Su Chen nodded and made a pertinent judgment. "Quite a friendly person, but I didn't greet her properly. I hope her impression of me won't be too bad."

Ji Zitong's dark red lips curled up as she smiled and calmly said, "Don't worry about that. My mother's got an alright impression of you, but on my father's end it might be a little... My father's slightly old-school. He cares a lot about customs and traditions. You didn't visit him at our home, and now that we've just registered our marriage, I'm afraid that he'd be more or less unhappy, but don't worry. He's quite an understanding person. As long as you perform alright, he won't make things too difficult for you."

After briefly explaining the situation about her two elders at home, the waiter quickly served their food,

"Master Su, Miss, enjoy!"

Su Chen was a regular at this restaurant, so he was quite familiar with the waiters there too.

While Ji Zitong's words made Su Chen ponder things a little, right now he was someone else's son-in-law. To be honest, he had never curried anyone for their favor, thus he really had no idea how to do it. He thought to himself that he should really ask his secretary to help him with that.

When she saw Su Chen frowning slightly, Ji Zitong laughed to herself and consoled him, "My father likes to exchange hands over martial arts with others. I remember that you're quite skilled. Just based on this point alone, you should be able to gain some respect from him, so you don't have to be too worried either. I will..."

Su Chen raised his handsome brows and glanced at Ji Zitong. He said softly and a faint smile flashed on his handsome face, "Are you worried that I won't be able to pass your father's test?"

Ji Zitong's expression turned stiff, and she did not answer his question. Instead, she looked down quietly and focused on cutting the steak on her plate.

Su Chen reached over with his long arms and swiftly took over the fork and spoon from her hands. He skillfully helped her slice the steak on her plate as he said, "Don't worry about me. As long as it's a woman I'm willing to marry, they'll only strongly agree to it and never go against me, so they won't make things hard for you. My grandfather and my sister have a good impression of you. With their recognition, there's basically no more issues after this. Go home and pack up tonight. Tomorrow I'll go to visit your parents, then you can move over to my place."

Move to his place...

Ji Zitong subconsciously trembled while she looked at him before gazing down at the folder beside his hand. As if she just realized something, she nodded and quietly responded, "Alright."

As Su Chen helped her cut the beef on her plate into bite sizes, he did seem like quite a gentle and polite gentleman right now. Of course, it was a side that Ji Zitong had never seen before. From what she knew, this Su Chen had always been an imposing and devilish instructor. In fact, because of their past grudges, to be honest, she did not think highly of him.

Therefore, right now she was a little surprised to see this side of him.

Upon noticing Ji Zitong's gaze, Su Chen frowned, and asked with a deep voice, "What are you looking at? I can't make you full."

Ji Zitong averted her gaze. "Nothing. I just feel like you do have some redeeming qualities."

"Oh?" Su Chen raised his brows and grinned as he said, "I do have many redeeming qualities. Your decision will only bring you gains and no losses."

"But to me, you haven't left too positive an impression, but now I find you aren't quite the same," said Ji Zitong after she pondered for a moment.

"Work and life are two different things. There are some moods I keep for my own people," Su Chen explained briefly with a calm expression. "Eat first."

Their meal was not awkward. During military training, they had lived together anyway, so he roughly remembered some of her living habits. Although it had been so many years, the two of them had just about maintained the same habits from before, so right now they did not feel too reserved. After all, shyness and restrain would only seem pretentious.

Throughout the meal, the two had a rather happy and satisfying time, and there was no feeling of pressure or restraint.

When they were done, they rested for a moment. When the time was past 1 p.m., Su Chen then said, "Let's go. I'll send you back first."

Then, he got up and walked out.

Ji Zitong was stunned. She quickly reached out to pull at his sleeve as she lowered her voice and reminded softly, "Hold on. We haven't paid yet. They'll call us dine-and-dashers.'

When Ji Zitong said that, Su Chen suddenly smiled mysteriously and looked at her. He chuckled amusedly, "Who told you that we'd have to pay to eat at our own restaurant?"

"This restaurant is yours?" Ji Zitong stared at him blankly.

