Chapter 173: Uncle, why are you holding sister’s hand

Chapter 173: Uncle, Why Are You Holding Sister's Hand?

Both were formidable figures in the capital.

Yet, both found themselves in an awkward predicament.

Mu Lan chuckled softly, her gaze drifting to Zhi Zhi, who was playing with her "Small Fish" doll. A tender smile graced Mu Lan's lips.

"I hear you're looking for someone—Zhi Zhi's mother?"

Nothing escaped Mu Lan's notice. Fu Cheng had requested street surveillance footage late last night, and by early morning, Mu Lan was already aware.

Though, clearly, this was a deliberate ploy to lure her in.

A blush crept up her neck, and Mu Lan cleared her throat to mask her discomfort.

Fu Cheng didn't seem to notice her reaction. He took a small sip of water and, in a low voice, responded, "I have some leads, but nothing concrete. I can only wait until she's willing to see me."

Haunted by thoughts of the woman he loved, Fu Cheng hadn't had a good night's rest in a long time.

A trace of weariness shadowed his impeccably handsome features. "Perhaps I did something wrong, but it doesn't matter. I'll bring her back."

Pressing his lips together, Fu Cheng set down his cup and walked towards the lounge area, effortlessly scooping up his daughter. "How about we freeload a meal at your godmother's place today? I bet she has lots of delicious food."

Zhi Zhi still clutched her "Small Fish" doll. As her father lifted her, her limbs dangled from his arms, swinging with his every movement.

Hearing her father's words, Zhi Zhi looked up, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Okay! Thank you, Sister!"

Her persistent refusal to change her address for Mu Lan made Fu Cheng unable to resist ruffling her short hair.

It was getting late. Mu Lan set aside her work, preparing to take the father-daughter duo out for dinner.

Just then, a knock sounded at the office door.

The secretary poked her head in, an awkward smile on her face. "President Mu, Mr. Qin is here."

Qin Yichuan—the wealthy scion from Jiangnan who had been relentlessly pursuing Mu Lan.

Nearly thirty, he was a few years younger than Mu Lan. Unlike the refined gentlemen typical of Jiangnan, Qin Yichuan, who had pushed his way into the office after the secretary's announcement, was tall and exuded an impressive aura.

The man wore a vintage suit, liberally doused in men's cologne. His short hair was meticulously styled, and a deep red pocket square was tucked into his breast pocket.

He looked exceptionally... flashy.

Mu Lan stared at Qin Yichuan, who had shed his usual puppy-dog demeanor, her eye twitching. "What are you doing here?"

Qin Yichuan adjusted his cuffs and chuckled. "I have a project I'd like to discuss with President Mu. What a coincidence—President Mu and... this gentleman are about to leave? Are you going out for a meal?"

Even his speech had adopted a formal, business-like tone. Anyone unaware might genuinely believe he was there to discuss a project.

"Yes, we're about to leave. I've already stated I won't be seeing anyone today. If President Qin wishes to discuss a project, please come back early tomorrow."

She had been thoroughly exhausted by his antics lately. With her goddaughter visiting, she simply wanted to relax.

Qin Yichuan must have caught wind of it and rushed over, determined not to let her enjoy a peaceful meal.

Mu Lan's words clearly conveyed her intention to dismiss him.

But Qin Yichuan acted as if he hadn't heard. Instead, he took the initiative, smiling at Fu Cheng. "I know a new private kitchen recently opened in the capital. The food is quite good. If President Fu doesn't mind, this meal is on me—consider it my thanks for President Fu's care for Lan... President Mu over the years."

The man's near slip of a pet name made Fu Cheng's lips curl into a smirk.

Never one to shy away from stirring the pot, he ignored Mu Lan's warning glance, which clearly urged him to decline. He nodded instead, smiling, "Perfect. I've been out of the capital lately and wasn't aware of this new private kitchen. Then we'll let President Qin treat us."

The two parried like tai chi masters, their exchange outwardly polite and humble. Yet, in private, Qin Yichuan's gaze at Fu Cheng was filled with fierce animosity.

Among those in the business world, Fu Cheng's reputation was already legendary nationwide.

Qin Yichuan, nearly a decade younger than Fu Cheng, had grown up hearing his parents recount Fu Cheng's exploits.

