suddenly, it struck her how fast time flew.


    The once youthful lad had now become a husband, a father of two children, and a man whose thoughts were impenetrable.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but reminisce about her early years in Paris, when one night she ran a high fever and he carried her to a nearby clinic.


    She didn¡¯t know why he was at her doorstep, but when she opened the window to let in some air, she saw him sitting under an old tree downstairs.


    Time trickled by; could they ever return to their past selves?


    She had never understood his thoughts, not when they were children.


    However, there came a time when she thought she understood him.


    But looking at him now, she realized she had never truly understood him.


    It was three minutes later that Mu Yichen noticed her bending over to watch him.


    They exchanged looks for a few seconds, and before Mu Yichen could react, Qin Mu straightened up and walked down the stairs with poise.


    "Good day, President Mu!"


    She greeted him with a smile.


    Mu Yichen turned around, his sharp gaze upon her as she stood with her hands in her pants pockets, greeting him with such a sense of distance.


    "Good day, Mrs. Mu!"


    His thin lips moved slightly as he reciprocated the greeting.


    The old master came out of the kitchen and, overhearing their exchange of greetings, looked at them both with surprise for a long while before walking towards the sofa, murmuring, "What¡¯s with these two kids?"


    "Who knows!"


    Feng Fanghua replied without much concern, as if used to their little spats.


    "When Zhuo Wen was here, they didn¡¯t argue at all. How come they start bickering again when there¡¯s no one else around?"


    The old master sat down on the sofa, watching Huanhuan play with Lego, and said to Huanhuan, "Bring it here, and Grandpa will help you fix it."


    Huanhuan was puzzled, unable to fit the pieces together.


    So she immediately brought over the half-assembled Lego, carefully walking over to him.


    The old master chuckled to himself, recalling the last time he played with Lego was when Mu Zihao was little.


    Huanhuan watched as her great-grandpa assembled the Lego and then looked at his face, her eyes as if asking: Is great-grandpa a magician?


    Qin Mu sat next to the old master on the sofa, watching his serious expression while assembling the Lego, and couldn¡¯t help but laugh, asking, "Grandpa, have you played with this before?"


    "I played with it a few times when your father was a child."


    Qin Mu nodded her head and, glancing elsewhere inadvertently, noticed that Mu Yichen had already come to sit down.


    "Why so close?"


    The old master asked his grandson in confusion upon noticing him approaching.


    Mu Yichen sat next to Qin Mu with his legs crossed and hands in his pockets, trying to act cool, but he frowned slightly at the old master¡¯s words.


    "Go, go, go, sit over there. The three of us are enough here."


    The old master immediately chased his grandson away.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, wondering if he had any standing in this home at all?


    "Dad, it¡¯s time to eat!"


    Feng Fanghua called out from inside.


    "Alright! Coming now!"


    The old master replied but continued to help Huanhuan with the Lego first.


    "Great-grandpa, let¡¯s go eat first!"


    Huanhuan wasn¡¯t in a rush, but concerned about the old master getting hungry, she said thoughtfully.


    "Alright! Let¡¯s listen to our Little Huanhuan and go eat."


    The old master stood up, took Huanhuan¡¯s hand, and together they headed to the dining room.


    Meanwhile, Qin Mu and Mu Yichen glanced at each other, Qin Mu said nothing but simply smiled faintly and stood up to walk ahead.


    Mu Yichen took a deep breath and followed after her, watching her leisurely stroll and couldn¡¯t help but slow his pace as well.


    "Is it about time?"


    Just before entering the dining room, Mu Yichen caught up and asked her.


    Qin Mu was startled, then turned to look at him.


    Mu Yichen whispered a few words in her ear, and Qin Mu¡¯s elbow jabbed into his chest, then she walked ahead.


    Mu Yichen held his jabbed chest and exhaled; it really hurt.

 Chapter 718: Indulge (8) Poor Daddy_4

    Chapter 718: Indulge (8) Poor Daddy_4


    "You left your dad to handle the social engagement alone, even though it¡¯s his grandson¡¯s affair, isn¡¯t it your son¡¯s issue too? It¡¯s not like you¡¯re too busy to get away, why stay at home?"


    Feng Fanghua finished eating but didn¡¯t forget to scold her son.


    Feeling helpless, Mu Yichen sighed, "I haven¡¯t been feeling well these past few days."


    He had no choice but to make excuses.


    "Stomach not feeling well? Have you been drinking too much?"


    Feng Fanghua immediately became anxious and instantly transformed into a loving mother worried about her son.


    The old master also looked up at him with concern.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t look up, but the gaze in her lowered eyes briefly faltered, only that no one else noticed it.


    And after hearing Feng Fanghua ask whether he had drunk too much, she became even more expressionless, simply reassuring the worried elders, "You¡¯re all overthinking it. Our family¡¯s young master has been having someone drink in his place recently, how could he possibly have hurt his stomach?"


    Mu Yichen...


    The old master stopped talking and took a sip of his light drink and continued eating.


    "If it¡¯s not the alcohol, could it be that you haven¡¯t been eating well?"


    Feng Fanghua thought about it and still couldn¡¯t let it go.


    Qin Mu turned to look at the man sitting beside her and asked with her eyes: Do you have the heart to make the elders worry like this?


    "It¡¯s not that serious."


    Mu Yichen reluctantly replied.


    But during that meal, Mu Yichen really didn¡¯t eat much.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t eat much either after a few bites.


    After the meal, Feng Fanghua had the kitchen heat up some milk for them.


    "Mom, you¡¯ve been tired lately too, and I¡¯m almost back to normal now. Let me take care of Mu Chengyang tonight," said Qin Mu before going to bed.


    After thinking for a moment, Feng Fanghua nodded, "That¡¯s a good idea! I have been a bit tired lately."


    Mu Yichen was just about to go upstairs when he turned his head back at those words.


    Tonight?


    Qin Mu was going to take care of that little brat?


    What was he supposed to do then?


    "You go and put Huanhuan to sleep."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t forget to assign him a task.


    Mu Yichen said nothing, just watched Qin Mu walk past him and went to the nursery to lift little Mu Chengyang into her own room.


    Mu Yichen followed her upstairs and closed the door, then faced the woman who was placing their son in bed: "Mrs. Mu, aren¡¯t you being a bit too much?"


    Qin Mu stood up, turned her head, and looked at him: "Where have I gone too far?"


    Her voice wasn¡¯t loud, but it was enough to make Mu Yichen angry.


    "Fine! Do as you like!"


    Mu Yichen nodded his head, said those words, and then turned to leave.


    Qin Mu still stood by the bed, looking at his departure with a slightly blurred gaze.


    Once Mu Yichen left the room, he went to his daughter¡¯s room. The nanny had already bathed Huanhuan and changed her into her pajamas. After the nanny left, Mu Yichen lay down on Huanhuan¡¯s bed and casually grabbed a book from the table beside him.


    "Daddy, Mommy has already finished that book," Huanhuan said.


    Mu Yichen...


    Huanhuan sat beside him, looking like a little adult, and her anxious gaze made him anxious too.


    "Which one has she not read yet?"


    Mu Yichen asked patiently, but the look in Huanhuan¡¯s eyes still made her worried.


    "Bring them all over!"


    Huanhuan ordered.


    Mu Yichen had no choice but to get up and pile all the books onto the bed, and after Huanhuan searched, she sighed, "Ah, it seems like they¡¯ve all been read, Daddy, we¡¯ll have to buy new books tomorrow."


    "Alright! Then let¡¯s just go to sleep tonight!"


    Mu Yichen tidied up the books, put them away, turned his head to look at her, still in a good mood, hoping his daughter would let him off the hook.


    However, Huanhuan shook her head, then said, "Daddy, tell me a story!"


    "Tell a story?"


    "Yeah! Tell me the story of why Daddy married Mommy!"


    Huanhuan said as she lay down, hands on her little belly, quietly waiting for her dad to tell her this story.


    But Mu Yichen sat there watching his dear daughter and suddenly found himself at a loss for words.


    Why did he marry her?


    Wasn¡¯t that his lifelong wish?


    How could he know why on earth he had taken a fancy to her out of the blue?


    She clearly had a terrible temper, always finding ways to torment him, and she didn¡¯t trust him.


    "Daddy! Hurry up!"


    Unable to wait, Huanhuan prompted him.


    Mu Yichen lay down again, turned off the light, and then began to tell that ancient story.


    "So why did Daddy fall in love with Mommy?"


    Lured into the story, Huanhuan couldn¡¯t fall asleep anymore.


    "Brain waterlogged."


    Mu Yichen said four words with a touch of frustration.


    At that moment, truly, his liver ached, his lungs ached, his heart ached!


    "Did someone smash Daddy¡¯s head and make a hole, so water got in? Daddy, you¡¯re so pitiful."


    Huanhuan got up to hug his head and began stroking his hair.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Daddy, Huanhuan loves you too!"


    Huanhuan suddenly turned around to embrace him, then gently patted him twice.


    In the darkness, that soft and tender voice was especially powerful.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but laugh softly, his heart instantly sweetened.


    Yes, indeed, that woman could be so infuriating, but at least the child she bore was sensible.


    Mu Yichen gently patted Huanhuan, and eventually, her breathing became steady and even.


    By the time Huanhuan fell asleep, it was already half-past ten. Mu Yichen made sure the blankets tucked around her, then quietly got out of bed, put on his shoes, and tiptoed out of the room.

 Chapter 719 - 201 Wedding (1) Sword and Blade_1

    Chapter 719: 201 Wedding (1) Sword and Blade_1


    "Daddy said he must have water on the brain to marry you!"


    After waking up in the morning, Huanhuan went to Qin Mu¡¯s room and whispered into her ear.


    Mu Yichen came out of the washroom, and when he saw the woman lying on the bed looking at him with gleaming eyes, his heart suddenly trembled. Glancing at his beloved daughter, he felt that something was not right.


    The little girl had already reached the age where she was learning to talk.


    "Good morning, Daddy!"


    Huanhuan greeted Mu Yichen with her pretty neck.


    "Hmm!"


    Mu Yichen responded and slowly walked over, "You¡¯re coming to greet Mom and Dad so early?"


    "Hehe!"


    Huanhuan suddenly giggled mischievously, then climbed down from the bed and ran outside.


    Mu Yichen stood by the bed, turned his head to watch his daughter¡¯s little legs move quickly, then looked back at the woman on the bed.


    Qin Mu leaned against the headboard, lifted her eyes, and smiled at him, "You didn¡¯t take a shower just now, right, Mr. Mu?"


    "Hmm! Why do you ask?"


    Mu Yichen lowered his eyes and asked subconsciously.


    "Try not to shower, lest your brain get waterlogged again."


    Qin Mu said to him with a smile, and then got out of bed on his side.


    Mu Yichen...


    Indeed, that girl was trying to kill her old man.


    Since both were home on the weekend, the elders, seeing them bicker, decided to leave, and even the old man arranged to play nearby with old friends.


    So, the big house suddenly felt empty.


    Only the two of them were left, each occupying a corner of the sofa, looking at the television with the attitude of kings who do not meet.


    The TV was off.


    The auntie came out to bring them food, and seeing them sitting like that, she didn¡¯t dare to speak. She just placed the fruit plate and such on the table, then gave them a strange glance and quickly retreated.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s phone rang again. He looked down at the phone placed beside him, his facial expression colder than before, but he answered the call, "Hello?"


    "Come out for tea; we¡¯re leaving soon," said the caller.


    "No time!"


    "It¡¯s the weekend today; what are you busy with?"


    "Arguing!"


    After Mu Yichen said the last two words, he hung up the phone and continued to maintain his original posture, legs crossed, arms folded, looking at the television.


    The person beside him remained unchanged.


    Zhuo Wen, hung up on by the call, sighed helplessly and then turned to look at the man coming out of another room, "Where shall we go today?"


    "I¡¯ve heard there¡¯s a mountain to the east; how about we go climbing there?"


    Her fiance? suggested.


    Zhuo Wen nodded: "Sounds good!"


    While they were getting ready to go climbing, Qin Mu also received a call and then stood up, ready to leave.


    "Where are you going?"


    Mu Yichen, with his eyebrows lowered, watched her feet move further away. Still, he couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    "There¡¯s something at the studio."


    She replied indifferently, standing not far from him, and after giving her report, she gave him a lukewarm glance, "Can I go upstairs to change now?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, but he sat there with a belly full of fire.


    Qin Mu turned and went upstairs.


    Ten minutes later, she came down, having applied light makeup and lipstick that could slay men. She wore a black coat over a white dress and tall boots.


    "I won¡¯t be back for lunch."


    Qin Mu told him, then picked up her beautiful bag and walked out.


    She certainly didn¡¯t look like she was going to work.


    Rather, it was as if...


    She was going on a date.


    "Mrs. Mu, don¡¯t forget you still have to feed the child," Mu Yichen stood up.


    "Have you forgotten that the parents just took them out because you got water on your brain?"


    Qin Mu turned around, her look one of disdain, and then she turned to leave.


    Mu Yichen...


    As Qin Mu left the house and then suddenly ran back, she saw Mu Yichen standing there making a phone call and softly asked, "Can I borrow your car keys?"


    Mu Yichen, holding his phone, looked at her, and Qin Mu winked at him, "Please!"


    "They¡¯re upstairs!"


    "Thanks!"


    Qin Mu immediately ran up to get the keys, while the man, who had absent-mindedly given them to her, was startled by his own sudden foolishness.


    Why on earth did he give her the keys?


    Ascending the stairs, Qin Mu located the box where he kept the keys, and then...


    She found there were six or seven sets, which made her laugh, and she quickly picked up the familiar set and ran outside.


    Just as she opened the door, Mu Yichen was standing there, leaning against the doorframe, looking coldly at her, "Where are you really going?"


    "To the studio! Or would you like to come along? To surveil me, like those other people?"


    Qin Mu was unsettled by his sudden appearance. She wasn¡¯t happy to begin with, and now she was nearing her limit.

 Chapter 720 - 201 Wedding (1) Sword and Blade_2

    Chapter 720: 201 Wedding (1) Sword and Blade_2


    And her words, without a doubt, had struck a chord in Mu Yichen¡¯s heart.


    He had no choice but to let her go, and as he released his grip, he said to her, "Come back soon."


    Qin Mu looked up at him, suddenly not in such a hurry to leave.


    Her stubborn gaze was fixed on him, her hands still placed on her chest from the earlier fright, unmoving. In that moment, the entire house seemed to fall silent, as if a layer of ice had begun forming all around and was slowly encasing them.


    "Got it!"


    After Qin Mu finished speaking, she walked past his shoulder and left.


    Mu Yichen later stood at their bedroom window, watching her drive his car away, his eyes deep and inscrutable.


    He even unconsciously pulled out his phone; he had Xiaomei¡¯s number.


    But recalling the grievances she had suffered from those messy people watching her, he unconsciously put his phone away, his sharp gaze returning to the outdoors.


    Zhuo Wen not leaving seemed like something Qin Mu was aware of.


    As Qin Mu drove to the studio, she suddenly stopped en route.


    At the roadside, she took out her phone and dialed Xiaomei¡¯s number, "Tell him something came up at home and I can¡¯t make it. After you take his measurements, jot down his requirements. Also, have Lida design his suit."


    Qin Mu hung up before Xiaomei could respond and then leaned back in her seat, blankly staring ahead.


    The weather was so cold, yet were they to keep their hearts at a distance?


    In this world, nothing is colder and more painful than two hearts apart.


    Meanwhile, after Xiaomei put away her phone, she turned to look at Li Yu sitting on the couch, "Sorry, she just had a baby not long ago and can¡¯t leave the house."


    "I heard the full month has already passed, she still can¡¯t work?"


    Li Yu sat there, chatting with Xiaomei in a cheerful manner.


    "Sigh!"


    Xiaomei sighed and sat opposite him, "Have you never heard the saying?"


    "What saying?"


    Li Yu asked with curiosity.


    "Once you enter a wealthy family, it¡¯s like the deep sea, from which Xiu Lang becomes a stranger."


    Xiaomei suddenly felt melancholic.


    "Who is Xiu Lang?"


    Li Yu couldn¡¯t help but ask another question with a laugh.


    "There are many! For instance, friends of the opposite sex, they are all out of the question. Also, our big boss. He and his apprentice used to be inseparable, except when on separate assignments. Now... even seeing each other needs to consider the feelings of the wealthy family."


    Speaking of this, Xiaomei, having let go of Jian Yan, actually felt that Jian Yan and Qin Mu were truly pitiable.


    Because that man was displeased, they both gave up on being close to each other.


    The more Xiaomei thought about it, the colder her heart felt, "Think about it, marrying an ordinary person might be better! It¡¯s best not to fall in love with those young masters from wealthy families, otherwise it really hurts the liver, the lungs, and the heart."


    It would essentially shatter one¡¯s internal organs.


    "If such sacrifices are necessary, with Qin Mu¡¯s temperament, she doesn¡¯t seem like someone who would succumb to pressure and grievances."


    Li Yu furrowed his brows, deep in thought.


    "Hmph! This is what everyone says, love is blind!"


    Xiaomei continued shaking her head.


    Li Yu also lowered his gaze involuntarily: Had he heard that the two of them were childhood sweethearts?


    "Yeah! Mu Yi used to run off to Paris with our Qinqin, but that¡¯s all in the past. By the time I was with Qinqin, Mu Yi had long since returned to the country."


    Li Yu nodded, "Such feelings are indeed rare and precious."


    "Yes, so to endure in silence, one must sacrifice very much."


    Xiaomei agreed.


    She didn¡¯t understand that love was inherently like this.


    Lovers must endure in silence for each other, sacrifice for each other.


    Otherwise, how is love perceived?


    It was only after Li Yu left that Qin Mu drove to the studio.


    Xiaomei was just about to leave, as the weekends are usually off, but she opened up just for Li Yu¡¯s sake today.


    Xiaomei was so shocked to see Qin Mu come out that she almost dislocated her jaw.


    "Qinqin, did you get a new car?"


    "No! It¡¯s Mu Yi¡¯s."


    Qin Mu replied and then asked, "Has Li Yu left?"


    "Yeah! He just left not too long ago, didn¡¯t you say you weren¡¯t coming?"


    "I just timed it right to come after he left. You get off work, I¡¯ll go up and sit for a bit."


    "Oh!"


    With her bag on her back, Qin Mu headed to the studio upstairs, while Xiaomei turned her head to look at Qin Mu¡¯s outfit today. Qin Mu rarely wore such red lipstick. And that car...


    Xiaomei couldn¡¯t resist running up to it, bending over, and stretching out her hand to gently touch the car body, thinking that the car must be worth at least several million, and it looked so cool.


    Qin Mu went upstairs and sat down in her office.


    Touching her spacious desk, she appreciated the excellent feel.


    She remembered Mu Yichen telling her to come home early.


    She also remembered Mu Yichen talking on the phone about their argument.

 Chapter 721 - 201 Wedding (1) Sword and Blade_3

    Chapter 721: 201 Wedding (1) Sword and Blade_3


    Don¡¯t leave the house even when we argue, then...


    Suddenly, a certain night flashed through her mind when they had agreed after an argument that no matter what, they would never turn their backs on each other.


    Suddenly, she remembered, after he quietly returned to their room last night.


    He didn¡¯t sleep on his son¡¯s side but went to sleep behind her instead.


    She was already sleeping on the edge, so, just barely, there was a little space enough for him to lie on his side.


    He still held her in his arms.


    Why didn¡¯t he tell her about Zhuo Wen¡¯s matter?


    Was he afraid she¡¯d get angry?


    But did he ever consider that not telling her would make her even angrier?


    Latter she called Feng Fanghua, and after finding out where they were, she went to look for them.


    They were in the pharmaceutical factory¡¯s office, and when Qin Mu drove there, the employees of the factory were a bit stunned.


    Because they saw Mu Yichen¡¯s car, but the person who got out was someone else.


    An employee came out and nodded at her, Qin Mu nodded back, "Hello! Could you tell me where the boss¡¯s office is?"


    "Who are you?"


    The employee asked her, puzzled.


    "Oh, I¡¯m Qin Mu, the Mu Family¡¯s daughter-in-law!"


    Qin Mu suddenly thought that nobody knew Qin Mu, but they should know the Mu Family¡¯s daughter-in-law.


    "Oh, hello! I¡¯m the factory manager, Gao Zengya. The boss and his wife are up there in that building, on the top floor," he said.


    Qin Mu was also surprised; the factory manager was still wearing his work clothes.


    "Thank you!"


    She nodded in thanks to the man and then left.


    The factory manager was about to leave but couldn¡¯t help shaking his head, feeling somewhat unreal.


    Qin Mu went to the office building and discovered that there were actually such nice rooms here.


    She knocked on the door, and Feng Fanghua opened it, startled to see her: "You came quite quickly, please come in!"


    "Yes! Dad!"


    Qin Mu walked in with her, greeting Mu Zihao first before taking in her surroundings.


    She noticed the room was filled with old furniture but somehow felt very cozy.


    "Mommy!"


    Huanhuan, who was playing with toys, happily dashed over when she saw her.


    "Good girl!"


    Qin Mu instinctively wrapped her arms around her, then picked her up.


    "Has Chengcheng had his formula yet?" Qin Mu asked.


    "Not yet! I was about to feed him when you said you were coming over, so I didn¡¯t," Feng Fanghua explained.


    "Then you two talk for a bit, I¡¯ll go take a look at the workshop," Mu Zihao said as he stood up from the sofa, not forgetting to wipe his grandson¡¯s mouth.


    "Okay!"


    After Mu Zihao left, Qin Mu put down Huanhuan to feed her son, and Huanhuan stuck out her tongue at the side: Brother is shy.


    Qin Mu glanced at her and scolded: Do you think you weren¡¯t like this when you were little?


    Huanhuan made a face and went back to her toys.


    Feng Fanghua sat down on the sofa next to Qin Mu.


    The sofas here were all of the old kind, huge and made from dark blue soft leather, with a layer of warm material spread on top.


    After sitting down, Feng Fanghua looked at Qin Mu and asked in a low voice, "Why the cold war recently?"


    Qin Mu was startled, then chuckled: "I thought you¡¯d gotten used to us being like this."


    "Used to it or not, there¡¯s always a reason, right? Zhuo Wen has already left, our family should be harmonious, shouldn¡¯t we? Does he have another woman by his side? Or did he do something to make you angry? Is it because of Chengcheng?"


    Feng Fanghua guessed, considering that after Chengcheng was born, Mu Yichen seemed somewhat repulsed on the surface.


    "No, that¡¯s not it!"


    Qin Mu held back her tears, suddenly at a loss for how to explain to an elder.


    "There must be a reason. A cold war can¡¯t happen without cause, right?"


    "Mom! It¡¯s really nothing!"


    Qin Mu found it a bit difficult to be questioned this way.


    Feng Fanghua looked at her earnestly, becoming more anxious the more she watched, because Qin Mu just wouldn¡¯t give a clear answer.


    "Why can¡¯t you talk to me about it? I can scold him on your behalf if you tell me. Haven¡¯t I said before, to treat me like your own mother from now on? That means you should consider yourself as my own daughter, not Qingxin, not Mu Yichen¡¯s wife, but my daughter."


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart surged with emotion, but she could only lower her eyes and say softly, "Zhuo Wen didn¡¯t leave."


    "What?"


    Feng Fanghua thought for a long time but hadn¡¯t anticipated this twist.


    "Zhuo Wen is still in the city, staying at AM," Qin Mu said softly.


    Feng Fanghua...


    Even though Qin Mu¡¯s voice was soft, her ears weren¡¯t failing; Zhuo Wen had told them she was going back to Australia, yet...


    She hadn¡¯t left.


    "Then! What is she doing in Rongcheng? Have you seen her?" Feng Fanghua asked.


    "Sort of. But I never officially greeted her. Her fiance? came too!"


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s eyes moved, confused.


    "What¡¯s going on here?"


    Feng Fanghua blinked, her mind racing.

 Chapter 722 - 201 Wedding (1) Sword and Blade_4

    Chapter 722: 201 Wedding (1) Sword and Blade_4


    "I think this matter, you and Dad and Grandpa don¡¯t need to worry about, especially since Grandpa and Zhuo Wen¡¯s elders have a good relationship. Let¡¯s not let Grandpa know and be sad. Also, there have been so many conflicts between us two, this should be easy to get through."


    "You¡¯re not suggesting Yichen is meeting Zhuo Wen, are you?" Feng Fanghua listened for a while and could only think of this possibility.


    "I don¡¯t know about that."


    Qin Mu finished speaking and lowered her head again.


    She indeed didn¡¯t know about this.


    Feng Fanghua frowned; she was genuinely confused.


    "Actually, Zhuo Wen and Yichen... the two of them are like siblings, Zhuo Wen is two months older than Yichen. Mumu, are we overthinking this?"


    Qin Mu hung her head and nodded: Mmm! Maybe I am overthinking it.


    Feng Fanghua knew Qin Mu didn¡¯t believe her, but she herself couldn¡¯t be certain either.


    To say Zhuo Wen is interested in Mu Yichen, she has never seen that child express it.


    To say Zhuo Wen has no interest in Mu Yichen, yet she feels that the child¡¯s gaze towards Mu Yichen is somewhat different.


    Feng Fanghua felt it was necessary to have a talk with her son, but feared her son might not feel the care from other women at all.


    After all, that boy had his mind on this girl before his eyes ever since he was a child, he had long forgotten some girls he played with when he was a kid. So, how would he know if other girls liked him?


    Feng Fanghua sighed helplessly.


    "In the future, if you and Dad don¡¯t particularly want to come out, don¡¯t feel obligated to give us space. Being together as a family, it actually feels better."


    Qin Mu said to Mu Chengyang after feeding him.


    "Your Dad and I, it¡¯s not just for the two of you. We, you know, have feelings for this place."


    Feng Fanghua said, and looked away; every table and chair here held memories of their youth.


    Qin Mu could actually see it, this was where they had worked hard before.


    The office building has probably changed long ago, but the furniture here remained the same from the past.


    "Back when the two of us returned to the country and first started out here, your Dad actually had a lot of girls around him. Once I even saw a girl wiping sweat off him, and he naively thanked her."


    Qin Mu...


    "But later I directly fired that girl."


    Feng Fanghua said it as a matter of fact.


    "Didn¡¯t Dad ask why?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously.


    "He didn¡¯t wait to ask; the girl went crying to find him. But after learning the truth, he had no choice but to let the girl go. Even said he couldn¡¯t give her the life she wanted. I¡¯m just amazed by him; thinking about it now, I find it so funny, such a big man, why be so considerate?"


    When Feng Fanghua talked about the past, she felt a tinge of jealousy.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh: "Dad is also very considerate towards you now."


    "Does he have the nerve not to be good to me? I devoted my youth to him alone, helped him establish his business, bore and raised his children, accompanied him in caring for the elderly and all that comes with it."


    Feng Fanghua spoke quickly, but Qin Mu felt as if she was listening to someone¡¯s lifetime.


    "Yichen takes after me; he¡¯s not a child who goes around flirting. Mumu, I think you can be at ease about this, I dare guarantee it to you."


    "Mmm!"


    Qin Mu acknowledged, now feeling much more relieved.


    "If you don¡¯t look at him nicely, starting from today, I won¡¯t bother with him either. We mother and daughter will deal with him together."


    Qin Mu laughed: "Please don¡¯t be hard on him."


    "No, that won¡¯t do; who made him upset you."


    Feng Fanghua clasped her hands together, very serious.


    ¡ª


    In the afternoon, Mu Yichen still sent Qin Mu a message: "What time are you coming home?"


    Qin Mu, who was at Helian Hao¡¯s apartment eating, replied after seeing his message: In the evening.


    Mu Yichen had nothing else to say and simply called Qiao Yi and the others; by a little past four, several men gathered in the lounge, drinking.


    In the hazy private room, apart from Jing Feng, everyone had a cigarette in hand.


    But no one else urged Mu Yichen to look more cheerful.


    So, Jiang Zhiyuan suggested, "How about we get a couple of princesses to sing and spice things up?"


    "Get your own room."


    Jing Feng glanced up, simply reminding him dryly.


    Jiang Zhiyuan found this dull: "What¡¯s the fun in us guys just sitting around here?"


    Nothing but smoking and drinking.


    Their collective social life was becoming less and less enjoyable.


    "Your wedding dates are almost set; how can you be not happy?"


    Jing Feng turned his gaze to Mu Yichen as he asked, ignoring Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s topic.

 Chapter 723 - 201 Wedding (1) Sword and Blade_5

    Chapter 723: 201 Wedding (1) Sword and Blade_5


    However, as he changed the subject, suddenly everyone looked toward Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen took a drag of his cigarette, "Do I?"


    The crowd...


    Qiao Yi leaned forward slightly, with a hint of skepticism, he asked, "Could it be because of Zhuo Wen?"


    The moment he brought up this woman, the surroundings suddenly fell silent.


    "She might know that Zhuo Wen is still in Rongcheng."


    Mu Yichen took another drag of his cigarette, forced to admit the fact as he exhaled a ring of silver smoke vigorously.


    "Might? She¡¯s known for a long time!"


    After hearing this, Jing Feng frowned and spoke up.


    The crowd...


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze shifted toward him, puzzled and tinged with indifference.


    "You didn¡¯t know? Right after Zhuo Wen moved out of your house, she knew that Zhuo Wen had moved into a hotel."


    Jing Feng said while playing with a bottle of alcohol.


    Of all the people in the VIP room, Jing Feng was the calmest.


    The rest were going crazy.


    But who could they blame?


    Lately, they hadn¡¯t included Jing Feng in their outings.


    So, the person who ended up knowing about Zhuo Wen was Mu Yichen.


    Upon learning the truth, Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but let out a sneer, then suddenly asked, "So how did she find out that Zhuo Wen was in Rongcheng?"


    "It was Qin Mu who asked Xiaohao to please ask me."


    "So why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier?"


    Mu Yichen then got up and lunged to grab the collar of the man who was calmly seated on the sofa.


    The two tall men were about to come to blows.


    "Hey, hey, hey, we¡¯re all brothers here!"


    "Don¡¯t be rash, for heaven¡¯s sake, don¡¯t be rash."


    The others hurriedly stepped forward to stop the fight.


    "Is there still a rift between you and Qin Mu? Weren¡¯t you guys open about everything?"


    After pushing away his hand, Jing Feng asked with furrowed brows.


    Open about everything?


    Sometimes that was true!


    Mu Yichen then dejectedly sat back down, almost gasping for breath as he leaned back on the couch.


    Ever since Zhuo Wen had come to their home, and after the first night, Qin Mu hadn¡¯t communicated with him much.


    Did she not trust him?


    Or did she not want to bother him?


    And she went to Jing Feng for help instead.


    "She didn¡¯t come to me to check if Zhuo Wen was in Rongcheng, she came to me to inquire about Zhuo Wen¡¯s working situation here. It turned out that Zhuo Wen had completed her work a month before that, and as for Zhuo Wen staying in the hotel, Xiaohao happened to run into her during a dinner at the hospital."


    Jiang Zhiyuan...


    He thought to himself, you two really know how to pour salt into each other¡¯s wounds, aren¡¯t you just speeding up this couple¡¯s separation?


    Mu Yichen was also shocked, his gaze had changed.


    "So, you actually didn¡¯t know anything all along?"


    Jing Feng looked at him with a pitying expression.


    Qiao Yi and the others were also stunned. The last time a group of young people had gathered to give Mu Yichen¡¯s son a present and had dinner together, Zhuo Wen had been there, but at this moment, Mu Yichen¡¯s expression seemed like he knew nothing at all.


    Jiang Zhiyuan and Zhao Huai exchanged glances, both dumbfounded.


    What exactly had happened?


    Mu Yichen went home that evening in a bad mood. Everyone was dining at the time, and after he returned, he went straight upstairs.


    Feng Fanghua had wanted to have a chat with him, but then heard from the maid that he had gone upstairs looking quite unhappy.


    "He¡¯s just being difficult, let¡¯s eat!"


    Mu Zihao muttered under his breath, obviously mainly addressing Qin Mu.


    Where could Qin Mu still have the appetite, "I¡¯ll go up and check."


    In reality, she didn¡¯t go to check but used it as an excuse to leave.


    He went to his room and lay down on the bed, and Qin Mu saw him from the crack in the door.


    Then she quietly went to the study; the skirt she was drawing last time wasn¡¯t finished, so now that there was a little bit of time, she intended to complete it.


    Mu Yichen later felt a headache coming on. Hearing the door sound, he said, "Do you have something to say to me?"


    There was no response at all.


    He raised his hand to his forehead, eyes closed in agitation, brows tightly furrowed: "Got nothing to say? Prefer to talk to someone else?"


    Huanhuan stood in the center of their room, listening to her dad say things she didn¡¯t understand, unconsciously twisting her little hands together: "Daddy!"


    Mu Yichen immediately clambered out of bed.


    This is going to be the death of me.


    He saw his daughter there, blinking at him, so pure, so unexpected.


    Haha!


    He had thought it was that woman, Qin Mu.


    He sighed involuntarily, then got out of bed.


    "How did you get here?"


    "Grandma sent me to see if you and Mommy were fighting."


    In fact, Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t say exactly that, but she conveyed the gist of it perfectly.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Isn¡¯t your mother eating?"


    Mu Yichen walked over, scooped her up, and headed downstairs.


    Huanhuan shook her head: "Mommy isn¡¯t eating."


    Mu Yichen, holding Huanhuan, was about to go downstairs when he heard the study door open from the inside.


    Mu Yichen turned to look at her: "What does that mean?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just glanced at Huanhuan, then smiled and said, "Back to the room."


    After speaking, Qin Mu quietly returned to her room. Father and son turned their heads to follow her, but only exchanged a look before heading back.


    After entering the room, Qin Mu breathed a sigh of relief, closed the door, then looked down at the little girl Mu Yichen had placed on the ground.


    "Do you want me to leave?"


    Huanhuan, with her big eyes, sensibly asked her mother.


    Qin Mu nodded, hands on her hips.


    "Got it! I won¡¯t tell Grandma that you were not in the room just now."


    "No need for thanks for such a huge favor!"


    Qin Mu, left with no choice, spoke to her nicely.


    After Huanhuan left, Mu Yichen stood to the side, looking at Qin Mu: "So just now..."


    "I told Mom to come find you, but then I suddenly remembered I was working on a dress design for a client, so I went to the study to draw for a few minutes."


    "So now, just looking at me annoys you?"


    Mu Yichen scoffed, his eyes lowered as he asked her.


    "We¡¯d better not fight!"


    Qin Mu said to him earnestly.


    "But isn¡¯t that exactly the attitude of picking a fight?"


    Mu Yichen sized her up from top to bottom, noticing she was still wearing the clothes from that morning, though she had removed her black coat, but...


    Damn it, she¡¯s been recovering her figure really well these days.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but look away; if he couldn¡¯t have her for the time being, then he shouldn¡¯t even look.


    Mu Yichen walked towards the inside, pulled out a cigarette from his pocket, uncontrollably putting it in his mouth, holding a lighter to light it.


    "We have a no-smoking rule in our room."


    Qin Mu immediately stepped forward, plucked the cigarette from his mouth, strode to the trash can beside the sofa, and threw it away.


    Mu Yichen turned to look at her domineering manner and felt annoyed once again.


    "Why? We¡¯ve already had kids!"


    "Chengcheng is sleeping with us tonight. Do you want him to breathe second-hand smoke? Unfortunately, he¡¯s too small. So while he can¡¯t fight back, his mother will fight back for him," Qin Mu declared, her hands on her hips, standing firm not far from him, forcefully yet adorably.


    Mu Yichen, looking at her like that, just wanted to throw her onto the bed and have his way with her hundreds of times to soothe the hatred in his heart.


    "I¡¯ve noticed you¡¯ve been getting a short temper lately!"


    Mu Yichen observed sharply.


    "Really? Could it be that you¡¯ve just become fed up with me?" Qin Mu pondered for a moment before countering.


    Neither of them would back down, just staring at each other, as if their eyes were full of clashing swords and flashing knives.


    "I have some serious issues I want to discuss with you."


    Mu Yichen suddenly lowered his head, and when he looked up at her again, his eyes were as fierce and alert as a cheetah¡¯s.


    "Discuss what?"


    Qin Mu involuntarily took a step back.


    Mu Yichen had already begun to unbutton his shirt, approaching her step by step.

 Chapter 724 - 202 Wedding (2)_1

    Chapter 724: 202 Wedding (2)_1


    "Talk about what?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s coercive gaze swept over her, his hands moving to unbuckle his belt.


    "Hey! Don¡¯t mess around! I can¡¯t do it now."


    Qin Mu suddenly became a bit stuttering, his movements all too familiar.


    "Can¡¯t do it? Is it the top part or the bottom part that can¡¯t?"


    Mu Yichen said, grabbing her collar with one hand. Qin Mu, reflexively led by the nose, was then pushed onto the bed.


    "Ah! Mu Yichen!"


    A sharp pain shot through Qin Mu, the urgent sensation of being forcefully brought down and yet almost bouncing back up.


    But in the next second, Mu Yichen was on top of her, pressing against her, inciting his loss of control.


    "Big temper, huh? Bring it on!"


    Mu Yichen pinched her chin with one hand, rendering her speechless. How could she possibly get angry?


    Her slender jade hands reflexively started slapping at his wrist, but it was like she was scratching an itch for him, utterly unable to inflict any pain.


    Instantly, Mu Yichen bit down on half of her lip, pulling it lightly, and the pain nearly brought tears to her eyes.


    "It hurts, stop!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s brows knitted, her chin tilted up, feeling like he would be the death of her.


    She was full of anger, but why was he the one throwing a tantrum in the end?


    He hadn¡¯t uttered a single word about that Zhuo Wen matter and still had the nerve to torture her like this.


    Qin Mu raised her hand to cup his face, lifting her head to capture his lips with her own, trying to lessen her own pain.


    Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t expected her to finally react, involuntarily uttering a moan, but as soon as he let down his guard, she suddenly flipped them over.


    Using all her strength, her face went pale as she looked down at the arrogant man beneath her, gently slapping his face: "Bullying me? Hm?"


    "So what if I¡¯m bullying you?"


    Mu Yichen grabbed her hand, and once again flipped her under him.


    Qin Mu felt like her waist would break under his grip, yet she saw him towering above her: "Come on! Tell your husband exactly where you¡¯re not resentful!"


    "I have nothing to say to you."


    Qin Mu actually wanted the words to come rushing out, but they got stuck in her throat in the end.


    "Then let me ask you, did you have Jing Feng investigate Zhuo Wen or not?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart skipped a beat, but the next moment she stubbornly admitted it.


    "And the reason?"


    Mu Yichen pressed on, biting hard on her lip once more.


    "She seduced my husband."


    Qin Mu answered, stubborn as a thirteen- or fourteen-year-old girl.


    "She seduced your husband? Your husband is unaware, how come?"


    "I think she did! And by the time you find out..."


    The cold dishes would have turned warm.


    Qin Mu turned her eyes away from him, her stubborn look gradually weakening.


    "Look at me!"


    Mu Yichen raised his hand to pinch her chin again, but this time, just as he gripped her chin, Qin Mu suddenly bowed her head, clasping his hands, and without a second thought, she bit down fiercely.


    "Get off me! Do you think I could really say it out loud and not be angry?"


    Qin Mu was irritable, and after leaving a scar between the web of his thumb and forefinger, causing him to almost gasp for air, she finally managed to push him off and sit beside him, looking at him sullenly with a cold stare.


    He lay on the bed looking at the deep bite mark on his hand: "Qin Mu, bite me one more time."


    Qin Mu, already fuming, immediately pounced on him like a little wolf dog, starting to mouth his shoulder.


    Mu Yichen...


    What¡¯s this called bringing trouble on oneself?


    Why did he have to say that?


    His face turned white with pain, but in the end, he went silent, just lying there letting her bite him.


    Qin Mu gradually let go of him, then tried to get up.


    But the center of her back was suddenly pressed down, and then she felt herself enveloped in an embrace, her face forced against his solid chest.


    At that moment, she could still feel his fervent heartbeat, yet her own heart ached.


    "Zhuo Wen is indeed still in Rongcheng, but I found out after you did. That day I went to host a dinner at AM, I ran into her and her fiance?. He insisted on contributing, so that¡¯s how it happened."


    "So if there¡¯s nothing between you two, why didn¡¯t you tell me?"


    Qin Mu asked him.


    "What about you? You¡¯d rather go to Jing Feng than to me, right?"


    The room suddenly fell quiet, and she couldn¡¯t stay lying in his arms any longer.


    Mu Yichen still held her gently, while Qin Mu just slid down from his embrace and slipped away.


    Qin Mu walked to the door but suddenly turned back to look at the man still lying on the bed: "Perhaps it¡¯s because the trust between us isn¡¯t strong enough."

 Chapter 725 - 202 Wedding (2)_2

    Chapter 725: 202 Wedding (2)_2


    Perhaps no one wants to admit it, but the fact remains.


    At first, everything seemed perfect, as long as two people were in love.


    But marriage, or perhaps not just being in love, involves a lot more. In marriage, they would face many things that required mutual trust.


    Halfway there, she suddenly turned back, "Mu Yichen, you better go and eat, don¡¯t let the elders worry."


    Mu Yichen lay on the bed and sighed helplessly. No one else should worry, yet they were both so unhappy.


    After Mu Yichen went downstairs, everyone had already finished eating, and Qin Mu was sitting on the sofa, laughing and talking with the elders.


    Mu Yichen stood at the top of the stairs, looking at the woman on the sofa with a pleasing smile, "Qin Mu, come here for a moment."


    Call her by her full name?


    It felt a bit like a big boss summoning a servant.


    But he was quite serious.


    So when he stood there waiting for her.


    Feng Fanghua said softly, "Go ahead!"


    "Mommy, be careful or daddy will spank you, oh!"


    "Don¡¯t talk nonsense!"


    Qin Mu was overwhelmed with embarrassment, while Huanhuan already had her little mouth covered, her eyes crinkling with laughter.


    Qin Mu sighed helplessly. These were their own children, right?


    But no matter what, they shouldn¡¯t let things at home become too tense, so she still went to him.


    Together, they went to the dining room.


    The maid hurriedly served the dinner prepared for Mu Yichen and also brought utensils for Qin Mu, "Madam didn¡¯t eat well just now, have some more with us."


    "Thank you!"


    Qin Mu thanked reflexively but had already lost her appetite.


    So later, while he ate, her bowl sat untouched in front of her. She just rested one hand on the table, gently caressing it, and propped her chin with the other, watching him unblinkingly.


    "Why aren¡¯t you eating?"


    Mu Yichen asked her, also glancing at her.


    "Not hungry."


    Qin Mu muttered and continued to watch him.


    For some reason, she felt he was too calm now.


    Qin Mu slightly lowered her eyes and saw several deep bite marks on the webbing between thumb and forefinger where he held the spoon...


    "Cough!"


    Qin Mu reflexively looked down, feeling a discomfort in her throat.


    "Something wrong?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes scrutinized her, suspicious of her behavior.


    "Nothing!"


    Qin Mu grabbed the back of her neck and awkwardly turned her eyes away.


    When Mu Yichen went to eat again and saw the bite marks on his hand left by her, he glanced at her again, "Seems I¡¯m not the only dog here."


    "Yeah! If you admit you are one."


    The whole family is!


    Qin Mu naturally didn¡¯t dare say those last four words, but she still cast a sharp glance at him, only to immediately lower her gaze upon meeting his eyes.


    This meal was excruciating.


    After dinner, Qin Mu saw Feng Fanghua pick up her son and immediately said, "Mom, give Chengcheng to me!"


    "Let the little guy sleep with me tonight. Your father and I want to cuddle him," said Feng Fanghua to her.


    Qin Mu...


    "I also want to sleep with grandpa and grandma."


    Huanhuan chimed in.


    Qin Mu...


    "Huanhuan, don¡¯t you like sleeping with mommy and daddy?"


    "I don¡¯t want to."


    Huanhuan looked disdainfully over her shoulder and then at her grandfather¡¯s lap.


    Qin Mu turned around and saw Mu Yichen standing behind her, her heart involuntarily skipped a beat.


    If they were to sleep together that night, they would surely argue.


    "Huanhuan, if you sleep with mommy tonight, there¡¯s a reward, oh!"


    "What¡¯s the reward?"


    Huanhuan¡¯s face lit up at the mention of a reward, her excitement nearly making her jump.


    "This reward will be whatever Huanhuan requests, and mommy will fulfill it, how about that?"


    Qin Mu thought for a moment and then offered more leeway.


    Huanhuan was immediately intrigued, but she glanced behind her mother again and timidly looked at the figure behind her, not daring to agree.


    Qin Mu turned to look at Mu Yichen, who walked towards the upstairs without expression.


    "You should go rest too, you¡¯ve just finished your confinement. Stop moving around so much."


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu agreed, then continued to signal Huanhuan with her eyes.


    "Huanhuan, you¡¯ll sleep with us tonight."


    Feng Fanghua added.


    Qin Mu felt a surge of despair.


    But the two of them had just had a fight, and it was too soon to be together again.


    She subconsciously wanted to go to the study.


    But Mu Yichen was already waiting for her at the top of the stairs.


    As soon as she went upstairs, she saw him, "What are you doing here?"


    "Greeting Madam Mu¡¯s grand arrival," Mu Yichen said, his dark eyes gazing at her intently, as if he wanted to devour her whole.

 Chapter 726 - 202 Wedding (2)_3

    Chapter 726: 202 Wedding (2)_3


    Qin Mu subconsciously slipped his hands into the back pockets of his pants and then, touching his own behind, he walked away.


    Uh-huh, there was always this feeling of being about to get kicked.


    After returning to the room, he quietly closed the door behind him but didn¡¯t hurry forward, instead walking slowly.


    Qin Mu reached the sofa to look at him, nearly blurting out, "I¡¯ll sleep on the sofa tonight."


    Because he had remembered the promise they had made before, no matter how much they argued, they should never sleep back to back, let alone stay out all night, so...


    Endure it!


    Qin Mu sat on the sofa and happened to see his phone, so he picked it up and started fiddling with it.


    Mu Yichen stood to the side watching: "Zhuo Wen is getting married!"


    He said in a low voice.


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze faltered, and then he looked back at his phone screen.


    "I didn¡¯t tell you because I was afraid you¡¯d overthink it."


    Mu Yichen added.


    "I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any need for us to argue over an imaginary third person. She has a good relationship with her fiance?. I know that some past incidents have caused you to lack trust in others, but..."


    "Do you think I¡¯m mentally ill?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him, his piercing gaze meeting his ink-like deep eyes.


    Mu Yichen was suddenly at a loss for words, watching her burst of anger and the flickering of tears in her eyes.


    "What do you think I¡¯m afraid of?"


    Qin Mu asked him, deeply hurt by his earlier words.


    "Want to argue?"


    Mu Yichen asked her in a low voice.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyebrows knitted together. These three words seemed light, but they were, in fact, heavy.


    "I¡¯m going to take a shower!"


    Mu Yichen declared.


    But as soon as he reached the bathroom, he heard the door of the room being forcefully closed. She had left.


    The promise to never sleep in separate beds turned out to be worthless at times.


    Mu Yichen gently closed the bathroom door, actually quite angry at Qin Mu¡¯s behavior.


    But thinking about how difficult their journey together had been...


    Qin Mu went to the study, only to find Grandpa there, reading a book with his reading glasses on. The old man also looked at her curiously.


    "Grandpa! I¡¯ll be leaving soon!"


    "No, Mumu, come here. My eyes aren¡¯t clear anymore; why don¡¯t you help me read for a while?"


    Qin Mu, having no place to go, immediately nodded and went over.


    Then, she began to read to the old man, who relaxed seeing the granddaughter-in-law¡¯s face no longer as sad as when she had entered.


    Only after Qin Mu finished reading the Chapter did Grandpa ask her affectionately, "Did Yichen bully you again?"


    Qin Mu gave a resigned smile: "No! Grandpa, don¡¯t worry about us."


    "Silly girl!"


    The old man still looked at her with doting eyes. Suddenly, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but throw herself into his arms, "Grandpa, could it really be that there¡¯s something wrong with me?"


    "There¡¯s nothing wrong with my precious granddaughter-in-law. It¡¯s that boy Mu Yichen. Wait until tomorrow, and I¡¯ll teach him a lesson for you, okay?"


    The grandpa gently patted her shoulder.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed, feeling somewhat comforted in her heart.


    The grandpa didn¡¯t know how his grandson could have upset his girl so much, it seemed like she had been holding it in for several days now.


    But Qin Mu didn¡¯t cry for long. By the time she returned to the room, an hour had passed, and Mu Yichen was waiting for her at the door, his heart aching and anxious at the sight of her red-rimmed eyes, though he pretended not to notice.


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t expected him to be standing at the door in pajamas, casually scrolling through his phone while waiting for her?


    After she entered, Qin Mu felt as if a knife were pressed against her back again.


    "Did you go to complain to Grandpa?"


    Mu Yichen asked her.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say a word to him; she just grabbed her pajamas and headed for the bathroom.


    Mu Yichen...


    It was really because it wasn¡¯t the time, and if he forced her in any other way now, she would probably feel even more wronged and even more convinced that he was bullying her, which would kill the mood completely.


    So Mu Yichen could only restrain himself.


    Thankfully, no matter how much they fought, they were still in the same room.


    After her shower, Qin Mu returned to bed but directly took the spot farthest from him, sticking to the edge of the bed, she covered herself with the blanket and lay sideways to sleep.


    Mu Yichen just felt a good portion of his blanket fall off.


    Yet, he could only let her pull it away.


    No matter how much she ignored him, he couldn¡¯t really leave her behind.


    All his life, he was the one who got left behind.


    So Mu Yichen bowed his head again and continued to check his emails on the phone until a message came through: "We¡¯re going mountain climbing tomorrow, do you want to come along?"


    Mu Yichen thought of Qin Mu and replied: "I¡¯m not free."


    Zhuo Wen guessed something, so even as he lay on his bed, he sent another message back: "Did your wife find out we¡¯re still in Rongcheng? Is she upset over nothing again?"

 Chapter 727 - 202 Wedding (2)_4

    Chapter 727: 202 Wedding (2)_4


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t look back; he didn¡¯t particularly like hearing that.


    Things he didn¡¯t like to hear, he would usually pretend he hadn¡¯t heard.


    "Zhuo Wen asked us to go hiking, shall we go?"


    Mu Yichen asked deliberately to provoke her.


    The two of them just lying there without talking and then going to sleep¡ªhe wasn¡¯t willing to let that happen.


    After hearing that, Qin Mu ignored him even more, so angry that her stomach was about to explode.


    The room grew lonely, filled with those oppressive particles in the air, feeling like an incident could happen any minute.


    "Not speaking is as good as consent? I agreed?"


    Qin Mu turned around, grabbed her pillow, and threw it at him: "Mu Yichen, you jerk."


    "Hmm! That phrase has become your catchphrase."


    Qin Mu felt so frustrated that she almost spat out a mouthful of old blood.


    He caught the pillow she threw at him with ease, then placed it beside himself: "Do you still want it?"


    "I don¡¯t want it anymore!"


    Of course, Qin Mu wanted it, but since he asked like that, she could only respond in that way, then lay down again in her original spot, on her side.


    She was suppressing a certain impulse within her heart; she used to be hot-headed and easily provoked by others, but now...


    "You don¡¯t need that kind of pillow since you have me, your flesh and blood pillow."


    Mu Yichen said and lightly kicked her buttocks with his foot.


    Qin Mu was already on the edge of the bed, so...


    Thump!


    She fell off the bed.


    Qin Mu was stunned, initially clueless about what had just happened, but then she couldn¡¯t help but start crying out of grievance: "Mu Yichen, if you want to break up, just say so."


    She got up, looking at him with tearful eyes.


    "I swear, if I had even the slightest thought of breaking up, may lightning strike me down."


    He crawled over to her, very solemnly swearing as he lay beside the bed, showing her two fingers.


    "How can there be thunder in the winter?"


    Qin Mu asked him, her chin still creased with frowns.


    "Good point! Are you hurt from the fall? Come on, get up."


    Mu Yichen extended his hand and pulled her up. Just as he rolled over, pulling her to lie on top of him, Qin Mu was a little breathless but didn¡¯t want to cry anymore, so she stubbornly lay on his chest, pounding it with force for a while.


    "Who told you to lie on the edge?"


    Mu Yichen asked her softly as he held her, stroking her back.


    "Mu Yichen, when did you start being so friendly with other women?"


    Qin Mu asked him with her chin resting against his chest.


    She really didn¡¯t know when he had started being so nice to other women, as if they were just friends.


    "Do you really think your husband is Tangseng, appetizing to every demon wanting a piece of his flesh?"


    Mu Yichen held her and asked, reaching to touch her buttocks: "Did your bottom get hurt from the fall?"


    But suddenly, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t say anything.


    Since Mu Yichen said so, what else could she say?


    "Let¡¯s sleep."


    Qin Mu muttered.


    As soon as Mu Yichen let go of her, she cuddled her pillow and lay on her side next to him but was still facing the window.


    "Didn¡¯t we agree that no matter what, we shouldn¡¯t turn our backs on each other?"


    Mu Yichen gently reminded her.


    "I just want to be on this side now, it¡¯s comfortable."


    Qin Mu felt that if she stayed in his arms any longer, she would suffocate.


    And so, it was.


    That night, they lay beside each other until just as she was falling asleep, Mu Yichen placed his hand on her waist, and then she didn¡¯t know anything more.


    Mu Yichen drove out in the middle of the night, calling Jing Feng¡¯s phone, and arranged to meet up with him.


    The two of them had a couple of drinks at the club, and Jing Feng asked, "Because of that Zhuo Wen?"


    "Yeah!"


    Mu Yichen had to admit.


    "Women might be more suspicious, but if this Zhuo Wen really has no nefarious intentions towards the Mu Family, why keep staying at the Mu household under the pretense of work even after the work was completed? And why say she was leaving Rongcheng when she was actually staying?"


    Jing Feng thought it over, considering Zhuo Wen indeed capable.


    "Zhuo Wen mentioned that she said she was leaving because she was afraid Qin Mu would misunderstand her again. As for why she used a pretext to stay at the Mu Family, that still needs to be uncovered."


    Mu Yichen spoke of uncovering the truth, clearly already dissatisfied.


    If everyone had to be exposed to admit to what they did, then indeed, that person is not likely to be a good person.


    Mu Yichen seemed to suddenly understand something.


    "What I¡¯m curious about is, if Zhuo Wen had booked a single room with her fiance?, what¡¯s their deal if she¡¯s taken a liking to you? Is it all an act? Or does she plan to marry her fiance? if she can¡¯t win you over, as if it¡¯s not ¡¯you or nothing¡¯?"


    Jing Feng looked at his glass, puzzled.


    Mu Yichen furrowed his brow, the light flickering.


    After he and Jing Feng talked through Zhuo Wen¡¯s whole story, he suddenly realized how many problems there were.


    He had originally thought that Zhuo Wen had her own way of doing things, but how could such a woman be one who aimed to ruin his marriage?


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s demeanor was loftier than Qin Mu¡¯s.


    But now it seemed he was mistaken.


    "If you want to know, it¡¯s actually easy."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eagle eyes peered at his left hand.

 Chapter 728 - 203 Wedding (3)_1

    Chapter 728: 203 Wedding (3)_1


    But unexpectedly, she came up empty-handed.


    That day, Zhuo Wen sent another message to Mu Yichen. At that time, Qin Mu was helping the maid gather dirty laundry to wash, and when the message suddenly flashed on the phone on the bed, she reflexively looked over.


    On the milky white bedsheet, his black phone was particularly conspicuous.


    The screen displayed a message that flashed by: "Brother-in-law invites you out for a drink at noon."


    Qin Mu still held his clothes in her hand, and upon seeing that message, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh.


    The maid finished gathering the rest and, seeing Qin Mu staring blankly at the phone, called out to her, "Young Madam, should this one be taken to wash?"


    Qin Mu then came back to her senses and handed the coat to the maid.


    After Mu Yichen finished his shower and came out of the bathroom, he saw Qin Mu handing the coat she had prepared for him today to the maid and reminded her, "I need to wear that piece later."


    Qin Mu glanced at the coat the maid had just taken and took it back.


    After the maid greeted them and left, Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes looked at her, slowly walking towards her: "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Your brother-in-law is asking you out for a drink."


    Qin Mu said softly, then gently placed the coat on the bed and turned to leave.


    Mu Yichen...


    Brother-in-law?


    Since when did he have a brother-in-law?


    Qin Mu went to the studio, and Li Yu finally caught up with her, even specially preparing baby¡¯s breath flowers.


    Qin Mu looked at the white baby¡¯s breath wrapped in blue paper, her gaze lingering briefly.


    Li Yu stood behind her and leaned in to see her expression: "Don¡¯t like them?"


    Qin Mu raised her hand and slowly accepted the bouquet: "Thank you!"


    Li Yu walked around to sit down across from her at her desk, asking curiously, "Is it that you didn¡¯t want to see me? You know, I am the idol of countless young girls."


    "But I¡¯m not a young girl anymore!"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes and after speaking to him, stood up to place the flowers in the vase that had been empty for a day, then turned to pour water into it.


    Li Yu waited for her in her office, the sight of Qin Mu after having a child was simply captivating.


    But actually, she was quite charming when she was pregnant too.


    Qin Mu came back, set the vase on the desk, and sat down.


    Li Yu looked at the antique blue and white porcelain vase, unintentionally frowning slightly: "This is an antique blue and white porcelain vase, wow! It must be quite valuable, right?"


    Suddenly, Li Yu reached out and gently caressed it.


    Qin Mu then looked up at him: "You understand antiques?"


    "Not really, but I have a relative who runs an antique shop."


    As Li Yu spoke, his eyes lingered fondly on the vase, his hand caressing it gently, growing more tender with each stroke.


    Qin Mu believed his word, didn¡¯t inquire further, and again brought up business: "Lida¡¯s designs for men¡¯s suits are always quite sought after in the circle, so rest assured, it definitely won¡¯t let you down."


    "Hmm! I¡¯m not worried about that. I just haven¡¯t seen you for a long time and thought I¡¯d come say hello."


    Li Yu said, his gaze finally leaving the vase.


    Qin Mu looked up at him and smiled: "As long as the pay is good."


    "So, as long as you¡¯re paid, you¡¯ll do anything?"


    Li Yu asked softly, his tone light yet serious.


    "As long as it does not go against morals or the law,"


    Qin Mu thought for a moment and replied decisively.


    "Can you do me a favor?"


    "Hmm?"


    Qin Mu looked at him curiously.


    "Play the role of my first love."


    Qin Mu...


    "I mean in a play! Name your price."


    Qin Mu felt moved, but then she thought of the message that popped up on Mu Yichen¡¯s phone and how many similar messages had popped up lately: "Okay!"


    Li Yu had not expected her to agree.


    "If it¡¯s in Rongcheng!"


    Qin Mu added.


    "It¡¯s in Rongcheng, and if you act well, it shouldn¡¯t take too long."


    Li Yu was surprised but knew to seize the opportunity.


    "Then contact me when the time comes!"


    Qin Mu nodded, seeking some excitement in her uneventful life.


    What Qin Mu didn¡¯t know was that the shoot was at AM.


    Three days before the wedding, she was at AM playing Li Yu¡¯s first love in a drama with him, acting out a reunion, a lonely get-together.


    Mu Yichen and Jing Feng happened to go there to eat, heard his wife was there and rushed over, then the two men watched from a corner as Li Yu and Qin Mu had their elevator reunion.


    Without any dialogue, there was only the meeting in their eyes.


    Surrounded by various filming equipment, the two sat at a cafe? window, the woman not looking at the man, only the man facing her, twirling a cigarette in his hand, and asked in a low voice, "What have you been doing these years?"

 Chapter 729 - 203 Wedding (3)_2

    Chapter 729: 203 Wedding (3)_2


    "It¡¯s still the original job!"


    Qin Mu replied softly but still did not look at Li Yu.


    However, the cameraman easily captured the expression in her downcast eyes.


    "It suits your temperament, always preferring to stick to one thing,"


    Li Yu suddenly laughed lightly, sounding very much like an old lover.


    Qin Mu suddenly looked up, but still slowly.


    "Not everything!"


    She said, looking at him.


    "Hmm?"


    The surroundings were quiet, and when Li Yu asked again, Qin Mu said with a low chuckle, "The part about sticking to one thing!"


    The two of them just looked at each other like that, one minute, two minutes, three minutes...


    The director didn¡¯t call cut, and both of their gazes held onto something they couldn¡¯t let go.


    Qin Mu¡¯s hand gently touched the coffee cup¡¯s handle, holding her breath as she looked at Li Yu sitting across her, no, she was looking at Mu Yichen.


    After the director¡¯s "cut," she finally lowered her eyes, then stood up politely to thank the crew for their hard work.


    Li Yu stood up as well but took the lead in applauding her.


    "Didn¡¯t expect that though you¡¯re not professionally trained, you¡¯re a naturally talented actor, getting it right in one take. Even many professional actors find that hard to achieve."


    Li Yu walked up to her side, his hand dropping and then casually sliding into his trouser pocket, his gaze deep in that moment.


    Qin Mu smiled faintly, "As long as you¡¯re serious, that¡¯s enough."


    At least, that¡¯s what she believed.


    If you¡¯re serious, there¡¯s nothing you can¡¯t do.


    But no one knew what she was thinking at that moment.


    Or perhaps it was because she had felt that way herself, which is why she could so accurately grasp the mindset of a girl in her first love.


    "Since you have other scenes to film, I won¡¯t bother you any longer,"


    Qin Mu said.


    "Sure! I¡¯ll treat you to meal another day, please grace me with your presence,"


    Li Yu said to her.


    Qin Mu nodded, greeted the rest of the crew, and then left.


    She ran into Mu Yichen at the door; he was smoking a cigarette, having just taken a hard drag, and was slowly exhaling the smoke when he saw her come out.


    "That was well played!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s wicked gaze fixated on her, his voice light, but his eyes had the intensity of someone ready to devour.


    Qin Mu coughed slightly from the smoke he exhaled, but she did not stop him, just lowered her head and walked out.


    Jing Feng was also at the stairway entrance. Qin Mu glanced at him, smiled unconsciously, and continued walking out.


    "Let¡¯s go eat!"


    Mu Yichen, holding his cigarette, passed by Jing Feng and casually mentioned.


    Jing Feng followed him.


    Of course, Qin Mu was intercepted by Mu Yichen, and the three of them found a private room to dine in.


    Since everyone knew each other well, and it wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to call them family, nobody pretended to be in a good mood.


    Jing Feng was there just to eat, so he didn¡¯t care how sour the two of them looked.


    It¡¯s just that Mu Yichen kept blowing smoke in Qin Mu¡¯s face, which made Jing Feng a bit angry.


    He thought if that were his sister, he¡¯d have thrown a punch at Mu Yichen.


    But Qin Mu wasn¡¯t his sister.


    When Jing Feng thought of this, he actually felt a bit sad.


    But in the end, he just bowed his head, drank tea, and waited for the food.


    "Jing Jian, you¡¯re on annual leave lately, right?"


    Qin Mu suddenly asked him.


    "Yes!"


    Jing Feng looked up at her, actually not used to her addressing him that way.


    "I haven¡¯t had the chance to say thank you in person for last time."


    Qin Mu said as she picked up her water glass.


    "Don¡¯t mention it!"


    Jing Feng responded accommodatingly.


    Mu Yichen looked on from the side, squinting his eyes and smiling with disbelief, his wicked gaze as if someone was defying the heavens and he was the heavens.


    "Xiaohao will still be needing Jing Jian¡¯s care,"


    Qin Mu said after they clinked glasses.


    Mu Yichen took a forceful drag of his cigarette, then took a long time to blow out that silvery smoke, his heart seemingly turning to ash.


    After the food arrived, Qin Mu kept quiet and bowed her head to eat.


    Mu Yichen and Jing Feng had a bit to drink, then Jing Feng asked, "Can¡¯t drink even a drop now?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him, and after seeing his swaying wine glass, she nodded, "Right! You can¡¯t during the breastfeeding period."


    Jing Feng nodded; he knew that being pregnant wasn¡¯t easy, but he didn¡¯t realize that being a nursing mother was also tough.


    The child was already a month old, but she still had to continue with various dietary restrictions.


    If a man couldn¡¯t touch cigarettes and alcohol for a long period, he¡¯d probably go mad or something close to it.


    So, is it that women inherently have better self-control than men?


    "Why did you suddenly go into acting? Was it as an extra or something?"

 Chapter 730 - 203 Wedding (3)_3

    Chapter 730: 203 Wedding (3)_3


    Jing Feng asked again.


    "Guest-starring as his first love."


    Qin Mu said.


    While eating, Jing Feng heard the words "first love girlfriend" and couldn¡¯t help raising his eyebrows, holding back a smile, "This is really quite the drama."


    "If neither of you have ever dated other girls, wouldn¡¯t you feel like you¡¯re missing out?"


    Suddenly, Qin Mu asked like a typical little sister.


    Jing Feng glanced at Mu Yichen and, seeing Mu Yichen almost driven mad by her, chuckled, "I don¡¯t think so."


    "You don¡¯t think so? How can you not? Who sleeps with only one woman in his entire life and actually finds it damn satisfying?"


    Suddenly, Mu Yichen turned to Jing Feng and asked quite displeased.


    Jing Feng...


    Qin Mu...


    The waiter came over to serve more dishes, and for a moment, the private room fell silent.


    "So this is what President Mu thinks? We really are of one mind. I feel the same way,"


    Qin Mu nodded, agreeing with him earnestly.


    Mu Yichen had already clenched his fists under the table.


    "The male protagonist in the script reflects internally at the age of twenty-six upon seeing his first love from when he was twenty. He misses her, but at the same time, he can¡¯t let go of the forest beyond. He can¡¯t commit to one person for life, believing that life is full of beautiful scenery; how can he forsake a magnificent forest for just one tree? Thus, even though he regrets breaking up, his unwillingness to halt his steps leads to quite the dilemma, doesn¡¯t it?"


    Qin Mu explained to the two of them.


    Jing Feng just listened quietly, and after finishing, he looked at Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s commanding gaze fixed on the woman sitting across from him, as though he could shoot her dead with his eyes.


    Clearly, she spoke so calmly, as if merely telling them a story.


    Qin Mu smiled slightly, "If Mu Yichen regrets it now, there¡¯s still time! Once the wedding is over, I won¡¯t allow you to flirt with other women anymore!"


    Her glistening eyes looked at him, kindly reminding him.


    Mu Yichen sighed involuntarily and also chuckled sarcastically, "Oh? Are you saying you don¡¯t want this wedding anymore?"


    Qin Mu suddenly found herself speechless, as if her throat was blocked.


    Jing Feng gently put down his chopsticks; the meal was definitely no longer enjoyable.


    So he sat back and silently observed their sharp exchange.


    "If not, that¡¯s also fine, everyone can remain free."


    Qin Mu nodded, maintaining her smile.


    "I think so, too! This wedding is absolutely unnecessary, so tell your master to roll back to Paris from Rongcheng, I don¡¯t want the wedding dress he made."


    "And you don¡¯t want the suit I made either, do you?"


    He suddenly stood up, turned around, and then suddenly looked back, kicking the table leg fiercely.


    Sitting there, Qin Mu coldly questioned, anger rising in her eyes because of his fury.


    Mu Yichen was stunned for a few seconds before he lifted his hand and then slammed it down forcefully.


    She even heard the sound of his hand hitting his pants, and then she heard him say, very clearly and deliberately, "What do I want? You¡¯ve made suits for all the men in the world; do you expect me to be touched to tears when I receive a suit you made?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze lifted to meet his, nearly thinking she was hallucinating as she saw the sharp light in his eyes.


    Once again, the private room fell quiet, devoid of any sound.


    Naturally, Jing Feng wasn¡¯t about to say anything at this moment, just as they both lowered their heads.


    "Ding ding!"


    The door was knocked from the outside.


    The waiter entered with more drinks, "Young Master Mu, Young Master Jing, you..."


    "Out!"


    Mu Yichen bellowed.


    The waiter immediately went out and closed the door behind them.


    Jing Feng lowered his head and sighed helplessly.


    Watching the two of them argue was like watching his own younger siblings fight; Mu Yichen was truly like a child, frustrating to behold.


    As for Qin Mu...


    Jing Feng speculated that she was purposely provoking Mu Yichen or acting petulantly by guest-starring for Li Yu. But now, whatever they were thinking inside, they had turned the situation very sour.


    Jing Feng picked up a cigarette from the table and toyed with it in his hand before looking up at them, "We can¡¯t eat this meal! How about we get together another time?"


    The dishes on the table had lost their appeal because of Mu Yichen¡¯s kick.


    After hearing Jing Feng¡¯s words, Mu Yichen gradually calmed down a bit, especially as he looked down at the table which had been shaken.


    As for Qin Mu, she still sat there quietly.


    To have a good, hearty fight¡ª

 Chapter 731 - 203 Wedding (3)_4

    Chapter 731: 203 Wedding (3)_4


    "I¡¯ll be leaving first!"


    Jing Feng saw that neither of them was speaking, so he got up and left first.


    Instantly, only the two of them remained in the private room. After Jing Feng went out, he instructed the people outside, "Don¡¯t go in no matter what kind of noise you hear from inside."


    "But what if they really start fighting?"


    The waiter and the manager were both somewhat worried.


    "Yichen may be a beast, but he¡¯s not an animal."


    Having said that, Jing Feng patted the manager¡¯s shoulder lightly and left.


    The manager and the waiter exchanged glances, then sighed helplessly.


    However, there was no sound coming from inside for a long time.


    Half an hour later, Mu Yi emerged from inside, "Clear the dishes."


    The manager and the waiter were still waiting there. Hearing the instruction to clear the dishes, the manager didn¡¯t care about his position anymore and hurried to help with the task.


    At this time, the two inside were still sitting in their original spots, still giving each other cold looks, but they weren¡¯t arguing anymore.


    As soon as the hot dishes were served, both of them sat down properly to eat. Neither spoke to the other, and there were no further questions.


    The waiter still gently closed the door behind them as he left.


    Softly asking the manager, "They¡¯re okay, aren¡¯t they?"


    "Didn¡¯t Jing say so? Yichen is a beast, not an animal. Besides, how could Yichen bear to hurt the young madam?"


    The manager thought it over and over, considering it repeatedly; it must be just a lovers¡¯ quarrel, they¡¯ll make up at the bed¡¯s end after fighting at the bed¡¯s head.


    But inside, as the meal came to an end, Yichen put down his chopsticks, "Don¡¯t ever casually become someone¡¯s first love girlfriend again!"


    Qin Mu gave him a glance, "I went to make money, not to be someone¡¯s pretend girlfriend."


    "Do you lack that bit of money? This whole hotel is yours; do you need that bit of money?"


    Mu Yi gripped the wine glass tightly, and heavily placed it on the table, his words carrying an especially heart-stirring force.


    "Exactly how much wealth do you plan to give me?"


    Qin Mu thought about it and asked before she could let out a laugh.


    "A lot! More than you can imagine."


    Yichen was still keeping a cold face, yet he still said those words to her.


    Qin Mu thought about it; even if he was secretly contacting other women behind her back, he probably wouldn¡¯t give them as much money, right?


    He wouldn¡¯t open a hotel in another woman¡¯s name or do other things for her, would he?


    She poured herself another bowl of soup and then continued eating.


    Mu Yi¡¯s sharp gaze lifted to see her finally eating properly, and the anger in his heart unconsciously dissipated by half.


    Actually taking on a role and becoming someone else¡¯s first love girlfriend.


    She was his first love girlfriend, and only his¡ªdidn¡¯t she know that?


    Jian Yan was still in the studio, helping her adjust the wedding dress, with Xiaomei standing by. Xiaomei couldn¡¯t do anything, and when she heard someone knock on the door, she immediately went to open it, thinking that at last, she didn¡¯t have to continue this awkward interaction.


    "Qin Mu, why are you here?"


    "I came to see if Jian Yan needed help."


    Qin Mu said as she entered.


    "Oh, then you take a look, I¡¯ll be leaving!"


    Xiaomei¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t loud, but her eyes expressed that she had had her fill of staying there.


    Qin Mu watched her leave before closing the door, heading over to the mannequin, and seeing him seriously altering it, she couldn¡¯t help but let out a bitter laugh, "Master, you¡¯ve really worked hard."


    Jian Yan¡¯s face held no expression, but his words were pleasing, "Indeed, it¡¯s been tough, but I only have one apprentice like you."


    Qin Mu felt moved, having a man other than Mu Yi who cared so much about her, and he was the master she admired the most.


    His handwork, each stitch and thread, was so exquisitely meticulous.


    "Didn¡¯t you go to do a cameo for some show? How did you come back so soon?"


    Lifting his eyes to look at her for a moment, Jian Yan asked.


    "Hmm! One take, super quick!"


    Qin Mu said with some pride.


    "It¡¯s a pity that you weren¡¯t willing to pursue that career, otherwise you¡¯d probably be a hot actress by now," Jian Yan said, his gaze already fixed back on the wedding dress.


    "Being an actress involves dealing with too many issues; I definitely couldn¡¯t stand that sort of extreme lifestyle," Qin Mu said.


    Jian Yan glanced at her, thinking it was good that she always knew what she wanted.


    "So why suddenly do a cameo for someone else?"


    Jian Yan still questioned her, as a master, how could he not understand his own disciple.


    "I was idle anyway, playing around occasionally is okay," Qin Mu feigned nonchalance.


    "As long as you¡¯re aware of your own limits, that¡¯s fine. With your wedding to Mu Yi approaching, try not to argue during this period, okay?"


    Jian Yan finally stood up straight, still holding a thread in his hand.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t look at him, her eyes fixed on the wedding dress, and she said softly, almost entreatingly, "We almost broke up today, we fought to the point of calling off the wedding."

 Chapter 732 - 203 Wedding (3)_5

    Chapter 732: 203 Wedding (3)_5


    After speaking, the pain in the depths of his heart grew even more intense.


    "You can say such things, and Mu Yichen can too?"


    "Who says he can¡¯t? He was the one who started it."


    Qin Mu listened to Jian Yan place so much trust in Mu Yichen and walked over to sit down on the sofa across from her.


    In Jian Yan¡¯s eyes, she seemed like a little girl who had been greatly wronged, desperately needing someone to coddle her.


    But he...


    After confirming his feelings time and again, showing restraint over and over, he finally just stepped back, leaned against the front of his desk, and watched her calmly.


    "Haven¡¯t you two always argued easily since you were kids? Every time, do you end up as upset as this?"


    Jian Yan suddenly asked, even with a smile.


    Qin Mu looked up at him.


    "Have you ever won?"


    He asked again.


    "Hm?"


    "The arguments!"


    Jian Yan reminded.


    Qin Mu almost cried but instead laughed.


    "Who says I haven¡¯t won? In the end, he always made up with me."


    Qin Mu lowered her head, stubbornly finished her sentence, and then fell silent.


    Indeed, after every argument, no matter how fierce or vicious, wasn¡¯t it always him who made up with her?


    So tenderly.


    Only this time, they weren¡¯t arguing, they were lacking trust in each other.


    Indeed, a rift had formed between them.


    "I think Zhuo Wen is trying to stir up trouble between us, I think Zhuo Wen is trying to get involved with us, but what does he think? He believes Zhuo Wen doesn¡¯t even fancy him, doesn¡¯t see him as a man to date, Zhuo Wen calls her own fiance? ¡¯brother-in-law¡¯ in WeChat messages to Mu Yi, I don¡¯t think that proves Zhuo Wen is uninterested in Mu Yi, it¡¯s just that Zhuo Wen is more clever in her approach."


    Later, not sure what happened, Qin Mu felt as if she were pushed to a point of no return by some situation and finally voiced her own thoughts to Jian Yan.


    "Have the two of you talked it over?"


    Jian Yan was still leaning there, still maintaining his stance without change, still so composed and serene.


    "We did! But he thinks I¡¯m too sensitive, that it¡¯s my lack of security that¡¯s making me think that way."


    Qin Mu nodded, and as she spoke again, another wave of stomach pain hit her.


    "Then don¡¯t argue anymore. Don¡¯t you always say to never let your enemies rejoice? Always remember this saying."


    Jian Yan reminded him in real-time.


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, then nodded again.


    In Jian Yan¡¯s eyes, she looked like a wounded child at that moment, seemingly covered in thorns, but in reality, she was just too certain of her own opinions.


    As for Mu Yichen¡ª


    That evening, Jian Yan asked Mu Yichen to meet him, and the two men encountered each other outside the studio building.


    After Mu Yichen got out of his car and saw Jian Yan smoking there, he remembered that Jian Yan had been prohibited from smoking since his surgery, yet he was smoking now.


    Mu Yichen knew his troubles might be related to him and Qin Mu, but still, he closed the car door and approached.


    A bright moon hung in the sky, illuminating the area below.


    The two men, both clad in light-colored overcoats, started to fight; Jian Yan punched Mu Yichen in the stomach, causing him pain, and instantly Mu Yichen was about to hit back at Jian Yan.


    But he didn¡¯t.


    Because Jian Yan couldn¡¯t withstand a punch from him, yet Jian Yan didn¡¯t appreciate it, and instead landed another punch toward his face.


    "Tomorrow I¡¯ll take her away. This wedding, I¡¯ll refuse for her."


    Jian Yan said.


    "You¡¯re rejecting me on her behalf?"


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen was struck to the ground by him, and when he got up, he touched the bleeding corner of his mouth but looked fiercely at the man opposite him.


    Jian Yan¡¯s gaze was one of disdain. He was panting but very disappointed with the younger man in front of him.


    "Do you think just because you are her mentor you can do this? You¡¯ve only been involved with her for a few years. Do you think you can make decisions for her just because you hold her in your heart? She doesn¡¯t have you in her heart, you can¡¯t take her away from me."


    Mu Yichen hunched slightly, his hand pointing fiercely at the ground, teeth clenched, reading each word deliberately.


    "We¡¯ll soon find out who is qualified."


    Jian Yan told him, in contrast to Mu Yichen¡¯s anger, he was too calm.


    "Mu Yichen, you can¡¯t even trust her, how can you still tell me you love her? Ask your heart, in all the years you¡¯ve been together, aside from making her suffer, what have you given her?"


    Jian Yan asked him again.


    "I¡¯ve given her a lot, do you want me to list everything one by one? Master!"


    Mu Yichen let out a laugh as he uttered the word "master".


    "Good, the night is long, take your time to tell me!"


    "Jian Yan, do you really want to break up your disciple¡¯s happy marriage? You finally can¡¯t control yourself, can you? You want to fight with me, don¡¯t you? Just because we¡¯re having a few small issues right now, you think you have a chance?"


    Mu Yichen asked Jian Yan, looking at Jian Yan¡¯s composed manner, he was really furious. Not only had he been punched twice upon arriving, but he was also told that his wife was going to be taken away.


    Mu Yichen felt it was the most ridiculous thing in the world, not even Qin Mu¡¯s father had treated him like that.


    "I¡¯m telling you, don¡¯t even think about it!"


    "Then why don¡¯t you trust her?"


    "You know nothing, what right do you have to say I don¡¯t trust her? Why isn¡¯t it that she doesn¡¯t trust me?"


    Mu Yichen spread his hands, unable to understand why it must be his fault.


    "Because I believe in her."


    Jian Yan said in a soft voice.


    "This woman, in this lifetime, even if I have to bind her, I can only bind her in Rongcheng, under my watch. Jian Yan, no matter how much you trust her, no matter how much she admires you, you can¡¯t be anything more than a mentor."


    "Alright, I¡¯ll ask you one last time, tell me, do you love her or is it just habit? Don¡¯t rush to answer, think it over first! She¡¯s a person, not your pet, to bind?"


    Jian Yan¡¯s eyes were clear as he looked at the man in front of him and couldn¡¯t help laughing to himself.


    "I don¡¯t care whether she¡¯s a person or a pet, I just know I won¡¯t let her leave me in this lifetime, no matter how big the rift between us might grow."


    All of a sudden, Mu Yichen felt exhausted. He loved her, maybe his way of loving her was somewhat inappropriate, but their wedding was imminent. The last postponement was because she gave birth prematurely, this time, he wouldn¡¯t allow for any accidents.


    Qin Mu was standing outside the car.


    Mu Yichen had probably forgotten that he brought her along.


    Qin Mu had always known he was possessive, but only now did she realize the extent of it.


    Their issues were not just about trust, there were other problems between them.


    Mu Yichen indeed loved her very much.


    She had been feeling tired lately, and now, her heart was even more exhausted.


    Qin Mu opened the car door, took out her cellphone from inside, and then turned and walked back.


    She would rather wander aimlessly than listen any longer.


    At that moment, someone finally seemed to remember her existence.


    Mu Yichen turned around in shock, watching her fragile figure walking back, suddenly cursed under his breath, and then ran towards her.


    And Jian Yan, having seen Qin Mu¡¯s figure as well, merely sat down dejectedly on the steps, watching quietly as the man and woman chased each other in the darkness.


    Mu Yichen grabbed Qin Mu¡¯s wrist: "Let¡¯s talk about anything we have to say at home."


    Qin Mu turned, her piercing eyes filled with resentment as she looked at him.

 Chapter 733 - 204 Wedding (4)_1

    Chapter 733: 204 Wedding (4)_1


    "Do we have to do this here?"


    Mu Yichen looked at her stubborn gaze, feeling irritated.


    "I¡¯d rather do it here!"


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qin Mu was still the same headstrong Qin Mu. After saying those words, she looked towards the woods next to her.


    Her heart panicked and, without thinking, she took a step back, looking down at her feet.


    "Fine! If you want to stay here, stay here. What I just said to Jian Yan was all said in anger. You should know better than anyone how I feel about you."


    Mu Yichen nodded, his hands gripping his solid waist from inside his overcoat, flipping the coat back a bit.


    "I know better than anyone, but I also don¡¯t know. You always say you¡¯d tie me to your side if you had to. Do I have human rights with you?"


    Qin Mu looked at him with tearful eyes, her raised finger poking forcefully at the center of his chest.


    "If you plan to run away at the wedding and I find out, then you¡¯ll have no human rights at that time."


    The night was hazy, and everything seemed blurred.


    Qin Mu just gazed up at him like that.


    It was as if they were back in the past, where he was an altitude she could never reach.


    Qin Mu stared at the ruthless look in his eyes, felt her heartbeat growing more and more intense, then her eyes became desperate, and she turned and walked back.


    Her steps got bigger, and she even started to run.


    Was this a tragedy?


    Did he not feel that they were equals? In his heart, she always had to listen to him, he was the king, and she was just an inconspicuous consort that pleased him?


    No! She never was.


    Qin Mu ran harder and harder until she was panting and her throat began to hurt.


    But the tears gradually disappeared.


    She ran to the end of the street, stopped when she was tired, and seeing a taxi approaching, she immediately hailed it.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s car slowly followed behind the taxi she was in.


    As the night deepened, everything grew quiet.


    Qin Mu silently shed a few tears in the car, but by the time she got home, she was back to how she had been when she first left.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s car pulled up beside her after the taxi left.


    "Get in!"


    He pushed open the passenger door from his side, fixing Qin Mu with a sharp look.


    Qin Mu got in, but when she closed the door, a mist clouded her eyes again.


    After getting out of the car, Mu Yichen walked around to her side, hooking her shoulder.


    Qin Mu reflexively looked at him, noticing the injury at the corner of his mouth for the first time, feeling a twinge of pain for him but then immediately retracted her damned subconscious sympathy.


    Mu Yichen firmly embraced her as they entered the house, but by then the elders had already gone to sleep, so Qin Mu immediately turned around and escaped him without any warning.


    "You hurt the corner of your mouth. Go and take care of it."


    Qin Mu said in a low voice.


    Mu Yichen...


    She ran upstairs, and he...


    When he looked at the window and saw the reflection of that ghastly man on the glass, he finally had to touch the corner of his mouth.


    It really freakin¡¯ hurt.


    That night, they slept back to back, without touching each other, until dawn.


    The next day Qin Mu drove to the studio. Jian Yan, seeing her red eyes, asked her, "Have you decided?"


    "Yeah!"


    Qin Mu nodded her head, not wanting to talk much.


    Jian Yan sighed helplessly as he looked at her like that.


    "Regardless of what your future holds, right now you can¡¯t let go of each other, so why make yourself unhappy? As for the other women, if you really care that much, why not go and talk to her yourself?"


    After a night of thinking, Jian Yan felt there was no need for Qin Mu to let herself be so defeated.


    "Why should I go talk about the peach blossom debt he¡¯s incurred?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was low, her brows drooped but resolute, and her voice was stubborn.


    Jian Yan heard her voice was hoarse, so he picked up the glass of water Xiaomei had poured for her on the desk and handed it to her.


    Sitting in the couch, Qin Mu lifted her hands braced against the armrests, "Thanks!"


    Jian Yan stood there looking at her, and in that moment, he suddenly wished he could protect the one he loved.


    But then, the image of what Qin Mu needed appeared in his mind¡ªshe didn¡¯t need him. Could keeping her by his side make her happier than she was now with Mu Yichen?


    That damned rationale!


    Jian Yan turned back to his desk, and although he appeared calm and collected when he looked at her again, inside he was extremely anxious.


    Mu Yi and his son had already been busy all day at AM, with Jiang Zhiyuan and Zhao Huai also following along. When they had a free moment, the three of them found a corner to smoke. Zhao Huai said, "Brother Yichen, Xiaomu will definitely attend the wedding, right?"

 Chapter 734 - 204 Wedding (4)_2

    Chapter 734: 204 Wedding (4)_2


    Jiang Zhiyuan, for the first time in his life, was choked by smoke, his eyes tearful as he watched Zhao Huai.


    After hearing that question, Mu Yichen nearly stuffed the cigarette he was holding into Zhao Huai¡¯s mouth.


    "What¡¯s going on? Are you still in a cold war with Xiaomu?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan asked, his expression a bit exaggerated.


    "How would I dare to be in a cold war with her!" So damn proud.


    The annoyance in Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes simply couldn¡¯t be described in words.


    "I heard from people at their studio that Xiaomu has been unhappy these past few days."


    Zhao Huai spoke to Jiang Zhiyuan, while Mu Yichen stood between them.


    At that empty stairwell entrance, three men leaned against the wall.


    "Could it be pre-wedding jitters?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan had heard of this condition, and although he had not married yet, he believed he was already suited to diagnose it.


    "I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not that!"


    This time, Zhao Huai looked at Mu Yichen.


    "Who told you she was planning to run away from the wedding?"


    Mu Yichen had smoked nearly half the cigarette before he suddenly remembered to ask.


    "Uh, it was someone from their studio."


    Zhao Huai thought for a moment, not daring to betray Xiaomei, but...


    "Haha, isn¡¯t the person from their studio that Xiaomei girl? Aren¡¯t you the one hanging out with her?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan couldn¡¯t help but mock.


    "We didn¡¯t work out, we¡¯re more like brothers now, so we now refer to each other as brothers."


    Zhao Huai hurriedly explained, fearing Jiang Zhiyuan and the others might still misunderstand his pursuit of Xiaomei.


    After hearing this, the corner of Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s mouth twitched, he cursed in his mind, but he didn¡¯t voice it out loud.


    With a somewhat pained expression, Mu Yichen pinched the bridge of his nose: "You go follow her."


    He was speaking to Zhao Huai, who blinked unconsciously upon hearing this: "Huh?"


    "Follow your Xiaomu sister!"


    After saying this, Mu Yichen stood up and left, extinguishing his cigarette in a trash bin by the door as he passed.


    Zhao Huai...


    Jiang Zhiyuan: "Damn, it really might be possible. If Xiaomu actually runs away from the wedding, things will sure be interesting for our Yichen bro tomorrow."


    "Interesting? Our brotherhood might be headed for ugly days ahead, and you can still laugh?"


    Zhao Huai glanced at Jiang Zhiyuan, giving him a kind reminder, then went to follow Qin Mu.


    Jing Feng and Qiao Yi, having finished their tasks, rushed over and, noticing Mu Yichen¡¯s unhappy face, looked at the person beside him. Jiang Zhiyuan moved closer and whispered in their ears: "Xiaomu is planning to escape the wedding."


    Jing Feng and Qiao Yi...


    "Escape what wedding? We¡¯ll keep an eye on her to ensure that not even a fly can get away from us."


    Qiao Yi, seeing that Mu Yichen looked a bit upset, thus spoke.


    "Just let the fly go!"


    Jing Feng patted Qiao Yi¡¯s shoulder, struggling to hold back a laugh.


    Qin Mu escape the wedding?


    Jing Feng didn¡¯t believe it.


    After being entangled for so many years, if she were to run away at this juncture, Qin Mu wouldn¡¯t be content.


    "In my opinion, what we need to do is to prepare well for the wedding. If Qin Mu wants to escape, I reckon I¡¯d be the first among us to know the scoop," Jing Feng said.


    Mu Yichen gave him a look, and at the same time, his worries eased.


    Jiang Zhiyuan and Qiao Yi stood side by side, looking skeptically at Jing Feng and Mu Yichen.


    Then, the staff came to find them, and they were off again.


    And Zhao Huai¡¯s car arrived half an hour later at the bottom of Qin Mu¡¯s studio building.


    He took out his phone and sent a picture in a WeChat group¡ªit was a picture of Qin Mu¡¯s car.


    It meant she was at the studio.


    After checking his phone, Jiang Zhiyuan went to relay the message to Mu Yichen, who actually let out a hidden sigh of relief. He was indeed afraid, scared that she might get carried away thinking of escaping the wedding.


    Recalling her quirky temperament, what wasn¡¯t she capable of doing?


    But later, Jing Feng¡¯s words indeed had a comforting effect on him.


    Jing Feng also became a bit worried, so before going to help, he quietly sent a message to Helian Hao who was just arriving downstairs at Qin Mu¡¯s studio.


    Reading the message, Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, replying to Jing Feng, "I guarantee, she¡¯ll be at the wedding."


    Qin Mu and Jian Yan were in the office, drinking tea. After Helian Hao went up and knocked on the door, which was open, she greeted them and casually mentioned, "I brought a friend over."


    The two looked curiously behind her, then saw Zhao Huai.


    Qin Mu and Jian Yan...


    "Hi!"


    Zhao Huai was actually a bit embarrassed, but since he was discovered, he could only come up, finding it more comfortable here.


    So, the office suddenly became quite crowded.


    "Yichen bro is worried you might run away from the wedding, so he specifically asked Zhao Huai to watch over you," Helian Hao leaned back on the couch, stroking her belly and said to her.

 Chapter 735 - 204 Wedding (4)_3

    Chapter 735: 204 Wedding (4)_3


    Qin Mu laughed, "Elope? Am I that stupid?"


    This man worth who knows how many billions, would she elope?


    Wouldn¡¯t that make her the dumbest woman in the world?


    If she were to leave, it would be after the wedding.


    Zhao Huai didn¡¯t expect Qin Mu to be so clear-headed, thinking she would leave in a huff.


    "Ha-ha! It seems we all underestimated you."


    Zhao Huai gave an awkward laugh.


    "I never thought about eloping. The wedding has been in preparation for so long, and if I elope, wouldn¡¯t that just make all those women eyeing him happy?"


    Qin Mu thought to herself, ¡¯I wouldn¡¯t want to excite those women so much they can¡¯t sleep at night. That¡¯s not good for their skin.¡¯


    "Have you tried on the wedding dress?"


    Helian Hao asked Qin Mu.


    "Yeah! I¡¯ve tried it on!"


    Qin Mu responded.


    "So annoying, you tried on the wedding dress without waiting for me."


    Helian Hao immediately said.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "I wanted to surprise you, let you see my stunning beauty at first glance tomorrow."


    How could Zhao Huai have imagined that the woman who was cold-warring with Mu Yichen could still joke like this in front of friends?


    Stunning beauty?


    It really was something to look forward to.


    Jian Yan had been silent all along, Zhao Huai glanced at him, "I didn¡¯t expect JY to attend the wedding."


    "Worried I might scoop up the bride?"


    Jian Yan stretched his long legs, asking with a laugh.


    Zhao Huai...


    Could he admit that he was indeed very worried?


    And at the beginning, it seemed this big shot wasn¡¯t included in the guest list.


    "As a teacher and a friend, Jian Yan has every reason to attend the wedding. As for scooping up the bride, do you think if he wanted to, it would be any of your brother Yichen¡¯s business?"


    Helian Hao turned to look at Zhao Huai as he spoke.


    Zhao Huai...


    Zhao Huai thought to himself, ¡¯You traitor, have you forgotten which side you¡¯re on?¡¯


    Qin Mu was also shocked by Helian Hao¡¯s words, and couldn¡¯t help but turn to glance at Helian Hao, who also looked back at her, chuckling, "Just kidding."


    Qin Mu...


    Jian Yan, however, bowed his head, just looking at his own fingernails, which needed trimming.


    "But where are you staying tonight? Your dad¡¯s place or here? Or perhaps at the Mu Family?"


    Finally, Helian Hao remembered this important matter.


    Qin Mu sighed, "Qin Family!"


    Actually, when she set up her studio here and when Mu Yi proposed the wedding, she indeed wanted to marry out from this place, but now...


    ¡ª¡ª


    Zhuo Wen and her fiance? went downstairs for lunch at noon, and upon hearing that Mu Yichen and the others were dining, they went to say hello. On the way, her fiance?, with his arm around her waist, asked her, "So they¡¯re really going to have their wedding tomorrow."


    "Isn¡¯t it not tomorrow yet?"


    She whispered in reply.


    "Yeah! Less than twenty hours to go."


    Her fiance? reminded her.


    Zhuo Wen suddenly thought that if she could stop their Christmas wedding, couldn¡¯t she stop tomorrow¡¯s as well?


    After arriving at the private room, Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance? knocked on the door, and a waiter came to open it, nodding his head after seeing them.


    "We are friends of Young Master Chen, come to offer our congratulations for the wedding."


    Zhuo Wen said.


    "Please wait a moment."


    The waiter said as he closed the door, bowed to Mu Yichen, and then said something.


    Mu Yichen lifted his downcast eyes, then looked at the few seated.


    A minute later, the waiter opened the door again: "Both of you, please come in!"


    There happened to be an empty chair inside, Zhuo Wen let her fiance? sit down, and then casually sat on one of his legs, holding a wine glass while saying with a smile, "Back in the day, I was unbeatable in Australia."


    "Indeed, and that¡¯s why, while everyone else was fine, she ended up drinking herself into the hospital,"


    Her fiance? said with a laugh.


    Everyone...


    This was clearly no simple woman.


    "What can I do? In a profession like mine, the competition is fierce. If I can¡¯t even afford to drink, how can I have a future?"


    "But shouldn¡¯t you win over clients with your abilities?"


    Qiao Yi asked, puzzled.


    "Abilities? Abilities are just an aid. Do you think I have such a strong support like our Madame Mu to back me up? Sigh!"


    Zhuo Wen said as she glanced at Mu Yichen, then shook her head helplessly and drank more.


    The crowd looked at Mu Yichen, feeling that this woman didn¡¯t just accidentally mention him.


    "My grandfather¡¯s health isn¡¯t good, so he asked me to represent him at your wedding."


    Zhuo Wen said to the man diagonally opposite, although they were separated by several people, it seemed like her eyes were really close to Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen slightly raised his eyes: "Hmm!"


    "Even so, as an elder sister, to not receive a wedding invite from my younger brother is a bit excessive, don¡¯t you think?"

 Chapter 736 - 204 Wedding (4)_4

    Chapter 736: 204 Wedding (4)_4


    Zhuo Wen suddenly said another sentence.


    Mu Yichen had no choice but to look up again.


    "That¡¯s because only one invitation is sent out per family, and didn¡¯t you say you would return after Christmas?"


    It was Jing Feng.


    He suddenly asked a question.


    Zhuo Wen looked at him, not familiar with the young master, but aware that he had once investigated her.


    "Yes, I was going back, but my husband came, didn¡¯t he? We just want to eat, drink, and be merry for a while and attend Di Di¡¯s wedding casually. Don¡¯t know what this handsome guy thinks about my reasoning, is it appropriate or not?"


    Zhuo Wen suddenly raised her hand and looped it around her fiance?¡¯s neck, her gaze fixed steadily on Jing Feng, who was sitting beside Mu Yichen, as she asked.


    "You may not know if it¡¯s appropriate, but we don¡¯t think so," Jing Feng continued, perhaps accustomed to reading people, he didn¡¯t mind in the slightest how others faced him with their expressions; he only cared about what mattered to him.


    "Since you are staying, why not contact Mu Yichen¡¯s wife? Weren¡¯t you starting off claiming to be good sisters? Why suddenly contact her husband behind her back?"


    Qiao Yi also asked; this woman might seem sharp, but she wasn¡¯t likable to men.


    "Isn¡¯t that because Mrs. Mu doesn¡¯t like me? Besides, what are you all doing now? I came to offer congratulations, but you¡¯re interrogating me? I don¡¯t feel I¡¯ve done anything wrong. Since she doesn¡¯t treat me as a friend, why should I force a smile? I¡¯ve known Mu Yichen not just for a day or two; do I have to go through that woman for everything?"


    Zhuo Wen also became angry.


    "If you¡¯re not sincere in your congratulations, you shouldn¡¯t attend tomorrow¡¯s wedding."


    Jiang Zhiyuan took a drag of his cigarette, then squinted through the smoke at the woman beside him.


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s face completely fell.


    She hadn¡¯t expected that Mu Yichen¡¯s best friends would confront her like this in front of him.


    "It seems you are not favored among Mu¡¯s friends, so you¡¯d better love me sincerely from now on. But you all look down on me this much? To humiliate her in front of me, is this really appropriate?"


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance? suddenly spoke, and then he helped Zhuo Wen to her feet, standing up himself.


    "Brothers, see you at the wedding tomorrow."


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance?¡¯s face turned cold, he looked at the seated guests and then, pulling Zhuo Wen with him, turned and walked away.


    As Zhuo Wen left, she kept unwillingly twisting her head to look at Mu Yichen. In fact, she hoped that Mu Yichen would apologize to her, so her fatigue of this period wouldn¡¯t be in vain.


    But there was nothing!


    After the two of them left, Jiang Zhiyuan asked, "This woman seems to be stirring trouble, but she isn¡¯t planning to snatch Brother Yichen, is she? It seems her fiance? dotes on her quite a bit."


    "Her fiance?¡¯s family is a well-known underworld dynasty in Australia," Qiao Yi suddenly spoke, and the room quieted down again.


    Jiang Zhiyuan instantly regretted his previous words, wondering if that man would have him killed? Although he had some friends on the streets, the other was from an underworld dynasty.


    ¡ª


    That night, Qin Mu went to the Mu Family to feed her son, then headed to the Qin Family; Mu Yichen returned home to find her already gone.


    The next day, when the two of them met again, they were at the Qin Family.


    Her head shrouded in red veiling, she was lifted by Mu Yichen amidst screams, cheers, and applause, carried from the Qin Family home.


    In the ultra-luxurious wedding car, Jiang Zhiyuan acted as their driver, frowning unconsciously as he watched the two behind him not interact at all through the rearview mirror, "At least pretend for the sake of appearances, don¡¯t you see the camera up front?"


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen both looked up at the front simultaneously but still put on no act.


    It was really too tiring.


    Outside the hotel, a crowd had been waiting, with dozens of media outlets surrounding the area, high-end cameras on standby.


    The white carpet stretched over the green lawn; as the man in the black suit led the woman in the white wedding dress out of the car, walking towards the petal-strewn carpet, the cameras slowly began to move.


    By then, Qin Mu¡¯s vision was once again obscured by the white veil, a gentle breeze blowing, preventing her from seeing clearly, focusing only on her steps and his shiny leather shoes.


    Today, Mu Yichen was wearing the suit she had designed, though it was his first time wearing it. The two had been at odds, so he had not worn it before.


    Qin Mu knew his measurements¡ªall the fine details of his body were known to her, perhaps because of her profession; she could easily master those measurements, so now the suit fit him perfectly, worn on his tall and straight frame.


    The guests were all formally dressed, the men mostly in suits, ladies in beautiful dresses, standing to both sides of the white carpet to clap and celebrate for them.

 Chapter 737 - 205 Wedding (5)_1

    Chapter 737: 205 Wedding (5)_1


    He held her hand so tightly that it hurt.


    But she didn¡¯t pull away. She just let him hold on to it as they walked toward the master of ceremonies ahead.


    When Qin Mu saw the master of ceremonies, she froze for a moment, and then couldn¡¯t help but burst into laughter.


    It was evident that Jian Yan was also struggling with his solemn duty. His brow was furrowed with tension, and he even cleared his throat, with the words "I am so unwilling" written all over his eyes.


    Mu Yichen gripped her hand and wouldn¡¯t let go, especially when they reached Jian Yan¡¯s side.


    Qin Mu had no choice but to look up at him. Through the layer of red gauze, Mu Yichen barely made out her expression, and finally remembered that he had to let go of her for a moment.


    Jian Yan, serving as the master of ceremonies, took a step forward and finally began, "Good morning, everyone, I¡¯m Jian Yan!"


    Skipping further self-introduction and after quickly glancing at his script, he began the wedding ceremony he would host this day¡ªthe only time in his life.


    "Honored guests, good morning. Today is December 28, 2016. In the cold of winter, we come to this thrilling moment. Mr. Mu Yichen and Miss Qin Mu¡¯s wedding. Ah! These two fight every other day and have big quarrels every three. Who would have thought they¡¯d still walk down the aisle into the sacred halls of matrimony?"


    That line wasn¡¯t in the master of ceremonies¡¯ script, and after he said it, he couldn¡¯t help but laugh to himself.


    The audience suddenly burst out laughing as well.


    Qin Mu was shocked at first, then couldn¡¯t help but lower her head.


    Were they that incessant in their quarrels?


    All the relatives and friends were sitting below, their most honored guests. To tease them at this moment...


    Oh, Master!


    Qin Mu inwardly complained, while Mu Yichen looked much calmer, his gaze fixed on his bride.


    This day, he had finally longed for it.


    Despite concerns that the wedding would be delayed, worries she might run away, at last, there she was right in front of him.


    "We must still wish them well, for they¡¯re a couple who would rather cling to each other in misery than let go for a lifetime."


    Jian Yan looked at the pair of newlyweds beside him, sincerely moved.


    This unconventional master of ceremonies...


    Jian Yan had read the script meant for the host, but those lines describing how beautiful the bride is and how handsome the groom is felt unbearably trite to him. Did they even need saying? Anyone who wasn¡¯t blind could see it for themselves.


    Elders and friends were seated in the front; behind were younger brothers and sisters and some business associates. Of course, many guests had come from Qin Haiming¡¯s side as well.


    Zhuo Wen and her fiance? sat in the front row, on the third row to the right. Zhuo Wen had an exquisite makeup look, but her face was mostly expressionless.


    Her fiance? looked at her and said, "Let¡¯s get married when we get back, shall we?"


    Zhuo Wen glanced at him and replied, "What¡¯s the rush with getting married?"


    Her fiance? didn¡¯t say anything and just looked forward again.


    "Mr. Mu, please place your right hand over your chest. I must ask you solemnly, do you take Miss Mu beside you as your wife to love her, cherish her, accompany her, respect her for all the days of your lives?"


    He emphasized the word "respect" particularly clearly.


