When Mu Qiqi came home to the Shen’s residence in the evening, she couldn’t help rolling her eyes at Sheng Xiao. “People are calling my phone non-stop and it’s your fault.”


  Sheng Xiao simply pulled her into his arms and whispered into her ear, “But isn’t it nice, standing up for the Shen family?”


  “How could I have known that there would be such a huge reaction, though? And did you know I could feel looks of sympathy everywhere I went?”


  Sheng Xiao couldn’t help laughing at that. “My Qi’er is doing just fine. Whose sympathy would she need?”


  “Hmph. Others don’t know that.”


  “Alright, you smell. Go bathe right now and have dinner afterward. I brought your perfume too.”


  Mu Qiqi nodded, and went to the bathroom to wash up.

  Bet that as it may, the stench of rotting corpses which latched on to her body spread from the gates of the Shen’s house down to every corner.

  Even Old Shen couldn’t help asking what that smell was.

  Only then did Sheng Xiao came forward to explain. “Studying cadavers.”


  Old Shen gave an ‘ah’, but kept his eyes on Sheng Xiao. “But it really smells…”


  “Happens every day. I’m used to it.”


  “Really, why did it have to be a forensic doctor.”


  The old man was not holding contempt for the job itself, however, but that it forces a girl to go through what she should not have to bear with.

  “She’s now an assistant in her forensic team now. She’s not just observing.” Sheng Xiao smiled with acknowledgment.

  That was something the old man was pleased with too—be it good or bad, the brat really accepted everything about Xiao Qi, taking such unbearable stench in his stride.

  “And when would you be announcing your departure from Huang Yao?”


  “Tomorrow.”


  He did not do that tonight to keep the Sheng family restless after all.

  Old Sheng must have guessed that he was at the Shen’s residence now, but would also be assuming that he was trying to sweet-talk Mu Qiqi.

  “Time for dinner.”


  The old man did not add anything else, since he did not have to show up for the rest of the drama.

  ***

  Meanwhile, the Sheng family’s dinner table.

  Everyone was left puzzled because Sheng Xiao was not coming back to bother Old Sheng.

  While the old man himself guessed that Sheng Xiao must have gone off to set things straight and sweet-talk Mu Qiqi, not showing up even now was not his style either.

  “We’re done waiting. Eat.”


  As everyone picked up their chopsticks, Mama Sheng suddenly spoke to the old man just then, “Father, I’ve already booked tickets to leave Jianchuan tomorrow.”


  “Are you going to Eldest Uncle?”


  “I feel like staying here is like staying in hell, no thanks to you. You’ve forced Sheng Xiao and Qiqi to call off their engagement, got Sixth Brother’s family to put on an act, and forced Old Shen to give his approval, all without telling me, Sheng Xiao’s mother anything. I believe you don’t need me as your daughter-in-law either. That is why I want to leave.”


  “Eldest Aunt…” Sixth Brother exclaimed rather fidgetily.

  “I’ll stick to what I’ve said before,” Mama Sheng said, turning to him. “Seventh Sister deserved her punishment after all she’s done. And the cause of everything isn’t Mu Qiqi, but that old man in front of you.”


  With that, she rose from the table. “Take your time with the food. I’m not doing this.”


  Through it all, Old Sheng never stopped Mama Sheng because he was convinced that she couldn’t do anything to help Sheng Xiao either.

  Moreover, Miss Gu would soon come to their family. With that being the case, he should allow Mama Sheng to do what she wished, so that she wouldn’t stir trouble then.

  “Grandpa… Eighth Brother is not coming back even now. Won’t he do something unthinkable?”


  It turned out then that Sixth Brother was actually afraid, but Old Sheng merely wiped his hand with a napkin, saying, “What else could he do? He would come looking for me. The rest of you do what you should be doing.”


  With that, he had his dinner in silence.

  ***

  Soon, Mama Sheng left the house with her luggage.

  She held no sentiment for the family now. She would rather sleep in a hotel tonight than to be in the company of those ingrates.

  Unable to stand aside and watch, Second Brother walked up to help her with her bags. “I’ll drive you, Eldest Aunt.”


  Mama Sheng was not upset with Second Brother since he was Sheng Xiao’s chosen successor. “Huang Yao is in your hands from now on.”


  Second Brother grinned, not quite catching her meaning. “Eighth Brother’s with us, too… but being treated like that after giving his heart and soul for the family must make him very miserable.”


  “Miserable?” Mama Sheng snorted—there was no telling who would be the miserable one tomorrow.

  After reaching the hotel, Mama Sheng gave Sheng Xiao a call, and he came with Mu Qiqi early the next morning to take her to the airport.

  “I won’t be with you two from now on. Be careful in everything to you do.”


  “You should come back to visit us, Mom.” Mu Qiqi said, hugging her.

  “Sheng Xiao, take good care of Qiqi and don’t let her be hurt. There is no hope for the Sheng family now.”


  Sheng Xiao grinned and pointed at the checkpoint. “Go on, it’s time. It’s not like we won’t meet again.”


  “Remember! Don’t bully Qiqi!”


  “I will remember that.”


  Mu Qiqi was really emotional. Even though she never felt motherly love from Su Ziqing, Mama Sheng had treated her like her own daughter, running everywhere and wearing herself out for her and Xiao Xiao.

  And soon, Mama Sheng had vanished from sight behind the checkpoint, and only then did Mu Qiqi sigh. “We have one less family member now.”


  Sheng Xiao put his hand over his shoulder and led her away from the airport. “It’s Mom’s choice.”


  “I know. I just feel sad.”


  “Okay. I’m driving you to the forensics lab now since I have something to do.” Sheng Xiao changed the topic right then, or his little one would become overly sentimental.

  “Are you going to fight the Sheng family?”


  “Fight? Not quite. I’m just spreading some news.”


  With that Sheng Xiao started his sports car and drove Mu Qiqi to her lab.

  Meanwhile, the Sheng family had become even more restless.

  Logically speaking, they needed Sheng Xiao to throw a fit so that they could feel at ease.

  Therefore, him not showing up would mean it would always be the calm before the storm.

  But it was a shame!

  Sheng Xiao was never going to show up.

  And soon enough, Old Sheng received a call from the Huang Yao board of directors.

  “What’s going on? Sheng Xiao hasn’t come in even now.”


  By then, Sheng Xiao’s resignation had already been delivered to Second Brother Sheng, who was left stunned after reading through it.

  His secretary asked him about the meeting Sheng Xiao should be presiding over just then. “Should we keep waiting for the Crown Prince?”


  Second Brother had a troubled look, and simply said, “No need. He won’t show up anymore!”


  At the same time, a reporter of a financial magazine had received word of it.

  “Sheng Xiao, Crown Prince of Huang Yao has formally announced his resignation from the position of CEO and his permanent departure from the company. In what is his second exit from Huang Yao this year, he claims that he would never involve himself in any Huang Yao affairs anymore.”