When Qi Lei mentioned that, Mu Yuchen immediately remembered what he had told Li Si that morning.

"That's fine. The samples you sent over are here too. We'll look at them later," said Mu Yuchen, and then put the plate of food that Su Chen handed him aside. After he unbuttoned his sleeves to roll them up, he began to help Su Chen chop the ingredients while some chicken soup was brewing on the stove on the side.

Qi Lei stood aside since he was not needed and watched the two buddies worked together skillfully. He could not help but sigh to himself. He did not expect that these two men would be so skilled at cooking. When he first found out that Mu Yuchen could cook, he was very shocked, and now seeing Su Chen just as talented, even though he was a steadfast man on the outside...

Qi Lei watched them for quite a while. In the end, he just shrugged, and quietly left the kitchen.

In the living room, Xi Xiaye was watching the TV on the sofa. When she saw Qi Lei come over, she looked at him, and pondered for a moment, but did not say anything. Then, she turned to the TV screen again.

Qi Lei lowered his gaze and fell silent for a while before saying softly, "I'm sorry about what happened to Miss Su Nan."

While he was saying this, he did not look up at her. Instead, he just quietly accepted the water that Sis Wang handed him and took a sip.

"Those incidents had nothing to do with you. Someone is responsible for every grievance. You don't have to apologize to me. The ones who hurt are Su Nan and Ruan Heng... I hope that you can tell Miss Gu to think before she speaks to avoid implicating others."

As Xi Xiaye said this, she turned to look at him. She thought about it, then continued, "I know that you've been worrying about Ruan Heng these past few days too. Thank you."

Qi Lei suddenly smiled as his grip on the glass tightened. "When have you become so courteous? Besides, this is all I can do."

He suddenly looked up and met Xi Xiaye's calm gaze with a sigh. "What? Aren't you curious about my relationship with Shasha?"

Upon hearing this, Xi Xiaye raised her brows, puzzled. "What relationship? Isn't she the person you like?"

Qi Lei lowered his head to take a sip. There was dullness in between his brows, and his gaze suddenly became a little vague as if he was trying to chase a very distant memory. He sighed softly, "You girls like flowers, don't you? Especially girls who're eight or nine years old..."

"Hmm?" Xi Xiaye looked at Qi Lei in confusion. She did not quite understand what he meant.

"When I was 10, a boy accidentally ruined some violets that a little girl wanted to give her mother. The little girl cried very sadly, but she did not blame the little boy. She even apologized to the little boy for the violet petals that had stained his white shirt. After that, they became friends. They studied together and grew up together. The little boy said he would protect that little girl forever, but it was only when they grew up that he understood how could they have known the meaning of forever?"

Qi Lei smiled a little bitterly as his expression started to turn dazed. "We always thought that tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, or even the day after that, forever would take a long time. I longed for us to be childhood sweethearts, yet I never took the leading role. I always thought that those memories I kept deep in my heart would be pure and unadulterated, yet I forgot that many things change with time. I don't want to go into this too deep. I'm worried that I won't be able to hold on to even the slightest sliver of beautiful memory in the end."

Xi Xiaye could see the sorrow that could not be hidden between his brows. She thought about it, then said calmly, "My memory's very messed up too, but the past is now just the past. How are you sure that you wouldn't live a fuller life in the future? Just like I am right now, I think that the past is actually not that important anymore. Mr. Mu has said some things to me, and I'm willing to share it with you."

When Qi Lei heard her say that, he fixed his eyes on her. Upon seeing the faint smile that surfaced on her face, he could not help but feel deeply affected. His handsome face relaxed while a faint curve appeared in the corner of his lips as he waited for her to continue.

"We can't control the past and the future. The only thing we can control is the present, this day and this age." Xi Xiaye's calm tone slowly reached his ears. Upon hearing that, Qi Lei could not help but be stunned.

He fell silent for a moment, then laughed. "Why do I feel like you've made Mu Yuchen into someone to admire? Are those words for mutual encouragement?"

When she saw the overflowing interest in Qi Lei's eyes, Xi Xiaye's lips suddenly curled up as she softly asked, "He does have the qualities for me to admire him. Think about it, Master Qi. As husband and wife, apart from the so-called mutual respect and mutual assistance in humble circumstances, what's more important?"

