Chapter Nineteen: Who Is the Person in the Photograph?
Watching Qi Han and Mu You walk away, the smile on Xu Ya’s face gradually faded.
“I never expected that little tagalong to be quite capable.”
She couldn’t believe she had managed to win the favor and care of the eldest son of the Qi family!
Fortunately, the old master had arranged for Mu You to live in the small room next to his. Otherwise, if Qi Han had seen the old black room again, he would have made a big deal out of it and found an excuse to clamp down on the Mu family!
“Exactly! Our Enbao is much more well-behaved and sensible than her. She really has no taste and loves to meddle in things!” Mu Yao couldn’t help but scold.
“Enough. After all, he’s the one running the Qi family now. He’s only a few years older than you and has become the richest man in Huaguo. He does have some ability.”
Although Xu Ya doted on her only precious son, that didn’t mean she would blindly flatter him.
If a business giant like Qi Han were considered a fool, then Mu Yao, who barely had any assets and was managing a business on the brink of bankruptcy...
What would you call him?
“Mom.”
Mu Yao was so stunned he couldn’t find a word to retort.
So frustrating—he couldn’t argue back!
“The most important thing now is not to let Qi Han have a bad impression of the Mu family.”
“Only when he’s happy and truly willing to help can your business be preserved and even reach new heights!”
Xu Ya knew this very well.
Qi Han had come today purely out of respect for the old master’s face. If he was willing to mentor Mu Yao, the Mu family’s financial strength would multiply several times over!
Then, when Mu Yao could confidently take charge and succeed, she wouldn’t have to live in constant fear in front of Mu Deyan, pretending so hard all the time!
“Of course, I know I have to behave well in front of Qi Han. But that little tagalong Mu You is such an ungrateful wretch, always trying to smear me and the Mu family!”
As he spoke, Mu Yao clenched his fist.
He thought to himself, if Qi Han really refuses to help, it must be because Mu You has been tossing dirt on him.
She really was the Mu family’s jinx!
When the time comes, that stinky girl would have to be dealt with once and for all!
“That brat... we’ll deal with her later. While Qi Han is here, let’s just be good to her.”
“Those kids who have never experienced family love but crave it the most, if you show them a little kindness, they’ll be grateful.”
Xu Ya confidently curled the corner of her lips.
In her eyes, Mu You only seemed strong on the surface but was actually a love-starved child—easy to manage and fool.
——
“Uncle Qi, this is Youbao’s bedroom.”
Mu You introduced her small room to Qi Han.
Her little bed, the night lamp, the small desk, and her favorite little wardrobe!
There hadn’t been a wardrobe in the old small room; she used to keep her clothes in boxes on the floor, which often got dirty.
Although Mu You hadn’t lived here long, she liked this warm, bright little nest very much.
Because it was close to her grandfather, and it resembled the place she had lived long ago, giving her a sense of safety, like her parents were still around.
“Do you like it here, Youbao?”
Qi Han wanted to say that this room wasn’t even as big as a storage closet in the Qi family.
It was hard to imagine the heiress of the renowned Mu family in City B living in such a place.
Moreover, it was only after his “friendly reminder” as an outsider that she could stay here.
Qi Han remembered Xiao Xuan saying Mu You had led a miserable life in the Mu family, living long-term in the black room, even learning to move freely in the basement!
But he hadn’t said this aloud because the smile on Youbao’s face was genuine.
He didn’t want to upset the little one.
“Youbao really likes it here!”
“It’s beautiful and safe, and I can play with my friends! I don’t have to worry about anyone sneaking away with my treasures!”
Mu You patted the small backpack hung at her waist.
“But the most precious treasure, Youbao carries with her—no one can steal it!”
Her playfully mysterious expression was utterly endearing.
Even the hardened Qi Han’s iron heart melted!
“Ahem, may I have the honor of seeing this treasure Youbao cherishes so much?”
Qi Han smiled.
He was only trying to be polite, not actually that curious like a child.
Of course, if Youbao was willing, Qi Han would be very happy.
Because that would mean she trusted him!
“Of course!”
“Uncle Qi is a very nice person. You’re the first big friend Youbao has made. Friends should share with each other.”
Youbao’s little face was full of earnestness.
Although it was only their second meeting, she felt a strong sense of closeness to him.
Besides, Uncle Qi was handsome and tall, somewhat like her father...
Thinking of her father, Youbao’s eyes moistened.
“Youbao?”
Noticing the little bundle’s change in mood, Qi Han immediately crouched down and wiped her tears with a handkerchief.
At the same time, he wondered to himself:
Was he too stern-looking? Had he scared the little one to tears?
“It’s okay, Youbao is fine. She just misses her dad a little.”
Mu You wiped her tears, pretending to be strong.
She told herself:
You’re already a little grown-up now; don’t cry in front of big friends. Mom and Dad would worry!
Then, Mu You carefully took out her treasure from the backpack—
An old photograph.
“Uncle Qi, this is Youbao’s treasure. Please don’t tell anyone!”
Her small hands covered the photo like a little blanket.
With the other hand, she gently smoothed the wrinkled picture.
She looked at it and touched it every day, then carefully put it away.
Though she protected it as best she could, time had made it a bit worn and dirty.
But it would always be her most precious and unique treasure!
“Alright, Youbao, I promise you.”
Qi Han raised his hand solemnly, his expression serious.
He didn’t treat her lightly just because she was a child.
Youbao’s eyes reddened again as she thought of her father.
Her father used to make such serious promises too.
He had said he would protect Youbao, always be with her, and they would never be apart!
But now he was gone, nowhere to be found...
Youbao sniffled, fighting back tears.
She didn’t blame her father—she believed he hadn’t broken his promise and would come back!
“Youbao.”
Seeing her fall silent again, Qi Han guessed she was thinking of her father once more.
A few days ago, Wu Yi had told him about the Mu family and Youbao’s background.
Youbao’s mother had died from illness before she was three.
Her father was a son-in-law to the Mu family, with unknown identity, age, and appearance, and seemed to have some intellectual issues, rarely seen outside.
Two years ago, Youbao’s father was taken by Mu Yao and Li Jiao Jiao to a small hospital in America for treatment, then disappeared without a trace.
It was hard not to suspect that Mu Yao and his wife had deliberately “lost” Youbao’s father.
Seeing Youbao so deeply missing her father, Qi Han felt a sharp pang in his heart.
“Here, Uncle Qi.”
Youbao handed the photo to Qi Han, proudly showing her treasure.
Qi Han took it cautiously and glanced at it.
His pupils suddenly dilated.
“Youbao, who is the person in this photo?”