At this juncture, Liu Dui knew it was pointless to console her, so he left.

A while after Liu Dui left, Yu Qianying and Song Donglin came. Yu Qianying was downcast as he sat down. It was admirable that Qi Chengzhi had sustained such a severe injury for Song Yu.

“Song Yu, are you staying here tonight too?” asked Xia Wenna.

Song Yu nodded. “I wish to always be by his side.”

“I can understand that you want to keep him company, but you must prioritize your health first,” said Xia Wenna. “If you’re feeling unwell, please don’t force yourself to stay.”

She glanced at the narrow foldable mattress. It was a spring mattress; no matter how thick the bedding was it would be uncomfortable to lie in it. Even rolling over in such a mattress would prove difficult.

“If Chengzhi wakes up, please inform us immediately no matter the time. Even if it is during the middle of the night,” urged Grandmother Qi before she left.

Yu Qianying also gave her some advice. Song Yu promised that she would do her best to follow them. After that, all of them left.

…

…

That night, Song Yu lay sideways on the foldable mattress, facing Qi Chengzhi. The mattress barely came up to half the height of the hospital’s bed, nonetheless, she held Qi Chengzhi’s hand with both of her hands and slowly drifted to sleep.

Qi Chengzhi’s eyebrow twitched, he could feel someone holding his hand; the hands were extremely soft and warm.

He opened his eyes but could not see clearly see his surroundings because it was very dark in the ward. He looked down, noting that his hand was hanging by the side of the bed. It was held by a pair of soft and gentle hands.

Just when he wanted to turn his body over, he felt a severe pain emitting from his abdomen. He took an involuntarily deep breath as he felt a sudden and tearing pain.

Song Yu was sleeping shallowly because she was afraid that something might happen to him. She woke up immediately when she heard him moving.

She sat up and saw that Qi Chengzhi had opened his eyes. He was staring at her with his bright eyes. Song Yu was extremely delighted and happy; she felt utter relief.

“Chengzhi!” Song Yu threw herself at him and held his face in both her hands. She pecked at various spots of his face. She was crying and laughing at the same time. She kissed his forehead, eyelids, the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and lips. “You’re finally awake, you’re finally awake.”

Qi Chengzhi could taste her salty bitter tears. His dry lips were slightly curled upwards, as he raised his hand to weakly stroke her back. Due to his lack of strength, his hand trembled slightly as he stroked her back, lacking their usual steady fluidity.

“Don’t cry,” whispered Qi Chengzhi. His voice was extremely hoarse, pecking her lips as he spoke.

“You shouldn’t do this anymore.” Song Yu cried while hugging him tightly. He dare not utter a sound, despite the stiff, painful twinge he felt at his neck. “How could you stab yourself as you wish?! What do you want me to do? Why didn’t you think about me?! What should I have done if you left me? Aren’t you worried about me marrying another man, and your son having a different family name?!”

Qi Chengzhi stared at her speechlessly. His weak voice was still hoarse and deep when he said, “I just woke up and already you are angry with me.”

If not for the lack of energy and injured abdomen, he would already put her in her place: below him.

“You knew I would be angry, but you still did it regardless?” Song Yu knew that he was too weak to do anything so she became bolder. She hugged him and said, “If anything bad happened to you, I would never marry another man. No one can make me happy except you. How could you have the heart to abandon me and force me to spend the remainder of my life alone?”

“I was wrong,” whispered Qi Chengzhi in his hoarse voice.

“It is the perfect timing for you to admit your mistake,” said Song Yu sniffling.

“I’m thirsty,” mumbled Qi Chengzhi. Song Yu was unsure whether it was because of his weak body or he did it deliberately, but his dry and husky voice sounded very gentle. She felt that this was an act, an act that she could not resist.

“Sorry, I was too focused by what you did that I forgot to prepare some water. Wait a moment,” said Song Yu guiltily. She got up from the foldable mattress right away and poured some water for him. When she turned around, she saw Aunt Yang was sitting on the sofa, her face riddled with embarrassment. She looked downward unsure where to turn her gaze to. Song Yu blushed, she had forgotten that Aunt Yang was staying with her. She was too excited and did not pay attention to her surroundings. Aunt Yang must have seen all her actions and heard all the words she had said now.

Qi Chengzhi felt awkward as well. Song Yu had not misjudged him, he had been intentionally vulnerable in front of her through his injury. However, he did not expect Aunt Yang would be there to witness this vulnerability. It had been the first time he had revealed such a thing to anyone else.

Song Yu poured some water into a glass and placed a thin straw into it. Aunt Yang adjusted his bed so that he could sit, then she walked out of the ward.

Song Yu held the glass for Qi Chengzhi and helped position the straw so that he might drink. She said to him, “Don’t drink too much.”

Qi Chengzhi was feeling too weak to act stubborn, so he allowed her to hold the glass for him.

As Song Yu was holding the cup, Qi Chengzhi stared at her as he drank the water. His eyes were glowing brightly. She felt like he had been resurrected and wanted to gaze at her as long as he could. Shadows overlaid the skin below her eyes, and she looked like she had not rested well, even her cheeks were thinner and her eyes were sunken.

Before this, her face was rosy because Grandmother Qi and Xia Wenna fed her with plenty of supplements and she even became plumper as days passed by. However, she had become a shadow of her former self with the passing of a few days.

“How long have I been in bed?” asked Qi Chengzhi as he bit the straw; he was too lazy to hold onto it with his hands.

“Not counting tonight, it has been a day,” answered Song Yu. She took away the cup when she saw that Qi Chengzhi had enough.

“You stayed here all this time?” The water had improved the quality of his voice; it had now returned to its supple, husky mellow tone.

Song Yu did not answer him. Qi Chengzhi touched her cheeks with his dry and attractive hand, caressing her thin cheeks repeatedly. “You aren’t caring for yourself. You have become thin.”

“Who isn’t the one caring for himself?” Song Yu’s eyes turned red. “How could I be at ease if I didn’t stay here? You don’t know how frightened I was when I saw you lying here unresponsive! I was so afraid that you would abandon me. I dared not sleep at night because I wouldn’t have known if anything happened to you. I don’t know if I miss——”

“Come here and let me hold you,” rumbled Qi Chengzhi, his Adam’s apple bobbing with emotion. He opened his arms and faced her.

Song Yu leaned toward him, carefully avoided the wound at his stomach. She buried her face into his arms and started crying. Her tears seeped into the hospital gown as she rested against him. His gown wet with tears clung onto his chest.

She hugged Qi Chengzhi tightly, feeling his arms coiled around her. She could not smell the familiar scent that she had come to know so well, only the sterile scent of antiseptic. However, she still felt relieved and could not stop sniffing his body. She rubbed her face on his chest back and forth with utmost gratitude.

“Chengzhi, I beg you, please don’t do this again in the future,” said Song Yu choking with emotion. “Don’t hurt yourself because of me or anyone else. Just stay well and healthy. Don’t scare the hell out of me.”

“I’m fine.” Qi Chengzhi could feel her trembling in his arms. He felt a lump in his throat. He could only pat her back continuously, and he combed her hair to comfort her. He lowered his head to kiss her forehead and the corners of her eyes. “I’m sorry for frightening you. I’m all right now, don’t worry.”

“You promise me that you would never do it again. Don’t allow others to threaten you by making use of me.” Song Yu was miserable, how could he unhesitatingly hurt himself?

After a long time, Qi Chengzhi still did not reply. Song Yu raised her head and saw that he was staring at her seriously. Song Yu knew him too well to recognize that it was his usual expression when he refused to obey her instructions.

When he refused to listen, he would simply stop talking. He would not agree or fight back and would leave the matter unsettled.

However, this time Song Yu decided not to let him muddle through like this. Her expression became stern and she instantly moved her body away from Qi Chengzhi. Qi Chengzhi did not have any strength to stop her now, he could only watch as Song Yu stood up with a surly expression.

“What are you doing? Come back.” Qi Chengzhi’s voice was cool but he felt nervous.

He had just narrowly escaped death, now he just wanted to hug Song Yu and feel the feeling of peace and content spread through him. A feeling that he could only get when she was in his arms.

Qi Chengzhi tried to grab hold of her but she dodged it.

Qi Chengzhi sighed and said helplessly, “I’m injured. If I were to move I might tear open the wound again.”

Song Yu was annoyed, but she did not have any other choice. Initially, had she wanted to force him to make that promise to her, but, in an unexpected turn of events, he had wound up threatening her with his injury. She didn’t see a good way out.

If he was truly desperate, he would do it.

“Come here quickly,” said Qi Chengzhi as he stretched his hand out toward her. As Aunt Yang was no longer in the room, his actions were unrestrained and open.

Song Yu reluctantly held his hand again and returned to the bedside. In the end, she did not have the heart to argue with him and, since she was also not as stubborn as him, he won.

Qi Chengzhi’s hand tugged at her slightly, and Song Yu knew the meaning of the gesture. She lay back into his arms.

Qi Chengzhi smiled contentedly, he caressed her back and kissed the corners of her eyes and cheeks gratefully. He wished he could hug her tightly as he usually did, but he did not have any strength left.

He almost lost her. When he saw Jian Yi pointing his gun at her belly, he felt like his heart had stopped. It had been truly fortunate that she could still lie in his arms unharmed.

Qi Chengzhi forcibly lowered his head to reach the corner of her mouth. Song Yu yieldingly lifted her head and allowed him to kiss her. She whispered, “Aunt Yang will be back in a while.”

Qi Chengzhi smiled and kissed her once again. “Aah!” exclaimed Song Yu and she moved away from him.

“What’s the matter now?” asked Qi Chengzhi feebly.

“Grandma asked me to inform her once you woke up, no matter the time,” said Song Yu as she scrambled for her cell phone.

Aunt Yang came back and she was holding a phone. She asked, “Madam, what are you looking for?”

“I’m looking for my phone. I have to call the old manor and inform them that Chengzhi has woken up.” Song Yu was blushing because she had just remembered about it. And Qi Chengzhi had been awake for a while now.

“I have called the old manor, his parents and the uncles: Mr. Qi and Mr. Song,” said Aunt Yang. She had informed all of them when she left the ward. It had been ordered to give them some privacy, but, as she had nothing else to do, she made the call. She reckoned Song Yu would not remember about it because she was too excited.

Song Yu’s face turned redder. Aunt Yang smiled at her and acted like she was unaware of it. She yawned and said, “Sir, just call me if you need anything.”

After she said that, she lay back onto the sofa. She covered herself with a blanket and turned her body over to face the sofa. They were unsure whether she had fallen asleep or not.

Although they wanted to lie together, the hospital bed could not fit two, and Qi Chengzhi could not move, leaving Song Yu with little choice but to lie on the foldable mattress. Turning over, she once more took hold of his hand.

She was unwilling to close her eyes after Qi Chengzhi had finally woken up. It was quite a foolish thought, but she was afraid that she would awaken to find all this to be only a dream.

“You should sleep now, you have not been resting well.” Qi Chengzhi pinched her hand.

“Mhm.” Song Yu was still gazing at Qi Chengzhi as she replied.

As Qi Chengzhi was unable to turn, he could only look at her by turning his head. His neck was aching after a long while. “Let’s transfer to the Chutian Hospital tomorrow, the beds are larger there.”

Song Yu smiled shyly. She blushed and glanced at Aunt Yang’s back and wondered whether she had heard his words.

Song Yu slowly fell into sleep as she was able to relax now. She slept quite soundly. When Grandmother Qi and the others came the next morning, Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu were still sleeping; still holding each other’s hands.

Aunt Yang came out of the bathroom after washing her face and rinsing her mouth, she whispered to them, “Madam went to sleep very late last night.”

Grandmother Qi thought of the time when Aunt Yang had called her and she nodded.

“We brought breakfast, how’s Chengzhi?” asked Xian Wenna, she was holding a container containing enough food for three people. Breakfast was prepared by the maid at home and was kept in food containers which were specially designed to preserve heat. As the containers were airtight, the scent of food did not permeate the air.

“He was quite energetic. He had talked to Madam for quite a while after he had woken up in the middle of the night,” said Aunt Yang with a smile.

Although they tried to keep their voices low, Song Yu was still awakened by their voices. Song Yu opened her eyes and saw Grandmother Qi and the others. She got up in a hurry and released Qi Chengzhi’s hand. Qi Chengzhi also woke up once she had let his hand go.

Song Yu got up and hastily tidied up the place. Xia Wenna adjusted the bed and asked, “How do you feel?”

“Quite well, thank you,” said Qi Chengzhi.

Grandmother Qi shed tears of joy. “It’s great to hear that, great to hear that.”

Aunt Yang opened the Thermos flask and poured some porridge out of it. Qi Chengzhi was restricted to a diet of porridge, leaving the rest of the food in the container for Song Yu.

Qi Chenglin took the initiative to transfer Qi Chengzhi to Chutian Hospital without him requesting it. He had planned to transfer him to Chutian Hospital once he had woken up.

Yu Qianying called and told Song Yu that she was coming. Song Yu asked them to go to Chutian Hospital straight away and wait there.

“I finally feel relieved. I think I’ll be able to sleep well tonight.” Xia Wenna heaved a sigh of relief. “Wenna, Liya, please accompany me to the temple tomorrow. That day I had requested a Buddha amulet for Chengzhi and Song Yu. After that, I went back there again and begged the bodhisattva to allow them to get through this. I have to practice dana 1  at the entrance of the temple for three days. Please accompany me there tomorrow to redeem my vow,” said Grandmother Qi.

“Sure.,” Xia Wenna agreed immediately, there was no harm believing in this kind of superstition.

It was good timing for good deeds after all Qi Chengzhi had managed to survive and escape death.

After Qi Chenglin settled the procedures, Qi Chengzhi was transferred to Chutian Hospital.

Song Donglin and Yu Qianying had already been waiting at the entrance of Chutian Hospital for quite some time. After they saw Qi Chengzhi, Yu Qianying immediately asked about his condition.

Qi Chengzhi was slightly startled, he did not expect Yu Qianying to care about him. He had been through various situations, but he was at a loss for words now.

Yu Qianying felt a little awkward as she said, “You almost sacrificed your life for Song Yu. I know that Song Yu will never find another man who would treat her likewise. Nothing is more important than the happiness of Song Yu. The things that happened previously are insignificant.”

Grandmother Qi nodded happily. “This may be a blessing in disguise.”

Yu Qianying smiled at her, and Song Yu looked at her parents gratefully. The conflict between Qi Chengzhi and them was considered to be settled.

Qi Chengzhi’s ward in Chutian Hospital was much larger, being able to accommodate a wide queen-sized bed. Although no cooking was permitted in the kitchen, a microwave oven was provided. There was a mini-suite in the ward which contained a small bedroom. There was a small bed inside, and it would be very convenient when Aunt Yang wanted to stay over, or anyone else for that matter.

After Qi Chengzhi settled down, the doctor came in and examined him. The doctor confirmed that he was all right and he would only have to stay in the hospital until his wound healed. All of them were relieved after hearing what the doctor said.

Qi Chenglin, Qi Zhongliang, and Qi Zhongxun still needed to rush back to the company to work, so they left first.

“Song Yu, you should go back home and rest properly, you can come here after a good night’s sleep. Look at the dark circles around your eyes. Since Chengzhi is alright now, you shouldn’t be staying here. This is a hospital after all and there are too many germs around, it is bad for you and the child,” said Xia Wenna.

Xia Wenna meant well, so Song Yu dared not refused. She glanced at Qi Chengzhi furtively and he said with a soft voice, “Let her stay here, I almost did not make it. I want Song Yu to keep me company. Pregnant ladies who come to the hospital for prenatal examinations regularly do not encounter any problems. This room was disinfected, so as long as Song Yu doesn’t hang around outside it should be fine.”

Xia Wenna sighed, she knew that after escaping death, their affection for each other would only increase.. It was now stronger than when they were newlyweds or when they were separated. They surely wanted to stick together during this time. She knew she could no longer dissuade them.

“Then you must make sure the disinfection was done properly. If you feel a little unwell, then you need to come back home right away. I won’t give in further,” said Xia Wenna. She was a little unhappy with their decision; it was good that they were a loving couple, but they should not risk the safety of the baby.

Song Yu dared not talk anymore. She lowered her head, sensing the willfulness behind her behavior, but she just hoped to keep him company.

Her hands which were hanging down loosely by her side were seized by Qi Chengzhi. Both of their hands were fair and clean, but Qi Chengzhi’s fingers were bony and more masculine than hers. His slender and elegant fingers were pinching her thin and soft fingers. She felt her heart melt.

Upon her middle finger sat the ring that Qi Chengzhi had given her. She had kept it out of sentimentality. After their wedding, Song Yu stopped wearing it for a while, but she could not stand not wearing it, so she put it back on her right hand.

Qi Chengzhi’s finger gently pinched the ring on her right middle finger and held her hands.

Xia Wenna was speechless when she saw them quietly displaying their affection for each other. Qi Chengzhi had never been so corny before. He was acting mawkishly but his expression stayed calm and cool. Xia Wenna felt quite uncomfortable watching them.

Qi Chengzhi had woken up. Although his wound had not fully healed yet, he was feeling great. Besides, he was transferred to Chutian Hospital, so he could summon the nurse if anything happened. Therefore, Aunt Yang decided to leave and give Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu some privacy.

Grandmother Qi and the others had left, so she invited Xia Wenna and Guan Liya to the old manor to prepare for the dana at the temple tomorrow. Grandmother Qi especially went there to pray to Pu Sa.

There were only Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu left in the ward. Qi Chengzhi patted the empty space beside him. Although he was lying in the center of the bed and could not move due to the injury, there was ample space for Song Yu to sit beside him.

He did not utter a word, just patted and stared at Song Yu. Song Yu blushed slightly and puckered her lips bashfully.

“Come here quickly,” Qi Chengzhi urged. His voice was melodic and intoxicating even when prodding. His voice sounded righteous and firm, which did not suit his actions at all.

Song Yu smiled bashfully. Carefully, she sat on the bed and lifted her legs. The top of the bed was inclined upward so when she leaned back, she was in a semi-sitting position.

While looking after Qi Chengzhi in the hospital these two days, Song Yu barely got any rest. Now, she finally got that chance. She felt like her legs were all swollen.

Qi Chengzhi could not turn his body. He could only put his arms around her, letting Song Yu rest her head on his shoulder. Qi Chengzhi leaned his head and pecked her forehead again and again. He was grateful for being alive and being able to hold Song Yu. He felt lucky.

Song Yu looked up and stared at him submissively. She puckered her lips, inviting him into a kiss. Qi Chengzhi smiled. He never planned to kiss her on her lips—he wanted to let her rest. Nonetheless, since she took the initiative, Qi Chengzhi accepted her invitation and kissed her. They made out gently. Now that he was injured, he could not kiss her intensely. He let her go.

“You haven’t rested this whole time. Go to sleep.” Qi Chengzhi whispered in a smoky voice.

Indeed, Song Yu was feeling tired. She was finally free of worries and responsibilities. Thus, she found a comfortable position on Qi Chengzhi’s shoulder and closed her eyes.

Qi Chengzhi kissed her forehead again before he moved her head onto the pillow. He closed his eyes and slept too.

…

…

It was after some time since Qi Chengzhi had long fallen asleep. Suddenly, he felt the body in his arms struggle. Beside his ear, a soft but hurried mumble sounded, “Chengzhi! Chengzhi! No, Chengzhi, don’t!”

When he noticed that his shoulder was wet, Qi Chengzhi woke up in an instant. He looked down and saw Song Yu shifting anxiously on his shoulder. Her face was blanched. Qi Chengzhi did not know how long has she been crying but his hospital pajama was soaked.

“Song Yu. Song Yu!” Qi Chengzhi quickly shook Song Yu around. After a long while, Song Yu eventually woke up.

Song Yu’s mind was still trapped in her nightmare. In a daze, she stared at Qi Chengzhi with confusion in her eyes. The tears welled up in her eyes poured out before she knew it.

“Nightmare?” Qi Chengzhi whispered. Seeing her frail and feeble appearance, his heart ached.

Her chalk-white face was stained with tears. Her nose was red and her lips were swollen. As she sobbed, she still appeared disorientated.

After a long time, she finally sniffled and explained, “I dreamt about that day… You… you took a knife and stabbed yourself. You fell and never got up again.”

“It’s okay. It’s over. I’m fine now.” Qi Chengzhi held her tight, gently stroking her hair. He leaned in to kiss her tears away.

Her tears flowed like a creek. As his lips pressed against her cheek, they were soaked in her tears. His mouth was filled with the taste of salt.

“Hush now. I’m fine. Aren’t you in my arms right now? I’m fine.” Qi Chengzhi cupped his hand on her cheek and wiped her tears. As he kissed her, her frigid lips regained some warmth.

