Mu Yuchen smiled unaffectedly and remained calm as always. "If Qi Feng is dead, then everything that Qi Qiming does is still not meaningless. I know Qi Qiming well. He wouldn't have a fall out with Wang Qin without reason."

Xi Xiaye nodded. "You're right. The other day at Wang Qin's banquet, I could feel the tension between the two of them, even Qi Lei. I don't see how he can get his desired outcome. Qi Qiming's very cold to the two of them. Instead, he was very nice to Gu Lingsha. Even when it came to Su Nan's matter, Qi Qiming sent someone to handle it. That's why I'm feeling helpless."

Then, a faint hint of sadness colored the space between Xi Xiaye's eyebrows.

There was also the worrisome matter with Ruan Heng. He did not seem to be regaining consciousness soon. If he continued being like that, how was Su Nan going to manage?

When she thought about this, Xi Xiaye felt depressed and her head started to throb.

"Su Chen has already left a word. Things should be fine on Su Nan's end. Just let me handle this."

Some gloom gathered underneath Mu Yuchen's eyes and he did not look very pleased either, so Xi Xiaye knowingly stopped asking further.

...

When they returned to the Mu residence, it was just in time for lunch. Upon knowing that Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye were both coming over, Zhuang Shurong, who was also on break, had specially prepared a sumptuous lunch. However, Mu Tangshan was still at work and not home.

After lunch, Zhuang Shurong called Mu Yuchen over to the study room.

Mu Yuchen rarely talked to Zhuang Shurong one-on-one. When he knocked and opened the door to the study room, Zhuang Shurong was taking a document from the shelf to browse through. Upon seeing Mu Yuchen enter, she kept it away and put it on the table. As she took off her glasses, she pointed to the sofa across her. "Have a seat!"

Mu Yuchen nodded and then sat right down on the sofa. There was boiled water on the coffee table on the side. When he noticed it, he began to leisurely steep some tea.

Zhuang Shurong slowly walked over and sat across her.

"Has Father been busy recently?" Mu Yuchen asked first, then put the steeped tea before Zhuang Shurong.

Zhuang Shurong nodded and picked up the tea before she carefully took a sip. "It's going to be the year-end in a month. I've been quite busy with work recently. Quite a number of managers need to be promoted at the end of the year too, so he needs to spend some time looking over the applications. Sigh, every time it's this time of the year, he always needs to leave early and return late."

When Mu Yuchen saw the fatigue between Zhuang Shurong's eyes, he thought about it and said,

"Mother, if you're feeling tired, you can retire earlier too. You've been in bureaucracy for a few decades now. You must be tired of it now."

Zhuang Shurong smiled. "It's okay once you get used to it. I wouldn't know what to do if I retire so early. Your father probably still has chances of moving up, so I have to support him well. Ah Chen, a few days ago, I was talking to your father about you. All these years, we really have to thank you for your understanding."

"Mother, you don't have to say these things. I understand. Glory World doesn't need the two of your help either. Just do what you do best. As for the other things, I can handle it."

Upon hearing that, Zhuang Shurong nodded and did not continue this topic anymore. She went on, "I've heard about Xiaye's friend. Xiaye's quite a meticulous person, so she didn't ask me about it. I'm sure you know that Gu Lingsha's returned to City Z too."

When Zhuang Shurong said this, her pair of sharp eyes were fixated on Mu Yuchen's handsome face. She tried hard to read something from his expression, yet after she looked for a long while, she did not see the slightest hint of emotion being revealed.

"I know that the incident has always been a thorn in your heart. Ah Chen, in these past five years, we have all been carrying this heavy baggage with us and were tormented by it. It isn't only you. I'm sad about Lingtian's misfortune too, but my heart hurts even more for you. You treat him like a brother. While they might not have treated you like one, you've been a good older brother. You were very caring and considerate which is a good thing, but have you ever thought about how even if you helped him with something, it might not have been beneficial?"

Zhuang Shurong sighed. She paused, then continued, "You've been sensible and reserved since you were young. You're very similar to your father. You never needed your father and me to worry about you. Compared to you, your father and I have put more thought about Lingtian and Lingshi. Instead, we neglected you. To a certain extent, as parents, your father and I have let you down. As for Lingtian..."

