Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
A sorrowful smile flashed across Doris's lips while her voice turned distant. "From the moment I've become sensible, my father told me that I'd have to work hard to fight for whatever I want. That way, I'd have it for much longer. What someone else gives you isn't yours. My mother is a classic example."
As Doris lowered her head to look at the shattered pieces on the ground, her eyes suddenly colored with a distant look. She would never have brought this up in front of anyone else, especially such unhappy things. She might not have even mentioned this to Gu Qiwu before.
"My mother's pure at heart. She's a very gentle and kind-hearted woman. My father loved her at first, and Mother was meticulous with her care for Father, but men's hearts aren't settled just because you're an understanding woman. Mother's too silly. She knew that Father had other women outside, yet she still compromised. She thought that if she compromised enough, she could get Father back."
At this, Doris took a deep breath and then smiled bitterly. "That scene only appears in fairy tales. Once a man has a change of heart, nothing can pull them back. Your tenderness and virtuousness will turn to weakness and cowardice. But Mother was still so foolish. She didn't know how to fight. With her status alone, it would've been so easy for her to get rid of those women! What makes me even more frustrated was that she told me not to blame Father and that I had to be understanding, and requite the bad with the good!
"How funny! She wanted me to talk about requiting the bad with the good with a bunch of lowly prostitutes? Do they deserve it? Those women who only think of how they can be a homewrecker. They should die a terrible death with no good outcome just like Mu Zi did years ago! It's a good thing she died earlier, and suffered a terrible death. Otherwise, I definitely wouldn't mind going against her!"
When Mu Zi was brought up, Doris's blue eyes could not help but flash with a hint of resentment.
"I can understand how you feel, but perhaps we didn't have to do those things after that. Mu Lingtian didn't know these back then. He was just a child of slightly over a year old, and Mu Lingshi was even..."
"Just a child? I could already feel something from the way Gu Qiwu treated him. So what if he was a child? When I was five, I already planned to disfigure one of my father's mistresses. After that, that mistress died of illness in the refugee hole. The summer when I was six, I planned for the lady that insulted my mother to fall into the lake and almost drowned her. If he had known that he was Gu Qiwu's son, would Shasha and I even have a place in the entire Gu family?"
While Doris spoke about this dark past without any expression, a distorted expression crossed her pale face. She had gone through so many such deceitful experiences, so right now, these things were actually quite normal. It was just what they called wins and losses.
"Shasha is like her grandmother. They are both weak women, but if any one of them were a little more competent, perhaps I wouldn't need to suffer so much trouble. Sadly, they won't listen. Apart from disappointing me, it's just more disappointment...Now that we are finally at this point, I should be used to it by now. Perhaps, all of this is just so-called fate."
Doris sighed a long sigh. She lifted a hand to massage the space between her brows, paused, and then looked up at Glenn. Her tone calmed down slightly while she said, "You've been by my side for many years. Now that Alex has fallen, and I'm also at this stage, leave. Don't stick with me anymore. I've still got two cheques for $10 million in the safe. You can keep one, and get the other one to Shasha. Just say that even though I'm disappointed, I still think of her as my daughter. I hope that she won't disappoint me anymore."
"No, Miss, I don't want that. I've told you I will always protect you!" Glenn's expression shifted as he quickly took a step forward and said.
"No need. I don't need any more protection now. In fact, I've still got some things to do. Leave while you still can. I'm afraid you won't able to do that after this. Remember what I told you. Don't go back straight to England. When the time comes, let my mother help you. She might be able to think of a way. Tell Shasha that Qi Feng can't be trusted, but he can still be used. I'll do my best to leave some things for her. Next time, tell her not to be so silly. Just be a little smarter so that she won't be taken advantage of."
When Doris explained all of this, she seemed exceptionally calm. In fact, she had never been calmer.
"Miss, I'm not leaving!" Glenn looked at Doris with determination and said.
She shot him a side look, then said coldly, "This is an order. I'm telling you to leave, so leave! Of course, you need to help me do one last thing."
"Miss..."
"What I want you to do is on the note on the table. Burn it after you've read it. Leave now. I don't want to see you anymore," Doris said, then she slowly stood up before turning around to walk into the bedroom.
A rumble was heard.A few bright lights flitted past, then came the deafening sounds of thunder as the storm outside became even heavier now. Glenn could not help but feel cold all over. When he saw Doris gradually vanish through the door, he could not help but call out one more time, "Miss, let's call home. Maybe we've still got a chance!"
"Glenn, do you not want to go home? If you contact them right now, we'll only drag them into this! Then, Shasha and the rest can forget about a peaceful life! In fact, what will those people think of Shasha? What will they think of my father? No matter what, I won't ask. At least, I can protect one final bit of dignity."
Doris's tone was cold and sharp, but it sounded sad to Glenn's ears. Perhaps their Miss could have become a hero of the times, but...
But the Miss's consideration would always be more well-rounded than his. She was undoubtedly right.
"The people of my clan have got determination in our bones. I've always thought so, Glenn. Help me do these last things, and go far, far away too. It's been many years now. It's time for you to find a place to spend the rest of your life in peace."
