Chapter 14

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

At the dinner table, the atmosphere was very tranquil.

Qiao Fei didn’t see her twin sons. She looked around, then asked Mu Zhenming, “Zhenming, where are Qi Chu and Qi Lian?”

Mu Zhenming paused, and his eyes swept across Qiao Jin, who was looking at the tableware and chopsticks. He immediately retracted his gaze. “They went out with friends.”

In reality, they simply did not want to see Qiao Jin.

After all, as their father, he knew quite clearly what their opinions were. They had nothing but resentment towards Qiao Jin for monopolizing Qiao Fei’s love for 20 years, so they were especially hostile towards her.

Today, they’d lost their tempers upon finding out that Qian Jin was coming back that night, but they dared not throw tantrums in front of Qiao Fei. Instead, they found an excuse to go out.

Qiao Fei was a bit disappointed and then somewhat dissatisfied, and she mumbled, “They don’t even come back to see their sister.”

Even though they were not blood relations, she had raised her.

Before Qiao Jin had come back, Qiao Fei had already wanted to introduce them to each other, but her sons were unwilling to meet her, no matter what.

Qiao Jin waved her hand. “Ah, Feifei, don’t worry about these trivial matters. We’ll see them tomorrow morning, so don’t worry.”

Mu Zhenming was speechless.

When he heard her call her Feifei, the corner of his eyes twitched.

The servants’ hands were shaking, almost dropping the bowls and chopsticks they were holding.

After a week of ill-treatment, Qiao Fei had become numb to being called Feifei. She was simply curious. “Xiao Jin, how do you know that you will see your brothers tomorrow morning?”

Qiao Jin said, “I can tell simply by pinching my fingers.”

Qiao Fei was shocked.

Crazy. She immediately clamped her mouth shut.

Mu Zhenming remained silent.

Feeling ill at ease for some inexplicable reason, he lost his appetite.

The moment he’d seen Qiao Fei bring Qiao Jin back, he already started to feel bad.

It was just a hunch, so he couldn’t determine exactly why he felt that way.

The Mu family ate their meals separately. Even Chinese meals were served individually, and there were no shared dishes.

Qiao Fei was still concerned about Qiao Jin. “Xiao Jin, does the food suit your appetite?”

Qiao Jin said, “It’s alright.”

She merely ate food for the purpose of sustaining life. The taste was quite decent, but compared to what she used to eat, it was nowhere near as delicious.

After all, there was a ton of delicious food with spiritual auras back then. The natural aroma then wasn’t something that modern-day food could compare to.

If it wasn’t for Mu Zhenming’s exceptionally good manners, he wouldn’t have been able to resist the urge to snicker.

The Mu family’s primary chef was a three-star Michelin chef, and even those who made Chinese dishes were internationally distinguished chefs. Yet according to Qiao Jin, the food was merely decent.

Qiao Fei also chuckled awkwardly. She realized that Qiao Jin was difficult to talk to now, and, afraid of her talking nonsense again, she dared not ask any more questions.

When it was almost time to finish up, Qiao Fei raised the question of Qiao Jin’s studies. “Xiao Jin, you can’t keep missing school. I requested a month’s leave of absence for you. When the time comes, you still have to go to school. Okay?”

Qiao Jin said, “Sure.”

Upon seeing that she readily agreed, Qiao Fei was relieved.

Fortunately, there was still some time left. If Qiao Jin spent this time recovering from her illness, her mind should be able to return to its normal state, right?

Mu Zhenming did not express his opinion. After the meal, he elegantly wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin. “I’m done eating. I will go upstairs to work.”

Qiao Fei smiled and waved. “Go ahead, Zhenming.”

Qiao Jin also nodded and said, “Go ahead, Zhenming. Work hard.”

Qiao Fei’s smile stiffened again.

Mu Zhenming had just got up, and he nearly lost his balance. Using the table to support himself, he closed his eyes for a moment, then calmed himself down. He walked upstairs feeling uneasy inside.