Ku Nan released Mu Ci and suddenly remembered something. “Oh, right, next weekend is my birthday. Don’t forget to come to the party.”
“What about me? What about me?” Qin Qiqi never missed a chance to join in on the fun.
“Of course, you’re coming too.”
Mu Ci agreed with a smile, and she and Qin Qiqi returned to the fashion show.
The show had already begun, but their seats were still empty. Strangely, there were two extra lumbar pillows.
“The organizers of this show are so thoughtful, even providing lumbar pillows.”
Mu Ci glanced around. “These weren’t placed by the organizers. It seems like only the two of us have them.”
“Whoever put them there, we might as well use them.”
The two didn’t dwell on it and leaned comfortably against the pillows to watch the show.
After the show, Qin Qiqi was about to leave when Mu Ci grabbed her. “Wait a moment. We’re going somewhere else first.”
…
Shi Na was washing her hands in the restroom, growing more and more irritated.
She never expected that little bitch Mu Ci to know Ku Nan!
As soon as they left, Ku Nan informed her that the brand had already chosen its partner.
Frustrated, she yanked two sheets of paper to dry her hands roughly, then bent down to rummage through her bag for lipstick.
Suddenly, a large black cloak descended from above. Before she could react, a slap landed on her.
Click.
Mu Ci locked the restroom door from the inside, leaning against it as she raised an eyebrow at Qin Qiqi.
Qin Qiqi, her dear friend, wasted no time. Through the cloak, she grabbed Shi Na’s hair and yanked hard.
“Ah—”
Shi Na screamed in pain. “It hurts… Who are you? How dare you hit me… Do you even know who I am?”
“You’re exactly who we’re hitting,” Mu Ci sneered.
The memory of Shi Na stepping on her dress still sent a chill down her spine.
If Qin Qiqi hadn’t reacted quickly and let go of her at the time, the baby in her belly would have been in serious danger.
A matter of life and death, and she thought a slap would settle it?
Mu Ci pressed the drain stopper in the sink and turned on the faucet. Water quickly filled the basin.
Qin Qiqi, perfectly in sync, grabbed Shi Na’s head and shoved it into the water.
“You…”
Gurgle, gurgle.
“Cough… I…”
Gurgle, gurgle.
Shi Na couldn’t utter a complete sentence, choking and struggling to breathe.
After having her fill of fun, Qin Qiqi asked Mu Ci, “Sweetie, want to take a turn?”
Mu Ci shook her head, gesturing to her stomach. “I’m not in a position to.”
Shi Na coughed so hard her entire body trembled. Hearing the familiar voice, she suddenly realized who it was.
“Mu Ci! It’s you… cough… How dare you…”
Mu Ci yanked off the cloak. “What do you want from your grandma?”
She wasn’t afraid of Shi Na finding out—she had done it openly.
Shi Na was furious, but she was coughing too violently to speak. Qin Qiqi released her, and she slumped weakly to the floor, glaring at Mu Ci with bloodshot eyes.
Mu Ci took a tissue, placed it over her hand, and crouched down to lift Shi Na’s chin. Her cherry lips curled into a mocking smile as she spoke slowly, word by word:
“Consider this a warning. If you dare pull another stunt like this, I’ll make sure you regret it!”
With that, she tossed the tissue into the trash bin disdainfully.
“Qiqi, let’s go.”
Shi Na clutched the edge of the sink, staring at their retreating figures with eyes that could have pierced right through them.
“That felt amazing! Let’s see if that bitch dares to strut around again!”
Qin Qiqi sighed with satisfaction, then suddenly thought of something. “Xiao Ci, do you think Shi Na will report us to the police now that she knows it was us?”
Mu Ci remained calm and composed. “Does she have any proof? Do you know why I chose the restroom?”
Qin Qiqi suddenly understood. “Sweetie, you’re always one step ahead!”
“That’s them, stop them!”
The two had just reached the lobby when several security guards rushed over to block their path, accompanied by a visibly agitated woman.
Mu Ci lifted her eyelids, searching her memory, and then remembered.
This woman was Jin Xiaxuan, part of Shi Na’s circle.
Jin Xiaxuan stepped in front of Mu Ci, pointing at her nose, her voice suddenly rising: “It’s her, she hit my friend. Call the police now!”
Mu Ci pushed away the hand that was almost touching the tip of her nose, frowning. “Do you have any evidence, or are you just barking nonsense?”
“Shi Na went to the hospital, her face is almost disfigured! She said it was you who hit her!”
Qin Qiqi couldn’t help but laugh. “Her face? Disfigurement would be like a makeover.”
“Just because she says someone hit her, it must be true?”
Mu Ci sneered coldly. “This is a society governed by law, evidence is required. If she has a subjective intention to retaliate and falsely accuses me, am I supposed to just accept the blame?”
“You…” Jin Xiaxuan was so angry her face turned green.
One of the security guards spoke up. “There are no cameras in the restroom, but there are in the hallway. We can check the hallway footage to see who entered during that time.”
Mu Ci shot the guard a look that could freeze the earth’s core. “…”
Brother Security Guard, if you hadn’t spoken, no one would have thought you were mute.
