After a moment of silence, Gu Lingsha put on a smile.

"You might be right, but here are my thoughts. How would you know what's right or wrong if you've never experienced it before?" Gu Lingsha's tone became cold and heavy all of a sudden.

Xi Xiaye returned a smile as well as she rose from her seat and peered down at Gu Lingsha from above as she spoke in a calm tone, "Ms. Gu, it doesn't matter to me, especially when it comes to matters that happened in the past. We live in the present instead of the past. Isn't that right?"

Gu Lingsha's face became tense while she raised her head and looked at Xi Xiaye's little face. Her grip on her wine glass tightened, but when she was about to say something else, Xi Xiaye had already walked past her.

"He told me about you before. It was full of unhappy memories, so please forgive me. Talking to you would probably be very unhappy for me as well. Let me treat you to some tea and we'll chat again if the chance arises."

Ji Zitong went up to Xi Xiaye quickly as she glanced over at Gu Lingsha. She handed Xi Xiaye a glass of water.

Xi Xiaye took a sip and then instructed, "Have the car prepared. It's getting late."

"Okay."

...

Gu Lingsha still could not react after she heard Xi Xiaye's words. She did not expect her to be so straightforward. It was obvious that Xi Xiaye was pretty headstrong too. Even her presence was overwhelming!

Mu Yuchen, it seemed like you found yourself a powerful woman there...

Gu Lingsha watched Xi Xiaye's slender figure walking through the crowd. She replied with an elegant smile as people greeted her. Wang Qin even sent her off personally with a big smile. It was such a huge contrast when compared to how she treated Gu Lingsha!

She put on a bitter smile as she lowered her head and took a sip of wine unhappily.

The wind breezed through as she left the Qi residence. It was pretty cold in the winter. Xi Xiaye was walking down the staircase and the car was already waiting nearby. However, she looked around and did not see Ah Mo anywhere, so she quickly asked, "Where's Ah Mo?"

"He'll head back later. Get into the car first, Director Xi. It's cold outside. We'll send you back to Maple Residence first. Those are Manager Ah Mo's orders."

Ji Zitong opened the car door for Xi Xiaye who was startled for a moment, but soon after that, she nodded and sat inside the car.

At the same time, the banquet was still going on.

Ah Mo was standing by a dark corridor as he glanced inside the hall. Specifically, he was observing Gu Lingsha, taking mental notes of everyone who came into contact with her. When Qi Lei arrived, he looked away and faced the flower bed instead.

"How come Xiaye left so early?"

Qi Lei could not find Xi Xiaye anywhere after he spoke for a while with someone from the company. After asking around, he realized Xi Xiaye had already left.

"Missus was not feeling very well. Please understand," Ah Mo replied quietly with a stony expression.

Qi Lei glanced at him for a while before putting on a smile. "Please thank her for me regarding today."

Ah Mo nodded. He looked at Gu Lingsha who was sitting on the sofa and chatting with a bunch of guys swarming around her. Qi Lei did not miss Ah Mo's reaction. "I didn't know she'd come, but do thank your Master for me too. I'm glad to know that she's still alive."

"I'm here just to pass you a message from Master. A lot of things can happen in five years. It's hard to predict how a person will act, so be careful on your own."

"What does he mean?" Qi Lei squinted and stared straight at Ah Mo.

Ah Mo did not explain. Instead, he replied, "Master said you're a smart guy and he wouldn't need to point it out to you. If you're really hoping for the collaboration to happen, Master Qi, he hopes you won't interfere with anything else aside from work. It might be better for you to be a bystander."

Qi Lei chuckled as he listened to Ah Mo. "That does sound like what Mu Yuchen would say!"

"Now that I've delivered the message, I'll head back now." Ah Mo left immediately since he had to go to the club to take a look.

Qi Lei did not say anything else and just waved.

Ah Mo slowly walked past the crowd, and his figure soon disappeared outside the door.

Many people saw them together, but they had nothing to hide. After all, Glory World and Qi Kai were business partners, so meeting in secret would raise even more suspicions.

Xi Xinyi had been observing the whole scene throughout the night. She finally voiced out her doubts to Yue Hai beside her. "Uncle, Glory World seems to be very close to Wang Qin. I'm sure Xi Xiaye's visit today means something. Is Glory World backing Qi Lei?"