"It's a restaurant that I invested in with Ah Chen and Zimo in my free time. This place is quite close to Zimo's office. Zimo comes here for meals quite often too. There are also one or two more in the north of the city. Next time, you can come here to eat since this place isn't too far from your flower shop anyway. Tomorrow, I'll give you a card," he explained.

"But can government officers..." Ji Zitong asked in puzzlement.

Su Chen raised his brows, not saying anything. Soon, his tall figure had already walked ahead. Ji Zitong hesitated for a moment, then did not say anything as she quickly followed after him.

...

It was a dazzling afternoon, and the warm sun sprinkled its gentle golden light. The wind that moved in the air was not as cold as early in the morning as it was now warming up.

Underneath the flower rack in the Shen residence backyard, Shen Yue sat on the rattan chair as he leisurely sunbathed while Mu Zirui sat on the chair by his side, holding a sketchbook and drawing in it.

Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye left after having lunch there. Mu Yuchen returned to the office while Xi Xiaye returned to Maple Residence.

Lan Zilang smiled as he watched Mu Zirui's focused demeanor. He could not help but laugh softly as he said to Shen Yue, "Elder CEO, I can see that Zirui's been adapting quite well. When I went to fetch him, his class teacher even praised him. In fact, our Zirui's so smart that he can join Year One this July. It's good for him to start studying earlier too. Back then, Miss Xiaye started quite early too."

When he heard the update, Shen Yue nodded gladly. "This child's smart just like his grandma. He thinks quickly. Right now, it's not easy playing chess with him too. He's more nimble than that girl. He's got a good head on him!" said Shen Yue softly as he squinted at Mu Zirui.

"With Zirui around, Elder CEO, you won't be as lonely. Later on, when Miss Xiaye takes over the company, you can have a good rest." Lan Zilang smiled.

At over 70 years old this year, Shen Yue had rushing about for his whole life and never quite rested. In his early years, when he was still in the military, he could have continued climbing upwards too, but he considered Liang Fuhua, so he just gave up on the opportunity to be promoted. When he could have gotten a high position, he firmly chose to retire from the military. Upon his return, he began to rush about, and worked hard one step at a time before Fuhua grew to what it was today.

Shen Wenna was his and Liang Fuhua's only daughter. After she suffered the many misfortunes, Shen Yue was more open-minded now.

As long as the children thought it was okay, he would be fine with it. Everything else did not seem as important anymore. As the older generation, they just need to supervise.

"Yes, I can finally relax. I've been staying with Zirui these past few days, and I feel quite satisfied too. The only regret I have is that Fuhua left a little too soon. She would have been very happy to see our life right now."

Lan Zilang knew well how much Shen Yue missed Liang Fuhua. He admired the way this elder had built his achievements from scratch, and at the same time was touched by his deep loyalty. This was also one of the reasons why he had stayed loyally by Shen Yue's side.

"Elder CEO, I'm sure Elder Madam will see all of it. Back then, Elder Madam was more worried about Miss Wenna. Now, the hard times have gone and the good times are about to begin for Miss Wenna and her husband. Miss Xiaye has also found herself a good partner. Chairman Mu is a rare, fine man. Elder Madam would've only felt glad. Instead, it's you, Elder CEO. You must take care of your health well. There will be many more great-grandchildren for you to carry in time to come."

He looked at Shen Yue's aged face that had experienced so much in life along with his white hair. Lan Zilang suddenly felt sad.

Time always passed by so quickly. In the blink of an eye, more than 20 years had passed by just like that. The business titan who was practically a legend with his all-powerful prime time in the business world, and had now become a gray-haired old man in his final days. This contrast would make anyone feel sad.

"These past two years, I could already feel myself not being as strong as I'd wished. I have to admit that I'm old. Zilang, you've been with me for so many years now. You've really been troubled a lot in all those years. In time to come, Xiaye will still need you to advise her. If you're free, come over to visit my place. The house is too quiet. Zirui will usually need to be at school too. I'm afraid I'd be bored alone." Shen Yue thought about it, and could not help but lament.

Lan Zilang nodded. "Don't worry, Elder CEO. I will."

It had been so many years that they worked together. Lan Zilang respected Shen Yue like he was his father, so Shen Yue did not need to say that at all.