    Although Mu Yichen didn¡¯t turn his head, he clearly understood the implication.


    "I do!"


    Mu Yichen looked at Qin Mu who had not yet lifted her veil, his voice deep.


    Qin Mu looked into his eyes and knew that in this moment, he was utterly sincere.


    "Now, would the bride place her right hand over her chest as well? I must ask you seriously, do you take this man, who has grown up with you and is so stubbornly untamed, as your husband, to honor him, love him, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and never to give up on him for all the days of your lives?"


    Jian Yan then looked at his disciple, even though he knew her answer.


    "I do!"


    Qin Mu looked at Mu Yichen, equally stubborn and persistent, her eyes filled with excessive sincerity, which made Jian Yan lower his head.


    The background music was Wang Fei¡¯s "I Am Willing."


    Late on, Jian Yan watched the audience below, sharing an unspoken understanding and a laugh, then he announced, "All right, now I invite the groom and bride to exchange rings, and then the groom may lift the bride¡¯s veil and kiss your bride."


    After he finished speaking, Jian Yan stepped back.


    Xiaomei and Zhao Huai brought up the rings Mu Yichen had prepared earlier.


    Since she was still wearing the plain ring from their registration, Mu Yichen put the new ring on her right hand.


    Similarly, after Qin Mu put on the ring, she felt a gust of wind brush her face. She was a bit unclear in her head, until suddenly he leaned down, pinched her chin, and came close to block her line of sight. He then brazenly demonstrated his kiss before everyone.

 Chapter 738 - 205 Wedding (5)_2

    Chapter 738: 205 Wedding (5)_2


    The applause erupted from the crowd below, and the young people joined in enthusiastically.


    The elders below were all very moved. Feng Fanghua held her grandson in her arms, while Mu Zihao held his granddaughter, the two sitting closely together.


    The senior patriarch took his place as the eldest elder, with the Jing family patriarch beside him. Seeing the two finally get married, the expression in the eyes of the Jing family patriarch also gained a sense of calm.


    Some things, after all, were coming to an end.


    Although Jiang Yan and Mu Qingxin had only arrived last night, they didn¡¯t miss the wedding. Holding their son, they were both very happy and touched, especially Mu Qingxin, who usually appeared indifferent but now leaned on Jiang Yan¡¯s shoulder and whispered, "Ayan, this is the funniest wedding I¡¯ve ever seen."


    Because of the master of ceremonies.


    But while saying it was funny, her eyes were brimming with tears.


    Jiang Yan wrapped his arm around her, and as he looked at the kissing couple on stage, he couldn¡¯t help but sigh. Childhood sweethearts? Did childhood sweethearts really need to spend decades to be sure of each other¡¯s hearts?


    Wen Runuan stood aside, not sitting down, and after the ceremony, she said to the man beside her, "Shall we go back? I¡¯ve already spoken to Qin Mu, we¡¯ll go straight to the hotel for dinner tonight."


    "Mm,"


    Director Zhang agreed, and then the two of them went home to pick up their children.


    With the New Year fast approaching, everyone was actually quite busy.


    But this wedding, which arrived as expected, made the year different from any other.


    It also became the biggest news in Rongcheng before the New Year.


    Colleagues from the studio, including Mu Yichen¡¯s secretary, Xi Meng, were sitting together.


    As colleagues, although they all sat in the back, they all offered their sincerest blessings.


    Secretary Xi didn¡¯t even know she would get to attend the wedding. The event was filled with big names, but Mu Yichen still gave her an invitation and told her not to worry about the gift money.


    Jing Feng and Helian Hao, as their two best friends, naturally sat in the second row. However, Jing Feng later glanced backward and saw a delicate figure standing in the back of the crowd, wearing a deep hat, a beautiful coat, and a dress. She quietly left after the ceremony was completed.


    In the blink of an eye, a year had passed.


    Jing Feng couldn¡¯t help but bow his head on this joyful day.


    Helian Hao looked at him, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "It¡¯s nothing!"


    Jing Feng replied, taking her hand and placing it on his lap.


    Soon, it was time for the bouquet toss, surrounded by beautiful unmarried girls and some boys who were egging them on.


    The bouquet was snatched by Secretary Xi, who instantly became the center of attention. Holding the flowers, she was so stunned that it took her a while to recover from the shock amid the cheers of the crowd.


    After lunch, they rested in the hotel room in the afternoon, in the same old way, in the room Qin Mu had stayed in before.


    After the two of them entered, Mu Yichen took off his coat and placed it aside, then turned to see her walk straight in.


    He stood at the bedroom door, only to see her turn around and lie down on the bed, arms outstretched as if she was extremely tired.


    It was lucky that the wedding had not been held when she was pregnant. Otherwise, apart from the nerves, just standing for so long would have made her legs swell from fatigue.


    Mu Yichen slowly walked over and used his knee to pry open her knees.


    He gradually gathered up her dress from her legs. Qin Mu had been lying there, staring at the ceiling with wide eyes when his sudden suggestive actions made her immediately look at him.


    Today she had worn fake eyelashes, which were already uncomfortably hard, and as she glanced down at Mu Yichen, it seemed like her top and bottom lashes were tangling together, making it uncomfortable.


    "What are you doing?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak but simply knelt at the edge of the bed and continued lifting her dress.


    "Hey! Don¡¯t mess around, I¡¯m already so tired."


    He had been holding back for a few days, thinking to wait until the evening.


    But after a moment¡¯s thought, Mu Yichen figured there was no need to wait for the night, so his hands went straight into her shorts.


    Qin Mu...


    "Mu Yichen, stop messing around."


    She immediately got up, but he had already...


    Qin Mu...


    They had not even communicated for the past couple of days. When Qin Mu went to the Qin family, it was Feng Fanghua who informed him, and he did not call to ask whether she could sleep comfortably there. He was just busy arranging things for the wedding.


    Apart from the script he was told to say at the Qin family earlier that day, there was also the "I do" he said at the wedding ceremony.


    They hadn¡¯t been together for several months, and actually, Mu Yichen had also reached his limit.

 Chapter 739 - 205 Wedding (5)_3

    Chapter 739: 205 Wedding (5)_3


    Of course, if her body still didn¡¯t allow it, then he was still willing to hold back.


    But now...


    She was perfectly fine on her own in front of him, and from the moment he saw her covering her face with a veil today, he had thought about it.


    The door to the resting room was timely knocked, causing Qin Mu, who was shocked and wanted to get up but couldn¡¯t, to stay put.


    The two of them were in such an awkward position at the edge of the bed.


    Mu Yichen was incredibly frustrated, having just taken off his belt, preparing for foreplay.


    After pulling up his trousers, Mu Yichen glanced at her and saw her face was as red as a monkey¡¯s butt, unconsciously he let out a disheartened sigh and then turned to open the door.


    "Is Mumu inside? Take the chance to feed Chengcheng while you¡¯re free."


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Qingxin stood at the door, and as soon as he opened it, the mother and daughter, muttering, walked in with the child.


    Mu Yichen...


    Feed the child?


    Today was his big day, yet his mother and his younger sister were only concerned about the child. Couldn¡¯t they consider his feelings for a moment?


    Mu Yichen stood by the door, desperately wanting to smoke, but when he reached for his waist, he discovered his jacket was inside.


    So, he followed them in.


    Feng Fanghua wanted her to breastfeed the child, so she had no choice but to take off her wedding gown.


    Then when Mu Yichen walked in, he saw...


    "Qin Mu, do I really have to call you sister-in-law from now on?"


    Mu Qingxin sat by and asked while watching Qin Mu feed the child.


    "No need, just calling me Qin Mu is fine."


    Qin Mu replied softly to her.


    "You two are the same age, why make it so formal? I think it¡¯s more like family if you call each other by your full names."


    Feng Fanghua said, sitting on the couch on the other side.


    "That¡¯s true! But Mom, we¡¯re not just like family, we are family."


    Mu Qingxin said this with a sort of pride.


    Qin Mu glanced at her, surprisingly finding Mu Qingxin so openly acknowledging her.


    Mu Yichen went in to grab his jacket, "I¡¯m going to step out for a smoke, and then I¡¯ll take the child away after."


    His eyes were somewhat indifferent and somewhat helpless.


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but look at Qin Mu with a suggestive gaze after her brother left, "Hey, were you two just doing that thing?"


    Upon hearing that, Qin Mu¡¯s ears instantly went hot.


    Their elders were still present.


    "Don¡¯t talk nonsense," she cautioned her like a little girl, in a low voice.


    But her eyes had already betrayed her.


    Mu Qingxin let out a sigh, "No wonder, after all, it¡¯s the honeymoon period."


    "Honeymoon period? Didn¡¯t they have their honeymoon years ago?"


    Feng Fanghua, thinking of how grown-up Huanhuan was, couldn¡¯t help but remind them.


    Suddenly, the two girls felt a bit embarrassed, and Mu Qingxin cleared her throat, "Mom, how can you be so clueless?"


    "Clueless about what?"


    Feng Fanghua asked.


    Mu Qingxin looked at her mother with a pair of ¡¯innocent¡¯ wide eyes, almost unable to believe her own.


    Qin Mu also kept her head down, not daring to speak any further.


    Later, the two of them left with the child because Mr. Mu had gone to the living room for a smoke, and then he kept standing outside waiting.


    "Bro! Sorry to disturb you guys, haha."


    Before leaving, Mu Qingxin didn¡¯t forget to tease Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen only looked down at his sister until the smile on her face disappeared.


    Afterward, the room again contained just the two of them, Qin Mu was energetically pulling the zipper at her waist, accidentally squeezing the fabric, making it stuck, neither up nor down.


    She stood up, continuing to tug at the zipper while twisting her body towards the direction of the bathroom.


    "What are you doing?"


    Mu Yichen suddenly turned and came in, asking as he stood by the door.


    "Come here!"


    Qin Mu turned her head to look at him, thinking since he was still here, why was she exhausting herself, and so she commanded.


    Mu Yichen walked over, and Qin Mu turned around: "Help me pull down the zipper and then pull it back up."


    Mu Yichen looked down.


    Because of the wedding, she wore a red undergarment inside today, even though he only saw a little bit, it still drove him a bit wild.


    "You¡¯re wearing this one tonight?"


    He asked, and then he moved his legs closer to her, his hand lifting the zip.


    "Yeah!"


    Qin Mu felt him pull with force, and the zipper smoothly went down, but instead of pulling it back up, he unlatched it all the way.


    "What are you doing? I have to go do my makeup soon."


    Qin Mu knew what he was up to just by looking at him and tried to back away immediately.


    Mu Yichen simply held her in his arms, his voice deep as he spoke to her, "I want to see what you¡¯re wearing inside."


    Usually, he knew what she wore on the inside, but since they hadn¡¯t been together last night, he was genuinely not sure.


    "Don¡¯t!"


    Qin Mu tried to escape at once, her hands pushing against his chest to free herself.

 Chapter 740 - 205 Wedding (5)_4

    Chapter 740: 205 Wedding (5)_4


    "If you keep resisting, something bad might happen."


    Mu Yichen warned her, and then began to slide her gown down from her shoulders.


    Qin Mu...


    "What kind of bad thing?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s hands guarded her own shoulders to prevent his success while she asked quietly.


    "For example, the wedding dress your master sent you might get ruined."


    Immediately, Qin Mu¡¯s hands lost their strength.


    Mu Yichen let out a smile, no, a wicked one.


    "Now¡ª"


    "Go to the bed!"


    Qin Mu said seriously, then turned to head to the bed.


    "I¡¯ll carry you!"


    Mu Yichen suddenly declared.


    Qin Mu looked up at him in shock, but he effortlessly picked her up in a bridal carry.


    Somehow, her eyes grew moist.


    Qin Mu gazed at his sharp features, at his cold visage.


    Was he no longer capable of smiling?


    Thinking back to what her master had asked him that night, and his response, Qin Mu lowered her head again, restraining the turmoil in her heart, forcing back the mist in her eyes.


    "If I think about it, although it¡¯s always you who comes to me, from childhood to now it seems like you¡¯ve always been the one who calls the shots, like I¡¯ve always listened to you."


    "Are you trying to say you¡¯re like a little lapdog?"


    Mu Yichen set her down on the bed, responding to her soft voice with a question of his own.


    "You¡¯re the lapdog!"


    Qin Mu muttered.


    Even if she had always listened to him, she too was a person, a living, breathing, temperamental human being.


    She certainly wasn¡¯t foolish enough to compare herself to any random cat or dog.


    It was just that upon further thought, she felt somewhat saddened.


    There had never been anything like fairness between the two of them, he had always been the executor, the one to give the orders.


    His hand had already slipped under her dress, wickedly telling her that he wanted her to do it with him while still wearing the dress.


    In truth, whether she wore it or what she wore didn¡¯t matter, if he liked it, she would feel good about it, would be able to find the feeling.


    Mu Yichen suddenly flipped her beneath him, "Stop thinking such nonsense. There¡¯s nothing to question about men being stronger than women. All you need to know is that there¡¯s nobody else in my heart, and it¡¯s not possible for anyone else to have my body either."


    A few seconds passed before Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but let out a laugh, "You think you¡¯re giving me quite a lot, don¡¯t you?"


    "If you feel it¡¯s not enough, I¡¯ll continue to work hard in the future."


    Mu Yichen spoke, but rather than kissing her lips, he placed his mouth directly on her elegant neck.


    She had actually put powder on her neck that day.


    But it seemed that didn¡¯t matter anymore.


    He was irritated.


    ¡ª


    That evening, at the grand banquet, Qin Mu and Mu Yichen happily played along with the professional host.


    Mu Yichen even knelt down to her in public, making a promise.


    "In the future, for as many years as we live, we¡¯ll be together. And when we die, let our children bury us in the same grave."


    For some reason, the people around them didn¡¯t dare to laugh immediately.


    It wasn¡¯t until Jing Feng led the applause that others slowly began clapping and then cheering.


    Such a declaration made Rongcheng buzz for days and became the ultimate tool for proposals.


    But Qin Mu, she detested his public declaration that night.


    Helian Hao and Wen Runuan stood together, with Wen Runuan whispering into Helian Hao¡¯s ear, "What¡¯s up with Young Master Mu?"


    "Who knows? They¡¯ve been at odds not just for a day or two."


    Helian Hao exhaled helplessly, annoyed by their current situation.


    Afterward, they laughed together, and Qin Mu even tip-toed to kiss his neck.


    Um!


    She left a trail of deep bite marks on his neck.


    Mu Yichen held her by the waist, no, he gripped it.


    As her teeth bit increasingly harder into his neck, the grip of his hand grew tighter.


    Perhaps the skin on his waist was already reddened.


    But it didn¡¯t matter.


    "Now let¡¯s have the bride and groom tell us their love history, shall we? I hear you¡¯ve been childhood sweethearts, but there must have been someone who made the first move, right?"


    The host interacted with the audience, bringing about laughter, with some assuming it was surely Mr. Mu who took initiative, while the girls suspected it was Qin Mu who first seduced Mu Yichen.


    "So who was it that broke through that layer of ¡¯window paper¡¯?"


    The host, holding a microphone, stood beside the couple.


    Mu Yichen looked at Qin Mu, who was just watching the audience, maintaining her perfect composure.


    "It was me!"


    Mu Yichen thought for a moment, then spoke into the microphone.


    His admission was prompt, eliciting immediate whistles from the audience.


    "When was it? I heard that you both traveled to Paris together when you were very young, so it must have been a confession in Paris, right?"


    The host kept probing.


    Everyone seated below listened attentively, as if this were a topic of great curiosity.


    "The first time I kissed her was in Paris when she was thirteen, I suppose!"


    Mu Yichen answered, then turned to look at Qin Mu as if seeking her confirmation.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes shone like starlight as she smiled and spoke into the microphone, "I can¡¯t remember clearly. It was a dark night on the way home, a domineering CEO-style taking. But back then, Mu didn¡¯t tell me he liked me."


    For some reason, the atmosphere turned awkward.


    "Oh? Is there anything Mr. Mu would like to say to the bride? It seems that the bride is not very satisfied with your answer."


    The host kept smiling; he had seen a lot of such scenes.


    "I probably haven¡¯t properly confessed before getting the marriage certificate, but leaving my family to follow a girl since my teens, I think that¡¯s already the longest confession.¡ªDon¡¯t you think?"

 Chapter 741 - 206 Wedding (6)_1

    Chapter 741: 206 Wedding (6)_1


    "They won¡¯t start fighting, will they?"


    Wen Runuan was really worried, seeing them both smile while answering the host¡¯s questions, yet the smiles felt colder than the December weather.


    "They shouldn¡¯t, they both care about their face."


    Helian Hao said, but felt uneasy inside.


    While most people were snickering that the groom¡¯s long-winded declaration of love was too literary, Qin Mu simply cooperated by saying, "I think what Mu Yi said is quite true!"


    In this situation, Qin Mu addressed him as Mu Yi.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that she was smiling so prettily, everyone would think they were having an argument, but at that moment, everyone thought it was their term of endearment.


    "Thank you, Mu Yi, for so many years of company."


    Qin Mu continued to say with a smile.


    Mu Yichen turned to look at her, clearly smiling, but the captivating look in his eyes felt like a knife to any woman who saw it.


    But even if there was a knife stabbed in her heart, right then Qin Mu could still smile very beautifully.


    Today was their wedding, after all!


    Something they had waited for so long and had finally arrived.


    "How do you usually address each other? Do you call each other husband and wife at home, or sweetie or darling?"


    "He is more used to calling me Mrs. Mu."


    Qin Mu held the microphone with both hands and cooperated with the answer.


    "That¡¯s because she likes to call her husband Mu Yi."


    Mu Yichen immediately said, his sharp gaze sweeping the crowd, seemingly with a smile.


    "Wow, I didn¡¯t expect you two to be such interesting people. At first, I thought Mrs. Mu, being literary, would be quite shy."


    The host focused attention on Qin Mu.


    "Shyness won¡¯t pay the bills," she said with a slight smile, her voice light.


    Yet everyone present heard her.


    "Wow, Mrs. Mu is not someone who lacks money, Mu Yi¡¯s wealth is beyond calculation."


    The host immediately jested.


    "What does Mu Yi¡¯s wealth have to do with me?"


    Qin Mu replied.


    The host...


    Mu Yichen turned his head to look at her, smiled softly, and said affectionately, "Speak nicely."


    She still held the microphone, didn¡¯t she?


    Now, so many people around heard it.


    Mu Yi¡¯s power was immense.


    Some girls had already blushed, whispering something to their friends nearby.


    A million wildebeests stampeded through Qin Mu¡¯s mind, but she just chuckled and nodded, saying no more.


    Mu Yichen then explained to the friends and family below, "We¡¯ve had some minor disputes lately, but as JY said this morning, it¡¯s normal for us to quarrel, so no one should be alarmed."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t expect Mu Yi to be able to control the situation so well.


    The host took over again: "The new couple has made the atmosphere quite tense, so how about letting the bride and groom kiss for ten minutes before we start the next segment?"


    Immediately there were loud shouts from below, as if the host was following the will of the people.


    "If we were to kiss like that for ten minutes, we¡¯d probably need to clear the room!"


    Mu Yichen said.


    But he quickly turned his head and kissed the woman beside him, who maintained a smile.


    The microphone nearly hit Qin Mu¡¯s chin.


    Was this like shooting a TV drama?


    After a brief contact, Mu Yichen took the microphone and said, "Next segment."


    The crowd hadn¡¯t even had time to react.


    "These two really..."


    Helian Hao was almost driven to a heart attack by them.


    Mu Qingxin suddenly walked behind them, wrapping her arms over their shoulders, "What¡¯s up?"


    "We were worried your brother forgot that there are many guests present."


    Helian Hao kindly reminded.


    "Hehe! But why are they arguing? Is it because of Zhuo Wen? But doesn¡¯t Zhuo Wen have a fiance? already?"


    Mu Qingxin didn¡¯t understand and turned her head to look for Zhuo Wen and her fiance?¡¯s seats.


    Under the dim and changing lights, Mu Qingxin finally found the two of them; Zhuo Wen was whispering something to her fiance?¡¯s ear, clearly very happy based on their expressions.


    But why did it feel to Qin Mu like Zhuo Wen was the third party destroying their relationship?


    "Looks can be deceiving!"


    Wen Runuan replied with a smile.


    "Sigh! These women can really act."


    Mu Qingxin sighed and continued to embrace them both, looking up at the stage.


    Qiao Yi and Jing Feng suddenly jumped onto the stage, and with the help of the host, they started to tease Qin Mu and Mu Yichen.


    That night, after the wedding banquet ended, their friends didn¡¯t go home but went upstairs to the club.


    Qiao Yi and Jing Feng followed, and Mu Qingxin and Jiang Yan were also there, clearly intending to tease them.

 Chapter 742 - 206 Wedding (6)_2

    Chapter 742: 206 Wedding (6)_2


    "Let¡¯s call it a night!"


    Mu Yichen responded, truly exhausted.


    "Just now, none of us brothers properly toasted the two of you, no matter what, you can¡¯t dodge this. Besides, we¡¯re already at the private room¡¯s door."


    "She can¡¯t drink."


    Mu Yichen looked inside; Qin Mu was taking off her shoes, having worn an especially thin pair of high heels today, which were practically killing her.


    "I know she can¡¯t drink, but the groom can, right?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan smiled, then several men pushed Mu Yichen aside and leaped inside.


    Qin Mu was startled.


    In the opulent private room, the sound system was turned on, and the waiters had already brought in various types of liquor and fruit platters.


    Later, Mu Yichen sat on the sofa, watching as Jiang Zhiyuan actually started a dance-off with Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu had changed into a simple dress that came down to her knees.


    "Qingxin, come join in!"


    Qin Mu, rarely this happy, then pulled Qingxin, Wen Runuan, and Xiaomei, and they all began to have fun together.


    Helian Hao, being pregnant, just sat on the side watching them play.


    But seeing Qin Mu so happy, she finally felt at ease.


    Mu Yichen sat next to her and couldn¡¯t help but light a cigarette, but when he saw Helian Hao, he was about to snuff it out again.


    "It¡¯s fine!"


    Helian Hao whispered to him.


    Mu Yichen then took another puff and squinted at the woman dancing with her friends in front of him.


    "Jing Feng! As a child, you said you¡¯d treat me as your sister. Now that your sister is getting married, shouldn¡¯t big brother offer his sincere blessings? Plus, you married my best friend."


    Qin Mu joked, actually feeling flushed from exhaustion. However, the room lights were dimmed, so she didn¡¯t feel anything.


    Jing Feng reluctantly let go of Helian Hao¡¯s hand, letting her sit by herself on the sofa, and moved forward, one hand holding his drink, the other on Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder.


    "Big brother hugging his little sister¡¯s shoulder won¡¯t upset the brother-in-law, right?"


    Jing Feng first asked the man sitting on the other side of his wife, before he continued with a smile, "Indeed, when we were kids I said this girl was my sister, told her to come to me if she had any trouble. But when she came back from Paris, I made her suffer a lot because of my own sister. Little sister, let your big brother apologize to you tonight."


    Jing Feng said, raising his glass.


    Qin Mu actually wanted to drink too.


    "Isn¡¯t this too polite?"


    Qin Mu asked him.


    "Mu Yichen, when this girl just returned to the country, you said she could marry along with me, I truly thought you were going to marry my biological sister, not this sister. You really had me fooled."


    Jing Feng, holding his drink, stretched out a finger pointing at the man sitting helplessly in the sofa across from him.


    Mu Yichen smiled back at him, a smile that was somewhat faint.


    "Only later did I find out that this guy was going to marry this girl!"


    Jing Feng said, then turned to look at Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu smiled, then whispered something into Jing Feng¡¯s ear.


    Jing Feng¡¯s gaze suddenly became a bit distant.


    After Qin Mu finished speaking, she left him and said to everyone, "How about we have Jing Jian give us a dance?"


    The crowd immediately cheered. The last time Jing Feng danced was at his own wedding.


    "Today I¡¯m just a supporting role. Let the main characters take the stage."


    Jing Feng looked towards Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen was about to stand up when Qin Mu said, "No, no, no, right now, you guys are the stars here."


    Mu Yichen settled back into the comfortable sofa, his mood somewhat gloomy.


    All evening, he counted the few times she looked his way very clearly.


    Jiang Zhiyuan ran up and had a playful dance-off with Jing Feng for two minutes. Jing Feng surrendered, returning to his seat, then Jiang Zhiyuan immediately pulled Wen Runuan to the center.


    It didn¡¯t matter if President Zhang was unhappy, Jiang Zhiyuan just smiled at Wen Runuan.


    Wen Runuan smiled helplessly but went along with everyone and danced.


    Later, Jian Yan arrived too, but after offering a few congratulatory words, he just sat on the sofa watching them play.


    Eventually, Mu Yichen, having no choice, had a drinking contest with Jiang Zhiyuan and Jing Feng, and it wasn¡¯t until around one or two o¡¯clock that they dispersed.


    Then, finding this private room empty, they went in to sleep.


    They left late. Qin Mu turned her head to look inside, Jian Yan was still sitting there. She gazed at his silhouette, thought for a moment and called out, "Jian Yan."


    Jian Yan turned around, his hollow eyes meeting Qin Mu¡¯s.


    "I might not be able to see you off tomorrow."


    She was a bit tired, the man on her was too heavy.


    "Okay! Go get some rest."


    Jian Yan agreed, at this time the lighting in the room was still dim, but the music had stopped.

 Chapter 743 - 206 Wedding (6)_3

    Chapter 743: 206 Wedding (6)_3


    "Don¡¯t drink alcohol! And cut down on the cigarettes."


    Qin Mu was afraid he couldn¡¯t control himself, so she made a special reminder.


    Jian Yan let out a laugh as Qin Mu carried Mu Yichen away.


    The staff were waiting outside and immediately came forward to help when they saw her exit.


    Qin Mu cursed him as a pig in her mind, intending to hand him over to the staff, but he held onto her neck tightly.


    Qin Mu had no choice but to take him upstairs herself.


    They finally returned to their hotel room.


    She sighed unconsciously at the sight of the room, with roses strewn all over the floor and a heart-pierced by an arrow arrangement on the bed in the bedroom.


    She thought, who has the energy to appreciate all this when they¡¯re so exhausted?


    "Young Madam, all of this was personally prepared by Mr. Yichen."


    As the hotel¡¯s room manager left with the staff, Qin Mu¡¯s gaze fell on the man lying next to the bed.


    When did he come to prepare this?


    He did leave for a while in the evening, but...


    She had only fantasized about the moment of putting on the white dress, never considering that it would be merely a fleeting joy; the entire day after was nothing but utter exhaustion.


    Qin Mu looked up at him.


    His eyelashes fluttered slightly, and he simply looked at her calmly.


    Qin Mu froze, her heartbeat slowing down for a moment.


    "Mrs. Mu."


    "Psh!"


    Qin Mu thought to herself, aren¡¯t you supposed to be drunk?


    "If I didn¡¯t pretend to be drunk, they wouldn¡¯t have dispersed."


    "Since it¡¯s all family, wouldn¡¯t it be nice to let them have their fun?"


    "Are you joking with me?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him.


    "Today is our wedding night."


    ¡ª¡ª


    After dawn, Qin Mu came out and ran into Zhuo Wen; she only wanted to see Jian Yan, but Zhuo Wen happened to be coming out from a few doors down.


    The two women looked at each other, this time, they had to confront each other.


    Zhuo Wen stepped forward: "Congratulations, you finally became Mrs. Mu as you wished."


    "Thanks!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t even look at her, replying with just two words out of courtesy.


    "Won¡¯t you ask why I¡¯m still here? Won¡¯t you ask when I¡¯m leaving?"


    "Better never to leave."


    This time, Qin Mu looked at her.


    Zhuo Wen looked back, not understanding.


    "Only then will I have the chance to rip off that fake skin from your face."


    Qin Mu¡¯s sharp gaze locked onto Zhuo Wen¡¯s eyes, causing Zhuo Wen¡¯s face to turn pale, but she turned her head away quickly and sidestepped to avoid facing her: "What right do you have to say that? Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s because your own father had an affair, you think that all married men in the world will cheat on their wives behind their backs?"


    "No! I just think that cunning women, like the one responsible for my mother¡¯s car accident, are not in short supply, especially those like Miss Zhuo who appear so aloof yet are actually despicably cheap to the bone. As the rightful wife, I certainly have to be cautious,"


    Before Qin Mu could finish speaking, Zhuo Wen, having heard a few words such as ¡¯despicably cheap,¡¯ couldn¡¯t help but step forward, her hand raised to slap Qin Mu. However, Qin Mu¡¯s sharp eyes immediately caught her motion, her hand quickly intercepting Zhuo Wen¡¯s forceful wrist. Qin Mu looked at Zhuo Wen¡¯s furiously pale face with a smile, admitting to herself that she had indeed become angry because Zhuo Wen had brought up her parents, so she had deliberately used such words to retort Zhuo Wen.


    "You¡¯re going too far, Qin Mu,"


    Zhuo Wen said.


    "Really? I don¡¯t see everyone as a rival. Or is it that Miss Zhuo is already backing down so quickly?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s keen eyes stared at her.


    "We¡¯ll see about that!"


    Zhuo Wen shook off Qin Mu¡¯s hand.


    "Zhuo Wen! Remember my words."


    Having said that, Qin Mu was about to leave when she passed by Zhuo Wen.


    Yet, Zhuo Wen suddenly grabbed Qin Mu¡¯s wrist, pressing her up against the wall, one hand beside Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder, calming down the anger inside her as she directly looked at the equally tall Qin Mu with a smile: "Qin Mu, I¡¯ve said it many times, I really have no interest in your husband. I¡¯m staying here because of my fiance?, who¡¯s avoiding some trouble in Australia so we¡¯re lingering here."


    "There are too many lies; even if you¡¯re telling the truth now, I won¡¯t believe it anymore. Besides¡ª"


    Qin Mu raised her hand; the scarf wrapped around Zhuo Wen¡¯s neck didn¡¯t look very flattering to Qin Mu, so she gently tugged at it, then looked straight into Zhuo Wen¡¯s eyes.


    At that moment, Zhuo Wen was truly infuriated by her, knowing what Qin Mu hadn¡¯t finished saying.


    Jian Yan¡¯s flight was early at seven in the morning, and despite her rush, Qin Mu was still late.


    Actually, Jian Yan would have preferred not to see her.


    Qin Mu spent a lot of time thinking in a coffee shop next to the airport, and the morning quickly passed.


    Her phone was still on her bedside.


    When Mu Yichen woke up at half past ten, she wasn¡¯t there, but her phone was ringing. He reached out to grab her phone and answered, pinching the bridge of his nose: "Hello?"


    "Mr. Mu? Is Qinqin not there?"


    "She should be in the washroom, I¡¯ll call her for you."


    Mu Yichen was about to go to the washroom himself, so he left the phone on the bed and went to look for her.


    However, when he pushed open the door of the washroom, it was completely empty and she was nowhere to be seen.


    A frown briefly crossed his brows before they knitted tightly together again.


    She was not in the living room either, nowhere to be found.


    ¡ª¡ª


    The hotel staff mentioned seeing the young madam leaving before seven in the morning. Mu Yichen thought of Jian Yan¡¯s departure for Paris today.


    Had she gone to see him off, or had she left with him?


    She had long since been reluctant to stay with him, so even her sighs were half-hearted.


    But what about their child?


    Had she given up on everything?


    Upon thinking of the child, Mu Yichen¡¯s dejected sitting figure immediately stood up again, standing ramrod straight.


    "Huanhuan? Huanhuan is playing with her little brother. She seems very happy today, always cajoling her brother,"


    Feng Fanghua chatted happily a bit more, unaware that the person on the other end had hung up early. After putting down the phone, she turned to her husband sitting beside her: "This kid doesn¡¯t come back in the middle of the day and just leaves it at that, but what about all those strange questions he asked?"


    Mu Yichen dressed in his shirt, hearing someone knocking at the door from outside, and they were knocking quite forcefully.


    "Daring to be angry with me after disappearing all morning,"


    Mu Yichen grumbled deeply, looking down as he walked towards the door.

 Chapter 744 - 207 After the Wedding (1)_1

    Chapter 744: 207 After the Wedding (1)_1


    Qin Mu had calmed down by the time she rushed back to the hotel from the airport.


    The hotel lobby manager came down from upstairs and happened to see her returning from outside, so he went over to greet her, "Young Madam."


    "Hmm! Is Mr. Mu awake yet?"


    "He is, he just ordered a meal."


    The manager replied and walked with her to the elevator, pressing the button for her.


    "Thank you!"


    Qin Mu said to him as she entered and then the elevator doors closed.


    AM, love and admiration.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why the name of the hotel came to mind. The elevator continued upward, her sharp eyes also lifted, and she slightly pursed her lips.


    Despite having put on lipstick before leaving that morning, now it felt a bit dry.


    Qin Mu took the room card out of her pocket, walked to her room door, and pushed it open with her head down.


    Then...


    ----


    On the sofa, a woman was entwined on top of a man, whose shirt was still unbuttoned.


    Qin Mu had just closed the door and turned her head to see the woman straddling the man on the couch, and it felt as though a mouthful of blood had lodged in her throat.


    Mu Yichen was startled by Zhuo Wen¡¯s sudden movement. Just as the door sounded, Zhuo Wen had suddenly pounced on him; only the bottom two buttons of his shirt were done up.


    Mu Yichen turned his eyes to see Qin Mu standing at the door, struggling with anger and grief. The next moment, he pushed Zhuo Wen off of him, stood aside furiously, and glared at the woman knocked down on the other side of the sofa: "What are you doing?"


    "Playing dumb? Weren¡¯t you quite happy just now?"


    Zhuo Wen smiled faintly and then turned her eyes to Qin Mu at the door, stood up from the sofa, and gently gathered her long hair with both hands.


    It was provocation!


    Qin Mu stared straight at the shameless woman, her eyes flashing through myriad emotions in a moment¡¯s time.


    The sudden silence in the living room, Zhuo Wen¡¯s voice so wanton, so painfully goading the blood within her.


    "That¡¯s right, it¡¯s exactly what you see, I¡¯m with Mu Yi now! I¡¯ve liked him for a long time. If it weren¡¯t for public opinion, we would have gone public already," Zhuo Wen said, and then sighed deeply.


    Mu Yichen just quickly did up his shirt buttons, and his brows furrowed upon hearing Zhuo Wen¡¯s last sentence, his gaze even more terrifying.


    Qin Mu had warned him before, but he hadn¡¯t believed her.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak but just nodded, tears in her fierce eyes as she glanced aside. The corner of her mouth curved slightly. She was feeling tumultuous inside, especially after Zhuo Wen¡¯s provocation.


    But she knew she couldn¡¯t afford to be too reckless, yet she needed to do something.


    If she just walked away at this moment...


    She looked up again, her sharp gaze piercing the tall man, and then she realized if she left like this, she would be letting this despicable pair off too easily.


    So she suddenly smiled, hands on hips, pondered aloud in front of them, and then strode forward.


    "Who initiated it?"


    Qin Mu asked fiercely, chin lifted as she looked at the man.


    Next to the fruit bowl on the coffee table by the sofa, there lay a particularly brand-new fruit knife.


    Qin Mu, in a flurry, walked there while vigorously undoing the buttons of her coat, took it off, and threw it on the ground carelessly, then quickening her pace. Her white shirt was tucked into her black trousers. As she bent over to pick up the knife, her slender waistline was immediately visible.


    Her figure hadn¡¯t been ruined by pregnancy. Instead, she had restored it soon after having her baby. She was always serious and scrupulous about everything, never knowing she would have such an opportunity.


    Her delicate hand grabbed the brand-new fruit knife with the black handle.


    "I¡¯m asking which one of you initiated this?"


    Qin Mu glared at them coldly, appearing ready to stab whoever confessed.


    At this moment, she wished there was a professional camera set up here, recording all her actions to be posted online, to let all those damned, cheap women who lusted after her man know all about Qin Mu¡¯s ¡¯good nature.¡¯


    "Calm down a bit, put the knife down first."


    Zhuo Wen was so frightened her stomach tightened, and her throat felt sore, her voice weakening involuntarily.


    "Calm? To hell with being calm, I¡¯ve never killed anyone in my life, Qin Mu!"


    Qin Mu roared at her furiously, deciding to forget everything else. Her mother hadn¡¯t killed the mistress and instead died herself; she must stab this woman to death. Even if their marriage had no future, it would be worth it.


    At this moment, Qin Mu¡¯s tear-filled eyes were agitated and resolute.


    "You¡¯re absolutely insane!"

 Chapter 745 - 207 After the Wedding (1)_2

    Chapter 745: 207 After the Wedding (1)_2


    Madwoman?


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s legs gave out and she collapsed back onto the couch, her eyes bulging as Qin Mu¡¯s knife hovered in front of her, she hugged her head and shrank into the couch, screaming, "Ah..."


    At this moment, appearances and such were bullshit to Qin Mu.


    But who could care about appearances at a time like this? Zhuo Wen was scared to death too, wanting to escape, but Qin Mu had already blocked the way.


    "No way!"


    Mu Yichen timely embraced her from behind.


    "Let go of me, believe it or not, this grandma will chop off your hand?"


    Qin Mu turned her head to look at him and shouted.


    "Even if you chop off my hand, you can¡¯t chop her."


    Mu Yichen held her tightly, even causing her little stomach to hurt from the pressure.


    Qin Mu, however, looking at him like that, suddenly couldn¡¯t help it and her eyes blurred with tears, her face streaming with tears in a matter of seconds.


    "You bastard, do you love her that much?"


    Qin Mu clenched the knife handle in one hand, pointing downwards, and with her other hand tried hard to pry his slender and strong fingers open.


    Qin Mu, gritting her teeth with rage, exhausted from the effort and still unable to break his grip, angrily yelled, "Mu Yichen, let me go."


    "If I let you go, we¡¯re all finished."


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but smile bitterly, thinking to himself, how did you suddenly become so strong? I¡¯m barely able to restrain you.


    "Qin Mu, have you gone mad? Killing someone means going to prison."


    Zhuo Wen, terrified by the knife in her hand, grabbed the armrest of the couch to pull herself up, swallowed nervously, and seeing no other way out, managed to crawl onto the couch.


    "Even if it means going to prison, I¡¯ll stab you to death first."


    Qin Mu roared, then thrust forward powerfully, her hands gripping the long knife handle tightly¡ªthe kind of long knife actually used for cutting watermelon.


    "Stab me to death? We¡¯ve done everything that needed to be done, if you kill me, will he be yours?" Zhuo Wen jumped down after finishing her words.


    "Bitch, stop right where you are."


    Fearing she would escape, Qin Mu struggled even more fiercely, shouting loudly.


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s high heel broke, and she knelt on one knee to the ground, crying out in pain as she spoke those words.


    Mu Yichen...


    Qin Mu...


    But Zhuo Wen still got up and hobbled out the door, and Qin Mu immediately roared again, "Bitch, stop right there."


    She truly wasn¡¯t rational at this moment, she didn¡¯t want to be rational anymore, if being rational could make everything go back to before this morning.


    Qin Mu¡¯s face was already flushed with anger, appearances and such were bullshit to her right now.


    Her throat was hoarse from shouting, but Zhuo Wen had run away, Mu Yichen was still holding her, and she was out of strength, only able to plead, "Let me go, let me go!"


    She cried, sobbing like a child, overcome with grievance.


    Mu Yichen still held her tightly, his heart aching for her, unable to let her go.


    Mu Yichen thought she had given up everything here and boarded the plane with Jian Yan.


    "You bastard."


    Her voice was raspy with tears, crying out.


    In the huge living room, only her crying was left.


    Qin Mu gripped the knife handle pointing downwards with one hand, gently pressing against his shoulder, and with the other, she hit him hard.


    "Listen to me, no matter how angry you are, take it out on me."


    He faced her, embracing her tightly.


    "I¡¯m going to kill her, I¡¯m going to kill her."


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was hoarse from screaming, repeating hysterically, her eyes already obscured by tears.


    "Killing someone means prison! And nothing happened between me and that ¡¯bitch.¡¯"


    He tried to soothe her while he couldn¡¯t help but want to laugh, hearing her talk about killing someone.


    "Nothing happened? Nothing happened and you look like this? You¡¯re still laughing? You can still laugh?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him, disbelieving, then grabbed his shirt and slapped him hard on the chest, seeing the lipstick mark on his neck, her anger intensified, and she forcefully pushed him away.


    Mu Yichen let go because he didn¡¯t want to hurt her, but never expected Qin Mu¡¯s knife to accidentally cut himself.


    Qin Mu also startled, the knife immediately dropped to the floor, with a tear from her eyelashes falling onto her face, sliding down to her chin.


    He simply took off his shirt to cover the wound on his arm: "I¡¯m fine."


    He was very calm, finally, his whole heart was preoccupied with this girl who was enraged.


    She had never been this angry before, and he never thought he would push her to this point one day.


    He had said some inappropriate things, he looked very chauvinistic, and indeed, he wanted to keep her tied to his side forever, but actually, what he preferred more was for them to live in loving companionship.

 Chapter 746 - 207 After the Wedding (1)_3

    Chapter 746: 207 After the Wedding (1)_3


    Qin Mu raised her eyes to look at him and gradually calmed down, but then she lowered her gaze, no longer wanting to see him.


    She had made it clear that there was something wrong with that woman.


    She didn¡¯t know why Zhuo Wen was in this room, nor did she know why Zhuo Wen was on him; she didn¡¯t know if anything had happened between them.


    She didn¡¯t even care anymore, willing to let go of everything.


    Looking at him, she couldn¡¯t muster any strength.


    They were no longer the children they once were.


    Thinking of her actions just now, she unconsciously scoffed at herself, then raised her hand, her head bowed, palm pressing against her tearful eyes and forehead.


    Her head hurt like hell.


    She was already irritable enough.


    She had sat in the cafe? for so long, thought so much, and just when she had finally convinced herself to carry on as usual, she returned to see all this.


    She had wanted to ask him if he had a headache from drinking too much, had even planned to have a meal with him and then go home to see the elders.


    In her pocket, she had even prepared medicine to treat post-drinking headaches.


    But now, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to say any words of concern to him.


    She couldn¡¯t bring anything out, only feeling that since Zhuo Wen arrived at the house, she had made things clear to him; but she felt there were still so many unresolved issues between them.


    Suddenly, she was terribly frightened.


    She didn¡¯t know how many more conflicts they would have.


    She didn¡¯t know what she should do if he really had done something with Zhuo Wen.


    Really kill Zhuo Wen?


    And then go to prison?


    What about the children?


    Once, she had resented her mother for dying and leaving her alone in this world.


    Just now, she had nearly made the same mistake.


    She suddenly hated herself for being so uncollected, so irrational.


    After much turmoil, she finally lifted up her tearful eyes again.


    "You¡¯re fine, but I have a problem."


    Her voice was still hoarse, not as hysterical as before, tough and sad.


    Wiping away her tears, she shook her head in denial, unwilling to admit: "Mu Yichen, I don¡¯t want to see you anymore."


    Mu Yichen tried to come closer, but Qin Mu immediately raised her hand: "Don¡¯t come near me. For the time being, I really can¡¯t bring myself to be calm. I want to move out of the Mu Family temporarily."


    She didn¡¯t even look up, just refused to have any more close contact with him.


    It felt as though the heating in the living room had suddenly stopped.


    The air grew still.


    She walked past the sofa to leave, picking up the coat that was on the floor.


    When she stood up, she took a deep breath, unable to see the road ahead clearly.


    "I¡¯ll move out!"


    Mu Yichen spoke in a deep voice as she approached the doorway, his dark gaze fixed intently on her slim retreating figure.


    Qin Mu stopped for a few seconds, the coat draped over her arm, and then, with force, she opened the door.


    The children needed her, and she knew she couldn¡¯t go far.


    If he was willing to move out, that was for the best.


    "Whatever happens, don¡¯t wander off and worry our parents. As long as you promise me that, I¡¯ll move out."


    Mu Yichen reminded the woman about to leave one last time.


    In his deep voice, exhaustion was evident.


    Qin Mu held her breath and, even after hearing his words, didn¡¯t turn back; after leaving, she closed the door behind him.


    Mu Yichen knew she had agreed, but when he looked down at his shirt, thinking of how Zhuo Wen had touched it, he was so angered that he immediately took off the shirt from his arm and furiously threw it on the ground.


    He had someone eavesdrop on Zhuo Wen¡¯s room, but nothing unusual happened there.


    He thought that Qin Mu must have made a mistake, given that Zhuo Wen had always had a good relationship with her fiance?.


    It wasn¡¯t until just now that he realized how truly inscrutable women can be.


    Never try to analyze a woman with a simple mind; that¡¯s absolutely wrong.


    Afterward, he showered and treated his wounds himself.


    On the floor, the knife still lay there, dried bloodstains on it.


    Qin Mu stood in front of Zhuo Wen¡¯s room, with Wang Yin, the manager of the guest department, and two male attendants following behind her.


    "Come in ten minutes after I exit," she said to them before pushing the door open.


    "Okay!"


    "Don¡¯t tell Mu Yichen!"


    Qin Mu added seriously, and after receiving assurances from Wang Yin and the butler, she pushed open the door and entered.


    If Mu Yichen knew, he would surely try to stop her.


    If she couldn¡¯t kill Zhuo Wen, then at the very least, she couldn¡¯t let Zhuo Wen get off so easily.

 Chapter 747 - 207 After the Wedding (1)_4

    Chapter 747: 207 After the Wedding (1)_4


    Zhuo Wen should pay a price for the trouble she¡¯s caused for her and Mu Yichen.


    Qin Mu knew Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance? wasn¡¯t around, which is why she was even more confident in dealing with Zhuo Wen.


    After entering, Qin Mu gently closed the door and then looked down to see a silver golf club standing upright in a long tube, and couldn¡¯t help but let out a light chuckle.


    Her eyes were calm yet ruthlessly resolute, her slender fingers casually picked up one club to hold in her palm, and then she walked inside.


    Outside the door, Wang Yin anxiously waited with two attendants, taking deep breaths over and over again. She thought, Qin Mu might do something bad, but she couldn¡¯t stop her.


    That was because she saw Zhuo Wen enter Mu Yichen¡¯s room, and when Qin Mu came to find her, she guessed the possible reason. Having experienced a similar situation with a mistress, she immediately agreed to Qin Mu¡¯s request.


    All that needed to be shut off had been, all that needed to be cleaned up had been, and all that needed to remain silent had.


    They waited anxiously outside.


    Zhuo Wen was packing up inside by herself when Qin Mu walked over and saw the bedroom door open.


    Zhuo Wen thought it was her own fiance?, so she kept her head down as she packed, saying, "That woman Qin Mu is a lunatic; she actually took a knife to kill me. We can¡¯t stay here anymore. Let¡¯s go now."


    Zhuo Wen tried to stuff clothes into her suitcase, unable even to calm down enough to fold them.


    Zhuo Wen was agitated, and even a bit out of control, "If we don¡¯t leave now, I¡¯m afraid she¡¯ll come looking for trouble. In Rongcheng, we can¡¯t provoke her."


    Standing at the doorway, gripping the golf club, Qin Mu watched Zhuo Wen¡¯s pre-escape behavior and unconsciously licked her own lips, leaning against the door frame with the thought, so you know you can¡¯t provoke me in Rongcheng? But it¡¯s too late now that you realize it.


    Qin Mu bit her lips as she scrutinized the woman in front of her, a woman beautiful enough to take one¡¯s breath away, but a villainess nonetheless.


    Qin Mu scoffed, her delicate gaze devoid of any warmth.


    With no response, Zhuo Wen turned to look.


    Then, she froze completely, "You, how could you...?"


    "How could I come in?"


    Qin Mu played with the golf club in her hand, glanced at Zhuo Wen casually, and then looked back at the club, her eyes devilishly as if she had touched poison.


    "Is there anywhere in AM where I am not allowed to enter? Or did Miss Zhuo have a moment of stupidity despite being smart all her life?"


    Qin Mu looked at her again and then tilted her head slightly.


    Zhuo Wen, watching Qin Mu¡¯s arrogant demeanor, felt her heartbeat quicken.


    "What do you want?"


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s throat felt drier as she asked nervously.


    "What can I do? Just venting for myself. I¡¯ve found that Miss Zhuo¡¯s face is quite round, seemingly full of collagen. If I were to strike it, it would probably feel quite comfortable," Qin Mu said, touching the bottom of the golf club.


    "Don¡¯t mess around, there are cameras here," Zhuo Wen said as she clutched her clothes and backed away slightly.


    "If I were afraid, I wouldn¡¯t have come here," Qin Mu said, then stood up straight and slowly walked towards Zhuo Wen step by step.


    "I am about to return to Australia. Is there really a need to be so ruthless?"


    Zhuo Wen frowned deeply, her face pale as paper.


    "Leave now? Why not stay a few more days?"


    As soon as Qin Mu finished speaking, the clothes fell from Zhuo Wen¡¯s hands, and she just stared dumbly as Qin Mu suddenly raised the golf club.


    "I hope you will stay a few more days!"


    Qin Mu had never thought she was so accurate at golf, but apparently, hitting a face, she was dead on.


    She felt the golf club hook under Zhuo Wen¡¯s chin, and Zhuo Wen was sent flying onto the bed, then lay there motionless.


    Qin Mu had measured her strength, but that stroke indeed was fast, accurate, and ruthless!


    Indeed, it was beautiful!


    The blow wasn¡¯t lethal for Zhuo Wen, but after stirring up so much trouble in Rongcheng, Qin Mu had finally vented on her own behalf.


    "A bitch will always be a bitch," Qin Mu tossed the club aside, watching the unconscious woman on the bed with cold eyes, her words very light, almost as if she were muttering to herself.


    She couldn¡¯t be bothered with Zhuo Wen, so she turned and indifferently walked out.


    Her figure was upright; her heart was stubborn; she had never been so humiliated, not even when she was being schemed against by Yang Qianxi and the others had she ever felt so demoralized.


    "It¡¯s done!"


    Qin Mu left the room, took a breath before showing a perfect smile to Wang Yin and the attendants waiting at the door, and said refreshingly.


    "Are you okay?" Wang Yin asked with concern.


    "I¡¯m very good, just that she isn¡¯t. Take her to the hospital, and whatever she says, stick to the story that she hurt herself playing around," Qin Mu ordered, nodding seriously. It wasn¡¯t that she wasn¡¯t nervous, but the rational part of her insisted on restraint.


    She lowered her head, gripping the sides of her waist tightly with her hands, only then looking forward again, very close to their guest room.


    "Yes!"


    Wang Yin responded composedly.


    In her heart, this was the real Qin Mu, with clear love and hate, daring to fight and kill.


    Wang Yin remembered Qin Mu as she was when she first arrived in Rongcheng.


    "Thank you for your hard work!" Qin Mu said as she walked past them towards the elevator, feeling extremely elated inside.


    As she neared the elevator, Qin Mu suddenly turned around, walking backward she commented, "The guest room where Mr. Mu stayed, starting tonight, accommodate other guests."

 Chapter 748 - 208 After the Wedding (2)_1

    Chapter 748: 208 After the Wedding (2)_1


    "From the back door!"


    After Wang Yin led people in, she looked at the woman lying on the bed as if dead, her skirt wrinkled unattractively at her behind, and after instructing the two attendants behind her, she left first.


    She knew that this kind of woman was absolutely not qualified to get into a car from the hotel¡¯s main entrance.


    ----


    Qin Mu left the hotel and drove directly back to the Mu Mansion in Mu Yichen¡¯s car.


    She felt that what she had experienced today was enough to remember for a lifetime.


    As soon as she returned to the house and entered, she heard the sounds of a family chatting and laughing. Qin Mu walked up and greeted them, and upon seeing the three little babies of the family, she couldn¡¯t help but smile and say, "Our family is really warm."


    Mu Qingxin looked up at Qin Mu somewhat uneasily, Qin Mu¡¯s words feeling like they had neither beginning nor end, and Mu Qingxin blinked, "Wow, what did you just go through?"


    Mu Qingxin noticed that Qin Mu¡¯s face looked as if she had just survived a great disaster.


    "Nothing! I just played a game of ball, feeling pretty good, ¡¯Grandpa, mom and dad, I¡¯m going upstairs to change my clothes."


    Huanhuan watched her going upstairs to change clothes and suddenly dropped her toy to run to her from beside her grandparents.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Qin Mu bent down, looking into her daughter¡¯s eyes that resembled someone else¡¯s.


    "Hug."


    The walls around Qin Mu¡¯s heart, suddenly collapsed.


    Her eyes immediately burned by the hot atmosphere, then she bent down and picked up her daughter, forcing a smile, "Go with grandpa and grandma to take care of your little brother. Mom will come after changing clothes."


    "Okay!"


    Huanhuan wrapped her arms around her mother¡¯s neck and kissed her on the face.


    Qin Mu then set her down, touched her head, and walked away.


    However, as she climbed the stairs with sure-footed steps, her tears fell one by one.


    Those tears, like beads fallen from a string, were stubborn and heavy.


    She didn¡¯t know why her daughter made such a heartwarming gesture all of a sudden, but she just started to feel sad.


    When she returned to her room and the door closed behind her, she bit her lip hard, but her face was already streaked with tears.


    In the end, she couldn¡¯t control herself and bowed her head, beginning to sob softly, even shaking a little.


    "Strange, why is she the only one who came back? What about her brother?"


    Mu Qingxin asked, then the phone beside her rang. Fearing to disturb the baby¡¯s rest, she hurriedly picked it up.


    "It¡¯s my brother!"


    She whispered to the elders while picking up the phone.


    The living room suddenly became quiet, then she answered with a, "Hello? Brother?"


    "Did your sister-in-law come back?"


    Mu Yichen was still in the hotel, but at that time, he was already in the office.


    "She came back already, said she was going upstairs to change clothes, but it¡¯s been over half an hour and she hasn¡¯t come down yet."


    Mu Qingxin¡¯s voice sounded somewhat complaining as she spoke.


    "Mm! Have her rest well at home, and if she¡¯s not going out, don¡¯t disturb her until it¡¯s time to eat."


    Mu Yichen instructed seriously before hanging up the phone.


    Mu Qingxin wanted to ask what had happened, but there was no time to ask.


    Everyone was still playing happily last night.


    "What on earth happened?"


    Mu Qingxin turned after putting down her phone to look at her husband.


    "I¡¯m afraid only they know."


    Jiang Yan replied somewhat helplessly.


    "Weren¡¯t they still..."


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but murmur, puzzled.


    "At the wedding yesterday, that girl from the Zhuo Family was there too, it probably has something to do with that."


    "Mom and dad, can you help us take care of the kids, we¡¯re going to the hotel."


    Mu Qingxin said as she pulled Jiang Yan with her to the hotel.


    After they left, Feng Fanghua sighed helplessly, "What on earth does this precious daughter of yours want to do?"


    "She¡¯s just concerned about her brother¡¯s and sister-in-law¡¯s love life."


    Mu Zihao replied with a laugh.


    The old master was sitting inside reading the newspaper with reading glasses, "At the wedding yesterday, the old man from the Jing Family said something to me, he said, ¡¯Ah, these two young people have finally come full circle, saving others trouble. But why do I feel like they still have a long and bumpy road ahead?¡¯"


    These words were truly thought-provoking.


    In the evening, Mu Yichen didn¡¯t come home, and Mu Qingxin went to knock on Qin Mu¡¯s door.


    "Applying for a chat?"


    Mu Qingxin proposed to the woman in bed coaxing her son to sleep at the doorway.


    "Come on over!"


    Qin Mu said softly, hugging her son a little tighter in her arms to make room for Mu Qingxin.


    As soon as Mu Qingxin got into her bed, she couldn¡¯t help but say, "It¡¯s great that Mu Yichen isn¡¯t home, I can even sleep in his bed!"

 Chapter 749 - 208 After the Wedding (2)_2

    Chapter 749: 208 After the Wedding (2)_2


    Qin Mu looked at Mu Qingxin¡¯s smug little expression and chuckled.


    "Qin Mu, did you know that Zhuo Wen has been hospitalized?"


    Rolling on her side to face Qin Mu, Mu Qingxin propped her head with one hand and, while asking, her eyes were fixed intently on Qin Mu.


    "What are you trying to say?"


    Qin Mu asked her.


    "Rumor has it that my brother was the one who hit her."


    "Your brother doesn¡¯t hit women, does he?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes shifted slightly, then she asked casually.


    "Yeah! Logically, that¡¯s the case, but who knows if there might be exceptions? If it really was my brother who did it, then he would probably face a lot of social backlash. If our grandfather finds out, he might beat him half to death."


    "He¡¯s not coming back today."


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, then said quietly.


    "He might not come back today, but he will tomorrow night. It¡¯s Chinese New Year¡¯s Eve, and our grandfather definitely won¡¯t let it slide because of that. Zhuo Wen¡¯s grandfather and our family¡¯s old man are as close as brothers. Just think about it."


    Mu Qingxin got up, leaned towards Qin Mu, and whispered looking at the little nephew in Qin Mu¡¯s arms.


    Tomorrow is New Year¡¯s Eve, and he will definitely come back tomorrow night.


    Qin Mu lowered her gaze and gently patted the little one in her arms, silent.


    "Ah! The hotel staff are pretty tight-lipped too, not spilling a single word."


    Mu Qingxin sighed as she spoke, as she had indeed tried various ways to get information today. However, even as Yichen¡¯s own sister, she got nothing from them.


    But she wasn¡¯t the only one feeling upset. Later that evening, Mu Yichen and Jiang Zhiyuan had agreed to go for drinks. Wang Yin, along with the cleaning staff, had already been waiting at the door, and upon seeing them, he could only say, "No need to clean."


    "President, the lady of the house says this guest room will be receiving other guests starting tonight."


    "Say that again?"


    Mu Yichen, thinking he had misheard, turned around to look at the empty corridor, his eyes filled with annoyance.


    "The lady of the house says this guest room will now be reopened to receive guests."


    Although Wang Yin was very nervous, she still informed him since the room had already been arranged for other guests.


    Mu Yichen...


    He still went out to drink, just feeling very vexed.


    That woman could be so heartless, knowing full well his special fondness for that room.


    In the private room downstairs, Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan had already ordered food and were waiting for him. As soon as he arrived, Jiang Zhiyuan instructed the server: "Pour the wine!"


    The server nodded promptly, then went to get the wine bottle to pour for them.


    Mu Yichen draped his coat over the back of the chair, walked over and sat down, his expression somewhat sour.


    "What¡¯s wrong? Not having fun in your newly-wedded bliss?"


    "Or did you have too much fun?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan and Qiao Yi teased him, a kind of joking Zhao Huai wasn¡¯t very good at.


    "Hmph! Fun? Who did I have fun with?"


    Mu Yichen laughed, their astonished expressions visible to him as he recounted the day¡¯s events and then took a big gulp of wine himself.


    Qiao Yi, Jiang Zhiyuan, and Zhao Huai exchanged looks before leaning forward slightly: "Xiaomu hit Zhuo Wen?"


    "Xiaomu is actually that violent?"


    "Are you sure you¡¯re not mistaken?"


    All the surveillance cameras were turned off, but the one Mu Yichen had someone install was inadvertently left on.


    Although they couldn¡¯t see anything, they heard everything clearly.


    Plus, Wang Yin had confirmed his suspicions that afternoon.


    "Hahaha! Our Xiaomu is so impressive, really well done."


    Jiang Zhiyuan laughed heartily, truly amused as he slapped the table.


    "Thought we¡¯re going to be schemed against again."


    Zhao Huai let out a sigh of relief as if it were a close call.


    Mu Yichen...


    "In our view, there is indeed something off about Zhuo Wen."


    Qiao Yi spoke in hindsight.


    Mu Yichen turned to look at him, scoffed derisively and wished he could smash a wine bottle over his head.


    "Indeed something¡¯s off? Why didn¡¯t you say so earlier?"


    Mu Yichen asked Qiao Yi pointedly.


    "How could I dare say anything out of line to the boss, not knowing if that¡¯s exactly what you wanted in your heart."


    Mu Yichen picked up the wine glass and with a ¡¯bang¡¯,


    smashed the glass on the floor, startling all three of them and suddenly silencing the room.


    Jiang Zhiyuan turned his head, gesturing to the server.


    The server hurriedly went to get the cleaning tools.


    Mu Yichen, however, was quite furious.


    "Not a single person ever told me there was something wrong with this woman, okay? Now you come to me saying you always knew she was no good? Is this how you be friends?"


    Mu Yichen stood up angrily.


    This meal, he couldn¡¯t stomach.


    He immediately got up and left.


    On the long night drive back to the apartment by himself.


    She wouldn¡¯t let him return to Mu Mansion, he could only go home.


    As for the three men left in the private room, they remained silent for a while.

 Chapter 750 - 208 After the Wedding (2)_3

    Chapter 750: 208 After the Wedding (2)_3


    Zhao Huai poured himself a glass of wine, "It really is like being in the company of a tiger."


    "This time, things might have really gone wrong; Xiaomu had been pushed to the point of pulling out a knife."


    Jiang Zhiyuan didn¡¯t dare to make any more sarcastic remarks.


    "Yeah! Trouble really has erupted. But shouldn¡¯t we remind Yichen that Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance? is from the black society?"


    Zhao Huai asked again, looking at his two elder brothers.


    When Jiang Zhiyuan exchanged glances with Qiao Yi, they initially wanted to say that Yichen already knew, but on second thought, with that guy currently being so furious, might he have forgotten?


    They, having foreseen the danger but not informing Yichen¡ªif something happened to Xiaomu, it wouldn¡¯t be just Yichen wanting to kill them, they¡¯d feel compelled to take their own lives.


    "Let¡¯s give him a call."


    Qiao Yi, as the oldest among them, said to Jiang Zhiyuan and Zhao Huai.


    Seeing Qiao Yi looking at him, Jiang Zhiyuan turned to look at Zhao Huai¡ªthis was a phone call he dared not make.


    "Or, should we just send a message?"


    Zhao Huai knew that his two elder brothers didn¡¯t dare to bear the responsibility alone.


    None of the three wanted to take the lead, so they reached a consensus and each sent him a WeChat message.


    In fact, Mu Yichen had already arranged for people nearby his home the moment he learned that Qin Mu had injured Zhuo Wen. Moreover, Rongcheng wasn¡¯t Australia, and it wasn¡¯t Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance?¡¯s turn to act arrogantly here.


    Mu Yichen glanced at his phone; after all, three messages were sent in a row, and he had seen them all.


    The car slowly returned to the apartment, and then he sent a message in the group, "You all go to the Mu Family tonight and stand guard. If anything happens to Qin Mu, I¡¯ll hold you accountable."


    All three were startled by the sound of his voice, and they didn¡¯t dare to drink any more, quickly leaving the private room.


    At the hospital, as soon as Zhuo Wen woke up, she had been constantly asking the nurse to call the police for her, claiming she wanted to report a crime.


    The nurse thought she had gone mad.


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance? stood by the window, looking at her ruined half-face, and couldn¡¯t help but yell, "You¡¯re in this state now, what are you calling for?"


    "I¡¯m feeling wronged!"


    Her face was completely distorted, and her voice sounded muffled and unclear.


    "Once the swelling subsides, a bit of fixing will make it all right."


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance? hadn¡¯t expected Qin Mu to be so merciless. She looked like such a weak girl, yet her blow had such force.


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s face had already been filled before; it goes without saying that even a baseball bat, let alone a slap, would make it look terrible.


    But Qin Mu didn¡¯t know that, and that one hit almost ruined Zhuo Wen¡¯s entire face.


    "You must avenge me, she¡¯s beaten me to this state; you can¡¯t just stand by."


    Zhuo Wen started crying again, and it even hurt to cry.


    "I¡¯d like to help, but I need the courage. Mu Yichen threatened me, saying if I dare to make a move, he¡¯ll send me straight back to Australia."


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance? was also struggling to protect himself. If he returned to Australia, his enemies there would definitely find a way to kill him. He could only hide here, and he was alone in Rongcheng, without any backing.


    "Then, I want to meet the Mu Family¡¯s old master. Where¡¯s my phone?"


    Zhuo Wen said again, holding her face that was swollen like a pig¡¯s head.


    "Mu Yichen also said that if you dare to call the Mu Family¡¯s old master, he will definitely not spare the Zhuo Family. Your family¡¯s dark history in Australia, especially the illegal transactions your brother is currently involved in¡ªyou know."


    Zhuo Wen looked up, her big dark eyes full of helplessness.


    "This is just for now. I guess Mu Yichen will soon come to see you, or send someone to see you."


    "Why?"


    "He installed a surveillance system in our room, and he heard everything we said this morning."


    "What do you mean?"


    "It means that we¡¯re now at his mercy, so you¡¯d better hope you recover later rather than sooner."


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance? spread his hands; he was living as miserably as a rat crossing the street.


    He felt like he was experiencing a period of endurance and hardship, but in reality, he had been living like this for almost a year.


    After Mu Yichen returned to the apartment, he went upstairs, took a shower, and went straight to bed.


    It was, after all, their cozy little nest.


    He turned over, held her pillow in his arms, and clutched it tightly.


    In the darkness, his eyes were uncharacteristically clear.


    He thought about Qin Mu¡¯s excessive behavior at noon and couldn¡¯t help but smile a little.


    Like a child, she was stubborn, almost maniacal¡ªa side of her that had become rare.


    Over the years, she had always been especially calm and composed, and so very gentle.


    Gentle?


    She was becoming gentler and gentler?


    And then?


    He thought of the damned woman who had entered their room today under the pretense of saying goodbye but had suddenly thrown herself at him.

 Chapter 751 - 208 After the Wedding (2)_4

    Chapter 751: 208 After the Wedding (2)_4


    He was not being thrown at by a woman for the first time, but it indeed was the first time he felt so disgusted.


    He now desperately missed Qin Mu, wanting to hold her soft body, to comfort her, and to comfort himself.


    How could he have been so foolish?


    No wonder she was angry.


    Wang Yin said that when she entered, she saw Zhuo Wen sprawled on the bed and thought Zhuo Wen was dead.


    Wang Yin said that when she went inside, she saw a golf club thrown on the ground.


    Could they go play golf together in the future?


    No! He didn¡¯t dare!


    He just wanted to be with her in bed, just wanted to hold her tight in his arms.


    No! She seemed not to like him being so domineering.


    He would make her willingly stay in his arms.


    Yes, willingly, not forced. That¡¯s how it should be, right?


    He carefully recalled their time together since childhood, and he indeed was as she had described, too overbearing, too bossy, too authoritarian.


    But he thought that as long as he could be by her side, none of that mattered.


    He didn¡¯t dare to express too much, he was even more afraid of scaring her away.


    She didn¡¯t know how much he feared her getting hurt since childhood, how much he feared that she wouldn¡¯t like him.


    Mu Yichen held onto the pillow tighter because he felt his heart also tightening, aching.


    After so many things that had happened between them, it wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t trust her, it¡¯s just that the opponent acted too well.


    He had been eavesdropping on the two of them for the past few days, but nothing unusual had cropped up.


    It was only after today, when Zhuo Wen was hospitalized and he had someone fetch the eavesdropping device, that he managed to hear what he wanted from today¡¯s recording.


    Zhuo Wen and her fiance? had actually been on guard the whole time until this morning when they finally let down their guard.


    But they had no idea that such an incident would happen just as they planned to return to Australia for the New Year.


    He sent Mu Qingxin a text message, "Is your sister-in-law asleep?"


    Mu Qingxin was asleep next to Qin Mu, but Qin Mu was still awake. She heard a sound from the phone beside Mu Qingxin¡¯s head. Initially intent on moving it to the bedside table so as not to disturb Mu Qingxin¡¯s sleep, Qin Mu accidentally touched the screen and saw the message he had sent.


    Mu Qingxin¡¯s contact name for Mu Yichen now was "My dear beloved big brother."


    Qin Mu thought for a moment that if she didn¡¯t reply, he might send another message or call directly, now that her son was also asleep.


    "Mhm!"


    She gently pressed a single character and sent it over.


    Upon seeing that character, Mu Yichen felt relieved but didn¡¯t forget to remind her, "She might not sleep well, go check on her later."


    Qin Mu, sitting in bed and licking her lips, couldn¡¯t help but feel both amused and pained as she looked at the message, her eyes quietly starting to ache.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t reply again, simply turning her phone to silent mode before lying down again.


    If he really cared that much, why didn¡¯t he listen to her in the first place?


    Tears still fell, two streams that wet the pillow.


    But she quickly wiped them away and went to sleep.


    Maybe it was because of the overly forceful swing of the golf club earlier that made her tired in the evening?


    Latter, she actually slept very well.


    ¡ª¡ª


    After breakfast, Feng Fanghua said, "Call your brother and ask him what time he¡¯ll be back. We¡¯re going to the cemetery today, right? Let¡¯s not be too late."


    "Oh!"


    Mu Qingxin agreed while glancing at Qin Mu.


    "Maybe you should let your sister-in-law make the call! Qingxin seems to be a bit sulky and has a bit of a beef with your brother," Jiang Yan suddenly suggested, glancing at the woman who kept her head down and continued eating her breakfast.


    Qin Mu looked up, "Huh?"


    She had been zoning out and hadn¡¯t heard their conversation at all.


    "Then do as you please!"


    Feng Fanghua picked Huanhuan up from the chair. Grandpa and Mu Zihao had finished eating and gone to play chess, while Feng Fanghua also took Huanhuan along with them.


    "Qin Mu, you call your brother. You two are husband and wife after all; the quarrel at the head of the bed is settled at the foot," Mu Qingxin said in a tone slightly softer than usual, seemingly coaxing Qin Mu.


    "Why should I call him? I¡¯m quite busy today. After I¡¯m done feeding Chengcheng, I need to prepare for the visit to my mother¡¯s grave," Qin Mu said coldly, then casually finished the porridge in her bowl.


    "I¡¯ve finished eating, you two continue," Qin Mu said, ignoring their dazed looks, and walked away.


    Qin Haiming had called her that morning to suggest they visit her mother¡¯s grave together. Although she refused to go with Qin Haiming, she was still planning to take the children there herself.


    Mu Qingxin then called Mu Yichen, but he said he was busy.


    After hanging up, Mu Qingxin whispered to the man sitting beside her, "My brother said he¡¯s busy, he told us to go ahead first."


    Jiang Yan didn¡¯t speak anymore, simply gazing at the already clean tabletop.


    So, they took the Mu Family¡¯s extended nanny van to the cemetery.


    Aside from the elderly patriarch, everyone from the Mu Family accompanied Qin Mu to her mother¡¯s grave. Feng Fanghua even said, "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take care of this daughter of yours from now on. Even though you just left everything behind like that, if you are heartless, we cannot be unrighteous."


    "Mom!"


    Mu Qingxin called softly to Feng Fanghua, tugging at the sleeve of her clothing.


    But Feng Fanghua walked away only after finishing those words.


    Qin Mu probably understood, as they had been so close back then; her mother¡¯s sudden departure must have deeply saddened her older sister.

 Chapter 752 - 209 After the Wedding (3)_1

    Chapter 752: 209 After the Wedding (3)_1


    "Mom! Today, Grandma¡¯s family came with me to visit you. We¡¯re all doing well, and now we have Little Chengcheng. His full name is Mu Chengyang, which was chosen by Grandpa. He looks so much like his cold and distant dad."


    "Mom! Happy New Year!"


    Later, Qin Mu, holding Chengcheng in her arms and followed by Huanhuan, descended the mountain again to visit the Mu Family¡¯s graveyard.


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Call Mumu¡¯s dad over too; let¡¯s celebrate the New Year together as a family."


    Before nightfall, the old man spoke to his son.


    Mu Zihao nodded and stood up, "I¡¯ll go and bring him personally."


    As Mu Zihao finished speaking and was about to leave, he coincidentally ran into Mu Yichen returning home, which gave him quite a start.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s face was somewhat dark, whether from the evening sky or something else, Mu Zihao stared at him for three seconds, "Where were you last night?"


    "There was some business at the company."


    Mu Yichen answered, then asked in return, "Where are you going?"


    "Your grandpa said to invite Mumu¡¯s dad over for the New Year, so I¡¯m planning to go fetch him myself."


    "I¡¯ll go with you."


    He just didn¡¯t know how to face Qin Mu, so he decided to turn around and follow Mu Zihao.


    Mu Zihao actually agreed, wanting to find out what had happened between his son and daughter-in-law.


    Feng Fanghua stood at the window, "Isn¡¯t that Mu Yichen? Why did he come only to leave again so soon?"


    "My brother is back?"


    Mu Qingxin also ran over and then saw the father and son get into a car together.


    On the way, Mu Zihao, sitting in the backseat, asked his son who was driving, "You fought with your wife again? It¡¯s the New Year, and you two just had your wedding, how come you¡¯re still fighting to the point of not coming home at night?"


    Mu Zihao¡¯s voice was very calm; he was heartbroken for his son and reluctant to let him suffer.


    "It can only be this way for now; it¡¯s good enough that I can stay for the night."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t avoid the question and instead responded with a hint of sarcasm.


    "What kind of thing is that to say?"


    Mu Zihao frowned, not understanding.


    "Your son made a huge mistake!"


    Mu Yichen stated.


    After hearing this, Mu Zihao fell silent, suddenly realizing. It wasn¡¯t that his son wanted to stay out overnight; it was that his daughter-in-law couldn¡¯t tolerate his son anymore.


    Qin Haiming and Uncle Wang were originally having a good New Year¡¯s at home, but after the father and son came to pick them up and they couldn¡¯t decline after two attempts, they followed them.


    That evening, everyone got together and made a lot of dumplings, but Qin Mu¡¯s skills were still dreadful, and where others made ten, she managed only one and a half. Ultimately, it was because she was too meticulous, even getting troubled over a few wrinkles.


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t stand to watch and grumbled, "Are you making dumplings or embroidering flowers?"


    "It¡¯s the same principle, whatever you do, you have to do it well."


    Qin Mu said calmly, after placing the dumplings on the plate.


    Mu Qingxin pouted, then looked at the ones her husband made and couldn¡¯t help but complain, "Mr. Jiang, why don¡¯t you go out for a cup of tea? Are you making dumplings or what kind of monstrosity?"


    Jiang Yan, who had just managed to finish one, let out a heavy sigh of exhaustion, but he didn¡¯t expect such a brutal critique from his wife.


    Seeing Mu Qingxin¡¯s dumplings, Qin Mu remarked, "Do you think yours turned out any better?"


    Mu Qingxin...


    Jiang Yan couldn¡¯t help but laugh, raising his hand to drape it over Mu Qingxin¡¯s shoulder, "Yes, wife, do you think yours turned out that well? All things considered, it¡¯s actually big sister¡¯s dumplings that look the best."


    "I¡¯m going to hit you!"


    Mu Qingxin lifted her flour-dusted hand as if to strike, scaring Jiang Yan into making a swift exit.


    Feng Fanghua, who was rolling out dough, sighed, "How old are you guys? Always acting like children, it¡¯s so childish."


    "Mom! How can you dislike me?"


    "I don¡¯t just dislike you! I dislike all of you."


    Feng Fanghua also glanced at Qin Mu, who, feeling someone¡¯s eyes on her, quickly looked up, "Why dislike? I think they¡¯re wrapped quite well."


    "At the rate you¡¯re going, we won¡¯t have dumplings to eat next year either," Feng Fanghua told her.


    The aunt came out of the kitchen, bringing a bowl of chive filling, which smelled particularly appetizing during the New Year and whet the appetite.


    "Madam and the second young mistress, as well as the son-in-law, should go to the living room and watch TV. We¡¯ll take care of things here," the aunt suggested.


    This year, two maids and a chef were kept at home to help, so the younger generation wasn¡¯t needed in the dining area.


    Before Qin Mu left, she said, "Mom, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s much better than last year?"


    Qin Mu said to Feng Fanghua, looking at her own dumplings.


    Feng Fanghua smiled helplessly.


    "Let¡¯s go, my dear big sister."


    Mu Qingxin, who had already gone out with Jiang Yan, quickly turned back to pull Qin Mu who seemed reluctant to leave.

 Chapter 753 - 209 After the Wedding (3)_2

    Chapter 753: 209 After the Wedding (3)_2


    The three of them came out of the restaurant chattering and laughing when they saw the three men returning from outside.


    As Mu Yichen was heading to the parking lot, he was the last to reach the living room and caught sight of the image of his wife...


    Qin Mu wore a simple pair of jeans and a sweater, all in light colors.


    Her long hair was braided on one side.


    Mu Yichen suddenly felt this look of Qin Mu¡¯s was so endearing.


    "Uncle Qin!"


    When Mu Qingxin saw Qin Haiming, she let go of Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder and respectfully bowed to greet him.


    "Qingxin, you¡¯ve grown even prettier this year!"


    Qin Haiming praised kindly.


    "Thank you for the compliment, Uncle Qin. Oh, this is my husband, Jiang Yan! Jiang Yan, this is my sister-in-law¡¯s father, Uncle Qin!"


    "Hello!"


    Jiang Yan had heard of this man, and now that he was celebrating the New Year at his wife¡¯s family home, he followed local customs and nodded his head in greeting.


    Qin Haiming also nodded in return, then the old man hurried him along to join the others for tea and chat.


    So Qin Mu looked at the sofa, where there didn¡¯t seem to be any comfortable spots left for the younger ones to sit, and thought about going back to the dining room to help out.


    "Where are you going? Mom and Auntie think we¡¯re more of a hindrance than a help. Look at how wrinkled my brother¡¯s clothes are; hurry and take him upstairs to change into a new set. It is the New Year¡¯s Eve tonight, after all."


    Mu Qingxin looked pityingly at her poor brother and, pushing down on Qin Mu, steered her towards Mu Yichen¡¯s side.


    Qin Mu¡¯s shoulder inadvertently brushed against Mu Yichen¡¯s, and the hand in his pants pocket stiffened before she subconsciously tightened her shoulder and leaned slightly to the side.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze reluctantly shifted from her face and unhappily turned to his sister.


    "Brother, why are your clothes so wrinkled? Have Qin Mu pick out a new one for you, it¡¯s New Year¡¯s Eve tonight."


    "Where are they wrinkled?"


    Mu Yichen inquired with furrowed brows, looking down at his clothes but feeling that there was nothing amiss.


    "We¡¯re not children."


    Qin Mu muttered under her breath, then returned to the dining room.


    She didn¡¯t dare stay even for a moment, her heart seeming ready to leap out at any time.


    Mu Yichen surely understood Mu Qingxin¡¯s intentions, but couldn¡¯t cooperate because how could he be unaware of his own wife¡¯s feelings?


    So, as he watched Qin Mu turn her back to him again, he could only watch her leave helplessly.


    "Bro! What¡¯s wrong with you?"


    Mu Qingxin grabbed her brother¡¯s sleeve and scolded him in agitation.


    "Don¡¯t help ¡¯till it¡¯s too much. Go help Dad and the others pour some tea."


    Mu Yichen told her quietly and then strode up the stairs with long steps.


    Mu Qingxin and Jiang Yan stood together, looking after the tall figure with some sympathy. "Why do I feel like beating up Qin Mu?"


    Jiang Yan looked at his wife and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "Let¡¯s just watch without meddling in things we don¡¯t fully understand."


    Upon hearing this, Mu Qingxin sighed helplessly, wondering if Mu Yichen had gone back to his room?


    In fact, Mu Yichen had gone to his son¡¯s nursery.


    His son was sound asleep in the crib.


    He seemed to have changed so much just in one day.


    While sleeping, the little one¡¯s mouth still moved, and Mu Yichen suddenly wondered if Huanhuan at this age was the same, suckling in his sleep?


    His expression was no longer filled with fatigue but was now tinged with tenderness.


    No matter what happened between him and his wife, their home would always remain constant.


    He used to get really annoyed with this little guy, but now he found him quite pleasant to look at.


    "You little rascal, do you know how annoying your mom can be?"


    Mu Yichen picked him up from the crib and walked over to a cartoon-themed couch where he sat down.


    Huanhuan also ran up from downstairs, "Daddy!"


    She climbed onto the couch, peering over her dad¡¯s shoulder at her little brother in his arms, smiling joyfully without making any other sound.


    During the dinner, the whole family gathered around, as if it was their first time celebrating such a lively New Year. Everyone was very happy.


    "Haiming, don¡¯t be shy, eat up."


    The patriarch encouraged Qin Haiming and Uncle Wang. Not just them, but all the household staff who stayed were also invited to join the table. That evening was an unforgettable New Year¡¯s Eve dinner for many.


    "Happy New Year!"


    Everyone at the table raised their glasses to toast, including Little Huanhuan amid the festivities.


    The two little ones were already asleep, but she was still full of energy, eating and drinking along with the adults.


    The men started talking about work, a common topic, while Feng Fanghua busied herself with feeding her granddaughter.

 Chapter 754 - 209 After the Wedding (3)_3

    Chapter 754: 209 After the Wedding (3)_3


    Mu Qingxin and Qin Mu whispered to each other, which was a bit taxing for Jiang Yan and Mu Yichen.


    "But, bro, are you and your wife separated?"


    Jiang Yan couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    Mu Yichen glanced at him sidelong, his look seemingly saying, "Brat, what are you blabbering about?"


    But afterward, when Mu Yichen looked at the woman whispering with Mu Qingxin, he said, "Probably!"


    He was actually unable to refute it.


    He¡¯d moved back to the apartment while she and the kids stayed here.


    But that was probably for the best, seeing that she didn¡¯t lack care at home.


    After dinner, the elders joined Grandfather for a game of chess; Uncle Wang played a round and even won, making Grandfather flush red: "Uncle Wang, your chess skills are too formidable! When do you have the time to play, always driving around?"


    "When the mayor is busy, I play chess on my mobile phone in the car."


    Uncle Wang said with a candid smile.


    "Ah, I underestimated you, underestimated indeed."


    Grandfather slapped his thigh, sighing in distress.


    Late into the evening, when Uncle Wang and Qin Haiming were about to leave, everyone went to see them out, but Qin Haiming immediately said with a smile, "Let Mumu escort us; everyone else, please stay, thank you so much for tonight."


    Qin Haiming had paid attention to his daughter and son-in-law all night, noticing they not only sat apart but didn¡¯t communicate at all. Seeing something seemingly unresolved in his daughter¡¯s eyes, he was deeply concerned, so he asked Qin Mu to come along.


    "I¡¯ll go then."


    Qin Mu said and walked forward.


    Mu Yichen immediately looked toward the maid and quietly said, "Quick, get the young madam¡¯s coat."


    "Yes!"


    The maid hurried inside to fetch Qin Mu¡¯s coat, and just as Qin Mu reached the door, the maid rushed over to give it to her.


    "Thank you!"


    Qin Mu thanked her gratefully; it was only by the door that she felt the cold, something Qin Haiming, preoccupied with his own concerns, had forgotten.


    The three of them walked out together, Qin Haiming not treating Uncle Wang as an outsider, so he directly asked her, "Haven¡¯t you and Yichen reconciled since the last fight?"


    "Hmm!"


    She pondered for a long time, feeling that any explanation she wanted to give seemed inappropriate, and indeed, they were genuinely at odds now.


    So, in the end, she could only nod in agreement.


    "Is it still because of Zhuo Wen? Have you told Yichen what you¡¯re thinking?"


    Qin Haiming frowned slightly with concern, but his eyes were full of warmth for his daughter.


    "This time it¡¯s a bit serious, but I think we should be able to get past it."


    Qin Mu thought for a moment and replied with her head bowed.


    Actually, she didn¡¯t want to worry Qin Haiming; since he learned the truth about the past, he had been wholeheartedly concerned about her.


    Qin Haiming nodded, "That¡¯s good to hear; if it gets too much for you, come home and stay for a few days. Your room will always be there, alright?"


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu nodded.


    Even though she hadn¡¯t called him "Dad" again, at that moment, she had no grievances against this father.


    "The young lady is very prudent, and I¡¯m sure she and the young master will get along just fine."


    Uncle Wang chimed in from the side.


    "Let¡¯s hope for your auspicious words! You¡¯ve only recently recovered, so take care of your diet and drink less."


    Qin Mu remembered Uncle Wang had indulged in a few too many drinks, so she reminded him with a smile.


    Qin Haiming also looked back at Uncle Wang, "You should drink some medicine when you get home tonight."


    "Yes, yes, yes!"


    Uncle Wang immediately nodded in agreement, head bowed.


    "How about walking us two old men to the door?"


    They were still a bit far from the door; Qin Mu looked ahead and then continued walking with him.


    Compared to going back inside, she preferred walking out.


    The cold wind blew, invigorating her, and being outside, not having to face that man, was somehow more comfortable for her now.


    "Miss, do come home when you have the time, otherwise it really is too quiet there."


    Uncle Wang glanced at the car where Qin Haiming had already gotten in and was sitting in the back.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed, her gaze skirting the car¡¯s interior, not daring to look directly.


    Only after they had gone did she walk forward a few steps and then stood from afar, watching.


    Being able to get along as they were now felt incredible to her.


    Inside the car, the two aging men were discussing, "You know, you are luckier than even me, her father."


    "Where¡¯s that coming from?"


    Uncle Wang chuckled.


    "Hmpf! Where from? When has she ever spoken a caring word to me? Yet every time she sees you, she has to remind you of this and that."


    Qin Haiming looked outside the window, where it was pitch dark, but in the reflection on the window, he could still see the glimmer in his own eyes.

 Chapter 755 - 209 After the Wedding (3)_4

    Chapter 755: 209 After the Wedding (3)_4


    "Miss is thinking about you in her heart, it¡¯s just that she can¡¯t say it out loud," Uncle Wang said reassuringly.


    He quickly tried to comfort him.


    "Yes! It¡¯s all my own fault!"


    Qin Haiming¡¯s eyes had already moistened as he uttered those words.


    Uncle Wang said nothing more, only thinking that what the car needed most right now was quiet.


    Uncle Wang and the driver sat in the front, and the Mu Family¡¯s driver did not interject, but he also felt very emotional.


    "That young couple, why do I feel like they argue a lot?"


    Qin Haiming couldn¡¯t help but think about his daughter and son-in-law.


    "It¡¯s normal for young people to bicker," Uncle Wang said, slightly turning his body.


    "The Mayor can rest assured, our Young Master and Young Mistress get along well," the driver finally couldn¡¯t help but say, sounding very happy and proud.


    Upon hearing this, Qin Haiming looked up front: "Oh? You know?"


    "Everyone in the house knows, the Young Master and Young Mistress, fighting is intimacy and scolding is affection. They are spirited and like to bicker, but once it¡¯s over, they¡¯re close again."


    The driver continued, thinking of how many times he had seen the Young Mistress and the Young Master argue.


    "I hope so!"


    Qin Haiming suddenly felt much more relieved.


    At the entrance of the Mu family home, Qin Mu was still standing outside, reluctant to go in.


    Her hands were tucked in the pockets of her down jacket, then she looked down at her high heels.


    With just a slight movement of her eyes, she saw the snowflakes. She raised her eyes, almost in disbelief, and through her pure almond-colored pupils, she saw the white snowflakes falling down, one by one.


    Beautiful, like a painting.


    She couldn¡¯t help but hold her breath, her facial expression turning gentle.


    It was snowing.


    The snow on New Year¡¯s Eve and the first day of the New Year was an auspicious sign, and Qin Mu felt that the new year was definitely going to be good.


    Her warm little hand in her down jacket emerged, just to have a snowflake fall upon her finger, only to quickly melt.


    Leaving behind only a drop of water.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart jolted, and then, watching the snowflakes fall into the palm of her hand, unable to stay.


    Sadness came unbidden to her clear eyes.


    But she thought it must be because of the warm weather. A little later, she would definitely be able to keep a bit of white.


    And besides, her palm was so warm it wasn¡¯t meant to hold snow.


    She quickly recovered from her sadness and turned to walk inside.


    Her hands were back in the pockets of her down jacket, but her mood had already improved.


    She hoped the snow would keep falling all night, continuing into tomorrow.


    Such a New Year¡¯s Day would definitely be beautiful.


    She entered the house and then tried to close the door, but a pair of hands held onto the edge of the door and wouldn¡¯t budge no matter how hard she tried.


    She became a bit anxious and tried harder.


    In the darkness of night, the snowflakes fell thickly from the sky.


    She looked up foolishly at the heavy snowfall, wearing her light grey loose-fitting down jacket.


    Then the door suddenly moved in her hand.


    She let go in fright, and the door closed slowly on its own.


    Qin Mu turned around reflexively. He wasn¡¯t wearing a coat, just a shirt with a cashmere sweater over it, standing tall a few meters away from her.


    Divided by a stretch of snow, divided by a chasm.


    Neither of them showed any intention of getting closer, but they just looked at each other from afar.


    In Qin Mu¡¯s eyes, the warmth slowly declined.


    But Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze never wavered, just hands in his pockets, staring straight into her eyes.


    Qin Mu looked down first, feeling a warmth in her eyes.


    Seeing the snow fall to the ground and then slowly melt, her heart also seemed to be getting wet.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Inside the house, Huanhuan and her auntie were pressing their faces against the glass, looking outside, though they couldn¡¯t really see anything.


    "Why aren¡¯t they coming back yet?" Mu Qingxin asked anxiously.


    "You might as well go out and check for yourself, you¡¯re nearly pressing through the window," Feng Fanghua said as she stood up from the sofa, and then called Huanhuan, "Sweetie, go wash up and sleep with grandma, will you?"


    Huanhuan, too, was tired so she went upstairs to bathe and go to bed with her grandmother.


    Mu Qingxin continued to stand there worryingly: "What if the two of them start fighting outside?"


    "Usually in such situations, they would start fighting," Jiang Yan replied seriously from behind her.


    Mu Qingxin turned her head to look at him: "Really?"


    "Yes! But not the kind of fighting between people of the same sex, it¡¯s the kind that happens between us often," Jiang Yan said, leaning close to her ear.


    Mu Qingxin¡¯s ears suddenly turned red, then she turned around and raised her hand to hit him on the chest: "Stop talking nonsense, I said stop that."


    "Cough, cough!"


    The old master couldn¡¯t help but clear his throat; his beloved granddaughter was really spoiled.


    But Mu Zihao felt it was just a small matter between the couple.


    Mu Qingxin immediately restrained herself because of the old master clearing his throat, yet she pulled Jiang Yan to join her by the window and watch.


    The TV was still broadcasting the Spring Festival gala, and the old master couldn¡¯t help but sigh after a while: "I didn¡¯t expect a whole year to pass so quickly."


    "You can¡¯t be thinking of going back to the countryside again, we can¡¯t be without you here," Mu Zihao said.


    "I wouldn¡¯t go back even if you asked me, but I do miss my old friends in the countryside," the old master mused.


    "That can be easily arranged. We¡¯ll make a trip back after the new year, visit everyone," Mu Zihao suggested.


    "Hmm! Not a bad idea, let¡¯s let the young couple accompany me back for a few days," the old master thought of his grandson and granddaughter-in-law¡¯s recent situation.


    "We¡¯ll do that before they go back to work, but they can¡¯t stay too long," Mu Zihao proposed.


    The old master nodded in agreement.


    "They¡¯re back, they¡¯re back!"


    Suddenly, Mu Qingxin, focused on the scene outside, excitedly shouted out, her excitement lifting her on her toes as she tapped on Jiang Yan¡¯s shoulder.

 Chapter 756 - 210 After the Wedding (4)_1

    Chapter 756: 210 After the Wedding (4)_1


    The snow outside grows heavier, but the thinly-dressed CEO Mu Yichen follows slowly behind the heavily-coated Qin Mu.


    The two are separated by a distance of nearly ten meters, like a lengthy spiritual practice.


    Qin Mu walks with her head down, feeling his presence behind her. Even though his steps are light, they still imprint on her heart, leaving her breathless under the numerous footprints he has tread on it.


    "Isn¡¯t he the kind of domineering CEO who goes crazy at the start? Why is he being so subtle this time?"


    Mu Qingxin feels awkward, anxiously watching their unhurried figures.


    Jiang Yan glances outside beside her, then turns to Mu Qingxin, "Sometimes, I don¡¯t dare to get too close to you either."


    "Really?"


    Mu Qingxin looks up at him incredulously and nudges him with her shoulder gently, "Annoying!"


    "What do you like about me? A bit more domineering? A bit more arrogant?"


    Jiang Yan, seeing that the elders are occupied with the TV, whispers into her ear.


    "You wouldn¡¯t dare!"


    Mu Qingxin glares at him, her expression warning that he¡¯s in for it if he misbehaves, but Jiang Yan isn¡¯t intimidated and even laughs.


    Qin Mu enters the living room first, then sits down on the sofa next to grandfather, "Grandpa, shall I play a game of chess with you?"


    "Sure!"


    The old man lights up at the mention of chess, tossing back the sunflower seeds in his hand, thinking of the several games he¡¯s just lost and is determined to win back.


    Mu Yichen takes a while to follow in, and Mu Qingxin, ignoring Qin Mu, runs to the door, "Brother, what¡¯s going on with you two? Why torture yourself like this?"


    Mu Yichen frowns, unable to recall when he ever mistreated himself.


    "What¡¯s going on between you and Qin Mu? You two just had your wedding."


    Mu Qingxin winks at him, feeling a bit embarrassed about her own words, especially when Mu Yichen gives her an expressionless stare, making it difficult for her to continue.


    Mu Yichen walks further inside, and upon seeing Qin Mu playing chess with grandpa, he feels increasingly irate inside.


    Is Mu Qingxin the only one who notices they are fighting?


    Everyone knows there¡¯s a problem between the two, yet no one creates an opportunity for them to be alone together.


    He still remembers last year at this time, it was just him and Qin Mu keeping vigil in the living room.


    But this year...


    Qin Mu plays chess with grandfather until after midnight and then chats with him until the song "Unforgettable Tonight" ends, and only then does grandfather stand up, "I¡¯m tired too, off to sleep."


    Feng Fanghua, already dozing off, goes to cuddle with her grandson to sleep. Mu Zihao glances at the four young people beside him, who though sleepy, show no intention of leaving for their rooms, so he too puts away his snacks back onto the plate on the table, "I should go to sleep as well."


    Qin Mu stands up, thinking that since the others have left, she might as well go to sleep too.


    But then she wonders what if Mu Yichen follows her there?


    So she sits back down on the sofa.


    "Qin Mu, you two should go to bed as well, let me and Ayan have our own little world, okay?"


    Mu Qingxin yawns while making her suggestion to Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu turns to look at her, "Last year, it was your brother and I keeping the night vigil here, why change that this year?"


    The stubbornness in her words actually gives relief to one who has been in low spirits for hours because of the mention of someone.


    "Then should we go to our rooms? Let¡¯s not disturb brother and sister-in-law¡¯s world in the living room."


    Jiang Yan says, looking down at his near-sleeping wife.


    "Then, brother, sister-in-law, we¡¯re heading to our room!"


    Qin Mu watches them with a minimal lift of her eyes, not wanting to speak to them.


    Clearly, there¡¯s a cold war going on, and those two are blatantly displaying their affection in front of them.


    "Get lost."


    Mu Yichen looks at their insufferably smug demeanor and utters a single word.


    Jiang Yan immediately carries off his wife, for he too actually wants to return to their room now.


    Afterward, only the two of them are left in the living room. Qin Mu crosses her arms, waits a while, grabs the remote, and rewinds to the program they were watching, prompting Mu Yichen to frown.


    The song "Unforgettable Tonight" is indeed the one he loathes most, no exception.


    By itself, the title isn¡¯t too bad, but the singing style is beyond his tolerance.


    Qin Mu, however, is fine with it because of his dislike; the lyrics are too good, the artist sings so sincerely, and those artists bowing on stage give her the sense that, yes, a new year has arrived.


    Each on their own sofas, Qin Mu starts to doze off after a while.


    The remote control sits beside her. Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes fixate on the black remote, then lift to look at her again.

 Chapter 757 - 210 After the Wedding (4)_2

    Chapter 757: 210 After the Wedding (4)_2


    She seemed to have fallen asleep?


    Her sleeping posture was rather graceful.


    He didn¡¯t know if she had stayed here all along because she wanted to keep watch with him through the night like last year, but if that was the case, it was certainly good; if not...


    He walked quietly over to her, turned the volume of the television down to its lowest, and then leaned back slowly.


    Qin Mu, in a daze, toppled toward the side, her arms hugging herself, her head already resting on the armrest of the sofa.


    The position looked super uncomfortable, but that was just the way she was.


    Mu Yichen turned his head, his brow furrowed as he watched her, suddenly feeling displeased.


    Was she asleep or not?


    Shouldn¡¯t she be leaning on his shoulder instead?


    Almost half an hour passed, and he sat there the entire time.


    The television switched to another channel, talking about finance and economics.


    Mu Yichen found it quite rare that on such a holiday, there were still other programs to watch. It wasn¡¯t easy, so he put down the remote control.


    Later, she might have really fallen asleep, extremely uncomfortably, so she leaned toward him.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t dare to breathe too heavily, afraid of disturbing her search for a better position.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly.


    Qin Mu was sleeping fine until she turned to one side and her neck got a bit stiff, then she turned her body, facing toward the inside of the sofa.


    Mu Yichen saw her frowning in discomfort, took a throw pillow from the side, and lifted her head up.


    Qin Mu reflexively rested her head on the arm he extended.


    Mu Yichen...


    He actually just wanted to give her a pillow, but with things turning out this way...


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, just lied down gently.


    It was actually quite uncomfortable because he was afraid she would fall off, so he tried to take up as little space as possible.


    And the night became more and more beautiful.


    The snow continued to fall outside; Mu Yichen lifted his head slightly and could see the snow still fluttering down outside the window.


    Then he glanced at the single sofa in front of him where her down jacket lay, he finally hooked the down jacket within reach, and they both covered themselves with it, gradually falling asleep.


    Qin Mu woke up in the morning feeling like she was about to collapse; as soon as she opened her eyes, she saw herself in a gray chest, then she immediately lifted her head.


    On instinct, she tried to flee, and then as she moved back, her entire body fell onto the carpet.


    "Ah!"


    Her head accidentally knocked against something.


    But the young couple already sitting on the stairway had been watching for a while. Mu Qingxin said helplessly, "To sleep like this all night, might she not have a stiff neck?"


    "I¡¯m more worried that my brother¡¯s arm might go numb," Jiang Yan said.


    It seemed the woman was considering her own feelings, and the man his.


    Mu Qingxin sighed helplessly, "These two really are..."


    "Let¡¯s not be like that; if we like each other, let¡¯s stay together forever," Jiang Yan turned his head and said to Mu Qingxin.


    Mu Qingxin noticed a little girl sitting just two steps up from them.


    Mu Qingxin and Jiang Yan turned their heads simultaneously, "When did you get here?"


    Both asked at the same time.


    "A long while ago!"


    Huanhuan still rested her chin on her hands, seemingly in no hurry to do anything.


    Qin Mu, having managed to get up from the ground, looked at the man who had turned over and continued sleeping on the sofa and without a word, huffily turned away.


    "Hey, Mu Qingxin, don¡¯t spoil my daughter," she said as she went upstairs.


    "My dear sister-in-law, it was your precious daughter who sat behind us and eavesdropped, okay?" Mu Qingxin immediately retorted with cheeks puffed out.


    "Not at all! I just called you, not sneaky, you just didn¡¯t hear it," Huanhuan lowered her eyes, feeling defiant about her aunt¡¯s words, thinking to herself, you¡¯ve been sitting here watching my mom and dad and I didn¡¯t say anything about you.


    Qin Mu walked over to them, reached out to Huanhuan, "Get up, go wash up with mom."


    Huanhuan gave her hand to her mom.


    After mother and daughter returned to their room, Mu Yichen still had not gotten up.


    Mu Qingxin whispered to Jiang Yan, "When do you think my brother is going to stop pretending to be asleep?"


    "Not sure, but it should be almost time," Jiang Yan thought, Qin Mu had gone back to her room, and sleeping on the sofa was uncomfortable, it was about time for Mu Yichen to get up.


    "Sigh! My brother is really pitiful, so many women out there want to climb into his bed, yet he would rather sleep on the sofa with Qin Mu."


    "I¡¯d be willing to sleep with you in a snowy field."


    Jiang Yan confessed to her.


    Mu Qingxin laughed helplessly, "That¡¯s enough, my brother is already pathetic enough."


    Jiang Yan immediately fell silent, then got up and stretched.


    Mu Yichen finally sat up, rubbing his brow, unable to see the two people on the stairs clearly from his position, but just listening to their nonsense talk was enough to torture him.

 Chapter 758 - 210 After the Wedding (4)_3

    Chapter 758: 210 After the Wedding (4)_3


    Last night was really exhausting!


    But it was enough to warm his heart.


    Because even sleeping together like this, the coming days would probably not be easy.


    The New Year¡¯s Eve had passed, and whether he could stay here tonight was a question.


    Mu Yichen thought about it and then stood up, by the time he went upstairs, those two had already run away.


    When he opened the door to his own bedroom, it felt as if he hadn¡¯t entered for a year.


    Just as he opened the wardrobe to look for clothes, he heard his daughter¡¯s voice from the bathroom, "Mom, why did you and dad sleep on the sofa?"


    "We just fell asleep accidentally,"


    Qin Mu explained to Huanhuan after brushing her teeth.


    "Oh! Auntie and uncle said you guys had a fight, did you really have a fight?"


    Huanhuan couldn¡¯t help but ask again, looking up with her big eyes staring straight at her beloved mother.


    Qin Mu turned on the water to wash her face, and when she heard this, she felt rather helpless, but ultimately she could only say to her daughter before applying the facial cleanser, "We did have a fight, but we will make up."


    "Hmm! Grandpa and grandma said the same thing."


    Huanhuan suddenly smiled, as if relieved.


    Once Huanhuan was reassured, she left the bathroom, only to see her dad there the moment she stepped out. Her big, black, glistening eyes looked at her dear old dad, and she almost cried out in surprise.


    Mu Yichen quickly made a gesture to her to keep quiet.


    Huanhuan obediently covered her mouth with her hand, then went to the wardrobe.


    Her dad had changed into new clothes and looked particularly handsome.


    After changing his shirt, Mu Yichen carried her and quietly walked out.


    Qin Mu came out of the bathroom to find Huanhuan already gone and wondered for a moment, thinking an elder took her away.


    Qin Mu then began to change clothes, but just as she was about to put on new clothes, she heard the doorbell ring and instinctively looked towards the door.


    Mu Yichen happened to come in, and upon seeing her changing, he immediately closed the door. His dark hawk-like eyes gazed at her for a moment, "I¡¯m going to wash up."


    After going to the bathroom, Mu Yichen took a deep breath, thinking to himself, she did that on purpose, right?


    The morning of the first day of the New Year still had two plates of dumplings on the table, of course, freshly cooked that morning.


    The rest was pretty much the same as usual.


    After breakfast, everyone was idle at home, but Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan requested to play a couple of rounds. Mu Yichen glanced at the woman who was always with the elders on the sofa, and then at the little girl also flocking around her, "Huanhuan!"


    Mu Yichen called his daughter from the center of the living room.


    Huanhuan turned her head to look at him. Not just Huanhuan, except for Qin Mu and the old man, everyone else looked at him too.


    "Come here!"


    Mu Yichen commanded again.


    Huanhuan was somewhat reluctant, but she still went to her dad.


    "How about dad takes you out to play?"


    "Yes, yes!"


