Ji Zitong was not afraid of Han Yifeng's sharp and cold gaze at all. Instead, she glanced at him with an indifferent expression while her tone did not reveal any emotion.

"It's as you understand it. Last night, you kept on calling out for the Missus. If someone with ill intentions knew about it, even if you aren't worried for yourself, you should at least be considerate about Director Xi. Previously, she'd been tormented by you and your wife. Since you know that you've let her down, then you should be more considerate about her. If your wife finds out about your condition last night, she'll just hate Director Xi again."

Han Yifeng's expression looked upset. His deep eyes shifted with gloominess. After a long pause, he asked softly, "Did Mu Yuchen make you pass this message on?"

"Chairman Mu doesn't need to say anything. He doesn't know about this either, but I need to fulfill my duties, and my duty is to protect Missus. However, CEO Han, your actions alarmed me. That's why I told you these things." Ji Zitong stood firmly. She was not afraid of anything. Because Xi Xiaye treated her well, as her subordinate, she should do her duty and help her resolve some hidden threats.

Han Yifeng looked worse as his hands gripped tightly onto the blanket.

"CEO Han, please behave. The medical fees have been paid for and the doctor said that your fever has just subsided, so you're still quite weak. Plus, you've been working hard for a long period of time, causing your body to be fatigued. I suggest that you rest and recuperate for a while. Otherwise, if you fall ill, the only person who'll suffer is yourself," Ji Zitong said. She was about to turn and leave when Han Yifeng unexpectedly asked, "Did Xiaye tell you to pass any message on to me?"

When Ji Zitong heard his question, she sneered and laughed. "Missus only told me and two other buddies to send you here. She didn't say anything else."

Han Yifeng suddenly felt a twinge in his heart. He then remembered in a daze that yesterday she seemed to have sat in the car and not bother alighting. She had only taken one look at him. In his delirious state, he thought Ji Zitong was Xi Xiaye. Even though he had a high fever and did not sleep well, he thought...so...

After a pregnant pause, Han Yifeng nodded and said weakly, "Okay, please help me thank her."

...

The cold autumn rain was still falling as the air became chillier inside the living room of the first floor in Maple Residence.

Xi Xiaye was leisurely sitting on the sofa and arranging the flowers in her hand. Beside her, some blue roses and some small decorative little flowers were strewn messily. The vase was filled with a bouquet of blossoming blue roses.

Mu Lingshi brought the wastepaper basket over and cleaned the fallen leaves as she asked, "Sis-in-law, where are Sis Wang and the rest? Why's it just you?"

"It's Sis Wang's daughter's birthday this weekend. I've got nothing much going on here too, so I just let everyone off for a break this weekend."

Xi Xiaye gently fixed the flowers in the vase. Her eyes were filled with a hint of calm gentleness, and she looked elegant and charming. Her tone was gentle and soothing. No wonder her brother was so worried.

"Sis-in-law, aren't you worried that my brother would be concerned? Just a few months ago, he wouldn't even call me at all, and now he's been calling me every few days, urging me to come to accompany you, especially on the weekends. He's quite thoughtful about you." Mu Lingshi lowered her eyes and gently fiddled with the blue rose petals as she gently chuckled.

"He's just too worried. I'm alright. When you're free, it's best that you accompany Ah Mo more." Xi Xiaye set down the vase as she responded.

"How can I be negligent? This is my little nephew to whom I'm quite looking forward."

Xi Xiaye smiled. She took a wet towel from the side to wipe her hands and then she leisurely began to steep some tea. "There's still a few more months. How are things on Sis Lan's end? Your brother wouldn't let me go. Otherwise, I would've wanted to ask more."

When this was brought up, Mu Lingshi's expression froze. Earlier, when she found out from Ah Mo that Qi Qiming was not related to her, even though she was relieved, she was also dazed at the same time. This was a huge world. Even finding her biological father was a tough task.

"Sis-in-law, don't you worry about this. My brother and Ah Mo are following up on it. There might even be some clues later on," Mu Lingshi answered in a pained tone.

"Don't worry. If we set our mind to it, we'll definitely find him." Xi Xiaye delivered the steeped floral tea to her as she consoled her sister-in-law.

Mu Lingshi sighed and shook her head. "Actually, sometimes, I've already thought about giving up. It's okay if I don't find him. If he didn't intentionally cover his traces, Brother would've found him by now. He's hoping that we won't be able to find him. If that's the case, then it's fine if we end up not finding him."

