“Ever since that day, I’ve been waiting for you to contact me. If a woman is too eager, then the man would never know how to cherish her. But you didn’t get in touch with me at all. You’re selling yourself too high, aren’t you?” Jiang Xiyao stood in front of him and reproached him.

“I’m worried that my girlfriend might misunderstand.” Cheng Dongge retorted bluntly.

Jiang Xiyao was taken aback as she did not expect that answer from him. Her gaze wandered but her smile was constant. She was as open and beautiful as ever, and she did not look stiff at all.

“It wasn’t long since we last met right? You’ve already gotten a girlfriend so quickly?” Jiang Xiyao smiled and asked.

Cheng Dongge simply smiled without saying anything further.

Noticing how he seemed unenthusiastic about talking to her, she probed around and asked, “It’s not Miss Qi, is it?”

“It is.” Cheng Dongge did not try to hide anything. “I told you before that I like her, so of course I’m with her, instead of anyone else.”

“Hehe.” Jiang Xiyao giggled insincerely.

“You must be busy?” Cheng Dongge hinted plainly.

“Not really. This afternoon I was a bridesmaid for one of my friends’ weddings, and tonight is their appreciation dinner. Nothing too urgent.” Jiang Xiyao appeared oblivious to Cheng Dongge’s hinting. She looked inside and said, “Oh, I heard Qilin’s having a celebratory feast tonight.”

Cheng Dongge did not say anything, but Jiang Xiyao stepped forward and leaned very close to him without any warning. Before Cheng Dongge could respond, her fingers grabbed his tie.

“Your tie is a bit off.” Jiang Xiyao smiled, looked up, and helped him to straighten his tie. She took the opportunity to lean closer as if she wanted her fragrance to rub off on his body.

Her eyes were half-open, and her long lashes were obscuring her gaze faintly. Meanwhile, her forehead was almost touching Cheng Dongge’s chin.

He took a step back immediately and yanked his tie away from her hands, messing it up even more.

Jiang Xiyao’s mouth was wide agape. Embarrassed, she fell silent for a moment. Cheng Dongge’s blatant rejection was so direct and obvious, causing her to feel incredibly ashamed.

She twitched her lip and giggled awkwardly. “Cheng…”

However, she noticed his gaze was directed someplace else.

Jiang Xiyao followed his gaze and saw Qi Chengzhi holding hands with Song Yu, and beside them were Qi Chenglin and Qi Chengyue. They were all walking toward her direction.

It was an imposing sight to see three Qi siblings walking together. Song Yu may be the only soft one amongst the group, but within that softness was her ability to conquer strength.

Qi Chengyue was not pleased to see Cheng Dongge’s messed-up necktie.

Back in Qi Chenglin’s car, she saw Jiang Xiyao and Cheng Dongge standing by the door. Jiang Xiyao leaned forward all of a sudden and helped to straighten his tie in the most intimate manner possible.

Qi Chengyue may still be inside the car at that time, but she was already exploding with rage. Fortunately, Cheng Dongge took a step back and pulled the necktie away. That was when she finally suppressed the anger within her.

As she neared, Cheng Dongge did not even introduce Jiang Xiyao to her. Neither did he say a word to Qi Chengzhi or Qi Chenglin. His first words were to Qi Chengyue. “My tie is messed-up.”

Qi Chengyue could not help but smile. First, she patted his tie a few times, as if to dust off the areas touched by Jiang Xiyao. After that, she began to straighten his tie properly.

He only turned to greet Qi Chengzhi and co after that. No one minded it though. On the contrary, Qi Chengyue’s two brothers were much happier to see him leave Jiang Xiyao in the cold.

Jiang Xiyao greeted the three of them but was given only a simple acknowledgment by Qi Chengzhi and Qi Chenglin. They then proceeded to enter.

“This is my girlfriend.” Cheng Dongge formally introduced.

Qi Chengyue nodded and smiled. “Miss Jiang, we’ve met once before.

“Yes.” Jiang Xiyao was unable to say anything further.

“Excuse us.” Cheng Dongge remarked curtly. He grabbed Qi Chengyue’s hand and led her into the hall.

Jiang Xiyao watched from the back as Qi Chengyue took a sneaky poke at Cheng Dongge. He did not shy away from it, but instead turned to her and gave her a patient smile.

“Hmph. Just now…” Qi Chengyue pursed, but instead of her face tensing up, she broke into a smile. “You did well.”

Cheng Dongge broke out in laughter. He looked at her warmly and asked, “Do you feel reassured with me?”

“Hm…” She pouted, looking rather ugly, but in Cheng Dongge’s eyes, it was nothing short of cute. “Pending further investigation. Even if I’m reassured with you, I’m still worried about other women.”

Qi Chengyue glanced at him and asked, “Do you think I’m strict?”

“It’s okay with me. The stricter, the better,” Cheng Dongge replied in earnest.

Qi Chengyue giggled and only uttered a single word. “Silly.”

…

…

By the time Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi entered the banquet hall, both Qilin and Chengshi’s employees were already present.

Song Yu went there as the director’s wife, so her status as Chengshi’s employee was largely ignored. That was why Ruan Danchen sat with her colleagues and did not look for her.

There was nothing too special about the celebratory dinner. No government official was there to make a speech or anything of the sort and was simply a dinner to entertain the employees. Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu were present there just for show.

They did not stay too long because Qi Chengzhi was afraid that Song Yu would get tired.

Not long later, Cheng Dongge also brought Qi Chengyue and left. They walked to Shengyue’s entrance and she waited while Cheng Dongge went and fetched the car. Having worn high heels for practically the entire day, he did not want her to walk so much.

“Junior.” Qi Chengyue was waiting for Cheng Dongge’s car when she heard a very foreign voice. She did not respond to it.

The person then stood in front of her. “Why did you ignore me? You didn’t forget me, right?”

Qi Chengyue looked up in shock and saw Li Zhuohui standing in front of her. She came to her senses and responded, “It was you? I’m so sorry, I couldn’t recognize your voice. I thought it was directed at someone else.”

“It seems like my voice is still pretty foreign to you. Once we get to know each other more, you’ll be able to recognize it and get used to it,” Li Zhuohui smiled and said.

Qi Chengyue let out a dry laugh and asked, “Why are you here?”

“There’s a wedding appreciation dinner going on. I helped the newly-weds a bit, so they insisted that I join them. I can’t decline their kindness,” Li Zhuohui explained.

Shengyue had only one appreciation dinner, and it came as a surprise that Li Zhuohui and Jiang Xiyao attended the same one.

“Why are you standing here? Are you waiting for a car? Let me send you,” Li Zhuoan offered.

“No, I’m waiting for…” Cheng Dongge’s car arrived in front of her before she could finish her sentence.

He got down, attracting the gaze of Li Zhuohui.

He had already spotted Li Zhuohui from afar when he was driving over. Li Zhuohui was not seen again ever since the day he sent Qi Chengyue to Qilin. Cheng Dongge was uneasy as he did not expect to see him here.

Cheng Dongge may look calm, but his emotions were turning turbulent. Cheng Dongge was usually the one who gave in to her, and if her temper was flaring up, he would always remain calm and tolerate her. Nevertheless, Qi Chengyue was completely fearful of making him unhappy.

Her heart skipped a beat and she gulped, continuing where she left off, “I’m waiting for my boyfriend.”

Cheng Dongge’s expression lightened up immediately. Under Li Zhuohui’s astonished gaze, he walked over to Qi Chengyue’s side and held her hand. He then greeted Li Zhuohui, “Director Li.”

Li Zhuohui’s gaze was pinpointed at their intertwined hands. He smiled charmingly and said, “I never expected Mr. Cheng to be in a relationship with my junior. Congratulations.”

“Thank you. You’re cordially invited to the wedding, Director Li,” Cheng Dongge proclaimed sullenly.

Li Zhuohui could only smile. Cheng Dongge said goodbye before helping Qi Chengyue into the car.

“That Li Zhuohui is pretty eager, isn’t he?” Cheng Dongge drove a long way off, but his words were still very sulky as he could not restrain the jealousy in his heart.

“Pffttttttt,” Qi Chengyue laughed. She leaned over and hugged Cheng Dongge’s arm. “Are you jealous?”

“Of course not. You belong to me anyway. Can he take you away from me?” Cheng Dongge took down his right hand from the steering wheel and allowed her to keep hugging it.

“What do you mean by I belong to you!” Qi Chengyue pinched him, but she continued hugging his shoulder.

Cheng Dongge smiled. When they were at the red light, he looked over and saw Qi Chengyue admiring his hands. Sensing his gaze, she looked up and met with Cheng Dongge’s fast-approaching lips. He kissed her in between her eyebrows, turned around, then got ready to continue the journey once the light turned green.

“Zhou Mingyan’s lawsuit is starting today,” Cheng Dongge said as soon as the light turned green and the car continued its journey.

“So, what happened?” Qi Chengyue was not too interested in how Zhou Mingyan ended up, and if Cheng Dongge did not raise the subject, she would have forgotten it altogether.

She no longer felt as intense a hatred toward Zhou Mingyan and Jian Yi.

She did wonder why she felt that way, and she concluded that it had to do with her own happiness. When a person was happy, they would not care much about distressing things, and many of those rotten things that happened in the past were no longer kept in her heart. There was no need to hold grudges. Everyone should just live their own lives and mind their own business.

“The Guan family produced Guan Xiaolin’s medical report, but they did not raise the issue that Zhou Mingyan caused Guan Xiaolin’s infertility, and the lawyer did not use that as evidence. I think the Guan family doesn’t want Guan Xiaolin’s infertility to be made public. They want to keep it a secret so that Guan Xiaolin won’t find it hard to get married,” Cheng Dongge explained.

“But if she does get married, won’t the husband’s side want children sooner or later? If that time comes and she can’t get married, a doctor’s check would still reveal her infertility, right?” Qi Chengyue placed her head on his shoulder. Both her hands were wrapped around Cheng Dongge’s right hand and were playing with his slender fingers. “If that’s the case, then why not just let the truth out? At least that’ll put Zhou Mingyan in her place and make her pay for what she did.”

“Who knows what the Guan family is thinking? They must’ve had some reason for doing so. We’re not in their place so we can’t comprehend the situation as they would. Perhaps they just wanted it to let the days go by and come up with something only when Guan Xiaolin gets married,” Cheng Dongge opined and looked at Qi Chengyue.

Qi Chengyue nodded while her head was still plastered on his shoulder. “What’s the judgment, then?”

“Six months for Zhou Mingyan,” Cheng Dongge answered.

What Cheng Dongge omitted was that Jian Yi somehow managed to get in touch with one of the Mu family’s lawyers. The lawyer he hired was very skilled because if the Guan family really was determined, they could make sure that Zhou Mingyan’s sentence is not as short as just six months.”

“Is the Guan family willing to accept that?” Qi Chengyue asked, noticing that they had already entered into Cheng Dongge’s residential area.

“What else can they do if they can’t accept it? The sentence was supposed to be longer, but the Guan family insisted on not using evidence of Guan Xiaolin’s infertility. Even if they can’t get their intended outcome, all they can do is swallow it bitterly.” Cheng Dongge drove the car into his parking spot and switched off the ignition.

He massaged Qi Chengyue’s hand and turned his head to kiss her. Qi Chengyue then sat up straight and glanced at him before smiling uncontrollably and getting off the car.

The two of them went back to Cheng Dongge’s home, and he immediately headed for the kitchen to boil some Pu’er tea.

Qi Chengyue stayed in the living room, and for some reason, she felt increasingly nervous that night. Her heart was beating wildly as she sat there, feeling as though the relationship between the two of them would never be the same after that night.

She did not know what she could do to ease the awkward atmosphere when she was clearly the only person in the living room. Qi Chengyue was getting so anxious that she gulped and switched on the television, changing channels as she pleased.

Nothing interesting was being aired, and after going through all the channels she finally settled on the most trending romance drama.

With the added noise in the living room, she felt much better. She got up and went into the kitchen where Cheng Dongge had finished brewing the tea. She then helped him bring the tea out to the living room.

Qi Chengyue held the cup in her hand, and without caring about her image in front of Cheng Dongge, she crossed her legs on the sofa while still wearing a dress. Leaning back, she drank her tea contentedly as she watched the television.

She had never seen that drama before, and since she was unable to make head or tail of it, she did not really pay attention to it.

“You like watching this one?” Cheng Dongge asked just for the sake of asking.

“I’ve never seen this before. I didn’t know what to watch, and there wasn’t anything interesting either. You can change the channel if there’s anything else you’d like to watch,” Qi Chengyue said and sipped some tea.

“Just continue watching this one then. There’s nothing I want to watch either.” Cheng Dongge sipped his tea absent-mindedly without fully appreciating the Pu’er’s smell.

Qi Chengyue could only feel her ears become hot. She surmised that they were probably already red. The entire atmosphere was too odd, and even the temperature of the air was beginning to rise steadily.

She forced herself to focus all her attention on the TV series, but as though the drama had a mind of his own and was mocking her, the story unfolded with the characters beginning to live together as a couple.

Qi Chengyue nearly choked on her tea, while Cheng Dongge held in his chuckle and said, “How about you stay the night?”

Taken aback, she nearly spat out her mouthful of tea. She turned to Cheng Dongge and saw him smiling warmly and plainly, while his eyes were fixed on her.

He did not have a change of clothes after coming back and was still in his suit. Looking very proper and solemn, his uniform had something of a charm to it.

Qi Chengyue blushed and looked down instead of immediately rejecting his proposal.

In fact, Cheng Dongge was simply asking a question. He did not have any intention of taking things too quickly because he was afraid that she was uncomfortable and found it too rushed. That night, however, Li Zhuohui provoked him somewhat, making him feel a bit impatient to make her fully his.

He felt a surge of emotion when he saw the redness of her cheek, especially when she was giving him her silent acquiescence. The latter aspect made him more excited.

He placed his cup down and held Qi Chengyue’s hand. He did not ask a second time but merely leaned forward slowly. Her nose was only a millimeter away from her red-hot cheek, and he let out his breaths all over her. Qi Chengyue felt even hotter, and her body trembled in sync with those breaths.

Finally, his lips landed on her eyes and kissed them gently. Bit-by-bit, his kisses searched for the corner of her lips, and the more he leaned forward, the more unconsciously Qi Chengyue leaned back. She was unaware that her back was pressed onto the sofa.

He found her lips and kissed her softly there, luring her to return the favor. Both his hands slid up her arms and onto her shoulders.

Clad in a red lace dress, the lower part of her dress was already bunched up—her silky-white legs were revealed but her bottom was covered. Cheng Dongge’s palm was pressing against her back, roaming around in search of her zipper. He undid it, but not entirely. His palm slid across the skin on her back, and those warm fingers of his touched her satiny skin, causing her to tremble uncontrollably.

He bridal carried her and walked into his bedroom. One of Qi Chengyue’s hands were hooked on his neck, while the other began undoing his buttons. Each button took quite some time to undo, and as her fingers touched his warm skin through his shirt, Cheng Dongge’s fire was being stroked.

She had only managed to undo half of those buttons by the time he placed her onto the bed.

Cheng Dongge chuckled and lowered his head to kiss her. Their clothes were completely gone, and Qi Chengyue had not the slightest idea when that happened. She did not think so much at that time, and all she could feel was his hand, his lips, and how he was worshipping her.

She knew that her entire body was red and that her breathing was turning erratic. Faced with such a ravishing beauty in front of him, Cheng Dongge’s eyes and lips could never have enough. It was not until Qi Chengyue finally moved that Cheng Dongge read her body and inserted himself into her.

Qi Chengyue inhaled sharply and opened her eyes wide. The ecstasy she felt was just too unbelievable for her, and Cheng Dongge’s face also seemed to be lost in that drunken pleasure. He kissed her forcefully and thrust into her repeatedly.

…

In the morning, Qi Chengyue opened her eyes feeling energized. The thought of lazing around in bed did not occur in her mind at all.

Cheng Dongge was not beside her, but when she turned around, she saw his phone placed at the pillow beside her. Underneath his phone was a piece of paper. Qi Chengyue turned around and lay belly-down on the bed, supporting herself by her elbows. She took the paper and saw Cheng Dongge’s neat handwriting: ‘I went down to get breakfast, I’ll be back soon.’

Qi Chengyue stared at the words. They were a lot like Cheng Dongge the person—firm and steady.

She turned around and lay on the bed, using the blanket to cover her breasts. She did not wear anything else, and the intimacy she felt by sleeping on Cheng Dongge’s bed made her feel sweet, and her heart was beating wildly.

Qi Chengyue clenched her jaw and smiled like a fool at Cheng Dongge’s handwriting.

She had clearly slept little the night before and woken up rather early, but she did not feel sleepy in the slightest.

Recalling the previous night, after he had his fill, he did not immediately go to sleep. Instead, he held her and talked with her, but their subject of conversation was nothing too serious. It was all just flirty words and sappy statements, but when she thought about all that to herself, she found it all so silly.

She did not expect that after the conversation, his restless hand worked up some vigor and they went at it for a second time. In the end, he might have sensed that she was more uninhibited, thus gaining the bravery to do her in all sorts of shameless positions.

Red-faced, she opened the covers slightly and peeped in. She saw all the little marks he left on her body and, feeling embarrassed, she turned around and lay face-down once again, hiding her entire body in his blanket. She could not help but smile foolishly again, with the hills and valleys of the blanket shaking, making for a really weird sight.

After a while, Qi Chengyue got off the bed, still red-faced. Cheng Dongge had thrown the previous night’s clothes into the washer, and Qi Chengyue had no clothes to wear. Her decision to stay there was made at the last minute, and she did not even have any fresh underwear that she could change into.

She had no idea where the underwear she took off the previous night was. She had just taken it off and tossed it somewhere, but Cheng Dongge must have put it away since she could not locate it.

When he took them off her the night before, she did not think much of it because her mind was blinded with passion. When her cognition was clear, however, she felt incredibly shy when imagining him holding her undergarments, especially her panties.

Still unable to locate her underwear, she was left with no choice but to open Cheng Dongge’s wardrobe and wear one of his white dress shirts. It was long enough to cover her thighs, but she still felt very uncomfortable because she was not wearing any panties.

She went to the toilet and noticed two cups and two toothbrushes on the sink. One cup and one toothbrush looked relatively new, and although he did not leave any message for her, she knew that it was meant for her to use.

Blushing, she could not help but break out in a smile. She was particularly elated to see two cups and two toothbrushes arranged side-by-side.

Taking out the toothbrush from the cup, she grabbed a tube of toothpaste that Cheng Dongge had already used halfway. When she squeezed out the toothpaste, she could not help but imagine how Cheng Dongge looked like when he did the same. It was intimate to think that the tube’s opening had earlier came into contact with his toothbrush, and was about to come into contact with hers.

After brushing her teeth, she used Cheng Dongge’s facial wash and moisturizer—both men’s products—since she did not manage to buy her facial care products.

Once that was done, she scanned the entire bathroom and laid eyes on a particular spot.

The undergarments that she had been searching for all along were hanging just above her head, and they were already washed.

Cheng Dongge neither had a housekeeper or a helper, so there were no prizes for guessing who it was that washed Qi Chengyue’s undergarments.

Qi Chengyue felt her entire brain explode. That man—to think that he washed her underwear and kept his actions secret from her!

Those garments were the more intimate ones, especially when it came to her panties. They were surely dirty after having been used the entire day, yet he still held them in his hands as though it was nothing disgusting.

Qi Chengyue quickly took down the still-damp underwear and searched for a hairdryer to blow it dry.

As she was almost about to blow them dry, she heard the door clicked open. Qi Chengyue switched off the hairdryer and tried on the panties. They were not fully dry yet, and although she could still wear if she truly needed to, doing so would not be good for her body.

Then again, she thought for a moment and realized that she had done almost everything with Cheng Dongge, and there was no need to fret too much about those things. She just had to remember not to accidentally reveal herself too much. She rehung her panties to dry and went straight for the door after coming out of the bathroom.

The door swung open as she reached it, and Qi Chengyue was all smiles as she said, “You’re back! Why didn’t you wake me up just… A-auntie…?”

It was not Cheng Dongge who returned but his mother, Sun Shaoyun. Qi Chengyue did not expect that at all.

Drained was the color on her face in an instant.