    Huanhuan became truly happy at the prospect of going out.


    "Bro, where are you going? Can you take me and Ayan too?"


    As soon as Mu Qingxin heard about going out to play, she was hooked. Jiang Yan sighed inwardly upon seeing his wife looking so foolishly eager.


    "Jiang Yan, if you¡¯re free, come with me."


    Mu Yichen said, but he didn¡¯t ask for his sister.


    Mu Qingxin was deeply hurt, but she couldn¡¯t say much about it, so the two men took Huanhuan and left.


    "But why take her?"


    After getting in the car with Mu Yichen, Jiang Yan asked, looking at the little girl sitting in the car seat behind them.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t respond, thinking, if I bring her, I can come back tonight.


    The two went to AM, as it was too much trouble to prepare food elsewhere. At this place, all they needed to do was to open their mouths and ask.


    They found a private room, and several men gathered together, with cards and drinks already prepared.


    Qin Mu spent the morning at home with Mu Qingxin, accompanying the elders in chatting and watching dramas, and in the afternoon, one of her colleagues called her out, because as she was having her wedding, the colleagues at the studio didn¡¯t go back to their homes either, so they decided to have lunch together.


    Everyone was there, except for Xiaomei.


    They agreed to return after the New Year since they don¡¯t celebrate it over there.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t mind. After introducing Mu Qingxin to everyone again with great fanfare, she started to order the food.


    In an extra-large private room of the Chinese restaurant, the manager personally placed their orders.


    Mu Qingxin, sitting at the side, looked at the manager and suddenly asked, "Could my brother and my husband be here too?"


    Qin Mu thought to herself that couldn¡¯t be possible. They were probably out exercising.


    "Yes, Young Master Yichen and Young Master Jiang are in the clubhouse upstairs."


    Mu Qingxin, hearing this, immediately became enthusiastic, "Let¡¯s go find them after we eat. What are they doing?"


    "The young masters are playing cards together."


    The manager said, and after ordering the dishes, he handed everything over to the nearby waiter: "Take good care of them."


    "Yes!"


    The waiter hurriedly agreed.


    The manager greeted Qin Mu before leaving, and Mu Qingxin whispered in Qin Mu¡¯s ear: "How about we go to the clubhouse together later? Playing cards is such an easy game, you should know how to play, right?"


    Qin Mu blinked, "They are gambling over there, what are we gonna do there? I don¡¯t have the money to squander with them."


    The implication was, she didn¡¯t want to go.


    "Ah, you¡¯re such a bore, just come along. Besides, Huanhuan is there too, don¡¯t you worry about her being bored?"


    Mu Qingxin continued to mutter in her ear, and Qin Mu, thinking of Huanhuan, then said to Mu Qingxin, "How about you go get Huanhuan for me?"


    "What?"


    "A limited edition LV handbag."


    "You have one?"


    "Your brother bought it for me a few days ago, but I¡¯ve never worn it. I haven¡¯t even opened the packaging."


    "Deal!"


    Mu Qingxin banged on the table and then immediately went to find the child.


    Qin Mu breathed a sigh of relief and then started chatting with everyone in French, instantly livening up the atmosphere.


    "For the new year, I wish each one of us good things to come, and I wish our JY to become more and more popular."


    Later, when the dishes were all served, the most handsome man from their studio, a face-carrying designer, stood up. Although he was a Frenchman, his Chinese was now more proficient than many Chinese people.


    Everyone happily toasted together, wishing each other good luck in the new year.


    Mu Qingxin also joined in, and for a few seconds, she was completely captivated by that handsome designer.


    She didn¡¯t know their studio¡¯s business attracted clients in part because of the handsome male designer.


    After all, people are always such superficial animals; attractive people or things decide whether one will stop by your place or not.


    Huanhuan, with one hand on the table and the other holding a glass, looked perfectly like one of the group as she toasted with everyone.


    But in less than half an hour, she began to doze off in Qin Mu¡¯s arms.


    Qin Mu then asked the waiter standing nearby, "Is the CEO¡¯s office door open?"


    "I¡¯ll check for you."


    The waiter agreed and quickly went out to inquire.


    Coming back after a while, "It¡¯s open!"


    "I¡¯ll take Huanhuan up to sleep and then come back down. You guys keep drinking."


    After saying that, Qin Mu left with Huanhuan in her arms.


    Qin Mu cradled Huanhuan¡¯s head, letting her rest comfortably on her shoulder as she carried her upstairs. Reaching the CEO¡¯s office, she freed one hand to open the door.


    "What are you doing here?"


    Qin Mu went in, closed the door, and turned around.

 Chapter 759 - 212 After the Wedding (5)_1

    Chapter 759: 212 After the Wedding (5)_1


    "Is Huanhuan asleep?"


    He had just finished a phone call and came over to take his daughter from Qin Mu¡¯s arms.


    "Mm!"


    Qin Mu nodded, handing over her daughter; she seemed somewhat reluctant to move forward.


    "Open the door to the lounge for me."


    Mu Yichen instructed.


    Only then did Qin Mu lift her gaze before heading to the lounge.


    After opening the door, she naturally went to the bed to help move the pillow aside and pull back the blanket.


    Mu Yichen carefully placed his daughter on the bed, then tucked her in.


    Qin Mu glanced up, "Weren¡¯t you playing cards?"


    "They¡¯re still there, I just came up for a bit because of something."


    Mu Yichen said.


    Qin Mu nodded but then suddenly remembered that waiter. It couldn¡¯t be that he was looking for him, could it?


    But she didn¡¯t ask further, simply looking at her daughter who had already fallen asleep before planning to leave.


    "Then, I..."


    "About Zhuo Wen."


    "Don¡¯t talk to me about her."


    Qin Mu, upon hearing the name Zhuo Wen, showed a lack of interest. Honestly, after she hit Zhuo Wen, she really didn¡¯t hold any grudges against her anymore.


    It was him she was angry at; his carelessness, his disregard.


    She heard that he had actually been investigating Zhuo Wen for a while, but hadn¡¯t found anything, so he didn¡¯t take any action. After thinking it over, Qin Mu decided to speak less and turned to leave.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark pupils watched her, following her out.


    "My colleagues are gathering. I¡¯ll go down first."


    Qin Mu spoke softly and then left.


    "I¡¯ll take Huanhuan tonight."


    "No need, I¡¯ll take care of her after she wakes up."


    Qin Mu refused.


    Mu Yichen actually wanted to pounce on her, to hold her from behind and press her down on the couch and have his way.


    But reason, surprisingly, prevailed over impulse.


    Mu Yichen watched helplessly as she left, then went back to the lounge.


    He had planned to use their daughter to stay at the Mu Mansion tonight.


    It seems that¡¯s not going to happen.


    Mu Yichen lay beside his daughter, watching her sleep so soundly, gently touching her forehead, sweeping her bangs aside.


    He thought to himself: Huanhuan, when can you ask your mother to invite daddy back to the Mu Family¡¯s home? I¡¯ll grant you a wish, okay?


    He figured his daughter must have a big wish waiting for his help to fulfill.


    Suddenly, he thought of Qin Mu. If she got along well with Qin Haiming, would he now be getting a beating from his father-in-law?


    Luckily she was a woman of few words, which probably saved him from that fate, right?


    Outside, snowflakes had started to float down again, as if blown by the wind.


    Now, the entire Rongcheng was covered in white.


    Every gust of wind would whip up a layer of those chilly snowflakes.


    Huanhuan cuddled closer to him, her beautiful, long eyelashes fluttered slightly against her rosy skin, creating a beautiful contrast.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but reach out to touch her, the little one¡¯s skin was truly amazing.


    But his wife¡¯s skin was also soft and tender. Thinking of this, he couldn¡¯t help but sigh, "Why is your mom so stubborn?"


    Huanhuan didn¡¯t answer, but the door to the lounge suddenly opened.


    "Have you seen my phone?"


    Qin Mu realized she had lost her phone from her pocket on her way.


    Mu Yichen, hearing the sound from behind, stiffened. When had she stood there? Did she hear his soliloquy?


    Mu Yichen turned his head, then immediately sat up, "Your phone? Did you lose it?"


    Qin Mu, initially moved by seeing him accompany their daughter, now found his foolishness a bit disappointing, so she went in to search for herself, and then saw a pink phone on the blanket at the foot of the bed.


    "You two keep sleeping."


    Qin Mu said as she picked up her phone and left.


    Mu Yichen: "Qin Mu, can you please look at me properly?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t understand his sudden irritation, but did she even need to look at him? With her eyes closed, she could still imagine what he looked like.


    "So now, not only do I have to leave home, but you won¡¯t even look at me directly?"


    "How do you know I didn¡¯t look?"


    Qin Mu asked and then walked away.


    Mu Yichen...


    He felt like he was going to fall apart, yeah, how did he know she hadn¡¯t looked?


    In an instant, he saw that the little girl lying on the bed had wide, black eyes open, looking at him, and that look seemed to say: my poor daddy!


    In the afternoon, Qin Mu took Huanhuan and Mu Qingxin back home. As they drove past a park, the car slowed: "Shall we go in for a walk?"


    Mu Qingxin looked at the thick layer of snow on the trees inside and then at the little girl beside her, "Huanhuan, do you want to play in the snow?"

 Chapter 760 - 212 After the Wedding (5)_2

    Chapter 760: 212 After the Wedding (5)_2


    Huanhuan nodded vigorously, really wanting to.


    So, Qin Mu parked the car in the parking lot, with Huanhuan running ahead and the two of them following behind.


    "That little girl is really lively. She¡¯s definitely here for some snow fun,"


    Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help but mutter, her eyes fixed on Huanhuan¡¯s figure.


    "Yeah! Last time it snowed, she played snowball fight with Mom at home."


    Qin Mu said softly.


    "Really? Our mom knows how to play snowball fights? I always thought Mrs. Feng¡¯s back was perpetually straight."


    It turns out, kids have magic powers that can make even the usually very serious adults let down their guard.


    "I want to play too!"


    Mu Qingxin said, taking her hands out of her pockets and then calling out to the little girl in front, "Mu Chenghuan, I¡¯m going to hit you now!"


    As soon as Huanhuan heard the voice, she inmediately turned around, her little hands red with cold, holding a large cluster of snow¡ªnot a snowball, as she wasn¡¯t strong enough.


    Mu Qingxin had already bent down to scoop up a large handful of snow, which she turned into a snowball.


    It was while she was making the snowball that Huanhuan ran behind her and, with a "pah", the loose cluster of snow hit Mu Qingxin on the back.


    Mu Qingxin was startled at first, then immediately turned around, "You¡¯re rebelling against me, huh! Take this."


    Huanhuan immediately ran forward, laughing "hahaha".


    "Hey! Mu Qingxin, don¡¯t go too far, watch out or our mother and daughter will gang up on you."


    Qin Mu saw that Mu Qingxin had solidly hit Huanhuan on the shoulder with a snowball and immediately bent down, made a snowball, and threw it at her.


    "Ah! Qin Mu, you sneak attacker!"


    Mu Qingxin grabbed a handful of snow and threw it back at Qin Mu. Qin Mu dodged quickly, but when she turned her head, the aunt and niece duo left her behind and went off to play.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh a little. Was it because she ran too fast that they didn¡¯t play with her?


    Then she walked on alone, bored, following the sound of their laughter.


    Mr. Mu¡¯s patience, ah!


    Qin Mu actually didn¡¯t know how long he could endure, but she knew she would keep enduring.


    No outbursts, no arguments, just silently getting through this period of time.


    That silence was due to disappointment!


    When she thought he would understand.


    She couldn¡¯t bear to resent, yet she was deeply disappointed.


    By the time they returned, it was already past five in the afternoon, and the sky was gradually darkening.


    The forest was still a vast expanse of white. On the way home, the lawn was still covered with a thick layer, but there was no trace of the snowflakes on the road.


    The Qin City mayor had ordered that not a single drop of snow be allowed on the roads, also for the safety of pedestrians.


    Huanhuan kept peering out the window the whole time, as if she had a special fondness for the snow.


    Who doesn¡¯t, really?


    It seems nobody can resist a snowfall, and very few people say they dislike snow.


    Even Qin Mu, hadn¡¯t she slowly grown to like it over the past two years?


    She had never really disliked it.


    It was just that she had seen her mother in the snow that year.


    So for many years, she was actually afraid to face it.


    Or maybe she really had grown up, and after starting an adult¡¯s life, it seemed like her ability to withstand pressure had suddenly increased hundreds of times.


    It¡¯s just¡ª


    That night Mu Yichen didn¡¯t return home again, and after dinner, Feng Fanghua asked Mu Qingxin to call her brother to ask when he would be back and whether he needed food kept for him.


    Mr. Mu¡¯s reply was that it wasn¡¯t necessary.


    Just after nine o¡¯clock, Qin Mu went upstairs to bathe her son, then put him to sleep.


    The Mu Family¡¯s house suddenly became quiet, with the old master having stayed up too late the night before, he requested to go to bed after dinner.


    The old couple also retired early to their room, but remained talking.


    "I heard Zhuo Wen got hurt and is hospitalized at our family hotel. Could the couple¡¯s tensions these past few days be because of her?"


    Mu Zihao, who was halfway through reading his newspaper, then took off his glasses, placed the paper on the cabinet, and asked with a puzzled look.


    "Zhuo Wen is in the hospital? Sick?"


    "It¡¯s said that she was injured, apparently rather seriously,"


    Mu Zihao replied, recalling what a friend from the hospital told him during lunch.


    Feng Fanghua became somewhat anxious, she threw the covers off: "I¡¯ll go and ask them now."


    "Don¡¯t, it¡¯s already so late!"


    Mu Zihao immediately called her back.


    "As if that girl Qin Mu could sleep,"


    Feng Fanghua muttered, looking very serious as she left the room.


    Mu Zihao sighed helplessly, then he lay down first.


    Feng Fanghua went to Qin Mu¡¯s room, gently closing the door behind her.


    Qin Mu was sitting cross-legged on the bed, with professional blueprints spread out on a piece of cardboard, just beginning to draw.


    "I knew you wouldn¡¯t be asleep."

 Chapter 761 - 212 After the Wedding (5)_3

    Chapter 761: 212 After the Wedding (5)_3


    Qin Mu today afternoon took an order; it was for a foreign singer who wanted to hold a concert during the May Day holiday, and she had to start preparing in advance, so she was currently pondering how to position those few outfits.


    Upon hearing the voice, Qin Mu raised her head, "Mom, why haven¡¯t you gone to sleep so late?"


    "I came to have a chat with you."


    Feng Fanghua spoke, not caring whether she was interrupting her or not, she walked over to the sofa to sit down, then lifted her eyes to look at her.


    Qin Mu was startled, her heart actually trembled momentarily.


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s gaze was sharp, as if she could easily see through people¡¯s thoughts.


    "I¡¯m asking you, was Zhuo Wen¡¯s injury caused by that kid Mu Yichen?"


    Feng Fanghua clasped her hands together, asking very seriously.


    "No! It was me!"


    Qin Mu blinked, realizing what had happened and didn¡¯t hide it.


    Feng Fanghua was startled by her calm admission.


    "You hit Zhuo Wen? Why?"


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t believe it, although she felt that Qin Mu was the type to resort to physical action, she didn¡¯t think Qin Mu would be able to dislocate someone¡¯s bones.


    "The situation was a bit out of control at that time, I wasn¡¯t very rational."


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, and still answered truthfully.


    Feng Fanghua...


    Lost control?


    Not very rational?


    "If your grandfather knew about this, he¡¯d probably have a heart attack, even though he doesn¡¯t regard Zhuo Wen as his own granddaughter, but since she¡¯s the granddaughter of his old comrade-in-arms, he¡¯s polite to her. You¡¯re saying you just hit her?"


    Feng Fanghua had a headache from her anger.


    "Because she seduced my husband."


    "What? You, you saw it?"


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t believe it.


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Mu nodded.


    Feng Fanghua...


    So that girl Zhuo Wen really came to stir up trouble?


    "So, so you just..."


    "Mom, if her grandfather comes from Australia, I¡¯ll stand up and take responsibility," Qin Mu said calmly to Feng Fanghua after considering for a moment, worrying that Feng Fanghua might be concerned that she had tarnished the Mu Family¡¯s reputation.


    "Is it even your place to stand up and take responsibility?"


    After thinking for a bit, Feng Fanghua stood up.


    "So, that kid Mu Yichen has recently not been coming home because of what? You won¡¯t let him come back?"


    Qin Mu hung her head, a little afraid of Feng Fanghua.


    "But since that kid dared to make trouble, letting him live outside for a while might do him good."


    Feng Fanghua muttered to herself, then walked away.


    Qin Mu...


    She hadn¡¯t expected Feng Fanghua to leave just like that, let alone that Feng Fanghua would say such a thing at the end.


    What on earth was Feng Fanghua thinking?


    Qin Mu was a bit puzzled, her mind suddenly felt as if it had rusted, unable to remember what she was about to do.


    After returning to her room and closing the door, Feng Fanghua said to Mu Zihao: "That kid and Zhuo Wen, I don¡¯t know what they were up to, but they were caught by that girl Qin Mu."


    "What do you mean?"


    Mu Zihao asked innocently.


    "What else could it mean? Qin Mu said she saw Zhuo Wen seducing your son. That Zhuo Wen, she seems quite capable, but I didn¡¯t expect her to still cause trouble."


    Feng Fanghua felt uncomfortable in her heart; she was afraid something like this would happen, and now it actually had.


    "The daughter-in-law is quite impressive."


    Mu Zihao couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, commenting.


    "It¡¯s just too bad for your precious son, Qin Mu even admitted that she¡¯s the one not letting your son come home."


    Feng Fanghua said and then lay down on the bed again.


    "If he doesn¡¯t come back then so be it, it¡¯s not like he¡¯ll never return. Plus, in a few days, isn¡¯t Dad going to take both of them back to the countryside?"


    Mu Zihao mentioned.


    "Right, should we tell them about this in advance?"


    "No need!"


    Mu Zihao thought for a moment and said that if they prepared for it in advance, how would they handle it if they made excuses?


    Better not to say anything and catch them off guard when the time comes.


    "Ah! These days, you hardly get a few days of peace. This young couple too, they just had their wedding ceremony and should¡¯ve been sweet and loving, but now, well, your son goes around with a cold face all day, and your daughter-in-law is pretending all the time, sigh!"


    Feng Fanghua started and ended with a sigh. Mu Zihao turned off the light, turned around to face her, and said, "Although they¡¯ve just had their wedding ceremony, it¡¯s just going through the motions, the two of them have been married for several years now. Besides, they¡¯ve been together since they were so young."


    "Hmph! Yes, they¡¯ve been together since they were so young, together the two of them are sixty years old and still not settled down."


    "Don¡¯t we still argue every few days?"


    Mu Zihao whispered to Feng Fanghua.


    Feng Fanghua...


    What¡¯s it like to have a husband who can talk like this?


    It feels like you¡¯re being worn down by his persistence, you¡¯re so angry you could burst, but you just can¡¯t seem to get mad at him.


    Qin Mu woke up at a little past five, wondering how he was doing.

 Chapter 762 - 212 After the Wedding (5)_4

    Chapter 762: 212 After the Wedding (5)_4


    After breakfast, the old master asked, "Today is the second day of the New Year, Mumu, you should visit your father."


    "Mm! Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed, treating it as an opportunity to take a walk.


    But she hadn¡¯t expected to run into Mu Yichen at her father¡¯s place at noon.


    She brought two gift boxes, and when Mu Yichen got out of the car, he was carrying so many bags from the trunk that she was nearly shocked to death.


    As the two of them walked inside, the handle of a bag Mu Yichen was carrying broke, and his knees buckled as he tried to catch the falling items, but it was too late.


    Thinking of asking Qin Mu for help, he didn¡¯t expect her to sidestep. She only glanced at the nutritional supplements that had fallen to the ground, then continued into the house with her own bag, perfectly composed.


    "The young miss is back!"


    Knowing that the two of them would return today, Qin Haiming specifically asked the housekeeper to come over and help. Upon entering, Qin Mu greeted her, "Housekeeper, Happy New Year."


    "Young miss, Happy New Year; please come in. The old master has been waiting for you for a long time," she replied.


    The housekeeper took Qin Mu¡¯s items and was about to help her son-in-law with his, but...


    "I¡¯ll bring these inside for you."


    Mu Yichen offered, seeing the housekeeper¡¯s flustered state.


    "It would be no trouble at all," the housekeeper quickly agreed and then led him inside.


    Qin Haiming watched his daughter sitting on the couch, sipping tea, and then glanced at Mu Yichen following the housekeeper: "Aren¡¯t you supposed to make up quickly after fighting? Are you still not on good terms?"


    He whispered this so lightly that only Qin Mu could hear it.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just looked down at her tea cup.


    "Dad, I wish you a Happy New Year," Mu Yichen said as he approached, his tone serious.


    "Happy New Year, please sit down!"


    Qin Haiming gestured with his hand, and Mu Yichen went to sit next to Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu instantly regretted choosing to sit on such a large couch, giving him the chance to get close, but since she was already seated, she didn¡¯t move away.


    "How about we drink a couple of shots of liquor together later?"


    Though aware of the cold war between his son-in-law and daughter, Qin Haiming was still amiable.


    "Sure!"


    Mu Yichen consented, then turned to Qin Mu, "Is that okay?"


    Qin Mu was taken aback and looked at him with wide eyes, her gaze as if to say: Why are you asking me about your own affairs?


    "Ahem! I have a bit of a sore throat these past two days, I¡¯m going to get some pills to take. You two sit tight."


    Qin Haiming, sensing some tension between them, quickly excused himself to give them a chance to be alone.


    Once Qin Haiming had left, Qin Mu put down her tea cup and prepared to stand up and move to the other side.


    "Must you make it so difficult for your father?" Mu Yichen asked in a low voice as he quickly pressed his hand on her shoulders to stop her.


    Qin Mu looked towards the now-empty seat where Qin Haiming had sat, then turned her eyes to him, "Don¡¯t touch me."


    Her gaze was sharp like a sliver of thin ice, forcing Mu Yichen to let go reluctantly.


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t anticipated meeting him so frequently; even though he had moved out, they saw each other every day.


    She feared she might suddenly lose control and slap him.


    Thinking of Zhuo Wen in his arms made her want to resort to violence, to hit him until he begged for forgiveness on his knees.


    But he always stopped short, never touching her bottom line, frustrating her with his reticence that prevented her from unleashing her anger.


    Qin Mu bowed her head, her hands fumbled clumsily together, and accidentally touched her wedding ring; she had just gotten this large diamond ring a few days ago and cherished it deeply.


    If it hadn¡¯t been for Zhuo Wen¡¯s unexpected incident, they might have kept the matter in the corner, and continued in love for a good while longer, at least until the festivities were over. But now...


    Her eyes suddenly blurred.


    Mu Yichen took out his phone and, feeling the oppressive atmosphere, turned to look at her, only to see her tear-filled eyes and reddened sockets.


    Qin Haiming and the housekeeper were quietly watching from a corner and couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Are they quarreling?"


    "Seems like it!"


    The housekeeper, two years senior to Qin Haiming but with keener eyesight, replied.


    "Ah, what to do? The young couple is quarreling on New Year¡¯s."


    Qin Haiming frowned without realizing it.


    "Let the son-in-law drink more later, then suggest they rest upstairs," the housekeeper suggested, thinking of her own children.


    After careful consideration, Qin Haiming nodded, "Hmm! That¡¯s a good idea."


    But once he agreed, he looked down at the housekeeper, "Sister Wang, you really do have many good ideas."


    Sister Wang smiled, "I¡¯ll go prepare the dishes for you."


    Qin Haiming stopped worrying. When the relevant department had asked him what kind of nanny he wanted, he had insisted on someone with insight and capability. It turned out that Sister Wang was indeed competent and adaptable, especially during this incident. Qin Haiming felt satisfied with his choice and relieved that he no longer had to worry about lacking someone to give him advice.


    ¡ª


    "Did mom and dad ask why I didn¡¯t go home?"


    Mu Yichen, having seen Qin Haiming not return for a while, guessed that Qin Haiming had intentionally left them alone to resolve their issues. Unable to bear her self-imposed discomfort, he tried to find another topic to keep the conversation going.


    "They did!"


    Qin Mu recalled the previous night and answered truthfully.


    "What did you say?"


    "I said you had an affair."

 Chapter 763 - 213 After the Wedding (6)_1

    Chapter 763: 213 After the Wedding (6)_1


    Qin Mu really just blurted out without thinking.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s face turned cold instantly, and even his eyes chilled in a flash.


    "Cheating?"


    After nearly a minute, his dark eyes stared straight at her beautiful profile, seeking confirmation.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu responded, glancing at him as well.


    "Qin Mu, I never thought you were the kind of woman who completely lacks the ability to discern right from wrong,"


    Mu Yichen suddenly stood up, barely able to contain himself as he gripped his solid waist, accusing her.


    "Are we still eating this meal?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to talk about that topic and didn¡¯t care about his mood; she just wanted to change the subject.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Do you see me in a state to continue eating? You¡¯re twenty-five years old, not fifteen, Qin Mu!"


    After speaking, Mu Yichen walked away from her.


    Qin Mu remained seated quietly, only slightly moving back as he passed to ensure he didn¡¯t bump into her.


    Her eyes were downcast, and she didn¡¯t have any inclination to stop him.


    She felt it was good that he left like that.


    Did she really tell the elders that he was cheating?


    No wonder today when he called Feng Fanghua, she didn¡¯t even bother picking up the phone.


    Normally, Feng Fanghua would have answered his calls immediately.


    After leaving the Qin Family¡¯s home, Mu Yichen suddenly stopped. Although his face was still unpleasant, it wasn¡¯t as agitated as before.


    Knowing Qin Mu¡¯s character, how could she cause such worry for her parents?


    How could she possibly tell her parents such nonsense about him cheating?


    Mu Yichen rested his hands on the steering wheel, closed his eyes, and tilted his head back.


    If he went back now...


    ¡ª¡ª


    It was before dinner when Mu Yichen drove back, holding two bottles of liquor: "You said you wanted to drink baijiu, I just had some people bring over two bottles a few days ago, so I grabbed them for you."


    Qin Haiming sat at the dining table, stunned by the sight of the alcohol for a few seconds.


    Qin Mu watched him in disbelief, but then he suddenly smiled, pulled out a chair, and sat down willingly.


    Qin Haiming chuckled a bit, "You two..."


    Mu Yichen gave a wry smile. Since the elder had noticed, there was no point in pretending. He merely helped open the bottle when Qin Haiming was about to pour the drinks.


    "It¡¯s okay for young couples to argue, but don¡¯t stay apart for the night. Yichen, you¡¯ll move back home tonight. It¡¯s wrongful for you two to fight and make the elders worry, understand?"


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen agreed.


    Qin Mu, however, didn¡¯t expect Mu Yichen to return. She later regretted scaring him but never imagined he would come back, bringing two bottles of liquor with him.


    Just now, Qin Haiming mentioned that no gift was better than bringing two bottles of liquor; it was the most worthwhile for him. Qin Mu thought that next year she definitely should bring wine, and as a result...


    So, Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything afterward, just watched the two of them drink so much, especially Mu Yichen who kept drinking whenever Qin Haiming invited him to. Could a son-in-law be any more dutiful?


    "Drink less."


    Qin Mu was worried he wouldn¡¯t be able to return.


    "What¡¯s there to be afraid of getting drunk for? It¡¯s our own home."


    Qin Haiming said and slowly poured another cup for Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen noticed Qin Haiming¡¯s intentions but didn¡¯t call him out on it, just kept drinking.


    Qin Mu put down her chopsticks and stealthily reached under the table to pinch Mu Yichen¡¯s thigh.


    Mu Yichen, having taken a few hits from her today, grit his teeth and glanced back at her.


    Qin Mu leaned in towards him a bit, "Drink less!"


    Upon hearing her words, Mu Yichen really didn¡¯t dare to drink the liquor he had raised to his lips and instead said to Qin Haiming, "Shall we eat some dishes first? They look really good."


    "Let¡¯s eat then."


    Qin Haiming, witnessing their little interaction, played along very well.


    Later on, Mu Yichen indeed felt a bit dizzy. Seeing him like that, Qin Haiming said to Qin Mu, "Help him to go upstairs and lie down for a while. Just go to the room where you stayed the other day."


    Qin Haiming hadn¡¯t expected them to stay the night, it was only then that he asked the housekeeper to tidy up that room for them.


    Qin Mu sighed helplessly as she looked at Mu Yichen, "The person who did wrong is him, yet I still have to take care of him."


    She couldn¡¯t help but complain.


    Mu Yichen stood up by himself, "I don¡¯t need your help, just lead the way."


    Mu Yichen was still able to stand.


    Qin Haiming remained seated without moving or speaking further, simply watching their back and forth.


    "Then go ahead."


    Qin Mu turned her face slightly.


    Mu Yichen walked ahead, with Qin Mu following behind.


    Upon reaching the top of the stairs, Mu Yichen suddenly stopped, "Where to?"


    Qin Mu, too lazy to speak, went ahead and pushed the door open for him.

 Chapter 764 - 213 After the Wedding (6)_2

    Chapter 764: 213 After the Wedding (6)_2


    "Aren¡¯t you coming in?"


    Qin Mu said.


    Actually, she really didn¡¯t want him to rest here; even herself felt awkward being here.


    Mu Yichen entered, closing the door behind him.


    Qin Mu...


    Had she lost her mind? Why did she come in?


    As Qin Mu was about to walk out, Mu Yichen stood in front of her blocking her way, and slowly advanced towards her, frightening Qin Mu into retreating backwards.


    "What are you doing?"


    Qin Mu nervously asked him.


    "It should be me asking you that, shouldn¡¯t it? You told mom and dad that I cheated? Can you swear on that?"


    Qin Mu lifted her defiant gaze to look at him, wasn¡¯t he drunk?


    Why did he only seem to be slightly pale now, with such a firm look in his eyes?


    "Mom asked me about it last night, about Zhuo Wen being hospitalized. I said that I saw her seducing you and that¡¯s why I went to hurt her," Qin Mu shared the truth because she didn¡¯t want to get entangled further.


    Mu Yichen suddenly went silent, just quietly gazing at her.


    As Qin Mu heard no response, she looked at him again, "Now that you know, I can go, right?"


    However, Mu Yichen raised a hand, grabbing her sweater and pushed her backwards without any care.


    Qin Mu...


    "Mu Yichen!"


    She called out to him, and the next moment he threw her onto the bed.


    In an instant, her world turned topsy-turvy!


    Everything went black before Qin Mu¡¯s eyes, and quickly, he was upon her.


    Qin Mu felt as if the food in her stomach was about to get pushed out by him, but his eyes seemed to suddenly lack focus, as he looked at her, "You damned woman! You think you can lie to me and then just run away?"


    "Stop being crazy because you¡¯re drunk!"


    Qin Mu saw that he was clearly just flaunting his power over her because he was fueled by alcohol and immediately wanted to stop him.


    "Only daring to do this now!"


    But Mu Yichen suddenly grasped her chin, pinned her wrists, and leaned down to kiss her fragrant lips.


    Qin Mu...


    Her mind went blank for a moment.


    They had kissed countless times before, yet at this moment, she actually found her heart pounding in panic.


    His breath reeking of alcohol, he still dared to kiss her, and suddenly remembering that day, Qin Mu felt a sharp pain in her stomach and pushed against him with all her might.


    Completely immovable.


    Qin Mu felt she might have been a bit weak lately, so she tried another tactic.


    "Ah!"


    She suddenly wrapped her arms around Mu Yichen¡¯s neck and returned his kiss, with a bite.


    Perhaps she bit so fiercely because she hated him deeply at that moment. Mu Yichen grunted, tried to pull back, but she held him tightly.


    So, he gave up on trying to escape.


    His hands reached for her waist, touching her sweater and then moving underneath it, going up.


    It was only then that Qin Mu snapped back to reality, "You dare?"


    Mu Yichen had just moved down to kiss her slender neck when he was stopped.


    "If you do this, I will never forgive you!"


    They were already so close, but her expression and her heart were still so defiant.


    Mu Yichen suddenly found himself unable to move upon her.


    Left only with heavy breathing.


    He believed what she said.


    So he stopped moving, merely resting in the crook of her neck, breathing deeply.


    Her defiant tears slipped from the corner of her eyes, but she firmly kept her breathing steady, not showing a hint of distress.


    Mu Yichen simply felt the warmth on her neck and the fragrance of her body.


    For a moment, he couldn¡¯t do anything.


    She was no longer that naive little girl who wouldn¡¯t fight back no matter what he did.


    She now had a backbone, all for the sake of opposing him.


    Mu Yichen calmly breathed, allowing himself to calm down as quickly as possible.


    "Grandfather might want to take us back to the countryside in a few days. It will be up to you to say that I need to stay with the baby and can¡¯t accompany him," she spoke softly to him.


    Mu Yichen withdrew his hand from her sweater, then lifted his eyes, his gaze somewhat bewildered as he looked at her.


    At that moment, it seemed like the alcohol took over, making his mind start to get fuzzy.


    Just before he fell into a drowsy stupor, he thought he saw her quirk her lips at him.


    Did she smile? At him?


    Later, Mu Yichen fell asleep, rolling off her, and Qin Mu still lay there without moving, just feeling her heartbeat finally returning to normal.


    She hoped he had heard what she had just said.


    When she went downstairs again, Qin Haiming was having tea. Hearing her footsteps, he turned to look and then immediately called her over, "Come sit."


    "Don¡¯t you get insomnia from drinking too much tea?"


    Qin Mu sat down after walking over and watched him prepare a fresh pot of tea, asking him softly.


    "I¡¯m used to it!"


    Qin Haiming laughed softly in reply, then turned and instructed, "Auntie Wang, please bring some sweet soup for the young lady to drink."


    "Yes!"


    The auntie immediately went to fetch the sweet soup.


    Qin Haiming asked Qin Mu, "Has Yichen gone to sleep?"


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Mu responded affirmatively.

 Chapter 765 - 213 After the Wedding (6)_3

    Chapter 765: 213 After the Wedding (6)_3


    "Yichen isn¡¯t the kind of person to be promiscuous, Mumu..."


    "I know! He¡¯s not like you! And I¡¯m not my mother! But I can¡¯t just let this incident pass as if nothing happened."


    Qin Mu looked at him, then defiantly turned to gaze out the window.


    He had cleared all the snow in the city, but hardly dealt with the snow at his own home.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes moved, and she immediately regretted what she had just said.


    Qin Haiming, however, lowered his head, "I know, you think I have no right to speak on such matters, but I am your father. I want you to have a good life, especially your romantic life. Do you really think I want you to live half of your life as confused as I did? Mumu, no parents in the world want their children to live so cluelessly."


    With his head lowered, Qin Haiming had said so much, and Qin Mu also tried hard to calm herself, but somehow, she suddenly choked up.


    She lowered her head, her eyes reddening and feeling hot.


    "If my mom were still alive, there would be so many grievances I wouldn¡¯t have to keep inside!"


    She suddenly burst into tears, the calm she presented to others couldn¡¯t mask the extreme distress in her heart at that moment.


    When she said those words, her throat was hoarse; she just couldn¡¯t control herself, especially in front of her biological father.


    Qin Haiming truly couldn¡¯t imagine how she had endured these years.


    All her pretense of strength was just because she had no one to rely on.


    Qin Haiming suddenly didn¡¯t know what to say, even a hug that a father should offer his daughter made him hesitate and afraid to give.


    Afraid she would reject it, afraid she would rage, afraid she would cry.


    These years, he really owed her too much.


    "I¡¯ll be going now, he can go back on his own."


    Qin Mu stood up. The servant had just brought out some sweet soup when she watched her lowering her head, putting on her coat, and walking out with her bag over her shoulder.


    "Miss, she..."


    "Never mind!"


    Qin Haiming waved his hand to have the soup taken back, also with his head lowered, unable to lift it for a long time.


    ¡ª¡ª


    On the sixth day of the new lunar year, Mu Yichen drove the old master back to his hometown.


    Mu Qingxin and Jiang Yan also left, and the house suddenly quieted down.


    During the day, Mu Zihao took Huanhuan out to play, leaving Qin Mu and Feng Fanghua at home.


    Qin Mu could sit with a piece of paper all morning, yet Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t stand watching her work state.


    "You¡¯re always looking down; doesn¡¯t your neck hurt?"


    Feng Fanghua brought her a bowl of bird¡¯s nest to the study. She admired her fashion designs¡¯ poise and style but still worried, hoping she wouldn¡¯t fall ill before becoming famous.


    "It doesn¡¯t hurt! Thank you, Mom!"


    Qin Mu smiled, holding the bird¡¯s nest in her hands, feeling just a bit hungry.


    "It will hurt, I¡¯m sure. You people, if you don¡¯t take care now, you¡¯re bound to develop problems later. It would be best if you stretched a bit after drawing for a while, rather than sitting for a whole morning, all right?"


    Feng Fanghua sat opposite her and advised.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh out, recently Feng Fanghua¡¯s concern for her seemed truly sincere.


    It was as if ever since she told her to treat her like her own daughter, she had been so earnestly caring for her.


    Qin Mu felt a guilty conscience, feeling like she had done nothing, yet had caused her elders such concern.


    "Sigh! Yichen hasn¡¯t been to the countryside for years; I don¡¯t know if he¡¯ll cope."


    After worrying about her daughter-in-law, she began to worry about her son.


    Being an elder probably means that you can¡¯t help it, involuntarily worrying and caring for your children.


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t worried about him; after all, he was a grown man, so how could staying somewhere be an issue?


    Moreover, having one person away for a while was actually good for both of them.


    As the mother and daughter had their respective thoughts, Qin Mu¡¯s phone on the table began to ring.


    Qin Mu recognized it as an unfamiliar number but felt some recollection.


    "You carry on, I¡¯ll go check on Chengcheng."


    "It¡¯s Zhuo Wen!"


    Qin Mu said.


    Feng Fanghua had just stood up, but upon hearing those words, she looked over at her.


    Qin Mu answered the call, "Hello?"


    "Let¡¯s meet. I have something to say to you."


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s voice still sounded a bit odd, probably because her injury hadn¡¯t healed yet.


    "I have nothing to say to you."


    Qin Mu replied.


    "If you don¡¯t come, I¡¯ll jump off from the 22nd floor."


    Zhuo Wen suppressed her anger, but her tone still betrayed her.


    "That has nothing to do with me. Please don¡¯t call me again."


    After Qin Mu finished speaking, she hung up the phone, wondering what Zhuo Wen could possibly want from her.


    "What did she say?"


    Feng Fanghua was somewhat concerned and turned to ask her.

 Chapter 766 - 213 After the Wedding (6)_4

    Chapter 766: 213 After the Wedding (6)_4


    "She said she wanted to meet! And that if I didn¡¯t go, she would jump off the 22nd floor,"


    Qin Mu finished, involuntarily letting out a mocking laugh.


    If Zhuo Wen would commit suicide, then all the women in the world must be despairing.


    "This child Zhuo Wen, really, I did not expect her to be so... disappointing,"


    Feng Fanghua thought for a moment, involuntarily sighed, and still turned around and left.


    Qin Mu sat there motionless, just thinking about the word "disappointing" that Feng Fanghua had just uttered.


    What is there to be disappointed about with someone you are not close to?


    Qin Mu was only worried that Zhuo Wen would call Grandpa or perhaps even Australia.


    If the old man knew about this, she really feared that he would lose his temper.


    Even if the old man did not scold her, it would still be difficult, wouldn¡¯t it?


    ¡ª¡ª


    The day after Mu Yichen returned to the countryside with the old master, he stood in the yard smoking, and the old master walked out of the house with his hands behind his back.


    This two-story house was particularly elegant, designed especially for the old master by someone Mu Yichen had found, the old master lived very comfortably. Where Mu Yichen stood, there was a stone table with five stone stools, and a chessboard carved on the table, all made to relieve the old master¡¯s boredom.


    But in winter, no one came to sit. The old master walked over, raised his hand to brush off the layer of white snow on the stone table. Because the layer below had frozen over, it was impossible to sweep clean. The old master sighed and withdrew his hand.


    Mu Yichen had been smoking with his head down, only flickering his eyelashes when he heard the old master sighing.


    "Aren¡¯t you planning to discuss Zhuo Wen¡¯s matter with me?"


    The old master asked as he walked around from behind his grandson to stand in front of him.


    Mu Yichen knew he couldn¡¯t hide it from him but did not expect that he already knew.


    "Grandpa, even you can be mistaken sometimes,"


    Mu Yichen said softly after taking a puff of his cigarette and flicking the ash away.


    The old master laughed at the sight of his grandson¡¯s tired appearance with his head bowed: "The same goes for both of us!"


    When Mu Yichen heard these four words, he looked up, then after watching the old master mock him, he sighed forcefully and then mocked himself.


    Mocked himself for being stupid to such an extent.


    No wonder Qin Mu wouldn¡¯t let him touch.


    "That girl Zhuo Wen, has she touched you?"


    The old master glanced at his grandson, somewhat disappointed.


    "Hmm,"


    Mu Yichen responded.


    "Useless thing,"


    The old master looked at him and cursed.


    Mu Yichen...


    Those dark, hawk-like eyes held a trace of desolation, but his grandfather¡¯s words made him feel somewhat better.


    Qin Mu would not say such things.


    "I¡¯m telling you, if you can¡¯t keep this granddaughter-in-law, don¡¯t claim to be my grandson anymore, understand?"


    The old master¡¯s voice was stern as he commanded in a low tone.


    "If it weren¡¯t for you inviting Zhuo Wen over, there wouldn¡¯t have been trouble later on. And now you¡¯re saying this to me?"


    Mu Yichen frowned slightly; he felt he was miserable enough already.


    "Hmph! I never asked her to touch you, nor did I tell you to be brainless,"


    The old master raised his voice, completely distancing himself from the matter.


    It was cold outside. Every time the two men spoke, their breath would create wisps of white vapor.


    Mu Yichen involuntarily laughed, took another puff of his cigarette, and then reached up to hook the old master¡¯s shoulder.


    "Grandpa! I¡¯ve never seen you be so unreasonable,"


    "Really? I¡¯m being unreasonable?"


    The old master didn¡¯t know what he was thinking, but he raised his eyebrows in response to his words, still looking imposing.


    But suddenly, Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t laugh. The words he had just uttered, why did they sound so familiar?


    Wasn¡¯t it that girl, who had said it a few times as well?


    His gaze slowly shifted to the vast blue sky. They were quite a distance from the city, and longing for someone wasn¡¯t something that could be resolved immediately; he could only keep yearning.


    "I¡¯m going out to have tea with a few old buddies. There¡¯s not even someone to boil water, and I don¡¯t know what use it is for you to come back with me. Also this yard, I had it all cleaned before I came back."


    The old master shook off his hand and grumbled before walking ahead with his hands behind his back.


    Mu Yichen watched his figure and suddenly sighed, feeling helpless, but then a fleeting glint of cold indifference in his eyes, he ultimately spoke to the old master.


    "Qin Mu¡¯s premature labor is related to Zhuo Wen."


    The old master¡¯s body stiffened, and then he turned to look at him.


    Mu Yichen knew that this news might be a blow to the old master, but he felt it was necessary to warn him to avoid unnecessary trouble in the future.


    The old master stood there some distance away, frowning deeply as he looked at him.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes watched as the cigarette he held between his fingers was finished, tossed the butt on the ground, and placed both hands in the pockets of his dress pants.


    "If this brings trouble to you and your old comrades, I¡¯m sorry, but Grandpa, I can¡¯t turn a blind eye to this,"


    The old master was just shocked, saying nothing.


    It seemed there was more snow in the countryside than in the city, and it was much colder too.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t wear a coat but was neatly dressed in a suit, appearing distant when viewed from afar.


    The old master¡¯s eyes, weathered by the years, flickered, then he slowly turned and continued walking towards the front gate.

 Chapter 767 - 214 After the Wedding (7)_1

    Chapter 767: 214 After the Wedding (7)_1


    Mu Yichen returned to the city three days later.


    At that time, Qin Mu hadn¡¯t gone to work yet, but she had already been designing and creating at home.


    Feng Fanghua instructed the maid, "Go and call the young madam down, tell her the bird¡¯s nest soup is ready."


    Rarely seeing her son so quiet, as a mother, she ultimately felt heartache.


    Mu Yichen was comforting his son in his arms, and upon hearing that, he didn¡¯t disturb them either.


    He couldn¡¯t help but wonder, when did it become so troublesome for him and his wife to meet?


    "Zhuo Wen called Mumu, and although Mumu was very calm, I always feel she is still angry," Feng Fanghua said.


    After the maid went upstairs, Feng Fanghua, seated on the sofa, reminded Mu Yichen, who was opposite her, comforting the child.


    Only then did Mu Yichen slightly raise his eyes, but all he did was grunt in acknowledgment.


    "About Zhuo Wen¡¯s matter, it¡¯s also our fault, your father and I, for not stopping it in time. With so many guest rooms in the hotel, we still let her stay at our home. But Yichen, when exactly are you planning to send her back to Australia? Her injury won¡¯t heal in a short time, why not let her go back to Australia to recover?" Feng Fanghua became anxious as she spoke.


    "She can¡¯t go back!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s voice toward Zhuo Wen¡¯s matter was unsympathetic, though not loud, only because he didn¡¯t want to startle the little one in his arms.


    "What do you mean?"


    "She left something in our house that shouldn¡¯t have been there, causing Qin Mu to go into early labor."


    Qin Mu, on her way downstairs, heard these words clearly.


    The steps she took down the stairs slowed, and she even paused on the last step, unable to move.


    So, it wasn¡¯t an accident that she went into early labor!


    All of a sudden, Qin Mu felt her shoulders were particularly weak. She had only thought that woman intended to seduce her husband, never imagining that woman could be so vicious.


    "Young madam."


    The maid called her anxiously from behind.


    Hearing the voice, both the mother and son looked over in that direction.


    "I¡¯ll come down later."


    Qin Mu weakly told the maid, then turned and quickly walked back upstairs.


    Silence fell in the living room.


    Feng Fanghua stood up anxiously, while Mu Yichen placed the child down very calmly.


    He had always known what Qin Mu¡¯s reaction would be when she learned the truth, but he didn¡¯t expect it to be in this manner.


    Qin Mu returned to the study, and after closing the door behind her leaned against it, staring ahead with an unfocused gaze.


    She couldn¡¯t just let Zhuo Wen¡¯s matter go. If she hadn¡¯t taken care of herself during her pregnancy, who knows what condition Chengcheng might have been born in.


    She could hear her own heartbeat as if protesting, pounding so hard that her chest hurt.


    The hands leaning against the door panel gradually turned into tightly clenched fists, and in the unfocused eyes was hatred she had never felt before.


    A good person is bullied, isn¡¯t that the saying?


    But being good doesn¡¯t mean being dumb.


    Still delusional about harming her child?


    The more Qin Mu thought about it, the angrier she became. Filled with resentment, she then turned around and opened the door.


    She was fuming and intended to confront Zhuo Wen; she absolutely couldn¡¯t let that woman think she was oblivious.


    But as the door opened, she saw the tall figure of Mu Yichen standing outside.


    His dark eagle eyes looked straight at her, somewhat sinister.


    "Where do you think you¡¯re going?"


    Mu Yichen asked coldly.


    "Get out of the way!"


    Qin Mu said forcefully, as the last person she wanted to see right now was him.


    The very first evening Zhuo Wen came to their house, she had expressed her discontent. If he truly loved her, he shouldn¡¯t have let that woman continue to stay in their house.


    Before, she thought she wasn¡¯t tolerant enough, but now, she felt tolerance was all nonsense.


    It would only make others recklessly think that she had no status or say in this house.


    It would only make others think that she, Qin Mu, was easy to bully.


    "You want me to step aside? Do you know what crime murder is?"


    Mu Yichen forced her to step back as he advanced, then entered and closed the door behind him, locking it.


    "She almost killed Chengcheng."


    Qin Mu yelled at him, feeling she had never loathed him so much before.


    "She almost killed my wife and child. Do you think your hatred can compare to mine?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes looked at her, his voice also very low.


    "You never cared about our mother and son, you have never truly cared about me. All you ever wanted was to ¡¯ah,¡¯ I hate you, I truly despise you."


    Qin Mu yelled, and before her tears fell, she raised her hand to push him away forcefully; she was nearly driven mad by his infuriating behavior.


    She had to confront that woman; she couldn¡¯t let her get away scot-free.

 Chapter 768 - 214 After the Wedding (7)_2

    Chapter 768: 214 After the Wedding (7)_2


    But the moment she touched his chest and pushed, her hand was easily seized by him.


    Qin Mu cried out in pain, "Let go of me."


    Her breathing was uneven, even shaking with agitation.


    She looked up at him with fervent eyes, "It was you who let her stay in the house, it was you who gave her the chance to hurt your woman and child, you bastard, let go of me."


    She had thought they could get through this terrible time calmly, but it turned out to be wishful thinking.


    She lifted her leg and kicked at his shin, grinding her teeth with intense hatred.


    Mu Yichen simply let her kick until she was tired, and only then did he hold her tightly in his arms.


    "I swear, it will never happen again, otherwise let me die a horrible death."


    He hugged her tightly, even as she angrily tried to push him away again and again, he made it so she could no longer struggle, and whispered promises into her ear.


    "Swear? If swearing worked, what would we need laws for?"


    She thumped his shoulder hard, her voice angry but lacking strength.


    Feng Fanghua and the auntie stood outside the study, relieved to hear the inside finally quiet down.


    They were really worried the two would have a violent fight.


    This matter was too serious, they all knew.


    "Then I¡¯ll accompany you to the hospital."


    He said softly, clearly trying to coax her.


    "Why would you accompany me to the hospital?"


    "To help you retrieve the golf club."


    When he finally loosened his grip on her a bit, Qin Mu looked up at his serious face and suddenly found herself at a loss for words, scoffed, and looked away.


    "If it leads to someone getting killed, I¡¯ll take the blame, and you need to take care of Chengcheng and Huanhuan."


    Mu Yichen whispered, his hand still gripping hers tightly.


    Qin Mu heard his words clearly, and her anger began to subside little by little.


    She turned her head to look at him again because he said he would take the blame for a human life.


    It was maddening, Qin Mu felt that the life they were living was simply inhumane.


    Why did they have to encounter these things?


    How could this man, so high above, possibly understand a woman¡¯s subtleties?


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes suddenly heated up, yet she no longer shed tears, just forcefully withdrew her hand from his and turned to walk toward the desk, standing behind it without moving.


    Her eyes gazed at the blue sky outside, but her heart could not find peace for a long time.


    No matter what he said, she wouldn¡¯t give up confronting Zhuo Wen.


    If Zhuo Wen had merely seduced her husband, she might have let it go with that golf club, but the woman almost killed her child, and she wouldn¡¯t so easily forgive that.


    "Even if it means killing, it should be me doing it!"


    Mu Yichen lowered his eyes and thought for a while, then slowly walked behind her, murmuring.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart trembled fiercely, and the tears in her eyes rolled down unannounced as she slightly looked up.


    She didn¡¯t speak again because she felt him right there, just a turn away.


    "If you hate me, then I¡¯ll leave, but you stay home like a good girl, let me handle the rest. When you want to see me again, come find me."


    His eyes revealed weariness.


    Qin Mu still stood still, her hand gripping the edge of the desk tightly, feeling as if she were suffocating.


    Waiting in vain for her response, Mu Yichen eventually turned and left.


    The moment the door closed, Qin Mu¡¯s heart thudded as if shot by a gun.


    She didn¡¯t want him to do anything outrageous; she would never really commit something as foolish as murder, but she had to teach that woman a lesson.


    Zhuo Wen wanted to meet her, didn¡¯t she?


    In the afternoon, she told her family she was going to meet a client, then, with her bag in tow, drove to the hospital¡¯s underground parking lot.


    When Mu Yichen received the call, he simply commanded, "Just stop her before it leads to loss of life."


    Several bodyguards stood at the entrance of Zhuo Wen¡¯s ward, actually there to monitor Zhuo Wen.


    One of Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s men happened to be there, so Jiang Zhiyuan went to enjoy the commotion, not expecting to encounter Qin Mu arriving.


    Jiang Zhiyuan stood at the door smoking, watching Qin Mu stand in front of Zhuo Wen¡¯s bed, while Zhuo Wen¡¯s once swollen but still charming eyes stared unblinkingly at her.


    Qin Mu turned to look at the man smoking on the sofa, "Can I have a few words alone with her?"


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance? heard and then nodded: sure!


    He thought Qin Mu would be afraid of him, given his underworld background, but Qin Mu was not only unafraid, she even commanded him like a queen.

 Chapter 769 - 214 After the Wedding (7)_3

    Chapter 769: 214 After the Wedding (7)_3


    Now that Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance? was at Mu Yichen¡¯s mercy, he had no choice but to nod and leave.


    Zhuo Wen, however, was shocked by his actions.


    She had always thought that this man would stay by her side no matter what.


    Qin Mu pulled out a chair and sat down, then crossed her arms as she coldly observed the woman on the hospital bed, "Didn¡¯t you have something to tell me? Speak now."


    Qin Mu¡¯s intimidating presence was nothing like the gentle and affable demeanor she exhibited at the Mu Family¡¯s home.


    Zhuo Wen, seeing Qin Mu like this and thinking of her own situation, unconsciously seemed less defiant.


    "I haven¡¯t done anything with Mu Yichen."


    Zhuo Wen said.


    Qin Mu let out a cold laugh, "Even if you did, I wouldn¡¯t care."


    Zhuo Wen looked at her skeptically, "Are you serious?"


    "Absolutely serious! ¡ª¡ª As long as he allows me to be Mrs. Mu for one more day, I couldn¡¯t care less who he sleeps with, but I will ensure those women have no future."


    Qin Mu¡¯s cold, indifferent gaze fell on her, and the words that followed, spoken after a pause, were so cold they made her seem heartless.


    "You¡¯re with him for his money."


    Zhuo Wen touched upon the most crucial point, realizing that this woman, who seemed not to be greedy, was actually very greedy.


    After hearing this, Qin Mu smiled, then looked down at the plain ring on her hand, "And what about you? What are you greedy for?"


    "Me? Of course, I like him as a person, he is the most loyal man I¡¯ve ever met."


    "Anyone would think you were looking for a brother."


    Qin Mu raised her eyes again, just as merciless.


    "If it¡¯s only money you want..."


    "Zhuo Wen, has anyone ever told you that you are particularly arrogant? To survive, Jing Qing once caused an explosion. What about you? Want to give it a try too?"


    Qin Mu asked her coldly.


    "What?"


    Zhuo Wen felt a tightness in her chest, as if her throat was being squeezed.


    "You nearly killed me and my son, do you think this is the end of it?"


    Qin Mu reminded her with a cold look, then stood up and walked towards the window with her head bowed.


    "I don¡¯t care about your background; you are on my territory now. I also don¡¯t care whether your fiance? is involved in the underworld or not, here in Rongcheng, you still have to play by my rules."


    Qin Mu looked out the window as she spoke, then turned her eyes arrogantly back to the woman on the bed.


    Zhuo Wen was so infuriated she felt like she was about to explode; however, she dared not show too much emotion on her face, although she could feel her chest trembling, as if she were about to cough up blood.


    Outside, people were waiting quietly for orders, Jiang Zhiyuan lit a cigarette, "How long has she been here?"


    "Less than half an hour; you arrived just after the young mistress did," said Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s underling. Jiang Zhiyuan took a deep drag on his cigarette, then raised his eyes to look at the man standing alone, wondering if the guy was so submissive now because Australia was putting the screws on him?


    Jiang Zhiyuan wanted to look into the ward, but the door had no glass, so he scratched his temple in irritation and then went to gently knock on the door, "Xiaomu, that¡¯s enough. If you want something done, let your brother do it for you."


    A girl, he just couldn¡¯t bear to be rough with her.


    The people inside heard the shouting outside, yet no one spoke.


    It was only Zhuo Wen who shrank at the edge of the bed.


    Qin Mu offered to pour her water, but as she was about to take it, he suddenly let go. The scalding water spilled onto her lap, causing her to scream out in pain.


    That scream made everyone outside tighten their throats, but Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance? subconsciously moved toward the door.


    Jiang Zhiyuan immediately led people to block the door, "Young Master Shen, it¡¯s better for you not to go over."


    Although Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance? felt displeased, he didn¡¯t move forward until, "She¡¯s already hurt like that, do you still need to torture her?"


    "Whether it¡¯s necessary or not, that¡¯s no concern of yours. The key point is that she caused our Xiaomu and Brother Yichen to be unable to be together right after getting married. Her sin is bigger than you think."


    "Then why doesn¡¯t Mu Yichen come over himself?"


    asked Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance?.


    "If Brother Yichen came over, that would be a big problem."


    Jiang Zhiyuan smiled.


    "Our Brother Yichen just wants to let our Xiaomu vent a little. The good show is still to come."


    Jiang Zhiyuan narrowed his eyes and took a drag of his cigarette.


    This entire floor had been booked, and the no-smoking system had been turned off, so at this moment the hallway was quite choking.


    The bodyguards behind Jiang Zhiyuan all stood straight in front of Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance?, and so he turned and walked to the side. Of course, he also knew that when Mu Yichen personally came, that¡¯s when things would really be bad.


    Afterward, the room echoed with screams, and the men outside couldn¡¯t help but feel frightened.


    One of the underlings said in Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s ear, "Bro, could it be that someone¡¯s already been killed?"


    "If someone were dead, would there still be screams?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan lifted his eyelids, but at this point, he was also feeling a bit numb inside.


    After Qin Mu left, Jiang Zhiyuan also departed from the hospital. Before leaving, he looked into the hospital room; Zhuo Wen was still the same as when Qin Mu had first entered, but what about those screams just now?


    In fact, Qin Mu had just given her a lecture on human anatomy and casually pointed out a few critical parts of the body.


    Huh! Who knew Zhuo Wen was such a coward?


    Jiang Zhiyuan went to Mu Yichen¡¯s apartment and saw Mu Yichen lying on the sofa watching TV; he couldn¡¯t help but sigh, "Xiaomu almost caused a fatality, and here you are, leisurely watching TV."


    Mu Yichen remained silent, lying on the sofa flipping through channels with a remote control.


    Jiang Zhiyuan sat down on a single sofa nearby, "Do you know what Xiaomu did to Zhuo Wen? A woman five years older than her, to be tortured by her until crying out in agony, we, a bunch of men, were scared just listening outside."


    "Her heart was uneasy, letting her make a fuss was also good."


    Mu Yichen simply said and then turned over, raising his eyes to the ceiling lamp, his voice very calm.


    "Ha! Your wife might be relieved, but Zhuo Wen¡¯s surely suffered. Before I left, a nurse ran over, it seems she wet the bed."


    Jiang Zhiyuan found it unbelievable when he remembered this, such a grown person, and her limbs were fine. It was just the injury above the neck.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, just listened quietly.


    "Honestly, I never expected Xiaomu to be such a ferocious woman. She looks quite docile. Didn¡¯t you think so too?"

 Chapter 770 - 215 After the Wedding (8)_1

    Chapter 770: 215 After the Wedding (8)_1


    "Never expected it?"


    At seventeen, a girl pursued him, but she told others he was gay, and claimed herself to be the same, scaring that foreign girl away, never again daring to approach them.


    That year, he was rumored to be gay, so he was viewed with strange looks all year long.


    But she was happier than before.


    --


    As a child, Qin Mu seemed autistic, yet everything he did was eye-opening.


    What could he not expect?


    She dared to take a golf club and smash Zhuo Wen¡¯s face, why wouldn¡¯t she dare to scare Zhuo Wen into wetting the bed?


    Although, it wasn¡¯t actually urine.


    She still had the ability, as long as she wanted to do it, a whisper would be enough to make that person tremble and wet themselves with fear.


    "Xiaomu¡¯s capabilities, you¡¯ll get to experience them slowly in the future."


    Mu Yichen placed his hands behind his head and gave Jiang Zhiyuan a heads up.


    "What? Me, I don¡¯t want to experience that, she¡¯s not my woman, why should I be scared half to death by her?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan spoke nervously, his words a bit scrambled.


    Yet Mu Yichen just chuckled softly.


    "But aren¡¯t you afraid the Zhuo Family will come after you? Even if you don¡¯t let Zhuo Wen call Australia, her absence over the New Year will surely raise suspicions, right?"


    "Someone from the Zhuo Family should already be on their way here."


    Mu Yichen responded to him, but he didn¡¯t feel burdened.


    Now, he felt quite relieved.


    If Qin Mu went to settle the score with Zhuo Wen, it meant Qin Mu still wanted to continue with him.


    Even though she said he disgusted her.


    "What about your grandfather?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan nodded at Mu Yichen¡¯s words, then curiously asked.


    "The old man knows everything already, he feels very guilty, and because he doesn¡¯t want to make things difficult for us, he¡¯s staying in the countryside until we have dealt with Zhuo Wen¡¯s matter; then he¡¯ll come back."


    Mu Yichen continued, recalling the conversation he had with the old man that night; he also felt very sorry.


    How could he blame the elderly?


    It was clearly his own lack of attentiveness.


    Just as Qin Mu said, it was all his fault.


    If he had cared about Qin Mu more, he should¡¯ve made that woman leave their house in the beginning, or they as a couple should¡¯ve moved back into the apartment.


    Now¡ª


    He knew he was reaping what he sowed.


    But lying there in the apartment today, he felt comfortable.


    He was atoning for his sins.


    Jiang Zhiyuan grew serious and after a sigh asked him, "What¡¯s the plan now?"


    "Just wait and see!"


    Mu Yichen raised his eyebrows slightly, his voice light.


    Jiang Zhiyuan...


    He didn¡¯t want to wait and see, he wanted to know the answer immediately.


    But it seemed that Mu Yichen had no intention of disclosing it, and he was helpless.


    Having seen Jing Qing¡¯s example in the past, and now Zhuo Wen, he thought Mu Yichen must have already thought of a strategy.


    "However, the people of the Zhuo Family all hold positions overseas, you still need to be careful."


    Jiang Zhiyuan reminded him.


    "Hmm! Since when are you so thoughtful?"


    Mu Yichen agreed, looking up at Jiang Zhiyuan.


    Jiang Zhiyuan felt a sudden shiver at that gaze, and then hugged himself, "Don¡¯t look at me with those eyes."


    "Qin Mu said she hates me the most right now; she thinks I¡¯m disgusting."


    Mu Yichen looked up at the ceiling, reminded by Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s words of what Qin Mu had said to him in the study.


    Jiang Zhiyuan...


    "She¡¯s right, it was my negligence, my arrogance, Zhiyuan, I only realized recently that I¡¯m truly an idiot."


    Mu Yi calling himself an idiot?


    Jiang Zhiyuan thought he must have misheard.


    "Are you okay? It¡¯s one thing for Xiaomu to be shaken up, but why are you like this?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan asked him, concerned.


    "I¡¯ve been shaken too!"


    As he uttered those words, Mu Yichen indeed felt aggrieved, but he just smiled lightly.


    "Are you really okay? I can¡¯t leave tonight if you¡¯re like this."


    Jiang Zhiyuan placed his hands in his pockets, leaning forward, looking at Mu Yichen.


    "Then don¡¯t go. Otherwise, I¡¯d be here by myself."


    Jiang Zhiyuan...


    When he¡¯s settled all matters and if she is satisfied, would she forgive him?


    "This way, could you forgive me?" Mu Yichen fantasized about that moment, he didn¡¯t know how Qin Mu would respond to him.


    "By then I¡¯ll be in jail, and you can find another man who will cherish you, not someone selfish and authoritarian like me." Or maybe directly tell that woman to drop dead, and before being caught, return to ask Qin Mu if that would move her?

 Chapter 771 - 215 After the Wedding (8)_2

    Chapter 771: 215 After the Wedding (8)_2


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but imagine the day in the future when the two of them would reconcile, fantasizing about the moment she would throw herself into his arms, crying like a fool.


    It seemed like she didn¡¯t even want him near her now.


    The more Mu Yichen thought about it, the colder his heart felt.


    That evening, Jiang Zhiyuan didn¡¯t dare to stay for dinner, and he sent a message to Qin Mu before heading home, "Xiaomu, are you sure you don¡¯t want to check on Yichen at the apartment? I think he¡¯s gone mad, talking to himself and saying all sorts of nonsense."


    At that time, Qin Mu was nursing the child, so she didn¡¯t even look at her phone. It was only later that night when she finally did, and upon seeing Jiang Zhiyuan¡¯s message, she couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit sour.


    He wouldn¡¯t be alone in the apartment, not even eating properly, would he?


    But why should she still care about all that?


    After thinking it over, Qin Mu tossed her phone aside again and went to take a shower.


    Only when she came out from her shower, did she receive a video call invite from Mu Qingxin.


    Qin Mu assumed it was just Mu Qingxin, so she answered the video call immediately, only to be greeted by the sight of Jiang Yan as well, wearing only a sexy nightgown, and she instantly threw the phone onto the bed.


    "Sorry, sorry, Ayan just wanted to say hi, and now he¡¯s leaving," Mu Qingxin quickly said, a bit startled, she rapidly shooed Jiang Yan away.


    Then, the two women sat on the bed and chatted. Mu Qingxin couldn¡¯t help laughing, "Doesn¡¯t this nightgown look very similar to one you have?"


    "Of course, it does, isn¡¯t that the one I gave you?" Qin Mu replied.


    "Hehe! Yes, I thought you had forgotten," said Mu Qingxin.


    How could Qin Mu forget? Mu Yichen had even lectured her about it, saying that if it was something given to her, how could she let someone else wear it? Not even her sister.


    Why think of him?


    Qin Mu felt it was just adding to her troubles, and then asked Mu Qingxin, "What do you want?"


    "You still haven¡¯t reconciled with my brother, have you? No matter what, you shouldn¡¯t let him stay alone at the apartment," Mu Qingxin said, still showing concern for her brother, but she couldn¡¯t get mad at Qin Mu, so she just gave a gentle reminder.


    "I didn¡¯t tell him to stay at the apartment, he went there himself," Qin Mu replied, lifting her hand to adjust the hat on her head.


    She was too tired to even bother drying her hair.


    "As if he would go sleep at the apartment on his own. Who are you trying to fool? Everyone in the Mu Family knows his temper; wherever you are, he is there. That¡¯s my brother, that¡¯s the eldest son of the Mu Family," Mu Qingxin retorted.


    Qin Mu...


    "You¡¯re worried about him, aren¡¯t you? Why then let him stay by himself?" Mu Qingxin continued to probe.


    "How do you know I¡¯m worried about him? Why should I worry about him?" Qin Mu asked back.


    "If you weren¡¯t worried, why did you use my phone to message him when I fell asleep?" Mu Qingxin asked.


    Qin Mu...


    "Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know. That night, my brother messaged me to check up on you. I was asleep, and you replied on my behalf. I saw it the next morning," Mu Qingxin pointed out.


    Suddenly, Qin Mu found herself at a loss for words, even though she knew she had replied simply so he wouldn¡¯t disturb the sleeping Xiaomu.


    "My brother is a grown man; he can¡¯t be attentive every moment. If you keep tormenting my brother, I¡¯m really going to get angry and cut ties with you for good," Mu Qingxin threatened.


    Qin Mu laughed, a bit startled, "Mu Qingxin, weren¡¯t you always proclaiming that the person you hated most was me? I should be afraid of cutting ties with you?"


    This time, it was Mu Qingxin who was left speechless.


    "Oh, my brother truly has only you in his heart."


    "If Jiang Yan only had you in his heart but invited another girl to stay at his house, would you be happy?" Qin Mu asked her, placing her phone aside and starting to massage her face.


    "But Zhuo Wen wasn¡¯t invited by my brother, right? Wasn¡¯t it Grandpa who invited her?"


    "If your brother didn¡¯t want her to stay at the house, couldn¡¯t he have sorted it out in a matter of minutes?" Qin Mu asked again, then lay down on the bed to start her pre-sleep yoga.


    "But, my brother must be trying to avoid upsetting Grandpa, who¡¯s already so old. No one in the family has the heart to see him sad," Mu Qingxin reasoned after thinking it over.


    Indeed, there wasn¡¯t a single person in the family who didn¡¯t dote on Grandpa.


    "Can we not talk about this?" Qin Mu cut her off.


    "Alright! Have you started?" Mu Qingxin, unable to see Qin Mu, asked.


    "Mmm!"


    "Then I¡¯ll hang up. I should start too. My husband says I look especially sexy when doing pre-sleep yoga, hehe."


    "You¡¯re doing this on purpose, right? You know very well that my husband isn¡¯t around now," Qin Mu retorted.


    "Yes! Since you¡¯ve been bullying my brother, of course, I can¡¯t let you off the hook too easily," replied Mu Qingxin with a playful tone.

 Chapter 772 - 215 After the Wedding (8)_3

    Chapter 772: 215 After the Wedding (8)_3


    The two exchanged a few more words before finally ending the video call.


    Later, before going to bed, Qin Mu went to the nursery to carry the little guy to her room, so she wouldn¡¯t have to get up in the middle of the night to make formula for him.


    In fact, Qin Mu felt that her milk supply had decreased a lot these past two days, even though she had tried hard to consume all sorts of soups and foods.


    But still...


    Maybe, as Xiaohao said, when you¡¯re in a bad mood, nothing you eat is nutritious.


    So what should she do?


    She had to improve her mood; she couldn¡¯t let her son suffer.


    In the morning, Feng Fanghua got up and went to her room to hold the child. Seeing that she was sleeping soundly, she didn¡¯t disturb her and went out, only to hear the nanny saying, "Last night, in the middle of the night, I made some formula to feed the young master, and then I discovered the young master wasn¡¯t in the nursery."


    "Hmm! With Yichen gone, she finally has time to care for the child. If Yichen were here..."


    "The young master would never allow the young madam to sleep with the young master in her arms."


    The nanny agreed, knowing exactly what she meant.


    "Ah! She¡¯s already thirty, and sometimes I think she¡¯s not even as sensible as my granddaughter."


    Feng Fanghua carried her grandson downstairs.


    Mu Zihao was playing a puzzle game with Huanhuan downstairs. Upon hearing them coming down, he didn¡¯t look up, completely engrossed.


    Feng Fanghua went over and sat down: "You two have been piecing this together for an hour and still haven¡¯t finished?"


    "Grandpa said one piece is missing!"


    Huanhuan was a bit frustrated, but her hands kept searching through the pile.


    It¡¯s forgotten who gave Huanhuan this set of puzzles. It had lain untouched until Huanhuan found it, and now she and her grandfather had something to keep them busy.


    "Keep looking carefully."


    Feng Fanghua said softly.


    Huanhuan was particularly serious in her search.


    The nanny brought out the prepared formula: "Madam, shall I feed the young master?"


    "I will!"


    Feng Fanghua, who on a normal day could hardly bear to let someone else care for her grandson, considered him her precious baby.


    Ever since Qin Mu became pregnant, Feng Fanghua had been looking forward to it. So after Mu Chengyang was born, unless she was feeling unwell, she would never let anyone else hold him.


    The addition of the little one to the family was actually a joy to everyone, but it also brought envy, since only Feng Fanghua could be with him all the time.


    Li Yu sent a bracelet to Qin Mu¡¯s studio.


    When Qin Mu arrived at work and saw the exquisite box on her desk, her gaze paused for a moment before she picked it up and opened it. Inside was a designer bracelet.


    She gently took the bracelet out and placed it on her delicate wrist. Instinctively raising her eyebrows, she found it quite beautiful.


    Xiaomei came to bring her water, knocked on the door, and upon seeing her wearing the bracelet commented, "That was brought over by Li Yu¡¯s assistant this morning. He said Li Yu was thanking you for your friendly cameo appearance and insisted that you accept this gift."


    "Yes! I have already accepted it with a smile!"


    Qin Mu nodded in agreement, her eyes earnestly gazing at the bracelet.


    Ever since Xiaomei returned from her holiday, she had felt that Qin Mu was a bit off, and she wasn¡¯t clear about what had happened to her. So now, finally having the chance, she couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Qin Qin, did you have another argument with Mr. Mu?"


    These words were too familiar.


    It seemed that every so often, Xiaomei would ask a few times.


    Therefore, Qin Mu let out a resigned sigh upon hearing the question. She lifted her wrist with the bracelet and walked towards the window, holding it up in the sunlight. The colorful bracelet made her skin look even more exquisite.


    As she admired the bracelet, Qin Mu said, "He got kicked out by me."


    Xiaomei...


    Surely seemed like someone who¡¯d just kicked out her man, otherwise, why would she be ¡¯showing off¡¯ a bracelet given by another man?


    Everyone knew Mu Yichen hated other men giving her gifts, and she had always declined gifts and overtures from other men, but today...


    Xiaomei thought, even a fool would know she wasn¡¯t happy right now.


    "Let¡¯s go to the fashion factory together later, I heard two sets of new equipment have arrived, let¡¯s go and take a look,"


    Qin Mu stared at the bracelet for a long while before finally willing to let her arm down.


    "Okay!"


    Xiaomei agreed.


    Qin Mu turned her head and saw Xiaomei standing there, looking a bit bored, wondering what she was thinking about.


    "What¡¯s wrong? Is there something on your mind?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously.


    "Nothing! I just think you¡¯re pretty silly."


    Xiaomei said blandly and then turned her head to walk away first.


    Qin Mu...


    She¡¯s silly? Qin Mu wasn¡¯t sure if Xiaomei was talking about her.


    Because no matter how she looked at it, she considered herself to be extremely smart.


    Qin Mu was driving, with Xiaomei in the passenger seat, gripping the overhead handle tightly with both hands.


    Because Qin Mu was driving a bit recklessly today.


    "Should we get a new car?"


    "New! New!"


    Xiaomei, seeing Qin Mu¡¯s face, didn¡¯t dare to retort or even question her, only agreeing with whatever she said.


    "But what if we don¡¯t have the money? Do we use President Mu¡¯s card?"


    Qin Mu thought about it and then asked.


    "Use it! Use it!"


    Xiaomei continued to echo, feeling like she was about to be scared to death, shocked at the speed at which Qin Mu was driving the rickety car. She feared a car accident was imminent.


    "But isn¡¯t it quite spineless to use President Mu¡¯s card? As a designer, and moreover, JY¡¯s most prized apprentice, maybe I should take out a loan!"


    Qin Mu thought it was better to owe a little more than just a little.


    Xiaomei looked at her incredulously, hands still firmly grasping the safety handle, and couldn¡¯t understand what was going on with her boss.


    Why was she speaking so strangely today?


    As a result, they were stopped for running a red light.


    On the cold day, the police officer asked Qin Mu to produce her driving license. Qin Mu reluctantly took it out from the car and gave it to the officer.


    Xiaomei had no choice but to gently push the officer a little away from her because she realized this wasn¡¯t Qin Mu¡¯s normal state. If Qin Mu were in her right mind, she would have apologized to the officer by now.


    Xiaomei discreetly called Zhao Huai because the car couldn¡¯t be impounded; they still had to get to the fashion factory.


    Zhao Huai arrived in less than half an hour and looked at the two women standing by the roadside, one ceaselessly trying to appease the police officer, apologizing, the other standing to the side as if she had nothing to do with the red light incident, and he couldn¡¯t help but sigh.


    "Should I go or will you?"


    Zhao Huai asked the person behind him.


    "You go!"


    A faint voice came from behind, dark eagle eyes gazing at the woman diagonally across.


    Zhao Huai had no choice but to agree and then opened the car door to step out.


    Qin Mu just happened to catch a glimpse of Zhao Huai walking over from the opposite side.


    Of course, he was using the pedestrian path.


    Qin Mu thought, why use the pedestrian path? It¡¯s not cool at all.


    Yet her gaze subconsciously wandered over to the black car on the roadside, the windows were closed, but she felt like she had seen someone.

 Chapter 773 - 216 After the Wedding (9) (Third Update)_1

    Chapter 773: 216 After the Wedding (9) (Third Update)_1


    Zhao Huai couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the sight of Qin Mu¡¯s stubborn demeanor, but he didn¡¯t go over to provoke her. Instead, he chatted with the police officer.


    Xiaomei stood by and listened as Zhao Huai exchanged pleasantries with the police officer without saying anything else. She instinctively glanced towards her boss and noticed that Qin Mu¡¯s eyes seemed to sparkle like diamonds as she stared straight ahead.


    Following her gaze, Xiaomei looked at the black car and recognized it as Zhao Huai¡¯s vehicle. However, could there be someone else in the car? She approached Zhao Huai and quietly asked, "Is President Mu in the car?"


    Zhao Huai looked down at Xiaomei, his eyebrows slightly raised.


    Xiaomei immediately understood.


    "President Mu, is he AM¡¯s Yichen?"


    The police officer promptly returned Qin Mu¡¯s driving license to Zhao Huai with a smile and asked.


    "Indeed!"


    In fact, the police officer¡¯s daughter worked at AM, albeit in a minor position, but he still didn¡¯t dare to offend such a figure.


    "Thanks, uncle!"


    Zhao Huai patted the somewhat slim shoulder of the police officer and then took Xiaomei to find Qin Mu.


    With a sharp eye, she immediately snatched the driving license from Zhao Huai¡¯s hand and turned to get into the car with an air of arrogance.


    Zhao Huai...


    "Xiaomu!"


    Qin Mu paid no attention at all, opened the door, sat inside, and closed the car door with force.


    "She¡¯s in a bad mood now, let¡¯s just leave it!"


    Xiaomei said and then reluctantly followed her into the car.


    Zhao Huai stood there with his hands in his pockets, watching their car drive away and inadvertently sighed, thinking to himself, why do women always have such big tempers?


    Nowadays, it seems like men are the ones with good temperaments, while women¡¯s tempers are hideous.


    Yep, they must all be spoiled by men.


    Speaking to himself, Zhao Huai glanced once more at the opposite car, only to find the police officer standing beside him again.


    After getting into the car, Zhao Huai turned to look at Mu Yichen, "Where are we going now?"


    "Back to the office!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s response was indifferent as he continued flipping through the materials in his hand.


    As though his eyes had never left the documents he was holding, he¡¯d actually been watching the distance all along.


    The way she looked at him made him quite unwilling to face her.


    Which was why he hadn¡¯t gone out earlier.


    Qin Mu had accidentally pricked her fingertip at the factory, alarming the workers to the point where they all turned pale.


    So Xiaomei took her to the hospital, fearing she might have been poisoned.


    The doctor gave her an injection and then let them go because there was no issue at all.


    Xiaomei helped her walk out, mainly out of fear that she might bump into someone again or accidentally hit a wall.


    Xiaomei thought to herself that the argument must have been severe for her to behave like this.


    When the two of them left the hospital, it started snowing again. Qin Mu sighed involuntarily, "What kind of lousy weather is this?"


    "I¡¯ll go bring the car over."


    Xiaomei muttered to herself, not daring to let her wander off.


    Qin Mu stood there quietly waiting, looking at her fingertip that had reddened, and suddenly felt uncomfortable enough to sniffle.


    Could it be a cold?


    She had slept well the night before, even waking up naturally in the morning.


    But as soon as she went out, everything seemed to go wrong.


    Looking at the bracelet on her wrist, she found it bothersome and forcefully removed it. Glancing at the nearby trash can, she tossed it right in.


    Xiaomei¡¯s car arrived and she strode over to get in.


    However, a woman behind her immediately reached into the trash can after seeing her car drive away.


    A colored gold bracelet, no matter how beautiful and seemingly valuable, especially with the letters on it, caught the woman¡¯s eye. She glanced around and then quickly pocketed the bracelet.


    On the way back, Qin Mu didn¡¯t say another word, just leaning on the back seat, looking somewhat weak.


    From the rearview mirror, Xiaomei noticed her complexion didn¡¯t look good, "The doctor said it should be fine, and you got a tetanus shot, but why does your face look so bad?"


    Could she admit that she had cried in the hospital restroom?


    So, she just washed her face, and then...


    She ended up looking rather pale.


    Her lipstick was also gone.


    She reached forward, weakly, opened the compartment in front, looked at the two lipsticks inside, randomly picked one, straightened up, flipped open the vanity mirror, and applied a thick layer of lipstick to her lips.


    Suddenly, there was color again.


    "Feeling better now?"


    She turned to look at Xiaomei.


    Xiaomei looked at her and then sighed helplessly.


    This was the most worried Xiaomei had been for Qin Mu in all the years she¡¯d known her.


    "It¡¯s strange! Back when you took care of Huanhuan by yourself, I never worried about you, and I even felt happy when you moved to Rongcheng later. But now, why do I start to feel anxious?"

 Chapter 774 - 216 After the Wedding (9) (Third Update)_2

    Chapter 774: 216 After the Wedding (9) (Third Update)_2


    "Familiarity breeds fondness!"


    Qin Mu gave her an answer, then leaned back into his seat, presenting a state of paralysis.


    Xiaomei chuckled upon hearing those four words, "Aren¡¯t those words meant to be said to a lover?"


    "You are my lover too!"


    Qin Mu thought, or perhaps you are more like a lover to me than anyone else.


    As for Mu Yichen, she wasn¡¯t the least bit interested in him at the moment.


    In the afternoon, she slept in the studio while the others worked.


    In the evening, when she returned home, it was all about taking care of the children, then eating, and putting the children to bed.


    It was just this evening when she carried her son out of the bathroom after a bath, she heard the sound of the door opening.


    The sound seemed somewhat urgent, and then she turned her head to see him rushing in.


    Qin Mu was still holding the child in her arms, but he suddenly approached and forcefully grabbed one of her hands.


    Qin Mu...


    She couldn¡¯t help but stare straight at him, "What are you doing?"


    Those four words, devoid of warmth, filled with bafflement.


    "Where were you injured?"


    Mu Yichen anxiously asked.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart pounded, but then she said, "Who said I was injured?"


    She snatched her hand back from his palm, then, holding her son with disdain for him, she approached the bed and gently laid her son down on it.


    Mu Yichen felt a sourness in his heart; he had received a call from the hospital, fearing she was seriously injured.


    But now it seemed that there was nothing serious, he had hung up the phone in his anxiousness before listening to the doctor completely, but now...


    He just watched the little guy occupy the spot that used to belong to him, feeling an internal turmoil.


    He stood with his hands on his hips for a while, and only after she put the child down did he step forward again, seizing both of her hands, bending down to take a serious look.


    When he noticed a small hole on her left index finger, he immediately let go of the other hand and brought the injured finger close to his eyes, "You call this not injured?"


    "Such a trifle, and you bothered to come all the way here?"


    Qin Mu asked, wondering why he had come back, considering he hadn¡¯t even bothered to get out of the car when the police stopped her that morning.


    She really wanted to kick him away, sending him flying down from the upstairs, better if he too became disabled.


    In her heart, she had several excuses for hurting him, so she forcefully pulled her hand out from his grasp.


    But he held on very tightly.


    "What did it get pierced by?"


    "What else could such a small wound be from? Of course, it¡¯s from a needle."


    Qin Mu answered, but her tone was a bit forceful.


    It was the needle from the sewing machine. She had simply wanted to tidy up that piece of fabric, a task that was nothing but simple for her, and everyone was crowding around to admire her skill when somehow, her finger got caught in it.


    The machine¡¯s needle was so far away from the board, Qin Mu later thought to herself and mustered to express no words, how could she be so foolish.


    Did she want to become one with the fabric?


    "It¡¯s fine to be angry with me, but isn¡¯t it a bit too much to torture yourself like this?"


    Mu Yichen finally lifted his eyes to look at her.


    A thousand reasons had barely kept him calm alone in the apartment.


    But one reason, caused him to rush back home.


    Seeing her stubbornness, her feigned indifference, even as a man, he felt a heartache.


    Qin Mu stubbornly looked back at him, listening to the concern in his voice, yet still biting her lip, trying not to show too much emotion.


    "You did it on purpose, right? To rush back for such a minor thing."


    Qin Mu lowered her head, avoiding his gaze.


    The stubbornness in her voice was undeniable.


    Mu Yichen also lowered his head, "I was just worried about you! Could such a thing be fake?"


    After hearing his words, Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak further and her eyelashes flickered slightly.


    The atmosphere in the room suddenly became different; the air seemed to be quietly condensing, and if it wasn¡¯t broken soon, something unexpected might happen.


    However, on the bed was another little fellow, eyes wide open, ears perked up, quietly eavesdropping.


    Oh no, the little guy was listening openly.


    It¡¯s just that the two of them had momentarily forgotten about Mu Chengyang on the bed.


    The sudden silence in the air, Qin Mu with a lowered head, "Let go of me!"


    Her voice, faint to the point of barely audible.


    Mu Yichen slightly lifted his gaze, at that moment he truly had an urge to kiss her.


    But he feared that she would slap him and then blame him yet again.


    Thinking back to when he couldn¡¯t stand it and had his way, not caring whether she was happy or willing.


    But now, he actually didn¡¯t dare.


    Just because she said he didn¡¯t respect her enough.


    Mu Yichen let go of her hand, "I¡¯ll check on the son before I leave."

 Chapter 775 - 216 After the Wedding (9) (Third Update)_3

    Chapter 775: 216 After the Wedding (9) (Third Update)_3


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything more, just walked to the sofa and sat down, also bowing his head and mindlessly flipping through a magazine next to him.


    Actually, his heart couldn¡¯t calm down at all.


    He walked over and sat by the bed, and as he saw the kid looking at him with big eyes, he couldn¡¯t help but mutter, "Occupying your old man¡¯s spot, you must be pretty pleased, huh?"


    Qin Mu reflexively looked up at him, his eyes slightly more alert.


    Mu Yichen felt Qin Mu¡¯s gaze and reluctantly raised his eyebrows, "But you just keep it for now, it¡¯s better than letting someone else take it, make sure to keep your mom happy for me."


    He reached out to grab his son¡¯s little hand, wanting to use the child¡¯s hand to pat his own face, but it seemed like the little one¡¯s hand was too short, not able to reach.


    And Qin Mu quickly noticed, putting down the magazine and asking unhappily, "Mu Yichen, what are you doing?"


    "What else can I be doing?"


    Letting go of Mu Chengyang¡¯s hand, Mu Yichen stood up.


    If he couldn¡¯t stay longer, then it was time to go.


    Yet Qin Mu felt a sting in his eyes when he heard the sound of the door closing.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were still watching TV downstairs. When they saw him coming down, they mumbled, "Leaving again?"


    "Yeah!"


    Mu Yichen responded, but he wasn¡¯t in a rush to leave, so he sat down on the sofa and leaned back against it, resting his neck on the top, staring up at the ceiling.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao both doted on their son deeply, but they were powerless to persuade their daughter-in-law, feeling a bit aggrieved.


    "Did the Zhuo Family send someone over?"


    Mu Zihao asked.


    "Yeah! The old master of the Zhuo Family and the eldest brother of their family came."


    Mu Yichen said.


    Mu Zihao nodded, "Have you met them?"


    "Yeah."


    "What did they say?"


    Mu Zihao asked again.


    "They said they wanted to take Zhuo Wen away!"


    Mu Yichen answered truthfully.


    "Zhuo Wen is miserable enough now, let her elder brother take her away. I heard she might have some mental issues?"


    Feng Fanghua inquired, she was really fed up with the trouble this woman had brought to their family and just wanted the matter to be over quickly.


    "So, she can¡¯t leave now, she¡¯s got to spend a few years in a mental hospital."


    And it had to be one in Rongcheng.


    Mu Yichen said, his voice lacking strength, but it made the listeners somewhat worried.


    "What do her family members say?"


    "No one dares stand up for her."


    When Mu Yichen said this, his eyes immediately hardened.


    Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t ask any more questions, but Feng Fanghua said, "That woman almost caused Qin Mu and my grandson harm, she indeed deserves to pay a price."


    Mu Zihao nodded.


    The living room wasn¡¯t as lively as usual; now, the family of three sitting together somehow seemed a bit gloomy.


    After a while, Feng Fanghua said, "Stay the night, just take the guest room, or go to Huanhuan¡¯s room."


    Mu Yichen looked up at his mother, touched in his heart. At the critical moment, it was still his mother.


    "If your daughter-in-law finds out about this, you¡¯ve only just repaired your mother-in-law-daughter-in-law relationship not long ago, have you thought it through?"


    Mu Zihao reminded his wife.


    "Oh! Well, you should go then!"


    Feng Fanghua said as she stood up and then went back to her room first.


    "I won¡¯t see you out. Come back when you¡¯ve coaxed your wife back into a good mood; there¡¯s no hurry!"


    Mu Zihao also got up and, before leaving, gave Mu Yichen some instructions.


    Mu Yichen...


    It took him several minutes before he scoffed, thinking to himself that he now had absolutely no status in this family.


    Nevertheless, he wasn¡¯t in a hurry to leave. He was pondering how to get his wife to accept him again.


    Should he resort to a tactic like playing the sufferer?


    She was even beginning to struggle at work, running red lights when driving; if their relationship didn¡¯t improve, she was sure to have an accident.


    And yet, he fell asleep with such ease, on the couch.


    In the middle of the night, Mu Zihao came out to drink some water and, seeing Mu Yichen asleep on the couch, went to fetch a blanket to cover him, and looking at Mu Yichen¡¯s pitiful state, said, "We want to help you too, but right now, in this house, you¡¯re not as important as your wife."


    Mu Zihao shook his head and returned to his room.


    Feng Fanghua also woke up and asked, "Has he not left yet?"


    "He¡¯s fallen asleep!"


    Mu Zihao replied and lay down in bed.


    After turning off the light, Feng Fanghua asked, "Should we make him leave?"


    "Can you really be so heartless?"


    Mu Zihao asked her.


    "What choice do we have? Qin Mu has stopped producing milk. If she sees him tomorrow and gets so angry that her milk dries up, my grandson is far more important than he is," Feng Fanghua said as she turned over and gently leaned against Mu Zihao¡¯s shoulder.


    "Humph! You¡¯ve certainly changed from back in the day. You used to be unable to bear to see our son in any distress."


    "Back then I looked forward to having him home every day! Now, he just irritates me."


    Mu Zihao laughed so hard he nearly shook, but in the dead of night, he tried his best not to laugh out loud.


    And in the living room, finally, there was no sound at all.


    As for his breathing, normally above millions, it now seemed utterly insignificant.


    This living room was too large, so large that lying alone on the couch felt somewhat lonesome.


    In truth, he had only wanted to stay a little longer here because it was too cold outside and even colder in his apartment.


    Moreover, she hadn¡¯t been to the apartment in a long while, making it seem as if her scent had faded away.


    He had fallen asleep hugging her clothes the night before, but he still didn¡¯t sleep well.


    ¡ª


    Qin Mu woke up in the morning with a severe itch in her throat. She checked the time on her phone and it was just past six. Seeing the little one still soundly asleep, she approached, couldn¡¯t help but curl her lips into a slight smile, and gently wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth before quietly getting out of bed.


    She closed the door softly as she left the room.


    She had expected the downstairs to be bustling by now, but she was surprised to find it eerily quiet.


    The old couple must not be up yet, or they were getting up.


    The old man hadn¡¯t come back from the countryside, so that was one person fewer.


    Usually, the maid would be cleaning at this time, but not today.


    She went to the kitchen to pour herself a drink, but for some reason, she suddenly glanced towards the living room.


    It felt like there was someone lying on the couch, so she walked over to it.

 Chapter 776 - 217 Reconciliation (1)_1

    Chapter 776: 217 Reconciliation (1)_1


    He slept here for the whole night?


    To say I wasn¡¯t heartbroken would be a lie, but being heartbroken definitely doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll be soft-hearted.


    The blanket was about to fall to the floor, Qin Mu glanced at it, and then quietly walked over to pick it up. Little did she know that just as she bent down, he turned around.


    Qin Mu reflexively looked up, and Mu Yichen just happened to open his eyes.


    Qin Mu was already holding the blanket, so she still took it and gently placed it behind his back. After she stood back up, Mu Yichen then sat up, ran his hand through his hair, and said with his head down, "I accidentally fell asleep."


    Qin Mu thought to herself, you "accidentally" fell asleep, and for the entire night at that.


    However, no matter what she thought in her heart, she didn¡¯t say a word to him and turned to head for the kitchen.


    Only then did Mu Yichen lift his gaze, his dark eyes following her retreating figure.


    Wearing so little, is she doing it on purpose?


    But now the tiger was scheming and did not move forward to disturb her.


    Qin Mu went to the kitchen for water, and the maid poured her a glass while also saying, "Last night, the young master slept on the sofa all night. You and your husband always have such a good relationship. They say couples shouldn¡¯t sleep apart after a fight, it makes it easy for the distance to grow, you know the saying ¡¯a couple that argues at the head of the bed makes up at the foot of it,¡¯ right?"


    Qin Mu leaned against the cabinet with her water, one hand hugging her own elbow, silently listening to the elder¡¯s nagging, and for some reason, she actually found it quite endearing.


    "Is it because of that Miss Zhuo? The young master really has no feelings for that Miss Zhuo; all of us servants see it clearly. The young master only has that look in his eyes when he gazes at you."


    As the maid spoke, the cooks cooking inside kept nodding vigorously.


    "Quickly make up, if the two of you don¡¯t make up, we won¡¯t dare to joke around anymore."


    As the cook finished speaking, Qin Mu, who was about to take a drink of water, felt too embarrassed to do so.


    She held back several times but eventually couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    "You¡¯re all speaking up for your young master, will he give you a raise?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously, clearly joking.


    However, the maid suddenly gave her arm a gentle tap and said, "Oh, what raise? When the year-end comes, a big red envelope is enough."


    Qin Mu...


    "Yeah, and it doesn¡¯t matter whether the young master or the young mistress hands it out."


    Clearly, the maid thought she was the one to hand out red envelopes, so Qin Mu stood up straight, gently cleared her throat, and carried her water cup outside.


    Having so many people at home really makes it lively.


    No matter what the topic, there¡¯s never a fallout, and everyone¡¯s way of thinking is unique.


    When Qin Mu went out, she heard Feng Fanghua saying, "Where are you going? Just go to work after breakfast, at this hour I don¡¯t believe you¡¯d go back to the apartment for a meal."


    Qin Mu was a bit unsure whether she should go out or not.


    Mu Yichen was holding Huanhuan in his arms¡ª


    Did he look like he was about to leave?


    Seeing her come out, Huanhuan immediately called out happily, "Mommy, good morning.


    "Good morning, Huanhuan! Morning, Mom!"


    Qin Mu could only smile, especially since there was an elder present.


    "Go change, then come down for breakfast! Huanhuan, let¡¯s go to the washroom, grandma will help you tie your hair pretty."


    Feng Fanghua stretched out her hand to signal Huanhuan to follow her.


    "Okay!"


    Huanhuan happily agreed, allowing Mu Yichen to put her down and then ran off with Feng Fanghua.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak; she just quietly went upstairs with her water glass. There was still some time before breakfast, so she went back to bed, sat there scanning her phone while drinking water.


    Mu Yichen found some clothes and laid them at the foot of the bed, then slowly took off yesterday¡¯s clothes.


    He seemed quite at ease.


    That sanctimonious, serious expression of his was more solemn than any other time before, though he was in no rush to get dressed or undressed.


    When Mu Yichen opened the drawer to find underwear, he obviously took his time, his fingers picking through the assortment of boxes until he finally selected a pair of dark blue boxer shorts.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes involuntarily drifted to his lower abdomen, and when he suddenly looked over at her, Qin Mu turned away, awkwardly cleared her throat.


    "Um, you didn¡¯t shower last night, and you¡¯re not going to this morning either?"


    Qin Mu asked.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say anything but took his underwear to the bathroom, still looking very cool.


    Qin Mu just quietly watched, noticing that his buttocks seemed even firmer than hers, truly an enviable man.


    But thinking of how much he had disappointed her, Qin Mu lowered her head and continued to scroll through her phone.


    Then suddenly, on a whim, she sniffed the scent on herself, turned around to put down her water cup, and took out a bottle of perfume from the drawer and spritzed it in front of herself.

 Chapter 777 - 217 Reconciliation (1)_2

    Chapter 777: 217 Reconciliation (1)_2


    Just for a moment, then he waved his hand in the air and picked up his phone again to continue "attentively" looking at his screen.


    Even though the two of them were at odds like this, he still wanted to leave a good impression on her.


    Qin Mu suddenly realized how strange she was acting, yep, and pretty melodramatic too.


    Otherwise, why do these things?


    After he finished showering and came out, holding that pair of underwear, he sat at the end of the bed with a white towel wrapped around his waist.


    Qin Mu...


    Watching his broad back, Qin Mu chose to ignore it.


    Was he trying to seduce her like that?


    Flaunting so much skin right in front of her.


    Qin Mu flipped off the blanket and then got out of bed.


    Since he had finished, it was her turn to freshen up.


    Mu Yichen gazed at her fair, long legs, and couldn¡¯t help but raise his eyebrows with effort.


    Then he groaned and lowered his head to look at his own abdomen.


    This woman really was...


    Infuriating!


    And the place she walked through actually left a faint fragrance, even though it wasn¡¯t there before he took a shower.


    Mu Yichen reflexively turned his head and glanced towards the bedside table, sure enough, there was a bottle of perfume on it.


    If it were any other day, he would have charged in by now.


    But now, he restrained himself.


    He¡¯d wait until she threw herself at him.


    Not two minutes after she entered, just as he was about to put on his pants, Qin Mu¡¯s phone rang by the pillow.


    Mu Yichen stood up, pulled up his pants intending to call her, thought about it, then flopped back onto the bed with his belt tightened, stretching out his long arm to grab her phone.


    It was an unfamiliar number.


    Mu Yichen frowned slightly and then answered the call.


    "Hey, gorgeous, free to have dinner together today?"


    Li Yu had been posing in front of the mirror in the studio since early morning, using what he considered his handsomest expression to call Qin Mu.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s frown deepened, "Not free!"


    Li Yu was taken aback, then lifted his eyes to the impossibly handsome man in the mirror, "Who is this?"


    Faced with Li Yu¡¯s confusion, Mu Yichen clearly had the upper hand.


    "Her man!"


    Mu Yichen answered sharply and stood up.


    Li Yu¡¯s mouth twitched awkwardly, "Mu, President Mu? Don¡¯t get me wrong, I just wanted to thank Mrs. Mu for her cameo in my film last time. The bloopers were released and a lot of fans really liked Mrs. Mu."


    "Actually, a lot of people don¡¯t really like your films. Are you just concerned about your own delusional fans¡¯ opinions?"


    Mu Yichen said, then started putting on the white shirt thrown on the bed.


    "Haha! President Mu, why so angry? Since Mrs. Mu is not available, then I¡¯ll hang up."


    Li Yu was really damn embarrassed.


    Mu Yichen brought the phone up to his face, thinking, kid, are you tired of living? You dare to ask my woman out?


    "Who are you talking to?"


    Qin Mu, who was still wiping her face, suddenly walked to the door and peeked out to ask him.


    Mu Yichen tossed the phone aside, gave her a cold glance, and then walked out the door.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes followed his figure until he left. She was still wondering what suddenly came over him?


    After freshening up and going downstairs to eat, he had already left.


    Feng Fanghua asked unhappily, "Did you have a quarrel upstairs just now?"


    "No!"


    Qin Mu was simply telling the truth, but her words were met with disbelief.


    Even Huanhuan, who was chowing down, didn¡¯t believe it.


    Qin Mu, looking at everyone¡¯s disdainful glances, didn¡¯t know what else to "argue," so she just lowered her head and ate.


    After breakfast, she drove to the studio. After parking the car, she turned her head towards a blue sports car. It didn¡¯t look familiar.


    Li Yu was sitting in the car, watching her look his way, subconsciously glancing back to make sure no one was there before getting out.


    "Hey!"


    Li Yu stood beside the car and greeted her with a smile, seeing her serious expression and doubt, he felt a bit awkward and lowered his head, but couldn¡¯t help but smile at her.


    Finally, Li Yu walked towards her step by step, and Qin Mu quietly stood there waiting for him to approach, her gaze devoid of ripples.


    In the azure sky, clusters of white clouds beautifully passed by, layer upon layer, full of dreaminess.


    Li Yu couldn¡¯t muster a smile anymore, just stood in front of her looking down at her.


    "Were you waiting for me?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously.


    "This morning your husband answered the call. You two didn¡¯t have a fight, did you?"


    Li Yu looked at her with some concern, his eyes unconsciously drawn to her rosy cheeks.


    His breath involuntarily became more restrained, and his youthful face seemed even more tender now.


    Qin Mu nodded slightly, actually just understanding the reason for Mu Yichen¡¯s sudden departure that morning.

 Chapter 778 - 217 Reconciliation (1)_3

    Chapter 778: 217 Reconciliation (1)_3


    "No! We rarely fight,"


    Qin Mu said with a smile, her words light but ¡¯especially sincere.¡¯


    Li Yu also nodded slightly, still smiling as he asked her, "Would you like to have lunch or dinner together when you¡¯re free?"


    "Mr. Mu¡¯s fists are quite hard, are you sure you want to ask me to dinner?"


    Qin Mu finally couldn¡¯t hold back a laugh.


    How long had it been since someone pursued her?


    "If you¡¯re willing, I¡¯m willing to take a punch," he said.


    "Then let¡¯s do lunch, at AM!"


    Qin Mu readily agreed.


    Li Yu looked at her in disbelief, his handsome large eyes suddenly a bit hollow.


    "What¡¯s the matter? Don¡¯t dare to go?"


    Qin Mu asked with a look in her eye, thinking you¡¯d better not dare.


    "No! I was just thinking, you look really beautiful today!"


    Qin Mu...


    Caught off guard by this confession, Qin Mu lowered her eyes and closed her mouth, thinking for a long time, but in the end, she just smiled slightly and then turned to go inside.


    She thought she didn¡¯t understand.


    She had always thought she didn¡¯t know much about matters of the heart.


    But somehow, now she could immediately feel how someone felt about her.


    This boy really had guts.


    In the morning, Qin Mu met with a client at the AM coffee shop, ordered coffee for the client, and a cup of boiled water for herself; they talked until eleven.


    "I have to catch a flight today, I was hoping to invite you, a major designer, to a meal."


    The female client stood up politely and spoke to Qin Mu.


    "Next time I come to Rongcheng, I¡¯ll treat you first!" Qin Mu extended her hand.


    The two women shook hands lightly; a staff member approached, "Young Madam, the car is ready."


    "I¡¯ve also arranged to meet a friend for business later, so I¡¯ll have the hotel¡¯s car take you to the airport."


    "Okay! Then next time, let¡¯s properly have a few drinks."


    After saying so, the client gently patted her arm and followed the politely gesturing staff member to leave.


    Qin Mu saw her to the door, then turned and sat down to finish her cup of boiled water.


    Wen Runuan arrived at AM, planning to have a coffee before heading downstairs for a meal with the director, but unexpectedly ran into Qin Mu.


    Seeing her also brought a sense of surprise to Wen Runuan, who walked over and sat where the client had been, "What are you doing here?"


    "I¡¯ve just finished meeting a client, and you?" Qin Mu answered and asked, having already put away the contract into her bag.


    "Oh, I was bored and came out to shop and sneak a coffee, then go downstairs for lunch. It¡¯s almost lunchtime, should we go together later?"


    "Sure!"


    Qin Mu agreed, having completely forgotten about her arrangement with Li Yu.


    Li Yu¡¯s arrival at AM caused a commotion with a group of female fans¡¯ blockage and screaming, which also reminded Qin Mu that she had agreed to have lunch with Li Yu.