"Miss...I understand! I won't let you down! But, Miss, please take good care of yourself too. You must," he said, but Doris had already slipped out of the doorway. He did not know if she heard him or not...
He looked in the direction where she left for a long time. As Glenn felt a cold pierce through his heart, he let out a long sigh, then turned around to take the note from the table before leaving the living room.
The first ray of the morning light streamed in through the window, but the biting wind and rain made it all seem even bleaker.
It was Christmas Eve, so the whole of City Z seemed to be livelier than usual. When Li Si's car drove through the bustling city in the morning, he could hear the streets bustling with excitement.
Apart from Li Si in the car, there was also Ah Mo whom everyone had not met for a long while
Ah Mo and Qi Lei only returned to City Z at midnight last night. After they landed, Ah Bao arranged for them to stay at a hotel. Early this morning, Ah Mo had gotten up and wanted to quickly see Mu Yuchen, thus Li Si came to fetch him.
"Thankfully, you're alright. While you were missing, everyone was very worried, especially Miss Lingshi, but because she didn't want everyone to worry, she could only endure it. Even though Master didn't say anything, he was extremely worried as well."
In the back seat of the car, Li Si handed the document to Ah Mo. "These are the information that we've gathered according to what you wanted. Take a look. If it's all there, then we'll hand it to the authorities. Last night, Master asked me to go over first thing in the morning. I think because of this, Doris has escaped, and it won't be that easy for us to catch her right now."
Ah Mo took it calmly and flipped through it while gloominess crossed his handsome face. He then nodded, "Everything's pretty much in here. Is she trying to escape? It won't be that easy! This whole thing was her idea. If it weren't for us being alert, I have no doubt that they wanted to kill us."
"Mmm, Master thought about that as well. Earlier, you were all safe, but later on, things on Doris's end worsened. It was hard to guarantee that she wasn't going to do anything to you all. Thankfully, you were all quick-witted, and Qi Lei...is he alright?" Li Si did not forget to ask about Qi Lei.
"A bullet did scrape past his arm, but otherwise, he's alright, Ah Bao has already brought him for a check-up and treatment. His situation isn't much better than us. He's been missing for so long, but why didn't I hear about Qi Qiming sending people out to look for him? With Qi Qiming's influence, it couldn't have been hard to look for someone."
Ah Mo did not forget Qi Qiming's background and given their disappearance this time, it was enough to make him feel bitterly disappointed.
Upon hearing that, Li Si could not help but smirk in contempt. "You don't know this, but Qi Qiming let Qi Feng handle all of this. Say, why would Qi Feng get people to find Second Master Qi so soon? Unless he really doesn't want Qi Lei in the picture anymore, who knows? He might be behind this incident too. Don't forget who Doris is to Qi Feng."
At that point, Ah Mo did not refute and just nodded. "If that's the case, then I really do feel sad for Second Master Qi."
"I've mentioned this to Master, but Master told me not to deal with that. He wanted to see what Qi Qiming would do, but no action was taken. He just left it all to Qi Feng, the one who doesn't want Qi Lei around!" Li Si said as he could not help but feel worried.
"Alright, I trust Brother's judgment. Perhaps, he was considering something. Besides, now that Qi Lei has returned safely, I'd like to know how Qi Qiming plans to face him." When Ah Mo looked at Li Si's tense expression, he could not help but chuckle and pat him on the shoulder.
Li Si only huffed a long sigh to himself.
The car drove slowly into the Grand Waves Villa area and parked steadily in front of the entrance of Maple Residence. When they asked the guards to open the gates, they heard that Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye had returned quite late last night and were still asleep at the moment.
Ah Mo and Li Si exchanged a glance and then walked into the villa.
The living room was indeed quiet. Ah Mo had wanted to sit and wait for a while when suddenly there seemed to be a sound coming from the kitchen. In fact, the kitchen light was switched on. He thought about it, then walked over.
He had just pushed open the heavy glass door when a tempting aroma assailed his nostrils, so he quickly looked up.
Indeed, he saw Mu Yuchen standing at the stove, frying an egg. He was dressed in a casual lounge outfit and seemed quite focused.
Perhaps because he could sense movement behind him, Mu Yuchen slowly turned back, and when he saw Ah Mo standing by the door, his eyes studied him for a bit. Upon seeing that he was alright, he averted his gaze and did not say anything. Instead, he asked with a low voice, "Have you had breakfast?"
Ah Mo did not expect Mu Yuchen to ask that, so he was stunned. Then, he smiled cheerfully. "Not yet. I woke up quite early and rushed over with Li Si. It's Christmas Eve, so the streets were quite lively, and there was a slight jam."
"Have some breakfast first then." Mu Yuchen put the egg in the pan onto a plate and began to cook the next one.
"Oh, sure." Ah Mo quickly helped him out.
Breakfast was ready in a jiffy. There was fried eggs, milk, some pastries, and a vegetable and fruit salad.
After Mu Yuchen served the breakfast, he took a hot towel from Li Si to wipe his hands before inviting, "Have a seat."