"Ah Shi, no matter what, you are the Mu family's daughter. Grandfather, Grandmother, Father, Mother, and your brother care a lot about you. Because of this matter, he's been..."

"Sis-in-law, let's not talk about it. I know. I also know what I should do."

Xi Xiaye just nodded. "Okay then. You should give more thought to you and Ah Mo. Ah Mo should be 30 this year, isn't he? Don't let him wait too long. We women don't ask for much either. As long as he's good to you, you don't have to worry much. Whatever it is, take it easy. You'll realize that it's actually not that hard."

"Sis-in-law, your frame of mind has always been one that I admire. All these years, there've been many women who have fallen in love with Brother. Naturally, there were many excellent ones too, but none could win Brother's heart more than you have. Don't worry. I know Ah Mo's the same. He's very wonderful, and I admit that I like him too. In a while more, when I'm done managing my own frame of mind, I'll..."

Upon hearing this, Xi Xiaye smiled with her lips pursed before she stopped her. "That's good then! Sit down first. The soup should be ready, so we can eat soon. My skills might not be very good, so..."

"Let me help you, Sis-in-law!"

Mu Lingshi got up, but at this moment, the doorbell rung from outside. Mu Lingshi quickly went to get the door. When she looked at the screen, she saw Qi Lei's handsome face outside.

Mu Lingshi looked surprised at the screen as she cried out, "Qi Lei! Why's he here?"

Xi Xiaye raised her brows and found it weird too. She was about to say something when her phone vibrated in her pocket. She took it out and saw it was Mu Yuchen calling!

She frowned as she nodded at Mu Lingshi, telling her to open the door while she answered the call.

When she received Xi Xiaye's nod, Mu Lingshi went to get the door.

Xi Xiaye answered the call, and the man's deep voice immediately came through. "It's me. Have you had lunch?"

"Not yet. I was just preparing some food with Ah Shi," Xi Xiaye responded.

"Mmm, eat more, but I need you to help me do something. Go to the study room. On the second shelf, in the hidden grid on the third row, there's a folder with an 'X' on it. Take it down and hand it to Qi Lei. He should be reaching Maple Residence right now." His deep and magnetic voice came through, astonishing her.

Xi Xiaye glanced at the screen by the door and asked in puzzlement, "Document folder? Hand to Qi Lei? Since when did you become this close to him?"

"Didn't I tell you that there's no such thing as an eternal enemy but only eternal benefits? This is men's business. Don't worry about it. Go upstairs right now and bring the thing to him, hmm?" His gentle voice contained a smile.

"I smell adultery, Mr. Mu!" she teased as she walked upstairs.

Mu Yuchen rarely heard her tease him, so she went along with her and said softly, "If there really was adultery, it wouldn't be with him. Don't you think this is cheapening your Mr. Mu's taste? Hmm, has the little thing been behaving?"

"It's been kicking up quite a fuss. If you were back, it could probably understand what we're saying since it can usually feel the things I say to it. Right, it's going to be the VP of Qi Kai, Wang Qin's birthday soon, but I haven't decided on what gift to give. Clearly, you're up to taking care of Qi Lei's face, so what do you plan to do?" Xi Xiaye recalled what Qi Lei had mentioned to her.

"Don't worry. Ah Mo's prepared it. Just go over with him then and bring Ji Zitong along."

...

When the door slowly opened, Qi Lei was a little surprised to see the icily arrogant and unruly Mu Lingshi standing inside. He raised his brows, yet you could not read any emotions on his face. "Why is it you?"

Mu Lingshi's expression turned cold too, obviously she did not like seeing this Qi Lei, she answered coldly, "Why can't it be me?"

Qi Lei shrugged as his gaze fell on Mu Lingshi, quickly stopping on the scary scars on her face. A mix of emotions flickered in his eyes.

When she noticed his gaze, Mu Lingshi only shot him a warning glare as she turned away. She twisted to her side and allowed him a small gap to enter.

Qi Lei then looked away. A pity that he did not even realize he felt crossed his expression. He thought about it, then answered, "Consider it a slip of the tongue, Miss Mu." He then walked right in with huge strides.

While Mu Lingshi was weirded out by his attitude, before she could think any further, Qi Lei had already walked past her. Then, his lazy voice drawled, "Is Xi Xiaye not around?"

