Chapter 436: Chapter 389 Brothers
Gu Qili of course would not tell Mu Qinian and Qiu Lan what they had discussed,
Mu Qinian pouted slightly and suddenly leaned over the back of the driver’s seat, whispering a few words into Mu Shuoqian’s ear.
Gu Qili asked curiously, "What secrets are you father and son sharing?"
Gu Qili: "..."
When it came to studying, he had never seen him put in so much effort, always able to think outside the box.
However, Mu Qinian’s little scheming was soon revealed by Mu Shuoqian,
"Dad." As soon as Mu Qinian heard this, he immediately bristled, angrily waving his tiny fists: "What about trust between people?"
Gu Qili scoffed, "Can’t hold it anymore, there’s a KFC up ahead, stop the car there and let your dad take you to the restroom."
Mu Qinian huffed twice, he wasn’t struggling to hold it in at all. He didn’t expect that his dad would betray him so quickly, his dad was simply too unprincipled, a complete henpecked husband.
When the family of three arrived at the Mu Family’s old mansion, the outside was adorned with red lanterns, and the house was decorated vibrantly for the New Year, exuding a festive atmosphere.
Mu Haotian was in the living room playing chess with Mu Fan, and upon seeing them come in, he put the chess pieces aside and said with a smile, "Your second brother and sister-in-law are back."
In the past, Mu Haotian had deep prejudices against Gu Qili, but now that they had officially held a wedding and he heard that the past incidents were merely misunderstandings, Mu Haotian seemed to grow more family-oriented with age, caring less about these matters than before.
Gu Qili and Mu Qinian gave their New Year’s greetings to Mu Haotian, and Mu Qinian then dragged Mu Fan to his room to play.
Gu Qili realized that Mu Hewen was not at home, which was odd considering that, during the New Year, the eldest son of the Mu family should undoubtedly be present.
"Shuoqian." Mu Haotian was about to pack the unfinished chess game when Mu Shuoqian held his hand and said casually while looking down, "Next game."
Mu Shuoqian seldom actively asked to accompany Mu Haotian in playing chess, and Mu Haotian immediately agreed joyfully, repeating "Sure sure sure" three times.
The father and son set up the chessboard and began playing seriously.
Mu Haotian was skilled in chess, and although Mu Shuoqian was clearly not his match, he didn’t lose too miserably either.
"Shuoqian, when you have time, go visit your elder brother in the hospital, he’s also spending the New Year there." Mu Haotian picked up a chess piece, "No matter what disputes you have between you, after all, he is your real brother. Dad’s getting old and won’t be able to compete in the business world for much longer. I plan to hand over Muguang Entertainment to you brothers to manage.
Upon hearing this, Mu Shuoqian looked up at Mu Haotian and saw a few more white hairs and a trace of weariness in his eyes.
For years, Mu Haotian had tightly held onto the power of Muguang Entertainment, and rumors swirled that he didn’t even trust his own sons, portraying him as a man obsessed with power and wealth. However, what he said today surprised Mu Shuoqian immensely.
"Shuoqian, the other day after seeing your mom, I thought a lot. Back then, I didn’t have the courage to apologize to her. Now, you help me tell her, just say that Mu Haotian is sorry to say her." Mu Haotian was a man who never bowed to anyone, so for him to utter these words was quite extraordinary. An apology that came over thirty years too late, and although it couldn’t make amends for everything, he had at least recognized his mistakes.
Qiu Lan didn’t need his apology, but this attitude left Mu Shuoqian feeling conflicted.
Mu Shuoqian returned to the Mu family primarily to claim Mu Haotian’s Muguang Entertainment, but now, hatred felt as insubstantial as clouds to him; he only wanted to be by Gu Qili’s side. He had prepared for the worst; if they couldn’t find a suitable donor soon, this could be her last time, how could he not be with her?
"Which hospital is he in?" Mu Shuoqian suddenly asked.
"Aus City Central Hospital." Mu Haotian looked enthusiastically at his second son, knowing he and Mu Hewen had always been at odds. It wasn’t just to save face that he mentioned it, but it truly came from his heart, "Shuoqian, dad knows he was wrong to you before, so, dad will hand over Muguang Entertainment to you to manage, with your elder brother and Mu Fan assisting."
Mu Shuoqian picked up a chess piece and placed it down, saying faintly, "Dad, you’ve lost."
It was then that Mu Haotian realized that he had lost the game because he had been distracted by talking. Mu Haotian, who was usually competitive, willingly accepted defeat to his son.
He didn’t know when exactly his mindset started to change, probably after seeing Qiu Lan. One begins to see clearly only when they reflect on their past.