When Mu Zirui snapped back to attention and heard their conversation, he could not help but walk over to tug at Shen Yue's frail hand. "Great-grandfather, don't worry, I'll be by your side every day. If there's anything you want to say, you can tell me, Xiao Rui. Mother told me that I'm a very qualified listener."

Upon feeling the tug, Shen Yue chortled out loud happily. He patted Mu Zirui's head lovingly. "Good! Good! My great-grandson knows how to love his great-grandfather!"

Lan Zilang laughed along as well before he continued, "Oh, right, Elder CEO, the materials for the South River Project tender are still being prepared. News keeps coming from the government's side, and it looks like there's a slight delay. I want to seize this time to let Miss Xiaye smoothen out the company matters first."

"Mmm, I heard about that too. Qi Lei from Qi Kai isn't bad at all. Ah Chen especially recommended him to me, but I don't quite agree with his old man. He says one thing and does the other. I heard that he wanted to collaborate with City B's Hui Gu Corporation."

When this was mentioned, Shen Yue became quite dissatisfied.

Lan Zilang hesitated but could not help voicing his concern, "There is some news about that. Hui Gu Corporation's got solid capabilities. In fact, I heard that they've known each other for a long time, and have some past grudges with Chairman Mu. For the bid this time, I'm afraid that there'll be some risks. We have to do our best to get this bid. Once South River Project No. 1 starts, many people will notice that it is in high demand, and they'll be coveting after it. Projects No. 1 and No. 2 are closely related too. Glory World's main forte isn't on property. That's why they need us to help out. However, based on what I know, Hui Gu Corporation has real estate background. In terms of capabilities, they wouldn't be inferior to us. Plus, our city has been promoting heavily to attract foreign investments, so I'm afraid it won't be easy to get this project."

"Ah Chen's mainly developing the living area. They have to put in a lot of effort too. Wasn't the government planning on building a new city towards the south? What I think is that we should mainly go into living spaces, and do our best. Try to find out what grudges they have with Ah Chen. These people are clearly trying to bully my people. I'll have to score off for the children!" As Shen Yue said this, the flickering light in his aged eyes turned chilly too.

He knew that Shen Yue was distinguished for shielding others, so Lan Zilang responded, "Okay, Elder CEO! I'll get someone to investigate right away!"

...

At this moment, inside Gu Lingsha's office in Qi Kai Corporation.

Gu Lingsha did not know that only half a day would have passed when Qi Lei would go to her. He barged right in, looking stormy.

"Did something happen?" Gu Lingsha scowled. Her assistant was still there, so the fact that Qi Lei did that made her look bad.

Qi Lei walked over to her desk, and propped his hands on the cold table as he leaned towards her in her chair. His eyes had darkened. "Xiaye's incident... Was it you who did it?"

She immediately frowned and lowered her gaze. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You do! I asked if you did it. You pushed her, didn't you?" Qi Lei's low voice was questioning.

Gu Lingsha sneered for a while. She turned to look at the computer screen beside her. "VP Qi, I have no idea what you're talking about!"

"Shasha, I told you not to disturb Xiaye. All those past grudges have got nothing to do with her and her child. You didn't have to go for her. When did you become this cruel?"

Qi Lei clenched his fists slightly and looked at Gu Lingsha in contempt. "Are you thinking about how to expand your resentment? Haven't you implicated enough people?"

A sneer flashed across Gu Lingsha's face. "Are you so sure that I did it? If I said it wasn't me, would you believe me? Or did Xi Xiaye tell you herself that I pushed her?"

Qi Lei's expression stiffened for a while as he looked at Gu Lingsha with mixed emotions. "How am I supposed to believe you? You don't want to live peacefully and insist on starting these storms. Shasha, I don't believe that you're that kind of woman!"

"That kind of woman? What kind? You barge into my office and condemn me for no reason. Don't tell me it's just to stand up for Xi Xiaye!"

"Shasha, I'm worried about you. I hope you won't go down the wrong way and hurt the innocent! Xiaye's friend is still unconscious until now. Can't you reflect upon yourself? Now, you've even made a move on Xiaye. You're crazy! Do you really think that Mu Yuchen's a fool in the dark?"

