Li Si sighed and quickly caught up with an umbrella in his hand. "Be careful, Master. It's still raining outside!"

"Master!" The bodyguards bowed respectfully.

Mu Yuchen nodded without stopping. His deep voice rumbled in the rain, "Go straight to Maple Residence."

He then went into the car, and Li Si quickly closed the door. As he was heading towards the front passenger seat, Mu Yuchen rolled down the car window and said, "Li Si, you can head back first. Leave the documents in the car. You can have the day off tomorrow."

"Yes, Master!" Li Si then left the heavy briefcase right beside Mu Yuchen's seat.

The car then slowly moved forward in the rain.

It was late at night and the breeze was blowing wildly outside. Inside the study room on the second floor, one could still hear the howl of the wind even though the windows were shut tightly.

Xi Xiaye was sitting on a chair right beside the tall bookshelf. She had fallen asleep with an opened book on her lap.

Wang Hui got a phone call after dinner and she went back to the Mu Residence after that. She mentioned she would come again tomorrow morning. Xi Xiaye overheard Mu Yinan calling her. He seemed to have fallen sick and was suffering at the moment, so she offered to send Wang Hui off and arranged for a chauffeur to send her back.

Xi Xiaye then gave Mu Yuchen a call when she arrived back at Maple Residence, but his phone was switched off, and she could not contact Ah Mo as well. Fortunately, Su Chen called her from abroad during dinner and told her to not worry about Su Nan. He made sure the police were taking good care of her, and he would take care of the rest when he got back.

Relieved, she took a warm bath and washed her sorrows away. Then, she did some prenatal education with the little thing inside her until it settled down. After that, she went to the study room and looked around for something to read.

When he was not around, reading books to help her fall asleep had become a habit of hers. Soon, she returned to being a late sleeper again.

She had no idea when he would return. Despite having asked him twice, she was not able to get a definite answer, thus she stopped asking about it after that.

...

A car parked outside the entrance of Maple Residence. The rain was getting heavier, so the bodyguard came over and opened the door for Mu Yuchen while holding an umbrella. Mu Yuchen alighted from the car with the briefcase as the bodyguard quickly put the big black umbrella over him. He quietly looked at this villa that was shrouded in mist.

His eyes softened when he noticed that the lights in the study room on the second floor were still on, but then he frowned soon after that. He grabbed a keycard from his pocket and walked towards the door.

Taking the umbrella from the bodyguard after he opened the door, he said, "You guys can go back now. There's no need to come tomorrow. Missus will be resting for a day. Don't let anyone come and disturb her."

"Yes, Master!"

Before waiting for the bodyguard's reply, Mu Yuchen vanished behind the door.

It was getting close to midnight, and Sis Wang and the other servants were already asleep. It was extremely quiet inside the villa.

Mu Yuchen switched on a dim light before he changed into his slippers and removed his windbreaker as he walked upstairs.

The living room was dark when he got inside. Tiny fragments of light came from the study room. Although he was really in a rush just now, he now felt her unique aura around.

He left his clothes on the sofa and put his briefcase aside before heading into the study room.

The first thing he saw was the petite woman on the chair.

She had become really skinny and looked exhausted. Her long hair was left untidy and messy around her face although the length was not very different than when he left. Her belly had grown larger, but she seemed pretty miserable as a whole.

His heart was in pain as he cursed himself.

How were the idiots taking care of her?

Xi Xiaye could sense the man's presence when she was still asleep. She thought she was dreaming. As she struggled in her daze, she felt someone run his fingers through her hair. She woke up gradually and opened her eyes as a familiar face appeared right before her. The necktie was extremely familiar. When she raised her head, she saw the man's elegant face.

Thinking that she was in a dream, she rubbed her eyes and took a closer look at the man again. She finally believed it was a reality when his unique scent wafted all around her.

