Revenge on the Ruthless CEO

“What do you mean by that?” Qi Yang was puzzled; the words seemed abrupt.

“It doesn’t mean anything. By the way, let me ask you something.” Qi Yang immediately stood at attention, ready to take instructions.

“Why is An Luya so sleepy all the time during this pregnancy? And how come her temper has gotten so much worse?” Every time he stopped An Luya from losing her temper at Murong Yang, it looked as if he was spoiling Murong Yang. In reality, he was worried about Luya, concerned that her anger could be bad for her health. Ever since Murong Yang was born, Luya had been unwell, and he had been constantly tending to her. How is her health? Are there any mood swings? Could she suddenly fall ill? Things like that.

On the other hand, he never really cared for his biological son Murong Yang. Murong Qingming hadn’t even held or gotten close to him yet. Just look at the name, Murong Yang-Murong from the father and Yang from the mother. The name was given so carelessly, how could he possibly be doting on him? Rather than pamper him, he actually resents Murong Yang. This little guy has been occupying his territory since birth and hasn’t let go. Every time the thought of this kid suckling at Luya’s bosom crosses his mind, Murong Qingming grits his teeth in resentment. That should be his, that should be his! How could this little guy lay claim to it? As a man, he couldn’t tolerate another man with his possession. Murong Qingming repeatedly demanded the kid be weaned, but to no avail. This brat refuses the formula milk, cries endlessly from hunger, and still won’t take it. An Luya conceded, leaving Murong Qingming helpless, unable to let the kid go hungry for real. So, when he sees him, Murong Qingming loathes him from the bottom of his heart, always letting out a “humph” through his nose! It made everyone seriously suspect that Murong Qingming might be a stepfather.

“Got it, you can go! Oh, by the way, Yangyang’s first birthday banquet is next week. Stay for that and leave afterward.” Murong Qingming casually sat on the bed, gently tucking Luya’s hand under the blanket.

Qi Yang, however, was left in a state of shock nearby. Stay here for a week? Oh my god! Some major deals these days needed him to personally oversee the deliveries; otherwise, they couldn’t be completed, and failing to complete them would result in significant losses for him.

Qi Yang couldn’t keep calm. The losses weren’t the main issue; what was crucial was that suddenly canceling the deal to return and care for Luya had already stirred dissatisfaction within the Mafia. If he stayed for a week, it wouldn’t be a joke; he might be forced to leave the Xiting Commerce Clan. What in the world was going on with the boss? He had never meddled in the Mafia’s business, never made things this difficult for him, so why this time, why interfere in his affairs?

“Boss, I can come back on that day. Why do I have to stay now? Is there a reason?”

“There’s no reason. I told you to stay, so just stay. Don’t you know how to follow orders? Out!” Murong Qingming’s tone suddenly turned firm. He lowered his voice, afraid of waking Luya, making his words even more unsettling.

“Yes.” Qi Yang became even more confused. There had to be something going on, but what was it? Why wouldn’t the boss say anything? After leaving the room, Qi Yang called his subordinates in Europe, telling them that he was stuck in Hong Kong by the boss and couldn’t return for the time being, instructing them to cancel all deals for the week. Once this call was made, the Mafia was in an uproar.

“How dare the Xiting Commerce Clan push us around like this!”

“What kind of boss is this, blocking our revenue stream?”

“Exactly, boss. Let’s stop following him. Sure, the Xiting Commerce Clan is powerful, but they can’t bully us like this.”

“Fine, just do as I said. I’ll give you a satisfactory explanation when I get back. For now, don’t take any action; everything is on hold.” Qi Yang also felt like something was about to happen, leaving him uneasy. Thus, he too stayed at the mountain villa. Shen Feng wouldn’t let him descend the mountain, so he ended up as Luya’s personal doctor. Every day, aside from examining Luya, preparing medicinal meals, and taking care of her health, he had nothing else to do. As a result of his idleness, there was now someone to look after Murong Yang.

The transactions in Europe came to a complete halt as Qi Yang cut off communication with them. Now, the Mafia was essentially living off their savings. Not trading for a week was no trivial matter; there were many mouths to feed within the Mafia. Even the Italian Mafia was in disarray, harboring strong grievances against the Xiting Commerce Clan. Qing Xuan was retained by Murong Qingming under the guise of a collaboration project, managing operations at the company. Qi Yang and Qing Xuan were in a frenzy, but no matter how they asked the boss, he wouldn’t say anything, just telling them to wait.