"Okay, Mother, don't talk about it anymore."

Mu Yuche could already guess what Zhuang Shurong was going to say. He could not help but cut her off. He trained his gaze on Zhuang Shurong. "With regards to all of Lingtian's past, let's not talk about it anymore. Even if he was wrong in many ways, he's gone now. I don't want to be petty about so many things. Whether or not you're willing to admit it, I do have to take some responsibility for that accident. I'd never push the blame away. I admit that it was I who told Ah Bao to chase them."

Zhuang Shurong could hear a hint of angst in Mu Yuchen's tone. His eyes dimmed. She silently looked at Mu Yuchen's gloomy expression for a moment, and then said, "Have you always known that Gu Lingsha is still alive?"

"Back then, when we didn't see her and Qi Feng's corpse, I've always had my suspicions. When Xiaye and I had our wedding, I found out that she's been staying in Los Angeles."

Mu Yuchen did not hide it. He knew that Zhuang Shurong had actually been very protective of him. At least, back then, when Mu Yinan had betrothed him to Gu Lingsha as children, she almost had a fall out with Mu Yinan. She firmly told Mu Yinan that her son would never be a sacrificial lamb for a marriage to connect two prestigious families!

For this, Mu Yuchen was thankful. If it were not for her iron fist protection, his fate would have probably ended with Gu Lingsha.

He could vaguely remember that when he was younger, Gu Lingsha seemed to always come over to stay for short periods of time in the Mu residence. While he was already in boarding school, in fact, he always did not like these little girls, so every time he heard that Gu Lingsha was staying over, he would mostly run over to Su Chen and Zhou Zimo's place. Instead, it was Lingtian who met her more often, thus it was no wonder they became good friends.

Zhuang Shurong nodded and set her cup aside. "When I went to the hospital for a checkup with Xiaye, I saw Gu Lingsha too. She hasn't changed much from years ago, but the feeling she gives me right now is that she was much shrewder. She's probably taken on a different mindset compared to years ago. Most importantly, she's Qi Qiming's assistant."

When Zhuang Shurong said this, her expression was slightly solemn. She silently watched Mu Yuchen's handsome face and paused for a while. When he did not answer, she continued, "I won't say too much. I just hope that you will be more vigilant. I've never agreed for the two of you to be together. Right from the start, even though your father and I are in high positions, we're in a very sensitive situation. We can't give you anything. The only thing we can fight for you is that we hope for you to have a happy marriage."

"I watched Gu Lingsha grow up too. All these years, I could tell that you didn't have her on your mind, so I knew. Actually, back then when you agreed to marry her, I'd personally went looking for her, hoping that she could leave you because I could not see a hint of love in your eyes. Ah Chen, I'll never be afraid to admit the things that I've done. I know what kind of person my son is. If you're still blaming yourself for Lingtian's incident, then I'm afraid I can't run away from the responsibility either."

When Zhuang Shurong finished, Mu Yuchen was stunned for a moment. He suddenly looked up at her, his depth-filled eyes suddenly filled with mixed complications. Then, he looked away and picked up the teapot before pouring some tea for Zhuang Shurong again as he said, "Why did you look for her? Since I've nodded and agreed to marry her, I have my own plans too."

"Because I think that she doesn't suit you, Ah Chen... Even though everyone should have their own love and no one can imitate anyone else, I still hope that you could be like your father and I. You are the combination of your father and me. I hope that you can be happy too. While Gu Lingsha is extremely shrewd, there's also the relationship with the Gu family too."

Zhuang Shurong sighed softly. "Back then, when I went to look for her, I struggled for a long time too, but my father didn't stop me."

"I clearly told her that even if she married into the Mu family, I wouldn't acknowledge her. In fact, I was firm on not having her work at Glory World Corporation. I've long noticed Gu Qihao is wildly ambitious. Otherwise, he wouldn't still let Gu Lingsha and Qi Feng have their unclear relationship while knowing that Gu Lingsha was your fiancèe."

Even though Zhuang Shurong was not a businesswoman, she was still someone who had hustled in the political scene for many years. Plus, with her position, she held extraordinary vigilance and was very careful doing all things. She could not afford the slightest mistake. This was how as a woman, she could hold such a high position and did not have a single scandal.

