She almost forgot that this man would never fail to show his disgust towards her so openly!

While it was just like in the past, at least, things were not like this in the past!

If she knew that she was his fiancèe from the beginning, whether it was for her own or for the Gu family's sake, she would not have become like this.

She had frequently visited the Mu family when she was little. Although Mu Yinan and Wang Hui were nice to her, he was different.

Gu Lingsha remembered when they had first met each other.

It was back in the Mu residence during one of her visits there in between summer and autumn. The chrysanthemums were in full bloom, and the first time she saw him was right beside the flower bed in the backyard.

He was wearing a casual white suit as he read while sitting on the rattan chair in the garden full of freshly bloomed flowers. She recalled being impressed by his looks and aura. He was totally different from Qi Feng.

She instantly recognized this handsome boy was the Master of Glory World. She went up and tried to greet him. However, he closed his book and stood up suddenly the moment she got close. Then, he frowned and looked at her before walking past her without saying anything.

"Are you Bro Yuchen?" she asked him as his back faced her.

He did not reply, stop or slow down.

Afterward, she found out from Mu Lingtian that Mu Yuchen had always disliked any girls that came to their house.

It made sense to her after she gave it some thought. Even her mother wanted her to befriend Mu Yuchen, and many people thought the same as well. A person like Mu Yuchen would only get close to people he wanted to. He would not bat an eye at someone he was not interested in at all.

Even after she came to the Mu residence, she hardly saw him.

He was infamous for being cold. During Mu Yinan and Wang Hui's birthday, he would only prepare gifts and not attend the banquet. However, he was pretty close to his brothers. She did try to join them, but...

Of course, her usual prideful self would not let these feelings hold her back. Just because he did not like her did not mean the others felt the same too. Qi Feng, Qi Lei, and Lingtian treated her well. Judging by just appearances, Qi Feng was pretty great too.

In the end, she got together with Qi Feng, but soon after that, she found out from her father that she was betrothed to Mu Yuchen.

"Why? I just want to know why! What did I do to make you treat me this way? Mu Yuchen, I have my pride too!" Gu Lingsha's face twisted furiously as she held the ball in her hand tightly. She almost lost control when she glared at him.

Mu Yuchen stopped what he was doing and looked at her. "Your so-called pride only means something to yourself. It means nothing to others."

"Back then, if you accepted my proposal, you might've been the wife of the CEO of Qi Kai now. Isn't that what you wished for?" Mu Yuchen's eyes were icy, and he was about to walk away.

Gu Lingsha let out a bitter laugh. 'I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Even Xi Xiaye didn't wish to become the wife of the CEO of Glory World. Maybe you thought I betrayed you by getting together with Qi Feng, but let me tell you, Mu Yuchen, don't you dare look down on others. Qi Feng always respected me. I've never done anything shameful while bearing the title as your fianceè! I heard Xi Xiaye was once very in love with Han Yifeng. Mu Yuchen, I deeply despise your bias. I shouldn't have listened to my father! No matter what, with the past we shared and with Lingtian, you shouldn't have treated us like that. You'll never know how much damage you've done with that one wrong decision of yours!"

Gu Lingsha turned around and gave Mu Yuchen's back a cold glare, her voice filled with pain.

"Continue to hate me then. She's different from you. I'm the one who proposed to her. I don't care what's going on between Qi Feng and you, but I never agreed to that promise in the first place. Only I can decide what I want to do. Nothing will matter if I don't give my permission. There will always be a time for payback."

Mu Yuchen then walked past the plaza and disappeared into the crowd.

Gu Lingsha felt a sharp pain in her chest as the ball fell onto the floor once again. She covered her face with her hand as she watched him walk away.

"I will make you pay for your cruelty, Mu Yuchen, you demon!"

It had been almost six years.

In that accident, Mu Lingtian died for her and even took her child away. Qi Feng ended up injured as well. Even her body became extremely weak ever since then, and she almost lost her life when giving birth to Weiwei. The worst thing was Weiwei's health...