"Has the Missus...not woken up yet?" Li Si asked.
"She was too tired last night. Let her rest for a while more," Mu Yuchen answered with a calm expression and then sat down to enjoy his breakfast. The other two then followed suit and sat down.
Soon after that, when Mu Yuchen was drinking his last sip of milk, he said in a deep voice, "Ah Bao has told me about your situation over there, I'm aware of the rough situation."
Ah Mo took a napkin to wipe his mouth as well and responded, "Can we hand the evidence to the authorities now then, and get them to arrest Doris?"
"I was just about to talk to you about this." Mu Yuchen got up slowly and walked towards the sofa.
Ah Mo and Li Si exchanged a look and quickly followed him.
After Mu Yuchen poured himself a glass of water and sat down on the sofa, he pointed at the spot across him and indicated for the two of them to sit, so Ah Mo and Li Si took a seat.
"A while back, Li Si got the information about Gu Qiwu which I roughly sifted through. What led to all of these was just Doris wanting to force Gu Qiwu to give in, but when it came to someone like Gu Qiwu, she clearly miscalculated. Gu Qiwu didn't fall for it though I have to say that Doris was quite smart to use you as a chess piece. We did get one hit, but because of this, Lingshi was hospitalized."
When Mu Yuchen said that, Ah Mo's eyes instantly darkened. Li Si had already told him about Mu Lingshi being hospitalized. "I wish I could kill Doris!"
Ah Mo spoke through gritted teeth. Even Li Si, who sat beside him, could feel the chill that came from him. He quickly reached out to pat his shoulders and advised, "Don't get all stirred up. Miss Lingshi is fine now. When she heard about the news of you, she felt more assured, so there's no need to worry."
"This woman is extremely evil. She shouldn't have put the blame for these things on Lingshi. Lingshi is the biggest victim in this whole series of events. Why couldn't they put themselves in her shoes!? She never wanted to take anything from Gu Qiwu!" Ah Mo could not help but voice out angrily.
"Don't be so unrealistic. If everyone were like you, then there'd be no bad people on earth," Li Si shot Ah Mo a glance and said gloomily.
"Master, these are the information that's been organized. Have a look," Li Si said as he handed the document to Mu Yuchen. However, Mu Yuchen did not take it He only looked at it indifferently, lowered his head to take a sip of water, and then took a thick folder from the side.
It was the one that Detective Zhang had given to him last night, and of course, there were the materials that Mu Tangchuan had given him from before. They were all put together.
His gaze seemed to have more depth at the moment as he stared at that folder for quite a while. He then tossed it to Li Si, and his lowered voice broke the silence, "Send these things to someone that we can trust at the police station, and get them to open this case again. With these and the document in your hand, Doris should be done for for the rest of this lifetime. I've already gotten someone to watch the flights, so they won't be able to leave for now. Get them to move quicker."
When Mu Yuchen said this, Ah Mo and Li Si were stunned. They exchanged a glance, then quickly picked up the folder to look through the documents inside. The more they looked, the tenser Ah Mo's expression turned. In the end, disbelief was written on his face.
"How...how could this be? It was her? It was her! Lingtian's death was her work! How could this be?" Ah Mo was shocked and incoherent in speech now. It was really hard to imagine that there was an inside story to this!
"I've also been doubtful of this outcome until Detective Zhang brought me the DNA test report for Gu Qiwu and Lingtian from seven years ago. The test was done by Doris, which means that she already knew about Gu Qiwu and Lingtian's relationship a long time ago. This woman is far more meticulous than we thought. She kept quiet and tried to get rid of Lingtian, all for the sake of Hui Gu."
"That means that we have to feel sorry for Gu Qiwu now too. His own son, Mu Lingtian, was killed by a woman he so-called 'deeply loved'. In fact, Doris probably only married him for Hui Gu right from the start. The competition on the other end was strong, and she needed a strong trump card. Sadly, she ended up with nothing in the end!" Li Si lamented.
"She tried to be too smart!" Ah Mo said through gritted teeth.
"Li Si, bring these things to the police station. Let them do what needs to be done. If they let Doris leave City Z this time, then they should really look into their retraining their skills." Mu Yuchen's tone was calm while there was no expression on his handsome face.
When he finished, Li Si nodded. He gladly slid the document into his briefcase and said, "Don't worry, Master. I'll complete the mission smoothly!"
Mu Yuchen nodded, and Li Si then swiftly left. Only the brothers remained in the large living room which suddenly fell silent.
"Pack up and go home. Lingshi hasn't been doing well," Mu Yuchen said as he took the cigarette box from the coffee table. He took a stick out and lit it up. Then, he handed it to Ah Mo who shook his head. "Nah, Lingshi can't quite stand the smell of smoke. I've made you all worry for me, Brother."
"As long as you're back now. rest well. It's getting more disturbing for Lingshi now, so stay with her more since she's the one who has been suffering. In truth, Doris's goal should have been her, but because we protected her well, unfortunately, you became Doris's target. Also, maybe she wanted to use this chance to drive a wedge between us," Mu Yuchen let out a puff and said calmly.