Was he there to look for Sis-in-law?

Vigilance flashed in Mu Lingshi's eyes as she closed the door and quickly followed him.

"Why are you here?"

It was a vigilant and repelling tone which would startle and annoy anyone, yet Qi Lei did not seem to feel it at all. He slowed down his steps and when Mu Lingshi walked up to him, he suddenly spun around to watch her. His eyes that carried a hint of a demonic smile was questioning. "What's wrong? Ms. Mu, are you still unhappy about the last time? We don't have much of a grudge between us. I'm now a good friend of your brother's and your sis-in-law's confidant. Can't you just be nice to me? When Lingtian was still around, you weren't this prejudiced against me, were you?"

Brother's good friend and Sis-in-law's confidant?

Nonsense!

Mu Lingshi shot him a glance. She did not forget that this man did bring Mu Yuchen a barrage of trouble.

When he saw her ignoring him, Qi Lei stopped talking and continued to quicken his steps as he walked in. He had just stepped into the living room when he saw Xi Xiaye walking down with a folder.

"Mu Yuchen sure is quick." Qi Lei stood near the staircase as he looked at Xi Xiaye in amusement.

"He told me to pass you this."

Xi Xiaye handed the folder to him without any questions. Her husband had his reasons for doing things, so this must be about a collaboration.

Qi Lei took it and had a brief look before looking up at Xi Xiaye. When he saw that she was even frailer now, he could not help but ask in concern, "It's only been a few days, but you've turned skinnier. Aren't you worried that a certain Mr. Mu will be sad when he gets back?"

When he said this, even Qi Lei found it unimaginable that he would actually care for someone so calmly. In fact, it was his former rival's woman. Had this been in the past, Qi Lei would definitely have thought that he was experiencing a mental lapse or that he was possessed.

However, now that he said it out loud, it all felt natural.

In front of this husband and wife, Qi Lei could not seem to pretend. He became what was under the mask, his true self.

When Xi Xiaye heard his concern, she was not angered. Mu Yuchen had told her a lot about Qi Lei. Setting aside the grudges between him and Mu Yuchen, he was actually not that annoying of a person. At least, Qi Lei had never truly made things hard for her. Otherwise, if he did not plan to let her go back then, she would not have made it out of West Park with her injuries.

After that, she had been in contact with him several times, and her impression of him slowly changed.

"I can barely manage all the work. I've given you what I need to. Oh, lunch has just been prepared. Do you want to have some before leaving?" Xi Xiaye asked courteously.

"How rare of you to ask me to stay for lunch, but there's no need. I've just had lunch with a friend before coming over. Apart from coming for this, I also wanted to remind you not to forget about my mother's birthday banquet." His low and gentle voice sounded quite calm.

Xi Xiaye nodded. "Don't worry. I'll be there personally."

Qi Lei was relieved. Unexpectedly, a plain gentleness gathered in his eyes as he fixed his gaze on her beautiful face. After a long while, he smiled and said, "Thank you! If possible, I really hope that you will always be this happy and stay away from all those troubles, but don't worry. Apart from Mu Yuchen, I'll also be a friend and protect you. You must know that apart from Mu Yuchen, I, Qi Lei, am a very chivalrous, kind man too."

Xi Xiaye thought it was a little weird. She wanted to ask something, but Qi Lei had abruptly turned to leave, waving the folder in hand.

"Bye! See you at the banquet!"

Chapter 629: Always Be This Happy? (3)

Always be this happy?

Xi Xiaye raised her brows. Obviously, she thought it was odd. As she watched Qi Lei move further away, the light that gathered in her eyes did not dim until Mu Lingshi called out to her, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Mu Lingshi followed Xi Xiaye's gaze and watched the retreating figure for a long while before she could not help but ask, "Sis-in-law, what did Qi Lei mean? What did my brother ask you to hand to him?"

Xi Xiaye shook her head, lowering her gaze to hide the questions in her eyes as she said softly, "He said it's a document which should be for work. Let him be. Let's have lunch first."

"Since when did my brother make peace with this guy? Sis-in-law, you have to remind Brother to be more vigilant. He's always been loyal to Gu Lingshi, so we can't guarantee that he won't have ill intentions against Brother because of the incident. It's best to keep your guard up against people like him."

