Dark crimson blood colored the blanket before Sis Lan as her face was terrifyingly pale. Her trembling hands held her chest tightly while she panted with difficulty.

"I don't know... I don't know anything, don't know anything..." Her feeble voice muttered, and then she fainted. At this moment, the tightly shut door opened and the doctors rushed in.

Mu Yuchen coldly looked at Sis Lan who had fainted on the sickbed before he hinted to Ah Mo. With a nod, he then turned to leave as Ah Mo followed him, leaving the doctor who was trying to rescue her behind.

As soon as they got out, Ah Mo immediately asked Mu Yuchen, "Master, how did it go? Did Sis Lan say anything?"

"She didn't need to say anymore. It was just the same things. Let's go back," said Mu Yuchen calmly as he looked up at the rising sun outside the window before walking ahead.

"Master, did she say that... years ago, Aunty..." Ah Mo carefully probed.

Mu Yuchen smiled and said mysteriously, "She admitted that Qi Qiming is Mr. Wen, but I know that things aren't as simple as that. When she confirmed Mr. Wen's identity, the more doubts I have. Some things might be surfacing very soon."

"Then, based on your thoughts, Master, if Mr. Wen is really Qi Qiming, according to your guess, wouldn't Qi Qiming be related to Aunty? Previously, Aunty and Lu Xinlan's fallout could then perhaps have been because of Qi Qiming!" Ah Mo made a brave assumption.

Mu Yuchen's expression was gloomy, yet he did not answer Ah Mo.

"Master, could Qi Qiming really be Lingtian and Lingshi's biological father?" When Ah Mo said this, he gasped himself.

If that was the truth, then Lingshi...

When Ah Mo thought about this, his expression changed slightly too. His chest sank and ached while his gaze turned solemn.

Mu Yuchen could hear the heaviness in his breathing. He turned and looked at him. "Before things are cleared up, let's not make any rash conclusions. I think that it's a little complicated, so we can't be sure. If we want to know the truth, we'll need those in the know to reveal it. However, at least, we have a lead from today."

Even though Mu Yuchen's tone was rather heavy, he did not sound terribly pessimistic.

He lifted a hand to gesture to Ah Mo. "Find a way to do a DNA test for Qi Qiming and Lingshi. Remember, don't let anyone else know about this, especially Grandfather and Grandmother. Got it?"

Ah Mo was stunned, but he quickly nodded. "Yes, Master, got it!"

"Mmm, go back then. You don't have to follow me. It's Mid-Autumn Festival today. You and Lingshi should go back and accompany Grandfather and Grandmother. Your sis-in-law and I are making a trip to the Shen residence, and we won't be returning tonight," Mu Yuchen said prior to picking up his pace.

Once he left the hospital, Mu Yuchen went straight back to Maple Residence.

It was still quite early when Xi Xiaye had just woken up. She changed into a casual autumn outfit and slowly walked down the stairs when she saw the man sitting on the sofa and propping his head up with his eyes closed as he rested.

Just then, Sis Wang was just about to brew some tea for Mu Yuchen.

When she saw Xi Xiaye coming down, Sis Wang was about to greet her but Xi Xiaye stopped her. She smiled and nodded lightly. Then, she quickly took the tea leaves and swapped it for bitter tea before walking to the coffee table. She skillfully brewed a cup, and then brought it to Mu Yuchen, gently setting the cup before him.

She was about to get up and leave when a cold hand suddenly gripped her hand.

Xi Xiaye turned to see that he was still leaning back. Without even opening his eyes, he quietly pulled her in while his expression looked faintly sorrowful.

As she sat down near him, she vaguely smelled a faint cigarette stench. She immediately frowned and briefly examined him with squinted eyes, then fixed his slightly wrinkled tie. "What's wrong? I didn't see you when I woke up. Where did you go? You smell of smoke. Did you smoke?"

Mu Yuchen then slowly opened his eyes. He bent over to pick up the tea and carefully took a sip, "How rare that my Missus found the time to brew me tea, but why is it this tea?"

When she heard this, Xi Xiaye immediately laughed softly. "Bitter tea clears the heart. I can see that you're not in the best of moods. I haven't steeped tea myself for quite a while. Have my skills worsened?"

"How could it have? The tea you steep is the most delicious tea I've ever drunk."