They could not return to their homes and had been staying abroad. She went to Los Angeles after that while Qi Feng and Weiwei stayed in Australia.

After some time, Gu Lingsha calmed herself down and took a deep breath before picking up the ball.

She turned around and saw Qi Qiming waiting under the lamp pole in front of her. Her eyes teared up a little bit as a faint light flashed in them before she walked over.

"Uncle Qi..."

Qi Qiming nodded when he saw Gu Lingsha's depressed expression. "That person just now was Mu Yuchen, wasn't it?"

Gu Lingsha took a deep breath and nodded. Finally, she returned to her usual calm self. "Yes, that's him."

She turned back to face the direction Mu Yuchen left. "I'm sorry, Uncle Qi. I lost control!"

"It's not your fault. Mu Yuchen is no ordinary man. You have to be careful and control yourself. Your parents would definitely hold me accountable if anything happened to you." Qi Qiming sighed before walking towards his car.

On Mu Yuchen's end, Li Si spoke to him as he was walking through the plaza, "Master, it's Qi Qiming. He seems to be close to Gu Lingsha."

Li Si turned around and watched the black car that drove away slowly while he felt worried.

Mu Yuchen's face seemed cold and expressionless.

Li Si did not say anything else and just walked in front. A while later, they arrived at the store. Mu Yuchen was watching through the windows for a moment before he then walked inside when he saw the lady inside giving orders to her employees.

Su Yu!

It was Su Chen's sister!

No wonder Li Si had recommended this store. Su Yu owned it! She seemed to have sent him an invitation to her store opening, but he told Ah Mo to send gifts only because he was abroad for work then.

Su Yu was surprised to see Mu Yuchen. She quickly invited him upstairs and prepared him a cup of tea.

"It's due soon?" asked Su Yu as she grabbed a chair for herself and sat down opposite him.

"In about two months." Mu Yuchen sipped some tea, unable to hide his anticipation in his eyes. He glanced at the toys around him before continuing. "I want to get things prepared beforehand. That's why I'm here."

"For the baby's room?" Su Yu smiled, taking a deep breath. "I can see that you've changed a lot. Alright, since I'm here, I'll be kind and help you design it. Happy?"

"What happened to your boutique?" Mu Yuchen asked.

"I left it to my husband now since his law firm is doing horribly. I've been asking him to stop doing it and work with me on the boutique and this store. It's been two years since he went traveling without me and I don't even want to talk to him now." Su Yu sounded helpless.

Su Yu was a typical modern woman over the age of thirty but she appeared only around twenty. She had built her own career, and her daughter was now attending a boarding school. She would spend time traveling around aside from working in her store and was always high-spirited and energetic.

He would be relieved if his woman could be more relaxed like her.

Mu Yuchen nodded. "Please visit Maple Residence and take a look at the room then. Grandmother is staying over now. I'd be able to rest easy if you'd handle it personally. By the way, please get something warmer as the primary color."

"Sure, I have more experience than you in this. Just give me more tips when I'm done. It's been some time since I last worked myself." Su Yu smiled as she leaned against the back of her chair. "By the way, did you see that bastard Su Chen recently? I got a call from Grandfather last night ranting that he hasn't been home for a very long time."

"It's a busy time for him at the end of the year. Su Chen isn't the disobedient child we knew before. I suppose your grandfather should learn to control himself if it isn't something that violates his life principles." Mu Yuchen was concerned about Su Chen. Having a dominant grandfather at home must be tough.

Elder Su was in the military veteran as well as being a very headstrong person. He felt like he had a say to everything that happened in the family. Sometimes, even Mu Yuchen pitied Su Chen's situation. It was no wonder that he would like to stay as far as possible from home.

Su Yu gave him a bitter smile. "That's just how he is, a little stubborn, but in the end, he's doing it for our own good. He's so old already anyway, and we don't want him to get triggered. He's used to always being in control, so how can we expect him to change now?"

