Chapter Forty-Six: Joys and Sorrows, Meetings and Partings

When Nie Yunyang returned to Jinke Jiuqu River, Mu Qingyao and the others had already come back. With Chen Jiong and Tan Weibo providing protection, Mu Qingyao was absolutely safe. Moreover, now that Han Fucheng and Sun Yufan were dead, Mu Qingyao faced no further danger. Outsiders cared only about the Mu family’s assets and would not resort to murder.

Chen Jiong and Tan Weibo were directing a group of workers, while all the servants in the villa had disappeared. After greeting them, Nie Yunyang asked, “What happened?”

“Boss Mu is planning to sell all the properties under her father’s name to repay the company’s debts. She doesn’t need so many houses on her own and will live in Longhu Huamanting from now on,” Chen Jiong explained.

Nie Yunyang nodded. “I understand.”

Tan Weibo walked over with a smile. “How was your first day at work? If it doesn’t go well, we’ll head back to Nanchang. I promise you’ll have a comfortable life then.”

“Hehe, no matter how tough or tiring it gets, I want to make a name for myself in Chongqing. Otherwise, how could I face myself?” Nie Yunyang said.

Tan Weibo brushed dust off his clothes. “You young folks always have high ambitions but fragile lives. You won’t turn back until you hit a wall.”

“Even if we end up battered and bruised, that’s a mark of courage,” Chen Jiong added.

Mu Qingyao, wearing an apron and slippers, ran out looking every bit the homemaker, nothing like a big boss. She called out to Chen Jiong and Tan Weibo, “Dinner’s ready, you can start now.”

Seeing Nie Yunyang, Mu Qingyao’s face lit up. “Oh, you’re back! I was just about to call you. Come in and eat with us!”

“We’re coming right away,” they said in unison.

All the servants in the Mu family villa had been dismissed by Mu Qingyao. Having been with the family for so many years, she treated them well, giving generous severance packages.

In the dining room, Nie Yunyang, Mu Qingyao, and the others found their seats. The table was laden with steaming dishes—five main courses and three soups—a masterpiece Mu Qingyao had spent two hours preparing. At least on the surface, it didn’t look too intimidating.

“Yao Yao, are you sure you can eat this?” Nie Yunyang asked.

Tan Weibo hesitated for a moment. “Boss, even if you don’t like us, you wouldn’t poison us, right?”

“Boss, just tell us what we did wrong and I’ll fix it immediately,” Chen Jiong chimed in.

Mu Qingyao’s expression shifted from bright smiles to a dark cloud, then she suddenly slammed her hand on the table. “Are you all going to eat or not?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” they replied in unison.

Mu Qingyao put her hands on her hips, proudly saying, “If I don’t show my fury, do you take me for a sickly cat?”

Nie Yunyang, Tan Weibo, and Chen Jiong exchanged glances but finally picked up their chopsticks. They each sampled a dish simultaneously, their faces registering utter disbelief.

Seeing this, Mu Qingyao quickly asked, “How is it?”

“Not bad, really good!” Nie Yunyang praised.

“Delicious, truly delicious,” Chen Jiong complimented.

Tan Weibo appeared nonchalant. “Boss, your cooking skills are better than I expected.”

“Why do you ask us but not try it yourself?” Nie Yunyang inquired.

Mu Qingyao took off her apron and shook her head. “No, I wanted to keep some suspense for last.”

“Well then, hurry up and try it,” Nie Yunyang urged.

She picked up some fish meat, chewed it slowly, then sipped the mutton soup. While not outstanding, the taste was definitely decent.

“Didn’t expect a wealthy young lady like you to cook!” Nie Yunyang said, savoring the meal.

After a long day’s work, he was indeed quite hungry.

Mu Qingyao rolled her eyes. “Don’t expect pearls from a dog’s mouth.”

“Keep practicing, and you’ll be a great chef someday. It’s a useful skill—you won’t starve yourself,” Nie Yunyang said.

Mu Qingyao snorted. “Cooking occasionally is romantic; doing it every day makes you a worn-out housewife. Do you want to marry a worn-out housewife?”

“City life is tricky; I want to go back to the countryside,” Nie Yunyang replied, sensing a trap and not falling for it.

The two bantered, the atmosphere turning cheerful. Mu Qingyao had come to terms with things; the past was behind her, and life was still long. Maintaining an optimistic attitude was the only way to live happily.

Chen Jiong and Tan Weibo busily feasted nearby, ignoring the teasing couple.

After dinner, Chen Jiong and Tan Weibo voluntarily cleaned up. Nie Yunyang and Mu Qingyao sat on the balcony upstairs, enjoying the breeze and sipping wine in comfort.

“How’s the new job going?” Mu Qingyao asked.

Nie Yunyang took a sip of red wine and smiled. “So far, so good. I’m starting from the bottom, working steadily. You can’t expect to rise to the top overnight.”

“Many things, you see clearly. I won’t say much more,” Mu Qingyao sighed with a hint of melancholy.

Nie Yunyang raised an eyebrow and laughed. “You’re the chairman of Shengshi Company—you should teach me workplace survival skills or office politics so I don’t end up begging to be taken care of after getting fired.”

“Sure, if that day comes, I’ll take care of you,” Mu Qingyao teased.

Taking a deep breath, Nie Yunyang asked, “By the way, I heard from Chen Jiong that you’re selling all Uncle Mu’s houses?”

“Xin Hai Company owes a huge debt. We have to repay as much as possible. Miao Xingyu helped me calculate. After restructuring, I’ll still have some shares left. Although very few, for an ordinary person, it’s astronomical,” Mu Qingyao explained.

Nie Yunyang thought for a moment. “You also sold the Rongcheng Huafu property, right? That’s worth quite a bit.”

“Where will you live then? I was planning to have Brother Chen and Brother Tan move in together,” Mu Qingyao asked.

Nie Yunyang considered briefly. “I plan to rent a place on Jiulong Street. I’ll check with them later. If we live together, we’ll find a place in between so we can keep an eye on each other. If you feel bad about it, just pay them a little extra.”

“How could I bear to kick you out?” Mu Qingyao hesitated.

Nie Yunyang shook his head slightly. “It’s settled then.”

Knowing this man, she understood he was firm in his decisions.

Nie Yunyang seemed to recall something and asked, “Any news from Chaiping?”

Though some time had passed since the Chaiping incident and the culprit Sun Yufan had been punished, there was still no word about Elder Qiu and Chang Zhicheng. Nie Yunyang remained concerned, deeply respecting their loyalty and righteousness.

Mu Qingyao hesitated before saying, “The Xianyang police informed us today that they’ve found Elder Qiu and the others’ bodies. I plan to go back to Chaiping with Brother Chen and Brother Chang. You don’t have to come.”

“When will you leave?” Nie Yunyang asked.

“The day after tomorrow at dawn,” Mu Qingyao replied without hesitation.

“I’ll take a leave and go with you,” Nie Yunyang said.

Mu Qingyao didn’t refuse. “Alright.”

That night, Nie Yunyang, Tan Weibo, and Chen Jiong discussed renting a place. They had no objections since they were staying in Chongqing for a while and entrusted Nie Yunyang with the arrangements.

Early the next morning, after Mu Qingyao and the others had left, Nie Yunyang leisurely headed toward Jinxiu Huating. But just as he stepped out of Jinke Jiuqu River, several unfamiliar men blocked his path.