Yue Hai averted his gaze from the dance pool to her. "I'm sure you know about the conflict between CEO Qi and Wang Qin. The successor of Qi Kai is still undecided, and think about it, why would Gu Lingsha suddenly come back? She disappeared with Qi Feng for so many years. Isn't it weird that she'd suddenly appear here? Moreover, from what I know, Wang Qin didn't like Gu Lingsha. On the day of the accident, Wang Qin forced Qi Lei away and managed to get him out of the mess. Otherwise, Qi Lei would not just let Gu Lingsha leave with Qi Feng as it would contradict his feelings."

"Then, if this is about Qi Feng and Gu Lingsha, how is this related to Mu Yuchen?"

Xi Xinyi was confused. She had no idea what happened to these families in the past. She only knew that Qi Kai's First Master had passed away from a car accident five years ago and as a result, Qi Qiming developed hatred towards Mu Yuchen. Other than that, she was unaware of the details.

Yue Hai laughed coldly. "Because Gu Lingsha was once Mu Yuchen's fiancèe, Gu Qihao was determined to let her marry into the Mu family. Take note that by marrying into the Mu family, Gu Lingsha could easily become the wife of Glory World's Chairman, but things would be different with the Qi family! Anyone with a brain wouldn't choose the Qi family. Moreover, Gu Qihao is an extremely calculative person!

"Xinyi, you have to manage your relationships with the Han family well. You don't have to worry anymore once you have some bargaining chips in hand."

Yue Hai reminded Xi Xinyi before she could say anything as he glanced at her with a sigh, "I went to visit your mother the other day with your aunt. The two of you are really reckless. It'll be horrible if this reaches your grandfather. He hates infighting."

Yue Hai frowned and sighed again. "I understand your mother very well. I suppose she didn't have a choice. She's been enjoying love and care from everyone around her since she was little, and she could easily get whatever she wanted, yet she could not be with your father. I was against it when she told me she liked your father, Xi Mushan, and now... I'm disappointed. Your grandfather was angry too. Your First Uncle had a lot to deal with. We thought about taking her back in again after the scandal died down, but who would've expected her to be addicted to gambling, and she's disabled now.

"No matter what, you can't treat her like that. She's your mother, Xinyi! Your First Uncle and I are disappointed with you this time!"

Xi Xinyi understood very well what Yue Hai meant. Her expression changed slightly as she gave a quick reply, "I was agitated. That's why my choice of words was harsh, but I really don't know what to do about her. I was on the verge of breaking down some time ago, but she..."

"Both your First Uncle and I didn't tell your grandfather what happened this time, so please don't let us down again. We don't have daughters ourselves and we've always treated you like our daughter. Your mother is our sister. She has done so much for you before, and you..."

"I get it, I get it, Uncle! I'll make sure to reflect on my behavior. I was too reckless this time. Please don't let Grandfather worry about this matter as he's getting old. I'll try my best to do everything that I can. Leave it to me!" Xi Xinyi interrupted before Yue Hai could finish his sentence. Her tone of voice sounded respectful, but she hid the bitterness in her eyes.

Yue Hai nodded. "That's good to hear. By the way, take note of Gu Lingsha and be on good terms with her if possible. She's someone valued highly by Qi Qiming, so it should be advantageous for you to get close to her."

Xi Xinyi took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, I'll take note of her. Don't worry, Uncle."

"Her relationship with the Qi family brothers is a little special. No matter who's in charge of Qi Kai in the future, Yueying will be fine as long as you keep a good relationship with her. Understand?"

Yue Hai was a sly fox with many years of experience in the business world. Obviously, he was on Qi Qiming's side, and he had been pressured a lot by Wang Qin. He was hoping for Xi Xinyi to have some other alternatives than just himself. Judging from what happened today, Wang Qin probably had something up her sleeve, thus Yue Hai needed to have some plans.

...

Qi Lei imagined many different scenarios about how they would meet again, but he never expected them to reunite under such circumstances. He thought she would at least reappear with Qi Feng, yet...

She was still as beautiful as ever. The only difference was the faint depressive vibe around her.

By the corridor behind the hall, Qi Lei grabbed Gu Lingsha's slender shoulders as he asked, "How are you, Shasha? Where have you been all these years? I've sent people to look for you for a very very long time. I thought I'd never see you again..."

