Little Bean must have heard a sound because he turned around after putting on his T-shirt. He then flashed her a bright smile. “Mommy, good morning!”
Han Muzi froze for a while, but she happily returned his smile. She walked toward him and patted his head. “Wash up and let’s have breakfast downstairs. I’ll send you to school later.”
“Ok!” Little Bean nodded eagerly. Then, he went into the bathroom to wash up.
After the two of them were done, they went downstairs together for breakfast. However, they were not greeted with the usual delicious fragrance of rice. Instead, they saw Han Qing sitting alone in the living room.
“Uncle Qing.” When he saw Han Qing, Little Bean ran toward Han Qing with his short legs for a hug. Han Qing picked him up with an arm. “Have you washed up? I’ll take you all out for breakfast before sending you to school.”
“Eh?” Little Bean exclaimed in confusion. “Isn’t Aunt Yan preparing breakfast today?”
He pursed his lips without saying a word and thought to himself, She will most probably not come downstairs until I leave.
“That’s right. Isn’t Yan up yet?” Han Muzi propped her chin on her knuckles as she thought to herself, That doesn’t seem right. Based on Yan’s character, despite sleeping late last night, she wouldn’t stay in bed for so long.
“I’ll check on her, and see if she’s still in bed.” Han Muzi was about to turn around, but Han Qing stopped her. “Forget it.”
“Huh?” Han Muzi stopped dead in her tracks and turned around to gaze at Han Qing suspiciously. “What is it?”
Under her scrutiny, Han Qing felt rather embarrassed to explain further. Hence, he coughed into his fist and brushed things off. “There’s not much time left. Let her sleep; we can go ahead for breakfast. You can phone her later or she can catch up with us as well.”
Han Muzi checked the time and thought Han Qing’s suggestion made sense. Hence, she didn’t think much of it; instead, she nodded and took her handbag. They then brought along Little Bean and left together.
When they were waiting for the elevator, Han Muzi phoned Yan. However, Yan didn’t pick up her phone, despite Han Muzi trying twice.
“That’s strange. Why isn’t she answering her phone?” she complained in bewilderment.
Han Qing, who was standing right beside her, hesitated before glancing sideways at Han Muzi’s phone. “Maybe send her a message?”
Han Muzi asked doubtfully, “Would a message wake her up when a phone call can’t? Let me try calling again.”
Ding! The elevator arrived just then, and Han Muzi had no choice but to enter the elevator.
There was no reception in the elevator, so Han Muzi ended the phone call after weighing her options. She composed a message to Yan, telling her to update her once she was up and done with her morning preparations.
When she was done typing the message, Han Muzi sent it out the moment they got out of the elevator. Han Muzi and Little Bean waited at the entrance of the residential community since Han Qing was driving the car over.
Little Bean was most probably still feeling groggy because he leaned against Han Muzi’s legs in a lopsided manner while hugging her with both arms. Han Muzi patted his head gently while she called Yan with her other hand. In the end, Yan did not answer her phone call, leaving Han Muzi utterly befuddled. What is wrong with this girl today? Forget waking up late, why is it so difficult to wake her up? Did something happen?
Just when she was considering the possibilities, Yan replied to her message via WeChat, ‘You guys go ahead with breakfast. I’m not tagging along.’
Initially, Han Muzi wanted to ask what was the issue, but something struck her. She wasn’t around when we were talking about going out for breakfast. How would she know that I’m calling her out for breakfast?
After piecing together Han Qing’s reaction earlier, Han Muzi felt as if she was onto something. She then narrowed her eyes suspiciously. ‘Did you do something naughty again?’
‘Huh? What nonsense is that? How could I possibly do anything naughty?’ Yan’s message revealed that she was losing her temper, and so Han Muzi couldn’t help but smile broadly while shaking her head in resignation.
‘Do you think I don’t know you after being friends for so many years? Would you give up the chance of interacting with your crush without a valid reason?’
‘Hmph, let’s assume you’ve guessed correctly. Anyway, you shouldn’t spout nonsense. Besides, I will not be having breakfast with you because I’ll have it at home.’
‘Alright. Good luck. Seize the chance of becoming Mrs. Han as soon as possible.’ Han Muzi kept her phone after she was done teasing Yan.
After breakfast, Han Qing and Han Muzi sent Little Bean to school. Since it was along the way, Han Qing drove Han Muzi to the company as well. Yan was already in the office by the time Han Muzi arrived.
Yan turned around and ran in the opposite direction when she saw Han Muzi.
“Stop right there,” Han Muzi called for her. She squinted at Yan suspiciously. “Why are you so afraid of me? What despicable things did you do this morning?’
Yan’s back was facing Han Muzi, and she just wouldn’t turn to face her. She finally snorted after a long pause, “There’s nothing to explain. Things are just as how you know they are. It’s up to you what you want to think. I-I’m off to work.” With that, Yan left Han Muzi swiftly.
Han Muzi burst out laughing while looking at Yan’s back view. Then, she walked to her desk in a relaxed manner. Han Muzi’s head started throbbing when she saw a pile of design drawings on her desk. So much work has accumulated. I suppose I’m going to be extremely busy in the next few days. After completing these, I still have to draw a design for Ye Moxuan.
Han Muzi was busy sorting out the pile of design drawings and documents all morning. It was already noon by the time she was done. After lunch, Han Muzi wasn’t planning on resting because she wanted to continue with work. However, Yan barged into her office in a panic. “Lin Qingqing is here.”
Han Muzi was stunned for a moment at the mention of Lin Qingqing’s name. After that, she looked up at Yan. “She’s here?”
“Mm-hmm.” Yan nodded while looking alert. “Should I call the police? What if…”
“No need for that.” Han Muzi shook her head. “Let her come in.”
“Muzi, what will you do if she tries to hurt you again? I think it’s best we call the police.” Yan took her phone out swiftly. She looked as if she was about to phone the police.
“I am confident she wouldn’t harm me. Let her in. I have something to discuss with her.”
“But…” Yan was still hesitant.
“Don’t worry. Go ahead; I’ll be fine.”
In the end, Yan had no choice but to invite Lin Qingqing in reluctantly.
Lin Qingqing did not come empty-handed, and neither was she alone. Mrs. Lin was right behind her, and she was smiling when she entered the office.
Mrs. Lin immediately flashed Han Muzi an apologetic look when she saw her. “I’m so sorry, Miss Han. Are we bothering your lunchtime by dropping by at this hour?”
With that, She nudged Lin Qingqing who was standing beside her. Lin Qingqing looked especially uncomfortable, but she pouted anyway. “I don’t think so. Why would we be a bother since we are only in her office?”
Mrs. Lin’s smile stiffened across her face, and she snapped sternly, “Is that the way to speak?”
Lin Qingqing seemed very uncomfortable. “I promised her that I’d stay in jail to repent and reflect upon my sins. However… since we have resolved the issue privately, the police wouldn’t let me stay any longer.” She looked at Han Muzi awkwardly. “It’s not that I’m breaking my promise; these things are just out of my control. Mother and I came over immediately upon my release,” she explained.
“Is that so?” Han Muzi had a calm expression. After that, she pointed at the couch across the room. “Have a seat.”