Qi Chengzhi had some porridge in the morning, giving him energy. He held her hand firmly and pulled it to his face, which had blood, flesh, and warmth.

Song Yu clutched onto his neck. She took a deep breath close to his neck, feeling his warmth. Eventually, she calmed down.

Qi Chengzhi pressed his lips into a tender line and wiped the tears from her face.

“Chengzhi, promise me you’ll never do something like this again. Don’t hurt yourself for me. Please. I’m begging you. Okay?” Song Yu placed her hands on his face. Her pupils were trembling.

She told him the same thing yesterday night. She even pretended to be mad at him, but he never promised her anything. This time, however, she was truly afraid.

Seeing her pale face, Qi Chengzhi was worried she would stay fearful and anxious forever if he did not promise her. If she kept herself on edge like this, she would eventually fall sick. Thus, Qi Chengzhi sighed and replied, “Fine, I promise.”

Song Yu let out a sigh of relief. Her twitching lips curled up a little. She rubbed her tears away with the back of her hand then turned to kissed Qi Chengzhi on the corner of his lips.

There was a knock on the ward’s door. Song Yu glanced at the door. Getting off the bed, she grabbed a tissue to dry her tears and clean her nose.

Song Yu opened the door to see Liu Dui standing outside. She quickly invited him in.

“Mr. Qi, Mrs. Qi.” Liu Dui came in. “How is Mr. Qi’s wound?”

“It’s still healing,” Song Yu answered as she poured a glass of water for Liu Dui.

Liu Dui did not want to trouble Song Yu, especially because she was pregnant. “Mrs. Qi, don’t trouble yourself. I’m here to check up on Mister Qi. Is it a good time to record your statements?”

“Sure.” Qi Chengzhi was quite alert after sleeping for a while just now.

Once the two of them gave their statements, Liu Dui explained, “Jian Yi is still recovering in the hospital. We have our eyes on him so don’t worry. Once he gets discharged, perhaps in a month or so, you two should be able to testify in court.”

Song Yu nodded. “Do Jian Yi’s parents know?”

Song Yu had always had a good impression of Jian Shibo, especially when Jian Yi and Qi Chengyue were getting a divorce. At that time, Jian Shibo apologized to Qi Chengyue and the Qi family. He even wanted to divorce Zhou Mingyan.

At least the Jian family still had Jian Shibo who one could talk sense with.

“I’ve contacted them. Nevertheless, even though Jian Yi is in the hospital, he isn’t allowed any visitors. Jian Shibo goes to the hospital every day and watches him from the window,” Liu Dui revealed. “Anyway, I’ll be leaving now.”

Song Yu saw him to the door. Suddenly, she remembered something. “That day, I heard your colleague shouting that Jian Yi’s gun had no bullets in it.”

Liu Dui nodded. “Indeed, it was empty.”

Song Yu kept quiet.

After Liu Dui left, Song Yu returned to the bed. She and Qi Chengzhi did not discuss the Jian Yi’s incident anymore.

At five o’clock, Yu Qianying brought porridge and Song Yu’s dinner which she cooked. Aunt Yang had been in the hospital for two nights. She wanted to bring them dinner tonight but Yu Qianying stopped her, claiming that she should stay home and rest due to her age.

“You can only have fluids now so I crushed the rice grains while cooking. It goes down very smoothly.It’s also easy to digest.” Yu Qianying poured out the porridge from a thermos. “I’m afraid that the food outside might have some added substances, so everything I bring is home-cooked.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Qi Chengzhi said in his elegant voice.

She smiled and handed the porridge to Qi Chengzhi. “We’re family, no need to thank.”

Qi Chengzhi knew that Yu Qianying not only forgave him but wanted to write off everything as the past—as though it never happened. As she did not want to bring it up, Qi Chengzhi did not either.

Seeing that Yu Qianying had completely forgiven Qi Chengzhi, she said, “Mom, we want to invite you and Dad to Grandma’s birthday.”

“Of course,” Yu Qianying nodded gleefully. She took out the dinner she made for Song Yu. “Hurry up and eat. I’ll be going. I still need to cook for your father when I get home.”

“Mom, wait here for a while. I’ll call Chang Lai to come and send you home,” Qi Chengzhi offered.

“No, there’s no need.” Yu Qianying waved her hands. “I can get a ride at the entrance. Now that there’s an app for cabs, it’s much easier to get a ride.”

“I’ll see you to the entrance,” Song Yu offered as she saw Yu Qianying to the door.

“No, you should stay here. Don’t simply go out. While passing by so many wards and riding the elevator, you might get some sort of infection. Be good and stay here. Don’t go walking around. ” Yu Qianying stopped Song Yu in haste. “Not only your grandmother is worried about you—so am I. Nonetheless, seeing that you two had just been through an incident this big, I won’t nag you, but don’t you dare be so stubborn next time.”

Song Yu was forced to stop at the doorway. In a low voice, she replied, “Okay. Call me when you reach home. Otherwise, I’ll be worried.”

Yu Qianying patted Song Yu’s shoulders then left. Song Yu stood at the doorway and stared at Yu Qianying as she walked away. She noticed that Yu Qianying had indeed gotten older. Suddenly, her heart ached.

…

…

As Yu Qianying was walking out of the outpatient department, she saw Yan Beicheng, Chu Zhaoyang, Han Zhuoli, and Gui Zhiqian walking toward her. There were three employees from Yan Beicheng’s hotpot restaurant following behind them. Each of them was holding a large box.

“Auntie?” Yan Beicheng was walking at the front saw Yu Qianying first.

“Are you all here to see Chengzhi?” Yu Qianying inquired.

“We’re here to see how he’s doing and have dinner with him,” Yan Beicheng answered smilingly.

Yu Qianying glimpsed at the three workers standing at the back. Would it be alright to have hotpot in a hospital ward?

She glanced at Chu Zhaoyang and thought about how convenient it was to know the owner.

“Alright, go ahead. I was here to bring him dinner too. I’m leaving now,” Yu Qianying said with a smile. “Luckily, I brought quite a lot of food, so you guys can have some too.”

Hearing that, Yan Beicheng asked, “How are you going home?”

“I’ll take a cab,” Yu Qianying replied with a smile.

“Please wait for a while,” Yan Beicheng said as he took out his phone. “Shao Huai, turn the car around. Come and fetch Song Yu’s mother home.”

“Ah, I don’t want to trouble you,” Yu Qianying said hastily the moment Yan Beicheng hung up.

“It’s no trouble at all. After all, we won’t be leaving for a while. Besides, Shao Huai is idle. Since he’s here, it’s also convenient for him to send you home.” Yan Beicheng insisted. He smiled faintly. At that moment, his expression was different from when he joked with Qi Chengzhi and his friends—it was stern.

Since he ran into Song Yu’s mother here, he could not let her go home alone.

Yu Qianying watched as Yan Beicheng stood straight with an air of authority. He had one hand in his pocket and his lips were curled into a faint smile. He looked calm and composed. In her mind, she thought about the fact that everyone in Qi Chengzhi’s social circle was at the top.

Shao Huai arrived. Yu Qianying did not decline his offer anymore. Instead, she thanked him, said goodbye to the others and left with Shao Huai.

Song Yu was holding the bowl of porridge, wanting to feed it to Qi Chengzhi. Although Qi Chengzhi had more energy now, the wound in his abdomen was still preventing him from sitting up. Additionally, the hospital bed could only be inclined upward to a certain degree—it was inconvenient for him to feed himself.

“Eat your food first. You can feed me once you finish yours,” Qi Chengzhi said. He was afraid she would get sick from hunger.

“I’m not hungry yet. Besides, drinking porridge doesn’t take long.” Song Yu had already sat down and scooped a spoonful of porridge. Even though the porridge was in a thermos, the journey to the hospital was quite long so the porridge was at optimum temperature. Song Yu did not have to blow on it. She moved the spoon straight to Qi Chengzhi’s mouth.

“Blow on it for me,” Qi Chengzhi demanded coolly in a deep voice. He was clearly being needy yet he said it with a straight face. His stern lips pressed together tightly, refusing to drink the porridge.

“…” Song Yu moved the spoon closer to his mouth. “It’s not even hot.”

“Can’t you be a little more scrupulous?” Qi Chengzhi raised an eyebrow at her.

Speechlessly, Song Yu retracted the spoon and blew on it just for the sake of satisfying him. Only then did Qi Chengzhi drink it. He was like a child.

After he drank around half a bowl of the porridge, the door suddenly swung open. Song Yu realized that she did not lock the door when she saw Yu Qianying out. They did not know who came or why they did not bother to knock. Turning their heads, they saw Yan Beicheng and the three coming in one after another.

“Why are you all here?” Qi Chengzhi questioned coolly, raising an eyebrow.

“We wanted to come see you after work and have dinner in the meantime.” With a simple gesture from Yan Beicheng, the three workers came in and set up the hotpot.

“I can only have liquid food now.” Qi Chengzhi squinted.

“We know. You can just sit there and watch us eat—the important thing is that we’re all together, creating a rowdy atmosphere,” Han Zhuoli stated. They were clearly here to tempt Qi Chengzhi.

He watched as the waiters placed bowls after bowls of ingredients onto the table. They even brought their own induction cooker. After plugging in the cooker, the split pot was placed on the cooker. Once the soup base was poured in, a delicious aroma diffused from the pot.

“Song Yu, come eat with us.” Gui Zhiqian waved at Song Yu.

How could Song Yu not notice that the group of men was doing this on purpose? She felt pity toward Qi Chengzhi. Therefore, she did not move an inch from her seat by the bed and continued to feed Qi Chengzhi his little bit of porridge left. “I can’t have heaty food now. You guys go ahead and eat. My mom brought me dinner just now.”

“You can have the bone broth. I had someone stew this especially for you. It’s full of collagen.” Yan Beicheng went around the table and sat down. Eating hotpot was such a peasantly activity, yet sitting there, he could still maintain his air of luxury. His voice was clear and natural. “It’s good for your body.”

Han Zhuoli came out of the washroom. When he passed by the bed end, he caught sight of the lunchbox Yu Qianying brought. He opened it and looked inside. “Song Yu, it looks like your mom is quite an excellent cook. We ran into your mom downstairs just now. She heard that we’re going to have hotpot so she said we can have some of her food too.”

“…” Song Yu did not know whether he was telling the truth or not. Nonetheless, seeing Han Zhuoli’s expectant look, she could not refuse. “We can all have it.”

Han Zhuoli beckoned Gui Zhiqian and Yan Beicheng. Then, he brought the lunchbox over to the table and dragged Song Yu with him. “Come on, let’s go. Come eat with us. You gave us your dinner—we can’t just let you starve.”

Being pulled by Han Zhuoli, Song Yu turned to Qi Chengzhi. Qi Chengzhi did not have the heart to let her starve. “Go ahead and eat.”

During the meal, Gui Zhiqian and Han Zhuoli were quite considerate. Gui Zhiqian filled a bowl of bone broth for Song Yu.

“Lao Chu, if there’s anything on your confinement center’s menu that would suit Song Yu, please have them bring it here.” Qi Chengzhi had nothing to do while lying on the bed. He grabbed a magazine from beside him and flipped through it. The aroma of the hotpot was making him hungry; especially after having to eat bland porridge for two days.

Chu Zhaoyang called the confinement center instantly. Since Chutian Confinement Center was right behind Chutian Hospital, a healthy meal was swiftly sent to Song Yu.

Song Yu could not stand leaving Qi Chengzhi on the lonely bed for too long, so she quickly filled her stomach and ran back to Qi Chengzhi.

“Look at you two lovebirds sitting on the bed. Ah, I can’t stand looking at you two.” Han Zhuoli shook his head and clicked his tongue.

“…” Song Yu was getting uneasy sitting there. Embarrassed, she decided to sit on the chair by the bed instead. However, Qi Chengzhi grabbed hold of her.

“I’m a patient—you have to take care of me,” Qi Chengzhi declared righteously as he lied on the bed with Song Yu.

Yan Beicheng and his gang had finished their hotpot. Han Zhuoli could not stand it anymore. He suggested, “Why don’t we play cards for a while? We’ll have six players including Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu. I just learned a new game in T City.”

Qi Chengzhi said nothing.

Did anyone realize they were here to visit a patient?

Gui Zhiqian glanced at his watch. “Yo, it’s almost nine; don’t play and let’s go. Let Qi Chengzhi rest. He’s old and frail now—his strength and energy can’t compare to us young men’s.

Qi Chengzhi kept mum.

Chu Zhaoyan glanced at the little table in front of him in disappointment. Han Zhuoli pulled him up. “Let’s go.”

Yan Beicheng had his workers clean up the table. They removed everything and wiped the table clean.

Song Yu saw them out the door and upon coming back, she said, “They’re usually so solemn toward outsiders. Who would’ve guessed they behave like this in private?”

Seeing Qi Chengzhi grinning, Song Yu thought that in the past she did not know Qi Chengzhi was such a shameless person behind the curtain. Song Yu could not help but smile. She turned on the exhaust to suck out the smell of hotpot.

“What are you smiling at?” Qi Chengzhi tossed the magazine away. He had been holding it for a long time but in truth, he did not read a page.

“Nothing.” Song Yu felt that it would be better if she kept it to herself. Seeing Qi Chengzhi squinting at her, she quickly announced, “I’m going to shower.”

After more than half an hour, Song Yu came out with half-wet hair. Before this, she accompanied Qi Chengzhi in not showering. She could feel her body starting to give out odors and her hair was oily.

Now, she felt clean and refreshed. Her body was fragrant. Only now could she be with Qi Chengzhi peacefully. Before, she was afraid that he would be repelled.

Song Yu came back and adjusted the bed so that it was flat. She climbed onto the bed and nested herself in Qi Chengzhi’s arms. Qi Chengzhi embraced her cotton-soft body and sniffed at the fresh fragrance coming off of her. He raised his hand and smelt his arm. “I must smell bad by now.”

Song Yu leaned toward his neck and took a whiff. “No, you still smell quite good.”

“What were you smiling at just now? You were looking at me, then you abruptly started grinning.” Qi Chengzhi was hugging her. He kissed her face.

“Why do you still remember that?” Song Yu wiggled around in his arms and pillowed her head on his shoulder. “Will you feel tired if I lay my head on you like this?”

“No. Stop changing the subject. What is it?” Qi Chengzhi squeezed her shoulders. He did not actually want to know but he enjoyed lying with her serenely like this.

He could chat with her continuously, stick close to her and smell the fragrance of her body.

Song Yu felt his warm breath falling on the corner of her eye and her ear. It was hot and numbing. It made Song Yu’s heart race, her face flushed and her breathing jumbled.

He even clawed at her ear with his lips, sending a shiver down Song Yu’s spine. “Stop messing around.”

Qi Chengzhi kept silent. His nose was sniffing around her face and rubbing against her. Song Yu could only tell him, “I wasn’t thinking about anything. It’s just that Yan Beicheng and the others behave so differently when they’re outside and in private – I thought you’re the same.”

“Which part of me is different?” Qi Chengzhi asked while pressing his lips on her ear. His voice was husky.

Qi Chengzhi could not move his body; he could only turn his head as far as he could, leaving him in an uncomfortable position.

“Move closer into my arms,” Qi Chengzhi said.

“I’m afraid I’ll hurt you.” Song Yu was pregnant – it would be bad if she accidentally pressed on his wound.

“You won’t,” Qi Chengzhi prompted her by squeezing her shoulders.

Song Yu only dared to move her upper body toward his chest. This made things easier for Qi Chengzhi – he could kiss her by simply moving his head down a little.

“You haven’t told me which part of me is different,” Qi Chengzhi repeated.

In her mind, Song Yu thought, how did this man remember everything so clearly?

“Well, when you are outside, you are always so solemn and serious toward outsiders. You never crack a smile. However, in private, you’re pretty thick-skinned. A bit shameless even,” Song Yu mumbled. Her voice grew weaker and weaker.

Qi Chengzhi kissed her intensely. Surprisingly, he did not refute her words. He pressed his cheeks against her head.

Song Yu shuffled around a little and looked up. Qi Chengzhi stared at her curiously. Suddenly, Song Yu clambered onto his shoulder and took the initiative to lean in and kiss him. She even went deep into his mouth.

Her gentle yet proactive action made Qi Chengzhi’s heart pound. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and kissed her even more intensely.

When he raised his head, he accidentally used his abdomen muscles. Qi Chengzhi winced in pain as he fell back onto his pillow.

“Did I touch your wound?” Song Yu hurriedly checked the wound on his abdomen. Luckily, it did not open up. “Why did you raise your head? Don’t you know you’re injured now?”

“You think I can hold back when you kiss me like that? I may have injured my stomach but I didn’t injure what’s down there.” Qi Chengzhi glared at her distantly. It was as if he was blaming her for tempting him.

“…” Song Yu’s face flushed. She murmured, “I just wanted to kiss you. I didn’t think bout doing anything else.”

Song Yu did not dare to attempt anything like that anymore. She did not think that her one kiss would arouse him so much. She could only lie back onto his shoulders like a good girl. Her slender and tender hand rested on his chest. Her face was boiling red.

Qi Chengzhi looked down abruptly. His hot and slightly dry lips rubbed on her clear forehead. His warm breath tickled her brows as he spoke in a smoky voice. It was hot and numbing. “Did you want it because we haven’t done it these past two days?”

“…” Song Yu suddenly choked. Her face was completely red. “Not at all. I just like you, so I wanted to kiss you. I had no other intentions. Don’t stretch it.”

Qi Chengzhi grinned silently.

Song Yu was puzzled – she felt that this was not like Qi Chengzhi’s usual behavior. Just then, she saw him unbuttoning his hospital pajamas, revealing the bandage around his abdomen. He pulled his shirt to the side, uncovering his broad chest.

Then, his low, husky voice sounded with compassion and a hint of arrogance, “My body won’t allow me to do it right now, so why don’t you just run your hands over me to relief yourself for now.”

Song Yu was speechless.

“Hurry up and sleep,” Song Yu said, “Aren’t you tired?”

Without a word, he grabbed her hand and pressed it onto his bare chest. Only then did he close his eyes. He rested his face against her head. From his voice, Song Yu could tell he was tired. “Goodnight.”

Song Yu did not look up. She blinked a few times and her eyelashes fluttered against his shirt. In a soft voice, she whispered, “Goodnight.”

…

…

The next morning, the doctor came in with a houseman and a nurse to check on Qi Chengzhi’s condition. Seeing that he was healing well, the doctor left, leaving behind the nurse to hang his drip.

“Mister Qi, you need to relax your hand. Don’t tense it up or I won’t be able to insert the needle.” The nurse rubbed alcohol on the back of his hand. However, the second the nurse was going to insert the needle, Qi Chengzhi clenched his fist again.

“…” Qi Chengzhi glanced at the nurse, then slowly relaxed his hand again. The nurse held the needle at his hand. She had not even inserted the needle in yet before Qi Chengzhi clenched his fist again.

After doing this back and forth a few times, the alcohol on his hand had already dried up.

The nurse was speechless. “Sir, as long as you relax, the needle will go in quickly. It won’t hurt.”

“Who said I’m afraid of pain?” Qi Chengzhi barked. His expression turned dark.

Just then, Song Yu came out of the kitchen. She was washing the bowl that was used for Qi Chengzhi’s porridge. The moment she came back, she heard Qi Chengzhi’s words.

“What’s going on?” Song Yu went and sat down beside Qi Chengzhi.

The nurse did not want to tell Song Yu directly. She felt like that would be tattling. She had worked with many patients before and had a rough idea of her patients’ thoughts. Qi Chengzhi had a fear of needles; that was why he kept tensing up.

The nurse applied a layer of alcohol on his hand again. “Sir, the muscles in your hand are a little tense. It would be hard to insert a needle.”

Song Yu looked at Qi Chengzhi’s hand curiously and questioned, “You should relax. Why are you clenching your fist?”

Having said that, she opened up his fist and placed his hand flat on the bed. Surprisingly for Song Yu, when the nurse was going to insert the needle, Qi Chengzhi did not clench his fist but his whole hand tensed up.

Nurse, “…”

Song Yu, “…”

Was this man afraid of needles? No wonder he refused to go to a hospital when he had food poisoning.

A big man like him was afraid of something so childish.

Song Yu turned to Qi Chengzhi, then secretly shot a glance at the nurse. Song Yu’s face was tinted pink. Clenching her teeth, she lunged forward and kissed Qi Chengzhi on the lips.

Qi Chengzhi was stunned and perplexed, but he kissed her back instantly. He did not care about the nurse’s presence. Subconsciously, he relaxed his hand. Song Yu’s scalp was burning. She was utterly humiliated. She thought, this man really did not care about the setting.

