When he finished, Shen Wenna felt a heaviness in her chest. Suddenly, she felt a pang of sadness, yet she did not say anything.

Xi Mushan looked down at the two fallen leaves by her feet with a bleak and lonely expression. The air around him felt so sorrowful that she could feel it. She lifted a hand to fix the windbreaker as she contemplated for a moment, then slowly said, "I'm not forcing you to leave either. Some things take time to straighten out, but even if we try hard, some things cannot go back to how it was."

"Then, we'll start now. What's so bad about that? If you're still willing, I don't mind courting you again, just like how I did back then. Push away all the unhappiness. The children are all grown up now, so we can start a new life too."

When he heard Shen Wenna, a flicker of hope appeared in Shen Wenna's eyes as he fixed her eyes on her.

After a long silence, Shen Wenna still did not answer him. She just calmly looked up and called for her little poodle that was playing not too far away. "Little Apple, come here! While the weather's good, let Grandfather clean you up. You stink now!"

Upon hearing Shen Wenna's voice, the pampered and playful Little Apple eagerly scampered over and rushed to Shen Wenna's feet before climbing onto Shen Wenna's lap. She carefully petted it then turned to say to Xi Mushan, "Give Little Apple a bath. Last night, he smelled when he climbed into my blanket. I think he must have gotten something on him."

As Xi Mushan looked down at Little Apple that lay on Shen Wenna's lap and enjoyed her petting with its eyes narrowed, he could not help but feel a little jealous.

Xi Mushan could not even compare to this pet on her lap!

"Then, let him sleep with me tonight. Your sight is an inconvenience. This little thing's claws are quite sharp. It'd be bad if you're hurt."

Sighing to himself, he wondered when he could be treated like Little Apple.

Earlier, to his relief, Shen Wenna did not clearly reject him. If she really said "okay", then he...

Deng Wenwen's funeral was simple, especially since Xi Xiaye did not inform anyone either. She was buried in the West Hill Cemetery according to Ah Mo's arrangements.

The day of her burial was a gloomy day. Mu Lingshi and Ah Mo went over, and as expected, Xi Xinyi and the Han family were nowhere to be seen. They said that it was the Han family's little master, who was Han Yifeng and Xi Xinyi's son's full moon banquet soon. Therefore, they could not be in contact with such ominous things.

When Xi Xiaye heard that, she smiled dismally and felt sad for Deng Wenwen.

This was the granddaughter that Deng Wenwen had been protecting before! The Han family that she had prioritized!

At such a time, you could truly see through these people's natures and their hypocrisy. Deng Wenwen was just one of the tragedies among the many out there.

At the bottom of West Hill Cemetery, Xi Xiaye slowly got down from the car and Ji Zitong quickly shielded her with an umbrella as Sis Wang walked over to help her put on a pure white corsage.

Xi Xiaye looked down at the corsage on her chest that was as white as snow, feeling a little gloomy. She did not want to feel sad any further, so she picked up her pace and walked up.

When she reached Deng Wenwen's tombstone, Deng Wenwen was already buried and at rest. Ah Mo and the other eight black-suited bodyguards waited on the side. All of them had solemn expressions. When they saw Xi Xiaye walk over, they lowered their heads in sync to observe a moment of silence.

Xi Xiaye put a bouquet of white daisies before Deng Wenwen's tombstone as she quietly watched the picture on the tombstone for a long while.

"Sis-in-law." Mu Lingshi walked over a little worriedly, gazing at Xi Xiaye in concern.

Xi Xiaye regained her senses. She looked at her and said calmly, "I'm fine. Give me the joss stick."

Sis Wang immediately lit the joss stick and handed it to Xi Xiaye who accepted it and bowed three times before handing it to Sis Wang to stick it in.

"The Han family and Xi Xinyi don't seem to be coming. It's quite sad for Madam Deng." Mu Lingshi could not help but sigh.

Xi Xiaye smiled bitterly. She had long seen through their true colors, so she was not surprised. If they could abandon Deng Wenwen, what else could they look forward to now? Xi Xinyi could not wait to cast this side of the family away, especially since Yue Lingsi was also crippled now.

When she saw the sadness in Xi Xiaye's smile, Mu Lingshi sighed to herself and said softly, "Sis-in-law, if you're done paying your respects, then let's go home. It's a little chilly here. Brother is very worried about you."

