“……”
Qin Yan’s deep eyes suddenly contracted, and he almost lost his grip on the steering wheel.
His foot instinctively pressed on the brake, but he immediately remembered he couldn’t slam it—the young lady was still sitting in the passenger seat, so he needed to keep it steady.
Mu Ci watched as the man’s calm and refined expression suddenly rippled with emotion, feeling a bit smug.
Like a mischievous little cat who had successfully pulled off a sneak attack.
She had thought it over: since they were going to get married, the baby in her belly definitely couldn’t be kept a secret.
Since she had to tell him anyway, better sooner than later.
Many men only talk big, but when it comes to matters involving children, they back down.
In a way, she actually hoped Qin Yan was that kind of person.
It would be like handing the decision-making power over to him, freeing her from the dilemma.
But who would have thought—
“Thank goodness I found you.”
After the initial shock faded from Qin Yan’s face, what replaced it was a look of relief, as if he had narrowly escaped disaster.
Mu Ci was stunned for a moment. “What do you mean?”
The car stopped at a red light. Qin Yan rested one hand on the steering wheel and turned to look at her, his gaze deep—so deep it seemed to pull her in.
He said, “Happy wedding, Mrs. Qin.”
Mu Ci was thoroughly choked up by Qin Yan’s “Mrs. Qin.”
It wasn’t until they arrived at the Mu family home that she snapped out of it.
Just before entering, Mu Ci suddenly grabbed him. “Mr. Qin, you need to be mentally prepared. My mom really isn’t an ordinary person.”
Qin Yan frowned. “What did you call me?”
“…Qin Yan.”
Facing Qin Qiqi’s uncle, Mu Ci always felt there was a generational gap between them.
Qin Yan wasn’t entirely satisfied with this form of address either, but he didn’t say anything, simply nodding slightly. “I’m prepared.”
Mu Ci gave him a complicated look, thinking to herself, I hope you still feel prepared in a moment.
The living room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
As the two walked to the entrance, they felt a chill run down their necks, a cold sensation sweeping over them.
Mu Ci’s mother, Dai Wanfen, and her aunt, Dai Wanli, were sitting on the sofa, both wearing the same eerie expression.
Mu Ci immediately wanted to run.
But Qin Yan grabbed her, his palm warm, his fingers gently entwining with hers in a silent reassurance.
“Mom, Auntie.” Mu Ci walked over and called out obediently.
It was worth noting that Miss Mu had been spoiled and headstrong since childhood and had never been this well-behaved before.
But this display of obedience didn’t earn her any goodwill.
Dai Wanfen didn’t even look at her, just snorted through her nose.
“Mom, Auntie.” Qin Yan followed suit, calling out politely, his voice low, magnetic, and gentle.
Mu Ci was stunned, completely speechless.
They haven’t even started discussing anything yet—how come he’s already addressing them like that?
Sure enough, this form of address made the two Mrs. Dais lift their noble heads, scrutinizing Qin Yan from head to toe.
Qin Yan stood straight, his figure and aura instantly outshining any model, radiating an imposing presence that seemed to fill the room. He let them look as they pleased.
Both Mrs. Dais were absolute fans of good looks. They exchanged a knowing glance without a word.
The aunt was the first to relent. “Sit down first.”
Mu Ci quickly pulled Qin Yan to sit down.
Dai Wanfen’s gaze fell on their tightly clasped hands, and she sneered. “Young people these days are so trendy, all into flash marriages.”
Qin Yan’s thin lips curved into a polite smile as he replied calmly, “It’s not exactly a flash marriage. We’ve known each other for over a month.”
“How did you meet?”
“At a friend’s gathering.”
“Did she chase you, or did you chase her?”
“I chased her.”
…
For every question Dai Wanfen threw at him, Qin Yan answered instantly.
Sitting there, listening to Qin Yan weave his seamless lies, Mu Ci felt utterly bewildered, as if her world had been turned upside down.
Now I think I understand why Qin Yan was able to revive the Qin Corporation.
After a round of “interrogation,” Dai Wanfen was quite impressed by Qin Yan’s eloquence and demeanor, her expression softening.
Her gaze shifted back and forth between Mu Ci and him as she asked the final question.
“What do you like about Xiao Ci?”
Hearing this, Qin Yan glanced sideways at Mu Ci, his gaze meaningful yet seemingly filled with infinite tenderness. “I like everything about her.”