"I heard from Su Chen during our call a few days ago that Elder Su invited a girl over for dinner, didn't he?" Mu Yuchen asked.

Su Yu nodded. "Mmm, but Su Chen never came back, so the girl left disappointed. What do you think my grandfather's expression looked like?"

She sounded really helpless. "Ah Chen, I know that he listens to you. Please give him some advice if possible. You promised me this the last time, and Zimo as well. I'm just so worried about all of you. Last time, I told him I'd introduce him to someone, but he totally ignored me."

"I'm sure they'll handle it themselves. You can't worry too much about them, but I'll try my best."

Mu Yuchen put down his teacup. Then, he stood up and went towards the staircase. "Give me a call when you're coming. Have a meal at my place too. Xiaye is alone at home anyway. By the way, you can come and visit anytime you want." He soon disappeared down the staircase.

Su Yu put on a helpless smile as she shook her head.

He was cold as usual. She wondered how Xi Xiaye could take it. Su Yu could not stand him. She could not even try to appeal to him.

Of course, she had never seen him at home with Mrs. Mu...

Su Yu acted fast and went over to Maple Residence the next day. Unfortunately, Xi Xiaye stayed over at the Shen Residence as she went back to prepare the place after knowing that Shen Wenna and Xi Mushan were coming back.

On the fourth day, Mu Yuchen woke up early in the morning as usual, and this time, Xi Xiaye woke up with him too. They went to Shen Residence quickly as Li Si was bringing Xiao Ye over from the orphanage later, and they would be picking Shen Wenna up at the airport in the afternoon.

Li Si brought Xiao Ye over right after they had breakfast.

"Master, according to the information, this child is a local. His parents passed away and he came from a good family, but..." Li Si started on his report.

"Mmm, I've looked through what you sent me. There's no need to worry about other things. Knowing his background is good enough," Mu Yuchen interrupted Li Si as he walked towards the child. Xi Xiaye dragged him over to sit down on the sofa.

"Mu Ziru. This is your new name from now on. Isn't that nice?" Xi Xiaye was holding his little hand as she asked quietly.

Mu Yuchen had given this name.

The child was startled for a moment. He then looked at Xi Xiaye and nodded by way of permission.

Xi Xiaye smiled. "Great, then I'll call you Xiao Rui from now on, and you shan't call me 'Aunty' anymore. You have to call me 'Mother', and you'll call this handsome uncle 'Father'. Xiao Rui, you'll also have grandparents too, okay?"

Mu Zirui nodded obediently. He dropped his defenses after meeting them several times and was quite fond of Xi Xiaye and Mu Yuchen.

"Then, what should you be calling us now?" While Xi Xiaye was patient with the child, she was also full of expectations.

Mu Zirui looked at Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye uncertainly. Moments later, he started saying softly, "Father... Mother..."

Xi Xiaye's heart softened as she heard his childish voice. She glanced at the man beside her with her eyes all glittery.

"This kind, old man is your great-grandfather. Come over and greet him," Xi Xiaye introduced.

Mu Zirui looked over and saw Shen Yue giving him a smile while drinking tea beside the coffee table. He then called out to Shen Yue's delight, "Great-grandfather!"

Shen Yue nodded his head and gave Mu Zirui a red packet. "Good! This kid looks smart. I like him. Here, take this."

Mu Zirui glanced at Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye. After seeing them nod, he took the red packet graciously. "Thank you, Great-grandfather!"

"That's my sweet child! Come, I'll bring you to take a look at your room."

Shen Yue had always liked kids, and it had been a long time since the Shen Residence was so lively. With another little one being there, he did feel a little more hopeful. In time, he would be able to spend time with the child and teach him lots of things so that he could fill up the regret of not being able to do the same with Xi Xiaye.

