The President Comes Knocking - Chapter 213 - Unease

The ever-busy President Mu seemed to be born with an unrelenting drive for work; he couldn’t stay idle for even a moment.

The two-day vacation passed in the blink of an eye, but Mu Han, who had hurriedly left the villa early on the first morning, hadn’t returned since. What was supposed to be two days spent with Qingyi had fallen through completely.

However, Qingyi had no complaints about such matters. Chu Qianqian had caught him several times on the phone with Mu Han, and every time his expression was grave. It seemed he had a clue as to what was going on with the company, but whenever Chu Qianqian pressed him on it, he would hem and haw, dodging the topic altogether. No matter what, he just refused to explain what had happened.

Since Qingyi wouldn’t spill the truth, Chu Qianqian couldn’t force it out of him. Nevertheless, seeing that Mu Han still hadn’t come back left her feeling increasingly uneasy. This unease even outweighed the anger she’d initially felt over his abrupt departure without explanation.

After some hesitation, Chu Qianqian reached out to Ellie, asking her for help in finding out what had happened. She didn’t sit still herself, either, scouring the internet for news. Unfortunately, whether it was because nothing major had actually occurred or because the Kunhuang Group had managed to cover it up, she found nothing relevant online.

…

Nighttime. The city was aglow with twinkling lights.

Qingyi’s villa in City B.

“Qianqian, stop worrying. My brother is really fine.”

This was the third time Qingyi had reassured Chu Qianqian with those exact words today. But unlike the previous two attempts, this time there was newfound energy in his tone-it sounded much more convincing.

From the discernible shift in Qingyi’s demeanor, Chu Qianqian could tell that things on Mu Han’s end in City A had taken a turn for the better. Strangely, a heavy weight seemed to lift from her heart, bringing her a sense of relief.

Her lips curled into a smile, and for the first time today, it wasn’t a forced one. She quipped, “That line again? Do you even realize how many times you’ve said it today?”

Qingyi chuckled sheepishly, showing no trace of embarrassment at her calling him out. “Don’t say that. I’m telling the truth this time. I promise I’m not lying to you.”

Now that the tension had eased, Chu Qianqian found herself in the mood to spar with him playfully. Raising an eyebrow, she adopted a skeptical expression. “Oh really? That’s the third time you’ve said that too, Qingyi. How about we have a little honesty here for once?”

Hearing this, Qingyi’s expression turned into one of exaggerated indignation, as though his very innocence had been called into question. His eyes practically screamed, “I’m innocent!” as he protested, “Qianqian, come on, that’s so unfair! I swear I’m being honest this time.”

“This time?”

“Oh, don’t nitpick over words; the matter has already been settled.” After saying this, Qingyi noticed a change in Chu Qianqian’s expression, clearly about to say something to counter him. Hesitating for a second, he decided to simply throw Mu Han under the bus: “Mu Han said he would be back in City B in the next few days, and he might even visit the film crew.”

This indeed was good news to divert the topic. Hearing Qingyi say this, Chu Qianqian’s attention shifted to Mu Han’s plans, “So soon? Doesn’t he need to preside over the company? This issue seems quite significant.”

“I’m not sure what his plans are, but he will definitely have to arrange things at the company first; otherwise, even if he wants to leave, the shareholders wouldn’t allow it.”

After hearing Qingyi’s words, Chu Qianqian’s expression subtly froze, her eyes momentarily filled with panic. In fact, what Qingyi said was easy to understand. Although City B is the Mu Family’s stronghold, City A is now a focus of Mu Han’s development. He shouldn’t be staying in City B for an extended period again; his last stay was out of necessity, but there’s no reason for it this time.

“No, there is a reason, because I am here.” This thought made Chu Qianqian’s heart flutter uncontrollably. Although she had known that Mu Han would do this possibly because of her, honestly, at that time, she felt more burdened than anything else.

But now, whether it was because the feelings had accumulated over time, leading to a qualitative change, or because of the kiss last night, her heart still felt burdened by what Mu Han had done for her, but more so, it was filled with guilt. She didn’t think she deserved so much from him.

This feeling of guilt was very uncomfortable, at least at this moment. When Chu Qianqian thought of Mu Han, it felt like her heart was being gently squeezed by a large hand-not painful, but occasionally, it made breathing difficult.

This was an ominous sign. Chu Qianqian felt as if a piece of her well-defended fortress had collapsed, letting the sunlight from outside gradually seep in, bathing her heart, accustomed to darkness, in light.

Warm, yet filled with intense unease.

City A, Kunhuang Group Headquarters, President’s Office.

The Kunhuang Group’s headquarters building is the second tallest structure in City A, only surpassed by the Wang Family’s Haohan Entertainment.

Perhaps it was a common trait among executives-a penchant for looking down from above and desiring ample private space. Mu Han’s president’s office likewise occupied most of the top floor of Kunhuang Group’s headquarters. The remaining space was designated for his team of secretaries. As the chief secretary responsible for managing the bulk of the president’s daily affairs, Li Yan’s office was the largest one on the top floor besides Mu Han’s. It was also the closest to his.

At this moment, the expansive president’s office was occupied by Mu Han alone. One hand rested on the armrest of his chair while the other supported his forehead. His eyes were shut, and it was unclear whether he was taking a brief nap or lost in thought.

A closer look revealed a pale, unhealthy complexion on his face. His lips were tinged slightly blue, and dark circles hung heavily under his eyes, all evidence that he had not been sleeping well over the past two days.

Knock, knock.

A pair of knocks landed on the door, sharp yet abrupt, stopping almost as soon as they began. It was as if the visitor knew that Mu Han was resting and wouldn’t respond. After waiting five seconds without hearing an invitation to enter, Li Yan pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Normally, Assistant Li prided himself on his polished appearance, his perfectly put-together exterior practically screaming “elite professional.” But now, his current state offered a stark contrast. His dark circles were even more pronounced than Mu Han’s, giving him an unnervingly haggard look. A grayish-blue pallor seemed to emanate from his entire being. His usually perfectly styled hair-likely held in place by half a bottle of hair gel on any given day-was now a disheveled mess, while his shirt was rumpled and creased. He looked like he could walk straight into a haunted house and play a zombie without needing a change of clothes or makeup.

Even his voice reflected his dire state, rough and hoarse. While it was clear that he was making a valiant effort to sound composed, coughing heavily only exacerbated his condition. His attempts to steady his voice served no useful purpose-other than rousing Mu Han from his rest.

“Could you at least cough a little lighter? It sounds like you’re about to hack up a lung,” Mu Han said, the irritation in his tone barely concealed. Having been deprived of sleep for two consecutive nights, he had been trying to steal a brief moment of rest, only to be interrupted. It took considerable restraint for him to keep his simmering anger in check and stop himself from outright snapping.