Chapter 178

“Brother, why did you suddenly come to Jing City?”

“Were you trying to surprise us by not telling us earlier?”

“Brother, how many days are you staying in Jing City?”

“......”

As soon as he got in the car, Cheng Zhuo started bombarding Cheng Xin with questions non-stop.

Cheng Xin sat lazily in the back of the luxury car, legs crossed.

His brows were slightly furrowed, and he swept a cold glance over.

In a tone that was stern enough to silence Cheng Zhuo but not too harsh, he said:

“Can you be quieter?”

“......” Cheng Zhuo was stunned for a moment, and immediately shut his mouth.

He made a zipping motion over his lips and drooped back into his seat.

Seeing this, Cheng Xin lightly withdrew his gaze.

Suddenly, as if thinking of something, his eyes became even colder as he looked at Cheng Zhuo again.

"Cheng Zhuo, is this your level of competence?"

Cheng Zhuo was so frightened by this oppressive questioning that he jolted.

Not daring to "talk too much," he stared back with wide eyes.

"???"

Cheng Xin's voice was as cold as ice:

"If I hadn't come to Jing City and happened to call you, how were you planning to handle today's situation?"

"......" Cheng Zhuo was rendered speechless, his lips moving but not able to get out half a word.

It wasn't that he didn't know how to answer.

But his innate fear of Big Brother came over him, and he temporarily forgot what to say.

It had been a long time since he was scolded face-to-face...

Cheng Xin continued to ask him, "Is this how you look after Mumu? Hm?"

Cheng Zhuo held his breath: "......"

His face suddenly showed great innocence.

He could only whimper to himself: But...brother, I'm your little brother...

Sheng Mumu had still been immersed in the joy of getting three rose gardens. Her mind went blank.

Now seeing Cheng Zhuo at a loss for words, she suddenly came back to her senses.

She quickly came to Cheng Zhuo's rescue:

"Big brother, we had already thought of a plan B before coming over. Even if we couldn't negotiate properly with Leirui today, it would be fine."

Hearing her say this, Cheng Xin looked over. His previously stern face instantly softened.

Flashing imperceptibly in his eyes were traces of guilt and distress. Sheng Mumu didn't notice Cheng Xin's expression. She bit her lip and continued seriously:

"In fact, I should reflect more―if I had contacted more rose gardens in the past, I wouldn't be in such a helpless situation when an emergency came up―"

"No, it's not your problem," Cheng Xin interrupted her words.

The self-reproach in his deep eyes grew thicker.

His normally steel-like resolute heart seemed to be grabbed by something, indescribably uncomfortable and remorseful.

In the years when Mumu was not with her family, she must have suffered a lot.

When encountering problems, her first reaction was to reflect on herself rather than rely on her family.

The more he thought about it, the more self-reproachful he became.

If his work hadn't been so busy and he had called Mumu and Cheng Zhuo more often, he should have resolved this matter long ago.

Cheng Xin's shoulders sank as he slowly said:

"Mumu, it was my mistake for not considering this beforehand."

Upon hearing this, Sheng Mumu and Cheng Zhuo couldn't help but glance at each other, blinking simultaneously.

One was bewildered.

The other was lamenting how biased Big Brother was.

Just then, Cheng Xin took out his phone from his coat pocket and made a call.

After speaking quickly for a few sentences, he put his phone away and looked at Sheng Mumu:

"TK will transfer two more rose gardens under my name and give them to you."

He paused, his tone even gentler and warmer than before:

"Mumu, if you encounter any problems in the future, you don't need to reflect or think of backup plans. Your family will always be your backup."

"......" Sheng Mumu's mind buzzed. She was struck by happiness and felt flattered. She hurriedly waved her hands, about to turn down his offer.

But then she saw Cheng Xin's brow twitch as he moved his hand towards his pocket, seeming like he was going to take out his phone again.

She stopped herself, swallowing the words that had come to her lips.

She wouldn't say anything more.

She had just expressed some self-reflection, yet Big Brother immediately offered her two more rose gardens.

If she outright declined, Big Brother might think she had suffered too much misfortune since childhood and was cautious, unaccustomed to other people's care.

If he got "angry," he might even send ten more.

She could even imagine what the "tycoon" Big Brother would say if she refused―"Not enough? Then ten it is."

Thinking of this, Sheng Mumu smoothly switched her expression. She suppressed all bewilderment and gave a sweet smile.

Adorable dimples appeared:

"Thank you, Big Brother~"

As her words fell, a broad palm touched the top of her head, gently rubbing it.

Accompanied by indistinct laughter, Cheng Xin's voice was mellow:

"No need to say thanks to me."

The car was instantly immersed in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Cheng Xin started asking Sheng Mumu about her company's situation and whether there was anything he could help with. He also offered some professional suggestions for the future development direction of Yuxi, based on his expertise.

If the topic had shifted to something unfamiliar, Sheng Mumu might have felt somewhat estranged. After all, this was the first time meeting Big Brother today.

But when it came to career, Sheng Mumu's workaholic traits emerged, chattering away tirelessly. Plus, she was an inherent social butterfly at heart. In no time, the distance between them faded away.

Her outgoing and cheerful personality was infectious.

The air even seemed to become fresh and comfortable.

However.

In an ignored corner of the luxury car.

Cheng Zhuo's eyes brightened. His gaze shifted between their faces several times.

Seeing Big Brother in high spirits, he chose an opportune time to insert himself into the conversation:

"Oh right, brother, recently I――"

Before he could finish speaking, Cheng Xin swept a cold glance over.

"Don't you see me chatting with Mumu?"

Cheng Zhuo's expression froze: "........................"

A song suddenly rang clearly in his mind―I should be under the car, not in the car.

Right? Brothers and sisters?

Too absorbed in talking, Sheng Mumu didn't notice the car arriving at a place she didn't recognize.

When she got out of the car, in front of her was a two-story European-style villa courtyard.

Against the lush greenery, the white walls and red roof exuded a classical and dignified air.

Not far away, roses entwined the fence, adding a touch of romantic color.

The air was infused with the fragrance of flowers and soil.

Although the location and area of this villa couldn't compare to Xiyu Yue Manor, it had its own charm of being far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Sheng Mumu and Cheng Zhuo were still dumbfounded when they followed Cheng Xin inside.

Upon reaching the lofty living room, looking around, the decoration seemed very new.

The brand new furniture was spotless, showing signs of regular cleaning.

"I bought this villa a few years ago and left it empty since then."

Cheng Xin suddenly turned around, handing Sheng Mumu a set of keys.

His expression was somewhat stern as he said solemnly:

"Mumu, Big Brother knows you are very capable and can support yourself, but you must accept this meeting gift."

"From now on, this will be your maternal home in Jing City."

"In the future, if you suffer even the slightest grievance in the Qi family, leave immediately instead of enduring it."

"Big Brother will stand up for you."

Sheng Mumu's heart lurched violently, and warmth enclosed her from all sides.

Her nose instantly turned sour.

She couldn't tell if she was moved by this expensive "meeting gift" or by Big Brother's words.

Her bright eyes flashed with indescribable emotion. She didn't know what to say.

Before she could speak, that assured voice rang out again:

"This place is somewhat outdated. The decoration is still the style from years ago. It would be best to renovate it completely."

"Mumu, what style do you like? Tell me."

Cheng Xin deliberated for a few seconds before continuing. His tone slowed slightly:

"Right, Mumu, would it be convenient to have dinner together tonight with your brother-in-law?"