"You all go down and wait for me. I want to be myself for a while. Just get Ah Mo to stay back. There are still some things I need to settle," Xi Xiaye said softly.

When Mu Lingshi heard her request, she subconsciously turned to Ah Mo beside her. When Ah Mo gave her a reassuring gaze, she then nodded to Xi Xiaye. "Okay then, Sis-in-law, don't be too down. While one passes as the light goes out, pray that she'll enter paradise sooner."

Xi Xiaye acknowledged her comforting words. Then, Mu Lingshi then went down with the row of people. Ji Zitong did not leave, still holding up the large black umbrella for Xi Xiaye.

Ah Mo did not know how to console her either. He thought about it then said, "My condolences, Missus. Master says to not be too sad. This is all just a moment for everyone's release. With Madam Deng's passing, some grudges can also go with her. This is a good thing. For Madam Deng, this would be the best place to return to."

Xi Xiaye smiled calmly and nodded. "Don't worry. I know. Actually, from the moment she said sorry, perhaps everyone should have felt a little relieved. I just hope that she'll do well over there."

As Xi Xiaye said this, she suddenly reached into her pocket and whipped a key out. She handed it to Ah Mo.

"This is the key to her safe deposit box. There are some things inside... Just donate it all in her name to a charity organization or orphanage." Xi Xiaye just casually tossed the key as Ah Mo caught it by reflex.

"Missus, this is what Madam Deng left for..." Ah Mo looked hesitantly at Xi Xiaye, not immediately taking it.

"We don't need these things. Just consider it as gaining karma for her. In this lifetime... Let's hope she lives in an ordinary family in the next lifetime. Perhaps she'll be happier."

Ah Mo's gaze dimmed. After that, he nodded. He wanted to say something when he suddenly heard some footsteps from behind him. So did Xi Xiaye, and the few of them turned to look at the source of the sound.

Unexpectedly, it was Qi Lei!

With his handsome face and his slightly demonic charm from his tall figure, he held a bouquet of white daisies in his hand as he walked towards them in huge strides.

When he saw Qi Lei's figure, Ah Mo's expression shifted. Vigilance flashed in Ji Zitong's eyes as she looked at Ah Mo.

The two of them exchanged a look, and then their eyes were fixed on Qi Lei who walked over in huge strides.

Qi Lei did not seem to notice their gazes. He stopped casually beside Xi Xiaye.

"I thought that the person handling her funeral would be Xi Xinyi, but it turned out to be you."

Qi Lei set the flowers down before Deng Wenwen's tombstone. He straightened up as he spoke with a smile curved on his lips, "I heard that the Han family has been busy organizing a banquet recently. With this unexpected development, they have to pick a new date."

Xi Xiaye did not respond and just laughed mockingly.

"She's plotted and struggled all her life, but this is how it ends. It's quite a tragic way to end her life. Nonetheless, I do have to thank her. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have known you. If I agreed to her request then, how do you think things would turn out now?" Qi Lei spoke plainly. His expression did not change and his tone was devoid of any emotion.

"I wouldn't know what would happen either, but I do know that I'm not a fool who'll be manipulated."

At this moment, Xi Xiaye sighed to herself too. If it were not for her, she would not have gotten married to Mu Yuchen. Whatever it was, this was all just fate and chance.

After that, she added, "Thank you for coming."

Qi Lei smiled as he shrugged. "How rare of you to thank me."

He thought about it. The scene of his conversation with Mu Yuchen on the rooftop flashed in his mind again. The curve on his lips widened and he looked amusedly at her elegant face. His gaze made Xi Xiaye frown slightly.

"Did you tell Mu Yuchen that I was a good person?"

His mocking voice was teasing. When he looked around and did not see Mu Yuchen, he asked curiously, "Where's he? Didn't he come with you?"

Xi Xiaye glanced at him indifferently. "If you were a good person, then there would be no bad people on this Earth!"

Qi lei laughed out loud before he replied nonchalantly, "You're a woman who doesn't say what she thinks! Even Mu Yuchen gave me a positive assessment!"

Xi Xiaye rolled her eyes at him. She took the flowers against her chest, and then put it on the tombstone. Just as she was about to turn and leave, Qi Lei reached out to stop her. When Ji Zitong saw his attempt, she immediately went up and blocked him.