Sun Shaoyun was still holding on to the set of keys. She opened the door and had on foot in, but that was all there is to it as she froze at the doorstep.

“You…Miss Qi, you’re…” Sun Shaoyun was so startled that she mumbled incoherently. She looked at Qi Chengyue from head to toe and knew at once that Qi Chengyue was wearing Cheng Dongge’s dress shirt, seemingly with nothing else underneath. By that alone, Sun Shaoyun could tell how far their relationship had progressed.

Qi Chengyue’s pale face became flushed. “A-auntie, please wait for a while.”

She dashed back into the bathroom and wore her undies without caring that they were still damp. Her bra was not going to dry so quickly, and she could not wear the dress she wore the night before because that would reveal her nipples. It was better if she wore his shirt.

Qi Chengyue ran over and said, “Auntie, you…please wait here. I’ll be done in a bit.”

Running into the bedroom, she rummaged around the closet and finally managed to dig up a pair of sport shorts. She wore them and tied up the strings so tightly that the waist of the pants bunched up on her hip.

It was then that she went out and stood awkwardly in front of Sun Shaoyun, clueless as to what she should say.

“Miss Qi, your clothes…” Although Qi Chengyue was fully clothed, it looked completely out of place since everything on her belonged to Cheng Dongge.

“I came back from an event last night and the dress isn’t fit to be worn right now,” Qi Chengyue explained, embarrassed.

“Oh.” What Sun Shaoyun wanted to add was, ‘If your dress isn’t fit to be worn, then are Cheng Dongge’s clothes fit to be worn?’

“Miss Qi, how far has your relationship with Cheng Dongge progressed? Is it serious?” Sun Shaoyun sat down and asked before even getting a cup of water to drink.

“Auntie, you just came. Let me pour a cup of water for you, or would you prefer tea?” Qi Chengyue asked. She thought that the subject should best be discussed only when Cheng Dongge came back.

“No need for that. I’ll be going soon. I wanted to come and see my son, but I didn’t think…” Sun Shaoyun did not complete her sentence. Before her retirement, Sun Shaoyun was the head of educational administration in one of Li City’s junior high schools. Civility was a quality she honed to a very high-level, so despite her dissatisfaction at Qi Chengyue’s past, she did not overstep her bounds and speak too harshly.

“Have a seat. Don’t trouble yourself. Where did Dongge go?” Sun Shaoyun asked.

Qi Chengyue sat down at some distance away from Sun Shaoyun. She was feeling constantly nervous. “He went down to buy breakfast.”

Sun Shaoyun nodded. “Miss Qi, you haven’t answered my question.”

Qi Chengyue looked down and was slightly afraid to look at Sun Shaoyun. Back then, Qi Chengyue made a solemn vow to Sun Shaoyun that she would not be together with Cheng Dongge. It had not even been long since then, and Sun Shaoyun just had to bump into her at Cheng Dongge’s home when she was dressed in such a manner.

“I’m in a relationship with him, and it’s serious.” Qi Chengyue mustered the courage to look at Sun Shaoyun despite having a slightly faltering voice.

“How long have you two been together?” Sun Shaoyun asked.

Qi Chengyue did not know how to answer that as they had just been together and she was already spending the night with him. It was all too obvious that they had some activities the night before, and she was worried that Sun Shaoyun would think of her as a very casual woman.

Before she answered though, Sun Shaoyun mumbled to herself, “It wasn’t too long ago that you came to Li City, so I think you weren’t together for long.”

“Auntie…” Qi Chengyue tried to explain, but Sun Shaoyun cut her off. “Miss Qi, you were very resolute last time. Remember? When you said that you wouldn’t burden Cheng Dongge wouldn’t be with him for his good and also his family?”

“Auntie, that was what I thought at the time. I really thought that I could do it.” Qi Chengyue took a deep breath, then exhaled. “I work at the same company as him and I have to see him every day. We’ll have to interact whenever the company’s affairs require it, and every time I go to work or get off from work, we’d bump into each other in the company’s entrance. Sometimes we ride in the same elevator. I’ve seen Huang Ziyue look for him before and I’ve seen him go on blind dates with other women.

“He was getting me angry on purpose to see if I can bear with it, testing whether I was really able to let him go just like that. But in the end, I couldn’t. My heart was in pain when I saw him go on dates with other women, and when I saw Huang Ziyue coming back for him and trying to get back with him again, I was even more heartbroken, to the point where I hid away in the car and cried to myself. I said it with determination last time, but after going through all that, I realized I couldn’t do it at all. When he goes on dates, I can’t control myself from sneaking a look. I think if he is to marry someone else, I’ll be watching him silently from the sidelines, and he’ll never know that I’ll be crying and getting angry all by myself. My elder brother and his wife tried getting me to accept another man, but because none of them are Cheng Dongge, I can’t accept it, and I can’t spend my life with another man.

“That was why I agreed to be with him. I’m a selfish person. I don’t want to see him suffering, and I don’t want to be unhappy either. When I decided to be with him, I did so in all seriousness, with the intention of getting married to him. Auntie, I know that being a divorcee puts a burden on Cheng Dongge, and you might not even look kindly upon me. With his character, he can easily find someone much better than me, but…”

Sun Shaoyun stood up and said, “Miss Qi, my mind is a bit jumbled up right now. I came here to see my son, but when I arrived, the first thing I saw was you, dressed like this. You can probably understand the kind of shock I’m feeling right?”

Qi Chengyue nodded and looked down in silence.

“So, for the time being, don’t tell me all this. Don’t tell me about your love for Dongge and don’t speak of your confusion. My mind is in disarray now, and I can’t think straight.” Sun Shaoyun sighed. “I need some quiet solitude to think long and hard about this.”

Sun Shaoyun stood up, grabbed her bag and held it with her sweaty palms.

“I’ll go first. If Dongge comes back, you don’t need to tell him that I came. I don’t want him to get worried about this and that,” Sun Shaoyun said and headed toward the door.

“Auntie, he’ll be back soon, please just stay for a while longer! You came all the way to B City and you can’t just leave like this. You came by plane, right? You would’ve already booked the return flight. There’s nowhere else for you to go if you just leave. Isn’t it better to wait for Dongge to come back?” Qi Chengyue chased after her.

“That’s not necessary. I’ll reschedule the flight.” Sun Shaoyun walked to the door and wore her shoes.

Qi Chengyue was barefoot, so she simply grabbed a pair of slippers and wore them. “Auntie, I can’t just let you leave like this, you…”

“You don’t need to advise me. I know I’m his mother, and because of that, you wouldn’t want to disrespect me. You’re afraid that he’ll be angry if you just let me go, am I right? I just want some peace and quiet, and this is something I need to talk about with Lao Cheng. To tell you the truth, I don’t know how to face you right now. I’m afraid I might say some unpleasant things if I stay. We all need to take some time to calm down. Don’t try and stop me. If you keep doing that, I might get angry,” Sun Shaoyun explained calmly. It was evident that she was trying her best to control herself.

“Auntie…” Qi Chengyue watched as Sun Shaoyun went into the elevator. Qi Chengyue did not dare to give chase, however, and she was in no position to do so anyway because of how she dressed.

She was so anxious that instead of going back into the house, she stayed beside the elevator to wait for Cheng Dongge. Cheng Dongge did not bring his cellphone, so there was no way for her to contact him.

At that point, one of Cheng Dongge’s neighbors opened the door. Taking advantage of the weekend, a young couple brought their children and their grandparents to go for a walk, but when the family walked to the elevator and saw Qi Chengyue dressed like that, they were stumped.

She backed away from the elevator awkwardly and looked down, unable to say anything further.

Fortunately, when the elevator came up, Cheng Dongge was in it. He went out while the neighbors went in.

“What were you waiting out here for?” Cheng Dongge asked. The first thing he saw when he came out was Qi Chengyue.

She grabbed his arm immediately and asked, “You spent so much time outside just to buy breakfast?”

Cheng Dongge lifted the bags. “You didn’t bring any clothes to change, so I bought some clothes and underwear for you along the way.”

Qi Chengyue placed her hand over Cheng Dongge’s mouth immediately. The elevator was not soundproof at all, and whatever that was said on that floor could be heard from the floor below.

She grabbed the bags from Cheng Dongge and said, “Auntie came just now, but left after seeing me here. I couldn’t stop her at all. You have to go after her.”

“My mom?” Cheng Dongge asked in shock.

“Yes. She’s probably not happy with me. Go after her, quick. You can’t let her go home in a bad mood.” Qi Chengyue pressed the elevator button and urged Cheng Dongge. “She only left a few minutes ago. You’ll probably be able to catch up to her.”

He nodded but headed straight for home.

“What are you doing?” Qi Chengyue pulled on him.

“Going home to get the keys. We don’t even know how long it’ll take to find her if we walk, and if that happens, we might miss her,” Cheng Dongge said as he took his house keys and unlocked the door. On top of the cabinet was a glass bowl, which he dipped his hands into and took out a set of car keys. “Wait for me at home.”

A nod from Qi Chengyue and Cheng Dongge left.

She placed the food on the kitchen counter and took them out one by one. Judging from the time Sun Shaoyun arrived, it was likely that she already had breakfast during the flight, but because in-flight food did not taste good, it was likely that she did not eat much.

Cheng Dongge bought some porridge and youtiaos from Yonghe, a shop near his residential area.

The other two plastic bags contained the underwear and clothes that Cheng Dongge bought for her.

It was alright to wear the new underwear temporarily, and she had no other choice. She once again took off the one she was wearing and used the hairdryer to dry it before putting it on again and wash the new one. She then changed into the T-shirt and jeans that Cheng Dongge bought.

Whether it was the innerwear or the clothes that he bought, they all fitted her nicely, as if they were measured specifically beforehand.

As a result of hugging her every day, Cheng Dongge was incredibly familiar with their body, but never did it occur to her that he knew her body so well.

After tidying herself up, she received a call from Guan Liya who asked if she was with Cheng Dongge.

“Mm.” Qi Chengyue walked to the balcony and spoke with Guan Liya. In doing so, she also kept an eye out for whether Cheng Dongge managed to get a hold of his mother.

“I’m relieved that you two are together. You’re already so grown-up and you have your own stand. I won’t restrict you or anything, but if you’re not coming home, at least inform us so we don’t get worried,” Guan Liya’s voice rang from the other side of the phone.

“Mm, I forgot about that. It won’t happen again.” Qi Chengyue then said, “Oh yes. Mom, there’s already a judgment for the lawsuit between Zhou Mingyan and the Guan family.”

She told everything to her mother, but the latter remained silent. Guan Liya regretted and sympathized with Guan Xiaolin’s infertility, but for her, that was simply karma.

After hanging up, she saw Cheng Dongge’s car. Sun Shaoyun and Cheng Dongge were coming up together, and Qi Chengyue hurried over to the door and waited there. Not a minute later, she heard Cheng Dongge unlocking the door using his keys.

The door swung open and Sun Shaoyi came in. “Auntie,” Qi Chengyue called out.

Sun Shaoyun sighed and responded with a nod.

“Mom’s flight is tomorrow morning,” Cheng Dongge explained.

“Auntie, Dongge bought back breakfast. We can eat after I heat them,” Qi Chengyue offered.

“It’s fine. I ate on the plane.” Sun Shaoyun held her bag and went into the living room.

Cheng Dongge watched as Sun Shaoyun went into the living room. He then followed Qi Chengyue into the kitchen and said, “I didn’t think she would come here today but don’t worry, I’ll handle my mother.”

Qi Chengyue kept quiet but she knew that she could not just throw it all on Cheng Dongge. She looked up and saw him wearing a casual shirt and pants, looking extremely neat and handsome.

Unbeknownst to her, her love and attachment toward that man were growing by the day.

If Sun Shaoyun was not there, she would long have acted all coy with him.

Seeing her reaction, Cheng Dongge smiled and wrapped her inside his long arms. “How was last night? I’ve been meaning to ask you about it.”

“…” Red-faced, she looked up and gazed upon his handsome face. Although she felt shy, she could not help but crack a joke. “Which aspect are you referring to? Stamina-wise or physically?”

Cheng Dongge would have cackled in laughter if his mother were not there. He pulled her even tighter into his embrace and asked, “How about both?”

“Physically I’m not that tired. I’m feeling quite okay,” Qi Chengyue said. Her eyes rolled. “In terms of stamina, you did more than okay, so I’m really satisfied.”

She blushed after saying that.

Cheng Dongge raised his head and laughed silently. He bent down and gave her a fervent kiss but did not dare linger too long. For the most part, he was afraid that Sun Shaoyun would think badly of Qi Chengyue, so he went back to the living room.

The porridge that Cheng Dongge brought back was portioned according to one huge bowl, the kind that most restaurants used. The bowls were much smaller at home, so all of the porridge that he bought could be divided into four of those small bowls.

There were some preserved vegetables in the refrigerator, which Qi Chengyue took some and plated. She placed the youtiaos onto the plate as well. Arranging everything on a tray, she brought it to the living room and placed it on the coffee table.

She placed a bowl of porridge before Sun Shaoyun, saying, “Auntie, if you’ve already had breakfast on the plane and you’re not hungry, at least have some porridge.”

In truth, Sun Shaoyun did not actually eat much during the flight. She flew economy class, and the in-flight breakfast was especially unpalatable—one braised egg, one soggy youtiao, one small mantou, a small container of extremely salty preserved vegetables, and a cup of ice-cold mineral water.

She did try her best to eat the youtiao and braised egg but only managed to eat half the steamed bun. The preserved vegetables were too salty to be eaten, and since they were placed with the steamed bun, half of the steamed bun had been tainted with their salty taste.

She managed to get a whiff of the porridge at that point, and although it was store-bought, it still managed to whet her appetite.

Seeing Qi Chengyue place the chopsticks in front of her, Sun Shaoyun held up the bowl in silence, took the chopsticks, and began eating.

At night, Sun Shaoyun wanted to sleep there, and for the remainder of the day, she did not bring up Qi Chengyue’s relationship with Cheng Dongge. It was inappropriate for Qi Chengyue to stay there, so Cheng Dongge sent her home.

Seeing Qi Chengyue’s return, Guan Liya was rather shocked. “Why are you back tonight?”

“…” For a brief moment, Qi Chengyue did not know how to respond. “Mom, what’s this? You’re expecting your daughter to always spend the night with men outside the house?”

“Doesn’t this mean that I trust Cheng Dongge?” Guan Liya teased. “You two didn’t get into a misunderstanding, did you?”

“Mom, you’re thinking a bit too much! Didn’t you lean on the window and watch everything? Cheng Dongge’s the one who sent me back. What could possibly be the reason for a disagreement? It isn’t nice to stay with him for too long, right?” Qi Chengyue did not mention anything regarding Sun Shaoyun because she was afraid Guan Liya might feel unhappy or angry.

Although Sun Shaoyun was being very courteous, the bottom line was that Cheng Dongge’s family did not look pleased with her, and any woman’s mother would not be happy to hear that.

“That’s true.” Guan Liya’s worries were eased.

…

…

Sun Shaoyun was waiting at the door when Cheng Dongge came back from sending Qi Chengyue home.

“I will marry her,” said Cheng Dongge after closing the door.

“Let’s talk about it,” Sun Shaoyun replied. She walked to the living room and sat down, then told Cheng Dongge to join her by patting on the space beside her.

“Dongge, I have no objections to her character. Leaving aside her divorce and her family background, I actually do like her a lot. But marriage isn’t just about liking someone. Have you thought about what will happen after the marriage? I’m worried that you won’t be treated right. Our family’s only a normal family, after all. At best, our family can be considered a literary family. Your dad is a professor at Li City University, and before I was promoted to head of educational administration in Li City Senior High School, I was a literature and language teacher. Our family is a cultured one, but we’re still miles apart when compared to the Qi family,” Sun Shaoyun explained.

“Dongge, you work for the Qi family. Things might happen. Something not too serious—for example, an argument between husband and wife—is definitely a normal occurrence in a marriage. If that does happen, you wouldn’t have a say if you take into account her position in the family as compared to your position in the family. Won’t you be required to follow through with whatever the Qi family says? If the woman occupies a much stronger position in the marriage, it will likely not end well.”

“Mom, you don’t need to be worried about these things. Chengyue isn’t that kind of person, and the Qi family are very reasonable people as well. In our relationship, she always puts me first. In most cases, she’s considerate of me and listens to what I say. Of course, she’s the precious daughter and there are still times where she displays her short temper, but all women will have bouts of tantrums time and again. It has nothing to do with her status. Women are all pampered and spoiled by their families from a young age, and their upbringing is vastly different from men. It’s inevitable that they’d be spoiled just a bit more, but in this respect, Chengyue is much better than most other women. She does throw a tantrum once in a while, but I just need to coax her a bit and she’ll be fine. It’s she who’s really afraid of me getting angry, and most of the time, she’s the one who has to persuade me. She also makes a point to always respect me in public.

“Like yesterday, she saw some woman from another family trying to flirt with me. That woman tried straightening my tie and Chengyue was jealous, but she didn’t show her jealousy out in public and remained considerate. She knew I wouldn’t do anything that will disappoint her, and even after everything happened, she didn’t throw a fit and hold that against me. You say that her family background is too strong, but she did all these things that even a girl from a normal family couldn’t do. Mom, can you be sure that an ordinary girl will do the same things she did?”

Sun Shaoyun kept quiet for a brief moment, then said, “The other day, when you left home and went after her, I did a search on her and her ex-husband. I was surprised to see the whole fiasco make headlines online. That was when I found out that her ex-husband lost his job at Qilin after the divorce, and was kicked out of the family empty-handed. That alone is a perfect illustration of her power and influence within the marriage. Do you think you’ll be on equal footing with her after the marriage?”

Cheng Dongge looked at her and said, “Since you did an online search about it, then you should be fully aware that it was the ex-husband who cheated. He even impregnated the girl he cheated with. From those points alone, is it logical to let him stay in Qilin and make everyone feel uncomfortable? It is reasonable to divide a portion of Qilin’s assets to him? Mom, if it were you, would you be willing to do that?”

“…” Sun Shaoyun could not answer his question.

“Mom, I want to marry her, and whether it’s before or after the marriage, I will never do anything that will let her down. Naturally, she won’t use the Qi family to do the same to me. If I did something unworthy of her, then it’s only right that the Qi family kicked me out of their home. I’m marrying her for her, not because of her past or her familial background. In fact, even before I got together with her, Young Master Cheng told me that Qilin Technology’s general manager will retire some time from now, and he has to go back there to assume that position. When he does, he’ll appoint me to the position of Qilin Property’s general manager. This has nothing to do with my relationship with Chengyue,” Cheng Dongge explained.

Sun Shaoyun looked at him in shock, but within her expression was a faint glimmer of elation.

“I’m the one who’s going to marry her, not you, not Dad. If I like her, you won’t force us to break up and interfere with our relationship, right? Even if your fears and worries do come true, it’s simply the consequence of my current decision. I can bear the responsibility myself. But if those fears never come to fruition, then my decision today will be the reason for my happiness in the future. Every marriage is a gamble, and the outcome is anyone’s guess. No couple gets into a marriage knowing that they would surely be happy forever. Why can’t you ease your worries and open your heart to accept her? Treat her as an ordinary girl and give us the chance to see if our relationship can continue.

“You saw it yourself today. She’s usually pampered at home, but in front of you she’s careful and considerate. Most of the time, if something needs to be done, the housekeeper will do it, but with you, she’s showing her best side by carrying out the bowl and handing you the chopsticks. She may be from a prestigious background, but from her gesture, you can see that she’s willing to do away with her status in front of my parents simply because she loves me. You saw that she didn’t have any clothes to wear this morning and she just took my clothes and wore them. After you left, there was no way she could go after you dressed like that, so she waited nervously at the elevator for me. Even the neighbors saw how miserable she looked. She was like that because she was genuinely worried. If it wasn’t because she really cared about you, she wouldn’t have done that, would she? If she was putting on her princess-like attitude, why would she try to compromise and get on your good books for my sake? Why should you care about her status as the Qi family’s daughter if you like her?”

Sun Shaoyun kept quiet for a moment, then sighed and said, “You… Let me think about this.”

…

…

The second day, Qi Chengyue drove to Cheng Dongge’s house in the early morning to join him in sending Sun Shaoyun to the airport.