"Brother..." Ah Mo called out softly as he looked at him quietly.
"You've joined the Mu family for over 20 years, and I've been your brother for over 20 years. How do you think I treat you?" Mu Yuchen asked without looking at Ah Mo while he handed over a glass of water to him.
"Brother, you're great to me. Like a brother, I too—"
Ah Mo wanted to say something more, but at this moment, Mu Yuchen cut him off, "It's good that you acknowledge that. In fact, you have to always remember this."
"Brother...I'm just Ah Mo. I'm not Lingtian...I know that about Lingtian's matters..."
"Yes, you are you and not Lingtian. Lingtian's thing is a matter of the past. All these years, you've been by my side and you know me. I'm not a perfect person. I might not be able to truly carry out my duty as an elder brother. Did you grumble about me slightly when I didn't find you in time?" Mu Yuchen said. Suddenly, he laughed and then casually flicked the cigarette ashes away.
Ah Mo quickly shook his head. "No, Brother! Brother, you've told me that no matter what, I have to first be hopeful for myself because I can only hope for other people's help. Other people aren't you. Only you are responsible for yourself."
"It's good that you can think like that. If this were to happen to Lingtian, I'm afraid he'd feel entirely different about it." One could catch that hint of bitterness in Mu Yuchen's tone as he said, "Next time, if you've got any requests or suggestions, you can just let me know. You know how I am. Between us brothers, there's nothing we can't talk about."
"Brother, I know. Lingshi says she wants Hui Gu, but she couldn't let Gu Lingsha use these things to threaten you. Previously, in City B, I met Gu Qiwu many times about this, but Lingshi doesn't kow about that, and I don't want her to know either. It's best for me to be that greedy, bad person," Ah Mo suddenly brought up, then a grim smile appeared on his handsome face.
When Ah Mo said that, Mu Yuchen smiled gladly. He took another drag, then frowned slightly before he said, "You and I thought of the same thing. I knew that when Gu Qiwu got detained this time, he'd ask for my help to get him out. Do you know what was the condition I set?"
"What is it?"
Ah Mo had heard from Li Si that Gu Qiwu had been detained for being accused of killing Wang Qin, and it seemed like he had not been bailed just yet. Li Si had also told him that Gu Qiwu and Master had a deal. However, he did not go into detail about the actual situation and just advised Ah Mo to ask his Master about it.
"This collaboration already has its purpose. Getting him out is only one of the phases. I told him to leave Hui Gu for Lingshi, and to let Lingshi get rid of the title as an illegitimate daughter."
"What about him? What did he say?" Ah Mo asked.
"He said to let Lingshi change her surname to Gu. Otherwise, he said to let your first child have the Gu surname. I can't make this decision, so that will be up to you two." Mu Yuchen's tone was calm while his unfathomable gaze fell onto Ah Mo's face.
When Ah Mo heard the suggestion, he paused, then could not help but laugh. "Is he worried about the Gu family not having heirs? If he knew the cause of Lingtian's death, I wonder if he'll be able to handle it." His lowered voice was filled with sarcasm.
"I initially wanted to discuss this with Lingshi, but now that I think about it, it might not be suitable. I think I should leave it to you. It's Christmas Eve today, and I've said I'd go home for dinner and celebrate Christmas. Your sister-in-law and I will return in the evening. You should go home first since Lingshi's going to the hospital for a checkup today."
"Yes, Brother! I've got it. I'll go home first then, and see what news Li Si will bring." Ah Mo slowly got up.
Mu Yuchen nodded. "I'll get Chauffeur Wang to send you back so that you can give Lingshi a surprise."
"Okay, the wound was treated quite well, thus there's no infection. Just apply the antibiotic cream on time, and don't consume any spicy food or alcohol for now. Come back for a check-up in half a month," the doctor competently instructed Qi Lei about what to watch out for, and Yang Sheng quickly noted it all down.
After a few days of rest and recuperation, Yang Sheng was feeling much better. Now, he was almost the same as before. Instead, it was Qi Lei whose wounds bled. Futhermore, during such a cold season, it was not easy for wounds to heal, thus this wound could not recover as quickly as they hoped.
When they walked out of the consulting room, Yang Sheng said to Qi Lei, "Master Qi, I'll go get the medicine. Have a seat here."
As Qi Lei looked up at the misty rain out the window, he inhaled and adjusted the coat on his shoulders before he walked ahead.
"I'll wait for you in the car," he said, and his tall figure walked past Yang Sheng.
"Alright, Master Qi!" Yang Sheng said softly.
For some reason, after what had happened, he felt like Master Qi seemed to have become much quieter, unlike those days when they had been prepared to come home. The three of them could still have some happy conversations, but in truth, since Ah Bao brought them home, Qi Lei seemed to have become a whole different person.
Yang Sheng thought about it, and seemed to understand why. It was probably because of Qi Qiming.
Even if the Master did not say it, he could understand. Master Qi was probably bitterly disappointed about what happened after this incident. He had been missing for so long, yet the first person who thought of looking for him and found him was not his own father, but a friend. It seemed like Qi Qiming did not even care about him!