Gu Lingsha pushed Qi Lei's hand away and put on a bitter smile. "Don't do this, Lei... I'm here now, aren't I?"

"Shasha, what happened back then? Qi Feng and you... Why was Lingtian in the car as well? Why would he...?"

Qi Lei ignored Gu Lingsha's struggling and gripped her shoulder tightly as he bombarded her with loads of questions.

Gu Lingsha's expression turned pale when Qi Lei mentioned the accident. She felt a migraine coming on as she quickly shook her head. "I don't know, I don't know. I don't remember anything, nothing at all! Don't ask me about it. I'm having a headache!"

Qi Lei looked at Gu Lingsha's pale little face. Worried, he helped her to stand properly and asked with a grim expression, "What's wrong? Shasha, what happened to you?"

Gu Lingsha took a deep breath as she pressed her forehead with her right hand. "I forgot what happened when I woke up. the doctor said it's selective amnesia, so I don't know anything about it now. I don't know what happened before. Don't ask me about it."

Qi Lei brought Gu Lingsha to sit down at a nearby wooden chair as he asked, "Okay! Okay! I won't ask then. How do you feel now? Do you need a doctor?"

Gu Lingsha shook her head. "I'm alright. I'll be fine after a while."

"Shasha, where have you been all these years? Where's Qi Feng? Why isn't he here?"

Gu Lingsha's eyes darkened slightly before she forced a smile. "I've been staying abroad for the past few years. I was under observation for a very long time because I sustained brain damage. I only gradually woke up after being bed-ridden for a year in the hospital. I haven't seen Ah Feng since I woke up and I don't have any information about him as well."

"Wasn't he rescued with you? How could you not know anything about him? Who rescued both of you?" Qi Lei frowned as he continued his questions.

Gu Lingsha shook her head. "I don't know. Stop asking me about it. I told you I've forgotten. I stayed in the hospital to recover. After that, I started looking for jobs to train myself. Several years passed and here I am right now."

Qi Lei looked into Gu Lingsha's eyes. She felt a little uncomfortable from his sharp stare, but she did not say anything. Instead, she rose from her seat and walked along the corridor.

She suddenly halted her steps when she passed by him. Raising her head and looking at him, her voice sounded slightly sad and helpless.

"Please don't ask me about matters in the past anymore. I only returned to City Z because of my father and Uncle Qi's request. Lei, no matter what I hope you're still the old you, and I'll stay the same old me as well. We're good friends forever, okay?"

When Qi Lei heard this, his eyes darkened. The pain that he had buried deep in his heart suddenly resurfaced like a surge of insanity. He wanted to go up to her and give her a hug to tell her that he missed her and that he thought she was gone. He wanted her to know that he had suffered and struggled.

However, seeing her right now, all the urge that gathered in chest unexpectedly dissolved. He did not say anything. Instead, he just watched her quietly as he slowly let go of her shoulders.

Qi Lei endured the anguish in his heart as he asked bitterly, "Shasha, I'm still as annoying to you as I was before, aren't I?"

Gu Lingsha gently shook her head as a dazzling smile flashed across her face. "Why do you sell yourself short like that? I've told you I've always admired you. I also know that your talents aren't in the least inferior to Qi Feng's. Haven't you always said that I'm your muse? I've always kept the medal you won in your first competition in my drawer. I see it whenever I pull it open."

When he heard her mild admonition, Qi Lei's tensed expression eased a little. He lowered his gaze and his voice became gentler as he said softly, "Turns out you still remember these."

"Of course, I do. I really cherish all of the good times we've had. Ah Feng, you, and Lingtian... all those happy times we've had are worth remembering forever."

Gu Lingsha sighed softly. "Sometimes, I really wish we could go back in time. When I woke up and knew that Lingtian couldn't have come out of the accident alive, I was really heartbroken. Even though I don't know what happened then, I think that if it were not for Ah Feng and me, it wouldn't have turned out like this."

"I told you Mu Yuchen wouldn't let you off easily. Since you wanted to leave with Qi Feng, you shouldn't have agreed to marry Mu Yuchen then. In fact, Mu Yuchen doesn't love you either, I reckon," said Qi Lei in a deep voice as he fixed his gaze on Gu Lingsha.