    "Wow! This kid is really on a lucky streak lately! Look how spirited he is," Wen Runuan said softly to Qin Mu, not in the loop.


    "Has he been popular recently?" Qin Mu asked curiously.


    "Popular? He¡¯s been more than popular! Right before the new year, he quietly renegotiated with his company and set up his own studio. Now, he¡¯s also a boss with several attractive young men under him."


    Wen Runuan said this, thinking about how two female actresses from her company had been lured away by his good looks. Really...


    "I¡¯ve booked a private room upstairs! But, it¡¯s just the two of us, right?" Li Yu approached Qin Mu, regardless of the group of women around him, to greet her and then glanced at Wen Runuan. Seeing the way Runuan looked at him, he could only smile wryly: "Sister Runuan!"


    Wen Runuan scrutinized him, not planning to give him a pleasant look.


    "Young Madam, the President is upstairs having a meal with a friend and has asked for you to join," said a nearby manager who approached Qin Mu immediately after taking a call.

 Chapter 779 - 218 Make up (2)_1

    Chapter 779: 218 Make up (2)_1


    Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t planned on coming for dinner, but he came over when he heard that Qin Mu was discussing business here.


    When Qin Mu was invited in, he was listening to two older CEOs tell some boring cold jokes.


    Qin Mu could tell from the expression on his face that he was uninterested, but as someone like him, why would he come and socialize if he wasn¡¯t interested?


    "Oh! Is it Mrs. Mu?"


    "Wow! Mrs. Mu really looks young! And beautiful, just like a seventeen-year-old girl."


    The two CEOs began to excessively praise Qin Mu as soon as they saw her come in.


    Qin Mu could only awkwardly nod and greet them with a smile, "Hello!"


    Mu Yichen had already become unhappy when he heard the two CEOs praising his wife. If his wife was seventeen, did that mean he had forcibly married a minor?


    After Qin Mu greeted them, he slightly lifted his eyes to look at her applying such a delicate lip gloss, he sighed helplessly, and then pulled out a chair.


    Qin Mu slightly lowered her head, and without looking at him, she sat on the chair he had pulled out.


    The waiter brought her silverware, and she thanked softly.


    "I heard Mrs. Mu is a great fashion designer! Could you design clothes for us brothers too?"


    The one next to her started with a very gentle inquiry.


    Qin Mu courteously smiled, "Of course!"


    "Does every person need custom-designed clothes? Those big-name stores outside might as well close down."


    Mu Yichen suddenly interjected.


    The two CEOs were so startled that they didn¡¯t dare to laugh anymore.


    Qin Mu glanced at him and then said to them with a smile, "As long as the customer can afford it, I don¡¯t care about their status or identity."


    "It¡¯s unexpected that Mrs. Mu is so approachable, but Mr. Mu also makes a point."


    The CEO commented again.


    He wasn¡¯t his subordinate, just someone who wanted to cooperate with him, so he had to endure his bad temper.


    Qin Mu suddenly thought that indeed any job was not easy, and it was quite difficult for bosses who needed favors from others.


    Meanwhile, Wen Runuan and Li Yu were dining in a private room, where Li Yu awkwardly raised his glass to her, "Sister, let me toast to you first."


    "Sister? You poached from your sister¡¯s company?"


    Wen Runuan felt like hitting him, but unfortunately, she had always restrained herself.


    "It¡¯s the two sisters who insisted on following me. If I find any friends suitable for your and your husband¡¯s company, I will definitely introduce them."


    Li Yu was always very respectful to many seniors in the circle.


    Wen Runuan sighed helplessly, "Do my husband and I need your help to introduce actors? Talk to me about this when your studio gets bigger!"


    Wen Runuan observed him, and seeing his good nature, she couldn¡¯t help but take a few extra looks at him, then asked, "Did you have lunch with Qin Mu today?"


    Li Yu chuckled with his head down, "Mhm!"


    He looked like a shy young boy.


    Wen Runuan straightened her back, looking at him somewhat disapprovingly.


    "Are you crazy? Don¡¯t you know who her husband is? The food you¡¯re eating now is from her husband¡¯s restaurant."


    Wen Runuan thought he must be out of his mind.


    "I just wanted to see her, nothing more," Li Yu said with his head down.


    "Ha! What are you playing at with me, pretending to be pure-hearted?" Wen Runuan glanced at him.


    "It¡¯s strange, but she always comes to mind. Sister, I don¡¯t do it on purpose, and I won¡¯t confess."


    "How is that any different from confessing?" Wen Runuan found his words amusing, but it seemed he didn¡¯t feel the same.


    Or maybe he knew it was ridiculous, but still couldn¡¯t control himself?


    "Anyway, I won¡¯t disturb them, and what¡¯s wrong with just having a meal or a tea as regular friends? Like me with sister, would your husband get jealous, angry, and argue with you?"


    "Can our circles be compared to theirs? Besides, you should inquire about Mr. Yichen¡¯s character from those around you!"


    Isn¡¯t he famously jealous?


    After hearing this, Li Yu didn¡¯t ask any more questions, and just quietly finished his meal.


    When Qin Mu and Mu Yichen came out of the private room, they bumped into Wen Runuan and Li Yu, who had also just finished dining. The four met, and Wen Runuan greeted them politely, "Mr. Yichen is here too!"


    Mu Yichen nodded slightly as a greeting, and gave Li Yu a cold glance.


    Li Yu also looked at him once and then at Qin Mu, before lowering his gaze. He found Qin Mu lovely to look at, and the man by her side a bit of an eyesore.


    Wen Runuan waved to Qin Mu and pulled Li Yu away, and as they were leaving, Qin Mu followed them.


    Mu Yichen lifted his eyes...


    "Let¡¯s go together!"


    Qin Mu walked over and wrapped her arm around Wen Runuan¡¯s, not looking back.

 Chapter 780 - 218 Make up (2)_2

    Chapter 780: 218 Make up (2)_2


    Wen Runuan was shocked and glanced at her, then looked at the man in the distance who was filled with resentment, and whispered, "Have you gone crazy?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just kept smiling, and as soon as the elevator arrived, she pulled Wen Runuan inside, followed by Li Yu who stood behind them. Due to his height, he couldn¡¯t resist the urge to peek over her head at her face, and even though he couldn¡¯t see clearly, the corners of his mouth were slightly curved, obviously suppressing the impulse to smile.


    The moment Qin Mu rushed over, he felt excited inside.


    "What¡¯s going on with you two?"


    Wen Runuan asked her in a low voice.


    "Nothing, just need to head back to the studio. Did you two have a nice meal just now?"


    Qin Mu asked her, and glanced back at Li Yu with a smile, greeting him. Li Yu nodded and smiled in return, his eyes filled with concern.


    "Don¡¯t throw tantrums just because someone spoils you, or be careful to leave opportunities for others."


    "The sky is vast enough for birds to fly!"


    Qin Mu tilted her chin up, staring at her slightly frail reflection in the elevator, and at that moment, when someone told her to keep a close watch on Mu Yichen, she felt nothing.


    Had their feelings really faded?


    Sometimes she clearly wanted to attract attention, but at other times, it seemed like she was ready to let go.


    This man could be discarded, not needed anymore.


    This was Qin Mu¡¯s mood at the moment.


    Wen Runuan had an event to attend that afternoon, so they didn¡¯t chat for long. When Qin Mu¡¯s car was brought over, she was ready to get in.


    Li Yu slightly tugged at her sleeve, "What if I give you a new car?"


    "We have many luxury cars at home, but I just like this old one."


    Qin Mu patted the roof of her car, smiled, and got in.


    Li Yu...


    He truly hadn¡¯t expected her to be so unique, to like driving an old car.


    Actually, for an ordinary family, a car worth more than four hundred thousand would definitely suffice, but it seemed a bit inappropriate parked in front of this hotel.


    Li Yu had a particular car in mind that he felt suited her.


    But if she wouldn¡¯t even drive Mu Yichen¡¯s luxury car...


    Li Yu waited for his sports car to arrive, then drove off without giving it further thought.


    Meanwhile, Qin Mu received a call from Mu Yichen. She answered subconsciously, but there was silence on the line. She looked down at the phone screen, her expression indifferent, and then raised a finger to hang up.


    If he didn¡¯t want to talk, why call at all?


    Yet, that night...


    Mu Yichen suddenly came home.


    Under the watchful eyes of the elders and children, he quickly went upstairs.


    Qin Mu was changing clothes, heard the door, and turned around, then she saw him.


    In less than three seconds, she was thrown from the closet to the bed.


    Qin Mu¡¯s neck was twisted slightly, then she touched the back of her neck and looked up at him, "What are you doing..."


    Mu Yichen dashed over and started undressing while fiercely kissing her lips.


    All of Qin Mu¡¯s anger was stuffed back down, from her mouth back to her throat, and down to her stomach.


    He quickly threw his jacket aside, his hands eagerly stripping away her black little camisole.


    "Hey! Mu Yichen, stop it."


    Qin Mu yelled angrily, trying to grab his hands.


    Mu Yichen caught her hands and pinned her wrists above her head, then one hand secured both wrists while the other continued to reach down.


    "What¡¯s gotten into you? Suddenly like this."


    Qin Mu strained to lift her head, looking at his black hair against her chest, his hands, indescribably active.


    "I only know that you always want to fulfill what¡¯s due, since I could back then, why should I be afraid of you now?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s excited black eyes looked at her; at this moment, he was unable to calm the anger in his chest.


    He had been thinking all day about how to coax her, but he couldn¡¯t come up with anything.


    Because she didn¡¯t give him a chance at all, instead meeting and laughing over meals with another man.


    Qin Mu was so angry her brain throbbed, but upon reflection, her eyes lost their spirit, she just lay down wearily and then, gasping for breath, let him have his way.


    "Yes, back then you could, what can¡¯t you do now? Anyway, we have to entangle with each other for a lifetime, as for the rest, it doesn¡¯t matter anymore, does it? Let¡¯s just continue to be together with this hatred."


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice, tinged with disappointment, slowly spilled out.


    Mu Yichen raised his eyes to her, "Hate? You think you¡¯re the only one who hates? I hate what that woman did even more than you, you know how important you are to me, you know how angry I was when I found out what she did at home, couldn¡¯t you consider for me, even just a little bit?"


    He suddenly punched next to her head.


    Qin Mu reflexively twisted her head in the opposite direction, startled.


    "If I didn¡¯t think of you, I¡¯d have run away from home the first day she came!"


    It was as if his punch had frightened her, so when she opened her mouth again, tears involuntarily fell, and she couldn¡¯t hold back her crying.


    "If I didn¡¯t think of you, why would I swallow my anger time and again? None of those damn women deserve you!"


    She yelled, and in his shock, as he forgot to hold her tight, she wrested her wrist out of his grasp and pushed against his shoulders.


    Mu Yichen rolled to the side, Qin Mu got up, grabbed a pillow at random and violently threw it at him, over and over.


    "Bastard! You¡¯re so much older than me, yet you always bully me! I hate you, I hate you, you bastard!"


    Qin Mu, enraged, knelt at the head of the bed and hit him with the pillow for a long time. When her hands were too weak, she threw the pillow at his face, got out of bed, and with a kick at his calf, looked at him with hate, then turned and went to the bathroom.


    And Mu Yichen, he hadn¡¯t moved from his spot the whole time.


    His calf was painfully sore, but he was powerless to soothe it.


    He simply lay there, taking the pillow that covered his face, and his hand gripped the pillow tightly.


    Qin Mu washed her face in the bathroom, ignoring the knocking at the door.


    Mu Yichen still lay sprawled across the bed, his long legs hanging off the edge.


    Hearing the knocking outside, he also didn¡¯t respond.


    The maid stood outside the door and called again, "Young Master, Young Madam, dinner is ready."


    Qin Mu forcefully shut the bathroom door from the inside.


    Right now, she had no appetite for dinner.


    Mu Yichen felt the same way, no appetite.


    "Keep knocking."


    Feng Fanghua stood behind the maid, and when the maid looked back at her for help, she instructed again.


    "Young Madam?"


    The maid called out again, but more cautiously.


    Still, no movement from inside; they had been scared to death when they saw Mu Yichen go upstairs, fearing the couple would fight, so they came to call them.


    With continued silence inside, the maid grew nervous, too afraid to knock again, and Feng Fanghua, anxious, walked straight over and knocked hard on the door, her back straight, "Enough¡¯s enough, come down for dinner."


    After speaking, she turned and left, her expression still fierce.


    But the room remained silent.


    Mu Yichen pinched the bridge of his nose.


    In the bathroom cabinet drawer was a box, Qin Mu packed all of Mu Yichen¡¯s things into it, and then walked out.


    Mu Yichen had just sat up when he saw her come out carrying a big box; before he could fully straighten, she walked over and threw the contents into his arms, "Get out!"

 Chapter 781 - 219 Reconciliation (3)_1

    Chapter 781: 219 Reconciliation (3)_1


    It¡¯s all his toiletry items!


    Qin Mu sat on the other side of the bed, his belongings scattered all over the floor, and then he left empty-handed.


    He had thrown them in a fit of anger because he was furious at her hot temper.


    He said, "Respect? If you respected me, would you have given me these?"


    Disappointment turned into a divide between two people.


    ¡ª¡ª


    In the days that followed, they didn¡¯t even see each other.


    Mu Yichen would almost return five or six times a week to see the children, but he never again showed up when she was home.


    Qin Mu also stopped eating at AM, and he even avoided being in any of the places where he might be seen.


    As for Zhuo Wen, her play-acting didn¡¯t work out, and she was sentenced for premeditated murder.


    Zhuo Wen¡¯s fiance? also left Rongcheng, and no one cared where he went.


    Everything seemed to have returned to normal.


    Rongcheng was peaceful once more.


    Helian Hao, over eight months pregnant, found it difficult to walk, so during Jing Feng¡¯s business trip, she asked Qin Mu to buy things for her.


    Standing at the kitchen door, Helian Hao watched Qin Mu slicing vegetables and couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Can you actually cook the meal through? I really don¡¯t have any demands for the food right now, as long as it¡¯s cooked."


    Qin Mu glanced back at Helian Hao and said confidently, "I¡¯ve managed to keep Huanhuan alive, are you still worried I can¡¯t take care of you and the one in your belly?"


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but laugh, her hands cradling her belly as she walked to the nearby dining table, pulled out a chair, and sat down. She asked the woman busy with cooking, "Are you and Mu Yichen planning to keep up this cold war? It¡¯s been three months since the New Year passed, and spring is almost over."


    "Don¡¯t even mention him to me, or the food won¡¯t get cooked, and I won¡¯t be responsible."


    Qin Mu muttered, jabbing the base of the stew pot with a spoon.


    "Ah, Mumu, you¡¯re just too stubborn. This has been going on for so long."


    "Anyway, there¡¯s nothing good to say about Mu Yichen. I can only tell you, I¡¯m going to Paris in a couple of days."


    "What are you going to do in Paris? Can Chengcheng be without you when she¡¯s so young?"


    Helian Hao was worried.


    "My mother-in-law is going with me,"


    Qin Mu replied.


    Helian Hao...


    "Now, being with the Mu Family, I feel like I¡¯m their own daughter. Mu Yichen probably hates me even more now, since both his parents are on my side."


    Qin Mu said with a bitter smile.


    "Does Mu Yichen know about it?"


    Helian Hao asked her.


    Qin Mu covered the pot with a lid and turned to look at her, "He doesn¡¯t know, and I¡¯m not going to inform him."


    "You really are carefree,"


    Helian Hao muttered, truly worried for her.


    "What else can I do if I¡¯m not carefree? When a problem arises between two people, it has to be faced."


    "Why face it instead of finding a way to solve it?"


    "Because no one wants to solve it; they¡¯ve just accepted reality,"


    Qin Mu said with a sigh, then turned back to heat oil in another pot.


    However, before Qin Mu¡¯s meal was ready, Helian Hao¡¯s mother arrived, and although unsatisfied with Qin Mu¡¯s cooking, she didn¡¯t want to complain and instead personally made a few dishes for the two of them.


    "Mumu can cook now, that¡¯s pretty impressive!"


    During the meal, Helian Hao¡¯s mother brought the soup Qin Mu had made to the table and praised her. Qin Mu smiled awkwardly, "I just threw something together."


    "It really is just thrown together, Mom, pass me some salt."


    After tasting a spoonful of the soup, Helian Hao immediately asked her mother to help her get some salt.


    Qin Mu then remembered, she had only focused on the appearance and forgot to add salt.


    "Still, pregnant women shouldn¡¯t eat too much salt,"


    Qin Mu said, trying to save face despite the awkwardness.


    "You¡¯ve been pregnant, but I¡¯m still an obstetrician,"


    Helian Hao immediately retorted.


    "An obstetrician who didn¡¯t know she and her friend were pregnant."


    The two of them instantly started teasing each other. Helian Hao¡¯s mother, seeing them so lively together, was happy to let them be.


    On Sunday morning, Qin Mu, Feng Fanghua, and the housekeeper, along with the two children and several suitcases of luggage, finally boarded the plane to Paris.


    Upon his return, Jing Feng sought out Mu Yichen in his office, "Knowing she was going to Paris, why didn¡¯t you stop her? If Jian Yan goes to comfort her now, then you¡¯ll just be waiting for a court summons."


    "What summons?"


    "For divorce! Would you divorce her? She would have to go through the court."


    Jing Feng sat on the sofa, sipping tea, and with a concerned look, reminded Mu Yichen, who lay across from him playing with his phone, seemingly indifferent to everything.

 Chapter 782 - 219 Reconciliation (3)_2

    Chapter 782: 219 Reconciliation (3)_2


    "With you here, what am I afraid of?"


    Mu Yichen lifted his eyelids, even though he wasn¡¯t happy that Jing Feng brought this up, but since they did start talking about it.


    "Sorry, but I might end up siding with my wife when the time comes."


    Mu Yichen...


    "Jing Qing came back, she knows you two are not seeing each other now, she said she saw it coming."


    Jing Feng had been deep in thought for a long while, but still brought it up.


    It was then that Mu Yichen rose from the sofa and, looking up at Jing Feng with displeasure, said, "Don¡¯t let her cause any more trouble, I¡¯m really scared, bro."


    Zhuo Wen made him really start to fear women.


    If Jing Qing was about the feelings that grew from childhood, then Zhuo Wen was truly insane.


    He really couldn¡¯t play around anymore; from now on, his plan was to keep his distance from every woman as far as possible.


    Then Secretary Xi knocked on the door and reminded him after opening it, "President Mu, you have a social engagement at eight tonight, you... don¡¯t forget."


    The look Mu Yichen gave her scared her so much she almost couldn¡¯t continue.


    "Get out!"


    With just an indifferent word from Mu Yichen.


    "Can¡¯t you go easy on Secretary Xi?"


    "Now, just seeing a woman annoys me."


    Mu Yichen leaned back in the sofa and said.


    "No wonder you didn¡¯t stop Qin Mu from deciding to go to Paris for half a year, you really are annoyed. So what Xiaoqing said makes sense, you two really can¡¯t get past this."


    "How long did you say she¡¯s going?"


    Mu Yichen suddenly felt as though his ears must be playing tricks on him.


    "Half a year, I heard from Xiaohao, Qin Mu¡¯s trip to Paris will be at least half a year, maybe even a year."


    Mu Yichen...


    "Didn¡¯t you know all this?"


    Jing Feng poured himself another cup of tea, leaned back on the sofa lazily and watched Mu Yichen space out.


    Mu Yichen had no idea she was going for so long; Feng Fanghua only said she was going to Paris with Qin Mu, without uttering any extra word.


    At that time, he might have been trying to play it cool, but as his mother, shouldn¡¯t she be a little more serious and responsible for her son?


    "Ha! Even if you chase after her now, she might just be indifferent to it."


    Mu Yichen suddenly stood up, and Jing Feng lifted his eyes to look at him, leisurely reminding him.


    Mu Yichen turned and walked toward the window, feeling like he had the kind of urge to jump out.


    "Just let that woman never come back; Paris suits her best."


    Mu Yichen said to Jing Feng, his back turned, speaking as if he really meant it, as if he didn¡¯t need her anymore.


    "When I get home later I¡¯ll have Xiaohao tell her, although I¡¯m very close to Qin Mu, such hurtful words are best conveyed by a close friend."


    Mu Yichen...


    "You people really are something!"


    Mu Yichen gritted his teeth, looking at Jing Feng¡¯s laid-back attitude as if to say, do whatever you want, then he turned back towards the window speechlessly.


    That night, Mu Yichen returned to the Mu Family home, only to find Mu Zihao at home watching TV.


    "The young master has returned!"


    The staff went to greet him.


    "Mhm!"


    Mu Yichen acknowledged, then walked into the living room and sat down on the sofa: "Mom¡¯s been gone for several days now, aren¡¯t you going to call and check on her?"


    "Just finished calling."


    Mu Zihao said with his head down, seriously reading the newspaper.


    Mu Yichen turned to look at him and realized that Mu Zihao wasn¡¯t paying him any attention at all.


    "You¡¯ve never been apart from my mom for so long, and now you¡¯re letting her stay in Paris for half a year. Do you really not miss her?"


    Mu Yichen turned slightly, asking him seriously and earnestly.


    "Haha! I¡¯ll let you in on a secret, I¡¯ve actually been looking forward to this day. It¡¯s so much freer to be home alone."


    Mu Zihao approached him, whispering these words, and then laughed after saying them.


    Mu Yichen...


    Father and son sat on the couch watching the news for a while, and after having dinner, Mu Yichen got ready to go upstairs.


    "Hey, Mu Yichen, weren¡¯t you not supposed to stay home?"


    Mu Zihao came out of the dining room and stopped his son to ask him.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t turn around, but just stood straight with his back to the stairs as he listened to his father finish the sentence. After making sure his father was just teasing him, he sighed helplessly and then continued upstairs with long strides.


    Not staying at home, where else could he go?


    With both his son and daughter following along, Mu Yichen wondered if Huanhuan, who had always wanted to live in Paris, would now never want to come back.


    She should have been sent to school earlier. Then Qin Mu wouldn¡¯t have had the chance to take the kids away on a long trip.


    If Huanhuan had started school, and Chengcheng needed to nurse, she couldn¡¯t possibly stay away on her own for very long, and Feng Fanghua would never leave her granddaughter to accompany her to Paris.


    Thinking about all this, Mu Yichen felt regret so intense it was almost physically painful.


    Late at night, he couldn¡¯t help but pick up his phone and scroll aimlessly for a while, then he saw Qin Mu had posted a photo on her Moments without any words, just a picture.


    It showed her daughter holding onto a children¡¯s cart, looking at the little brother inside it.


    Such a beautiful and blissful scene.


    Jiang Zhiyuan commented beneath it, "Xiaomu, take good care of my nephew and niece, and don¡¯t let them be wronged in Paris."


    "My nephew seems to have grown a lot since the last time I saw him!" Qiao Yi also posted.


    Mu Yichen sneered when he read it, thinking, you brats, are you asking for a beating?


    Qin Mu was also browsing her Moments, and smiled faintly after seeing everyone¡¯s comments and likes.


    There were no messages from a certain someone, though!


    Qin Mu remembered how Feng Fanghua had disdained her for the small place she had when they first arrived here.


    But it didn¡¯t take long before Feng Fanghua fell in love with it, coaxing the children outside to bask in the sun every day, watering the flowers on the balcony, enjoying life quite contentedly.


    Sometimes, when Qin Mu was working at home, Feng Fanghuan would dress up fashionably and go shopping with the nanny and Huanhuan.


    In the blink of an eye, they had been in Paris for a week.


    Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t sent her a single message, not even a status update.


    It was as if from the day she threw his stuff back at him, he no longer wanted to see her.


    In the middle of the night, after feeding Chengcheng, she quietly went to the study. Since she couldn¡¯t sleep anyway, she turned on the lamp and began to work there.


    Jian Yan said that they couldn¡¯t be negligent with this fashion show, as this time both their names would appear on the invitation, not just his. He wanted everyone to see her achievements over the past few years.


    Qin Mu was deeply absorbed in her design work when suddenly her phone beeped. She looked, and to her surprise, it was from Helian Hao, "When are you planning to return? You might give birth at the end of the month."


    "Whatever happens, I¡¯ll rush back for your delivery."


    Qin Mu replied to her.


    Seeing that she was awake, Helian Hao video-called her. Qin Mu answered and saw Helian Hao appear on the screen, with her now short and somewhat fluffy hair, very fitting for a pregnant woman soon to be a mother.


    "Calling me for a video chat so late, aren¡¯t you afraid of disturbing my sleep?"


    "If there were other men around you, I might be concerned, but since there¡¯s no one, what am I afraid of?"


    Helian Hao asked her, resting her chin on her hands in front of the dining table, with two men standing not far from her.


    "Even if there were other men, I¡¯d hide them so you wouldn¡¯t see! Show me my nephew."


    Qin Mu said.


    Helian Hao moved the camera down to her stomach, then steadied the phone again, "If you don¡¯t come back soon, Mu Yichen might fall ill. Don¡¯t say your sister didn¡¯t warn you."


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart skipped a beat, then she quickly asked, "What happened to him?"


    "What else? He¡¯s been sick since you left, had a fever for three days straight, and vomits whenever he eats. Is that worrying or what?"


    Helian Hao responded with a slightly raised voice.

 Chapter 783 - 220 Reconciliation (4)_1

    Chapter 783: 220 Reconciliation (4)_1


    "So late at night, you can¡¯t sleep, could it be because you have a telepathic connection with Mu Yichen, feeling his illness all the way in France?"


    Helian Hao asked her.


    Qin Mu...


    Was she just in a bad mood and couldn¡¯t sleep, okay?


    ¡ª¡ª


    Mu Yichen was still standing in her kitchen, so was Jing Feng, the two men silently watched the end of the video of the two women, and then both helplessly hung their heads.


    "It seems, Qin Mu is quite ruthless in her heart, but are you really going to let things go like this?"


    Jing Feng crossed his arms and leaned against the bar inside, asking.


    "What can I do if I don¡¯t let it go? She thinks I¡¯m a rapist."


    Mu Yichen said with a particularly powerless kind of voice.


    Helian Hao turned to look at him, Jing Feng looked forward with an incredulous look in his eyes as if looking at his own wife, Mu Yichen lowered his head to look at his feet, truly about to be driven mad by her.


    "Weren¡¯t you always very indulgent with her? How did you suddenly become a rapist?"


    Helian Hao asked in confusion.


    "I was, but since Zhuo Wen¡¯s incident, I have become unforgivable, the most heartless, and the most disappointing man to her, probably even her father hadn¡¯t disappointed her this much back in the day."


    As Mu Yichen spoke, he stood up straight and stopped leaning: "I¡¯m going to the balcony to smoke a cigarette."


    Jing Feng and Helian Hao were still at their original spots, watching his retreating figure unable to help but worry, Helian Hao said, "Should I talk to Mumu again?"


    "Back then she didn¡¯t want to see you, and no matter how much you pleaded, it was no use."


    Jing Feng reminded him.


    Helian Hao knew all too well that Qin Mu was the kind of person who persisted on her own, and what others said was useless unless she came to understand it herself.


    Jing Feng went to the balcony to find Mu Yichen, saw him smoking, and lit one himself.


    "Our house is a no-smoking zone."


    After lighting his cigarette and taking a puff, Jing Feng stood opposite him, reminding him.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, just squinted his eyes through the smoke to look at Jing Feng.


    The man who prohibited smoking was holding a ¡¯cigarette¡¯ in his hand.


    "I¡¯m saying, why don¡¯t you just go to Paris, haven¡¯t you often done that before?"


    "I don¡¯t want to do that now."


    Mu Yichen had suddenly become very stubborn.


    Jing Feng glanced at him, not contradicting Mu Yichen, but felt that the time was still too short, which led to Mu Yichen being unable to take that step yet.


    If the time was a little longer, well, he probably wouldn¡¯t need anyone to urge him, he would have gone there himself.


    "Then it¡¯s up to you!"


    Jing Feng said as he took another puff of his cigarette, he had to finish it quickly and then go to the kitchen to cook.


    Mu Yichen looked at Jing Feng, "You¡¯re not going to persuade me more?"


    Jing Feng...


    "Why are you being so cheap?"


    Jing Feng had no choice but to ask him.


    Mu Yichen gave a smirk that didn¡¯t reach his eyes, then looked at the window and continued smoking.


    The sky outside was a bit gloomy, like there was some haze, Mu Yichen frowned as he watched where the smoke was blowing, then squinted towards the farther building.


    The three had a meal together, then Mu Yichen drove back to the Mu Family mansion.


    Next morning, Mu Yichen, with his sleepy eyes, went to work and saw at the entrance to his office, Secretary Xi and Qiao Yi standing by the secretary¡¯s desk, Secretary Xi¡¯s hand on the desk, Qiao Yi pretending to accidentally press his hand on top of hers, both of them casually watching him.


    Especially Qiao Yi, acting as if nothing was wrong.


    "Brother Yichen, you¡¯ve come to work so early?"


    Qiao Yi greeted him with a smile.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say a word, just took his gaze back, walked to his office door, pushed it open, and walked in.


    The two outside were ignored as if they were air.


    Secretary Xi didn¡¯t mind, but Qiao Yi felt a bit awkward.


    "I¡¯ll go in and have a look, he¡¯s been unhappy lately because his wife ran away from home."


    Qiao Yi told her.


    "Okay!"


    Secretary Xi agreed, waiting until he too entered the president¡¯s office before she moved her hand away from the edge of the desk, she had almost been exhausted just now.


    He didn¡¯t mention anything, suddenly pressing his hand on the back of hers.


    Secretary Xi felt the back of her hand had been pressed red by him, but for some reason, she hadn¡¯t moved it away just now, although it could have been easily separated.


    Qiao Yi entered his office and seeing him unhappy, tried to humor him, but Brother Yichen didn¡¯t even lift an eye, playing with a pen in his hand, and said coldly from behind his desk, "I forbid office romance."


    Qiao Yi almost he cursed.


    "What?"


    "I forbid office romance."


    This time, Mu Yichen looked up, his sharp gaze on Qiao Yi, speaking to him clearly, word by word.


    Qiao Yi...


    "Mu Yichen, you¡¯re ruthless!"


    Qiao Yi gritted his teeth, but he didn¡¯t dare to lash out at his boss, though he wanted to turn and leave, he couldn¡¯t resist but turn back with his hands on his hips to look at him: "What if I call Xiaomu right now and tell her you have another woman, guess what she would do?"

 Chapter 784 - 220 Reconciliation (4)_2

    Chapter 784: 220 Reconciliation (4)_2


    Qiao Yi had a look of schadenfreude on his face, thinking, "Now you should be begging me, right?"


    "I don¡¯t know what she would do, but I know you¡¯re going to have a bad time."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze was rather superficial, and his words were not heavy, but once spoken, they silenced any arrogance.


    Qiao Yi felt his piercing glance had an extremely intimidating effect.


    "You¡¯re threatening me? Alright then, I won¡¯t tell Xiaomu you¡¯re having an affair; I¡¯ll say you had a car accident. How about that?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t reply, simply changing his position as though settling in to watch an interesting drama, and continued to look at Qiao Yi with a sly smile.


    Understanding the expression in his eyes, Qiao Yi snorted coldly, "Retract your office romance restriction, and I¡¯ll call Xiaomu."


    Mu Yichen chuckled, his captivating eyes staring at him, "Negotiating conditions with your boss?"


    "What about it?"


    Qiao Yi raised an eyebrow and provocatively placed his hands on his waist.


    "If you can get her back for me, from now on, you can do whatever you want in this office."


    "Are you serious?"


    "But if you can¡¯t get her back, from then on, you¡¯re not allowed to look at Secretary Xi even for a second when you¡¯re on my floor."


    Mu Yichen looked at him, raising his eyebrows as well.


    These kinds of schemes between them as brothers were nothing new to Mu Yichen; he wasn¡¯t surprised in the least, even quite looking forward to it.


    If someone could really bring back Qin Mu, he would be grateful to that person¡¯s ancestors for eight generations.


    Helian Hao said she would stay in Paris for half a year to a year; he felt his world darkening.


    "What? Scared to bet now?"


    Mu Yichen saw that he had been silent for a while, standing stationary like a pole, and kindly reminded him.


    "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll definitely bring her back for you."


    After leaving his office, Qiao Yi tapped twice on Secretary Xi¡¯s desk. She looked up at him, and with a hint of resignation, he sighed, "Yichen wants to issue a new office romance restriction unless I can bring Xiaomu back. Do you have any ideas?"


    Secretary Xi adjusted her glasses thoughtfully and seriously said to him, "If the young lady is going there for work, how can you possibly bring her back?"


    Qiao Yi...


    Yeah, if Qin Mu went to Paris to do something important, how could she possibly return unless her work was done?


    He had simply dug himself into a hole; he meant to outsmart Yichen, but the tables had turned on him?


    He was the one who had laid the trap for Yichen, so why did he fall into it himself?


    "However, if the boss hasn¡¯t specified a return date, then maybe it¡¯s not impossible?"


    Secretary Xi pondered again before raising her eyes to look at Qiao Yi and ask.


    A few seconds later, Qiao Yi suddenly slapped the desk, "Wait for me!"


    Having said that, he went off to seek ideas from others. Secretary Xi adjusted her glasses again, thinking to herself, what does the romance restriction have to do with her?


    She didn¡¯t know when their relationship had come to this.


    Qiao Yi sought out Jiang Zhiyuan, who was playing cards in the club. He dragged him into the restroom, "Give your bro some advice, and I¡¯ll definitely make it up to you later."


    "What advice can I give? Xiaomu is smarter than both of us put together; wouldn¡¯t she sense that we¡¯re trying to trick her?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan frowned and asked.


    Qiao Yi...


    "Otherwise, just find some guys to beat up Yichen. Leave some bruises on his face, break at least two ribs, and fracture a leg or so. Xiaomu will surely run back."


    "What if she doesn¡¯t come back?"


    Qiao Yi asked him.


    "How could she not come back? She might seem to let go easily on the surface, but she¡¯s been with Yichen for years now, and he¡¯s her first love; her feelings run deep."


    While the two were discussing, the door was slowly pushed open from the outside.


    First came in a leg in a plaster cast, followed by a bandaged arm, and a face with patches of blue and purple.


    The only hand that was unbroken supported a crutch.


    After sizing up the new arrival from head to toe, they exchanged glances immediately. Qiao Yi slapped his hand, as if this was just what he needed, and took out his phone from his pocket.


    What Qin Mu saw on her feed were three photos of a man lying on a white hospital bed, with a caption that read: Poor man missed his wife so much while driving that he forgot he was at the wheel. Before passing out, he even told us not to call his wife, truly pitiful to the extreme.

 Chapter 785 - 220 Reconciliation (4)_3

    Chapter 785: 220 Reconciliation (4)_3


    Qin Mu was sitting on the sofa, anxiously standing up from the sofa as she opened those few pictures one by one for inspection, hurrying outwards, repeatedly confirming which parts had been injured in those photos. Then, on the last picture, she accidentally swiped twice too many, and the person at the door suddenly stopped, just staring blankly at that picture.


    Feng Fanghua was about to comb Huanhuan¡¯s hair, coming out to look for the comb when she saw her standing at the door with a tense face, "Where are you going?"


    Qin Mu slowly lowered her hand, then turned back to look at Feng Fanghua, "I¡¯m going out to buy something."


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, gave Feng Fanghua a quick instruction, and then left with her coat.


    Actually, she was just outside the door, then lowered her head to find the familiar number, she needed to confirm if it was him, because that face was just a blurry shadow, and it seemed tightly wrapped in white gauze.


    Qin Mu dialed Mu Yichen¡¯s phone, and after it rang twice, she immediately hung up and instead called Helian Hao.


    Helian Hao was in the bathroom, so Jing Feng answered.


    "Hello? Xiaohao!"


    "I¡¯m Jing Feng! What¡¯s up?"


    "Where¡¯s Xiaohao?"


    Qin Mu gazed into the distance with a somewhat vacant look.


    "In the bathroom."


    "Then I won¡¯t beat around the bush, I just saw Qiao Yi¡¯s Moments, it seems like Mu Yichen had a car accident, is it true?"


    Whether true or not, her tone was already brimming with urgency.


    "Yes! It¡¯s true!"


    Upon hearing this, she turned and walked back into the house, then continued calling Mu Yichen.


    Her heart was beating faster and faster, and Mu Yichen¡¯s phone was still unanswered. She went back into the room, head lowered the whole time.


    She was booking the fastest ticket back home.


    Feng Fanghua finished combing Huanhuan¡¯s hair and came out from inside, seeing her eyes welling with tears, couldn¡¯t help her heart from tightening, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "I need to go back, immediately!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was trembling, and her vision was also a little blurry.


    "Why are you suddenly going back? Didn¡¯t you say it was going to be a while longer?"


    "Mu Yichen, he, seems to have had an accident!"


    Qin Mu suddenly couldn¡¯t catch her breath, and the tears just gushed out.


    "What? Who told you?"


    Feng Fanghua immediately let go of her granddaughter and stepped forward.


    "Look! What Qiao Yi posted on Moments, saying he..."


    Qin Mu was unable to continue, covering her mouth as tears streamed down her face.


    Feng Fanghua, seeing the photo opened by Qin Mu that scared her too, immediately turned to call the maid in the kitchen, "Sister Zhang, hurry and pack up, we¡¯re going to the airport in a moment."


    The maid hurried out, and Feng Fanghua said, "Hurry up and book the flight, the fastest one."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu responded, Feng Fanghua handed her the cellphone, and then immediately went to find her own to call Mu Zihao.


    The seats for the fastest flight had already been booked, Qin Mu looked and then started crying on the sofa in her rush.


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t reach Mu Zihao on the phone and was completely terrified, especially after Qin Mu sobbed again, she became even more anxious, "Call Qiao Yi again, no, I¡¯ll do it, I¡¯ll call Dean Zhang, Yichen is already in that hospital."


    Feng Fanghua even regretted coming out immediately and bent over to make a call.


    As Qin Mu wiped her tears and looked up, seeing Feng Fanghua¡¯s anxious demeanor, she suddenly realized that she needed to stay calm.


    Qin Mu straightened her back with effort, swallowed the sob, and was about to attempt another call when her own phone started to ring.


    It displayed "Darling

 Chapter 786 - 221 Reconciliation (5)_1

    Chapter 786: 221 Reconciliation (5)_1


    Helian Hao¡¯s family brothers¡¯ dinner included, Jing Feng, Qiao Yi, Jiang Zhiyuan, Zhao Huai, and Mu Yichen.


    The pregnant woman who had just come back from taking out the trash quietly closed the door after hearing the men chattering in the living room.


    "If I called your mothers and told them you were about to die, I wonder if you could still laugh so cheerfully?"


    Helian Hao, with her belly bulging, stepped forward and posed her question to the bunch of juvenile ghosts.


    The men on the sofa instantly fell silent, just slowly looking over at the woman standing not far from them.


    "Mu Yichen, is it fun for you to deceive Mumu into coming back with such tricks? Do you want to make her sadder? If I were you, I would call Mumu right now to tell her you¡¯re alright! Let her go on with her activities without worry. And you, Jing Feng, I am very disappointed in you as well."


    After finishing her speech, Helian Hao glanced at the others before leaving with an air of annoyance.


    All of them suddenly felt uncomfortable, unconsciously bowing their heads and beginning to feel ashamed.


    Jing Feng awkwardly raised his eyebrows: "Whose bad idea was this after all?"


    No one spoke; instead, Mu Yichen simply lifted his eyes to look at the jerk posting on social media.


    Qiao Yi and Jiang Zhiyuan kept their heads down while Mu Yichen had no choice but to pull out his phone and call Qin Mu.


    The surroundings quieted down again, everyone stealthily pricking up their ears, waiting for Qin Mu to pick up the call, and then...


    After Mu Yichen explained the true situation, Qin Mu cursed from inside the sofa: "Mu Yichen you asshole!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t retort, instead just moving the phone a bit away from his ear because it was too irritating, frowning deeply.


    And Qin Mu hung up the phone right after cursing.


    They didn¡¯t know that after Qin Mu hung up, she trembled with agitation, secretly covering her mouth in the restroom, crouching on the ground and starting to cry.


    She thought he had really gotten into an accident due to their relationship issues and lost his concentration while driving. She was tormenting herself with guilt, but...


    However, starting from that day, Mu Yichen would call home every night to video chat with those in Paris together with his father.


    After hanging up the video call one day, Mu Zihao asked somewhat gloomily, "If you want to see her, just go. It won¡¯t take a day to fly over there, why bother dragging me along?"


    Turning his eyes to his father¡¯s disdainful look, Mu Yichen hesitated before asking, "Don¡¯t you miss your wife?"


    "Oh my!"


    Mu Zihao¡¯s frown deepened: "You these past two years, really, did you think you no longer needed to use your brain because you¡¯ve got everything?"


    Mu Yichen...


    "Take some time to bring back your grandfather!"


    Mu Zihao finished speaking and stood up, going back to his room.


    And Mu Yichen lay dying on the sofa.


    Indeed, what was he doing?


    Knowing she would worry, yet still scaring her with talks of possible disability. She must have been terrified, right?


    So, it¡¯s all Qiao Yi¡¯s fault for coming up with such a lousy idea. Even if he couldn¡¯t find a reason for her to come back, he shouldn¡¯t have used that rotten excuse to deceive her.


    Wasn¡¯t the misunderstanding between the two deep enough?


    But that girl was truly stubborn. These past few days, he always wanted to see her through the video, but she just wouldn¡¯t come into the camera¡¯s view, and even Mistress Feng would not help him anymore, saying something like, "Deal with the mess you created."


    Mu Zihao asked them when they plan to return, only for Feng Fanghua to say, "I don¡¯t know, we¡¯re not done having fun yet!"


    Ha!


    Mu Yichen lifted a hand to rest behind his head, the other grasping the phone on his chest. It had almost been a week; should he make this call, or not?


    Mu Yichen thought for a while, fidgeting with the phone in his hand, his eyes fixated on the ceiling.


    If she didn¡¯t answer once he called...


    She definitely wouldn¡¯t answer!


    He stopped fidgeting with the phone and brought it up to his face. It wouldn¡¯t matter anyway since she wouldn¡¯t answer, so why not just call?


    So he dialed her number, and then listened to the dial tone.


    Over at Qin Mu¡¯s, it was already morning, and she was discussing designs with colleagues in the studio while casually drinking tea.


    Seeing Mu Yichen¡¯s number, she hesitated for a moment but still picked up the call.


    Jian Yan sat beside her smoking, taking a strong drag when he noticed her resolute eyes before answering the phone.


    The rest of her colleagues quieted down as someone was on the phone, and she sent them a grateful smile before answering: "Hello?"


    "What are you doing?"


    He uttered only three words, pausing haltingly before he could make a sound.


    He thought she wouldn¡¯t answer.


    But Qin Mu didn¡¯t want him to suffer on her account.

 Chapter 787 - 221 Reconciliation (5)_2

    Chapter 787: 221 Reconciliation (5)_2


    "Work, of course!"


    Qin Mu responded, unconsciously scanning her colleagues and noticing their ambiguous glances; she lowered her head, feeling awkward, and stood up, "I¡¯ll have to excuse myself for a moment."


    She left the office and only after closing the door did she ask earnestly, "What¡¯s the matter?"


    "Nothing much, just that I was video calling Mom and didn¡¯t see you there."


    He spoke and felt extremely uncomfortable.


    But it was true that he wasn¡¯t the type to say such things; he preferred action over words.


    If he liked her, of course he¡¯d take action.


    "I¡¯m at the studio today, so unless there¡¯s something else, I¡¯m going to hang up."


    Qin Mu, sensing he didn¡¯t really want to chat with her, wondered if he had called just to remind her of his existence?


    "Qin Mu, you..."


    As Qin Mu was about to hang up, she heard him call her name, so she put the phone back to her ear, "Hmm?"


    "Will it really take half a year to a year for you to come back?"


    Upon asking, he felt his heartbeat almost stop.


    "Who told you that?"


    Qin Mu inquired.


    "Who else but Helian Hao! She told me you would be gone that long, so that¡¯s why Mom decided to take her son and daughter to see you there, right?"


    "What if it is so?"


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, her long lashes drooping then lifting again as she looked at the wallpaper on the opposite wall, leaning gently against the cold wall to chat with him.


    "If so, I¡¯ll just wait. I can¡¯t possibly ask you to give up the opportunity to make a name for yourself and come back to be my wife, can I?"


    He asked, having just risen to stand by the window, looking out at the dim and indistinct outside, feeling as if his heart was suddenly pricked by a needle.


    Because that wasn¡¯t truly what he felt.


    "So I should thank you then? Thank you for being so righteous and understanding."


    Qin Mu said.


    "This isn¡¯t coming from my heart. You, Qin Mu, even if you don¡¯t understand me that well, should be very clear about how I¡¯d like our relationship to be, more than anyone else."


    He spoke, one hand in his trouser pocket.


    "Hmm! I guess I should be very clear indeed, wanting to treat me like a little cat or dog, keeping me within your line of sight! Mu Yi, I really thought you spoiled me a lot before, but then I suddenly realized, that spoiling was just because I was the pet you adopted, right?"


    She suddenly let out a light laugh, although it was faint.


    Mu Yichen, on the other hand, suddenly felt like swearing. Why did he say that, giving her an excuse to block him?


    "Or do you want me to come find you in Paris?"


    Mu Yichen finally couldn¡¯t help asking.


    If she said yes, no matter the reason, he would certainly fly there overnight.


    "No! Don¡¯t come looking for me, it¡¯s better for us to be apart for a while! It¡¯s nice like this!"


    Qin Mu thought for a bit and calmly declined him.


    Mu Yichen...


    "My colleagues are waiting for me. I¡¯ll be busy lately, so don¡¯t call unless it¡¯s necessary! Hanging up!"


    After Qin Mu finished speaking, she hung up the phone, took a deep breath, and turned back to the office.


    Mu Yichen, however, stood by the window with both hands in his pockets, letting out a wry laugh.


    No! It was a scoff!


    Scoffing at his own stupidity!


    When had she ever asked him to come find her?


    It was always him, unable to control himself, who took the initiative.


    When you love someone, love is enough!


    Why bother with the method?


    So troublesome!


    He still preferred a bit of roughness, wasn¡¯t she also quite fond of that before?


    He yearned for the way she used to obsess over him with her eyes.


    Even when she couldn¡¯t stand him yet had to address him as Mu Yi sourly and stick with him, he longed for it to death.


    He missed her, her person, and even more, he missed her body.


    Half a year?


    One year?


    No! He definitely couldn¡¯t wait that long.


    ----


    And in fact...


    Once Qin Mu returned, her colleagues teased her, "You¡¯re leaving the day after tomorrow, yet you still call every day?"


    "Not at all! It¡¯s just occasionally!"


    Qin Mu smiled as she replied.


    Jian Yan asked in Chinese, "It seems like there has been no ease in your relationship since I left."


    None knew her better than her master!


    The others didn¡¯t quite understand their conversation and just guessed from Qin Mu¡¯s expression that there might be a minor issue between the couple.


    However, since they heard that the two were childhood sweethearts, everyone actually had high hopes for them.


    Latter on, everyone discussed work again, and they also ordered lunch boxes together at noon.


    The fashion show was actually tomorrow.


    Qin Mu chuckled when she thought about Helian Hao telling Mu Yichen she would be gone for half a year, thinking to herself that indeed, she had a good sister there.


    Helian Hao sent her a message saying, "Although the injury was fake, your Mu Yi is not really doing so well these days. They say he¡¯s like a walking corpse. The man who used to be precise in his work, he¡¯s finally slipped up, often wandering off."

 Chapter 788 - 221 Reconciliation (5)_3

    Chapter 788: 221 Reconciliation (5)_3


    Qin Mu felt a warmth in his eyes when she read the message but sent Helian Hao only a playful emoji.


    "Let him be distracted for a while."


    "It¡¯s about time he was bewitched by her."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t return home until nearly nine o¡¯clock in the evening, by which time the children had already gone to sleep, and Feng Fanghua and the nanny were packing.


    Seeing her return, Feng Fanghua asked, "What time is our flight the day after tomorrow?"


    "Half past ten in the morning!"


    Qin Mu replied.


    "Ah! Finally going home! Although we had a great time here, I actually started to miss home."


    Feng Fanghua smiled, then continued to fold the little one¡¯s clothes neatly.


    The nanny brought Qin Mu a bowl of bird¡¯s nest soup, and Qin Mu enjoyed it while chatting with them on the sofa.


    "Seeing how neatly you both fold clothes, I really start to doubt whether I¡¯m a woman at all."


    Qin Mu muttered with a laugh.


    "You¡¯re only realizing this now? But for our family¡¯s young lady, it¡¯s okay if you can¡¯t do much. Just refrain from tormenting my son, that¡¯s all."


    Feng Fanghua said to herself, then looked up at Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu...


    "Young lady, after you get back this time, please make up with the young master! It¡¯s not as if the two of you don¡¯t love each other. This cold war is doing neither of you any good."


    The nanny also said.


    "Anyway, I don¡¯t care about anything else. If you two continue to have a cold war at home, then both of you can move back to the apartment, and neither of you should think about seeing the children again."


    Feng Fanghua said emotionlessly.


    Qin Mu...


    "But Mom, Chengcheng still needs to breastfeed. If I move back to the apartment..."


    "Even if Chengcheng doesn¡¯t drink your milk, I can still keep her well-fed. Besides, do you think you have that much milk? She¡¯s still having powdered milk for most of the day, isn¡¯t she?"


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s words left Qin Mu with nothing to say.


    The nanny remained silent, her mood quite pleasant, thinking that anyone unaware would think these mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were actually mother and daughter, given their harmonious relationship now.


    "Now that Zhuo Wen¡¯s matter is behind us, once we get back, let¡¯s go fetch grandfather. I still don¡¯t feel comfortable leaving an old man to live in the countryside by himself."


    Feng Fanghua thought for a moment, still unwilling to let the old man stay in the rural area alone.


    "Mm-hmm! Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed, thinking to herself that she also wanted to visit the countryside to see how nice grandfather¡¯s place was. He always spoke of it so fondly, which made her believe it must be a very clean and honest place.


    The next day, Qin Mu was busy while Feng Fanghua and the nanny quietly took the children to see her fashion show.


    On the way home, the nanny remarked, "The Mistress¡¯s mentor really supports her! Whatever he does, he brings the Mistress along."


    "Ah! Isn¡¯t it all because of love?"


    Feng Fanghua sighed as she sat in the back seat watching over the two treasures.


    If it wasn¡¯t for the feelings involved, and the lack of a father-daughter relationship, how could it have come to this?


    It was always just a few days of asking for Qin Mu¡¯s help, and then she would get half the credit.


    On the third day, a dark-colored business car was parked downstairs of their building.


    Jian Yan and his assistant went to help with the luggage.


    It was quite lively, especially since there were two children involved.


    Then they all went to the airport to see them off.


    "It has been long enough. Continuing this cold war will really create a rift¡ªyou¡¯ll regret it!"


    Jian Yan reminded Qin Mu, walking behind her.


    "Mm-hmm! You don¡¯t need to worry about me. As for you, with your weak stomach, refrain from eating things you shouldn¡¯t, and don¡¯t stay up late all the time, got it?"


    Qin Mu stopped, turned around, and earnestly took care of him.


    "Do you really need to worry about me? Hasn¡¯t there always been someone keeping an eye on you?"


    Jian Yan said, glancing at the people handling the luggage.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but smile at his words, "Still, I have to admonish you a bit¡ªthat¡¯s my way of showing filial piety!"


    Without realizing it, she took his arm.


    Jian Yan looked down at her little maneuver, smiled slightly, then raised an eyebrow and said, "Got it, let¡¯s hurry up!"


    Reluctantly, Qin Mu released his arm. Feng Fanghua was waiting for her, so Qin Mu had to board the plane.


    Feng Fanghua turned a blind eye to Qin Mu¡¯s embrace of Jian Yan¡¯s arm, seemingly able to accept some feelings now.


    But she wondered whether her son would be jealous knowing this.


    "Take good care of yourself!"


    Jian Yan still made a point to greet Feng Fanghua.


    "You too!"


    Feng Fanghua nodded at him and then took the children to the check-in counter.


    The plane took off on time. Qin Mu felt that once she returned, she could accompany Helian Hao to conceive another baby. The young girl seemed quite scared, but she would cheer her on.

 Chapter 789 - 221 Reconciliation (5)_4

    Chapter 789: 221 Reconciliation (5)_4


    It seems like I shouldn¡¯t be too worried, after all, her parents are still alive and they love her a lot, they should always be by her side.


    When Qin Mu thought of Helian Hao¡¯s mother, he suddenly remembered the person who was forever missing from his life.


    The plane that Mu Zihao went to pick up hadn¡¯t been mentioned to Mu Yichen.


    A few people got into the car noisily and headed home.


    Qin Mu received a call from Xiaomei on the way and got off the car halfway through.


    The driver took the rest back home.


    After sitting down on the sofa, Feng Fanghua said tiredly, "Finally home! That was quite a tiring trip."


    Huanhuan was already asleep on Grandpa¡¯s back, and Mu Zihao said, "I¡¯ll go put Huanhuan down first."


    Feng Fanghua nodded her head, but the aunt came out and said, "Master, let me put the young miss down instead."


    The family¡¯s helpers all liked this little girl, so Mu Zihao ended up sitting with Feng Fanghua on the couch, and soon the table was full of tea and water, Mu Zihao massaged her shoulders and asked her, "Spending so long in Paris this time, did you gain anything?"


    "Of course I did!"


    Feng Fanghua said, recalling the several boxes she brought back, her mood especially cheerful, rejuvenating her spirit a lot.


    "I bet you didn¡¯t want to come back, did you? Despite having two kids, you still manage to keep busy."


    As Mu Zihao continued to press her shoulders, Feng Fanghua smiled contentedly.


    "I won¡¯t lie to you, I did kind of not want to come back. As soon as I¡¯m back, I have to take care of you, and that¡¯s exhausting for me. Besides, these two young ones won¡¯t cause me trouble. Huanhuan even helped me choose things."


    Feng Fanghua proudly shared that she almost bought everything Huanhuan had helped her pick out.


    "Should I call your son so he can come see you? He¡¯s lost quite a bit of weight recently."


    "Why call him? If he¡¯s lost weight, it¡¯s not for me. Just don¡¯t tell him."


    Feng Fanghua raised her head stubbornly, like a child.


    That evening, the kitchen was busy preparing a lavish dinner to welcome them home. Meanwhile, Mu Zihao¡¯s cell phone started ringing in the living room. Feng Fanghua glanced at his phone and then gave him a look: "Your son!"


    "You answer it!"


    Mu Zihao was reading the news and did not feel like answering the phone.


    "You answer!"


    Feng Fanghua thought, remember I said not to tell him I¡¯m back?


    With no choice, Mu Zihao went to answer, but before doing so, Feng Fanghua told him, "Don¡¯t reveal a word to him."


    Mu Zihao nodded, being powerless against the mother and son and answered the phone: "Hello? Aren¡¯t you coming back for dinner?"


    "I¡¯ve got an engagement tonight; I¡¯ll be back late."


    Mu Yichen called just to let him know about this matter.


    "Are you sure?"


    As Mu Zihao asked his son, he heard Qin Mu¡¯s footsteps returning and looked out at Qin Mu while asking his son.


    "Yeah! What¡¯s up? Not used to eating alone?"


    Mu Yichen was still standing in his office.


    "Ha! If you¡¯re drunk, don¡¯t come back, go to your apartment."


    Mu Zihao immediately retorted after hearing his son ribbing him.


    "That¡¯s what I planned. I¡¯m nearby anyway, just worried about you..."


    "Alright, alright, hang up!"


    Mu Zihao ended the call in a hurry to greet his daughter-in-law.


    Looking at his phone, Mu Yichen felt something was off about his father today. Could it be because no one was there to eat dinner with him?


    Mu Yichen resignedly put away his phone and then turned to grab his coat and head out.


    Mu Zihao noticed that Qin Mu had also lost a lot of weight and couldn¡¯t help but ask with concern, "What have you been eating in Paris? You¡¯ve lost so much weight?"


    He carefully looked at his wife and children but they didn¡¯t seem to have suffered any weight loss.


    "What else could she have eaten? She ate whatever we did! But when she was out of the house, we didn¡¯t know. She often ate with her colleagues in the studio."


    Feng Fanghua reminded him.


    "Still shirking responsibility, as a mother being there and you still let your child lose weight?"


    Mu Zihao leaned in and whispered to Feng Fanghua.


    Feng Fanghua...


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh: "Dad, don¡¯t think Mom took very good care of herself, either. When we were in Paris, she often ate unhealthy food, and her not losing weight wasn¡¯t because she ate better than at home."


    "Cough cough!"


    Feng Fanghua coughed, remembering the night when the children were asleep, and Qin Mu took her to a bar. Although Qin Mu couldn¡¯t drink, she could; she even had a few drinks on behalf of her daughter-in-law.


    After getting drunk, she could go wild too.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t continue, but she knew that Feng Fanghua would definitely tell Mu Zihao herself, as there were no secrets between the husband and wife, and if there were any temporarily, they wouldn¡¯t last more than a few days.

 Chapter 790 - 221 Reconciliation (5)_5

    Chapter 790: 221 Reconciliation (5)_5


    After dinner, Feng Fanghua quietly asked Mu Zihao, "Is this kid really going to sleep outside tonight?"


    "What can I do about it? You won¡¯t let me tell him you¡¯re back. Sometimes he goes out for a drink or two after video chatting with you at night and ends up sleeping outside¡ªit¡¯s not unheard of."


    "That¡¯s just plain silly!"


    Feng Fanghua glanced up, her sharp eyes resting on her daughter-in-law, who was holding her son and sleeping beside her. She muttered under her breath.


    Even though Qin Mu was holding the little one, she was attentively watching the news. Feeling Feng Fanghua¡¯s gaze on her, she shifted her eyes and met her mother-in-law¡¯s. Feng Fanghua tilted her chin slightly and commanded, "Take Chengcheng upstairs to bed."


    "Alright! I¡¯ll just finish this news segment."


    Qin Mu agreed.


    Feng Fanghua...


    Unconsciously, they had stopped being so formal with each other.


    After Qin Mu finished watching the news, she carried Chengcheng back to her own room.


    Having not returned for so long, this feeling...


    The bed was so soft, it made her want to lie down immediately.


    Still, she put Chengcheng down and decided to take a bath first.


    She was surprised to find that his toiletries were neatly arranged in here again, and they matched hers as a set.


    Qin Mu, drying her hair, stood at the vanity staring at his toiletries.


    She recalled the day she had thrown all his stuff at him in a huff, immediately regretting it. Why had she been so impulsive?


    Mu Yichen had come home to spare Mu Zihao from sorrow. It was already past ten.


    In the living room, only Mu Zihao was there, so Mu Yichen didn¡¯t think much of it and just sat down beside him, "Do you want me to keep you company for a while?"


    Mu Zihao asked, "I¡¯m watching the game, are you sure you want to sit with me?"


    Feng Fanghua had just nearly hit Mu Zihao for asking her to watch the game with him.


    "Is there a game on tonight? Sure, that sounds good."


    Father and son shared the same hobby.


    Mu Zihao smiled and said, "Then it¡¯s settled."


    "Alright! I¡¯m going to change."


    Mu Yichen agreed and stood up.


    "If you don¡¯t come down later, transfer some extra money to my WeChat tomorrow. I saw a nice second-hand car at the dealership with Old Zhang yesterday, and I¡¯m planning to buy it."


    "What kind of car?"


    "They say it¡¯s a car used by the British Royal Family, no idea how they got their hands on it."


    Mu Yichen was simply aware of how much the car cost.


    "I think you¡¯ll be disappointed, as I¡¯m definitely coming down. Get the drinks ready for me."


    Mu Yichen pocketed his hands and walked away from the sofa.


    Mu Zihao couldn¡¯t help but laugh to himself, murmuring softly, "Silly boy!"


    As Mu Yichen went upstairs, something felt off, but he couldn¡¯t put his finger on it.


    It felt as if the house was not as empty as usual tonight.


    He noticed the light on in his father¡¯s room and wondered since when his dad became so wasteful with electricity.


    Then, he pushed open the door to his room.


    His room, too, was...


    Lit up, though it was just a dim floor lamp, and he hadn¡¯t come back.


    Mu Yichen looked toward the bed and suddenly realized what was wrong.


    He walked over and, when he saw the little one lying on his bed, he almost thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. He stared solemnly at his son, who was sound asleep.


    When did they come back?


    And no one even mentioned it to him.


    The knowledge that they had already returned made Mu Yichen¡¯s heart beat even more forcefully, uncontrollably.


    He couldn¡¯t help but look around the room, then heard a faint noise coming from the bathroom. It sounded like the hair dryer.


    That woman, she was back too?


    Didn¡¯t she say it would be half a year to a year?


    Suddenly, Mu Yichen looked down at his waistband and then carefully tucked his shirt in with a meticulous hand.


    Just before his heart could leap out of his chest, he took out his phone to see how he looked at the moment. He really should take a bath.


    But then...


    The faint noise from the bathroom ceased, followed by the sound of the door being unlocked from the inside.

 Chapter 791 - 222 Reconciliation (6)_1

    Chapter 791: 222 Reconciliation (6)_1free¦Øebnove?l.c?m


    Qin Mu came out from inside and immediately saw the additional person, Mu Yichen!


    Their gazes met, both filled with a sense of infatuation and grievance.


    She suddenly felt uneasy seeing him in this room, or perhaps it was because he was now in her field of vision.


    Yet she couldn¡¯t ignore him, for he was so handsome and extraordinary, so confident and composed, so imposing.


    In the dim room, silence prevailed, and Qin Mu gazed at him woodenly.


    Mu Yichen kept his hands in his pockets, his dark eyes observing her with a sense of distance.


    He couldn¡¯t manage a pleasant expression for her now.


    In his heart, she was a big liar, unpardonably wicked.


    Still asking, what if it is? That day on the phone!


    If it was! She¡¯d better never come back.


    She walked in woodenly, finally managing to reach the center of the room.


    "Isn¡¯t it more than half a year?"


    Just returned?


    Mu Yichen asked her with his deep voice, those dark pupils captivating.


    Qin Mu met his gaze and felt somewhat relieved because of his displeasure.


    "Did I say that? I don¡¯t remember!"


    Qin Mu uttered.


    "Yes, you never said!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eagle eyes followed her figure intently.


    Qin Mu was a bit nervous.


    "You won¡¯t stay, will you? We are going to rest!"


    Mu Yichen replied with furrowed brows and a mocking tone, "Are you driving me away?"


    "I just thought that things between us haven¡¯t changed from before."


    Qin Mu said, and then, the floor lamp was turned off.


    The room suddenly darkened, and her eyes were no longer as determined as before, somewhat hazy.


    However, Mu Yichen just stood there, sighed, and then turned around.


    Qin Mu¡¯s large, black, glistening eyes stared at the ceiling, feeling agitated for a few seconds.


    After Mu Yichen showered and came out, he found the lights on again, his dark eagle eyes scanning the bed.


    Empty.


    Qin Mu was sleeping in the nursery, holding her son.


    Next to the crib was a larger bed, but it was also a crib, still sufficiently large for Qin Mu to lie down on.


    She decided to spend the night there, and as for everything else, they would talk about it tomorrow.


    But the door was pushed open from outside.


    ¡ª¡ª


    She didn¡¯t know the impact her sudden departure had on him.


    She didn¡¯t know how much he hated her leaving, even if it was just a brief separation.


    But she was quiet, so very quiet, as if not angry anymore.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even smoke, lying there a minute or two later, looking at her slender shoulders.


    "I¡¯ll definitely control my temper in the future, don¡¯t make me leave again, hm?"


    His voice was very low, very gentle.


    But Qin Mu was indifferent to it.


    His brief gentleness would make her think he really adored her, that she could become spoiled and arrogant.


    Pride raged in her heart, but she stubbornly didn¡¯t speak a word to him.


    Naturally, she didn¡¯t tell him to leave again because it was impossible for him to go.


    Later, the issue was left unresolved.


    ¡ª¡ª


    In the early morning, the red tiles were wet with rain.


    Landing on the windowsill, pitter-patter!


    This rain came quietly and left just as quietly!


    When Mu Yichen woke up, the woman from last night was already gone from his side.


    If he wasn¡¯t mistaken, she should be out of the house by now.


    Considering her character, she must have gotten up early to go to the studio.


    Even though they were an old married couple!


    Mu Yichen went downstairs and saw that the whole family was in the living room; he casually greeted them, "Good morning, Ms. Feng!"


    Feng Fanghua gave him a look filled with disdain.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Daddy, good morning!"


    Huanhuan, for her part, was unaffected, cheerfully wishing him a good morning.


    "Good morning, baby! Come here! Come to daddy!"


    Mu Yichen stood aside and didn¡¯t go to the sofa.


    Huanhuan put down her toy and ran to him.


    "How about going to the office with daddy today?"


    Mu Yichen asked as he easily lifted her up.


    "Sure!"


    "Huanhuan! Today we¡¯re going to kindergarten, we can¡¯t go to the office with daddy anymore!"


    Feng Fanghua set down her teacup and reminded Huanhuan.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Oh dear! I forgot about going to school, daddy, Huanhuan can¡¯t accompany you to the office now, you must be happy on your own too!"


    Huanhuan, seeming very sensible, first slapped her own head, annoyed at herself for forgetting something important, then gently reminded her daddy.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s lips twitched unwillingly as he reluctantly set her down.


    "There¡¯s breakfast left for you in the kitchen, go eat quickly!"


    It was Mu Zihao who doted on his son, telling him to eat.


    For Mu Zihao, whatever happened between them last night was better than if nothing had happened at all.

 Chapter 792 - 222 Reconciliation (6)_2

    Chapter 792: 222 Reconciliation (6)_2


    Between husband and wife, the thing they fear most is the cold war.


    Mu Yichen simply didn¡¯t expect Huanhuan to be starting school so soon, and he felt somewhat reluctant to let her go.


    But as the girl was growing up, she couldn¡¯t always just play at home, so he could only agree.


    Besides, it seemed that no one had asked for his opinion.


    It was just when he turned his head towards the dining room, he heard Mrs. Feng from his family behind him castigating him in a voice not too loud.


    "He¡¯s neither gentle nor considerate, does not know how to show any tenderness."


    Mu Yichen felt as though the whole world was mocking him.


    However, what business was it of others to comment on matters between him and his wife?


    And could they even see the injuries on his wife¡¯s body?


    It had just rained today, and everything outside was beautiful.


    Driving on the familiar road, he found it so beautiful it was almost unbelievable.


    Even the common green plants by the roadside, along with those tall trees symbolizing the prosperity of the city, were flourishing just the same.


    The morning was spent in meetings, and while eating in the office building¡¯s restaurant with Qiao Yi, he received a call from Jing Feng and then immediately called Qin Mu while walking.


    Qin Mu was also having lunch near her studio and didn¡¯t want to answer when she saw the incoming call from him.


    Xiaomei sat next to her, thought for a moment, and asked in a low voice, "Should I answer it for you? What if it¡¯s an emergency?"


    Qin Mu thought, what kind of emergency could he have?


    But she didn¡¯t speak up; however, just when Xiaomei was about to answer the call for her, Mu Yichen suddenly hung up.


    Xiaomei...


    Awkwardly placing the phone she had just picked up back down, yet in less than a minute, a WeChat message came in.


    "Helian Hao is giving birth, now in the city hospital!"


    Qin Mu and Xiaomei saw the message at the same time, and the next moment, Qin Mu grabbed her phone and strode out.


    Xiaomei...


    Curious, her colleagues asked, "What happened?"


    "Her best friend is giving birth."


    Xiaomei had to explain with a smile, considering it a happy occasion, but she truly could not understand Qin Mu¡¯s two reactions.


    Qin Mu was planning to return to the studio to drive, but just then a taxi stopped in front of her, and a girl got out.


    So she immediately got in: "To the city hospital!"


    The driver didn¡¯t say much, immediately started the meter, and drove away.


    Qin Mu was anxious and wanted to call Helian Hao, but then remembered that she would be in the delivery room and unable to answer; she thought about calling Jing Feng but was afraid he would be too busy and nervous, so she just held her phone and prayed quietly, waiting anxiously.


    She hadn¡¯t brought any cash, but fortunately, now one could pay with WeChat; she paid and immediately ran towards the hospital.


    At that time, Mu Yichen and Qiao Yi had just arrived to see her figure when Qiao Yi immediately shouted, "Qin Mu?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s hair was already undone, and as she turned to look at them, her pace didn¡¯t slow down, but they caught up to her.


    "What are you two doing here?"


    Qin Mu asked.


    Qiao Yi suddenly stopped and thought, yes, it was his brother¡¯s wife giving birth, not his own; why had he come so early?


    It wasn¡¯t because Mu Yichen had suddenly stood up and scared him, thinking something had happened, right?


    After all, if something happened to Helian Hao, Jing Feng probably couldn¡¯t live alone.


    And so, they arrived at the hospital.


    Thus, the three of them rushed over together.


    Outside the delivery room, Jing Feng had just put on his sterilized garment and was about to go in, but when he saw the three of them arrive, the tension in him suddenly relaxed a bit.


    "You guys wait outside, I have to go in!"


    Jing Feng said in a low voice.


    "Tell Xiaohao not to be nervous, there¡¯s a mom who has given birth to two babies waiting for her outside."


    After Jing Feng turned around, Qin Mu grabbed his wrist hastily, urging him to relay the message.


    Her voice was very soft, but she spoke very quickly.


    Jing Feng nodded, and she let go of his hand with some reluctance.


    She completely missed the jealous look in Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes just moments ago.


    When Jing Feng entered, he saw the anxious woman lying on the delivery bed and couldn¡¯t help feeling tense himself.


    Since he knew the head of the obstetrics and gynecology department, there were no formalities, and the head only said, "There won¡¯t be any danger, just relax."


    "Yes!"


    Jing Feng replied very seriously and immediately walked over to Helian Hao, "Yichen and Qiao Yi are here, along with Qin Mu. She asked me to tell you that she, who has given birth to two babies, is outside waiting for your good news."


    "Yes!"


    Helian Hao responded. She hadn¡¯t expected Qin Mu, who returned yesterday, to not have contacted her.


    But now that Qin Mu was here today, she was too late to feel resentful.


    Seeing the chair beside her empty, Qin Mu walked over, sat down, and anxiously waited with her head bowed.


    Actually, everyone should understand that childbirth is a big deal.


    If it goes smoothly, that¡¯s great!


    But she, as a good sister, of course, would have a smooth delivery.


    It was this uncontrollable tension that inadvertently made her glance at the ring on her finger.


    She had taken off the engagement ring since the wedding day because it was uncomfortable.


    However, the plain ring had always stayed circled around her finger.


    Remembering the tightening spell, her master would just recite the mantra and he would be in agony, yet she let her master put it on him again.


    What about her?


    Knowing fully well the consequences of wearing this ring, she still resolutely put it on.


    Does that mean she had already foreseen their terrible experiences, but still wore it because she held some hope for the future?


    Mu Yichen stood diagonally across from her, but his gaze never left her face.


    If they were all here for the person inside, then he was probably here because of her.


    She had left that morning without waiting for him to wake up, and now they were seeing each other again.


    They hadn¡¯t had a proper conversation.


    To Qin Mu, this might have seemed normal¡ªshe had long gotten used to his coldness.


    But for him, he had never been able to get used to it.


    More than an hour later, the cries of a baby echoed from inside, although they were brief.


    All three of them stood up straight, waiting at the entrance of the delivery room.


    The elders arrived a little later than they did, but by now, they were all present at the scene.


    The parents of the Jing Family and the Helian Family were so excited they were nearly crying, with Helian Hao¡¯s mother clutching Jing Feng¡¯s mother¡¯s hand, overcome with emotion.


    All the women understood the pain of childbirth and how hard it was.


    Some were anguished for their daughter, others were elated at gaining a grandson.


    But on the surface, it all looked the same.


    By four in the afternoon, Helian Hao came out, looking utterly exhausted.


    Since her family was large, Qin Mu went over to congratulate her briefly and told her to take good care of herself before saying goodbye¡ªof course, the other two men left with her.


    After seeing them out, Jing Feng called to Qiao Yi, "There¡¯s something I need your help with!"


    Qiao Yi blinked, then looked towards the other two who were about to leave.


    "You guys go ahead!"


    Jing Feng said.


    Qiao Yi, guessing Jing Feng¡¯s thoughts, sighed unconsciously, thinking that he really couldn¡¯t stay single any longer¡ªhe was about to get tortured by envy.


    Thinking they really had something to tend to, Qin Mu left, with Mu Yichen following close by her side.


    In fact, Mu Yichen had been somewhat unsure about how to deal with her, but after leaving the hospital, something that made him happy happened.


    This woman actually hadn¡¯t driven here herself.

 Chapter 793 - 223 Reconciliation (7)_1

    Chapter 793: 223 Reconciliation (7)_1


    "Come with me!"


    He said.


    Qin Mu was about to wait for a car by the roadside when she heard him and glanced at him displeasedly, cautious because of his roughness yesterday.


    "You didn¡¯t drive? I¡¯ll take you there!"


    "No need!"


    Qin Mu coldly spat out two words, then strode towards the intersection to hail a cab!


    Mu Yichen stood there watching her stubborn figure, unconsciously irritated, opening his mouth, but then pulled his hand from his pocket and in a few large strides reached her, hoisting her onto his shoulder again.


    "Hey! Mu Yichen, let me go!"


    So many people at the hospital entrance!


    Curious glances were cast their way.


    Qin Mu hit him for a while, but then she grew tired.


    He opened the car door and pushed her into the passenger seat.


    After he got into the car, Qin Mu turned and glared at him.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say a word, just started the car.


    The onlookers hadn¡¯t had enough of the excitement until they saw the luxury car drive away, and only then did they move on, murmuring softly.


    Like a scene from a movie.


    The trope of a domineering CEO abducting a commoner girl felt all too familiar and surreal!


    Once at the studio, Qin Mu got out of the car and forcefully shut the door.


    Then she looked sharply into the car.


    Mu Yichen wasn¡¯t looking at her.


    Because he had opened the driver¡¯s side door and stepped out with long strides.


    Qin Mu looked at him in shock: "What are you doing?"


    "I don¡¯t have much to do this afternoon, I might as well wait for you to get off work," Mu Yichen said indifferently, hands in his pockets as he walked toward the building.


    Qin Mu...


    How long had it been since he waited for her after work?


    Suddenly acting like a good guy?


    Did he think she would be touched by him showing up occasionally?


    The two of them arrived at the studio one after the other, the colleagues curiously observing the distance between them, especially their boss¡¯s expression, looking like a browbeaten bride.


    However, compared to the excitement of the morning¡¯s mark on her neck, the current situation barely aroused their suspicion, let alone surprise.


    They thought the couple had finally made up.


    But had they, really?


    Last night, aside from sweating profusely and being exhausted, there was nothing that made her happy.


    Mu Yichen sat down on the sofa in her office, casually picking up a fashion magazine to read.


    Watching him, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but frown: "If you have nothing else to do, go home. I¡¯m not a child, and my car is down in the parking lot; Mu Yi, there¡¯s no need for you to wait here."


    Mu Yichen showed no reaction, simply engrossed in the magazine, his long legs crossed, looking so attractive that it made you want to stroke the fabric of his trousers.


    Internally fuming, Qin Mu could only turn and sit down behind her desk.


    Xiaomei made fresh-ground coffee for Mu Yichen and brewed a cup of herbal tea for Qin Mu.


    Gently knocking on the ajar door: "Tea girl reporting for duty!"


    Qin Mu turned her eyes away awkwardly at her, her brows furrowed.


    Tea girl?


    Was the girl asking for trouble?


    "What tea? I clearly smell coffee," Qin Mu complained discontentedly.


    "Hehe! Yours is tea; Mu Yi¡¯s is coffee," said Xiaomei, putting down the tea and deliberately bringing the coffee to her face to let her smell it.


    Qin Mu, who hadn¡¯t had coffee for so long since having a child and was on the brink of madness, had to restrain herself every day, trying to forget the very existence of coffee, was tormented to the extreme by Xiaomei.


    "Mu Yi didn¡¯t order coffee, you can take it for yourself!" Qin Mu muttered to Xiaomei under her breath.


    "No! I want it!" said Mu Yichen, suddenly putting down the magazine.


    Xiaomei immediately went over: "Mr. Mu, if you need a refill, just call me anytime."


    "Hey! Xiaomei, whose assistant are you? Or do you enjoy waiting on others so much? Then go downstairs and serve coffee to all the colleagues, and make sure it¡¯s exactly the same as Mr. Mu¡¯s," Qin Mu challenged deliberately.


    But Xiaomei turned her head: "Understood, I won¡¯t disturb the lovebirds any longer, I¡¯ll take my leave now."


    Xiaomei even bowed to her with the tray in hand.


    Qin Mu felt like vomiting blood.


    Their lovey-dovey couple act?


    They were about to come to blows!


    Qin Mu glared at Mu Yichen feeling furious, and saw that he wasn¡¯t looking at her, but it still felt like a cold draft reached her insides.


    Mu Yichen later grew tired and lay down on the sofa.


    With only half an hour left before work ended, Qin Mu said irritably, "If you¡¯re tired, go home to sleep; the bed is so wide there!"

 Chapter 794 - 223 Reconciliation (7)_2

    Chapter 794: 223 Reconciliation (7)_2


    "Does looking at me make you uncomfortable?"


    Mu Yichen placed the magazine over his face, but his deep voice was still very clear.


    "Yes!"


    "Then don¡¯t look!"


    Confronted with Qin Mu¡¯s disdain, President Mu was quite composed, and very much accustomed to it.


    But Qin Mu was not at all used to this situation where no matter how she scolded, he wouldn¡¯t leave.


    Just when she was about to swallow her anger, he suddenly sat up.


    Qin Mu was startled as she watched him, not knowing what he was thinking with his head down, his hands resting on the arm of the sofa. After a few seconds, he suddenly stood up, "Then I won¡¯t bother you anymore!"


    And then...


    He just left like that!


    Afterward, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t concentrate on drawing at all. Half an hour later, she glanced at her wristwatch and her fingers subconsciously tapped on her wrist a few times.


    To go back or not to go back?


    "Qinqin!"


    Xiaomei suddenly appeared at the door, calling her with a flattering smile.


    Qin Mu turned to look at Xiaomei and knew she must want something from her.


    "Speak!"


    Qin Mu said only one word. She wouldn¡¯t make Xiaomei suffer over just a cup of coffee.


    "How about borrowing your car? Alan¡¯s car was sent for maintenance, and we took a taxi here this morning."


    Xiaomei blinked at her, her tone much gentler.


    Qin Mu...


    "If you guys take my car, how will I leave?"


    "You can go with Yichen! You two have that thing going on anyway, getting back together is just a matter of time, and it¡¯s on the way! Otherwise, if you both drive back separately, you¡¯ll waste one person¡¯s gas money."


    Xiaomei didn¡¯t forget to kindly remind her.


    "You don¡¯t use gas when you drive?"


    Qin Mu retorted, but after speaking, she involuntarily furrowed her brows, "Mu Yichen hasn¡¯t left?"


    "No, isn¡¯t he resting over there? His car is still parked downstairs."


    Qin Mu...


    She had thought he had left.


    "Well, we¡¯ll take the car then!"


    Xiaomei went to get the keys herself and then left.


    Qin Mu...


    She went to the resting room, gently opened the door, and with a glance, saw the man lying on his side on the bed.


    But she only saw his back as if he were asleep.


    He wasn¡¯t looking at his phone or anything else.


    Qin Mu guessed as such, then tiptoed over.


    The colleagues downstairs were leaving, and Qin Mu could still hear the voices below.


    Qin Mu walked over to the bed, took a look at him, and found that he really was asleep.


    Then an idea struck her, why shouldn¡¯t she just drive away?


    Her eyes darted, and she looked down at his jacket pocket.


    His car keys should be there, right?


    Her hand gently tugged at the pocket of his coat, and then the other hand reached to go inside.


    She didn¡¯t even dare to breathe, fearing she would wake him up.


    However...


    The next moment her arms were suddenly seized.


    "Ah, you!"


    "Thief, isn¡¯t stealing my heart enough for you, now you want to steal other things?"


    Mu Yichen asked her.


    Qin Mu...


    His eyes were full of tenderness, staring straight into hers.


    "What are you looking for?"


    He suddenly asked.


    The ambiguous tension in the air was quietly spreading, already gathering at their hearts.


    "Looking for, car keys!"


    Qin Mu almost forgot what she came for.


    "Aren¡¯t the car keys on the coffee table in your office?"


    Mu Yichen asked, puzzled.


    Qin Mu...


    On the coffee table in her office?


    She felt like crying; what was she doing just now? Acting like a fool.


    "Or did you intentionally find an excuse to see me?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes fixed on her again, moving gradually closer as he spoke.


    Qin Mu heard her own heartbeat, pounding as if it was going to jump out of her chest.


    "I would never find an excuse to see you, let me go."


    Qin Mu commanded.


    ¡ª


    When the two got home it was already past seven in the evening, and the staff were setting the table.


    The butler waited at the door for the two of them to return together. Mu Yichen forcibly took Qin Mu¡¯s hand into the crook of his arm.


    The butler quickly lowered his head, avoiding sights he shouldn¡¯t see.


    Qin Mu was annoyed, but his grip was so strong she had no choice but to cling to his arm. Then she suddenly turned her head and bit down hard onto his firm arm through the fabric of his shirt.


    Mu Yichen suddenly stopped walking, but within a few seconds, flicked her forehead.


    "Ow!"


    Qin Mu cried out in pain, reflexively letting go of him.


    "Stupid woman! Be careful not to break your teeth!"


    Qin Mu...


    Anyway, after entering, they didn¡¯t stay so close. Qin Mu ran ahead of him.


    "I¡¯m back!"


    Qin Mu entered with a smile, her long hair cascading over her shoulders down to her chest.

 Chapter 795 - 223 Reconciliation (7)_3

    Chapter 795: 223 Reconciliation (7)_3


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao rose from the sofa when they heard the noise, ready to go to the dining room for dinner.


    Feng Fanghua turned to look at Qin Mu with such a fake smile and then lowered her head again, "Do you still remember what I told you in Paris?"


    "Ah?"


    Qin Mu was taken aback, playing casually with the bag in her hand.


    Feng Fanghua was so angry that she stopped talking and just took Huanhuan, who was eating a lollipop, to wash his hands.


    When the maid came to take her bag away, Qin Mu followed her and then asked in a low voice while pulling Feng Fanghua¡¯s arm, "Mom, what are you talking about?"


    Huanhuan also curiously looked at Grandma, wondering what special little secret Grandma had told Mom.


    After entering the restroom, Feng Fanghua closed the door and turned to her, "What¡¯s on your mind all day? Didn¡¯t I say if you don¡¯t make up when you come back, you¡¯ll move back to the apartment?


    Qin Mu...


    Huanhuan felt like she had been jabbed by those words and licked her lollipop harder.


    "Huanhuan, if you eat so many lollipops every day, your teeth will get worms, stop eating, and throw it in the trash can."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but remind her as she looked down at her younger daughter¡¯s peculiar expression.


    "This is from school today, it was given to her by other kids, she treasures it."


    Feng Fanghua reminded her, meanwhile giving her another scrutinizing look, wondering if she was deliberately changing the subject?


    "Anyway, I¡¯m giving you and your husband another two days. If you don¡¯t reconcile, don¡¯t come back here and bother me."


    As Feng Fanghua said this, she began to help her granddaughter wash her hands.


    Huanhuan held the lollipop in her mouth, unwilling to throw it away.


    She wouldn¡¯t throw it away even when saliva was dripping down; Qin Mu found it disgusting, so she grimaced.


    However, Huanhuan was amused by her mother and suddenly laughed out loud, and as she did, the lollipop slipped out with the saliva.


    Qin Mu...


    She really felt like vomiting.


    The little girl just stood there, dumbfounded at the lollipop that had fallen on the sink.


    "Don¡¯t be sad, Huanhuan, Grandma will buy you more another day."


    Feng Fanghua saw the tears welling up in Huanhuan¡¯s eyes and immediately began to console her, fearing her granddaughter would cry and either hurt her skin or damage her vocal cords ¡ª she was so tender-hearted toward her.


    It was as if her granddaughter was a treasure, without a single flaw.


    Qin Mu stood by and watched Feng Fanghua coax her daughter, finding herself at a loss for words.


    She felt envious of how lucky Huanhuan was to have such a wonderful grandmother.


    "Mom! Please be more lenient with Mu Yichen and me!"


    Qin Mu pleaded softly beside Feng Fanghua, almost like a daughter wheedling her mother.


    "Hmph! Don¡¯t forget whose mother I am!"


    Feng Fanghua reminded her.


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t upset at all; for some reason, their relationship had been improving, so much so that if Feng Fanghua called Qin Mu the real mother of Mu Yichen, she wouldn¡¯t feel down about it, only coquettish.


    During the meal, Feng Fanghua glanced at Qin Mu, who in turn looked at Mu Yichen and then suddenly put a piece of green vegetable in his bowl, "President Mu, eat more!"


    Mu Yichen...


    Mu Zihao also looked over at his daughter-in-law in surprise.


    But Qin Mu winked at Mu Yichen, "Eat! Mom said you¡¯ve been too skinny lately, you need to eat more."


    Mu Yichen...


    Feng Fanghua sighed helplessly, then lowered her head before eating and said, "I never said that."


    The father and son were completely confused, while Huanhuan was eating on the side, smiling foolishly.


    After dinner, Huanhuan went upstairs to take a bath with Feng Fanghua, and then they read books.


    Mu Zihao sat in a single armchair reading for a while, observing the uncomfortable couple, and then set down his newspaper, "Xiaomu, what did your mother tell you?"


    "Ah? She didn¡¯t say anything."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why, but after snapping back to reality, he felt a sigh of relief.


    Mu Yichen, however, seemed to think of something, but he certainly wouldn¡¯t point it out.


    "If your mom says anything, don¡¯t take it to heart. She, you know, has a sharp tongue but a soft heart and won¡¯t really be angry with you."


    Mu Zihao still didn¡¯t quite understand the current relationship between his wife and his daughter-in-law.


    Qin Mu nodded her head but thought to herself that Feng Fanghua might not really be angry with her, but it was very possible that she could drive her and Mu Yichen out.


    She definitely didn¡¯t want to be driven out, at least it was warmer here; if it were just the two of them elsewhere, she couldn¡¯t even bear to think about it.


    "Madam, is it time to feed the young master now?"


    The nanny came downstairs and asked her.


    "Right away!"


    Qin Mu responded and then stood up, "Then Dad, I¡¯m going upstairs!"


    "Mhm!"


    Mu Zihao nodded, and Qin Mu went upstairs. As for Mu Yichen, she ignored him and didn¡¯t even glance at him.


    Mu Yichen...


    After his daughter-in-law had left, Mu Zihao asked his son, "Stop frowning, with your abilities, isn¡¯t it easy to tame your wife?"


    Mu Yichen looked up at his father.


    "But don¡¯t be too forceful. Women still like it when men are gentle."


    "Dad! You¡¯ve been so gentle that you¡¯ve been under Madam Feng¡¯s thumb for so many years."


    Mu Yichen kindly reminded him, not knowing where his father saw him as being very assertive.


    "Humph! I¡¯m willing to let your mom have the upper hand for a lifetime, what¡¯s wrong with that? Aren¡¯t I still the one who makes the decisions on important matters at home? Women can have a temper; isn¡¯t it better to just indulge her? I¡¯ve heard that you¡¯ve been pursuing your wife these days! Be careful that your forcefulness doesn¡¯t drive her into another man¡¯s arms, not every man is like Jian Yan, willing to fulfill the wishes of the woman he loves."


    Mu Zihao had to kindly remind his own son.


    After all, who hasn¡¯t been young?


    Who hasn¡¯t been so entangled in love that they were dazed?


    But when the sun rises, who is it that you really want to see, who do you truly desire the most?


    Don¡¯t wait until you¡¯ve lost it to suddenly realize that just a slight change in approach could have let a relationship that was about to end return to its original beauty.


    But according to Qin Mu¡¯s feeling, had there ever been anything beautiful between them?


    Mu Zihao then also went back to his room, leaving Mu Yichen alone in the living room.


    After ten o¡¯clock, he thought about it and then sent a WeChat message to Madam Feng, starting with a red envelope.


    He only breathed a sigh of relief after seeing that Madam Feng accepted it and then sent another message.


    Hearing a door upstairs, Mu Yichen quietly waited, then watched as the expression on the TV was no longer so gloomy, his eyes also filled with a barely concealable, quietly emerging joy.


    Feng Fanghua took her grandson to her own room, muttering as she laid him on the bed, "Your son is becoming craftier by the day, no wonder Mumu is annoyed with him."


    "As parents, it¡¯s only right for us to help them out. Watching them bicker all the time makes us uncomfortable too, right? Plus, your dad is coming back next month, and it won¡¯t be good for him to see them still not reconciled."


    Mu Zihao, sitting on the bed, looked at the little one with big eyes and perked ears listening to their conversation and couldn¡¯t help but feel his lips spreading into a sweet smile.


    Mu Yichen went upstairs at eleven, by which time Qin Mu had already taken a shower, lain on the bed, and...


    Was pretending to be asleep!


    The moment Mu Yichen opened the door, she immediately dead-pressed the phone in her hand and then closed her eyes to feign sleep.


    Mu Yichen walked over for a look; Qin Mu¡¯s breathing was very faint, almost as if she were holding her breath in fear of being caught pretending to sleep.


    Mu Yichen saw that her hand hadn¡¯t completely dropped the phone and lifted his eyelids resignedly then silently turned to the bathroom.


    She wasn¡¯t a child anymore, yet sometimes her actions were childish and, unexpectedly...


    He sighed inwardly and then lowered his head to push open the bathroom door.

 Chapter 796 - 224 Reconciliation (8)_1

    Chapter 796: 224 Reconciliation (8)_1


    She was nearly asleep in a daze, but suddenly a cold sensation pressed against her skin from behind.


    She jolted awake with a reflex, instinctively trying to flee forward.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hand pressed on her lower abdomen, forcing her into a wonderfully curved posture, his husky voice by her ear, "Sleep nicely!"


    "Don¡¯t move, will you?"


    Qin Mu grumbled.


    Who tells you to sleep nicely and then does their utmost to disturb you?


    "I thought you had fallen asleep?"


    His arm firmly locked around her lower abdomen, he raised his head slightly, whispering closely by her ear, the corner of his lips curving into a devilishly charming smile.


    Qin Mu...


    "Mrs. Mu! I thought, there¡¯s nothing more pleasant in this world than being with you!"


    He murmured softly in her ear, beginning his advance again.


    Qin Mu...


    Being in a wolf¡¯s lair must feel like this! Tense, restless, scared, yet at the mercy of the wolf.


    Because the light wasn¡¯t turned off, later Mu Yichen saw the bruises he unintentionally left on her waist from the night before and cursed himself ten thousand times. Qin Mu got scared by his sudden halt; it was extremely awkward for him to just stop like that.


    Fortunately, he continued after that, but suddenly he became gentle.


    Qin Mu was somewhat undone by his gentleness, which made her want to go crazy.


    But these past two nights, he hadn¡¯t let her mount his waist, instead sticking to the few positions with the man on top.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t get up early to go to work this morning, and the whole family was together for breakfast. It was just that Qin Mu said, "Mom, I¡¯ll take Huanhuan to school today!"


    "Do you know the way? And with that little junk car of yours, no offense, but the kids at their school all come in luxury cars."


    Qin Mu...


    Feng Fanghua fed Huanhuan another bite of food, then looked up at Qin Mu: "Why not drive one from the house?"


    "I don¡¯t want to!"


    I want to drive my own car.


    Qin Mu stubbornly retorted, then continued to eat.


    Mu Yichen sat beside her, struggling to hold back his laughter.


    His wife still had that stubborn streak, and even Madam Feng couldn¡¯t sway her now. It seemed that in this household, she was almost ready to rule.


    He wondered if she had realized how domineering she was becoming at home.


    Madam Feng helplessly scolded her several times, but once they left the house, everyone fell silent.


    Qin Mu, holding Huanhuan¡¯s little hand, stood in front of her parking spot and suddenly remembered that last night she had returned home with President Mu in one car, and Xiaomei had driven hers away.


    So...


    "It seems, this is fate!"


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help laughing, looking at Qin Mu after she spoke.


    Qin Mu immediately said awkwardly, "Then let¡¯s take one from the house, but this afternoon you have to pick Huanhuan up with your car, Mom."


    Qin Mu looked down at Huanhuan.


    Huanhuan seemed to have a temperament similar to hers, not snobbish at all, so she nodded in agreement.


    "Let¡¯s go! I¡¯ll be the chauffeur for you two, first to drop Huanhuan off at school, then to take Mrs. Mu to her studio."


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao stood at the door watching the three of them leave in one car.


    Mu Zihao sighed, "At last, the storm has passed!"


    Feng Fanghua also smiled, but with a bit more pride, "That girl Mumu, she¡¯s really growing on me! She¡¯s got spirit, got character!"


    Mu Zihao...


    These mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, they were no longer how they used to be!


    But it¡¯s better this way! It¡¯s more like a real family.


    Family members shouldn¡¯t harbor grievances against each other, nor should they always be enduring.


    Qin Mu, approaching the school, notices a teacher waiting for the children at the gate, and she sees the so-called luxury cars. Sure, they were luxury cars, but there were hardly any parents personally dropping off their children.


    "Don¡¯t get out, I¡¯ll go over with Huanhuan."


    Qin Mu, sitting in the back with Huanhuan, spoke to him before getting out of the car.


    Mu Yi listened but still followed them.


    Qin Mu turned her head to see him trailing behind and, upon her turning around, he stopped. With a resigned sigh, she gave him a sharp glance, "President Mu, can¡¯t you behave for once?"


    "What was that?"


    Mu Yichen squinted at her, hands in his pockets and a lordly air about him.


    Qin Mu...


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t be bothered with him, lest he cause more trouble. She decided to quickly lead Huanhuan to the school entrance.


    The teacher greeted them warmly and even held Huanhuan in her arms, "Mr. and Mrs. Mu, rest assured, we will take good care of your little miss."


    Little miss?


    Qin Mu thought her ears were playing tricks on her.

 Chapter 797 - 224 Reconciliation (8)_2

    Chapter 797: 224 Reconciliation (8)_2


    "Teacher! When we¡¯re at school, can we just call her by her full name, or even by her nickname?"


    Qin Mu tried to be as gentle as possible, knowing full well since childhood that it¡¯s not wise to provoke teachers.


    She just forgot that her own childhood circumstances were completely different from Huanhuan¡¯s.


    Back then, she was all alone, far from her hometown¡ªno teacher cared whether she was happy or not.


    But it was different for Huanhuan, a little princess born with a silver spoon, showered with love and affection from everyone.


    "Oh! Sure! Don¡¯t worry, we always refer to them by their names in the classroom."


    The teacher didn¡¯t dare to neglect, maintaining a smile that was even more pleasant than Qin Mu¡¯s.


    Qin Mu nodded, forcing a smile: "Sorry for the trouble, Teacher!"


    Mu Yichen, standing by, started to regret getting out of the car.


    "Let¡¯s go! We¡¯re going to be late for work!"


    Mu Yichen was pulling at her side, unable to stand her insincerity. He tugged at her sleeve, urging her to leave.


    Qin Mu turned to look at him, and the smile on her face instantly stiffened, but then she took Mu Yichen¡¯s hand: "Teacher, let me introduce you, this is our Huanhuan¡¯s dad!"


    "Oh! Huanhuan¡¯s dad, hello!"


    The teacher felt overwhelmed inside.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t dare to be rude to his daughter¡¯s teacher, so he gave a nod as a greeting, having not managed to escape.


    On the way to the studio, Qin Mu clutched at her chest: "Whenever I remember being disliked by classmates and teachers in Paris, I get so anxious. Do you think this teacher might be the same?"


    "If so, we¡¯ll find another one."


    Mu Yichen was driving seriously, so his voice was very monotone.


    Qin Mu turned to look at him: True, our Huanhuan has President Mu on her side. How could it be the same as back when it was just me?


    Suddenly, Qin Mu lifted her hand to gently pat his shoulder, realizing their excessive closeness she withdrew her hand, looking very disdainful.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, sighing helplessly: "What¡¯s the difference? Wasn¡¯t I there with you when you were studying in Paris?"


    Qin Mu...


    Such a loyal and long-standing companionship, when remembered, was really heartwarming.


    She didn¡¯t know why she had become so easily moved all of a sudden. She turned to look out the window, not wanting him to see her face while it was still so adorable.


    When they arrived at the studio, he leaned out: "Tonight..."


    "Don¡¯t come to pick me up tonight. I¡¯ll pick up Huanhuan first and then head home."


    Mu Yichen saw how determined she was, his eyes dropped briefly before looking at her again: "Then just a friendly reminder, Mrs. Feng might beat you to the school. After all, your car..."


    Mu Yichen glanced toward the parking lot where Xiaomei and the others had come early to work, so the cars were already there.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t understand, was her car really that bad?


    Mu Yichen left, and she went to the office.


    Xiaomei told her: "If it matches someone else, then it¡¯s really okay. Especially for independent women like us to have such a high-end car after not much struggle is already amazing. But if it¡¯s for the young Madame of Mu Family, it¡¯s just too devaluing!"


    Xiaomei thought she was being quite diplomatic.


    But Qin Mu was still hurt.


    "Let¡¯s do the accounts later and switch to a new one."


    Qin Mu licked her lower lip, thought for a while, and then made up her mind.


    "A new one? What about this one?"


    "This one¡¯s for you to drive; aren¡¯t you always driving it?"


    "Uh!"


    Xiaomei awkwardly lowered her head and cleared her throat, trying to hold back, but still came forward, smiling modestly: "Thank you, Qinqin, I knew you loved me the most!"


    "To be honest, it¡¯s not that I love you the most, it¡¯s that you¡¯re too in love with yourself."


    Qin Mu spoke frankly, not minding the blow to Xiaomei¡¯s face.


    Xiaomei...


    In her opinion, when it came to putting people down, Qin Mu could easily take second place because no one dared to claim the first.


    Qin Mu planned to visit the hospital after lunch to see Xiaohao before heading to the school. She was determined to beat Feng Fanghua there; she had to pick up Huanhuan with her first car in Rongcheng at least once. Moreover, since everyone looked down on her car so much, she would also take a photo with Huanhuan and the car in front of the school.


    But before she could go downstairs, Li Yu arrived, hiding a bunch of baby¡¯s breath behind him, this time they were pink.


    Qin Mu watched the man coming up from the doorway of the office. He smiled shyly at her and after much contemplation, she could only nod: "Handsome Li seems to have a lot of time on his hands!"


    "It¡¯s alright! I just passed by a flower shop, saw some beautiful carnations, and bought a bouquet for you."

 Chapter 798 - 224 Reconciliation (8)_3

    Chapter 798: 224 Reconciliation (8)_3


    He was somewhat low-key about it and only brought out the flowers from behind his back after he finished speaking.


    Actually, he hadn¡¯t held them steady just then, and Qin Mu had already seen the carnations flicker behind him.


    But since he often came to give flowers, how should she refuse them?


    "Li Yu, I want to tell you something!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t take the flowers.


    "Sure! Go ahead!"


    Li Yu looked a bit nervous as the two stood at the door facing each other.


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze wandered, and after thinking for a few seconds, she still decided to tell him, "Actually, I don¡¯t like carnations! Don¡¯t you think they are more suitable to be given to older elders? Or do you think of me as an older sister, or perhaps¡ªyou don¡¯t have a mother complex, do you?"


    Li Yu¡¯s face turned dark instantly.


    Yet he quickly asked her, "Then what flowers do you like?"


    "Well! It¡¯s not really about the flowers, it¡¯s about the person who gives them."


    "I understand!"


    Li Yu lowered his head awkwardly, looking rather dejected as he glanced at the carnations in his hands, suddenly finding he didn¡¯t like the flowers either.


    "Um..., even if you don¡¯t give flowers, if you still need me to make a cameo in a program next time, I¡¯ll agree, but please really stop sending flowers and asking me out for meals. Just give some money, and that¡¯ll be fine!"


    Qin Mu said, then suddenly raised her hand and gently pinched the air.


    Li Yu was shocked, then asked, "Are you short of money?"


    "Hehe! A bit!"


    Qin Mu laughed awkwardly.


    She wanted to buy a car and didn¡¯t want to take out too big of a loan, otherwise, she would be burdened with debt.


    "I¡¯m going to Washington next month. There¡¯s a special event there. If you¡¯re free, how about designing a few outfits for me again? You can name your price, as long as you guarantee they are your own designs."


    Upon hearing that, Qin Mu¡¯s eyes immediately brightened.


    "Of course! No problem."


    Qin Mu agreed.


    In the face of money issues, everything else seemed so trivial.


    But little did she know, if Mu Yichen learned of her behavior, he would probably be reprimanding her.


    Having such a big ATM at home but never using it, always insisting on using her own money.


    After lunch, she bought fresh flowers and visited the hospital. Helian Hao¡¯s mother-in-law and her own mother were both there, and of course, Jing Feng was also keeping watch.


    When they saw her come in, the two elders offered her fruits. Qin Mu casually picked the prettiest one, then held it in her hand, playing with it as she went to see the little one in the children¡¯s bed: "I didn¡¯t expect him to grow so fast. He feels like he¡¯s changed a lot in just a couple of days."


    "Exactly! When he was born, he was all soft, but now, he¡¯s so sturdy!"


    Jing Feng¡¯s mother said, walking to the side and looking at her grandson with eyes full of affection.


    Qin Mu looked up at the elders¡¯ indulgence in their eyes and then turned to Helian Hao, who sat by the bed with a helpless raised eyebrow.


    As if she had grown used to her mother-in-law¡¯s daily praise of her grandson.


    As for Helian Hao¡¯s mother, she didn¡¯t praise much and sat by the bed, folding Helian Hao¡¯s home clothes to change into.


    Qin Mu sat down next to her, gently holding Helian Hao¡¯s hand, and asked softly, "How are you feeling?"


    "Relieved!"


    At least she had fulfilled her duty and provided the Jing Family with a grandson.


    If it had been a granddaughter, she didn¡¯t know if she would have received such treatment.


    The old man couldn¡¯t help but come to see the little one this morning and even stuffed a super big red envelope.


    It¡¯s still under Helian Hao¡¯s pillow. To get anything from the old man meant benefitting from her son¡¯s charm.


    "How are things going with Mu Yi?"


    The two women were whispering as if the elders couldn¡¯t hear them.


    In fact, they were just pretending not to hear.


    As for Jing Feng, standing by the window, he looked down as the two women whispered, thinking to himself: Do you two think we three are deaf? Just speak up. The elders don¡¯t know everything, but they aren¡¯t clueless.


    "My mom said if we don¡¯t reconcile, she¡¯ll make us move to the apartment to live alone and prevent us from seeing the child."


    Qin Mu leaned in closer to Helian Hao.


    Indeed, the others hadn¡¯t really heard that.


    Which is why everyone was looking at them anxiously.