He chuckled softly and lowered his head to take another sip, then he slowly set it aside. Xi Xiaye was still quietly watching him as she smiled calmly. "How have I never noticed that you are such a sweet talker, Mr. Mu?"

He chuckled softly and reached over to hold her by the shoulders. "That would depend on who the other person is. Missus Mu is an important person I need to protect, so of course, I can only say all sweet things to you."

She shot him a look and complained grouchily, "I don't think so. Just a few days ago, you lectured me. You said that I'm too pleased with myself that I've lost my sense of measure."

"You should feel lucky that your Mr. Mu is watching you. Even if you aren't good, I can't return the goods and can only accept all of your completely exposed flaws. You women, when it comes to holding a grudge, you can be really terrifying— Mmm!"

Before he could finish, a stinging pain came from his waist. He could not help but softly chide, "And you can be especially mean!"

"Drink your tea. Forget about nit-picking on women." She shot him a warning look.

"How dare I... My Missus is mighty. How dare I nit-pick you?" As he said this, he could not help but hug her as he lowered his head to kiss her forehead.

"Where did you go so early in the morning?" She pecked him lightly on the cheek too.

"I went out to walk around and made a trip to the hospital." Mu Yuchen did not deliberately hide it and just told her.

"Hospital? Why did you go there?" When Xi Xiaye heard, she looked at him puzzledly.

"I went to see someone. Let's set this aside for now," he responded and then turned to Sis Wang who was busy. "Sis Wang, bring the gift in the storeroom to the car."

"Okay, Master Mu!" Sis Wang answered quickly.

"Are we going to the Shen residence now?" Xi Xiaye asked.

They had yet to go over to the Mu residence to greet them. Would that not be...?

"Just do as Grandmother has said. Ah Mo and Lingshi will return to the Mu residence tonight. Let's have dinner with Grandpa tonight. He considered that you might still be sleeping, so he called me earlier."

"Mmm, that works too. We'll go over earlier after lunch, and I'll give you a chance to show off tonight."

One dazzling afternoon at the Shen residence.

The alluring sound of the accordion came from Shen Yue's room, accompanied by the refreshing cool breeze. The melody traveled far and wide.

Lan Zilang walked through the long corridor with a briefcase in his hand. Before he reached the study room, his handsome face could not help but flash with a smile.

The old CEO was playing the accordion again. In fact, he seemed to be getting closer and closer to the point of perfection.

He heard that the old CEO quite liked this song. It was his late wife's favorite. She had been quite a romantic woman. Despite it being so many years, the old CEO had never forgotten her. Every year at this time, he would slow down and play this song a few times.

Lan Zilang pushed the door open and entered. Indeed, he saw Shen Yue sitting down with his back to the door.

Shen Yue knew it was Lan Zilang, so he did not stop what he was doing. He just turned his chair around slowly and looked at the man who slowly stopped in front of him.

"Elder CEO, this is the information you told me to bring you. Have a look."

Lan Zilang took a document out from the briefcase and brought it to Shen Yue's desk.

Shen Yue nodded but did not answer him. He just finished playing his tune, and then stopped. Lan Zilang quickly went up to help him set the heavy accordion aside and put it on the chair beside him.

Shen Yue picked the documents before him up before simply flipping through it a few times, and then he slowly closed it.

"Mmm, it's Mid-Autumn Festival today. You should go home earlier." Shen Yue's voice came.

"It's fine, Elder CEO! I have family working on dinner at home, so I can eat as soon as I get back. Right, aren't Chairman Mu and Miss Xiaye back yet?" Lan Zilang asked.

"Soon. Earlier, they called to say that they decided to swing by the nearby marketplace. How about you stay for dinner before leaving? That wouldn't be too late. Wenna isn't home this year, so the Shen residence seems much quieter. You can also bring your family over to visit often."

Shen Yue was not as serious as he usually was in the office. Actually, he looked quite friendly.

"Ah Chen's been quite busy too. I've been idle instead. Right, how do you think Xiaye is now?"

"Don't worry, Elder CEO. Miss Xiaye is very smart, and with Chairman Mu's pointers, she's improving very quickly. She'll be able to take things on very soon. However, you might need to work a little harder for a while. After all, Elder CEO, your grandchild..."

When he heard this, Shen Yue nodded sagely as he smiled in anticipation. "Mmm, it's fine.I can still do it for now."