Her eyes teared up as she started sobbing. The next moment, she started crying and looked at him quietly, sniffling while tears rolled down her cheeks. "Why are you only back now? I've been calling and you didn't pick up..."

Mu Yuchen's heart broke seeing her like this. He quickly wiped her tears away as he spoke to her with his magnetic voice, "Alright, I'm back now, aren't I? What's there to cry about? How are you taking care of yourself? Refugees in Africa aren't as miserable as you."

"Isn't this all your fault?"

Xi Xiaye used his shirt as her handkerchief to wipe her tears, sniffling while she complained. She unconsciously wrapped her arms around him tightly, desperately longing for the warmth and ease from his heart.

"I can see that you had it rough when I wasn't around... Me too..."

He let out a long sigh and hugged her close. When he ran his fingers through her smooth, long hair, they felt at ease with each other's presence. Their wandering hearts had found their place to settle down.

She struggled out of his embrace as she looked at him with her starry eyes and whispered intimately, "I missed you..."

He hugged her even tighter. He was using so much strength that he wished the two of them could merge into one.

"I never knew how it felt like to miss someone in the past, but nothing else could make me experience this pain being away from you." Mu Yuchen pulled her head towards his chest, his gentle tone of voice sounding happy. "Only you can do that, Xiaye."

She buried herself in his arms and complained, "Then, why didn't you come back earlier?"

"I just wanted to get everything done and spend several months with you and welcome our newborn baby, okay?"

He patted her head and left a kiss on her forehead. Then, he glanced at her belly as he smiled and put his hand over it. "This little thing is growing up quickly. It's only been two months and it's grown so big."

Xi Xiaye looked down as well, a smile appearing on her face. "Mmm, it's growing well. It's pretty naughty at times too. Sometimes it wakes me up at midnight."

"I'll be sure to give it a lesson after it's born!" He looked at her, and his heart softened when he saw the sweet smile on her face. He could not help but give her a kiss on her lips.

She felt warm and secure as his slightly cold aura closed in. A faint light flashed in her eyes, and she wrapped her arms around him as they continued to embrace each other.

With that little thing between them, his dirty thoughts had to be put on hold at the moment.

Xi Xiaye looked at the man and smiled warmly. "You just got off the plane. Go take a bath and I'll cook you some noodles. Sis Wang and the others are already asleep. Let's not wake them up."

"It's fine. I'll do it myself."

"Go and take a bath. I'll go and cook for you now... Hurry. You smell..." She pushed him out of the study room.

Mu Yuchen had no choice but to do as she said. He wanted to say that he was not really hungry, but he felt bad declining her kind offer.

He went into the bathroom and took a comforting bath. When he came out of the bedroom in his clean sleeping robe, Xi Xiaye served him a piping hot bowl of instant noodles.

The tempting fragrance reminded Mu Yuchen that he was actually hungry.

Xi Xiaye put the bowl of noodles before him and also got him a glass of water. "Have a try. Let me know if I've improved." She handed him a pair of chopsticks as she looked full of hope.

"It looks pretty good. You don't really need to cook, you know. So what if you improved or not?"

He smiled and took the chopsticks from her. As usual, he started eating elegantly. Xi Xiaye sat down beside him and just watched him while he ate. "I don't want to be a woman who can't cook."

"Do you want to become a housewife? Unfortunately, I don't see any potential in you." He swallowed the noodles and laughed. "Mmm, there's some improvement."

Xi Xiaye glared at him and said unhappily, "What does that mean? Don't look down on me."

"I'm not looking down on you. It's just that there's no need. It's already taxing enough at work. You're going to tire yourself out quickly. How are you so skinny already? In a glance, people would think you're a refugee."

He put a small piece of a fried egg into her mouth.

Xi Xiaye ate it, but she found it a little oily, so she grabbed a small slice of tomato and put it inside her mouth. She then started picking up his coat and necktie that he had left around earlier. "Things have been really hectic lately. Ruan Heng is still unconscious. The doctor said it all depends on his willpower. Su Nan... She's in the police station now. It's all because of your ex-fiancèe..."