    But Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "It seems like the relationship with your husband hasn¡¯t smoothed over, but you¡¯re getting along well with your mother-in-law!"


    "She says she wants to be my real mother, now even Mu Yi has to step aside."


    As Qin Mu spoke, she couldn¡¯t help but playfully wink at her.


    Helian Hao...


    Before she could laugh out loud, she caught Jing Feng¡¯s eyes filled with smart, astute wisdom and then glanced at Qin Mu, signaling her with his eyes.


    Qin Mu remembered something, looked around, and then pretended to sit up straight nonchalantly.


    "Hey, you two, should the three of us step outside for a while, let you have a good chat in private?"

 Chapter 799 - 224 Reconciliation (8)_4

    Chapter 799: 224 Reconciliation (8)_4


    Helian Hao¡¯s mother finally couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    "Exactly! Both of you whispering is so awkward, isn¡¯t it just Mumu and Yichen who had an argument? Speak up and let us hear, we¡¯ll give you some advice."


    Jing Feng¡¯s mother also looked up and started speaking to Qin Mu and Helian Hao, and although there had been some friction before, now it seemed like all that was water under the bridge.


    "We¡¯re already okay!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t like talking about these things with the elders, especially with Jing Feng¡¯s mother present, so she just laughed it off with them.


    "The two of you, fighting back and forth, haven¡¯t you been inseparable all these years? It¡¯s about time you made up!"


    Lowering her head and picking up her grandson, Jing Feng¡¯s mother added casually, her eyes full of tender love when she looked at him.


    The room suddenly became very quiet, unusually silent.


    But nobody felt uncomfortable.


    After so many years, grievances and grudges had begun and ended with feelings, and maybe in a few more years, all of these matters would just be memories, some pleasant and some not.


    Jing Feng, who was walking Qin Mu out, asked in the corridor, "Really made up?"


    Qin Mu laughed lightly, "What if you tell Mu Yichen what I just said in the ward? It¡¯s useless anyway, I¡¯ll still ignore him at home."


    "Sure! You say you won¡¯t make up with him! But I heard he¡¯s already moved back into the Mu Family house, and he¡¯s even sharing a room with you."


    As the two of them reached the elevator, Jing Feng turned around with a voice so light it was almost frightening.


    That guy, he even shared this kind of thing with others?


    Really...


    "That¡¯s fake! I¡¯ve been sleeping in the same room with Huanhuan lately."


    Qin Mu just didn¡¯t want Mu Yichen to have his way, so she deliberately said so, making it sound utterly convincing.


    Jing Feng, looking at her, couldn¡¯t help but laugh, "It seems like from now on we can¡¯t trust what young master Chen says."


    "Of course!"


    Qin Mu nodded.


    The elevator arrived, and Qin Mu found her hair uncomfortable, so she gathered it to one side, then turned to him, "You don¡¯t need to see me off! Take good care of Xiaohao!"


    Jing Feng nodded, and when he looked up, he noticed the red marks on her neck.


    So...


    Who exactly should he believe?


    How could he forget that their dear Xiaomu was not to be underestimated?


    The words that came out of her mouth could indeed turn the false into the true, and the true into the false.


    This was also what Mu Yichen said after he came back from Paris, claiming that although she rarely lies, when she does, she plays it off so nonchalantly it¡¯s baffling.


    Jing Feng now believed it! He turned around slowly and walked back.


    As Qin Mu left the hospital, she called Feng Fanghua, "Mom, I¡¯m on my way to school now, don¡¯t go over there!"


    This time she was really serious.


    "Why would you come here? The car is already at the house, and both your dad and I are here!"


    Qin Mu...


    "Then, I¡ª"


    Qin Mu suddenly stammered, not knowing what else to say.


    "Just come home, don¡¯t make all these people fuss over nothing," Feng Fanghua said.


    Actually, Feng Fanghua had not yet left the house.


    Qin Mu wanted to get angry but didn¡¯t dare, so she just sighed helplessly.


    But she resolutely drove to the school entrance.


    It was her who picked up Huanhuan, as she had made a phone call to Mu Yichen.


    Although it was conditional, she did indeed use her own little car to pick up her daughter today.


    She even asked another parent to help them take a few photos next to the car.


    This car would soon be saying its goodbyes, to be replaced with a more luxurious one in the future.


    For her beloved daughter!


    Qin Mu had just realized that all her efforts and advancement were actually because of her daughter¡¯s existence.


    Huanhuan really was a remarkable presence.


    When they got home, Feng Fanghua waited at the doorway for them; as soon as she saw the car coming back, she approached, "Did you have to go pick her up yourself, so that everyone knows you have a car?"


    "I won¡¯t drive it anymore, don¡¯t be angry!"


    Qin Mu stretched out her hand to hug her mother¡¯s arm and cuddled up to her.


    Feng Fanghua felt a chill in her stomach at Qin Mu¡¯s cheeky appearance but sighed helplessly, "I can¡¯t with you!"


    She was stubborn enough!


    In the whole family, if she said she was second in obstinacy, who would dare claim to be the first?


    Well! Maybe there really was one.


    These two adults at home were like children all the time.


    "Mom! Look at the photos we took; a mom of one of the big class children helped us take them."


    "Sure you didn¡¯t use a beauty filter?"


    Sitting on the couch beside her mother, Qin Mu leaned on her shoulder to show her the phone.


    Feng Fanghua had to put on her reading glasses to clearly see the beautiful mother and daughter who would definitely stand out in a crowd.


    Proud in her heart, Feng Fanghua held the phone and looked at it several times.


    Mu Zihao came down from upstairs, seeing how closely they were huddled together with the phone, and thought to himself that their mother-daughter intimacy seemed even greater than with his own child.


    "Let me see!"


    Mu Zihao took the phone, stood up straight behind them, and scrutinized the picture.


    "You really do look young!"


    He couldn¡¯t help but remark.


    While they were chatting, Mu Yichen came in from outside, and Qin Mu, sitting on the couch, shivered, instantly remembering the promise she had made to him.


    "The young master is back!"


    The aunty carrying the food greeted him.


    "Mhm!"


    Mu Yichen responded and walked over to where the couch was, his gaze fixed on the shivering Qin Mu.

 Chapter 800 - 225 Master at Annoying Wife (1)_1

    Chapter 800: 225 Master at Annoying Wife (1)_1


    "The key!"


    Qin Mu said, pulling a luxurious key out of his pocket.


    Mu Yichen looked up at the key in his hand and then feigned a smile at him, squinting her eyes but in an extremely graceful manner.


    Mu Yichen knew she was not willing, but he really didn¡¯t feel like caring whether she was willing or not.


    The others sitting on the sofa also understood something when they saw the key in Mu Yichen¡¯s hand, and then they lowered their heads back to their own business.


    "What are you waiting for? Come out!"


    Mu Yichen commanded again.


    He really acted as if he was the master of the house!


    Shouting orders! Displaying power arrogantly!


    Mu Yichen took her to familiarize herself with the car¡¯s performance, and Qin Mu started feeling nervous as soon as she sat in the driving seat and held the steering wheel.


    Mu Yichen got into the passenger seat, fastened his seatbelt, then turned to her and reminded, "Seatbelt!"


    "Oh!"


    Qin Mu responded.


    "It can be started by voice control, try it!"


    Mu Yichen reminded, which startled Qin Mu so much that she turned her head to look at him and suddenly held her breath, closing her mouth, not daring to speak.


    Ha ha ha! Why did he buy her such a high-end car?


    All she wanted was to drive her old clunker to pick up her child once.


    As a result, knowing she was about to take out a loan, he went ahead and bought it for her, and bought such an upscale one at that.


    Does she really fit to drive such a good car now?


    Thinking that she still owed a buttload of debt, but before it was just the bank she owed, and now, great, she owed a huge sum to President Mu.


    After driving out for more than half an hour and parking in the apartment building¡¯s parking lot, Mu Yichen said to her, "The contract is upstairs, I¡¯ll go get it!"


    Qin Mu looked at him with a guarded expression, and didn¡¯t give him any response, naturally not wanting to get out of the car.


    "Mrs. Mu!"


    Mu Yichen turned to glance at her.


    Qin Mu, seeing his sharp gaze, unconsciously tightened her throat, "I¡¯ll wait for you in the car!"


    "Suit yourself!"


    Mu Yichen said as he got out of the car and then suddenly turned back, leaning on the window to tell her, "If you sneak away, you know what I¡¯m going to do next."


    That gently spoken threat made Qin Mu so angry that her heart nearly exploded.


    Yet she dared not lash out, so she could only lower her eyes slightly to show she understood his intent.


    After Mu Yichen glanced at her once more, he turned and walked towards the building. Qin Mu sat quietly in the car, thinking it had been a long time since she last went up to see, and since she couldn¡¯t run away, she might as well go up.


    So Mu Yichen, waiting for the elevator, didn¡¯t turn around when he heard the sound of high heels.


    This was their first home, she would be strange not to miss it.


    And indeed, she soon stood shoulder to shoulder with him there.


    When the elevator opened, Qin Mu followed Mu Yichen inside, each occupying one side, with Mu Yichen continuously looking down at her.


    Sometimes, Qin Mu would return his look unhappily. It was good they didn¡¯t live too high up, or she feared she might be glared to death by him before even getting out.


    The feeling after the two of them returned home...


    Qin Mu stood by the sofa, gently stroking its back, and couldn¡¯t help but let out a light chuckle.


    It had been a long time since she last came back.


    Previously, the two of them had lived here alone for a while; in fact, during that time, she had thought about sneaking a peek to see what he had made of the place.


    But she forgot that the cleaning service would come on time to clean the house.


    Mu Yichen sat on the sofa, watching her small movements behind it, and couldn¡¯t help but mock her, "Don¡¯t recognize your own home?"


    Qin Mu turned to look at him, saw the contract he took out from the drawer, then went around to sit down.


    The contract about the debt, she had originally said she would write him an IOU, but he insisted on making it into a contract.


    Qin Mu thought as long as she could drive her own car to pick up her daughter just once, she wouldn¡¯t quibble about the rest with him, but who knew...


    When she took out the contract to look closely, she thought it would be at most half a page, but it turned out to be a full three pages.


    All about the consequences she would face if she couldn¡¯t repay the money.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t believe it; after looking over one page, she casually flipped through the rest, then looked up at him, "What are you doing?"


    "Good thing I have a backup plan!"


    Mu Yichen took out his phone, turned on the recording function, and everything she had agreed to that afternoon was clearly heard.


    Mu Yichen picked up the phone again and looked at her with a very ¡¯friendly¡¯ expression.


    "So, no one is forcing you, you are willingly signing this contract with me."


    "I will repay the money on time!"


    Qin Mu laughed, then extended her beautiful palm, "Pen!"


    Mu Yichen handed her the black pen beside him.

 Chapter 801 - 225 Expert at Annoying Wife (1)_2

    Chapter 801: 225 Expert at Annoying Wife (1)_2


    Qin Mu quickly signed her name, doing so quite grandly.


    Mu Yichen looked down, then said, "Let¡¯s go then!"


    The contract was once again placed into the drawer beneath the coffee table, and he stood up.


    Qin Mu, with sharp eyes, took another glance, then followed him.


    Honestly, she thought it was possible they might have a quickie right here.


    But when had her guesses ever been accurate?


    She thought he would ask her to do that thing with him, but instead, he said he wanted to lend her money to buy a car.


    Sigh!


    So...


    On the way back, it was him driving, and yet on the road turning towards home, the car slowly came to a stop.


    A dark and windy night!


    Did she really think she¡¯d get through safely like that?


    But Mu Yichen suddenly unbuckled his seat belt, then turned and pounced on her.


    Qin Mu felt the seat suddenly recline backward, then the world spinning around.


    All of a sudden, he was straddling her, skillfully pulling her shirt out from her pants and undoing her zipper in one swift motion, while his hands were stirring things up between her lips.


    Qin Mu looked at the pitch darkness outside, yet here they were, doing this inside the car.


    Shouldn¡¯t they at least turn off the car lights?


    Otherwise, isn¡¯t it too eye-catching!


    "Heard you¡¯re quite flexible, let¡¯s give it a try!"


    Qin Mu...


    When cool air hit her skin, he finally stopped blabbering, supported her butt, and then, indescribable.


    When the two of them returned home it was already ten, the kids were asleep, the elders had gone back to their rooms, and only the two of them planned to find something to eat in the kitchen when the aunt told them there was dinner left for them.


    So, the two of them, no, to be precise, Qin Mu, feeling a bit guilty, ate her dinner while Mu Yichen was exceptionally composed.


    After dinner, Qin Mu suggested she go check on their son, and he would check on their daughter, but he kept following her.


    Qin Mu felt this was all too familiar and a bit pressuring.


    The two sat beside their son¡¯s bed, watching him sleep so sweetly, recalling those painful days.


    The little guy still habitually licked his lips while sleeping, Mu Yichen quietly watched, and in a low voice softly asked her, "Doesn¡¯t he look just like you?"


    That lip-licking action.


    But how could it be the same? The little guy probably wanted to eat or drink something, while for her, sometimes it was because her lips were too dry, other times it was a reflex due to her mood.


    And in Mu Yichen¡¯s heart, the son was mostly like her.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark gaze turned towards Qin Mu, she¡¯s still so naive!


    It was only after they visited Huanhuan that they returned to their room, and just as they crossed the threshold, Mu Yichen embraced her from behind.


    Qin Mu was jostled forward, almost ready to fall flat on the ground, but he held her tightly.


    "Mrs. Mu! Your husband plans to reward you a bit more."


    "Hm?"


    Qin Mu slightly turned her head to look at him, but before she could see him clearly, he suddenly picked her up.


    On the large bed, he repeated what he had just done in the car.


    Qin Mu thought to herself that she clearly heard him say he would reward her, but in the end...


    Ha ha!


    Isn¡¯t Mr. Mu¡¯s trickery a bit too deep?


    The so-called trap is probably just like him, right?


    Later, Qin Mu lay on the bed watching him smoke, and when he saw her looking over, he smiled at her, reaching out gently to stroke her hair like one would with a child.


    Qin Mu lifted her head to stop his random strokes and asked him in a raspy voice, "That contract, did you come up with it yourself, or did someone help you?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes flickered slightly: "Unspeakable!"


    Qin Mu...


    Keeping it a mystery, huh? Tsk!


    Stubbornly, Qin Mu turned her head and muttered, "Forget it if you won¡¯t tell!"


    Mu Yichen looked at her retreating figure, knowing she was still upset, knowing she still hadn¡¯t forgiven him, but to be together like this, he felt it was better than being apart.


    That kind of life was downright maddening.


    In this life, he¡¯s probably destined to die over her.


    After finishing a cigarette, he quickly lay down and then went over to her side, hugging her from behind and even pinning down her leg.


    "That hurts me!"


    In the darkness, Qin Mu murmured in discomfort.


    "How about this way then?"


    Mu Yichen shifted positions and asked again.


    His breath continuously lingered in her ear.


    Qin Mu felt she really couldn¡¯t muster the energy, otherwise she would definitely want to ride him, let him know which position felt best.


    But he couldn¡¯t be holding a grudge because she spoke out against him a few times, deciding never to let her be on top again, right?


    Actually, such things entirely depend on the mood at the time, don¡¯t they?

 Chapter 802 - 225 Expert at Annoying the Wife (1)_3

    Chapter 802: 225 Expert at Annoying the Wife (1)_3


    His disappointment in her wasn¡¯t about the matters in bed.


    That¡¯s what Qin Mu thought, but she didn¡¯t feel like explaining it to him.


    Anyway, she could bear anything, but she hoped the posture could remain the same, and the attitude could change sooner rather than later.


    The next day, Qin Mu drove the luxury car that Mu Yichen had just bought for her to drop off Huanhuan, who kept repeating on the way: "Mommy, our car is so cool!"


    Qin Mu snorted with laughter, thinking to herself, what¡¯s so cool?


    Well, okay, it is pretty cool.


    Before getting out of the car, Huanhuan muttered, "Mommy, our new car is really, really cool!"


    "Get out of the car quickly, or you¡¯ll be late!"


    Qin Mu stood beside the car as the door opener, feeling a bit angry as Huanhuan was so reluctant to leave the car.


    What does this little girl even understand?


    Huanhuan bounced ahead of her, and when she met a classmate she liked at the school gate, she ran off holding hands with them, and only waved goodbye to Qin Mu from a distance.


    The teacher stood at the door watching Huanhuan¡¯s back: "Your Huanhuan is especially likable, almost every child in the class likes her."


    "Really? As long as she¡¯s not causing trouble for the school, it¡¯s fine!"


    Qin Mu smiled politely, responding diplomatically.


    "How could she? She¡¯s very sensible!"


    The teacher was also quite formal.


    After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Qin Mu drove off, leaving the teacher envying how she changed cars every day.


    When she arrived at the studio, this time Flower had become the Blue Enchantress.


    Xiaomei stood at the office door with her: "The color of this vase matches the flowers quite well, but these flowers are really ugly!"


    Even Xiaomei didn¡¯t like them, as if they were poisoned.


    "As for that vase, can we not just stick any flowers in it from now on?"


    Qin Mu pondered for a while, cocked her head, then instructed Xiaomei very seriously.


    That vase was a gift from Mr. Mu after all. Even if Mr. Mu doesn¡¯t love giving flowers, it should at least be flowers from Xiaomei or a close friend, right?


    Definitely not flowers sent by some other man.


    "How about we put it at the service desk?"


    Xiaomei contemplated and asked.


    "Sure!"


    She nodded in agreement, thinking to herself that as long as it¡¯s not using up her vase, it¡¯s fine.


    So Xiaomei took it away, feeling disgusted at first, but then quite pleased.


    The service desk, besides the service staff, is where Xiaomei spent the most time standing, and the location was also quite good; she happily switched to a crystal vase, put Flower in, added water, and brought it to the service desk.


    The service desk staff promised to order Xiaomei some takeout at noon.


    After sitting down, Qin Mu turned on her computer to edit photos and received a message from Mr. Mu.


    "Is the car driving smoothly?"


    "It¡¯s passable!"


    Qin Mu thought about it, mainly recalling the previous evening, so she replied it was passable.


    "Next month you¡¯ll have another car, specially designed for you. Do you know how much you owe me now?"


    Mu Yichen asked again.


    Qin Mu...


    Why is he...


    "Why are you buying me another car? I have enough already!"


    Qin Mu thought to herself, is he intending to buy her off for her entire life?


    But she wasn¡¯t willing to have her lifetime bought off by two cars.


    "A lifetime! But even without these two cars, you are still mine for this lifetime, so you better accept it with a smile! Also, accompany me to a social event at AM tonight!"


    Qin Mu...


    After sending the message, Mu Yichen stood up, gently placed his phone aside, then left the desk, heading to a meeting.


    Qin Mu was utterly dumbfounded.


    Did she agree to accompany him to some damned social event?


    She, a person who can¡¯t drink alcohol!


    So with no work on her hands, she rushed to call Secretary Xi to confirm what kind of event it was and then went to the store to select clothes.


    The store manager was especially happy to see her as it had been a long time since she last visited.


    "Miss Qin!"


    "Hmm! Bring me the photos of the gowns that have just been made this month. I need them."


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu sat down in the resting area where an attendant kindly served her a cup of warm water in a crystal-clear glass that looked too beautiful to touch for fear of leaving fingerprints.


    "Is this lady a regular customer here?"


    The attendant asked softly, being very polite.


    "Hmm, sort of!"


    Qin Mu looked at the unfamiliar attendant and for a moment didn¡¯t know how to reply, responding with a habitual polite smile.


    "No wonder our store manager serves you personally! I¡¯m new here, so I¡¯m not familiar with the regular customers, but if the lady needs anything, please feel free to ask me!"


    The attendant added.


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Mu nodded.


    "What are you looking for? You don¡¯t even recognize your own boss. Go over there and see, Xiaoxin can¡¯t handle it alone."

 Chapter 803 - 225 Expert at Annoying the Wife (1)_4

    Chapter 803: 225 Expert at Annoying the Wife (1)_4


    The store manager, holding a brochure, followed behind her and couldn¡¯t help but complain.


    Waitress...


    "The boss is also a regular customer!"


    Qin Mu thought for a moment and added another sentence.


    The waitress apologized awkwardly and then went to help her colleague.


    "Her name is Wang Fengli, she¡¯s here for an internship."


    Qin Mu nodded without asking further, all the staff here was taken care of by the capable, short-haired store manager.


    Qin Mu flipped through the brochure, and her eyes were drawn to the backless long dress on the front page ¨C the weather was neither cold nor hot, quite suitable for wearing such a gown.


    "Are you attending some event?"


    "Yes! Going to a cocktail party, accompanying President Mu!"


    Qin Mu nodded and kept looking through, but in her mind, she had already decided which one to choose.


    "Wow, such a loving couple."


    The store manager praised with a smile.


    "That¡¯s just for show, our relationship is actually terrible! We¡¯ve been in a cold war since before the New Year."


    Since they were all acquainted, Qin Mu didn¡¯t hide anything and spoke casually.


    "Really? It doesn¡¯t show at all."


    The store manager said.


    "That¡¯s true! Apart from our family, probably no one can tell."


    In public, they still paid attention to appearances, and normally, they were the kind of people who stick to a fixed daily route.


    In the end, Qin Mu still went to try on that dress, with a V-shaped back that beautifully revealed her elegant back.


    The front was the same, though much subtler.


    Paring it with a pair of ten-centimeter, super-thin stiletto heels, Qin Mu lifted her foot and saw in the mirror the heel hook up the hem of the dress to reveal a long, slender stiletto, and she couldn¡¯t help but say, "If President Mu makes me angry on the way... with one kick of mine..."


    Standing beside her, the store manager felt a shiver run down her spine upon hearing this.


    Her boss seemed so demure, but...


    She gently put the high heels down, stood firmly in front of the mirror to check herself out from all angles, and casually gathered her hair.


    "Should I get my hair done?"


    "Yes, you can!"


    "Or just fix it up myself!"


    Qin Mu looked left and right again. Although she looked good like this, she always felt it could be inconvenient at times, so she gathered the hair at the front, then gently let it loose again.


    She did this because she was used to styling models¡¯ hair on the spot, but her muttering left the store manager puzzled.


    Originally thinking that on-the-spot alterations might be necessary, she was pleased to find the dress fit just right once worn. Thus, no adjustments to the dress itself were needed. The shoes were already paired, so Qin Mu decided to buy two breast pads to ensure the dress looked its best.


    At noon she had a Western meal nearby, the only regret being that she couldn¡¯t drink wine.


    In the afternoon, she headed straight to a lingerie counter in a shopping mall.


    Mu Yichen drove to her studio just after four o¡¯clock, only to find her new car wasn¡¯t there, but her old banger was still parked.


    Thinking it over, he walked inside while calling her, but no one picked up.


    Xiaomei said, "She said she had something to do and went out in the morning, hasn¡¯t come back yet."


    Mu Yichen...


    "But she should be back soon, there¡¯s a customer coming to see her later."


    Xiaomei said, lowering her head to glance at her watch - it was about time.


    Mu Yichen nodded, then went upstairs to wait for her.


    He called her again, but still, no answer.


    In fact, she was already on her way back to the studio, thinking it was Xiaomei urging her to meet a customer, so she just sped up, not picking up the call.


    As she neared the studio, her car slowed down, and even more so when approaching the parking lot. She tried to reverse into a parking space, but...


    Why does it seem so easy for others to park backwards, but for her...


    She felt it was a bit difficult to reverse in; pulling out seemed easier.


    The car accidentally bumped into another car. Despite the incessant warnings from the in-car audio system, it still collided.


    Mu Yichen heard a car alarm going off, sounding like his, so he walked to the window, and then...


    He instinctively wanted to get angry, but in the end, just raised his hand and ran it through his hair.


    This woman really is...


    Doesn¡¯t she realize how powerful the features of her car are?


    Or had all the knowledge he passed on been completely wasted on her?


    After getting out of the car, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help thinking about her whole life, reckoning that in the next life she might still have to be his slave.


    Then she looked up towards the building. Sure enough, he was standing there watching her, patiently and calmly.


    Although Qin Mu couldn¡¯t see clearly, the image of him at this moment freely formed in her mind.

 Chapter 804 - 225 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (1)_5

    Chapter 804: 225 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (1)_5


    She could guess his mood at the moment; it must be that "damn it all" mood.


    So she resolutely went upstairs to face her doom.


    Who knew that just as she turned her head, she saw some colleagues standing at the entrance and windows on the first floor, all wearing disappointed expressions towards her.


    "Sis, this car is brand new!"


    The beautiful colleague said this, shook her head, and then turned away disappointed.


    "I was thinking of taking it out for a spin later!"


    Xiaomei muttered, feeling super wronged.


    Her driving skills were actually just passable, but when she drove her little car, everything felt smooth. She finally got used to one car, and now she has to get familiar with another. Doesn¡¯t anyone understand her struggle?


    "Right! Boss Mu is waiting for you upstairs!"


    "I¡¯d better not go up then, the client should be coming over soon, right? I¡¯ll wait for the client!"


    Xiaomei looked at her, thinking do you really think you can escape this way?


    Mu Yichen had not come downstairs, Qin Mu¡¯s gown was still in the office, and Mu Yichen was sitting behind her desk in the office, waiting for her.


    Eventually getting bored, he lifted it to take a look; it was black and quite sparkly, and it looked pretty good.


    After Qin Mu went upstairs and saw him sitting at her spot, she involuntarily snorted at his dark gaze and his domineering appearance as if he could look down on the entire world, "Have you been waiting long? I¡¯ll go change my clothes first! That car..."


    "Go change your clothes first!"


    Thinking, you¡¯re only thinking about the car now?


    Boss Mu felt that Mrs. Mu didn¡¯t cherish the car he gave her enough.


    But he couldn¡¯t bear to complain.


    The car was quickly driven away by someone else after Qin Mu entered the bedroom, and soon after, a limited-edition sports car was parked in its place.


    Xiaomei and the rest stood at the door, none of them wanting to go home.


    That look in their eyes was one of despair!


    How many years of hard work would it take to own such a car?


    But later, Xiaomei thought, "One day I¡¯ll ask Qinqin to bring it over, and then we can all go for a spin!"


    In an instant, everyone laughed carelessly again, and went to drive the few cars next to them to go home.


    When it comes to knowing the feeling of having a generous boss, probably Xiaomei is the most qualified to speak.


    She had driven almost every car that Qin Mu had driven.


    Mu Yichen was waiting at the door for Qin Mu all this time. In fact, he had seen her wear gowns many times before, but the two of them rarely attended such events together.


    In the past, she only went to gatherings with friends but now...


    Yeah! Not just now, but in the future too, he would take her with him, making it inevitable for her.


    As for whether she likes it or not...


    They¡¯ll cross that bridge when they get to it.


    Qin Mu quickly finished dressing up in the gown inside, and then she took out a light trench coat to put on over it since it was still a bit cold outside.


    She styled her hair a bit higher to one side at the front and then stepped out of the room in ten-centimeter high heels.


    Mu Yichen, hearing the door opening, looked up and was shocked by the sight of the beauty set off by the black gown.


    The gown had sparkling stars on it, but it didn¡¯t make her flawless skin appear dull in the slightest. Because it was a V-neck gown, everything from her collarbones upward was alluring and left much to the imagination.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s throat unconsciously tensed, and his brows immediately furrowed.


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Qin Mu stepped forward, holding a shiny long gold clutch, and despite the high heels, she walked effortlessly.


    If someone else said she was a model instead of a designer, no one would likely have any doubts.


    Mu Yichen stood by the wall watching her, unable to resist the urge to light up a cigarette and take a few puffs.


    This woman, like poison.


    "What does the back look like?"


    Mu Yichen asked in a low voice.


    "Well¡ª, it¡¯s just the normal kind, doesn¡¯t it look good?"


    Qin Mu blinked and approached him.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but gaze into her eyes, unable to look away.


    His sensual fingers also gently slid down from her chest ¨C quite a lot was revealed.


    "Is there still time to change into something else?"


    "So old-fashioned! Let¡¯s go!"


    Qin Mu got irritated, slapped his chest with one hand, and tried to walk away, but Mu Yichen hooked her slender waist and pulled her back into his arms, looking down at her with a patient gaze.

 Chapter 805 - 226 Expert at Annoying Wife (2)

    Chapter 805: 226 Expert at Annoying Wife (2)


    If it weren¡¯t for the waiter coming over to help her with her coat, Mu Yichen would never have imagined the "ordinary style" his wife mentioned was like this.


    Although beauty was a feast for the eyes, the staff¡¯s professionalism deserved recognition; the staff member took her coat and left. Qin Mu stood with her bag in front of him, and, because it was too quiet, she looked up and saw his angry gaze, as if he was about to hit her any moment.


    Qin Mu tossed her hair back: "Now you can¡¯t see it at all!"


    "What do you want to be seen?"


    Mu Yichen stepped forward, as if he was going to break her bones.


    "Gentle!"


    Qin Mu protested softly.


    But it still drew attention.


    Her hand was on his, and if he really broke her bones, she would have to lie in bed for a while, which would be miserable.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s heart suddenly softened like water, as if a dried-up dam had been filled.


    Her smile, like a little Angel, attracted all his attention.


    Mu Yichen remembered there was serious business to tend to here, so he had to leave her, turned around, and nodded to the person diagonally across before taking off his own coat.


    Qin Mu...


    She was wearing such beautiful clothes, and then they were covered by his oversized suit jacket like this?


    Why did she even bother wearing them out?


    Qin Mu protested inwardly but didn¡¯t dare talk back to him, so she just braced herself and walked forward with him.


    "It seems this beauty is President Mu¡¯s delicate wife! I¡¯ve never seen President Mu bring her out before."


    One of the older bosses, in his forties, smiled and greeted them, accompanied by his spouse who, despite being older, was very dignified and gentle.


    "Such a beautiful girl, no wonder President Mu was reluctant to bring her out for us to see."


    Another couple nearby commented.


    Mu Yichen simply smiled lightly and introduced Qin Mu: "This is the boss of Shen Group, and this is his wife, the current vice president of Rong City Charitable Association."


    Qin Mu had no choice but to greet them with a smile.


    "This is the boss of Lin Tian, and this is his wife, who, although doesn¡¯t have a position, is the capable woman behind Boss Lin."


    Mu Yichen continued the introductions.


    But he only emphasized their wives.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t think too much, and just went along with the greetings.


    Latter, Qin Mu saw Wen Runuan, so she excused herself with Mu Yichen and went over to find Wen Runuan.


    Wen Runuan pulled her aside by the big screen to chat and took the opportunity to introduce her to some of the big shots present.


    Wen Runuan would give Qin Mu a cue when mentioning certain people, and Qin Mu would take a serious look.


    However, Qin Mu¡¯s memory wasn¡¯t very good, but she still made a mental note.


    "But this coat..."


    "It¡¯s Mu Yichen¡¯s, so annoying!"


    Qin Mu complained and pulled it off, while Wen Runuan just laughed softly.


    "I once asked President Zhang, I always dress so sexily, aren¡¯t you afraid of someone stealing me away, guess what President Zhang said?"


    "What did he say?"


    Qin Mu asked curiously.


    "He said they can look but that¡¯s all useless!"


    "Eh!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s mouth twitched.


    "In other words, looking is fine, after all in our circle, during filming and such, frequent exposure is normal, just no inappropriate behavior."


    "That¡¯s why I say Mu Yichen is old-fashioned."


    Qin Mu muttered again, and just then a waiter came over, and she simply pulled Mu Yichen¡¯s phone from her pocket and handed the coat to the waiter.


    As soon as she took off the coat, it immediately caught the attention of several handsome men and beautiful women nearby, but upon noticing, she just smiled and nodded, her aura completely unleashed.


    The people around also nodded back at her, some curious and went over to greet her.


    Later, Wen Runuan couldn¡¯t help whispering in her ear: "If I had known, I would have kept the coat on!"


    Qin Mu wanted to speak but there were people beside her, so she just hummed with a laugh.


    "I heard Mrs. Mu is a famous designer, is the evening gown you¡¯re wearing tonight also designed by yourself?"


    A beautiful lady asked, looking at the dress Qin Mu was wearing.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu answered.


    "Wow! That¡¯s really impressive! Can we also come to Mrs. Mu¡¯s studio and have you design gowns for us in the future?"


    "Of course! As long as you all pay, I will certainly do my best to design the most innovative and fitting attire for you."


    Qin Mu said with a smile, thinking that this had unexpectedly become a way to promote her studio.


    Wen Runuan was also surprised, but what surprised her the most was that President Mu was looking in their direction.


    "Mrs. Mu, may I have the pleasure of asking you for a dance?"


    A handsome man put down his glass and walked towards her, extending a gentlemanly invitation.


    Qin Mu lowered her eyes, but she felt no surprise at being favored, just embarrassment.


    "Sorry, my husband doesn¡¯t really like me dancing with other men."


    Qin Mu could only tactfully refuse.


    The handsome guy smiled: "Actually, President Mu is not as petty as you think!"


    Qin Mu paused, wondering if President Mu was really that generous in public?


    She was truly astonished.


    However, since when was President Mu ever that generous to her?


    "Who says I¡¯m not petty?"


    Mu Yichen suddenly came over, directly embracing Qin Mu¡¯s bare shoulders, casting a cold glance at the self-assured man whose face had now darkened.


    "It seems Mrs. Mu truly is a treasure to President Mu. I was presumptuous and I apologize, Mrs. Mu."


    The handsome guy was very perceptive and immediately apologized.


    Qin Mu still managed a slight smile; she didn¡¯t feel there was anything to apologize for, but she understood that the man was probably afraid of Mu Yichen.


    What exactly does President Mu look like in the eyes of others?


    Mu Yichen looked down at Qin Mu: "Come out with me for a moment."


    "Mmm-hmm!"


    Qin Mu was still smiling, but her heart was starting to flutter.


    Where on earth is he taking her?


    "I¡¯ll be right back!"


    Qin Mu whispered to Wen Runuan before she left.


    Wen Runuan was about to nod when she heard a cold male voice.


    "She won¡¯t be coming down!"


    Wen Runuan¡¯s smile froze.


    Qin Mu looked up at him in shock: "Hey! This is an important event!"


    She had no idea of the real purpose of his bringing her to this reception.


    Was he just showing off his wife, and she actually thought he was here for networking?


    Since that guest room had been ordered not used anymore, they went straight to the lounge in his office on the top floor.


    Later, when Feng Fanghua called her, Mu Yichen was being naughty behind her.


    "Hello, mom!"


    Qin Mu struggled to answer the phone with restraint.


    "What time are you coming back? The baby is hungry!"


    "Err... that..."


    "Tell mom I drank too much tonight and can¡¯t come back!"


    Mu Yichen whispered behind her.


    Qin Mu...


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t figured out what to say yet, but Feng Fanghua had already hung up the phone.


    Qin Mu...


    After Feng Fanghua hung up: "Well! Don¡¯t expect her to come back tonight! Go prepare formula milk for Chengcheng."


    She ordered the nanny beside her.


    The nanny nodded and went to prepare the formula, while Feng Fanghua held her hungry little one: "Your son thinks I¡¯m deaf! Really!"


    Mu Zihao lifted his eyes, finally coming to his senses a bit: "What did he say?"


    "How would I know what he said?"


    Feng Fanghua was taken aback by Mu Zihao¡¯s question, not knowing how to respond, especially with that one still in her arms.


    Mu Zihao, seeing his wife¡¯s expression, decided not to ask further. After all, for the past two years, he had seen his own couple showing affection in front of others, especially his son who was too attached to Qin Mu.


    Sometimes it was like he had no bones; even when the elders were present, he would lie down on Qin Mu¡¯s legs.


    While feeding Chengcheng the formula, Feng Fanghua suddenly muttered: "Otherwise, just wean him off his mother¡¯s milk; there¡¯s not enough anyway, and she¡¯s always getting dragged away by that big one and can¡¯t come home."


    Mu Zihao nodded after hearing this: "That might be a good idea!"


    However, no sooner had Feng Fanghua finished speaking than Qin Mu¡¯s milk supply increased.


    Or perhaps it was because the two of them were finally sleeping together and her mood had improved a bit, so the milk increased?


    Anyway, Qin Mu found it hard to sleep in the second half of the night, feeling a sudden pain.


    Mu Yichen, who had been asleep, got up at her sighs: "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Let¡¯s go home!"


    Qin Mu said.


    "Huh?"


    "I mean, there¡¯s a bit too much now!"


    Mu Yichen had previously thought this wouldn¡¯t happen to his wife, even going online to check, as he was particularly worried about her becoming engorged, since he read it could be very painful.


    Mu Yichen guessed it might be because she was under stress, and now he was even more sure.

 Chapter 806 - 227 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (3)

    Chapter 806: 227 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (3)


    Later, after Mu Yichen fell asleep, Qin Mu lay beside him, staring straight at him.


    Qin Mu actually understood why he had such a temper. After all, the guy was born into affluence and surrounded by a bunch of spoiled kids.


    However, she couldn¡¯t comprehend why, with his tall stature and broad back, his love was so domineering? Why was it so suffocating?


    Still...


    She couldn¡¯t help herself; she gradually buried herself into his chest, her arms soft and boneless as they gently wrapped around his waist.


    ¡ª


    In the morning, she changed into clothes from this side and had breakfast with him in the dining room before he dropped her off at the studio.


    "Do you want me to pick you up in the afternoon?"


    He held onto her as she was getting out of the car, his eyes still domineering, but his words were gentle.


    "No need!"


    Qin Mu gave a slight smile, calmly looking at him before he let go of her hand.


    "Call me if you need anything!"


    He released her hand, after seeing her unyielding gaze.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu nodded and then got out of the car.


    The sun was shining brightly! And her mood was quite good too!


    Mu Yichen watched her enter the studio before leaving. He understood that there were issues between them. If the two were not adapting to each other, they were moving towards separation.


    He chose to adapt! So the car headed towards the direction of the sunlight.


    Indeed, as long as they didn¡¯t touch on some extreme issues, weren¡¯t they almost always fine?


    Qin Mu had designed several gowns for Li Yu that were already shaping up nicely. Xiaomei called Li Yu to come and have a look, but Li Yu said there was no need, as he was filming out of town and completely trusted their studio.


    Xiaomei was quite surprised that Li Yu refused to come to the studio, but Qin Mu thought it was for the best, and even said: "If he comes again, just stay by my side all the time!"


    "Huh?"


    Xiaomei was stunned, as normally she would just serve tea and fetch documents during business talks and leave.


    "Aren¡¯t you his fan?"


    Qin Mu asked softly.


    Xiaomei thought that was strange, but couldn¡¯t help asking her other questions.


    "Qinqin! You and President Mu didn¡¯t go home after the event at the hotel last night, did you?"


    "Hmm? How do you know?"


    Qin Mu curiously asked.


    Xiaomei stood in front of her desk, looked up with a laugh, then walked a few steps with her hands behind her back before suddenly turning to look at Qin Mu: "Because you two were on the top trending topics on Weibo!"


    Qin Mu...


    "Quick, check your phone! It said you were wearing a particularly sexy gown last night at a social event, easily winning the title of prettiest lady of the evening, and even made President Mu jealous enough to keep you locked up upstairs all night."


    As Xiaomei spoke, she deliberately leaned over the desk with a suggestive look and tone.


    Qin Mu...


    Couldn¡¯t help but check her phone right after Xiaomei left, fearing some inappropriate photos might have been posted.


    She remembered last night Mu Yichen didn¡¯t close the curtains and brazenly told her that no one would see them, but what happened?


    The only pictures were of him pressing against her at the banquet and another of her talking softly to Runuan with her back to the camera, showcasing her beautiful back...


    Cough cough!


    Qin Mu read a few lines, then put away her cellphone, relieved there were no photos from upstairs, which settled her heart quite a bit.


    But who would be so idle as to post her photos on Weibo, could there have been paparazzi that day?


    She didn¡¯t know who might have posted her photos online, really, as her appearance last night was quite exceptional; as soon as they had entered, Mu Yichen was pressed against her for so long, it was not even a second¡¯s work for someone to snap a photo.


    At noon, Qin Mu went home because she hadn¡¯t nursed her baby the day before, and she rushed home as soon as she was done with work today.


    Feng Fanghua and Zihao had just coaxed the baby for a walk and returned when Qin Mu drove her old car back.


    The old couple was pushing the baby stroller in front of the door, curiously asking as Qin Mu got out of the car: "Where¡¯s your new car?"


    Qin Mu...


    "There was a small issue, so I took it for repair!"


    Although awkward, she still told the truth.


    Feng Fanghua was even more speechless, sighed, and then lowered her head letting Zihao move the baby stroller into the room, as it was too sunny outside.


    Qin Mu followed behind: "Did you go shopping? The weather is really nice today."


    "With such nice weather, you still managed to have an accident? Did you get hurt?"


    Feng Fanghua stopped, turned around and gripped Qin Mu¡¯s wrist, looking down at her.


    "I¡¯m fine, just a minor scrape while reversing."

 Chapter 807 - 227 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (3)_2

    Chapter 807: 227 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (3)_2


    Qin Mu said, not daring to admit that she hit President Mu¡¯s car.


    "Ah! How could you be so careless? And about not coming home last night, was it also because of the car?"


    "Oh, that was not the case, it really was because Mu Yichen had too much to drink."


    Qin Mu¡¯s dark eyes swiveled, her words delivered with utter sincerity.


    Feng Fanghua...


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao both use Weibo, especially Feng Fanghua, who occasionally promotes her public welfare project on it, and even started following Qin Mu recently, so of course she knew about this morning¡¯s trending topic on Weibo.


    It¡¯s just that too many things had happened over the last few days, and she hadn¡¯t had time to process them all at once.


    "Come and sit down before we talk, okay?"


    Mu Zihao noticed that Feng Fanghua and Qin Mu were standing by the door, not coming inside, aware that his wife was taking things seriously again, so he quickly reminded them.


    "Mom, let¡¯s go sit down and then talk, okay?"


    Qin Mu immediately grabbed Feng Fanghua¡¯s arm, hugged her shoulder, and nudged her inside.


    "Really, I can¡¯t do anything about you two, you¡¯re not young anymore, how come neither of you is mature?"


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but grumble.


    Qin Mu had nothing to say, like a child who had done something wrong, but after sitting down, she hadn¡¯t forgotten to massage her mother¡¯s shoulders, hoping her mother would be merciful.


    "Ma¡¯am, should I prepare formula milk for the little master now?"


    The maid asked, coming out from inside.


    "Oh, no need, I will feed him in a bit."


    "Do you have enough breast milk? Maybe let¡¯s not... Yesterday, your dad and I discussed it and decided to wean Chengcheng off breast milk."


    "Ah? But I do have milk now."


    Qin Mu blinked, caught off guard and somewhat unable to accept this.


    "Having some is fine, but what¡¯s the point if it¡¯s only enough for him to eat once or twice a day? Better to wean him off sooner, then you¡¯ll also be freer, right? Does it make you comfortable being like this all day long?"


    Feng Fanghua glanced down at Qin Mu¡¯s lovely chest.


    Qin Mu...


    Comfortable or not, it¡¯s only for a year or so, but her son is still too young, she really can¡¯t bear to wean him off yet.


    "Just a few more months, at least maintain it for a year, or ten months?"


    Qin Mu tentatively tried to persuade Feng Fanghua.


    "Sigh! I¡¯m really thinking of you, looking at you young people these days, after having a child, you all want to go back to living your own life. Are you sure you want to drag it out like this?"


    "Yeah! That¡¯s what I want, and my milk supply has gradually increased these past two days."


    Qin Mu said, a bit embarrassed, burying her face behind Feng Fanghua.


    Feng Fanghua...


    Mu Zihao...


    "I¡¯m going to go upstairs to change clothes."


    Mu Zihao knew that he was in the way, and quickly went upstairs.


    Qin Mu waited until he was far away before emerging red-faced from behind Feng Fanghua.


    Feng Fanghua was about to burst into laughter at her antics, Qin Mu was really shy.


    "I¡¯m asking you, the reason for your recent breast milk supply, is it because your marital life has harmonized again?"


    Feng Fanghua suddenly asked in a low voice, finally unable to keep a straight face.


    "Maybe! I¡¯m not quite sure," Qin Mu replied with an extremely soft voice, her eyes downcast on her interlaced fingers.


    Feng Fanghua pondered for a moment, then lifted her chin towards the baby carriage: "Then feed him quickly, your father has consciously made space for you."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu nodded, still carrying the child upstairs.


    "This child, really! Immature!"


    Feng Fanghua shook her head after watching her leave, then looked up to see the maid approaching with food, and started to eat.


    "Is the soup ready? Let the young lady drink more of it at noon today."


    Feng Fanghua asked.


    "Yes, it is ready! The young mistress is in such a good mood today, she¡¯s sure to have a great appetite."


    "Mhm!"


    Feng Fanghua nodded at the maid¡¯s words, thinking to herself that if she were in a bad mood again, then her role as a mother-in-law would be truly worrisome.


    And her precious son, could they finally enjoy a peaceful family dinner tonight?


    At noon, Qin Mu indeed had a great appetite, drinking two bowls of soup and eating a bowl of rice. Although Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao didn¡¯t say much, they both felt more at ease.


    In fact, throughout the recent cold war between the young couple, the old pair had been constantly concerned, always hoping they would reconcile, for without it, both seemed to be wilting away.


    In the afternoon, Qin Mu didn¡¯t go to work, staying home holding her computer and editing photos.


    Feng Fanghua went to the study, stood there watching her work with a stern face before going behind her to take a look.


    Qin Mu¡¯s work had given her a whole new definition of fashion.


    And their fashion, it all comes from the hard work of the designers, expressionless.

 Chapter 808 - 227 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (3)_3

    Chapter 808: 227 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (3)_3


    I don¡¯t know if everyone is like this at work, completely unaware that their faces are expressionless.


    Qin Mu gets so engrossed in her work that she wouldn¡¯t even know if someone came into the room, or she would simply forget as soon as she looked down.


    Feng Fanghua held a cup of coffee behind her, Qin Mu¡¯s nose felt a bit uncomfortable, she sniffed slightly and the smell of coffee immediately made her mutter, "Pour me a cup too!"


    Feng Fanghua, looking at the computer screen, turned her eyes to Qin Mu, then couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Are you sure?"


    "Yeah! Never mind!"


    Qin Mu seemed to be talking to herself, her gaze fixed back on the computer screen.


    Feng Fanghua laughed helplessly, and after a while, Qin Mu squeezed her neck, turned her head to look behind her, and then was startled by the person behind her.


    "Mom! What are you doing here?"


    "What else did you think?"


    "I thought... it was Xiaomei!"


    She thought she was in the studio¡¯s office, but it turns out...


    Suddenly she came back to her senses.


    Qin Mu quickly stood up to let Feng Fanghua sit down.


    After Feng Fanghua sat down with her lukewarm coffee, just as she was about to take a serious look at the design, she turned to ask, "Want some coffee? You just said you did!"


    "Ah? No, no! Definitely lost in thought!"


    "That¡¯s why I said you should wean Chengcheng off breastfeeding, sigh!"


    Feng Fanghua held the coffee sipping carefully as she seriously looked at the design.


    "This is a tailcoat, who is it designed for?"


    Feng Fanghua asked curiously, thinking the clothing looked quite nice.


    "An American classical singer," Qin Mu said.


    "It really is quite classical, not many people wear this nowadays, right?" Feng Fanghua asked again.


    Qin Mu nodded her head, continuing to rub her neck.


    As Feng Fanghua looked up at her, it was only then Qin Mu remembered to speak so Feng Fanghua would know: "Oh, yes! Yes!"


    Qin Mu, like an obedient grandchild, quickly nodded in agreement.


    "What on earth are you thinking about?"


    Feng Fanghua asked her, getting up from the chair and leaving with a cup of disdain.


    Qin Mu...


    In fact, she wasn¡¯t thinking about anything in particular, just focused on one thing for too long, so for the moment she was a little slow to respond to other matters.


    ¡ª¡ª


    In the afternoon, Mu Yichen went to pick up Huanhuan in his car, the setting sun wonderfully beautiful, even though it was near dusk.


    He leaned against the black luxury car waiting for his daughter to finish school, then joined the large group of parents heading inside to pick up their children.


    At four thirty-five, the school gates were slowly opened by the security guards.


    The parents surged forward as if they were at a bustling market.


    Mu Yichen actually wanted to go in, but then his stance relaxed and he leaned back against the car again.


    He decided to wait until the crowd at the school gate dispersed before entering.


    When the crowd thinned out, he slowly entered, found his daughter¡¯s class, and after entering, he saw little girls sitting on small stools and playing with toys, surrounded by a few little boys.


    Mu Yichen was a bit annoyed after seeing no other girls; if he had known, he would have come in earlier, leaving only boys around, which felt a bit awkward for his daughter.


    "Mu Chenghuan!"


    Mu Yichen called out softly standing near the podium.


    Huanhuan turned her head, her docile eyes looking at her father, then quickly gathered the toys back into the basket. "That¡¯s my dad! He¡¯s amazing!" she said to the few little boys beside her.


    While tidying up, Huanhuan spoke to the boys.


    The boys looked at Mu Yichen reluctantly and then immediately lowered their heads, their resentful eyes made Mu Yichen¡¯s heart jolt unconsciously.


    Am I that scary?


    Am I a tiger?


    What¡¯s with those expressions?


    But that¡¯s good!


    He thought about it and then straightened his back even more firmly; he must present a tall figure to protect his precious daughter.


    These kids, don¡¯t even think about running off with his daughter at such a young age.


    Mu Yichen decided that next time he would make sure to come across even more formidable.


    "Goodbye!"


    Huanhuan ran to her father, said goodbye to the children gathered at the table, the little boys waved at her reluctantly but dared not look at her father.


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Mu Yichen picked up Huanhuan, leaving the classroom at the fastest speed.


    "Are those all your friends?" Mu Yichen asked Huanhuan on the way home.


    "No way! All the kids in our class are my friends! But they said they stayed specifically to keep me company; didn¡¯t you see their parents at the door?"


    Huanhuan sat in her booster seat, sharp as a tack, her little mouth remarkably agile.


    Mu Yichen...


    Really?


    He thought they were just some onlookers.


    "Dad! Why did you come to pick me up so late? Grandma and Grandpa always pick me up early."

 Chapter 809 - 227 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (3)_4

    Chapter 809: 227 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (3)_4


    Mu Yichen...


    What the hell is "picking up early"?


    Picking up before school ends?


    After arriving home, Mu Yichen asked, and Feng Fanghua, standing next to him, helped Huanhuan take off her jacket: "Yes, we all pick her up half an hour before school ends!"


    Mu Yichen...


    Qin Mu had just found out too, she was almost crushed to death when she went to pick up that day, alright?


    But she ran fast, amongst so many people, like a Young Pioneer racing to be the first at the classroom door, even giving the teacher a fright because she was slightly red-faced from running and barely maintained her composure without gasping for air.


    So they all pick up early.


    "Now that they¡¯re not learning much anyway, and we also didn¡¯t want Huanhuan to stay at school for dinner, so we just decided to pick her up early."


    "Then why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier?"


    Mu Yichen was a bit annoyed.


    "We thought you knew!"


    Feng Fanghua said casually.


    Mu Yichen, feeling helpless, sat down on the sofa and forcefully pulled Qin Mu into his arms for a hug.


    Qin Mu struggled hard, but without success.


    "Daddy, don¡¯t hold Mummy like that, it¡¯ll hurt her very much."


    Huanhuan reminded him kindly, very seriously.


    Her big eyes watched her Daddy¡¯s arms embrace Mummy, and as soon as Granny helped her take off her jacket and straightened her hair, she immediately ran over, knelt beside Mummy, and removed Daddy¡¯s hand from Mummy¡¯s shoulder.


    Qin Mu was suddenly moved, her precious daughter had become so sensible, knowing to care for her.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Mu Chenghuan, there are some things you may not know, your Mummy actually likes it when I hold her tightly like this."


    Mu Yichen chuckled, hugged Qin Mu again, but watched his daughter¡¯s reminder.


    "Mummy, is that true?"


    Huanhuan asked her Mummy, very genuinely.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t speak, just slowly shook her head.


    Huanhuan then looked at her Daddy, her eyes seemingly saying: "See, Mummy said she doesn¡¯t like it."


    Mu Yichen leaned down to whisper into Qin Mu¡¯s ear.


    Qin Mu shuddered all over.


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t stand it: "In front of the child, enough is enough, otherwise you two can just move out."


    Lately, Feng Fanghua really couldn¡¯t bear it anymore, these two lovebirds flaunting their affection all the time without any sense of propriety.


    Qin Mu, with a wronged look: "Mom, don¡¯t blame me, let him move out alone."


    Mu Yichen reluctantly let go of Qin Mu, but his dark eyes kept staring at her, as if to say: you dare repeat that?


    During dinner, Mu Zihao said: "You two should find time to pick up Grandpa, okay?"


    "Hmm! This weekend then!"


    Mu Yichen agreed, then turned his head to look at Qin Mu: "Will you come with me?"


    "Sure!"


    Actually, Qin Mu also wanted to visit the countryside.


    Seeing her so cooperative for once, Mu Yichen was very pleased and continued to eat his dinner attentively.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao felt at ease watching the two of them chatting so pleasantly.


    It¡¯s just that Huanhuan felt a bit unhappy, feeling like she was being overlooked again.


    "Can I go too?"


    Huanhuan asked, holding her little bowl.


    "Huanhuan better not go, the countryside isn¡¯t as nice as here, and aren¡¯t we going swimming this weekend?"


    The thought of swimming immediately excited Huanhuan: "Then I won¡¯t go, but you two better not fight again! And don¡¯t come back too late."


    "You sure have a lot of rules!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but mutter.


    "Hmph! Someone has to keep you in check."


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but laugh, thinking that she was also well-managed by her son and daughter.


    Never backed down to anyone in her life, but rendered helpless because of her children.


    After dinner, Qin Mu went to breastfeed her son, and then Mu Yichen took her out.


    "Where are we going this late?"


    Qin Mu asked.


    Mu Yichen glanced at the moon outside, then lowered his head and stretched out his hand to her.


    Qin Mu lowered her gaze, understood his gesture, and slipped her hand into his, as he said softly: "Just a walk."


    Just a walk.


    Mu Yichen held her hand and walked on quietly.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao held little Chengcheng and watched from the window: "If only your son had been this sensible earlier, he wouldn¡¯t have had such a long cold war with Mumu."


    "Don¡¯t keep saying ¡¯your son¡¯, isn¡¯t he our son?"


    Mu Zihao reminded her.


    "Hmph! As if you¡¯ve never said that. Don¡¯t you often say ¡¯your son did this and that¡¯?"


    Little Chengcheng didn¡¯t understand anything, but still couldn¡¯t help but perk up his ears to listen.


    He tried hard to reach his mouth with his little hand, but Granny restrained his hand, so he was very upset and fidgeting.

 Chapter 810 - 227 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (3)_5

    Chapter 810: 227 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (3)_5


    "Grandpa, my drawing is done!"


    Huanhuan had drawn a rabbit and immediately ran to the window with the drawing paper to find her grandpa.


    Mu Zihao lowered his head to take Huanhuan¡¯s drawing paper and couldn¡¯t help but laugh excitedly: "Wow, our Huanhuan is really amazing, what a cute little dog you¡¯ve drawn."


    "Grandpa, that¡¯s a rabbit!"


    Huanhuan felt wronged and looked at her grandpa disappointedly after speaking.


    Mu Zihao...


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but laugh, if it wasn¡¯t for holding the little one, you would see her belly shaking with laughter.


    Mu Zihao opened his mouth, speechless for a while, then held back his embarrassed smile: "Oh, Huanhuan drew a bunny, huh? But why is its tail so thin?"


    "It¡¯s a very slender bunny!"


    As Huanhuan spoke, she even wriggled her bottom, gently patting her own little behind.


    Feng Fanghua was almost moved to tears; her granddaughter was so young and already cared about beauty.


    "How about next time Huanhuan draws the bunny¡¯s tail a little shorter? Grandpa thought it was a dog because of the tail, okay?"


    Huanhuan gave her grandpa a look that said, we have no common language, then turned around holding her drawing paper and walked away leisurely.


    After about ten minutes, Mu Zihao was sitting on the couch about to drink tea when Huanhuan brought another drawing to him.


    Mu Zihao looked at the drawing then glanced at his wife, that look asking: "What is this?"


    Feng Fanghua caught his glance and then looked at the drawing, pretending to be very busy, she patted the little one in her arms: "Chengcheng has fallen asleep, I¡¯ll go put him down first."


    Mu Zihao...


    "Grandpa, does my drawing of the little dog still not look good? Look at its big eyes and nose."


    "Oh! It¡¯s very lifelike, just like a real one."


    Mu Zihao panicked, after hearing his granddaughter¡¯s words he hurried to praise her, only to find that Huanhuan was still not satisfied.


    "Grandpa, I don¡¯t like you anymore! Humph!"


    The little one turned and left to chase after grandma and brother.


    Mu Zihao broke out in a cold sweat!


    Looking carefully at the two drawings on the table, he had actually thought the second drawing was of a pig.


    Turns out...


    It was a dog.


    The child must have drawn the dog for him, it¡¯s just a pity...


    Mu Zihao reviewed in his mind, thinking that he can¡¯t let his granddaughter down again in the future.


    But to his surprise, for the whole next year, he almost never guessed right.


    It wasn¡¯t just him who didn¡¯t guess right, but also the couple who came back from a walk later.


    Mu Yichen took Qin Mu for a stroll at the house entrance, the two holding hands and walking upwards, Qin Mu gripping his hand a little more nervously.


    Mu Yichen moved his hand to the front and asked her: "What¡¯s the matter?"


    "It¡¯s pitch-black, let¡¯s go back! The kids should go to sleep too."


    Qin Mu winked at him.


    "What do the kids going to sleep have to do with you?"


    Mu Zihao asked, and because she was afraid, she suddenly raised her hand to wrap it around his shoulder, holding his hand with one hand and continuing to walk forward.


    "We should go for a walk every evening after dinner, before the summer comes."


    Mu Yichen thought that she definitely wouldn¡¯t want to go out in the summer.


    "We can go out in the summer too, as long as we don¡¯t argue."


    Qin Mu muttered, eyes fixed on the ground.


    Mu Yichen looked down at her and chuckled: "Which kind of arguing are you talking about?"


    Qin Mu...


    A pair of beautiful almond eyes filled with emotion, but she didn¡¯t respond to him.


    When the two returned it was an hour later, everyone had gone to rest, and they washed their hands and sat on the sofa, preparing to watch TV for a while.


    Qin Mu turned on the TV, Mu Yichen sat beside her, his sharp eyes caught sight of the two drawings on the table, he picked them up to look closely and compare, then frowned slightly: "What¡¯s this? A pig? A dog?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze shifted from the TV and then over to them: "A rabbit, and a dog!"


    With just a glance, she pointed them out accurately.


    Mu Yichen looked at her: "How could you tell?"


    "Don¡¯t believe me, ask her tomorrow!"


    Qin Mu gave him a look of disdain and then told him one thing, lifted her leg barefoot into the sofa, stretched her legs out, and watched TV.


    Mu Yichen examined those two drawings again, and actually, if it weren¡¯t for the slight size difference, he couldn¡¯t tell anything at all.


    Rabbits...


    Why do the rabbit¡¯s ears look so much like dog¡¯s ears? And that tail...


    "Huanhuan had better not learn to draw in the future!"


    Otherwise, she might drive the art teacher insane.


    "I think she¡¯s quite talented though, it¡¯s a vain little rabbit. Look, there are two little red dots on its face, which means the rabbit is feeling shy."


    Qin Mu pointed at the rabbit drawing, and Mu Yichen also looked over, before unconsciously turning to look at Qin Mu again, who blinked at him and gave him a reassuring smile.


    "It¡¯s normal that you can¡¯t tell, after all, you really have no talent in this area."


    Mu Yichen...


    Why does he feel like he¡¯s being looked down upon? Mu Yichen, displeased, put the drawing aside gently, then raised his hand to hook around Qin Mu¡¯s neck and pressed her into his embrace.


    "Ouch, it hurts!"


    "It seems your butt is itching for a smack, isn¡¯t it?"


    Mu Yichen whispered in her ear.


    "If my butt itches, why do you pinch my neck?"


    Qin Mu questioned in discomfort.


    "Right, I should be spanking your butt directly!"


    So he trapped her head under his arm and then used his other hand to hit her butt.


    Qin Mu...


    Truly freaking doomed! How come everything leads to a beating?


    "Mu Yichen, don¡¯t be like this! Look, your mom is coming out, hurry up and let go, let go!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but make up stories.


    Mu Yichen scoffed and then slapped her butt hard: "From that position, you can see Ms. Feng? Did you grow eyes on your butt?"


    "No! It¡¯s true, look up if you don¡¯t believe me!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s face turned red with embarrassment, feeling like it was about to explode.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t believe her but subconsciously glanced up anyway.


    Then...


    "Mu Yichen, get out of here!"


    Feng Fanghua blurted out.


    "I¡¯m rolling out right now! Taking your daughter-in-law with me!"


    Mu Yichen said as he slung Qin Mu over his shoulder. Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but cough twice from the discomfort her stomach felt against his shoulder.


    Feng Fanghua stood by, almost lifting her foot.


    Luckily Mu Yichen ran fast, otherwise, she would have kicked him right in the shin.


    Qin Mu had it worse. With her hair hanging down blocking her sight, she could see a pair of lady¡¯s slippers near her husband¡¯s shins.


    "Mom, save me!"


    Qin Mu raised her hands, but lifting her head didn¡¯t reveal her face.


    "Oh dear! I really just..."


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but put her hands on her hips. She felt she was on the verge of a breakdown; her son and daughter-in-law were just so unreliable.


    It seems she¡¯s had a lifetime of worries and will have to continue worrying in the future.


    Upstairs!


    Qin Mu, after being tossed onto the bed, had two tears hanging at the corners of her eyes: "Mu Yichen, my stomach hurts!"


    "Stomach hurts? Anything else hurting? How about here, does this hurt?"


    He pounced on her, one hand below her lower abdomen.


    Qin Mu¡¯s legs instinctively closed together: It hurts! Stop!


    Mu Yichen laughed: "Stop what?"


    That look in his eyes was ambiguous, something the whole world could understand.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart skipped, knowing she couldn¡¯t escape tonight either.


    "Mu Yichen, tell me the truth, have you been secretly taking some kind of drug behind my back?"

 Chapter 811 - 228 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (4)

    Chapter 811: 228 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (4)


    "Really didn¡¯t eat?"


    Qin Mu looked very surprised, quickly raising her hand to hold his hand against her chest before he could strangle her: "Hubby you are so amazing!"


    Blink, blink hard!


    "Do your eyes have a problem?"


    Mu Yichen coldly asked without giving face, then pinched her chest hard.


    "Ah!"


    Qin Mu felt her chest was almost flattened by his pinch.


    Latter, he intentionally tortured her without letting her feel at ease, and after a while suddenly pressed down on her.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but ask: "When are you finally going to let me reign as king?"


    "Hmm?"


    "Get on you!"


    Qin Mu could only remind him resentfully.


    "Dream on!"


    Mu Yichen said.


    Qin Mu...


    "You should know, this kind of thing has nothing to do with our relationship, and besides, wouldn¡¯t you find it boring if I¡¯m always bottom?"


    "Boring? Can¡¯t you feel whether it¡¯s fun or not?"


    Mu Yichen spoke and then provoked her with his body.


    Qin Mu had no choice but to resign herself to lying there limply with her hands spread in a fatalistic manner, letting him gloat.


    However, seeing her like this, Mu Yichen actually wanted to let her switch positions, so he held her against the bed and let her move on top.


    ¡ª¡ª


    The next morning, the couple went to the Jing Family together. Actually, Qin Mu was reluctant to go, but after Helian Hao was discharged, he was taken directly to the Jing Family, so...


    Sometimes many things don¡¯t offer a choice.


    What surprised Qin Mu more, though, was that she received a call from Uncle Wang, who said on the phone: "Miss, the mayor has been too busy to come, could you help by giving a congratulatory gift for the Jing Family¡¯s newest addition?"


    "Ah! That! Sure!"


    Qin Mu sat in the passenger seat, continuing Uncle Wang¡¯s call awkwardly, not quite knowing what to say.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her, seeing her so perplexed, and after she hung up the phone, he asked, "What did Uncle Wang want?"


    "He said Mayor Qin is too busy recently to attend the gift-giving."


    "Maybe back in the day, your mother-in-law gave money when you were born."


    Qin Mu thought about it: "Probably! At that time, Jing Feng¡¯s mom and my mom were close, but... I really don¡¯t know if their relationship was true love or just superficial."


    "Whatever it was, it eventually got crushed by reality."


    Mu Yichen simply reminded her, so Qin Mu didn¡¯t think too much about it anymore.


    She originally thought about giving money, but not knowing how much was appropriate, she ended up buying a gift from the baby store.


    This was Qin Mu¡¯s second visit to the Jing Family since returning to the city, and it was just as awkward as the last time.


    However, the difference was, this time there weren¡¯t as many people.


    Jing Family¡¯s old master was sitting on the sofa, not willing to take his eyes off the baby in the stroller nearby. Qin Mu and Mu Yichen were first led to sit on the sofa, Jing Xianzong and Jing Feng had gone to work, leaving only the grandmaster and Mrs. Jing at home, with Mrs. Jing chatting in her daughter-in-law¡¯s room.


    After the two sat down on the sofa, they first asked the grandmaster, who didn¡¯t say anything else but just gestured with his chin towards the side: sit!


    "How have you been feeling recently?"


    Mu Yichen asked after sitting down.


    Qin Mu sat next to him and didn¡¯t dare say a word, because once disliked, anything she said would be disliked.


    "Hmm! I¡¯ve been much better without you bothering me!"


    The old master said, finally shifting his gaze away from the little treasure of the family.


    Qin Mu slightly lifted her eyes to glance at the stroller, the little fellow inside was growing more and more lovely, with beautiful big eyes, looking exactly like Jing Feng.


    The old master glanced at Qin Mu, curious because she hadn¡¯t spoken much, and seeing her looking at the child, he then said, "She might need to be fed soon, you take him upstairs!"


    It was a command!


    It seemed like a dislike, but it also seemed like a deliberate escape from awkwardness and discomfort provided for her.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu agreed, barely warming her seat before taking the child and leaving.


    She was also cheerful inside, she held the child and knocked on the door, which Mrs. Jing opened. Mrs. Jing was slightly surprised to see her but then immediately smiled, "Mumu is here!"


    "Hello! Is Xiaohao resting?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t really know what to say to her, so she tactfully expressed her intention.


    "Oh! He¡¯s already awake, we¡¯ve been chatting for a while, come in!"


    Mrs. Jing said, stepping aside from the doorway for Qin Mu carrying the child to enter.


    "How come they still let you carry him up here, these servants are becoming more and more undisciplined!"


    Mrs. Jing said humbly walking behind.


    "It was the old master who asked me to carry him up, and besides, it¡¯s my best friend¡¯s baby, I really like holding him."

 Chapter 812 - 228 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (4)_2

    Chapter 812: 228 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (4)_2


    Qin Mu smiled and placed the child into Helian Hao¡¯s arms, and when Helian Hao took over, she didn¡¯t forget to give Qin Mu a wink, to which Qin Mu knowingly returned a glance.


    "Sit down! I¡¯ll go get someone to prepare some food for you, you two chat!"


    "Alright!"


    Qin Mu nodded slightly, and only when Mrs. Jing left did she feel free to let her guard down and breathed a sigh of relief: "Whenever I come to the Jing Family, I feel like my whole spirit is on edge."


    "That¡¯s probably because there are shadows! I¡¯m also uncomfortable here, but this is the first time I¡¯m in good relation with the Jing family."


    Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but say, reaching out to touch her son¡¯s little lips.


    "Oh, right, the old master said your son is hungry, you should feed him."


    Qin Mu looked at the place where her hands were and immediately remembered it.


    "I didn¡¯t expect he could even talk to you now, impressive!"


    Qin Mu smiled helplessly and sat beside her, watching her feed the child: "Honestly, I found it weird too, it seemed like he was just trying to help me avoid awkwardness."


    "Maybe since Jing Qing¡¯s issue has passed, he has let it go too?"


    Helian Hao nodded slightly, pondering seriously.


    "Yeah! I hope so! By the way, the Mayor of Qin City sent a gift for you! Oh, no, maybe it¡¯s for the Jing family grandson."


    Qin Mu thought about Uncle Wang¡¯s intention and told her.


    "Thank him for me. Aren¡¯t you willing to call him father yet?"


    On hearing the word ¡¯father¡¯, Qin Mu¡¯s heart ached: "Call him father? That sounds strange!"


    She laughed unconsciously, her laughter unusually unconfident.


    "Mumu, I sincerely hope you can reconcile! Although your aunt had a tough departure, your uncle has also had a tough time these years, and now it¡¯s probably worse, living alone, and also burdened with the guilt towards you and your aunt after knowing the truth. He¡¯s getting old too; I heard from our hospital¡¯s leadership that he even went for a heart check-up a few days ago, if not reconciling now..."


    Hearing the words ¡¯heart check-up¡¯, Qin Mu looked up anxiously: "What happened to him?"


    Her heart seemed to have been lifted.


    "It¡¯s nothing! Just a routine check-up, but aren¡¯t you scared at all? Don¡¯t wait until it¡¯s too late and regret not having spoken properly, as for filial piety... Mumu..."


    "But how do you want me to talk to him? Just let go of how my mother died in vain? Just forgive him like that?"


    Qin Mu gave a bitter laugh, her heart equally entangled with their father-daughter relationship, but what could she do?


    She had already done all she felt she could do with that person.


    After Helian Hao finished feeding the baby, she gently laid the little guy aside and then continued to talk with Qin Mu attentively.


    "If I were you, I might not know what to do either, but now that I am me, as a bystander and as your best sister, I must remind you not to give yourself a chance to regret it, you know?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s gentle eyes lifted to look at the woman across from her, sparkling with a newfound sense of humor: "Alright, I get it!"


    After chatting for a while, Mrs. Jing came back with some fruit for Qin Mu to eat, saying: "The old master hasn¡¯t had someone to play chess with him for a long time, he¡¯s currently asking Yichen to play with him."


    Although Qin Mu was a bit puzzled, she felt very warm.


    This way is best!


    The chessboard was already filled with Go pieces, the old master said: "If it was our chess, then you would definitely lose, but you should win this, right?"


    "Has it been a long time since you met an opponent?"


    Mu Yichen pinched the chess piece and looked at the chess game on the board as he asked.


    "Hmmph! Hurry up and bring your grandfather back, I wouldn¡¯t have to be bored to this extent."


    The elder Mr. Jing looked quite authoritative, and even more so when he spoke those words.


    However, Mu Yichen just raised his eyebrows: "He¡¯s not too keen on returning yet, he always says he might consider it when the hot summer comes."


    "Really? Everything¡¯s so inconvenient in the countryside, and he is still excited to stay there?"


    "Actually, it¡¯s not that inconvenient!"


    "Oh?"


    Old Mr. Jing lifted his eyes, looking intrigued at Mu Yichen.


    "If you want, a car could be sent to take you there to stay for a few days. I heard there are many of your comrades there, right?"


    "That¡¯s true!"


    The old master thought to himself, having stayed in the city for so many years, he truly felt weary, so he entertained the idea of going to the countryside for a few days.


    "Otherwise, shall I take you there?"


    Mu Yichen thought for a moment, then suddenly looked up at the old master and asked.

 Chapter 813 - 228 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (4)_3

    Chapter 813: 228 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (4)_3


    "Is your wife willing?"


    The elder looked at Mu Yichen and asked, thinking of all the grievances and gratitude between them, Qin Mu must not be willing to have any more involvement with Mu Yichen.


    "If she were that petty, she wouldn¡¯t have set foot in your Jing Family¡¯s door today."


    Mu Yichen said, then took a white piece from the elder.


    The elder...


    "Then it¡¯s settled!"


    The elder was startled at first but then, seeing the strategy, he took one of Mu Yichen¡¯s pieces, feeling quite content.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Just as Qin Mu¡¯s car was repaired, someone slashed her tires again. On Friday afternoon, she left work early to pick up her daughter, but ended up calling Feng Fanghua upon seeing her tires at the doorstep: "Mom, my tire is busted. Can you pick up Huanhuan?"


    Feng Fanghua agreed without hesitation, only to scold her daughter for not being careful. After accepting the scolding, Qin Mu hung up the phone and took out a new tire.


    She thought about fixing it herself but then considered the many men in the studio.


    So she went inside to ask for help and sat down with Xiaomei at the wooden steps by the door, resting her cheeks in her palms and saying, "Did any strange people come to our studio today?"


    "I don¡¯t think so? Other than the two guests, no one else!"


    Xiaomei thought about it, feeling that the studio was very quiet today; it was just their own people moving about.


    "Go check the surveillance!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes moved, then she turned to Xiaomei and reminded her.


    Xiaomei also snapped back to reality and quickly got up to go inside.


    A person in a green tracksuit, wearing a white duckbill cap and a white mask, was acting sneakily...


    "Qinqin, Qinqin, come inside quick!"


    Xiaomei stood by the front desk, leaning over and shouting toward the entrance.


    Hearing her name, Qin Mu got up, patted her buttocks, and went inside, where she watched the surveillance monitor at the front desk with Xiaomei. Xiaomei rewound the footage and then said to her, "It looks like a woman! Look at the figure!"


    Qin Mu did not speak, just slowly nodded her head.


    It was indeed a woman, but she was wrapped up so tightly.


    Qin Mu was puzzled, wondering who would be so bored as to torment her like this.


    She rewound and watched many times, but couldn¡¯t figure out who the seemingly fragile woman could be.


    None of the people she knew dressed like that.


    However...


    Who would commit such acts in their everyday clothes? So, was that clothing specially prepared?


    That evening, Qin Mu drove home still feeling gloomy, and Feng Fanghua was perplexed, asking her, "Who have you offended recently?"


    "How could I? How could I possibly be offending people all the time?"


    Qin Mu immediately retorted.


    "Then what happened? Who would slash your car¡¯s tires without reason? Or did you take someone else¡¯s parking spot when driving?"


    Feng Fanghua pondered and curiously asked her.


    Qin Mu...


    Taking someone else¡¯s parking spot?


    The places she drove to always had plenty of parking spots.


    Nobody else could use the spot behind her car at the fashion store¡¯s entrance but her, and there was an abundance of parking spaces at the factory. She hardly ever went anywhere else, so who would go so far to seek revenge on her?


    "We¡¯ll see when Yichen comes home if he has stirred up any trouble,"


    Mu Zihao thought and said.


    Feng Fanghua looked at her husband unhappily: "Why don¡¯t you think something good of your son?"


    "Are you suggesting that Mumu¡¯s admirer would slash her tires?"


    Qin Mu...


    Feng Fanghua...


    Mu Zihao sighed helplessly: "What else could it be?"


    Qin Mu immediately put the tire issue aside, only thinking that if it were Mu Yichen who had provoked another woman, she would murder him first and then divorce him, not wanting this husband at all.


    When Mu Yichen came home, the stern looks from his parents and his wife¡¯s glaring eyes scared him into sitting on the edge of the sofa without daring to lean back, sitting upright and looking at them with a pair of dark eyes: "What¡¯s the matter? Is there something on my face?"


    He raised his hand to touch his face.


    "Have you been getting close with any woman recently?"


    Mu Zihao was the first to interrogate him.


    Mu Yichen...


    Is this really his own father?


    "Are you guys okay?"


    Mu Yichen asked, frowning in confusion.


    He wondered what on earth had happened that day to make these three people look at him with concerted anger.


    "Your wife¡¯s car tires were slashed. Tell me, is that nothing?"


    Feng Fanghua asked.


    Qin Mu just looked at him without speaking, but her eyes clearly spelled out her intention to tear him apart.


    After the shock, Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help laughing: "Although this incident is a bit strange, for you to put the blame on me like this, I am truly accused unjustly!"

 Chapter 814 - 228 Expert in disappointing wife (4)_4

    Chapter 814: 228 Expert in disappointing wife (4)_4


    "Every criminal will say they¡¯ve been wronged."


    Qin Mu also spoke up.


    "You need to clear things up before you randomly accuse people."


    Mu Yichen looked down at her with utmost seriousness, speaking to her earnestly.


    "Me clear things up? How would I know what happened? All I saw in the surveillance was a girl in green sportswear, fully geared up, sneakily slashing my tires. The car was just fixed today."


    Qin Mu felt upset just thinking about it, her experience with this new car had been nothing but trouble.


    Not to mention, she couldn¡¯t even enjoy driving the car but also had to sign an unfair contract with President Mu about it. Just thinking about it made her feel aggrieved.


    "I don¡¯t want this car anymore! Take it back!"


    Qin Mu said immediately, preparing to stand up and leave.


    "Just saying it is enough! How can you not want it, I bought it for you."


    Mu Yichen quickly raised his hand to rest on her shoulder, having not so easily tricked her into signing that agreement, he couldn¡¯t let her back out so quickly. At least not until the car was beyond repair.


    Qin Mu raised her eyes to look at him: "So, is there someone pursuing you again?"


    "No! At least I haven¡¯t seen anyone."


    Mu Yichen shook his head, assuring her very seriously.


    "That¡¯s strange then! Who could it be?"


    "Aren¡¯t all the nearby surveillance cameras working? Why not ask the local police officer to help check the footage tomorrow?"


    Mu Yichen suggested after some thought.


    "Right!"


    Qin Mu straightened her back, suddenly enlightened, as if the clouds had parted and the sky had cleared.


    The elderly couple, however, couldn¡¯t help but worry as they watched Qin Mu¡¯s simple reaction.


    "Mumu, you¡¯re letting him off just like that?"


    Feng Fanghua asked incredulously.


    Qin Mu paused, as if recalling something.


    "Mrs. Feng, could you please mind your own business? I, Mu Yichen, am your flesh and blood, your own son born after ten months. This person, she has no familial ties with you, right?"


    Mu Yichen extended a hand towards Qin Mu, clarifying word by word to Feng Fanghua, reminding her.


    Qin Mu...


    "Even a real son is not as sensible as a daughter-in-law; I haven¡¯t seen you asking about our headaches or fevers."


    Mu Zihao mumbled, then lowered his head to pick up the newspaper, shielding himself from his son¡¯s fierce glare.


    "But, aren¡¯t we supposed to visit Grandpa in the countryside tomorrow?"


    Qin Mu suddenly remembered an important matter.


    "Right, let Yang Bo handle it by himself tomorrow, then he can call us."


    Mu Yichen spoke, gently touching Qin Mu¡¯s hair.


    The situation was thus smoothly handled by Mu Yichen.


    But the elderly couple finally understood why their son had Qin Mu so tightly wrapped around his finger all these years; in some ways, she indeed lacked common sense.


    In a family, this woman clearly had the role of a child.


    Could it be because there was a five-year age difference between them?


    At night, Huanhuan suddenly took her doll to their room: "Mommy, I want to sleep with you guys!"


    Mu Yichen, as always, got up from the bed in irritation: "Huanhuan, you¡¯re already a big sister, you can¡¯t squeeze into the same bed with Mommy and Daddy anymore, okay?"


    "Then can I squeeze in bed with Mommy? Daddy, you go away."


    Huanhuan, holding her doll by the bed, placed the doll on the bed and then began to climb up by holding the sheets.


    Qin Mu hurriedly organized her clothes under the covers before reaching out to pull Huanhuan up onto the bed.


    Mu Yichen...


    "Go on, get out of here!"


    "I¡¯ll wait for you in her room!"


    Mu Yichen glanced at his daughter and helplessly got out of bed.


    Huanhuan didn¡¯t understand who was waiting in whose room for her mom, but as Daddy walked out, she whispered in Mommy¡¯s ear: "Mommy, sleep with me tonight, don¡¯t go to Daddy!"


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed with her, then quickly covered her with the blanket.


    The warm weather now made it just perfect for mother and daughter to snuggle comfortably under the blanket.


    Huanhuan soon fell asleep, but Qin Mu didn¡¯t leave, thinking that she would need to feed the son soon, so she decided to wait a bit longer.


    Mu Yichen, however, was tossing and turning in his daughter¡¯s room, anxiously waiting for her until almost going mad.


    Later, as soon as there was movement in the son¡¯s room, he immediately sprung up and darted to his son¡¯s room.


    Qin Mu had just picked up her son and sat down on the bed when, even before she could lift her sleepwear, she saw him coming in.


    "Why haven¡¯t you slept yet?"


    Qin Mu turned slightly away from him, asking while feeding her son.


    "How can I sleep like this?"


    Mr. Mu thought, don¡¯t you know I¡¯ve been hard all this time?


    Qin Mu pretended not to understand, lowering her head to continue soothing her son to sleep.


    Later, she couldn¡¯t help but laugh a bit, feeding the child while he was waiting beside her.


    "Why turn your back on me? Have I seen too little or used too little?"


    Mu Yichen, seeing her shoulders seemed to tremble, couldn¡¯t help but question.


    Qin Mu still didn¡¯t speak, only finished feeding the child and then placed him back in the crib.


    Mu Yichen, thinking it was a hassle even to tuck in the child, directly went forward, wrapped his arms around her waist, and carried her out of the room: "Let¡¯s go!"


    Instead of going to his daughter¡¯s room, he found a guest room and proceeded there.


    ----


    The next day, Jing Feng dropped Grandpa off at the Fu Family¡¯s front door: "Be careful on the way."


    The couple, with Grandpa following behind, hit the road.

 Chapter 815 - 229 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (5)

    Chapter 815: 229 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (5)


    Throughout the journey, the old man from the Jing Family remained silent, sitting in the back and looking at the scenery or taking a light nap.


    Mu Yichen also drove seriously, while Qin Mu became slightly nervous, but later quickly got absorbed in her phone, and time passed rather quickly.


    Actually, the countryside was quite nice, and the elder from the Jing Family¡¯s eyes became much more wistful after arriving there.


    The car also slowly decelerated, and they managed to return by noon.


    It¡¯s just that Grandpa Mu didn¡¯t know an old friend would come along with his granddaughter-in-law and grandson, so he was a bit surprised to see Mu Yichen helping Grandpa Jing Feng out of the car.


    At the gate, Qin Mu excitedly waved to her grandpa and ran over to cling to his arm: "Grandpa!"


    "Our Mumu seems to be looking quite sprightly these days!"


    The elder bent down to speak to Qin Mu and then walked with her towards the front.


    Grandpa Jing Feng stepping out of the car almost resembled a high-ranking officer inspecting a village.


    It wasn¡¯t until he saw Grandpa Mu that he chuckled: "Old Mu, I¡¯ve come to see you."


    "You came to see me? It looks like you¡¯ve come empty-handed!"


    The two old brothers stood opposite each other, squabbling as soon as they met.


    Grandpa Jing Feng gestured with his hand but ultimately said nothing, while Grandpa Mu clasped his hands: "Then would you like to go inside first, Brother Jing?"


    With many old friends at home that day, Grandpa Jing was unusually happy and slapped his thigh, declaring he wasn¡¯t leaving.


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen sat in the yard listening to the noises inside, and she asked him with curiosity, "Is Grandpa Jing Feng really not leaving?"


    "Jing Feng said to let his elder decide! If they stay for too long, we¡¯ll arrange for a doctor to visit them after we return tomorrow."


    Mu Yichen wrapped his arms around Qin Mu as they basked in the sun in the yard; the inside was filled with a haze of smoke, with no room for them, so after lunch, they both admired the lotus leaves in the pond. The leaves weren¡¯t very large yet but were just the right size to be beautiful.


    Mu Yichen had designed a swimming pool for the elder to bathe in during the summer, but the elder stubbornly grew lotus plants in it instead.


    They had indeed eaten their fill of it, but then there was the situation with the pond water during winter...


    "Let¡¯s take a walk outside; there¡¯s a mountain ahead. It¡¯s not very high, but let¡¯s go!"


    With nothing to do cooped up at home, Mu Yichen took Qin Mu¡¯s hand and led her out the door.


    The elders looked out the window at their departure and couldn¡¯t help but ask Grandpa Mu: "Your grandson and granddaughter-in-law seem to have a very good relationship, don¡¯t they?"


    "Who said their relationship was bad?"


    Grandpa Mu asked his old friend, genuinely worried about their reconciliation, but had he ever said their relationship was bad?


    "But Old Mu, looking at your granddaughter-in-law, she must have suffered quite a bit in your family, right? Are all city girls so frail? She looks malnourished."


    Grandpa Jing Feng, who was drinking tea, choked on his words upon hearing this.


    "Could it be that she doesn¡¯t get enough to eat at the Mu Family? Your daughter-in-law also seems quite tough." Old man A mumbled.


    "Your grandson also acts like a mafia boss." Old man B added.


    Suddenly unable to drink his tea, Grandpa Mu said: "All of you really, dare to say anything... Brother Jing, please tell me, how are we treating Mumu at our Mu Family?"


    He put down his teacup and looked to Grandpa Jing Feng for support.


    Grandpa Jing Feng looked up and then chuckled, "I wouldn¡¯t know about your family¡¯s affairs."


    "You old rascal, have you forgotten the despicable thing Xiaoqing did? Do I need to lay it out in front of our old friends?"


    Everyone was all ears, and Grandpa Jing Feng¡¯s seriousness returned as he abruptly raised his head: "Don¡¯t talk nonsense!"


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen held hands as they left the house; onlookers at the market by the road curiously observed the couple, and Mu Yichen felt awkward but had to go through this road, so he walked forward with his head down.


    When he felt Qin Mu¡¯s hand trying to slip out of his palm, Mu Yichen frowned and looked down: "What are you trying to do?"


    "Let go of me!"


    Qin Mu mumbled softly.


    "Ignore them, keep walking, and there will be no one else ahead."


    This statement...


    Why does it feel so intimate?


    Qin Mu, seeing that everyone was staring, forcefully shook off Mu Yichen¡¯s hand, and Mu Yichen, suddenly unable to catch her hand, turned around immediately: "Come here."


    Qin Mu hopped far away: "You walk ahead!"


    She laughed a bit in panic, and Mu Yichen said, "Hurry up and come here; everyone¡¯s looking at you."


    Glancing sideways, Qin Mu noticed a plainly dressed lady smiling foolishly at her. She gave an embarrassed smile and then quickly ran ahead but refused to walk alongside Mu Yichen.

 Chapter 816 - 229 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (5)_2

    Chapter 816: 229 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (5)_2


    Mu Yichen felt helpless, thinking what on earth are you all looking at?


    Aren¡¯t they all just a nose and two eyes, making him unable to even hold his wife¡¯s hand warmly.


    Later, the two of them actually got to that hill, and to their surprise, there was someone herding sheep on the mountain.


    Qin Mu was seeing lambs for the first time and couldn¡¯t help but get excited.


    However, the lambs here did not look as clean as the ones on TV, and the smell...


    Well, about the same as described in the books.


    The grass on the mountain was very lush, and the shepherd was leaning against a big locust tree, holding a whip in both hands, squinting as he watched the two of them approaching.


    "I¡¯ll take you over there, there¡¯s a cave that¡¯s very cool."


    "Really?"


    Qin Mu was filled with curiosity about it, so she was pulled by him towards the cave.


    Inside it was very damp; indeed, it wasn¡¯t hot, but it was pitch black.


    Qin Mu stood at the entrance of the cave looking at the locust trees all over the mountains that were particularly tall. The wind rustling through the locust leaves sounded like rain.


    But actually, the sun was shining bright outside.


    Mu Yichen stood opposite her, watching her leisurely enjoying the view and couldn¡¯t help but feel a little bit anxious, then he turned to look further inside.


    "Let¡¯s go see what¡¯s inside."


    Mu Yichen suggested to her.


    Qin Mu looked up at him and then gently leaned her hands against the stone behind her: "No! I¡¯ve heard that there are many strange little things in these kind of caves. What if there are snakes? Let¡¯s just hide here and enjoy a moment of peace."


    Qin Mu grabbed his arm as soon as he turned to the side, with Mu Yichen lowering his head to see his arm being caught by her pretty hands, he felt a stir in his heart, raised his eyes to look at her, suddenly smiled, then followed the direction of her pull to her side.


    Mu Yichen stood beside her, the cool breath making the tip of her nose warm.


    "What are you doing? Don¡¯t mess around!"


    Qin Mu was so nervous she could barely breathe, subconsciously thinking about the shepherd, and turned her head to look outside.


    Mu Yichen, looking at her round, black eyes, couldn¡¯t resist being charmed, raised his hand to cup her face to make her look at him, and the next moment he lowered his head and sealed her lips.


    This feeling was simply too thrilling!


    Qin Mu felt her heart might just leap into her throat, extremely nervous, her hands pressed behind her, but he gradually caught them, and then placed them around his waist.


    And because of that, she was drawn even closer to him.


    Feeling this secretive in such a strange place...


    In President Mu¡¯s impatient state, Qin Mu also got a little carried away with him.


    "Mu Yichen, you did this on purpose, didn¡¯t you?"


    Later, Qin Mu asked him when she was turned around and held by him from behind.


    "Hmm?"


    "You deliberately led me here."


    Qin Mu looked outside, now regretting that she hadn¡¯t agreed to go further inside with him.


    "Hmph! Now you realize, a bit too late."


    Mu Yichen said to her in a deep and husky voice.


    By the time they got down the mountain, it was already five o¡¯clock, but it was still light outside.


    The shepherd and his flock had already left, with Mu Yichen slowly walking downhill, holding Qin Mu¡¯s hand.


    "Good thing I wore sneakers today, right?"


    "Yeah!"


    "I should have worn long pants."


    Qin Mu muttered, having worn a skirt. Her calves were not covered, and the grass easily scratched her leg, making her feel very uncomfortable.


    Mu Yichen looked up at her, not understanding what she meant, thinking she was referring to the thrill of having her skirt lifted in the cave just now.


    "Actually, it¡¯s all the same no matter what you wear!"


    Mu Yichen turned his head to look at her, then continued walking down with her.


    Qin Mu looked up, caught his sly expression, and felt a thump in her heart.


    It was like fireworks blossoming and then instantly fading away.


    "Annoying! I¡¯m talking about how these cute little grasses have scratched my leg."


    Qin Mu had to remind him.


    It was only then that Mu Yichen lowered his head, and then saw several red marks on the calf of the woman he adored.


    "Get on my back!"


    Mu Yichen immediately stopped her and then went in front of her to squat down.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes flickered, but in the next moment, she jumped onto his back.


    Just like when she was a child, being carried on his back always made her feel very happy.


    It felt as though she was the one taking advantage of him, and Qin Mu was exceedingly happy, lost in her own emotions.


    By the time they reached home, the family elders were all still there, and the elders¡¯ subordinates were already preparing dinner.


    Qin Mu walked over and stood by the kitchen: "Need any help?"


    She smiled, like a graceful little wife.


    But the image lasted only a few seconds.

 Chapter 817 - 229 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (5)_3

    Chapter 817: 229 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (5)_3


    "Do you even know what a green vegetable is? And you¡¯re offering to help?"


    Mu Yichen muttered from behind her.


    Those who were initially eager to speak with her suddenly didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Qin Mu was also at a loss for words.


    Her husband was always undermining her like this, repeatedly putting her on the spot in front of others.


    And it seemed like Mr. Mu did so without any restraint.


    "She can¡¯t cook at all!"


    Mu Yichen stepped in to take a look and, before instructing them to use less salt, he added a reminder.


    The chefs couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    With no other option, Qin Mu turned and went upstairs to her room.


    The decor of this house was not much different from those in the city. If anything, it was many times more luxurious than those luxury complexes in the city center.


    This house must have been built to the standards of the Mu Family¡¯s residences in Rongcheng.


    Qin Mu watched the scenery outside for a while before Mu Yichen came up with a plate of neatly cut fruits.


    She knew by the cut and shape that it wasn¡¯t prepared by the people downstairs. Mu Yichen gently placed the fruit plate on the table and sat down on the nearby sofa: "Come over, why are you just standing there?"


    Qin Mu then walked over and sat down.


    The sky gradually darkened. They dined faster than the older comrades who enjoyed a couple of drinks.


    Those senior folks, not often together, seemed to have endless topics, enough to spend a whole day and night chatting away, right?


    There was once when Qin Mu brought tea and saw the Jing Family¡¯s elder wiping away tears, that proud man, who always held his head high, even he had moments when tears would stream down his face.


    By the time the house quieted down, it was already past nine o¡¯clock.


    The elder needed a foot bath, and since there was no one to attend to him, Qin Mu and Mu Yichen each carried a basin of water out. Two old men sat comfortably on the couch soaking their feet in the living room while Qin Mu and Mu Yichen sat beside them keeping watch.


    "How many years has it been? I thought you¡¯d never come back in your lifetime!"


    "Who says that? When I die, I still plan to be buried here."


    The Jing Family¡¯s elder said, somewhat sentimentally.


    The Mu Family¡¯s elder chuckled: "What does it matter where you die? Ashes to ashes, dust to dust."


    When it comes to the topic of death, who really likes it?


    Suddenly, the Jing Family¡¯s elder looked towards Qin Mu, who had been propping up her chin listening to their conversation. Startled by his gaze, she instantly straightened her back.


    The Jing Family¡¯s elder gave a bitter smile: "Don¡¯t be so afraid of me! I was hard on you because I never considered you an outsider. Since you¡¯re now this lad¡¯s wife, you¡¯re my granddaughter-in-law, eh?"


    Qin Mu was taken aback but then nodded in understanding.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say anything else; the past was like a fleeting cloud.


    However, the Mu Family¡¯s elder was displeased: "Since when did my grandson become your grandson? Have you forgotten the times you beat him and tried to tear them apart? Now you¡¯re playing the good guy, huh! I don¡¯t accept it."


    "What use is it whether you accept it or not? As long as Mumu, this lass, accepts it, that¡¯s enough."


    The Jing Family¡¯s elder wanted to smoke a little, but because he had smoked too much the night before, Mu Yichen confiscated his cigarettes later on.


    "Girl, do you accept it? Do you accept this old timer¡¯s apology?"


    The Jing Family¡¯s elder bowed his head while the Mu Family¡¯s elder pointed at him, eyes fixed on Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu, not fully understanding, nevertheless braced herself and nodded lightly, saying: "It¡¯s all in the past, and... I accept it!"


    No sooner had Qin Mu spoken than both elders looked at her, but the Jing Family elder smiled sadly; the terrible things he had done to Qin Mu in the past were things he couldn¡¯t even forgive himself for.


    But at this age, he could let go of everything.


    It was also rare that Qin Mu did not hold a grudge against him.


    What could Qin Mu hold onto anyway?


    Jing Qing was gone, and Jing Feng was her best friend¡¯s husband.


    After waiting for the elders to return to their rooms to rest, Mu Yichen first made a call to the hospital, asking them to send a doctor over first thing in the morning, then he called Yang Bo.


    Yang Bo had just returned from a business trip abroad, and no sooner had he turned on his phone than he received a call from Mu Yichen, after which he immediately contacted the relevant departments.


    The next morning, the two of them returned to the city, and the two old men stood at the door watching their car drive away before heading back home.


    Because they had drunk too much the previous day, Mu Yichen and Qin Mu repeatedly instructed before leaving that the elders must not drink alcohol or smoke before the doctor¡¯s arrival; otherwise, it would be bad if something happened before the doctor got there.

 Chapter 818 - 229 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (5)_4

    Chapter 818: 229 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (5)_4


    The two old men started looking for their cigarettes as soon as they got back into the house.


    "They took a taxi over, so they must¡¯ve come prepared, covered up from head to toe."


    On their way back, they received a call from Yang Bo.


    Yang Bo repeated the characteristics of the girl in the surveillance video, and Qin Mu suddenly thought of someone.


    Could it be that girl has returned?


    Only that girl would be up for such a senseless act.


    Counting the days, she should have already given birth to the baby by now, even though there¡¯s been no news of a marriage.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Today, as soon as Qin Haiming got home, he sensed something was off in the atmosphere. Looking up in the living room, he saw the girl sitting on the sofa; father and daughter hadn¡¯t seen each other in a long while.


    "Dad! You¡¯re off work!"


    Qin Mingzhu immediately stood up and greeted him as Qin Haiming entered, her gaze carrying a mix of nervousness and wariness.


    "When did you get back?"


    Qin Haiming asked, his eyes showing a bit of yearning. No matter what, she was his daughter, and he had been worried about her well-being after living away from home for so long.


    "I just got back today."


    Qin Mingzhu said as she came forward to take his suit jacket.


    Qin Haiming enjoyed the service from his daughter, though his face showed little emotion.


    "Dad, I called mom. Can we all have a meal together?"


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Haiming didn¡¯t say much. His daughter¡¯s request wasn¡¯t too much to ask for.


    "Thank you, Dad!"


    Qin Mingzhu was very excited, not expecting Qin Haiming to agree so readily.


    Actually, she had been uncertain about Qin Haiming¡¯s feelings for her.


    What Qin Haiming didn¡¯t expect was that Zhang Rujia had already come to their house.


    "Shall we start dinner, boss?"


    The housekeeper came out and asked.


    "Wait a bit!"


    Qin Haiming had just sat down on the sofa. He still had some questions to ask his daughter, so he wasn¡¯t in a hurry to eat.


    Qin Mingzhu didn¡¯t dare to say more, she obediently stayed by his side, knowing that her current situation wasn¡¯t like before, and that she needed to endure.


    "Did you come back by yourself this time or with your husband?"


    "By myself!"


    Qin Mingzhu said nervously, looking down, afraid that her father would scold her.


    Qin Haiming gazed at her intently for a good while before asking: "Why?"


    "I don¡¯t want to marry him! I don¡¯t want to move to another place as his wife."


    Qin Mingzhu looked up and expressed her opinion clearly.


    "Don¡¯t want to? You two already have a child together, and now you say you don¡¯t want to? What do you plan to do in the future?"


    "Didn¡¯t you and mom have me and still get divorced?"


    "How am I the same as you?"


    Qin Haiming was a bit angry, thinking about how Qin Mingzhu had been spoiled by him without boundaries and now he had to swallow his pride.


    "Anyway, I just don¡¯t want to marry him!"


    Qin Mingzhu got angry every time this matter was brought up.


    She really didn¡¯t want to marry into the Wang Family at all. The Wang Family had too many rules.


    She wanted to stay at her own home, or even live outside, but she was unwilling to marry into theirs.


    "You need a legitimate reason for not wanting to marry him. Is he no good to you?"


    "Yes! No good, not at all!"


    Qin Mingzhu nodded vehemently.


    Qin Haiming thought for a moment and then stretched out his hand: "Give me your phone."


    "What for?"


    Qin Mingzhu subconsciously reached for her phone and asked.


    "Give it to me," he repeated calmly.


    Qin Mingzhu hesitated with a puzzled look, but she handed over the phone anyway.


    Qin Haiming unlocked her phone with her birthday and directly found the number of the man who fathered her child but hadn¡¯t married her.


    Only then did he find out that there were so many missed calls on Qin Mingzhu¡¯s phone, all from that man.


    "Dad, no! You¡¯re not going to call Wang Huanyu, are you? Please don¡¯t, you absolutely mustn¡¯t..."


    "Come to Rongcheng when you have time!"


    The call was quickly answered, the voice on the other end sounding quite anxious.


    Qin Mingzhu...


    After hanging up the phone, Qin Haiming told her: "He¡¯ll be here in a few days. Let¡¯s talk about it then. Let¡¯s go eat now."


    "Dad, that¡¯s clearly a sign you don¡¯t trust me. Is your own daughter really less reliable than an outsider?"


    "Sometimes you truly are less deserving of my trust than an outsider," he said bluntly as he stood up.


    Qin Mingzhu felt like crying. Thinking of that man coming over in a few days, her eyes darted around, contemplating escape.


    But as soon as Qin Haiming walked into the dining room, he too got a shock. There was Zhang Rujia with a dish in hand, coming out of the kitchen. Seeing him, she also became very excited.

 Chapter 819 - 229 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (5)_5

    Chapter 819: 229 Expert at Frustrating His Wife (5)_5


    "Husband!"


    Her voice was somewhat frail, but that was still the only name she wanted to call him.


    Qin Haiming did not speak, considering he had promised Qin Mingzhu to let her come home for dinner, though unexpectedly she was already present, he still prepared to finish the meal properly, letting his daughter feel like they had reunited.


    However, the meal was not enjoyable, even a bit tasteless.


    "Husband, I made this dish especially for you, try it and see if it¡¯s different from before."


    Zhang Rujia helped Qin Haiming pick some vegetables, mentioning it casually.


    Qin Haiming looked at the vegetables she was adding to his bowl and raised his chopsticks to block it: "No need! If I want some, I will get it myself."


    Qin Mingzhu was sitting beside, quietly observing every move of her parents, knowing that they could never reconcile again, she started to worry about her own matters.


    Zhang Rujia awkwardly added the vegetables back to her bowl: "Fine!"


    "After we finish eating, you should go back. Mingzhu will stay at home for now."


    "No, I want to stay with my mom."


    Qin Mingzhu immediately protested.


    "Stay with your mom? You¡¯ll stay home obediently and not go anywhere until Wang Huanyu comes to pick you up, don¡¯t force me to have someone lock you up."


    Although Qin Haiming felt sorry for his daughter, he also didn¡¯t want her to make mistakes.


    "How could you treat me like this? Is it only your eldest daughter in your heart? She¡¯s more successful than me, more capable, and better at winning men over - everything she does is right in your eyes, and everything I do is wrong, isn¡¯t it?"


    Qin Mingzhu felt incredibly aggrieved and vented a lot in one breath.


    Qin Haiming frowned while looking at her: "You really can¡¯t compare to Mumu."


    "So, is that why you secretly punctured my tires?"


    Feng Fanghua said a friend gave her some supplements to pass on to Mu Yichen and herself, and she also wanted to try her luck to see if Qin Mingzhu had returned home, but she didn¡¯t expect to hear this conversation as soon as she got to the dining room.


    When Qin Mingzhu heard Qin Mu¡¯s voice, she turned her head towards her unconsciously, and then her face turned pale.


    Zhang Rujia was also stunned, but she quickly feigned shock.


    Qin Haiming was quite happy: "How come you two are here? I heard you went back to the countryside!"


    "We went yesterday and came back today. Ms. Feng asked us to deliver some items to you."


    Mu Yichen placed the gifts aside, observing that the ¡¯joyful atmosphere¡¯ among the three of them was a bit spoiled.


    "Oh! What did Mumu just say? Who punctured your tires?"


    Qin Haiming responded and asked.


    "Who else could it be? Can anyone in Rongcheng be more childish than Miss Qin?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but sigh, looking at Qin Mingzhu with concern.


    "Don¡¯t slander me, I just got back today, and I haven¡¯t even been to your studio."


    Qin Mingzhu spoke, then put down her chopsticks and walked behind Qin Haiming: "Dad, she¡¯s trying to frame me again."


    "When did I say my car was at the studio?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help laughing, thinking this girl¡¯s intelligence was really something.


    "I..."


    Qin Mingzhu had a quick thought and immediately covered her mouth with her hand, thinking: "Yes, how did I let that slip? "


    "Mingzhu, what¡¯s really going on here?"


    "What else could be going on? I just hate her! It¡¯s because of her I¡¯m estranged and you abandoned me. I hate her, I really do."


