She Seems to Struggle with Having a Wife - Chapter 3

The message was sent, but there was no reply.

Qin Mu, accustomed to this, set her phone down, took off her coat and tossed it onto the bed, then grabbed her pajamas and headed for a shower.

When she came out and checked her phone again, the top message was still the one she had sent. However, her boss had sent several messages, though they were most likely not warm, caring greetings.

Qin Mu opened them and saw they were about work.

Gao Jingchen: There’s an antique exchange event at 7 p.m. tonight. I’ve already had the clothes sent to you.

Such a commanding tone.

Qin Mu had no right to refuse and simply replied, “Okay.”

After that, she dried her hair, applied a face mask, tidied up a bit, and went to bed.

At 6:30 p.m., Qin Mu drove to the exchange event.

Just as she parked, a handsome young man in a sharp white suit, his hair neatly slicked back, approached her car door and politely opened it for her.

Qin Mu slipped on her high heels and stepped out, holding a small purse.

Gao Jingchen took a step back, his scrutinizing gaze sweeping over her. A slow smile spread across his serious lips.

After a long moment, he withdrew his gaze and said with a laugh, “As expected, you truly are my most capable assistant and best companion. Even the most conservative dress looks radiant on you.”

The black off-shoulder gown was modest in design, but it couldn’t hide Qin Mu’s graceful figure or her face, which seemed to bring any outfit to life. No matter what she wore, she always managed to look even more stunning.

Qin Mu paid little attention to the dress itself and instead corrected him, “I’ll agree with ‘capable assistant,’ but ‘best companion’, that’s not me. I hope you’ll choose your words more carefully, President Gao.”

She said it jokingly.

Gao Jingchen watched her intently but didn’t respond further, though he was clearly displeased by her denial.

Then, Qin Mu took his arm, and they entered together.

By 7 p.m., the antique exchange was already bustling with attendees most of them older, since younger people these days rarely took an interest in antiques.

Qin Mu and Gao Jingchen attended because Liunian dealt in antique trade. Whenever they had time, they would come to such events to network with industry professionals and business partners.

Once inside, Qin Mu released his arm.

This particular exchange, supported by wealthy patrons and relevant authorities, featured an extensive collection of exhibits. All three floors were filled with pieces for appreciation, and the turnout was larger than at any previous event they had attended.

But Qin Mu’s focus wasn’t on the exhibits.

Walking beside Gao Jingchen, she spotted a familiar figure not far ahead and quietly reminded him, “At your five o’clock, that’s the vice chairman of Bofei. He’s very fond of collecting antiques. You should go say hello.”

After speaking, she straightened up and moved to the side, while Gao Jingchen casually made his way over to the vice chairman and struck up a conversation.

While they talked, Qin Mu continued scanning the room for potential connections that was her purpose in accompanying Gao Jingchen. But as her eyes wandered, they unexpectedly landed on someone she never expected to see.

What is she doing here?

Qin Mu’s lips parted in surprise, her gaze fixed intently.

“What are you looking at?” a voice suddenly sounded beside her ear. Qin Mu turned instinctively to see Gao Jingchen and smiled. “It seems like someone I might be able to collaborate with. I’m not sure if I’m mistaken, so I was taking a closer look.”

“Mm, let’s go.”

The two headed toward the stairs to the second floor.

Qin Mu took a few steps, then glanced back. In that moment, the person appeared clearly in her eyes.

She let out a soft laugh and continued upward.

The antiques in the second-floor exhibition area were slightly more valuable than those on the first floor, and there were also more people. Qin Mu spotted a porcelain piece she found beautiful, so she bent down to take a closer look at its name.

Gao Jingchen followed her over. After a brief glance, he said, “Do you like it? I’ll buy it for you.”

Qin Mu stared at the porcelain’s description and chuckled softly. Without looking up, she teased, “A piece worth millions, and you’re just giving it to me so generously, President Gao? I can’t accept such a lavish gift without merit.”

“The overseas business deal you negotiated went quite well. Consider this porcelain as part of your salary, a reward from me.”

After reading the description, Qin Mu straightened up and looked at Gao Jingchen. Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes as she said, “President Gao is truly generous. After our collaboration ends next weekend, how about you treat our department colleagues to a meal on your own dime? I won’t trouble you for anything more.”

Her words were slick and persuasive. Seeing he couldn’t win the argument, Gao Jingchen turned away with a dark expression and walked further inside.

After he left, Qin Mu took another look at the porcelain. Among the names of the restorers listed at the bottom was Wei Qing’an.

Wei Qing’an she silently repeated the name.

What a headache-inducing person.

The exchange event lasted from seven to ten, three hours, which was more than enough to browse through the exhibits on all three floors several times.

Since it was more of a private affair, after Qin Mu and Gao Jingchen had toured all three floors, they discussed potential collaborators and even made some promising connections. After exchanging phone numbers, Gao Jingchen arranged to meet with one of them the following day.

As Qin Mu stood by listening, she suddenly felt a wave of nausea. Frowning, she tightened her grip on her bag.

“To be honest, President Gao, I’ve heard your name quite a bit, but compared to President Qin’s reputation, hers truly thunders through the industry. Now that I’ve seen her in person, I never expected her to be so beautiful no wonder they call President Qin the modern-day Xi Shi.”

