“Very well.”
Hearing Mu Yinyin's reply, Fu Siye's lips, previously cold, finally relaxed, curving into a barely perceptible arc.
His long fingers brushed over the pleats of his cuffs, his gaze fixed on Mu Yinyin. "Mu Yinyin, you'd better keep your word."
His voice was casual, yet carried a hint of warning.
Mu Yinyin's expression showed no concern, and she even met Fu Siye's gaze without hesitation.
Their eyes locked, a sharp, unyielding glint passing between them. Fu Siye said no more, turning to leave.
The office atmosphere grew even more heavy. Finally, Lu Sinian broke the silence with a gentle voice.
"Yinyin, if you don't want to, we can refuse this collaboration. We still have a chance."
He understood the relationship between Mu Yinyin and Fu Siye and knew that Fu Siye's interest wasn't purely about the project.
However, this project was too important for Lu's Group. Fu's Group's involvement would undoubtedly secure a win, which was better than falling out completely.
After all, if Fu's Group truly decided to compete, the old cronies on Lu's board of directors would likely panic immediately.
Therefore, he hadn't directly refused.
But he had placed the choice in Mu Yinyin's hands.
Still, Lu Sinian couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, as he was the one who had brought Mu Yinyin into this.
Yet, beyond that, there was a greater sense of indignation.
Thinking of Fu Siye's aggressive demeanor just moments ago, Lu Sinian's lips nearly formed a straight line.
Gazing at Mu Yinyin's profile, Lu Sinian finally managed to murmur the words from his lips.
"I'm sorry."
Mu Yinyin's eyelashes fluttered. Lu Sinian's words pulled her back from her daze.
"Isn't it just a collaboration?"
Lu Sinian said nothing, but the depth in his eyes conveyed a great deal, though unfortunately, Mu Yinyin failed to notice.
Adjusting her emotions, she blinked her beautiful eyes and smiled casually, pretending to be unconcerned.
"Don't worry, I can handle it."
...
After confirming the specific requirements of the blueprints with Lu Sinian, Mu Yinyin didn't return home until the afternoon.
The living room was quiet. Mu Yinyin entered carrying a small cake and found Fenfen engrossed in a fairy tale book on the sofa.
The little one was so absorbed, her small hands diligently pointing at the words, that she didn't notice Mu Yinyin approaching from behind.
"What are you reading, Fenfen?"
Mu Yinyin's voice was gentle as she walked over and gently stroked the little girl's head.
Fenfen flinched, instinctively recoiling. Only when she saw Mu Yinyin behind her did she excitedly beam. "Sister Yinyin, you're back! I'm reading."
This instinctive, timid reaction pained Mu Yinyin's heart, and she couldn't help but pull Fenfen into her arms.
Fenfen nestled cautiously in her embrace and said in a soft voice, "Sister Yinyin, this book is so good, but there are some words I don't know. Can you teach me..."
"Of course."
Mu Yinyin nodded, her mind also beginning to ponder.
She was busy with work and couldn't always be home. At Fenfen's age, she should be attending kindergarten.
But thinking of Fenfen's past, Mu Yinyin hesitated.
Children's observations were always keen. Fenfen immediately noticed Mu Yinyin's hesitation, causing her hand, which had been resting on the book, to tighten slightly.
Fenfen opened her mouth, her voice a little weak. "I'm sorry, Sister Yinyin."
Fenfen's words jolted Mu Yinyin out of her reverie. She looked at the little girl, whose face was full of guilt, and reached out to stroke her hair.
"What's wrong? Why are you apologizing all of a sudden, Fenfen?"
In response to Mu Yinyin's question, Fenfen pursed her lips and tentatively pinched the corner of Mu Yinyin's clothes with her fingertip. "As long as I can be by Sister Yinyin's side, that's enough..."
Fenfen cherished every moment spent with Mu Yinyin, who she loved dearly.