They stood in line with Sun Shaoyun as the latter waited to pass through the security checks. When it was almost her turn, she told them, “My turn is coming up. You guys should go back.”

She still felt a bit foreign with Sun Shaoyun, but because they talked considerably more than the day before, it was still considered an improvement.

When Sun Shaoyun went in, Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue waited outside, leaving only when she disappeared from view.

“Follow me home next weekend,” said Cheng Dongge, holding Qi Chengyue’s hand.

“Okay.”

…

…

On Monday, Mu Sisi went to work. Her fever had subsided, so she was discharged from the hospital. Her long bangs were cut into a short, neat one, that covered the gauze on her forehead.

She went into the office, sat on her chair, then fished out a small mirror—roughly the size of an Ipad Mini—from her drawer. She parted her bangs and looked at approximately seven square centimeters of gauze on her forehead.

Mu Sisi sighed and opened up the gauze from below, revealing the entirety of her wound.

Even though she was looking at her reflection, Mu Sisi’s expression was that of disgust.

It seemed as though the size of her wound had increased. The surrounding area was red due to inflammation and the entire wound was severely swollen. Once the pus was drained out, left behind was a coffee-colored scar, as well as the feces-like yellow from the pus-filled skin remnants. The neat little stitches were nearly undetectable as they were buried inside the red, swollen, pus-filled wound. All that could be seen was a slab of red and a crooked wound.

Mu Sisi felt nauseated at herself and clenched her teeth. In his distorted expression, her wound—which was so big that it nearly reached the size of a silver dollar used during the Republic of China era 1 —looked even uglier.

She did her best to hold everything in. From her bag, she fished out the disinfectant and ointment given by the hospital. After disinfecting the wound, she used sterilized cotton to apply the ointment. She wanted it to heal as fast as possible, so she made sure to put an extra thick layer of ointment over her wound.

There was a knock on her door just as she was done with it. She placed the gauze back on and smoothened her bangs to cover it. Only then did she say, “Come in.”

Placing the ointment back into her bag, the receptionist came forward and placed a letter on top of her table. “Miss Mu, an express delivery for you.”

Mu Sisi found it odd. She did not order anything and the express delivery was very thin.

She sent away the receptionist and opened the envelope. When she took out its contents, she was surprised to find a subpoena along with a list of the charges against her.

The lawsuit was for incrimination on false evidence. Ruan Danchen was the plaintiff, and her legal counsel was Song Dafu.

Mu Sisi remembered that Song Dafu was Qilin’s lawyer.

She could hardly believe her eyes that Ruan Danchen had the guts to sue her, and with the aid of Qilin’s lawyer, no less. He was the most acclaimed lawyer in the jurisdiction, and Ruan Danchen surely did not have such financial power.

The only possibility was that Song Yu lent the lawyer’s services to Ruan Danchen just to get revenge on Mu Sisi.

“Screw you, Song Yu!” Mu Sisi stood up immediately and brought the documents over to Mu Huaisheng’s office.

…

…

Mu Huaisheng looked at the subpoena and charges laid out. His expression was very cold.

He made a call immediately. “Lawyer Gu, sorry to trouble you, but you’ll have to come over. There’s a case that requires a discussion with you.”

After he hung up, Mu Sisi stared at him incredulously. “You’ve decided to go to court? Don’t you think you should bring it up with Big Brother Chengzhi?”

“Bring it up with him?” Mu Huaisheng looked at her frigidly. “It’s Song Dafu’s case. Do you really think he doesn’t know about it?”

Mu Sisi clenched her jaw. Her spiritedness was waning. “Still, you should call him and ask. Maybe this can be settled in private…”

“Ask? Ask what? If this could be settled privately, you wouldn’t receive this subpoena today and he would’ve reached out to me personally. Mu Sisi, after all this time, you still don’t know how to reflect on yourself? If it wasn’t for you provoking him and pushing him to his limit, why would the subpoena come without him even informing me about it? How many times to I have to save your a*s and clean up your mess? How many times did I settle things privately with Qi Chengzhi? Time after time it has eroded our friendship, and now that you received his subpoena, I’m guessing that he doesn’t treat me as a friend anymore. Are you happy now?” Mu Huaisheng exploded, throwing his pen.

At that point, his secretary knocked on the door and pushed it open, saying, “Director Mu, Lawyer Gu is here.”

Mu Huaisheng nodded. Lawyer Gu walked in, while Mu Sisi dashed out in a fury.

Lawyer Gu stared curiously at Mu Sisi’s figure, then looked back at Mu Huaisheng, who was quelling his anger. Mu Huaisheng said stiffly, “Don’t care about her. This is the subpoena and charges we received today. Please have a look.”

…

…

Mu Sisi drove her Jaguar and went to Chengshi.

She parked the car and the roadside and intended to go down looking for Song Yu when suddenly, in the distance up ahead, a woman wanted to enter too. Alas, a man came out of nowhere and stopped her.

“Why are you here again? No matter when you come here or how many times, it’s all no use. You won’t get to meet the madam,” the bodyguard told her off impatiently. He had lost count of how many times Yu Keyao came that week.

Rather than coming over trying to ask for Song Yu’s help, she might as well find a job to support her family.

Having felt regretful then, why did she do what she did in the past?

“I won’t bother Song Yu, I mean…Mrs. Qi, too long. How about you follow me up? You can keep watch on me while I talk to her, is that okay? I promise I won’t do anything overboard, and I won’t even lay a finger on any of her hair strands. I just want to talk to her. No matter what you say, she’s still my elder cousin sister. We’re family, and we can’t be prevented from meeting each other forever, right? Song Yu doesn’t have many relatives. Surely our relationship can’t be severed just like that?” Yu Keyao pleaded.

“The madam doesn’t want to meet you. I don’t care if she still wants you as a relative, but my duty is to prevent you from bothering her. If you so much as appear in her line of sight, she’ll be very unhappy, and that’ll make me lose my job. Stop being unreasonable here. It’s still best for you to leave,” the bodyguard deadpanned. Yu Keyao’s pitiful look did not melt his heart in the slightest.

Mu Sisi halted her footsteps and did not continue moving forward. She turned, and back to her car she went.

She lowered her car mirror and watched as Yu Keyao got into a lengthy tangle with the bodyguard. Yu Keyao eventually gave up and turned around, but she had no destination in mind.

Mu Sisi started the car and followed suit. When she looked for Song Yu the other day, she did not run into the bodyguard, or perhaps the bodyguard—by some stroke of luck—was coincidentally not there when she came. Another possibility was that Qi Chengzhi did not manage to instruct the bodyguard in time, so the bodyguard might not have been able to recognize her.

She drove the car slowly, up until Yu Keyao made a turn. Mu Sisi honked, causing Yu Keyao to freeze and look back. Mu Sisi then flashed her a friendly smile and got down the car.

“Miss Yu, right?” Mu Sisi asked.

“You know me?” Yu Keyao stared in stupefaction at the woman in front of her. Feeling that Mu Sisi’s energy was very positive, she wondered which family the latter came from.

“I’m a bit too bold, I see. Nice to meet you, my name is Mu Sisi. You should know MU, right?”

“Mm.” Yu Keyao nodded. She knew it was a famous luxury clothing line, and as of late, was launching the first-ever Asian store in B City. It was big news, and the reactions online were equally as strong.

MU’s products were fashionable and not too expensive. New designs came out with relative frequency, earning the patronization of many youngsters.

Traveling youngsters go to MU if they want to buy nice clothes but were not willing to spend too much money. Their designs were in vogue and stylishly versatile. In the past, those who wanted to buy them would have to ask their traveling friends to buy on their behalf, but with the first flagship store opening soon in B City, everyone looked forward to it and were on the edge of their seats.

Yu Keyao had a sudden realization. “You’re the girl from the Mu family.”

Mu Sisi felt embarrassed when she realized the probable source of Yu Keyao’s knowledge of her.

“I’m sorry, I heard you speaking with that man just now. You’re Song Yu’s younger cousin sister?” Mu Sisi asked. Her politeness was unparalleled as she put on a magnanimous attitude befitting of a wealthy family.

Yu Keyao sighed. Mu Sisi looked down and added, “How about we find a place to sit down and talk? I can help you if you have a problem.”

Noticing Yu Keyao’s hesitance, Mu Sisi deliberately exhibited a very pitiful expression. “I know Song Yu’s a shrewd person. She’s selfish but knows how to act as if she’s not. I never thought that she would ignore her younger cousin. Now that her life has changed for the better, she regards everyone else as beneath her. It’s sad that everyone else can’t see her true nature. They don’t know how terrifying and sly she really is. It’s like we’re the bad people.”

Yu Keyao displayed a bleak expression and felt as though there was finally someone who understood her. She regretted that her meeting was Mu Sisi was later rather than sooner, and just like Lin Daiyu 1 , she lowered her gaze and hung her head low. “Yes. Were you also caught in her nasty tricks, Miss Mu?”

Mu Sisi laughed dryly. “In fact, I know how you came to know about me. It’s from that news report some time ago, right?”

Yu Keyao looked down awkwardly.

Mu Sisi then said, “You don’t need to feel awkward. It’s all because of Song Yu, who framed me at that time.”

Yu Keyao lifted her head and looked at Mu Sisi as though she was looking at a close confidante. “I think it’s best if we find a place to sit and talk.”

A nod from Mu Sisi and she let Yu Keyao into the car. They did not dare to go to any of the nearby cafés for fear that Qi Chengzhi might catch wind of their conversation, so she drove past a few more streets and chose a random café.

After taking their seats, Mu Sisi said, “From your conversation with the bodyguard, it seems you’re in some kind of trouble. You wanted to ask for Song Yu’s help?”

Yu Keyao sighed as her eyes began to redden. Tears were beginning to well up and she took a tissue to immediately wipe her eyes. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, she said, “I’m sorry, I made a fool of myself in front of you. To tell you the truth, it was all a misunderstanding. When the Song family went bankrupt, our family didn’t help them. It’s not that we did that on purpose. The Yu family’s greatest authority lies with my eldest uncle. My family managed to run a small business by ourselves, and it’s only enough to support us. We didn’t have enough extra funds to help the Song family, and because of that Song Yu held a grudge against us. After that, Qi Chengzhi’s mother introduced me to Qi Chengzhi in the hopes of setting us up.”

Mu Sisi suppressed the anger in her head. She did not expect that Yu Keyao had been paired with Qi Chengzhi. ‘Yu Keyao’s a dreamer, isn’t she? What makes her think that she’s compatible with Qi Chengzhi?’

“But Song Yu found out about it from somewhere. She stubbornly wanted to step between us and seduce Qi Chengzhi. All my mom did was fight for me when I suffered all that injustice, but I have no idea what kind of potion she gave him to make him so determined to bankrupt our family, and even force my parents to get a divorce. Now my mom’s alone and the company’s bankrupt. My dad doesn’t have any money left and with the divorce, my mom won’t get any assets. The only option left for her is to stay at her other brother’s place, spending her days looking at the unpleasant looks my uncle and aunt put on every day. She had to sell off all her branded clothes, branded goods, and jewelry in order to barely get by. Even then my aunt has always been giving her nasty looks. She’s also been trying to take advantage of my mom and cheat her of the money made from selling off all those belongings.

“I can’t do anything except worry helplessly. There’s nothing I can do to help her. I’m going to graduate this year, and I can’t find a job now. What can I do to help my mom? My dad’s always running here and there for the sake of a dying company. He wants to save it, but he’s getting older as the days go by and his mental state is becoming weak, too. I can see that he’s going to crumble at any moment.

“I can’t help with the family company, so the least I want to do is rent a house for my mother. A small one is fine, so at least she doesn’t need to live her life relying on someone else’s charity. But my mom, she…she’s too used to the good life. She’s too used to having people serve her and help her. I’ll get really worried about her if she lives alone.” Yu Keyao sniffled and wiped away her tears.

“I went looking for Song Yu because I wanted her spare our family and stop piling the pressure on us. Our family isn’t a family anymore—we’re broken. Even though the company is failing, at least we’re staying at a villa. But still, my mother’s afraid to go back there because she’s worried that Qi Chengzhi might want to target our company again. My mom is staying all by herself under someone else’s roof. I’m heartbroken to see her in such a sorry state. I want Song Yu to understand that we’re still family—I want her to help us a bit. I’m not saying that I want to take advantage of her or anything, but at least help our family by giving us some business. One is enough, as long as the company’s able to survive. I didn’t expect, however, that after so long I still haven’t been able to even see Song Yu.”

“No matter what, we were not some distant relatives, my father was the brother of Song Yu’s mother! Their… their doings were too cruel!” Yu Keyao felt sorrow while she kept complaining, then she started to wail.

“This is outrageous! Song Yu normally talked nicely and appeared to be understanding to others but who knows deep down she was actually a heartless bastard who did not even care for her own family! Although I grew up in the United States of America, but my family taught me to be selfless and always help others in need and not only own family members. There are so many people in the world who needed help, we can’t only think of ourselves,” Mu Sisi slammed the table.

“That’s right! Miss Mu, after our talk I realized all those news were fake and you had been framed by Song Yu. You’re a good woman, Song Yu must have framed you! She was very good in planning schemes than us,” Yu Keyao looked at Mu Sisi and appeared as if regretted not having met her sooner.

“We had outstanding education and were protected from all troubles since young, and we’re almost at the same age, you just graduated and my graduation is near too, both of us has yet to step out into society. However Song Yu’s family faced bankruptcy when she was in high school, I heard she went to work and study at the same time. She had acquired at least a few years more experience than us and after her graduation, her job required her to deal with all the bosses at the wine table. Those bosses were smart and skilled and Song Yu could even deal with them for so many years. Imagine how adapted she was at scheming, it was no surprise that we lost to her…”

“Miss Yu, I heard you’re graduating soon and has yet to find a job. What is your profession? Perhaps I can be of assistance. Even though we just came to B City but we did get to know a few people since we wanted to open a shop,” Mu Sisi smiled and appeared as if she was noble and kind.

“Really? I studied fashion design. Initially my dad was ready to invest for a workshop and he contacted a few who had experiences, but since some troubles occurred in my family, he could no longer prepare those for me anymore. Now I’m currently looking around desperately for job but fashion design doesn’t have much vacancy,” Yu Keyao got excited and leaned forward.

“Miss Yu, have you forgotten what is the profession of my family?” Mu Sisi smiled.

“You… Are you saying that you…” Ye Keyao felt the happiness came too suddenly and was overwhelming for her to bear.

“The purpose why we came here was not only to open the very first MU shop in the Asia market but also open our very first branch office and with special focus on design department. Part of our products were sold exclusively at our country and can only be purchased locally, thus our products need to have an eastern feature, so we need local designers who understood the needs of the locals,” Mu Sisi explained.

“This… Miss Mu, I’m just an undergraduate who will graduate soon. Even though I learnt about fashion design and did some practicals on it, but I have never really designed any fashion for sale. You can say I have absolutely zero experience on this. I knew that experience and past accomplishments were the most important prerequisite for design profession, which was why my dad planned so much for me. It is really acceptable for a fresh graduate without any experience to work at MU?”

Mu Sisi let out a confident smile and said, “The profession about designs requires young man and new bloods as older designers are usually experienced with multiple accomplishments, but they are easily blinded by their own past designs with no new ideation. In contrast, even if you don’t have any experience, you’re still able to create a magnificent design if you’re willing to think out of the box. Of course, you just graduated and worked under MU, you’re unable to get promoted to designer immediately even with my recommendation, you still need to start your position as an assistant designer, same as I do now. Our company will not give you special privilege because of your status and identity. Good thing to know is that I am one of the shareholders of MU so I can say a word or two when it comes to staff recommendation.”

“Oh no, this is good enough. I knew this was an intense competition as it was very difficult to successfully apply for a job in MU. I already knew a lot of my colleagues in the same profession registered for the application, and this was only for my university, how about the fresh graduate from other universities? I really appreciate your help a lot, Miss Mu!” Mu Sisi smiled while feeling embarrassed. “You do realize this is the first time we met and you have already given me such a great help, and I even complained so much to you. It made me a little shameless.”

“Oh it’s alright, it is fate that bind us together. To be very honest, this is related to my personal feeling, especially when I don’t like Song Yu. She framed me, nobody was able to turn a blind eye on that, I knew I couldn’t. I’m still imagining that one day her true identity will be revealed and she can’t deceive others anymore,” Mu Sisi put on a fake smile.

Mu Sisi drank a sip of her coffee and said, “Plus you’re her cousin, you must have known her more than I do, so I’m actually helping myself by helping you. If Song Yu is our common enemy then it is logical that we combine forces and stand together, isn’t it?”

Mu Sisi smiled, feeling a little sorry. “Miss Yu, will you be angry at me when I’m actually being selfish?”

“Of course not, you’re not at fault even if you chose not to help me. We just met for the first time and you already opened up for me; whereas Song Yu was my own cousin but she was merciless towards me. It is obvious who is the bad guy here, right? How can I blame you for this? Not to mention you’re also bullied by Song Yu, it is normal for you to retaliate. To be honest, I felt that you’re a true friend without any schemes when you opened up to me, you’re much better than Song Yu who are so calculative. I love dealing with the kinds like you who has honesty,” Yu Keyao said sincerely.

Mu Sisi took out a name card from her bag and passed to Yu Keyao. “Then I guess you’re my friend now that you mentioned it like that. I see that you’re innocent and pure, which are good qualities in a friend so let’s not stand on formality here. Let me know when you have the time to report to our company, meanwhile I’ll notify human resources department regarding this matter.”

Yu Keyao happily accepted the name card and kept it. “Miss Mu, are you busy today?”

“No, I just need to get back to the office, that’s all,” Mu Sisi immediately thought of her intention and answered.

“Then can I report to your company now?” Mu Sisi expected Yu Keyao’s question.

“Of course, not a problem at all. In that case then let us leave together,” Mu Sisi agreed and paid the bill, then they made their way to the office.

…

…

Song Yu had her lunch with Qi Chengzhi at Dynasty, then she was brought to his office at Qilin so that she could take a nap before leaving for work at Chengshi.

Song Yu was lying on bed-like compartment of the L-shaped sofa and Qi Chengzhi forcibly covered her in a blanket, even though she did not feel cold or drowsy at all.

“You kept feeding me this afternoon until I was so full, and now you want me to sleep when the food hasn’t digested much. You want me to die with a full stomach, is it?” Song Yu was too full and she needed to lie flat in order to feel comfortable.

She lifted her arm and squeezed the meat around it. She felt her arm circumference grew.

“Can’t sleep now?” Qi Chengzhi sat beside her at the other corner of the L-shaped sofa, his legs just beside her face.

His long and slender fingers gently brushed her hair aside, revealing her tiny and delicate face.

Recently Song Yu became more chubbier but her face remained the same as usual, it was still around the size of a palm.

His warm hand touched her delicate face and gently rubbing it with fingers.

“Yes, I ate too much,” Song Yu laid down in lateral position and lifted her head slightly to gaze at Qi Chengzhi.

He sat there looking graceful and elegant.

Qi Chengzhi gave her a warm smile and gently stroke her cheek.

Song Yu took away the pillow and patted the sofa. “Sit here, I want to lie down on your thigh.”

Qi Chengzhi smiled and moved to her side. He took away his shoes and rested his long legs on the sofa, signalling Song Yu to lie down after he adjusted his sitting position.

Song Yu’s hair became messy after these movements but Qi Chengzhi happily tidied up her hair with care.

Song Yu laid down in lateral position and rested her head on his thigh, her arms wrapping around his legs. She felt blessed to know she could hug him like this forever.

She slowly felt drowsy inhaling the familiar fragrance emitted from him.

She turned over and buried her face under his lower abdomen, but she felt uncomfortable as her nose pressed against the solid muscles on his lower abdomen.

Song Yu kept adjusting her position and finally she found the most comfortable spot, but Qi Chengzhi was on the edge.

Song Yu was poked by his boneration when she laid back down again.

“You…” Song Yu blushed and pinched the solid muscles on his waist.

“Don’t move, who asked you to move around like that?” Qi Chengzhi said with a husky voice, his hand now burning hot when he grabbed her hand and teasing her.

Song Yu blushed as red as a tomato and she buried her head deeper into his lower abdomen. Qi Chengzhi noticed her flushed ears and felt cute.