Xi Xiaye was relieved when they both walked away together. "I knew Grandfather would love him."

Mu Yuchen nodded with a smile.

The two of them went straight to the airport after a simple lunch at the Shen residence. Mu Zirui and Shen Yue stayed at home. He wanted to teach the child how to play chess, but unexpectedly, he already knew how to, much to Shen Yue's joy.

As the car was on its way to the airport, Xi Xiaye kept checking the time on her phone.

"By the way, the long holiday starts next weekend, right? About the company's anniversary dinner..." She suddenly remembered.

"It will be on Friday, and the holiday will start on Saturday. I'll get things done in the next two days, and then we'll be able to enjoy the rest of the time."

"Mmm, I'm just thinking that we should have our reunion dinner at Maple Residence. With my parents back together, it will be a full reunion this time and I'm sure it'll be fun."

"Anything you wish."

The airport was extremely crowded due to the peak period. The frequency of the flights from City A to City Z, as well as many other cities, was increased to fulfill the demands.

Xi Mushan and Shen Wenna had already touched down when Xi Xiaye called Xi Mushan. They were on their way out through the VIP tunnel.

Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye were waiting for them at the exit.

As Xi Xiaye was getting impatient, Mu Yuchen nudged her. "They're here!"

Xi Xiaye looked in front and saw them.

Shen Wenna was wrapped in a simple and comfortable coat. Inside, she was wearing a knee-length dress. She had a pair of large sunglasses with a puppy in her hands, appearing elegant as usual.

Beside her was Xi Mushan wearing a black coat with a dark-colored suit on the inside. He was dragging a suitcase in one hand as he glanced over at Shen Wenna occasionally with a gentle gaze.

A perfect couple!

That was how Xi Xiaye felt about her parents.

"Mr. Mu, do you think I'll be as beautiful as Mother when I reach her age?" Xi Xiaye turned over and asked.

"Of course, how dare you question Mrs. Mu's beauty?" Mu Yuchen smiled as he casually took his arm off her shoulder. She smiled before she moved forward.

"Father, Mother!"

"Xiaye!"

Shen Wenna left Little Apple with Xi Mushan and then took off her glasses.

"Mother, can you really see now?"

Shen Wenna hugged Xi Xiaye. "Mmm, I can! It must've been tough for you, Xiaye. How's everything? My grandchild is getting so big now."

As Shen Wenna was giving Xi Xiaye a warm hug, she touched Xi Xiaye's baby bump.

Xi Xiaye nodded. "There's another one at home too. I'm sure Grandpa and you guys won't feel lonely anymore."

"It's Xiao Rui, right? Ah Chen told me and your father about it during our call." Shen Wenna patted Xi Xiaye's shoulder and then turned around to look at Xi Mushan.

"Ah Chen, Xiaye!" Xi Mushan came over as well.

"Father, Mother, welcome back! Grandpa got the servants to prepare food at home to welcome you two back. The weather is freezing right now, so let's head back home." Mu Yuchen grabbed the suitcases from Xi Mushan.

"Alright, let's talk at home then. Little Apple, come and see your parents. It's spoilt by staying with us for too long. It doesn't even greet people now." Shen Wenna smiled.

"So, this small fella is Little Apple?"

"Mmm, Ah Chen sent it over. Things were easier thanks to it."

...

The sky had just turned dark when they arrived at the Shen residence. Dinner was ready and the whole family sat around the dining table.

Shen Yue did not give Xi Mushan any trouble. Instead, he was busy getting food for Mu Zirui. It was obvious to see that he was pretty fond of this child.

The dinner went on harmoniously.

Mu Yuchen and Shen Yue went into the study room to talk after dinner while Xi Xiaye, Xi Mushan, and Shen Wenna were watching TV in the living room. Mu Zirui was playing with Little Apple.

The house became much livelier with two little ones around. Mu Zirui was adapting well and had gotten used to things around here after a day. He was happily playing with Little Apple now.