142. The Poison Takes Effect

"Oh my, I am so sorry! I didn't mean to disturb you two."

It was Si's mother. Unlike Mu Qingcheng, who was flushed with embarrassment, Si's mother clearly possessed the seasoned composure of someone who had seen it all. Instead of turning back, she walked right in with a playful glint in her eyes.

She gave her son’s arm a firm pat and said with a touch of feigned disdain, "Put the girl down. She’s still injured, you know. You think everyone is as thick-skinned and sturdy as you? Honestly, you have no idea how to be gentle. Move, move!"

With a few quick movements, she shooed Si Qingchen onto the nearby sofa. She then helped Mu Qingcheng sit up against the headboard, tucking the quilt around her with a tender touch.

Mu Qingcheng felt a bit overwhelmed by the kindness and said awkwardly, "Thank you, ma'am."

"You're a good child. You're very welcome."

Si's mother studied Mu Qingcheng’s face with great care, looking absolutely delighted. Suddenly, she leaned in close and whispered, as if sharing a secret, "Qingcheng, may I ask you a question?"

"Yes?" Mu Qingcheng nodded. In moments of unconscious vulnerability, she always had this obedient and endearing air about her.

Si's mother brushed a stray lock of hair from her face and continued, "Do you like my silly son?"

"Ma'am!"

"Mom, what are you doing?"

Si Qingchen stood up immediately, shielding Mu Qingcheng behind him like a protective parent. Looking at his mother with a frown, he said, "Please, don't do that. You're scaring her."

"What are you talking about? I’m the one who should be worried!" Si's mother glared at her son, unfazed by Mu Qingcheng’s presence. She spoke her mind bluntly, "You’ve never shown any interest in girls since you were a child. Your father and I even thought you were gay—we even went so far as to secretly look up the laws on same-sex marriage. It’s a relief you finally managed to lure Qingcheng back, but don't tell me we’ve been celebrating for nothing and you haven't even won her heart yet?"

"What do you mean 'lure'?"

"If you didn't lure her, what girl would ever be with you? You walk around with that sour look on your face all day as if everyone owes you money. I’m just trying to help you out so you don't lose your wife!"

"..."

Si Qingchen, who was usually invincible, hadn't expected his status at home to be... quite so lowly.

Hidden behind him, Mu Qingcheng watched the mother and son bickering in a way that was actually quite affectionate, and she couldn't help but let a small smile touch her lips. But in the next second, she felt a sudden, hollow ache in her heart.

There was a time when she and her own mother had been just as close. She remembered how, whenever her mother returned from a mission, she would bring her a small flower—of every color imaginable. Her mother would always place it on her bedside table or her desk. Mu Qingcheng hadn't actually liked the flowers themselves, but she had always looked forward to them.

Because seeing that little flower meant that her mother was home.

Until that one time...

That pale pink wildflower was crushed beneath the wheels of a car, mixed with crimson blood, and churned into the mud. It was like a hallucination, a curse that made it impossible for her to ever sleep peacefully again.

...

A massive wave of dizziness crashed down upon her. Mu Qingcheng raised her hand, instinctively trying to grab the hem of Si Qingchen’s shirt, but she couldn't reach it no matter how hard she tried. Paralyzed by fear, she lost her balance and fell backward.

But just as she was about to tumble onto the bed, she was caught firmly in a pair of steady arms.

"Brother... Chen..."

Mu Qingcheng thought to herself that Si Qingchen was truly wonderful; he had never let her down. But now, she could no longer hold on.

****

Meanwhile, after Mu Qingcheng had been hospitalized, Mu Qing had hurried to handle the discharge procedures. He hadn't originally intended to go in person, but his favorite sketchbook had been left behind. Worried, he decided to make the trip himself.

He never expected that this trip would lead him to discover an unexpected... secret!