He grinned and started having fun pinching on her ears.

Song Yu lifted her face up after a while but her face appeared more red than before.

She signalled Qi Chengzhi to come closer.

Qi Chengzhi raised his eyebrows. He had no idea why Song Yu suddenly acted mysteriously so he moved his head closer to her.

Song Yu used her hands for cover while she was whispering into his ears despite the fact that they were alone in the room and did not need to worry if anyone was eavesdropping on them.

Qi Chengzhi was stunned and Song Yu became nervous as she had no idea what kind of reaction he just made.

She only saw his face from the side and felt his expression was a bit dull-witted.

Then he turned around, his gaze burned like hot coals and appeared as if he can set things alight with a glance.

Song Yu felt as if she was about to get burned to ashes. She trembled under his gaze and was soon held down by Qi Chengzhi. “Why did you tell me this now?”

“I was thinking about telling you tonight but looking at you now, I feared that you may face difficulty for self-control,” Song Yu’s voice quivered as she was hugged too tightly by Qi Chengzhi.

“Then let’s have a round now,” Qi Chengzhi suddenly became excited and said quickly.

“Don’t naughty, we’re in the office now, wait until we’re back home later,” Song Yu blushed.

“…” Qi Chengzhi narrowed his eyes in dissatisfaction. “Then why are you telling me this now?”

“I wanted to give you something to expect later on,” Song Yu said with her face reddened, but her voice became softer and softer when she looked upon his deep eyes, almost as if she was whispering at the end.

“…” Qi Chengzhi remained silent, fixing his gaze steadily on her, making Song Yu felt uneasy as if she made a very terrible mistake.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Song Yu poked him.

Qi Chengzhi still fixed his gaze on her, one can see slight dissatisfaction and complaint in his eyes.

“You’re telling me now that the ban was removed, but you wouldn’t let me do it now when I’m having a boneration and I must wait until night time. Are you bullying me on purpose?” Qi Chengzhi complained, his handsome face shown seriousness and sternness, but he spoke words as frivolous as this with mellow voice.

His complaint was full of commiseration but it did not match with his voice and face.

Song Yu felt as if she did not have any humanity when she heard him. When she was debating with herself, she heard a door knock. “Big brother, Song Yu, are you guys here? It’s me.”

After the lesson last time, Qi Chengzhi learnt to always lock the door.

While Qi Chengyue always remembered to knock the door and would not barge into the office without any notice.

“Not here,” Qi Chengzhi said petulantly.

“…” Song Yu was speechless.

“…” Qi Chengyue too.

Song Yu grabbed the opportunity and said quickly, “I’ll get the door.”

Then she hurried to the door.

Qi Chengzhi smirked and gave a funny look to Song Yu who was almost at the door. Song Yu was tidying her hair when she heard his mock and looked upon his gaze. She blushed again when she had a guilty conscience.

“Am I disturbing you guys?” Qi Chengyue asked in uncertainty, her gaze shifted from Song Yu to Qi Chengzhi who was sitting on the sofa.

When Song Yu went to open the door, Qi Chengzhi quickly grabbed the blanket and put it on top of his thighs, covering the boneration he had.

“No,” Song Yu answered, lacking in confidence and avoiding Qi Chengyue’s gaze.

Qi Chengyue raised her eyebrows. She knew something was going on between Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi just now but she could not contain her curiosity and asked on purpose, “If not then why was your face so red?”

“…” Song Yu knew Qi Chengyue was asking on purpose and she glared at her.

Qi Chengyue held her laughter, then she immediately became serious when she heard Qi Chengzhi coughed.

She turned her head towards Qi Chengzhi and saw that he was sitting with a blanket on his crossed legs.

“Big brother, why are you covering yourself in blanket?” Qi Chengyue asked again as she felt this couple’s behaviour was bizarre.

“Cold,” Qi Chengzhi answered, his face expressionless.

“…” Qi Chengyue was stunned and remained speechless for a while, then she said, “It’s June now.”

Qi Chengzhi became cold and looked at Qi Chengyue with disgust. “Why are you here? Where is Cheng Dongge?”

“Did you forget that he went to J City for meeting today and will only be back this evening?” Qi Chengyue looked at him strangely as if he was possessed by extraterrestrials.

“…” Qi Chengzhi adjusted his posture and said, “It is normal to forget things when I’m busy at work.”

Qi Chengyue narrowed her eyes and measured him with the eye, attempting to find possible abnormality in him.

After looking at him for a while without success, she pulled Song Yu and sit down together. “I wanted to ask you something since Cheng Dongge wasn’t here.”

“What’s the matter?” Song Yu was surprised.

“Ehm… I’m accompanying Cheng Dongge to visit his parents in Li City this weekend,” Qi Chengyue blushed, her voice softened as she spoke.

“Really? That’s good news!” Song Yu said happily.

“You see, his mother wasn’t impressed with me and I’m not sure how his father thought of me, but her mother was very mindful of my divorced status and the Qi family’s background. First, Cheng Dongge remained single until now but I’m going to get married for the second time which was unfair to him. Secondly, she feared that I may act obstinate and self-willed and with the Qi family’s support, he may not get the respect he deserved. Thus I wanted to give them a good impression on first visit, what do you think I should get for them?” Qi Chengyue said.

“They’re very mindful of my status so I felt if the gift I bought was too expensive, they may think that I’m trying to oppress them with wealth, and because I was born with a silver spoon in the mouth, I have no idea how to differentiate from the cheap to the expensive. However if the gift I chose was too cheap, they may think I bought the gift on perfunctory thinking and can’t show my sincerity, so I want to ask for your opinion on the most suitable gift I can possibly get. If I ask Cheng Dongge, he will say anything is fine as long as I am sincere because they’re his parents,” Qi Chengyue struggled with the issues she faced and sighed.

Song Yu felt that Qi Chengyue really did changed. Initially it made no difference if he was Jian Yi or others, she would not even bother to ask what their parents would like as long as she had shown her intention. She would not care even if they dislike the gifts because anyhow her partner’s family background would not even be at the same level as the Qi family. Whenever she felt superior then she would not bother to know how her partner’s family would think.

However, now Qi Chengyue had to consider a lot of issues for Cheng Dongge’s family.

“In that case, let us have dinner together after Cheng Dongge returned back. We’ll go to the shopping center after dinner and take a look around to see if there’s any suitable gifts. We can also ask for Cheng Dongge’s opinion too as he understands what his parents like the most,” Song Yu said.

“Really? Thank you so much!” Qi Chengyue said happily.

“Now you regarded me as an outsider,” Song Yu smiled.

Qi Chengzhi’s awkward condition now stabilized, then he removed the blanket, put on his shoes and said, “You can go shopping but don’t shop for too long, later you will be tired.”

“I know,” Song Yu said softly, then she gestured to Qi Chengzhi as she feared Qi Chengyue may misunderstood, thinking she would not want to help her at all.

“She is pregnant for three months now,” Qi Chengyue immediately explained without waiting Qi Chengyue’s further questioning.

Qi Chengyue’s jaw dropped and was in absolute shock.

After a while, she calmed down and said, “You guys are so good at hiding stuff! We chit-chat and had meals together for multiple times but not even a little bit of information disclosure? Back at the old mansion, not a single person noticed, even Grandmother Qi who had sharp eyes did not notice at all.”

“You can’t really notice anything at the third month of pregnancy and she didn’t become chubbier either,” Qi Chengzhi said calmly but his expression appeared as if he was showing off.

“True too and the older generation has a saying, something about do not announce when it is before three months of pregnancy,” Qi Chengyue nodded and did not think much about it.

Song Yu said, “Just now I forgot to discuss with you. We should find time and go to the hospital to check for the baby’s gender. The Qi family was mostly similar to the other big families and would expect the first grandchild to be a boy, so we should check the gender first then we will announce when we go back. Best not to leave the elders guessing with excitement. I was hoping for a girl but I feared that the elders may want a male grandchild and they may feel disappointed when the baby turned out to be a girl after all the excitement and expectation.”

“The Qi family loves all no matter male or female. Look at Chengyue, she was pampered the most in the family,” Qi Chengzhi gestured at Qi Chengyue.

Qi Chengyue blushed, feeling peevish.

However he agreed on Song Yu’s trepidation because Qi Chengyue was the second child.

If Song Yu’s first child was a female, then she may feel stressed.

The words he said was meant to calm Song Yu down.

Which was why he agreed for the baby’s gender checkup before telling the elders. It was for the best to not let the elders had emotional fluctuations.

To be honest, they would be a little disappointed if they found out the grandchild was a girl, but they would still love the granddaughter with all their heart.

However, he hoped for a boy, not because of the inheritance issue but he could not bear the thought of the daughter he loved forever would be married off to another guy.

“You also don’t inform any of the family members first,” Song Yu reminded Qi Chengyue.

“Relax, such important news should be announced only by you guys. I sealed my mouth shut so don’t need to worry that I may leaked it,” Qi Chengyue promised.

Song Yu smiled and took a look at the time, then she said, “I should go back to the office now, see you tonight.”

Qi Chengzhi fetched Song Yu back to the office and Qi Chengyue returned back to her office.

Song Yu dialled the old mansion’s phone number on their way back to her office. “Grandmother, it’s me, Song Yu.”

“…”

“No, let me tell you something but you gotta pretend that you don’t know anything after listening to what I will say,” Song Yu acted mysteriously and even lowered her voice. Her act made Qi Chengzhi laughed and he already knew what Song Yu planned to tell Grandmother Qi.

“What’s the matter? Why do we need to be so secretive?” Grandmother immediately became interested and sat up straight.

“It’s Chengyue, she is going to visit Cheng Dongge’s parents this weekend and this time, she is very serious and nervous at the same time about this. She came and asked me what’s a suitable gift to get for them for her first visit,” Song Yu told grandmother of Qi Chengyue’s trouble but of course she skipped the part regarding second marriage.

No matter how kind-hearted was Grandmother Qi, she was still Qi Chengyue’s grandmother and she would not allow anyone to dislike her precious granddaughter.

“Now that I think of it, I was empty-handed the first time I came to visit so I have no idea what’s a suitable gift to get, so I want to ask for your help. What do you think is the most suitable for the age group of Cheng Dongge’s parents? It should not be too expensive or else they’ll feel stressed and yet it can show sincerity as well,” Song Yu asked.

Grandmother Qi thought for a while and answered on the other side of the phone. Qi Chengzhi kept hearing ‘Yes’ from Song Yu and then she ended the call happily after thanking Grandmother Qi for her help and praised her. “Grandmother, your ideas and knowledge were different from normal people. I’ll do as you said and I think you will have a great-grandchild to play with soon.”

Qi Chengzhi knew Grandmother Qi would be thrilled after hearing what Song Yu said.

Song Yu hang up the phone. Qi Chengzhi took a glance at her and said, “Why do I think that you’re very skilled at coaxing grandmother?”

“What are you trying to say? You made me feel like I wasn’t being sincere?” Song Yu grinned.

Qi Chengzhi smiled too and grabbed her hand. “I married a woman who are adept at coaxing which saves me time and energy.”

“Are you satisfied after marrying me?” Song Yu asked after grabbing his free hand which was not holding the steering wheel and rested her head on his shoulder.

Qi Chengzhi gazed softly at her and his face handsome as usual.

“I am very satisfied,” Qi Chengzhi kissed her when he stopped his car before the traffic light

…

…

Qi Chengzhi, Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue went to Chengshi after their work in the evening. The three of them drove two cars and they parked their cars on the road opposite of Chengshi.

Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue get down from the Touareg and greeted Song Yu after she crossed the road, then Song Yu went in the car.

They did not have their dinner at Dynasty as the mall would have been closed when they were stuck in a terrible traffic jam from Dynasty to the mall after dinner, so they chose a restaurant with good reviews in the mall to have their dinner.

The four of them went to a Yunnan restaurant in the mall. Song Yu was pregnant and she could not eat spicy food due to taboo reason, so they only ordered two spicy dishes which was Qi Chengyue’s favourite. The rest of the food had a gentle flavoring.

Meanwhile Song Yu asked Cheng Dongge about his parents’ preferences and also their responses and attitudes towards the two of them.

“I asked my dad alone and he wasn’t in denial regarding this issue. He is quite open-minded, but the problem is my mom. However, I felt that she just couldn’t get over the issues for the time being. I had already persuaded my mom and she seemed to have understood half of it. Chengyue and I need to put more effort and give her some confidence to get over the other half,” Cheng Dongge said while pouring a glass of rice wine to Qi Chengyue.

…

…

The four of them went to shop at every level of the mall after their dinner, attempting to find a suitable outfit for Shun Shaoyun.

It was crowded at the moment in the mall. Qi Chengzhi wrapped his arm around Song Yu’s shoulder and shielded her carefully, avoiding every possible knocks and bumps she may encounter.

Cheng Dongge held Qi Chengyue’s hand and paid attention to the crowds. He would pull Qi Chengyue closer to him whenever they came near to a crowd.

They were walking steadily initially, then they slowed down and finally stood still.

Gao Jingqiu was shopping with a woman at a women’s fashion outlet. The woman had a typical appearance of a young model, with a heart-shaped face, big dewy eyes, a high nose bridge, pinkish sensual lips, fair skin and long hair reaching the waist.

There was another woman standing in front of them, whom Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue knew. She was Huang Ziyue.

“Gao Jingqiu, recently you had been inattentive towards me because you found a new love, right? Now you’re showing off your mistress at my presence despite the fact that I am still your girlfriend. Shouldn’t you at least keep this away from me?” Huang Ziyue did not want to act without dignity in public but she could not contain her anger.

To be honest, Huang Ziyue tried to go back to Cheng Dongge some moments ago because she felt insecurity as Gao Jingqiu had been acting perfunctory towards her and did not spend much time for her.

Whenever Huang Ziyue called Gao Jingqiu or sent a WeChat message, he would just replied ‘Yes’ or ‘Oh’ without paying much attention, then he would ignore her afterwards saying that he was tired and wanted to go to bed.

There were a few occasions where Gao Jingqiu would come and find Huang Ziyue for meals and fornication afterwards but she felt that he was just being bored of others and merely wanted to find her for a change.

Huang Ziyue felt that she was the actual mistress and not an official girlfriend like what Gao Jingqiu initially promised.

Huang Ziyue was not the type of person who would resign to fate, just like she took the initiative to start a relationship with Cheng Dongge since high school. Their relationship ended after three years when she understood his personality and she felt that her investment in relationship had paid off. At least she knew how she felt when being together with Cheng Dongge and that was more than enough.

However Huang Ziyue was dissatisfied with Cheng Dongge’s identity and financial status. One day when she was at the bar with her friends, she met Gao Jingqiu. She became indecisive when Gao Jingqiu courted her and finally decided to start a relationship with him.

Huang Ziyue soon realized that Gao Jingqiu was not being serious in the relationship. He was not the one who she could took control, then she started reliving the memories with Cheng Dongge and his dependability. She overheard from Gao Jingqiu’s chauffeur regarding Cheng Dongge’s actual ability and power and she started to feel regret to have realized Cheng Dongge was actually much better in every aspect than Gao Jingqiu.

Just after when Huang Ziyue realized that she would not be able to get anything from Gao Jingqiu, she started to go back to Cheng Dongge, attempting to restart the relationship.

However, she did not expect that Cheng Dongge was already in a relationship with Qi Chengyue.

Nothing was more expensive than a missed opportunity. Not every mistakes could be forgiven and not every regret could be offset.

Huang Ziyue was repentant and unable to resign to the fact that she did not get anything in the end from either side.

Huang Ziyue came to the mall today to shop and relieve her tension, and she had Gao Jingqiu’s supplementary credit card to spend as she knew her time with Gao Jingqiu was coming to an end, so she wanted to buy as much as she could using his card.

However, she did not expect to see a much younger woman in her twenties wrapping her arms around Gao Jingqiu’s arm when she went into the women’s fashion outlet, and both of them were acting fondly as if they were alone in the outlet.

Huang Ziyue could not contain her wrath and grief and she could not choose to ignore them, so she rushed in and came down on them like a ton of bricks. This was the scene where the group of Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu witnessed.

“Where was the mistress when I had nothing to do with you?” Gao Jingqiu gave Huang Ziyue a disgusted look, lacking the well-mannerism and compassion he initially had when he courted her.

“No relationship? You came last night and now you claimed we had no relationship anymore? Gao Jingqiu, be a man for once and announce officially that we broke up. You had been keeping a distance from me, then you came looking for me when you missed me, now you’re shopping with another woman and said we had no relationship anymore?” Huang Ziyue felt despair and smiled coldly.

“You should part without any hard feelings. You’re just embarrassing yourself with your constant entanglement. Don’t think I didn’t realize that you’re just taking an interest in my financial status, that’s why you started a relationship with me. Now you’re shopping and paying for the goods using the supplementary card I gave you. You knew that I was keeping a distance with you and had a new crush but you’re still using my supplementary card nonetheless, because you knew our relationship will end soon and you wanted to use this opportunity to get more from me before we part, am I right?” Gao Jingqiu smirked and wrapped his arms around the young model’s waist.

Gao Jingqiu took out his cellphone from his pocket and took a glance at the text message notification. Those notifications were records of Huang Ziyue payment with his supplementary card today.

“Still want to make yourself the official girlfriend when you’re actually a b*tch,” Gao Jingqiu mocked. He put the cellphone back into his pocket and pulled the young model closer to him. “At least she was more honest than you. She didn’t cover the fact that she was aiming for my financial status when we were together and didn’t think of marriage at all. We just get what we need from each other, unlike you. Do you think I will really marry you? Are you aware of your own shortcomings and limitations? A commoner like you having a fantasy about marrying off into a big family? Cheng Dongge was being kind when he didn’t break up with you first. To him, you’re social climbing, so do you think you can social climb on me?”

“You-” Huang Ziyue went pale as she did not expect that his words would be so harsh. He commented on her like she was worthless in front of the crowd.

Huang Ziyue felt tinnitus and there was a shade of darkness covering her eyes. She did not dare to meet the crowd’s gaze and wanted to hide as far as possible.

Gao Jingqiu took his cellphone out again and dialled for the bank in front of Huang Ziyue for the termination of supplementary card that was in her hand.

Huang Ziyue heard his statement and felt humiliated.

Gao Jingqiu hang up the phone and gave a disdainful look on the goods on her hands. “Consider these my payment for last night’s fornication. Since we reached a consensus, from now on we are not related in any way. You were once my woman so I’ll ask Xiao Zhang to go and fetch you. Pack your belongings and leave the keys to the house to Xiao Zhang. If you have no place to go then you are welcomed to stay for one more night only.”

“No need,” Huang Ziyue caught on to the minimal amount of proudness she had left and rejected coldly.

Gao Jingqiu mocked her trivial proudness and left with the young model.

Huang Ziyue lowered her head in embarrassment, and she saw Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue on her way out. Now she appeared as if all the blood had drained from her face.

Did they witness everything that had happened just now?

Did they overhear everything Gao Jingqiu said?

Huang Ziyue quickly lowered her head and rushed away, avoiding direct eye contact with Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue.

Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue were just staring at Huang Ziyue unconsciously, then they saw her rushing away, ignoring the people in her escape path and nearly rammed into the unfortunate soul.

Qi Chengyue was about to remind her but it was too late, Huang Ziyue collided and all of her goods in her hands dropped, scattering around the floor.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry…” Huang Ziyue said softly, praying hard that Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue would not come and offer her help.

Huang Ziyue was already so embarrassed, if the two of them came and showed her sympathy, she would have no idea how to face them.

She was truly regretful now, she regretted breaking up with Cheng Dongge. Otherwise, they may have already registered for marriage now and would probably be preparing their marriage.

She did not want them to see her in such an embarrassing state. She did not want to look into Cheng Dongge’s eyes that were full of sympathy. It would only cause her more regret. She could not bear the Qi Chengzhi’s undisguised disdain for her choices. She knew that it was too late for regret.

Qi Chengyue was unwilling to seek out help from Huang Ziyue, knowing that Huang Ziyue might exploit the situation to lessen the distance between Cheng Dongge and herself. Qi Chengyue had never conveyed the true depth of their relationship and Hung Ziyue had never enquired about it. She did not want Cheng Dongge to be reminded of the fond memories they shared together and be unable to reject her.