Qin Qiqi subtly tugged at the fabric on her waist. Mu Ci withdrew her gaze and silently turned to Qin Qiqi.
Their eyes met in the air—
Qin Qiqi: So we’re screwed now, huh?
Mu Ci: I only thought about the restroom cameras, I didn’t expect there would be hallway ones too. My mistake, my mistake. I’ll know better next time.
Qin Qiqi: …Alright, I can see it now. You’re a little clever, but not that clever.
Hearing the security guard’s words, Jin Xiaxuan’s eyes lit up immediately. “Yes, check the footage! Then hand it over to the police. Let’s see how she tries to weasel out of it!”
After saying this, she arrogantly glared at Mu Ci through her nostrils.
The humiliation Shi Na suffered today couldn’t just end like this. Once they pinned it on Mu Ci, they could spread the word and ruin her reputation!
“No need to go. The monitoring room says the surveillance system malfunctioned today. All the cameras are down.”
Out of nowhere, someone who appeared to be the person in charge of the exhibition hall suddenly emerged, stopping the security guard who was about to check the footage.
Malfunctioned??
Jin Xiaxuan was stunned for a moment before exclaiming, “How could something so coincidental happen? Go check again, maybe you made a mistake!”
The person in charge maintained a polite smile. “I’m sorry, but there was indeed a malfunction. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
His words were official and smooth.
Without evidence, there was no way to accuse anyone.
Jin Xiaxuan stomped her feet angrily, cursing under her breath as she left.
Qin Qiqi nudged Mu Ci’s arm. “Sweetie, our luck is off the charts today.”
Mu Ci chuckled lightly. “Yeah, maybe the baby in my belly is bringing us good luck.”
After helping Qin Qiqi sign the contract and dealing with Shi Na, whom she had always disliked, Mu Ci was in such a good mood she felt like she was floating.
Humming a tune, she returned home. As soon as she entered the master bedroom on the second floor, she sensed something was off.
Before she could react, the door behind her clicked shut.
A chill ran down her spine. She turned around and saw Qin Yan leaning against the doorframe, his expression unreadable.
The man stood under the dim yellow light, a few buttons of his black shirt undone. Below his prominent Adam’s apple, a section of pale collarbone was faintly visible, exuding a lazy, carefree aura.
The light and shadows fell on his devilishly handsome face—his nose straight, his eyes deep, his brown pupils reflecting an unusual hue. He stared directly at her, utterly captivating.
Mu Ci’s heart skipped a beat.
Such male charm, such allure.
She watched as the man curled his lips into an ambiguous smile, then walked toward her unhurriedly.
Chapter 12: Baby, He Called Her Baby
He enveloped her, carrying an aura that was both domineering and gentle, his low magnetic voice teasing her ears.
“Baby, why did you take so long to come back?”
Ba-baby?
While Mu Ci was startled by the address, her nose caught a faint whiff of alcohol.
Mingled with the cool pine scent on him, it was inexplicably pleasant.
Her long, curled lashes fluttered slightly. “Have you been drinking?”
“Just a little,” he spoke, his breath carrying the subtle fragrance of wine.
Mu Ci: “…”
If he’s only had a little, why would he call her baby?
Clearly, he’s had too much.
Usually, if you ask a drunk if they’re drunk, they’ll definitely say they’re not.
Asking was pointless, so Mu Ci simply skipped the question.
“Are you feeling unwell? Should I go downstairs and make you some honey water?”
“I am unwell.”
He shook his head. “But I don’t want honey water.”
“Then what do you want?”
Qin Yan lowered his gaze, staring at her soft, pink lips as they parted, lost in thought.
Thinking he was extremely uncomfortable, Mu Ci turned to walk toward the bathroom. “Let me get you a towel to wipe… Ah…”
She hadn’t taken two steps before the man wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, firmly locking her in his embrace.
He lowered his head and nuzzled against her fair neck, his slightly coarse black hair prickling her skin.
A tingling mix of numbness, itchiness, and slight pain—these subtle sensations merged into a uniquely pleasurable feeling.
Like a tiny hook, tugging at her heart.
“I want to hold you.”
Qin Yan’s voice, soaked in alcohol, was exceptionally husky and seductive. “Baby, we haven’t slept together since we got married. How about sharing a bed tonight?”
Mu Ci: “…”
Why did that sound a bit resentful?
But come to think of it, do aloof CEOs always have such a stark contrast when they’re drunk?
Mu Ci simply assumed he wasn’t sober. She raised her hand and patted his head, coaxing him gently. “Our relationship hasn’t reached the point of sharing a bed yet. Be good, okay?”
Qin Yan tilted his head and kissed her fingertip, his tone pitiful. “Just for tonight, can’t we?”
Mu Ci was slightly taken aback.
That pitiful tone, paired with his devilishly handsome face—it was impossible not to feel moved.
But Miss Mu was perfectly clear-headed.
For grown men and women without feelings, sharing a bed just felt awkward no matter what.
Well, let’s not mention that reckless indulgence over a month ago.
Bringing it up only brings regret.