Mu Lingshi did not have a positive impression of Qi Lei. Even though Qi Feng and Qi Lei were Mu Lingtian's good friends back then, she had not stayed in contact with them. Instead, Mu Yuchen and Su Chen were closer to them.

Actually, she did not understand how did someone as anti-social as Lingtian become close friends with those two people and Gu Lingsha?

Xi Xiaye nodded. "Mmm, don't worry. Your brother knows what he's doing, so just trust him. He has his own considerations for everything he does. Just wait and see." She was quite calm and did not seem very worried since she basically thought he could do anything.

Seeing her like this, Mu Lingshi did not say anything more. She just nodded and followed her into the kitchen.

It was close to noon and Fatong Avenue was rather quiet. This road led to the suburbs, connecting the two luxury residential areas, the Grand Waves Villa area and the Grand Lake Villa area. There was even the Ninth Crooked Bend ahead, so there were usually not many cars here.

Qi Lei leisurely drove the car slowly away from the Grand Waves Villa area toward his own Grand Lake Villa area.

The car sped along all the way as Qi Lei propped his head on one hand while his other hand held the steering wheel and his eyes calmly looked ahead. Absent-mindedly, he did not even notice that his phone that was tossed aside had been buzzing for a long while.

When the car came to a roundabout, there was suddenly a brand new Maserati that revved from the front. It had a white body and sleek contours. Qi Lei could not help but take a second look. Although he did not know about cars very well, he just thought that this model was similar to the brand new sports car that he had plundered from Mu Yuchen which was why he was curious.

The white Maserati quickly drove toward him, and he could vaguely see a woman with sunglasses was at the wheel. The flowing light-colored scarf and her long hair fluttered in the cold breeze, drawing a beautiful curve and brushing past very swiftly. Qi Lei could faintly smell the light fragrance that a little familiar in the air. His gaze froze for a moment as a light flashed in his mind. Abruptly, something hit him. He immediately steadied his hands on the steering wheel and turned to look at the Maserati that drove past him. Without thinking much, he quickly turned the car and chased after the Maserati.

However, that girl was clearly a skilled driver too. In a heartbeat, she quickly ditched Qi Lei far behind. Qi Lei sped up and chased after her. After driving for quite a distance, he finally watched as the Maserati disappeared amidst the sea of cars at the traffic light ahead. Eventually, he could no longer see the car.

He then slowly stopped his car by the roadside in a daze. His gaze focused ahead on the car that had vanished by now while his handsome face tensed up. He did not regain his senses for a long while.

Did he not just...?

That woman... Was that not her?

Why was that spirit so similar to how she once was?

Even that aura was so faintly similar.

When he heard about her return from Mu Yuchen, he dared not to find out more about her, yet now, knowing that she was still alive, he felt a little better. Nonetheless, even if she was still alive, she had never reached out to him all these years. He was not afraid of suffering from the torment, but he was just afraid that it would be like before, to receive unreciprocated love from Qi Feng in disdain.

Qi Lei laughed bitterly. Finally, he sighed slowly and turned his car the other way once again.

He was probably disillusioned. Shasha was not very skilled at driving back then. He had even given her advice then, so he probably mistook the driver. Otherwise, she would have at least gotten down from the car to say hi to him.

When he thought about this, he still felt a little disappointed. Then, he drove back to the Grand Lake Villa area in a daze.

In Qi Lei's villa in the Grand Lake Villa area.

Wang Qin was sitting upright at the sofa in the living room, flipping through a document. Her expression was gloomy. Assistant Yang Sheng, who stood far away, on one side could feel the biting chilliness in the air.

When he saw Wang Qin staring at that document with a shifting gloominess, Yang Sheng could not help but softly call out, "Mrs. Wang..." His voice was very soft because he was afraid of stirring up Wang Qin's fury.

Wang Qin had already calmed down at this point. By the looks of her white nails as a result of her tight grip, Yang Sheng knew that she must have used up a lot of energy to keep herself collected.

"Qi Qiming, if you're going to be so heartless, then don't blame me for doing the same!"

Wang Qin laughed grimly before tossing the document onto the table. She looked up at Yang Sheng. "Tell me. Did Xiao Lei go looking for Gu Lingsha?"

Yang Sheng quickly shook his head. "No, Mrs. Wang! Master Qi's been hard at work recently. He has not been finding out anything about Miss Gu. Perhaps he can really forget her."