Chapter 196 - Obstruction
Mu Sifa hurriedly entered the hall without bothering to change his shoes.
Only upon spotting Shang Cijie comfortably seated on the sofa, sipping tea and sharing laughter with Mu Xiaoxiao, did Mu Sifa's tension ease.
So he did come home after all. I had thought he was still in a foul mood.
“Welcome back, Third Young Master,” Aunt Mu greeted him with a cheerful smile, her joy likely stemming from the return of Shang Mingming and Shang Cijie.
However, there was one person in the room who didn't share the joy. It was Hee Meier, seated across from Shang Cijie and the others, who paid no attention to Shang Mingming, her own grandson. Ye Zichen observed Shang Cijie but found no signs of anger or displeasure; he remained as cold and indifferent as he had been five years ago.
It had been half a decade, yet he had the audacity to return, even bringing his child along.
Hmph! A man giving birth to a child? It seemed highly premeditated. Who could say for certain if this child truly belonged to Sifa?
“Indeed, I have returned.”
Mu Sifa feigned indifference, possibly to gauge Shang Cijie's reaction or out of a fear of overwhelming him with happiness. Multiple emotions could be at play.
Although Shang Cijie displayed a slight surprise upon hearing Aunt Mu's address to Mu Sifa, he didn't bother lifting his gaze. Instead, he continued to quietly sip his tea.
This puzzled Mu Sifa. Wasn't he returning home in frustration? Why the continued aloofness?
Mu Xiaoxiao noticed Shang Cijie's cold demeanor and his refusal to acknowledge her third brother. She found herself at a loss for words.
She had hoped that her return with Xiaojie would bring about some changes, but it appeared she had been overly optimistic!
But that's alright; there will be more opportunities in the future! After all, Xiaojie was currently residing here.
“I'm back, Sifa,” Hee Meier exclaimed upon her son's return, her face brightening. “Come and sit by Mom's side.” Ye Zichen patted the empty seat next to him.
However, Mu Sifa had already moved toward Shang Cijie's side, intending to take a seat there.
“It's been a while since Mom last saw you. Come here and let Mom get a good look at you,” Hee Meier said with a gentle tone, not showing any signs of anger.
In reality, her sincerity ran deep. She strongly preferred that Mu Sifa sit beside her rather than Shang Cijie, but she concealed it well, keeping her true feelings hidden.
Not wanting to upset Hee Meier, Mu Sifa redirected his irritation towards Shang Cijie and took a seat next to his mother.
As he sat down, he cast a glance at Shang Cijie, who, in turn, paid him no attention and continued to smile while wiping Shang Mingming's mouth.
Shang Mingming sat obediently on Mu Xiaoxiao's lap, sporting a cheerful smile. However, from the corner of his eye, he occasionally looked in Mu Sifa's direction. It seemed he was displeased that Mu Sifa complied with Hee Meier's wishes.
“Xiaojie, I apologize,” Mu Xiaoxiao whispered to Shang Cijie, perhaps not wanting him to hold any ill feelings towards Mu Sifa.
“No need to apologize,” Shang Cijie replied, wiping the corner of his mouth. He then peeled a lychee and fed it to Shang Mingming. Everything appeared ordinary, but the atmosphere felt somewhat stifling.
“Do you want my assistance?” Shang Mingming inquired. Although Shang Cijie currently wore a neutral expression, Shang Mingming sensed his unhappiness.
Shang Cijie maintained his smile, saying, “No, I can manage on my own.”
Shang Mingming remained silent for a moment. Finally, he said, “Alright.” Afterward, he clung tightly to Shang Cijie's sleeve. Perhaps Shang Cijie was trying to put on a brave front, and Shang Mingming was worried about him, which might explain his facial expression.
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