"Right, Elder CEO, Wang Qin, the VP of Qi Kai called to make an appointment with you this morning. She probably wants to meet you. Elder CEO, do you want to meet her or should I just reject this?" Lan Zilang sought for his answer.

"Wang Qin? The VP of Qi Kai? I remember that I don't have any dealings with them, do I?" When Shen Yue heard this, he suddenly stared at Lan Zilang in surprise.

"Elder CEO, did you forget that right now, our collaboration with Glory World on the South River Project includes Qi Kai too. In fact, right now, for this project, Wang Qin seems to be in charge of Qi Kai's end. Previously, it was under the young master of Qi Kai, Qi Lei. I'm not sure whether there's a change right now. I did hear that Qi Qiming's gone unknowingly crazy again. He demoted Qi Lei to a project manager position. The guy made it to the VP spot with tons of hard work, and now he's dropped so quickly again."

When he said this, Lan Zilang sighed as he said pitifully, "This young master of Qi Kai looks like he's doing well on the surface only. I really don't understand how Qi Qiming could do something like that. Isn't he just dampening Qi Lei's drive, and even insulting Wang Qin? He was just propped up and then pushed down. No one would be happy with this. I feel it's quite unfair for Qi Lei."

"I'm not quite interested in the Qi family's grudges, but I did hear that Qi Qiming and Wang Qin are a couple that has tension strung between them. From the way you say it, Qi Kai probably won't stay peaceful soon."

"Yes, Qi Qiming and Wang Qin are like water and fire. The battle for Qi Kai is going to dawn soon. Just wait and see."

Shen Yue was quite calm about it. He hesitated for a moment, the continued, "By the looks of it, why do you think Wang Qin has come looking for me?"

"Probably to collaborate. Elder CEO, you're resourceful. If she can get your support, she might be able to stand firm one day. Qi Qiming's been active recently, and many people defend him. Wang Qin's not dumb. She naturally would have her own plans."

When Lan Zilang said this, Shen Yue fell silent for a moment, then nodded. He was about to say something when the laughter of the servants came from downstairs.

"Chairman Mu, Miss Xiaye is back!"

Shen Yue's aged eyes brightened up as he slowly stood up.

He walked to the staircase with Lan Zilang. Then, he saw that the servants were bringing in quite a number of things and a lot of ingredients.

"Grandpa, Uncle Lan!"

"You're back!"

"Grandpa, Uncle Lan," Mu Yuchen greeted them as the few of them then walked to the sofa.

"Grandpa, I've brought you a few sets of new clothes. It's going to get colder soon. You have to watch out for your health. Right, Mother has just called to remind you that you should drink less. She'll be able to remove her bandages soon, and she'll be returning after some recovery time," Xi Xiaye spoke to Shen Yue as soon as she entered. At the same time, she directed the servants to hang the clothes in Shen Yue's wardrobe.

"It's not like I have nothing to wear. You're all worried about this every year." As Shen Yue grumbled, he actually felt happy. Soon, he pulled Mu Yuchen to sit down and play chess.

Lan Zilang watched the joyful group and did not want to disturb them further, so he left.

"Work's been busy at the company. If you two don't have any free time, you don't have to care about me. Your grandfather and grandmother did give me a call. These few days are holidays, so I wanted to meet up with your grandparents as well."

Usually, in Shen Yue's free time, he would sometimes meet up with Wang Hui and the rest. Of course, it was great when they had idle time. Xi Xiaye's Bamboo Teahouse became a cozy place for them to meet and have tea.

Instead, it was Mu Yuchen and her. Ever since the two of them began to familiarize themselves with Fu Hua's work, Mu Yuchen had been extremely busy.

"Before work, humans were insignificant. You've got to give yourself some time to breathe," answered Xi Xiaye with a smile, yet before she could finish, the phone in Mu Yuchen's pocket vibrated, cutting her off.

Mu Yuchen took his phone out to look at the screen. Unexpectedly, it was...

Xi Mushan...

A cold light flashed in Mu Yuchen's eyes, and he quickly picked up the call without hesitation.

"Father?"

Xi Xiaye and Shen Yue exchanged glances with each other and gave him an odd look when they heard him.

"Ah Chen, it's me." Xi Mushan's voice echoed into his ear. Mu Yuchen sensed that something was not right from the tone of his voice.

"Did something happen?" Mu Yuchen asked while Xi Xiaye stood up and just looked at him anxiously.

