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墨書 Inktalez
Four Years Later
The crisp sound of high heels rhythmically struck the polished tiles of the airport hall, echoing in the ears of the weary Travelers. Many Travelers turned their gaze toward the source of the sound.
It was a young woman pushing a Luggage Cart. She wore a fitted White Shirt and a black pencil skirt, her waist so slender it seemed fragile enough to break at any moment.
Her black curly hair was styled in a loose bun, exposing her fair neck. She stood tall and proud, showing no signs of having just spent over ten hours on a flight.
Such an ordinary outfit was transformed by her presence into that of a socialite. Striding confidently in seven-centimeter heels, she moved as if walking in her own kingdom, completely unconcerned with the gazes around her.
On the Luggage Cart sat a boy about three years old, looking like a version of a Flower Boy.
Once inside the car sent by her father, Green Qi looked out the window. Nearly four years had passed, and City A had undergone significant changes. According to her father, after the Resort, the city had developed a Tourism City, still thriving under the company created by that person.
Pulling her gaze back, she quietly leaned against the seatback while holding her already asleep son, no longer paying attention to the rapidly retreating streets outside.
Her father had retired and handed over the company to professional managers. He bought an apartment in a community within the city to enjoy his later years. Over these four years, her father had become much more spirited thanks to his grandson's presence. He never asked who the child's father was; he simply flew to England every two months without fail to visit them.
The day after tomorrow marked the fourth anniversary of Yongle Amusement Park's establishment. Her return to the country this time was also to confirm the answer she longed for.
*****************************************************
Monifa, the big boss of M Architecture Design Firm, rarely made public appearances but unexpectedly showed up at today's morning meeting with a young and beautiful woman by her side.
The executives in the conference room were somewhat surprised and fell silent, waiting for their boss to speak.
Monifa slowly scanned the room before finally addressing everyone. "This is Miss Gu, who has just returned from further studies at the Royal Academy of Arts. Starting today, she will serve as our Design Director."
Gu Lvq Qi stepped forward. Today she wore a light blue professional jumpsuit that exuded elegance with a touch of casualness. Her face was pale yet rosy, with just a hint of lipstick applied.
She smiled slightly at the executives. "Hello everyone, my name is Gu Lvq Qi. I hope we can work well together in the future."
The executives in the conference room were mostly older than her. Seeing that she had been parachuted into such an important position, they began to whisper among themselves with expressions of disdain.
Only Monifa had a calm demeanor, and only he knew the architectural genius identity and age of Gu Lvq Qi. The woman in front of him was young yet had already won two Pritzker Architecture Prizes. It was quite unexpected that she would choose M Architecture Firm, as her qualifications were enough to enter a top-tier architectural company.
Green Qi was not annoyed; after finishing the morning meeting, she went with the HR manager to the design department.
After getting to know everyone, she returned to the Director's Office. Her delicate fingers rested on the black keyboard, as beautiful as white jade. She stared blankly at the diamond ring on her left middle finger, a ring she had specifically bought for herself, mainly to deter advances from strange men.
A woman buying a ring for herself to reject men carries a bittersweet flavor.
However, she still lacked the courage to wear it on her left ring finger. Perhaps subconsciously, she was still hoping that someone would put a wedding ring on her.
It wasn't until her phone on the desk rang that Green Qi snapped out of her daze.
"Director Gu, there’s a dinner party tonight. Can you come with me?" Monifa asked in a consultative tone.
"This is my responsibility; there's no need to be so polite, Ms. Mo!"
"I'll pick you up from the office after work." With that, Monifa hung up.
Green Qi brushed her hair back; it seemed she would have to ask her father to pick up her son Gu Gu in the afternoon.
Monifa's vehicle was a black Land Rover with a driver, and they both sat in the back seat.
"Go to Taibai Pavilion," Monifa calmly instructed.
A strange emotion spread within Green Qi; she slightly lowered her eyelids, her gaze landing on the ring on her left hand.
Monifa was not one for small talk and simply said, "Today is mainly for us to get familiar with each other and to make connections with the officials."
Green Qi nodded, and they remained silent throughout the journey.
Taibai Pavilion seemed busier than before; from a distance, it was bustling with activity, and parking spaces were hard to come by.
Upon entering the private room, several men who appeared to be leaders were already playing Mahjong. When they saw Monifa and Gu Lvq Qi come in, they all stopped drawing tiles. One of them, who seemed to have a good relationship with Monifa, came over and patted him on the shoulder. "Mo, my brother, you really have some pull. I've invited you several times before finally getting you here."
Monifa smiled and replied, "Tong Bureau, you're flattering me!" He then turned to Gu Lvq Qi and introduced her, "Tong Bureau, this is Miss Gu, our firm's Design Director. This is Director Tong from the Planning Bureau."
