Chapter 9: Playdate

Wu Qianli was in her study when she heard the phone ring. Glancing at the caller ID she raised an eyebrow when she saw the name. 'Yu Xialan..why would she be calling?'

Picking up the phone Wu Qianli heard the soft drawl of Yu Xialan's voice. "Sister Wu, how are you?"

Leaning back into her the soft leather of her chair, Wu Qianli crossed her legs. "I've been doing well, what brings you to call me."

Wu Qianli has known Yu Xialan for nearly two decades, they had, after all, gone to the same school. But, they were never very close, as Wu Qianli was from the prestigious Wu Family while Yu Xialan was from a mediocre family who got into the school because of her high grades. It was only after Yu Xialan got married to Su Ruochen 11 years ago that they had seen each other again.

A part of Wu Qianli had always been jealous of Yu Xialan, everyone in high society knew how much Su Ruochen loves his wife. Everyone was secretly envious of her, after all, how many marriages in their world were ones of love. Six years ago when Su Ruoyan was yet to be born, everyone had gossiped and insulted Yu Xialan behind her back for being infertile. It was expected that Su Ruochen had a child, he was, after all the eldest child of the Su Family and the heir of the Su Empire. Many women thought it was a chance to steal Su Ruochen from Yu Xialan, after all, what man wanted a wife that couldn't give birth six years into marriage.

But, Su Ruochen broke all their expectations. Even though all the elders of the Su family refused to acknowledge Yu Xialan and ordered Su Ruochen to divorce her, he never relented. Even when his position as the heir to the Su Empire was in question, Su Ruochen refused to leave Yu Xialan. When Yu Xialan miraculously became pregnant the entire Su family paused whatever they were doing to take care of her.

Yu Xialan stayed in bed and had a team of doctors, nurses, and nutritionists at her beck and call. During her pregnancy, the Su manor was surrounded by bodyguards. Nothing was to go in or out unless instructed so. Everything that Su Ruoyan ate was checked for poison and anything harmful to the body. Every day countless tonics, ginsengs, and nutritious items were sent to Su manor.

Due to all this when Su Ruoyan was born, everyone knew she was the most beloved child of the Su family. Even her cousins were inferior to her. On Su Ruoyan's one hundred day celebration countless gifts were given, and even the cold and uncaring Su Patriarch gave her a diamond-encrusted longevity lock.

Yu Xialan's voice sounded out again and broke Wu Qianli out of her train of thought, "I have a daughter around the age of your sons, she doesn't have any friends and I thought it would be beneficial to us if our children knew each other."

Wu Qianli thought for a moment, 'If Xie'er were to become close with the daughter of Su Ruochen then wouldn't it be easier for him to claim the company in future. It would be even better if he could get the girl to fall in love with him!'

Coming to that conclusion Wu Qianli immediately let a smile appear on her face. "Sister Yu, you are right. My Fan Xie will make a good friend for Ruoyan. Let's set up a meeting then. What day works for you?"

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During dinner, Wu Qianli decided to tell her husband about her arrangement.

"Mu Wan, next week I will be taking Xie'er to visit sister Yu." Wu Qianli said as she cut up her steak, "We decided that it would be beneficial for our children to be friends."

Mu Wan furrowed his eyebrows at her words, his eyes moved to stare at Mu Zhao Yun. "Take Zhao Yun with you."

Wu Qianli's eyes grew wide at his remark the smile on her lips turned into a hard frown, "Don't be silly Mu Wan, how can we bring him to the visit the Su family, it would be incredibly rude."

Wu Qianli felt a burst of shame and humiliation appear in her. Her very own husband would have her go around parading his bastard as if the little thing was her flesh and blood. If she were to bring him to the Su household wouldn't she become the laughing stock of high society?! Her, the main wife, being so considerate and kind to her husband's bastard child, the words themselves may have sounded pretty, but they were the greatest insult to Wu Qianli.

Mu Wan frowned in disapproval at Wu Qianli, "The Su's are an easy-going pair, they will not mind you bring Zhao Yun along." He then stood up to leave, "This is final, next week bring Zhao Yun and Fan Xie to the Su household."

Staring at his departing figure Wu Qianli clenched the knife in her hand until her fingers became numb. She had long ago lost her appetite and looking at the empty doorway that Mu Wan had left from her gaze grew frosty. Gathering all the poise and elegance instilled into her at a young age Wu Qianli stood up from her seat and prepared to leave.

"Xie'er, mother is going to leave first. Finish your dinner."

With those words, Wu Qianli stiffly walked out of the dining room.

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Back in her bedroom Wu Qianli stared out the window, the grew clouds signaling an upcoming storm stared back at her. Placing her hand on the glass, she let the coolness seep into her palm, numbing the pain of her nails piercing the skin of her palm.

Staring at the large oak tree in the backyard, a look of regret and longing appeared in her eyes.

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Back in the dining room, Mu Zhao Yun continued eating his dinner as usual. His impassive face stayed the same, even during the short argument between Mu Wan and Wu Qianli. As he cut his steak, Mu Zhao Yun thought over about what Mu Wan just said, 'I'll be seeing that girl again.'

Remembering the events of the part Mu Zhao Yun felt intrigued, 'She didn't seem to be uncomfortable around me.' He put a piece of steak in his mouth, 'She only became uncomfortable when Mu Fan Xie appeared.'

Thinking about it, at that time the girl had turned stiff immediately after seeing Mu Fan Xie. He didn't have time to observe her further as Mu Fan Xie pulled him away.

Shooting a glance at Mu Fan Xie, Mu Zhao Yun thought back to when he was little. Back then he used to find Mu Fan Xie intimidating. Mu Fan Xie had always glared at him and bullied him. Thinking back at it now, it was probably Wu Qianli whispering in his ears.

Suddenly the clattering of utensils paused and Mu Zhao Yun glanced up and found Mu Fan Xie to be staring right at him. Seeing his gaze a sneer appeared on Mu Fan Xie's face.

"This is all your fault." Mu Fan Xie stated as he stood up to leave, "If you didn't exist my family would be much happier."

Though his face showed no visible reaction at Mu Fan Xie's words, Mu Zhao Yun's fist clenched tightly and his gaze grew icy.