C9 Kiddo Was Released

Ye Jianjia never imagined that the man in the bed would "wake up" as soon as she stepped out of the room.

Shortly thereafter, a professional entered to remove his makeup.

Seated on the black sofa, the man appeared the picture of health, a stark contrast to the seemingly ill figure on the hospital bed moments before.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, exuding the air of a high-fashion model even in a simple white loungewear. His short black hair, chiseled features, and cold demeanor gave him a striking presence. With thick eyebrows, a prominent nose, and beautifully shaped lips held in a slight pout, he radiated arrogance and allure.

This impeccably handsome man sat in silence, exuding a calm nobility, yet his entire demeanor was as detached as a robot devoid of emotion.

"President Mu, the second young master and Ye Chongyun have switched your fiancée. You're still marrying into the Ye family, but instead of the second daughter, it's Ye Jianjia, the least favored eldest daughter," the special assistant Jiang Qi informed him, passing over a file. "Here's her information for you to review."

Mu Tingsu casually leafed through the file, his face betraying no emotion. "Attending school while working, and holding down five jobs in a day? Has the Ye family fallen on such hard times?"

"Uh, that might be... related to why she's out of favor."

Mu Tingsu looked up, "Is that also why she agreed to take her sister's place and marry a 'vegetative' man?"

Jiang Qi responded, "That's the assumption, but we're still investigating."

Disinterested, Mu Tingsu tossed the file aside. "No need. She's merely a decoy."

"But President Mu, if that's the case, why allow her to move in?" Jiang Qi questioned.

Mu Tingsu's estate was staffed with his unwaveringly loyal people. Since his awakening last year, he had continued to feign a vegetative state, a secret known to none outside his inner circle.

Given Ye Jianjia's compliance with Ye Chongyun's plans, it was uncertain whether she might be an agent for Mu Tingsen. Inviting her to stay would be tantamount to welcoming a potential spy.

"Isn't allowing her to stay precisely what Mu Tingsen wants?" Mu Tingsu mused. "Then I'll play right into his hands."

Jiang Qi said, "Understood."

...

"Jianjia, hurry up," Zhang Zhe called out, standing at the door as he counted the milk bottles to ensure no one was missed. He then turned his attention to the side.

The boys were all dressed in matching outfits, looking dapper and charming.

The girls were in identical princess dresses, exuding cuteness and charm.

The six kiddos stood in two neat rows, exceptionally well-behaved. The boys managed to maintain a semblance of composure, but the girls' chubby cheeks and big, sparkling eyes were brimming with excitement.

"All set," Ye Jianjia announced as she emerged in fresh clothes and approached the kiddos, giving each one a kiss and asking with a smile, "Mommy is taking you out shopping. Are you excited?"

The kiddos, unfazed by the lipstick marks from their mother's kisses, grinned broadly and chimed in with their soft, sweet voices, "We're so happy!"

"Let's head out!"

Ye Jianjia, Zhang Zhe, and Ms. Liu each took charge of the six kiddos and set off for the city's largest shopping center, Moon City.

Ye Jianjia had been incredibly busy since returning home. She hadn't had time to sort out kindergarten arrangements, and with a shortage of helping hands at home, she was always concerned about keeping an eye on the kiddos. Usually, she only managed to take them for walks in the neighborhood garden.

This was the kiddos' first excursion beyond the neighborhood since coming back to the country, and everything around them seemed fresh and intriguing.

Moon City was split into two sections, A and B. The ground floor housed jewelry in section A and cosmetics and clothing, including children's apparel, in section B.

"It's been a while since I've shopped for the kiddos' clothes. The ones we have at home are getting too small. I'll buy them several new sets today. Auntie, you and Ms. Liu go ahead and start picking out clothes for them. I'm planning to have a set of bracelets custom-made for them." Ye Jianjia had the designs ready, and Moon City boasted a jewelry store that offered custom services.

"Sure, go ahead," Zhang Zhe nodded in agreement. "Come find us when you're finished."