Qi Lei raised his handsome brows and pondered about it quite seriously for a while before he shrugged and gestured at Xi Xiaye. "May Missus Mu bestow her knowledge upon us!"

Xi Xiaye bent over to pour herself a glass of water. However, Qi Lei was quicker. He swiftly poured her a glass and then handed it to her very chivalrously. Unlike his frivolousness from before, right now he displayed the manner of a graceful son of a prestigious family.

"Thank you," Xi Xiaye said courteously as she accepted it and took a sip before continuing, "Many women hope for their future husband to be a good friend, a mentor, like a father and an older brother. He could, at the same time, be many characters. This is probably what most women seek, and vice versa, yet how do meet such a person? Regardless of whether we do, the first thing we should do is to break our own complacency."

"Break our own complacency?" Qi Lei muttered softly.

Xi Xiaye nodded gently. Her gaze toward Qi Lei was clear and bright, yet her tone held poignance. "Mu Yuchen did once tell me that he could see shadows of himself from the past. He and I have very similar headspace, yet as I think about it, I also see my past self in you. Master Qi, do you realize that we actually have very similar experiences?"

When Xi Xiaye said this, Qi Lei was suddenly a little stunned. He looked up quietly at her, and suddenly did not know what to say. Meanwhile, Xi Xiaye continued, "Mu Yuchen and I feel the same about you. We reached a consensus. It is because of that that we can sympathize. He and I share the same thoughts. He said that he actually admires you. I'm very happy that we can have the same opinions, and we hope that apart from being business partners, you can be very good friends with us."

Her calm and peaceful tone was filled with sincerity. Qi Lei could not help but feel touched and warm.

Especially after that squabble with Qi Qiming that morning, the fact that he could hear these words right now moved him.

Qi Lei did not think he was someone who could be easily touched. Had Xi Xiaye's words today came from someone else, he might not think of it as anything, but since it was her who said these things to him personally, he did not feel doubtful at all. Instead, he could not help but feel something surge inside him.

"Of course, apart from hoping that we can be friends, whether it's from the perspective of a business partner or as a friend, we hope that you can redeem yourself. We have to walk outside to face the sun. Fate is like that too. Back then, I was silly. I thought that if I worked harder, I'd be able to salvage some things. In the end, I realized that I'd never actually gotten anything, so there was no so-called 'loss'. Master Qi, you're a smart person. I'm sure you don't need me to spell out the rest," said Xi Xiaye softly as she looked at him calmly.

Qi Lei lowered his gaze, pondering it momentarily, and then nodded. "I know about your past too, and I know all those things you did for Han Yifeng. Sadly, Han Yifeng wasn't lucky enough. The fact that you can honestly tell me about these things means that you must've gotten over it personally, but I heard that he was so sad that he left City Z. When he left, he even brought Xi Xinyi's son away with him. Xi Xinyi almost broke down. She frequently gets angry at the office, and many people daren't go against her. Before Han Yifeng left, he probably went to look for you, didn't he?"

"He did, and he apologized to me sincerely. Back then, I thought it was a little disappointing too. Someone that I had once put unlimited hope on to had, in the end, become another friend. Sometimes, you can't help but lament about life. It is just so. But I hope he's doing well." Xi Xiaye surprisingly dissected the past.

"I'm grateful that he was still clear-headed in the end for not going against me with Xi Xinyi. This means that he does still have a moral compass within him and that he didn't lose his true self. He firmly left with the child, wanting to give the child an innocent future, a brand new beginning. Just because of this alone, I should let go of everything, forgive him, and respect him," Xi Xiaye spoke very calmly. When she said this, she did not reveal any emotions either. The light in her eyes was as calm as water.

Qi Lei's heart could not help but pause. After a while, he lamented, "Xiaye, every time after I speak to you and your husband, I find myself much more cheered up. You're as big-hearted as the sea. In terms of manner and generosity, I probably can't compare to you."

He thought that the indescribable appeal about her was probably this. Indifferent as the breeze, as calm as water, cold on the outside, warm in the heart.

"You don't have to be humble. Mu Yuchen's told me that you're actually very smart. You just don't want to fight for it. But just because you don't fight for it, that doesn't mean things will be at peace, such as Xi Xinyi and me... I'm grateful that fate has been on my side. If all of my misfortunes from before were meant to exchange for the simple happiness I have today, I suddenly feel like all those have actually become insignificant."