Qi Lei clenched his fists in frustration and knocked on the table in front of him. Because he was so strong, the cup of coffee in front of Gu Lingsha shifted and the strong brown liquid splattered all over the table.

Upon these words, Gu Lingsha's expression instantly became gloomy and stormy as she laughed coldly at Qi Lei. "Do you think that I was in that accident intentionally? Do you think that I intentionally crashed into that Ruan Heng?"

Her cold tone contained obvious fury. Gu Lingsha pointed at herself and glared at Qi Lei. When she saw him return a dangerous gaze, she immediately raged. "I, Gu Lingsha, dare swear that if I really did crash into him on purpose, I'll be killed as soon as I walk out the door. My corpse will be crushed and I'll die horribly! Are you happy now? I was a victim of the accident too. Even if I have the ability to predict things, I couldn't have known that I'd crash into Ruan Heng. How dare you blame this on me? How dare you blame me?"

"No matter what, you'll have to take some responsibility, won't you? He's still unconscious right now, and we still don't know if he'll be waking up. Do you think I don't know that Su Nan was at the police station because of you the other time? If Mu Yuchen hadn't come looking for me, you probably wouldn't have let go of Su Nan, would you? What do you want? Mu Yuchen is Mu Yuchen. If you've got grudges and resentment, go look for him. Why do you have to include others?" Qi Lei demanded with a sunken gaze.

"I didn't know that you've become such a hero who hates evil now! Su Nan's incident had nothing to do with me. It was the police that made errors while doing their work. If you have to put it on me, I had nothing to say. If you want to know the answer so badly, then I can tell you that I did all of it. I did everything from crashing into someone, making some people end up in the police station, and causing that incident where Xi Xiaye almost had a miscarriage. Are you happy now? You're already set on the idea that I did it, so I have nothing to say. You can go and expose me now too. Let me be criticized and disdained by everyone. I don't care anyway. I've already died once. Do you think I'd care about anything else?"

Gu Lingsha sounded like she had given up on herself. As she sneered while feeling ridiculous about herself, her stubborn voice sounded determined. It made one feel sorry for her. Even Qi Lei seemed to have gone a little speechless as he slowly released his clenched fists, yet the gloominess in his eyes did not fade at all.

After a long while, Qi Lei said, "That's not what I meant."

"Then, what did you mean with your questioning tone? Am I so unacceptable to you!? If you've got anything else to say or any advice, you can say it all now since you want to just casually vilify me anyway!"

Gu Lingsha's clear voice now sounded slightly raspy. Her beautiful eyes started to redden, and her fists were tightly clenched at the moment as if she did not care about Qi Lei. She stared at him with furious and stubborn eyes, her vigor no inferior to his.

"If you didn't do it, then why would you be afraid of others vilifying you? Shasha, whether I'm speaking as a friend or as a playmate who've known each other since we were young, I hope that you can just live a simple and magnanimous life! Don't cling onto the past. What do you want? Do you want to live a quiet and stable life? I know that Qi Feng didn't die. As long as you two are willing to settle down and not be tangled with the past, I'm willing to give the whole of Qi Kai to you two as a wedding gift. That way, can you promise me?" Qi Lei's deep eyes gathered with dark whirlpools as it fixed unmoving on Gu Lingsha.

When Qi Lei said that, Gu Lingsha was stunned. She looked at Qi Lei with an unfathomable gaze, and after a long while, she forced a laugh. "Qi Lei, would you actually do this for Xi Xiaye? Have you fallen in love with her or something?"

"Don't keep trying to drag others in. It's got nothing to do with Xiaye! I'm concerned about you! Why don't you understand? You also said that Lingtian used his life to protect you. Is this how you'll repay him? Putting aside hurting his younger sister, now you even want to hurt his kin too? Shasha, wake up!"

"Shut up, Lingtian! If the accident didn't happen, would Lingtian have died? I'm taking revenge for Lingtian now! How am I wrong? You know that Lingtian has a prejudice against Mu Yuchen. How do you know for sure that the accident back then wasn't according to Mu Yuchen's directions? How can you understand where I'm coming from without knowing anything?"

"Reason! Where's your reasoning? For what reason should Mu Yuchen be setting you up? All of you betrayed him first!"