Nonetheless, she did not want Cheng Dongge to think her narrow minded. Just as she was about to speak Cheng Dongge had grabbed her hand and pulled her away. “Let’s go.”

Qi Chengyue glanced at Huang Ziyue who was crouching down, collecting the mass of scattered objects. “If you want to help her…”

“It’s okay. She would simply feel more embarrassed if I were to go and assist her. Let’s just go.” As he spoke he did not even glance at Huang Ziyue. He only had eyes for Qi Chengyue. He gripped her hand tightly, lips curving into a smirk. “Don’t worry I won’t look down upon you for being petty.”

Qi Chengyue stared at him, speechless.

Song Yu offered Qi Chengzhi a smile as she encircled his waist. His arm was still draped lightly over her shoulder as followed Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue.

Despite feeling contented, they were still concerned that the clothes they bought would not suit Sun Shaoyu. She was no longer young and suffered chronic lower back pain, especially after completing her chores. To aid her, Qi Chengyue had purchased a vibrating back massager that doubled as a warm compressor. She would be able to use it on her shoulders or tie it around her waist. To complement the massager, Qi CHengyue had also purchased two bottles of massage oil which was lauded by many as being highly effective in treating lower back and joint pain.

In addition to that, she had also bought a smart vacuum cleaner that was shaped like a disc. It automatically glided across the floor sucking up dust and dirt.

She had also purchased some sports equipment and healthcare products for Cheng Zhaohui, who had retired but still enjoy picking up a game or two.

Once the four of them had split off into their individual pairs, Qi Chengyue’s mind once more drifted back to Huang Ziyue. She had been unable to do so whilst out shopping with Song Yu.

Now as she sat in silence she was unable to stop thinking about Huang Ziyue.

She cast a furtive glance at Cheng Dongge, retraining herself from asking the one question that plagued her mind. The battle was not a long one as she was unable to resist the pull and the worry and she asked, “Weren’t you at all concerned when you saw Huang Ziyue?”

Cheng Dongge stared at her and gave her a mocking scoff.

“Didn’t you just say that you didn’t mind my pettiness?” said Qi Chengyue slightly unnerved by his stare.

She had only managed to summon up the courage to speak because of what Cheng Dongge had said to her.

“I’m not looking down on you. Nor am I judging your petty ways,” chuckled Cheng Dongge. “I’m merely amused by how long you had managed to restrain yourself from asking that question.”

Qi Chengyue poked at his arm and asked softly, “Are you going to tell me the answer or not?”

“Alright,” he smiled. “I’m not saddened by the encounter but I do feel a little upset about the situation. She was trying to obtain something that was but ended with nothing. It’s quite upsetting to see something like that.”

Cheng Dongge gazed down at Qi Chengyu as he said, “She is only a passer-by in my life. She is not the one with me right now.”

Qi Chengyue lowered her head and gave a sigh of resignation, “I’m not sure if I am the one for you but I hope that I am.”

In that moment, Cheng Dongge reached for hers. Slender fingers slid between the spaces of hers, clutching them tightly causing a warmth to spread through her.

Then she heard him murmur, “I hope I am the one for you too.”

…

…

Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi were still on their way back home. She was sitting in the Land Rover’s front passenger seat and talking to Grandmother Qi on the phone, informing her of their earlier purchases.

Grandmother Qi nodded in satisfaction. “Not bad, the things you all bought were quite appropriate.”

After chatting with Grandmother Qi for a while more, Song Yu hung up her phone and heard Qi Chengzhi say to her, “Why do I get the feeling that you are now a special agent.”

“What?!” Song Yu rolled her eyes. “Since when did a husband call his wife a secret agent?”

Qi Chengzhi reached out, grabbed her hand and pulled it to his thigh. Glancing at her, he said, “I was thinking of coming home earlier tonight and spending some quality time with you in our bedroom after dinner.”

Song Yu said nothing, despite understanding the implication. They had been restraining themselves, and she would be lying if she said that she wasn’t craving for his attention.

Her fingers glided into the gaps between his, and she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. His fingers were long and his palm vast when compared to her graceful slender fingers and delicate palm. No matter the angle she always found those long lithe fingers attractive.

She thought that if there was a hand to that would be so skilled at pleasuring a woman that hand would surely belong to Qi Chengzhi.

Grasping his hand, she pulled it to her lips and pressed a chaste kiss.

Satisfied, she hugged his arm, leaned in and rested her head upon his shoulder. “We still have the whole night,” she whispered, pressing herself against the entire length of his arm.

Qi Chengzhi tightened his grip around her hand, bringing it up to press a kiss against her dainty fingers. As they were about to reach Viewpark Residence the traffic light turned red, forcing Qi Chnegzhi to stop.

The light would remain red for the next 60 seconds and Qi Chengzhi took the opportunity to brush his lips against her forehead. ” You want it too,” he murmured.

Feeling his lips against her skin caused the familiar prickling of desire and nerves. His warm baritone aroused her even further. Waiting any longer, after having to abstain for such a long period was pure torture to Song Yu.

Song Yu blushed at the carnal desire that seized her. She buried her head into his shoulder, unable to meet his enquiring gaze.

“Why is your face so red? What could you be possibly thinking about?” His eyes traversed the expanse of her bright red cheeks, vibrant and gorgeous, He wanted to reach across and kiss her.

Her appearance with the blossoming blush could seduce any men into committing any number of crimes.

His lips glided lower: first to her brows and then to those titillating cheeks. His breath carried the faint traces of cologne and aftershave, as his cheeks with their stubbles prickled hers. Song Yu quivered in anticipation. Raising her head slightly, she kissed his chin. “The light has turned green,” she sighed.

Turning back to the traffic light, he smiled and shifted back into position.

Qi Chengzhi felt a faint reluctance to leave the car, once he had parked it. But he would not risk Song Yu’s health, despite it being already three months.

Killing the engine, he pulled the key out of the ignition and got out. Song Yu had barely gotten her seatbelt off before he was by her side, pulling her out of the car.

She gave a cry of alarm when she was shoved against the car door and kissed. The kiss was aggressive full of wanting and need.

“Chengzhi!” gasped Song Yu as she turned away. “Let’s get in first.”

Panting, he rested his forehead against hers; reclaiming the lost control. They stood like that for quite some time, before he pulled back and escorted her into the elevator. There was a surveillance camera in the elevator, and this ensured that Qi Chengzhi did not act recklessly. He did, however, keep her within the tight confines of his arm as he nuzzled her hair and kissed her.

Song Yu chuckled, a soft sniffling sound.

“What’s the matter?” Qi Chengzhi looked down and saw her smiling sweetly. Her gaze became even gentler and her voice was a little hoarse as spun her thoughts into words. “I was just thinking about how scandalous it would have been if you had kissed me like this when you were eighteen and I was nine.”

Even Qi Chengzhi could not help the laughter that escaped him, “If this is what you are thinking, then are you saying that I am a beast?”

“It wasn’t I who said it,” replied Song Yu with a smile.

Qi Chengzhi snorted and continued hugging her tightly, as he carried on nuzzling her hair.

As the elevator doors slid open, Qi Chengzhi pulled her out and straight into their house and up the stairs not bothering with the polite niceties.

Aunt Yang was left to stand there. ‘Why was there a need to rush?’

Slamming the door, Qi Chengzhi began kissing her. He lifted her slightly and with a guttural voice full of need commanded her to: “Help me unbuckle my belt.”

Song Yu’s breaths came in spurts as trembling fingers failed to undo the buckle even as he pressed her into the bed.

“It would appear that you need more practice. We don’t want you to lose your skill,” he chuckled, pressing against her.

Three months of abstinence would not be cured by a single toss in the sheets, but he did not one to exhaust her. And, so, with great strength of will, he restrained himself.

Unable to hold back, he left for the bathroom; staying for quite some time.

When he got back into bed, Song Yu draped herself over him, adjusting slightly to make herself more comfortable. She rested her face on his chest, inhaling the mix of musk and sweat.

She kissed his Adam’s apple, and murmured, “Don’t go to the bathroom. I can help you.”

Upon hearing this passionate declaration, Qi Chengzhi had the desire to once again make the journey to the bathroom, but, instead, he kissed her fiercely. “Please stop seducing me. If you continue on this way I won’t be able to remain calm.”

Song Yu remained silent for a little while before she rolled off him turning her body to the side. She left a wide gap between them, wide enough to fit another person.

Without her warmth, Qi Chengzhi felt the coolness of the night. “What’s the matter?” he asked as he spooned her, satiating the emptiness and the cold he felt when she was not with him.

Song Yu tucked in her knees, and he slid his in-between hers.

“I thought you didn’t want me to seduce you? So I moved further away,” said Song Yu, her voice gentle and without malice.

“Are you angry?” whispered Qi Chengzhi. He was lying behind her, taking the opportunity to kiss the soft round lobe of her ear.

“No,” said Song Yu, deliberately turning around to face him, so that she might convince him. “I won’t be able to stop myself from touching you if I am so close to you.”

Qi Chengzhi sighed and supported himself on his arms, as he rose to find her lips.

He subtly maneuvered her body so that it once again lay atop his.

“Even if I were to have to go to the bathroom more often I would rather bear that than not hug you.”

Song Yu smiled and closed her eyes, settling into his embrace.

They remained in comfortable silence for a while, before Song Yu spoke. “You just told me not to seduce you. So, why is your hand moving further down?”

Qi Chengzhi had just been inching his way down but stopped at Song Yu’s words.

“I was simply saying goodnight to the baby,” he replied without a pause or a single change in his expression.

“Then go on and say it. I’m listening,” retorted Song Yu with a grin.

Qi Chengzhi lifted the blankets and slid downwards. It was not long before Song Yu felt something warm and wet press into her abdomen.

“What are you doing?”

“Just wishing him goodnight.”

She gasped, gripping the pillows and blankets firmly as she tried to stifle the moans.

Qi Chengzhi felt rather invigorated. He had not felt like this in quite a while.

Even Song Yu was bright and rosy. She looked prettier than usual, though it was hard to place the source of beauty.

As they were having breakfast, the discussed whether they should make an appointment with the hospital for this Saturday.

Qi Chengzhi had instructed Ruan Danchen to stand as the plaintiff in the lawsuit against Mu Sisi for false accusations. So, Ruan Danchen had been practicing with Lawyer Song, who had simulated a variety of potential scenarios that could occur in court. Song Yu too had accompanied Ruan Danchen in these simulations.

Qi Chengzhi was rather busy, and his schedule was tightly packed. Nonetheless, he still made time for Song Yu: accompanying her during meals, and fetching her from work. Their time was limited, unlike before but he managed to maximize the time he had with her by forcing as much work as he could into office hours and minimizing his dinner parties (and where unavoidable converting them into lunch parties).

Because they could go for the prenatal examination at any time, they decided to have it on a Saturday rather than to go during one of Qi Chengzhi’s hectic workdays.

…

…

At nine o’clock at night on Wednesday, Mu Huaisheng heard a rigid creaking sound as he was rotating his head in an effort to loosen his stiff neck.

Sighing heavily, he leaned back in his chair, his head filled with thoughts concerning his work. He extended his arm to massage his stiff back and switched off the computer. He got up from his chair glanced at the nightscape from his window. Then, he took his car keys and left the office.

As usual, he conducted a habitual routine check of all the floors before he exited the building. Walking past the design department, he noticed that the lights were still on. It was not uncommon for an employee to turn off the lights, but neither was it uncommon for an employee to be working overtime. He walked into the department room, instantly spying a young woman buried in a mountain of work. She appeared frail, thin and weak.

Taking a closer look, Mu Huaisheng was surprised to discover that it was Yu Keyao he was staring at. She had been recommended by Mu Sisi, and they had even waived her interview. She had been accepted into the company purely by means of the backdoor. Since it was an open secret, it was to no one’s surprise that other employees abhorred her and, as a result, discriminated against her. The knowledged served as an explanation for her overtime.

In the beginning, he had wanted to remain silent and leave, allowing her to continue working. But something about her, the dedicated lean of a serious worker, the movement of her pencil as she sketched and drew, everything reminded him of Ruan Danchen.

When Ruan Danchen was drawing a diagram or pondering over design plans, she was serious. Like how Yu Keyao was serious, as she bent over her own diagrams, pondering and drawing. He felt that at this moment, Yu Keyao was matching up with the Ruan Danchen in his mind.

Mu Huaisheng inadvertently walked into the office and stopped in front of her. They were separated by two tables. “Why are you still here?” he asked.

Yu Keyao immersed in her work had not noticed Mu Huaisheng and was startled. Raising her head, she stood up. “Director Mu, I have yet to complete my work.”

Mu Huaishing took a cool and calculated glance at her table. “Are all of these yours?”

“I’m a novice. One without any experience, so this is good for me,” replied Yu Keyao with a faint smile. Her fingers curved gracefully, like the delicate petals of a spring blossom, as she tucked a strand of her behind her ear.

Mu Huaisheng found himself to be rather taken by her mannerisms, as he stared at Yu Keyao. He found that she had a quiet, contented air about her, causing him to inadvertently relax.

“You don’t need to make up excuses. I’m well aware that you have been on the receiving end of the office’s ire. They had purposely left it all to you, and a large part of these you need not complete,” drawled Mu Huaisheng.

“It’s fine. I was hired because of a good word put in by Miss Mu. I understand that I was riding on the coattails of my relations and not on my own experience. No matter where I go there will always be discrimination. And, if I were to place myself in their shoes, I can appreciate their animosity towards me. I too can appreciate the injustice of having to slog my way through interviews whilst others have it much easier. So, I’d rather improve myself by learning as much as possible, and prove my worth and value to others who have looked down upon me.” She bowed her head slightly, and Mu Huisheng could not help but notice how beautiful she looked with her head lowered.

“Let’s go, I’ll send you back,” said Mu Huaisheng.

Despite being flattered by the offer, Yu Keyao shook her head, “No thank you. I want to finish this before I leave for the night. Plus, I rented a house near the company.”

Mu Huaisheng did not push the topic any further, and he turned around and left. As he walked away, Yu Keyao felt disappointment surging within her.

…

…

Mu Huishang, sitting in his car, lit a cigarette. He watched the building. It did not take long before the lights of the Design Department were flicked off. A few more minutes and Yu Keyao walked out of the company. She did not call for a taxi, neither did she head towards the subway, instead, she began walking down the footpath.

Mu Huaisheng started the engine and began tailing her, before tapping the horn and stopping beside her. “Get in, I’ll take you home.”

…

…

Mu Sisi’s date at court was scheduled for Friday, and Song Yu had resolved that she would be accompanying Ruan Danchen to the House of Justice.

That morning Qi Chengzhi, who had a meeting at J City, left early. In his stead, Cheng Dongge was to accompany them and ensure that Song Yu remained safe. Qi Chengyue, knowing the date, decided to follow them.

Ruan Danchen seated herself in the plaintiff’s chair, whilst Song Yu and party sat at the corner of the last row. They did not want to attract the attention of Mu Sisi in case she decided to harm them.

If it were under normal circumstances, they would not take such precautions, but, since Song Yu was pregnant, it was imperative that they avoided any potential harm.

Song Yu noticed Mu Sisi’s change of hairstyle. Where there was none before, now sat a thick fringe of hair, covering the entirety of her forehead. The style did not suit her, due to her facial structure.

Song Yu then remembered a rather interesting piece of information: Chu Zhaoyang had told her that Mu Sisi had been struck by Gui Rongxuan, leaving a rather large wound on her forehead. If that were true then the wound would not have had enough time to completely heal, explaining the unsightly fringe.

Mu Sisi was glaring at Ruan Danchen, and, so, had not noticed Song Yu. She did not at all appear worried about the lawsuit.

Both, Qi Chengzhi and Lawyer Song, had informed Song Yu and Ruan Danchen that this would be an unwinnable lawsuit. The defendants had evidence that undermined their case, and the person in charge of the factory, who had been involved in the incident, had pleaded guilty to all charges.

Therefore, the aim of the lawsuit would be to harass the other party and redeem Ruan Danchen’s image in the eyes of the public.

As predicted, the scapegoat, prepared by the Mu Huaisheng, pleaded guilty to all counts and insisted that Mu Sisi was not to be blamed in any way. They were forced to drop the case, and Mu Sisi was cleared on all counts.

The scapegoat, on the other hand, was rewarded handsomely by the Mu Family. The lawyer hired to represent him managed to bring him under the charge of an unsuccessful attempt of false accusation and procured a light sentence.

Despite attempting to avoid her while walking out, they still managed to bump into Mu Sisi. Cheng Dongge maintained his poker face but was ever vigilant.

Fortunately, Mu Huaisheng, who was beside Mu Sisi, only allowed her a fierce glare before dragging her away.

Cheng Dongge sent Song Yu and Ruan Danchen back to Chengshi.

As they were driving, Song Yu texted Qi Chengzhi, ‘The case is closed. Mu Sisi is cleared of all charges,’

Shortly after the message was sent, Song Yu received a call. She answered. “Are you unhappy with the outcome?” Qi Chengzhi’s rich, dulcet voice echoed through the speaker.

“No, both of you had informed us of the outcome. It is enough that we were able to help get rid of the negative impression that people had of Danchen,” replied Song Yu. “Have you finished your meeting?”

“Yes, Chang Lai and I are on the way back right now. I should reach by the afternoon,” said Qi Chengzhi. Since J City and B City were right next to each other, Qi Chengzhi had decided to have Chang Lai drive him there in the Land Rover.

“Tell Chang Lai to drive slower. You should be careful on the roads,” urged Song Yu, aware that the distance between the two cities was a considerable one.

“Mhm,” hummed Qi Chengzhi. He did not hang up, and neither did Song Yu.

She casted a furtive glance at Ruan Danchen and blushed. Leaning toward the window, she lowered it and looked outside. “Why aren’t you hanging up?” came a rather amused voice.

“Well I am hanging up now,” quipped Song Yu, albeit unhappily. She did not need to hear his voice, she was even happy with just being able to hear the sound of his even breaths, radiating through the speaker.

“Mhm,” agreed Qi Chengzhi, unaware of his mistake. With a heavy heart Song Yu hung up.

A while later and the flicker of the notification light caught Song Yu’s attention.

‘Missing me?’

Song Yu could not resist the smile that spread across her face. She was delighted and restless all at once.

‘Mhm,’ she texted back.

‘I was thinking about you all through the meeting. I don’t like leaving you by yourself in City B,’ he replied, in what seemed like a split second.

Song Yu blushed. Her thoughts flew to a time before their relationship. Even then he had enjoyed teasing her with short texts, and she thought herself peculiar for the unexpected feelings that they inspired within her. She had found the words he sent her to be far more significant than when he spoke them; they sparked an inexplicable excitement.

‘Me too,’ she typed out with her thumb, backspacing a few times as the wild thrumming of her heart had caused her finger to slip occasionally. ‘Although we don’t see each other during work, I feel at ease knowing that somewhere in this city you are there. It feels different knowing that you are in another city.’

Song Yu had been rather embarrassed to express these feelings of her during their call as Cheng Dongge, Qi Chengyue and Ruan Danchen were in the car, resulting in her typing it all out now.

‘Then should I have you come along the next time I go on a business trip?’ he asked.

‘No, I will be disturbing your work.’

So, the texts went on; back and forth, back and forth until Song Yu arrived at Cheng Shi.

‘Get onto WeChat.’

Logging into her account, Song Yu saw a picture of City B’s highway tollbooth. She made a rough calculation and estimated his time of arrival. Quickly, she took her leave and flagged down a cab.

Although she was not in the company of Qi Chengzhi, who had yet to arrive, no one had stopped her from entering his office at Qilin.

Waiting, she surfed the internet. An article of the trial appeared, and Song Yu decided to read it. The article did not accurately portray the events that took place at the trial. The article claimed that My Huaisheng had not provided any substantial evidence, despite him providing concrete evidence at the trial. Nonetheless, they had succeeded in proving Ruan Danchen’s innocence and restored her reputation.

Song Yu sat watching the news before she got up and retrieved a blanket from Qi Chengzhi’s closet. It did not take her long to slip into sleep.

When Qi Chengzhi returned, he was seized with an indescribable joy at seeing Song Yu sleeping.

Gently, he shut the door and tiptoed toward her; not wanting to wake her up. Crouching down, he studied her face, calm and beautiful in sleep.