“Pfft—”
Aunt Dai Wanli spat out her tea.
Mu Ci felt goosebumps all over from his stare.
What the hell, is it necessary to act to this extent?
Dai Wanfen gave Qin Yan a deep look.
She was indeed upset, angry that her daughter had rashly settled her marriage without consulting her.
But seeing Qin Yan today—handsome, well-spoken, impeccable in manners, and gentle and caring toward Xiao Ci—much of her anger inexplicably faded away.
Qin Yan seemed oblivious to the thoughts of the three women, calmly proceeding at his own pace.
His gaze fell on several high-end luxury brand catalogs on the coffee table. He raised an eyebrow slightly and casually asked, “Mom, do you like bags? Have you seen any you like?”
When it came to bags, the two Dai sisters perked up.
“We’ve seen quite a few we like, but the salesperson said this season’s new releases are hard to order. Many were already reserved overseas.”
“We couldn’t get any of the three bags we liked last season. It’s so frustrating.”
Qin Yan leaned forward and flipped through the catalogs. “I’m very familiar with these brands. Just tell me which ones you and Auntie like, and I’ll help you order them.”
“…”
After two seconds of silence, the two Dai ladies went wild.
Ten minutes later, Qin Yan was sandwiched between them on the sofa, while Mu Ci was squeezed to the other side.
Miss Mu rested her chin on her hand, watching her mother and aunt gradually lose themselves and abandon their principles over luxury bags. She couldn’t help but marvel—
Qin Yan was truly clever, instantly grasping the Dai ladies’ weakness.
She glanced at the clock on the wall and couldn’t resist interrupting them. “Mom, stop chatting. Where’s Dad?”
Dai Wanfen snapped out of her bag-ordering joy and slapped her forehead. “Oh, your dad? He’s in the study, refusing to come down. He’s still angry.”
Hearing this, Qin Yan calmly stood up. “Mom, Auntie, please continue looking. I’ll go to the study.”
This time, Mu Ci didn’t accompany him.
She didn’t want to be part of a conversation between men.
Dai Wanfen, having chosen her bags, was in an exceptionally good mood and couldn’t help but praise him.
“To be honest, this Xiao Qin is really impressive. Young and accomplished, he’s managed the Qin Corporation so well. His future is limitless!”
Mu Ci mercilessly exposed her. “Is it his future that’s limitless or your bag-ordering future?”
“You silly child, what’s his or mine? We’re all family now. It’s ours!”
Mu Ci sneered. “…”
Well, now they’re family.
Auntie looked up the stairs with concern. “Sis, it’s been so long without any movement. Do you think Brother-in-law might lose his temper and hit Xiao Qin?”
Dai Wanfen wasn’t sure. “Hard to say. You know Old Mu. He seems easygoing, but when he really gets angry, even I’m afraid of him.”
Mu Ci blinked, silently lighting a candle for Qin Yan in her heart.
Praying—
Praying he wouldn’t get his legs broken.
Half an hour later, Mu Ci stood at the doorway with a numb expression.
Mu Xiuling solemnly placed the household register in Qin Yan’s hands and entrusted him with a heavy responsibility.
“From now on, you must take good care of Xiao Ci, love and protect her. The two of you must live in harmony.”
Qin Yan received the household register with both hands, replying with equal solemnity, “Dad, rest assured, I will take good care of Xiao Ci.”
Mu Ci rolled her eyes.
This act was a bit too much, wasn’t it?
Dai Wanfen also came out to see them off, holding Qin Yan’s hand and refusing to let go, saying warmly:
“Xiao Qin, when you first came in, it wasn’t that Mom was giving you a hard time—I just wanted to test you a little. Don’t take it to heart.”
Mu Ci’s eyes nearly rolled to the back of her head.
Once in the car, she finally couldn’t hold back and asked, “What exactly did you say to make my dad agree to our marriage?”
Her father used to always say that Xiao Ci was his precious treasure, and anyone who dared to covet her would have their legs broken.
Qin Yan turned the steering wheel, replying nonchalantly, “Your family’s company has been having some issues lately, struggling with funding. I resolved it.”
Mu Ci felt her worldview shatter. “So my dad sold me off for a bit of money?”
Qin Yan added, “Not a bit—a lot.”
“…” Fine.
Miss Mu fell silent.
Who could blame the God of Wealth for having the power of money, money, money?