She had always been like this. As long as she realized something was odd, she would make a move first and not let it develop into a disaster. Even Mu Yuchen admired how firm and decisive she was in doing things.

"So, Ah Chen, I probably can't run from the responsibility of Gu Lingsha eloping before her marriage. When I went to look for her, Lingtian found out. You also know even though Lingtian has been calling me mother for all these years, he's not close to me. I even flung a cup of coffee onto Gu Lingsha's face, and Lingtian saw it all."

Upon hearing Zhuang Shurong, a puzzlement flashed in Mu Yuchen's eyes. He looked calmly at Zhuang Shurong and said in a gruff voice, "What are you trying to say by telling me all of this?"

Zhuang Shurong suddenly smiled. She lowered her head for a sip of tea, suddenly seeming relieved. "Ah Chen, don't you understand?"

"You're saying..."

"Lingtian has liked Gu Lingsha for a long time. Tell me. How can I let a woman like her marry into the Mu family? Am I going to let you two brothers fall out with each other? Lingtian is already prejudiced against you, isn't he? I've been trying to guess why as the older brother, you've been protecting Lingtian while he... Then, I personally saw Gu Lingsha cry in front of him because of the marriage to you."

Zhuang Shurong's tone was filled with certainly as Mu Yuchen's gaze darkened and he stopped what he doing. "But Lingtian told me that he only saw Gu Lingsha as a sister and that he'd never had any other thoughts. That was why I agreed."

Zhuang Shurong did not respond this time. She only smiled.

...

Not long after lunch, the husband and wife went looking for Shen Yue, but they did not go straight to the Shen residence. Instead, they agreed to Shen Yue's request and went to a golf course near the residence.

Shen Yue and Mu Yuchen decided on playing a few games of golf.

Xi Xiaye had never really played before. Usually, when she came looking for Shen Yue, it would just be to watch him play.

Unexpectedly, now she would watch Shen Yue and Mu Yuchen play rather jovially. Shen Yue was far more meticulous with Mu Yuchen than her as the granddaughter. When she thought about this, Xi Xiaye felt melancholic for some reason, but seeing them happy was worth it.

Xi Xiaye lay on the lounge chair leisurely as she turned to the side to watch the drizzle outside the French windows. Suddenly, the man's voice came into her ears. When she subconsciously turned to look, he had already walked over and swiftly sat down beside her while Shen Yue was already resting on the other side.

She reached out to take the golf club.

Xi Xiaye looked puzzled at the golf club in hand as she muttered, "I don't quite know how to play it yet..."

"Didn't I teach you before? Have you already forgotten all about it?" As he asked her softly, his tall and warm body had already leaned down to take away the golf club from her hand. "You can't play right now, but I'll teach you next time."

She nodded and then handed a glass of warm water to Shen Yue. "Grandpa, have some water."

"Okay."

Shen Yue drank two sips, and then looked at the couple. "I've carefully considered the South River project. Since the two of you recommend Qi Lei, then tell him to prepare the proposal in another two days. I want to meet him personally. If he really is as you say, then it's possible for us to work with him."

Upon hearing this, Xi Xiaye was shocked. She quickly looked at Mu Yuchen, knowing that he had recommended Qi Lei to Shen Yue.

"Ah Chen, I've taken a look at the materials you sent over. Qi Lei's background in construction is pretty solid. If Fuhua can maintain a long term working relationship with him, it's not a bad thing. It's good to have someone like Qi Lei on our side. You can set aside personal grudges and partner up for the benefit of all. Ah Chen, you did well."

Shen Yue acknowledged Mu Yuchen with recognition. The more he saw this grandson-in-law of his, the more he was satisfied.

Mu Yuchen nodded humbly at Shen Yue's words. "Okay, I'll invite him tomorrow."

"Let's meet next weekend. Have him to come and play chess with me. Not many youngsters know how to play nowadays!"

Shen Yue took a towel from the waiter and wiped his face before grabbing his walking stick and standing up slowly. Then, he started ambling outside. "Let's go home. This rain isn't stopping anytime soon."

Mu Yuchen helped Xi Xiaye to get up and they followed right behind the elderly man.

The sky turned dark when they returned to the Shen residence. A strong wind was blowing outside, but it was warm inside the house.

The servants were about to prepare dinner, but Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye wanted to make dinner themselves, so the servants left the kitchen to them.