"The rehabilitation center called me and said Deng Wenwen is in danger. I can't go back right now. I hope you can send someone over to take a look." Xi Mushan did not sound emotional. In fact, his tone sounded stiff.

Mu Yuchen frowned.

Deng Wenwen was in danger?

He almost forgot about her. Ever since she was down with a stroke, Xi Mushan gave the center a huge sum of money and left Deng Wenwen there for them to take care. It was the best that he was willing to commit. Ever since Xi Jiyang passed away, the whole Xi family was not the same anymore. One of the main reasons Xi Mushan decided to endure his life before was because of Xi Jiyang. If it were not for what happened to Shen Wenna, he probably...

No matter what, Deng Wenwen was still Xi Jiyang's wife, so Xi Mushan had to...

Yue Lingsi and Xi Xinyi had already abandoned Deng Wenwen since she had no use to them anymore. Naturally, they would not care about her especially under the current circumstances.

Because Yue Lingsi even got addicted to gambling and amassed some debts, she would not show up so easily.

"I understand, Father. I'll make the arrangements," Mu Yuchen replied after a moment.

"Thank you. I can't leave here, so..."

"Take care of Mother over there. I'll handle things here."

"Okay." Mu Yuchen hung up. Xi Xiaye was not really sure what happened, so she asked, "What's wrong? Did Father call you? Did something happen to Mother?"

Xi Xiaye and Shen Yue could only think about Shen Wenna as they looked at Mu Yuchen worriedly.

Mu Yuchen raised his hand to signal "no" while he called Li Si. "Assistant Li, head over to XX rehabilitation center right now. It's an emergency. Yes, right now."

Li Si was initially put in charge of the situation over at the rehabilitation center anyway, so he instantly knew what happened when Mu Yuchen mentioned it to him.

"What happened there?" Xi Xiaye then realized it was about Deng Wenwen. She had not visited even once ever since Deng Wenwen was bedridden. Xi Xiaye was uncomfortable by just thinking about what happened in the past...

"Deng Wenwen is in danger. The doctor called Father. He asked me to send someone to check the situation out."

"She deserved it! Xi Jiyang was too soft on her. He couldn't even control his own wife. Your mother had a lot of trouble because of her. It was also indirectly thanks to her that your parents had to go through all that strife." Shen Yue was very unhappy when Deng Wenwen's name was mentioned. His temper rose.

"Your mother is a prideful person. There are surely a lot of conflicts a headstrong old lady like her would face. That's karma."

Xi Xiaye quickly grabbed Shen Yue's arm as he was getting sullen. "Alright, Grandpa, it's all in the past. It's fine as long as things are getting better now. You don't have to get angry over it."

Shen Yue then replied, "Xi Mushan is such a nice person, huh? Isn't he worried about troubling you? Why doesn't he come back himself?"

"Grandpa, Father is taking care of Mother now, isn't he? We've sent Li Si over, so we'll wait for the news from him. Mu Yuchen, play chess with Grandpa. I'll go and arrange some stuff upstairs before making dinner later." Xi Xiaye did not want to bother her parents at the moment.

"Hmph!" Shen Yue said coldly, "I saw your friend's father a while ago. He said your father's application to become a lecturer at University A has been approved. Head over and get the document soon."

"That's quick, I thought... he was only starting after the New Year." Xi Xiaye had heard about it from Xi Mushan before, but the application was delayed because of Shen Wenna's accident.

"I just happened to meet that person and we talked about it a little. I hope he'd be so busy with lecturing that he could stop bothering your mother afterward." Shen Yue waved his hand impatiently.

Xi Xiaye and Mu Yuchen grinned at each other as they exchanged glances.

...

In the evening, Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye cooked up a delicious feast.

Shen Yue enjoyed a very happy meal. It had been many years since he enjoyed the Mid-Autumn Festival like this, and he even drank a little too.

Xi Xiaye felt that people who were quiet like Shen Yue and Mu Yuchen would suddenly become talkative when they were put together, and they could talk about anything from economics to architecture and end up with business. Xi Xiaye felt a headache just listening to their conversations, so she sat aside and kept on refilling their cups as she listened.

They planned to have a moon-viewing session together, but Shen Yue was getting tired, so Xi Xiaye helped him upstairs into his bedroom. They then rushed back to Maple Residence after that.