Song Yu quickly gestured the nurse. Her ears were turning red. Only when the nurse saw her signal did she understand why Song Yu abruptly kissed him. In her mind, the nurse thought, ‘Mister Qi sure is easy to handle. In front of Mrs. Qi, this man becomes as docile as a lamb.’

The nurse did not dare to hesitate any longer. Instantly, she jabbed in the needle swiftly and accurately.

Qi Chengzhi only felt a pinch on the back of his hand. It was not very painful. The nurse was quick so the pain vanished in a second.

The nurse stuck some tape on his hand to keep the needle in place and adjusted the rate of the drip. When she finished doing those, Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu were still kissing.

The nurse could only bite the bullet as she cleared her throat awkwardly, announcing, “Mister Qi, Mrs. Qi, I’ll be going. If anything, just press the bell.”

Having said that, she tidied up her things and headed out quickly with her head looking down. Throughout her many years of being a nurse, this was her first time being caught in such an awkward situation when giving a patient a drip.

Song Yu immediately let go of Qi Chengzhi. She was so embarrassed, she felt that she could not stay at the hospital any longer.

Qi Chengzhi raised his eyebrows at her. He glared at her mockingly. “All that was just to coax me into getting a drip?”

“Who told you to be afraid of a tiny needle? Sigh, you’re such a big man, yet Youxuan is better than you.” Song Yu thought that it was quite interesting that a mature man like him with a strong and large build, and seemed like he did not fear anything, was actually afraid of needles.

“…” Qi Chengzhi could not let himself be the only one ridiculed. With a just expression, he unveiled, “Every man in my family is afraid of needles.”

“Who said that? Youxuan could even eat a lollipop while he was getting an injection,” Song Yu refuted speedily.

“…” Qi Chengzhi shot a glance at her. “Next time, I’ll kiss you while getting a drip, then I’ll be fine.”

Song Yu, “…”

“How were you fine when you got a drip yesterday morning?” Song Yu recalled when they were at the other hospital yesterday – Grandmother Qi and the others arrived early in the morning and when the nurse started Qi Chengzhi on a drip, he did not even make a sound. It was an especially smooth process.

Qi Chengzhi, “…”

He did not utter a word after that. He glanced at Song Yu silently, then picked up the magazine by his bed and started flipping through it.

Song Yu guessed that he was afraid to embarrass himself, so he had to bow to fate and endured it yesterday.

…

…

Grandmother Qi called over Aunt Yang, Missus Lian from Qi Zhongliang’s house and Aunt Chen from Qi Zhongxun’s house to help Aunt Liu prepare food to donate to the temple.

Qi Youxuan’s kindergarten had started their summer holiday. In the day, Qi Chenglin needed to work so he would leave Qi Youxuan at Qi Zhongxun’s house. However, Qi Zhongxun had to work today. Guan Liya was going to the old mansion and Qi Youxuan did not want to be left at home alone, so he followed her to the old mansion.

Grandmother Qi and the other two were leaving for the temple. Qi Youxuan begged to follow them but Guan Liya told him it was boring there. Nevertheless, Qi Youxuan did not listen. He grabbed his tiny yellow duck backpack, which held his Totoro children’s phone and a tablet, and clambered into the car.

The food they prepared were all vegetarian. They had to load the food into three cars. Then, they left for the temple.

There were many believers at the temple. A day ago, when Grandmother Qi went to pray to Buddha, she had informed the abbot about this. Thus, the abbot sent three young monks to come help them. There was a stall set up in front of the temple today. When the believers heard that there was a donation today, they all ran to the minimarket nearby to buy lunch boxes as they did not have any tableware in hand.

In a matter of minutes, all the lunchboxes at the minimarket were gone. A vendor, who set up his stall nearby, quickly made a call to request for lunchboxes and utensils to be sent there. Some other vendors also caught wind of the news somehow and rushed there after half an hour, setting up stalls to sell lunchboxes.

Grandmother Qi was old – after standing for a while, she had to sit down to rest. Xia Wenna and Guan Liya personally served the believers, especially Xia Wenna. Qi Chengzhi had just had a brush with death — she was especially thankful and devoted.

Qi Youxuan was bored. He stood at the side playing Plant vs Zombie on his tablet. However, he encountered a level he could not pass. After a few tries, he lost his patience and kept his tablet away. He turned his little face around constantly. His grape-sized eyes scanned the whole place.

“Great-grandma, when are we giving out free food here?” Qi Youxuan felt pressured by the long queue not far from him.

Grandmother Qi rubbed his head gently. “Your uncle was injured and had to be admitted into the hospital. I came here to pray for Buddha’s blessing. Now that your uncle has recovered, we’re here to repay the blessing.”

The second Qi Youxuan heard that, he panicked. In his clear child’s voice, he shrieked, “Uncle was injured? When did that happen? Why didn’t I know this?”

“It was two days ago. We were afraid you’ll be worried. He’s fine now.” Grandmother Qi did not treat Qi Youxuan as an ignorant child —she told him the truth.

“Is Uncle in the hospital? Is he injured badly?” Qi Youxuan continued to ask.

“He’s resting in the hospital now,” Grandmother Qi said smilingly as she rubbed Qi Youxuan’s hair. “How long ago was your last haircut? Your hair is getting long.”

Qi Youxuan raised his chubby little arms and grabbed a few strands of his soft, smooth hair. Since it was the holidays, he did not need to look handsome for kindergarten, so he did not style his hair.

“Great-grandma, I’d like to visit Uncle,” Qi Youxuan said as he stroked his soft hair.

“Sure. Looking at the situation, the food will be gone in no time. After that, we’ll go to the hospital to visit your uncle,” Grandmother Qi replied. The dishes had all reached the bottom of their containers —it would finish soon.

After a while, Xia Wenna announced, “Sorry, everyone, we’re all out.”

She started to tidy up with Guan Liya. In order to repay the blessing, they did everything with their own hands. Aunt Liu and the others stayed at the old mansion to prepare the food for the night’s donation.

The monks thanked Grandmother Qi and the others. Then, they went home and unloaded the things at home. Finally, they brought Qi Youxuan to visit Qi Chengzhi at the hospital.

When Qi Youxuan entered the ward, he caught sight of Song Yu first. His little jaw dropped in awe. “Ah! Auntie, I haven’t seen you in a while. Your tummy has gotten even bigger!”

Song Yu did not know what to tell him. She ruffled his hair and smiled. “Lately, Uncle has been quite busy, so I haven’t seen you in a while either. How are you lately?”

“Excellent.” Qi Youxuan nodded his head solemnly. “I’m having a wonderful time with my stepmom.”

Song Yu now knew who Qi Youxuan was referring to when he said ‘stepmom’. She beamed joyously.

Only Grandmother Qi and Guan Liya were still in the dark. The father and son duo’s lips were tightly sealed; none of them slipped out a piece of single information about the lady.

Song Yu hurriedly invited Grandmother Qi, Xia Wenna and Guan Liya to have a seat. She placed some washed fruits in front of them.

“Uncle,” Qi Youxuan called out cheerfully. As he shifted his gaze away from Song Yu, he finally remembered that he was here to visit Qi Chengzhi. He ran toward him and stepped on his heels to remove his shoes. Kicking off his tiny sports shoes, he climbed onto the bed and sat beside Qi Chengzhi’s thighs with his legs crossed.

“Uncle, which part of you is hurting?” Qi Youxuan removed his little yellow duck bag, opened the zip and rummaged through it. Finally, he produced a bag of Potato Farm chips. It was one of the many snacks that Qi Youxuan asked Cheng Dongge to bring back when he went to Japan on a business trip.

“Stomach,” Qi Chengzhi answered coolly. He glared at the snack in Qi Youxuan’s hands. Did he not know he could only have liquid food? All these people kept eating in front of him. Did they not have any empathy?

“Why are you hurting? Did you eat something bad?” Qi Youxuan’s eyes widened as he looked at Qi Chengzhi’s stomach curiously.

Qi Chengzhi thought that he should not tell a child something so sanguinary. He did not even show him his wound. He merely raised an eyebrow and commented, “I’m not you.”

“Uncle, you’re so mean.” Qi Youxuan pouted. He looked down and opened his snack.

Qi Youxuan had a little OCD. That kind of snack had little zigzags on the top of the packaging so that they can be opened easily. However, this child thought that this method lacked elegance. Therefore, ever since he started opening his own snacks, he never used the zigzags. Instead, he came up with his own principle; he would pull open the top of the plastic neatly, preserving the shape of the packaging perfectly.

Qi Youxuan pulled on the plastic for a long time but he could not open it, so he handed it to Qi Chengzhi. “Uncle, help me open it. You know my principle.”

“Aren’t you on a diet?” Qi Chengzhi glimpsed at the chips and asked with a dark expression.

“Dad says I can have a pack once in a while to reward myself.” Qi Youxuan raised his chin up proudly and pulled up his T-shirt, revealing his slightly protruding chalk-white tummy. It was like a small watermelon. “Look, hasn’t my stomach gotten much smaller?”

Qi Chengzhi, “…”

He took the chips and opened it the way Qi Youxuan demanded. When he handed the chips back, he ordered, “Don’t eat on my bed. You’ll drop crumbs everywhere.”

“Uncle, it’s not every day that I try to get close to you. Why are you so hard to get along with?” Qi Youxuan ignored his order and started chewing his chips while still sitting on the bed. Nonetheless, he was careful to use the plastic bag to catch any crumbs that fell.

Turning his head, he asked Song Yu, “Auntie, you have to stay with Uncle all day. He is so hard to get along with, your life must be difficult.”

“It’s not bad.” Song Yu caught a glimpse of Qi Chengzhi’s grim expression. Holding back her laughter, she pointed out, “He always just says things. Look, you’re eating on his bed, yet he doesn’t kick you off, right?”

Qi Youxuan pondered on it for a while, then nodded as if he understood. “Auntie, do you mean my uncle is a paper tiger?”

Song Yu, “…”

“…” Qi Chengzhi squinted at him. “Are you really here to visit me?”

Qi Youxuan nodded his little round head earnestly. “Since I was little, I have never seen Uncle get hurt, so I was really curious.”

Qi Chengzhi laughed wryly. He grabbed Song Yu’s phone and snapped a picture of Qi Youxuan. In the picture, he was sitting on the bed with his legs crossed while chomping on his potato chips.

Qi Youxuan kept eating. Not knowing Qi Chengzhi’s intentions, Qi Youxuan watched him innocently as he used Song Yu’s phone to send a WeChat message. He wrote, ‘Youxuan had never seen his uncle get hurt so he rushed to the hospital excitedly today. He took advantage of his uncle’s inability to move and started eating chips on his hospital bed while goading him.”

Qi Youxuan could not read well yet. He could not understand some of the words Qi Chengzhi typed, especially because he was looking at it upside down.

“Uncle, what did you send?” Qi Youxuan asked as he sucked on his two fingers.

Qi Chengzhi cleared his throat and recited his message in a particularly low and melodic voice. Then, he hinted, “This is your aunt’s phone.”

Qi Youxuan, “…”

Song Yu, “…”

Qi Youxuan extended his chubby hands and offered Qi Chengzhi his chips. In a pleasing manner, he asked, “Uncle, have you eaten?”

Qi Chengzhi glanced at the bag —there was only one chip left. He pouted. “I can only drink porridge for now.”

“How pitiful,” Qi Youxuan said, then proceeded to stuff the last chip into his mouth. He wiped his dirty fingers on the bedsheet and clambered off the bed. In a sorrowful voice, he sang, ” Oh, little cabbage, wilting in the soil. Only two-three years old but he lost his mother 1 …”

As he sang, he climbed onto Guan Liya’s lap and laid his head on her shoulder.

There was a lump in her throat when Guan Liya thought of her grandson’s ancestry —he was more wretched compared to a little cabbage, he had never met his own mother since birth. Guan Liya’s eyes turned a little red, she stroked her grandson’s hair gently. With a dull ache in her heart, she asked, “Why did you sing this song?”

“…” Qi Chengzhi looked at Qi Youxuan, speechless. He pursed his lips and asked, “Since when did you learn such a depressing song?”

“Chengzhi!” Xia Wenna interrupted quickly. “You are a grown-up, stop bullying kids. Youxuan was too unfortunate.”

“…” Qi Chengzhi was left speechless.

“Grandma, I want to eat another pack of potato chips,” Qi Youxuan said in a wobbly tone.

“Go ahead and eat,” Grandmother Qi did not want to stop her grandson as she knew he was in grief. It did not matter at all if he could feel better by eating more.

Song Yu felt that Grandmother Qi was not happy with Qi Chengzhi’s attitude but she did not express it, so she quickly changed the topic and asked, “Grandma, you went to the monastery to give alms?”

“Yes,” Grandmother Qi mumbled while eating a cherry. “We plan to go again after dinner.”

“Then I will follow you,” Song Yu said, wanting to help Qi Chengzhi make votive offerings herself too.

“No need.” Grandmother Qi spat out the seed and said, “Three of us plus a few monks are more than enough, and you are pregnant now. It will be very inconvenient because we need to consider your health status too. You being here taking care of Qi Chengzhi are of great help to me.”

The lot of them sat for a while more, then they left with Qi Youxuan because they still need to have their dinner before going to the monastery.

…

…

Mu Sisi stood at the innermost place in the elevator with a crowd in front of her. Mu Huaisheng had arranged an appointment for her to undergo micro-aesthetic surgery today. She came here for the removal of scar on her forehead, and once she recovered, she would then undergo hyaluronic acid injection for aesthetic purposes.

The elevator stopped again once it reached another floor, and Mu Sisi’s patience was growing thin. However. she was surprised when Grandmother Qi, Xia Wenna and Guan Liya entered the elevator.

Mu Sisi quickly hid in the crowd, she did not want to be seen by the Qi family. Then, she heard Qi Youxuan ask, “Grandma, when can uncle discharge from the hospital?”

Guan Liya answered simply, “Once his wound has healed, then he can be discharged from the hospital.”

“When will his wound be healed?” Qi Youxuan asked.

“Hmm… your uncle was badly injured, I think it would at least be the end of the month before he can be discharged from the hospital.” Guan Liya said, “You knew your uncle was injured and you still made him angry.”

“It was his uncle who was narrow-minded.” Xia Wenna quickly explained, “Always bullying kids.”

Mu Sisi was surprised to know that Qi Chengzhi was injured.

Soon, the elevator reached the ground floor and Grandmother Qi’s family went out. Mu Sisi remained in the elevator and waited for the elevator to be empty, then she pressed on the floor number that they had entered just now, and waited as a few people came in.

Mu Sisi exited the elevator, went to the nursing station and asked for Qi Chengzhi’s room number. The nurse thought she was here to visit so she told Mu Sisi his room number without much thinking.

Mu Sisi followed the room numbers and found the room where Qi Chengzhi stayed. She tried the doorknob and was surprised when the door was not locked, so she opened the door and went in.

Qi Chengzhi was reading a magazine when she came in. He had left all the work to Qi Chenglin during his hospital stay so he felt relaxed and did not bother to ask about the company’s condition.

Qi Chengzhi lifted his gaze from the magazine when he heard the door open and saw Mu Sisi.

Qi Chengzhi’s facial expression changed instantly —his face darkened and he appeared intimidating, his tone as cold as ice. “Get out.”

Mu Sisi was stunned at the doorstep. “Big Brother Chengzhi.”

“I want you to get out,” Qi Chengzhi said coolly while he remained expressionless.

“Big Brother Chengzhi, I purposely came here to visit you.” Mu Sisi bit the bullet and did not back off, not even a step backward.

“You don’t understand? You are not welcome anywhere I’m present.” Qi Chengzhi could not move now, or else he would kick Mu Sisi out of the room himself.

“Big Brother Chengzhi, please don’t be like that.” Mu Sisi emboldened herself and walked into the room. When she saw Qi Chengzhi remain on the bed and appeared as if he could not move at all, she became bold and closed the door behind her.

“I know I have done a lot of things that made you angry, and I am terribly sorry.” Mu Sisi walked towards Qi Chengzhi and stopped before him. “I came to visit because I am worried about you, that was the only reason.”

Qi Chengzhi peeked at Mu Sisi coldly. “You came to threaten me the last time you were in my office, and here you are now, apologizing and pretending to be innocent. I think you should go to the psychiatry department and have a look. Best to treat it at an early stage of the disease.”

Mu Sisi was shocked, she never thought Qi Chengzhi’s statement would be so mean, with a complete disregard of her feelings. Her voice quivered as she asked, “Do you hate me this much, Big Brother Chengzhi?”

“I do not hate you,” Qi Chengzhi replied coldly.

Mu Sisi relaxed. “Then—”

“I merely feel disgusted with you,” Qi Chengzhi interrupted, his voice flat.

Mu Sisi’s face went ashen-grey instantly and her lips quivered. “What can I do so that you can forgive me? I will do anything to earn your forgiveness. Big Brother Chengzhi, you know how strong my affection for you is, you can choose not to like me but your disgust toward me is too much for me to bear.”

“Really? You are willing to do anything that I say?” Qi Chengzhi lifted his head, finally making direct eye contact.

Mu Sisi felt happy and leaned forward toward him. She could not help wanting to be near him all the time. She felt infatuated with Qi Chengzhi’s handsomeness and elegance despite his injury.

She nodded quickly. “Big Brother Chengzhi, anything you say.”

“Then you leave now and do not appear anywhere near me ever again, then I will not feel disgusted at you anymore,” Qi Chengzhi said as he smirked.

Mu Sisi almost fell down and moved half a step backward with an unsteady gait. She asked, “Big Brother Chengzhi, I want to know how you are holding up right now. I will leave once I am done, I will not disturb you afterward. Where did you get injured? How bad was it? Let me have a look.”

She wanted to lift his hospital gown up as she spoke. Hospital gowns were not appealing in any way, even the most handsome celebrity would lose his elegance and glamour when wearing this kind of plain gown during an act, but when Qi Chengzhi wore it, she felt he was still as extraordinary as ever.

Qi Chengzhi quickly resisted by pressing on his gown and gnashed his teeth in frustration. “Mu Sisi! Behave yourself!”

Mu Sisi saw him still lying in bed despite all that, her eyes rolled as if thinking and asked, “Big Brother Chengzhi, your wound is this serious until you can’t move at all?”

Qi Chengzhi blinked and ground his teeth in anger. Song Yu went to ask the doctors about his condition and when he can be discharged from the hospital, thus he was left alone at the moment. “Mu Sisi, do not let me feel more disgusted at you, leave now!”

Mu Sisi looked at him and grinned suddenly. “Why is Song Yu not here to accompany you despite your serious injury?”

Qi Chengzhi clenched his teeth and saw her moving toward the door slowly. She held the doorknob, but instead of turning it to open the door, she locked it.

Qi Chengzhi frowned as Mu Sisi returned, threw her bag on the floor and got on the bed, sitting on Qi Chengzhi’s thigh.

“Mu Sisi, have you no sense of shame?” His complexion became pale with anger and he gnashed his teeth in frustration, looking at Mu Sisi with repugnance.

“Big Brother Chengzhi, I feel this is my only chance. My brother wants me to marry another man and my parents want to abolish my right for inheritance if I choose not to listen. If I must be married to a man I have no affection for, I’d rather have your baby first before I do that. I want to give you my virginity. If I cannot be with you for the rest of my life, then at least I would find peace in taking care of your offspring.” Mu Sisi said, “Big Brother Chengzhi, let me bear your child and I promise I will never bother you again. Please consider this as my self-pity. I love you so much until I feel really petty and low, can you let me fulfill my wish just this once?”

“Leave!” Qi Chengzhi gnashed his teeth, his long arm went toward her forearm with enormous force, trying to pull her off the bed. The movement caused pain on the wound and his grip loosened. Then Mu Sisi used the opportunity to try and pull down his pants.

Qi Chengzhi’s eyes were tinged with blood, his anger reached a peak until he felt like murdering Mu Sisi. He ignored the stomach wound and gripped his belt to prevent it from being pulled by Mu Sisi. All the pain receptors around the wound flared up as he sat up. Qi Chengzhi felt an endless stream of ache from his wound and blood started oozing out, staining his gown.

Mu Sisi got shocked, her face turned pale and she had no idea if she wanted to continue or take Qi Chengzhi’s injury into consideration. But she held firmly to his gown this time and did not let go because she was about to be thrown off by him just now.

Qi Chengzhi ground his teeth, his face turned pale as he felt intense pain in addition to blood loss due to wound dehiscence. Since the wound had opened, he did not care much anymore, so he sat up and grabbed Mu Sisi’s hair.

Her scalp felt as if it was about to break. Mu Sisi could not bear the pain and shouted to ask Qi Chengzhi to loosen his grip. Qi Chengzhi did not care and pulled her hair with stronger force until her neck was extended, revealing the gauze on her forehead.