Xi Xiaye suddenly stopped what she was doing as her eyes darkened. She glanced at him, looking for help.

Her pitiful eyes successfully softened his heart. He put his chopsticks down and grabbed her shoulder. "It's only been a while and you've become a mess. Xi Xiaye, can you let me be at ease? How did you survive all these years?"

As he thought about how she had endured all of these alone in the past, his heart twisted in anguish. The struggle, the depression, the helplessness... He related to these feelings very well.

She looked at him with a fragile glance as she replied honestly, "I haven't really experienced this kind of thing before. Su Nan and Ruan Heng always protected me, and now... I used to be independent on my own in the past, but ever since I got married to you, I..."

She did not continue, but she knew very well that she had caught a bad habit ever since she married him, that was, she would be overly reliant on him. She would always think about leaving problems to him since he could fix everything anyway.

Including Su Nan's issue, she believed that there was nothing he could not do. Her heart was at ease the moment she saw him return. It felt like such a huge contrast from the storm that she was experiencing before.

"Do you think that I'm a burden, Mr. Mu?" she asked anxiously when he looked downwards quietly.

Mu Yuchen raised his head and stared at her face intently. he touched her face as he spoke with his magnetic voice that melted her heart, "Can your brain think of something else? Just what nonsense are you thinking about? You're married and are becoming a mother soon. Stop asking these questions. I don't need a capable or smart woman. You'll always be by my side as you're my child's mother. The rest has nothing to do with me. Got it?"

She finally nodded after some time. "Mmm, I won't ask again."

After being busy for around half the night, by the time they finished washing up and got into bed to rest, it was already past 1 a.m.

Inside the warm and comfortable bedroom, the sheer bed drapes were put down, and the lights were dimmed, leaving only a dim light from the wall lamp.

Outside, there was still a chilly shower pouring...

Xi Xiaye was obviously fond of the warm hug that she had been separated from for quite a while. Although she could vaguely hear the wind swaying gently outside, at the moment, she just felt filled with warmth.

In the dark, listening to his subtle and gentle breathing, she suddenly softly called out to him, "Mr. Mu?"

"Hmm?"

Her clear voice had just rung out when the arms around his waist tightened a little more.

"About Nannan..." she probed.

"Let's talk about it tomorrow. Rest early unless you're planning to do other things."

As he said this, his warm body inched in closer. Only God knew the amount of control he needed to tamp the surging warm blood in him down.

This little thing was getting in the way!

How long more did he have to suffer for?

At such times, Mu Yuchen would think that having one little thing was enough for the sake of his future welfare!

Of course, Missus Mu could never know such thoughts. Otherwise, she would definitely say he was...

Indeed, upon hearing Mr. Mu, Xi Xiaye did not continue. She glanced up at his tensed, handsome face, as she pursed her lips and smiled. Without saying anything, she only hugged him tight and gradually fell asleep...

When they woke up the next day, the rain was still pouring outside. Mu Yuchen considerately prepared breakfast before going upstairs to wake her up to wash up.

She had not rested well for quite a few days now, but last night, she slept soundly till the morning.

Xi Xiaye pulled her blanket away a little unwillingly as she was woken up. She half-opened her dazed eyes and looked at Mr. Mu who was preparing her outfit for her by the wardrobe. She did not say anything for a long time.

"Quickly wash up. It's almost 9 a.m. Have breakfast first and rest for today."

He brought over clothes for her to change, but when Xi Xiaye took a look, she immediately rolled her eyes. Then, she reflexively looked down at her baby bump, and Master Mu remembered she was...

He quickly chuckled apologetically. "I forgot..."

"I can't wear these clothes anymore now. Go get a few larger long blouses and a couple of windbreakers for me."

"Didn't Grandmother prepare maternity dresses for you?" he asked in puzzlement.