"Okay, okay, is it that bad telling the truth?" Qi Lei took a step back and said helplessly, "The 15th of next month is my mother's 55th birthday. The Qi family will be organizing a banquet. I hope that you two can come over and support them. You will help me with this, won't you?"

The internal state of Qi Kai Corporation was in turmoil. The sly fox Qi Qiming had done many things secretly whenever Wang Qin relaxed these past few years, so many people were now on his side, while the strength on Wang Qin's side had weakened quite a bit. Since he had decided to fight for certain things, now would be the time to take action.

Glory World and Qi Kai were in a partnership. In fact, Qi Lei was in charge of this project. On the surface, they looked like partners, but Mu Yuchen's tricks ran deeper. He would not take it easy on the surface. Nevertheless, in the dark, if that was so, why would he not just give Mu Yuchen some face? After all, Mu Yuchen himself had acknowledged that they could be collaborators!

Was he preparing for a rainy day?

Qi Lei was not a fool and would take advantage whenever he could!

The key right now was how to make his way into the higher management of Qi Kai. Even though he held the position as the Deputy CEO, Qi Qiming did not assign him any huge project responsibilities. Even in the South River project, he was just there as a designation. He did not know when Qi Qiming would remove him from it.

That was why he had been thinking of finding a new way out, and that was the collaboration between Fuhua Real Estate and Glory World. That would be an excellent chance for him. Of course, this chance must be personally invited by the CEO of Fuhua and supported by Mu Yuchen of Glory World before he could rise.

Qi Qiming did not even take him into account since he was busy fighting with Wang Qin. They both wanted their own people to get this project. If he wanted to emerge as a new force to be reckoned with, he could only accept Mu Yuchen's suggestion.

Wang Qin's birthday banquet?

Xi Xiaye frowned in surprise. She could not help but feel puzzled. If she remembered correctly, word around the circle was that Wang Qin never liked such occasions, so why would she suddenly organize a birthday banquet this time?

She chose her words carefully, and then suppressed her puzzlement before responding, "He's abroad and might only be back in a month or two."

"Abroad?"

Qi Lei frowned at Xi Xiaye. Moments later, he said, "No worries. You can come over too. Don't worry. I'll watch over you. Just help me out. I'll send the invitation out in a few days."

Xi Xiaye wanted to reject him, but when she thought about the working relationship of their two companies, she answered, "I'll do my best to make the arrangements."

"Thanks!"

With Qi Lei's word, Xi Xiaye walked ahead and Ji Zitong quickly followed after her.

While Ah Mo used his sharp and deep gaze to examine Qi Lei, the latter very calmly swung his arms and let Ah Mo size him up.

After a while, Ah Mo looked away and then followed her without a word.

Deng Wenwen's passing felt like a small episode as it did not cause too much of a storm. The Han family and Xi Xinyi were busy preparing for the banquet. Meanwhile, on Xi Xiaye's end, Deng Wenwen's passing made her upset. Only after three days, a piece of good news brought her out of her gloomy haze.

On this day, Xi Xiaye was at the hospital for a check-up. When she thought about how Su Nan was waiting for delivery there, she went looking for her. Unexpectedly, she was told that Su Nan had undergone labor that morning, and before the sun had even risen, she was wheeled into the delivery room.

She was about to give birth!

This news flashed in Xi Xiaye's mind. She was overjoyed and quickly found the operating theatre with Ji Zitong.

As she stepped out of the elevator, she could see Ruan Heng's family from afar and Mother Su waiting outside the operation room!

They all looked rather worried. Ruan Heng was pacing back and forth uneasily whilst his eyes never left the tightly shut doors to the operating theatre.

When he saw Xi Xiaye, Ruan Heng was naturally shocked.

"Xiaye, why are you here?"

"Coincidentally, I came over today for a check-up. I wanted to visit Nannan, but the doctor unexpectedly told me that Nannan's about to deliver today, so I rushed over to have a look. How's she right now?"

Xi Xiaye greeted Ruan Heng's parents with a nod as she walked towards Su Nan's mother.

"It's slightly earlier than expected, but thanks to the doctor's reminder, we're quite prepared. She's already been inside for several hours, but there's no news at all!" Ruan Heng was worried.

"Trust the doctors. Nannan has been taking care of herself, and she'll have a smooth delivery."

Su Nan's mother looked at Ruan Heng peculiarly. All the new fathers acted similarly. Su Nan's father was like that back then too.