Indeed, once Qi Lei said that, Gu Lingsha's little face paled again. Faint disappointment and sorrow filled her beautiful eyes, she nodded in resignation. "You're right. Perhaps, I don't know why I left with Qi Feng either. Actually, I remember, back then when I said I'd marry Mu Yuchen, I agreed to it willingly and didn't object. After all, I was his fiancee. My father had always hoped I could marry into the Mu family, but I didn't think that he would be such a cruel person. Even Lingtian..."

"Shasha, Mu Yuchen's married. He loves Xi Xiaye dearly. He told me that she's the only woman he's ever truly loved. I don't know why he would agree to marry you back then, but you wouldn't have been happy marrying someone as cold and distant as him. I know that you were fighting with Qi Feng, so..."

"Lei, let's not talk about these things anymore. I hope that you can just stay out of it."

"Shasha, I know it's because of my mother. Because she's been pulling off dirty tricks from within, she wouldn't agree to me and you, and she wouldn't let you and Qi Feng be, so..."

When he said this, Qi Lei suddenly lifted both hands to hold Xi Xinyi's shoulders as he became slightly stirred up. His eyes were apologetic."I'm very sorry, Shasha... I want to apologize on behalf of her. Please forgive us."

Upon hearing this, Gu Lingsha just smiled. "No, you don't have to apologize about anything. I know that Aunt Wang's just doing what's best for you. I'm the reason for all the misfortunes. If anyone were to blame, it would just be me. Of course, I admit that I should resent Mu Yuchen too. If he weren't so vicious, the tragedy wouldn't have happened."

She subconsciously covered her right arm and her gaze darkened.

Seeing that, Qi Lei quickly took her left arm and swiftly pulled her long lace glove off.

It took just one look!

And his eyes immediately froze!

Her arm was filled with crisscrossed, sinister-looking scars, and you could see that her left hand seemed to move a little oddly. Her mobility was slightly abnormal. Just by the look of these wounds, he could imagine how bad the accident had been!

Qi Lei's sudden actions stunned Gu Lingsha. Moments later, she quickly pushed him away and pulled her gloves up a little nervously, covering up the wound.

"How...?"

Qi Lei's eyes widened while they were transfixed on Gu Lingsha's pale little face. Seeing her pull up her gloves so sadly, his eyes were filled with shame and uneasiness. There was even anguish as his heart ached at this sight.

Gu Lingsha shot a look at Qi Lei with her slightly watery eyes which were filled with a wave of slight anger!

Obviously, Qi Lei could understand Gu Lingsha. How could the usual prideful her have endured such a thing?

With the scars exposed, it not only revealed her fear and agitation, but also her pride and self-esteem that were hidden deep in her heart!

She was ashamed and resentful as she covered her arm tightly. Finally, she sniffled and turned to walk quickly away towards the corridor.

Qi Lei did not go after her though his expression darened slightly. The emotions that gathered in his heart were mixed. While he pitied her, at the same time, he was angry and unhappy with Mu Yuchen!

How could Shasha's hand be ruined just like that?

He remembered that she always loved playing the piano. There was once on his birthday, she played the piano to wish him, and now...

Qi Lei could not help but clench his fists tightly as he looked up quietly at Gu Lingsha's gradually disappearing figure at the end of the corridor.

...

Xi Xiaye took a comfortable shower as soon as she retuned to Maple Residence. Sis Wang was worried she would be hungry, so she had especially cooked her a plain shredded chicken porridge. True enough, Xi Xiaye was feeling hungry since she did not eat much at the banquet, so she finished two and a half bowls in a go.

She returned to the study room to gather the documents, preparing them for use at work the next day. Then, Mu Yuchen's call came.

She watched the phone on the table vibrate for a while, not immediately picking it up. She thought about tonight. Her twinkling eyes could not help but emit a dull glow as she struggled for a while, and after the third ring, she slowly reached out to pick it up.

"Why did it take you so long to answer, hmm?" His deep and sensitive voice came, and it was slightly raspy too.

"I've been busy arranging some things," she answered plainly without stopping what she was doing.

"Your tone doesn't sound right. Who provoked you? Tell me. I'll handle them." Master Mu had always been terrifyingly good at seeing people through. With just a simple sentence, he could already feel that his woman was not in the best of moods, so his tone immediately became gentler.

"Mr. Mu, you haven't been honest with me..." Xi Xiaye straightened up and propped herself up before walking over to sit down on the lounge chair on the side.