“Big Brother Chengzhi!” Mu Sisi flailed both her arms randomly, trying to grab Qi Chengzhi.

Qi Chengzhi endured the agonizing pain from his wound, every muscle fiber in the abdomen contracted, his arm’s muscle fiber fired up and pulled Mu Sisi off the bed. With a loud thud, she fell down. Qi Chengzhi covered his abdomen with his hand and went off the other side of the bed. The pain, however, was too intense, thus, his legs weakened and with the flexion of his knee joints, he fell down too.

His hand that was covering the stomach wound was now soaked in blood, and the blood oozed out between his fingers and dripped onto the floor. A moment later, the floor was pooled with his blood.

Mu Sisi stood up and stiffened with shock at the sight of a bloody Qi Chengzhi across the bed. She was born self-willed, and her attitude worsened with age, but she had never witnessed an event as gruesome as this. It was good enough that she did not lose consciousness at the very sight of this huge pool of blood, but she just stood there and remained silent as she was in shock.

At this moment, the doorknob turned from the outside, then that person pushed the door when he realized the door was locked.

Qi Chengzhi immediately stood up and walked to the door with an unsteady gait, but the room was too big and the distance to the door was a little too far. The pain exhausted his legs; he felt weak and cold from his ankles up till his hip. His knees quivered and he fell down when he was about to reach the door.

Qi Chengzhi extended his arm and slapped on the door with a huge bang.

“Chengzhi!” Song Yu’s anxious voice traveled from the other side of the door. “What happened inside?”

Qi Chengzhi extended his arm and crawled forward at a snail’s pace, his face and lips colorless.

Song Yu felt anxious as she tried opening the door again but to no avail. Thus, she went to find the nurse for the keys. She was worried sick and regretted leaving Qi Chengzhi alone in the room. It was impossible to be able to lock the door from the outside and Qi Chengzhi was immobilized on the bed, thus the probability of him locking the door himself was close to zero. Hence, she became worried thinking if it was someone who locked the door so that he could hurt him.

“Song Yu, what is going on?” asked Yu Qianying and Song Donglin as they came out of the lift, followed by Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue. They saw Song Yu walking anxiously to the nursing counter.

Qi Chengyue knew Aunt Yang went to the old mansion to help out and Yu Qianying would deliver the meals to the hospital today, so she went to the Song family after work with Cheng Dongge to fetch Yu Qianying and Song Donglin together to come to the hospital and visit Qi Chengzhi.

“The room was locked from the inside but Qi Chengzhi couldn’t get down from the bed, so I was worried if—” Song Yu summarized.

The nurse recognized Song Yu and took the keys out immediately. “Just now there was a lady who was about the same age as you who came to visit and asked for Mr. Qi’s room number, to which I answered, and she was the only visitor.”

The nurse did not dare to hesitate and ran towards Qi Chengzhi’s room for fear that there may be something sinister that might happen. Even without Chu Zhaoyang’s contact, Chutian Hospital held a great deal of responsibility and needed to bear the consequences if a patient encountered some unfortunate accidents in the hospital.

“Song Yu, slow down, you shouldn’t run. I will go with Cheng Dongge first.” Qi Chengyue was worried that something bad might happen if she ran.

Cheng Dongge and Qi Chengyue ran with the nurse, and since Song Yu could not run, she could only walk with bigger footsteps with Song Donglin and Yu Qianying’s support.

Song Yu was near the room when the door was unlocked.

Then, she heard a loud scream before she could actually reach the door. “Big brother!”

Song Yu’s heart skipped a beat and hurried toward the door when she saw Qi Chengyue and Cheng Dongge rush into the room. What came into her sight was Qi Chengzhi lying face down on the floor with blood all over his extended arm. Cheng Dongge carefully rolled Qi Chengzhi to face Qi Chengyue, in fear of injuring him and making the wound worse. Then, he lifted Chengzhi up and placed him on the bed.

“Chengzhi, what happened to you?” Blood drained from Song Yu’s face. She was horrified by the pool of blood and the bloody trail left by Qi Chengzhi.

Qi Chengyue and Cheng Dongge saw Mu Sisi still immobilized in shock. Qi Chengyue quickly went toward her and blocked her escape route. “Why are you here?”

Song Yu walked in and saw Mu Sisi, but now she was worried sick about Qi Chengzhi’s injury and ignored her presence.

The nurse quickly contacted the doctor. Song Yu grabbed Qi Chengzhi’s hand which was now stained with blood. “Chengzhi.”

Qi Chengzhi felt dizzy due to the pain, but he relaxed when he saw Song Yu. She grabbed Qi Chengzhi’s hand tightly, her tears started streaming down her cheeks when she saw the huge bloodstain on his gown. She felt as if she had returned to the day she was kidnapped by Jian Yi.

“I am fine, please don’t cry,” Qi Chengzhi said as he comforted her in a weak voice.

How could she be able to bear it? It broke her heart seeing Qi Chengzhi in that state.

Finally, Mu Sisi snapped out of it. She wanted to run but her route was blocked by Qi Chengyue.

“We are not done here, now you want to run after what you have possibly done to Qi Chengzhi?” said Qi Chengyue as she gnashed her teeth.

The doctor came rushing in and Cheng Dongge closed the door silently and stood guard.

The gown stuck to his skin with his blood. The nurse carefully cut his gown off, revealing the blood-soaked gauze wrapped on his stomach wound, which was then removed with extreme care by the nurse.

“It was looking good initially, why did the wound break down suddenly?” The doctor shook his head when he saw the wound. “Your wound was actually recovering pretty well, but now the healing process has to restart again.”

The nurse cleaned the blood on Qi Chengzhi and revealed the dehisced wound, it was really hair-raising. Mu Sisi peeked and quickly turned her head in the other direction.

The doctor gave him a regional anesthesia, removed the original sutures and resutured the wound again. Once the process was done, the wound was wrapped in gauze again and the doctor advised not to let the wound break down under any circumstances. The doctor then asked the nurse to give Qi Chengzhi another intravenous infusion and left afterward.

Cheng Dongge closed the door and walked over, giving Mu Sisi a blank stare.

“So, what have you done?” Qi Chengyue scolded.

Mu Sisi was ashen-grey and remained silent for quite some time. Then, she raised her chin and said, “What do you want? Taking advantage of your numbers to bully me? Move aside!”

Qi Chengzhi’s face paled with anger but it was too embarrassing to say that he was nearly raped by a woman, especially in his own sister’s presence.

Song Yu wiped her tears, noticed the messy bed, Mu Sisi’s messy hair and shirt, and Qi Chengzhi’s teeth gritting in anger; she thought of a possibility, but the very thought of it felt ridiculous.

However, this was the only possibility she could think of based on Mu Sisi’s perseverance toward Qi Chengzhi.

“Miss Mu, you will be sentenced for injuring with purpose,” Song Yu said with a flat tone.

“What nonsense are you saying? I did not hurt anyone on purpose. How could I possibly injure Big Brother Chengzhi?” Mu Sisi explained.

“Are you sure?” Song Yu pursed her lips, her tone as cold as ice. “You were the only one in the room with Chengzhi just now, and he was badly injured when we found him. Who do you think would believe you when you say you did not hurt him on purpose? What do you think will happen if Chengzhi insisted that you hurt him on purpose plus the testimonies provided by the doctor and nurse, even if you deny it?”

“I didn’t, Song Yu! Don’t frame me, you are so wicked! I love Big Brother Chengzhi, I would never allow him to get into any trouble!” Mu Sisi explained, her face paled.

“You didn’t? Then what did you do to Chengzhi? You wanted to throw yourself into his arms when he couldn’t move amidst the injury?” Song Yu stared at Mu Sisi, who was startled and her expression became uncomfortable.

Song Yu’s hand quivered with wrath, she pointed her finger at Mu Sisi and said, “Mu Sisi, have you no sense of shame? Chengzhi did not want to touch you when you were naked last time, so now when he is injured, you… you…”

Song Yu ground her teeth as she was speechless. Her anger peaked and she felt like slapping Mu Sisi to the edge of the sky so that she would not return and bother them again.

“How desperate are you to do this kind of thing when he’s injured? You dare say you love him and you’re not willing to see him get injured despite his condition?” Song Yu’s hands trembled with rage. “He’d rather let the wound break open than touch you, yet you still refuse to give up?

Do you have any sense of shame? How are you able to do such filthy stuff?”

Song Yu’s tears welled up as her anger rose. She could not talk sense with Mu Sisi.

Qi Chengyue was stunned and stared at Mu Sisi. She had never thought that she was capable of being so shameless and wanted to rape Qi Chengzhi during his injury.

“Mu Sisi, I can’t stand you anymore!” Song Yu was angry beyond belief. “You could do anything just to get what you want. You’re disgusting!”

Yu Qianying looked at Mu Sisi in disbelief. She knew that this was the woman who stripped herself naked to seduce Qi Chengzhi but she could not believe that she went so far this time around.

Qi Chengzhi also chose to tear open his wound rather than letting her get her way with him.

Mu Sisi pursed her lips together. She did not think that she did anything wrong—if Qi Chengzhi did not resist, how could he have gotten hurt? She just wanted a kid—a last souvenir. He did not even want to grant her that.

Mu Sisi was already willing to do such a thing, and he would not have lost anything in the process. Could he not just accept it willingly? Now she completely lost her dignity.

“Who are you to talk about me? You ditched your parents for money and power, all for Brother Chengzhi. You even helped him to hide the real reason your family went bankrupt!” Mu Sisi looked at Song Yu in disdain and mocked, “Even after your parents found out about the truth, you chose to cut communications with them to keep your position as the young Madam of the Qi family. You’re saying I’m the one who would do anything to get what I want? This is the pot calling the kettle black!”

Yu Qianying walked over all of a sudden. “Miss Mu, is it? This is our family matter, how did you know about this? None of us told anyone else about this.”

Mu Sisi was stunned for a while before shouting louder, “If you didn’t want anyone to know about it, then don’t do it! Nothing in this world is completely confidential!”

Yu Qianying squeezed her eyes together and said, “When Yu Keyao came to us and told us the truth behind the Song family’s bankruptcy, I thought about it after that and I realized something—Yu Keyao could barely sustain herself at this point, she would never have the sources to know about something this secretive unless someone told her about it. I haven’t given it much thought because I was pissed, but now it seems like I don’t need to find out the truth anymore.”

Mu Sisi scoffed. “Find out what? There’s no such thing as an air-tight lid in this world. Did you think that other than you guys and the Qi family, no one will find out about it? You don’t have to imply anything. You’re Song Yu’s parents, aren’t you? You guys have the same character as Song Yu—you simply accuse others. Now that you know Brother Chengzhi is the mastermind of your family’s bankruptcy, you’re not even mad and instead, you’re here to try to impress him. I guess this runs in the family. You don’t even care about such a huge issue!”

“Enough, Mu Sisi!” Song Yu was trembling from anger. “You can wrongly accuse me, don’t drag my parents into this!”

Song Yu wanted to go over but she was held back by Qi Chengzhi. He did not have much strength left in him. He did not even have the strength to speak. He could only hold Song Yu’s hand and stop her from moving.

“You had the guts to do it but you can’t stand people talking about it?” Mu Sisi scoffed with no remorse. “Move!” she said to Qi Chengyue.

“You…” Qi Chengyue was lost for words. She was panting from anger and said, “I’ve never met such a shameless and unreasonable person like you!”

“Don’t you dare bully me with a crowd!” Mu Sisi said with her chin up in the air.

“I do want to try bullying you with a crowd!” Qi Chengyue said in anger. “Seeing how our family refuses to stoop to your level, you think you can offend us time and time again?”

“What did I do? I didn’t want to hurt Brother Chengzhi. Was I the one who tore his wound apart?” Mu Sisi argued.

Qi Chengyue was so angry, she did not know how to react to her. All of a sudden, Qi Chengzhi’s weak voice was heard saying, “Let her go.”

“Brother!” an unsatisfied Qi Chengyue looked at Qi Chengzhi.

At this moment, Mu Sisi did not dare to look at Qi Chengzhi as well—her back was facing him the whole time. She did not see Qi Chengzhi nodding towards Qi Chengyue.

“I don’t want to hear her voice again, I’m annoyed.” Qi Chengzhi sounded weak and cold.

Qi Chengyue finally moved unwillingly. Mu Sisi panicked a little—she ran out after hearing what Qi Chengzhi said.

After Cheng Dongge closed the door, Qi Chengzhi said, “Chengyue, call the elders at home and tell them the truth.”

Qi Chengyue nodded and called Grandmother Qi right away.

Grandmother Qi was sipping on tea gifted to her by the monk when she picked up the call. Xia Wenna and Guan Liya were both giving out the last course of dinner—seeing that the call was from Qi Chengyue, Grandmother Qi picked it up and asked, “Chengyue, are you at the hospital yet?”

Qi Chengyue felt like it was hard to talk about it. She walked towards the window and whispered, “Grandma, Mu Sisi…”

Grandmother Qi’s facial expression darkened as she listened to what Qi Chengyue said. After finding out that Qi Chengzhi’s wound was torn apart again, Grandmother Qi stood up with force.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” Xia Wenna realized the change in her expression and walked over with the ladle.

Grandmother Qi hung up, and she was trembling with anger. “That Mu Sisi is too shameless! If we continued to keep quiet, she will assume that the Qi family is an easy target!”

Xia Wenna thought about Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu when she heard the name Mu Sisi. Her expression changed while she asked, “Did something happen to Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu?”

“That Mu Sisi, who knew where she heard about Chengzhi’s injury from. She went to see him and tried to take advantage of him while he’s hurt and can’t move. A woman trying to take advantage of a man—don’t you think she’s shameless?” Grandmother Qi was so angry—she had never hated another woman this much in her life.

Xia Wenna gasped in shock. She asked nervously, “Then… did she… do it? Did Song Yu bump into them -”

“What are you thinking!” Grandmother Qi glared at Xia Wenna and said, “Chengzhi tore his wound apart just to avoid her. Luckily Chengyue and lot reached in time. His condition had improved a little before this, but now he has to start from zero again. Don’t you agree that Mu Sisi is despicable?”

“She is!” Xia Wenna was so mad, she clenched her teeth while stomping the ground.

Aside from the fact that Qi Chengzhi had to recover from ground zero again, if Mu Sisi had her way with him—Qi Chengzhi’s marriage with Song Yu would be over.

Although Song Yu usually seemed gentle and approachable, she would become a completely different person when it came to relationships. Even if Qi Chengzhi was forced, Song Yu might not be able to take it. On top of that, Song Yu loved Qi Chengzhi so much, and the more she was in love, the less possible it was for her to accept it. If Song Yu suffered another health problem because of this, what would happen? Even if the grandchild could be born without issues, he could face the same fate as Qi Youxuan—to be born into a single-family.

Xia Wenna could not help but overthink the situation.

When she thought about how Mu Sisi nearly destroyed the happiness of her son and daughter-in-law, and by extension the happiness of her grandson, she was mad.

“Are you done giving out meals?” Grandmother Qi asked. She was eager to go home and get to the hospital to see Qi Chengzhi.

“Just finished,” Guan Liya turned around and replied.

“Clean up quickly, we’re going to the hospital,” Grandmother Qi said.

They cleaned up and headed straight to the hospital. Grandmother Qi gave Grandfather Qi a call on the way there, while Xia Wenna and Guan Liya each called Qi Zhongliang, Qi Zhongxun, and Qi Chenglin to tell them to get to the hospital after work for an urgent matter.

…

…

Qi Chengzhi’s face changed as he saw the whole Qi family gathered before him. Nearly getting taken advantage of by Mu Sisi was not something to be proud of, and he was surrounded by these people. Based on the half smile on Qi Chenglin’s face, he suspected that Yan Beicheng and lot knew about what happened tonight.

“Old man, what do you think we should do about this? We can’t let a young girl keep on harassing us time and time again—to put it nicely, we don’t want to stoop to her level. However, if we keep doing so and she keeps coming back for more, when will this end?” Grandmother Qi sat on the sofa with anger and took a huge gulp of tea.

She came in and saw Qi Chengzhi’s pale face as well as the red circles around Song Yu’s eyes. She got furious again thinking about what Mu Sisi had done.

Grandfather Qi was silent. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. “Lao Wei, I need to talk to you about something. Does your family have a partnership with the Mu family for setting up a store for their brand? Yes, they plan to open a store in your family mall, aren’t they? It’s like this…”

Grandfather Qi went on to chat with Grandfather Wei. Qi Chenglin nudged the WeChat group, [Is everyone online?]

[I’m here, what’s up?] Yan Beicheng wrote.

“Tell us what’s up,” Han Zhuoli wrote.

“I’m not in B town, leave me a message,” Gui Zhiqian wrote.

“.” Chu Zhaoyang wrote.

Han Zhuoli asked, “Lao Chu, what does that full stop mean?”

“Haha, good day Master Lin, Master Yan, Master Han, and Master Qian. I’m Mister Chu’s assistant, he said he was too lazy to type so he sent a full stop to indicate his presence,” Chu Zhaoyang’s message read.

“Your Mister Chu barely speaks, but he found a talkative assistant aha,” Gui Zhiqian wrote.

“.” Chu Zhaoyang wrote.

Everyone knew this was Chu Zhaoyang himself.

“Quiet, I need your help,” Qi Chenglin wrote.

“What’s wrong, why do you sound so serious?” Yan Beicheng asked.

“Gui Zhiqian, when will you be back?” Qi Chenglin asked.

“The day after tomorrow,” Gui Zhiqian replied.

Qi Chenglin wrote, “It’s nothing much, I just want your help to limit MU.’s growth in B town—even better if they can’t grow at all. I heard the Mu family isn’t doing as well as they used to. Quite a few of MU.’s stores overseas have been closed down, that’s why they plan to do their best to expand domestically. They want to increase their market share while there are still few brands with such products in the country, They’ve put in quite a bit of effort on this in the country, but the Qi family does not want them to expand at all.”

“Why? Did Mu Sisi do something again?” Gui Zhiqian asked.

“…” Qi Chenglin was speechless. “She offended our family quite badly this time around.”

He could make a joke about Qi Chengzhi himself, but as a man, he knew that this was an embarrassing matter. He could not announce it on behalf of Qi Chengzhi—even if it was just Yan Beicheng and lot. Qi Chengzhi could be mocked by Yan Beicheng and the others for the rest of his life.

“When Gui Zhiqian comes back, we can go to the Red Roof the night after tomorrow and work out the details,” Qi Chenglin said.

No one objected to the idea—it was a little hard to deal with MU. alone. Although the Mu family came in from abroad, they had quite a bit of standing. If it was just the families sanctioning them together, it was not that big of a deal.

Grandmother Qi called the doctor and asked for details again. The doctor replied patiently, “There are not many side effects this time around. The original stitching was healing well and there would’ve been a scar; but it would have been tidy, pretty, and not big at all. However, after this tear and another round of stitching, there will be a huge scar. It won’t look good. Other than that, there are no side effects and we can remove the stitching in two weeks.”

Grandmother Qi nodded. She was relieved—the scar did not matter. Qi Chengzhi was a man anyway and Song Yu would not be disgusted with him. It was just that Mu Sisi’s antics were so disgusting, Grandmother Qi was still feeling annoyed about it. The more she thought about it, the harder it was for her to calm down.

It did not help that Mu Sisi only caused indirect harm—she did not do anything that hurt Qi Chengzhi directly. It was not possible to sue her for it.

The hospital director heard about the incident and came in with the head of the surgical department along with the nurse who had let Mu Sisi in.

“We’re really sorry about what happened today. It was the fault of our nurse,” the director said.

Grandmother Qi was a reasonable person. She shook her head and said, “I don’t blame her for this. She wouldn’t have known that Mu Sisi was like that—a wolf in sheep’s clothing. No one would suspect anything when she says she’s here to visit—you shouldn’t trouble the young nurse about it.”

“Thank you, Madam,” the nurse said quickly and let out a sigh of relief.

“I’ll get someone to send Mu Sisi’s photo to you. Please send it out to the hospital staff and make sure she never comes close again,” Grandmother Qi added.

“Don’t worry, we will increase our security around here and make sure something like this never happens again,” the hospital director said.

The director left with the crowd, and Song Yu asked the elders to go home and rest. She called the confinement center and had them deliver a bowl of porridge. Qi Chengzhi was supposed to be able to have a little solid food today, but after what happened, he had to be back on soft food for a few days.

Qi Chengzhi was depressed. One of his hands was hooked to the IV, and there was barely any strength in the other. He could only let Song Yu feed him. Qi Chengzhi barely had any appetite—he was full after a bowl. Song Yu cleaned his mouth before eating some of it herself.

