Rebirth, but baby, where are you?

Chapter 61

Qin Huanxi had only rested for one day before eagerly returning to school. When he checked his phone calendar that morning, he discovered something extremely serious and frightening. New Year was next month, which meant final exams were only half a month away, and he wasn’t mentally prepared at all.

Qin Huanxi rubbed his forehead. In his previous life as a top student, whether it was exams or professional certifications, they had never been within his range of concerns. But now, having been reborn into this life and studying two completely different majors, no matter how much he loved music, it was still a completely unfamiliar field.

Qin Huanxi rested his chin on one hand, seriously listening to the music theory professor on the podium lecturing with passionate enthusiasm and flying spittle. But his mind was occupied with thoughts of the approaching final exams, and he actually felt a faint sense of nervousness in his heart.

Both the original soul and his previous life had been academic achievers. Even with the body’s residual memories, in the coming days, he would still need to devote all his attention to reviewing his coursework. If he accidentally failed his exams, no matter how brilliant his achievements at the concert, it would easily give others ammunition against him.

As soon as the morning classes ended, before Qin Huanxi could organize his textbooks, he received a call from Su Yang asking him to go to the student cafeteria together for lunch. Hearing Su Yang’s dejected and hesitant voice on the phone, he hung up suspiciously. Could it be that she had another fight with Guan Yi?

Qin Huanxi shook his head with a wry smile and quickly packed his textbooks before leaving the classroom.

Sometimes he really wondered whether Su Yang had ever expressed her feelings to Guan Yi. Even if the young lady was too proud, she should at least know how Guan Yi viewed their relationship, only then could she know what the next step should be.

But in the end, Su Yang was still young. Perhaps she felt there was no rush, that long-term companionship was also a good habit, and over time, there would naturally develop a mutual dependence in their hearts.

Qin Huanxi suddenly thought of himself and Mo Shaoheng. Aside from the flimsy transparent facade, he and Mo Shaoheng had a particularly magical understanding between them. Often, just one glance could reveal what the other was thinking. At least that’s what he had always believed.

Perhaps his encounter with everyone was different. Having already lived through one lifetime, being able to walk together with Mo Shaoheng again in this life, no matter how composed and natural he appeared on the surface, he cherished this relationship deeply in his heart, especially since they also had their son.

Qin Huanxi held his textbooks and quickly walked out of the academic building. Just as he stepped onto the white corridor’s stairs, he was surprised to see that Su Yang wasn’t waiting for him at the entrance to the student cafeteria as usual, but was sitting alone on a bench in the corridor, leaning against one of the corridor’s pillars with an indifferent expression.

Qin Huanxi looked around and didn’t see Mo Shanshan either. He walked up and asked puzzledly, “Why are you alone? Where’s Shanshan?”

Su Yang seemed to just snap back to reality, stunned for a moment before standing up with a faint smile: “You’re here. Let’s go.”

Qin Huanxi wasn’t in a hurry either, following Su Yang through the long scenic corridor. This corridor could be considered one of T University’s Music Academy’s major features, with an overall white color scheme that formed a unique landscape with the surrounding ornamental plants.

Especially during spring when flowers bloomed everywhere, this corridor became the Music Academy’s most popular leisure area. Even students from other departments liked to come to the Music Academy to visit and rest. The Music Academy naturally emphasized artistic atmosphere, so the scenery was naturally more elegant and pleasant than other departments.

“Shanshan took a leave of absence.” Su Yang broke the silence.

Qin Huanxi asked puzzledly, “What happened? Is she feeling unwell?”

Su Yang shook her head lightly, but the smile on her face became particularly sarcastic: “Uncle and Aunt found out about Shanshan and Li Junyan’s relationship.”

“Are they trying to stop Shanshan from dating Li Junyan?” Qin Huanxi wasn’t particularly surprised. Since Mo Shanshan had already made up her mind to be with Li Junyan, her parents would find out sooner or later. Whether they approved or opposed it, as long as the couple’s attitude remained firm, it happening earlier wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Su Yang smiled with great disdain: “If it were just that, it would be fine. Uncle and Aunt feel guilty toward Shanshan, so if she insisted on being with Li Junyan, their attitude wouldn’t be so harsh. But somehow it reached her grandmother’s ears.”

Qin Huanxi nodded calmly. When Mo Shanshan and Li Junyan began dating, they should have been mentally prepared for this. Mo Shanshan herself understood this very clearly. She had been away from the Mo family for nearly ten years, but even so, she couldn’t change her surface identity as the Mo family’s eldest daughter.

Mo Shanshan’s parents might truly not care who she married in the future, but Old Mrs. Mo didn’t think the same way. The Mo family had raised Mo Shanshan for twenty years after all. The old lady was definitely calculating how to recoup that investment. If Mo Shanshan was to marry, she should at least marry someone who could bring greater benefits to the Mo family, not just a “pauper” with only ambition and ability.

However, from Su Yang’s tone, things didn’t seem that simple. The old lady probably had other plans.

Sure enough, Su Yang’s next words made Qin Huanxi’s heart turn cold, and the corners of his mouth curved up slightly.