"I don't look good wearing those. It's usually okay to just wear those large blouses and windbreakers. Su Nan knitted a few long blouses for me too. They fit very well on me. Besides, I'm not used to wearing those clothes to work."

Xi Xiaye lifted a hand to fix her beautiful yet messy, long hair. She looked up at him standing by the bedside as she caressed her baby bump, asking softly, "Do you think I've become ugly?"

When she said this, Mu Yuchen lowered his head to plant a kiss on her forehead. With a chuckle, his tone contained a hint of reprimand. "Who said so? You only know how to think of this nonsense. As ugly as you may be, you'd still be prettier than Xi Shi [1]..."

"Are you sure?" Upon hearing that, a smile rippled on her bright and animated face.

Mu Yuchen did not answer and just patted her head. "Quickly get up and wash up. I'll prepare your clothes for you. Finish your breakfast, then we'll make a trip back to the Mu residence. At night, we'll have dinner at the Shen residence. I've already informed Grandmother and Grandpa."

She raised her eyebrows and looked a little shocked at him. Then, she could not help but snicker. "Mr. Mu, I suddenly realize that you have the potential to be a good husband."

"What do you mean by 'good husband'?" The man looked at her puzzledly.

She smiled sweetly, got up, and swiftly planted a kiss on his cheek. "I'm praising you right now!"

Before he could react, she already walked towards the bathroom. He watched as she vanished into the bathroom. Then, a faint smile flashed across his lips.

After the breakfast, the husband and wife rested for a while, then Mu Yuchen said he wanted to return to the Mu residence, so Xi Xiaye quickly went upstairs to get her things.

When he saw her bringing a huge bag into the car, he reached out to take it as he asked, "What's this?"

"Those accessories you brought back for me. I don't quite like these things, but this set looks like it suits Mother, so I'm bringing it for her. Two days ago, I told her that you bought it just for her, and she was quite thrilled to hear it. Then, she said that she hasn't been too caring towards you in recent years, so you and she aren't close..."

A light flashed in his deep eyes. He smiled faintly and looked at her as he dotingly patted her head and said in a deep voice, "Missus you're so considerate. Actually, you have the potential to be a good wife too."

"Actually, I think Mother is quite an easy person to talk to. While you weren't around, she's been very caring about me."

When he heard her say that, he suddenly remembered that he did call Zhuang Shurong, asking her to watch over her too.

To tell the truth, he had to admit that ever since he married her, his relationship with his family had become much more harmonious. He would really be as they say in the past, cold and distant. Even if they were his kin, he could not really talk much about his problems, but now it was a little different. Sometimes, he would even talk about business matters with Mu Tangchuan too.

"You're her daughter-in-law. Of course, she has to be concerned about you. If you both fell into a river, your Mr. Mu wouldn't need to choose who to save because she would've rescued you to shore."

He smiled calmly and reached out to help her buckle up, then he swiftly started the car.

"Your cold humor doesn't sound funny at all." She shot him a look and then reached out to start the radio which was going on about some news in the entertainment circle.

"Can you think of something to solve Su Nan's matter? I went to look for Gu Lingsha yesterday, but she doesn't seem to plan on letting go of Su Nan. I know Su Nan well. No matter what it is, she wouldn't have pushed Gu Lingsha down the stairs.'

Xi Xiaye's mind was still fixated on this matter.

"Mmm, I'll handle this matter. You just rest for a few days. Hand over your work next week. In the upcoming months, just rest well. Don't handle Gu Lingsha because it's about the past. If it were a coincidence, that'd be better, but if she has other thoughts, then she'd just be coming for me," Mu Yuchen said with a calm expression.

"Coming for you? Could it be about the car accident five years ago? She looks quite healthy and fine right now. There's no point to... Right, it sounds like we haven't heard about any traces of Qi Feng's tracks. Could he be dead? Does that means that only Gu Lingsha survived?"

She cocked her head at Mu Yuchen in puzzlement.