143 Not to be Trifled With

Mu Qingcheng had yet to wake up.

At that time, Si Qingchen remained by her side in the room, never stepping away for even a moment. He had even barred Elder Mu from entering when he came to visit. The young master of the Si family had transformed into a wild beast on the verge of losing control, his eyes bloodshot and his demeanor radiating a volatile, restless fury. Even Mother Si had never seen him in such a state. Mindful of the standing between their two families, she took the initiative to step outside and explain the situation.

However...

Mother Si had initially assumed that the Mu family, much like her own, would be delighted to see the two children in love. She never expected that Elder Mu would not only avoid discussing the matter entirely but would also deliberately try to create distance between them, stubbornly framing Si Qingchen’s deep affection for Mu Qingcheng as nothing more than the concern of an elder for a younger relative.

Mother Si, however, was not one to be trifled with. A cold glint appeared in her eyes as she offered a smile and retorted mercilessly, "You are quite right; there is indeed a ten-year age gap between Qingcheng and my son."

Elder Mu nodded, maintaining the posture of a superior elder.

But Mother Si suddenly shifted her tone, continuing, "However, our Si family has always valued emotions above all else. We do not reject age gaps, nor do we favor sons over daughters. I hope you can rest assured on that point, Elder."

Having said this, she didn't even glance at Elder Mu’s face, which had turned beet red in an instant, and turned back into the hospital room. Elder Mu stared at the door with wide, fixed eyes, unable to utter a single word for a long while. After all, who in the Imperial Capital didn't know that the Mu family had always... favored sons over daughters?

Inside the room, Mother Si saw the state her son was in, feeling both heartache and frustration. Approaching him, she gently patted his shoulder and whispered, "Son, come home with Mother first."

"I am not leaving."

Si Qingchen did not even turn his head, his grip on Mu Qingcheng’s hand remaining firm and unyielding. This stubbornness was a far cry from his usual cool and composed self; he seemed like an entirely different person.

*So, love truly does make one blind and childish.* Mother Si sighed with empathy and pulled out her phone to make a call. Shortly after, Si Bei and Si Nan walked in.

"Take the young master back."

"This..." The two looked at each other, clearly terrified to make a move.

"Take him away. Listen to me."

"...Yes." Gritting their teeth, Si Nan and Si Bei stepped forward, each grabbing one of Si Qingchen’s arms.

"Don't touch me." A chilling, icy aura erupted from the man instantly. The two men froze, paralyzed by his presence.

After a long moment, a helpless Mother Si had to step in. "I know you are worried about Qingcheng, but look at yourself right now—are you in any state to solve anything? Besides, Qingcheng is a member of the Mu family. While the old man may favor sons over daughters, he does care about her. You have to let him come inside to see his granddaughter."

"..."

Si Qingchen remained silent. Mother Si suddenly lowered her voice, her tone turning cold. "I will tell you the truth: I have received word that the 'Earth Alliance' is returning. You had better be fully prepared."

"What... did you say?" Si Qingchen turned back, stunned. Even Si Nan and Si Bei looked at the formidable woman in absolute shock.

Mother Si continued, "Don't think that because your father and I are getting older and have handed everything over to you, we are unaware of what is happening. Do you really think I don't know... what kind of poison Qingcheng was struck with?"

Si Qingchen said nothing.

...

In the end, Si Qingchen was taken away from the hospital by his mother. Before leaving, he spoke to Elder Mu with chilling sincerity: "If you truly care for Qingcheng’s well-being, do not attempt to transfer her to another hospital while I am away."

Elder Mu’s expression flickered, as if his hidden intentions had been laid bare. Si Qingchen ignored it and continued, "Across the entire Imperial Capital, no hospital can compare to the one I have arranged for her. Furthermore, no matter where Qingcheng is taken, I will be able to find her."

Elder Mu was left speechless.

The identical attitude of both mother and son left Elder Mu feeling profoundly vexed yet powerless to retaliate. At that moment, he had to admit that Si Qingchen was... indeed correct.

Back inside the hospital room, Mu Qingcheng, who had yet to wake, seemed to sense the sudden emptiness beside her. The moment Si Qingchen closed the door, she stirred, her brows knitting together in a faint, subtle frown.