When he thought about this, Yang Sheng could not help but feel sorry for Qi Lei. If CEO Wang were still around, she would probably be heartbroken and have a huge fight with Qi Qiming. What else could be more hurtful than this?
Did he really not care?
Sometimes, Yang Sheng really wanted to just rush into Qi Qiming's office and debate with him, yet this might only trouble Qi Lei further. Every family had its own problems, after all.
The car was parked right outside the hospital.
Qi Lei had come over straight from Imperial Hotel. He did not return to Grand Lakes Villa, the Qi residence, or Qi Kai. He did not want to see the very two faces that would make him feel sorry for himself. He only brought Yang Sheng along, and he was the one who drove.
Yang Sheng had gotten the medicine in a short while and got into the front passenger seat.
"Master Qi, let's go back straight to Grand Lakes Villa. You've been tired for a long time now, so you should rest well. As for the new company, Master Mu and Manager Wang have been watching over it, so it's fine. A few days won't make much of a difference."
Yang Sheng did not bring Qi Qiming and the rest up because he was worried that it would make Qi Lei feel bad.
Qi Lei lowered his gaze, took a look at the time on his phone, and then tossed it aside. He fixed the coat on his shoulders and then silently started the car before he said in a deep voice, "I'll send you home first. Your family's been worried for a long time now. You should rest at home first for this week."
"Master Qi, I don't need that. I'm already fine. I've told my family, I said—"
"That's an order. Just obey it," Qi Lei said calmly and drove steadily out of the parking spot as he continued, "I notice your loyalty, and I won't treat you unfairly. Rest well for now. The new company won't fall. The more others want it to fall, the more I won't let it. Don't worry. I have my own ways."
"Master Qi...Master Qi, are you thinking of looking for the Wangs?"
The Wang family was Wang Qin's side of the family. He heard that after Wang Qin married Qi Qiming, the Wangs migrated abroad, and their properties were left to Wang Qin to handle. Back then, Wang Qin had insisted on combining the Wangs' and Qis' assets, thus creating the large-scale version of Qi Kai today. The Wang family had been very against it, but Wang Qin had insisted on doing so. In fact, she steadied her position as Vice President of Qi Kai whereby no one could shake her status. Even Qi Qiming dared not to offend her easily, and this was enough to prove Wang Qin's power.
However, it had been many years, and the Wang family had already become the past here. With Wang Qin's stubborn personality, she would not lower her ego to ask the Wangs for help even if she died. In fact, the old Wang couple got divorced in the earlier years, and both of them had passed away for many years now. Qi Lei only had one uncle left, and it seemed like this uncle was actually the old Wang couple's adopted son who had also admired Wang Qin wholeheartedly back then.
Yang Sheng did not know a lot about the Wang family, especially since Wang Qin never brought this up to anyone else either. Perhaps, back then, right from when she decided to marry Qi Qiming, her heart had been dead.
Qi Lei did not answer Yang Sheng as he only silently sped up...
When he did not hear Qi Lei's answer, Yang Sheng turned and looked carefully at Qi Lei. Upon seeing that his expression had darkened and that he did not seem to plan on answering, he inhaled while hesitating, then Yang Sheng continued softly, "Master Qi, previously, CEO Wang and..."
"I never thought of having anything to do with the Wang family, and I don't want to have any contact with the Qi family even more. Don't bring them up in front of me anymore. We shall go our separate ways, and I'll find my own way. Who says that I have to rely on someone else if I want to start over from scratch? I've long gotten used to such dire circumstances," Qi Lei spoke nonchalantly. His dark eyes seemed extremely calm as if there was an inmeasurable deep abyss that one could not quite make sense of.
"Master Qi, it's good that you can take it all on yourself, but you'll be very tired, and things are finally looking up for us right now. I'm afraid—"
"What are you afraid of? I'm not even afraid! At this point, what is there to be afraid about? The new company will be launched as planned after the New Year. Whatever marketing plans must be executed on a large-scale and bombastically," Qi Lei commanded while a sneer flashed across his lips.
He felt as if he had written himself off as hopeless and he began to act recklessly. Since there was no other way, he would just charge ahead with full force without any need to say much as it would all work out in the end. He just had to be aggressive and resolve whatever problems that came his way.
"Master Qi, well..." Yang Sheng was a little doubtful.
"Just do as I say. I have my own considerations. It's good to be ambitious, but just demand what is ours, and do as much as we can. It's when you're certain and win in steadiness that that's the real path to wealth and success. Since that's the case, there's nothing to worry about," Qi Lei said.
"But, Master Qi—"
"No buts, Yang Sheng. Our journey to come will be much tougher than what it is right now. You're very loyal and meticulous as well, but like me, you lack a fierce drive. We must consciously learn to avoid that next time," Qi Lei said with a lowered voice.
Yang Sheng paused, then responded slowly, "I understand. I'll be more careful."
After that, the two of them did not speak anymore. The car drove ahead, and after about half an hour, Qi Lei sent Yang Sheng back to his neighborhood, before driving off.
