"What's that?"
Xiao Wenqing's expression changed slightly as she stared in shock at the small bottle in Wu Tianyi's hand.
Wu Tianyi narrowed his eyes and studied her face for a moment before letting out a laugh—one that sent chills down the spine.
Holding the bottle between his fingers, he said calmly, "This is a drug that can kill without leaving a trace. Put one pill in Mo Jingteng's drink every day. Within three months..."
He made a cutting motion across his neck.
Xiao Wenqing's face turned pale instantly, a flicker of fear in her eyes. "That's too much... Murder means a death sentence."
Wu Tianyi sneered, his tone suddenly cold. "Wenqing, don't make me laugh. You've killed before."
Her face stiffened. She lowered her head and avoided his eyes.
He grabbed her chin, forcing her to look up. "Tell me, Wenqing... you're not growing soft on Mo Jingteng, are you? Don't tell me you've fallen in love with him after all these years?"
"No! Of course not!" Xiao Wenqing panicked, shaking her head. "Tianyi, how could I love him? The only reason I stayed by his side was for you. The man I love has always been you."
Wu Tianyi's eyes narrowed with hate. "But you still gave birth to his son."
His voice trembled with suppressed rage. That was the deepest scar in his life—seeing the woman he loved bear another man's child.
Overwhelmed by anger, his grip tightened, and Xiao Wenqing gasped in pain. "Tianyi, it hurts..."
He finally let her go and walked over to the window, pulling aside the curtain to gaze at the night.
Xiao Wenqing rubbed her sore jaw, put on her robe, got up, and walked behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and said softly, "Tianyi, it was an accident. If it weren't for what happened during Zixuan's birth, we would've had our own child too. Everything—everything is that vile Jiang Huiyun's fault."
She blamed Jiang Huiyun for everything, especially for making her lose the chance to ever become a mother again. And even though she had made Jiang Huiyun pay with her life, the regret of not being able to eliminate her son still lingered.
Later That Night
Wen Ran hadn't expected Mo Xiuchen to come home so early.
After returning from the hospital, she had taken a shower and was lounging on the bed chatting with Bai Xiaoxiao on the phone when she heard footsteps in the hallway. Startled, she quickly said goodbye and hung up, jumping off the bed and hurrying to the door.
She opened it just as Mo Xiuchen was about to do the same. His tall figure stood before her, one hand already reaching for the doorknob.
"You're back early!"
Their eyes met. Wen Ran beamed brightly, her voice light and cheerful.
Mo Xiuchen narrowed his eyes slightly, gazing into her sparkling eyes. "You seem happy—what's the good news?"
"Huh?"
Wen Ran blinked, caught off guard by his question. Realizing she might've sounded too enthusiastic, she flushed and touched her nose awkwardly. "No, not really. Just surprised you're home so early. I thought you'd be back past midnight again like the last couple of nights. Did you drink a lot?"
The strong scent of alcohol hit her, prompting her to instinctively lean away and frown slightly.
He nodded, stepping inside while explaining, "I left the dinner early, so they made me drink three glasses. But don't worry, it's not enough to get me drunk."
"You left early? Is that okay?"
She followed him into the bedroom, eyes filled with concern.
Mo Xiuchen handed her his coat and began unfastening his tie. He unbuttoned his shirt collar and rolled up his sleeves. "My dad's still there. Ah Mu too. It's fine if I slip away a bit early—the meal was wrapping up anyway. They're probably heading to the next round now."
Wen Ran knew well that business dinners rarely ended with just a meal. There were always follow-up activities.
"Did you eat anything? Want me to make you something?"
Although he didn't say it, she suspected his early return had something to do with her phone call that afternoon. A warm feeling bloomed in her heart. She looked up at him with gentle concern.
Mo Xiuchen's eyes flickered. "Didn't eat much. Zhang Ma is making something for me now. I'll go shower—can you grab me some pajamas?"
"Sure!"
She answered without hesitation, then hung up his coat and went into the walk-in closet. Watching her slim silhouette disappear inside, a gentle smile tugged at Mo Xiuchen's lips before he turned toward the bathroom.
After handing him his pajamas, Wen Ran headed downstairs to check on the food.
"Zhang Ma, I'll take it up!"
Just as the noodles were done, Wen Ran appeared in the kitchen. Zhang Ma smiled and said, "Young Madam, I'll do it. Be careful—it's hot."
"It's okay, I got it."
Wen Ran carried the bowl carefully upstairs. Just as she entered the bedroom, Mo Xiuchen came out of the bathroom. She placed the noodles on the coffee table and called out, "You came out just in time—Zhang Ma's noodles smell amazing!"
Mo Xiuchen stood a few steps away, tall and striking. Under the soft glow of the chandelier, he watched her with a quiet intensity. Her glowing skin and playful smile were radiant and full of life.
His lips curved slightly. Ever since she moved in, the house no longer felt cold and silent. It was filled with a comforting warmth.
"Is it really that good? It's just noodles."
There was an unconscious tenderness in his voice as he walked over and pulled her to sit beside him on the couch.
"It smells really good! My brother even says Zhang Ma's cooking is the best."
Wen Ran pushed the bowl closer to him and scooted a bit farther away.
"I heard you had dinner at the hospital?"
Mo Xiuchen picked up the chopsticks, lifting a strand of noodles to his mouth.
"Mm. Did Xiao Liu tell you? There was extra food for my brother, so I stayed and ate with him. I also needed to explain some things before my trip."
"What did you want to talk about this afternoon?"
He looked at her calmly, his tone casual but firm.
Wen Ran paused, blinking. "There's something I wanted to discuss... But you eat first. I'll tell you after."
"Just say it. I'll listen while I eat."
His deep voice left no room for argument.