Even Gu Ziling was extremely interested in Sheng Xiao despite never meeting him.

Nonetheless, Second Brother said, We will follow Grandfathers arrangement since Eighth Brother is coming back. Cease with those sour grapesknow that Eighth Brother is better than I in managing Huang Yao. All of us have to know our place.

Then what about Miss Gu? He clearly doesnt like it here, but she is still going to be his fiance. Grandfather is being too unfair.

We know very well who Eighth Brother loves. It is already very hard on him to not be with the one he loveswhy would you make it harder for him?

At that, Sixth Brother sighed, although he did not continue complaining even if he was not content.

I really hope that Eighth Brother would never come back.

Second Brother said nothing and returned to his work. Though the seed of discontent was growing deep inside his heart as well, it had yet to bud.

Meanwhile, Old Sheng was content with Sheng Xiaos answer, and did not bother the Shen family.

Moreover, he told Gu Ziling about the news that Gu Ziling would meet Sheng Xiao as she hoped to on his birthday.

Over at the Shen family, Old Shen was suspicious of what Sheng Xiao did to finally get them peace and quiet.

As such, during dinner, Sheng Xiao told the old man about his response to his own grandfatherthat he would give him an answer on his birthday.

Youre not going back, are you. Old Shen saw through his act immediately.

It is my fault for getting the Shen family involved. I would take responsibility, naturally. Sheng Xiao replied. And on his birthday, Ill tell him that I intend to stick to the Shen family for the rest of my life, that Im so obsessed and obstinate

Not going public with Zhongteng yet?

When Zhongteng is on the right track and acquires more contacts, others would know that theres a whole new me. Sheng Xiao was not at all concerned with the looks he got out thereembarrassed, mocking, let them look.

At the same time, the military would trust Sheng Xiao more because he could stay stoic despite the humiliation.

Old Shen nodded and lifted a brow. That is going to be a serious blow You would have to handle it well, or your grandfather is going to pin every blame on my family.

Got it

Now that we can breathe, lets go help Jing Yun and Fourth Sister. Mu Qiqi suggested. There are a lot of rumors surrounding the Xu family now too, so things must be nervous at Xu Holdings now.

Sheng Xiao handily held her chin and stare into her eyes. You think Jing Yun cant deal with it?

Its not like I dont trust him. I just feel that this matter must not be dragged out!

Your husband is going to suffer a lot soon. Arent you concerned at all?

Mu Qiqi rolled her eyes and punch his chest. I can tell that youre enjoying this.

Sheng Xiao held her little hand when Old Shen cleared his throat, reminding the pair to take note of the time and place.

Jing Yun would call me if he needs help. He hasnt so far, which means he could still handle it.

Well if thats so, drive me to meet Qianqian later.

Sheng Xiao said nothing, knowing that it has been some time since his little one went to meet her best friend.

After dinner, Sheng Xiao returned to his room for a change of clothes when Old Shen told his granddaughter. The brat is intent on claiming all responsibility on his grandfathers birthday. He loves you and gave up on a lot for you and though Im long-winded and have a lot to say, I have to give it to him that I cant say anything about how serious he is about you.

There are things that even this grandfather cant do, which is why, Qiqi, you cant keep letting him sacrifice himself for you. Because happiness is shared between two people

Mu Qiqi couldnt help clutching at her grandfathers arm at his words. Its not like he has nothing, what with you helping him so much.

I might not be able to support him in his work, but I can give him all my love.

As long as he wont give up on me, I will always be with him, Grandpa.

The old man nodded in content at that. It was so rare for him to feel such a strong love in his grandchildren despite the fickleness of society.

Arent you leaving? Hurry up

Mu Qiqi rose and turn then, only to find Sheng Xiao, who had already changed was standing behind them.

Naturally, he heard her saying I will always be with him.

Why dont you say those sentimental words when Im around?

Because I dont want you to get full of yourself! Mu Qiqi grinned.

***

Indeed, it had been some time since Mu Qiqi and Lu Qianqian got together, with the latter having things in her mind to spill with Mu Qiqi.

The four of them met at a French restaurant, although Mu Qiqi turned suspiciously to Lu Qianqian when she found Lin Muan all bandaged up. Did you hit him?

Lu Qianqian rolled her eyes and answered in frustration, Why would I do that? Its his own grandfather who sent a bunch of thugs to beat him up.

You mean Old Lin?

He returned to the police academy and cut ties with his family. He had to stay with me since he has nowhere to go during break. Maybe his grandfather didnt like us going everywhere together, so

Youve got a spine, at least. Mu Qiqi saw Lin Muan in a new light just then.

Those two had a big fight with the Lin family because of Lu Qianqians birthday, but somehow they were still sticking together as friends.

So what are you planning to do now?

He would go back to the academy when break is over, of course. Why should he keep feeding off me?

Lin Muan listened on, but how was he supposed to eat a steak with one hand?

Little pepper, did you do this on purpose? Coming to a French restaurant when my hand is disabled And after I graduate from the academy, I could keep you safe. How could you be so heartless?

Okay. Ill believe you when your grandfather wouldnt suddenly stop you on the way out and beat you up.

Despite Lu Qianqians scorn, she passed the steak she had already cut into Lin Muan plate.

Mu Qiqi turned by reflex to Sheng Xiao at that.

Everyone could tell whats between them. How did they manage to stick together as bros for so long?

Come to think of it, us children of rich families are really more miserable than the next Lin Muan exclaimed while digging into a steak. Isnt the Crown Prince himself now penniless and reduced to a live-in son-in-law of the Shen family? Its not like he fared any better.

Do you even compare to the Crown Prince? Lu Qianqian promptly retorted. He has the power to change things in his favor. What about you?

Little pepper, dont miss out that Im sincere in every way. Choosing to become a policeman is because of none other than

Lin Muan paused and left you, of course unsaid, and simply blanked out.

None other than? Lu Qianqian asked, folding her arms.