When he heard Xi Xiaye, Qi Lei immediately smiled. He suddenly looked at her in amusement. "I suddenly find that you can't stray far from talking about Mu Yuchen. Is he that great?"

Upon hearing that, Xi Xiaye instantly raised her brows and said like she was unaware, "Do I?"

Qi Lei smiled and nodded. "Of course, you do!"

Xi Xiaye smiled and then lowered her gaze, yet there was a sly light in her eyes. "Well, then I guess I do."

"Do what?"

Before Xi Xiaye finished, a gentle voice suddenly came. She subconsciously turned, and the man already leaned down to plant a kiss on her forehead before straightening to look at Qi Lei across them.

Xi Xiaye reached out to gently remove the tie that he had simply pulled away as she laughed. "Nothing. I was just telling Master Qi that he should fully show off his personal charm and find a good woman."

When Qi Lei heard that, he immediately rolled his eyes. "I'm still very young. I won't fall into the cemetery of love so soon."

Mu Yuchen glanced nonchalantly at him, and then scorned annoyingly, "You can try finding one, but you won't find someone comparable to my wife."

"Pfft, only Mu Yuchen's wife is the national goddess now, huh? I've been irritated by you for a while now. I don't see you being more handsome than me! What trick do you know about how to pick up girls?"

Qi Lei was extremely miserable. When he mentioned these tricks, he was confident that Mu Yuchen definitely could not compare to him. Most girls liked men such as him who knew when to come and when to leave and had thoughts to share, not cold ones like Mu Yuchen.

After he said that, he found it a little inappropriate, so he turned to look at Xi Xiaye apologetically. "Xiaye, I'm not saying anything about you! If I said you were very beautiful and charming, I'm afraid that your man will be shameless."

Xi Xiaye pursed her lips into a smile and glanced at Mu Yuchen. She turned to whisper in his ear, "Look, it's not just me who thinks that about you. You should really reflect on it tonight."

"When do I even have time to reflect?"

"Why not?"

"Didn't we say we were doing prenatal education for the baby?"

...

The atmosphere in the villa became rather lively.

However, as long as people like Qi Lei and Su Chen were around, it would not be quiet. Besides, Mu Yuchen's cold humor only added to the atmosphere.

The meal was soon ready, and then the few of them sat around at the table.

"Xiaye, go bring a few bottles of good wine from the cellar. I know that Ah Chen brought back quite a lot of good quality whiskey from abroad. They will go in vain if they don't accompany this dish."

Su Chen loved alcohol, and he was quite a good drinker too. This time, going over to taste some good alcohol was one of his intentions.

"Quality whiskey? Is there a year? Xiaye, bring a few bottles over. I'll bring two bottles back! I've been quite liking this flavor recently!"

When Su Chen said that, Qi Lei immediately waved at Xi Xiaye without any reservations, treating the place as if it were his home.

Upon hearing that, Xi Xiaye paused. There was a hint of a smile contained in her lips as she looked at Mu Yuchen. Meanwhile, he calmly helped her walk over and chivalrously pulled open the chair for her before ordering Sis Wang, "Sis Wang, please bring the four bottles on the second level of the shelf over."

Mu Yuchen kept a lot of good alcohol in his personal cellar. However, after he married Xi Xiaye, he rarely drank, especially when she got pregnant. Even if he did drink sometimes, it would be with Su Chen and the rest, or when he was socializing for business.

"Okay, Master Mu!" Sis Wang respectfully responded, and then went to get the wine.

By the time the wine was brought up, the few of them had begun feasting. They were all quite casually chatting, much to the surprise of Wang Hui who had rushed over!

Wang Hui stood there by the door while the butler beside her carried two huge luggage bags.

Xi Xiaye had a few more months of pregnancy to go, so it was time for Wang Hui to come over and take care of her. She had already informed Xi Xiaye about her intention a few days ago when Mu Yuchen got back. All the company matters would be passed to him while she rested at ease. Xi Xiaye agreed to that too.

That was why Wang Hui immediately packed up her things to stay at Maple Residence. Sis Wang had previously packed a lot of things as well.

