016 Shadows Gathering (Please add to your collection and vote~)

Time flew by, and soon it was the day of the equestrian friendship match.

Yet compared to Mu Qingcheng, the actual participant, another person seemed far more nervous—one could even say, a touch anxious...

At this very moment,

Mu Qingcheng had already risen and was preparing herself in her room, washing up. She wore an earpiece, chatting idly with Ye Zi.

Just then, a somewhat chilly voice echoed from downstairs, loud and mercilessly scolding,

"Mu Jingchi! You represent half the Mu family’s reputation—why are you so impatient? Your sister hasn’t even started, what are you panicking about? Where’s your composure as a Mu?"

"You old man, what do you know? I’m worried Qingcheng will suffer!"

"Suffer? How could she suffer? She’s a Mu—who would dare touch her?"

"Hmph, Grandpa, don’t forget—that’s the Si family’s territory. Besides, the one who invited Qingcheng is your troublemaking darling granddaughter!"

In the living room,

Mu Jingchi sat cold-faced opposite the old man, each at one end of the sofa. Neither cared about the other’s age or health, exchanging sharp words without holding back.

Yet, soon after this fierce quarrel, silence mysteriously settled.

Upstairs,

Mu Qingcheng’s gaze shimmered as she continued her preparations. She slung a small backpack over her shoulders, opened the door, and softly reminded Ye Zi,

"Don’t forget what I told you. Get back to me as soon as possible."

"Don’t worry, boss. Leave it to me."

...

Downstairs,

Originally, Old Master Mu had no worries. Yet after Mu Jingchi’s sudden outburst, unease crept in. Now he sat thoughtfully on the sofa, glaring at the impudent youth across from him, but unable to utter a single word.

After all, Mu Jingchi’s concerns weren’t baseless.

The stables indeed belonged to the Si family; even the school Qingcheng was about to attend was one of their enterprises. The two families had always kept their distance—due to their prestige and the Si family’s unique background, they avoided contact and deliberately maintained no interaction. Privately, however, their meetings were always courteous and polite.

Contrary to rumors, their relationship was not one of relentless competition for dominance in the capital. Besides, Old Master Mu had met the Si family’s only heir—a person of upright character and excellent upbringing. Apart from being a bit reserved, with dark skin, tall stature, a perpetually stern face, and little inclination toward conversation, he was otherwise unremarkable.

Thinking this way, it was impossible for the Si family to make things difficult for his precious granddaughter.

In other words, if anyone dared lay a finger on Qingcheng, the greatest possibility would be...

Yet even as the old man became aware of this, he still had no solution.

The Si family themselves posed no threat, but their rules were strict. For instance, both the stables and the school had clear regulations: any family wishing to enter must do so without bodyguards or servants. Only the applicant alone may enter and leave.

Could he warn that child directly?

...

Just then,

"Grandpa, Third Brother, good morning~"

A soft, sweet voice instantly pulled Old Master Mu from his thoughts, and the two men who had been scowling found their expressions easing.

Even Steward Ji, who had been standing silently to the side, shook his head in amazement, thinking,

‘Indeed... one thing always subdues another!’

...

"Grandpa, I’m here."

But no sooner had Mu Qingcheng’s words faded than another clearly cool voice sounded at the doorway.

Everyone turned at the sound—and couldn’t help but be a little surprised.