The neighborhood that Yang Sheng stayed in was quite near University A's campus. When Yang Sheng got down from the car, he unconsciously mentioned that it was Christmas Eve.
When Qi Lei drove along the road, he could see that on both sides of the walkways were young students and couples holding hands while strolling. This area was active with student activity, and there were quite a number of students.
When he passed by close to the entrance of University A, the steering wheel in Qi Lei's hand shifted slightly. He thought about it, then drove into University A.
Previously, he had driven around with Dongfang Liuyun, so he knew where her office was, and he decided to go look for her.
The director of the teaching and research section was an uncle in his 50s who looked quite friendly. When he saw Qi Lei walk in, he was stunned for a moment. He fixed the glasses on his face, then sized Qi Lei up while he asked curiously, "Are you looking for Miss Dongfang?"
Nodding, Qi Lei walked up and smiled modestly. "Yes, may I know if she's around?"
"Oh, you want to see Miss Dongfang...I think she's gone for a lecture. Do you want to wait for her here? Her office is over there," the director smiled and said.
"Oh, no need. I've got to see her urgently. May I know which class she's in right now?"
"Mmm, let me take a look at her schedule. Ah, this one. Room 507."
"Alright, thank you. I'll go over then! Thank you!" Qi Lei thanked him gratefully, then left.
In Room 507 of the fifth block in University A, Dongfang Liuyun was lecturing the students. It was the last class of the semester. She mainly needed to arrange for the students the entire semester's course synopsis and exam topics to focus on, and there were two classes of students together.
Because there had been some delays before this, she had to rearrange the lecture and put both classes together.
Qi Lei entered through the back door and chose a seat in the last row. He silently listened to Dongfang Liuyun lecture on the platform.
The students were usually quite interested in Dongfang Liuyun's syllabus, so the class was rarely very noisy. In addition to that, the first few rows were filled with boys...
However, just as Qi Lei sat down, Dongfang Liuyun already noticed him. She looked at him, paused, and then returned to normal in the next second without reacting much.
After about ten minutes, the bell rang, indicating the end of the class. After Dongfang Liuyun was sure that the students had no more questions, she kept her textbook away unhurriedly.
Soon, a few of the boys went up to her and invited her for a meal.
"Miss Dongfang, do you want to eat together?"
"Yes, Miss Dongfang, let's!"
"When you've all gotten excellent results, I'll treat you to a meal," Dongfang Liuyun calmly answered, then she held the textbook before leaving the classroom.
Qi Lei raised his brows and got up to leave the classroom to follow after her.
She did not walk that quickly either. At the staircase, she paused and waited for him to catch up.
"When did you get back?" Upon seeing him get closer, Dongfang Liuyun examined him briefly and her gaze soon stopped on his stiff arm that hid underneath the coat. She calmly asked, "Did you get hurt?"
Stunned, Qi Lei followed her gaze and looked at his arm. With a smile, he said, "I just got back. It's a little scrape."
"Have you eaten?" Dongfang Liuyun looked away and waved the textbook in her hand. "If you don't mind, let's eat together, but our staff canteen dishes aren't like the ones a Master like you would be used to."
Despite saying that, she had already begun to walk downstairs.
She wore a black figure-hugging dress today with a large coat on the outside and a pair of flat boots similar to combat boots. She had light makeup on her face and seemed quite distant, yet it also made one feel at peace.
She was not the kind of charming, elegant woman like Xi Xiaye. To Qi Lei, Dongfang Liuyun felt more the kind of leader who kept to herself. Her quiet eyes seemed to have gone through a lot, thus lending her an air of calmness now to be able to control her emotions as she wished.
Qi Lei watched as her little, cold figure vanish at the corner of the staircase. He brushed his own nose, then followed after her.
In the fourth staff canteen, Dongfang Liuyun brought Qi Lei the dishes that she had ordered. Both sets were the same with equal portions of meat and vegetables.
Dongfang Liuyun was the kind of eater who needed meat. Besides that, she was a little picky and did not quite like strong-smelling foods. She liked some alcohol, but right now in this situation, she clearly could not order any.
Dongfang Liuyun handed Qi Lei a pair of chopsticks as she said, "I met Principal Xi and Chairman Mu a while back, and I heard about your situation briefly from them. I was abroad at that time, but since you're fine, then there's no need to bring up these unhappy things anymore."
Qi Lei's handsome brows raised as he accepted the chopsticks. Upon hearing her say that, he could not help but glance at her and whine a little unhappily, "Since you know about what happened to me, why didn't you seem more stirred up earlier? I did just get a new lease of life after a harrowing encounter, so as a friend, shouldn't you show your concern? Dongfang Liuyun, you really are the most heartless woman I've ever met!"
Dongfang Liuyun, who had picked up her food and was about to stuff in it her mouth, was stunned upon hearing his complaint. She looked up in surprise and stared at him. After a while, she smiled calmly. "It's greatly fortunate that you're fine. Even if I expressed any concern, it wouldn't change anything, would it? Besides, do you think you're such a delicate person?"