“The delicate flower of the Asiatic apple craves more rest in spring,” murmured Qi Chengzhi with a soft smile. It was a line from a well known Chinese poem.

His slender fingers brushed a strand of hair and tucked it behind her ear, revealing a full face and full rose-tinted lips that he could not help but kiss. She did not wake, and he rose, walking quietly to the window and rolling down the shutters, before seating himself at his desk and booting the computer. Work was not something that can be avoided.

…

…

Song Yu felt herself being held in warm, strong arms. She snuggled closer into the embrace, inhaling the familiar scent. Her sleep laden eyes fluttered open though she made no move to free herself from his embrace. “You’re back,” she murmured, resting her head into the hollow crook of his neck.

“Yes. You best get up now; we’re going home,” he said, running his fingers through her hair and pressing a gentle kiss by the corner of her eye.

It took her a short while to dispel the last vestiges of sleep, but when she did, she grabbed Qi Chengzhi’s wrist to examine his watch. Six o’clock.

“What time did you come back?” asked Song Yu.

“Around three o’clock,” answered Qi Chengzhi as he brushed away the stray strands of hair so that he might stroke the corner of her eye.

“Why didn’t you wake me earlier? I took a day off in order to surprise you, and instead of welcoming you I fell asleep,” she pouted in disappointment; her hands circled around his waist and she once more laid her head on the crook of his neck.

Qi Chengzhi chuckled and kissed her lips. “I was surprised. You can’t imagine the satisfaction of seeing you lying there as I work. If I missed you all I needed to do was look over.”

Hearing this, Song Yu did not want to release him from her embrace; she did not want to rise. All she wanted to do was to remain here, embracing him.

Song Yu was unconsciously acting like a spoilt child, with a rather confused and sleepy expression. Hands that caressed her waist slowly moved up her back, as his lips found hers in a kiss.

He leaned back against the sofa with Song Yu on his lap. His hand supported her neck as he traveled the contours of her neck.

“We’re in the office,” she sighed, knowing full well of his intentions. Her eyes were misty and dark.

“I locked the door.” He seized her lips once more, and she felt desire prickling her body. She felt a moral need to stop him, however, her limbs were heavy and lust clouded her judgment.

Their bodies were tightly pressed together, and she could feel a deep blush extending from her crown to her breast.

Qi Chengzhi watched her. He saw her half mast eyes, their lashes dusty and dark against her fair skin made her appear meek, tantalizing the predator within him.

He rained down delicate kisses, as she arched against him till her bare shoulder met with the cool glass of the coffee table and the deep valleys that lay beyond her waist cradled his long legs. She watched him as he moved deeper into her until finally, he sat deep within her channel.

Qi Chengzhi gave a huff of satisfaction, “I would like to have done this much earlier.”

Song Yu lay wide awake within his arms, nuzzling his neck. A faint dusty blush colored her cheeks as she laid quietly next to him.

Every now and then she could feel him press a kiss into some part of her while she lay there exhausted. Her stamina was not what it once was, and all she wanted to do was lie there in a boneless heap.

Qi Chengzhi enthralled by his wife’s supplication could not refrain from showering her with kisses. Once he was satisfied he lovingly wiped her, and helped her dress. She did not once move her limbs as he dressed her, choosing to let him lift her arms and legs when necessary. It proved to be a rather difficult task for Qi Chengzhi.

“It has only been two months, why are you so weak?” asked Qi Chengzhi, his eyes bright with mischief, though his voice maintained its usual lazy drawl.

Song Yu lying on her belly responded with a muffled voice, “My waist aches, and, so do my legs.”

Silently, Qi Chengzhi massaged her legs and thighs. “Feeling any better?” Song Yu nodded as her stomach gave a sudden, demanding rumble.

A deep red colored her cheeks when she saw him smirk, worry filled her.

“I was already hungry when I woke up, and you still had your way. Now you have the audacity to laugh at me?!” Song Yu stomped her foot, her heel knocking against his calf.

“Why do you keep on abusing me?” gasped Qi Chengzhi as he rubbed his calf, faking the pain.

Song Yu remained silent.

Qi Chengzhi looked at his watch, it was almost half-past seven. “It’s getting late, let’s go.”

Song Yu could not fathom the reason behind her actions, although, after much deliberating, she narrowed it down to pregnancy hormones.

She stretched her hands toward Qi Chengzhi and said, “I was tired because of you, my legs were feeling weak.”

Qi Chengzhi was standing still in front of her and lowered his head to stare at her.

Song Yu was feeling uneasy due to his stare; she forced herself to say, “Carry me.”

Qi Chengzhi scrutinized her for a very long time, before finally pulling up his sleeves, revealing ropes of defined muscles.

He squatted down, giving her his back. “Come on,” his voice was steady and deep; she laughed and got on.

It was late and most of the employees, save the ones who were working overtime, had gone home. The floor was empty and there was no fear of being seen.

Qi Chengzhi carried her to his private elevator, got in and pressed the button. Once the elevator reached the first floor, the doors slid open and he exited with Song Yu still cradled safely on his back.

Looking around he froze.

Luo Yushu and some of his colleagues from the engineering department were standing in front of the staff elevator that was located right next to his. When they saw him, with Song Yu on his back they became a flustered disarray of men who did not know how to act or what to do. They all wished that they had gotten on that elevator a few minutes earlier.

Song Yu hid her reddened face into Qi Chengzhi’s back and tried to shimmy off him. He did not release her and gave her a warning pinch instead. Song Yu stilled.

“Director!” exclaimed Luo Yushu in a hurry.

Qi Chengzhi’s expression was stony. “It’s late. Why are all of you still here?”

Luo Yushu felt that he was extremely unfortunate. “Director, we’re working overtime today. We just came back from dinner.”

Qi Chengzhi coolly nodded his head, “Keep up the good work.”

After saying that, he continued walking with Song Yu on his back. Luo Yushu truly admired him after seeing his conduct. He really deserved to be called director, he was so steady and calm, and he continued to carry her without any noticeable changes in his expression!

“Put me down,” said Song Yu hesitantly. She regretted a lot after thinking of her pretentious behavior just now.

She saw the root of Qi Chengzhi’s ears were blushing, but suddenly she heard him raised his voice and said, “You had sprained your ankle, you shouldn’t touch the ground. Don’t be stubborn.”

“…” Song Yu.

Luo Yushu peered at the slim ankles of the director’s wife, but they did not look like they were sprained at all!”

When they reached the entrance of the company, Song Yu wanted to get off his back but Qi Chengzhi refused to release her no matter what. He carried her to the Land Rover and into the car. He then went to the other side of the car and got into it.

Song Yu was feeling extremely guilty, she apologetically leaned toward him and hugged Qi Chengzhi’s arm. “Hubby, sorry, I made you lose face.”

Qi Chengzhi did feel quite embarrassed just now, but he could never be angry with her. Furthermore, his anger would be soon be gone after he saw the look of her trying to please him.

The corners of Qi Chengzhi’s mouth curved upward slightly and he pecked her at the lips and said, “It’s not embarrassing to pamper you.”

“Then why did you find an excuse and said that I sprained my ankle?” asked Song Yu without thinking much, but she regretted right after she finished asking.

“…” Qi Chengzhi quietly withdrew his arm from her embrace and started the car. He stepped on the gas pedal and drove his car out.

He glanced at Song Yu and saw she had stopped leaning toward him, so he said, “I wanted to change the gear just now. You were hugging my arm, so I couldn’t move.”

Song Yu took the hint and immediately clung to his arm again. She leaned her head on his shoulder and turned around to kiss him at the corner of his mouth. “Hubby you’re really good.”

Then, she rested her head on his shoulder again.

Q Chengzhi smirked. He felt that she was growing increasingly seductive.

…

…

Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue took the earliest plane on Saturday to Li City. They brought many bags of different sizes and carried many things.

When they reached the district where Cheng Dongge’s parents were living, it was already half-past ten.

The weather was warm and pleasant. At this time, a lot of residents would be chatting with each other in the neighborhood. The female neighbor, whom they had met last time, was also around. This was the first time the other residents would meet Qi Chengyue.

“Dongge, you brought your wife back!” Everyone spun around in astonishment.

This time, Qi Chengyue felt less embarrassed than the last, as she had truly become Cheng Dongge’s girlfriend now.

“This lady is really pretty.”

“Aww, your wife was so shy. You see, she’s blushing now.”

“From one look, we could see he loves her dearly. He is carrying so much stuff alone because he’s worried that she’ll be tired.”

His neighbors were chattering incessantly.

Qi Chengyue was a little embarrassed. The last comment seemed to be implying that she was pampered and proud, and could not bear a little tiredness. If she were to help Cheng Dongge carry some of the things now, though, she would seem specious and farcical. She was also worried about them thinking she felt unhappy because of what they had said.

Cheng Dongge smiled and said, “Musn’t a man pampers his wife? My parents always taught me so.”

The initial neighbor who had passed her judgement now smiled and felt sorry for her comment, so she fell silent. Cheng Dongge left with Qi Chengyue.

Sun Shaoyun welcomed Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue into the house. She was startled as Cheng Dongge did not inform her that he was coming home with Qi Chengyue. “Why all of a sudden you come back without informing us?”

Cheng Dongge did not respond. He put the stuff on the floor and said, “Chengyue bought these for all of you.”

“Why did you buy so many things?” Sun Shaoyun felt a little sorry. “Your dad went to the market; he will be back soon.”

Cheng Dongge looked at the two pairs of shoes at the entrance. “We have guests?”

“Yeah, we didn’t know you were coming back. Do you still remember Aunt Wu?” Just as Sun Shaoyun finished her question, a mother and her daughter walked toward them.

When they saw that Cheng Dongge had brought a woman back with him, they felt shocked and stared blankly at them.

Wu Mengzhen said with a smile, “Hey Dongge, do you still remember me? Long time no see. You’re getting more handsome.”

“Aunt Wu.” Cheng Dongge nodded and smiled.

“Big Brother Cheng,” A young lady around twenty years of age stood beside Wu Mengzhen.

“Dongge, do you still remember Ruiying? She always came to our house to play when we were small,” said Sun Shaoyun smiling.

Cheng Dongge did not answer her question. Instead, he said, “This is my girlfriend, Qi Chengyue.”

Wu Mengzhen and her daughter felt rather awkward.

Wu Mengzhen had come today to arrange a blind date. She had heard that Cheng Dongge was still single and thought him quite outstanding in all aspects. She showed Zhao Ruiying his photo and she was satisfied with his qualities; as Cheng Dongge’s appearance, charisma, and other features were all exceptional. Wu Mengzhen had brought Zhao Ruiying over today to introduce her to Sun Shaoyun.

Before Cheng Dongge returned home, Wu Mengzhe had been discreetly hinting to Sun Shaoyun to introduce her daughter to Cheng Dongge. Sun Shaoyun had just been about to answer when Cheng Dongge had rang the doorbell.

“Don’t stand at the entrance. Come in and sit so that we can chat,” Sun Shao Yun said hurriedly.

Qi Chengyue sensed the awkwardness and followed Cheng Dongge to the living room.

Sun Shaoyun fetched two more cups and made to serve them tea. Qi Chengyue took the teapot and said, “Aunt, let me do it.”

After she had filled Cheng Dongge’s cup with tea, she saw that the cups of Wu Mengzhen and Zhao Ruiying were also empty, so she filled them up too. Finally, she poured the tea into her cup.

Zhao Ruiying was very disappointed. It was rare to find a guy as excellent as Cheng Dongge, but he already had a girlfriend.

Wu Mengzhen laughed to break the silence. “I remember these two being so close when they were younger, Dongge always brought Ruiying hiking and to the sea, but, after they entered junior high school, they stopped playing together.”

“Mum, we were still together every day in junior high school. Weren’t you the one who thought that it was puppy love?” said a smiling Zhao Ruiying.

Wu Mengzhen guffawed. “It’s true!”

“Ruiying went to a Canadian university to further her studies, right? She graduated this year and found a job in B City.” Sun Shaoyun turned to look at Zhao Ruiying. “You’re working in Yanhui, right?”

Zhao Ruiying nodded humbly, but she appeared to be proud of it.

“I know that company. It’s a big one, and the requirements to join it are very high. Ruiying, you must be really capable to have been accepted,” praised Sun Shaoyun.

“You’re too kind,” replied Wu Mengzhen modestly. “I still have a long way to go compared to Dongge. He is the director’s special assistant of Qilin. It is a high and powerful position. That’s outstanding of him.”

“Both of you are working in B City and know each other. You should take care of Ruiying more, it is not easy for a girl to work in another part of the country.” Sun Shaoyun smiled and stopped being overly formal. She turned her head and said to Cheng Dongge, “You should be familiar with Yanhui, right?”

“Not very familiar. Chengyue is more familiar with Young Master Yan,” said Cheng Dongge nonchalantly.

Qi Chengyue glanced at him. He was definitely more familiar with Yan Beicheng, but she knew what his true purpose was, so she did not correct him, but just smiled.

“Young Master Yan? Big Brother Cheng, are you talking about the director of Yanhui? That Young Master Yan?” Zhao Ruiying was shocked. She stared at Cheng Dongge for a moment, then turned to Qi Chengyue.

She could only think of Yan Beicheng when they spoke of “Young Master Yan” and that person was related to Yanhui.

Cheng Dongge mentioned that Qi Chengyue was familiar with him. Although the family name of Qi Chengyue was “Qi”, Zhao Ruiying had not thought too much of it because the Qi Family was beyond her horizons.

Now, however, she was intrigued by the identity of Qi Chengyue. “Miss Qi is⁠—”

She was interrupted by the ringing of a cell phone.

“Excuse me, I have to answer this.” Sun Shaoyun smiled and answered the call. Her face blanched.

“We’ll come now!”

“What happened?” asked Cheng Dongge the moment she hung up.

Sun Shaoyun did not realize that tears were flowing down her cheeks. When she started talking, she realised she was near incoherent. “Your dad, he– Just now, a neighbor called… said he fainted… downstairs…”

Cheng Dongge jolted up. Qi Chengyue quickly helped Sun Shaoyun up from the sofa. She was close to a nervous breakdown, and her whole body was weak. “Aunt, is uncle downstairs?”

Sun Shaoyun was unable to answer. She was just crying and nodding.

“What should I do? What should I do?”

“Let’s go downstairs and have a look,” said Qi Chengyue. She supported all her weight and helped her walk out.

Wu Mengzhen and Zhao Ruiying followed them out.

They went downstairs and saw Cheng Zhaohui lying on the ground in the courtyard. A neighbor from the third floor was standing beside him. He dared not simply move him.

“Lao Cheng!” Sun Shaoyun ran toward him, but her legs buckled after a few steps. Fortunately, Qi Chengyue was there to catch her.

Cheng Dongge had already run to the side of Cheng Zhaohui. The neighbor said, “I don’t know why he fainted, so I didn’t not move him. I’m afraid it will aggravate his injury. I called the ambulance already.”

Cheng Zhaohui had been coming back from the market after buying groceries. The groceries were scattered on the ground around him.

There were smashed eggs, some freshly slaughtered farm chicken and fish, vegetables, fruits, and a smashed watermelon, whose red juice painted the ground.

When Cheng Zhaohui had fainted, nobody had dared to help him up. They had not even come to have a closer look.

Luckily this neighbor from the third floor recognized him as Cheng Zhaohui, and had then called 120[1] first before calling Sun Shaoyun.

“Thanks so much,” said Cheng Dongge.

After a while, the ambulance arrived.

The medical staff carried a stretcher out of the ambulance and carefully lifted Cheng Zhaohui onto it. Amidst the chaos, nobody noticed Wu Mengzhen and Zhao Ruiying following them into the ambulance.

Sun Shaoyun’s mind was occupied by Cheng Zhaohui’s health and she was not in the mood to worry about them.

After the ambulance left, some people came and picked up the things which were scattered but still in good condition.

Once they reached the hospital, the doctor examined Cheng Zhaohui and told them he had had a stroke. He needed surgical intervention, but they had to wait because they were fully booked.

After some time, Cheng Zhaohui regained consciousness. Sun Shaoyun felt extremely relieved, and it was only then that she remembered Wu Mengzhen and Zhao Ruiying.

“This– Why did you all follow us?” asked Sun Shaoyun.

“Something bad happened to Lao Cheng and we’re worried about him. If we did not wait for the results here, we would not be able to stop worrying, too! Besides, if we didn’t visit you suddenly, you wouldn’t have asked Lao Cheng to buy groceries, and he wouldn’t have fainted outside,” said Wu Mengzhen guiltily.

“It was nothing. No need to be troubled by it. If there was a health issue, it would have come to light sooner or later,” said Sun Shaoyun. She said to Cheng Dongge, “Dongge, maybe we should admit him into the hospital. We would feel more assured if he was hospitalized and we could just wait our turn for the surgery.”

“Hmm, Dongge, where is your girlfriend? When did she leave? Why did she suddenly disappear?” Wu Mengzhen looked around the ward and could not find Qi Chengyue. “Why don’t you go and look for her? Maybe she was frightened!”

Sun Shaoyun glanced at Cheng Dongge. Although she did not show it, she was slightly curious and not very happy.

How could Qi Chengyue just run off at such a crucial moment?

The door of the ward opened at this moment and Qi Chengyue walked in. She was holding a phone in her hand. She said, “Uncle, Aunt, Dongge, I have something to discuss with you all.”

Sun Shaoyun glanced at Wu Mengzhen and Zhao Ruiying. Cheng Zhaohui was still lying in bed, it was not possible to ask him to walk outside for the discussion.

This was a family matter, and Sun Shaoyun was not going to allow Wu Mengzhen and Zhao Ruiying to join their discussion.

Wu Mengzhen smiled and said, “How about this: you all chat first. Lao Cheng, rest well. We’ll come visit later.”

“You should go back earlier and rest. No worries,” said Sun Shaoyun.

After sending them away, Qi Chengyue said, “Just now I heard the doctor say that we need to wait for the surgery, so I called my big brother and second brother. They’re very close to the boss of Chutian Hospital. If Uncle could be moved there, they could arrange a surgery immediately, and the surgeon in charge would be the best in B City.”

Qi Chengyue hesitated for a while as she was unsure whether it was appropriate to say this, but she continued to say, slowly, “Chutian Hospital is much better than this hospital in terms of service, facilities, environment, and the skill of the medical personnel. We would feel more reassured if the surgery was to be done there. Besides, we know the people there and they may be able to assist us promptly should anything occur. Aunt, if you agree, my big brother and second brother will come and fetch you and Uncle there.”

“This—” Sun Shaoyun was very touched. She had heard of Chutian Hospital before. Every day, countless patients from all parts of the country flocked to the hospital to seek medical treatment. The standard of medical care there were in another class compared to the hospitals in Li City.

Cheng Dongge smiled at Qi Chengyue and said to Sun Shaoyun, “Mum, if you’re worried about the expenses, then don’t. I can easily cover the bill with my salary.”

Qi Chengyue was worried that Sun Shaoyun would think that the Qi Family was trying to show off their wealth and influence, so she quickly said, “Aunt, don’t worry; besides making use of our connections to help Uncle, my family won’t be involved if you don’t want us to be.”

Sun Shaoyun was quite touched when she saw that Qi Chengyue was so concerned of the stress her family background could cause Sun Shaoyun. “No, please don’t misunderstand, I’m not worried about the money. Dongge, I know how much you earn, but the distance between Li City and B City is very far and I’m just worried that your dad cannot bear the traveling process.”

Qi Chengyue glanced at Cheng Dongge. She smiled at Sun Shaoyun embarrassedly. Then, she pulled Cheng Dongge aside to discuss it with him in private.

Cheng Dongge was looking at her cautious manner. After he listened to Qi Chengyue, he held her hand and walked back to Sun Shaoyun.

Sun Shaoyu saw them talking animatedly, then Cheng Dongge returned and elaborated, “Chengyue did not explain clearly just now: her big brother and second brother will be fetching us via the Qi Family’s private plane. They’ll bring us straight to the hospital, so Dad won’t be tired.”

Sun Shaoyun understood now what qualms Qi Chengyue had had. She was quite hesitant because, once she agreed, it meant that she would meet the members of the Qi Family and that she had acknowledged the status of Qi Chengyue. After that—

As she was considering it, Cheng Zhaohui, who had been silent until then, intervened. “Since this a good intention from our child, we should agree with it. But, Chengyue, we would truly trouble your family.”