She went to the kitchen to clean up and carried a small pail of warm water from the toilet. There was a towel on her arm.

Qi Chengzhi gave her a disapproving look. “Why didn’t you get someone to carry it, you’re carrying such a heavy pail yourself.”

“This weight is nothing.” Song Yu placed the pail on the bedside table. She went back to the toilet and brought out the facial wash and sponge before sitting on the bed to clean Qi Chengzhi’s face. “Close your eyes.”

Qi Chengzhi closed his eyes and felt Song Yu’s fingers circle and massage his face. Her fingers were lean and soft—they felt good. After cleaning it, she used the sponge to wipe his face as well. She changed the pail of water a few times until the water became clear. She went to fill the pail with hot water again and unbuttoned Qi Chengzhi’s pajamas to clean his body.

Seeing the new bandage on his body, Song Yu pursed her lips and said, “Everything was fine, now the wound is torn open again and you need to recover all over again. Even after that, there will be a huge scar.”

“I don’t mind the scar.” Qi Chengzhi smiled, and his voice was clear. “I’m a man, I don’t care about them as long as you don’t think it’s ugly.”

Song Yu looked at him as she dipped the towel in hot water to wipe him from the neck. She smiled and said, “I can just look at your face.”

Qi Chengzhi lifted his brow and realized how she was wiping his body. He laughed and said, “Are you sterilizing my body?”

Song Yu did not stop. She glared at him and said, “What are you talking about, as if I did not clean you yesterday.”

Song Yu avoided the areas where his bandage was and wiped downwards with care. She was just wiping his chest—the bandage was wrapped around his abdomen and his ribs.

She lowered her gaze and wanted to pull down his pants, but she froze. She was still disgusted at Mu Sisi, and she asked, “She did not touch you, right?”

Qi Chengzhi raised his eyebrows sarcastically. After a few days of rest, his radiant eyes showed some cynicism, and his voice had a slight tinge of mockery when he said, “She wanted to take off my pants, but I managed to pull her off the bed, so she couldn’t touch anything.”

Song Yu was so angry at his statement, and she wanted to swear at Mu Sisi. She tried to pull his pants off? What a shameless person!

After she wiped Qi Chengzhi’s legs, she went to the washroom and poured the water out. Then she returned to give him a massage. She was worried that the muscles on his lower body would atrophy after a few days of immobility.

“Do you still plan to just give her a warning?” Song Yu groaned in frustration. She was overwhelmed by what had happened, and she had a fierce and thunderous expression on her face. “Mu Sisi was immature, but her brother did not even bother about what she had done.”

“This time, I will wreak havoc on the Mu family. If her brother could not control her, then her parents would have to do it. I will force them to deal with Mu Sisi’s problems,” Qi Chengzhi’s voice was as soft as ever, he gazed lovingly at Song Yu. “Don’t be angry.”

Song Yu pursed her lips, and she fixed her slightly reddened eyes on Qi Chengzhi. “I was worried to death when I saw you lying in a pool of blood on the floor.”

Qi Chengzhi sighed. Song Yu knelt at the bed end to give him a foot massage. He could not reach her even with his arm extended, so he gestured to her. “Come here. There’s no need to massage anymore.”

Song Yu was almost finished with the massage, so she went and found the comfiest position in his embrace and laid there.

“Despite your injury, Mu Sisi was so desperate until she wanted to-” Song Yu unconsciously put her hand over his chest. “Previously, I was speechless when Mu Sisi caused troubles for us. I thought of her as a lunatic who did not understand what she was doing. I simply thought of her actions like the barkings of a rabid dog. This is the first time that I loathed her. How can she be so full of herself that she could disregard other people’s feelings? This is also the first time that I’ve seen such egotism!”

“Don’t be angry,” Qi Chengzhi said as he gently massaged her shoulders and arms to comfort her. “She won’t have time to bother us anymore.”

Qi Chengzhi bent down and kissed her on the forehead. Then he changed the topic so that she could calm down. “Since I’ve been injured, I couldn’t apply essential oil on you and give you massages. You must have been exhausted these past few days.”

“I’m not tired, and I didn’t even do anything. It was the same as when I was at home.” Song Yu moved a little in his embrace. “Has the anesthetic effect worn off?”

“Not completely, but I’m starting to feel a little bit of pain now,” Qi Chengzhi answered.

Song Yu was not sleepy, and there was nothing else she could do, so she found a remote control and turned on the television to watch a program with Qi Chengzhi.

…

…

After half a month, Qi Chengzhi’s sutures could finally be removed, and he was subsequently discharged from the hospital. He was fine and was completely healed after the incident. All that remained was the deep scar on his abdomen.

While Qi Chengzhi recovered in the hospital, Mu Huaisheng did not do so well. His work had emotionally defeated him.

Nothing seemed to have gone right for him at that time and for absolutely no reason at all. One by one, everything gradually went sideways.

MU had initially planned to move to B City. The location for the flagship store was strategically chosen, and they had also fully renovated. The discussion to register with the Wei’s family mall with Wei Ziqi was also coming to an end.

The Wei’s family mall was one of the most popular malls in B City. They were not a thoroughly high-end mall, but instead, they catered to the mid-to-high-end tier, which was similar to the popular fashion that MU had to offer. They had a good crowd as they were geared toward the public masses, and they had excellent amenities and services too. That was why the first thing that Mu Huaisheng wanted to do in B City was to discuss the registration of his brand with Wei Ziqi.

However, all of the shop lots in the mall were already occupied. When Mu Huaisheng noticed that one of the shop’s lease was almost up and the shop’s brand did not do particularly well, he had quickly offered a high price to take over the slot. Wei Ziqi had agreed to his proposal. However, they could not sign the contract immediately. Since Wei Ziqi had a good reputation as a man who kept his word, Mu Huaisheng decided to open another flagship store elsewhere to establish his brand first. Once the existing owner withdrew from the lease, MU could settle in that slot immediately after.

However, when the waiting period was almost over, he received a call from Wei Ziqi, who told him that they would renew the contract with the existing shop’s owner due to some marketing issue, and thus, the slot for MU had gone up the spout.

Mu Huaisheng’s parents arrived at B City on the second day that Qi Chengzhi was discharged home. Mu Huaisheng and Mu Sisi went to the airport to pick up their parents together.

The gauze on Mu Sisi’s forehead was removed, and the scar was not so noticeable anymore. One could hardly see it then, and some makeup could also cover it easily. However, Mu Sisi was self-conscious about the scar, and she insisted on covering it with her bangs.

She also went for hyaluronic acid injection two days before, and she was satisfied with the results.

Shortly after the two of them arrived at the airport, Mu Huili and Fang Anci came out from the arrival hall. Both of them had good temperaments, especially Fang Anci, who cared most about her appearance. She was already in her mid-fifties, and yet she looked as if she was still in her forties. Her face was smooth, and she had no visible wrinkles, and it was all thanks to all the botox injections.

Mu Huili pushed a cart of luggage bags and walked toward them with Fang Anci in tow. Mu Huaisheng greeted them and then took over to push the luggage cart.

Mu Sisi rushed toward them and hugged Fang Anci. She acted childishly and said, “Mom, you’re back! I miss you so much.”

“You can stop the pretense now. I know you have been behaving as you pleased,” Mu Huili said unhappily, “I’ve asked you to come back here to help your brother at work. It did not mean that you can cause trouble for him and then expect him to clean up your mess.”

Mu Sisi let go of Fang Anci and glared at Mu Huaisheng for his complaints to Mu Huili.

“Alright,” Fang Anci swiped Mu Sisi’s bangs aside. “You said that you hurt your forehead, where is it?”

“Here,” Mu Sisi pointed at the corner of her forehead.

“It looks like it has healed well; it is barely visible now.” Fang Anci ran her fingers across the area that Mu Sisi had pointed.

“I covered the scar with some foundation. It is visible without makeup,” Mu Sisi touched the corner of her forehead and said, “I hate these bangs. I look so unglamorous, but I don’t dare to show my forehead now.”

“You are looking good too,” Fang Anci said.

“Mom and Dad are tired, let’s let them rest at home first,” Mu Huaisheng said and took the lead.

Mu Huaisheng thought that his parents might have decided to stay longer for that visit, so he asked the driver to use a mini passenger van instead. He had anticipated the huge number of luggage bags that his parents had with them.

Mu Huili and Fang Anci got into the van. As Mu Huaisheng loaded the trunk with their bags, Mu Sisi walked to his side and said, “Mu Huaisheng, what do you want? Are you still complaining to Dad despite our age?”

Mu Huaisheng gave her a blank stare and said, “I could not control you as your brother. So I thought someone else should take over that responsibility instead. I would not have had anything to complain about if you had not done those horrible things.”

Mu Huaisheng then closed the trunk with great force and went into the car. He ignored Mu Sisi.

Mu Sisi made a face and then followed him. However, her expression changed the moment she stepped into the van, and she acted like a spoiled child in front of Fang Anci.

Mu Huaisheng received a call on his phone, and after he listened to the other party for a while, his face darkened. “Then find another celebrity.”

“…”

Mu Huaisheng knitted his eyebrows and asked, in doubt, “All the celebrities in his company have refused?”

“…”

Mu Huaisheng’s expression darkened again. “It is not only Han Zhuoli’s company that has celebrities, what about the other agencies?”

“…”

“Find one and try asking them. One more thing, investigate why all the celebrities have refused our invitation, something is not right.” His tone was icy cold.

After he ended the call, Mu Huili realized that it was about work, so he asked, “What happened?”

“We are about to launch our flagship store. I have invited some celebrities to help promote the brand, but it seemed that our invitations were rejected due to conflicting schedules. Most of the A-list celebrities are with Han Zhuoli, and coincidentally, none of them accepted our invitations,” Mu Huaisheng replied.

“What happened? This seemed unnatural. The celebrities will usually come when they receive an invitation to promote a brand because this is their chance to shine,” Mu Huili asked. He was familiar with how things usually worked.

“I’ve asked for someone to investigate the matter.” Mu Huaisheng stared at Mu Sisi hesitantly as he was unsure if she had done something awful again.

However, he did not think that Mu Sisi’s antics were enough for Han Zhuoli’s disrespect for the Mu family.

“Why are you staring at me?” Mu Sisi asked as if she lacked self-confidence.

“Nothing.” Mu Huaisheng moved his gaze away from his sister and remained silent as he thought Mu Sisi had abided the law and steered clear of Song Yu.

…

…

Ten days after that, Jian Yi’s case was mentioned in court. Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi were there to testify as victims. All members of the Qi family were present, and they sat in the public gallery.

Cases like that would not have taken long as the police litigated and collected solid pieces of evidence.

Song Yu had flashbacks of what had happened on that particular day, and she nearly lost control of herself while she testified in court. It was also a nightmare for the whole Qi family too. Song Yu’s testimony made them relive the past, and they all glowered at Jian Yi.

Zhou Mingyan was also at the court for Jian Yi’s case, and a prison guard accompanied her. Her hands were handcuffed, and she sobbed when she saw Jian Yi.

Jian Shifu and Zhou Mingyan sat together. He knew that there was a big possibility that Jian Yi would be found guilty. He requested for Zhou Mingyan to be there, and his request was approved because she performed well in jail.

Jian Shifu did not look old before that. He always insisted on dying his hair, and he was well and healthy even though he was already fifty-five years old. However, his hair had grayed, and he looked as if he had kyphosis. His arms were stiff as he sat at the public gallery with a depressed look. He looked like he was already seventy-five years old then.

His eyes were bloodshot and moist as he stared at Jian Yi. He felt exasperated and reluctant at the same time, and he stealthily wiped his tears from time to time. Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi’s testimonies left him in shock. He did not think that Jian Yi would have wanted to kill someone! What was he thinking?

Jian Shifu’s heart ached. He did not know if he could reunite with Jian Yi again in his lifetime.

In the end, the court sentenced Jian Yi to thirty years in jail.

Jian Shifu could not bear it anymore, and he started to cry when the court meted out Jian Yi’s sentence.

He stood up and pointed at Jian Yi. “Animal! You are an animal! Do you even think of your parents when you did all those things? Do you even think at all? When you come out of jail after thirty years, I am already dead! Why are you… why are you so stupid?”

Jian Shifu wanted to rush down the public gallery, but the prison guard stopped him.

“Jian Yi, I don’t want to die knowing that I will not be able to see you again. Why did you do this? Why in the world did you do this? What have you been working for all these while? In the end, you did not get anything but to rot yourself away in jail for thirty years. You will be too old to do anything else when you come out! You wanted to strive for success, but can you please strive with honesty? Even if you live an ordinary life, at least our family is safe and sound, and we can live our lives happily together! Jian Yi…” Jian Shifu was a grown man, but he could not stop his tears. He started to wail.

His son was sentenced to jail for thirty years. Was there a difference between that and death?

Zhou Mingyan also cried loudly, and she wanted to go near Jian Yi. However, she was handcuffed and held back by the prison guard.

“Jian Yi, I will be released from jail in a month. I was looking forward to reuniting with you. I am still waiting for you to get married and give me a grandchild! Jian Yi, Jian Yi, now you want to leave me alone? Your father does not want me, and now you don’t want me anymore. How am I supposed to live my life now? Tell me how!” Zhou Mingyan wailed loudly. “My son! My son!”

Initially, her family was whole. After all that had happened, her husband wanted to divorce her, and her son had been sentenced to jail for the next thirty years. “I don’t want to live anymore. Just let me die! Jian Yi, how can you leave me alone?!”

Jian Yi’s eyes were red from grief. He looked at them and said, “Dad, Mom, I am so sorry.”

“I don’t want your apology. I only want you to be safe, and I only want you to accompany us!” Zhou Mingyan wanted to go to her son, but the prison guard stood his ground and held her back.

Jian Yi held back his tears and whimpered. “I have been unfilial.”

There was chaos in the court, but he could only hear the weeping of Zhou Mingyan and Jian Shifu.

Qi Chengzhi gave Song Yu a hand and helped her to stand up as Song Yu could not bear with the farewell situation. There was no forgiveness for Jian Yi’s crimes, but she understood how his parents felt, especially since she was pregnant.

Zhou Mingyan saw Song Yu, and with red-rimmed eyes, she wanted to run toward Song Yu. “Why… Why did you make Jian Yi go to jail? It was all because of you! How could you be so vicious and cruel at such a young age? How could you be so fiendish when you are going to be a mother? Did you not want to accumulate merits and virtue for your child? Karma comes after everyone eventually! Be mindful of your child when karma comes!”

Song Yu’s face paled. She knew that she did not do anything wrong, but she could not bear with Zhou Mingyan’s curse toward her child. It was not something that one should mention so carelessly.

Qi Chengzhi quickly hugged Song Yu. His gaze was hard and sharp, and his tone was flat. “Jian Yi brought this onto himself.”

Zhou Mingyan wailed again, and Jian Yi stared at Song Yu with bloodshot eyes. Song Yu was safely tucked in Qi Chengzhi’s arms, but she could feel his gaze on her. She returned his gaze with teary eyes.

She recalled the sweet memories of everything that she and Jian Yi had done since they were young. She was very close to Jian Yi, and she never thought that he would end up like that.

Past memories flashed past her mind, and images of her at the playground, carnival, and room escape during their school years flooded her brain. There were memories of her participating in the same curriculum in university, and there were also memories from when he participated in a basketball competition, and she went and supported him. Jian Yi purposely asked for the others to let Song Yu work in Chengshi after her graduation. Even her reunion with Qi Chengzhi on the project was all thanks to Jian Yi. Furthermore, Song Donglin and Yu Qianying were so happy every time he came to her house and brought a lot of gifts with his visit. The four of them would have meals together, with him sat at her side as he looked elegant and well-behaved.

Jian Yi wore a prison uniform, and he had a buzzcut – what happened in the past stayed in the past.

Song Yu sobbed and buried her face in Qi Chengzhi’s chest.

Zhou Mingyan was frenzied, and she wailed as the prison guard pulled her back. “What should I do after I am released from jail? My son won’t be here anymore. My son… what should I do? What should I do… Jian Yi…”

Jian Yi ground his teeth and looked at Jian Shifu for the last time before the bailiff escorted him away. He glimpsed at the public gallery when he walked past and saw Qi Chengyue stood beside Cheng Dongge and amongst the Qi family. Her stare was cold and emotionless as if she could not wait for him to be jailed forever.

Jian Yi felt only despair and contempt. Initially, Qi Chengyue would do anything for him, but at that moment, all she could think of was for him to go to jail so that she could live a prosperous life.

The bailiff escorted Jian Yi out of the room through a door at the corner of the courtroom. Jian Shifu stared at Jian Yi’s face for one last time before he vanished through the door. He then stumbled back to the chair and buried his face in his hands.

Qi Chengzhi gave a handkerchief to Song Yu so she could wipe her tears, and his heart ached when he saw her reddened eyes.

He glanced at Jian Shifu, who sat nearby, and asked her, “Do you want to talk to Jian Yi’s father?”

Song Yu shook her head and said, “We put Jian Yi to jail, so I fear our presence may irritate him.”

“Then let’s go.” Qi Chengzhi wrapped his arm around Song Yu’s shoulder and left with the rest of the Qi family.

That day, the clouds were like white marbles on blue satin as the sun streamed through the breaks in the clouds in a watery shaft of gold on B city. It was a contrast to the gloomy and somber environment in the courtroom.

From then on, Jian Yi’s existence was erased from her life, and he was isolated from the world where the warm light touched.

Song Yu sighed and followed Qi Chengzhi into the car. Then they made their way back to the old mansion.

…

…

Mu Sisi was summoned to Mu Huaisheng’s office, and she saw Mu Huili as she entered the room.

Mu Huili and Fang Anci were finally back in the country after decades, and the first thing that they tried to do after their return to B City was to assimilate themselves into the social circle of the upper classes. However, they were shocked to learn that they were not welcomed at all. They yearned to blend into top-notch social circles like The Great Eight Families. Since Mu Huaisheng and Qi Chengzhi were friends, they thought that Qi Chengzhi would not be offended by the terrible things that Mu Sisi had previously done.

At least he should have had a different approach to Mu Huaisheng and not just sat and watched even if he was annoyed at Mu Sisi.

The most direct method to assimilate themselves into a top-notch social circle was to acquire an invitation card to any of the banquets that The Great Eight Families would attend. Fang Anci might have been in the United States of America with Mu Huili for a long time, but her maternal family in B City still had some relevant foundations. So she asked her brother to contact an organizer for an invitation card. She would even pay for it, if necessary.

They did not expect the organizer to reject them as soon as he learned that they were from the Mu family. He could accept requests from any other family, but the Mu family was banned from his events. After Fang Fuquan persisted with his attempts to learn the reason for that, the organizer finally caved and revealed that The Great Eight Families had announced that they would have nothing to do with the Mu family. However, he did not know how long that would last.

Mu Huili was surprised by the news. He thought that Mu Huaisheng and Qi Chengzhi were still good friends.

Chen Zhengming, Mu Huaisheng’s assistant, mentioned that all the celebrities from the other agencies also rejected MU’s invitation for brand promotion. After they investigated the matter, they found out that it was all thanks to Han Zhuoli, who declared that anyone who accepted MU’s invitation would end their collaboration with Han Bang. They would also not be considered for cast selection for any of the movies that Han Bang had invested in.

Mu Huaisheng and Mu Huili knew that it was a punishment from The Great Eight Families, but they did not understand the reason for that. It came as a surprise to them, as there were no signs or warnings that preluded their predicament.

Mu Huaisheng racked his brain, but he could only think of one possible culprit, and that was Mu Sisi.

“Dad,” Mu Sisi greeted him, and then with much hesitation, she mumbled, “Brother.”

“Huaisheng, you are more familiar with this, so speak your mind,” Mu Huili said.

Mu Huaisheng nodded and gave Mu Sisi a blank stare. “Did you go and find Qi Chengzhi again recently?”

Mu Sisi answered quickly and without much thought, “What are you talking about? I don’t have the time to find Qi Chengzhi. I work weekdays and rot at home on the weekends, didn’t you know?”

Mu Huaisheng frowned. “Did you really not bother him at all?”

Mu Sisi had not looked for Qi Chengzhi for more than a month after the embarrassing incident in the hospital last time. She assumed what her brother meant when he said ‘recently’ referred to the past one month.

Mu Sisi did recall that moment, but she thought that the event was so long ago, and Mu Huaisheng only asked for a recent event, right?

Thus, Mu Sisi answered confidently, “No.”

Mu Huaisheng and Mu Huili looked at each other for a while, and then Mu Huili said, “You can go back to work now.”

“What happened?” Mu Sisi was perturbed, so she asked.

