The words she wanted to scold him with ultimately remained unspoken.
Latter, Feng Fanghua sent her a message, and Qin Mu took the opportunity to sneak downstairs while President Mu was asleep. Feng Fanghua, in her nightgown with an overcoat draped over her shoulders, was sitting on the sofa waiting for her and drinking water, having prepared a cup for her as well.
At that moment, the entire house was so quiet it felt almost surreal; were someone alone, it probably would’ve been a bit scary at this late hour.
"Mom, why are you still up so late?"
She sat opposite Feng Fanghua, her eyes swiftly scanning Feng Fanghua’s facial expressions before quickly looking down, her hands cradling the warm water Feng Fanghua had poured for her.
"I can’t sleep because I have something on my mind. Since we’re living together, it’s convenient for me to clarify things with you now and prevent any misunderstandings about me not caring for you as a daughter-in-law."
Qin Mu didn’t dare to say anything insincere, only nodding and listening.
"When I said what I did at dinner, it wasn’t because I felt you could be bullied just because you’re not my biological daughter. I just think that if some people can’t be offended, then it’s better to keep the peace for the time being. Of course, it was wrong of her to hit you."
"I’m grateful that you believe what I say. As for what happened today between Jing Qing and me, even if it were to happen again, I would handle it just like I did today. Mom, I understand that you want to minimize the issue, but Jing Qing and I can’t smooth things over. Wen Runuan stole the spotlight from her on the red carpet, and she didn’t have a good time at the event for several days, which is why she came back in a fury to settle scores with me because she knew the dress for Wen Runuan was prepared by me."
Qin Mu felt it was best to clear the air with Feng Fanghua and avoid any misunderstanding between them.
"So, the war between you two has already begun."
"Or rather, it started some time ago."
"Well, in that case, I won’t say much else!"
"Hey, that girl is stubborn. She knows about your marriage and the child, yet she refuses to let go. She must really despise you."
"I don’t hate her; hate can make one lose reason."
Qin Mu responded candidly, meeting Feng Fanghua’s gaze with a gracious smile.
"Enough already, go get some sleep, I understand now."
Feng Fanghua thought for a moment and then set down her water cup.
"Alright, you should get some rest too, Mom."
Qin Mu quickly put down her water cup and stood up first.
"You can talk about what we discussed just now with your husband, lest he thinks again that I can’t discern people clearly or understand right from wrong."
"Actually, Mu Yichen told me right before bed not to take it to heart, saying that you’re worried about me being at a disadvantage."
Qin Mu smiled while speaking, Feng Fanghua looked at her incredulously. Qin Mu nodded and went upstairs, prompting Feng Fanghua to let out a chuckle. Did that boy really say that?
"Constantly calling him Mu Yichen, even though he’s several years older than you," Feng Fanghua muttered afterwards, sighing helplessly and also getting up to leave.
Once, Helian Hao asked her why she didn’t call Mu Yichen ’husband’, or ’babe’, or ’darling’ or something especially affectionate; her answer was: cheesy.
When the first rays of the morning sun appeared, the entire yard was bathed in a warm glow.
In any case, that morning was truly an exceptional feast for the eyes.
Before going to work, Qin Mu still relayed Feng Fanghua’s words to Mu Yichen, who chuckled unconsciously: Madame Feng is getting more timid as she grows older, but fortunately, she is not confused.
His earnest appraisal, with dark eyes earnestly gazing at her.
When the clothing factory opened, Jian Yan hurried over and couldn’t help but chuckle and ask after hearing about her recent issues: Can you endure it?
"Although there are obstacles, everything is moving in the direction I wish to go, I can endure it!"
The colleagues from the studio stood at the door looking quite proper, waiting for the ribbon-cutting. Qin Mu and Jian Yan walked over quickly, then a luxury car pulled up in front of the brand new clothing factory.
President Mu, dressed in a crisp suit, stood tall before her eyes.
In that moment, Qin Mu’s gaze was a blend of focus, vivacity, and warmth. Since everyone’s attention was on President Mu, they didn’t notice the splendid expression in her eyes. President Mu, however, stared straight at her.
In that moment, the two shared a mutual understanding.
Amidst applause and firecracker sounds, their clothing factory was auspiciously declared open.
After cutting the red ribbon, Mu Yichen turned to look at Qin Mu, who also looked up at him, her smile as bright as the sunshine.
Their looks seemed to convey a myriad of emotions to one another.