"Lost, I’m getting old." Mu Haotian said with a resigned smile, "It’s time to make way for the younger generation."
Mu Shuoqian didn’t reply, quietly tidying up the chessboard, intending to play another round, but the servants had already called everyone to eat.
After the meal, Mu Qinian wanted to stay here and play with Mu Fan. Mu Shuoqian and Gu Qili drove to the Central Hospital together.
Seeing Qi Meihui lying in the ICU ward, reduced to skin and bones, all the past gratitude and grievances seemed to pass like clouds, having long been viewed indifferently.
Mu Hewen did not expect them to come. He was massaging Qi Meihui’s arms and immediately stood up, his expression somewhat panicked: "You... how did you get here?"
We came to see the sister-in-law," This was the first time Mu Shuoqian addressed Qi Meihui as sister-in-law.
Mu Hewen was stunned for a moment, and slightly tugged at the corner of his mouth with slight disbelief, then pointed to a few chairs nearby: "Have a seat."
Qi Meihui was sometimes conscious and sometimes in a coma, as her head had been struck. She mostly remained asleep.
"How is sister-in-law doing?" Mu Shuoqian asked.
Mu Hewen shook his head with a sigh: "It’s still the same, no progress. The doctors have suggested giving up treatment, but I don’t want to give up hope. As long as she can breathe, there’s a possibility for recovery," Hao Wen said with an unexpected earnestness that surprised Gu Qili. The death of Hu Jiaojiao had greatly impacted him. A person can only undergo such profound change after experiencing deep sorrow. In his eyes, the former arrogance and nonchalance had vanished, replaced by deep guilt and concern.
Mu Hewen is no longer the same Mu Hewen as before.
Mu Shuoqian glanced at the person on the hospital bed: "Let’s talk outside."
"Alright." Mu Hewen, not knowing what it was about, got up and walked to the door, "Good chance to have a smoke."
Mu Shuoqian lightly patted Gu Qili on the shoulder: "Wait here for me for a while."
"Sure, go ahead," Gu Qili gave him a smile.
Mu Shuoqian and Mu Hewen moved to the end of the corridor. Mu Shuoqian took out a pack of cigarettes, pulled one out and handed it to Mu Hewen, then pulled out a lighter and lit it for him.
Mu Hewen took a puff and exhaled a ring of smoke, which slowly drifted out the window: "You and I have never smoked together before."
"Yes," Mu Shuoqian put the cigarette in his mouth and put the lighter back.
"I hope this isn’t the last time," Mu Hewen remarked, "You came to find me with something on your mind?"
"I plan to transfer everything to you and Mu Fan, keeping only the shares of Muguang Group." Mu Shuoqian, amidst the smoke, his face seemed a bit elusive, "From now on, it will be up to you and Mu Fan to manage everything."
Mu Hewen looked at him in shock: "Are you crazy? It’s your life’s work; you want to give it away? Do you even know what you’re saying?"
Mu Shuoqian smiled, "In the past, we fought over it fiercely, never thought that one day, I would willingly give it up, and you would be the one trying to talk me out of it."
"What happened?" Mu Hewen asked worriedly.
"Qili has liver cancer," Mu Shuoqian responded calmly, having gradually come to accept this reality over these days, "So far, no suitable donor has been found. I’m not sure if she can wait until then, so, I’m going to spend this time by her side. The company can’t be without management, I don’t trust giving it to others. If it is you and Mu Fan, I can leave without worry."
"How can this be?" Mu Hewen sighed, he had no real animosity towards Gu Qili, actually, he always thought she was smart and kind. The reason he didn’t interact with her was due to the prior fiery relationship with Mu Shuoqian. Now hearing of her illness, he could only lament how unpredictable life could be.
"I have a share transfer agreement, which the lawyer will send to you later. You also contributed to it, so I trust you can manage it well."
"Shuoqian." Mu Hewen looked at him helplessly, "Don’t be too hard on yourself, not finding a donor now does not mean we won’t find one later. Qili is a good girl, I believe Providence won’t fail a good person."
"Yes, I won’t give up until the last moment."
Gu Qili sat quietly beside the hospital bed, gazing at the unconscious Qi Meihui. Strangely, at such times, the past grudges seemed to fade, all hatred and resentment had vanished without a trace.
She sighed softly and couldn’t help but hold Qi Meihui’s hand. Sharing a similar fate, she felt many emotions, genuinely hoping from her heart for her quick recovery.
"You came to see me?" Suddenly, a weak voice came from beside her, as Qi Meihui lying there slowly opened her eyes.