Mu Huaisheng glanced at Mu Sisi thoughtfully and said, “The Great Eight Families are punishing the Mu family. Initially, the project to register with the Wei family’s mall was almost complete, but all of a sudden, Wei Ziqi broke the agreement. At first, I thought it was just a business move, and Wei Ziqi had no need to inform me of the details. However, it was obvious that the Mu family was not welcomed at any banquet that The Great Eight Families attended. Furthermore, we couldn’t even invite a single celebrity to promote MU’s flagship store. This is just the beginning, who knows what other fate awaits us later.”

Mu Sisi’s expression changed. “You didn’t try to find Qi Chengzhi?”

Mu Huaisheng narrowed his eyes in distrust. “Find him?

“Even if we don’t speak of the despicable things that you have done, I am still too embarrassed to find him. We have not had much contact with the other members of The Great Eight Families except for Qi Chengzhi and Gui Rongxuan whom you have managed to offend last time. The Gui family didn’t punish us for offending Gui Rongxuan at that time, so I assumed that this was not their doing. The only other possibility is that Qi Chengzhi was somehow offended, and out of everyone in the Mu family, it seemed that only you could do that.”

“I’ve said that I didn’t look for him at all, so how could I have offended him?” Mu Sisi exclaimed in a slightly panicked voice.

“If you really didn’t see him, then go back to work,” Mu Huaisheng said coldly.

Mu Sisi pursed her lips and left the room.

…

…

Since Song Yu’s physical condition had stabilized, her health status further improved when her parents reconciled with Qi Chengzhi. When her mental health got better, she went back to her work at Chengshi. Even though she did not need the small income from Chengshi, she was enriched with her experience there. She thought that it was too dull to rot at home the whole day.

She told Qi Chengzhi that she would rest at home to nurture her pregnancy a month before her expected date of delivery.

She had mixed emotions about her first day back at work as she felt nervous and excited at the same time.

Qi Chengzhi had also recovered from his injury, and he was back at work too. Qi Chenglin had his hands full as Qi Chengzhi had passed him all of his workloads during his stay at the hospital.

Song Yu unfastened her seatbelt when Qi Chengzhi stopped his car at Chengshi. His gaze rested on her large belly. At that point, Song Yu’s belly looked like an inflated balloon, and Qi Chengzhi was a bit worried if she was too big for her pregnancy.

He noticed that only her belly had expanded while none of her other body parts shared the same growth. He was worried that her skinny frame would not be able to support her pregnancy weight anymore.

He only relaxed when the doctor told them that everything was normal during her routine antenatal checkup.

Song Yu’s movements were quite clumsy due to her huge belly, and so, Qi Chengzhi initiated the kiss. His warm hands held her face as her head rested on the car seat, and his kiss was soft and loving. She could even feel his long fingers as they massaged the back of her neck and ears soothingly.

Qi Chengzhi was reluctant to let her go as he kissed her. If it were not for the huge amount of work that was the cause for his hectic days ahead, he would bring Song Yu to his office with him.

His kiss transitioned from a tender and loving kiss to a passionate kiss that followed the lines of her lips. His pupils shone through his half-closed eyelids as he savored her delicate skin.

His thumbs caressed her cheek with affection. He could not resist the temptation and planted his mouth on her cheek and compressed it softly before he moved toward her lips again.

He stuck his lips on hers, and his breath felt warm against her cheek. He really did not want to let her go.

He cherished every single moment with her, and he did not want her to leave his sight, especially after the kidnapping.

Song Yu was out of breath, and she lifted his face with both of her hands. The softness and tenderness of her touch on his face caused Qi Chengzhi to tremble.

Song Yu ran her fingers through his perfectly proportioned features on his handsome face. His gaze was so soft that he appeared mellow, and her heartbeat increased as she admired him.

She grinned and took the initiative to kiss his lips. “I know you left out a bunch of work during your hospital stay, but no matter how busy you are, please take good care of yourself.”

“I might be busy this afternoon, so Chang Lai will come and drive you to lunch,” Qi Chengzhi said softly. His breath felt warm on her lips, and she could even smell the light fragrance of coffee from his mouth.

“Okay.” Song Yu nodded, and then she suddenly yelled, “Ah!”

Qi Chengzhi’s expression changed and asked urgently, “What is it? Are you feeling unwell?”

“No, Youjin kicked me,” Song Yu said as she quickly touched her belly. “This is the first time that he had kicked me. Ah! He kicked again. Hurry, come and feel it.”

Qi Chengzhi was surprised by the information, but he quickly put his palm on her stomach. He felt extremely anxious and excited at the same time. He stared at her stomach with intense focus.

Song Yu was disappointed when there was no further movement from the baby after a while. “Why did he not move again?”

Song Yu peeked at his watch as Qi Chengzhi still had his palm on her stomach. She said, “I think you should get going since you have so much work to do. Let’s try it again at night. He might move again then.”

“Let’s wait for a little while more.” Qi Chengzhi was reluctant, and he wanted to continue to wait for the baby to move.

Song Yu then remained still and waited with him. She tried to encourage the baby and said, “Youjin, please move around a bit.”

After approximately three to four minutes, Qi Youjin kicked again, and coincidentally, the kick was right at the center of Qi Chengzhi’s palm. Qi Chengzhi felt the slight vibration that it caused.

Qi Chengzhi looked at Song Yu with delight as he was touched and amazed by it. He could not describe the joy that he had felt then.

Qi Chengzhi had been a calm and quiet man, but he grinned like a child who just had sweets. Song Yu could not help but smile with him as well. However, Qi Youjin only kicked once, and he rested still afterward. It seemed like he was like a sloth.

After a while, Qi Chengzhi frowned. “Is it painful when he kicked you?”

“No, the kicks were soft. It felt like he was just stretching himself at that moment,” Song Yu said with a smile.

Qi Chengzhi stared at Song Yu’s stomach with a soft expression. Then he suddenly lowered his head and kissed her stomach. With a mellow and steady voice, he said, “I appreciate it.”

Song Yu blushed, but she was also reluctant to leave him due to the previous disastrous event that they went through.

She peeked at the time again. She would be late for work if she did not leave then. Even though Director Zhao gave her special privileges, she did not think it would be nice to break the rules like that.

“I’m going up now. Please be careful on your way to the office,” Song Yu said as she kissed him again.

Qi Chengzhi nodded. As Song Yu opened the door, she heard another car door closed behind her. She turned around and saw that Qi Chengzhi had followed her out of the car. She was confused, but she let him hold her hand. “I’ll walk you up.”

The kidnapping incident scared Qi Chengzhi. He was worried that Song Yu would meet another accident even though it was a busy building.

Song Yu did not reject his offer, and she let him hold her hand as they walked into the office building. However, she became apprehensive after that. She wondered if her insistence on going to work was a good idea since it would make Qi Chengzhi worried and tired at the same time.

The general public took care not to crowd anywhere near her when they entered the elevator as they saw that Song Yu was a heavily pregnant woman. Many people arrived at the building in the early morning, but they were willing to wait for the next elevator as they did not want to crowd the elevator, especially when there was a pregnant lady there.

Even then, Qi Chengzhi protected Song Yu with great care.

It was fortunate that those people did not know who Qi Chengzhi was, as his name did not correspond with his behavior. So, there was no commotion as all.

Qi Chengzhi safeguarded Song Yu as they walked out of the elevator when they reached the floor for Chengshi. After they turned a corner, they finally reached the doorstep of the design department. Song Yu did not want Qi Chengzhi to enter with her, and so she said, “We’re here, so you can leave now.”

Qi Chengzhi peeked into the office and smiled. “You made me feel like I should be hidden from everyone’s view.”

“That’s not true. I only fear that your presence will cause overwhelming stress to my colleagues,” Song Yu mumbled.

Qi Chengzhi suddenly lowered his head and kissed Song Yu on her lips. His sudden act caused her to observe her surroundings quickly, and she sighed in relief when she realized that there were no observers. She blushed as red as a tomato.

“Be careful on your way to the office and remember to give me a call or text when you arrived,” Song Yu told him. She would give him the same lecture every day whenever he drove her to work before her pregnancy, or when she sent him to his office during her vacation days. Qi Chengzhi only felt warmth and affection every time she did that.

“Duly noted. I’ll leave after you go in. Ask Chang Lai to come up to the office and wait for you in the afternoon. Don’t go down alone, and I’ll come up to fetch you at night too,” Qi Chengzhi said as he gently squeezed her hands.

Even though Song Yu thought that it was a bit much since Jian Yi’s kidnapping case was an unexpected one and she did not believe that there was anyone else who would want to hurt her, she still nodded and promised him. He was a little too careful about the whole thing, but she knew that he only wanted the best thing for her.

She glanced at Qi Chengzhi again before she walked into the office.

Qi Chengzhi turned around and saw Ruan Danchen as she came out of the engineering department.

Ruan Danchen was at a loss when she saw Qi Chengzhi, but she smiled at him. “Young Master Cheng.”

Qi Chengzi remained silent, but he nodded at her as he walked away.

Ruan Danchen felt a little embarrassed when she turned around and looked at his figure from the back.

She guessed that Song Yu had returned to work when she saw Qi Chengzhi, and sure enough, she noticed Song Yu at her desk when she entered the office. She quickly expressed her concern and asked for her condition, which Song Yu clarified that all was well.

“Ah! I’m too used to you sitting beside me. When you were not around, I would still turn around to talk to you, but every single time I did that, there was only an empty seat next to me. I felt so bored as I couldn’t find anyone to talk to anymore,” Ruan Danchen complained as Yang Yunshu entered the office with a bag.

Yang Yunshu was stunned to see Song Yu at the office, but then she pursed her lips and looked as if she was disgusted by the view. She mumbled as she took her seat at her desk, “Why does she still come to the office with her huge belly sticking out? Did she think of this office as her home now that she’s married to a wealthy man? To come and go as she pleased? No one batted an eye when she came in to do nothing, and now she wanted to come to the office to be a young madam? Go home to play your young madam role, please. There’s no need to pretend to be independent. She’s so annoying!”

Of course, Song Yu did not hear what Yang Yunshu had mumbled under her breath, and she also did not expect the office environment to change so much while she was not around. Yang Yunshu actually came back!

“Why is she back at the design department?” Song Yu lowered her voice to ask Ruan Danchen.

“There was a lack of staff in the design department after you left. I’m in charge of interior design, so I don’t know much about exterior design. I can only handle some parts of your work, and no one could handle the designs for the new community area. Director Zhao did not want to hire new staff, so he moved Yang Yunshu back here. It was a good thing that you only had the Qilin Hotel project. Otherwise, all of them would go to Yang Yunshu,” Ruan Danchen answered softly.

Song Yu understood the situation, and she did not care whether Yang Yunshu returned to the department or not. She would not dare to cross her path anyway, in case Director Zhao would be unhappy and took actions against her.

Director Zhao also remembered that Song Yu was to return to work that day. That was why he went straight to the design department instead of his office when he arrived that morning.

“Song Yu, are you feeling much better?” Director Zhao smiled as he walked toward her. He was unusually kind to her.

Yang Yunshu had her back toward them and rolled her eyes. Song Yu smiled and said, “I’m feeling better now, sorry to trouble you these past few days.”

Song Yu wanted to stand up, but Director Zhao stopped her. “No need for formality, just sit down and talk. It wasn’t troublesome at all. However, if you come back to work then you have to take better care of yourself. Let me know if you need anything.”

Director Zhao knew that he could not afford to offend Song Yu after she got married to Qi Chengzhi. He even needed to please her, especially since she was pregnant with the grandchild of the Qi family. He would need to take greater care of his actions with her.

“Director Zhao, is there anything for me to do?” Song Yu inquired.

"Well…" Director Zhao thought for a while and then said hesitantly, "You know, if you take up a project now, you'll need to go to the construction site. In your current state, it's a bit of an inconvenient and not to mention, unsafe too. And your delivery date is so soon. Our project is always longer than two or three months. You can jump in after your maternity leave, so we don't need to worry so much about a handover. How about this? Manager Xu is preparing a tender for a big project, so you can help him out with the documentation, some light duties. I know that you prefer to do some design work, and you've gotten some recognition for the Qilin Hotel project. There's a line of people asking for you. While I really want you to get involved in the projects, I worry about your health. If something were to happen, I wouldn't be able to answer to your family."

Director Zhao proceeded with utmost caution. He did not want to offend Song Yu. After all, Song Yu was the company's prized cash cow, and he did not want to be accused of mistreating her.

"I understand." Song Yu did not mind. She was only too bored to stay at home, so she decided to go into work instead.

In her state, she would refuse a design project even if she were offered one. She did not mind to help Manage Xu with menial tasks as that was her intention anyway. She wanted to keep herself occupied but not stressed.

"So, that's good for you?" Director Zhao asked in a diplomatic tone.

"Yes." Song Yu nodded. "You don't have to feel uneasy. I'm quite fine with this arrangement."

Director Zhao was relieved. "Okay. Then go ahead. If you need to leave early, just tell Xiao Ruan."

Director Zhao then went back into his office.

Yang Yunshu eavesdropped on their conversation that whole time. She pursed her lips and muttered to herself, "Getting paid an architect's salary but doing work that even a high schooler could do. Such a simple job. Life is really unfair."

Ruan Danchen studied Yang Yunshu's behavior with suspicion. She rolled her chair over to Song Yu and spoke in a low voice, "Yang Yunshu is standing there and muttering to herself. It looks like there's a gray cloud over her head."

Song Yu looked over in that direction and said, "I feel it too, but as long as she doesn't pick trouble with me, I'll be fine with her."

"She wouldn't dare now unless she doesn't mind being jobless," Ruan Danchen said with a laugh before she went back to her work.

…

…

Chang Lai was already at the door to the design department.

When Yang Yunshu walked out with her colleagues, she spotted Chang Lai. He wore a dapper suit that caught her eye. With a flirty smile, she walked over to him and asked, "Sir, are you looking for someone?"

Chang Lai gave Yang Yunshu a brief look. He had been picking Song Yu up daily from Chengshi, and he could recognize all of their staff. He was aware of Yan Yunshu's character.

Chang Lai smiled coldly and said, "I am Young Master Cheng's driver, and I am here to pick up the missus."

When she heard that he was only a driver, Yang Yunshu lost her interest in him almost immediately. She lost her sunny disposition and then replied flippantly, "I see."

Then she walked away to join her other colleagues.

When Song Yu and Ruan Danchen exited the department, they saw Yang Yunshu as she walked away from Chang Lai. Song Yu shot a look at Chang Lai but kept her silence.

The three of them arrived at the elevator just as the door opened. Song Yu was not in a rush, so she entered last. Yang Yunshu eyed Chang Lai's careful escort of the pregnant Song Yu into the elevator. She pitied the young man who decided to be someone's driver instead of pursuing an actual career.

Once they were in the car, Song Yu asked, "Did Yang Yunshu approach you just now?"

Chang Lai smiled and said genially, "I think she saw my attire and thought that I was a rich man. When I said that I was Young Master Cheng's driver, she left me alone."

Song Yu let out a laugh. "What a dumb girl."

Chang Lai just smiled.

The car stopped in front of Dynasty, and Song Yu ordered a take-out meal. After the food was packaged into Dynasty's premium food carrier, she brought it to Qilin.

Cheng Dongge was not at his table. There was another temporary secretary at his place who immediately stood up when he saw Song Yu. "Ma'am, Mr. Chang."

When she saw that Cheng Dongge was not at his desk, Song Yu asked, "Are they all inside?"

"Yes. The director has been having meetings with the managers for the whole morning," the secretary said. He had watched the managers entered the office one by one nervously and then exited dejectedly. He pitied them as the stress seemed to have overwhelmed them.

Qi Chenglin handled Qi Chengzhi's work during that period, but the combined workloads were too much for him to complete alone. After all, Qi Chenglin was only a temporary stand-in. There were still some urgent matters that Qi Chengzhi had to deal with himself.

Before Qi Chengzhi returned to work, he had already reviewed the issues that required his attention. He sorted them by their urgency and would face them head-on that day.

Song Yu nodded and brought her lunch to the pantry as she wanted to heat the food. When she was done, Qi Chengyue walked in with her own take-out box.

"Brother is still occupied?" Qi Chengyue asked when she saw as Song Yu she walked out of the pantry.

"No. I actually just arrived." Song Yu saw the lunchbox in Qi Chengyue's hand. "You have not eaten as well?"

"I already ate. This is for Cheng Dongge. Whenever Brother hosts a meeting, they will usually neglect to have lunch, so I brought food for him." Qi Chengyue glanced at the tightly-shut office door and sighed. "His body just healed. He shouldn't have busied himself with work."

Song Yu chuckled. "You're just worried that Cheng Dongge doesn't get to eat lunch."

Qi Chengyue laughed in embarrassment, but she did not deny the fact either.

"Wait here for a moment," Song Yu said.

Song Yu strode up to the office door and knocked. She did not bother to wait for a reply before she opened the door and went inside. Qi Chengyue watched from behind and sighed again. Only Song Yu had the privilege to do such a thing.

The manager was talking about something when Song Yu entered the office. Qi Chengzhi had a serious expression on his face, and the interruption elicited an unhappy look. His black eyes glared at the door.

When he saw that it was Song Yu, his expression softened. His rigid posture relaxed, and the edge of his mouth curled upward.

"You're still not done?" Song Yu walked in and placed her lunchbox on the side table. The smell of lunch wafted toward them. The managers who sat across from Qi Chengzhi felt their stomachs rumbled.

Qi Chengzhi shot a look at the time and realized that Song Yu was a bit early. "You have not eaten?"

"I ordered take-out because I wanted to eat with you," Song Yu said with an affectionate tone. However, there was also a disapproving glint in her eyes. It was already one in the afternoon. It seemed as if Qi Chengzhi did not intend to stop for lunch, and he might have just skipped it had she not shown up.

Qi Chengzhi smiled at her and turned to his managers. His expression was undoubtedly better than before Song Yu arrived. "Go, have your lunch. We'll reconvene after that."

Tvu zuiaud jfl nfinfgiu, frt ovu qfrfeuzl vfloaiw iudo ovu mddahu.

…

…

Cheng Dongge finally had the time to eat. He walked out of the office and saw Qi Chengyue with a lunchbox.

Qi Chengyue sighed. "It was a good thing that Song Yu came over. Otherwise, you would have to skip lunch again."

A smile graced Cheng Dongge's lips. "Have you eaten?"

"Yes." Qi Chengyue pulled Cheng Dongge into one of the meeting rooms. "The food is still hot. Eat it quickly before it becomes cold."

Cheng Dongge opened the lunchbox and surveyed the food. Qi Chengyue was indeed familiar with his likes and dislikes. Despite that, the meal did not only consist of the things that he liked.

For example, he came from Li City and had a preference for spicy food. When it came to vegetables, he only liked leafy greens.

In the lunchbox, there were fish and meat dishes that were spicy. There were also carrots which he disliked and fried choy sum, which was his favorite. There was also broccoli, which he did not mind. It was a balanced diet that was tailored just for him.

Ir vuz nzusampl zuifoamrlvan, Qa Cvurewpu jfl laqaifziw foouroasu. Hmjusuz, Jafr Ya tat rmo fnnzuhafou vuz uddmzol. Tvu dazlo oaqu lvu gzmpevo f iprhvgmk dmz Cvure Dmreeu, vu fou usuzwovare jaovmpo f hmqnifaro usur ovmpev ao hmrofarut talvul ovfo vu taliacut.

Cheng Dongge ate a few mouthfuls and looked at Qi Chengyue. She had her hands folded on the table, and her head rested on her arm as she watched him eat.

He smiled at her and reached forward with his slender hand. He tucked her hair behind her ear and rubbed at her temple. Then, he pinched her ear softly. Qi Chengyue could feel her ear warmed up.

"After we're married, do you want to buy a new house or renovate my old house?" Cheng Dongge asked.

He had wanted to renovate his house. He had lived there for three years with Huang Ziyue. Some of the decors were actually Huang Ziyue's ideas. Even though the emotional scars healed after Qi Chengyue entered his life, there were still elements that unsettled him.

Qi Chengyue had never said anything about the house, but he did not want her to feel uncomfortable. If she were to live there, he would want her to be at ease.

However, Cheng Dongge was just too preoccupied to ask her.

The question required some thought, and Qi Chengyue furrowed her eyebrows.

"You don't have to worry about money. I've earned enough to buy a house," Cheng Dongge said with a smile.

"I know." Qi Chengyue never doubted his financial capabilities. She raised her head and asked inquisitively, "But that's a house for both of us. Why don't we split the cost for it? That way, we will own it together. Every brick, tile, plaster, wallpaper, will have traces of you and me."

Cheng Dongge raised an eyebrow. He understood the meaning of those words. "Does the current house make you uncomfortable?"