Xi Xiaye smiled. Suddenly, there was a sound coming from the operating theatre, They looked over as the doors swung open. The doctor and the nurses wheeled Su Nan out with one of the nurses holding a baby.

Ruan Heng rushed towards the bed as he asked, "Doctor, how's my wife?"

"Congratulations! Both your wife and your daughter are safe! Your wife is very weak now and she needs rest, so let's send her to the ward first."

Everyone was relieved although Ruan Heng was heartbroken to see Su Nan lying on the bed in exhaustion. He held her hands. "Thank you, Nannan. Rest well now. I'll be staying with you!"

Xi Xiaye's smile grew wider. She let the couple have some time together as she went nearer to the nurse to take a look at the baby instead.

The baby still could not open her eyes yet while she was still clenching her fists. Indeed, she was a cute little thing.

Life was truly amazing. A little baby like this would turn into a beauty in the future!

Xi Xiaye smiled and poked the baby's cheek carefully. The light inside her heart was getting stronger.

It would be her turn in a few months' time.

Soon after they got into the ward, Ruan Heng let his father, who had been worrying the whole morning, go home first. Su Nan woke up moments later. She looked at the people around and her first reaction was to look for her child. Ruan Heng quickly gestured to his mother carry the baby over.

While the child was born earlier than expected, she was pretty healthy as a whole.

"Xiaye, why are you here as well?" Su Nan played with her daughter for a while as she looked at Xi Xiaye joyfully.

"Xiaye was here way before this," Ruan Heng told her.

"I'm glad that both of you are safe. The child is adorable. Have you thought of a name for her?" Xi Xiaye closed in cheerfully. Su Nan looked much gentler than before now that she had become a mother and had adopted her maternal instincts. It was a surprising sight to see.

Su Nan raised her eyebrows and looked at Ruan Heng. "I've never really thought about a name. Can we name her something flashy?"

Ruan Heng gave it some thought. "I can't think of anything now. Give it a few days and let me think properly!"

"Never mind. I'll come up with one on my own." Su Nan glanced at her daughter before raising her head. She looked over Xi Xiaye who was framed by the warm sun outside the window. An idea flashed through her mind. "I got it! We'll call her Ruan Chenxi, bright and hopeful, meaning a brand new hope. How does that sound?"

They repeated the name several times and found it pleasant, thus their daughter was christened Ruan Chenxi. Her nickname would be Xiao Xi.

Xi Xiaye sent Mu Yuchen a text message by the corridor to share the good news with him and she unexpectedly received a phone call from him.

When she returned to the room, the child was gone with the nurse. Both the parents to Ruan Heng and Su Nan had gone back as well while Ruan Heng went to get some food for Su Nan.

"Xiaye, come here!"

Su Nan pointed to a seat beside her, signalling Xi Xiaye to sit down, Xi Xiaye nodded and went over.

Su Nan grabbed Xi Xiaye's hand. "I heard about what happened to Deng Wenwen. Don't feel too sad since it's all in the past now. Maybe things will calm down with her absence. You handled her funeral, didn't you? Where's Xi Xinyi? She benefitted so much from Deng Wenwen, but she didn't even try to do anything for her?"

Su Nan felt unjust for Xi Xiaye. She had been ostracized by Deng Wenwen, yet she was the one that had helped to arrange her funeral.

Xi Xiaye patted Su Nan's hand. "It's alright. Mu Yuchen asked Ah Mo to handle the funeral. I didn't really do anything apart from attending it. It's my father's responsibility, so we can't avoid it. With him around, I don't really need to worry much."

That man was observant and detail-oriented. Most of the time, he was well-prepared in advance way before she even needed to ask him for it. Xi Xiaye only realized yesterday that he had been keeping an eye on the rehabilitation center. She should be the one taking care of things here with Xi Mushan not around at that moment. Still, when Deng Wenwen passed away, he already knew about it before she called him and he had also given orders to handle her funeral immediately right after.

Su Nan nodded. "True enough. It seems like I don't need to worry about you then! Xiaye, without Master Mu around, you have to take care of yourself. You look like you've lost weight recently. I'll ask my mother to make you some soup every day. Your office isn't that far away from here anyway."

"It's fine, Nannan. My mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law are working on that. I've been consuming a lot of tonics too. For some reason, I'm just not gaining weight although the little thing inside is getting bigger." Xi Xiaye smiled.