Gu Lvq Qi politely extended her hand with an appropriate smile. "Hello, Tong Bureau! I look forward to your guidance."
Director Tong quickly shook hands with Gu Lvq Qi in a casual manner. "No need to be so formal." He then enthusiastically introduced her to several others.
After chatting for a while, it seemed there was no intention to start the meal.
Noticing that Childhood Memories kept glancing toward the door, Monifa couldn't help but ask, "Is there a big shot coming?"
Childhood Memories looked pleased and replied, "I invited President Mu Tongzi from Mu Group over; he's an industry elite!"
Gu Lvq Qi was taken aback and forgot to draw her tile.
Fortunately, President Mu was a hot topic, and no one noticed her unusual reaction.
"Looks like it's our Tong Bureau's influence that could invite President Mu, such an important figure."
"Our President Mu truly is a significant person; the economic development of City A in recent years owes much to his contributions!"
"I heard he's getting engaged to the youngest daughter of the Qi Family, one of the three prominent families in Beijing."
"......"
Gu Lvq Qi felt as if everything around her was blurred by the incessant chatter, and her temples throbbed like a buzzing sound.
"Sorry for being late; I had some matters to attend to." A cool and calm male voice rang out.
Upon hearing that familiar voice, Gu Lvq Qi couldn't help but shiver.
A group of people approached, but only Monifa and Gu Lvq Qi remained, one with a calm expression and the other looking dazed, falling behind.
Because she was standing in the backlight, Mu Tongzi did not notice Gu Lvq Qi.
It wasn't until everyone was seated that Mu Tongzi noticed the only female guest at the table. Just one glance made Mu Tongzi feel as if all the blood in his body was about to burst from his pores.
She actually dared to come back! And to appear so openly in front of him!
Gu Lvq Qi took a deep breath, raised her eyes, and when her gaze met Mu Tongzi's, she couldn't help but pinch her palm.
He hadn't changed much, just seemed a bit more mature; that cold gaze was somewhat terrifying.
Childhood Memories was introducing Gu Lvq Qi to Mu Tongzi, saying, "This is Mr. Mo from M Architecture Firm, and next to him is Design Director Miss Gu."
Monifa slightly stood up and nodded respectfully at Mu Tongzi, "Mr. Mu, it's an honor to meet you. I am Monifa."
"Mr. Mo is too polite." Mu Tongzi's gaze fell on Monifa's handsome face, a slight smile tugging at his lips, though there was no hint of amusement in his eyes.
Gu Lvq Qi stood up, forcibly suppressing the turmoil within her, smiling as she greeted him, "Mr. Mu, hello!"
She wore a purple lantern-sleeved deep V-neck dress that revealed her fair neck. Mu Tongzi resisted the impulse to grasp that snowy neck and said lightly, "What’s this? Director Gu won’t even tell me her name?"
"It’s my fault; I am Gu Lvq Qi," Green Qi felt her smile almost freeze on her face.
"Mr. Mu, please forgive me; Director Gu just returned from England and is not yet familiar with domestic etiquette," Monifa's defense of Gu Lvq Qi only fueled Mu Tongzi's anger further, but he maintained a composed demeanor, his eyes fixed on Gu Lvq Qi. "May I ask which prestigious school Director Gu graduated from in England?"
Gu Lvq Qi looked away and quietly replied, "Royal Academy of Arts."
Mu Tongzi narrowed his eyes and picked up a glass from the table. "I arrived late; I’ll punish myself with two drinks. Everyone else feel free."
Although he said to be casual, everyone still raised their glasses one by one, showing no signs of being casual at all.
Monifa leaned close to Gu Lvq Qi's ear and quietly asked, "Do you want me to help you change your drink?"
Green Qi shook his head, declining the kind offer.
Mu Tongzi noticed the two were very close together but couldn't hear what they were saying; the coldness in his eyes was almost frozen solid.
The conversation at the dining table revolved around the economic development of City A. Mu Tongzi seemed disinterested, only occasionally chiming in.
Childhood Memories exchanged glances, and a group of people began to toast again.
Green Qi felt completely out of sorts, as if sitting on pins and needles, only hoping for it to end soon so he could go back and accompany his son.
Monifa had already toasted and sat down. Seeing Gu Lvq Qi lost in thought, she had no choice but to poke her waist under the table. Green Qi finally snapped back to reality, quickly raising his glass and standing up. "Mu Zong, I toast you."
Mu Tongzi looked at her perfect smile, and his heart shattered into pieces. Wordlessly, he clinked glasses with her and tilted his head back to drink the contents in one go.
With her left hand holding the glass, the diamond on her middle finger sparkled painfully in his eyes, like someone who had lived in darkness suddenly seeing the sun, almost piercing his retina.