While the man lavished praise, Qin Mu suppressed her discomfort and offered a warm smile. “You flatter me, Elder Zhang. If you keep this up, I’ll be too embarrassed to show my face.”

“Hahaha, such a modest young lady.”

The two continued their conversation.

Qin Mu lowered her head, using her long hair to conceal her pained expression.

Once the discussion concluded and the three stepped out, Qin Mu quietly said to Gao Jingchen, “I’m not feeling well. I’m going to the restroom.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” Gao Jingchen sounded concerned.

Qin Mu waved him off. “No need.”

Clutching her bag, Qin Mu headed toward the restroom. Perhaps the takeout she’d had for lunch wasn’t quite fresh, she’d already experienced some diarrhea in the afternoon. She thought it had settled by evening, but now the nausea had returned.

The restroom was located outside the venue. Following the signs, Qin Mu took a side path, her face noticeably pale.

Inside the restroom, she lifted her hair and retched a few times, but nothing came up. Her stomach still churned uncomfortably. Her cheeks flushed from the strain, and a few tears welled in her eyes, making her look like a wounded rabbit.

After staying in the restroom for a while without vomiting, Qin Mu finally stepped out. She went to the sink, took mouthwash and lipstick from her bag, and freshened up, she might still have to meet others later.

Qin Mu tidied up and stepped out, finding Gao Jingchen standing not far from the restroom, accompanied by a woman.

The two were chatting and laughing, clearly enjoying their conversation. However, that figure…

Tall trees surrounded the area, with a stone-paved path running through the middle. The colored lights at their feet only illuminated up to their calves. If not for Gao Jingchen’s white suit, they might have gone unnoticed in the dim light.

Qin Mu walked toward them calmly.

Gao Jingchen caught sight of her out of the corner of his eye and ended his conversation with the other person, turning to Qin Mu with concern. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

As she spoke, Qin Mu’s gaze shifted to Wei Qing’an.

She hadn’t expected them to know each other.

“Is this your girlfriend?” the woman suddenly asked, causing Qin Mu to instinctively frown.

Gao Jingchen glanced at Qin Mu, hesitated for a moment, and then corrected, “No, she’s a key assistant from my company, here for the exchange conference. Though she’s young, she’s very capable.”

Wei Qing’an smiled and studied Qin Mu a moment longer before saying seriously, “Your assistant is quite beautiful. She reminds me of someone I know. If there’s time, I’ll introduce her to you, she’s also very pretty.”

At these words, Qin Mu’s expression darkened completely.

The strap of her small bag was nearly crushed in her grip.

Gao Jingchen, unconvinced, teased, “You’re always holed up in your studio, tinkering with your treasures elusive as a dragon. When do you have time to meet someone as lovely as my assistant? Is she a celebrity or something?”

Wei Qing’an replied earnestly, with a hint of pride, “No, don’t doubt me. Once I’m less busy, I’ll definitely bring her out for you to see.”

“Alright,” Gao Jingchen replied with an indulgent smile.

Buzz, buzz, Wei Qing’an pulled her phone from her pocket, surprised at the caller ID. Stepping back, she said, “My supervisor is calling. I’d better head back. Xiaochenzi, let’s catch up when I’m free. Bye!”

The path ahead was almost pitch black. Gao Jingchen called out, “Watch your step!”

No sooner had he spoken than she let out a small yelp, as if she had misstepped and landed on the grass between two stone slabs.

Gao Jingchen watched Wei Qing’an leave before turning back to see Qin Mu’s cold expression. Thinking she still felt unwell, he asked, “Are you still not feeling well? Should I take you to the hospital? Don’t push yourself.”

“I’m fine,” Qin Mu replied coldly. After a moment, she softened her tone and asked, “Who was that?”

Walking side by side, Gao Jingchen explained, “That’s Wei Qing’an, my grandmother’s last apprentice. Both she and my grandmother are obsessed with cultural relics they spend their days restoring artifacts. She works at the museum now. Today’s antique exchange conference is partly sponsored by my grandmother, and she came with the museum team.”

“I see.”

As they walked, Qin Mu’s mind kept replaying the woman’s question: “Is this your girlfriend?”

Hah. Qin Mu gritted her teeth at the thought.

Later, concerned about Qin Mu’s well-being, Gao Jingchen suggested she leave early. Qin Mu didn’t argue and drove off.

When she arrived home, the dark living room greeted her as usual. Qin Mu switched on the light, massaged her temples, and sank onto the sofa. The lingering ache in her heart refused to fade.

She dropped her hand, fuming as she leaned back against the sofa.

Is this your girlfriend?

The words echoed in Qin Mu’s mind like a film stuck on replay, playing over and over again.

Has it only been two months since we last met, and you no longer recognize me?

Wei Qing’an, you really know how to make someone’s blood boil.

Click. The door she had just closed suddenly made a sound. Qin Mu straightened up and looked over in confusion.

Then, a familiar figure appeared before her. The moment the person’s eyes landed on the clothes Qin Mu was wearing, their expression shifted through several shades of emotion.

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