These words made Mu Yinyin's heart ache.
Children her age should be carefree and happy, but now she had become so timid and cautious, always hesitant in everything she did.
Mu Yinyin took a deep breath. "Fenfen, you don't need to worry. Tell me if you want anything."
Her fingertips grazed Fenfen's hair, but as she lowered her head, her brow furrowed with hesitation. Yet, she finally decided to speak.
"Do you want to go to kindergarten, Fenfen?"
As she said this, Mu Yinyin clearly felt Fenfen's body stiffen in her arms.
Mu Yinyin felt a pang of annoyance, realizing her suggestion might have been too hasty.
Before Mu Yinyin could change her mind, Fenfen in her arms nodded. "Okay, Fenfen will go to kindergarten."
Her voice was slow, the end of her words soft, yet with an imperceptible tremor, like a little kitten.
Mu Yinyin felt a wave of relief.
She affectionately rubbed Fenfen's little face. "There will be so many children at kindergarten, and they'll all play with you. You won't feel lonely anymore."
"Really! Fenfen wants to."
Light finally flickered in Fenfen's eyes.
Having received the child's consent, Mu Yinyin decided to entrust the important task to Wan Yu, while she continued to busy herself with drawing architectural blueprints.
"My dear little ancestor, I've had people contact the international kindergarten with the best teachers and facilities. They've agreed to let Fenfen enroll first."
"It's just the household registration issue that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. Otherwise, Fenfen will never have an identity, and it won't be proper or legitimate."
Mu Yinyin held her phone clamped with her chin, continuously editing the blueprints with her hand. "Thank you, Sister Wan. As long as Fenfen's kindergarten situation is settled, I'll definitely treat you to a good meal."
"It's just a small matter. I'll handle it with a couple of calls. I'm a bit busy here, so I won't chat any longer. Call me if you need anything."
After hanging up the phone, Mu Yinyin stared at the draft blueprint in her hand and murmured to herself.
"I feel like something is missing..."
This was her first attempt at drawing architectural blueprints, and she hoped everything would be perfect.
She needed to prevent that mad dog, Fu Siye, from finding any fault and relentlessly pursuing her.
Seeing Mu Yinyin's worried expression over the past few days, Jiang Ling specially found her a few architect friends to help. They were all prominent figures in the industry, at her beck and call.
Finally, the initial draft of the design plans was sent on time to Fu Siye, Lu Sinian, and the project's relevant personnel.
She even humorously called it ensuring the project was flawless and not embarrassing Starry Sky.
This caused Gu Xiaoqi to chatter and tease him all day long.
"Boss Jiang, don't be so biased. When I was drawing blueprints, I nearly lost all my hair. Why didn't you find anyone to help me?"
Jiang Ling pulled at his lips and admitted frankly, "If you had half of Yinyin's talent, I would have found someone to help you. Just like with this project, Lu's Group is very satisfied with the initial draft, and there are no issues with the feedback. Xiaoqi, could you have done that?"
"Hmph, Yinyin, look at him! He always scolds me!"
Gu Xiaoqi called out to Mu Yinyin, but she grabbed Li Chuan's arm, hid behind him, and stuck out her tongue at Jiang Ling.
Li Chuan, expressionless, reviewed the documents in his hand but subtly shifted his position, quietly shielding Gu Xiaoqi behind him.
Mu Yinyin was lounging on the sofa reading a magazine, enjoying their bickering. Just then, her phone suddenly rang.
Looking at the caller ID, Mu Yinyin answered, though she was reluctant.
It was Fu Siye's call.
"Something?"
Mu Yinyin was brief and to the point.
After all, the last time she didn't answer his call, Fu Siye had appeared at her doorstep.
"Where are you now?"
Mu Yinyin's tone was impatient, but Fu Siye's voice on the other end remained as cold as ever, betraying no hint of anger or pleasure.
"I want to see you at Fu's Group right now."