Before them stood what appeared to be a large styling studio.
Mu Qi placed his hand on the door frame, carefully shielding Yun Shunnian as she exited the car. Once she was out, he held her hand tightly and led her inside.
"Mr. Mu, have you come to collect the suit? We've finished it and were planning to deliver it to you tomorrow."
As Mu Qi and Yun Shunnian entered, a woman in a sleek, minimalist yet designer outfit approached them.
Yun Shunnian looked closely, finding her somewhat familiar. Wasn't this the designer she often saw on Mu Qi's phone news? Clearly, the woman had achieved great success in the fashion industry.
"No, today I'm here for my wife," Mu Qi said, his gaze involuntarily shifting to Yun Shunnian to gauge her expression.
Seeing that Yun Shunnian showed no resistance, Mu Qi breathed a sigh of relief. He still couldn't fully trust that Yun Shunnian would stay by his side, always fearing she might vanish in the next moment.
"Wife?" The stylist then noticed Mu Qi's hand was still tightly clasped with Yun Shunnian's.
"It's me. Hello, I'm here to attend the Mu family's get-together." After speaking, Yun Shunnian turned to meet Mu Qi's gaze, silently asking if she had said it correctly. "What's wrong? Are you not feeling well?" However, Mu Qi missed Yun Shunnian's subtle inquiry and instead became overly concerned.
"I'll take you to the hospital," Mu Qi declared, then scooped Yun Shunnian into his arms and headed for the exit.
Yun Shunnian hugged him and whispered an explanation in his ear.
Watching Mu Qi's anxious state, Yun Shunnian felt a pang of sympathy, yet also a profound sense of security. It was as if only then could she feel Mu Qi’s care for her, his need for her.
"Are you really alright?" Mu Qi asked again, looking down at Yun Shunnian in his arms.
"I'm truly fine, Mu Qi," Yun Shunnian quickly reassured him, fearing they would be late if this continued.
Mu Qi slowly turned back, heading toward the studio.
"Put me down, Mu Qi," Yun Shunnian patted his arm, signaling him to let her go.
But Mu Qi merely pursed his lips and carried her back into the studio.
The stylist, witnessing Mu Qi's excessive concern for Yun Shunnian, became even more attentive.
Soon, with Yun Shunnian's input and the stylist's recommendations, her look was complete. A simple, aquamarine gown, paired with a heart-shaped silver pendant, perfectly accentuated Yun Shunnian's sweet yet ethereal beauty.
"Mu Qi, do I look good?" Yun Shunnian wasn't someone who paid much attention to her appearance; she cared more about Mu Qi's opinion of her.
Mu Qi stared at Yun Shunnian, momentarily stunned. He then turned his head away, but Yun Shunnian still saw the blush rising on his ears.
Yun Shunnian smiled sweetly and then linked her arm with his as they walked out.
The stylist watched the scene and sighed inwardly. She had thought that as Mu Qi's stylist, she would be the woman who interacted with him the most. She had never expected a "madam" to suddenly appear.
***
Yun Shunnian had her makeup done and changed into her gown. Naturally, she couldn't be as unrestrained in the back seat with Mu Qi as she had been before; the driver had to resume normal speed.
All the way there, Yun Shunnian was mentally preparing herself, thus failing to notice Mu Qi's frequent glances her way.
They arrived at the old Mu family mansion. As Mu Qi reached for her hand to help her out of the car, Yun Shunnian suddenly remembered she had forgotten a gift.
"What? Regretting it?" Mu Qi's tone was harsh. *Is she still unwilling to accept him, unwilling to acknowledge her status as Mrs. Mu?* Mu Qi's thoughts sank into a dark loop.
"Mu Qi, come here a moment," Yun Shunnian tugged at his sleeve, feeling embarrassed amidst the crowd. *No need for a strong grip; Mu Qi would hold her tightly anyway, never giving her the chance to vanish unexpectedly.*
"You must come in with me today." Even if he had to carry her in, even if she threw a tantrum, he wanted everyone to know she was his wife. Mu Qi's gaze upon Yun Shunnian was intensely deep.
"No, Mu Qi, come here first." Seeing that there were very few people around, Yun Shunnian urgently pulled Mu Qi, worried that being late would leave a bad impression on his family.
Before she could finish, Mu Qi walked towards her, scooped her up, and carried her towards the old residence.
"Mu Qi, put me down quickly. I just wanted to say I didn't prepare a gift, and it won't be good to go in like this."
Mu Qi pursed his lips, ignoring Yun Shunnian's protest, and carried her directly to the hall. He then put her down and kept her firmly by his side. Seeing this, Yun Shunnian could only play along.
"Oh my, is this the young lady Mu Qi just brought home?"
Yun Shunnian looked at the elegant, bejeweled woman holding a wine glass and tugged at Mu Qi's hand again.
Recalling the experience at the stylist's studio, Mu Qi didn't immediately pick Yun Shunnian up this time. Instead, he turned and cupped her face in his hands, carefully examining her for any discomfort. He loved her the most and understood her best; not a single subtle expression escaped his notice. Yet, when Yun Shunnian showed him affection, Mu Qi appeared bewildered and naive.
"I'm fine," Yun Shunnian, realizing Mu Qi had misunderstood, quickly tried to pull his hands away. She was worried about her increased strength and feared hurting Mu Qi if she couldn't control her power, especially in this situation. She dared not make any sudden movements. It seemed she needed to improve their synergy in this regard.
"Xiao Qi, let go of the young lady. She wants you to call me Auntie so she can call me Auntie too. What are you doing cupping her face like that?" After the dignified woman spoke. The face cupped by Mu Qi nodded vigorously.