The old lady’s calculations were really not ordinary. The people from the main house had probably been keeping a close eye on Mo Shaoheng’s side all along, but since Mo Shaoheng now controlled all of the Mo family’s power, he naturally wouldn’t take a group of jumping clowns seriously.

Unfortunately, the old lady was insatiably greedy and had actually set her sights on him.

Qin Huanxi listened to Su Yang’s indignant complaints, his expression becoming very cold. Her care and tolerance for Mo Shanshan was just like Mo Shaoheng’s treatment of Mo Shanshan, protecting her like family. And more than that, it was gratitude for her wholehearted care of Mo Siyuan during his most helpless and vulnerable times.

The people from the main house seemed to have misunderstood this point. Seeing him frequently staying at the Mo residence, they thought he had developed feelings for Mo Shanshan, and actually wanted to force Mo Shanshan to break up with Li Junyan and instead have her date him.

That made sense. Although the Qin family was just a musical family, their status was unshakeable. Li Junyan, having grown up without parents and relying on his own efforts to climb to his current position, was as insignificant as a grain of dust that could scatter in the wind compared to the powerful and influential Qin family.

“Uncle Mo doesn’t know about this yet.” Su Yang said, feeling somewhat better after venting her emotions.

Qin Huanxi smiled lightly and patted the back of her head: “Don’t worry, Shanshan isn’t as fragile as you think. As long as I don’t agree, they can’t do anything.”

Mo Shanshan might not have Su Yang’s stubbornness, possessing the gentleness and fragility of a refined young lady, but she also had her bottom line. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have left the main house so resolutely back then, and wouldn’t have dared to explode when Mo Siyuan faced unfair treatment. She wouldn’t give up easily.

Su Yang nodded, but her expression was still somewhat dejected: “I just don’t understand why they have to treat Shanshan this way? Although my old man has his flags flying everywhere outside and probably has quite a few illegitimate sons and daughters, he would never let them affect my position as the eldest daughter of the Su family. So I don’t understand… what did Shanshan do wrong that they have to treat her like this?”

Qin Huanxi sighed softly. There were some things he could never say out loud. Mo Shanshan was emotionally sensitive and could only be protected by kind lies covering cruel truths. He gently put his arm around Su Yang’s shoulder: “Come on, let’s go to the Western restaurant today.”

Su Yang finally smiled: “You’re treating?”

Qin Huanxi laughed: “I’m treating!”

The Western restaurant had a very elegant and quiet atmosphere. The two found seats and ordered their meal.

Su Yang propped her chin up and turned to admire the campus scenery outside the window, her mood finally improving. She turned her head and asked, “How is Uncle Qin doing? Has Ning Shen left? I really didn’t expect he would chase all the way to the airport.”

That coincidental encounter story was such obvious nonsense that not only did they not believe it, even Mo Siyuan would be suspicious after hearing it. To be honest, she didn’t really like Ning Shen. Regardless of his reasons, the fact that he had hurt and deceived Qin Yu’s feelings was undeniable. In her heart, Ning Shen was a scumbag.

Qin Huanxi nodded lightly: “Yes, he left yesterday. He wouldn’t dare cause trouble at the Qin residence.”

As Qin Huanxi spoke, his brow furrowed. As the saying went, the observer saw more clearly than those involved. He had a feeling that Ning Shen’s sudden appearance this time wasn’t targeting Qin Yu, but rather to test him. Ning Shen’s complete denial of Qin Siyu’s accusations wasn’t to protect Qin Yu, but probably said for his benefit.

Su Yang breathed a sigh of relief: “That’s good. I hope Uncle Qin can be more resolute in his attitude. Ning Shen isn’t suitable for him.”

Qin Huanxi remained silent. Matters of the heart were unpredictable, and without experiencing it personally, one couldn’t feel that reluctance and pain. Ning Shen hadn’t pestered for long, staying only one night before leaving after breakfast the next day, without meeting Qin Yu.

This time Qin Yu kept his thoughts very well hidden. However, having experienced so much, he had opened up somewhat. Perhaps afraid that the old master would notice something, he appeared very calm after Ning Shen left.

Qin Huanxi had also asked Qin Yu about his future plans. He definitely couldn’t leave S City for now, as no one could guarantee that Ning Shen wouldn’t have any extreme actions. However, Qin Yu also hadn’t planned to return to France. After wandering alone abroad for so many years, having finally returned home, he could take this opportunity to rest for a while. He decided to wait until after New Year to make plans, and the old master didn’t want him to leave so soon either.

Mo Shanshan sat quietly on the sofa in the observation hall, staring absently at the scenery outside the observation window. The warm winter sun shone through the glass window onto her, casting a faint hazy glow. Her face was calm, showing neither joy nor sorrow.

The butler entered the observation hall and, seeing the quiet Mo Shanshan, felt a pang of sympathy: “Miss, Madam has arrived.”

Mo Shanshan withdrew her gaze from outside the window and smiled faintly at the butler. Her eyes fell on the beautiful woman behind the butler, flashing with complexity, but ultimately she showed no excessive reaction, just sitting quietly in silence.