Mu Tongzi always left early; today was no exception. A noisy crowd sent him to the elevator door. The moment the elevator doors closed, Gu Lvq Qi felt Mu Tongzi's cold gaze slice through her.
The group that returned was still not done with their fun and played a few rounds of Mahjong before dispersing.
At the apartment entrance, as Green Qi stepped into the elevator, she felt someone approaching quickly. She hurriedly pressed the door open button but didn't expect it to be Mu Tongzi.
Her heart raced; she quickly pressed the close button, but Mu Tongzi coldly forced his way inside.
The elevator contained only the two of them. Gu Lvq Qi was pinned against the cold metal wall of the elevator by Mu Tongzi, who stared intently at her. His breathing grew increasingly rapid; she had become even more beautiful than before. How many men had seen her beauty? Or rather, which man did this beauty belong to now?
Jealousy twisted his handsome face slightly as he suddenly reached out and grasped her chin. "You still know how to come back?"
Green Qi remained silent.
"You left me without a word back then, and it's been four years. I've been looking for you, yet you have the audacity to leave no trace," Mu Tongzi said coldly. "Tell me, why did you come back?"
Green Qi glanced at him expressionlessly. "My father needs someone to take care of him."
Mu Tongzi trembled with anger. "Does Gu Zong need your care? What a dutiful daughter!"
The elevator dinged, and Mu Tongzi pressed the close button with a snap.
Green Qi lowered her gaze to her toes. "What do you want from me?"
"What do I want?" Mu Tongzi shouted in fury. "You need to explain why you left without saying goodbye four years ago!"
"Anyway, we could never be together. Even if I hadn't left back then, we would have separated for some reason later on. Besides, I'm doing well now, so please don't disturb my life anymore," Green Qi said, suppressing the grievance in her heart and maintaining her composure as she spoke.
Mu Tongzi stared at her intently, his pained expression gradually turning into despair. Looking at him nearly shattered Green Qi's heart; her nails dug into her palm, yet she still forced herself to meet his gaze.
A cold voice came from above, "Fine, if that's your answer, if that's what you want, then I will grant it!" After saying that, he opened the elevator door and left without looking back.
Green Qi slumped in the elevator. After a long while, she finally got up and walked out.
****************************************************************
Upon arriving at the kindergarten gate, Mu Tongzi got out of the car and walked inside.
The kindergarten had already passed the peak dismissal time; only a few children who had not been picked up were playing on the slide, while a woman who looked like a teacher sat at the stairs.
He was there to pick up Hua Liunian's daughter. In the past four years, even Hua Liunian, that flamboyant young master’s child, was old enough for kindergarten, while he hadn’t even seen his wife.
With a light sigh, he took a couple more steps inside when the girl from the Hua family spotted him and hurried over, holding a small boy's hand.
Running up to him, Hua Xuan'er cheerfully introduced, "Uncle Mu, this is my new friend Gu Gu, not the drum 'gu', both are from ancient times!"
"Hello, Uncle!" Gu Gu raised a big smile and politely greeted him.
"Hello, little friend Gu Gu!" Looking at the child in front of him, he felt a familiarity in the child's features but couldn't quite place who it reminded him of.
After playing in the activity area for a while, he checked the time and took the hands of both children to walk to the entrance. At that moment, a white Audi drove up. Gu Gu quickly waved at him, letting go of Mu Tongzi's hand and running over, shouting, "Mom!"
Gu Gu skillfully climbed into the back seat of the car. After saying something that made the woman in the driver's seat laugh heartily, she turned to glance at Mu Tongzi and the others.
Due to the angle, Mu Tongzi could clearly see who the woman in the driver's seat was, but Gu Lvq Qi couldn't make out her face; it just felt vaguely familiar.
Gu Gu's call of "Mom" was like a bolt from the blue, shaking Mu Tongzi's soul to its core. The child called that woman 'Mom', with those familiar flirtatious eyes. He said he was over three years old and was born via cesarean section from her womb, even using the nickname he once called her. All this information exploded in Mu Tongzi's mind; for the first time in over thirty years of his life, his mind went blank, standing there like a wooden chicken.
That snowball-like child was actually... her... she gave birth to his child?
His heart felt as if it couldn't bear such unexpected joy, beating rapidly to the point where he had to clutch his chest as if he wouldn't be able to breathe otherwise.
"Uncle Mu, what's wrong? When are we going home?" The little one tugged at his finger.
Mu Tongzi picked her up and placed her in the back seat of the car. "Uncle Mu has something to do; let the driver take you home first!" Saying this, he closed the car door and stumbled forward.
He needed to find her; he wanted to tell her the secret of Yongle Amusement Park and settle accounts with her for silently giving birth to their child without informing him. What did she think of him? Just a provider of sperm? That was his son!
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