However, she was not quite sure of the current situation. While Su Chen being there was not odd, why was this Qi Lei there too?

Previously, Qi Lei and Xi Xiaye had some scandals that made it to the papers. In fact, Wang Hui had some impression of Qi Lei from before, so she could immediately recognize him!

Could it be as the newspaper had said?

Had Qi Lei and Ah Chen become good friends?

Nonsense!

Wang Hui did not believe that!

She did not forget the effect of the incident from five years ago had on them. The relationship between the Mus and the Qis were tense. Qi Lei caused quite a lot of trouble for Mu Yuchen back then too. Even though they had never interacted face-to-face, Wang Hui's impression of him was not positive at all!

"Grandmother? Why did you rush over so late?" Xi Xiaye spoke up first. She glanced at Mu Yuchen who remained calm before subconsciously getting up.

"Grandma Mu, long time no see. Wow, you look younger now!" greeted Su Chen after he stopped what he was doing.

"Sis Wang, please prepare a set of cutlery for Grandmother." Mu Yuchen got up to pull open the chair at the seat beside him.

"I see that it's quite lively here. Su Chen, I just called your family earlier. Your Elder was nagging about when you'd be home. They were thinking about introducing a girl to you, yet you came back without a sound or a word! You're quite capable now, aren't you?!"

Wang Hui handed the bags in her hand to the servants that came up to her. As she walked over, she ordered the butler to bring the things to the room.

However, she did not sit at the chair that Mu Yuchen had pulled open for her. Instead, she sat on the chair beside Qi Lei, her sharp eyes fixated on the latter. Even Qi Lei could not help but shudder at that manner. He subconsciously shivered in trepidation!

He knew that the Mu family's Elder Madam had been in the army and had an extraordinary presence. Years ago, the Elder of the Mu family was famous for being a player in City Z. After that, he fell into this woman's hands, and her iron fist was ruthless, so Qi Lei immediately became on guard.

Judging by those pair of sharp and narrowed eyes, Qi Lei could tell that Wang Hui had a strong fighting spirit. He could not help but sigh to himself. As he was about to say something, Wang Hui spoke up first. With that insincere smile on her face, Qi Lei was nerve-wracked at this sight.

"Isn't this Master Qi? What brings you here?"

Qi Lei tensed up. He quickly got up and forced a laugh. "Just the northern wind. All hail Elder Madam Mu!" That demonic smile lingered on his handsome face as usual. Then, he even subconsciously did a bow!

That very accurate gesture of salutation with his smile looked discordant. Xi Xiaye could not help but giggle out loud.

Wang Hui's graying brows raised as she looked at Qi Lei in shock. Then, she asked amusedly, "What did you just say?"

"The great Elder Madam Mu, I, Qi Lei, bow to you!" Qi Lei said with a playful smile.

Wang Hui was about to say something when Mu Yuchen suddenly said, "Master Qi is my guest. It's already quite late. Grandmother, why did you rush over? Have you had dinner?"

When she heard Mu Yuchen, Wang Hui then turned to him, meeting his deep and unfathomable gaze. Moments after she seemed to have understood something, she eased off a little and said, "Never mind. I fought with your grandfather. I was annoyed, so I rushed out of the house."

As Wang Hui said this, she took the cutlery Sis Wang handed her.

"Grandmother Mu, you fought with Grandfather Mu again?"

Su Chen looked at Wang Hui in amusement. He knew that this pair of elders from the Mu family seemed to have been fighting their whole lives, but from the way they were, they seemed to be more loving the more they fought.

Wang Hui waved her hand and said gloomily, "Your Grandfather Mu's too egoistic. The dish he made was clearly not appetizing. It's far too different from restaurant standards. I made a comment, and he became angry. What kind of person does that? Why can't he be criticized? I was commenting because I think highly of him. If he can't do it, then he can't. What's he so angry about?!"

Upon hearing that, Su Chen laughed, and then looked pitifully at Mu Yuchen.

It was these petty things again, but he could already predict what was going to happen after this!

Indeed, just as Su Chen had this thought, the phone on the coffee table by the sofa suddenly buzzed.

Sis Wang went to pick it up. It was from the Mu residence.

"Master, it's the Elder! He's telling you to answer it."