Qi Chengyue lowered her head in embarrassment. She scratched the back of her neck and bit her bottom lip. "Of course, I'm uncomfortable. Your ex stayed there for so long. Whenever I go over to your house, I can sense her presence in every corner."

She looked surreptitiously at Cheng Dongge. There was a slight smile and no signs of anger on his face. He asked, "Why didn't you tell me that you didn't like the house?"

"Everyone has a past. I'm divorced, but you don't mind. If I were to fuss over such a small issue, people would say that I'm petty," she whispered, and her face was red.

Cheng Dongge's hand left her face. Instead, he took her hands in his.

"I'm sorry. I've been meaning to give the house a makeover, but I have not had the time. I should have done it sooner," Cheng Dongge said in an apologetic tone.

The fact that Cheng Dongge considered her feelings surprised Qi Chengyue. She knew that he was busy, and renovation works would often take up a lot of time and effort. He would have to move out of the house but still monitor the progress. Hence, she suggested for them to purchase a new house instead.

"Let's buy a house. Once we're married and settled in the new house, the old house will be empty. We can do the renovation then. If you're busy with work, I can go over and help to supervise the process. The house can be ready for when Mom and Dad come to visit B City," Qi Chengyue said.

"Mom and Dad? I see that you've been thinking of the full picture. Can't wait to be a good daughter-in-law?" Cheng Dongge teased her.

Qi Chengyue blushed and put his hands onto the table. "Eat your lunch. Break is almost over."

"I'll head over to the sales department later and ask for some property recommendations along with the floorplans. We can browse through some of them," Cheng Dongge said before he dug into his lunch.

…

…

Song Yu ate lunch with Qi Chengzhi in his office. "With so much work, are you staying back later?"

"I've already planned out the work that I can bring home. There's no need to stay back." Qi Chengzhi saw Song Yu put down her chopsticks and asked, "Full already?"

"Yeah, I don't really have an appetite." Song Yu drank a few gulps of water.

Qi Chengzhi patted the spot beside him. "Come sit beside me."

Song Yu bit her lips and went to his side. Once she sat beside him, she leaned into him. Qi Chengzhi was still eating when she rested her head on his shoulder.

Qi Chengzhi gobbled down the rest of his meal. Once he was done, he pulled Song Yu into his ŀȧp.

Song Yu pulled a tissue out of nowhere and pressed it against Qi Chengzhi's oil-stained lips with her own lips. When she pulled away, there was a seductive smile on her face. Her round eyes shone with a glint of playfulness.

Qi Chengzhi's clean lips sought hers. "Is there anything you fancy for dinner tonight? We can buy it on the way home."

"I can't think of anything now. Maybe later." Song Yu pressed her forehead into his neck. With her eyes closed, she asked, "What time is it now?"

Qi Chengzhi looked at the clock. "One-twenty."

Song Yu snuggled into his embrace as if she did not want to leave. "Lunch break is almost over. I have to go."

Qi Chengzhi placed his warm hands on her belly. "Are you tired? You can take a nap here. You don't have to go in for the rest of the day."

Song Yu suddenly wanted to laugh. Yang Yunshu probably hated her for having such a fickle work schedule.

"I'm not tired," she said as she laid in Qi Chengzhi's arms. "Taking leave on the first day of work? That's a bit too much. My colleagues already hate me. Besides, if I stayed here, you would need to push back your schedules for the afternoon."

She took a breath and raised her head. She kissed him on the lips and said, "Bye."

"He didn't move this noon?" Qi Chengzhi asked expectantly.

Song Yu smiled and touched her belly. "I think he's a lazy boy."

Song Yu stood up from Qi Chengzhi's ŀȧp and was personally escorted to the car. "Call me once you've reached your workplace."

Qi Chengzhi looked on until Chang Lai's car drove off. He headed back to his office. He summoned the group of people to continue the meeting. After half an hour, Qi Chengzhi's phone rang. He immediately picked up when he saw Song Yu's caller ID.

Based on Qi Chengzhi's expression, the managers knew that it was his wife who had called him. They sighed internally as they thought, 'If only the director would treat us with a fraction of the kindness he shows his wife.'

Qi Chengzhi glanced at the managers and got up from his chair. He walked to the window and said softly, "Reached your office?"

"Yes. I called you right after I entered the building." Song Yu walked to her desk.

Once he was sure of Song Yu's safety, Qi Chengzhi relaxed. He got off the phone and continued with his work.

…

…

In the evening, Qi Chengzhi arrived at Chengshi just ten minutes before the end of the workday. Everyone had switched off their computers and got ready to leave.

Qi Chengzhi stood squarely at the door of the design department. With one hand in his pocket, his other hand scrolled through his phone.

Every single person who walked out of the department was stunned to see Qi Chengzhi there. Yang Yunshu was startled when she saw Qi Chengzhi, and she quickly backtracked. She was not sure if Qi Chengzhi knew about her return. If she appeared so suddenly in front of him, Qi Chengzhi might make Director Zhao fire her on the spot. She only stayed in Chengshi because she knew no company would hire her.

Yang Yunshu anxiously kept her head down and hid among a few coworkers who were leaving too. Qi Chengzhi was still looking at his phone when she walked past him. She breathed a sigh of relief. She feared that she would run into Qi Chengzhi again in the elevator, so she took the stairs down.

Song Yu came out with some of her other colleagues as Ruan Danchen stayed back for work. She saw Qi Chengzhi as he stood by the department door dressed in his tailored suit. He looked like a model. He had a serene look on his face, which gave him an air of sophistication. He seemed unaware of the surprised looks that he got as he stood among the crowd.

After a while, the coworkers shifted their gaze from Qi Chengzhi to Song Yu. She blushed and lowered her head. She quickly walked over to Qi Chengzhi and linked their hands.

Qi Chengzhi turned around to look at her. His gaze softened, and a hint of a smile toyed at the edge of his lips. He pocketed his phone. He squeezed her hand as they walked to the elevators.

"When did you get here?" Song Yu asked. The attention that they received made her uneasy.

"Just now," Qi Chengzhi spoke with a calming voice. They stopped in front of the elevators.

The employees of Chengshi nervously greeted Qi Chengzhi. In the office building, people from other companies were not familiar with Qi Chengzhi, but due to Song Yu, her coworkers could recognize him well.

Qi Chengzhi's presence made everyone uneasy, but the man himself was unaware of it.

"Tired?" Qi Chengzhi asked softly as he ignored the people around them.

Song Yu was mildly embarrassed by the looks thrown their way. She inched closer to Qi Chengzhi and whispered, "Director Zhao didn't really give me a lot of work. I just rearranged some documents. I'm not tired, and I didn't even get to touch the computer."

Everyone else was struck with horror; they could not stand seeing Qi Chengzhi being so tender. Finally, the elevator arrived. All of them secretly let out a sigh of relief. However, when the elevator door opened, they saw Director Zhao and Madam Zhao in there. The second Director Zhao saw Qi Chengzhi, he was panic-stricken.

Manager Wang noticed the situation and said, “Director Qi, Song Yu, please have a seat first. We will wait for the next ride.”

Qi Chengzhi did not care. He nodded and led Song Yu into the elevator.

Director Zhao and Madam Zhao quickly greeted Qi Chengzhi. Maintaining his usual haughty appearance, Qi Chengzhi nodded at them coldly. Then, he turned to Song Yu and asked, “Just now, I saw Yang Yunshu come out of the design department. Is she back to working in the design department?”

Director Zhao suddenly grew anxious. Song Yu answered, “Didn’t I take two months’ leave? The company was short-handed, so she was called to help. It isn’t wise for them to not utilize every one of their architects.”

“Director Qi, if you’re not happy with this, I can transfer her back,” Director Zhao said hurriedly.

“No need.” Qi Chengzhi glanced at him composedly. He knew that Song Yu said that because she did not want him to stoop down to Yang Yunshu’s level. “Since you shifted her back, just let her stay. However, you should keep an eye on her. Song Yu is now pregnant, she can’t deal with any of her plots. If anything happens—”

“Director Qi, rest assured, I will keep my eyes peeled,” Director Zhao assured hastily.

After that, Qi Chengzhi kept silent. When the elevator reached the first floor, he led Song Yu out.

He shielded Song Yu as she got into the car. He got in and fastened his seatbelt. However, he did not start the engine. He reached out and cupped his hand on Song Yu’s belly.

Seeing such a reliable and independent man acting like a curious child and constantly feeling her belly, Song Yu could not help but smile.

“He’s not moving,” Qi Chengzhi mumbled as he leaned his face closer.

Qi Chengzhi pouted. “I’ve been wanting to feel his kicks the whole day when I was at work. Why is he so lazy?”

“Do you want him to be kicking inside all day long?” Song Yu teased.

Qi Chengzhi looked up silently and stared at her with a smile. He leaned in and kissed her.

“What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?” Song Yu was heating up due to his tender stare.

“I was used to having you wait for me at home. Suddenly, I have to come pick you up from work again. I feel like we’ve been apart for too long,” Qi Chengzhi said in a soft voice. The truth was, he preferred that she stayed home; he would feel more at ease.

Knowing his thoughts, Song Yu held his hand gently. She stared at his refined long fingers. Her fingers slowly slid up his, stacking their palms together. Then, her fingers slithered between his, lacing them together.

“I have decided that I’ll resign after Youjin is born. I’ll devote myself to taking care of him at home. If there are any suitable designing jobs, I’ll do it at home. Nonetheless, my main focus will always be on Youjin. I just don’t want us to be too disconnected.” Song Yu looked at him tenderly. She appeared especially submissive. “Truth be told, I love to stay home and wait for you to return too, but when you go to work during the day, I’m bored when left alone at home. There’s not much I can do either. Once Youjin is born, I’m sure I won’t have time to be bored. I’ve already contemplated on it; a month before his due date, instead of taking a month’s leave, I’ll resign there and then.”

Qi Chengzhi did not expect her to have thought everything through. He completely agreed with her plans and told her so.

While driving, Qi Chengzhi asked, “Is there anything you’d like to eat? We can get it on the way.”

As though she had made up her mind long ago, she leaned closer flirtatiously and clung onto his arm. “Hot and sour noodle.”

Qi Chengzhi grinned. It seemed like the idiom ‘ sour boy and spicy girl 1 ‘ was accurate since Song Yu loved sour food.

Therefore, Qi Chengzhi drove to Shengyue. Shengyue mainly served Sichuan cuisine. On the menu, there were some unique sides, including hot and sour noodles. Previously, after he had finished watching a movie with Song Yu, they loitered around for a while and when Song Yu mentioned it, Shengyue was already closed. He had to buy it from a small shop by the road.

The noodles cooked in Shengyue felt safer to be consumed than the ones sold in roadside shops. It also did not have the smell of artificial essences.

They got takeout from Shengyue, only then did the duo return home.

Aunt Yang glared at the hot and sour noodle placed on the dining table and shook her head disapprovingly. “Madam, why do you always eat these things? There are so much soy sauce and vinegar in them. Be careful or the child you give birth to might be black as a crow.”

Song Yu, “…”

…

…

After dinner, Qi Chengzhi grabbed his laptop and went to work in the bedroom. This time, he was not sitting on the bed. Instead, he sat on the couch. When working, he could see Song Yu lying on the bed just by lifting his head up.

After taking a bath, Song Yu climbed onto the bed. Qi Chengzhi looked up from his monitor to look at Song Yu.

“What’s up?” Song Yu was holding a book that she was planning to read.

“I was thinking, if you want to work from home after resigning, I’ll hand you any suitable designing jobs we have at Qilin.” Qi Chengzhi’s gaze was gentle and his voice was calm and melodic. “You’ll only have to draw up the designs. As for site visiting, supervision, et cetera, I’ll have Qilin’s employees handle it. This way, it won’t be as tiring as working for someone else. What do you think?”

Song Yu pondered on it, then said, “Wouldn’t it cause an inconvenience? I’m sure the manager in your company wouldn’t dare to speak up even if he isn’t satisfied with my designs due to my position.”

“Since I’m here, why do we need anyone else?” Qi Chengzhi pouted. With a faint smile, he pointed out and said, “I can discuss the design draft with you at home. You can change anything that needs to be changed immediately. When it comes to work, I won’t take anything as a joke.”

Song Yu knew that he took his work very seriously. Even back when she was competing to design Qilin Hotel, although Qi Chengzhi was willing to hand her the job, it was only after she gave him her design draft. She had to make many alterations before the final draft was produced.

Song Yu thought, with Qi Chengzhi supporting her, she could feel at ease no matter what she did, so she agreed.

Once Qi Chengzhi finished his work, he came over with a bottle of essential oil and firming lotion to rub on Song Yu’s stomach and massage her legs.

“He’s moving! Chengzhi, Youjin is moving again,” Song Yu announced excitedly.

Qi Chengzhi speedily placed his hand on her belly. He could feel Qi Youjin’s movements from time to time inside Song Yu’s belly. He pressed his ears against her stomach. “This little guy, does he sleep in the day and wake up at night?”

Song Yu chuckled and said, “I wish we can fast-forward to his due date.”

After a while, little Qi Youjin must have grown tired—he stopped moving. Qi Chengzhi fixed his gaze at Song Yu’s enlarged stomach and suggested, “Should we find some time to do a pregnancy photoshoot?”

“Sure.” Song Yu had thought about it before but seeing that Qi Chengzhi was so busy, she did not bring it up.

…

…

Grandmother Qi’s birthday fell on a Saturday. After a secret discussion between the four women of the Qi family, they decided to throw an unforgettable birthday party at Dynasty.

Grandmother Qi loved acting, so they decided to make ‘nostalgic movies’ the theme of the party. It was something like a masquerade ball. They decorated different areas of the hall to look like classic scenes from movies. Those who attend the party could dress up as any character from any movie—it was not limited to the movies that had their scenes used at the party.

Only after the decoration was completed did Xia Wenna and Guan Liya tell Grandmother Qi about it. Grandmother Qi was overjoyed to hear about the party. She had completely forgotten that she had once said she did not want an extravagant party; she only wanted the whole family to celebrate it together at the old mansion modestly. Exhilarated, Grandmother Qi dug out her favorite movie and found a tailor to make her cheongsam.

On Saturday, Chang Lai arrived at the Song family’s house to pick Song Donglin and Yu Qianying up. This way, they did not have to walk on the streets to call a cab whilst in their costumes and attract unwanted attention. Yu Qianying was not thick-skinned enough to do that.

Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu had long arrived at Dynasty to welcome guests. Song Yu was pregnant so she could not find any costumes she would look good in. Thus, she ended up wearing a Hanfu. The high-waisted skirt was not very revealing and it could be worn as maternity clothing as well.

Qi Chengzhi wore a three-piece suit. He was dressed up in a retro style from the 30’s and 40’s. He even put on the glasses he had kept away long ago.

Song Yu had not seen him in glasses in a long time. When she saw him with glasses that day, it reminded her of the time they met again; he was wearing glasses, making him appear particularly unfathomable and mysterious. The lenses covered his dark and sharp eyes, masking the expression in his eyes. His usual sternness was also hidden behind those glasses, making him appear much more elegant and genteel.

However, Song Yu knew him all too well. No matter how she looked at it, she still thought that the outfit did not suit his personality at all.

On the way here, Song Yu had been staring at the bespectacled Qi Chengzhi the whole time. Once Qi Chengzhi had stopped the car in a parking spot in front of Dynasty, he turned to Song Yu and raised an eyebrow at her, saying, “You’ve been staring at me the whole way here.”

“When I see you wearing glasses again, it reminded me of the way you looked back then. It’s quite nostalgic.” Song Yu stared at the man who gave off a completely different aura with glasses on. Back then, he was this elegant and genteel-looking man, yet he could do such shameless things to her.

“Then do you want me to wear it or not?” Qi Chengzhi asked in his low, husky voice while raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t wear it, you look more handsome without it. Even so, the way you look right now really makes me miss the old days. It’s quite fun to think about it,” Song Yu said as she grinned.

Suddenly, Qi Chengzhi leaned toward Song Yu. His dashing face abruptly magnified in front of her eyes. Song Yu could not tell what he was thinking, but his face was inches away from hers. As she stared into his deep eyes through the lenses, she remembered that back in the day—when he was still wearing glasses—he would abruptly lean closer to her like this, making her nervous and charmed at the same time.

At this moment, Song Yu’s heart raced. As his scalding breaths landed on her face, she felt her face grow hotter and hotter, as if it was being cooked.

His thin and elegant lips curled up a little. He was an adult, yet he looked like a rascal.

Song Yu’s breathing was all over the place. She watched as he leaned closer and closer. When his lips were almost touching hers, he stopped. Song Yu was quite unhappy about it. How could he pull her in like that then leave her hanging? How wicked!

Then, Qi Chengzhi’s intoxicating smoky voice sounded. His voice was peculiarly alluring. “I suddenly realized, back then, I have only kissed you with my glasses on, but we’ve never done it with it on, right?”

Song Yu’s face turned red in a flash. She stared at his handsome and graceful face in disbelief. How could he say something so shameless? Her lips were trembling slightly, her body was heating up and her face was boiling. She felt like smoke was coming out of her ears.

“Should we try it when we get home tonight?” Qi Chengzhi asked in a gravelly voice. Immediately, his lips landed on her face, grinding against the corner of her lips. “Just like when we were dating.”

Song Yu’s face was completely red. She thought about the scenes from back then, arousing herself.

“Just stay in this outfit tonight.” Qi Chengzhi’s voice now carried a hint of eagerness. His thin lips rubbed against the corner of her lips then worked its way up to her ear, then slowly moved down again and kissed her neck.

With a flushed face, Song Yu thought about him wanting to roleplay in the bedroom.

Without thinking, she revealed the elegant curves on her neck, letting Qi Chengzhi’s warm and numbing lips grind on it. She was starting to tremble. Her hands clutched tightly onto Qi Chengzhi’s suit. Trapped in her seat by Qi Chengzhi, she appeared particularly submissive and helpless. Seeing this, Qi Chengzhi became even keener. He would not let go of her. Instead, he held onto her even tighter.

With all the kissing, Qi Chengzhi was getting aroused. Smelling the sweet scent coming off her body, his elegant and attractive hand subconsciously slithered to the knot tied on her Hanfu.

Suddenly, his phone rang, giving the couple who were fully indulged in each other a shock.

Song Yu was abruptly awoken. Realizing where Qi Chengzhi’s hand was placed, she was so embarrassed she wanted to bury her head in sand. She thought that she was too easily aroused nowadays—with just a simple touch and a kiss, her mind would go blank. All she wanted to do was bury herself in his embrace.

Qi Chengzhi raised his thick eyebrows annoyedly. He grabbed the phone from the compartment between the seats and saw the words ‘Qi Youxuan’ displayed on the phone.

“Why are you calling?” Qi Chengzhi questioned irritatedly after answering the call. His voice was cold. One of his hands was still cupped on Song Yu’s face, his finger gently brushing her hair. His thumb wandered around her cheeks, then finally stopped at the corner of her lips.

Gradually, his vexed expression dissolved into a tender look.

“Uncle, when my dad and I were driving here, I saw your car in front of us. Now, we have already gotten out of the car, so why haven’t you?” Qi Youxuan’s tiny hand was held by Qi Chenglin. He was speaking on the phone while walking with Qi Chenglin.

“…” Qi Chengzhi squinted. That brat was quite the busybody. “You two are here too?”

“That’s right. We’re walking towards you guys right now.” Qi Youxuan said innocently, not aware of the situation.

“…” Qi Chengzhi hung up with a dark expression.

“…” Confused, Qi Youxuan stared at his chubby little hand that was holding his Totoro phone. In a clear voice, he ranted, “Ah, this Uncle, how could he hang up so abruptly like this?”

Qi Chenglin glanced at his son but did not say a word. As they walked, they saw a black Range Rover’s doors open just a few steps away from them. They watched as Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu got out.

“Uncle, Auntie.” Song Yu heard Qi Youxuan’s melodic voice loud and clear.

She turned toward the direction of the voice and saw Qi Youxuan dressed in Detective Conan’s blue suit. On top of his white shirt, he had a big red bowtie. A pair of lensless black glasses sat on his little nose, covering half his face.

Qi Chenglin’s outfit was no different from what he usually wore—a suit. Standing beside Qi Chengzhi, no one would have guessed these two were attending a movie-themed party.

“Auntie, you look exceptionally beautiful today,” Qi Youxuan praised in his crisp child’s voice. Looking up, his clear large eyes stared expectantly at Song Yu’s belly. “Auntie, I heard Uncle said that my little brother can move in your tummy now.”

“Mmhmm.” Song Yu nodded with a smile. She could not help but shoot a glance at Qi Chengzhi. She did not know when he had announced this.

“Can I feel it?” the little boy asked expectantly.