"Delicate? Did you just call me delicate?" Qi Lei frowned and squinted at her.
"You are more delicate than the typical person. Once you've experienced more of life and death, you'll find that this was nothing. Once you go through some things, you'll understand more. I think that your calamity this time might not have been a bad thing. At least, now that I look at you, you seem different from before. That's what you've reaped," she said. She thought about it, then put the drumstick on her plate into his. "This drumstick is to encourage you. Here you go."
Second Master Qi could not help but feel defeated. Why was it that every time when he was with her, he would feel like he was a rookie in front of an experienced person?
"You always make it so logical. I wonder when I'll be able get back at you," Qi Lei grumbled.
"All humans have their weak points. I can't tell you what I'm lacking," she teased with a smile for once. Then, she looked at him mysteriously, "Your library card is still with me. When you've got the time, visit my store. I haven't been free recently, especially since it's going to be the preparations for the end of term exams soon, and my project paper needs to be submitted as well. This year, the school managed to apply to do the PhD programme, so there'll be a bunch of things for me to do at the research labs."
"Aren't there other lecturers?" Qi Lei asked, puzzled.
"I was made to do what's beyond me, and be the Assistant Head of the teaching and research department. If I don't set a good example, I don't have the right to ask more of others. It's all about attitude. You should know more about this than I do as a businessman."
"You always speak with such an instructing tone. It's no wonder you're a lecturer. I had a pretty bad impression of my lecturers in the past."
"I have pretty bad impressions of those poor students who are disobedient too," Dongfang Liuyun did not even look at him as she answered.
"When I used to study, I had really good results too. I never fell past the top three spots in my year. My mathematics, physics and chemistry marks were great. I just wasn't great at humanities." Qi Lei could not help but bring up his glorious history though it was his first time bringing up such things in front of others.
When he said this, Dongfang Liuyun, who was eating silently across him, looked up. Her cold gaze had a hint of surprise. "You were a top student? Well, I did hear that you're quite knowledgeable when it comes to architecture."
"I just have a unique inclination towards architecture. I was abroad for quite a few years and was engrossed with it."
"Which country do you think has great architecture? The romantic French one? Italy's ancient Rome? Or..."
When it came to the arts, the two of them instantly found a common topic and chatted away happily.
After a meal, it was already past 1p.m. Dongfang Liuyun wanted to return to the office while Qi Lei was going to go home too, but she walked him to where he parked.
Qi Lei had turned around and was about to get into his car when Dongfang Liuyun took out a thick book from her black bag and handed it to him. "This book is for you. It's good to past your time."
"What is it?" Qi Lei squinted at it with some curiosity. He studied her beautifully elegant face, and then looked down following her gaze that was lowered on the book in her hand.
It was the Bible. To be exact, it was the first book of the New Testament.
She calmly said, "This is my favorite book, and I'm gifting it to you now. This is a book on the record of the Jews. Every person's life is a form of art. These are theologian and cultural history, which are actually very helpful for spiritual cultivation. I myself am not that enlightened, but I find that I've benefited a lot. Hopefully, it can be of help to you too."
Astonished, Qi Lei stared at the book for a long while, then he looked up silently at her standing before him. When he saw that her eyes were filled with encouragement and sincerity, he finally could not help but smile and take it. He casually flipped through it and saw her cursive signature.
"Thank you, Liuyun," he said in a low voice.
Dongfang Liuyun just smiled calmly and nodded, accepting his thanks. "Next time when we meet, treat me to a meal. I won't accept it if it isn't expensive."
"I'll transfer that $5 million equipment to you tonight. How about that?" Qi Lei smiled and said as he held the book under his arm.
"I've been brought up to not take advantage of others. Exchanging favors is what I should do. Even though I'm just a common person, at least I know this. When you've truly become more enlightened and feel like you've benefited, I won't be too courteous. I'm leaving now. Bye!"
Then, slinging her bag on her shoulder, she turned around to walk along the wet path, then waved to him with her back facing him.
Qi Lei suddenly looked up to watch her figure as it gradually moved away. Then, he looked down at the book that seemed to have faint traces of her warmth. A while after, he looked up again, and watch her figure that was about to blend into the gloomy rain.
His lips started, but in the end, he did not say anything. He just watched quietly as she vanished along the walkway.
Was she treating him like her student now?
Qi Lei looked down at the book, chuckled, then got into his car.
The weather was a little gloomy. Even though it did not rain, the ground was still quite damp. The hazy sky looked like it was going to rain while the air was filled with mist. The wind was not strong, but it was very cold, and on both sides, it whistled through the trees.
Walking through the cold breeze, one's mood would feel slightly stifled. Even walking down the stairs, one could feel a chilly draft come through the soles of the shoes.
Doris had already forgotten how Mu Zi looked like. It was only when she stood before this cold tombstone right now that she vaguely recalled how she had looked like back then.
From what she remembered, Mu Zi was neither smart, nor was she a woman who was pleasing to the eye. She could not understand how Gu Qiwu would fancy a woman like this. She looked at those bright and smiling eyes, which were filled with innocence.