    The more Qin Mingzhu spoke, the more hatred she expressed, eventually running outside.


    However, she went upstairs and didn¡¯t leave the house.


    "I¡¯ll go check on her!"


    Zhang Rujia also put down her chopsticks, knowing she couldn¡¯t provoke this couple, and since the meal wasn¡¯t enjoyable anyway, she might as well go upstairs to accompany her daughter.


    "Wait a minute!"


    Qin Haiming stopped her.


    Zhang Rujia had just stood up, fearing that he would stop her, so her eyes carried a hint of anxiety.


    "You better not go up. Go back to where you live."


    Qin Haiming didn¡¯t even lift his eyes, having nothing left to say to her.


    "Husband..."


    Husband?


    Qin Mu was shocked by this address, how long had they been divorced?


    "Sister Wang, please show her out!"


    Haiming ignored that address and asked the maid to send her away.


    "Yes! Mrs. Wang, this way please."


    The maid, who also disliked her, immediately ushered her out upon receiving the order.


    "But Mingzhu she..."


    "I have my own plans regarding Mingzhu."


    Haiming added another sentence.


    "Fine! I¡¯m leaving!"


    Rujia was unwilling to leave just like that, but thinking it would make it easier to meet again later, she nodded her head and left with a grievance.


    "Let¡¯s sit in the living room, I have something I need to discuss with you and your husband."


    Haiming looked at the table full of dishes and lost his appetite, so he stood up and walked ahead.


    Qin Mu and Yichen followed him.


    "This girl sneaked back again, the Wang Family in Beijing went crazy looking for her. Can you help me check on the Wang Family¡¯s situation?"


    As Haiming said this, he looked at Yichen sitting diagonally opposite him.


    "Hmm!"


    Yichen was reluctant to handle such matters, but after thinking it over, he agreed.


    "Huanyu meant to get the marriage certificate with her several times but failed, she ran away every time, I wonder if there really is some issue with the Wang Family?"


    "What problem could the Wang Family have? Huanyu has liked Mingzhu for more than a day or two, it¡¯s just that Mingzhu is reluctant to marry him, right? The rules in the Wang family are naturally stricter than in her own parents¡¯ house, and she¡¯s someone who dislikes being constrained."


    Qin Mu thought for a moment and spoke the truth.


    "Sigh!"


    "You don¡¯t need to worry, what we need to do now is to have someone watch her, and we¡¯ll discuss the rest with Huanyu when he comes over."


    Qin Mu remembered what Helian Hao had told her and reminded Haiming seeing the worry between his brows.


    "That¡¯s what I mean, Huanyu said he will come over tomorrow, but I told Mingzhu it would take a few more days."


    Mingzhu¡¯s voice suddenly got lower.


    Qin Mu...


    Yichen...


    On the way back, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, sadly looking at her own palm: "If Mingzhu knew she was being schemed by her own father, her expression would certainly be something to see."


    "Not angry anymore?"


    Yichen glanced at her.


    "Angry? If I were always angry with Mingzhu, you would have lost a wife long ago!"


    Qin Mu muttered, then looked forward.


    "But I need to think of a way to discipline her, I can¡¯t let her run wild like this."


    Qin Mu thought and spoke again.


    "Hmm! Let¡¯s hear any ideas you might have."


    Yichen drove seriously, but was indeed listening to his wife¡¯s words.


    Qin Mu glanced at him for a while and suddenly started to smile mischievously.


    What good idea could she have?


    After all, scheming is essentially a bad idea.


    Qin Mu just figured that Mingzhu would definitely sneak out tomorrow when the family isn¡¯t paying attention to go have fun with her classmates.


    Thanks to Mingzhu, many of those classmates were also acquaintances of hers.


    Qin Mu took out her phone to start sending WeChat messages, those who initially called her ¡¯sister¡¯ now were all too familiar, if she didn¡¯t handle this well, then she as a sister would really be angry.


    When they reached home and the car stopped, Yichen unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned over to Qin Mu, watching her messaging those little brats, he couldn¡¯t help but frown: "Mrs. Mu, that¡¯s quite mean of you!"


    Qin Mu turned to look at him, her gaze flirtatious: "Scared?"


    "You want to know if I¡¯m scared? Just bring it on."


    Yichen said, then used his broad shoulder to block her line of sight.


    "Hey! We¡¯re at home!"


    "Everyone¡¯s asleep!"

 Chapter 820 - 230 Qin Mu’s Plan

    Chapter 820: 230 Qin Mu¡¯s Plan


    Everything happened just as Qin Mu expected, the next day Qin Mingzhu indeed took the chance when no one was at home to quietly escape.


    And she actually made an appointment with the classmates she considered closest to her.


    However, this time, two male classmates and two girls attended, and no one else went.


    Normally, a room for twenty people would barely fit them, but now there were only the five of them inside, Qin Mingzhu couldn¡¯t help muttering: "What¡¯s wrong with them, I¡¯ve only been gone for a year, and they all don¡¯t want me as a friend anymore?"


    "Don¡¯t be so hot-tempered, they might really have something that kept them from coming. In this past year, everyone is either working or studying abroad, not everyone is as lucky as you, being a child of a noble family."


    The close female classmate comforted her.


    "Who are you calling young madam, your whole family are young madams."


    Qin Mingzhu hated it most when others called her "young madam," thinking about her youthful age, she didn¡¯t want to serve as anyone¡¯s young madam, and why being a young madam involved observing so many rules, she couldn¡¯t stand it and hated it extremely.


    Qin Mu was also having lunch at AM that day, and had arranged to meet Wen Runuan, they ordered two dishes and a soup, simply having a meal and chatting.


    Not long after, Qin Mu looked up and saw two familiar girls coming out from a room upstairs, murmuring something to each other and heading towards the restroom, then the door she could see when looking up was tightly closed.


    Qin Mu thought, if Qin Haiming knew about what she did being so damaging, he would definitely teach her a lesson, so she didn¡¯t plan to admit it, pretending it was a problem among their classmates.


    Half an hour later when Qin Mingzhu came out, her beautiful dress was torn, and her face was bruised and swollen from beating.


    Qin Mu watched as Qin Mingzhu stumbled down the stairs from there.


    Wen Runuan was drinking soup and was also shocked by the scene she saw.


    Qin Mingzhu fell from the steps, her hair, originally done beautifully, was a mess, she hurriedly got up and ran towards Qin Mu when she saw her.


    "Qin Mu, save me, save me!"


    Qin Mu looked down at her pitiful state, thinking those two guys really went too far.


    "What happened to you?"


    Qin Mu feigned surprise and asked.


    "They, they tried to rape me!"


    Qin Mingzhu said, looking towards the upstairs.


    Qin Mu...


    Wen Runuan...


    The restaurant was still quite full, Qin Mu quickly helped her up, draping her own coat, which was hung on the back of her chair, over her shoulders: "Don¡¯t talk nonsense, who in Rongcheng would dare to do such a thing to you?"


    "Yes, Miss Qin, could it be that you¡¯ve had too much to drink?"


    Wen Runuan also asked.


    "Do you think I¡¯m talking nonsense with the state I¡¯m in?"


    Qin Mingzhu said covering her swollen beaten face.


    "But your affairs, I don¡¯t want to get involved, you better leave before drawing more attention!"


    "I, I, can you take me back, please take me back!"


    Qin Mingzhu was terrified, afraid they would suddenly rush downstairs, they looked so scary just now.


    "Me, take you back? What¡¯s my relationship with you?"


    Qin Mu frowned and asked her.


    The manager approached from a corner, bowing to whisper in Qin Mu¡¯s ear: "Does young madam have any instructions?"


    "Go check if there are people in that upstairs room."


    Qin Mu quietly instructed, then stood up.


    Wen Runuan whispered, "I¡¯ll finish my meal, you go ahead with what you need to do!"


    "Next time, my treat!"


    Qin Mu whispered back, then walked ahead.


    Qin Mingzhu hurriedly followed behind her, unable to resist grabbing Qin Mu¡¯s arm.


    They had struggled for so many years, but at this moment...


    Qin Mu slightly lowered her eyes, then just quickly walked towards the elevator entrance.


    The manager called her: "Young madam, there¡¯s no one inside anymore."


    "Got it!"


    After finishing the call, Qin Mu turned to look at Qin Mingzhu, Qin Mingzhu also looked back at her, and only after they entered the elevator did Qin Mu say: "Everyone inside has run away."


    "What? Those two scoundrels actually... damn it!"


    Qin Mingzhu stomped her feet in anger, then her calf hurt for a moment, having been grabbed and squeezed hard by a male classmate earlier, it felt like she was going to be crushed.


    Qin Mu lowered her eyes and sized up Qin Mingzhu from head to toe: "So why wouldn¡¯t you listen to your dad and stay home quietly? Did you think those people would still listen to you? Your circle had already changed its leader after you left."


    "What? How is that possible? ¡ª¡ª you, how do you know that?"


    "There¡¯s nothing at AM that I don¡¯t know about."

 Chapter 821 - 230 Qin Mu’s Plan_2

    Chapter 821: 230 Qin Mu¡¯s Plan_2


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t look at her, simply saying coldly.


    Upon reaching the underground parking lot, she shoved Qin Mingzhu into the car, but the two of them didn¡¯t hurry to leave. Under Qin Mingzhu¡¯s shivering form, Qin Mu remained silent inside the car.


    Qin Mingzhu glanced at her, then looked around the car: You finally got a new car!


    "It was given by Mu Yichen!"


    Qin Mu just stated flatly, without any extra emotion, then turned sharply, her keen gaze falling on Qin Mingzhu.


    Qin Mingzhu didn¡¯t dare to speak out of turn again, suddenly lowering her head: You must be really happy now, seeing me in such a state.


    "Are you really in such a state? Weren¡¯t you, who just suffered a downfall in Rongcheng, able to find support in Beijing? The Wang Family¡¯s legacy is extensive, and almost all the Wangs are officials, whereas the Mu Family are merely honest businessmen."


    Qin Mu said this, her eyes also dropping.


    The atmosphere in the car became somewhat strange all of a sudden.


    "That makes sense! The Wang Family¡¯s status is not something the Mu Family can compare with."


    Qin Mingzhu suddenly mumbled, sniffling hard, while Qin Mu caught a glimpse of her with the corner of her eye, and suddenly let out a light laugh.


    "I heard it¡¯s a boy?"


    Qin Mu asked.


    "Yes! But I don¡¯t like becoming a mother so soon, it¡¯s all your fault!"


    Qin Mingzhu was annoyed again talking about this, her words mixed with a pained hiss due to the corner of her mouth aching.


    "Maybe one day you¡¯ll thank me for it."


    Qin Mu raised her eyebrows and started the car.


    Qin Mingzhu turned her head to look at Qin Mu, who remained as detestable as she had been the year before.


    Yet for some reason, her heart didn¡¯t understand why¡ªwas it because she had accompanied her downstairs, and was even taking her home?


    Qin Mingzhu just kept looking at her, for a very long time.


    Qin Mu went into the house with her, because Qin Mingzhu was afraid of being discovered by Qin Haiming having gone out for drinks, which would lead to a reprimand, and she had also nearly been assaulted.


    Qin Mingzhu thought back on it and felt terrified; those two girls, who were originally on good terms with her, suddenly made an excuse to leave, and then the two male classmates began to approach her, gradually touching her here and there. When she resisted, she slapped them, only to be slapped back in return.


    Wang Huanyu and Wang Mingyu were both sitting in their living room. Seeing the two women return together, the two men slowly stood up. Wang Huanyu, however, immediately came forward and grabbed Qin Mingzhu¡¯s face, which she instinctively covered upon seeing him.


    "What happened? Qin Mu, you..."


    "I wouldn¡¯t be so shameless!"


    Qin Mu uttered blankly, but...


    Wang Mingyu, standing aside, simply smiled at Qin Mu and nodded: Long time no see!


    Qin Mu also nodded at him, not dwelling on the past, and turned her gaze to Wang Huanyu: You¡¯d better let her go first, let her change her clothes and wash her face, and then, I need to talk to you.


    Wang Huanyu was baffled by Qin Mu¡¯s words, his demeanor as though she were his elder sister.


    "I¡¯m going to change clothes!"


    Qin Mingzhu didn¡¯t want to be seen by Wang Huanyu in such a distressing state, so she left upon hearing Qin Mu¡¯s words.


    Wang Huanyu showed concern when she pushed his hand away.


    "I¡¯ll go check on her!"


    "She¡¯s fine!"


    Qin Mu stated, very surely.


    Wang Huanyu turned to look at her: "How do you know?"


    "Of course, I know!"


    Qin Mu earnestly replied and then went inside first.


    Wang Huanyu had no choice but to follow behind her.


    When Qin Haiming came back, he found several more people in the house, but seeing his eldest daughter there, he felt much more reassured.


    "Did you two brothers come together?"


    As Qin Haiming sat down on the sofa, he asked.


    "Yes! My brother just came back from a business trip recently and is feeling a bit unwell, so I¡¯ve been acting as his driver."


    Wang Mingyu responded with a smile and said no more.


    Qin Haiming nodded: I appreciate the effort you brothers have put in. It¡¯s just that there are some things I need to know, which is why I asked you to come over so quickly.


    Qin Mu sat on the side without speaking, merely helping to pour tea after the auntie left.


    Wang Mingyu couldn¡¯t help but take an extra glance at her while she was pouring tea. She, however, did not even lift her eyelids, simply remaining politely on the side.


    "Where¡¯s Mingzhu?"


    Qin Haiming asked, looking around and not seeing Qin Mingzhu, worried that she had gone out again.


    "She¡¯s upstairs. There was a small accident, I¡¯ll explain it to you later."


    Qin Mu stated.


    Qin Haiming turned to look at his daughter, sensing that Qin Mu knew everything, thus he did not inquire further.


    However, he still got quite a shock when Qin Mingzhu came down from upstairs: "What happened?"

 Chapter 822 - 230 Qin Mu’s Plan_3

    Chapter 822: 230 Qin Mu¡¯s Plan_3


    Qin Mingzhu shed tears of grievance but stubbornly remained silent, merely sitting beside him and weeping on his shoulder.


    Qin Mingzhu dared not speak, fearing that Qin Haiming would find out about her going out.


    "I will explain this matter to you later."


    Qin Mu was also a bit nervous, but still softly reminded him.


    Wang Mingyu unconsciously lowered his head to suppress his laughter, thinking could all this be your orchestration?


    On the surface, she appears genteel, but one look from her lets you know she¡¯s not as innocent as she looks. Wang Mingyu felt it was highly likely that this matter involved Qin Mu.


    Now she is the calmest here.


    "Dad! I¡¯m fine! No need to interfere! But could you please not make me go with Wang Huanyu?"


    Qin Mingzhu continued to confide softly, as she truly did not want to go.


    "Mingzhu!"


    Wang Huanyu was so annoyed by her that he got a headache, knowing that he had been very busy lately, yet still had to run around for her. But what about her?


    Constantly resisting, continuously defying.


    If not getting married wasn¡¯t enough, she even wanted to move out of the Wang Family¡¯s home.


    Wang Huanyu didn¡¯t mind moving out with her, knowing she disliked constraints, but in a family like the Wang Family, it¡¯s not simply up to you to decide to live alone.


    "It¡¯s no use calling me, because I will not marry into your family."


    Having said that, Qin Mingzhu then got up and ran upstairs.


    Wang Huanyu...


    Wang Mingyu was accustomed to seeing Qin Mingzhu throw tantrums, so he did not react and just sat there like a competent younger brother, maintaining silence.


    "Shouldn¡¯t the young master personally visit with his elders to propose marriage? Although he has already visited once, it¡¯s been almost a year. As the groom¡¯s family, shouldn¡¯t they make their intentions clear?"


    Qin Mu asked this question on behalf of Qin Haiming after Qin Mingzhu left.


    Qin Haiming actually needed someone to ask this question for him, but he didn¡¯t expect Qin Mu to understand him so well.


    "Yes! My parents promised they will come over tomorrow!"


    Wang Huanyu said, then added: "My parents hope we can complete the wedding soon. Our family has many rules, but Mingzhu has always been the treasure of the household, and the elders are very tolerant."


    "My mom particularly likes to educate the youngsters, especially about etiquette."


    Wang Mingyu then mentioned this, and Wang Huanyu nodded.


    "I think it¡¯s good to learn some rules, don¡¯t you think so?"


    After hearing this, Qin Mu responded and then looked at Qin Haiming.


    "This girl has been spoiled since childhood. Speaking of learning rules, she should have learned them from her parents. It¡¯s also our fault as elders. When your parents arrive, I will apologize to them."


    "She is your precious darling, there¡¯s nothing wrong with doting on her. Why talk about apologizing?"


    Qin Mu whispered to him, also intending for the two brothers to hear.


    At last, she knew that in front of outsiders, she was still supportive of him.


    "Yes! Uncle, how could you be wrong? It¡¯s just because there are only two sons in our family, so we..."


    "Don¡¯t mention that, it¡¯s good that your mother is teaching her manners and rules. In the future, as a member of your family, she will inevitably face various situations and relationships. How can she cope if she knows nothing?"


    Qin Haiming waved his hand to stop Wang Huanyu from explaining further.


    Wang Huanyu nodded: Thank you, uncle, for your understanding.


    Qin Mu felt that Qin Mingzhu really didn¡¯t know what good fortune she had cultivated in her past life to be able to marry into such a good family despite her actions in this life.


    That night, after Qin Mu returned home, Feng Fanghua asked her: How are things going with your sister?


    "It¡¯s resolved!"


    Qin Mu sat in the sofa and took a sip of water, mentioning it to her.


    But the word ¡¯sister¡¯ genuinely made her feel awkward.


    "That¡¯s good! This girl has always been troublesome since she was little, now she¡¯s finally going to be a mother, she can¡¯t be as naughty and mischievous as before."


    "She might suffer for a few years, but I¡¯m actually quite happy about it."


    Qin Mu said, then couldn¡¯t help laughing a bit, and moved closer to Feng Fanghua to take the little one in her arms: How come this little guy looks so chubby today?


    "He¡¯s a bit chubby, but he¡¯s still small, so it¡¯s good for him to be sturdy like this."


    The mother and daughter cooed over the little one for a while before Feng Fanghua asked, "Did your father entrust you with any matters?"


    "No!"


    Qin Mu shook her head.


    "When your sister gets married, both you and Yichen should go!"


    Feng Fanghua said.


    Qin Mu looked at her non-understandingly, and Feng Fanghua had to explain: "Although you two are half-siblings, there are still some things that need to be done for appearances."

 Chapter 823 - 230 Qin Mu’s Plan_4

    Chapter 823: 230 Qin Mu¡¯s Plan_4


    "Then let Yichen go, I¡¯m not going!"


    There¡¯s only so much Qin Mu can do.


    "But you¡¯re her only sister."


    "Mom! What sister are you talking about?"


    Qin Mu felt a sudden sense of unease.


    If her mom knew she had acknowledged the daughter of their enemy as her sister, she¡¯d probably be so angry that she¡¯d crawl out of her grave to find her, right?


    Feng Fanghua was suddenly at a loss for words. She had finally found an excuse to convince herself that her thoughts were correct, but Qin Mu¡¯s words had twisted her thoughts back again.


    After dinner, Qin Mu went to bed early, feeling like her period was coming, a cool sensation in her lower abdomen.


    Although Mu Yichen said he could warm her up with his body, he still went to get her a hot water bottle and then lay behind her holding her: "Feeling any better?"


    "Yeah! But my back is also uncomfortable!"


    "I¡¯ll rub it for you!"


    Mu Yichen said and lowered his head, his hand rubbing her back with just the right amount of pressure.


    Qin Mu simply placed the hot water bottle on one side of her lower abdomen, pressing it slightly, and then lay on the bed letting Mu Yichen press down properly.


    "Tomorrow the Wang Family will send someone over, the Mayor of Qin City has arranged it for AM, and they want us to accompany them."


    "I happen to have a social engagement over there tomorrow, so I could go. What do you think?"


    "Let¡¯s talk about it later! The Mayor asked you to check on their family, how¡¯s that going?"


    Qin Mu propped her chin with her hands, a lack of focus in her eyes.


    "There¡¯s nothing wrong with their family."


    Mu Yichen had to say.


    "It would be better if there were issues. I think it might do that girl good to suffer a bit, might even benefit her future."


    Qin Mu said with a mischievous laugh.


    Mu Yichen knew that his wife harbored a grudge against Qin Mingzhu, so he did not stop her. If it made her happy, she could even commit murder and he¡¯d help send the knives.


    Suddenly remembering the scene where she held a knife against Zhuo Wen, she really seemed insane that day, as if determined to kill Zhuo Wen. Thinking about it now, it still sends a chill down his spine.


    "Wife!"


    "Hmm?"


    "We really can¡¯t go around wielding knives so casually in the future!"


    Qin Mu...


    Mu Yichen¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t loud, and he whispered into her ear as he spoke.


    "Go away, I don¡¯t need you!"


    Qin Mu knew what he was thinking about, immediately turned around, held the hot water bottle against her back as she lay down and covered herself with a thin quilt.


    "I¡¯m not going anywhere tonight. Looks like Aunt Flo is about to visit, so I need to do something about it."


    Qin Mu...


    That lustful Mr. Mu would only rest a little during those few days.


    Ah!


    That night, Mu Yichen did not have the heart to disturb her too much because she was in discomfort, so he finished up hesitantly and quickly.


    However, he regretted it immensely the next day.


    Because his wife really did start her period.


    Qin Mu squatted in the bathroom: "Husband, I¡¯m out of sanitary pads, could you please ask Mom to lend me one for now?"


    Mu Yichen stood at the bathroom door, his brows furrowed listening to the cries inside, wrapping his arms tight around himself: "What did you say?"


    "I¡¯m out of sanitary pads, could you go ask Mom to lend me one?"


    Mu Yichen really doubted his own ears, then just stood there dumbfounded.


    His wife was surely not ordinary, asking her husband to borrow sanitary pads from her mother, this was something probably no one else in the world could do, right?


    But later on, Mu Yichen still found himself at Feng Fanghua¡¯s room door. Feng Fanghua was combing Huanhuan¡¯s hair and seeing him with a troubled expression, she curiously asked him: "What¡¯s the matter, why the long face?"


    Huanhuan also glanced at her dad and then continued to admire the pretty braids Grandma was combing for her in the hand mirror.


    "That! You..."


    How could Mu Yichen say it out loud, damn it.


    After cursing in his heart, he was about to bite the bullet and continue, when Mu Zihao despised him from behind: "Stinking brat, why are you blocking the door so early in the morning?"


    Seeing his father, Mu Yichen felt like he had found a savior and quickly grabbed the man who was about to enter: "I need to talk to you about something."


    Meanwhile, Qin Mu was still squatting on the toilet waiting; she wondered if Feng Fanghua didn¡¯t have any, if any of the other aunts might, or maybe there might be some in Mu Qingxin¡¯s room?


    Qin Mu thought he should come back to her if he couldn¡¯t get it from her mother, then she would send him to Mu Qingxin¡¯s room.


    Almost half an hour later, he came back reluctantly: "Here you go!"


    Qin Mu did not expect him to have borrowed it, took it and then drove him out, asking him to wait outside the door for orders.


    Qin Mu washed her hands and came out of the bathroom: "Where did you get this from, Mom¡¯s place?"


    "Yeah!"


    Mu Yichen answered, but his face wore a very unpleasant look.


    "Wow! Mom¡¯s amazing. To think she still gets her period at her age."


    Qin Mu murmured to herself, ignoring Mu Yichen¡¯s embarrassment and walked past him.


    Mu Yichen leaned against the wall watching his carefree wife thinking he should have made a move last night to prevent her from being this energetic and tormenting him today.


    "But, Mrs. Mu!"


    "Hmm?"


    Qin Mu turned her head when she heard him call her: "What is it?"


    "Could you possibly not involve me in this sort of thing in the future?"


    Mu Yichen was still leaning there; he felt determined not to do these things anymore.


    Qin Mu...


    "Who else am I supposed to ask? It¡¯s only you here!"


    If it were in the studio, she¡¯d ask Xiaomei, but of course, she had to ask the nearest person.


    "You think it¡¯s really okay for me to ask my mother to borrow a sanitary pad for you?"


    Mu Yichen squinted his eyes, seriously looking at her as he asked.

 Chapter 824: The Chairman Mu wants to shut down her studio?

    Chapter 824: The Chairman Mu wants to shut down her studio?


    Qin Mu ultimately did not attend the party, but the hotel sent over a bottle of fine red wine, with the manager personally providing service.


    Qin Haiming had given her a heads-up; this banquet was attended by Zhang Rujia alongside father and daughter, so when she learned about the situation, she wasn¡¯t surprised at all.


    Qin Mu continued to quietly design her fashion, also completing the several outfits prepared for Li Yu. That day, when Li Yu returned from out of town, he went straight to the studio, holding only a pot of grass in his hand.


    "An old man was selling them by the roadside. I felt he was having a tough time, so I bought a pot and I¡¯ll give it to you. I¡¯m not suited to take care of these little things."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t say anything else; the pot of flowers was placed in a corner of her office desk.


    Li Yu sat down and lit a cigarette: "Is it really made by you? You know that every piece of clothing you personally make always brings me good luck."


    Qin Mu laughed softly, giving him a glance: I didn¡¯t know I had the ability to bring people good fortune.


    "You know now?"


    Li Yu took a puff of smoke, his devilish gaze peering at her through the clouds of smoke.


    Qin Mu looked down, and soon Xiaomei brought the clothes up from downstairs, standing at the doorway asking, "Shall we go try them on now?"


    "Yes!"


    Li Yu looked toward the door, then stood up, cigarette in hand, and walked out.


    Xiaomei guided him to the changing room, while Qin Mu sat behind her office desk continuously gazing at the pot of green plant. Later, out of curiosity about its name, she searched on Baidu and found that it was called Lucky Bamboo.


    Qin Mu also checked the price, then started watering it every day with peace of mind.


    A few days later, the Lucky Bamboo died!


    The day Qin Mu discovered her Lucky Bamboo had died in the studio, her mood crumbled. She had taken such good care of it and even specially changed it into a flawless, pretty little white pot.


    Qin Mu went to see Helian Hao, who couldn¡¯t help but laugh after hearing it: Li Yu really overestimated you, thinking that if you can design clothes, you can take care of plants? If he knew you can¡¯t even cook, he¡¯d probably look at you differently.


    Qin Mu...


    "But speaking of which, this Li Yu is quite attentive, isn¡¯t he?"


    Helian Hao said, looking at Qin Mu with great interest.


    Qin Mu sat on the sofa at her place, so frustrated that she almost couldn¡¯t eat: "Don¡¯t overthink it. I¡¯ve already made it clear to him, if every man who comes to me for designing clothes looks at me twice or gives me a little something is interested in me, huh! I wouldn¡¯t believe it myself."


    "Hmm! Or maybe he just wants a hookup."


    Helian Hao spoke softly because she saw her mother-in-law coming from the kitchen after she started speaking, so she kept her voice down.


    Qin Mu was startled by those words.


    "What are you two whispering about? Afraid that I might hear?"


    Helian Hao¡¯s mother-in-law brought out some fruit from the kitchen and placed it in front of them: "Mumu, you should come and visit our house more often. Recently, those two men have been busy, and just the two of us at home taking care of the children is also boring. Come over more often to make the house a bit more lively."


    "Sure!"


    Although Qin Mu felt it was improper, she still nodded and agreed.


    Helian Hao of course knew that Qin Mu could not come over often. The grudge between the Jing Family and Qin Mu seemed to be in the past, but some things are impossible to act as if they were never seen.


    "What¡¯s your son¡¯s name again?"


    Mrs. Jing asked.


    "Mu Chengyang!"


    Qin Mu responded, smiling helplessly as she saw Mrs. Jing earnestly memorizing the name, and then added: His sister is named Mu Chenghuan.


    "When did Huanhuan change her surname?"


    "A long time ago!"


    After Qin Mu moved into Mu Mansion, Feng Fanghua mentioned it to her, and she went to change it the next day.


    "Surprised, aren¡¯t you? You thought the daughter was going to have your last name, but in the end, she followed the surname of the Mu family."


    Helian Hao winked at her.


    In response, Qin Mu sighed helplessly: "It¡¯s all fine, after all, my mother¡¯s last name is also Mu."


    She might as well take her mother¡¯s surname; Qin Mu actually felt much more at ease with the surname Mu than with the surname Qin.


    She will not want the surname Qin in her next life.


    Mrs. Jing¡¯s expression turned a bit unnatural as she heard Qin Mu talk about her mother; she knew Qin Mu must still be harboring hard feelings about that matter. At that time, she really had no choice but to take that pocket watch to coerce get Qin Mu to release Jing Qing, though it was actually a plea.


    But Qin Mu clearly didn¡¯t understand her inner turmoil, and Mrs. Jing slowly stood up: You two continue talking, I will go to the kitchen to prepare lunch for you.


    "Mrs. Jing, there¡¯s no need to trouble yourself, I have a meeting with a client soon, and I will have to leave shortly."

 Chapter 825: The Chairman Mu wants to shut down her studio?_2

    Chapter 825: The Chairman Mu wants to shut down her studio?_2


    Qin Mu hurriedly called out to her, subtly refusing.


    Helian Hao was unhappy when she heard Qin Mu was leaving: "You¡¯ve only just arrived not long ago."


    Her voice wasn¡¯t loud; she was holding Qin Mu¡¯s hand, genuinely not wanting her to go.


    "Now that you are out of confinement, isn¡¯t seeing me just a matter of minutes? Besides, if you call me, don¡¯t I rush over immediately?"


    Qin Mu chatted for a while longer, then Helian Hao walked her out.


    "So Qin Mingzhu is really getting married this time, right?"


    "Yeah, this time she won¡¯t run away anymore."


    Qin Mu answered.


    Was Qin Mingzhu¡¯s reluctance to get married really because of family?


    No!


    In reality, it was because she had a voice in Rongcheng, where almost all her childhood friends would listen to her. But now they no longer pay attention to her, even joining forces to bully and humiliate her. Once her attachment here was cut off, she naturally wouldn¡¯t resist Beijing as much.


    However, it still depends on whether Wang Huanyu can help her establish a circle there. She¡¯s a girl who can¡¯t stand loneliness; just staying at home is definitely not going to work.


    As long as Wang Huanyu helps her make new friends there, maybe the future will turn out well.


    And for her, Qin Mu, there would be one less rival.


    Qin Mingzhu might seem brainless, but every move she makes tends to be significant.


    In the afternoon, driving to pick up her daughter from school, she was still the first one to reach the classroom door.


    As soon as the teacher opened the door and saw her, she couldn¡¯t help but laugh: "Today it¡¯s Huanhuan¡¯s mom coming to pick up Huanhuan again! If Huanhuan¡¯s mom is in a hurry next time, you can call me, okay?"


    Because many people immediately crowded around, the teacher couldn¡¯t say more, just giving her a sincere look.


    "I¡¯m not in a hurry, I just like being first."


    Qin Mu understood the teacher¡¯s intention, nodded her head but said so.


    The teacher finally recovered, then immediately waved to Huanhuan: "Huanhuan, your mom is here!"


    Huanhuan seemed reluctant to leave, quietly playing with toys with her friends, but when she saw her mom, she put the toys back in their original place and went to find her mom with her little backpack.


    One by one, the teacher started calling out the children¡¯s names; everyone was reluctant to leave the school but had to go.


    Huanhuan was silent all the way. Before getting into the car, Qin Mu squatted down to her height and asked her, "Aren¡¯t you happy that mom came to pick you up?"


    "No, I just wanted to play a little longer at school."


    Huanhuan mumbled, slightly unhappy.


    Qin Mu raised her hand to rub her head: "You love to play so much; shall we come early tomorrow, hmm?"


    "Yeah!"


    Huanhuan immediately nodded, becoming happy again at the thought of coming early.


    Qin Mu picked her up, got her into the car, secured the door and was about to head to the front when a mother suddenly ran over with her daughter: "Huanhuan¡¯s mom!"


    Qin Mu turned around upon hearing the voice, saw that woman¡¯s eyes were a bit evasive, nodded at her with a smile and glanced behind her, then said: "Huanhuan¡¯s mom, could you please let Huanhuan move to another classroom?"


    "Why?"


    Qin Mu asked, puzzled.


    "Ever since Huanhuan joined the class, our Linlin has lost her place in the class, so can you talk to the teacher about switching Huanhuan to another classroom?"


    "If it¡¯s your daughter who has lost her place in the class, why should my daughter have to move to another class?"


    Qin Mu questioned with a naturally sharp gaze at the woman opposite her, somewhat annoyed.


    "But our Linlin joined the class last year and is used to this class."


    The parent continued, just wanting her daughter to have a good standing in the class, without feeling any negativity towards Huanhuan.


    But...


    "Oh! Our Huanhuan has just gotten used to the new environment and now she has to switch classes? Linlin¡¯s mom, I don¡¯t mean to say this, but you¡¯re really selfish! Our Huanhuan has always been a considerate child, but I absolutely will not yield on this matter. Huanhuan will stay in this class."


    After saying this, Qin Mu got into the car and closed the door.


    That Linlin¡¯s mom stood there holding Linlin¡¯s hand, watching her car drive away, still couldn¡¯t help but complain: "Isn¡¯t it just that she has some stinking money? What¡¯s so great about that, I¡¯ll take you to the teacher."


    However, Huanhuan was excited all the way home. Since the front door was open when her mom and that aunt were talking, Huanhuan heard everything.

 Chapter 826: The Chairman Mu wants to shut down her studio?_3

    Chapter 826: The Chairman Mu wants to shut down her studio?_3


    She knew her mother was great, but she didn¡¯t realize how protective her mother would be. Suddenly, she felt like she was about to float away, but she tried hard not to laugh out loud from excitement, afraid that her mother might make fun of her.


    When they got home, Qin Mu had just lifted her out of the car when she dashed towards the house. Watching her, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but mutter, "What¡¯s that attitude? Not even thanking Mom?"


    "Grandma!"


    As Huanhuan entered the house and saw her grandmother sitting on the sofa, she immediately ran over to her, calling out as if she missed her and couldn¡¯t wait.


    "Oh, Huanhuan is back from school, huh! Is our Huanhuan feeling shy?"


    Feng Fanghua cupped her granddaughter¡¯s face, surprised to see her cheeks puffed up red.


    Huanhuan pulled away her hand and burrowed into her embrace.


    After Qin Mu entered, she couldn¡¯t help but ask, "What¡¯s gotten into this girl?"


    "She¡¯s growing up! Isn¡¯t that right, Grandma¡¯s big darling?"


    "Huanhuan is the little darling!"


    Huanhuan corrected her grandma with her head held high, then turned to look at her little brother who was sleeping in the stroller.


    "Why isn¡¯t brother waking up?"


    Huanhuan turned to ask her grandma after looking at her brother.


    "That¡¯s because he just fell asleep."


    Feng Fanghua had been holding him all afternoon and had just put him down a few minutes ago, her shoulders still aching.


    "Mom, you didn¡¯t hold him all day at home, did you?"


    Seeing Feng Fanghua massaging her shoulders, Qin Mu sat down next to her and began massaging them as she asked.


    "I have nothing else to do, but my shoulders do hurt quite a bit today. Press harder."


    Feng Fanghua said, asking Qin Mu to increase the pressure, while Huanhuan knelt beside and began massaging her legs, "Grandma, does it feel good when Huanhuan massages your legs? Should I press harder?"


    Feng Fanghua was so moved she was on the verge of tears, this little darling always imitated the adults and was so sweet-talking.


    "Truly! Our Huanhuan is so understanding!"


    Feng Fanghua remarked emotionally, caressing her little head.


    "This afternoon after school, a parent suggested that we have Huanhuan change classes, saying that ever since this girl joined the class, she¡¯s taken over somebody else¡¯s spot."


    Upon hearing how sensible Huanhuan was, Qin Mu wondered if she was causing trouble at school and the teachers were keeping it from the parents.


    "What¡¯s the reasoning behind this? Which parent? I¡¯ll go have a word with them tomorrow. Huanhuan has just gotten used to her new environment, why should we change classes? If they want to switch, let them switch. Wherever they like."


    Qin Mu laughed upon hearing what Feng Fanghua said, finding it amusing how similar their temperaments were. Even their reactions were identical, both so protective.


    Qin Mu thought carefully, in their family, the most rational one about Huanhuan¡¯s matters, could it be Mu Yi?


    Considering Mu Yi¡¯s reaction whenever Huanhuan went to their bed, Qin Mu thought, maybe Mu Yi should take care of such trivial matters?


    "Tomorrow I¡¯ll pick her up with your dad, you don¡¯t have to go."


    Feng Fanghua worried that Qin Mu looked too gentle-faced, which might be why other people bullied her daughter and granddaughter, so she immediately stopped Qin Mu from going to pick up Huanhuan.


    "Mom, I think it¡¯s probably nothing. What if Yichen takes care of it?"


    "Him? He¡¯s good at business deals, but not good at anything else."


    Feng Fanghua said, shaking her head.


    Mu Yichen had just returned home and heard his wife and mother discussing him. As he approached, he asked curiously, "What are you saying I can¡¯t do?"


    "Talking about someone wanting your daughter to change classes, your wife suggested you figure out a solution. Can you handle it?"


    "Just today I donated a library to the school, and even wrote Huanhuan¡¯s name as the donor."


    Mu Yichen mentioned another matter, ignoring the first topic.


    The implication was, if the school didn¡¯t play nice, they could forget about the donation!


    He sat across from the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo, looking at the little girl massaging her grandma¡¯s legs, then glanced at his wife: "Did the teacher say anything?"


    "No! But why did you donate a library?"


    Does Mu Yi really treat money like paper?


    "It¡¯s good to donate money to the school."


    Feng Fanghua was quite pleased with her son¡¯s actions.


    Qin Mu felt...


    It was utterly ridiculous!


    So much money and nowhere to spend it?


    She thought about her sizeable bank debt, while her husband casually donated a fortune outside.


    "Oh!"


    But she couldn¡¯t argue with her mother-in-law, so she just nodded in agreement.


    Mu Yichen saw Qin Mu¡¯s reluctant expression and a smirk curled up on his lips: Was Mrs. Mu unhappy?

 Chapter 827: The Chairman Mu wants to shut down her studio?_4

    Chapter 827: The Chairman Mu wants to shut down her studio?_4


    Qin Mu glared at him when she heard that, her eyes clearly saying: Dare to say one more word and see?


    Feng Fanghua turned to look at Qin Mu: "That¡¯s small change, but for our Huanhuan, during her years in kindergarten and later when our Chengcheng goes to school, it will be worth it."


    Does it mean that this brother and sister are going to dominate the school?


    The corner of Qin Mu¡¯s mouth twitched, and although she felt that children shouldn¡¯t be aggrieved at school, she still did not quite approve of such behavior.


    However, being the poorest person in the family, she didn¡¯t really have a say, so she shut up.


    After dinner, Mu Yichen took Qin Mu out for a walk again, but this time they went downtown.


    They returned to the apartment.


    Qin Mu asked him, "Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to go out for a walk?"


    "Isn¡¯t this going out for a walk?"


    In the elevator, Mu Yichen gave her an ambiguous look, wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and looked straight ahead.


    Qin Mu...


    Alright, Boss Mu is rich, Boss Mu is the boss, and what Boss Mu says goes.


    "Mrs. Mu!"


    "Hmm?"


    Before exiting the elevator, Mu Yichen suddenly called her and still held her shoulder, but his eyes were sharper, staring at the elevator wall.


    Qin Mu looked up at him, puzzled.


    "Heard that Li Yu sent you another gift?"


    Mu Yichen asked, very seriously.


    "You mean..."


    Qin Mu instantly remembered her withered Lucky Bamboo, which had lasted only two days.


    It was supposed to be kept moist, but it died in just two days.


    "What I mean? Could there be more than one incident?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Why not confess honestly?"


    The elevator doors opened, and Mu Yichen turned and trapped her inside.


    Qin Mu, frightened, held her chest and said, "Don¡¯t mess around in the elevator, if something happens, both of us will be in trouble."


    Facing Qin Mu¡¯s reminder, Mu Yichen wickedly smirked, "An accident would actually be something I look forward to."


    That intense gaze, as if he was about to devour her, was it because she had her period a few days ago?


    So tonight...


    Hmm! No wonder Mu Yichen said to return late when they left.


    Qin Mu felt, maybe they wouldn¡¯t return at all!


    Mu Yichen raised his hand, grasped her chin, looked at her tormented little expression, then happily lowered his gaze and kissed her.


    Qin Mu was immediately so smothered she couldn¡¯t breathe, while Mu Yichen pinned her against the elevator corner and ravaged her wildly.


    Until the elevator ¡¯dinged¡¯ on a certain floor.


    A lady entered and saw the man in the corner with his back to her, vaguely covering a woman¡¯s body, and turned her head away in embarrassment immediately.


    The lady hesitated to look more, feeling every second was an eternity.


    But Mu Yichen, looking at the petite woman pressed against his chest in his arms, couldn¡¯t help but gently kiss her hair, his hands becoming mischievous again.


    Qin Mu suddenly remembered there was a camera in the elevator, and instantly felt awful.


    "Hmm?"


    But just as she pushed him, he made a noise, frightening her; she quickly raised her eyes, hurriedly covered his mouth with her hand, and used her eyes to signal him not to say another word.


    By the time they reached the first floor, it felt as if they had waited an eternity.


    When the lady got off, Mu Yichen turned his head to look outside, then immediately closed the elevator doors, and pressed up against her, wickedly squeezing her chest, making her nearly burst out: "Baby, continue!"


    Qin Mu was about to break down, jumped onto his waist, and hugged him: "Let¡¯s continue back at the apartment, okay?"


    "No good!"


    Mu Yichen refused, his cold lips teasing her exquisitely beautiful, long neck.


    Qin Mu, distressed, raised her head, her eyes misty but in the next instant saw the camera again, promptly lowered her head, and whined as if about to cry: "Stop teasing, there¡¯s a camera."


    Mu Yichen...


    He had actually forgotten about the camera just now, so he didn¡¯t continue but waited until they reached the twelfth floor. As soon as the elevator doors opened, he immediately carried Qin Mu and ran out, while still kissing her.


    The advantage of having a strong man...


    At this moment, his strengths were fully displayed.


    Qin Mu, pressed against the door by him, continued to be tormented, had to reach back to input her fingerprint to unlock.


    After the door opened, he put her down, but immediately turned her around to face the door: "Every month during these few days, I am about to burst."


    His heart was like a blazing fire already burning fiercely, and Qin Mu at this point was like a glass of cold water that he had boiled.


    "Be gentle!"


    Qin Mu whispered in protest.


    "Hmm?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t quite catch what she said, looked down at her, her red, flush face, especially her lightly closed eyes with long dark lashes, stirred his heart.

 Chapter 828: The Chairman Mu wants to shut down her studio?_5

    Chapter 828: The Chairman Mu wants to shut down her studio?_5freew§Ö?bno¦Íel.com


    "Should I give Mom a call?" she asked.


    "No need!"


    Mu Yichen felt his wife still wasn¡¯t focused enough, even at this time she was thinking about calling home; was he not doing his job well enough?


    So, he decided to apply a few more tricks to keep her mind off anything else.


    But...


    "Mom will worry!"


    Qin Mu reminded in a low voice.


    "She¡¯s already used to it."


    Mu Yichen bit her gently and unconsciously let out a smile, reminding her.


    Qin Mu...


    Now, she was nearly fainting from being toyed with by the robust President Mu; she just wanted to appear not too miserable and weak, but it seemed President Mu had no intention of giving her that chance.


    Mu Yichen still carried her to the sofa, for fear that too much force might hurt her against the door.


    So, he supported her as they moved back towards the sofa.


    Qin Mu wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, breathing weakly, feeling the warmth of his chest, even through his shirt.


    Mu Yichen gently kissed her ear, soothing her as he carried her and sat down on the sofa.


    He unbuttoned his shirt to let their skin touch.


    In the dimly lit living room, the sufficiently spacious sofa had already become their tool.


    The night is quiet, here passion runs deep.


    ¡ª¡ª


    By the time they returned to the bedroom, it was well into the night, Qin Mu was weakly carried to bed by him, and he lay beside her looking at her feeble figure, about to collapse, and couldn¡¯t help but feel distressed, gently kissing her lips.


    "I¡¯m going to run the bathwater!"


    "Don¡¯t wanna bathe now, let¡¯s do it in the morning!"


    After Qin Mu muttered, in fact, she was afraid that he might lose control again in the bathroom.


    "Then I¡¯ll grab a towel to wipe you down a bit; you¡¯re covered in sweat, okay?"


    Qin Mu did not retort this time, but... wasn¡¯t it just about wiping off sweat?


    The next day, Qin Mu had no strength to get up for work and answered Xiaomei¡¯s call only to hear her screaming on the phone: "The clients have been waiting for you for half an hour, didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d never be late?"


    "..."


    Qin Mu¡¯s ears hurt from the noise, and the moment she remembered she had things to do today, she sprang up from the bed.


    Her appearance was disheveled, her eyes empty as she gave the room a once-over.


    Dead silent! Where is President Mu?


    "Mu Yichen..."


    As she called out for him, her entire throat complained, uncomfortable.


    She thought she could call out gently last night, enticing him with her voice.


    But...


    She ended up following his command, losing herself to him.


    Mu Yichen was preparing breakfast, therefore he didn¡¯t hear her calling.


    By the time he came upstairs, she had already washed up and was dressing, tucking her white shirt into her blue skirt.


    Her little behind was enveloped, not big but exceptionally perky.


    He couldn¡¯t help but linger at the doorway, greedily gazing at her, unable to take his eyes off her neat figure.


    When Qin Mu turned around and saw him, she couldn¡¯t help but tease: "Can you really enjoy this? I¡¯m already late for work."


    "I thought we both weren¡¯t going to work this morning. You have work?"


    Qin Mu...


    On second thought, it made sense; it was already past ten, and by the time she¡¯d get to the studio it¡¯d be past eleven. The clients had rescheduled already, so...


    "Forget it! Have you prepared breakfast?"


    Qin Mu suddenly felt a bit hungry.


    "Yeah!"


    Mu Yichen responded, with his hands crossed over his chest, his eyes still fixated on her as she smartly got ready.


    She tied her hair up, neither too high nor too low, revealing her face as fresh as a lotus out of water, and that beautiful, biteable neckline of hers.


    Most importantly, today was the first time he saw her in that blue skirt; it made her legs look exceptionally long, long enough to elicit a reaction from him.


    "Let¡¯s go eat, I¡¯m starving!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s throat was still uncomfortable, so she was in a bad mood.


    It¡¯s normal to feel out of energy the next day after playing so hard at night.


    Qin Mu comforted herself as she walked forward.


    But Mu Yichen was blocking the doorway: "Dear, I suddenly have a great idea."


    Qin Mu was puzzled when he called her dear, she looked up at him with curiosity: What great idea?


    Seeing the domineering look in his eyes, Qin Mu¡¯s heart suddenly tightened, could it be...


    "No way, I¡¯ll be spent if you come at me again!"


    Qin Mu hastily took a step back, hugging herself defensively.


    "Ten minutes!"


    President Mu said cheerfully.


    Qin Mu...


    The thing is there was just-cooked breakfast downstairs, and he feared it would get cold if they dallied too long, losing its current flavor.


    So ten minutes, he could already do that.


    But...


    The freak didn¡¯t even take off her underwear, ha!


    From the outside, her top didn¡¯t look disheveled, and her hair was still neat, but underneath...


    After Qin Mu went downstairs, she couldn¡¯t help but ask in the dining room: Are we having breakfast or lunch now?


    "Sorry, I didn¡¯t control the time well, I¡¯ll definitely stick to the schedule next time."


    Mu Yichen apologized to her, pretending to be very gentlemanly.


    But Qin Mu had the urge to chew him up into mincemeat in her mouth.


    Stick to the schedule?


    Anyway, she wouldn¡¯t believe him again in the future.


    "This skirt suits you very well today, wear blue more often."


    President Mu suddenly remarked.


    Qin Mu looked up at him, then couldn¡¯t help but tease with a laugh: "Dear, do you know how many blue clothes I have? From large to small, from fat to thin, though I seldom wear them, it¡¯s definitely not the first time, so can you tell me why you have such a beastly reaction today?"


    She suddenly got serious, and Mu Yichen lowered his dark eyes, feeling that he had started a very poor topic.


    She often wears blue?


    But this dark blue skirt, he felt like he was seeing it for the first time.


    But if he continued to argue with her, Mu Yichen feared the meal would get cold, so he quickly said: Let¡¯s talk over the meal.


    Qin Mu then picked up her chopsticks again but couldn¡¯t help glaring at him once more before starting to eat.


    So exhausted she almost felt faint, how could she have an appetite?


    Her legs were so sore that she could hardly move.


    In the afternoon...


    She might as well not go to work.


    But...


    Qin Mu looked up at the man already eating, suddenly retracted what she had just said to herself; if she didn¡¯t go to work, wouldn¡¯t she just end up being tormented by him here?


    Better sneak back home!


    It would be best for him not to know where she is, to prevent him from following her.


    "However, how many gifts has that Li Yu guy really sent you?" Mu Yichen brought up the topic from last night again.


    Qin Mu¡¯s hand trembled with fright, almost unable to hold her chopsticks.


    "How could I remember? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m the one giving gifts to others."


    Qin Mu muttered then suddenly felt like eating, bowing her head and hurrying through her meal.


    Mu Yichen looked at her and chuckled, a touch of ruthlessness suddenly appearing in his devilish eyes.


    "If there¡¯s a next time, we might as well not open the studio."


    "What?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes widened in shock, nearly popping out. He wanted her to close down the studio simply because someone gave her gifts?


    "I think you¡¯re more suited to be a full-time Mrs. Mu at home, you can draw whatever you like when you¡¯re free, there are enough people at home for you to draw, right?"


    Qin Mu...


    She never imagined President Mu could be so despicable.


    He actually had the idea of making her close down the studio, which was terrifying.


    Seeing his eyes quick as a leopard, a fire suddenly rose in Qin Mu¡¯s heart, climbing up to her throat.


    "Mu Yichen if you dare to mess with my studio, I¡¯ll never let you off."


    "You think I¡¯m afraid of you?"

 Chapter 829 - 232 Manservant

    Chapter 829: 232 Manservant


    "Aren¡¯t you afraid of me? I am afraid of you, haha!"


    Qin Mu stood up and stared at him seriously, as if the studio was already in jeopardy.


    "As long as no one else clings to you, everything will be as you say, OK?"


    Mu Yichen felt that she was being overly serious.


    After hearing this, Qin Mu unconsciously grabbed her waist, smiled disappointingly, then raised her eyes and looked at him unhappily: "President Mu, can you please understand something? I have never allowed any man to pester me, I didn¡¯t even give other men the chance. It¡¯s you, again and again, letting those women have the chance to cling to you. By your logic, does that mean you can also stop going to work?"


    "Okay! Not going to work is no problem."


    Mu Yichen spread his hands, leaned back in his chair, looking especially calm.


    "Mu Yichen, you are such a jerk!"


    After last night my legs still hurt, the warmth upstairs is still in my body, but now...


    The two quarrelled and then went their separate ways.


    Qin Mu drove home, and while feeding her son in the room, she couldn¡¯t help but secretly shed tears, big tear drops.


    She just couldn¡¯t accept it, he could be addictive in controlling her, but it shouldn¡¯t be too excessive.


    Later, after Chengcheng slept, Qin Mu was drawing in the study, but suddenly the computer had a problem, she was so angry that she almost smashed the computer, but finally she quickly caught it as it was about to fall off the table.


    A tremor went through her heart.


    She was really too angry, regarding money matters, she was always careful, so she quickly put the computer back in its place.


    She hurriedly called someone to fix it.


    But after the computer was fixed, only the inside data could be taken out; it could not be used anymore. She didn¡¯t know whose computer it was, but anyway Mu Zihao said to let her use the best study at home for work and even gifted her a computer.


    At the time, she was secretly pleased to see that the computer was only two years old, but it didn¡¯t last long.


    Because the computer was broken, she went downstairs to chat with Feng Fanghua, who was folding Chengcheng¡¯s small clothes and said to her as she sat down: "Look at your son¡¯s new clothes, these few have just been disinfected, very clean."


    "Is this new clothes you bought again? Aren¡¯t his new clothes a bit too much?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but complain, how come this boy is so lucky?


    In the past, I heard people say that daughters should be raised in wealth, boys should be raised in poverty, so she worked hard to earn money for Huanhuan, but she didn¡¯t expect her son also required so much effort to raise.


    "What are you saying? With our family¡¯s condition, even if he had a warehouse full of clothes it wouldn¡¯t be excessive."


    Feng Fanghua looked up at her, then added a reminder.


    "Mom! Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re spoiling the child too much? If this goes on, won¡¯t they lose their ability to be independent in the future?"


    "Our family¡¯s money is enough to support both siblings, and don¡¯t you see Qingxin and Yichen lack independence? I have always pampered them since they were young, and doesn¡¯t Yichen still know how to cook?"


    Feng Fanghua kindly reminded.


    As soon as she mentioned this, Qin Mu had nothing more to say, but Mu Yichen is indeed capable of many things, it would just be better if he were more generous.


    Suddenly Qin Mu thought, Mu Yichen being so ungenerous, might it be because Feng Fanghua indulged and spoiled him from a young age, giving him everything best, making him so selfish, domineering, and unreasonable now.


    Today, he even threatened to shut down her studio, a studio she built from the ground up with hard work. If he dares to shut it down, she¡¯ll fight him to the death, literally to death.


    She wouldn¡¯t care if he¡¯s the husband or whatever else.


    Feng Fanghua looked at Qin Mu whose face looked a bit off and asked, "What¡¯s wrong? Didn¡¯t come home all night, too much indulgence?"


    Qin Mu looked up, speechless.


    What kind of topic is my dear mother-in-law bringing up?


    But Feng Fanghua seemed to think she was overreacting: "It¡¯s like I¡¯m not a woman myself; I¡¯ve given birth to two children, both of you should be more restrained."


    "Mom!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t stand it, her face flushed with heat as if cooked, totally red.


    "Mom what! You look so bad, isn¡¯t it because of that reason?"


    Feng Fanghua suddenly leaned in closer, her voice also pressed low.


    "Mom, you really are..."


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but raise her hand to cover her face, feeling absolutely embarrassed.


    Even if she¡¯s my biological mother, this topic still...


    "Oh, still shy? You¡¯re a mother of two children!"


    "Please don¡¯t say anymore!"


    Qin Mu almost stomped her foot, covering her face while complaining.


    "Alright, alright, I won¡¯t talk anymore, no more!"


    Feng Fanghua nodded hurriedly, but couldn¡¯t help laughing at seeing her silly appearance.

 Chapter 830 - 232 Manservant_2

    Chapter 830: 232 Manservant_2


    Qin Mu is quite shy, but this was the first time Feng Fanghua noticed it.


    Later, when Huanhuan was brought back, the family was chatting, and Mu Yichen also returned.


    As soon as Qin Mu heard that the aunt announced the young master was back, she immediately stood up and left.


    Feng Fanghua and Huanhuan looked up at her, both not understanding why she suddenly left.


    When Mu Yichen entered, he glanced up to see Qin Mu going upstairs and then looked down at the sofa, where Feng Fanghua and Huanhuan were sizing him up as if there were strange symbols on his face.


    "What¡¯s the matter?"


    He asked as he walked over, about to sit down.


    "You should exercise some restraint in the future, look how you¡¯ve worn her out, she¡¯s all listless."


    Mu Yichen was about to sit down, but how could he sit now? He thought, Ms. Feng, do you even realize what you¡¯re saying?


    "I¡¯ll go up and check on her!"


    Mu Yichen had no choice but to bow his head obediently, pretending to be calm, and hurried away.


    "What¡¯s wrong with Daddy?"


    Huanhuan asked her grandma as she watched her dad¡¯s retreating figure.


    "Your daddy, he¡¯s feeling shy!"


    Feng Fanghua touched her granddaughter¡¯s super springy little face and said with a smile.


    Huanhuan seemed to hear some major news, looking surprised back at her dad¡¯s figure, but he was no longer in sight.


    Mu Yichen went upstairs, but Qin Mu hadn¡¯t returned to her room.


    The computer repairman had come and fixed the computer, and she was pouring things out.


    Thinking she might still be unhappy about the conversation at noon, Mu Yichen went to the study to find her and knocked gently on the door twice.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t even lift her head: "No entry allowed!"


    Mu Yichen smiled at those four words, then gently pushed open the door and peeked his head in to look at her.


    "Mrs. Mu, I¡¯m here to apologize."


    "I wouldn¡¯t dare accept an apology, but my computer is broken, and I need a new one."


    Qin Mu mentioned it casually, of course, if he didn¡¯t offer to give her one, that would be a big problem.


    "What brand do you usually use? I¡¯ll have someone send a new one over right now."


    "Just the same as the one in the studio."


    Qin Mu deliberately did not mention the brand, to see how good his memory was.


    Mu Yichen looked up at her and then smiled: "Ok!"


    He took out his phone, intending to buy one from an online store. Qin Mu seemed to anticipate this, so she quickly looked up at him: "I need to use it tonight."


    Mu Yichen...


    He put away his phone, then squinted his attractive eyes, smiling faintly at her.


    "Alright! I¡¯ll go buy it myself then; it must need to be me who goes, right?"


    Qin Mu looked at him, her eyes saying: "You know what¡¯s best."


    Mu Yichen, with no other option, had to go buy her a new computer.


    "How about you come with me, Mrs. Mu? I¡¯ll be your driver. What do you think? Otherwise, if you¡¯re not satisfied with what I buy..."


    "Then you¡¯ll have to go exchange it!"


    Mu Yichen knew, with just one sentence, he had thoroughly irritated her.


    So he nodded obediently and went off to buy her the computer.


    As he was going downstairs, Feng Fanghua asked him: "We¡¯re about to have dinner, where are you going?"


    "To buy the laptop for the young madam!"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t even turn his head.


    "Daddy!"


    Huanhuan ran after him from the coffee table.


    Mu Yichen had to stop: "Are you coming with me?"


    Mu Yichen bent down and asked her.


    "Hmm!"


    Huanhuan nodded.


    "That¡¯s good!"


    Mu Yichen thought about it, taking Huanhuan with him. Even if the purchase wasn¡¯t good, he could still find a scapegoat.


    So he went with Huanhuan in his arms.


    "Buying a computer?"


    Feng Fanghua murmured in confusion and then looked upstairs, knowing it was time for her to check things out.


    "Madam, would you like to come to the kitchen to check on the dishes?"


    The housemaid came out, mentioning that the chef was worried that Feng Fanghua might not be satisfied with the dishes, so she asked her to come and take a look.


    "Alright!"


    Fearing to ask too much might embarrass Qin Mu, and as a senior family member, one really shouldn¡¯t pry too much into the young couple¡¯s affairs, Feng Fanghua turned her head back towards the kitchen.


    The dishes did indeed look a bit off.


    But the chef immediately changed them according to her instructions.


    Feng Fanghua really couldn¡¯t cook, but she sure had a sharp eye.


    If the dishes weren¡¯t visually appealing, she just wouldn¡¯t have the appetite.


    In this regard, Qin Mu was really very much like her: preferring no taste over poor presentation.


    The grandfather-grandson duo ate their dinner outside, but they were both very happy; it was rare for them to make such a relaxed appointment.


    The atmosphere at home was also quite good, except Feng Fanghua started to complain that it was a pity the grandpa and grandson pair missed out on such a great meal.


    "Missed out? The food at home is so good they are probably sick of it, I bet they¡¯re happily eating out right now."


    Mu Zihao reminded Feng Fanghua.


    "Hmph! Your son really is heartless, couldn¡¯t he have bought the computer after dinner?"


    Feng Fanghua said while glancing at Qin Mu, who in fright trembled to his core but could only give a sheepish smile: "I know I was wrong, I¡¯ll make sure he eats before he leaves next time."


    "What¡¯s the difference? If a family eats together all the time, I think it¡¯s quite nice to be short one or two occasionally."


    Mu Zihao wanted to comfort Qin Mu so she wouldn¡¯t be afraid.


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t really afraid of Feng Fanghua anymore; in fact, she respected her quite a bit and didn¡¯t want to let the elders down.


    The feeling of disappointment...


    She had experienced it too well, so she didn¡¯t want the people who loved her to go through that, especially the elders.


    Perhaps it was because they spent a lot of time together, their family was already very harmonious, and that¡¯s why there was no secrecy between them.


    "Dad does have a point!"


    So she suddenly laughed and agreed with Mu Zihao.


    "Hmph! You¡¯re trying to please both sides?"


    After hearing this, Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but snort with laughter, thinking to herself, this woman is such a fence-sitter.


    Qin Mu, however, thought of a double agent.


    When Mu Yichen returned home with his daughter, it was already past nine, and Chengcheng had gone to sleep.


    Huanhuan was also getting sleepy, so the housemaid and Feng Fanghua took Huanhuan to bathe, while Qin Mu and Mu Zihao supervised ¡¯Director Mu¡¯ setting up the computer.


    However, ¡¯Director Mu¡¯s¡¯ computer assembly skills were indeed...


    After the computer was set up, Mu Zihao commented, "Your speed isn¡¯t cutting it."


    Mu Yichen...


    Mu Zihao looked at his son¡¯s deeply aggrieved eyes, said nothing more, then casually walked out, clearing his throat.


    Mu Yichen then turned his gaze to the woman using the new computer, and at that moment, there was finally a smile on her face.


    Just a computer worth tens of thousands, and she was so happy.


    And this computer was bought by him no less!


    Mu Yichen thought about it; her car was bought by him, so was the computer, and many other things as well, he had to buy her many more in the future.


    As for the money she earned, she could save it for whatever she wanted, even for investments if she wished. Anyway, when it came to spending money, it should be him footing the bill.


    Mu Yichen grew more and more proud of this thought.


    One could even say that he was proud before the time had come to be so.


    Later, Qin Mu looked up at him and said, "What are you doing here? I have to work."


    "It¡¯s almost ten o¡¯clock now, work?"


    "If I didn¡¯t work during the day, of course, I have to work overtime at night."


    Qin Mu said with conviction.


    It was actually just an excuse not to go back to the room with him.


    Not too pleased, Mu Yichen asked, "How long will you be working overtime?"


    "That¡¯s not something ¡¯Director Mu¡¯ needs to worry about."


    Without looking at him anymore, Qin Mu started transferring files to the new computer.


    Mu Yichen watched her for a long while before turning and walking out.


    "Oh, right, thanks for the computer, ¡¯Director Mu¡¯!"


    Mu Yichen turned his head, thinking that if she wanted to thank someone, she should do it more sincerely. A perfunctory thank you might suffocate a beggar, but trying to fob him, Mu Yichen, off like that just wouldn¡¯t do.

 Chapter 831 - 233 Not familiar

    Chapter 831: 233 Not familiar


    "Mu Yichen, if you¡¯re not going to sleep, could you please get me a glass of water?"


    Qin Mu looked up and saw him still standing there, so she ¡¯boldly¡¯ tasked him.


    "Sure!"


    President Mu, feeling defeated, lowered his head to pour her water. Just as he opened the door of the study, someone almost dashed in from outside, startling him.


    "Mrs. Feng!"


    Mu Yichen was frightened by his mother, who was eavesdropping around the corner.


    "Why so loud?"


    Feng Fanghua was also startled by him, and upon seeing his angry look, she immediately became even angrier and almost exploded, but after asking turned around and walked out first.


    Mu Yichen held his forehead, then turned to look inside the room.


    Qin Mu was staring at the doorway, then froze.


    When did the atmosphere in this house become so adorable?


    Ms. Feng, such a serious and stern person, also eavesdrops?


    And she¡¯s so fierce when caught?


    Qin Mu suddenly felt a bit sorry for President Mu, thinking to herself, you should thank me for abducting you to Paris those years, otherwise Mrs. Feng would have tormented you into what kind of shape.


    But her eyes looked purely innocent, as if she hadn¡¯t thought of anything.


    Mu Yichen left, gently closing the door behind her.


    Then he went downstairs to find his father to smoke, mainly because he just realized there were no cigarettes left in the house.


    Mu Zihao also wanted to smoke, so the father and son sneaked out and smoked outside the door.


    "Did you quarrel with your wife again? What about this time?"


    After taking a drag, Mu Zihao treated his son like a younger brother.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, looking at the cigarette between his fingers: "There were quite a few people chasing my mom back then, right? What were your feelings at that time?"


    "Someone¡¯s chasing your wife?"


    Mu Zihao¡¯s first reaction was to ask this.


    "It never stopped!"


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly again, then took a deep drag.


    "It¡¯s just Jian Yan! Jian Yan cares for her, but that kind of father-daughter love cannot become true, not to mention there¡¯s you, the third party, in between. Relax, okay?"


    Mu Zihao took another drag, seriously pondering the matter as he spoke.


    Mu Yichen thought he heard wrong and turned to look at his father.


    "What did you say? Who did you call the third party?"


    Mu Yichen asked in a low voice.


    Mu Zihao then realized he misspoke and chuckled: "Back then, there were many chasing your mom, of course, I had to turn a blind eye, otherwise, I would have been drowned by jealousy."


    Mu Zihao cleverly changed the subject.


    Mu Yichen, listening to his father¡¯s words, couldn¡¯t bring himself to be as magnanimous, to turn a blind eye?


    He¡¯s not an owl!


    Actually, Mu Zihao¡¯s words are not entirely true, Feng Fanghua although temperamental, was beautiful, and there were always admirers chasing her before she turned forty, and even after forty, there were still some admirers. Mu Zihao was also overwhelmed by jealousy and came up with quite a few tricks, but as an elder, he still wanted to properly educate his children, though, this was perhaps not the right thing to say.


    "I can¡¯t do it!"


    Mu Yichen stated, very decisively and seriously.


    Mu Zihao looked at him and chuckled lightly: "Then what do you intend to do?"


    "If it comes to that, I will have her close the studio."


    "You¡¯re not joking?"


    Mu Zihao shook his head, not believing what he heard.


    "What joke? I¡¯m stating facts. My own woman, why should those guys covet her? They have no right."


    "If I were to persuade Mumu to make up with you, then I wouldn¡¯t be your father."


    Mu Zihao snorted, then bypassed him and went inside.


    Mu Yichen...


    What does this statement mean? Did he say something wrong?


    Mu Yichen finished smoking outside by himself, actually regretting saying those words; it would¡¯ve been better kept to himself and executed when the time came.


    But now, she knows.


    Actually, he also suddenly had that thought, he always wanted to support her career, but later thought, couldn¡¯t her career be realized anywhere?


    Mu Yichen finished smoking and returned to the room. Even if she was sulking and didn¡¯t want to come back, he wasn¡¯t angry. He just showered and went to sleep.


    Yes! Can¡¯t sleep because of screen scrolling.


    The other side of the bed is cold, even in summer, it¡¯s hard to sleep.


    Qin Mu originally slacked off and had a video chat with Jian Yan for a while, discussing design. As they talked, Qin Mu got some inspiration and finished fixing the unfinished drawing.


    By the time she returned to the room, it was already midnight.


    His back was to her, and it seemed like he was already asleep. Qin Mu tiptoed over, looked at his sleeping face, and unconsciously raised her hand to gently tap his nose: Bad guy!

 Chapter 832 - 233 Not familiar_2

    Chapter 832: 233 Not familiar_2fr§Ö?ewebno?el.?o?


    Bad person?


    His head was aching, but he knew he was really bad.


    He wanted to be even badder, to make her only dare to nod at him.


    Later, as Qin Mu lay in bed, he turned his gaze to her in the dim light, which was just bright enough for Qin Mu to see his clearly defined features and the warmth of his facial contours highlighted by the light.


    Such a handsome man, if only his temper were a little better, there really wouldn¡¯t be much to criticize.


    Outside, a light rain was falling, and the humidity in the room was quite nice as she listened to the sound of the air conditioner blowing.


    The door was gently pushed open, then forcefully closed.


    "Mommy!"


    Qin Mu¡¯s face suddenly heated up, hearing Huanhuan¡¯s calls from outside the door.


    Probably the whole building heard it, right?


    When exactly did that little girl start to understand so much?


    He muttered lowly, "She¡¯ll surely be as intractable as you when she grows up."


    "You¡¯re the one!"


    Qin Mu mumbled.


    Later, after the two of them went downstairs and saw Huanhuan, Qin Mu still couldn¡¯t resist calling Huanhuan over to her side.


    "Huanhuan, Mommy thinks maybe you really have grown up, but you need to know that there are some things children shouldn¡¯t say."


    Qin Mu was very serious, holding Huanshuan¡¯s hand with both of hers, articulating each word clearly to Huanhuan.


    "Mommie, have I grown up or not? Why do you say I¡¯m grown up, and yet also call me a child?"


    Huanhuan was also very serious, quibbling with her mom.


    Qin Mu nearly spewed out a mouthful of blood. Was this really her own daughter? But she wasn¡¯t this venomous with her words, so whom could the girl take after?


    Qin Mu thought about it, then suddenly turned her head to look at the man standing beside her. Mu Yichen was also frowning, obviously taken aback by his daughter¡¯s words.


    He had no idea that Qin Mu was blaming him.


    "Young master, young mistress, dinner is ready!"


    The aunt came out from inside, Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua had actually gone to the dining room earlier.


    The two listened to the dinner call and then took Huanhuan to the dining room; along the way, both were thinking about how to educate their daughter properly.


    However, Mu Yichen was not too worried. After all, children will grow up, and in the future, they will know even more. Who knows what kinds of things might come out of this girl¡¯s mouth.


    As for Qin Mu, her mind was full of how to educate her daughter, and after having breakfast, she immediately returned to the study. She was supposed to rest at home on the weekend but could only think about her daughter.


    Mu Yichen was upstairs reading the newspaper by himself, taking care of his son.


    Today, Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao had taken only their granddaughter out, leaving the little one at home for the young couple to look after.


    When there was a stir in the baby carriage, he lifted his eyes and then leaned in to check on the little one in the carriage.


    Had this little guy gotten hungry again so soon after eating?


    "Auntie! Please prepare some formula milk for Mu Chengyang."


    The aunt was cleaning the windows, and when she heard his command, she looked back at him: "But it¡¯s only been an hour."


    "Then what¡¯s wrong with him?"


    He kept fidgeting non-stop.


    The aunt walked over, took a look, and then smiled: "My hands are dirty now and not very convenient; it looks like he has peed. You should change Chengcheng¡¯s diaper."


    Mu Yichen turned his gaze to the aunt; his dark hawk-like eyes were icy, as if saying: "You must be joking, right?"


    Then he looked at the aunt¡¯s gloved hands holding a rag and had no choice but to put the newspaper down.


    It wasn¡¯t pee; it was poop.


    When Mu Yichen opened the diaper, he almost vomited, thinking how could this kid¡¯s poop smell so bad?


    However, changing diapers was actually something he wasn¡¯t very familiar with. It had always been the elders taking care of it, and even when they were not around, Qin Mu was quite adept at it.


    Thinking of Qin Mu, he immediately took out his cell phone.


    The person upstairs researching daughter education upon hearing the phone ring beside them took a casual glance, saw that it was Mu Yichen, continued to stare at the computer, and casually answered the phone: "What¡¯s up?"


    "Come down for a moment, your son has pooped."


    "What?"


    "Your son has pooped!"


    He pinched his nose, nearly suffocated by the stench.


    One hand held Chengcheng¡¯s two chubby legs, not daring to let them go, because letting go now would only make more of a mess.


    Qin Mu, after listening, glanced at the phone, thinking so you were at home.


    She placed the phone aside and continued to look at the hard-earned information she had found.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t wait for her, so he had to change Mu Chengyang¡¯s diaper by himself.


    The aunt watched from the side, thinking Chengcheng would be uncomfortable and cry, but instead, Chengcheng seemed quite happy, letting Mu Yichen fuss over him.


    Later, Mu Yichen stopped being squeamish, and moreover, did quite well.


    The aunt looked on approvingly: "I didn¡¯t expect you¡¯d be quite a quick learner."

 Chapter 833 - 233 Not familiar_3

    Chapter 833: 233 Not familiar_3


    "Humph!"


    Mu Yichen had nothing else to say.


    The auntie who went to buy groceries and the chef came back, the car was pushed out, but he kept holding Chengcheng and didn¡¯t put her down again.


    It turns out changing a diaper is so exhausting.


    But that girl, she seemed to have done a good job.


    Thinking about it, she was only twenty when she had Huanhuan. Back then, she was still a young girl herself, and when she first did this kind of thing, she must have been as clueless about where to start as he was just now, right?


    Mu Yichen¡¯s heart stirred, and then he suddenly felt a bit sentimental while looking at Chengcheng.


    But Chengcheng was far from sentimental, her little feet kicking around, wanting daddy to hold her upright, but daddy always had her lying down, so she kept kicking energetically.


    Qin Mu came downstairs and saw him sitting on the sofa, supporting Chengcheng, letting her stand up leaning on the sofa, and couldn¡¯t help but chuckle to herself, thinking: it seems the poopy business has already been taken care of, huh!


    "Boss Mu¡¯s skills aren¡¯t bad, huh!"


    Qin Mu remarked and coolly took a seat on a single sofa after coming downstairs.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t look at her,¡ªhe completely ignored her.


    Qin Mu knew he had a temper, didn¡¯t care, and casually picked up the newspaper he had just read, then...


    "What¡¯s that smell?"


    He had forgotten to immediately throw the diaper in the trash bin and had laid it on top of the newspaper instead.


    Mu Yichen glanced at her and then slightly furrowed his brows.


    Actually, he was holding back a laugh.


    Of course, he wouldn¡¯t tell her that he was punishing her for not coming down to help earlier.


    Thinking of Huanhuan when she was young, he still opened his mouth: "I just took off Chengcheng¡¯s used diaper."


    Qin Mu sniffed again, and after hearing his words, she threw down the newspaper and almost vomited.


    Mu Yichen: Is that so exaggerated?


    Without saying a word, Qin Mu immediately picked up the newspaper and lunged it towards his face.


    The aunties who had returned watched from the side, really helpless towards their young master and young lady, this pair of little adversaries, sigh!


    It used to be said that they were a match made in heaven, but looking at them now, they were clearly two little adversaries.


    "Are you itching for a beating, huh?"


    Mu Yichen finally escaped, his dark pupils staring at her intently, angrily interrogating her.


    "That¡¯s all you¡¯ve got? If you¡¯re capable, why don¡¯t you touch my heart with your affection?"


    Qin Mu leaned back against the single sofa once again, but her demeanor did not yield to him in the least.


    "I just remembered I had an appointment with Xiaohao at the dessert shop."


    "The couple is already on their way here."


    Qin Mu thought of escaping, but just as she stood up, she heard Boss Mu kindly remind her.


    "Why don¡¯t I know about this?"


    "Didn¡¯t you make an appointment with Helian Hao? How come you don¡¯t know now?"


    "I... you... is it any of your business?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help grinding her teeth, her hands on her hips, on the verge of a meltdown.


    Why did he have to contact them?


    No one came home for lunch, but Jing Feng and Helian Hao brought their baby over together.


    Qin Mu thought their baby was so cute that she couldn¡¯t help holding her all the time.


    Mu Yichen held his own child, looking at her with envious eyes, really doubting if she was out of her mind, being so happy playing with someone else¡¯s kid.


    He didn¡¯t understand, it was because Chengcheng had recently gotten too heavy, so she couldn¡¯t hold her anymore, haha.


    Later, Qin Mu also handed the child over to Jing Feng, Helian Hao gave her a wink, and Qin Mu knowingly led her upstairs to the study. Helian Hao glanced at the computer on the table: Last time he visited, it wasn¡¯t this one.


    "That one broke, Mu Yichen got me this one, cool, isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s worth tens of thousands!"


    Qin Mu raised her eyebrows, although she didn¡¯t show much interest in front of Mu Yichen, she actually fancied it in her heart.


    "I have something to tell you!"


    Helian Hao laughed after hearing it, but then suddenly became very serious.

 Chapter 834 - 234 Retribution still came

    Chapter 834: 234 Retribution still came


    In the afternoon, after Helian Hao and Jing Feng left, Qin Mu and Mu Yichen were sitting downstairs, but Qin Mu was distracted the whole time.


    Mu Yichen was reading the news. Seeing her serious expression, he also lowered his gaze and suddenly remembered that when she went upstairs with Helian Hao, what did these two women talk about?


    Later, Qin Mu slightly hesitated before lowering her head.


    Mu Yichen looked at her but did not ask anything.


    "Zhang Rujia has been diagnosed with uterine cancer!"


    Qin Mu said it.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze flickered, then he looked back at her.


    "This woman, she¡¯s finally gotten her comeuppance!"


    Her expression was still serious, and there was a bit of arrogance when she spoke those words.


    But there was no joy!


    Some memories, they keep her from feeling happy.


    But after speaking, she got up from the sofa: "I¡¯m going to nap with Chengcheng for a while, entertain yourself."


    Mu Yichen slightly raised his eyes, knowing she needed some time alone, so he did not go after her to disturb her.


    Just watching her fleeting figure stepping up the stairs, his heart also felt a bit sour.


    Helian Hao actually heard it from their department head; she hasn¡¯t been working recently.


    However, Helian Hao telling Qin Mu about this had no particular meaning; Qin Mu knew they were just talking casually.


    But...


    On Monday as soon as Qin Mu started working, Zhang Rujia came to find her.


    Zhang Rujia was holding a cup of tea downstairs, her makeup done as usual, wearing strikingly bright red lipstick, so other than her physique not being great, nothing seemed off.


    "I think I need to meet you, or perhaps I should kneel down and beg for your forgiveness."


    Zhang Rujia¡¯s tears were slipping down, her voice full of grievances as tears rolled down her cheeks.


    Qin Mu watched her place the water glass on the table and then kneel down.


    The two of them had not stopped tormenting each other over the years, fighting back and forth, until now...


    Actually, during this period when they did not provoke each other, Qin Mu found life quite peaceful.


    "At most you just remove the uterus? You¡¯re at this age and you¡¯re not going to have children, what are you doing looking like this?"


    Qin Mu coldly asked her.


    "I want to remarry your father! Mumu, since you already know my situation, I won¡¯t hide it from you, my only wish now is to remarry your father. If you agree to convince him, I will not only kowtow here to admit my guilt, but I will also go to your mother¡¯s gravestone to confess, I promise, I will do as I say."


    Qin Mu looked at her, finding her words laughable.


    "If what you have is an incurable disease, if you are about to die¡ª"


    Qin Mu just looked straight at the woman kneeling not far in front of her, suddenly stopping mid-sentence.


    "Only if you have an incurable disease would you pity me? Only then would you have a bit of compassion?"


    Zhang Rujia¡¯s trembling lips showed her plight.


    "No! Even if you were dying, I wouldn¡¯t blink. I would only go to my mom¡¯s grave to tell her that you finally got the retribution you deserved, dead."


    Qin Mu emphasized particularly harshly on the last two words.


    "Why are you so cruel?"


    "I¡¯m just following in the footsteps of some people! When you drove me out of the house back then, you never thought about today, did you?"


    Qin Mu looked at Zhang Rujia¡¯s knees on the ground, only regretting not throwing a pile of glass shards there.


    But on the surface, apart from being aloof, she remained very calm.


    Zhang Rujia stared at her, and it took a while for her to calm down again, convincing herself to kneel closer to her: "I swear, I¡¯ll do whatever you ask in the future, just let me remarry your father."


    "I can¡¯t influence his matters with you, just like I can¡¯t influence his matters with my mother."


    Qin Mu told the truth, albeit ruthlessly.


    "No! When your dad and I were good, you were still in your mom¡¯s belly, later, if your mom wasn¡¯t so extreme, maybe I never would have had the chance to marry your dad, perhaps your family of three would have been just fine."


    "So, what right do you have to be here asking me to convince Qin Haiming to remarry you? Do you even know what you are?"


    "What?"


    Zhang Rujia¡¯s voice was weak; initially, it was just pain in some parts of her body, but later she felt pain all over, and even now as she knelt there, she tried her best.


    "We¡¯ve been fighting for several years, right? Openly and secretly, if you died, all this would also end."


    Qin Mu said coldly, staring at Zhang Rujia¡¯s frail shoulders, looking coldly, then getting up.


    "See the guest out!"

 Chapter 835 - 234 Retribution Still Comes_2

    Chapter 835: 234 Retribution Still Comes_2


    Qin Mu coldly uttered a word, then left the reception room.


    "Please go ahead, Mrs. Zhang!"


    Xiaomei immediately ran over, with a particularly resolute attitude, feeling that Zhang Rujia didn¡¯t even deserve that "please".


    How many people had Zhang Rujia brought to trouble their studio?


    And how many traps had she set for Qin Mu?


    Now she was here kneeling and begging for Qin Mu¡¯s forgiveness?


    If Qin Mu forgave her, Xiaomei swore she would be the first to curse Qin Mu.


    As a human being, one must not forget the pain once the scar heals, for old ailments may well relapse.


    Zhang Rujia was now kneeling before Qin Mu for the second time, and this time she had been diagnosed with uterine cancer, which could indeed be fatal.


    But the curse from Qin Mu was the cruelest thing to her.


    Zhang Rujia wondered, if she died on the operating table, would there even be anyone to claim her body?


    Qin Mingzhu was still preparing for her own wedding, and while her daughter was about to get married, she might lose her life at any moment...


    ¡ª¡ª


    Helian Hao said that Zhang Rujia¡¯s uterine cancer was not in its late stage.


    So, it might also be that she was scaring herself a bit.


    Qin Mu stood upstairs, watching Zhang Rujia carry her bag and walk into the distance. She looked down from her lofty position, feeling that Zhang Rujia seemed very tired, yet not defeated.


    Perhaps a woman who knows what she wants possesses a certain demeanor at all times.


    Qin Mu almost cursed her a whore, had she not retained a shred of decorum.


    Qin Haiming called her around 4 PM, proposing they have dinner together at AM, and Qin Mu did not refuse.


    In the evening, father and daughter dined alone in a private room. Qin Haiming poured himself a glass of wine, then sat up straight, looking at Qin Mu with a loving gaze.


    "This time, Mingzhu obediently following the Wang Family, it must be thanks to you, right?"


    "I only wanted to avoid some trouble, please don¡¯t overthink it."


    Qin Mu feared he might assume she had a sisterly affection for Qin Mingzhu, so she softly clarified her stance to him.


    Qin Haiming nodded in agreement: Hmm! But can you really not attend her wedding with Wang Huanyu?


    "If my mother knew I was attending the wedding of a child born from an affair, she would probably rise from her grave to seek me out."


    Her responses were always so indifferent, heartless, and lukewarm; those words, like soft punches, yet so overwhelming that they still caused a dull pain in one¡¯s heart and made it hard to catch one¡¯s breath.


    Fortunately, Qin Haiming was used to her ways.


    "Then it¡¯s better not to go!"


    Qin Haiming helped himself to drink more wine.


    Qin Mu lowered her gaze and watched him, even contemplating pouring herself a glass to accompany him.


    The loneliness of drinking alone is something she might somewhat understand.


    "You should drink less!"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but say that.


    Qin Haiming¡¯s expression indeed improved a bit: "Just this glass! Have you been busy with the studio lately?"


    "It¡¯s alright! There is something I probably need to tell you, or perhaps you already know?"


    "Hmm?"


    "Zhang Rujia was diagnosed with uterine cancer, but it¡¯s not in the late stages."


    Qin Haiming was first taken aback, his hand shaking involuntarily, and then it took him a long time to come back to his senses.


    Qin Mu knew that, after so many years of marriage, Qin Hai couldn¡¯t possibly have no feelings left for that woman.


    "Let¡¯s eat!"


    Qin Mu thought for a moment, picked up her chopsticks, and started serving him food.


    He may still have residual feelings for Zhang Rujia, but he could not turn back.


    Qin Mu placed the food into his bowl and then set down the chopsticks.


    Qin Haiming looked down; his daughter serving him food, something he thought he would never be able to hope for in this lifetime.


    He raised his eyes to Qin Mu, filled with excitement, suddenly wondering if there might come a day when she would call him "Dad" once again?


    Sometimes he still fantasized about her calling him "Dad" as a child, remembering her tender voice.


    Time flies, those past moments are irrevocable!


    Could they, as father and daughter, ever talk earnestly about their longing for each other over the years, or even just casually chat about everyday matters?


    This was the most serene dinner they had ever had. Afterwards, Qin Mu watched Uncle Wang take him away, and then she left on her own.


    When Qin Haiming returned home, he saw someone sitting on his sofa.


    When Qin Haiming recognized it was Zhang Rujia, his heart trembled, but he composed himself and walked over to sit down.


    Upon his return, Zhang Rujia rose excitedly, knelt at the hem of his suit pants: "Haiming."


    "What¡¯s with this act?"


    Qin Haiming didn¡¯t expect to see her upon his return; he had thought of calling to inquire about her, but now, seeing her tearful and haggard, he was suddenly somewhat perplexed.

 Chapter 836 - 234 Retribution Still Comes_3

    Chapter 836: 234 Retribution Still Comes_3


    She wasn¡¯t the cowardly type.


    "Haiming, maybe it really is retribution, I¡¯ve been diagnosed with cancer,"


    Her hand grasped Qin Haiming¡¯s as she lowered her head, tears covering her face.


    Qin Haiming remained silent, thinking of Qin Mu and Mingzhu¡¯s arrival.


    "Haiming, I might not survive! I came over tonight just to see you, you are the man I¡¯ve loved the most in my life, and I only wish to be buried beside you."


    She cried, raising her tear-filled eyes to look at him.


    "But Rujia, after I die, I need to go to Mumu¡¯s mom, to atone for my sins."


    Qin Haiming lowered his head to look at her pitiful state, even if he was heartless, he couldn¡¯t give this woman anything more, because there was another woman he owed a lifetime to, waiting for him to atone.


    Zhang Rujia was stunned, looking at him with such a pitiable gaze, her tears falling one by one, even able to heartrendingly shake a person¡¯s heart.


    "The doctor said that even if I underwent surgery, I might not survive the operation table, it¡¯s already in the late stage."


    Her voice suddenly hoarse, she stopped looking at him, lowering her head just to let her tears fall.


    Qin Haiming¡¯s eyebrows instantly furrowed: Late stage?


    "Yes, uterine cancer, late stage!"


    She wiped her tears, nodding with a kind of reckless courage in her words.


    Qin Haiming¡¯s eyes flickered with a myriad of thoughts.


    Qin Mu had said Zhang Rujia wasn¡¯t in the late stage, but Zhang Rujia herself said she was in the late stage. So, was she or was she not in the late stage?


    Qin Haiming lowered his head to look at her, unable to say a word.


    Just the sound of Zhang Rujia¡¯s sobbing made the entire house filled with sorrow.


    Even the auntie who hadn¡¯t slept was startled. Although she was a bad person, when she heard the news, she still felt a pang of pain, after all, as a woman, she knew how painful it could be when the disease got serious.


    ¡ª¡ª


    After Qin Mu returned home, Huanhuan had just finished bathing and came out wearing pajamas printed with Princess Sophia, Feng Fanghua came out to see her return and said, "It¡¯s perfect timing, my back is a bit sore tonight, you accompany Huanhuan to sleep."


    "Are you okay? Do you want me to give you a massage later on?"


    "You go and coax the child to sleep first."


    Feng Fanghua thought to herself, she didn¡¯t even know what time Huanhuan would fall asleep.


    Qin Mu nodded, but she wasn¡¯t really willing to coax Huanhuan to sleep. If they were still living in Paris, Huanhuan would probably have gotten used to sleeping alone by now.


    But once they returned to Rongcheng, this little princess who should have been independent suddenly got different treatment, needing someone to accompany her to sleep, and to hear stories.


    "Mu Chenghuan, get into bed yourself."


    As soon as Feng Fanghua left, Qin Mu pointed her chin towards the bed and ordered.


    Huanhuan immediately responded with a "Yes!"


    She even imitated the saluting style of officers to their superiors on TV, standing up straight with an earnest demeanor.


    Indeed, she resembled her somewhat, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but feel proud, but of course, she wouldn¡¯t say it out loud; then she got into bed to hug her: "Mommy won¡¯t tell a bedtime story tonight, is that okay? Schoolchildren should sleep by themselves."


    When Huanhuan heard Qin Mu¡¯s words, she looked up at her with those calm, large eyes clearly filled with grievance.


    "How about this, let¡¯s make a deal. Tomorrow, after you go to school, ask the kids in your class, if there are more than five kids who sleep on their own, then you¡¯ll sleep on your own. If not, we¡¯ll still accompany you to sleep, how¡¯s that?"


    There were only fifteen kids in her class, but Huanhuan had never counted carefully, so she didn¡¯t know exactly how many. Since she wasn¡¯t good at math yet, she nodded vigorously, thinking that tomorrow she would still have you sleep with me, hehe.


    Qin Mu later wanted to visit Feng Fanghua¡¯s room, but as soon as she left Huanhuan¡¯s room, she was kidnapped by Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen was reviewing documents in his study and had thought she hadn¡¯t returned. When he went out and saw her coming out of her daughter¡¯s room, of course he immediately kidnapped her.


    He dragged her into the room, and as soon as the door was closed, he hugged her from behind and asked: "What time did you come back?"


    "Before ten o¡¯clock, why?"


    Qin Mu asked back, feeling a bit uncomfortable being held this way. He deliberately lowered his height with his legs apart, his chin resting in the nape of her neck, causing her some pain.


    "Did you put Huanhuan to sleep?"


    "Yeah! Right! I¡¯ve decided to help Huanhuan kick the habit of needing someone to sleep with her; you and Mom and Dad must support me."


    Qin Mu said and glanced at him.


    "Sure! No problem with cooperating¡ª"


    "Don¡¯t set conditions!"


    Qin Mu knew what he was going to say next, so she interrupted him bluntly, regardless of politeness.


    Unable to argue, Mu Yichen turned his head and bit her neck: "Fine, no conditions, what did your dad want with you today?"


    He asked another question and simply bent down to scoop her up into a bridal carry.


    "It¡¯s about Qin Mingzhu¡¯s wedding. They want me to go, but how can I go?"


    Qin Mu said and sighed.


    "That¡¯s tough for your dad!"


    Mu Yichen laughed, and after throwing her onto the bed and climbing on top, he started pulling at her clothes while saying: "Do you want to know how many times your dad came looking for me during those years you were abroad?"


    After hearing this, Qin Mu¡¯s ears buzzed, and she thought she was hallucinating.


    But how could such a hallucination occur?


    "I don¡¯t believe it!"


    Qin Mu denied in a low voice, her face instantly falling.


    She didn¡¯t want to listen, not a single word.


    At this moment, her heart suddenly felt panicked.


    Mu Yichen propped himself up on both sides of her, seeing her turn her head to refuse to talk about it again, he sighed and then used one hand to pinch her face to make her look at him, looking at her seriously: "Ask me when you want to know."


    He suddenly said that, then leaned down and sealed her soft mouth with his.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s move was completely unexpected to her; she thought he would insist on telling her everything.


    Those years, those things she didn¡¯t know about, what had Qin Haiming done to her?


    Mu Yichen did not want her to overthink, and so he suddenly became a bit more forceful, making it impossible for her to continue to overthink.


    When his slender fingers caressed her cheek, and he felt her tears between his fingers, he knew he had to make her forget what he had just said.


    Even temporary forgetting is still forgetting.


    Later that night, she slept in his arms, without the time to get angry, without the time to think.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s fingers gently ran through her waterfall-like hair, smoothing it softly.


    The night was peaceful, he listened to her steady breathing, and gently kissed her warm forehead.


    Some things, it was time for her to know!

 Chapter 837 - 235 Play Romantic

    Chapter 837: 235 Play Romantic


    In August, Qin Mingzhu and Wang Huanyu¡¯s wedding was discreetly but joyfully held in Beijing.


    In August, it¡¯s Jing Feng¡¯s birthday party!


    The usual club party of past years was completely gone; this year, Jing Feng spent a simple birthday at home with his parents, wife, and children.


    ¡ª¡ª


    That night, Qin Mu was dragged to a hotel by Mu Yichen. The entire Western restaurant on that floor was empty, no, it was just the two of them.


    How could a Saturday night be so silent?


    Qin Mu sat with Mu Yichen at the best spot by the window. On the table, the flame of the white candle on the candlestick...


    Qin Mu raised his eyes to look at the man across from him. It was quite dark because the main lights were off, and it was somewhat far, so Qin Mu asked in perplexity, "Why is there no one dining here tonight?"


    "We¡¯re not open for business."


    Mu Yichen said indifferently, then lifted his glass of red wine. Qin Mu understood his implication and raised his glass as well. To be honest, it had been over a year since he had touched such beverages.


    Understanding his intentions, she cooperated and sat there to finish the Western meal with him, without further questioning why they were not receiving any customers tonight.


    It was probably like something out of the TV shows, where a wealthy tycoon books the place to win a girl¡¯s favor. Hmph!


    Tacky!


    Qin Mu felt that President Mu was becoming tackier by the day, always trying to impress her with money.


    However, her vanity was indeed greatly gratified.


    Looking back in the future, might she also feel grateful for this time he has given her?


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but raise her eyes to look at the man in front, not knowing that he just wanted to thank her for her long-term dedication and forbearance.


    She did not understand what Mu Yichen was thinking at the moment, but Mu Yichen understood very well what was on her mind.


    Seeing her gaze upon him, and after eating a bit, he gently set down his knife and fork and looked at her with focused attention.


    "What? Don¡¯t recognize your own man?"


    "Hmm! A little!"


    Qin Mu had only one drink, but she was already slightly tipsy.


    The feeling was one of intoxication, dreamlike, looking at the man before her with a surreal sense.


    Mu Yichen laughed, then glanced to the side.


    The talented pianist, Huanshuan, relaxed his fingers and played simple notes on those expensive piano keys, creating a beautiful piece of music.


    Music they were both familiar with.


    Mu Yichen took off his handkerchief and put it aside, then stood up and walked over to her.


    When he gallantly asked her to dance, he realized at that moment of his bowed head that, after knowing her for more than twenty years, it was the first time he had done such a thing, leading to self-reproach.


    Qin Mu, on the other hand, found it quite unaccustomed to see him like this.


    "Mu Yichen, we¡¯ve known each other for nearly thirty years! Is this necessary?"


    Qin Mu really wanted to ask him this, but she didn¡¯t have the heart to ruin the atmosphere and handed over her hand to him after putting the handkerchief aside.


    Outside there were stars twinkling in the sky; inside, there was the flicker of candlelight, and the enchanting piano music from a dim corner.


    With that, Qin Mu gradually calmed down.


    Actually, the tango was her greatest dance strength, but the Waltz seemed more fitting for the current mood.


    She simply rested her hand gently on his shoulder but felt tired after a while.


    Who told him to be so tall?


    Qin Mu looked up slightly, only to find that he was staring at her intently.


    "Mu Yichen, I think I¡¯m drunk!"


    ¡ª¡ª


    The next day Mu Yichen left after eight in the morning, and she did not get out of bed.


    She saw someone posted Qin Mingzhu¡¯s wedding gown photos on social media; that girl really did look extraordinary in a wedding dress.


    Qin Mu put away her phone and found that lunch had already been prepared for her outside. She ate by herself in his rest area, then drove off to meet with Wen Runuan.


    Wen Runuan had also weaned her son, so the two of them agreed to meet in the cafe, but both ordered coffee.


    Wen Runuan, noticing that Qin Mu¡¯s complexion looked particularly rosy, nudged her shoulder and teased, "You must have had a good night!"


    "You know about it?"


    Qin Mu turned to look at her incredulously.


    "Last night, AM¡¯s Western restaurant was closed for two hours. I heard the boss was upstairs entertaining his wife."


    Wen Runuan tried holding back her laughter while sharing this piece of juicy gossip with utmost seriousness.


    Hearing this, Qin Mu chuckled helplessly and then shook her head, "President Mu is indeed full of surprises."


    The server brought them their coffee, and the two sat back on the sofa with their cups.


    Wen Runuan saw a trace of melancholy in the eyes of the experienced Qin Mu and asked curiously, "Shouldn¡¯t you two be carefree and happy now? You¡¯ve already had two kids so you probably don¡¯t need more, and you¡¯re both doing so well in your careers. Why do I see a hint of loss in your eyes?"


    Qin Mu felt that Wen Runuan, perhaps from her years of acting, had a particular talent for perceiving the smallest details.


    Still, Qin Mu offered a slight smile and then sighed lightly, "Maybe I don¡¯t realize the happiness I¡¯m in."


    "How so?"


    Wen Runuan continued to inquire.


    "Can¡¯t handle it! Can¡¯t handle President Mu!"


    Qin Mu calmly gazed into her coffee cup, her hand gently caressing it, and after speaking, she looked smilingly toward the woman seated beside her.


    "That¡¯s going to be tough! Usually, men like President Mu indeed are difficult for women to handle."


    Wen Runuan pondered for a while before responding.


    "And what about with your Mr. Zhang at home?"


    Qin Mu took a sip of her coffee and asked quietly.


    "Him? We¡¯re pretty much doing our own things, not interfering with each other."


    Neither of them had any intention of trying to control the other; it seemed like they were both busy making money.


    Hearing this, Qin Mu felt that wouldn¡¯t work for her; at least she and Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t manage to stay out of each other¡¯s way for long.


    "What about in scripts?"


    Qin Mu asked, curious once more.


    "In scripts? Usually, the overbearing CEO is paired with a naive, sweet girl. That kind of life is hard; she is forced to sign a contract and sell herself to the CEO, spending night after night with him, yet she is controlled by him. The CEO originally has another woman he loves and marries the naive girl because of that woman. Anyway, it¡¯s not the kind of situation that can be compared with what you two have."


    Wen Runuan thought for a moment, then shook her head after finishing her thoughts.


    "Shouldn¡¯t childhood sweethearts be very sweet in theory?"


    Wen Runuan recalled many scripts about childhood sweethearts she had read, which almost always feature a sweet romance; the male lead secretly admires the female lead, then confesses, or vice versa, or they harbor mutual affection for many years and finally confess at an appropriate moment, and then after getting married and having a child, they continue their sweet, happy lives.


    Qin Mu said nothing, simply listening quietly.


    Her phone on the table rang, and they both looked over¡ªit was a call from her dear husband.


    Unable to help herself, Qin Mu laughed, "Sometimes he can also be really childish. He came up with this."


    Wen Runuan looked down and chuckled.


    Qin Mu resignedly answered the phone, "Hello?"


    "Hi! Seems like both beauties are here."


    Qin Mu and Wen Runuan looked up to see Li Yu walking through the entrance. Qin Mu instinctively got up with her phone and walked away, signaling with her eyes for Wen Runuan to greet the big star.


    "Who are you with?"


    Mu Yichen was toying with a golden box in his hand, his dark eagle-like eyes gazing out the window.


    As Qin Mu walked away to take the call, she heard a somewhat stern voice from inside.


    "It¡¯s Li Yu!"

 Chapter 838 - 236 Accomplishing tasks is insufficient

    Chapter 838: 236 Accomplishing tasks is insufficient


    "He suddenly came over, I didn¡¯t ask why!"


    Qin Mu glanced towards the coffee area, then lowered her head and spoke to him again.


    "Straight home from the store?"


    Mu Yichen asked again.


    "Yeah!"


    Qin Mu replied.


    "See you tonight then!"


    Mu Yichen hung up the phone, then turned with the box in his hand, walked to his desk, and gently placed the box at the edge of the desk, his gaze fixed on it, his brows furrowed.


    He feared that the gift inside the box couldn¡¯t make her happy either.


    Just like last night, although she didn¡¯t spoil the mood, at times her eyes clearly denied what he had done.


    Tall and straight figure, sharp and distinct profile, exquisitely handsome features, yet none of these could satisfy her.


    She¡¯s a person who starts and stays loyal to looks, but is never satisfied with just that.


    Mu Yichen was silent, for a long time!


    By evening when he returned home, he was still fiddling with the box in his hand.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were watching TV on the sofa. Seeing him playing with a delicate little box in his hand as he came in, Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but prod the engrossed Zihao.


    Zihao glanced at her, and in passing saw his son, then said with a smile, "You came back early today."


    "Yeah! Has Qin Mu not come home yet?"


    Mu Yichen answered and sat down nonchalantly on the sofa, his hands gently playing with the box.


    Feng Fanghua saw that his eyes were fixed on the box and thought for a bit, then said to him, "Gifting jewelry is really tacky."


    Upon hearing his son was giving a gift, Zihao took another look at his son and then, smiling at his own wife, said, "Never mind, I¡¯ll give you one tomorrow too. Let¡¯s not worry about his, his is his own business."


    Mu Yichen...


    "Who¡¯s eager for him to send it anyway?"


    Feng Fanghua muttered immediately after Zihao exposed her thoughts, and stood up with her back straight, ready to walk away.


    Mu Yichen then came to his senses, leaning forward to place the box on the table, "For you!"


    Feng Fanghua immediately turned back, incredulously staring at her son, "For me?"


    "Yeah!"


    Mu Yichen replied.


    Thinking that if it were given to Mrs. Mu, she would probably suspect something, it¡¯s better to give it to Ms. Feng, who will surely cherish it.


    "I¡¯m back!"


    Just as Feng Fanghua picked up the jewelry box, Qin Mu returned.


    Standing behind Feng Fanghua and seeing the box she opened, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but exclaim, "Wow! That¡¯s so beautiful!"


    "It¡¯s alright!"


    Feng Fanghua glanced at her son, her eyes seemingly warning him that she would never let it go if he dared to take it back.


    And Mu Yichen was shocked looking at Qin Mu; she thought it was beautiful?


    "I¡¯ve seen this necklace in a fashion magazine before, it seems to be designed by a famous European designer... for expressing love between lovers. Did Dad give it? I heard there are only ten in the world, Dad actually managed to get one, that¡¯s amazing!"


    Qin Mu went on to look admiringly at Zihao. She had known before that Dad loved Mom, but now she realized how romantic Dad could be.


    Zihao...


    "Cough cough!"


    Zihao coughed uncomfortably a couple of times, with Qin Mu asking in confusion, "It wasn¡¯t Dad who sent it?"


    As soon as Feng Fanghua heard that it was a symbol of affection, she almost blew out in anger, just when she was about to try it on, she threw it back: "Take it back, take it back, you can¡¯t just give gifts without explanation, can you?"


    Feng Fanghua once again stood up.


    Qin Mu, who was leaning on her back, quickly stood up as well, fearing she might bump into her chin.


    After Feng Fanghua left, Qin Mu looked at Zihao in confusion and then turned to her husband sitting beside her. Seeing his somewhat displeased look, did he buy it?


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what had happened before she came home, but she was clear that he didn¡¯t want to give her the necklace anymore.


    So, she didn¡¯t accept it, simply saying: "I¡¯ll go see what delicious food we have for dinner tonight."


    Qin Mu went after Feng Fanghua, and Zihao took a look at his son, just uttering, "Mission unaccomplished!"


    Mu Yichen...


    Always guessing wrong, Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, then leaned over to pick up and close the box, stood up, and went upstairs.


    At dinner time, Feng Fanghua was continuously upset, so Qin Mu coaxed her: "Mom, if you like it, just wear it. As long as you¡¯re happy and it looks beautiful on you, think of it as a little gift from me and Yichen to you."


