Many eyes in the restaurant turned toward Huashang and Bo Zining at the entrance.
Seeing Huashang actually bring Bo Zining to this restaurant, Bo Yunyan’s face darkened. When he saw Bo Zining’s hair cut short, his expression grew even uglier. Her cards had all been frozen; where would she get the money to bring Zining to a place like this? Had she made up her mind to ask him for money once she ran out?
"Huashang, you’re an unemployed civilian who has resigned. Is it really wise to be so extravagant while alone with Zining? Do you still think you’re Mrs. Bo?"
Hearing this, Huashang didn’t get angry; instead, she laughed, her beautiful eyes filled with disdain. It was as if she were deeply attached to that title.
"When I was Mrs. Bo, it seems President Bo never gave me any money, did he?"
Bo Yunyan’s cards could indeed be used, but only for the children’s expenses. In reality, he had always been stingy with her. Huashang pulled Bo Zining behind her and said coldly, "I am spending my own money. It has absolutely nothing to do with President Bo or the Bo Family, so please, stop trying to flatter yourself."
As the words fell, Bo Yunyan’s face turned incredibly black. How had he never noticed before that Huashang had such a sharp tongue?
Just as the standoff intensified, a middle-aged man in a suit hurried over. "What’s going on?"
Seeing the people seated at the table, the man recognized Bo Yunyan instantly and began to bow and scrape. "President Bo, is there anything you need help with?"
"They are disturbing me. Take care of it." Bo Yunyan glanced at the "Manager" tag on the man’s chest and ordered coldly.
The manager turned his gaze to Huashang and Bo Zining. "I’m sorry, but you two need to leave."
Huashang’s pretty face turned icy. It was clear the manager was trying to curry favor with Bo Yunyan by throwing them out. "It seems the staff at this establishment judge people solely by their status."
Recalling the high-end VIP card Li Ye had given her for this restaurant, Huashang’s red lips curled into a cold smirk. She was curious to see how the manager would react to that card.
Just as she was about to open her bag, the little dumpling beside her suddenly spoke up: "Mommy, it’s the handsome uncle!"
Huashang followed Bo Zining’s gaze and saw two tall figures walking toward them.
"President Qi, President Xie." The manager’s expression shifted, and he hurriedly bowed to them. What kind of day was this, to have so many powerful figures showing up?
"I could see from a distance that President Bo was using his status to suppress others. President Bo really has quite an air of authority," Xie Ze said, his hands in his pockets as he arched a brow. "We’re all here to eat; isn't it a bit unseemly to bully others with your power?" He nudged Qi Mu with his elbow. "Right, Qi Mu?"
"It is indeed inappropriate." Qi Mu’s gaze lingered on Huashang and Zining, his tone languid.
Bo Yunyan’s expression flickered. He hadn't expected Qi Mu and Xie Ze to intervene for Huashang, let alone speak up on her behalf. The Qi and Xie families were prominent, high-ranking households in the Capital that the Bo Family couldn't afford to offend. Bo Yunyan had no choice but to swallow his pride.
At that moment, Su Mengli, sitting beside Bo Yunyan, feigned innocence. "Sister Huashang, when did you become so close with President Qi and President Xie? I recall you’ve only met President Qi once." She wore a harmless, sweet smile. "Sister Huashang, did you do something behind my back and brother Yunyan’s to earn President Qi’s favor?"
The implication was clear: she was accusing Huashang of underhanded dealings to get Qi Mu to speak for her.
Sitting in the corner, Bo Zishen watched Qi Mu standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Huashang and couldn't help but pout. For some reason, he found the sight of them together incredibly annoying.
"Mom, don't tell me you really went behind Dad’s back and did something to betray him?" Bo Zishen’s small face was full of resentment. "No wonder you haven't been coming home these past few days. Mom, you’ve gone too far this time; I’m so disappointed in you!"
If she was going to abandon him and Dad for some wild man, then he didn't want Huashang as a mother anymore! He had Dad and Aunt Su, and that was enough. He didn't need a "hillbilly" mother!
"Zishen!" Bo Yunyan scolded him gently. "Your mother isn't that kind of person." He stroked Bo Zishen’s hair and lowered his voice, "Your mother wouldn't be with another man. Besides, President Qi is a man of high status; it’s impossible for him to take a liking to Huashang."
Huashang was just a nanny who was good at serving people and had a pretty face. Qi Mu, a titan in the business world, had seen every kind of woman there was. A woman like Huashang would never catch his eye! Besides, who in the Capital’s inner circle didn't know how hopelessly Huashang was in love with him? She had revolved her entire life around him and the children for so long; he didn't believe she could truly let go of him and Bo Zishen. She was just throwing a tantrum. Once the urge passed and she realized this "hard-to-get" act didn't work, she would surely return to his side obediently.
"Huashang, I was wrong earlier. Why don't we have a meal together? Consider it an apology." Bo Yunyan spoke to Huashang, but his eyes were on Qi Mu and Xie Ze. "I wonder if President Qi and President Xie would be willing to give me the honor?"
Xie Ze didn't answer immediately, looking instead at Qi Mu.
"No, thank you." Qi Mu gave a cool refusal. He leaned down toward Zining and chuckled, "Zining, will you have a meal with me?"
Seeing this subtle scene, Bo Yunyan frowned, a sense of inexplicable displeasure rising within him. Zining was his daughter; logically, he should be happy that Qi Mu liked her. But his daughter had been distant with him lately, and Qi Mu’s actions felt like a slap in the face.
"Zining, do you want to eat with this uncle?" Huashang asked, wanting to know her daughter’s thoughts since Qi Mu had helped them out.
Bo Zining pursed her lips, tilted her head, and looked at Qi Mu with sparkling eyes. "I’d love to. Handsome uncle, let’s eat together."
She wanted to show her "scum" father right here and now that her beautiful mommy was very popular. Neither she nor her mommy needed him! Without him and the traitor, she and Mommy could find someone better in a heartbeat!
"Very well."
The group took their seats, and Bo Yunyan kept his eyes fixed on Huashang, which made Su Mengli very uncomfortable.
"Handsome uncle, I want that!" Bo Zining lifted her small hand, pointing at the sushi on the plate.
Bo Yunyan’s brows knit together. Given who Qi Mu was, how could Bo Zining… He was about to lecture her, but he saw Qi Mu pick up a piece of sushi and place it in Zining’s bowl.
Bo Zining flashed a sweet smile at Qi Mu. "Thank you, handsome uncle."
Seeing this, Bo Yunyan’s expression soured even further. Why did it feel like, in Bo Zining’s eyes, Qi Mu was more of a father than he was?
"I hear Miss Hua is knowledgeable in design," Qi Mu said suddenly, his dark eyes fixed on Huashang. "May I ask where you are employed?"
"I only take on small freelance projects occasionally. It’s hardly employment worth mentioning," Huashang replied modestly.
As soon as she finished, Bo Zining lifted her chin and boasted, "That’s not true! The houses Mommy draws are beautiful! And so many uncles want to ask Mommy to help them draw houses!"