Seeing his stunning little face, no one would have the heart to refuse the child’s requests. “Of course you can. Even so, he’s not moving now, so maybe you won’t feel it.”

Nonetheless, the kid still placed his petite hand on Song Yu’s stomach gently. It felt different from Qi Chengzhi’s hand; the boy’s hand was soft and small—they felt much lighter as if they were weightless. Seeing his tiny hand, Song Yu’s heart was moved. Now that she was going to be a mother, she loved Qi Youxuan even more.

“I can’t feel a thing.” The child’s eyebrows squeezed firmly together. He looked distressed.

“He doesn’t move constantly, only once in a while,” Song Yu explained with a smile.

“We shouldn’t stand here any longer. Let’s go in,” Qi Chengzhi said coolly.

Qi Youxuan moved his hand away and grabbed Qi Chenglin’s hand. The four of them walked toward Dynasty together. “Can he really move in there?”

“Of course. If you rest your palm on top, you can feel the pulses,” Song Yu replied as she placed her hand on her stomach. “Nevertheless, you can only feel it when he moves.”

An expectant expression flashed across the child’s face. “Auntie, can you tell me the next time he moves?”

“Sure.” Song Yu smiled as she brushed Qi Youxuan’s hair tenderly.

Thus, the little boy resolved to not move an inch apart from his aunt the entire night.

The four of them reached Dynasty’s front door. When they saw the person awaiting them at the entrance, they slowed down and eventually came to a stop.

Mu Huaisheng came over and nodded at Qi Chenglin and Song Yu before turning to Qi Chengzhi, requesting, “Can we talk?”

Song Yu no longer had a good impression of Mu Huaisheng. Although what Mu Sisi did was on her and the blame should not fall on Mu Huaisheng’s head, Song Yu was still unsatisfied with Mu Huaisheng’s inability to control his younger sister. He clearly knew what Mu Sisi was doing and what kind of person she was, yet, as her brother, he did not forcefully constrain her but only warned her verbally. Evidently, words were useless, resulting in Mu Sisi causing a ton of trouble for them.

Qi Chengzhi’s gaze was indifferent. He nodded with a stern expression. Turning to Qi Chenglin, he said, “Take care of Song Yu for me.”

Song Yu did not oppose to it. She followed Qi Chenglin and Qi Youxuan inside. Turning back to glance at Qi Chengzhi, she saw him smiling at her placatively. Only when she was out of sight did Qi Chengzhi shift his gaze.

On the way here, Mu Huaisheng had pondered upon many things. Qi Chengzhi invited The Eight Great Families to Grandmother Qi’s birthday party, yet, as his friend, he was not invited. Even so, Mu Huaisheng could guess the reason for that but he could not wrap his head around why Qi Chengzhi had abruptly become so extreme.

“Why are The Eight Great Families working together to sanction the Mu family? Since we came here, we did not interact much with the other families, so I thought I should direct my questions to you. I believe I’ll understand more this way,” Mu Huaisheng stated. He caught sight of Yan Beicheng behind Qi Chengzhi. Yan Beicheng was heading their way with a pair of middle-aged couple.

Qi Chengzhi turned and walked toward a corner. Mu Huaisheng could only catch a glimpse of Yan Beicheng before having to follow Qi Chengzhi.

“That’s right, our family asked the other families for a small favor,” Qi Chengzhi revealed in a distant voice with his hands in his pockets.

Having things develop to this point with an old friend, he was definitely feeling a little uneasy.

Mu Huaisheng pouted and laughed wryly. The ‘small favor’ had caused the Mu family a load of trouble. Mu Sisi may not know yet, but Mu Huaisheng knew that the Mu family was planning to focus on markets within the country. If the beginning was already this rough, it would be hard to proceed onward.

“Why?” Mu Huaisheng asked composedly.

“A while ago, I was injured. Right here.” Qi Chengzhi pointed at his abdomen. “Stabbed with a knife. It was very severe. I almost died, but I didn’t. I escaped death and was admitted into a hospital. I don’t know how Mu Sisi found out I was injured and admitted into the hospital —not many knew about this, and those who did would never tell her.”

“When was that?” Mu Huaisheng was shocked. His expression turned serious.

“About a month ago.” Qi Chengzhi’s expression was calm. His attitude was nothing like someone who had just had a brush with death.

Mu Huaisheng’s face abruptly tightened. “I even asked her whether she had been bugging you lately. She told me that she didn’t so confidently. What did she do now?”

“Oh, not much. She simply took the chance while I was lying in bed and immobile to throw herself on me and said that she wants to have my child. While fending her off, I tore my wound and worsened my injury.” Although Qi Chengzhi’s wound did not hurt anymore, he was scarred emotionally. Every time this topic was brought up, it made him uncomfortable.

Seeing Mu Huaisheng’s staggered expression, Qi Chengzhi continued in an indifferent tone, “There’s no way I can tolerate her harassment anymore. I don’t know how many times I have to tell her to get her to drop the idea and stop disrupting our lives. Since your family didn’t give a damn, we had to take matters into our own hands. This was a decision made by our grandparents. They were infuriated when they saw me getting hurt again after finally starting to recover. There’s no point in you coming to see me today. I have no say in this matter. Whether I end this or not is up to our grandparents.”

Qi Chengzhi kept his left hand in his pocket while his right hand took his ringing phone out. He merely glanced at it then declined the call. “My family is prodding me. Now you know why I didn’t invite you; the two elderly are still exasperated. Before this, we didn’t move a finger because we thought she was merely making a scene. Us, The Eight Great Families, also have our pride to maintain. It’s not worth it to cause a commotion over small matters. Otherwise, the Qi family would have been insanely busy these few years. When Mu Sisi wronged Gui Ronghui, it’s not that the Gui family did not know, nor was it that they did not value Gui Ronghui; they simply felt that it wasn’t worth launching a thousand ships just for her. Besides, they felt that it was a children’s fight. It was something personal, so there was no need to make it a family affair. They did not feel the need to move a fleet for a small incident and stoop down to her level.”

Mu Huaisheng’s eyebrows jumped. He did think that the Gui family did not want to go through so much trouble solely for Gui Ronghui.

Qi Chengzhi nodded at Mu Huaisheng, then he left without saying any more.

Mu Huaisheng stood at the spot, not moving a muscle. He exhaled deeply, and only when he calmed down did he walk to the parking lot. However, as he reached the entrance of Dynasty, he stopped. Grandfather Qi and Grandmother Qi were heading his way. Additionally, Qi Zhongxun, Qi Zhongliang, and their wives were also beside them.

They were all dressed in costumes from the Minguo period. The three men, led by Grandfather Qi, were all wearing suits. Grandfather Qi even wore a top hat. On the other hand, Grandmother Qi, Xia Wenna and Guan Liya were all wearing lavish and elegant cheongsams.

As Mu Huaisheng greeted them, Grandfather Qi and Grandmother Qi merely acknowledged his presence coldly. Therefore, Mu Huaisheng left without saying more.

The second Grandmother Qi entered the hall, she went straight to look for Qi Chengzhi to ask him why Mu Huaisheng was here. She did not even stop to admire the intricate decorations.

Once Qi Chengzhi explained it to her, she scoffed unhappily and ranted, “That young man is so thick-skinned. Back then, when Mu Sisi was seducing you in front of the Song girl, he still dared to bring Mu Sisi to our home. Now that Mu Sisi had done something so shameless, he still got the guts to come see you?”

Qi Chengzhi kept quiet. Grandmother Qi was a straightforward woman, once she spat out the words in her heart, she would feel much better. Thus, she dragged Grandfather Qi and her two daughters-in-law to get their pictures taken. Posing according to the movie scenes, they took millions of photos.

…

…

Mu Sisi went shopping. She came home with her hands full. The moment she stepped in, she was met with the dark expressions of her parents and Mu Huaisheng.

“Come here,” Mu Huili commanded in a stiff voice.

“Dad, Mom, what’s the matter?” Mu Sisi put her things down and entered the living room.

“Didn’t you say that you didn’t go see Qi Chengzhi lately?” Mu Huili questioned coldly. “Then about a month ago, who did you see?”

Mu Sisi’s expression changed. “When my brother asked that, he was asking whether I have seen him lately, so it’s true that I haven’t seen him lately. A month ago is a long time ago.”

“Mu Sisi, how dare you still quibble!” Even Fang Anci, who had pampered Mu Sisi her whole life, was at her limit. “What did I teach you since you were young? To seduce a man into wanting you? You stripped naked in front of him and he didn’t even look at you, yet now you took the chance when he was injured and could not get out of bed to… to rape him? This is not love! This is just shameless! Even if he was single, he wouldn’t want you if you force yourself on him like that! To teach you a lesson, they took it out on our family company. You should have had more self-awareness much earlier on! You should have backed off! The man you want has a wife. Moreover, his wife is pregnant, yet you still forced yourself on him. What are you thinking? If a man with a wife can be lured away so easily by a mistress, would you dare to live the rest of your life with him even if you’ve successfully won his heart? Today, you steal another woman’s husband from her; tomorrow, some other woman will come steal your husband from you! Qi Chengzhi has made it crystal clear from the beginning—he does not want you. Even if he had to tear his wound and worsen his injury, he still didn’t want you! You were kicked out of a ward! Aren’t you humiliated? How can you not feel ashamed of yourself?”

“Mom, I’m your daughter! How could you condemn me like that? In the eyes of others, I may be shameless, but this is all to get the one that I love. What’s wrong with that? For love, I am brave. I will pursue him and try everything I can. I am not afraid of being called shameless. It’s true that he is married. In others’ views, I am but a mistress. Even so, so what if I’m a mistress? Does a mistress not have human rights? A mistress can’t like a man? I am simply unlucky. I fell for a man with a family, but my love for him is pure. I’m not trying to covet anything of his. If it weren’t for my brother suggesting to set up an arranged marriage for me, I wouldn’t have been so hasty either. I wouldn’t have chosen this kind of solution. I just wanted to get pregnant with his child before I get married. I want to carry the child of the man that I love. I want to raise his child. I have no hope of getting him in this life, so I want to at least get his child. Is it wrong to defend my love?” Mu Sisi cried while pointing at her chest.

“You…” Fang Anci was so infuriated, her hands were trembling. “What kind of nonsense are you spitting! Love is between two people. When you’re the only one that likes him, that’s called unrequited love! So, what love are you talking about? Deliberately trying to sabotage someone’s marriage is not love! That’s just selfish! It would have been a little better if he likes you, but he doesn’t! You say you love him, but you won’t even let him have a happy life. What is this love you keep screaming about? What can you give him? Constant harassment?”

“Why can’t I give him a happy life? If he marries me, I can make him the happiest man in the world,” Mu Sisi shrilled confidently.

“No wonder your brother cannot control you! Who taught you all this nonsense? He can only be happy if he loves you. If he doesn’t, how can he be happy?” Mu Sisi opened her mouth to refute Fang Anci’s claim but before she could utter a word, Fang Anci continued, “Don’t tell me he will fall for you eventually. Even when he was lying in bed and immobile, he still wouldn’t surrender. What makes you think he would ever love you? I won’t argue your logic on love with you. I have no idea what we’ve taught you when you were young, turning you into someone we can’t talk sense with. Your mind is full of fallacy! Let me ask you this: if your love will harm the family business and maybe even destroy it, if your love will strip away your position as a lady from a notable family and snatch away your lavish lifestyle, will you still chase after this love so determinedly?”

Mu Sisi was stunned. She was still sobbing. Sniffling, she asked, “What do you mean?”

“Why do you think we came here to expand our markets? We even had your brother come here personally. And even though we knew you’d be of no help, we still sent you here,” Mu Huili said distantly.

“Did something happen to the company?” Mu Sisi asked fearfully.

“Even you know that our company doesn’t make luxury products. Instead, we focus on generic products. However, there are too many generic brands these days, and MU.’s market shares are constantly shrinking. When we went to Europe, we were actually discussing closing down a few stores to redirect our financial focus within the country. So far, we haven’t opened any specialty stores within the country and our market share is still quite small. Even so, our products are quite popular here, so we decided to shift our business focus here. I was even considering moving our headquarters here. The cost of it being in America is too high. It would be cheaper to run it here. Nonetheless, ever since you set foot here, all you did was cause trouble for the family. You’ve wronged everyone! Now, how is the company supposed to develop here? Ah, you sure have a keen eye for people to offend too. Instead of ordinary people, you went ahead and wronged those with high positions,” Mu Huili mocked wrathfully.

Mu Sisi sighed in relief. “You scared me. I thought we were going bankrupt or something.”

“Do you think our family is doing well now? In the Chinese social circle in America, we don’t even make the list now. Why do you think we all came back here?” Mu Huili was enraged by Mu Sisi’s words.

“Since we both came back here, we won’t let you be so stubborn any longer. Besides, you’re not young anymore. It’s time we find you a suitable man to marry,” Fang Anci announced coldly. “Not only will this help our family grow our roots here, but it can also stop you from causing trouble everywhere.”

“I’m not getting married!” Mu Sisi screeched the moment she heard those words.

“What can you do if you don’t get married? Are you going to hold onto this unrequited love of yours forever? Listen up, Qi Chengzhi will never be with you, so stop dreaming. Wake up! Live the rest of your life properly. Stop clinging onto this unrealistic fantasy,” Mu Huili insulted exasperatedly.

Both him and Fang Anci had returned to deal with things personally. They had already decided to sell the properties in America under their names. Naturally, they could not send Mu Sisi back.

“I’m only 24. I’m still young. So what if I wait for him for another six years? Why don’t you rush Mu Huaisheng into getting married?” Mu Sisi disputed with her chin held high.

“You don’t need to worry about your brother’s matters,” Mu Huili replied coldly.

“I have contacted your uncle. He said the Li family is not bad. They could be of help to us. We can introduce you to Li Zhuohui,” Fang Anci stated.

“No! Li Zhuohui was a married man. I’m such an optimum wife, so why would I settle for a man who’s looking to remarry?” Mu Sisi complained discontentedly. Li Zhuohui was not even half the man Qi Chengzhi was. She had a taste of men like Qi Chengzhi, so it was impossible for her to accept anyone much less.

“If Qi Chengzhi divorces, wouldn’t he be a man looking to remarry too?” Fang Anci argued instantly. “Besides, while you think Li Zhuohui isn’t good enough for you, how do you know that he doesn’t think you’re not good enough for him? The news of you stripping naked and seducing Qi Chengzhi has spread like wildfire. You’re much worse than someone who had a divorce! Do you really think that Li Zhuohui would definitely accept you?”

Mu Sisi’s face flushed red with rage. She could not wrap her head around which part of her was bad.

“If you don’t like Li Zhuohui, go meet Gao Jingqiu. The Gao family is about the same level as the Li family.” Fang Anci did not consider anyone other than the eldest sons or the only child who would become the head of their families in the future. Thus, she did not bring up Li Zhuoan at all.

“No!” Mu Sisi shrieked. She shook her head around insanely.

“You have no right to say ‘no’ in this matter. We will arrange for you and Gao Jingqiu to meet up as soon as possible,” Mu Huili declared firmly. He would not tolerate her refusal. “If you don’t meet him, I will arrange your marriage immediately. I don’t mind that. I’ve inquired with the Gao family too—Gao Jingqiu’s marriage is entirely dependant on his family’s decision. He doesn’t mind that either. He has long prepared himself for an arranged marriage. What they care about isn’t the bride-to-be, but the family she’s from. Thus, he has no problem with whoever he’s set up with.”

“Why are you two speaking as if no one wants me! I’m not getting married! I don’t want to!” Mu Sisi howled. Turning away, she ran out of the house.

“This… This child…” Fang Anci took two steps forward and stopped when she knew she could not catch up to her. She was furious and felt helpless. “Why is she like this?!”

…

…

Mu Sisi went to a bar alone. Sitting in a corner, she ordered a whole bottle of whiskey. She did not even add ice. She poured it into a glass and drank it just like that. Slowly, her mind grew fuzzy and blank and her reaction became delayed. When she was most indulged in her drinking, she took out her phone.

Qi Chengzhi had just come out from a bath. He rubbed his towel on his hair a few times but his hair was still wet. In fact, drops of water were falling from the tips of his hair. Nonetheless, he did not care. He hung the towel around his neck and sat on the sofa with his laptop and started working.

Song Yu could not bear the sight of it. She went to the bathroom and got the hairdryer. Then, she kneeled on the sofa and dried his hair for him.

“Don’t bother.” Qi Chengzhi wrapped an arm around her waist. Her protruding stomach was touching his face.

Song Yu staggered a little. Her actions were quite cumbersome now. Qi Chengzhi turned his head toward her and kissed her belly. Then, he looked up and smiled at her. Seeing his charming face, Song Yu’s mind went blank for a split second.

Her fingertips wiped the water off his face tenderly. Softly, she said, “You do your work. I’ll dry your hair for you. It’s not good to leave it wet.”

Qi Chengzhi smiled then turned back to do his work, letting Song Yu dry his hair.

As the hairdryer howled, Qi Chengzhi’s phone—which was placed beside his laptop—vibrated. Qi Chengzhi picked it up and saw that it was an unknown number. He answered the phone. Song Yu turned off the hairdryer so it would not disturb his conversation.

Qi Chengzhi still had one arm around Song Yu’s waist. He leaned on her stomach gently, making himself comfortable.

“Brother Chengzhi, it’s me,” Mu Sisi’s drunken murmurs sounded in the phone. “Brother Chengzhi, my parents want to marry me off to Gao Jingqiu. What should I do? I don’t want to get married to anyone besides you. I would rather watch you like this my whole life and love you like this. For you, I would rather not get married my entire life. Brother Chengzhi, would you come pick me up? I want to see you, Brother Chengzhi—”

Qi Chengzhi hung up annoyedly.

“Who was it?” Song Yu inquired, seeing Qi Chengzhi’s dark expression.

“Mu Sisi. I don’t know when she had changed her number. My phone did not block it.” Qi Chengzhi moved the number to his blacklist. Only then did he put down his phone.

Song Yu was a little concerned. This Mu Sisi was still at it. Why did she call him?

Qi Chengzhi explained, “She’s crying about her parents forcing her to get married.”

“She must have told you how much she loves you again and how she can’t live without you, right?” Song Yu asked speechlessly, squinting her eyes. She was extremely irritated at Mu Sisi.

“Hurry up and dry my hair. I’ll catch a cold,” Qi Chengzhi prodded laughingly.

…

…

Mu Sisi did not hear a reply. “Hello?” Only then did she realize that Qi Chengzhi had long hung up. She called him again, but the call would not go through.

“Why? Why couldn’t he even say a word to me! Brother Chengzhi, it’s just once! Why can’t you just give it to me just this once?” Mu Sisi was immensely despondent. She had a chestful of love but her love was rejected.

Subconsciously, she downed more and more liquor.

“Hey girl, are you here alone?” As she got drunker, a man’s voice sounded above her head. His voice was quite melodic.

In a daze, she only saw his clean white shirt. The man sat down beside her and put his arm around her shoulders.

“What are you doing? Let go of me. I’m not interested.” Mu Sisi wanted to move his hand away but she had no strength to do so. She tried many times but failed miserably.

“Don’t be like this. It’s lonely to drink by yourself,” the man said as he poured another glass for her. Suddenly, he took the bottle and chugged it down her throat.

“What are you— Mm—” Mu Sisi shook her head, trying to get away but the man kept going. Her tongue had long been numb from all the drinking. As she chugged down the entire bottle, she could not taste much.

Not long after, she was all dizzy. Her head was still a little clear but her strength was completely drained.

“Where are you bringing me?” Mu Sisi asked weakly. She was pulled up by the man and was held in his arms.

“To a place where you can rest,” the man answered.

Mu Sisi suddenly thought that the man’s voice was alluring, just like Qi Chengzhi’s. She trembled a little and felt even weaker. “Brother Chengzhi?”

The man did not say anything. Unexpectedly, Mu Sisi held tightly onto him. “Brother Chengzhi, is it you? Did you come to find me, Brother Chengzhi? I knew it, I do have a place in your heart. I knew it.”

Her vision grew fuzzier and fuzzier, to a point where she could not tell where she had walked to. All she knew was that the man in front of her eyes seemed to be Qi Chengzhi.

Mu Sisi was touched. Not knowing when, she was suddenly lying on a bed. The man climbed on top of her, yet Mu Sisi gladly invited him in. All she could see was Qi Chengzhi’s face. She was overjoyed. She moaned constantly, “Brother Chengzhi. Brother Chengzhi! You finally want me. Brother Chengzhi… I love you… I love you…”

Mu Sisi felt his hands and his lips working their way around her body. When the man penetrated her, Mu Sisi endured the pain and responded to his actions passionately. Her heart was filled with happiness.