While mother and son were feeding the cats downstairs, the mother cat nuzzled against Han Muzi’s palm. It was as if the cat was aware of how dirty it was because it didn’t rub against her body. It didn’t resist when Little Bean reached out to caress it; in fact, it purred gently while Little Bean stroked its head. “Mommy, the mother cat is so obedient, and the kittens look so pitiful. Why don’t we take them in?”
Han Muzi shared the same thought, and so she nodded in agreement. “Sure, let’s keep them. However, it’s too late today. We will have to do it tomorrow. We’ll place the cats in a box, bring them to a veterinary clinic to have them checked, and then only bring them home.”
“Alright.” Soon the two of them returned upstairs, and the mother cat returned to the bushes. Yan already prepared dinner by the time both of them returned. Hence, the four of them sat together at the table to have dinner.
The atmosphere during dinner was slightly odd because Yan was very self-conscious about what was going on between her and Han Qing. Hence, she did not dare look up at Han Qing at all. She had a feeling she would focus on his lips once she looked up, and she would recall how soft his lips felt. Thus, Yan had no choice but to keep her head lowered. She gobbled her rice while feeling disgusted about her filthy thoughts.
On the other hand, the awkwardness between Han Muzi and Han Qing was due to the matter regarding Ye Moxuan. Due to the previous incident, she felt as if there was now an invisible barrier between them. She couldn’t help but feel sad during the meal.
On the contrary, Han Qing was very calm. He tried the first dish and found it delicious. Then, he moved on to the next one and thought it tasted marvelous as well. Therefore, he started sharing and enjoying the meal with Little Bean, whereas Han Muzi and Yan just exchanged glances with each other.
After the meal, Han Muzi thought to herself, The awkwardness between Han Qing and me should be gone by now.
“I’ll do the dishes.” Han Muzi stood up from the table after placing her bowl down. Yan started helping as well, and the two of them cleaned up the table before entering the kitchen together.
Han Muzi’s phone started vibrating in her pocket just when she brought the dishes into the kitchen.
She placed everything down, washed her hands, and checked her phone, only to realize that it was a WeChat message from Ye Moxuan. His message sounded as it always did. It started with a pitiful emoticon, followed by a sentence stating, ‘Are you still busy?’
Han Muzi was stunned when she read that. It took her awhile to realize what he was referring to. I think I mentioned at the hospital that I’d send him dinner if I had the time. However, right now… Han Muzi checked the time, and it was already around 8pm. Has he not eaten anything yet?
Han Muzi replied to his message upon considering the possibilities, ‘I’m not free now. Have you not had your dinner yet?’
Han Muzi was about to put away her phone after sending the message, but Ye Mouxan replied almost instantly, ‘Not yet. What time are you dropping by?’
Han Muzi almost gave in when she read his message. We already had our dinner, but Ye Moxuan is still waiting for me. Would it be mean if I don’t go? But…
After mulling it over, Han Muzi felt that it might be another one of Ye Moxuan’s ploys. After all, recently, he has been acting pitifully, using his injuries as an excuse. There are certain things he is perfectly capable of doing, but he simply refuses to do them. Instead, he insists on relying on me. It’s the same now. Since I’ve decided to get myself out of this situation, I should be more ruthless. I must not be fooled by his words. She then replied after making up her mind, ‘I don’t have time. You should get dinner yourself.’
Han Muzi then put her phone on silent mode and pocketed it. She was determined not to read any future messages from Ye Moxuan.
“What happened?” Yan asked while smiling at her teasingly.
Han Muzi ignored her as she found her smile rather annoying. Hence, Han Muzi rolled her sleeves up and switched the tap water on to rinse the bowls. Yan was still grinning mischievously.
Han Muzi then sneered, “If you continue smiling like that, I’ll toss you to my brother. Why don’t we show your crush your expression right now?”
The gleeful expression and smile vanished from Yan’s face at the mention of Han Qing. She pouted reluctantly at Han Muzi while complaining, “Muzi, you are so mean. You shouldn’t use your brother to threaten me.”
“Oh? Since when have I used my brother to threaten you?” Han Muzi cocked a brow at her. “You are the one scared of him. You did something you feel guilty about, otherwise… would you have been so scared in the past?”
Yan snorted in response to that. Then, she walked toward the sink gloomily and started doing the dishes together with Han Muzi.
After a while, Yan couldn’t help herself and asked Han Muzi out of curiosity, “Was it… a message from Ye Moxuan just now? Why is he texting you so late at night? Is he asking you to drop by the hospital again?”
After all, Han Muzi had been visiting the hospital frequently, but she didn’t go today.
Han Muzi nodded. “Yes, but he is almost fully recovered. I have to get myself out of the situation.”
“You’ve been looking after him for such a long time. Will he be able to get used to your sudden departure?” Yan’s question caused Han Muzi to pause. After that, Han Muzi frowned slightly. “What has it got to do with me if he can’t get used to things as they are now?”
“Oh,” responded Yan. Then, she smiled and asked, “Does that mean you’re not visiting him tonight?”
“Mm-hmm.” Han Muzi nodded. “He has many people around him to look after him. Besides, I’ve taken meticulous care of him previously, so I’ve done my part.”
Yan couldn’t bear to comment further since Han Muzi had indicated that she had already fulfilled her responsibility in this matter. The two of them arranged the dishes and tidied up the place before leaving the kitchen.
Han Muzi went upstairs to shower and rest, leaving Yan, Little Bean, and Han Qing in the living room downstairs.
Han Muzi even washed her hair to keep herself occupied. However, the only thing that came to mind when the water sprinkled onto her from the showerhead above was a severely wounded Ye Moxuan. She kept recalling how he lay in the ward while gazing at her with sad and pitiful eyes.
Han Muzi thought she might be losing her mind, and that was why she was having such thoughts. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind. Then, she started rubbing shampoo and body foam diligently—to stay focused.
About an hour had passed by the time she got out of the bathroom. Han Muzi couldn’t help but glance at the clock hanging on the wall. It was already half past 9. He can’t be waiting for me anymore, can he?
Somehow, Han Muzi felt guilty when she started blow-drying her hair. After that, she applied her usual skincare routine in front of her dresser. Her phone was placed right in front of her. She bit her lower lip, but in the end, she was resolute and did not pick her phone up. No matter what happens to him, I’ve made my mind up. I shouldn’t be bothered about what happens to him anymore. When the time comes, and I’m still not there, he will get someone to bring him food anyway. Mm-hmm, that’s how it will be.
Little Bean pushed her bedroom door open while rubbing his eyes. “Mommy, I’m sleepy now.”
Han Muzi pinched his cheeks. “Have you showered? If you have, go ahead and brush your teeth before bed.”
“Alright, I’ll go and brush my teeth now. Mommy, goodnight!”