Qi Chengyue heaved a sigh of relief and smiled happily. “It’s no trouble.”

Since Cheng Zhaohui had agreed, Sun Shaoyun stopped any thoughts of refusing.

…

…

When Qi Chengzhi received Qi Chengyue’s call, he was on the way to the hospital with Song Yu for her prenatal examination. After he hung up, he stopped his car by the roadside and told Song Yu about it.

“We could pick another day to do the prenatal examination. This is a good chance to make Dongge’s parents accept Chengyue. Since something happened to the Cheng Family, we must help them,” said Song Yu immediately.

At that moment, Qi Chenglin called him and asked whether he was going or not. He had informed the airport and was now arranging the time and route of the flight.

The opinion of Song Yu was that Qi Chengzhi himself should go to show that the Qi Family truly viewed Cheng Dongge’s parents as people of great importance and did not look down upon them.

Therefore, after Qi Chengzhi had sent Song Yu back, he went to the airport to meet with Qi Chenglin.

…

…

Sun Shaoyun did not expect that they meant so much to the Qi Family until she saw both Qi Chengzhi and Qi Chenglin arriving together. Qilin was the company that Cheng Dongge worked at, so Sun Shaoyun knew quite a bit about it and she knew of the high-status Qi Chengzhi and Qi Chenglin held in the company.

Qi Chengzhi and Qi Chenglin were not the type of people who were friendly and warm toward others. When they met Sun Shaoyun and Cheng Zhaohui, they treated them coolly, but slightly gentler than usual. Sun Shaoyun did not mind as she could roughly sense that their personalities were like that.

Once they had sent Cheng Zhaohui to the Chutian Hospital, it had turned to night. They helped Cheng Zhaohui settle down. Chu Zhaoyang came to visit him in the ward after he heard that Cheng Dongge’s father was admitted.

Cheng Zhaohui’s surgery was scheduled for Monday. When he was in Li City, Cheng Dongge received an abrupt call from Qi Chengzhi, asking him to go on a business trip with him tomorrow. Sun Shaoyun let Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue leave first and she stayed behind to look after Cheng Zhaohui.

Early morning the next day, Qi Chengyue drove to the hospital. She brought breakfast which was kept in a thermos bottle and a food container. It was obvious the breakfast had not been bought.

“You made it yourself?” asked Sun Shaoyun as Qi Chengyue opened the thermos bottle and poured the porridge out.

Qi Chengyue blushed and said shyly, “I-I’m still not good at cooking. This was prepared by the aunt living with us, but I’m learning.”

Sun Shaoyun smiled. “You’re honest. If you had said that it was you who prepared it, I wouldn’t have known any different. After you marry Dongge, you’ll be living with him in B City. I wouldn’t be able to find out whether you’re good at cooking or not.”

“Aunt, you…” Qi Chengyue stared at her in astonishment. Was Sun Shaoyun implying that she approved the relationship between her and Cheng Dongge?

Sun Shaoyun noticed that Qi Chengyue was truly a considerate person. Very few parents could make decisions for their children in life, and she could see that the Qi Family was very thoughtful and different from what she imagined, so she stopped insisting.

Even if the things that she worried about did indeed happen in the future, just as Cheng Dongge had said, it was his decision and he would bear the consequences.

After Cheng Zhaohui and Sun Shaoyun finished their meals, Qi Chengyue said, “Aunt, you should go back and rest. I’ll take care of uncle here.”

“It’s okay, this room is so comfortable, just like a hotel room. Lao Cheng did not have trouble sleeping at night and I also slept quite soundly. I’m not tired. Besides, if you stay here, your uncle may feel uneasy,” said Sun Shaoyun. She had washed the fruits brought by Qi Chengyue and was now peeling them.

“You don’t need to stay here; you can go and do your stuff. There’s nothing here,” said Sun Shaoyun.

Despite what she said, Qi Chengyue still stayed to accompany her.

At around ten o’clock, someone knocked on the door of the ward. Qi Chengyue stood up and went to open the door. She was stunned when she saw the group of people who were waiting at the doorway. “Grandma, why did all of you come?”

Grandmother Qi had brought Xian Wenna, Guan Liya, and Song Yu with her. Qi Youxuan, who was determined to join the visit, had also followed them here.

“My child, we’re here to visit our in-laws.” Grandmother Qi entered the ward with vigor and enthusiasm. The bags of things she brought were all carried by the driver.

“In-law, how are you?” Grandmother Qi was speaking loud and clear. She did not require anyone to introduce her as she had the gift of making friends with anybody she met.

Cheng Zhaohui was a simple person who had worked as a teacher his entire life. He had never met a person like Grandmother Qi. He was lying in the bed, startled, and did not know what to say.

Sun Shaoyun quickly spoke, “Madam, why did you come and visit us? We should be the ones visiting you.”

Grandmother Qi simply waved her hand. “There’s no need to be so fussy. Furthermore, Xiao Cheng is sick, right? We’re just paying him a visit.”

Sun Shaoyun did not expect Grandmother Qi to be so amiable. “Our Lao Cheng’s matter had brought so much of trouble to you all.”

Grandmother Qi held Sun Shaoyun’s hands cordially. “Xiao Sun, you shouldn’t talk like this. We’re so close now—you’re one of us. Don’t mention it.”

“Hello, Madam Cheng, I’m Chengyue’s mother. Her father, eldest uncle, and second brother are working overtime at the company today, so we’re the only ones who could come. All these things that we’ve brought are good for health. After Mr. Cheng goes through the surgery, they’ll be helpful for a good recovery,” said Guan Liya with a smile.

“It’s too kind of you. You had helped us contact this hospital. We’re very grateful to you all for arranging Lao Cheng’s surgery to be done so soon and for having Director Zhou to be the surgeon in-charge. We’re embarrassed as we should be the ones who visit you all and express our gratitude.” Sun Shaoyun did not expect everyone in the Qi Family to be so friendly and easy to get along. She blushed a little when she thought of her bad opinions on them earlier. “I initially planned to visit you all and say thanks when Lao Cheng gets discharged after the surgery.”

“Madam Cheng, my grandma just said that we’re a family now. There’s no need for these formalities as we’ll be in-laws in the future. Shouldn’t we help each other when any one of us is in trouble? Our Qi Chengyue isn’t very good at plenty of things, and it’d be a lot of trouble taking care of her.” Guan Liya was quite satisfied because Cheng Dongge’s parents were truly different from Zhou Mingyan—they were appreciative people.

“Chengyue is a good girl,” praised Sun Shaoyun as she smiled. “Oh yes, please have a seat. Silly me, I didn’t welcome y’all in properly when y’all came.”

They sat down and Qi Chengyue properly introduced them to the other family. Sun Shaoyun was caught unprepared when Grandmother Qi talked so enthusiastically to her, then it was continued by Guan Liya. She was finally able to calm down.

Truly, she had never met someone like Grandmother Qi.

Only then did she noticed the cute little boy who was standing beside Song Yu.

“Hmm, is that your son? He’s very good-looking,” said Sun Shaoyun to Song Yu.

That little chubby boy looked like Qi Chenglin. Qi Chenglin and Qi Chengzhi were cousins and they shared some similar facial features, so it was not surprising that Sun Shaoyun guessed wrong.

Qi Youxuan was blinking his big beautiful eyes and he had long eyelashes. His eyes were very attractive and Sun Shaoyun felt delighted when admiring them.

“Grandma, you should never tell my uncle about this—he’s very narrow-minded.” Qi Youxuan was quite happy.

“This kid… How could you bad-mouth your uncle? Make sure to not let him hear what you’ve said just now.” Grandmother Qi dragged Qi Youxuan toward her and smiled sheepishly at Sun Shaoyun. “This is the son of Chengyue’s second brother,” she explained.

Everyone in the room fell silent.

Grandmother Qi, what you have just said was not praising Qi Chengzhi either!

Song Yu glanced at the ceiling. Hubby, your grandmother and nephew bad-mouthed you when you were not around. Do you know about it?

Xia Wenna was blushing due to embarrassment.

“Hello, granny. I’m Qi Youxuan,” greeted the little boy.

Sun Shaoyun liked Qi Youxuan very much as he did not have the finicky behavior and arrogance of a typical child from a rich family. She reckoned that it was because of the fine attitude and inner qualities fostered into him in a prominent family.

“What do you want to eat, Youxuan? I don’t have junk food here. Why don’t you follow me to the small supermarket downstairs? Granny would buy any food that you want.” Sun Shaoyun’s heart melted when she saw Qi Youxuan’s chubby and round little face.

“No no no, please don’t trouble yourself. Give him some fruits to eat will do,” Guan Liya insisted. “Children shouldn’t be pampered. He’s getting fatter because he eats junk food every day. We’re thinking of ways to help him lose weight.”

Therefore, Sun Shaoyun gave Qi Youxuan some grapes after washing them.

Song Yu thought at first that since they were here in Chutian Hospital, she could simply go for a prenatal examination. However, Qi Chengzhi insisted that he must be with her during prenatal examinations so that he would know about the baby’s gender with Song Yu. Therefore, Song Yu left together with Grandmother Qi and others, and she could only postpone the examination to the next weekend.

…

…

Qi Chengzhi had yet to return at ten o’clock at night. Song Yu stayed awake and waited for him in the living room while watching the television.

According to the arrival time of Qi Chengzhi’s flight, he should be back earlier than now.

After thinking for a while, she sent him a message. [Where are you now?]

Qi Chengzhi did not inform her that he was not coming back, so he would surely rush back home by today.

Right after she sent the message, the doorbell rang.

Song Yu already asked Aunt Yang to go to bed. She went to open the door and saw Chang Lai following Qi Chengzhi to their house.

Qi Chengzhi looked like he was not feeling well. “How are you feeling? Anything happened?” Song Yu asked immediately.

“I don’t know what contaminated food Director and Special Assistant Cheng had eaten, but it looks like they’re having food poisoning. They had vomited a few times during the journey. Miss Qi waited for them at the airport and she had sent Special Assistant Cheng to the hospital. Director insisted to come back here and refused to go anyhow.”

Song Yu said nothing else as she took a pair of sneakers from the shoe cabinet to put them on.

“Where are you going?” Qi Chengzhi stopped Song Yu by pulling her.

“I’m going to the hospital with you. Your face is wax yellow, how could you not go and see a doctor?” Song Yu felt heartbroken when she saw that Qi Chengzhi was unwell.

“It’s okay.” He walked through the door and bent his body to untie the shoelaces. He changed into a pair of slippers and asked Chang Lai to leave.

Chang Lai looked at Song Yu—he was in a dilemma. Song Yu saw Qi Chengzhi had already walked into the house and was going upstairs.

Song Yu could only say, “You go back first, I’ll bring him to the hospital if there’s anything.”

After Chang Lai left, Song Yu quickly followed Qi Chengzhi into the bedroom. “Chengzhi, let’s go to the hospital. Your legs seem weak.”

Qi Chengzhi sat on the edge of the bed and pulled Song Yu to sit on his legs. “Do you want to test whether I’m weak or not?”

“Stop joking, I’m talking seriously. Why do you dislike going to the hospital so much?” Song Yu embraced his neck with her arms, her tender palm touched his forehead to feel the temperature, luckily it was not hot. “Your face is wax yellow. I’d be relieved if you could just go to the hospital to check on it.”

“It’s not some serious disease—I’ll be fine after I sleep.” Qi Chengzhi was hugging her and blew air into his palm. Then, he sniffed at it. “Does my mouth smell?”

He vomited a few times during the journey and the odor was surely unpleasant.

“No.” Song Yu held his face right away and kissed his lips. She did not try to avoid it at all. “Isn’t your stomach empty after all the vomiting? Are you hungry? How about I cook a bowl of millet porridge for you? It’s good for your stomach.”

“Don’t trouble yourself.” Qi Chengzhi lied sideways while hugging her. “I’ll be better if you let me hug you for a while.”

Song Yu stayed in his embrace for a while, then she raised her head and kissed his stubble-covered chin. She was getting calmer after she laid in his arms.

However, not long after, Qi Chengzhi suddenly stood up and ran to the bathroom. He was vomiting into the toilet bowl again.

Song Yu followed him inside. Worry overwhelmed her as she watched him vomiting. She went to pour a glass of water for him. When she returned to the bathroom, Qi Chengzhi had finished vomiting because he had already vomited all the food in his stomach during the journey back. Now, he only vomited stomach acid.

She gave him the water-filled glass. “I’ll go and see if there’s any medicine you can take.”

Song Yu went downstairs. Qi Chengzhi was having food poisoning, thus the usual gastric medicine probably would not help. The priority was to treat the inflammation—he might develop a fever if the inflammation was not treated.

However, Song Yu dared not simply feed him any medicine. Eventually, she decided to call Chu Zhaoyang.

Chu Zhaoyang simply said these four words to her. “I’ll send the medications there.”

He then hung up the phone.

Before Chu Zhaoyang reached, Song Yu made some millet porridge for him so that he would not need to take the medicine with an empty stomach.

Song Yu carried the bowl of millet porridge to the bedroom. “Better have some porridge first because you’re taking medicine later.”

“I don’t have the appetite,” Qi Chengzhi answered feebly.

Song Yu quietly held the bowl and took a spoonful of porridge, then she held the spoon beside Qi Chengzhi’s mouth and looked at him with a gentle and firm gaze.

Wordlessly, Qi Chengzhi obediently opened his mouth and ate the porridge.

Song Yu took the bowl downstairs after it was emptied. Just after she finished washing the bowl, Chu Zhaoyang reached their house.

Song Yu opened the door for Chu Zhaoyang and accepted the medicine that he brought. “So sorry we needed you to come, even when it’s so late now.”

“Is his condition quite serious?” asked Chu Zhaoyang expressionlessly.

“He vomited a few times already, I could see that his face had turned yellow.” She knew the feeling of getting food poisoning. She had experienced it before—the nausea and vomiting were unbearable.

However, Qi Chengzhi pretended like it was nothing in front of her and tried to stay calm and collected. It made her more anxious instead.

“Let me have a look,” said Chu Zhaoyang.

Although Chu Zhaoyang was not a doctor, the Chu Family had set up a hospital and they were involved in the pharmaceutical business and medical equipment research. Song Yu felt that he might have some knowledge about the field.

Chu Zhaoyang followed Song Yu upstairs and entered the bedroom. Qi Chengzhi had just vomited again. He had vomited almost all the millet porridge he ate just now. Looking at him now, he had truly appeared to be more haggard.

“Why are you here?” Qi Chengzhi narrowed his eyes and stared at Chu Zhaoyang.

“He came to send the medicine,” explained Song Yu. “You refused to go to the hospital and I don’t know what medicine should I give you, so I looked for Chu Zhaoyang to help.”

Chu Zhaoyang pouted but said nothing. However, it looked like his eyes were smiling. He quietly took out his cell phone and snapped a photo of Qi Chengzhi who had a weak and weary appearance. Then, he turned around and left.

Song Yu was dumbfounded.

Did he not come to look at the condition of Qi Chengzhi?

“Just take the medicine will do,” explained Chu Zhaoyang and he left.

Song Yu was still speechless.

In fact, he came just because he wanted to take a photo of Qi Chengzhi.

Regardless, Qi Chengzhi felt better around one hour after he took the medicine Chu Zhaoyang had brought for him. Although he still felt sick, the nausea was gone and he had stopped vomiting.

After his stomach got better, he could feel it was empty. Luckily there was still some of the leftover porridge that Song Yu had cooked in the pot. She heated it and served it to Qi Chengzhi.

Song Yu was sitting beside him. She leaned her body slightly toward him with her cheeks supported by her hands and observed Qi Chengzhi eating the porridge. One of his hands was holding the bowl, his slender fingers were holding the spoon. The movement of him eating the porridge one spoon by one spoon slowly was extremely elegant. Even though he was sick, he still displayed a steady and graceful manner.

Qi Chengzhi glanced at her and his thin and elegant lips curled into a gentle curve. Then, he looked down and continued to eat the porridge.

Song Yu saw his distinct eyelashes when his eyelids drooped a little. They appeared long and curly. Although they seemed drawn due to the sickness, Song Yu felt that they were still attractive. She was going a little crazy as she thought that he looked like a beauty who was ill. She could not imagine how it would look like if Qi Chengzhi clasped his chest like Xi Shi 1 .

As she thought about it, their cell phones rang almost at the same time. It was the sound of WeChat’s notifications for new messages.

Song Yu took her phone, unlocked the screen and looked at it. As expected, Chu Zhaoyang had uploaded the photo that he took just now into the 8X8=64 group.

In the photo, Qi Chengzhi was sitting on the bed and his back was leaning against the pillow. One of his ankles was overlapping the other, his elegant hand was holding a book and when he saw Chu Zhaoyang walking into his bedroom, it just so happened that he was looking directly at Chu Zhoyang’s camera as he turned his head. The timing was spot on.

From the photo, Qi Chengzhi looked sick and waned. The posture of him holding the book was extremely refined like a gentle scholar.

[What happened? Qi Chengzhi, are you sick?] Han Zhuoli.

[Look at his drawn appearance.] Gui Zhiqian.

[Is Song Yu making you too tired? Looks like you’re not young anymore, you have to admit that you’re already old.] Yan Beicheng.

[Lao Chu, your company have medicine which could help in this aspect, right? And also those supplements for kidneys, why didn’t you bring some for Qi Chengzhi?] Wei Ziqi.

Song Yu was speechless when she read their conversation. They usually acted like some graceful and steady people when they were in the public, but they would show their true colors in this group.

…

…

The next day, Song Yu asked Qi Chengzhi to take some medicine with him to the company. He ate some food during breakfast but he still had a poor appetite. Song Yu reckoned that his inflammation had not completely resolved yet.

At noon, Qi Chengzhi called and informed her that he had a luncheon now.

Song Yu was unable to interfere in the matters of work, so she could only say, “Then you should drink less alcohol, or try your best to avoid drinking at all. You still haven’t recovered from the sickness.”

“Mhm.” He glanced toward the outside of the car window and saw a shop selling children’s wear. He smiled gently and remembered it. He said, “We’re going for the prenatal examination this Saturday. After we find out our child’s gender, we should go shopping at a shop for infant products.”

Song Yu did not expect Qi Chengzhi would take the initiative to suggest it. From the beginning, he appeared to be focusing on taking care of his health only and was not very enthusiastic about the baby in her belly.

Song Yu could not help but smiled gently. “Sure.”

At noon, Song Yu had her lunch with Ruan Danchen. After lunch, she supposed that the luncheon should be over, so she went to the staircase and called Qi Chengzhi again. “Did you drink a lot of alcohol?”

“Just drank a little less than usual,” said Qi Chengzhi.

“Drink some honey water to sober up, then take the medicine,” said Song Yu.

“I’m feeling much better today,” replied Qi Chengzhi.

“…” Song Yu was silent for a while. Then, she moved toward the corner and whispered, “Do you feel annoyed because I’m controlling you like this?”

Qi Chengzhi broke into a smile. “No, I wished you could straight away come and stare at me in my office.”

Song Yu smiled. “I’m hanging up.”

Qi Chengzhi smiled as he hung up the phone. The moment he raised his head again, he looked stern. His brooding eyes glimpsed at the manager of the planning department. “Continue.”

The manager of the planning department was slow to react because he was not as good as Qi Chengzhi in randomly changing his channels of thoughts.

Not just him, but the others in the meeting room still could not adapt to it.

They were gradually getting used to the director answering calls from his wife during the meeting. No matter how important the topics during their discussions were, so long as his wife called him, their director would discontinue the meeting and answer the call without any hesitancy, even if the call was about some trivial matters.

He would never let Song Yu know if he was busy or in a meeting.

However, previously their director would at least try to avoid the staff like going out of the meeting room or walking to the corner of the meeting room and talked softly and briefly. However, since some time ago the director did not even feel like avoiding them and always made a public display of his affection, totally disregarding the situations he was in. Not only did he simply answer the phone during a meeting, but the director also talked in such a corny way. Besides, he did not feel like he should lower his volume. Moreover, whether it was during the call or after it, he always behaved in such a cool and honorable manner.