    On hearing that, Feng Fanghua looked up at Qin Mu: "You¡¯re willing?"


    "I don¡¯t usually like to wear jewelry at work, and you know there are so many pieces I¡¯ve never touched in the upstairs cabinet, so don¡¯t overthink it, just go ahead and wear it."

 Chapter 839 - 236 Success is not enough, failure is more than sufficient.

    Chapter 839: 236 Success is not enough, failure is more than sufficient.


    "You¡¯re considerate!"


    After listening, Feng Fanghua felt that what Qin Mu said made sense. After all, Qin Mu didn¡¯t like wearing jewelry, and if Qin Mu gave it to her, she could explain it to others.


    The whole world had only ten of them; thinking about it made her a bit excited.


    Qin Mu turned to look at Mu Yichen: "Later, bring the necklace to Mom¡¯s room."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak. He lifted the red wine glass next to him and drank a glass of wine: "I¡¯m done eating! I have plans to meet Qiao Yi, I¡¯ll be back late! The necklace is in the bedside drawer, you can get it for Mom later."


    He said this, his dark eyes glancing at Qin Mu, then he got up and left.


    Huanhuan had been sitting there eating without speaking. Only after watching her father leave did she suddenly mutter: "Is Daddy going to drink with Uncle?"


    The moment she heard Qiao Yi, Huanhuan thought of alcohol.


    "What is going on with you two? Why are you at odds again?"


    Feng Fanghua touched Huanhuan¡¯s little head to let her continue eating, then looked up at Qin Mu to ask. She was really driven mad by this couple¡¯s quarrels.


    But Qin Mu really didn¡¯t understand what happened.


    After dinner, she went upstairs with Huanhuan.


    After the bath, the mother and daughter lay on the bed, and Huanhuan couldn¡¯t help but ask her: "Mom, are you unhappy?"


    "Huh? A little bit!"


    Qin Mu glanced at Huanhuan and then hugged her while looking at the ceiling.


    Sometimes the two seemed to understand each other very well, but at times they couldn¡¯t see through each other at all, and Qin Mu felt a bit suffocated.


    "Dad seems unhappy too, Mom, I have a good idea!"


    Huanhuan suddenly became shy.


    Qin Mu turned her head to look at her: "What good idea?"


    For some reason, she couldn¡¯t help but want to smile; a little girl even wanted to give her advice.


    "Mom can play a kissing game with Dad!"


    Huanhuan suddenly said this and then shyly covered her little face.


    Qin Mu...


    Thought to herself, this kid is acting beyond her age.


    But really, a kissing game might soothe the symptoms but not cure the root cause.


    Unless the key issue is resolved, everything else is merely seasoning.


    However, Qin Mu then looked down at Huanhuan and felt very moved¡ªHuanhuan was now giving her mother advice.


    In a blink, Huanhuan had grown up so much, from that little baby to now...


    Each and every moment, reminiscing about it, she thought, if she were to write down everything after Huanhuan was born, it would probably fill a very thick book.


    The air conditioning in the princess room was quite powerful, and Qin Mu pulled the light blanket over Huanhuan¡¯s shoulder a bit.


    After Huanhuan fell asleep, the room was quiet, and Qin Mu just lay beside her, keeping her company.


    Actually, Huanshuan was a bit sad that night when she told Qin Mu that seven kids in her class were sleeping on their own, and she also wanted to sleep by herself, but now, Qin Mu was quite used to being by Huanhuan¡¯s side.


    It seemed that when feeling empty inside, she especially wanted Huanhuan¡¯s company.


    When Mu Yichen came back, it was almost midnight, and Qin Mu was still tossing and turning in bed. Hearing his return, she immediately sat up.


    Mu Yichen thought she was already asleep. When he entered the room, a soft light was turned on. He glanced at the bed, then asked, "Not asleep yet?"


    "Hmm! Why did you come back so late?"


    Qin Mu asked, watching him head towards the bathroom.


    "Qiao Yi wasn¡¯t feeling great, so we chatted a bit longer."


    Qin Mu slowly leaned against the headboard, watching as his figure disappeared into the bathroom, and she sighed helplessly inside.


    He was getting quite fluent at giving her perfunctory responses.


    The room was so quiet it felt suffocating. Qin Mu looked up, and her long eyelashes fluttered upward like butterfly wings.


    He forgot to bring his pajamas, so after showering, he came out only wrapped in a towel, his muscular chest fully captured in her view as he approached her.


    Qin Mu had already picked out his pajamas and put them on his side of the bed. Mu Yichen looked down, then removed the towel and tossed it away, indifferent to her gaze as he casually put on a tank top and then shorts.


    Qin Mu then looked down at the ring on her hand and as soon as he lay down, she immediately pounced into his arms.


    Mu Yichen was completely unprepared for her sudden action, which startled him, but the next moment he was looking down at her.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t look at him, just held him and then closed her eyes to sleep.


    Mu Yichen then adopted the position she liked, with one arm around her and the other hand under his head, still thinking about some things.


    Later, when Qin Mu really fell asleep, he found himself unable to sleep at all.


    Watching her turn over with her back to him, Mu Yichen¡¯s eyebrows twitched slightly, then he just lay there staring at the ceiling again.


    Qiao Yi said they had reached the seven-year itch, but they hadn¡¯t even been married for five years.


    ¡ª¡ª


    In the morning, raindrops pitter-pattered against the windowsill, wetting the originally clean window.


    The grass and trees outside were all cleansed and watered.


    Qin Mu had a dream and suddenly got inspired; she didn¡¯t even wash her face before rushing to the study to draw a design.


    After waking up, Mu Yichen habitually reached for her side of the bed, and only when he felt she wasn¡¯t there did he slowly open his eyes, still frowning.


    She was not there.


    He got up and looked to the other side.


    The room was quiet, she wasn¡¯t in the bathroom.


    So early...


    He squinted outside, then threw off the covers and got out of bed.


    After breakfast, Qin Mu went to the studio. While looking for something in the bedroom, she suddenly saw that bag in the deepest part of the closet.


    It was a suit she had planned to give to Mu Yichen.


    Her gaze flickered as she asked herself, "How many years has it been!"


    This suit had been with her for too many years.


    He had complained to her more than once for not designing suits for him.


    She also thought of giving it away more than once, but...


    Now the suit was still lying in her own wardrobe.


    "Mu Yichen!"


    Her lips parted slightly, and those three words came out as an exclamation.


    She bent her head and thought for a while, then looked up to find the necklace she needed, closed the closet, and left.


    Xiaomei ran upstairs from below: "Mrs. Wang has been waiting for a long time, did you find it?"


    "Mm!"


    Qin Mu handed the necklace to Xiaomei, who then bustled downstairs with it, and Qin Mu followed behind casually.


    Mrs. Wang¡¯s neck seemed a bit thick, but she didn¡¯t disdain herself and actually felt quite beautiful.


    After putting on her evening dress and adding the necklace, she couldn¡¯t help but touch her own neck and boast: "Oh my, I have never felt my neck this fair and tender before."


    Watching from the side, the staff members were almost unable to restrain their laughter, but everyone¡¯s professionalism was quite good, and they just stood by with the best-looking posture.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t go downstairs later, she watched for a while from the stairs, and seeing Mrs. Wang so happy, she didn¡¯t go down to greet her anymore but turned back upstairs.


    Xiaomei and another female colleague entertained Mrs. Wang so well that when Mrs. Wang left, she wore their evening dress and even said, "Oh my, I was planning to wait for your delivery, but they asked me to get ready an hour earlier on short notice, so I thought I wouldn¡¯t bother you all and came by myself. I didn¡¯t expect you to even spend a necklace on me, please thank your boss for me."


    "You have been our valued customer for a long time, no need to be polite, please!"


    Xiaomei said to her graciously, then walked forward to open the back door of her private car for her.


    Mrs. Wang, pleased with the treatment, nodded at them and then got into the car, not forgetting to wave to the two of them with presidential-lady-like dignity from inside the car.


    "Oh my!"


    After sending Mrs. Wang off, Xiaomei was emotional for a long time, sometimes she really felt she wasn¡¯t quite like a woman, no wonder Zhao Huai wanted to be "brothers" with her.


    However, just as Xiaomei and her colleague were about to go inside, they saw the blue Porsche parked at their studio¡¯s doorstep again.


    Li Yu took off his sunglasses and looked at the two girls who turned their heads to look at him: "Is Qin Mu here?"


    "She is!"


    Xiaomei was first taken aback, then nodded blankly.


    ¡ª¡ª


    At night, Qin Mu said to Mu Yichen after returning home: "Li Yu asked me to star in a commercial."

 Chapter 840 - 237 The Seven Year Itch?

    Chapter 840: 237 The Seven Year Itch?


    "I¡¯ve agreed!"


    Qin Mu looked up and responded calmly to Mu Yichen, who stood by her side watching her intently.


    "Since you¡¯ve already made up your mind, do you still need to report to me?"


    Mu Yichen nodded and then questioned her further.


    The bedroom contained just the two of them, yet it felt suffocatingly tight.


    Qin Mu sat on the sofa, lowered her head, and eagerly flipped through a magazine, while Mu Yichen stood at the window looking into the dim courtyard.


    The room was silent, the dissatisfaction between them quietly spreading.


    "Can¡¯t we stop this, please? It¡¯s tiring for us, and the elders are worried too. Didn¡¯t you always support me before?"


    After thinking for a bit, Qin Mu put down the magazine, turned her head, and asked him while staring at his rigid back.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s gaze, which was focused on the downstairs, grew gradually more indifferent. Support?


    His support in exchange for her alienation¡ªif that were the case, he would rather he had never supported her.


    He turned his head to look at her; in those dark eyes, there was no allowance for her resistance.


    Qin Mu kept looking at him too; the two were separated by a distance, yet neither was willing to take the first step forward.


    "I regret it!"


    Suddenly, Mu Yichen spoke up.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart, with a thud, felt like a bullet had pierced her chest, then hit the distant wall and fell to the ground, the sound clear and forceful.


    He left her sight; she heard the door slam shut forcefully; she could hear his footsteps, one by one, on the floors of the house and also upon the tips of her heart.


    Her heart, suddenly in pain, the blood flowing incessantly.


    She tilted her head back, but the tears still fell, flooding out.


    The room remained silent, save for her occasional sobs.


    Later, she lowered her head and curled up on the sofa, hugging herself.


    Their love had survived so many third parties, but had it lost to time?


    The Mu Yichen who once stood from afar and watched her progress, was now nowhere to be seen.


    They could still cooperate tacitly in bed, yet in life, they could not continue?


    That night, he did not return home again.


    That night, she was sleepless.


    Come morning¡¯s first light, Qin Mu drove away from home, not wanting to face the interrogation of the elders at breakfast; she had no words to offer.


    Right now, all she wanted was to be alone and calm down.


    So she went hiking by herself, to vent her emotions.


    Xiaomei, after starting her workday, saw an unread message on her phone sent by Qin Mu, stating she would take a day off.


    Xiaomei was momentarily puzzled but then suddenly remembered that Li Yu had come over the day before.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qiao Yi and Zhao Huai knew Li Yu fancied Qin Mu, but seeing his dejection in his office that day, they could not help but feel restless.


    "If all else fails, just cut off the guy¡¯s financial path, it¡¯s just a studio he¡¯s opened. What¡¯s so great about that? Why should it bother you so much?"


    Qiao Yi suggested.


    "Qiao Yi is right. That Li Yu, he might have some say in the entertainment industry, but in front of you, what is he?"


    "If I were to use despicable means to make him go bankrupt, then what does that make me?"


    Mu Yichen asked with a cold voice, lifting his dark eyes to look at his dear brothers.


    Qiao Yi and Zhao Huai involuntarily gasped.


    That would be worse than a beast! Bullying someone who is a small actor without any backing, how could that count for anything?


    If Mu Yichen were to cause Li Yu¡¯s studio to shut down, it was clear what people would think and how they would berate and despise Mu Yichen once they knew the truth.


    But if he did nothing, and just watched on...


    Qiao Yi and Zhao Huai exchanged glances and then both lowered their heads, not sure how to proceed.


    "Yichen, why don¡¯t you talk to Xiaomu and ask her not to see that Li Yu anymore? Wouldn¡¯t that settle it?"


    Zhao Huai proposed another idea.


    But, what if it was her who chose to see Li Yu?


    But, what if it was Li Yu who was pursuing her?


    Qin Mu had never taken the initiative.


    Mu Yichen suddenly remembered how he used to be chased by others, realizing he lacked even half the nonchalance that Qin Mu possessed¡ªwas it because he loved her more deeply?


    Or was it because he lacked her rationality?


    He had held onto his phone all day, waiting for even a single WeChat message from her, but there was nothing.


    Feng Fanghua called him to ask what was going on, why neither of them were home so early in the morning, and he found himself unable to provide an explanation.


    She wanted to progress to greater heights, yet, he was afraid she would fly too high and slip away from his side.


    He could move heaven and earth to bring everything she wanted in front of her; in reality, she didn¡¯t need to strive so hard.

 Chapter 841 - 237 The Seven Year Itch?_2

    Chapter 841: 237 The Seven Year Itch?_2


    But...


    He turned his head to look at the gigantic screen in front of him.


    "Xiaomei said Xiaomu didn¡¯t go to work today."


    Zhao Huai was looking down at his mobile phone, suddenly there was a sound in the quiet air.


    Qiao Yi turned his head to look at the phone screen in his hand.


    Mu Yichen also turned his head and stared at him.


    Zhao Huai shrugged helplessly: "If you two keep this up, you¡¯re not going to end up getting divorced, are you?"


    "I heard that nowadays married couples can¡¯t make it past seven years before they itch, seems like it starts at three?"


    Qiao Yi said and even gave Mu Yichen a curious look, after all, being unmarried himself, he had no idea what the three-year itch actually felt like.


    Mu Yichen did not speak, just lowered his head again to look at his phone.


    He could endure for twenty years, how could he not make it through three?


    He didn¡¯t know where Qin Mu had gone, and for the first time since her return to the city, he did not look for her when he didn¡¯t know where she was.


    He always had a feeling telling him that she wouldn¡¯t make her family worry, that she would naturally come back when it gets dark.


    Just like last night, she was worried that the elders would be anxious about them, so she suggested they get along well.


    After Zhao Huai and Qiao Yi went out, they stood by the secretary¡¯s desk chatting with Secretary Xi. Qiao Yi said: "Keep a good eye on him, he¡¯s a bit out of it."


    "Secretary Xi, do you think Yichen will divorce Xiaomu?"


    Zhao Huai had one hand in his pocket while fiddling with the pen on her desk, asking her.


    Secretary Xi unconsciously thought of the saying, ¡¯the emperor is not in a hurry but the eunuch is.¡¯


    "Isn¡¯t that a bit exaggerated? It wasn¡¯t easy for the two of them to get together."


    That¡¯s what Secretary Xi thought and also her heartfelt wish.


    If even the boss got divorced, she really wouldn¡¯t believe in love anymore.


    She looked at Qiao Yi and naturally felt insecure about him.


    Seeing her look, Qiao Yi panicked and shivered: "Hey, don¡¯t associate their issues with us."


    "You guys?"


    Zhao Huai was taken aback upon hearing this.


    Qiao Yi didn¡¯t say much, just suddenly put his arm around his shoulder: Let¡¯s go, have a smoke.


    Once smoking was mentioned, Zhao Huai didn¡¯t ask further and followed him. Secretary Xi looked on but couldn¡¯t help sighing, then turned her head to see the door of the president¡¯s office being opened.


    "Boss!"


    "Hmm! Cancel tonight¡¯s engagement."


    He came out for a moment, watching the two figures walking away, then reminded Secretary Xi again.


    "Okay!"


    Secretary Xi subconsciously agreed, but after Mu Yichen entered the office, she thought about the two people for tonight¡¯s engagement and immediately wished she could smack herself.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qin Mu picked up Huanhuan from kindergarten in the afternoon and then drove home.


    The old couple at home were discussing their affairs, guessing whether they would fight tonight.


    "If they start fighting tonight, should we intervene or not?"


    Feng Fanghua asked Mu Zihao.


    Mu Zihao lifted his eyes and smiled at her: "What¡¯s there to intervene? It should be resolved quickly, we¡¯ll just enjoy the show."


    Feng Fanghua nodded: Right, we better not interfere too much and just enjoy the show.


    Qin Mu felt embarrassed to walk in, but Huanhuan ran inside happily.


    "Grandma, Grandpa, I¡¯m back!"


    Huanhuan ran inside, startling both elders, forcing Qin Mu to emerge from behind and look at the two people on the sofa inside: "Mom, Dad, we¡¯re back!"


    Her smile was extremely proper, which was why it was somewhat strange.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao both awkwardly lowered their heads, thinking, they must have heard, right?


    "Was the studio not busy today?"


    Mu Zihao feigned calm as he looked up to chat with her.


    "Hmm! I didn¡¯t go to the studio today, went mountain climbing instead."


    When Qin Mu sat down, she told them.


    "Mountain climbing?"


    Feng Fanghua asked her, puzzled.


    "Yes! It¡¯s that mountain to the east, it was my first time there, and it¡¯s really beautiful."


    Qin Mu nodded, explaining.


    "Mount Touyuan, huh! That mountain has been developed, of course it¡¯s beautiful. But next time you go climbing, head to the southeast. That mountain is untouched and completely natural; that¡¯s real beauty, especially in this season. Going there is a sure bet."


    "Okay, I¡¯ll go there tomorrow!"


    Qin Mu really did climb another mountain the very next day.


    Feeling consistently suppressed, the only means of venting she could think of was mountain climbing.


    When Jian Yan sent her a video call, she went to the study, then sat behind the desk sipping tea while discussing design drafts with Jian Yan.


    She drew a few designs to get Jian Yan¡¯s feedback, and when Jian Yan had some free time in the evening, he video called Qin Mu.


    But it was already midnight in Paris, after discussing official business, Qin Mu asked him: "Are you still staying up so late? Didn¡¯t we agree not to stay up late anymore?"


    "How is it possible not to stay up late? You know me!"


    Jian Yan said, lifting his hand that was holding the cigarette to massage his forehead.


    It was also at this moment that Qin Mu noticed he was smoking.


    "Jian Yan, haven¡¯t we discussed this many times? Stop smoking, stop smoking. Do you think you¡¯re living too well? Or do you actually like staying in the hospital?"


    Unable to hold back, Qin Mu repeatedly questioned him. Hearing this, Jian Yan drew a puff of his cigarette, then stubbed the remaining unsmoked part into the ashtray next to him. His dark eyes fixed on the stubborn apprentice on the video: "Is it because you can¡¯t control Mu Yichen, so you come to control your teacher?"


    The moment Qin Mu heard the name Mu Yichen, she suddenly found herself speechless.


    She, control Mu Yichen?


    Ha!


    Mu Yichen was actually standing outside the door at the moment, overhearing the conversation inside. He didn¡¯t enter as usual to interrupt but stood with his head bowed, leaning against the door, waiting for the chat to end.


    When Qin Mu came out, she saw his white shirt and his silhouette. Then, feigning composure, she asked, "Why are you standing here?"


    "Didn¡¯t you go to work today?"


    He just asked this one question.


    "Oh! Yes!"


    Qin Mu said nothing more, lowered her head, and walked out, intending to go downstairs.


    Let¡¯s just muddle along like this!


    After all, this family shouldn¡¯t fall apart just yet.


    Mu Yichen casually followed behind her as she headed downstairs.


    The older couple had Huanhuan waiting beside the stairwell; as soon as she saw the two of them coming down, she immediately ran to the sofa, shouting: "Daddy, Mommy are coming down, they¡¯re coming down!"


    Both people on the stairs heard it. Qin Mu laughed helplessly, then walked over happily.


    Mu Yichen still showed no emotion, later just sitting silently on the side.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao actually felt a bit disappointed with their son this time, as if their son was no longer the young man who had once been willing to go to a foreign country for love.


    That night, the two of them lay in the same bed, yet nothing happened.


    The room was so quiet that it was awkward. Qin Mu didn¡¯t even look at her phone, just took a bath, went to bed, and lay down to sleep.


    Mu Yichen, on the other hand, leaned against the headboard, seriously staring at his phone.


    It wasn¡¯t until much later that Mu Yichen turned his gaze toward the person sleeping beside him.


    In his dark eyes, there was an obvious concern for the woman sleeping.


    ----


    The next day, Qin Mu went with Li Yu to the studio for a shampoo advertisement shoot. Just as they changed clothes and came out, Secretary Xi, accompanied by Qiao Yi, came to visit the set, holding a big bouquet of roses.


    The two of them stood to one side and watched as Li Yu and Qin Mu emerged from changing clothes, and they both couldn¡¯t help but feel displeased. Secretary Xi immediately stood between them, separating them.


    "Madam, the CEO had to go out today and couldn¡¯t visit the set, so he specifically had me and Qiao Yi come over. These roses were also personally selected by the CEO."

 Chapter 842 - 238 Big Baby

    Chapter 842: 238 Big Baby


    "Did he go out? Where to?"


    Qin Mu held Flower in her arms, feeling somewhat relieved, and asked quietly the secretary Xi.


    "Lin City!"


    The secretary Xi was momentarily taken aback, then blurted out two words and nodded vigorously.


    Qiao Yi stood aside, not speaking, just watching Li Yu discussing the setting with the crew, and he frowned slightly.


    Yes, if we forcibly break the wings of this spirited, striving young man, we might secure Mu Yichen¡¯s woman, but possibly lose the heart of the woman, as well as the hearts of all the city¡¯s residents.


    "Oh!"


    Qin Mu responded, then smiled and told them, "If you have other matters, go ahead, we are about to start too."


    "The shampoo you are shooting now, I will definitely keep using it in the future."


    The secretary Xi couldn¡¯t help but whisper in her ear, with a slightly red face.


    "Really? Then I can ask the producer for more money."


    Qin Mu also lowered her voice, finished chatting with the secretary Xi, patted her shoulder, then turned to put Flower on the sofa, and went to find Li Yu.


    However, by the time she was already filming with Li Yu, the secretary Xi and Qiao Yi were still standing there.


    Li Yu, with his back to the camera, in a scene where the female lead slips and is saved by the male lead, embraced Qin Mu¡¯s waist and whispered to her: Is he your husband¡¯s spy?


    Qin Mu¡¯s face was supposed to be fearful, so her expression was quite apt at the moment.


    "It seems your husband really keeps a tight watch on you, still arranging surveillance on you even when he¡¯s away."


    "He just cares about me too much!"


    Qin Mu muttered softly as he helped her up.


    Li Yu couldn¡¯t help but take an extra look at her, because as she spoke about Mu Yichen caring about her, Li Yu felt she cared about Mu Yichen even more.


    Generally, only when someone cares deeply about another, would they describe the faults of that person as care to others.


    Later, an assistant helped buy coffee, Qin Mu took a couple of sips, then took two extra cups to give to Qiao Yi and the secretary Xi.


    They were already a bit thirsty, and took the coffee without hesitation.


    They just stood there, enduring the curious glances from others while drinking the coffee.


    Qin Mu, holding the coffee, glanced at them composedly, and said in a voice only the two of them could hear: "Finish this coffee and go back. If Mu Yi sent you to spy on me, tell him, I despise his pettiness."


    The secretary Xi held the coffee cup to her lips and did not move it away, her gaze flickered.


    Qiao Yi, however, looked at Qin Mu somewhat distressed, and finally whispered softly, "Yichen is just worried about you."


    "I believe that, but when did he become so unconfident? He could leave me alone in Paris in the past, now that I¡¯m grown up, what is there not to trust?"


    Qin Mu asked.


    All three of them lowered their heads, each absorbed in their thoughts.


    At this time, the gazes and understandings of others were not so important for the three of them.


    "We¡¯ll leave after finishing the coffee."


    Qin Mu reminded again, then turned back to join Li Yu and the director.


    The secretary Xi couldn¡¯t help but comment sarcastically: "We don¡¯t seem to be of any help."


    "Let¡¯s go back!"


    Qiao Yi thought for a moment; Qin Mu is rational and knows what she wants, such an objective and wise person, how could she be confused by emotions?


    As Qin Mu said, Mu Yichen had left her alone for so long, and she never sought another man.


    Is it that those men were not good enough?


    As Qiao Yi walked out, he suddenly embraced the secretary Xi¡¯s shoulder.


    The secretary Xi still held the coffee, looked up at him, "What are you doing all of a sudden?"


    "Would you be willing to walk with me for twenty years without any title, just because I like you?"


    Qiao Yi suddenly asked her seriously, his eyes also shining.


    The secretary Xi suddenly couldn¡¯t speak, her breath also a bit irregular, just gazing at him dreamily, was this a confession?


    Was he finally willing to say he liked her?


    "I¡¯m not willing!"


    The secretary Xi, snapping back to reality, refused him, then lowered her head and walked ahead.


    She wasn¡¯t willing, after another twenty years she¡¯d be fifty years old, her youth already gone, she needed to hurry to get married, have children, and then endure the exhausting life after marriage.


    Qiao Yi, holding the coffee, idly moved a finger to scratch his brow, then walked forward to catch up with her.


    Meanwhile, the filming studio continued the unfinished advertisement.


    The shampoo advertisement seemed always cringy, a man and a woman meet, due to the same scent, because of the same disdain, because of accidentally touching the woman¡¯s hair, and then feeling right, eyes meet, and then...

 Chapter 843 - 238 Big Baby_2

    Chapter 843: 238 Big Baby_2


    Advertising just easily confuses people.


    After the commercial was shot, the director told her, "You might be the queen of commercial ratings this year."


    "If there¡¯s money in it, I might accept."


    Qin Mu changed back into her own clothes, and, carrying her bag, came out from inside. The director was waiting for her and then brought up business, "How about we collaborate again when you¡¯re free? The price is negotiable."


    "That¡¯s not impossible."


    Qin Mu adjusted her bag strap again, suddenly remembering her own studio.


    "Oh? Since you¡¯ve agreed, then I¡¯ll definitely be giving you a call."


    Li Yu chatted with his assistant from the studio for a bit. Seeing Qin Mu leaving, he also slowly approached.


    "Actually, I¡¯ve come to ask Director Zhang for help. We¡¯ve collaborated twice before, I have great confidence in Director Zhang, and in myself too. Our JY has just established itself in Rongcheng. Actually, I¡¯d like the director to shoot a commercial for us at JY, and for the female artist, I¡¯d like to invite Wen Runuan, as for the male artist..."


    Qin Mu said, raising her eyes towards Li Yu, who immediately became nervous.


    Qin Mu smiled slightly: "Let Wen Runuan recommend someone, she¡¯s very familiar with our brand."


    Li Yu...


    "This matter, then, we really need to talk it over in detail."


    "Then, when the director is free, I¡¯ll treat, how about at AM?"


    Qin Mu asked again.


    "Sure! Once I¡¯m done with my things in these few days, we¡¯ll have a good talk."


    The director extended his hand, and Qin Mu sincerely shook it.


    "Then I¡¯ll be leaving first!"


    Qin Mu bid farewell.


    "Alright! Then, could Mr. Li see Miss Qin off for me?"


    The director knew Li Yu¡¯s little intentions, so he looked towards Li Yu.


    Li Yu clapped him on the shoulder and then saw Qin Mu off.


    "Why not directly mention me?"


    "How would you know I¡¯d choose you? You know, you are currently making my life miserable."


    In the parking lot, as Qin Mu was about to open the car door, he stopped her with one hand on the door, asking.


    Qin Mu glanced at him, smiling as she answered.


    "If your husband had confidence in your relationship, he wouldn¡¯t need to worry about such a minor person like me, right?"


    "Honestly, if it weren¡¯t for some recent circumstances, I wouldn¡¯t be collaborating with you."


    Li Yu looked at her, hurt by her frankness.


    "It seems I¡¯ll have to fight for Sister Runuan¡¯s favor myself."


    "Good luck!"


    Qin Mu genuinely encouraged him.


    Li Yu sighed helplessly, letting go of his grip.


    And reluctantly opened the car door for Qin Mu.


    "Thank you!"


    Qin Mu got into the car, expressing her thanks.


    Li Yu closed the car door for her and watched her drive away, then thought that he should really have a proper talk with Wen Runuan.


    If he could secure this advertisement for JY, he would then have an excuse to approach her in the future.


    After receiving a call from the director, Wen Runuan also called Qin Mu, who was sketching in her studio. Receiving Wen Runuan¡¯s call, she only then put down her pencil after two hours, one hand on her neck, leaning back in the chair she said: "The matter of the male actor, you handle it yourself, no need to ask me."


    "Li Yu just also called me, saying he wants to treat me to a meal, honestly, what do you think about Li Yu?"


    "That depends on how much money he asks for."


    Because she couldn¡¯t afford too high a price, even if she had taken on this advertisement, the current better male actors, especially those as fresh as him, their prices are very high.


    "So, you didn¡¯t directly choose him because of the money? Then how did you know I wouldn¡¯t demand too much?"


    "From now on, your fashion, our JY will cover it."


    Qin Mu spoke generously, which was the only thing she could offer.


    "People who don¡¯t know would really think you¡¯re generous. I¡¯m a public figure, isn¡¯t it just promoting your brand?"


    Wen Runuan laughed, she was really fascinated by the JY brand, and since her relationship with Qin Mu was also good, she was naturally willing to help, just chatting playfully.


    "That¡¯s true, anyway, it¡¯s all me taking advantage of you! But you definitely have to help this time."


    Qin Mu clawed at her neck as she stood up: "Runuan, I¡¯ll leave it to you here first."


    Wen Runuan suddenly couldn¡¯t tease her anymore because she suddenly became serious.


    "Alright, I agree to this for you, sister. What are you doing? Why not come out for some tea?"


    "Not now, I¡¯m working on designing the gown you¡¯ll wear to Hollywood this year."


    "What? So early?"


    "Of course, the earlier the better, to keep the inspiration from slipping away."


    Facing Wen Runuan¡¯s surprise, Qin Mu was quite composed.


    "I¡¯ll ask Li Yu about it, but I guess he isn¡¯t planning to take your money. At most, he¡¯ll just have you cover the fashion during the contract period."


    "Although I seem to be his type, when it comes to money, I¡¯m not that confident."


    At this point, Qin Mu still sighed helplessly.


    Using beauty to get help with advertising, if she was confident enough, she would definitely do it.


    The reason why she¡¯s scrambling to raise money is simply to make JY the largest direct-sales brand in Rongcheng.


    Previously, she thought developing a city into an international brand was difficult, but later understood that being international and trying to develop across the entire city isn¡¯t easy either.


    After hanging up the phone, she received a message from Mu Yichen: What time will you be home?


    Qin Mu thought for a moment and called him.


    Standing by the window, looking at the mountains and waters outside, she thought about how Jing Qing had wanted to buy their studio for a high price, and it was Mu Yichen who allowed her to flourish here.


    "Isn¡¯t President Mu in Lin City? Do you still have time to care when I will be home?"


    Qin Mu asked calmly, her sharp apricot eyes softly gazing at the beautiful scenery.


    "Who told you I¡¯m in Lin City?"


    Mu Yichen asked again, unconsciously looking towards the man sitting opposite him.


    Qiao Yi looked around as if he heard nothing, raising his eyes.


    Qin Mu lowered her eyes but her lips were slightly curved.


    Actually, those interesting deceptions are not important.


    "Forgot to bring the flowers back, will you buy them again?"


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Mu asked him, suddenly feeling regretful that she had forgotten to carry the beautifully blooming bouquet of roses when leaving.


    Mu Yichen lowered his head and answered.


    "Then I¡¯ll hang up, I¡¯ll be home around five."


    Qin Mu raised her hand, glanced at the time on her wristwatch and said.


    "Okay!"


    After Mu Yichen hung up, he got up. Qiao Yi was still sitting on the sofa, watching him grasp his car keys and leave. He couldn¡¯t help calling out, "Aren¡¯t we having a gathering tonight?"


    "No time!"


    Mu Yichen said indifferently, and the door closed.


    Qiao Yi sat on the sofa, his hands spread out to the sides, and it was a long time before he breathed a powerless sigh.


    A perfectly good man could be tortured to death by love, after all.


    Mu Yichen went to the flower shop, bought flowers, and then drove home.


    Qin Mu packed the unfinished designs into her bag, even if they were in a tiff, she would still have him do things for her.


    Qin Mu thought, perhaps only in this way, could they continue together.


    Perhaps, this is how a simple life begins.


    Xiaomei saw her leaving work early and asked her: "Do you have a date?"


    "No date, just President Mu summoning me to come home early."


    Qin Mu glanced up slightly, finished speaking, and couldn¡¯t help but laugh, then strode outside.


    President Mu?


    Xiaomei mentally teased her, President Mu must be a term used for flirting, right? Maybe at home, she calls him little Yichen or little baby...


    Oh! No! It must be big baby with President Mu!


    Xiaomei thought and couldn¡¯t help laughing foolishly.


    ¡ª¡ª


    When Qin Mu got home and parked her car, Mu Yichen¡¯s car was parked next to hers.

 Chapter 844 - 239 symbolizes love

    Chapter 844: 239 symbolizes love


    He held a big bouquet of roses in his hands, his tall stature leaning against the car, his dark eagle eyes fixedly watching her come out of the car.


    After Qin Mu came out, she glanced at him across the car then quietly shifted her gaze away, looking towards what was in his arms, then walked around the front of the car with her bag on her back.


    The setting sun was infinitely beautiful, and the weather was not too stifling. They stood at just the right distance from each other.


    When Qin Mu took the flowers, Mu Yichen bent down to take her bag, but his dark eyes kept watching where her gaze lingered.


    "Not bad, but not as fresh as in the morning."


    Qin Mu gently plucked a petal, twirling it as she looked in the direction of the setting sun, then tossed the petal away and turned to walk inside.


    The red petal dazzled in the sunlight, stunningly beautiful.


    She dared not linger and walked briskly inside.


    Mu Yichen gave a helpless chuckle, not as fresh as this morning?


    He had put so much effort into picking these fine roses.


    Roses symbolize love, yet she still found fault with them.


    This woman really is...


    Not romantic at all.


    Mu Yichen put his hands behind his back, holding her bag and slowly followed her.


    But his expensive head was bowed, step by step, slowly, as if walking exactly where she had stepped.


    Qin Mu returned to the room with the flowers. The old couple hadn¡¯t come back from picking up Huanhuan, so Qin Mu handed the flowers to the maid as she played with her son, "Please help me put these in the study."


    Qin Mu gave the instruction.


    The maid nodded, taking the flowers with one hand while Qin Mu just then scooped Chengcheng into her arms.


    "By the way, madam, the lady said over the phone she won¡¯t be coming home tonight, she is at the pharmaceutical factory."


    The maid remembered the important news.


    "Okay!" Qin Mu agreed and cradled Chengcheng in her arms.


    The little fellow, upon seeing her, stretched out his arms happily, patting her shoulder and accidentally hit her face.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but close her eyes, almost poked in the eye.


    Mu Yichen hurried over: "How could you be so careless?"


    "What¡¯s the matter?"


    Qin Mu, seeing his suddenly stern expression, curiously looked at him and asked.


    Mu Yichen took Chengcheng and put him into a nearby stroller, then pulled her hand towards the restroom on the first floor.


    A red mark!


    Not deep, just the kind you would notice at a glance.


    But his expression was very grave.


    "It¡¯s nothing! Chengcheng was just too happy!"


    She hadn¡¯t felt much pain at the moment, so she didn¡¯t think it would leave a mark.


    "Don¡¯t move!"


    Mu Yichen washed his hands, his slightly cool fingers gently wiping the injured spot.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t dare move, but because of his sudden closeness, her nose suddenly felt a bit sour.


    It was always like this, suddenly distant, then suddenly so close.


    Qin Mu thought, would one day she go mad from his torment?


    After all, he had quite a knack for tormenting people.


    She held her breath, letting his fingertips caress the injured spot, her eyes and brows downcast.


    Mu Yichen, seeing it was not a big deal, wanted to apply a band-aid, but fearing that doing it now might hinder the healing, he didn¡¯t apply it and said, "Be careful not to apply skin care products here for now."


    "Mm!"


    Qin Mu agreed, but her voice was silent.


    Mu Yichen then lowered his gaze, seeing her slightly reddened face.


    His fingers traced her cheekbone down to her chin, pinching lightly and lifting slightly.


    "Why are you keeping your head down?"


    Qin Mu had a few retorts in mind, but ultimately she said none of them.


    He had not been speaking properly to her these past few days.


    The things she was doing were all opposed by him.


    Mu Yichen suddenly felt like kissing her, as if it had been several days since they last kissed.


    But just as he was about to do so, she suddenly dodged backwards.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hands suddenly lost her warmth, as Qin Mu escaped from beside him.


    And Mu Yichen stood dazed in the restroom, unmoving for a long time.


    This woman really is very disobedient!


    He had hoped for a dinner just for the two of them, but the kitchen had also prepared food for Chengcheng, and although the maid offered to help feed, Qin Mu didn¡¯t allow it.


    Actually, Qin Mu had no appetite; she had drunk two cups of coffee in the afternoon which hadn¡¯t digested yet, and looking at him, she suddenly didn¡¯t know how to swallow.


    It wasn¡¯t dislike! It was the lack of a method to respond.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao indeed hadn¡¯t brought Huanhuan back; Huanhuan was super happy there.


    Qin Mu thought of their cozy little home in the pharmaceutical factory and couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit envious.


    Would their apartment be their cozy little home in the future?


    Or, do they not have a future at all?


    At night, naturally, she was cuddling Chengcheng to sleep, while Mu Yichen lay on the sofa scrolling through his phone.

 Chapter 845 - 239 symbolizes love

    Chapter 845: 239 symbolizes love


    Qin Mu thought about how in the past he would lie behind her, or behind Huanhuan.


    But now...


    Well, it doesn¡¯t matter, having this little one is enough to keep her warm.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but think that she had to earn lots and lots of money for her son and daughter, and that she would strive to provide them with the best future possible.


    As for the rest, let it be up to fate.


    Mu Yichen, he was her twist of fate.


    Later, she also fell asleep, and Mu Yichen lying on the couch felt his neck ache and his body somewhat stiff.


    Upon getting up and turning his head, he saw the mother and child motionless on the bed and couldn¡¯t help but frown.


    When he went to the bed and saw that the two of them were asleep, he couldn¡¯t help but scoff, rueing that he had been waiting for her to let him into bed.


    Yet, there she was, sleeping so heartlessly and carefree.


    Then he remembered that his parents were not at home, and he did not take Chengcheng away, but had to lie down next to the mother and child.


    He really hated the feeling of three people squeezing into one bed.


    But after his annoyance, looking at the two most important people in his life, he suddenly felt secure.


    He hoped that no matter what happened, she would always be in this house.


    As long as she can¡¯t let go of this home, things won¡¯t go too badly.


    The next day Qin Mu took Chengcheng to the studio, and Xiaomei, excited to hold Chengcheng, saw the red marks on her face and couldn¡¯t help but cover her mouth: "Qinqin, what happened to your face?"


    Qin Mu had long forgotten about it and asked in confusion, "Hmm?"


    "How did you get hurt? It couldn¡¯t be Mr. Mu who..."


    Xiaomei covered her mouth, not daring to continue, thinking that Mr. Mu was so strong, if he decided to have domestic violence against Qin Mu, wouldn¡¯t it have been a matter of minutes?


    Could it be that they¡¯ve been married so long that they¡¯ve lost affection and started edging towards domestic violence?


    No! It¡¯s already domestic violence!


    "Mr. Mu what? Chengcheng accidentally scratched me, why are you making such a fuss?"


    Qin Mu explained the situation to her and then looked at Xiaomei who seemed to be enduring pain and asked.


    Xiaomei dared not speak, thinking if you don¡¯t want to say it I¡¯ll pretend I don¡¯t know, then went to hug Qin Mu: "Our Qinqin has suffered!"


    Qin Mu...


    This girl really knows how to add drama to herself.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t bother with her, seeing that everyone came to see Chengcheng, she went upstairs first, not forgetting to remind: "Can you give my son some air, please?"


    After Qin Mu finished talking and everyone finally remembered this, she went upstairs.


    The colleagues were fascinated with the baby until noon.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t want to go out to eat, so she asked them to bring back food for her. She took the opportunity to mix formula milk for Chengcheng, but the little guy didn¡¯t seem to want to wake up, his little mouth moving nonetheless.


    Qin Mu shook the formula milk and then gently picked him up from the baby carriage.


    Just when the nipple almost touched his lips, Chengcheng began to feed without even opening his eyes.


    He seemed drowsy at first, but after eating, he suddenly became energetic.


    Qin Mu laughed helplessly: "This little guy!"


    Unable to proceed with drawing, she held him and went to the room, where mother and child lay on the bed and played.


    Chengcheng could now sit up on his own, and when Qin Mu deliberately moved the toy away, he could crawl over by himself and get the toy back to its original place.


    But there was a downside - he liked to chew on toys.


    No, it should be said that he puts whatever he gets in his mouth!


    This is probably the nature of a child?


    Qin Mu thought.


    After Xiaomei came back and took care of Chengcheng, Qin Mu herself was in the office eating and drawing. When Li Yu arrived, he saw her eating a mess of dishes from a takeout box and couldn¡¯t resist stepping forward to take the food away from her.


    Unable to find her food, Qin Mu turned her head, saw a blue fabric, and followed it up with her eyes, asking in confusion, "How come you¡¯re here?"


    "The money issue, if you don¡¯t have it, let it be, but do you have to be so hard on yourself?"


    Li Yu looked at the assorted leftover dishes and simply couldn¡¯t stand it.


    Was she really being so frugal over the ad revenue, eating leftover food?


    Once Qin Mu understood what he meant, she moved the dishes back in front of herself: "This is just food that Xiaomei and the others ordered for me to share, it¡¯s not leftovers. I just didn¡¯t want to go out, so I asked them to bring it back; nobody has touched it."


    Qin Mu explained, but since the food had gone cold, after taking a few bites she put the lid back on and left it there, pushing the rice aside. She pulled out a tissue to wipe her mouth, then lifted her eyes to him: "What are you doing here?"


    "What else can I do? Sister Runuan told me it¡¯s about the money, the money thing, you can pay me when you have it, you can¡¯t look for anyone else for the ad anyway."


    Li Yu¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t loud as he spoke, but his hands were in his pockets, his gaze aloft, seemingly a bit arrogant, and also... anxious.


    It was as if he was worried she wouldn¡¯t choose him, that¡¯s why he was so anxious.


    He knew Qin Mu had defenses set up everywhere, just to guard against him, so he tried not to overstep.


    It was quite fine like this; if she needed, he would give.


    He suddenly felt that their way of getting along was very good; she could guard against him, make use of him as much as she wanted.


    "Then, I¡¯ll owe you a favor, I¡¯ll repay you when I¡¯ve made it big."


    "When I treat you to a meal in the future, just don¡¯t refuse."


    Li Yu¡¯s gaze suddenly fixed on the faint red mark on her cheek.


    "What happened to your face?"


    He instinctively leaned in closer, his hand reaching out to touch her face.


    Qin Mu reflexively stepped back immediately.


    Her eyes were filled with immense nervousness, what did this man want to do?


    "Better to give you money when I have it! After all, a star¡¯s job in shooting ads is to make money. As for my face, my son accidentally scratched it."


    Qin Mu wanted to laugh, but his sudden movement made it impossible to do so, her eyes defensively following his un-retracted hand, and slowly she sat down again.


    Boundaries that should be set, must still be set.


    "Tell me the truth, was it Mu Yichen who did this?"


    Li Yu was anxiously concerned, his eyes full of worry for her.


    "Him hit me? He wouldn¡¯t hit me!"


    Qin Mu thought to herself, it¡¯s odd how everyone seemed to think she was a victim of domestic violence.


    Doesn¡¯t it seem likely that her son could scratch her?


    But Li Yu was forgivable; the most annoying was Xiaomei. When Huanhuan was little, he¡¯d often bite her or scratch her, and Xiaomei wouldn¡¯t say anything back then. But this time, Xiaomei acted so self-righteous; it was truly disappointing.


    "So what is up with your face? Did you hurt yourself by accident?"


    Li Yu didn¡¯t trust her, standing up straight, hands shoved in his pockets, a bit anxious.


    He feared that Mu Yichen was mistreating Qin Mu because of his presence - such TV dramas he had played in many times, watched many times as well.


    "That¡¯s not it, it was my son!"


    Qin Mu declared.


    She was clearly so serious.


    But Li Yu¡¯s eyes told her that she was lying.


    "You can choose to believe it or not, I won¡¯t elaborate further. As for the ad, I¡¯d thank you in advance if you agree to it, and I will pay you back the money in the future. How about for now, we say I owe you a favor?"


    Qin Mu spoke to him trying to be as diplomatic as possible.


    "Why repay later? Isn¡¯t there enough money at home to invite a few celebrities?"


    Mu Yichen also didn¡¯t know why he couldn¡¯t control himself today and ended up driving here.


    Just as before, when he was in Rongcheng, and she was in Paris, he told himself not to go looking for her, to wait for her to call, but every single time...


    He would book a ticket ahead of time, and eventually even bought a private jet just to see her.


    He thought that perhaps if Li Yu¡¯s car wasn¡¯t here, he might not have come up, but seeing Li Yu¡¯s car, he opened his car door and walked over.


    He went upstairs alone. Thanks to being familiar, no one stopped him. It was inadvertently at her doorway that he heard the conversation between Li Yu and Qin Mu, of course, he saw everything that needed to be seen.


    Mu Yichen walked in, the blackness of his hawk-like eyes filled with an authoritative air that brooked no questioning.

 Chapter 846 - 240 Do you think I hit her?

    Chapter 846: 240 Do you think I hit her?


    "Mu Yichen, you came at the perfect time. I just wanted to ask you, why do you treat her like this? Didn¡¯t you declare to the whole world that you love her? What about the injury on her face?"


    Upon hearing his voice, Li Yu turned around and saw him, those agile black eyes seemed to be choking his throat.


    The deep pools of Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes seemed to hurt him, but thinking of the injury on Qin Mu¡¯s face, he hardened his stance a few notches.


    Li Yu stammered slightly towards the end.


    Qin Mu was a bit bewildered by Li Yu¡¯s questioning.


    "What do you mean?"


    Originally, Mu Yichen disliked this Li Yu and did not want to bother with him, but Li Yu¡¯s words really confused him.


    "What do I mean? The injury on her face, are you saying it has nothing to do with you?"


    Li Yu raised his hand pointing at Qin Mu¡¯s face, his eyebrows tightly furrowed, staring straight at Mu Yichen as he interrogated him.


    Mu Yichen turned to look at Qin Mu, who also looked innocent. She hadn¡¯t said anything; it was all Li Yu¡¯s conjecture.


    Mu Yichen scoffed lowly, asking him: "Do you think I hit her?"


    "If not you, then who?"


    Li Yu squeezed out the words through his teeth, his eyes full of anger.


    "Kid, do you know when I would hit this woman?"


    Mu Yichen lifted his hand, suddenly feeling much better.


    Li Yu was stunned.


    Mu Yichen patted the wrinkles on his shoulder fabric in a friendly manner: "That would be..."


    "Mu Yichen, don¡¯t you dare nonsense!"


    Qin Mu, frightened, jumped out of the chair and went between the two.


    "What are you two trying to do?"


    Qin Mu first looked at them unhappily and asked.


    "I told you, it was my son who scratched, if he was to hit my face, wouldn¡¯t my face be swollen by now? Shouldn¡¯t it have swollen long ago?"


    Qin Mu then looked at Li Yu, sighed helplessly, explained patiently while pointing at her own face, nearly dead from frustration.


    Li Yu suddenly found himself unable to speak because what Qin Mu said was completely reasonable. And upon closer inspection, calming down, he noticed, aside from the scratch, there was nothing else on her face, not even a fingerprint. How could it have been from a slap?


    "Sorry!"


    Li Yu suddenly lowered his head, apologizing earnestly to Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak again, just gazed at his woman, thinking, did she only step in now because she was scared he would bring up that matter?


    Qin Mu looked at Mu Yichen in bewilderment; he hadn¡¯t been over for a long time, suddenly coming here, what trouble was he adding?


    "But speaking of work matters, Mr. Mu, do you really want to interfere?¡ªHowever, no matter what, I will strive for this advertisement, not just for Qin Mu, but for the studio as well!"


    After settling his mind, Li Yu asked Mu Yichen again, his gaze was calm now, stating his reasons for pursuing the advertisement. JY is internationally renowned, many famous celebrities have worn their clothes, but his company hasn¡¯t advertised domestically in recent years, so this advertisement is crucial.


    "Between husband and wife, of course, we can meddle in anything! As for what you¡¯re striving for, that¡¯s your business!"


    Mu Yichen said, then glanced meaningfully at Qin Mu beside him, casually hooking his arm around her shoulders.


    The two men locked eyes, though different in age and aura.


    Li Yu still managed a slight smile: "Alright! You and your wife discuss it. I¡¯ll take my leave."


    Knowing he shouldn¡¯t stay any longer, Li Yu turned and left first.


    Mu Yichen stood there, letting go of Qin Mu¡¯s arm, but remained unmoved for a long time.


    He had thought about talking to Li Yu, but Li Yu was not just any man, some men do not understand the extent of their reach, but Li Yu did.


    Mu Yichen knew Li Yu was an ambitious man, yet he still didn¡¯t think other men were worthy to covet his woman.


    Mu Yichen suddenly thought of Qin Mu, lowering his eyes to look at her.


    Qin Mu too looked at him in puzzlement, those big eyes seeming to question him.


    Mu Yichen lowered his head slightly, he was about to speak, but inadvertently looked at the lunch box on the table and frowned: "Is this all you¡¯re eating?"


    "Yes!¡ªBut, what were you really going to say just now?"


    Qin Mu turned to look at the cold food on the table, then raised her eyes to question him.


    "I was of course going to tell him the only time your man would hit you is... in bed!"


    Mu Yichen seriously delivered this line, Qin Mu¡¯s face flushed with heat, Mu Yichen was utterly¡ªshameless!


    She lowered her head, then circled around him and went back to sit behind the desk: "Anyway, don¡¯t meddle in my affairs!"

 Chapter 847 - 240 Do you think I hit her?_2

    Chapter 847: 240 Do you think I hit her?_2


    She no longer looked at him, stubbornly warning him.


    "Do you plan to owe him a favor? Don¡¯t you know what it means for a woman to owe a man a favor?"


    Mu Yichen stepped forward, one hand propping up the edge of the table, the other in his pocket.


    "What does it mean?"


    Qin Mu was genuinely curious, her big eyes glaring at him in a beautifully oblique line.


    "It means you¡¯re saying you could sleep with him."


    Mu Yichen helplessly uttered that sentence.


    Qin Mu...


    "Me, sleep with him? With that little physique of his?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, seriously questioning Yichen¡¯s reasoning.


    Li Yu was indeed handsome, but how could he compare with this man in front of her, so strong and powerful?


    Qin Mu immediately withdrew her gaze when she realized what she was thinking, but Mu Yichen continued to gaze at her, unable to pull his gaze away.


    Was that look she just gave meant to strip him naked?


    "Qin Mu, will you lift your head for me?"


    Mu Yichen commanded, feeling smug inside because of that fleeting glance from her.


    "Don¡¯t meddle in my affairs, I¡¯m very clear about my own position, nothing will happen between me and Li Yu."


    Qin Mu refused his help, then spread out the drawing paper again, nimbly twirling a pencil in her hand before preparing to draw.


    As she spoke those words, she unexpectedly recalled what Mu Yichen had once said to her, as if it was exactly the same.


    Mu Yichen pulled his other hand from his pocket, now both resting on the table edge, his eyes mixed with tolerance and helplessness, he gnashed his teeth and looked at her, asking, "Since when have my words stopped working on you?"


    "When Zhuo Wen used to be in our house, didn¡¯t you always tell me that there is nothing between you two as well? And what about some model? Why is it that I trust you whenever you say there¡¯s nothing between you and other women, but when it comes to me, I can¡¯t get even a bit of your trust?"


    Qin Mu raised her eyes to look at him, her sharp gaze as if saying, Yichen, this is your karma!


    "I get it! Mrs. Mu is taking her revenge!"


    He suddenly let out a laugh, his dark eyes staring straight at her for a few seconds, then forcefully knocked on the table with the back of his hand.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qin Mu only heard a loud bang, her heart almost leaping out.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s features suddenly turned cold, as if now there was nothing left to say, and he turned and walked away.


    His exit not only frightened Qin Mu, but as she looked up at his resolute figure, all other things in her vision were obscured by his tall frame, instantly blurring.


    It was as if where he stood, everything else was just a prop.


    Qin Mu heard her once firm heart crumbling bit by bit, and behind it, collapsing with a crash.


    The voice inside her scared her, unsure if it was right to be so defiant against him.


    Every time she opposed him, it was with trepidation.


    This time, it was heart-pounding.


    ¡ª¡ª


    As Mu Yichen descended the stairs, he saw Xiaomei playing with Chengcheng. Xiaomei saw him, was about to greet him, but was frightened by his cold expression and dared not make a sound.


    "Remind her to come home early!"


    Mu Yichen said just this one sentence, then he left.


    Xiaomei, holding Chengcheng, stood at the door watching him drive away. Chengcheng excitedly stretched out her arms, as if trying to reach for him, babbling unintelligibly, and Xiaomei couldn¡¯t understand what she was saying, just a bit worried about Qin Mu¡¯s relationship issues with Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen drove away, still pondering over her words on the road, why couldn¡¯t he trust her?


    It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t trust her, it was her, so foolish.


    Love is something that can¡¯t be helped; doesn¡¯t she understand?


    Perhaps she would mature with more experiences in the studio, but in matters of the heart, this girl who only has him is no different from a fool, susceptible to being deceived by other men at any moment.


    In the evening, Qin Mu finished work on time, of course, Xiaomei had told her about President Mu¡¯s words, and repeated them several times.


    Xiaomei seemed really afraid that Qin Mu would come home late, so she kept urging her to hurry back.


    Qin Mu really wanted to beat her up because Xiaomei¡¯s look was saying: "If you don¡¯t get home now, you¡¯re going to suffer domestic abuse again."


    At night, after Qin Mu had lulled Chengcheng to sleep, she placed him in the nursery, then went to her study to draw.


    The roses brought by President Mu were still on the desk, blooming nicely, she glanced at them and then prepared to work hard.


    Her phone rang once at the side, Qin Mu glanced at it when she turned it on.


    "Qinqin, should we tell JY about this?"


    Qin Mu thought about it seriously, then feeling a bit dazed, she picked up her phone and sent back a question mark.


    "The domestic abuse!"


    Xiaomei, lying on her own bed, had just sent the message to Qin Mu and soon received her reply.


    "If you dare to utter a single word, pack your bags and get back to Paris."


    Xiaomei...


    Qin Mu put down her phone, then started editing pictures.


    Feng Fanghua came in with coffee in hand to find her: "Stop drawing for now, let¡¯s have a chat."


    Qin Mu then retracted her hands, placed them together on her lap, turned to look at Feng Fanghua who sat down on the sofa: "Sure!"


    "I heard that actor named Li Yu has been looking for you recently?"


    Feng Fanghua asked, but her expression was still pleasant.


    "Hasn¡¯t been looking for me all the time, right? We shot an ad together, and then met once more, what¡¯s up?"


    Qin Mu thought about it and felt that the word "always" was an exaggeration.


    "It¡¯s fine as long as you¡¯re not constantly meeting up, you don¡¯t know but I went to the clubhouse today, those women kept telling me they saw Li Yu flirting with you in your store and said you might have ¡¯a special relationship¡¯. I was infuriated when I heard it."


    While Feng Fanghua spoke, she sighed and held the cup with both hands, looking to the side.


    Qin Mu...


    "Do many of your friends shop at our store?"


    "Yes!"


    "Oh! That day Li Yu came to the store and picked two outfits, Wen Runuan was also there."


    Qin Mu recalled the incident and explained it to Feng Fanghua.


    "I trust you, just be more cautious when you¡¯re out, given that you¡¯re a married woman now, aren¡¯t you? A married woman who still has some allure."


    Feng Fanghua looked at her, her eyes seemingly fierce but actually filled with indulgence.


    When Qin Mu heard Feng Fanghua complimenting her looks, she couldn¡¯t help but raise her hand to her slightly flushed face: "Mom, to be honest, when it comes to good-looking married women, you¡¯re even more beautiful! You look like a fashionable aristocratic woman in her thirties, so stylish and with such a strong presence."


    "Really? Do I look that good?"


    There¡¯s no woman who doesn¡¯t like compliments, and Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t resist touching her face, believing that she looked very stylish with the right makeup.


    "Yes! After the deal with the ad is settled in a few days, why don¡¯t you also do a photoshoot? I heard the photographer has won several awards and has taken photos for many famous actors."


    Qin Mu suggested.


    "Is that possible?"


    "Of course! With mom¡¯s posture and status, you should definitely have such a photographer to capture your likeness, you deserve no less."


    Qin Mu nodded earnestly, dramatically praising her.


    Feng Fanghua could not help but laugh and murmur: "This girl... is getting smoother and smoother with her words."


    Although she knew many of the words were just Qin Mu cajoling her, the words made her feel different about herself and she no longer bothered to argue with Qin Mu. The issue regarding Li Yu they were supposed to discuss was also put aside.


    "Still not sleeping at this late hour?"


    Mu Yichen gently pushed open the door, stood at the entrance, and asked them both with his sensual voice.

 Chapter 848 - 241 Eavesdropping

    Chapter 848: 241 Eavesdropping


    "Why are you suddenly standing at the door? Eavesdropping on the conversation of two women?"


    Feng Fanghua asked as she looked toward the door.


    Mu Yichen sighed in disappointment and lowered his head, saying, "Your husband is looking for you."


    "Then I¡¯ll go back first; we can continue our talk tomorrow."


    Upon hearing that Mu Zihao was looking for her, Feng Fanghua immediately stood up. However, as she walked to the door, she glanced at her son, growing more displeased the more she looked at him.


    Mu Yichen ignored her and simply raised his eyes to look at Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu stared back sharply. She didn¡¯t understand why he suddenly appeared while she was discussing work with Li Yu in the office and again while she was chatting with her mother in the study.


    Was he very free today?


    "Time to sleep."


    Mu Yichen said, glancing at her.


    "You go to sleep first, I need to work overtime."


    Qin Mu said as she lowered her head and went back to her seat, staring dully at the computer.


    "Flirting with male celebrities in the studio during the day and working overtime at night? Qin Mu, what do you want me to say about you?"


    Mu Yichen was about to leave but turned around and rebuked her after hearing her mentioning working overtime.


    Qin Mu...


    "President Mu, all I hope is that you shut up; don¡¯t you think you¡¯ve already said enough today?"


    Qin Mu asked him, looking very annoyed.


    "Are you trying to argue with me now? Or do you want me to carry you back?"


    "Mu Yichen, you¡¯re too much!"


    Upon hearing this, Qin Mu stood up from her chair, clearly upset, reprimanded him, and then walked out with her head down.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say anything because although she was angry, she had already left.


    After she left, he reached out for the doorknob to close the door and unconsciously his eyes slightly twitched as he watched her stubborn little figure.


    Seeing her like this, he actually felt like laughing, but he held it back.


    Because if he had laughed, she might have gotten so angry she could spit blood.


    It was late, and in the bedroom, both individuals got into bed from their respective sides, then she turned her back on him.


    "Do I need to remind you of the rule someone set themselves, that no matter what, one must not sleep facing away from the other?"


    Mu Yichen reminded her while flipping through his phone on the headboard.


    Qin Mu...


    Thought: Damn it!


    Why did she create such trouble for herself?


    It used to be him turning his back on her, making her suffer, but she set this rule for just such a day.


    She wanted to turn around, but on a second thought, she turned her back to him again.


    "Invalidated."


    She muttered, then placed both hands under her face and slept.


    Mu Yichen, hearing the word ¡¯invalidated¡¯, put down his phone: If this rule is invalidated, could other things be invalidated as well?


    Qin Mu immediately turned her head, glaring stubbornly at him: "Mu Yichen, what on earth are you trying to do? Weren¡¯t you supposed to stay somewhere else tonight? What are you doing tonight? In heat again?"


    Qin Mu glared at him, wanting to turn her head again.


    But suddenly Mu Yichen reached out and grabbed her arm, twisting her back around, then turned over to pin her down.


    "Exactly right."


    He said softly.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes widened in shock as his face grew greatly enlarged in her pupils, then she couldn¡¯t see anything clearly.


    She almost suffocated to death when he suddenly kissed her lips.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t resist him, but she was still reluctant.


    Her body desperately needed it, but it couldn¡¯t just end like this.


    So her fingernails dug into his waist with all the strength she could muster, pinching hard and repeatedly, feeling immensely satisfying.


    Mu Yichen eventually couldn¡¯t stand it, not because it hurt, but because it was ticklish, he grabbed her hand and put it straight into his mouth.


    Qin Mu...


    His dark eyes seemed like they were about to devour her, holding her fingertips one by one.


    Qin Mu suddenly felt flushed again.


    "What are you doing?"


    Her voice suddenly sounded uncomfortable.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t care but just made her tough heart gradually melt, soft as a pool of water under him.


    That night later, as he turned to find a cigarette, Qin Mu kicked his butt hard with her pretty feet.


    "Ah!"


    Mu Yichen rolled off the bed and then leaned on the solid waist at the edge of the bed, seeing the woman who was laughing so hard she couldn¡¯t close her mouth.


    At that moment, he foolishly lost all focus.


    She hadn¡¯t laughed at him like this in a long time, and that laugh made him feel as if he were drunk.


    Qin Mu, upon seeing his infatuated gaze, immediately held back her laughter, put on a cold face, and sighed while turning around to sleep with her back to him.


    Mu Yichen still lit up a cigarette, intending to remind her again, but in the end, he said nothing.

 Chapter 849 - 241 Eavesdropping_2

    Chapter 849: 241 Eavesdropping_2


    Because she simply did not want to listen.


    The next day, Qin Mu received a call from Helian Hao, learning that Zhang Rujia was scheduled for surgery.


    Even Qin Mingzhu and Wang Huanyu came back to accompany her for the surgery, which shows that everyone knew about it.


    But Qin Haiming was not there; he merely instructed his wife to call him after the surgery was finished.


    The surgery was very successful, but that night after Qin Mingzhu returned, she couldn¡¯t help but reproach Qin Haiming: "No matter what, she is still my mother. How could you not even visit her during such a major event?"


    "It¡¯s late, you two should head back to your room and sleep."


    Qin Haiming sat on the sofa reading the newspaper and casually mentioned this after listening to his younger daughter¡¯s nagging.


    Knowing that Qin Haiming didn¡¯t want to talk much with his wife, Wang Huanyu stood up, holding his still agitated wife¡¯s shoulders, and whispered, "Let¡¯s go, we¡¯re going back to the room."


    "But..."


    "Back to the room!"


    Seeing the expression on Wang Huanyu¡¯s face, Qin Mingzhu knew he had something to say to her, so she did not argue further with Qin Haiming.


    After they went upstairs, Qin Haiming put down his newspaper and weakly pinched the bridge of his nose.


    How could he visit her? To this day, there isn¡¯t a single truth in her words, still so greedy, thinking only of herself and wanting to deceive others whenever the opportunity arises.


    Qin Haiming had personally verified with the hospital; her condition was not as exaggerated as she described. She shed so many tears in front of him, he almost softened.


    But on closer thought, this woman, had deceived him for most of his life.


    After closing the door, Wang Huanyu pulled Qin Mingzhu close: "Do you always talk to your father like this?"


    "In what way?"


    Looking up, Qin Mingzhu saw his incredulous expression and felt a bit confused.


    "Setting aside that he¡¯s the mayor, he¡¯s also your father who raised and pampered you. Don¡¯t you care about his dignity, his reputation at all? Mingzhu, don¡¯t continue like this in the future, okay?"


    Qin Mingzhu...


    Wang Huanyu lectured her like she was a child, and suddenly she remembered the last time someone reprimanded her like this, it seemed to be Qin Mu.


    "Are you kidding me? I¡¯m your wife, not your child. What right do you have to lecture me? Besides, this is how I¡¯ve always talked with my dad. Why should I change just because you say so?"


    Qin Mingzhu glanced at him, murmured and then pushed him away as she turned around to go take a shower.


    "Ah!"


    Her buttocks were forcefully slapped, causing her pain, and she immediately turned her head and covered her buttocks: "Wang Huanyu, why did you hit me?"


    "If you don¡¯t listen, this is just the beginning!"


    Wang Huanyu said while flexing his large palm again.


    "You, you, boo hoo, you brute, go away, leave, you... ah..."


    Tears of grievance immediately welled up in Qin Mingzhu¡¯s eyes as she slapped and pushed him outside, then Wang Huanyu directly scooped her into his arms, turned around, and slapped her again with his other hand.


    Qin Mingzhu was almost beaten to death, but she somehow became a bit more agreeable.


    The next day on his way to work, Qin Haiming called Qin Mu but only asked if she had slept well and if there were any issues at work.


    "I am fine! What about you?"


    "Hmm! Not bad, I just passed the road leading to your studio, so I thought of giving you a call."


    Sitting in the back, Uncle Wang was driving in front, listening to their conversation and feeling rather pained.


    Qin Mu also felt a bit heartbroken.


    "Oh!"


    She wanted to say something but ended up speechless.


    "Have you reached your studio?"


    "Yes, just arrived!"


    Qin Mu hasn¡¯t left the car yet, sitting inside with her head bowed, listening to Qin Haiming¡¯s call.


    "It¡¯s getting hotter these days, don¡¯t come out of the office too much for nothing, your delicate skin would suffer from a sunburn and it¡¯s not worth it."


    Trying to chat more with her, Qin Haiming thought hard before finally coming up with that line, then couldn¡¯t help but laugh a little himself afterward.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but give a soft chuckle too: "Yes, I will certainly take good care of myself, ensuring proper heat and sun protection, you and Uncle Wang should do the same, take good care of yourselves too."


    "Hmm! Well, I don¡¯t have anything else, just reaching the office, we¡¯ll talk another day."


    "Hmm!"


    Hearing the playful tone in Qin Mu¡¯s voice, Qin Haiming felt much better, reluctantly hanging up the phone.


    After hanging up, he sighed for a moment, looking at the back of the head in front of him: "Mumu told you to take good care of yourself."


    Uncle Wang couldn¡¯t help but chuckle: "The young lady always worries about me."


    "What young lady, she doesn¡¯t see you as an outsider, just like me, calling you Mumu makes her very happy."

 Chapter 850 - 241 Eavesdropping_3

    Chapter 850: 241 Eavesdropping_3


    Haiming looked out the window as they neared the office, his mood unexpectedly good.


    She had even told him to take good care of himself.


    His daughter, finally saying words of concern for him!


    It was a big step forward.


    Right after hanging up the phone, Qin Mu got out of the car, only to glance up and see a pale yellow sports car driving over in the greenery.


    Qin Mu stood there, watching from a distance.


    Mingzhu got out of the car sporting sunglasses, striding towards her on ten-centimeter high heels, chest puffed out.


    "My mom got sick, so I¡¯m back again."


    Qin Mu glanced at her but said nothing else.


    "Why don¡¯t you ask why I came to find you?"


    Mingzhu always acted haughty in front of her, except for that time when she was almost raped.


    Of course, that had been a setup by Qin Mu.


    Just to teach her a lesson.


    "If you want to say something, just say it. Do I need to ask?"


    Qin Mu glanced at her, and since she didn¡¯t plan to invite her into the studio, she stood outside, hands idly in her pants pockets, her gaze listlessly drifting into the distance.


    "I just wanted to come and see how you¡¯re doing, to see you¡¯re not doing as well as me."


    Mingzhu realized she said something wrong and quickly added a sentence.


    "Don¡¯t be too grateful to me. I¡¯ve always been clear about right and wrong. Even if I saw a thief dying, I would call 120, but I still absolutely despise the thief."


    "What? You, Qin Mu, can you not be so arrogant? Are you calling me a thief now?"


    Mingzhu was furious, but when she asked the last question, a guilty conscience made her lower her eyes somewhat.


    Qin Mu found her amusing and then shook her head: "I have work to do, so don¡¯t come in, okay?"


    Mingzhu looked up, seeing her already turning to walk inside, she couldn¡¯t help but call out again: "Hey! Aren¡¯t you supposed to invite me in for a cup of coffee?"


    Qin Mu stood on the stairs, turned her eyes back to Mingzhu, and kindly reminded: "Miss, your mother is lying in the hospital, unable to move. You want to have coffee with me?"


    Mingzhu...


    Qin Mu sighed helplessly and then walked inside.


    Just as Mingzhu was about to chat a bit more, Wang Huanyu¡¯s phone call suddenly came in, startling her into hastily turning back to her own car.


    Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help but criticize Mingzhu¡¯s flustered appearance from by the window: "Such a spoiled young lady, really, driving a fancy car and speaking so rudely. Sigh! Yet she married so well, such a jealous bad girl."


    Qin Mu walked behind her, heard her muttering, and looked out curiously as well.


    Mingzhu¡¯s car had left, Xiaomei turned her head and found Qin Mu standing right in front of her, startling her to step back: "When did you get behind me?"


    "Just now! Why are you mumbling to yourself?"


    Qin Mu asked her, and then turned around slowly.


    Xiaomei looked up suddenly and called out to her: "Wait!"


    Qin Mu turned back to look at her, Xiaomei stepped forward, tiptoeing, lifting her cool small hand to her neck, brushing aside her hair: "Wow! It¡¯s a special domestic violence case last night, huh!"


    Qin Mu instinctively stepped away further from her, watching her warily, her own hands touching her neck.


    She had thought her hair covered it, yet this girl still had such sharp eyes.


    "Dare to mention domestic violence to me again, and you¡¯ll lose this month¡¯s attendance bonus. Got it?"


    As the only person in the studio with an attendance bonus, Xiaomei immediately covered her mouth with her hands: "My bad! I¡¯m wrong!"


    Qin Mu glanced at her, and seeing that she had quieted down, left.


    The advertisement she and Li Yu filmed was finally put on satellite TV, and everyone in the studio watched; although Qin Mu watched from the back, seeing everyone else so excited made her feel less thrilled.


    It seemed having them excited for her was enough. She prepared to focus on creating, ready to join an event, win a prize, the key point being to make money.


    At noon, Mu Yichen drove her to have lunch at AM, and then she received a call from Li Yu.


    "It seems pretty good, thanks to you, once again I leave a good impression on the massive fan community."


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Qin Mu asked him with a light smile, not quite understanding.


    Mu Yichen was right beside her, driving seriously, his expression particularly solemn.


    "Thinking of thanking you!"


    Li Yu said.


    "Just a verbal thanks is fine, I accept it!"


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t too good at chatting with people she wasn¡¯t very familiar with, and with Mu Yichen beside her, she couldn¡¯t talk too long to another man, so she hung up the phone.

 Chapter 851 - 241 Eavesdropping_4

    Chapter 851: 241 Eavesdropping_4


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak at all until they entered the hotel¡¯s entrance of AM.


    The staff helped open the car door for Qin Mu, and Mu Yichen went around to hold her hand and then pulled her inside with him.


    Qin Mu was startled by his sudden movement, not until she turned around and saw Li Yu walking over with several people.


    Qin Mu let out a silent sigh in her heart, then smiled faintly: "What a coincidence!"


    "Quite a coincidence indeed! Came here to discuss a script."


    Li Yu walked over, glanced up to see Mu Yichen not looking at him, and thus didn¡¯t greet him.


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Mu Yichen pulled Qin Mu away!


    "Bye!"


    Qin Mu deliberately waved at Li Yu, who watched them enter first, then stood at the entrance waiting for someone.


    After Mu Yichen pulled Qin Mu into the elevator, she couldn¡¯t help but sigh: "Do you believe that Li Yu has someone he likes?"


    Mu Yichen lowered his gaze to look at her, but didn¡¯t say a word to her.


    "If you don¡¯t believe it, let¡¯s bet."


    "Bet on what?"


    "You¡¯ve agreed!"


    Seeing him finally speaking, Qin Mu certainly had to give in.


    "Bet on your studio," Mu Yichen said.


    Qin Mu...


    "No, the studio can¡¯t be used for betting! I can¡¯t afford to bet!"


    Qin Mu looked up at him, candidly explaining her reasons.


    Then Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak anymore.


    Qin Mu also didn¡¯t continue speaking; since they couldn¡¯t agree, she let it be.


    Just as he let go of her hand, Qin Mu felt an ache in her heart as she looked down.


    "Mu Yichen, you¡¯ve changed!"


    The moment the elevator opened, Qin Mu blurted out that sentence.


    Mu Yichen stepped out without hearing her words clearly, but Qin Mu was already finding it hard to breathe.


    A dining gathering where big shots brought their wives.


    It seemed like several couples were particularly keen to please Mu Yichen, so they all wore JY¡¯s fashion.


    Although they were older, they were better at lightening up the mood than the two of them.


    "Mrs. Mu may not know this, but my husband particularly loves wearing clothes from your store, he even recommends it to friends to shop there," the lady next to her brought up.


    "Oh really? Then I must thank you for bringing friends to patronize us,"


    Qin Mu raised her glass to clink with the couple.


    "The most important thing is that the clothes look high-quality, feel great, and with President Mu¡¯s connection,."


    The big shot explained with a chuckle.


    Qin Mu¡¯s other hand helplessly tugged at Mu Yichen¡¯s clothes under the table.


    Mu Yichen then seemingly came to his senses, raising his glass to drink with them.


    Qin Mu looked at him a bit anxiously, more worried about the people discussing JY¡¯s matters in his heart.


    Now the last thing Mu Yichen wants to hear are matters concerning JY and Li Yu.


    Therefore, Qin Mu felt a little nervous inside, but that afternoon, everyone really did praise the unique designs of their studio¡¯s clothes as if they had rehearsed, speaking eloquently, causing Qin Mu to feel like an outsider.


    Mu Yichen even took out a cigarette halfway through, and the man beside him immediately took a lighter to help him light up upon seeing him place the cigarette in his mouth.


    Qin Mu watched Mu Yichen¡¯s smoking pose, thinking he looked like a mafia boss.


    So, why did he bring her here? She hadn¡¯t even started to complain yet, and he was already annoyed.


    Later, Mu Yichen just sat listening to their conversation, even smiling as if he finally fit in with them.


    However, Qin Mu felt somewhat uncomfortable sitting there, and with his chest always facing her, his hand occasionally resting on her chair, she excused herself to the people beside her and stood up gracefully, then whispered to Mu Yichen, "I¡¯m going to the restroom."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t look at her; he just flicked his cigarette ash, that imposing gaze slightly drooping looking at the ash being flicked away, and Qin Mu left.


    After leaving the private room, Qin Mu took a deep breath, then couldn¡¯t bring herself to fake it anymore and tiredly went to the restroom.


    Li Yu was chatting with a girl inside; they seemed quite reserved as well.


    When he saw her, he smiled: "Qin Mu!"


    The girl turned her head upon hearing her name, then nodded at her with a smile, "Hello."


    Qin Mu also smiled: Why are you here chatting?


    "Too many people inside, this is my sister, Li Man."


    Li Yu briefly introduced her.


    Li Man, watching Li Yu, couldn¡¯t help but laugh, and asked Qin Mu: "Do you think we look alike?"


    Qin Mu took a careful look, then shook her head.


    Li Yu...


    "That¡¯s right, we¡¯re not blood siblings at all. His father married my mother later on. We have different fathers, different mothers, but are step-siblings."

 Chapter 852 - 241 Eavesdrop_5

    Chapter 852: 241 Eavesdrop_5


    Qin Mu realized it was a blended family.


    But it seemed quite harmonious.


    "Pretty good!"


    Qin Mu responded, not wanting to go inside and smell smoke anyway, she just third-wheeled them: "So, do you like Li Yu?"


    "Wow! You could tell?"


    Li Man looked at her incredulously, somewhat admiringly.


    "When my husband liked me back then, he was pretty much like you."


    Qin Mu looked at her and suddenly remembered the times when Mu Yichen followed her around. She acted oblivious like Li Yu, and Mu Yichen would deliberately act cool.


    "Uh! Your husband is so cute!"


    Li Man¡¯s lips twitched, not expecting such a compliment.


    "He¡¯s okay, just a bit childish."


    Qin Mu gave a serious evaluation, then felt unhappy again, why bring up Mu Yichen?


    "Her husband is Mu Yichen."


    Li Yu saw Li Man was already fantasizing about Qin Mu¡¯s husband, so he introduced him.


    Li Man...


    "Your husband is Mu Yichen? That diamond bachelor? A handsome man who is 188 cm tall?"


    Qin Mu...


    "Ah, I didn¡¯t mean anything by it, just didn¡¯t come back to my senses just now, wow! You¡¯re so cool!"


    Li Man was quite lively, those big eyes especially spirited.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what to say, what¡¯s so cool about that?


    "Honestly, liking a big star is probably the same as liking a big CEO, dealing with someone important like your husband must be tough too, right?"


    Li Man curiously asked, completely ignoring Li Yu.


    "Really tough."


    Qin Mu thought about their recent situations and had to admit this fact.


    The two women didn¡¯t expect to get along so well; Li Yu later stood alone smoking at the restroom entrance, while the two of them got engrossed in their chat inside.


    Actually, it was just about not wanting to mingle with all sorts of messy people.


    If one¡¯s significant other enjoyed it, it would be fine, but if neither liked it, then such socializing was meaningless.


    Honestly, Li Man also didn¡¯t expect Li Yu would come to accompany her, but he seemed impatient the whole time.


    Li Man is a behind-the-scenes worker; she purposely told Li Yu that a producer tried to harass her, however, she thought Li Yu wouldn¡¯t care.


    It was her first time in Rongcheng; she thought that might be why Li Yu came to accompany her.


    Mu Yichen stayed inside for a long time and didn¡¯t see Qin Mu return, so he came out as well.


    He saw Li Yu at the restroom entrance.


    Li Yu also looked up and saw him; the two men exchanged glances and then just stood at a distance from each other.


    "Qin Mu is with my sister inside."


    Li Yu explained.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak but leaned against the wall opposite to Li Yu and lit another cigarette.


    Li Yu noticed Mu Yichen seemed to really like smoking, but as an outsider, he couldn¡¯t say much, just quietly waited for the two women to finish.


    The two women came out arm in arm, and as they looked up, they saw Mu Yichen and Li Yu together, both blinked simultaneously.


    "This is... Mu Yichen?"


    Li Man whispered the last three words, turning her head to match lips with Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu slightly smiled: "That¡¯s the living Mr. Mu."


    Mu Yichen frowned, what did she mean by ¡¯the living Mr. Mu¡¯?


    "Wow! Totally handsome!"


    Li Man¡¯s eyes nearly popped out, Li Yu stepped forward: "Since you¡¯re done talking, let¡¯s go."


    Li Yu grabbed Li Man¡¯s wrist and dragged her outside.


    "Qin Mu, let¡¯s WeChat when we¡¯re free."


    Li Man still turned her head to bid farewell to Qin Mu while being dragged away.


    Qin Mu smiled and watched her being led away by Li Yu, then looked up at Mu Yichen: "Why did you come out too?"


    "Shouldn¡¯t I be asking Mrs. Mu that? Why didn¡¯t you go inside?"


    "You shouldn¡¯t have brought me here."


    Qin Mu also leaned against the wall, arms crossed over her chest, looking up at Mu Yichen.


    Mu Yichen squinted at her, his gaze somewhat seductive, took a puff of his cigarette and slowly exhaled a plume of white smoke.


    "Since you really don¡¯t like hearing them talk about JY, why bring me here? You know these people would pick words they think you¡¯d like to hear, and since you don¡¯t want to hear it, why bring me along?"


    Why?


    Mu Yichen lowered his eyes, scoffed, and put the cigarette back to his mouth.


    What else could he do?


    Qin Mu saw his demeanor and chose not to tell her, so she stood and left first.


    Mu Yichen immediately took a fierce drag on his cigarette then chased after her.


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t regained her composure when suddenly he grabbed her hand and pulled her in front of him, the next moment she was aggressively hoisted up by him.


    Qin Mu¡¯s stomach seemed fllattened against his shoulder and it hurt for a moment.


    Mu Yichen carried her upstairs.


    He randomly picked a vacant guest room and flung her in.


    "Want to know why?"


    "Can you stop this, Mu Yichen, please?"


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but sharply retort when she was thrown onto the bed.


    "Then how do you expect me to act, huh?"


    Mu Yichen went up to her and grasped her chin, asking her.


    "I hope you calm down and think about our relationship. Even if it¡¯s tranquil as water, I don¡¯t want to keep clashing with you every day, constantly at odds."


    Qin Mu held her chin high proudly, though forcibly so, her eyes filled with pride and defiance.


    "Tranquil as water?"


    Mu Yichen laughed, then his other hand crept under her skirt.


    "Don¡¯t you love me anymore? Want me to swear? Want me to swear that I¡¯ll only be loyal to you in this lifetime, or be struck by lightning otherwise? Would that make you trust me?"


    Qin Mu suddenly felt extremely sad, tears inexplicably welling up.


    She didn¡¯t like this side of him.


    She liked the Mu Yichen who loved her, who was tender, trusting, and supportive.


    She didn¡¯t like this dominating, suspicious, and unreasonable Mu Yichen at this moment.


    Could they ever return to those best days when they both enjoyed each other¡¯s company, seeing no one else?


    She suddenly missed it dearly.


    Her hand uncontrollably reached up to touch his face.


    "Who said I don¡¯t trust you?"


    Mu Yichen removed her hand from his face, held it aside, his dark eyes directly penetrating her misty eyes.


    "Then what are you doing now?"


    Qin Mu asked him.


    The room was so big, yet it couldn¡¯t make her feel at ease anymore.


    Even though their hearts were only so close, feeling his strong heartbeat made her anxious.


    "Don¡¯t you know what I¡¯m doing?"


    Mu Yichen frowned, she was acting so aggrieved.


    "I don¡¯t know! But you reminded me of that night, Christmas Eve in Paris, Mu Yichen, is this how you show your love?"


    Qin Mu asked him in a hoarse voice.


    Mu Yichen suddenly became irritable and bit down hard on her lips.


    When he moved away from her lips, her lips were already bleeding from his bite.


    But she didn¡¯t even cry out.


    "I don¡¯t want your love like this. If you can¡¯t love me properly, let¡¯s just end it."


    "End it?"


    "Yes! Are you happy recently? Why are we still together? As if, love is just for venting, couldn¡¯t you find anyone for that?"


    Qin Mu continued questioning him.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s chest suddenly filled with roaring turmoil.


    "Qin Mu, say that again."


    Mu Yichen suddenly propped himself up with his arms, lifting his body away from hers, his dark eyes glaring straight at her, as if his gaze was saying, dare to speak another word of nonsense and I will tear you in half.


    "If it¡¯s just for venting, darling, anyone will do the same."


    This time, it wasn¡¯t a question, but an assertion.


    As if, she had experienced it, that assertion.


    "Is that so? I haven¡¯t felt that, seems I need to experience it first."


    He suddenly let out a snort of laughter, then looked at her seriously and tenderly.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart was torn in half, and not for the first time.


    His gaze, his voice, his leaving, all were sharp tools tearing her apart.


    But after he left, her body suddenly felt very light.

 Chapter 853 - 242 scammed

    Chapter 853: 242 scammed


    She suddenly relaxed both mentally and physically, lying in bed.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Even when the two of them were at home in the evenings, sitting next to each other, they were like strangers, each sleeping on their own side of the bed, as if the agreement to not sleep with their backs to each other had truly and finally become invalid.


    Later, she felt somewhat unwell; her heartbeat was a bit fast, and when she couldn¡¯t fall asleep, she got up.


    It was raining outside; she went downstairs to pour herself a glass of water, then stood at the door watching and listening to the rain.


    The water in her hand eventually cooled completely, and it seemed she had grown numb as well.


    She was only wearing a thin cardigan over her shoulders, and underneath was a pretty pink camisole.


    The sound of rain seemed to quickly immersing one in memories, and it sparked endless associations.


    Mu Yichen later went looking for her reflexively, but when he couldn¡¯t find her on her side, he finally realized something and slowly opened his deep black eyes.


    Her side of the bed had long since gone cold and empty, just like the feeling in his heart at this moment.


    It seems so much of it is cold.


    But he didn¡¯t get up; the closed curtains were slowly opened, and lying in bed, he watched the rain outside and heard the sound of the rain as well.


    This hot summer, the rain was actually a good thing, but why did they always quarrel whenever it rained?


    Thinking of what she said today, he truly had the urge to throw her out at that moment.


    But in the end, he just left in a pathetic manner.


    How old was he already?


    To still be led by the nose by her.


    It seemed that he suddenly understood what she had said to him in the elevator at noon.


    Was it that he had changed?


    Later she didn¡¯t return to her room; upon coming upstairs, she went straight to Huanhuan¡¯s room.


    These days, sleeping in the same bed with him was less comfortable than sleeping with her daughter.


    Going back to the past actually felt quite good.


    Qin Mu suddenly thought, why not just go back to Paris!


    But this thought was dispelled the very next morning.


    Mu Zihao went to take Huanhuan to school, Feng Fanghua held Chengcheng in her arms, feeding him formula milk, and while doing so, she said to her, "Do you see if my grandson is becoming more sensible now? Smiling at me every day."


    Qin Mu sat beside and suddenly felt that her thoughts from last night were too naive.


    "Mumu, do you think our Chengcheng will grow up to be very charming? He¡¯s already so adorable now, will he become a national heartthrob when he grows up? There¡¯s a not-so-handsome rich second generation who was dubbed a national heartthrob, right? Our Chengcheng is so handsome?"


    Feng Fanghua said to her.


    "Better not to become some national heartthrob, just to love one woman wholeheartedly, then he¡¯d be a good man."


    Qin Mu thought for a bit and said.


    "That¡¯s true too, if a boy is too flirty it¡¯s worrisome as well; you have to teach him properly."


    Feng Fanghua said, looking up at Qin Mu and noticed her eyes were somewhat red.


    "Did you not sleep well last night?"


    Feng Fanghua asked with concern.


    "Maybe it¡¯s the weather, it¡¯s true that I feel a bit unwell."


    Qin Mu gently pressed her own chest.


    Feng Fanghua¡¯s heart tightened: "Then you need to go to the hospital for a check-up quickly, doesn¡¯t Yichen know? Have him take you to the hospital for a check-up."


    "Okay! I¡¯ll go for a check-up this afternoon."


    Qin Mu promised Feng Fanghua, but then suddenly thought, now that she was a family woman, with more than just Mu Yichen by her side, how could she just walk away like this?


    In the afternoon, Qin Mu left the house but did not go to the hospital; instead, she went to the cemetery.


    There was no rain here, although the weather was overcast, the ground was dry.


    She knelt in front of the tombstone, her hand gently picking and throwing away the weeds and some pebbles beside it to a far-off place, before sitting next to the tombstone and leaning against it gently.


    How she wished that at this moment, this woman could be alive to guide her in a direction.


    But these were mere hopes; she could only move forward with dogged determination.


    The weather remained overcast, as though it might rain at any moment.


    She sat there from just past three in the afternoon until it was almost dark, then the wind began to pick up, and the distant trees seemed to be competing, their branches and leaves shaking vigorously.


    It actually got a bit chilly; her arms were beginning to feel uncomfortable.


    But those dark and round eyes were devoid of spirit, glancing only momentarily at the photo on the tombstone.


    "Mom, when will we see each other again?"


    "Mom, I rarely dream of you now!"


    "Mom, I¡¯m so scared that I¡¯ll forget what you look like."


    Qin Mu reached out to gently stroke the tombstone, as tears silently streamed down the edges of her eyes.


    After dusk, her car drove back into the city, and when Qin Haiming called her, she greeted Feng Fanghua and then turned her car toward the Qin Family.

 Chapter 854 - 242 scammed_2

    Chapter 854: 242 scammed_2


    Mingzhu and Huanyu were still at home, creating a rare bustling atmosphere. Qin Mu came back only with a backpack, without bringing anything else. Seeing her only carrying ten large carrots, Mingzhu couldn¡¯t help teasing her: "You could at least bring some fruits."


    Qin Mu looked down at her hands and indeed, it wasn¡¯t quite appropriate.


    But she was already here, what could she do now?


    "Should I go and buy some?"


    Qin Mu asked sincerely.


    Just as Mingzhu was about to speak, Huanyu came out, wrapping his arm around Mingzhu and covering her mouth with his hand: "Why buy anything when you¡¯re coming to your own home? Come in and sit."


    Mingzhu widened her eyes in resistance, but she was helpless as Huanyu physically restrained her from speaking.


    Qin Mu watched Mingzhu¡¯s pitiful look but only raised an eyebrow and then walked over to the sofa.


    Haiming was reading the newspaper and was very happy to see her come back, even taking the initiative to pour her a cup of tea: "I heard Chengcheng has been weaned off breastmilk?"


    "Yes! I can join you for a couple of drinks later!" Qin Mu responded, placing her bag gently at the side.


    "Oh? You¡¯d better keep your word."


    Upon hearing this, Haiming became so excited, it seemed like the first time in many years he was that happy, although still restrained.


    "Of course!"


    Qin Mu originally wanted to mention that she went to the graves, but seeing Haiming so joyful, she chose not to disturb his mood.


    Sitting next to them, Mingzhu watched her father and Qin Mu get along so closely, feeling a sudden surge of jealousy.


    Huanyu joined in the conversation: "Can Qin Mu drink liquor?"


    Qin Mu turned to him, surprised that he initiated a conversation with her.


    "I can¡¯t! I¡¯ve never tried!"


    Qin Mu told him truthfully.


    Huanyu laughed: "Then forget it, my dad mentioned he had a good bottle of wine to share."


    "This bottle I mentioned was actually sent by that guy Yichen. Mumu knows about it."


    Haiming slightly lifted his gaze, talking about the wine again with enthusiasm.


    Upon hearing the name Yichen, Qin Mu felt like a thorn suddenly punctured her heart, yet she kept a smile on her face.


    ¡ª¡ª


    At home, Yichen was having dinner. Noticing Qin Mu¡¯s absence, his mother Feng Fanghua glanced at her son: "Today Mumu said she wasn¡¯t feeling well, did you know?"


    Yichen looked up: "No, I didn¡¯t know!"


    His eyes showed confusion. He genuinely didn¡¯t know because he hadn¡¯t seen her all day. This morning when he woke up, she had already finished in the bathroom while he was still in bed, barely awake, so they hadn¡¯t spoken. Then he left without having breakfast...


    Yichen suddenly found himself without an appetite tonight, but seeing his daughter staring at him, he didn¡¯t stop eating.


    Huanhuan felt that her dad wasn¡¯t very happy, but she was too busy eating to take the time to talk to him.


    "You really don¡¯t care enough about your wife!"


    Zihao admonished his son.


    "If I don¡¯t care, do you two care?"


    Yichen looked at his parents somewhat displeased and asked rhetorically.


    "What do you think? Now Mumu talks to us for one evening, which is equivalent to talking to you for a month."


    It was clear who was close and who was distant.


    Yichen surprisingly had no counterargument, only lifting his eyebrows: "Let¡¯s eat!"


    Zihao and Fanghua decided not to further upset him, so they stopped there.


    Later, Mingzhu suddenly called Yichen: "Brother Yichen, Qin Mu is drunk at my house and can¡¯t go back tonight! Do you want to come pick her up?"


    Yichen, having just finished showering, threw his towel into the sofa, frowning: "Mingzhu? Where is Qin Mu?"


    "She¡¯s drunk and of course lying in bed! Dad said to let her stay the night at our house, ha, as if she has any right to stay at my house. I¡¯m going to throw her out."


    "You dare touch her and see what happens!"


    Yichen threatened coldly, his towel slipping off his waist as he turned to find his clothes.


    Qin Mingzhu hummed after being hung up on, then sneakily glanced toward the bathroom and gave Wang Huanyu an OK sign before putting Qin Mu¡¯s phone back on the sofa.


    After washing her hands, Qin Mu came out and saw the couple watching TV and prepared to leave. As she went to grab her bag, she asked, "Why is it just the two of you?"


    "Dad went to the study room to look at some materials, he will come down soon."


    Wang Huanyu said, his eyes fixed on her.


    Qin Mu noticed Wang Huanyu¡¯s gaze, then unconsciously widened her eyes, asking with her eyes if there was something wrong?


    Wang Huanyu actually wanted to tell her there was something, but if he said it now, Qin Mingzhu would surely make a scene, so he held back.


    Qin Mu, thinking she misunderstood, lowered her head to put her phone in her bag: "Then please tell him on my behalf, it¡¯s getting late, I should go."


    "Actually..."


    "You¡¯re leaving? Well then, go! I¡¯m not seeing you out!"


    Qin Mingzhu interrupted Wang Huanyu, raising her eyes and asking Qin Mu to leave.


    Qin Mu wouldn¡¯t bother arguing with her, just slinging her bag over her shoulder about to leave, when Qin Haiming came downstairs: "Leaving?"


    "Yes! It¡¯s late!"


    Qin Mu turned to look at him and agreed with a nod.


    "It¡¯s so late, let Uncle Wang drive you home!"


    "It¡¯s this late, I wouldn¡¯t want to trouble him, plus I haven¡¯t drunk much, I can drive myself."


    Qin Mu explained to him.


    "Then let me walk you out!"


    Qin Haiming thought about it, didn¡¯t try to keep her longer; just having a simple meal and chatting with her was satisfying enough for him.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t refuse, letting the ¡¯leader¡¯ escort her out.


    Qin Mingzhu couldn¡¯t help pouting, murmuring unmistakably: "Dad always favors her!"


    "Dad has favored you for so many years, you don¡¯t need to be jealous now."


    Wang Huanyu looked at her and reminded, then remembered how Qin Mingzhu had used Qin Mu¡¯s phone to call Mu Yichen, the more he thought about it, the more troublesome it seemed, given Mu Yichen¡¯s temper, knowing he was tricked he would definitely torment whoever tricked him.


    But Mu Yichen might not torment Qin Mingzhu, yet him, Wang Huanyu...


    Wang Huanyu was always reluctant to provoke the major trouble that was Mu Yichen, but because of his little wife, it looked like he no longer had a choice.


    Qin Haiming escorted Qin Mu out, the father and daughter standing beside the car, Qin Haiming with his head down asked Qin Mu: "Do you still remember what you told me about Mingzhu¡¯s mom¡¯s illness?"


    "Yes!"


    Qin Mu lifted her eyes and then nodded in agreement.


    "That day she came to me, crying and begging me to take her in, told me she was in the late stages of cancer, Mumu, when you told me she had cancer, I was actually worried, but when she deceived me again..."


    "It¡¯s like the boy who cried wolf, there¡¯s no way to make you turn back, is it?"


    Qin Mu asked while adjusting her bag strap on her shoulder.


    "Yes!"


    Qin Haiming nodded slightly, a hint of sorrow visible between his brows.


    "It¡¯s just a pity my mom passed away like that!"


    Qin Mu suddenly choked up, the words spilling out despite her efforts.


    Could things have been different if her mother had known the truth earlier? Would it have not reached such an irreversible point?


    But now, even if the truth is fully revealed, her mother is only left as ashes.


    It was drizzling, Qin Haiming¡¯s shoulder getting a bit wet, Qin Mu reflexively raised her hand to brush off the rain, but then froze the next moment.


    Qin Haiming¡¯s heart skipped a beat, was Qin Mu actually worried about the rain wetting his clothes?


    Qin Mu stiffly withdrew her hand, before turning to tell him, "Go back inside, you¡¯ll catch a cold if it gets worse."


    Qin Haiming just stood there, struck mute, unable to say or do anything.


    He so wanted to stop her, but only managed to shove his slightly trembling hands into his pockets.


    Qin Mu got into the car and drove away.

 Chapter 855 - 243 I’m not drunk!

    Chapter 855: 243 I¡¯m not drunk!


    The rain really did start pouring down.


    The moment the car left the Qin Family, the rain suddenly intensified.


    Her car slowed down because the vehicle honking at her from the opposite direction was all too familiar.


    Mu Yichen drove his car over to her side, opened the door, and walked around the back to her.


    Qin Mu rolled down the window, looking up at the drenched Mu Yichen: "Why are you here?"


    Her voice sounded somewhat unclear.


    Seeing him stubborn and soaked, she immediately turned to open the drawer beside her and took out a dark-colored small umbrella to hand to him.


    He was indifferent, just staring at her intensely.


    Qin Mu unbuckled her seatbelt, opened the car door, and stepped out, holding the umbrella high over his head.


    The umbrella covered their two stubborn faces.


    "I asked you why you suddenly came over?"


    "You¡¯re not drunk?"


    Mu Yichen with furrowed brows, had already guessed that he had been tricked by Qin Mingzhu, that girl has always been ¡¯up to no good¡¯ since childhood, and now she¡¯s a mother but still hasn¡¯t changed her bad habits.


    "I only had one drink!"


    Qin Mu told him while raising her hand to wipe the rain off his hair.


    Mu Yichen grabbed her wrist, pulled it down, relaxed a bit, and couldn¡¯t help but say to her, "I thought you were drowning your sorrows."


    "Drowning sorrows? Here?"


    Qin Mu, undeterred by him holding her wrist, felt that even if she wanted to drown her sorrows, it shouldn¡¯t be at the Qin Family.


    "Ride in my car back, have someone drive yours."


    Mu Yichen said.


    "I can drive back myself!"


    Qin Mu handed the umbrella to him to hold, loosened her grip, then retreated back into the car, looking at him through the window: "I¡¯ll lead the way, Mr. Mu can follow behind."


    She felt hot water bubbling inside her, but she knew, things were different now, she couldn¡¯t just soften her heart and go with him in his car.


    Mu Yichen stayed still, looking at her driving away carelessly. He dropped his head helplessly, then called Wang Huanyu.


    Wang Huanyu returned to their room after the call, then looked listlessly at Qin Mingzhu: "Let¡¯s return to Beijing tomorrow."


    "Your dad?" Qin Mingzhu asked him perplexedly.


    "My dad? He¡¯s harder to deal with than my dad."


    Wang Huanyu helplessly told her.


    Qin Mingzhu was stunned: "Is it your mom?"


    "Mu Yichen! You called him just now to trick him, he¡¯s upset now."


    Qin Mingzhu...


    "You don¡¯t have to be afraid of him, right? Whatever you have with him, besides, I have been playing pranks like this since I was little. Back when Qin Mu was in Paris, he and Jing Qing were ambiguous, and I often schemed against him with Jing Qing, scaring him, but he never did anything to me."


    "But what about Jing Qing!"


    Wang Huanyu kindly reminded, slightly serious.


    Qin Mingzhu...


    "If you don¡¯t come back to Beijing with me tomorrow, I reckon the day after, both of us will end up dead on the streets of Rongcheng."


    Wang Huanyu went to lie on the bed, gloomily reminding his troublemaking wife.


    Qin Mingzhu...


    To say she wasn¡¯t scared would be a lie; Jing Qing really had it rough, she still remembers that lesson.


    So she suddenly regretted being too impulsive tonight, moved to the bedside and sat down, muttering: "Every time you end up hitting me, how come you didn¡¯t this time?"


    "To hit you in front of Qin Mu?"


    Wang Huanyu questioned her.


    Qin Mingzhu suddenly cowered, feeling like she had messed up.


    She had intended to mess with that couple, but ended up being threatened by them instead.


    "But my mom is still in the hospital, if we return to Beijing now, my mom will definitely scold me for being unfilial."


    "Do you think you are that filial?"


    Wang Huanyu asked her, leaving her almost suffocated with frustration.


    ¡ª¡ª


    After returning, Qin Mu quickly stood with the umbrella waiting for him, although already wet, she couldn¡¯t afford to get any wetter.


    Don¡¯t think that you won¡¯t catch a cold from getting drenched in summer; you might just catch a cold from the chilly breeze once you¡¯re back.


    Mu Yichen couldn¡¯t help but ask her: "How many umbrellas do you have in your car?"


    "Two more!"


    Qin Mu looked at his dark eagle eyes and answered honestly.


    Mu Yichen looked at her with fond eyes, took the umbrella from her hand, and then looped his arm around her shoulders, walking her inside.


    This time, Qin Mu did not oppose him and obediently lowered her head, letting him shield her as they entered the house.


    After they got home, Qin Mu took the umbrella: "You should go upstairs and take a hot shower."


    "What about you?"


    "Don¡¯t worry about me, I didn¡¯t get wet."


    Qin Mu said, closing the umbrella.


    Mu Yichen glanced at himself, raised his hand to his hair which was now half-dry.


    "Together?"


    He suddenly suggested, his dark eyes fixed intently on her face.


    Qin Mu raised her big eyes to look at him: "Don¡¯t even think about it!"


    She placed the umbrella in a tall silver stand next to her, then walked ahead to the kitchen.

 Chapter 856 - 243 I’m not drunk!_2

    Chapter 856: 243 I¡¯m not drunk!_2


    She wanted to drink some hot water.


    Mu Yichen went upstairs, because he really couldn¡¯t stand his clothes anymore.


    After Qin Mu finished drinking her water, she poured another cup for him, but he had already gone upstairs, so she took the water upstairs.


    Feng Fanghua heard the noise and came out of her room: "You¡¯re back!"


    The voice wasn¡¯t loud, but it was just loud enough for Qin Mu to hear.


    "Yes! Did I disturb your rest with dad?"


    Qin Mu replied, then softly asked.


    "What time is it? We just lay down for a bit, is everything okay with your dad?"


    Feng Fanghua asked her.


    "It¡¯s fine, it was just Qin Mingzhu and Wang Huanyu there, inviting me for a meal."


    Qin Mu explained.


    "Oh! Then go wash up and get some sleep, this rain seems like it¡¯s not stopping anytime soon, I will go pour a cup of water too."


    "I¡¯ll help you..."


    "No, no need!"


    Feng Fanghua quickly stopped her with her hand and went downstairs herself.


    Qin Mu watched her go downstairs before returning to her room, feeling that such greetings and refusals were truly warm.


    This is what she could not enjoy in Paris.


    By the time he came out after showering, Qin Mu was still hugging her phone on the couch, intensely looking as Wen Runuan asked her about the shooting situation for tomorrow.


    Mu Yichen, drying his hair, walked over and curiously peeked at her phone behind her back without realizing it.


    He suddenly remembered, she had booked two major stars to help her with the promotion.


    "Are you done showering?"


    Qin Mu felt a drop of water on her hand and looked up to ask him.


    "Yes!"


    Mu Yichen too glanced at her, then stood up straight and continued to dry his hair, holding the towel he used before picking her up.


    Qin Mu thought to herself, he washed up pretty fast, she had no idea that he actually washed earlier too.


    "Give it to me, I¡¯ll go wash it!"


    Qin Mu stood up and took the towel he was about to throw away.


    Mu Yichen now felt like biting her but had to suppress his urge.


    Because it seemed like she was still chatting with him, and also did not seem to intentionally avoid him, but, she just avoided him.


    Just when he was about to touch her, she left.


    And it seemed so natural.


    Latter, after showering and putting on a face mask, Qin Mu lay on her bed and massaged her face.


    Mu Yichen watched his phone beside her, occasionally glancing at her, couldn¡¯t really see her true face, therefore reluctantly returned to his phone.


    "By the way, what exactly happened that time?"