“Madam, please!” The butler stepped aside with a gesture of invitation.

Qiu Jingzhu nodded slightly. After the butler left, she slowly walked toward Mo Shanshan, looking at her with a complex expression.

Regarding this daughter, she completely didn’t know how to face her. Mo Shanshan’s existence constantly reminded her of that nightmare she desperately wanted to forget, including the mistakes she had made due to her weakness back then. She seemed to have never truly given care and attention. Now, facing her daughter’s beautiful face, she actually felt very unfamiliar.

Before she knew it, her daughter had grown so big, completely inheriting all her advantages from when she was young. Beautiful, gracious, elegant, gentle, a true daughter of a prestigious family. But between them as mother and daughter, they had long lost their proper bond, like strangers.

Qiu Jingzhu felt a faint reluctance in her heart. She knew their actions had hurt Mo Shanshan, but at this point, the Mo family was completely under Mo Shaoheng’s control. If she didn’t do something, her position in the Mo family would become increasingly difficult. Only when her status was consolidated could she reverse Mo Shanshan’s situation in the Mo family.

“Shanshan…” Qiu Jingzhu gently touched Mo Shanshan’s shoulder.

“Mom…” Mo Shanshan seemed to have already guessed Qiu Jingzhu’s purpose. Before Qiu Jingzhu could finish speaking, she interrupted: “Mom, if you still consider me your daughter, please don’t mention that matter again.”

Mo Shanshan turned away, avoiding Qiu Jingzhu’s gaze. She was afraid she would soften and compromise weakly as before. She and Li Junyan’s relationship had never expected to receive their support and understanding, but she never imagined it would end up like this.

A pain and despair of being betrayed by family spread from her heart, eventually covering her entire body, hurting until it became numb.

Qiu Jingzhu withdrew her hands and sighed as she looked at Mo Shanshan: “Shanshan, I know you don’t like staying in the Mo family. Your father and I both trust Qin Huanxi’s character. Only if you marry into the Qin family can your father and I truly feel at ease.”

Mo Shanshan suddenly turned around, looking at her mother with complete disbelief, her heart gradually growing cold: “Mom, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn’t say such things. From beginning to end, have you ever considered my feelings? I’ve said long ago that even without Junyan, Huanxi and I could never be together. Huanxi isn’t someone the Mo family can manipulate at will.”

Qiu Jingzhu looked at the stubborn Mo Shanshan, feeling dissatisfied with Li Junyan for the first time. Whether in family background or ability, how could Li Junyan compare with Qin Huanxi? She instinctively felt that Mo Shanshan just didn’t want to leave Li Junyan, so she found high-sounding reasons to refuse the marriage alliance with the Qin family.

Mo Shanshan was still young and couldn’t see through reality’s cruelty. Having lived half her life, she had long seen through many things. The passion and hatred of youth would only be drowned in the passage of time. Only by firmly grasping power and status in one’s hands could one guarantee a woman’s happiness for the rest of her life.

The Qin family’s reputation was unquestionable, and Qin Huanxi, as the most outstanding young member of the Qin family, was very likely to become the next head of the Qin family. As far as she knew, many great families were already considering marriage alliances. Now Mo Shanshan had the advantage of timing, location, and people, yet she didn’t know how to seize the opportunity to settle things with Qin Huanxi early.

Qiu Jingzhu had previously been very dissatisfied with Old Mrs. Mo’s greed and tyranny, but this time she was infinitely grateful for the old lady’s discerning eye. As long as Mo Shanshan successfully married into the Qin family, she could completely reverse the situation for both mother and daughter in the Mo family and forever bury the secret of Mo Shanshan’s background.

Thinking of this, she became somewhat annoyed with Mo Shanshan’s willfulness: “Shanshan, would Mom really harm you?”

Mo Shanshan suddenly stood up, looking at her mother with disappointment: “Mom, I will not break up with Junyan. Whether it’s your own wish for me to marry into the Qin family, or Grandmother insisting I marry, I hope you can understand that if you still want to remain peacefully in the Mo family, you’d better give up this idea, otherwise the consequences are not something you can bear.”

“Shanshan, what do you mean by that?” Qiu Jingzhu looked at Mo Shanshan with some anger. “How can you be so stubborn? You’re the eldest daughter of the Mo family, how can you lower yourself to be with Li Junyan? Not to mention your grandmother won’t agree, your father and I won’t agree to you two being together either.”

“The ones who are stubborn are you!” Mo Shanshan took a deep breath and sat back on the sofa weakly, saying softly: “I’m tired. Please go back first.”

Qiu Jingzhu stared at Mo Shanshan for several moments, then stood up: “I know that forcing you two to break up is hard for you to accept right now, but I hope you can calm down and think it over carefully. Don’t let momentary love cloud your judgment. You’re my daughter, and Mom won’t harm you.”

Mo Shanshan turned away and listened to the footsteps gradually fading into the distance. Finally unable to hold back, she collapsed onto the sofa and sobbed quietly.