His current trip to the capital had led to a chance encounter with Mu Lan, and he'd fallen for her at first sight. Yet, she had an entangled history with Fu Cheng.

He had hired someone to investigate. Mu Lan had just divorced, and rumors were already circulating about her close relationship with Fu Cheng. Given that Fu Cheng had never married, many speculated they might end up together.

Lately, he had been relentlessly pursuing Mu Lan, wearing down her patience until she refused to see him. He could only use matters related to the Fu family to coax Mu Lan into letting him enter her home.

The thought made Qin Yichuan's gaze at Fu Cheng grow even darker.

Beside them, Mu Lan watched the scene unfold, inwardly groaning.

She shot a sharp glare at Fu Cheng, who seemed to be enjoying the spectacle. Before she could avert her gaze, she felt a warm, dry hand envelop her own small one.

She lowered her eyes to their joined hands, then looked up to meet Qin Yichuan's wounded, puppy-dog expression. Mu Lan instinctively tried to pull her hand away.

Qin Yichuan seemed prepared, tightening his grip on her hand. He then turned to Fu Cheng and gestured for him to lead the way.

Fu Cheng, holding his daughter, couldn't suppress the smile playing on his lips.

Zhi Zhi, dangling from her father's arm, witnessed Qin Yichuan holding Mu Lan's hand.

Clutching her "Small Fish" doll tightly, Zhi Zhi piped up in her sweet, childish voice, "Uncle, why are you holding Sister's hand?"

Her brother had told her that boys shouldn't casually hold girls' hands, and Zhi Zhi's little hands shouldn't be held by just any boy.

The toddler's innocent question brought varied expressions to the faces of the three adults present.

Qin Yichuan froze, then looked at Zhi Zhi in Fu Cheng's arms, a look of disbelief on his face. "Me... uncle?"

He didn't look that old—twenty-something at most.

If not for his plan today to show Fu Cheng who truly deserved Mu Lan, he wouldn't have dressed like this at all.

Mu Lan, after a moment of stunned silence, immediately stifled a laugh.

Seizing the moment while Qin Yichuan was distracted, she reached out, scooped Zhi Zhi into her arms, and planted a loud kiss on her cheek. "You're truly Godmother's good daughter, so wonderful!"

Though unsure why her "sister" was kissing her, Zhi Zhi couldn't help but wrap her arms around Mu Lan's shoulders and return the kiss on her cheek. "Sister is wonderful too!"

The heartwarming scene of the godmother and goddaughter's affection filled Qin Yichuan with both frustration and a sense of dread.

Supporting Zhi Zhi's bottom to prevent her legs from bumping Mu Lan's stomach, Qin Yichuan frowned and whispered, "Be careful with the baby. What if the child accidentally kicks?"

Mu Lan glanced at him, saying softly, "Zhi Zhi knows better. She likes her little brother and wouldn't do anything to him."

Her gaze remained calm and unruffled, as if their child held no particular importance in her heart.

Qin Yichuan had never imagined he would fall in love at first sight with a woman a few years his senior.

Nor had he expected that their one-night stand would result in her carrying his child.

He had accelerated the relocation of his family business to the capital, rushing to Mu Lan's side whenever he had a moment of leisure.

Yet, she wanted nothing to do with him, frequently shutting him out and leaving him frustrated.

Especially recently, Mu Lan's energy hadn't been good, and seeing him only annoyed her, making her even more unwilling to meet him.

It was only this morning, when he brought her the copy of the surveillance footage Fu Cheng had requested, that she finally agreed to let him in.

Now, Fu Cheng himself stood before him, holding his daughter—Mu Lan's most beloved goddaughter.

But Qin Yichuan had no leverage at all, because Mu Lan had stated that she would raise the child in her belly alone.

Raising a single child would have no impact on the Mu family whatsoever.

At this thought, frustration clouded Qin Yichuan's eyes. "At the very least... you should take precautions."

When Mu Lan offered no further response, Qin Yichuan took a deep breath and turned to Fu Cheng, whose eyes were twinkling with amusement.

Anger surged within him, and Qin Yichuan clenched his fists before gesturing for Fu Cheng to leave.

He feared that if he didn't get Fu Cheng out soon, he wouldn't be able to stop himself from throwing a punch.