    "Qin Mingzhu took your phone and called me saying you were drunk."


    Mu Yichen replied, but his deep eyes still fixed on the phone without moving away.


    "She¡¯s really not making things easy."


    Qin Mu said, pressing her face.


    "Hmph!"


    Mu Yichen had nothing good to say; he really thought Qin Mu was drunk, their relationship had been bad recently, and communication was scarce, he worried she might accidentally get drunk outside.


    As it turned out...


    She seemed to have controlled herself very well, rarely embarrassing herself by getting drunk.


    Last time he booked the entire western restaurant wanting to get her drunk, but she ended up getting herself drunk.


    However, after that day, their relationship seemed to have worsened.


    Latter, Qin Mu wearing her mask fell asleep, Mu Yichen turned over, gently removed her dried mask, then leaned next to her, softly patting her cheek: "Qin Mu!"


    Qin Mu moved a bit, turned over intending to sleep.


    "Go wash your face!"


    "Hmm? Sleep now!"


    Mu Yichen...


    Then Qin Mu felt like her face had been slapped, and it still hurt, so she lethargically opened her eyes, only to fully wake up upon seeing his chest.


    "What happened?"


    She got up with a confused expression looking at him.


    "Go wash your face, the mask has dried."


    Only then did Qin Mu remember, and holding her face, she quickly got out of bed and ran off, then turned back: "Mu Yichen, did you just slap my face?"


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t respond to her, just continued lying there casually browsing his phone.


    Qin Mu felt her face still hurt.


    Qin Mu washed her face, got ready, and came out again, still unable to resist glancing at him: "Did you hit me or not?"


    "Nope!"


    Mu Yichen shook his head, continuing to focus on his phone.


    Qin Mu walked around, lifted the blanket, and lay down while still glaring at him.


    Mu Yichen turned to look at her and then asked: "Does your face hurt? Could it be because the mask was left on too long?"


    Qin Mu scorned him, knowing from his look that he was up to no good, so she laid down to sleep, ignoring him.


    Who knew that just as she lay down and turned her head towards the window, she was hugged from behind.


    Qin Mu¡¯s heart fiercely trembled, but he held her: "Let¡¯s sleep together!"


    "If it weren¡¯t for worrying about what my parents would think, I would have kicked you out by now, unless you forced me, otherwise I¡¯m always resisting."


    Qin Mu patiently reminded him that unless he forced her, her strength wouldn¡¯t suffice to stop him, but given their current situation of mutual dislike and unwillingness to yield to one another, Qin Mu would absolutely not engage in relations with him.


    Mu Yichen actually did want to force her, but remembering the distraught words she tearfully told him that night, he turned over to lie behind her, looked down at the dark, blurry light fixture, and pondered.


    Qin Mu then tightened the blanket around herself and slept.


    She fell asleep quickly, but Mu Yichen found it hard to fall asleep.


    After listening to her even breathing, he turned around, embraced her, and gingerly slid his hand inside her pajamas, slowly burying his face in her neck only after feeling the warmth of her skin.


    Kissing her hair¡¯s faint fragrant scent, Mu Yichen also felt a lot more at ease.


    Whenever he thought about her words suggesting they might as well break it off, his heart seemed to bleed.


    Asking her to give up was all too easy.


    The next day Qin Mu took Feng Fanghua to the store, where the advertisement was being shot inside JY. Qin Mu had promised Feng Fanghua that she would arrange for the photographer to take a series of portraits for her, and of course, she intended to fulfill that promise.


    Mu Zihao stayed home with the children, but seeing his son had not yet left, he called him over: "You take Chengcheng to work today."


    "Huh?"


    "I¡¯m going to see your mom."


    Mu Yichen...


    "Who knows what those two talk about all day, your mom has been letting loose more and more lately, almost like she wants a second spring."


    Mu Zihao frowned and muttered, actually talking to himself; but coincidentally, Mu Yichen, standing nearby, heard everything.


    So in the end, the father and son together took Chengcheng to JY.


    Since it was a day for shooting the advertisement, the store wasn¡¯t open for business. When the father and son duo arrived, they saw it was quiet at the entrance.


    The staff had already set up the required lighting, the corridor was polished to a shine, and Wen Runuan and Li Yu had already changed into their outfits.


    Qin Mu and Feng Fanghua stood by watching, Feng Fanghua excitedly clutching her chest: "It¡¯s my first time watching an advertisement shoot live, this feels pretty great."


    "Is it?"


    Qin Mu asked, her eyes still fixed on Li Yu.


    Xiaomei stood next to Li Yu, turning her head to glance at Qin Mu.


    "Take off the tie."


    Qin Mu commanded.


    Xiaomei nodded and immediately removed the tie hanging around Li Yu¡¯s neck.


    Wen Runuan¡¯s lipstick was originally a taupe shade, but Qin Mu felt it was unsuitable, so after greeting Feng Fanghua, she went to Wen Runuan, who was being worked on by the makeup artist, and asked: "Could we change the muted red to something brighter? We¡¯re about to sell the autumn collection, um...how about orange?"


    As Qin Mu said this, she looked toward the box filled with a series of lipsticks.


    "I also think this color is too everyday, let¡¯s go with orange then!"


    Two designers were helping them match more outfits, the two celebrities surrounded by a cluster of people.


    As Mu Yichen and Mu Zihao arrived with the child,

 Chapter 857 - 244 is my husband

    Chapter 857: 244 is my husband


    Mu Yichen stood aside, pushing the stroller and quietly watching; she was always one hundred percent devoted to her work.


    Mu Zihao searched in the crowd but couldn¡¯t find his wife. When he turned his head, he saw her in a corner chatting with two middle-aged men; it seemed to be his wife.


    Feng Fanghua was having a lively conversation when she suddenly felt someone sit down very close to her, which made her turn her head in displeasure. She was startled to see Mu Zihao: "How did you get here?"


    "Your son came to supervise his daughter-in-law."


    That meant, "I just came along to see what¡¯s happening."


    As soon as Feng Fanghua heard that, she looked towards the bar and saw her precious son standing there. His dark eyes were indeed filled with worry as they looked at his woman.


    "Sigh! Sometimes, the more you fear losing something, the more likely it is to happen."


    With a sigh, Feng Fanghua started laughing and then turned to introduce Mu Zihao to the director and the assistant director.


    They were well aware of Mu Zihao¡¯s reputation, having once been a figure in the business world themselves, so they greeted him amiably.


    Feng Fanghua had always been skillful in socializing. Mu Zihao sat by her side for a while and listened as she engaged in endless conversation with the director, looking as if she was about to storm into the entertainment industry and become a dark horse.


    Despite their age, they suddenly pursued fashion. She recently stopped wearing age-appropriate clothes, preferring styles like those of younger people, which made Mu Zihao anxious - a woman can go crazy regardless of her age.


    When the commercial shoot officially started, the studio staff finally cleared away, and aside from the employees ogling Li Yu in the corner, everyone else was normal.


    After stepping aside, Qin Mu immediately looked for Feng Fanghua but caught sight of Mu Yichen standing by the bar, and walked over to him.


    Mu Yichen looked down as she approached and took his son out of the stroller. The little guy, seeing his mother, joyfully waved his arms and legs, wanting her to hold him.


    When Qin Mu took Chengcheng, she took the chance to tell him, "Don¡¯t you say you just happened to pass by!"


    "Look over there!"


    Mu Yichen glanced at the coffee-drinking area.


    Qin Mu was stunned to see Mu Zihao and asked, "Dad, what¡¯s going on?"


    "Worried you¡¯d be a bad influence on Mom."


    Mu Yichen gazed at her seriously, his low voice quiet yet powerful.


    Qin Mu...


    Every time Chengcheng was held by Qin Mu, he couldn¡¯t help but grab her hair, and this time was no different, starting the ritual in less than half a minute.


    Qin Mu, her hair grabbed by him, could only tilt her head and bear the pain, saying, "Baby, let go of Mommy¡¯s hair; it hurts."


    Mu Yichen watched the mother and son and couldn¡¯t help but sigh, both annoyed and unwilling to help.


    But in the end, fearing the little one would pull out the hair of the woman he loved most, he still extended a friendly hand.


    "Kid, let go!"


    Mu Yichen used one hand to hold Qin Mu¡¯s hair and the other to grab Chengcheng¡¯s little hand.


    Chengcheng blinked his big eyes at him, as if scared, yet also as if lost in thought.


    But Qin Mu was nearly driven mad by father and son grabbing her hair.


    When everyone curiously turned their heads to look in their direction, Qin Mu and Mu Yichen were extremely embarrassed, and Mu Yichen lowered his head and forced a smile: "Mu Chengyang, be good, it¡¯s not right to pull Mommy¡¯s hair! Sorry, he¡¯s just being mischievous!"


    Mu Yichen hurriedly smiled and explained to everyone.


    Kids loving to pull adults¡¯ hair isn¡¯t anything unusual. Once people realized it was not a marital conflict, they went back to their own business.


    Meanwhile, Li Yu and Wen Runuan had already been paired as siblings in the commercial.


    Indeed, not a couple, but a special sibling pairing.


    Because Wen Runuan was married, for various reasons, advertising would no longer pair her with others as a couple. Moreover, Qin Mu didn¡¯t like the idea of a couple; an affectionate brother-sister relationship can be quite enviable as well.


    For example, a brother who is a bit taciturn yet really loving, and a sister who seems fierce but takes extra care of her brother.


    Employees stood by, standing on their tiptoes, ogling their boss¡¯s man, and couldn¡¯t help but feel captivated.


    "Our boss¡¯s man, wow!"


    "He¡¯s just like the domineering CEO straight out of a TV drama, isn¡¯t he?"


    "He¡¯s way better than that fresh-faced Li Yu, looks like he¡¯s got such a strong presence."


    "So attractive, is he what they call the abstinent type?"


    "Abstinent? I only smell a strong scent of desire."

 Chapter 858 - 244 is my husband_2

    Chapter 858: 244 is my husband_2


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t too far from them; although their voices were hushed, the shooting crew had already started and it was practically silent, so she heard everything.


    She thought, you all see how great he seems on the surface, do you feel like groveling before him?


    But do you know how miserable it really is to live with him?


    Thinking about how he tormented her, Qin Mu felt utterly bruised and battered, too exhausted to even complain.


    But Mu Yichen carried on as if he hadn¡¯t heard, until his phone rang.


    The director shouted unhappily, "Whose phone is that?"


    "Sorry! It¡¯s my husband¡¯s!"


    Seeing that the man had already opened the door and walked out, Qin Mu quickly raised her hand, afraid the director might get the wrong person and lose his temper.


    However, as soon as Qin Mu mentioned Mu Yichen, the director immediately said, "No worries at all! Let¡¯s just do it one more time."


    "Director, aren¡¯t you being a bit too biased?"


    Wen Runuan remembered how miserably she was scolded the first time she forgot to turn off her phone during a shoot, and she certainly had criticisms to voice.


    "This is a special case!"


    The director smiled, knowing that Wen Runuan was not what she used to be, and no one here would dare to offend her lightly.


    Li Yu remained silent, which was typical of him at times.


    Wen Runuan shook her head helplessly and then had no choice but to redo the scene with Li Yu.


    Qin Mu apologized to her with her eyes, and then turned her head back towards the door.


    "I need to go over to the office building."


    He suddenly opened the door and peeked half his body out, telling Qin Mu.


    "Oh!"


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t snapped back to reality yet, just nodding reflexively.


    "Tell mom and dad that I¡¯m leaving first!"


    Mu Yichen left immediately after speaking, while Qin Mu instinctively looked down at her precious son.


    Haha!


    General Manager Mu is just here to stir up trouble, right?


    Disrupting everything here and then leaving discretely.


    Qin Mu guessed that if he didn¡¯t leave now, the director or producer would surely come looking for him later.


    Better that he left, Qin Mu picked Chengcheng up from the stroller, preemptively catching his little hand just as he was about to grab her hair, and swiftly bent down to get a toy from the stroller to put in his hands first.


    With both his hands occupied with toys, Chengcheng had no chance to play with her hair.


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao turned to watch Qin Mu handle the child, Feng Fanghua sipping her coffee said to Mu Zihao: "You better take Chengcheng back now, I¡¯ll be back soon."


    "I¡¯ll stay here with you."


    Mu Zihao said.


    "Or we could go sit in her office for a while, it¡¯s not my turn yet, and I¡¯ve got a handle on things already."


    Frightened of delaying Qin Mu¡¯s work, Feng Fanghua suggested to Mu Zihao.


    "Sure!"


    So the old couple went to Qin Mu¡¯s office with their grandson, led by the staff.


    The day was busy yet felt remarkably fulfilling.


    At noon, the staff ordered takeout. Since this ad shoot was already being done at the lowest price, she of course didn¡¯t want everyone to just have ordinary takeout, so she called AM to order meals from there.


    In the afternoon, they finished shooting in another hour, and the photographer stayed to take special photos for Feng Fanghua, creating a very cinematic sense, as Feng Fanghua changed into several key outfits from their store, later even modeling a suit, and Qin Mu felt completely captivated by her mother-in-law.


    Feng Fanghua looked truly graceful in a cheongsam, exuding an aura of calm authority.


    But in casual wear, she seemed truly uninhibited.


    Qin Mu finally understood why Mu Zihao had stayed loyal to this one woman all these years.


    And she finally realized, it was her own lack of distinction that made General Manager Mu so oppressive.


    Later, Feng Fanghua came out with the photographer, thanking him profusely. The photographer was quite demure, exchanging pleasantries before leaving.


    After the photographer left, Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help but mutter at the door, "He¡¯s so professional, how much did you pay him?"


    Qin Mu...


    She had indeed already paid the photographer privately, but she didn¡¯t expect Feng Fanghua to guess it.


    "Such a high-profile photographer mustn¡¯t come cheap, right?"


    "Money matters, your daughter-in-law won¡¯t be frugal when it comes to spending on you."


    Qin Mu hugged Feng Fanghua from behind, trying to please her.


    "Sharp-tongued."


    Feng Fanghua looked down at Qin Mu¡¯s coquettish behavior and couldn¡¯t help but tease him quietly.


    However, Qin Mu hugged her even tighter. It was the first time Qin Mu held Feng Fanghua this way, and it felt a bit unreal, so she wanted to hold her a bit longer to get used to it.


    "Mom, I think you really look great on camera, no wonder dad is so captivated by you."


    Qin Mu murmured softly to her when no one was around.


    "Dealing with men, relying solely on beauty won¡¯t last long. You need to use some tactics, you know?"


    Feng Fanghua said.


    "Yes! Mom, could you teach me a few tricks?"


    Qin Mu quickly nodded, continuing to curry favor.


    "Well, it¡¯s not impossible¡ª, but do you think it¡¯s possible to use them against my son?"


    Feng Fanghua suddenly had a thought.


    Qin Mu...


    "I am going with your dad to pick up Huanhuan, do you want to come along, or go home yourself?"


    Feng Fanghua mentioned to her.


    "How about I treat you to eat out? Last time Mu Yichen took me to a private restaurant, the food there was incredibly authentic."


    Qin Mu thought about it, Mu Yichen had caused a scene here today, and left so nonchalantly, why should she go back and have dinner with him?


    "Private dining?"


    "Yes!"


    "Then let¡¯s pick up Huanhuan first, and call my son."


    Feng Fanghua agreed, but she had a condition.


    "Mom, can we not invite your son? Just you, me, dad, Chengcheng, and Huanhuan, just us, okay?"


    Qin Mu began to sway her arm, reminiscing about the times she saw Mu Qingxin do this, never imagining she¡¯d have such an opportunity too. It felt genuinely blissful.


    "Humph! Just for the sake of the photos we took today."


    Feng Fanghua was somewhat disdainful, but she agreed nonetheless.


    Therefore, tonight Mu Yichen was alone at home, becoming a bit impatient as darkness fell, and he called Mu Zihao: "Why aren¡¯t you guys back yet?"


    "We¡¯re eating out, didn¡¯t Mumu tell you?"


    Mu Zihao was in the restroom, as both women in the private room disapproved of him calling his own son.


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly: "At AM?"


    "No! Mumu said it¡¯s a private dining restaurant you once took her to, called Bide Garden."


    Mu Zihao recalled and told him.


    Mu Yichen scratched his head: "Got it!"


    After hanging up with Mu Zihao, he immediately called Jing Feng: "My treat."


    So unusually, Jing Feng did not eat at home but joined his brother instead.


    In a private room at AM, the two sat at the dining table, surrounded by several bottles of liquor and a few dishes.


    The atmosphere was slightly solemn, Jing Feng sat somberly beside looking at Mu Yichen with no expression and spoke softly: "If you two can¡¯t stand each other, just call it quits."


    Mu Yichen, staring at his drink, turned his deep eyes towards his good brother: "What?"


    "All this daily fuss, is there still a meaning in being together?"


    Jing Feng pressed on.


    Mu Yichen¡¯s tongue twitched inside his mouth, feeling an urge to punch Jing Feng.


    "How many good days have you two actually had? Probably countable, right?"


    Jing Feng asked again, then viewed Mu Yichen suspiciously.


    "So you¡¯re telling me to give up? Did I chase her all this time just to break up with her?"


    Mu Yichen questioned angrily, his gaze almost murderous.


    "Countless couples divorce soon after marrying these days; you guys wouldn¡¯t be the first or the last."


    Jing Feng, arms crossed, remained serious.

 Chapter 859: Why are you glaring with 245 eyes?

    Chapter 859: Why are you glaring with 245 eyes?


    "Yichen, maybe you pushed her too hard!"


    After a long thought, Jing Feng decided to voice out the problem concerning Mu Yichen.


    "You should understand her temperament better than anyone else, so when you first pursued her, didn¡¯t I tell you to think it through? But what did you say?"


    Jing Feng looked at Mu Yichen, his gaze very restrained.


    "Even if it kills me, I must hold on to her."


    Mu Yichen could not forget how Jing Feng had advised him more than once to leave Qin Mu, but he stubbornly refused to let go of her.


    Actually, Mu Yichen always felt that he was the loneliest person; it was his lonely soul that yearned to entangle with that stubborn girl, Qin Mu.


    ¡ª¡ª


    When Qin Mu and the others returned home, Mu Yichen was not yet back, so Feng Fanghua made a call to him, then told Qin Mu: "You go ahead and put Chengcheng to sleep; he¡¯s out dining with Jing Feng."


    "Okay! You guys should rest early too."


    Qin Mu nodded, then looked at Huanhuan who had fallen asleep on grandpa¡¯s shoulder. Since she couldn¡¯t manage both, she carried her son, who was still wide-eyed, upstairs.


    It wasn¡¯t until after Qin Mu had put Chengcheng to bed and taken a shower that Mu Yichen came back.


    Seeing him return, Qin Mu asked, "Why did you suddenly go out for drinks with Jing Feng?"


    Mu Yichen ignored her, simply tossing his coat aside and then going to look at his beloved son lying on the bed.


    Chengcheng was sleeping soundly; Yichen lay beside him, watching, then raised his hand to gently stroke Chengcheng¡¯s hair.


    Qin Mu stood by and watched, guessing that he was probably ignoring her because she had taken the elders out to eat, so she didn¡¯t ask any further questions.


    If it had been before, he would have had someone take Chengcheng away, but tonight he didn¡¯t say a word and just lied down next to Chengcheng after his bath and fell asleep.


    Qin Mu wondered, were the two of them becoming indifferent towards each other?


    But it didn¡¯t matter, she was still making full preparations.


    Qin Mu questioned her own heart, though she didn¡¯t dare to look too deeply inside.


    She really was timid as a mouse.


    She couldn¡¯t help but look at him, but he was turned away from her.


    Qin Mu lowered her head to look at Chengcheng, her hand gently caressing his face.


    Was Mu Yichen this tender when he was a child?


    As the night deepened, it finally became quiet.


    Her own breathing seemed undetectable as well.


    Gradually, she lost consciousness and slowly fell asleep.


    If they woke up tomorrow and were no longer beside each other, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising.


    Because, with the current situation, they often did things deliberately to upset each other.


    So, in their hearts, they still understood each other and held their own persistence.


    It¡¯s just¡ª


    It was not yet six in the morning when Feng Fanghua came into their room to take Chengcheng away.


    When both of them opened their eyes to find Chengcheng gone, they instinctively sat up and looked around, then looked at each other foolishly.


    Once they came to their senses and realized that Chengcheng must have been taken by Feng Fanghua, they lay back down in unison.


    "Sigh!"


    Both let out a soft sigh, simultaneously looking towards the same direction on the ceiling, and then drowsiness hit them again.


    Qin Mu turned away from him: "I am not going to work this morning; don¡¯t wake me up."


    She placed one hand under the pillow and the other by her side, lying on her side with one leg slightly bent upward, then prepared to sleep.


    It was the same for Mu Yichen, having only fallen asleep in the middle of the night, feeling weary despite not having done much.


    But suddenly, the air between them became subtly different.


    Later, not knowing how, as day broke outside, they turned back to each other and embraced.


    Groggily, they sought out the warmest body.


    Qin Mu had a second of doubt, but then gave up the struggle for the sake of the warm temperature, sleeping in his arms.


    Mu Yichen opened his eyes for a moment and felt that the person he was holding was very fragrant.


    Without any will to resist, he hugged her and fell back into a sound sleep.


    Downstairs, Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao left the house with the two kids, instructing the butler before leaving: "Don¡¯t disturb them."


    The butler nodded; as servants, they naturally didn¡¯t want to bother their young master and mistress. Those two bickering lovebirds finally hadn¡¯t gotten up all morning, almost wishing they could stay in their room all day.


    So, by the time the couple woke up again, it was almost eleven o¡¯clock.


    They snuggled together, blinking drowsily, pretending to be calm, and silently gazed into each other¡¯s eyes.


    Someone¡¯s heartbeat rhythm went awry.

 Chapter 860: Why are you glaring with 245 eyes?_2

    Chapter 860: Why are you glaring with 245 eyes?_2


    Maybe everything is just a mess!


    Qin Mu suddenly withdrew her hand from him and then turned around woodenly.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t move, just watched her back for a few seconds before turning around again.


    But the sensation from just now, and the lingering warmth of another person in his embrace...


    Qin Mu involuntarily clutched the quilt tightly to her chest.


    Mu Yichen, however, just crossed his arms over his chest, lying there with his usual indifference, his face still expressionless.


    Let¡¯s just treat it as a dream, in reality, they never embraced each other uncontrollably.


    But...


    Qin Mu felt that Mu Yichen had reacted earlier, and now, as she recalled their embrace, she felt a tightening in her chest.


    But...


    A long while passed; he didn¡¯t get up, nor did he touch her again.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help thinking, he¡¯s really restraining himself well right now.


    But if he¡¯s holding back now, she¡¯s the one who will suffer when he eventually explodes.


    Thinking about the life she¡¯s been leading, Qin Mu felt it was really a ¡¯life of extreme hardship.¡¯


    When they get up and go to wash, it¡¯s really just a reflexive action to do one thing, and then they bumped into each other.


    Both brushing their teeth, they see each other¡¯s disheveled appearance in the mirror.


    Qin Mu¡¯s large eyes look a bit sunken, and Mu Yichen suddenly remembers what Feng Fanghua told him, that Qin Mu wasn¡¯t feeling well that night.


    "Have you been feeling unwell lately?"


    Qin Mu pulled at the strap of her bra under her shirt and muttered, "No."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark hawk-like eyes stared straight at the woman in the mirror.


    Is she really fine, or has she forgotten her discomfort?


    Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, Qin Mu¡¯s beautiful eyes had no choice but to look elsewhere.


    Mu Yichen had no option but to brush his teeth vigorously; he felt that if he wasn¡¯t careful, he might pounce on her, and if he did, he would certainly make her scream and wail.


    "I¡¯ll accompany you to the hospital to check later!"


    Mu Yichen said after finishing brushing his teeth.


    Qin Mu woodenly rinsed her mouth without even remembering if she brushed her teeth properly and vigorously shook her head with the toothbrush cup in hand.


    "You don¡¯t have a say in this. If something happens to you, I¡¯m the one who will suffer in the end."


    After speaking, Mu Yichen took a piece of paper to wipe his mouth, threw it away, and turned to walk outside.


    Qin Mu watched his silhouette disappear in the mirror, then slowly turned to look at herself, feeling it was all too sudden.


    So after washing up, she went down the stairs and upon seeing him sitting on the sofa, she approached and said, "I felt a bit of palpitations a few days ago, but not today."


    Qin Mu spoke.


    Mu Yichen sat there like a sovereign, his dark eagle-like eyes piercing into the depths of her eyes with a slight fluctuation, as if guessing the reason for the palpitations, then putting down the financial newspaper he was pretending to read, he stood up: "Let¡¯s go, better to have it checked out anyway."


    Qin Mu...


    If she¡¯s already feeling better, what¡¯s there to check?


    Isn¡¯t it common to have palpitations when it¡¯s hot? Plus, she¡¯s been feeling some negative emotions.


    Thus, the two of them were still on their way to the hospital in the car, Qin Mu glanced at Mu Yichen, feeling that his look was excessively cold and deep.


    As for herself, feeling resentful, afraid, and guarded.


    She turned to look outside, at the ornamental trees along the road, watching the scenery flash past in the blink of an eye.


    Upon reaching the hospital, Qin Mu did not get out of the car.


    For her, they weren¡¯t at a hospital, but a place where there could be no more restraint.


    Here, if they couldn¡¯t come to an agreement, it would be a critical point.


    Her large, dark eyes were blank under her fine eyebrows; her hands nervously intertwined and twisted together.


    Her breathing was excessively low; she didn¡¯t look at him anymore.


    He sat next to her proudly, so domineering.


    He turned his dark eyes to look at her downcast cheeks.


    "What¡¯s wrong?"


    "Mu Yichen, I don¡¯t know how ordinary couples live, but I think they just live common lives, right?"


    She lifted her clear eyes and eventually looked into his deep black ones. Despite shivering involuntarily and breaking into a cold sweat the moment she met his gaze, she remained resolute in her stare.


    But she still looked at him firmly.


    "They work hard in their own fields, constantly giving to their families. Though it¡¯s tough and they fight occasionally, they know they¡¯re an inseparable family, so they keep moving forward bravely."


    As she continued speaking, she felt insignificant in the face of his eyes, as vast as the starry sky, yet she fought to survive.


    "Why can¡¯t we do the same? In the workplace, we might meet congenial members of the opposite sex, but that will never impair this woman¡¯s judgment in love¡ªI¡¯m no longer that teenage girl, let¡¯s not continue like this."


    She thought she couldn¡¯t say it!


    But she did!


    It wasn¡¯t about breaking up, letting go, or giving up.


    Rather, it was about not going on like this.


    No more erasing all the feelings one has for the other due to the presence of someone of the opposite sex, thinking she¡¯s a scoundrel who falls for every man she sees?


    Mu Yichen had been watching her all along, her eyes lacking spirit and her voice weak, but her words were provoking his innermost feelings.


    "Get out of the car!"


    He unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the car first.


    Qin Mu...


    After Mu Yichen got out of the car, his sharp eyes glanced at the entrance of the hospital momentarily, then he lowered his head. She said not to go on like this?


    The doctor said she didn¡¯t have any serious issues, she should rest more in the summer, not overwork herself, and prescribed some tonics for her.


    After the two of them came out, Mu Yichen asked her, "Do you want to go to the studio now, or go home?"


    "And you?"


    Seeing his indifferent manner, Qin Mu wondered if he was planning to just leave her here.


    "Me? I¡¯ll be your driver."


    Qin Mu felt something stir in her heart as she watched him walk away, immediately grabbing her medicine and chasing after him.


    But they didn¡¯t go home; instead, they went back to the apartment, where there wasn¡¯t much to do in the afternoon, so they watched TV and drank some tea at home.


    In fact, Mu Yichen made himself a coffee because she was palpitated, so he did not prepare one for her.


    Qin Mu could only add two jasmine flowers and drink tea.


    Actually, after arriving, Qin Mu felt a bit of regret. Why did she come over?


    He was enjoying his afternoon life while she was quietly tormented by him.


    No need for an army, just one look, one expression, could make her feel as small as a foot soldier in front of him.


    "I suddenly remembered that there seems to be something else I need to take care of at the studio."


    Qin Mu suddenly stood up.


    "Sit down!"


    Mu Yichen said.


    Qin Mu looked down at him, his dark eyes fixed on the TV, but those words must have come from him.


    "Mu Yichen!"


    She called him softly, with her stubborn temper.


    Mu Yichen lifted his eyes and then reached out and pulled her down to sit beside him again.


    Qin Mu looked at him with concern, unsure of what he was up to.


    Mu Yichen held her hand without loosening his grip, instead he brought her hand next to him onto his leg and leaned back on the sofa, quietly fidgeting with it.


    Qin Mu was going crazy, wanting to resist him, but fearful of another big argument. They had fought so often upon entering that she herself was frightened.


    And each argument usually ended with extremely unpleasant words.


    Qin Mu tried to pull her hand back, but Mu Yichen immediately looked over and captured her dazed eyes,


    "Why are you glaring at me?"


    Qin Mu asked angrily, trying to escape.


    Mu Yichen suddenly pulled her hand forcefully, directly bringing her onto his lap.

 Chapter 861 - 246 companies establish new regulations (1)

    Chapter 861: 246 companies establish new regulations (1)


    "Why are you suddenly talking so much!"


    Qin Mu glared at him: "I¡¯m telling you, don¡¯t you think I... Ah."


    "Don¡¯t bring up your complaints to me again."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s hand was gripping her calf so hard it felt like he was about to crush her bones.


    His voice was still so soft, yet far too intimidating.


    "Why?"


    Qin Mu questioned discontentedly.


    "I miss you so much I could die! From now on, a new rule must be established in our Mu Family."


    "If it¡¯s an unfair rule, I refuse."


    "You must abide by it."


    "Why should I?"


    "Because it¡¯s made for you."


    Qin Mu...


    "From now on, no matter what happens, Mrs. Mu must fulfill her wifely duties every evening."


    Qin Mu...


    "Remember that!"


    Mu Yichen demanded of her, his domineering demeanor, those pitch-black eyes staring at her, ready to devour her.


    "That¡¯s obviously unfair; I won¡¯t agree to it either way."


    "Then I¡¯ll just have to exercise a husband¡¯s rights."


    "What rights?"


    ¡ª¡ª


    Afterward, Qin Mu looked at him: "Does our previous agreement still stand then?"


    "We can add one more rule."


    Mu Yichen gently brushed away the stray hair on her forehead with his hand, and even though it instantly fell back into place, he couldn¡¯t resist repeating the gesture.


    Qin Mu¡¯s bright, round eyes stared back at him, suddenly spirited.


    "Add another rule?"


    Her heart was in turmoil. Was this unfair treaty going to continue indefinitely in their Mu Family?


    "Yes! If one side resists, it is the other side¡¯s responsibility to tame them."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s eyes were as deep as inkwell, so profound, like the vast starry sky, causing her to inadvertently tumble in.


    Qin Mu shivered with fear, and involuntarily scoffed: "You might have the strength to tame me, but I sure don¡¯t have the strength to tame you."


    "You can act coquettishly!"


    Mu Yichen said softly.


    That was her unique weapon.


    Too bad she seemed unaware of it.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as she looked up at him, disbelieving.


    He suddenly smiled.


    Qin Mu felt her heart melt at the sight of his smile.


    His eyes seemed to hold a world of beautiful landscapes, so captivating that Qin Mu found herself mesmerized, unable to look away.


    "The commercial shoot is over, so can we break off relations with Li Yu now?"


    Mu Yichen noticed she had calmed down significantly, so he asked her another question.


    Qin Mu blinked: "There wasn¡¯t much of a relationship to begin with. He used me, I used him, is there anything else?"


    "That¡¯s why I say, you¡¯d still be counting money for someone after they¡¯ve kidnapped you."


    Mu Yichen sighed helplessly, then got up.


    Qin Mu had to move over a bit, lying down further inside.


    "The contract period isn¡¯t over, our studio still has to supply him with fashion, but the rest can be handled by other partners. I won¡¯t be involved."


    This was written in the contract when Qin Mu and Li Yu signed it. Li Yu even protested at the time, but he didn¡¯t say anything else.


    ¡ª¡ª


    It was only later that evening that they reluctantly returned to the old house. Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao were talking about them in the living room. Mu Yichen pulled Qin Mu to a stop at the entrance and listened in covertly with a calm expression.


    "Why don¡¯t you give your son a call? Ask him if he¡¯ll come back for dinner tonight."


    Feng Fanghua said to Mu Zihao.


    Holding his grandson in his arms, Mu Zihao scoffed upon hearing Feng Fanghua¡¯s words: "He¡¯s not a child anymore."


    "What if neither of them comes back tonight?"


    Feng Fanghua knew her son was no longer a child, but she couldn¡¯t help worrying upon hearing Mu Yichen hadn¡¯t come home to sleep that day.


    "If they don¡¯t come back, then they don¡¯t. Isn¡¯t the daughter-in-law still here? And besides, don¡¯t we have Chengcheng?"


    Mu Zihao laughed, watching his grandson grow day by day; he had already tossed aside concerns for his son.


    Mu Yichen stood at the doorway, his gaze mysterious and inscrutable.


    Qin Mu looked up at Mu Yichen, thinking to herself, now you know your position in this family isn¡¯t as high as mine, right?


    "But Mumu still hasn¡¯t come back. Sigh, this girl is so set on making money that she neglects her family. Our family¡¯s wealth is enough for her to spend for several lifetimes, yet she still insists on working so hard, causing her marriage to suffer."


    Feng Fanghua spoke of Qin Mu with a belly full of dissatisfaction, but now she doesn¡¯t only see Qin Mu¡¯s faults like before, which is why the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship has become so harmonious.


    "She may be a bit foolish, but it seems like you and your son actually like that about her. I think it¡¯s quite good, too. It¡¯s better for a girl to be ambitious and strive for success than to be capable of nothing and just stay at home taking care of children, right? After all, your son isn¡¯t looking for a nanny."


    Feng Fanghua...


    A twitch tugged at the corner of Qin Mu¡¯s lips, a touch of sadness in her expression.


    In the eyes of her in-laws, both she and her husband were so lacking.


    She had thought at least one of them would be regarded well.


    Unexpectedly, they both faced criticism.


    Mu Yichen suddenly chuckled, his dark pupils hidden by his long lashes, as he whispered close to her ear, "Now you know what image you have in this family, don¡¯t you?"


    Qin Mu looked up at him, feeling as though his gaze was saying: You get called a foolish woman and still aren¡¯t happy about it, but the eyes of the masses are always bright, aren¡¯t they?


    "Ah, it¡¯s so late already, this is really..."


    "Young Master, Young Madam!"


    The butler went to the back and upon his return, greeted them both as he saw them standing at the entrance.


    And with this greeting from the butler, the old couple on the sofa inside heard them as well.


    Instantly, a look of panic crossed their eyes.


    "Ah! We¡¯re back!"


    Qin Mu greeted the butler and then headed inside first.


    Mu Yichen followed behind, taking many more steps than Qin Mu.


    "How come there was no noise when you came back?"


    Feng Fanghua asked with concealed unease.


    "Oh, we also just got back!"


    Qin Mu replied casually to spare her the embarrassment.


    Mu Yichen walked over and sat down beside Qin Mu. Seeing that Qin Mu was about to pick up Chengcheng, he grabbed her hand.


    Qin Mu turned her puzzled gaze towards him.


    The elderly couple also looked in bewilderment at Mu Yichen¡¯s action, and at the hand they were holding¡ªwhat was this about?


    Mu Yichen paid no attention to the old couple, simply lifted Qin Mu¡¯s hand, touched her ring, and whispered softly, "How did the ring get dirty?"


    After ¡¯cleaning¡¯ it, he placed her hand back down.


    Qin Mu...


    The corners of Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao¡¯s mouths twitched involuntarily.


    Qin Mu still went to pick up Chengcheng, who excitedly flapped his arms and legs about, his big eyes brimming with delight.


    Mu Yichen glanced up, seeing the little guy about to grab his wife¡¯s face, and immediately took hold of Chengcheng¡¯s little hand, then lifted him from Qin Mu¡¯s arms onto his own, "Didn¡¯t you say your clothes were uncomfortable? Go upstairs and change into something else first."


    Qin Mu...


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao gave Qin Mu questioning looks.


    Qin Mu, with a blushing face embarrassedly smiled and explained, "Actually, I overindulged in desserts this afternoon, and this outfit feels a bit tight."


    The truth was, on their way home, Mu Yichen had suddenly stopped the car to tease her.


    As soon as Qin Mu left, Mu Yichen placed Chengcheng down where she had just sat, and Chengcheng crawled about on the sofa.


    Feng Fanghua said, "You don¡¯t have an ounce of fat on your body, to the point where you¡¯re running out of sizes to wear, and you still claim to have overeaten?"


    Mu Yichen saw that Mrs. Feng completely believed Mrs. Mu¡¯s explanation and decided not to say more, but he thought back to the conversation he overheard at the entrance and felt deeply disappointed in the old couple.


    Qin Mu went upstairs and changed into a dark blue dress.


    Everyone was video-calling with the grandfather. Seeing her come down, Feng Fanghua promptly called out to her, "Mumu, come and greet your grandfather."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu hurried over, bending over at the waist to peer over Feng Fanghua¡¯s shoulder, "Grandpa! When are you coming back?"


    "Oh, my granddaughter-in-law is getting more and more beautiful. Stand up and let grandpa see what dress you¡¯re wearing."


    The elder of the Mu Family and the elder of the Jing Family were sitting together while a young male doctor waited on them hand and foot, also playing the role of a part-time nanny, sorting out their computer.


    "It¡¯s just a very ordinary dress!"


    Qin Mu stood up but suddenly felt awkward.


    Because all three, oh, no, four of them seated in front had turned their heads to look at her.


    Feng Fanghua couldn¡¯t help asking, "Why are you so formally dressed at home in the evening?"


    "Are you going out?"


    Mu Zihao asked in confusion.


    "I just randomly changed into this. Should I go change back?"


    Qin Mu felt awkward as everyone else seemed uncomfortable, and she felt extremely awkward herself.


    Only Mu Yichen remained silent, turning his head back seriously to sit down again.


    "Only my granddaughter-in-law can wear a dress so casually and still look so beautiful, even more beautiful than those big stars."


    The elder complimented and glanced to the side. The elder of the Jing Family immediately got up with the help of his cane, unable to continue the conversation.


    "That¡¯s enough, let¡¯s hang up!"


    Mu Yichen said aloud, then stood up to grab Qin Mu by the arm, leading her towards the washroom on the first floor.

 Chapter 862 - 247 new rules established (2)

    Chapter 862: 247 new rules established (2)


    The design of the cinched waist seems to be made for embracing. As soon as they entered the restroom, Mu Yichen closed the door and hugged her from behind, lifting her dress.


    "Hey! If Huanhuan comes in, you¡¯re finished."


    "Am I scared of her?"


    If that girl dares to come in...


    Mu Yichen thought, but just to be safe and avoid getting caught, he still held her with one hand and closed the door with the other.


    "Mu Yichen, you really are..."


    Qin Mu felt overwhelmingly embarrassed, thinking this man was beyond help.


    "I really am what?"


    Mu Yichen locked the door again, then continued to hold her, her skin was super soft and tender, addictively so at a touch.


    "You¡¯re beyond cure, no matter the time, as soon as lust hits your brain, you forget everything."


    Qin Mu said, grabbing his sturdy arms.


    Mu Yichen gently bit her neck: "This only shows that you¡¯re not capable enough, you haven¡¯t fed your man well."


    Qin Mu...


    "Don¡¯t forget the new house rule."


    Mu Yichen whispered in her ear, then continued to hug and touch her.


    Feng Fanghua sat on the sofa for a while, then stood up: "No, I have to check on them!"


    "Hey, what are you messing around for?"


    "Are you going against the elders and children at home now?"


    Feng Fanghua mumbled a word, already turned her head and walked back.


    Mu Zihao smiled helplessly, thinking about the undeniable authority of the Mu family¡¯s matriarch.


    "Chengcheng, it seems only your grandfather doesn¡¯t have a say at home."


    This comment seemed a bit bitter, but Mu Zihao¡¯s eyes were full of satisfaction.


    "You two better come out right now!"


    Feng Fanghua knocked forcefully on the door twice.


    Mu Yichen was pressing Qin Mu on the sink, lifting her dress.


    Both turned their heads toward the door at the same time, Qin Mu¡¯s legs immediately went weak, thankfully Mu Yichen¡¯s strong hands held her waist tightly.


    Mu Yichen did not speak, deciding to ignore it.


    But...


    "Mu Yichen, I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t be so disrespectful to the elders, come out now or I will really get angry."


    "Mom! Yichen hurt his hand, I¡¯m helping him to bandage it, we¡¯ll be out shortly."


    Qin Mu, with nerves on edge and Mu Yichen not speaking, had to bear the embarrassment and speak up.


    "I¡¯ll give you one minute."


    Feng Fanghua said, then turned back.


    Thinking to herself, if you two dare not to come out, I will use the key.


    Mu Yichen still didn¡¯t want to let her go, Qin Mu raised her hand to knock on his head, Mu Yichen hugged her from the front, grabbing her buttocks and said: "Make it up to me later."


    Qin Mu gave him a ¡¯shameless¡¯ look.


    As the two opened the door, just as Huanhuan reached the doorway. Huanhuan was coming to wash her hands, seeing her mom and dad coming from inside, she thought there was magic, aren¡¯t they supposed to come from the entrance? Yet they came from the washroom?


    The innocent gaze of Huanhuan immediately made the two adults feel awkward.


    "Mom and Dad, did you guys come from the washroom?"


    Huanhuan curiously asked, looking up at her beloved mom and dad.


    The sound, soft and tender, made Qin Mu feel a pang of sadness, then she bent down and took Huanhuan¡¯s hand: "No darling, mom and dad were just washing their hands, do you want to wash too? Shall mom join you?"


    "Yeah!"


    Huanhuan nodded vigorously, not forgetting to give her dad another glance, why did she always feel her dad was too quiet? Was what mom said true?


    Qin Mu glared at Mu Yichen again, then took Huanhuan back into the washroom.


    Mu Yichen turned around, crossed his arms at the doorway watching the mother and daughter washing their hands, helplessly licked his lips.


    After dinner, he received a call from Qiao Yi asking him out for a drink.


    He glanced at Qin Mu, Qin Mu also looked at him: "You and your brother drinking doesn¡¯t need my approval, right?"


    "Tomorrow night, tonight..."


    "If you don¡¯t come, I might as well jump off the building."


    Qiao Yi threatened over the phone.


    Mu Yichen felt helpless, he originally had more important things planned for tonight.


    Seeing the parents already took the kids to the living room, he leaned forward to Qin Mu¡¯s ear: "Tonight, don¡¯t allow our son or daughter to sleep in our bed."


    He had wanted to say this for a long time, tonight he finally said it.


    "After midnight, I definitely won¡¯t be waiting for you."


    Qin Mu kindly reminded him.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say anything, just gave her a devilish look, then got up and left.


    Qin Mu was about to stand up, then looked up and saw two aunts standing aside, giggling, her face turned red, and called out: "Auntie!"


    "We didn¡¯t see anything!"

 Chapter 863 - 247 new rules established (2)_2

    Chapter 863: 247 new rules established (2)_2


    "Right! We didn¡¯t hear anything!"


    As soon as this was said, it meant they had heard everything!


    ¡ª¡ª


    After arriving at the club, Mu Yichen saw Qin Mu and Jiang Zhiyuan already drinking, but it didn¡¯t matter to him; he wasn¡¯t in the mood to drink with these people today.


    So he sat on the sofa, watching the two of them drink.


    Jiang Zhiyuan was feeling gloomy because his family was pressuring him to get married again.


    Qin Mu was feeling gloomy about being pressured to marry by Secretary Xi.


    "That woman says if I don¡¯t marry her, she¡¯ll marry someone else. Can you believe there are women this eager to get married? We¡¯ve only been dating for a few days; I haven¡¯t even been to her bed, and she¡¯s pushing for marriage."


    Qin Mu felt so miserable he wanted to disembowel himself.


    "Honestly, I find Secretary Xi particularly dull. Why don¡¯t you just dump her?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan had a drink and said to Qin Mu.


    After hearing this, Qin Mu looked up at Jiang Zhiyuan: "Brat, you think she¡¯s a ball? To be kicked?"


    Honestly speaking, Qin Mu wasn¡¯t a crude person in some respects.


    And in his eyes, Xi Meng wasn¡¯t boring either.


    "She¡¯s getting older, you know. Look at Yichen, and look at Jing Feng, both of them are five years older than their wives, right?"


    His implication was clear ¨C cradle snatcher!


    Although Jiang Zhiyuan didn¡¯t explicitly endorse the older man-younger woman scenario, he still got a kick from Mu Yichen: "Another word of nonsense from you?"


    "Haha! I¡¯m just trying to console Mu. Look, he¡¯s here drowning his sorrows. Clearly, he can¡¯t figure this woman out, right?"


    Jiang Zhiyuan looked at Mu Yichen again, hoping that Mu Yichen would take his side.


    "To marry Xi Meng would be your good fortune, but for her, she¡¯s likely to regret it for life."


    Mu Yichen thought for a while and gave an objective assessment.


    Xi Meng had worked for him for several years, almost without fault. A woman who could handle tasks so meticulously was definitely not ordinary.


    "But you know me, bro, I had no intention of getting married so soon."


    Qin Mu had never really been prepared.


    When he began pursuing Xi Meng, he felt that if he didn¡¯t, he might regret it forever because she could truly end up marrying another man.


    He pursued her, and Xi Meng agreed to date him, but it wasn¡¯t long before she suddenly asked him if he was willing to marry her.


    He hesitated. In fact, he was almost falling apart inside, like a child who fell into water and couldn¡¯t swim.


    So he struggles, desperately struggles, searching for a way out.


    "Then let her go. Considering Xi Meng¡¯s age, you can¡¯t delay her any longer."


    Mu Yichen looked at Qin Mu and said earnestly.


    Qin Mu...


    Jiang Zhiyuan couldn¡¯t help but let out a couple of laughs from deep within: "Haha, Yichen, shouldn¡¯t you be on our brother¡¯s side?"


    "Logically, I should be on Xi Meng¡¯s side."


    Mu Yichen picked up a beer from the table and started fiddling with the glass.


    Jiang Zhiyuan and Qin Mu¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of their skulls.


    "What about emotionally?"


    You should be on my side, right?


    Qin Mu clutched at his chest, feeling like he had been stabbed by his own brother.


    "Emotionally, I should side with Xi Meng even more!"


    The bland tone of Mu Yichen¡¯s voice caused a huge uproar.


    Qin Mu wasn¡¯t stabbed by a brother just once. He was stabbed several times in succession, blood spraying out.


    "What emotional tie do you have with Xi Meng? You can¡¯t possibly be wanting to..."


    Jiang Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow.


    Mu Yichen took a big gulp of beer with his improper look, set down the glass, and tapped the table for a refill.


    After Jiang Zhiyuan poured another glass for him, Mu Yichen then continued: "Emotionally, Xi Meng has been my secretary for so many years; she has given more than any of you brothers have, so..."


    "Mu Yichen, you¡¯re twisting the knife in my chest."


    Qin Mu reached out to grab one of his shoulders, as if he had already been stabbed several times.


    Mu Yichen glanced down at him and smiled lightly: "I can¡¯t even handle my own romantic affairs, so I won¡¯t say much more."


    Mu Yichen was truly afraid that saying too much would hurt his brother.


    Qiao Yi suddenly fell silent because even Mu Yichen didn¡¯t try to persuade him. Could it be that there was really something wrong with him?


    "Yi, if you ask me, you should just break up with her. Think about it, finding a girl to date is a piece of cake for you. You¡¯re not as handsome as your brother here, but still not bad."


    Zhiyuan gave him advice.


    Mu Yichen glanced at Zhiyuan, smiled slightly, and squeezed Zhiyuan¡¯s shoulder hard.


    The expression on Zhiyuan¡¯s face instantly became unpleasant, as if his bones were about to be crushed.


    "Mu Yichen, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re making your brother miserable because you¡¯re bitter about your own love failures?"


    Zhiyuan pretended to be severely poisoned, dramatically lowering his voice to a deep and husky tone.


    "Who said I¡¯m bitter about love?"


    Not happy with the words ¡¯bitter about love,¡¯ Mu Yichen frowned and looked seriously at Zhiyuan.


    "Isn¡¯t that so? You and Xiaomu were on the brink of divorce, weren¡¯t you?"


    Zhiyuan, seeing his reaction, suddenly had a bad premonition.


    Could it be that these two have made up again?


    "They couldn¡¯t have made up so quickly, could they?"


    The look on Qiao Yi¡¯s face twisted, sensing a breath of spring on Director Mu¡¯s face.


    "What? We can¡¯t make up?"


    "You¡¯re not mad anymore? With her flirting with men like that."


    Zhiyuan asked him.


    "It¡¯s not her flirting with men, it¡¯s those people bothering her."


    Speaking of this matter, Mu Yichen frowned in annoyance.


    "So..."


    "Bro, with you guys going back and forth like this, you¡¯re about to give your brothers a heart attack. Can¡¯t we not do this?"


    Qiao Yi seemed on the verge of collapse, slumping over the back of the sofa in despair.


    Mu Yichen chuckled: "Just don¡¯t worry about my affairs."


    "Yeah, when you call us out, we have to show up or you threaten to cut ties with us, but when you make up, you tell us not to worry."


    Zhiyuan laughed helplessly, shaking his head in disappointment.


    Both men were hurt by their own brother.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Five minutes to midnight.


    The three men were standing at the hotel entrance, both Qiao Yi and Zhiyuan were drunk, while Mu Yichen stood beside them, looking on, then pulled out Qiao Yi¡¯s phone from his pocket.


    Two staff members were helping Zhiyuan and Qiao Yi wait for the car, and Mu Yi was scrolling through Qiao Yi¡¯s phone looking for his wife¡¯s name, but couldn¡¯t find it.


    He remembered they had added each other as friends, so he looked for Qin Mu¡¯s avatar, which was a picture of Huanhuan and Chengcheng from behind, and he quickly found it, frowning deeply.


    Evil woman!


    Qin Mu was listed as ¡¯Evil Woman¡¯ in Qiao Yi¡¯s WeChat.


    Mu Yichen shot Qiao Yi a sharp look full of suspicion, then quickly sent a message to Qin Mu, deleted it swiftly, and put it back in Qiao Yi¡¯s pocket.


    Qiao Yi still didn¡¯t know anything, truly drunk.


    Xi Meng drove over, greeted her boss upon seeing him nearby: "Boss!"


    "He¡¯s drunk, if you don¡¯t feel it¡¯s safe, just casually toss him on the roadside."


    Mu Yichen said nothing more.


    "Yes!"


    Secretary Xi was actually quite shocked inside, but still immediately went over to help the staff get Qiao Yi into the car.


    After the two of them left, Zhiyuan suddenly pushed the staff away and wrapped his arms around Mu Yichen¡¯s shoulder: "Bro, take me back! I feel a bit dizzy from drinking."


    "Take Young Master Jiang home!"


    Mu Yichen glanced at him and then instructed the staff.


    The car came, and the staff immediately forcibly ushered him into the vehicle.


    "Mu Yichen, you son of a bitch."


    Zhiyuan yelled at him from inside the car.


    Mu Yichen...


    Thank goodness the car was fast; otherwise, Mu Yichen would probably have pulled him out and given him a beating.


    After both of them had left, Mu Yichen turned and went back into the hotel.

 Chapter 864 - 248 companies establish new regulations (3)

    Chapter 864: 248 companies establish new regulations (3)


    Qin Mu was reading a book on the sofa and was about to fall asleep.


    But...


    The mobile phone was on the bed. It rang once and she didn¡¯t pay attention, so she had no idea that Qiao Yi had sent her a message on WeChat.


    Mu Yichen was holding his phone in the hotel room, and it was already 1 AM. She still hadn¡¯t arrived, and Mu Yichen was almost falling asleep.


    He picked up the phone and glanced at it, barely able to keep his eyes open, and the phone smashed onto his face.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t come home in the morning; Qin Mu found the phone and impulsively ran to look for him, it was only 6:30 AM.


    "Mu Yichen?"


    Mu Yichen thought he was dreaming.


    Qin Mu remembered deliberately hitting his face that night.


    But he woke up quickly, his eyes still closed as he grabbed her hand first.


    "Damn woman!"


    Mu Yichen cursed.


    Qin Mu, annoyed, wanted to hit him: "You dare to scold me when you didn¡¯t come home at night?"


    He said, "Don¡¯t forget the new rules in our house. Why didn¡¯t you come over last night?"


    "I didn¡¯t look at my phone last night!"


    Qin Mu also felt a bit depressed speaking about this.


    Mu Yichen sighed, wondering why she didn¡¯t look at her phone at such a critical time.


    "What were you doing at home last night?"


    "I read for a while, was waiting for you on the sofa, and then fell asleep there; the phone was always on the bed."


    This time, Qin Mu really felt wronged. She had planned the whole scenario herself.


    "You think it¡¯s easy for me? Waiting for you until after 1 AM, and then what?"


    "You weren¡¯t drunk?"


    Qin Mu looked up, suddenly remembering the message about him being drunk.


    "Hmm! No!"


    "Qiao Yi sent a message saying you were drunk."


    Qin Mu thought he really was drunk when she saw the message this morning.


    "He was in a bad mood and was just joking with you!"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s long eyelashes shaded his dark eyes, but his voice was steady.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but snort after hearing this: "I didn¡¯t expect him to be so childish."


    Mu Yichen paused to think, not blaming Qiao Yi, who dared to nickname his wife.


    Maybe some words, over the years together, are said many times or never fulfilled, but still said.


    ¡ª¡ª


    Qiao Yi got up and only felt a headache, then looked up to see that the alarm clock showed nine o¡¯clock.


    Xi Meng had already gone to the office, and he didn¡¯t know where he was.


    What he suddenly realized was important was not the time, but where on earth was he?


    This alarm clock was completely different from his metal one.


    Qiao Yi got up and looked around, everything seemed clean, and he breathed a sigh of relief.


    This was a girl¡¯s home.


    He suddenly had a bad premonition.


    But when he left the room and looked around, in the rather small living room, next to the TV there was a display stand.


    He walked over.


    This is Xi Meng¡¯s home?


    For some reason, his mouth couldn¡¯t help but stretch into a slight smile.


    They almost always broke up after dinner, he had asked to take her home, but she always drove her own car to and from work.


    He picked up her display stand, suddenly realizing that this girl wearing sportswear and a ponytail looked so youthful.


    Those glasses frames made one want to take them off her nose.


    Qiao Yi scratched his brow because he remembered Mu Yichen¡¯s words about letting her go if he couldn¡¯t give her a future.


    Qiao Yi sometimes felt defiant; Mu Yichen desperately wanted to give a girl a future, but the girl didn¡¯t want it, though they later got married and had children.


    But he was exactly someone who wanted to date, not marry, yet he sought a girl who wanted a comfortable life.


    He didn¡¯t understand girls¡¯ views on age.


    Although he sometimes felt anxious, given his family was also urging him to marry, he genuinely didn¡¯t think it was that important.


    He looked at his watch, knowing she must have gone to work, then also took his coat and walked out, making sure to close the door behind her.


    When he reached the office building, it was almost eleven, so he directly called Xi Meng to meet for lunch at the nearby restaurant.


    Xi Meng didn¡¯t refuse, she actually wanted to hear his thoughts, or maybe she should end it cleanly with him.


    So the two met at the nearby Western restaurant, Xi Meng was dressed neatly for work, her work badge still hanging around her neck, she didn¡¯t take it off, just took her phone to meet him.


    "Are you sober now?"


    When Xi Meng walked over and sat down, she casually asked him.


    "Hmm! Did you come to pick me up last night?"


    Qiao Yi slightly lifted his eyes to look at her, asking her implicitly.


    "Yes, the boss called saying you were drunk, told me to pick you up; you know I can¡¯t refuse the boss,"

 Chapter 865 - 248 new rules established (3)_2

    Chapter 865: 248 new rules established (3)_2


    Xi Meng was afraid he would overthink it.


    "Then why let me stay at your house?"


    When Qiao Yi asked her, he was also a bit nervous.


    The sun was a bit strong outside, but Qiao Yi¡¯s gaze on her remained unchanged.


    Xi Meng glanced outside at the fine weather, then smiled faintly. She was very calm, then turned back to him: "If you¡¯re scared, we can break up, don¡¯t be nervous, you have the right to decide."


    "What? What do you mean by that?"


    Qiao Yi felt very uncomfortable, he even stopped the waiter from letting them order with a look.


    He seemed to be smiling, yet it was somewhat awe-inspiring.


    But Xi Meng wasn¡¯t afraid of him. Having known him for so many years, she had long gotten used to his various moods.


    "Aren¡¯t you even more scared after coming out of my house? Are you afraid that I¡¯ll force you to marry me, isn¡¯t that so?"


    Xi Meng looked at him and candidly exposed the truth, although her tone was still moderate.


    Qiao Yi...


    "Order!"


    Seeing that he stopped talking and just looked at her, Xi Meng didn¡¯t lose her appetite for food.


    The waiter finally dared to come over and handed the menu to Xi Meng.


    The two of them calmly had lunch.


    Actually, it should be said that Xi Meng calmly had lunch, Qiao Yi didn¡¯t eat a bite.


    After lunch, Mu Yichen went to the office, so Qiao Yi also went.


    Just as Mu Yichen had put away his coat, Qiao Yi asked him, "Why did you call Xi Meng?"


    "Last night? Weren¡¯t you the one clamoring for her to come to pick you up? Otherwise, you wouldn¡¯t leave."


    Mu Yichen sat down and casually reminded him.


    Qiao Yi was stunned by these words; would he say such a thing?


    "You don¡¯t remember any of this?"


    Mu Yichen asked very responsibly.


    Qiao Yi didn¡¯t say anything, just sat in the chair with his head down, truly hurt.


    "But that¡¯s not the point. The point is, why is Qin Mu named as the villainess in your WeChat?"


    Qiao Yi, already heartbroken because of Xi Meng¡¯s words, lifted his eyes blankly and looked at Mu Yichen: "What?"


    "With your state, why don¡¯t you go on a business trip? Maybe you will understand better after some time away."


    "She said she wanted to get married before she turned thirty, just a few months left, and now I go on a business trip? Are you sure you¡¯re my brother?"


    "If you figure it out on the last day of the year, it might still work for you to go and register the marriage with her."


    Mu Yichen felt that these kinds of matters don¡¯t depend on where a person is.


    "What if she thinks I have no feelings for her and just turns around and gets married?"


    Qiao Yi asked.


    "So are you saying, whether or not you can marry her, you still want to keep an eye on her first?"


    Mu Yichen asked him, then couldn¡¯t help laughing. These brothers indeed have the same domineering nature; when it comes to women they¡¯re interested in, they have to keep them close no matter what.


    Qiao Yi stayed silent, but he indeed wasn¡¯t going to go on a business trip during this period.


    "Yichen! I woke up at her house this morning and was genuinely startled."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, just looked at Qiao Yi, who was bowing his head, smiling bitterly. Those words, naturally, were bitter.


    "I think I can understand why Qin Mu initially didn¡¯t want to make your marriage public, although it¡¯s not because of my father or mother¡¯s death, but I do indeed have a barrier towards marriage."


    Mu Yichen...


    Continuously talking about his wife like this, he really felt like punching Qiao Yi in the head.


    "Get out!"


    Mu Yichen told him softly, as it was the topic Mu Yichen least liked to hear people bring up.


    Qiao Yi also saw the displeasure in his eyes, so he got up and left.


    "Yichen, really don¡¯t arrange any business trips for me during this time!"


    Qiao Yi said as he opened the door and left.


    But he thought leaving would be difficult, yet there was no one at Xi Meng¡¯s usual spot, so it wasn¡¯t difficult, but rather disheartening.


    After he left, Mu Yichen was also a bit annoyed. Why suddenly bring up the past?


    Did they think Qin Mu had let go?


    Why did Qin Mu later still easily bring up breaking up with him?


    Because she couldn¡¯t let go; deep down, she was still in fear.


    Perhaps even she thought she had moved on.


    If it wasn¡¯t for him hearing that she had gone to sit at her mother¡¯s graveside alone one afternoon.


    If she had really let go...


    Helian Hao finally started working, and Qin Mu immediately went to find her in the afternoon.


    Strangely enough, she was in a good mood, but her heart was beating irregularly, and she was distinctly feeling heavy chest discomfort.


    Driving on the way to the hospital, Qin Mu¡¯s heart felt like it was about to jump out.


    Upon arriving at the hospital, the parking lot was already full, and she had waited a long time. Helian Hao came down to lead her to park the car in the medical parking lot.

 Chapter 866 - 248 companies establish new regulations (3)_3

    Chapter 866: 248 companies establish new regulations (3)_3


    Today Helian Hao was in the hospital ward building. The two of them hooked their hands together and entered the elevator to the wards. Helian Hao couldn¡¯t help but ask with curiosity, noticing that Qin Mu¡¯s complexion was a bit off: "You¡¯re not suffering from heat stroke, are you?"


    "Don¡¯t know, I¡¯ve been feeling stuffy lately, and sometimes my heart palpitates. I¡¯ve already been checked out, the doctor said there¡¯s nothing wrong."


    Qin Mu reported truthfully, but after entering the elevator, her heart was thumping like it was about to burst through her throat.


    Seeing her in a poor state, Helian Hao said: "Wait a minute, I¡¯ll go up with you to see Doctor Zhong again."


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu agreed, and then the two went to Helian Hao¡¯s on-call rest room as soon as the elevator opened.


    "When you called me I was in Zhang Rujia¡¯s room giving her a check-up; there was a man inside."


    Helian Hao let Qin Mu sit in a chair, then sat on the bed herself, whispering to Qin Mu with hands in the pockets of her white coat.


    Qin Mu looked at her in surprise: "What?"


    "It¡¯s true, he should still be there now. I¡¯ll take you to see for yourself!"


    Helian Hao, on a whim, got up again and pulled Qin Mu along.


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why she was so curious, but she really went to see.


    Each standing on one side of the door, after looking, Helian Hao gave Qin Mu a meaningful look: See, wasn¡¯t I right?


    "Don¡¯t let this get out!"


    Qin Mu finally managed to tear her eyes away from the sharp gaze within and instructed Helian Hao in a low voice as they walked back.


    "Of course, I won¡¯t say anything!"


    Helian Hao immediately promised.


    "I worry that guy might sneak in to see her again, or inquire about her with the hospital."


    Qin Mu knew if Qin Haiming were a decisive person, things wouldn¡¯t have come to this point.


    After understanding, Helian Hao was taken aback: I¡¯ll go seal those young nurses¡¯ lips right away.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu smiled gratefully.


    "Still saying you¡¯re not concerned? Aren¡¯t you just afraid your dad will be upset?"


    Helian Hao and Qin Mu whispered to each other, talking in hushed voices as they returned to the on-call room.


    This time Qin Mu didn¡¯t deny it, just weakly smiled: "If I lost him too..."


    "You won¡¯t! Your dad has always been in good health."


    Helian Hao reassured her, and hugged her back to the office.


    "Hey, looking all peachy there!"


    After closing the door, Helian Hao winked at Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu reflexively remembered Xiaomei playing with her hair and immediately covered her neck with both hands: "Do I?"


    "I¡¯m talking about you being peachy. Why cover your neck?"


    Helian Hao looked at her puzzled.


    Qin Mu...


    "Haven¡¯t you and Jing Feng ever been like that?"


    "We hardly ever do that during the daytime."


    Qin Mu questioned her, but Helian Hao was quite unfazed.


    "Because Jing Feng is at work during the day, right?"


    Qin Mu asked again.


    Helian Hao...


    "Even so, you two are still too much of that thing."


    Helian Hao still gave her a look.


    "I like it!"


    Qin Mu grabbed her arm, not shy but rather proud.


    "Yeah, sure!"


    Helian Hao glanced at her.


    Later, the two sat by the bed like a young couple, cuddling and gossiping.


    Looking at the strange names on her computer screen, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but ask again: "How did you end up studying medicine? Just looking at these drug names is giving me a headache."


    "And you think studying design is easy? Besides, I was just crazy back then, and then too lazy to switch majors. It¡¯s pretty good, huh."


    "I truly love my career."


    Qin Mu spoke enthusiastically when it came to design.


    "I probably won¡¯t always do this. Doesn¡¯t your family own a pharmaceutical factory? How about I try to get a job there?"


    Helian Hao asked her.


    "Yeah! The pharmaceutical factory belongs to my father-in-law, but I can help you find a position."


    Qin Mu laughed, thinking to herself, if it were someone else she wouldn¡¯t bother, but if it¡¯s Helian Hao, she would go through fire and water, just to secure the position for Helian Hao and make everyone happy.


    "What do you mean ¡¯belongs to your father-in-law¡¯? Isn¡¯t it your husband who¡¯s running it now?" Helian Hao asked her.


    "Yeah! I¡¯m not quite sure, it should be both father and son who are running it. Mom and Dad often go there too. I¡¯ve been there once; those old folks even have a little home there. Although the furniture is quite old, as soon as you step in, it feels like a happy place."


    "Wow, really?"


    Helian Hao¡¯s face showed surprise.


    "Yeah! They love each other very much, and my dad tends to give in to my mom."


    At this, the two women involuntarily sighed at the same time.


    It¡¯s really rare to find a man who is especially accommodating to a woman.


    Now, even though they are both deeply in love with their other halves, the concessions are so few.


    As the two chatted, Qin Mu¡¯s phone rang. Helian Hao joked: "It must be Mu Yichen, he has to confirm your location if you¡¯re out of sight for three minutes."


    When the two saw the word "Uncle Wang" on the screen, they were both stunned. Qin Mu composed herself and her irregular heartbeat returned.


    "Hello? Uncle Wang?"


    "Miss, come to the hospital quick."


    "What¡¯s wrong, Uncle Wang?"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know why, but on one hand, she was concerned that Uncle Wang might have had a relapse, and on the other hand, her heart thumped painfully.

 Chapter 867 - 249 New Regulations Established (4)

    Chapter 867: 249 New Regulations Established (4)


    Everything went dark all of a sudden!


    If losing her mother at the age of seven was an accident, was she now at risk of unexpectedly losing her father as well?


    For seventeen years, she had not called him "Dad" even once!


    But this did not mean she genuinely hoped she would no longer have a father from now on.


    He could be anywhere in the world ¨C that was acceptable, but he had to be alive.


    The two women who had answered the call were already running rapidly towards the elevator, and when they got to the upstairs operating room, Uncle Wang was sitting there in despair, with injuries on his face and thick bandages wrapped around his arm.


    "Miss!"


    Uncle Wang stood up immediately as he saw Qin Mu approaching, wanting to apologize to her, but suddenly he found himself lost for words.


    "Uncle Wang, how is my dad?"


    Qin Mu could see that Uncle Wang was very nervous, but she was no less anxious herself.


    "He has been in the operating room for nearly half an hour now." Uncle Wang turned his head towards the door to the operating room, his voice trembling.


    With his head bowed, Uncle Wang thought back to the car crash: he had glanced at the rearview mirror for just a second or two, and by the time he looked forward, the large truck at the corner appeared out of nowhere, as if it was heading straight for them.


    At that moment, Qin Haiming was sitting in the back, looking at documents. By the time he looked up, the truck seemed to have already crashed straight into his field of vision.


    But Uncle Wang was lucky; he wasn¡¯t seriously hurt. Contrarily, Qin Haiming in the back, who hadn¡¯t buckled his seatbelt, was propelled forward from the back seat due to the force of the impact.


    Helian Hao had been by Qin Mu¡¯s side all along, noticing her reddened eyes and trembling hands, she stepped forward and firmly grabbed Qin Mu¡¯s hand.


    Qin Mu turned to look into her reassuring eyes but couldn¡¯t help but feel so frightened that she tensed her jaw tightly and lowered her eyes, not daring to look up again.


    A nurse stepped out from inside, with Helian Hao gripping Qin Mu¡¯s hand tightly.


    "I¡¯ll go check it out!"


    Qin Mu faintly heard these words.


    Even after Helian Hao had gone in, Qin Mu remained on edge, asking Uncle Wang to go to the ward, but he refused to leave, so Uncle Wang eventually sat on a seat against the wall, while Qin Mu stood against the wall herself, nervously clutching her right elbow with her left hand.


    She tried hard to calm herself down, pinching her arm, but her head drooped lower and lower, and her body began to shake more intensely.


    For so many years, she wanted nothing to do with him.


    For so many years, she felt that "father" was nothing more than a term to her.


    For so many years, having lost a father¡¯s love, she became numb to any feelings towards this man, her father.


    But now, she was beginning to care more about him bit by bit.


    She had tried to get along well with him for the time they could be together.


    But why did he get into a car crash just as she was making an effort?


    As Helian Hao did not come out from the operating room, Qin Mu, for some reason, thought of how he used to hold her and comfort her when she was little and suddenly became so nervous that she lost control, leaning against the wall, looking at the door to the operating room, embracing herself, and slowly crouching down on the ground.


    Involuntarily, she was filled with panic, tension, and sobs.


    Even if love was not possible, she did not wish to lose him.


    Being all alone in this world is truly lonely.


    Seeing her like that, Uncle Wang couldn¡¯t help but let tears fall down his face.


    But Uncle Wang couldn¡¯t afford to think too much about the issues between father and daughter, as he was overwhelmed with guilt and self-reproach.


    Half an hour had elapsed by the time Helian Hao came out of the operating room. Not seeing Qin Mu outside, she accidentally turned and saw the girl huddled against the wall, shaking. Helian Hao felt a pang in her heart and then walked over to squat beside her and hold her in her arms.


    Qin Mu, sensing it was her, quickly looked up, her face baptized with tears, looking at Helian Hao.


    Helian Hao cupped her face with both hands, wiping away the tears, "Don¡¯t be so nervous for now, there shouldn¡¯t be any danger to his life."


    Hearing her words, Qin Mu still couldn¡¯t see Helian Hao¡¯s face clearly, but she couldn¡¯t help but embrace Helian Hao tightly, her knees unconsciously kneeling on the ground.


    "Be good! Be strong, uncle will be fine."


    Helian Hao raised her hand and stroked her back firmly, understanding why Qin Mu was so distressed. She herself had been terrified while inside, as Qin Haiming¡¯s head injury was no simple matter.


    But now, she dared not tell Qin Mu the truth.


    Inside, a man approaching his sixties was enduring torture over and over again.


    More than an hour passed, and still, no one came out of the operating room, but Qin Mu had already calmed down.

 Chapter 868 - 249 New Regulations Established (4)_2

    Chapter 868: 249 New Regulations Established (4)_2


    Helian Hao leaned against the wall with her, waiting. Uncle Wang sat beside them, praying continuously.


    When Mu Yichen called Qin Mu, she answered the phone with remarkable calmness, though her voice was hoarse.


    "I¡¯m at the hospital, it¡¯s not me who¡¯s in trouble, it¡¯s him, he¡¯s had an accident!"


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t mention a name, but Mu Yichen suddenly had a bad premonition.


    "I¡¯m on my way."


    Mu Yichen told her, and then immediately found his car keys.


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Mu responded, then slowly hung up the phone.


    Helian Hao asked her, "Mu Yichen?"


    Qin Mu sniffled, then nodded vigorously.


    "Xiaohao, if he dares to have any misfortune, I will never forgive him in my life."


    Uncle won¡¯t give you that chance."


    Helian Hao raised her hand to embrace her shoulder.


    Qin Mu leaned into her embrace, feeling as if her throat was clogged and painful.


    After Mu Yichen arrived at the hospital, he almost ran inside the moment he parked the car, hastening towards her as soon as the elevator door opened.


    Qin Mu and Helian Hao, hearing footsteps, looked in that direction. Mu Yichen, with anxious eyes, finally stopped before her.


    Seeing him like that, Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but clench her heart, knowing he must be worried about her. Without care for the presence of Helian Hao and Uncle Wang, she ran up to him and hugged him tightly, clinging to his neck.


    "Mu Yichen!"


    "I¡¯m here!"


    Mu Yichen uttered softly, his tense gaze lowering to look at the woman in his arms.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes were already swollen from crying. He lifted her face and looked at her tenderly.


    With Mu Yichen there, Qin Mu became completely calm, no longer as distraught as before, even stopping her tears.


    Mu Yichen pressed her head into his chest and glanced at Helian Hao standing beside them, who also looked at him and slightly shook her head.


    Uncle Wang, standing by their side, happened to see Helian Hao¡¯s expression and his legs went soft.


    "I¡¯m to blame for all this. Why didn¡¯t it happen to me? I might as well die."


    Uncle Wang smacked his own thigh with guilt and could no longer lift his head.


    When Qin Haiming was wheeled out, it was already dark.


    The dean personally oversaw the emergency surgery but felt very ashamed looking at Mu Yichen and Qin Mu afterward.


    "Keep this matter under wraps for now, until my father-in-law awakens."


    Mu Yichen gave this single instruction to the dean.


    The hospital dared not commit any blunders.


    The dean nodded: "I understand. However, the mayor has suffered a severe impact to the head. In any case, we will do our utmost."


    There are some things the hospital leader cannot say carelessly, especially when it involves someone like Qin Haiming.


    "Mhm!"


    Mu Yichen understood the helplessness in the dean¡¯s eyes. The dean was probably telling them to prepare for the worst.


    He turned to look at Qin Mu, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, then reached out to embrace her, offering no verbal comfort.


    After the dean and his staff left, Helian Hao had no choice but to leave too. Uncle Wang followed them to the intensive care unit, and when Qin Mu and Mu Yichen approached, they saw him standing woefully to the side.


    "Uncle Wang has been blaming himself."


    Looking at Uncle Wang like that, Qin Mu felt quite helpless too.


    "As a driver, he should feel responsible. But once your father wakes up, things will get better," Mu Yichen explained to Qin Mu.


    Qin Mu nodded.


    Mu Yichen and Qin Mu later stood across from the ICU, leaning against the hard, cold wall.


    Qin Mu¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears several times, but she only shed a couple dry tears and didn¡¯t cry again.


    Her eyes were hot; she suddenly remembered scenes from her childhood, things she had once forgotten, now coming back to her.


    She thought, he must wake up; otherwise, she couldn¡¯t afford such luxuries of hope.


    Mu Yichen saw Qin Mu¡¯s red and swollen eyes, knowing she was extremely anxious inside, yet her face was so calm at the moment.


    At this moment, Mu Yichen also didn¡¯t know how to comfort her. He had imagined endless ways to soothe her when he was a child, but none like this.


    Right now, he was just quietly by her side.


    The two of them leaned against the wall, shoulders touching.


    Later on, Qin Mu gently leaned on his shoulder: "I never really wanted him to have a car accident, even when I hated him so much back then."


    Her voice was somewhat weak and still hoarse.


    "This is an accident," Mu Yichen told her, but as soon as he finished speaking, he felt something was amiss, and his dark eyes suddenly grew intense.

 Chapter 869 - 249 New Regulations Established (4)_3

    Chapter 869: 249 New Regulations Established (4)_3


    "But I really did curse him, I told him to go die with mom."


    Qin Mu didn¡¯t know what Mu Yichen was thinking; she simply turned around suddenly and buried her face in his shoulder, because her eyes burned too hotly with sudden fear.


    "This accident has nothing to do with you, Mumu!"


    His deep voice called out to her, suddenly giving her a bad premonition.


    Qin Mu struggled to restrain her own self-blame and fear, forcefully sniffing and raising her eyes to look at him.


    "Could it be not an accident?"


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark eyes suddenly became suspicious, he glanced toward the ICU, then lowered his head and said to Qin Mu, "Could it be premeditated murder?"


    Qin Mu tensed up, her face turning deathly pale instantly.


    "Right, that truck at that time, it seemed to be heading straight for us."


    Uncle Wang, not far away, turned his head listening to their conversation, his eyes seemed to relive the collision scene.


    Qin Mu and Mu Yichen looked at him, Qin Mu desperately wished she could have seen the scene herself.


    "I need to know the exact location of your accident, and also, have you felt like anyone has been following you recently?"


    Having such thoughts in mind, and with Uncle Wang saying so, Mu Yichen immediately became alert.


    "Alright! I¡¯ll tell you, we were on our way to a meeting in the southern part of the city, we were still some distance from the intersection, and I¡¯ve always felt suspicious afterwards. The road wasn¡¯t very busy and it was spacious, how could an accident happen?"


    Uncle Wang recalled carefully, and he thought that the truck was definitely not targeting him because being a driver alone wouldn¡¯t warrant such treatment against him, leaving only one possibility.


    "I need to go to the police station."


    After hearing this, Mu Yichen looked down at Qin Mu.


    "Okay!"


    Qin Mu knew this matter needed to be investigated quickly and didn¡¯t dare delay him.


    Mu Yichen knew she would stay here all along, so without further reminders, he gently touched her shoulder and turned to leave, already pulling out his phone.


    Qin Mu and Uncle Wang still stood there, then it became quiet again.


    "Uncle Wang, go downstairs to rest a little, eat something then come back up!"


    "Miss!"


    Uncle Wang was reluctant.


    "Mu Yichen will come later to keep me company, I will stay right here until he wakes up. I know you feel guilty, but if this was a premeditated accident, it has nothing to do with you; rather, it could be said that he dragged you into this, so go have something to eat and then rest, and come back tomorrow."


    Uncle Wang was agitated, but seeing Qin Mu¡¯s firm eyes, he had to agree.


    "Yes! Then I¡¯ll go back now! I also need to inform my family."


    Having thought it over, Uncle Wang finally calmed down.


    Qin Mu nodded, and he left.


    Afterward, Qin Mu kept watch alone, slowly walking towards the large glass screen, looking at the unmoving person inside.


    "If you really feel indebted, then hold on for me."


    Qin Mu stubbornly looked at him, her eyes speaking those words.


    ----


    Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao at home were also extremely worried, but they were afraid that calling would distress their children, so Mu Zihao thought: "I¡¯ll go and see."


    "Yes! With such a serious incident, our family must make a visit regardless, so you go over tonight to check; be careful on the road."


    After hearing of an accident, Feng Fanghua became particularly cautious about driving.


    "Hmm!"


    Mu Zihao stood up from the sofa, grabbed his coat, and headed out.


    Feng Fanghua sat on the sofa, praying nervously, hoping that nothing serious happened to Qin Haiming.


    When Mu Zihao arrived, he saw Qin Mu keeping vigil alone, looking somewhat exhausted.


    There were no seats around, Qin Mu stood by the window ledge outside the ICU.


    Hearing footsteps and belatedly raising her eyes, Qin Mu straightened up when she saw Mu Zihao: "Dad, what brings you here?"


    "With such a serious incident, how could I not come and see? I¡¯ve just called the hospital director; you needn¡¯t worry too much. Many come for observation even with minor issues, hmm?"


    Mu Zihao appeared to nonchalantly reassure her.


    "Hmm!"


    Qin Mu nodded, she knew this wasn¡¯t a minor car accident, she knew Qin Haiming wasn¡¯t lightly injured, but everyone was hiding it from her, so she didn¡¯t say much.


    Probably because she had scared everyone by crying outside the surgery room earlier, they might have thought she lacked the capacity to handle it.


    Mu Zihao stayed for a long while before leaving, and before he did, he assured Qin Mu to worry about nothing, since the two little ones were well taken care of by the old couple.

 Chapter 870 - 249 new rules established (4)_4

    Chapter 870: 249 new rules established (4)_4


    Qin Mu nodded and only returned there after sending Mu Zihao off.


    Mu Yichen was watching the surrounding surveillance footage with Yang Bo, there were not many cameras around, but one had captured the traffic accident.


    Yang Bo instinctively asked the staff: "Rewind it a bit."


    Mu Yichen also stood there, both hands on hips, watching the screen with a very serious expression.


    "That truck stopped there for a few minutes, was it waiting?"


    Yang Bo asked Mu Yichen, frowning tightly.


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t speak, his eyes fixed on the truck¡¯s door slowly being pushed open after the accident, as a figure crawled out and ran towards the nearby woods.


    "Try to zoom in on this person!"


    "It¡¯s blurry!"


    The staff followed Yang Bo¡¯s instructions, but the image became more blurred as it was enlarged.


    "Try to reconstruct the face as quickly as possible."


    Yang Bo knew enlarging the image wouldn¡¯t clarify it, so he further instructed.


    "How long will it take to clear this up?"


    "If everything is within the surveillance range, it should be almost done tonight."


    "The sooner, the better, this matter cannot be delayed."


    Mu Yichen nodded and reminded again.


    "I understand, how about the hospital side..."


    "I have already sent people there to guard it, you send a couple more, but better in plain clothes."


    Mu Yichen thought for a while and then said to him.


    "Hmm!"


    Mu Yichen worried about Qin Mu being there alone and overthinking, so he quickly left.


    Yang Bo continued to stay there to track the killer¡¯s whereabouts.


    So, this indeed was not a simple traffic incident.


    That night was agonizing for all of them, later the hospital staff moved a comfortable sofa to Qin Mu from the director¡¯s office and also brought her a blanket.


    They spent the night there.


    Mu Yichen lay outside, while Qin Mu was inside, yet always in his embrace.


    Actually, they were both awake for the first half of the night, continually pondering who would want to harm Qin Haiming; deeply exhausted by the latter half, Qin Mu finally fell asleep, but Mu Yichen woke up several times.


    Yang Bo went to the hospital in the morning and did not achieve much.


    Mu Yichen and Qin Mu were also somewhat troubled.


    They were more worried that the killer might come to the hospital during this time to attempt another attack.


    Mu Yichen spoke in a low voice to Qin Mu: "It seems we need to have someone watch over here 24 hours a day."


    Qin Mu nodded, her gaze nervously turning back inside.


    As long as Qin Haiming woke up, she wouldn¡¯t be afraid anymore.


    But a night passed and there was no sign of him awakening.


    "Xiaomu, don¡¯t be so pessimistic. Your dad is no ordinary man; he won¡¯t just give up like that."


    Yang Bo¡¯s comfort was not too gentle, but it was real.


    Qin Mu was amused by his words: "I believe you!"


    Yang Bo patted Mu Yichen on the shoulder: "Hang in there, I¡¯ll keep investigating and inform you as soon as there are any updates."


    Mu Yichen didn¡¯t say much more, nor did he see him off; just seeing Qin Mu¡¯s weary look, he couldn¡¯t help but ask caringly: "Do you want to go home and change clothes? I can stay here for you?"


    Qin Mu lowered her head to look at her clothes, then shook her head: "I¡¯m a bit hungry, can you please get me something to eat? Then head back, dad looked very worried last night, tell them not to worry, it will be okay."


    Seeing her comforting others relieved Mu Yichen somewhat.


    That night, she seemed to have matured from a fearful child into an adult.


    He nodded and left; he indeed had some things to handle.


    But just as Mu Yichen was about to leave, Uncle Wang arrived, holding a food box for Qin Mu: "Miss, I brought you breakfast, made by the housekeeper, eat it while it¡¯s hot, there¡¯s a place downstairs specially for eating."


    Qin Mu was truly hungry as she hadn¡¯t eaten the previous night, so she took it and then went downstairs to eat.


    But when she inadvertently glanced up while fetching water, she saw a man approaching the dispenser, remembering the man she saw yesterday afternoon in Zhang Rujia¡¯s room.


    This man had been taking care of Zhang Rujia?


    The man seemed to feel something and looked towards Qin Mu, Qin Mu quickly lowered her head to eat.


    Even after he walked away, Qin Mu didn¡¯t look up, but her heartbeat sped up.


    Why did she suddenly feel that this man was no simple character?


    And Zhang Rujia...


    Fearing being overheard on the phone, Qin Mu sent a WeChat message to Helian Hao.


    "Can you figure out a way to get a photo of that man from Zhang Rujia¡¯s room?"


    Helian Hao was on his way to work when he read the message and felt a bit troubled, but after arriving at the hospital he promptly went to see the director. Once the director knew Qin Mu wanted the person¡¯s photo, he opened the surveillance.


    Since the hospital¡¯s cameras were installed at a decent height, the footage was quite clear.


    Later, the photo was printed out and Qin Mu sent a WeChat message to Yang Bo.


    Yang Bo was too occupied to check his WeChat, but he still picked up the phone.


    Knowing he wouldn¡¯t check the message, Qin Mu called him from the intensive care floor: "I¡¯m Qin Mu, Officer Yang, could you help me check on the man in the photo I just sent you via WeChat?"


    "Hold on!"

 Chapter 871 - 250 new rules (5)

    Chapter 871: 250 new rules (5)


    Yang Bo¡¯s car stopped at the scene of the accident. Upon hearing Qin Mu¡¯s words, he turned on the speakerphone, then opened WeChat. After seeing the man, he spoke to Qin Mu: "I¡¯ll have someone look into it, but what is this person¡¯s relationship with you?"


    "He really has nothing to do with me!"


    But he is somewhat related to the Mayor of Qin City.


    Qin Mu briefly explained and Yang Bo agreed to start the investigation immediately.


    Checking the person in the photo was supposed to be simple. However, the household registration department discovered that this person had more than one identity, prompting them to immediately call Yang Bo back.


    In front of the intensive care unit, six stoic-faced men stood neatly in line. Uncle Wang was used to it, but Qin Mu wasn¡¯t.


    "Is the Mayor¡¯s entourage always this large?"


    "Occasionally!"


    Uncle Wang said!


    Qin Mu gave a wry smile and started chatting about rumors with Uncle Wang.


    "Previously, when Zhang Rujia was still at home, did any men come looking for her?"


    Qin Mu pondered and asked.


    "I¡¯m usually by the Mayor¡¯s side, so I didn¡¯t pay much attention to her matters."


    Uncle Wang was puzzled by Qin Mu¡¯s question; he had no recollection, but then he suddenly remembered. Once, he seemed to hear from an aunt that a man came to the house looking for her, maybe her cousin or something.


    "It seems it was a few years ago, but that aunt is no longer here."


    Uncle Wang frowned, suddenly struggling.


    "Was it the aunt at home who saw him?"


    Qin Mu asked in a low voice.


    "Yes! I forgot which year it was, but it was a long time ago. During a conversation, the aunt mentioned that Zhang Rujia¡¯s cousin was a bit abnormal, sneaky, and that Aunt Wang wasn¡¯t from around here. Later, because there was an incident in her hometown, she went back, and the Mayor had someone else sent over."


    After hearing this, Qin Mu nodded; it seemed that tracking down this matter would be difficult.


    But if this man was the one who had been married to Zhang Rujia, could they have been in contact all these years?


    It can¡¯t be that Zhang Rujia, after losing Qin Haiming, contacted her ex-husband again, could it?


    Qin Mu always felt that the man had a sinister air about him. If that really was Zhang Rujia¡¯s ex-husband, then could it be...?


    Qin Mu¡¯s gaze suddenly became more profound. She thought about the car accident; could it be related to this man?


    Especially remembering the way he looked at her during breakfast, Qin Mu felt a chill all over.


    "Miss, why would you suddenly bring up this matter?"


    Uncle Wang asked her.


    "Zhang Rujia hasn¡¯t been discharged yet, and these past few days a man has been staying with her constantly; he might be her former lover."


    "What?"


    Uncle Wang stood up, disbelieving.


    "What¡¯s going on?"


    "I¡¯ve seen her ex-husband."


    "Later, the Mayor obtained all the information of her ex-husband, including photos."


    Qin Mu...


    So, she didn¡¯t really need to ask Yang Bo.


    Qin Mu immediately opened her bag next to her, took out a black and white photo, actually just a simple paper print.


    "Yes, it¡¯s this person!"


    Uncle Wang looked at the man¡¯s face and immediately recognized it.


    Qin Mu slowly stood up from the sofa.


    "Miss, could this accident be related to this man? When the Mayor investigated him last time, it was found that he had left Rongcheng. Is he really downstairs?"


    Qin Mu, trying not to make a scene, immediately sent a message to Helian Hao.


    Helian Hao was making rounds in the hospital. After hearing his phone ring, he quietly fell behind the others and took out his phone to look at it, then sent an OK gesture back.


    Qin Mu asked her to check Zhang Rujia¡¯s discharge time.


    After finishing her rounds, Helian Hao met with Qin Mu in the break room. Helian Hao made sure no one was outside before closing the door, then walked over to Qin Mu and whispered, "Today is her discharge date."


    "So soon?"


    Qin Mu suddenly didn¡¯t want Zhang Rujia to be discharged, because as long as Zhang Rujia didn¡¯t leave, the man might continue to stay here, allowing her to keep investigating.


    "But Zhang Rujia said she still feels unwell and wants to stay a few more days."


    Helian Hao was curious too, as who likes to stay in the hospital longer?


    Qin Mu was even more perplexed, but her heartbeat also began to quicken.


    She suddenly had a premonition that these two people could be related to Qin Haiming¡¯s car accident.


    At noon that day, Qin Haiming had another adverse reaction and was taken back into the operating room. It wasn¡¯t until the third night that he finally woke up.

 Chapter 872 - 250 new rules established (5)_2

    Chapter 872: 250 new rules established (5)_2


    After being moved to a general ward, it was also the most upscale ward in the hospital.


    Qin Mu had fallen asleep in front of the hospital bed; her days and nights had been mixed up lately.


    Qin Haiming still had a severe headache, but when he opened his eyes and saw her asleep in front of his bed, a warm current surged through his heart, his nose tingled, and tears started to roll down his dry corners.


    Qin Haiming tried to lift his hand with the IV needle; this was the first time in seventeen years that he stroked his daughter.


    Qin Haiming couldn¡¯t make a sound, feeling as if his throat was blocked.


    However, he was very happy; he thought he was done for at that time.


    Qin Mu felt someone touching her hair, thinking it was Mu Yichen, but opened her eyes groggily to see Qin Haiming looking at her with a smile.


    "Daddy! Are you really awake?"


    Qin Mu¡¯s voice was hoarse with excitement, and she hugged him tightly, burying her face in his blanket and crying nonstop.


    Tears suddenly streamed down Qin Haiming¡¯s face into his slightly whitening hair; he felt like he was hallucinating, as he actually heard his daughter calling him daddy.


    "Silly girl!"


    Qin Haiming stroked her hair, that call of silly girl, seventeen years too late.


    The room was instantly filled with only the girl¡¯s accusatory crying. She had been resentful for over a decade, but at this moment, when she finally got what she desired, she was overwhelmed with grievance.


    An hour later, when the hospital director and others had come to check, and Mu Yichen was also heading to the ward with flowers as she had asked, father and son had both calmed down.


    Uncle Wang came over after having his meal and saw that Qin Haiming had woken up, and he couldn¡¯t help but become excited and his shoulders shook.


    "Acting your age, huh? Clean up your tears quickly."


    Mu Yichen heard Qin Haiming saying that to Uncle Wang as he entered.


    Qin Mu couldn¡¯t help but laugh at that, thinking Uncle Wang was like a kid. Uncle Wang must have had a tough time these past few days, whether physically or mentally, with gauze still stuck to his face.


    Hearing the door open, Qin Mu turned her head and saw Mu Yichen entering with flowers. She didn¡¯t say much but took the initiative to find a vase and start arranging the flowers.


    Mu Yichen was certainly very excited, though he only said softly, "You¡¯re awake."


    "Yes! You¡¯ve all had a hard time these days!"


    Qin Haiming also comforted him, saying just that.


    The thanks between men, it seemed, were only conveyed through their eyes.


    Once Qin Mu had regained her composure, she was a bit unsure how to face Qin Haiming, so she ran to the restroom.


    "Old Wang, you¡¯ve been seriously injured; why are you still here watching over me?"


    "I wasn¡¯t watching over you, these past three days your son-in-law and young miss were here. But I hope to stay by your side in the days to come."


    Uncle Wang hurriedly corrected.


    "Oh?"


    Qin Haiming felt a tightness in his heart, as he thought about Qin Mu, that stubborn girl. How could she possibly be watching over him every day?


    "Mumu has been very worried about you, so she¡¯s only been home last night these past few days."


    Mu Yichen added one more thing.


    "Yes, and she came back just after having a meal at home. She was truly terrified by what happened to you."


    Uncle Wang continued, remembering the way Qin Mu had called ¡¯Dad¡¯ when she looked for him in the upstairs surgery room; Uncle Wang felt moved, too.


    Qin Haiming¡¯s eyes crinkled slightly; although he did not laugh out loud, he was truly excited inside.


    The ward was cheerful, but Qin Mu hesitated to leave the restroom.


    Thinking to herself: Why bring up these topics?


    Actually, her actions were just reflexive; she didn¡¯t want Qin Haiming to know about it at all.


    "This car accident, has anyone found out about it?"


    Qin Haiming, having survived a catastrophe, was actually touched, because through this car accident, he had learned of his daughter¡¯s feelings for him, which felt like a blessing in disguise.


    But his mind still drifted to the serious matters at hand.


    "Don¡¯t worry, your son-in-law has already taken care of the news lockdown, only Secretary Chen knows, so you don¡¯t have to worry."


    "Good, that¡¯s good!"


    "But this accident was no accident, it was intentional!"


    Mu Yichen thought for a moment and, since Qin Haiming had woken up and seemed lucid, he filled him in on what they had discovered in the past few days.


    "Intentional?"


    Qin Haiming asked calmly, his eyes betraying no surprise.


    Qin Mu, listening to the silence outside, came out with the vase in arms, only to find them all a bit silent.


    "Are you discussing the car accident? Now that everyone has woken up, why is the atmosphere still so heavy?"


    "You don¡¯t worry about this, I¡¯ll find someone to take over this matter."

 Chapter 873 - 250 new rules (5)_3

    Chapter 873: 250 new rules (5)_3


    Qin Haiming murmured a command.


    Mu Yichen slightly lifted his eyes. After Qin Haiming spoke, in his heart, Mu Yichen actually confirmed something.


    "You are in this condition and still worry about this matter? Yichen and Officer Yang are investigating, and also..."


    "Since dad has said so, let¡¯s do it this way. It just so happens that I am tired these past few days anyway."


    Mu Yichen¡¯s dark hawk-like eyes looked at her, his deep voice interrupting her.


    Qin Mu looked into his eyes and suddenly understood, then confusedly turned to look at Qin Haiming.


    Uncle Wang felt the atmosphere suddenly become a bit weird, he didn¡¯t know what to say, but he had his own opinions about the situation.


    "Tonight both you husband and wife go back and rest. Just let Old Wang stay here with me."


    Mu Yichen nodded: "That¡¯s fine! But if there¡¯s any issue, you must notify us immediately."


    "Mhm!"


    Qin Haiming agreed. His head was aching so much that he soon fell asleep again.


    It was of course a good thing that Qin Haiming had finally awoken. However, Qin Haiming not wanting them to continue the investigation made Qin Mu feel bad, and it made her even more certain that the matter might have something to do with Zhang Rujia.


    "I know he has feelings for Zhang Rujia, but I didn¡¯t expect him to act like this."


    Qin Mu looked out the window disappointingly. It was still extremely hot outside¡ªa heat that was in desperate need of a heavy rainstorm.


    Mu Yichen slowly pulled the car over to the side of the road and then turned to look at her.


    The car suddenly stopped, which Qin Mu found very odd. So, she lifted her eyes: "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Mu Yichen raised his arm and rested it on her seat, then leaned towards her. Seeing her stubborn look, he couldn¡¯t help but forcefully ruffle her hair: "There are many things we don¡¯t know about. When men do a lot of things, they have to consider many sides, it¡¯s not just about feelings."


    "What else is there?"


    "Pride."


    Qin Mu was suddenly at a loss for words, even though she felt indignant inside.


    Mu Yichen reached out to ruffle her hair again. Qin Mu instinctively leaned forward to dodge, refusing to let her hair get even messier.


    Even though Mu Yichen¡¯s hand missed its target, his mood got better.


    This fool, still thinking she could be so heartless.


    But it was just a car accident that made it so that she could no longer remain heartless.


    Mu Yichen restarted the car, heading in their most familiar direction.


    Qin Mu was still thinking, Zhang Rujia must have realized that Qin Hai cared about his pride, and that¡¯s why she stubbornly clung on, wanting to reconcile, right?


    Their divorce was done quietly, so it seemed that not many people knew about it now.


    If Zhang Rujia truly instigated a man to harm Qin Haiming, even if Qin Haiming could forgive her, she, Qin Mu, would never let her off.


    Qin Mu thought, you caused me to lose my mother at such a young age, and now you want me to lose my father too? Don¡¯t even think about it.


    However, upon returning to their cozy home and finally being able to sleep on their own soft, big bed, for Qin Mu this day was one where she could really sleep until dawn.


    Completely relaxed and feeling like she would fall asleep right after her bath.


    Only...


    When she finished her bath and lay on the bed ready to sleep, President Mu suddenly hovered over her and told her, "Mrs. Mu, you still have duties to fulfill."


    "Hmm?"


    Qin Mu was exhausted and looked at him listlessly.


    "The new house rule."


    Mu Yichen was somewhat disappointed, but he still reminded her kindly.


    Qin Mu...


    "President Mu, can we discuss this and wait until after a good rest to..."


    "I¡¯m helping you relax."


    Qin Mu hadn¡¯t even finished speaking when his hand already began to wander towards her sensitive spots.


    Qin Mu felt a mix of soreness and pleasure and thought, if that¡¯s the case, then just do it.


    And so, what followed is indescribable.


    However, that night they didn¡¯t tangle for long. Afterwards, Qin Mu quickly fell asleep in his arms and Mu Yichen, who had been tired for days, eventually fell asleep as well.


    He actually didn¡¯t want to investigate further. Regarding his father-in-law¡¯s affairs, he really didn¡¯t want to know more.


    ¡ª¡ª


    The following day, breakfast time at the Mu Family.


    Huanhuan was wearing a navy blue dungaree today, with a simple white T-shirt inside, her hair braided into little braids, nimbly climbing onto the chair first.


    Mu Zihao and Feng Fanghua followed, both pleased to see their granddaughter move so adeptly.


    "Does our Huanhuan get first place in running at school?"


    Feng Fanghua asked her as she sat down.


    "Yes!"


    Huanhuan immediately straightened her back, trying not to be proud, yet resolutely replied with confidence.


    "Was there a sports meeting?"


    Qin Mu, who sat down later, asked without much understanding.


    "Not a sports meeting, it¡¯s just a few kids running around for fun after school."

 Chapter 874 - 250 New Regulations (5)_4

    Chapter 874: 250 New Regulations (5)_4


    Feng Fanghua explained to her.


    Qin Mu glanced at Huanhuan, seeing her smug expression, it didn¡¯t seem like she was just running for fun.


    But Qin Mu didn¡¯t say much, because she saw Huanhuan was trying hard to suppress her own pride.


    Huanhuan suddenly asked, "Mom, is grandpa better now?"


    Qin Mu then looked at her, guessing that the elders had explained to her, and nodded, "Yes! He¡¯s better now."


    "Then, can I go see grandpa this afternoon after school? With grandma and grandpa."


    Huanhuan asked again.


    "Of course!"


    Qin Mu agreed, then looked at Feng Fanghua and Mu Zihao: "Are you going to the hospital this afternoon?"


    "Yeah! We should visit too."


    Mu Zihao said, lowering his head to eat.


    "Yes, actually, we should have gone this morning, but thinking about it, your dad would probably prefer to see his granddaughter, so we planned to wait for Huanhuan to get out of school and go together. You can leave work if you¡¯re busy."


    Feng Fanghua told her.


    "Okay!"


    The emotional change between father and daughter is not purposely mentioned by anyone; on the contrary, it is avoided.


    Qin Mu went to the hospital before work; his bed had been raised, and he was wearing reading glasses and reading the newspaper.


    Qin Mu thought about the doctor saying he had severe head injuries and couldn¡¯t help but worry, and upon entering, she first said, "Why are you reading the newspaper so quickly?"


    "You¡¯re here!"


    Qin Haiming turned his head upon hearing her voice and gently placed the newspaper aside.


    "You still have bandages on your head, can¡¯t you rest for a while?"


    "I¡¯m just used to it! Besides, this injury needs to heal slowly, does that mean I can¡¯t read the newspaper during this time?"


    Qin Haiming looked at her approaching, asking her.


    "I¡¯ll read it to you."


    Qin Mu picked up the newspaper before sitting down.


    Uncle Wang stood up, looking somewhat embarrassed, "Look at me, I didn¡¯t even think about this, I could read to the mayor too!"


    With a playful smile, Qin Mu¡¯s beautiful big eyes gazed at the newspaper: "Your reading isn¡¯t as pleasant as mine. But when I¡¯m not here, before the leader is healed, you read."


    Qin Haiming couldn¡¯t help but smile lightly when Qin Mu called him ¡¯leader¡¯.


    Uncle Wang quickly nodded: "Yes! I will do as you say!"


    Qin Mu was also happy, then purposefully held the newspaper a bit higher, not wanting Qin Haiming to keep staring at her. Ever since she entered, Qin Haiming¡¯s eyes hadn¡¯t moved from her.


    "By the way! My parents said they¡¯ll bring Huanhuan to see you after school this afternoon."


    Qin Mu said before she started reading the newspaper.


    "Yes! I miss Huanhuan too!"


    Qin Haiming answered calmly, his heart not wanting to refuse, so he didn¡¯t refuse verbally either.


    But later, when Qin Mu helped him read the newspaper, her eyes were almost glued to the paper, which made him feel slightly uneasy.


    "When did you start being nearsighted?"


    Qin Haiming asked, remembering she didn¡¯t have this issue when she was young.


    "Forgot! Probably after I studied design!"


    Her eyes seemed to have no issues before college?


    Anyway, it just got blurrier later, I¡¯ve actually forgotten the specifics.


    Qin Mu answered his question and continued reading the newspaper, but Qin Haiming thought of her mother.


    Her mother used to read the newspaper to him like this too.


    Time flies, some things and people can never be brought back.


    Even with this daughter, who he had done so many excessive things to in the past, he never thought he could win back.


    "Mumu, don¡¯t be mad about not letting you investigate that matter with Yichen."


    "Don¡¯t change the subject!"


    Qin Mu responded.


    She stubbornly refused to bring it up with him, and Qin Haiming understood and said no more.


    Uncle Wang watched from the side, thinking it wasn¡¯t easy for the father and daughter to reach this point. They must cherish it.


    Qin Mu later went to the studio, and when Li Man came to find her, Qin Mu was initially stunned and then smiled: "Li Man?"


    "I just got free today, and didn¡¯t expect to actually run into you."


    Li Man was also excited, and walked over quickly, holding hands with her.


    "Let¡¯s go inside and talk!"


    Qin Mu knew this girl liked Li Yu, but that didn¡¯t seem to hinder their interaction.


    "Wow! Your studio is as impressive as you are."


    After entering, Li Man looked around and couldn¡¯t help saying.


    "Let me take you to my office!" Qin Mu smiled and then turned to head upstairs.


    Li Man followed her.


    Xiaomei and a female colleague stood downstairs, puzzled, wondering who this woman was.


    Since Li Man got along with Qin Mu, she didn¡¯t mind at all, and after chatting for a few minutes couldn¡¯t help venting: "Li Yu, that guy, has never taken a fancy to me since we were young. Every time I confessed, he dismissed me with a cold look. I used to think he liked men, his studio built last year also has more men than women, and the men are basically prettier than the women."