Chapter 164 - Delicacies

Scenes of interactions with Chu Qianqian flashed through Mu Han’s mind like a slideshow.

Recalling the first time they met, when Chu Qianqian’s eyes darted and her words hesitated, Mu Han sighed. At the time, he thought it was just a normal reaction to meeting the Boss, but now he realized it was panic upon seeing him.

Looking at the vibrant red mole in the photo, Mu Han rubbed his fingertips, his thoughts drifting back. He remembered the scene not long after he met Chu Qianqian, when he accidentally brushed her earlobe in the elevator. Chu Qianqian reacted as if shocked, jumping away and keeping nearly two meters of distance in the cramped elevator.

He initially thought she disliked being touched by the opposite sex, but after seeing the photo, he finally understood. Chu Qianqian was worried he would remember something because of the distinctive red mole.

“Red mole…” Mu Han felt a pang of bitterness. From the very beginning, he had felt a strange sense of familiarity with Chu Qianqian and hadn’t forgotten the striking red mole on her left earlobe. Why hadn’t he been suspicious back then?

The memories of Chu Qianqian became more vivid, yet the bitterness in Mu Han’s heart grew heavier. Yes, he had suspected, and he had probed. However, Chu Qianqian always managed to subtly change the subject.

Mu Han didn’t know whether to consider himself fortunate or unfortunate. The typically straightforward girl must have used all her acting skills during that time just to keep the secret, never letting him connect that reckless night to her.

“You know…” Mu Han paused, hearing the rare confusion in his own voice, “Why didn’t she want me to know about that night?”

Although Mu Han’s tone was light, his words accurately reached Zhang Hao’s ears in the spacious office. The man, caught off guard by the Boss’s unexpected question, looked momentarily bewildered. Fortunately, he quickly connected this “she” with the subject of the investigation. After a brief pause, he objectively shared his thoughts: “To be honest, such a reaction is actually quite normal.”

Sensing the gaze upon him, Zhang Hao, who typically disliked being the focus of attention, instinctively tensed, feeling an urge to escape. However, he also knew Mu Han’s character and understood that he genuinely wanted an answer. So, despite the prickling sensation on his scalp, he continued to play the role of emotional advisor, attempting to resolve the confusion.

“The investigation results show that Miss Chu was likely despondent that night and went to the bar to drink away her sorrows. She was then tricked into drinking spiked alcohol by someone who coveted her beauty. In her panic, she accidentally stumbled into a Private Room-the one arranged by the Wang Family for you. It was sheer coincidence that led to her encounter with you.”

Zhang Hao glanced up at the Boss, and seeing no change in expression, cautiously continued, “From what I gathered, Miss Chu has a rather innocent nature. Experiencing something like that would have been a considerable blow to her, so her choice to keep it a secret is understandable.”

Even though Zhang Hao’s words were quite tactful, Mu Han still discerned the underlying implication: “She’s a good girl. Falling in love with someone who forcefully took advantage of her just because of a mishap is something out of a third-rate novel-unrealistic in real life.”

Though he didn’t think this way, the president, feeling oddly mocked by the truthful remark, subconsciously rubbed his nose and shot a glare at Zhang Hao, who had inadvertently spoken the truth.

“Alright, you can leave now.”

Seeing Zhang Hao briskly turn to exit, Mu Han, suddenly reminded of something, stopped him again, “Remember, do not disclose this matter to anyone.”

When reporting to Mu Han, Zhang Hao sensed that the Boss had unusual feelings for Miss Chu. Knowing the importance of keeping the Boss’s gossip under wraps, he had already decided to take this secret to his grave. Therefore, when the usually reticent Boss specifically instructed him to keep quiet, Zhang Hao became even more certain of the special relationship between Miss Chu and Mu Han. He nodded vigorously with a serious expression, assuring that he would not say a word.

Seeing this, Mu Han slightly nodded, signaling him to leave.

“Coincidence, huh…”

Mu Han suddenly broke into a smile, a pure smile filled with genuine joy. Unfortunately, in the empty office, there was no one to witness this rare expression.

“Even without knowing about that night, I’ve still been drawn to you. Chu Qianqian, oh Chu Qianqian, you were meant to be mine…”

The soft murmur escaped from Mu Han’s lips, infused with a possessiveness that would shock anyone who heard it.

Like a hunter circling a delectable prey, liking it and wanting to possess it, but never in a rush-content to let it orbit around him. However, he suddenly realized this was a rare delicacy, never to be had again if missed. He must seize the moment and swiftly savor it, to quench the burning urgency within him.

“Chu Qianqian…”

“Achoo-”

Just as she stood up, preparing to grab utensils from the Kitchen, Chu Qianqian sneezed unexpectedly. She shivered, shaking off the goosebumps, and felt the sudden chill that had gripped her body begin to disperse.

“Qianqian, what’s wrong?” Qingyi’s voice came from the Kitchen. He emerged carrying a bowl of vegetable salad, though calling it a bowl was an understatement; given its size, it was more accurately described as a basin.

After putting down the vegetable salad, Qingyi watched Chu Qianqian rub her nose repeatedly, wondering who might have been talking about her this time. Yes, after several instances when Qingyi had mistakenly thought Chu Qianqian’s sneezing was due to a cold or fever, she had explained to him the folk belief: sneezing is a sign that someone might be talking about you behind your back.

However, this time, Chu Qianqian shook her head. Remembering the sudden chill she felt earlier, she thought it might really be a sign of catching a cold. November in City B was much colder than when she and Mu Han first arrived. The temperature difference between the outside and inside was significant, and she figured she might need to throw on an extra jacket.

“It’s nothing. I’ll go grab a jacket from my room and wake Ziyu up while I’m at it.”

Thinking about how Chu Ziyu had been napping since they went back to their rooms, Qingyi chuckled mischievously, “Well, I’ll leave it to Qianqian to wake up that sleepyhead Ziyu. His nap has been way too long today.”

“If you call him a sleepyhead, be careful he doesn’t hear you and flicks your forehead again. Don’t expect me to help you with that.”

“Hehe,” Qingyi grinned brightly, “As long as he doesn’t hear, right?”