When he talked with his wife on the phone, he would grin with such tenderness. After hanging up, however, his expression would become so stern like he was warning that nobody should come near him.

The change was too drastic and his subordinates still could not adapt to it no matter how many times they saw it.

There was just not enough time to recover from the shock, let alone switching back to their normal frame of mind.

“Ahem.” Cheng Dongge who was sitting beside Qi Chengzhi deliberately faked a cough to remind the manager of the planning department. The manager quickly adjusted his mood and continued reporting.

…

…

At night, Mu Huaisheng drove his car to pass by the entrance of Shengyue restaurant and he saw a few of his subordinates from MU, which included the manager and a worker from the sales department, the director of the design department, Yu Keyao, and two clients.

They shook hands with the clients and bid farewell, and one of them put his hand at Yu Keyao’s waist.

Mu Huaisheng lowered his car window and heard the client said, “I couldn’t tell that Miss Yu has a good alcohol tolerance as she was being truly humble just now. Let’s go to another place and continue drinking.”

“Manager Pang, I really can’t drink anymore.” Yu Keyao tried to free herself from his embrace but he was clutching her waist firmly and fondling it. Yu Keyao found it to be extremely appalling but she dared not show her feelings as she was worried he would be upset.

Her colleagues were discriminating against her more and more by the day. As a designer’s assistant, she was actually not required to attend this dinner party, but the manager of the sales department and Director Xu from the design department included her in this dinner party.

During the dinner party, the other staff only drank a small amount of alcohol as a gesture of courtesy. However, she was the only one forced to drink non-stop as if the two clients aimed to get her drunk. She did not even have the time to eat the dishes and none of her colleagues helped her out of it.

Yu Keyao was unaware that the staff could accept her joining the company through the back door, but the crucial point was that Mu Sisi brought her in. Mu Sisi had almost offended everyone in the company, and even those bootlickers who usually fawned over their superiors dared not flatter her in front of others. Otherwise, even if they managed to win her favor, others in the company would discriminate against them once Mu Sisi left the company. Besides, Mu Sisi would not necessarily remember about them, so they would be at a loss. Therefore, nobody in the company really tried hard to win Mu Sisi’s favor.

Since Mu Sisi was the precious daughter of the Mu family, her colleagues dared not criticize her even though they dislike the way she worked. However, they were not afraid of Yu Keyao at all, so they vented all their anger for Mu Sisi on Yu Keyao.

Yu Keyao was pitiful as she was not close to Mu Sisi. Mu Sisi got close to her just because she was Song Yu’s cousin.

Since she joined the company, Mu Sisi would call her to talk with her now and then or invite her out for a chat. Mu Sisi treated her like she was her good friend and she was extremely concerned about her. Yu Keyao was thinking of complaining to her once she got closer to Mu Sisi.

“Miss Yu, you’re being too modest. You still look sober to me, so why aren’t you drinking anymore? Are you trying to make me look bad?” The other client was discontent that his colleague was hoarding the spotlight. He put his arm around Yu Keyao’s shoulders. Leaning closer, he took a sniff at her neck. “There’s not a whiff of alcohol on you, Miss Yu. You smell as sweet as ever.”

Yu Keyao was on the verge of tears. She used to be the noble daughter of the Yu family. Out of all the men from all the different families, she only liked Qi Chengzhi and never batted an eye at the rest. Now two brainless pigs cornered her, breathing their alcoholic breaths onto her face.

After experiencing Qi Chengzhi’s chivalry and grandeur, how could she withstand these two swine?

“I’m sorry but I really can’t drink anymore.” Yu Keyao felt backed into a corner. She had no choice but to escape by force.

Unsurprisingly, the two men would not let her go. They noticed her colleagues’ attitude toward her in the dinner—if they were to do anything to Yu Keyao, no one would stand up for her.

Besides, for all they knew, Yu Keyao could just be acting to spice things up a little.

They knew many women who appeared innocent on the outside, but in reality, were lustful and dissolute.

“What’s going on?” a soft and elegant voice abruptly uttered.

Only then did they realize another person was standing in front of them.

“Director Mu,” Yu Keyao called out as if he was her knight in shining armor.

The two men were dumbstricken. They sobered up instantly and quickly let go of Ye Keyao. Courteously, they greeted, “Director Mu.”

Mu Huaisheng nodded at them composedly. “I heard that you were entertaining some clients tonight, so I decided to come and check up on you since I was passing by. Is it over?”

Yu Keyao nodded hastily. Then, Mu Huaisheng offered, “I’ll send you home.”

Since it was Mu Huaisheng, the two clients could not protest.

Once Yu Keyao got into Mu Huaisheng’s car, she could finally feel at ease. “Director Mu, you can just drop me off at the subway station.”

“I said I’ll send you home.” Mu Huaisheng glanced at her coolly as he drove past the subway station without stopping.

“Thank you for what you did just now,” Yu Keyao mumbled.

“Don’t mention it. I can’t just stand by and watch when something like that happens,” Mu Huaisheng replied.

Yu Keyao kept quiet.

“Where do you stay?” Mu Huaisheng asked, breaking the silence.

Only then did Yu Keyao realize she had not told him her address and gave it to him.

To get to work more conveniently, Yu Keyao had moved out. After all, the mansion already had a ‘for sale’ sign hung up. Her family had long been without a housekeeper’s services. When she lived at home, she needed to do the job of a housekeeper and make Yu Zidong’s meals.

Therefore, she took the chance and rented a small apartment near the company. This way, she did not have to stay at home and serve others.

Mu Huaisheng followed her to the front of her home. She had her head down for a long time, looking for her keys. Finally, she opened the door yet did not go in. Standing in front of the door, she bowed her head and said, “Thank you, Director Mu. You… be careful on the road.”

Mu Huaisheng noticed something off in her tone so he did not leave in a hurry. Frowning, he queried, “Are you okay?”

Yu Keyao dropped her head even lower. She shook her head violently and headed into the house. However, she tripped on the door frame and fell inward.

Seeing this, Mu Huaisheng quickly rushed to her aid. He wrapped his arm around her waist, unavoidably pulling her into his embrace.

Once Yu Keyao regained her balance, she slowly raised her head. Mu Huaisheng felt the soft and fragrant body in his arms trembling uncontrollably. He looked down and saw that her eyes were red with two streams of tears flowing down her cheeks. Her soft lips were plump and glowing bright red.

The reason she had her head down the entire time was that she was crying. That night, she was wronged by her colleagues, and to top it off, she almost became a victim of an unspeakable deed.

Mu Huaisheng thought about what would have happened if he had not passed by coincidently. Yu Keyao might not have been able to escape. If so, anyone could have guessed how her night would end.

Trembling, Yu Keyao clutched onto his shirt. She looked helpless and pitiful.

Suddenly, she stood on tiptoes and landed a kiss on his lips shyly.

Mu Huaisheng’s bewilderment was evident in his expression. He squinted at her.

Yu Keyao’s tear-filled eyes twitched. She whimpered, “Director Mu, due to your status and mine, I know you’re out of my league. I’ve never thought of overstepping my boundaries either but what happened tonight terrified me. It’s still my first time. I’ve never done it before. What if something like that happens again? I know I can’t be lucky enough to have someone to save me again the next time it happens. I don’t want to lose my first time in circumstances like that. I don’t want people like them to steal it from me. Rather, I’d like to take control and make my own decision before anything happens. I’d like to share my first time with someone I like and leave a beautiful memory. Can you… help me? Please… I’m begging you…”

Yu Keyao was bawling her eyes out. Her helpless yet alluring face excited the thing in his pants.

“You won’t regret it?” Mu Huaisheng’s voice turned slightly hoarse.

Yu Keyao nodded silently. She stood on her toes again and kissed him on the lips.

Mu Huaisheng tightened his grip around her waist. This time, he was the one who kissed her.

…

…

Cheng Zhaohui surgery was very successful. His recovery was also remarkable. Moreover, the doctors did not observe any symptoms after his surgery, so he would be discharged on Friday.

Cheng Dongge planned to keep Cheng Zhaohui at the hospital for a few more days to be observed and for him to have proper rest. In spite of that, Cheng Zhaohui could not take being cooped up in there any longer.

Chutian Hospital was an exceptional hospital and the wards were very comfortable. However, every patient here were big-shots. They had their own social circle, so they would always run into people they know in the hospital and start a conversation.

As for Cheng Zhaohui, he was not part of that social circle. Furthermore, he was not even from that city. Thus, he did not know a single person. He was too shy to simply walk up to someone and start talking, so he spent his days lying in his room. Being confined like that, Cheng Zhaohui was determined to get discharged no matter what.

On Friday night, Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue came to the hospital and took Cheng Zhaohui and Sun Shaoyun to Cheng Dongge’s house.

On the road, Sun Shaoyun said from the backseat, “Chengyue, after discussing with Dongge’s father, we’ve decided that once he gets discharged, we’ll go visit the Qi family personally. This isn’t only to thank you all for the tremendous help you provided, but we’d also like to talk about you and Dongge. I’d like us both families to sit down and get to know each other over a meal. When we were in the hospital ward, I didn’t think it was a suitable setting. When you get home, can you ask when we can visit?”

Qi Chengyue nodded. She called Grandmother Qi instantly and notified her.

“Oh, be my guest! Coincidentally, we have a family gathering tomorrow—do ask Dongge’s parents to join us. Originally, I was planning to visit them after Dongge’s father gets discharged and have a meal together. Since his mother brought it up, they can just come over tomorrow,” Grandmother Qi suggested. “Ask them if they can make it tomorrow.”

“Hold on.” Qi Chengyue moved the phone away and reiterated Grandmother Qi’s words in a low voice.

Sun Shaoyun agreed immediately. Qi Chengyue then informed Grandmother Qi.

Delighted, Grandmother Qi hung up and ordered Aunt Liu to prepare more food tomorrow.

“When your father’s condition becomes stable, say next week or latest by the week following that, we’ll return to Li City,” Sun Shaoyun stated.

“What’s the rush? It’s not every day that you get to come here. Why don’t you stay here a little longer? Not only can you walk around and experience the city, but you’re also giving Dad a chance to rest longer,” Cheng Dongge pointed out, looking at his parents through the rear-view mirror.

“Ah, but I miss home. B City is huge and bustling—it’s filled with cars and high rises, and that’s making me feel stressed. I think I’ll be able to relax more when we return to the serene life in Li City,” Cheng Zhaohui stated laughingly. “Besides, the two of us staying with you will only be a hindrance. It’d be harder for you to talk to Chengyue or go on a date with her.”

“Uncle, it’s alright.” Qi Chengyue blushed. Cheng Zhaohui’s words were rather euphemistic.

“Hehe,” Cheng Zhaohui chuckled. “You don’t have to ask us to stay. After all, it’s not like you’re kicking us out, so don’t feel responsible for it. We just prefer to go home, where we’re surrounded by friends and acquaintances that we can talk to.”

…

…

On Saturday morning, Song Yu woke up early to prepare for the day. This was a big step for Qi Chengyue and Cheng Dongge. It was of great importance to everyone in the Qi family.

Song Yu had planned to go for a check-up today, but she discussed it with Qi Chengzhi and they decided to refrain from stealing Qi Chengyue and Cheng Dongge’s spotlight. She opted to go tomorrow instead.

The sound of Song Yu washing up and changing awakened Qi Chengzhi. In a daze, he lied on the bed, refusing to get up.

Qi Chengzhi was lying on his back but he then turned and lied on his side, his hand supporting his head and watched Song Yu get ready.

“Finally awake?” Song Yu heard him shifting around and walked toward him.

Qi Chengzhi reached out his long arms and grabbed her by the waist. He pulled her closer and pressed his face against her soft tummy, which was slightly protruding. He kissed her through her clothes and guided her to sit on the bed.

He made her sit at the head of the bed and rested his head on her thighs. He buried his face against her lower abdomen and took a long sniff.

Song Yu’s long and slender fingers brushed through his hair tenderly. He turned so that he was lying on his back and looking up at her face. “No matter what, we’ll go to the hospital for the check-up tomorrow. No more delays.”

Smiling, Song Yu nodded. “I never noticed that things were coming up one after the other, but now that we have our own things to do, it feels like everything is happening at once.”

Qi Chengzhi held her hand which was combing through his hair and pulled it to his lips. His long and bony fingers gently grabbed her fingers one by one as he kissed each of her fingertips.

His kissing made Song Yu feel ticklish. She could not help but giggle. “Stop messing around and get up.”

Qi Chengzhi landed another two kisses and turned to bury his face against her lower abdomen again. After taking a long and intense sniff, he finally got up.

…

…

Once they both got ready, Qi Chengzhi looked through the wine rack at home and picked out a few bottles of good wine to bring to the old mansion. Then, he and Song Yu set out.

One of the neighboring houses there was holding a wedding ceremony. A few spots near the old mansion was reserved for the wedding car. Therefore, Qi Chengzhi could only park at a spot further from the old mansion. He opened the trunk and took out the wine. With one hand holding the bottles while the other held Song Yu’s hand, the two of them strolled toward the old mansion.

“Aiyah, you’re back! Oh, look how lovey-dovey you two are!” It was Aunt Ge who lived nearby. She met Grandmother Qi square dancing. That time Grandmother Qi brought Song Yu out to show her off and introduced her to her square dancing friends, Aunt Ge was also there. That was how she knew Song Yu.

Song Yu smiled and greeted, “Aunt Ge, your body is still so strong.”

“Ah, you still remember me! Aiyah, when Grandmother Qi brought you there, there were so many people, so I didn’t expect you to remember me!” Aunt Ge pointed out gleefully. “Ah, Xiao Song, when are you two planning on having a child? Any news about it?”

Song Yu’s face flushed red. She did not know how to reply so Qi Chengzhi said coolly, “We’re letting things happen naturally.”

“Oh, there’s no rush! I’m not trying to press you two on it! I’m getting old now, so there’s a lot on my mind. I’m just asking whatever comes to mind.”

Aunt Ge looked at Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi up and down and concluded sincerely, “A child made by you two will definitely look stunning.”

Song Yu noticed that Qi Chengzhi suddenly straightened his back out and adjusted his tie proudly. Even though he did not utter a word, his delight was evident on his face.

“Lao Sun’s son is getting married today. I have to attend the ceremony. You two should head back. This morning, I ran into Grandmother Qi during her morning exercise. She told me that her granddaughter is bringing her a grandson-in-law. She said that the parents from both families will be meeting up today.” Aunt Ge was grinning from ear to ear. “Ever since all you little ones got married one by one and found your matches, Grandmother Qi had been overjoyed. She was bragging about you all everywhere. She even stopped attending square dances as frequently.”

Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu smiled. Aunt Ge continued, “That’s right, did—”

Before she could ask, she saw a little plump boy running toward them behind Song Yu.

“Uncle, Auntie.” Qi Youxuan ran to them, holding a giant red apple in his hands.

The family had resolved to put him on a diet. Every time Qi Youxuan wanted snacks, they would push fruits to him instead. Luckily, Qi Youxuan did not mind—as long as he had something to chew on.

When he was at his kindergarten, he would secretly buy some snacks from the little store in his kindergarten and have his own secret snack-time. The life of this little child was pretty interesting too.

“Hello, Grandmother Ge,” Qi Youxuan greeted politely as he stood beside Song Yu.

“Oh, what a good boy. I see you’ve grown even more handsome now,” Aunt Ge praised.

“…” Hearing that, Qi Chengzhi started to doubt Aunt Ge’s praises about him and Song Yu’s child.

At that time, Qi Youxuan mouth was packed with apple. His stuffed cheeks made his face look even rounder. It was impossible to see his features.

How could Aunt Ge tell if Qi Youxuan was handsome or not?

Qi Youxuan’s face at that moment barely scraped past the boundaries of ‘ugly’.

Qi Youxuan’s little cheeks were stuffed with apple. After Aunt Ge praised him, his little round face turned red, making him look almost identical to the giant apple in his hands.

Bashful, the little boy twisted his pudgy stomach around. There was still some apple left in his mouth. When he talked, some apple juice and flakes sprayed out of his mouth.

“Grandmother Ge, you’re also looking prettier than before,” Qi Youxuan praised shyly, drawing circles with his waist.

Aunt Ge was humored by the adorable little boy. He was merely saying whatever he pleased as children do. Otherwise, who would call an old lady like her ‘pretty’?

Just then, Qi Chenglin sauntered over. His long legs were no shorter than Qi Chengzhi’s. When he stood a step forward, he gave off an aura of strength and dependability.

Aunt Ge could not help but exclaim. The Qi family carried such marvelous genes that every member of the family was exceptionally attractive. To top it all off, not only was Qi Chengzhi handsome, but the woman he brought into the family was also gorgeous.

Although Aunt Ge did not know who was Qi Youxuan’s mother was, seeing Qi Youxuan’s dashing features, his mother must be beautiful too.

Aunt Ge reminisced about the days when Qi Chengzhi and Qi Chenglin were still children and stayed at their grandparents’. The two of them were such rascals.

Qi Chengzhi was two years older than Qi Chenglin. When they were in kindergarten, one of them would lift girls’ skirts while the other stuffed insects under the skirt.

A year later, Qi Chengzhi went to elementary school while Qi Chenglin was still in kindergarten. Once, Qi Chenglin was bullied by one of his classmates. After school, Qi Chengzhi picked up a brick and brought Qi Chenglin to the bully’s house. He dumped the brick into Qi Chenglin’s hand and ordered, “You’re the one he bullied so take your own revenge. Now smash it!”

Qi Chenglin let out a battle cry and flung the brick with his little arms and shattered the house’s window. When the boy’s parents confronted him, Qi Chenglin cried loudly and screamed that they were bullying children. That attracted the attention of everyone passing by, humiliating the boy’s parents. They were infuriated and embarrassed yet had no choice but to send the two boys back to the old mansion. However, the two boys could not run from Grandfather Qi’s rod of fury. Nevertheless, even if Grandfather Qi hit them three times a day, they were still as mischievous as ever.

Now that they have grown up, they gave off an air of strength and reliability. Women on the streets would not even turn their gaze away from them for a second. Aunt Ge sighed at the fact that time passed by so quickly.

“Aunt Ge,” Qi Chenglin greeted coolly as he brushed Qi Youxuan’s hair with his hand.

“Youxuan is six this year, right?” Aunt Ge smiled nostalgically. She moved her gaze from QI Youxuan to Qi Chenglin.

“In about two more months, he’ll be attending elementary school,” Qi Chenglin answered smilingly.

“Sigh… Time sure flies. It felt like only yesterday Youxuan was only this big.” Aunt Ge showed the size of a baby with her hands. “In the blink of an eye, he’s already graduating from kindergarten and moving on to elementary school.”

“I know. It’s been so many years, yet my dad still hasn’t found a wife,” Qi Youxuan butted in while chewing on his apple loudly.

“…” Qi Chengzhi was speechless.

Aunt Ge squinted. The one thing people her age loved to do was setting people up on dates. “Chenglin hasn’t found a suitable match? Would you like me to introduce a few to you?”

Before Qi Chenglin could answer, Qi Youxuan jumped in again. “Grandmother Ge, my dad is trying his best to win a special woman’s heart.”

“Really?” What does she look like? Which family’s princess is this lucky lady?” Aunt Ge’s eyes were sparkling with enthusiasm.

Qi Chenglin chuckled and said, “I’m still in the process. I’ll definitely bring her home as soon as possible.”

“Hehehe, that’s good to hear. Anyway, I’ll be heading to Lao Sun’s house now.” Aunt Ge announced, beaming with joy.

Qi Chengzhi said, “Goodbye and take care.”

Aunt Ge smiled and waved at them. Once she left, Qi Chenglin shot a cold glance at Qi Youxuan who was still biting into his apple.

The four of them strolled toward the old mansion together. Song Yu could not hold back her curiosity. She glimpsed at Qi Chenglin several times, then finally asked, “You found your match?”

“…” Qi Chenglin glared at Qi Youxuan silently. His intense glare made Qi Youxuan swallow the words he was going to say. Qi Chenglin glanced back at Song Yu and replied, “No.”

“But there’s a suitable match you’re pursuing?” Song Yu did not forget Qi Youxuan’s words just now.

“That, I have.” QI Chenglin nodded. He did not try to hide it.

“Who?” Song Yu questioned immediately. She was both curious and excited.