She struggled free from his embrace but didn’t outright refuse, offering another option instead. “I can stay with you until you fall asleep.”
At this point, Qin Yan couldn’t miss her stance.
No matter how much he wanted to possess her, he had to suppress it forcefully, afraid of frightening his little girl.
He compromised. “Fine, I’ll go take a shower.”
Mu Ci sat on the sofa in Qin Yan’s room, listening to the sound of running water from the bathroom, her thoughts gradually drifting away.
No wonder they say a man’s allure is intoxicating—Qin Yan’s face, really, tsk tsk…
Her thoughts drifted further, back to that enchanting night a month ago.
Under the dim light, beads of sweat dripped from the man’s slightly defined chest down to his well-proportioned abs, then followed the line of his sexy V-cut downward, disappearing into the thicket…
Mu Ci suddenly felt a bit thirsty.
She stood up to look for water, but just then, the bathroom door swung open, and their eyes met face to face.
“Hmm?”
Qin Yan’s bathrobe wasn’t properly fastened, the belt loosely tied around his waist, revealing his pale collarbone and a glimpse of his well-defined chest.
Mu Ci felt even thirstier.
She averted her gaze, feeling that saying she was looking for water to drink at this moment would be too obvious, so she blurted out:
“I was worried you might get drunk and run into danger, so I waited here for you.”
Qin Yan raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised.
Then, staring at the girl’s suddenly reddened earlobes, he thought of something and curled his lips into a smile.
Well, if she said she was waiting for him, then she was waiting for him.
He ruffled her hair, his voice low and magnetic: “Thank you, baby.”
It had to be said that Qin Yan, whether in looks, physique, or voice, hit every single one of Mu Ci’s aesthetic preferences.
On a night like this, it was downright dangerous.
The more Miss Mu feared revealing something, the colder her expression would become.
She turned around expressionlessly: “No need to thank me, it’s only right. You should get some sleep.”
One moment her ears were red, the next she turned cool and distant.
As if the sensation of her hair still lingered on his fingertips, Qin Yan withdrew his hand and gave a helpless smile.
Mu Ci sat on the sofa by the bed and finally couldn’t take it anymore after Qin Yan stared at her for the twelfth minute.
“Qin Yan, are you going to sleep or not?”
“I am.”
“Then close your eyes.”
Fresh out of the shower, Qin Yan didn’t seem as sharp as usual. His soft black hair fell across his forehead, and wrapped in the blanket, he gave off an inexplicable urge to ruffle him.
He propped his head up lazily: “I’ll sleep if you chat with me.”
“…”
So she had to entertain him too.
But the condition wasn’t unreasonable. After all, the god of wealth had been generous, solving her family’s financial crisis in one go.
During the day, Ms. Dai Wanfen had even called specifically to remind her to get along well with Qin Yan and to nurture their marriage properly.
Even a plastic marriage was still a marriage, after all.
Mu Ci decided that, within her capabilities, she would meet all the demands of the great god of wealth.
She put down the magazine in her hand: “What do you want to talk about?”
Qin Yan’s eyes were deep, his thick lashes fluttering slightly as he casually said, “Just talk about where you went today.”
Checking her schedule?
Mu Ci thought to herself, didn’t the driver tell you where I went?
She answered truthfully: “In the afternoon, I went to a show with Qiqi, then came back after dinner.”
“Was the show any good?”
“Just average,” Mu Ci thought for a moment and said, “I ran into some annoying people, but I got back at them, so I felt pretty good.”
Qin Yan coaxed her gently: “Only annoying people? Didn’t you run into anything else that made you happy?”
Without giving it much thought, she said: “Yes, I met a very close friend.”
“How close is ‘very close’?”
“It’s just very…”
Mu Ci paused, suddenly lifting her eyes to look at him: “Why do I feel like you’re not chatting with me but interrogating me?”
“…”
What to do when the girl is too clever?
Qin Yan frowned, but before he could speak, he heard Mu Ci add: “Although we’re in a marital relationship, I’m used to being free and don’t like being controlled. Can you understand that, Mr. Qin?”
Miss Mu had never been restrained since childhood, and her family had few demands of her. In a marriage that existed in name only, she didn’t want to feel tied down.
She called him “Mr. Qin,” her tone somewhat serious.
Under the dim light, Qin Yan curled his lips: “Of course I understand…”
Like hell.
He had returned home filled with anger, truly wanting to teach the girl a lesson.
But the moment he saw her, all his anger and resentment vanished, and he couldn’t bring himself to say a single harsh word.
Qin Yan felt frustrated, with nowhere to vent it, and lay back on the pillow, staring at the ceiling.
Seeing that he wasn’t speaking, Mu Ci thought he was about to fall asleep, so she picked up the magazine and continued reading.
A moment later, a slender hand suddenly reached over from beside her, snatching away her magazine before pulling her hand to rest against his cheek, nuzzling it gently.
The scent of his fingertips was fresh and clean.
“Baby.”
His voice was lazy, tinged with the haze of intoxication. “I won’t control you, but promise me you’ll keep your distance from other men, okay?”
Mu Ci: ??
Why was he slipping back into that pitiful, aggrieved tone again?