The Four Great Protectors were all clueless, worrying alongside Qi Yang and Qing Xuan. Meanwhile, Murong Qingming leisurely enjoyed his carefree life.

Soon, it was time for Murong Yang’s first birthday banquet. The Murong Family’s old mansion was filled with a festive atmosphere and extravagant elegance. As the eldest grandson of the Murong family, Murong Yang naturally garnered much respect. Seeing everyone paired up, Qi Yang felt lonely and isolated. Oh! Right, he had little Murong Yang in his arms, also solo. With this thought, Qi Yang found some comfort, at least having someone to accompany him in his solitude.

“We’re the only ones left single, we can keep each other company!” Qi Yang said as he noticed the little one wriggling to get down. Over the week, Murong Yang had already learned to walk on his own. Qi Yang put him down, curious to see what he would do.

“Mei Mei! Mei Mei!” Murong Yang waddled towards Wang Xinxin, Wang Wu’s daughter, like a little duckling.

So, the little guy has a crush too! Qi Yang thought to himself, feeling rather downcast. Even this tiny kiddo had someone; where was his other half? Speaking of which, Qi Yang missed Lan Lin terribly. Was he doing well? Qi Yang looked at the sky, a hint of sadness on his face.

The banquet was set in the expansive garden of the Murong Family. The guests invited were either relatives and friends of the Murong Family or elite figures from the business and political world, none of whom were ordinary people. The banquet included a hundred tables, all filled to the brim, creating a lively atmosphere.

An Luya had slept in until right before the banquet was about to start. Murong Qingming stayed with her in the room, not going down to greet guests. After all, Murong Ying and Murong Xiaowei were there; why would he need to go? He preferred to spend some cozy time with his wife and child.

“Wow! Murong Qingming! It’s already noon! Why didn’t you wake me? And you didn’t go down either? That’s so rude.” An Luya hurriedly got out of bed to find clothes, which Murong Qingming had already prepared for her.

“No worries, Murong Yang is down there; he’s the star today. Everyone’s busy playing with him, so no one’s noticed whether we’re there or not. If we head down now, we’ll be right on time for the start of the banquet. Just remember to eat well and avoid spicy food…” Murong Qingming fussed over her like a busybody, giving instructions on what to do and what not to do, causing An Luya to forget her complaints about him.

Murong Qingming, however, had opinions about her outfit. Who was she dressing up so beautifully for, anyway? After much coaxing, he finally allowed An Luya to join the crowd dressed like that but insisted on no makeup because her natural beauty should be reserved for his eyes only. She readily agreed, having no intention of wearing makeup since it wasn’t recommended during pregnancy.

After descending, Murong Qingming and An Luya mingled with familiar faces, receiving congratulations from acquaintances and compliments from elders. An Luya responded with thanks until her face tired from smiling. Fortunately, the banquet began soon after. Murong Qingming helped An Luya to sit at the main table, gently massaging her calves. He knew that if a pregnant woman wasn’t properly cared for, she might suffer from swollen legs, which would be very painful. He wouldn’t let that happen, so he regularly massaged her as part of their routine, surprising everyone with his attentiveness.

“Murong Qingming, don’t do this, not with so many people around. It’s okay to skip it today,” An Luya whispered, feeling uncomfortable under the curious and astonished glances around them. She wished Murong Qingming would maintain his previous aloof demeanor rather than letting people think he had become a henpecked husband.

“I like doing this; who cares what others think? Just sit tight! If we miss today’s massage and you swell up, it’ll hurt, and I can’t bear that, you know?” Murong Qingming said, firmly holding An Luya’s leg when she tried to pull it back. Resigned, An Luya gave in to him. Friends at the main and adjacent tables smiled at the couple’s sweetness, while others were as shocked as if they’d been struck by lightning. Those familiar with Murong Qingming knew him as a king-like figure; they’d never seen him act so gently toward anyone. Even those who were skeptical of their relationship had a change of heart, offering genuine blessings.