Although Gu Qiwu told Doris that she herself was the only woman he always loved, she did not agree.
In Gu Qiwu's heart, perhaps Mu Zi had taken up a more important position, but she did not want to venture to this forbidden area because this so-called love was not one that Doris wanted. Perhaps, this was karma. The more someone wanted something, the more they would not get it. In the end, she lost to a dead person.
Love?
What was love?
Gu Qiwu claimed that he had given all his love to Doris, but what was the point of that? He had left everything to Mu Zi's child.
How ironic! When it came to the crux of the matter, she was just Gu Qiwu's so-called lover while Mu Zi was his first wife!
Long ago, Gu Qiwu already had planned to bring Mu Lingtian back to the Gu family. Back then Gu Qiwu and Mu Zi's relationship was very much a secret. If it were not for her smarts as well as that one time she found information on Xiang She Residence by accident and saw Mu Zi's name, she probably would have been still in the dark.
No wonder he would always let their daughter, Lingsha, bring Mu Lingtian home to visit. He would also chat to Mu Lingtian about business or his views of life in a very friendly manner. That level of attention was far beyond what he had for their daughter, Shasha...
After all, Doris was a sharp person too.
"I don't know whether I should hate you. You're just a dead person, and the dead win. There doesn't seem to be a need to talk to you about love and hate now. Thankfully, you're dead. Otherwise, I can't guarantee what I'd do to you now."
Doris took off her shades and put it into her pocket as her eyes looked coldly at Mu Zi's picture.
"They all call me vicious, but if I weren't vicious, I wouldn't have made it until now or lived the way I do. Mu Zi, I should be lucky that I lived many more years than you did and enjoyed Gu Qiu's so-called decades of love, so, to be fair, there's nothing I should be jealous about or hate you for. Initially, your son and daughter could have lived well, but Gu Qiwu doesn't know his place. I've always hated other people stealing my things, so...
"You're a very silly woman. If you hadn't fallen in love with Gu Qiwu, you wouldn't have ended up the way you did today. You died quite leisurely now. Everyone says that the deceased should be respected, but they don't know that you're the one who's at fault here. Mu Tangchuan, Mu Yuchen, Mu Lingtian, Mu Lingshi, and even your mother, Wang Hui...which one of them didn't suffer because of you? I have done many terrible things, and I should go to hell when I'm dead, but, Mu Zi, you deserve hell even more. As someone who wouldn't even consider their own kin, you shouldn't be forgiven. The funny thing is, Mu Yuchen and the rest really think they can sort out all this information so that you'll rest in peace. You should feel guilty even in death."
Doris actually felt that she and Mu Zi were both heinous sinners. She had always been clear of her position, but the biggest difference between her and Mu Zi was that even if Doris bore any desire for love and resentment, she would never let the people she cared about be hurt. On the other hand, the foolish and terrible Mu Zi only knew how to hurt her kin that loved her. People like these deserve hell more than she did!
Lowly people were lowly. Their judgment would never be more farsighted than those of royal bloodline. When she thought about this, Doris gave Mu Zi's a picture a look of disdain. As arrogant as she was, she never thought that a woman like Mu Zi was a match for her. Mu Zi was just a pitiful and foolish woman!
She did not speak much after that. Then, the phone in her pocket suddenly buzzed. She quickly took it out and saw a foreign number. She did not need to guess that it was a call from Glenn.
When the call got through, it was indeed Glenn's anxious voice. "Miss, the people have gone over. Where are you right now? Miss, what are you trying to do? I've already contacted the count. He said..."
Glenn was clearly anxious as his tone filled with worry and anxiety.
"Alright, your mission's done. You may leave now. Never come back. I've already gotten someone to handle your documents. You can still make it in time if you leave now. Don't forget what I told you. If you don't do it well, I'll never forgive you."
"No, Miss, what are you trying to do? Don't do anything foolish! There might still be a chance to turn things around. The count says that he can..."
"I'll never put any hope on him. I've made such a mistake too many times. It's time I realized it. I'm a little tired. Glenn, I know you've been weary all these years too, so this should be enough. I'm just afraid that I'll die as worthlessly as Mu Zi did, leaving nothing for people to remember me by."
"Miss—"
"Sometimes, when one takes a wrong step, there's no turning back. I won't regret all that I've done, but tell Shasha to not end up on the same path. I hope she can spend the rest of her life in peace."
"Miss Lingsha will—"
"As a mother, I might have owed her too much. Tell her not to be my daughter in the next life."
"Maybe Mr. Gu will give in. He loves you, Miss!"
"Does he deserve to love me? I only have hate for him." Doris's tone was calm. When she finished, she hung up and took out the phone batteries, then tossed the gadget and batteries into the cemetery. There was a clatter as the phone shattered into many pieces.
She turned slightly and looked down at the many tombstones. An odd sneer flashed across her lips. She took out a cigarette box from her shirt unhurriedly, lit a stick, then casually started to smoke. Her gaze slowly fell on the staircase below while she had one hand quietly in her pocket.