Mu Chen was about to speak when Song Ning placed her hand on his leg to stop him. She looked at Ning Zhe and said, “Mr. Ning, why don’t we be honest with each other? You’re putting on such an affectionate act for Zhuang Ji, right?”
Ning Zhe was at a loss for words. He did not expect his daughter to be so blunt.
Song Ning said icily, “Don’t even think about Zhuang Ji; it’s mine. I will never hand it over nor will I trade it for anything. For better or for worse, Zhuang Ji is mine, and it has nothing to do with anyone else.”
“You! How can you say this?” Ning Zhe looked at Song Ning with a pained expression on his face.
Song Ning met Ning Zhe’s gaze without any fear.
“Ning Xia, I know that what happened back then hurt you a lot. At that time, I made a mistake that most men would make. Do you think I don’t feel sorry? I’ve always wanted to make it up to you and your mother, but you’ve never given me a chance. You have to believe that I love you and your mother. I hope that we can mend our relationship so that I can take care of you for the rest of your life. Do you understand?” Ning Zhe said. After a beat, he continued to say, “As for Zhuang Ji, Ning Xia, you don’t have a head for business. Like you said, Zhuang Ji is your mother’s hard work. I know your mother’s thoughts and intentions the best so I can definitely bring Zhuang Ji to greater heights. Do you think there’s anyone more suitable than me for this job?”
“There is,” Song Ning replied as she leaned against Mu Chen, “I’d like to formally introduce you to my husband, Mu Chen. I’ve already entrusted Zhuang Ji to him. Whether it makes a profit or not, I really don’t care.”
Ning Zhe suppressed his anger before he said, “Fine. Let’s put the matter of you not informing me of your marriage aside. Do you even understand the Mu family’s business? The Mu Group has no experience in this industry at all. Do you understand?”
Song Ning shook her head. “I only need to understand Mu Chen, and I trust his decisions unconditionally. Please don’t point fingers at others. This is my decision.”
Ning Zhe was livid when he saw Song Ning’s unyielding attitude. He looked at Mu Chen and said with a sneer, “President Mu, I really underestimated you. You actually managed to make this silly girl fall in love with you to this extent!”
Mu Chen calmly replied, “President Ning, you’re mistaken. It’s not that she’s in love with me; I’m the one who’s in love with her. Therefore, whatever she wants to do, I’ll do my best to support her. Whatever she wants, I’ll give it to her. It’s not just me, even my grandmother and younger brother feel the same way. My family cherishes her and treats her the way she deserves to be treated. It’s true that my company has no experience in this industry, but that’s not important. For Song Ning, I’m willing to learn.’
Ning Zhe was rendered speechless by Mu Chen’s words. He looked at Song Ning for a long time without saying anything. When he finally calmed down, he said, “Ning Xia, I’ve said everything I wanted to say. My feelings for you and your mother have never changed. If you insist on being stubborn, then don’t blame. I’ll let everyone know about my feelings in my own way.” Then, he shifted his eyes to Mu Chen and said, “Mu Chen, since you’re her husband, it means you’re my son-in-law. I won’t stop from getting involved in this mess. After all, the Ning family has nothing to be ashamed of with a son-in-law like you….”
After Ning Zhe finished speaking, he rose to his feet and left.
Meanwhile, Song Ning felt a chill in her heart. Despite her calm expression, her heart was in turmoil. She endured the waves of dizziness and nausea that assaulted her, trying her best not to break down.
Mu Chen could see she was suffering so he gently stroked her back and consoled her, “Ningning, don’t take his words to heart. He only said those words to threaten us because he didn’t know what else to do.”
Song Ning smiled bitterly as she leaned into Mu Chen’s embrace. She regulated her breathing using the technique Bai Yang had taught her, but she could not stop her heart from racing.
Mu Chen brought a cup of warm water to Song Ning’s lips and said tenderly, “Drink some water.”
Song Ning did not refuse and quickly drained the cup of water in a go.
Mu Chen asked carefully, “Do you feel unwell?”
Song Ning nodded. “I feel dizzy and nauseous, and my ears are buzzing as well. However, I think I have it under control.”
Mu Chen felt relieved upon hearing these words. “That’s good, Ningning. Let’s take it slow. Bai Yang said we have to take it one step at a time. Don’t be anxious.”
Song Ning closed her eyes and nodded.
Mu Chen reached out and gently held her as he stroked her back.
When Song Ning finally calmed down, she pulled away from Mu Chen’s embrace and solemnly said, “Mu Chen, we can’t underestimate him. I’m sure he already has a plan in mind. It’s clear that Zhuang Ji is very important to him. He’s someone who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals…”
Mu Chen tucked a lock of Song Ning’s hair behind her ear as he gently said, “Don’t worry. We can’t guess his thoughts. What we can do is just deal with whatever comes our way. Don’t let what has yet to happen affect our lives…”
