Chapter 238

C238 – A Slap to the Head

“You two must have had a great time!”

Walking up behind them, Shang Cijie inquired, “Aren’t you supposed to be at work? You have time to play with Mingming?”

“The operation isn’t until this afternoon,” he explained, indicating his availability to spend time with them, mother and son.

“You skipped breakfast, didn’t you? I’ll go fetch some food from the other side for you.”

He tenderly brushed Shang Cijie’s cheek, as if they were alone, then planted a kiss on her forehead. Everything appeared normal.

Strangely, Shang Cijie didn’t blush. Perhaps because they had only been apart for five years, with Mu Sifa, it felt as though nothing had changed. Everything progressed just as before, and they still adored him.

“Not hungry? Shall I cook something at Xiao Ming Hotel? I have my own kitchen there.”

In the five years since Shang Cijie’s departure, Mu Sifa had immersed himself in work to numb his feelings, rarely returning to the Mu Family. He had simply purchased an additional room at Xiao Ming Hotel and transformed it into a private kitchen.

“Packing will suffice; no need to go to all that trouble.”

Shang Cijie responded in a cool tone as she carried Shang Mingming.

“Are you alright, Xiaojie? You seem upset,” Shang Mingming’s gentle voice conveyed concern.

“Do you have some free time today?” he inquired casually. However, Mu Sifa, upon seeing Shang Minjie, greeted her in a rather ordinary manner.

“I heard Xiaojie is back, so I came to pay a visit.”

Despite Mu Sifa’s response, his gaze remained fixed on Shang Cijie as he approached swiftly, his countenance impassive. The tension was palpable.

The mere presence of Shang Minjie approaching him instilled fear in Shang Cijie. When he departed five years ago, he had vowed to Shang Minjie that he wouldn’t change, regardless of the circumstances, yet now, he was petrified.

Instinctively, he sought refuge behind Mu Sifa, embracing Shang Mingming tightly. The fear etched on his face was unmistakable.

Observing Shang Cijie’s evident terror, Shang Minjie’s brows furrowed immediately. “Where are you hiding? Come out,” she demanded.

The moment she spoke, Shang Cijie’s authoritative tone resurfaced.

“Elder... sister.”

Shang Cijie, still trembling with fear, hesitated to emerge.

“Step forward,” her voice commanded sternly.

Shang Cijie, feeling aggrieved, bit his lip and reluctantly emerged from behind Mu Sifa. However, he kept his head bowed, unable to meet Shang Minjie’s gaze.

Suddenly, Shang Minjie raised her hand and struck Shang Cijie’s head, berating him, “You brat, do you realize you’ve returned? Where have you been for these five years?” Her anger blazed, her voice resounding loudly.