"No, I was just worried I was causing you trouble." Mu Qi patted Yun Shinian's back, a hint of contentment on his lips.
"How could that be? It's no trouble at all." Announcing to everyone that Mu Qi was hers, how could that ever be a bother to Yun Shinian?
"Mhm, as long as it's not."
Mu Qi patted Yun Shinian's back again, his gesture full of reassurance.
...
Meanwhile, in a villa near Qi Yuan, Diao Guan was in his study researching the case of constant crying after regaining consciousness.
Yesterday, after Diao Guan returned home, he received a message from Mu Qi. It seemed Mu Qi was still uneasy about Yun Shinian's continuous tears when she looked at him after waking up.
He had even suggested the possibility of memory distortion, mistaking him for someone else.
Diao Guan specialized in cardiac surgery; he didn't know much about neurological issues. However, when Mu Qi made a request, how could Diao Guan refuse?
Thus, Diao Guan spent the entire night consulting with every neurologist he could reach. The unified conclusion was that the cause was unclear and the theories were far-fetched.
Diao Guan pressed his hands to his forehead, thinking to himself.
He never imagined that the little drama queen would become a medical enigma one day.
"Mu Qi, what is it?"
In Mu Qi's study at Qi Yuan.
Yun Shinian was nestled in Mu Qi's arms, while Mu Qi's brow was furrowed over company documents.
"Niannian, I need to go back to the company."
Mu Qi's frown wasn't due to the documents, but because some shareholders were becoming restless.
Mu Qi's prolonged absence from the company was bound to spark speculation among others. Some shareholders would seize the opportunity to create "accidents" for company projects, constantly attempting to gain control of the company.
"Then I'll go with you." As Mu Qi spoke, Yun Shinian said without hesitation.
Mu Qi didn't agree immediately; he fell silent.
Yun Shinian had just woken up and seemed emotionally unstable.
Mu Qi believed the company's atmosphere was too hostile, not conducive to Yun Shinian's recovery.
"Mu Qi, you don't want me to go with you? Why? Who are you going to see? When I was unconscious..."
"Alright, we'll go together."
Seeing Yun Shinian's thoughts spiraling, Mu Qi reluctantly agreed.
After Mu Qi spoke, noticing Yun Shinian's complexion hadn't improved, he leaned in and kissed her again before carrying her to the bedroom to change.
A moment later, they were ready.
Mu Qi carried Yun Shinian into the car.
It was spring, and the scenery on the mountainside was pleasant.
However, Mu Qi felt no joy. He looked down at Yun Shinian, who was drowsy in his arms, a mix of secret delight and a stinging pain like sand rubbing against his heart.
By the time they reached Mu Corporation, Yun Shinian was safely carried out of the car by Mu Qi.
The company lobby, which had been buzzing with activity in Mu Qi's absence, instantly fell silent with his arrival.
Mu Qi carried Yun Shinian directly to the top floor. Seeing Mu Qi, Shan Gong immediately rose to greet them.
Shan Gong: "Young Master. Madam."
Mu Qi nodded. Yun Shinian, however, lifted her head from Mu Qi's embrace and opened her slightly closed eyes.
"Shan Gong, long time no see."
"Long time no see." Shan Gong rubbed his nose, thinking it had only been a little over ten days, yet Yun Shinian seemed as demure as if she were a different person.
Seeing Mu Qi approaching his office chair, Shan Gong quickly stepped forward to pull it out for him.
During Mu Qi's absence, Shan Gong, well aware of Mu Qi's洁癖 (cleanliness obsession), had procured a new set of desk and chair to place beside it.
However, even without Mu Qi's洁癖, Shan Gong would never dare to sit in Mu Qi's seat.
"Inform everyone that a shareholder meeting will be held tonight.
These people have been probing for so long; it's time they received a response."
Mu Qi's tone was icy and devoid of emotion, a stark contrast to the gentle murmur he used when speaking to Yun Shinian. Yet, this was the tone Shan Gong was most accustomed to and familiar with.
After Mu Qi finished speaking, Shan Gong acknowledged and then left the CEO's office.
After Shan Gong departed, Mu Qi lowered his gaze, intending to pick up the documents on the desk. However, before his fingers could touch them, he instinctively met Yun Shinian's crescent eyes.
Mu Qi froze, his heart instantly filled with regret. He should have spoken more gently just now.
"Niannian, would you like something to eat?"
"Can I have whatever I want to eat?" Yun Shinian asked with a smile.
This was the first time Mu Qi had seen Yun Shinian smile since she woke up. Mu Qi's mind went blank, and he nodded instinctively.
"Then I want to eat spicy strips." Yun Shinian curved her lips, her eyes glinting with teasing.
Mu Qi was taken aback, then shook his head: "You can want it, but you can't eat it."
"What about you? Can I eat you?" As she spoke, Yun Shinian lightly pinched Mu Qi's neck.
"Don't mess around."
The temperature at the nape of his neck slowly rose. Mu Qi removed Yun Shinian's hand from his neck and pulled her into his embrace.
At six in the evening, Mu Qi led Yun Shinian into the conference room.
Perhaps because of Mu Qi's extended absence, some had forgotten the feeling of trepidation and had started to find fault with him.
"Mr. Mu, it's not appropriate for you to bring an outsider to a Mu Corporation shareholder meeting, is it?"
Seeing Mu Qi remain silent, Shan Gong, who was behind him, retorted: "Mr. Li, what are you implying? When did a member of our Mu family become an outsider?"
Mu Qi paused his steps towards the main seat, not looking at Mr. Li, but instead looking at Yun Shinian in his arms.
Yun Shinian met Mu Qi's phoenix eyes, her expression turning grim.
She didn't want to leave Mu Qi.
Will this truly affect Niannian's mood?
This scene, caught in Mu Qi's eyes, led to his misunderstanding.
Mu Qi ultimately did not put Yun Shinian down; he was even more worried about leaving her alone outside.
After Shan Gong's retort to Mr. Li, the entire conference room fell silent.
Once Yun Shinian was seated, Mu Qi announced the start of the meeting.
"Mr. Li, you've been quite busy during my absence, haven't you?"
"I heard the project manager for our perfume brand collaboration with Azure Company is your son-in-law? Su Dan Novel Network.
I recall your daughter and your son-in-law's younger brother have a good relationship; that would be quite a tale to tell."
As Mu Qi finished speaking, Mr. Li took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Mu Qi's words, though seemingly tactful, were utterly devoid of mercy.