"Mr. Mu, sometimes I think Grandpa would feel lonely here, so I thought why don't we adopt a child from the orphanage? Having a child to stay with Grandpa could ease his loneliness. My parents are coming back soon, but they'll be teaching at University A, so they can only spend time with him on the weekends. With Grandpa's retirement coming up soon, he'll be staying at home alone, so..."

Xi Xiaye suddenly stopped what she was doing and gave him a look that was asking for permission.

"Have you told Grandpa about this already?" he asked.

She nodded as her eyes sparkled and she gazed downward at her belly. "I also hope our child can experience a fulfilling childhood just like you and Ah Mo. I think it'd be great, unlike me being an only child."

He laughed and then turned around to look at her. "Do it if you want to. I'll get people to research orphanages. Then, we'll head over and take a look if we find anyone suitable."

He was glad to comply! With just one child of theirs, it would be nice to have a playmate for their child.

He was heartbroken to see her suffer during her pregnancy. He also did not want her attention to be divided too much because he required attention too!

Xi Xiaye was overjoyed to receive his approval, and she nodded her head repeatedly.

He shook his head helplessly.

What an easily satisfied woman!

...

The dinner was soon laid out. There was nothing extravagant, just some home-cooked dishes.

Shen Yue had a few drinks as he was really pleased. Just as Xi Xiaye was about to remind Mu Yuchen to stop as he needed to drive later, his phone started ringing. Mu Yuchen shot her a knowing glance and she quickly picked up the call.

"Master, Ms. Su Nan passed out in jail and is now on the way to Hospital T. What should we do?" It was Ah Mo's voice.

Xi Xiaye's face turned pale instantly. She frowned and all the worries inside her surfaced.

"What's wrong?" he asked when he noticed something was not right.

Xi Xiaye was not herself as she grabbed his sleeve and said frantically, "What should I do? Ah Mo just called and said Nannan passed out. She's being sent to Hospital T..."

...

The two of them rushed straight to the hospital before they could finish dinner. Xi Xiaye called Ji Zitong over to help monitor Ruan Heng's condition. With him still in an unstable state right now, both the Ruan family and the Su family were a mess.

Su Nan's father tried to ease things by using his connections, but Gu Lingsha's side was toying with them. They said to wait for the police's verdict and wait until Gu Lingsha's condition became better, yet Su Nan still had to be arrested for the moment.

It was pitch dark outside when they just arrived at Hospital T. A heavy downpour was going on.

Ah Mo and the others went up to them as they just got out of the car.

"Master, Missus!"

"What's the situation?" Mu Yuchen asked as he walked into the hospital with Xi Xiaye.

"Doctor said she passed out from being overly anxious and exhausted. She cannot take on anymore shock or she'll definitely crumble," Ah Mo replied as he brought them into the elevator.

Su Nan had turned extremely skinny in just a few days. She appeared lifeless on the bed, and Xi Xiaye felt a chilling cold when she grabbed her hand.

Su Nan's mother's eyes were already red from all the crying.

Mu Yuchen stood aside without saying anything. Moments later, he turned around and left the room while Ah Mo followed him.

Outside Su Nan's room, Mu Yuchen asked Ah Mo with a serious expression, "What did the doctor say about Ruan Heng's condition?"

"Still the same. It all depends on his willpower or he might be asleep like this forever. It's not looking good," Ah Mo said as he handed an investigation report to Mu Yuchen. "Missus had me conduct an investigation on what happened. Both sides were at fault. It's hard to conclude Gu Lingsha's intentions."

Mu Yuchen flipped through it and his expression darkened. He threw the report onto the bench as a chill filled his tone of voice. "Get Ji Zitong to send your sister-in-law back to Maple Residence. Bring Gu Lingsha here to see me."

He stormed off along the corridor after he gave his orders, his cold figure leaving Ah Mo shuddering. After working for him for so many years, he knew that his Master was truly furious this time.

"Yes, Master, I'll get it done right away!" Ah Mo replied and quickly gestured to the bodyguards behind who came up to him. He quietly gave them orders before the two of them nodded and then went away.

Inside Su Nan's room, she was gradually waking up.

"Nannan, how do you feel?" Xi Xiaye held her hand and asked anxiously.