With Liu Xing'an's consent, Qin He didn't delay any further.
She tidied up the blueprints on the table.
"Let's go, Master."
Liu Xing'an walked out with his hands behind his back, looking unruffled.
After a few steps, he turned to look at Gu Qishen, who was sitting to the side.
"Gu, you should come along too? Your Aunt Liu mentioned before that she wanted you to try her pastries."
Qin He was slightly taken aback. Before she could react, Gu Qishen had already stood up, his posture clearly indicating he intended to go with them.
Qin He pursed her lips.
"I saw Yu Jing leave earlier. Did you have something else to do?"
"No, Yu Jing left early for the day," Gu Qishen said calmly.
Di Shishi, standing nearby, cast a suspicious glance at Gu Qishen, then at Qin He, and suddenly let out a soft laugh.
The four of them left the room and got into the car Qin He had driven, heading towards Gu Qishen's villa in the suburbs.
Di Shishi drove, while Liu Xing'an casually took the front passenger seat.
The villa was far from the city, taking about an hour to reach the destination.
Qin He and Gu Qishen sat in the back seat, both unusually silent.
Liu Xing'an glanced at them from the rearview mirror.
"Qi Shen, the hot springs at your villa are really good. Have you ever tried them yourself?"
Gu Qishen's expression was indifferent.
"I took a look once after buying it, but I haven't used the hot springs."
"Then why don't we try them today? I'll have your aunt prepare some wine, and we can have a good chat," Liu Xing'an said with a smile.
Gu Qishen's gaze swept over Qin He beside him.
"I'm not sure if there will be enough time."
After all, he had come in Qin He's car and would have to return with her.
Liu Xing'an smiled and said nothing.
An hour later, the car pulled up to the entrance of the villa. Mrs. Liu was already waiting by the door of the villa.
After Qin He got out of the car, Mrs. Liu looked at her and her expression clearly changed in surprise.
"You weren't this big last time you visited. You're so noticeable now."
Qin He smiled, "Yes, I'll be giving birth soon."
"You need to be extra careful at this time," Mrs. Liu said, taking Qin He's hand and admonishing her.
Qin He supported Mrs. Liu, her hands naturally resting on her wrist, and walked into the house with a touch of playful affection.
"I know, Auntie Shi."
Mrs. Liu chuckled and glanced at Liu Xing'an beside her, "Hearing you call me that so suddenly, I'm really not used to it."
They entered the house.
Mrs. Liu invited them to sit, and Di Shishi did not stand on ceremony, taking a seat on a nearby chair.
Qin He took the opportunity to hold Mrs. Liu's hand and talk, her fingers becoming more attuned to the pulse beneath.
Her heart gradually relaxed. Mrs. Liu's health seemed much better than before.
It looked like many of the dosages of her previous medication could be reduced.
Some could be replaced with tonifying and qi-boosting medications.
After the four of them chatted for a while, Di Shishi clearly started to get restless.
Mrs. Liu noticed.
"Miss Di, would you like to take a walk around?"
Di Shishi's interest was piqued, "Can I explore anywhere here?"
"Anywhere. There are quite a few wild rabbits in the back hills, you could try your luck," Gu Qishen said.
Di Shishi was surprised that Gu Qishen would speak to her. She glanced at him with some astonishment, but the allure of wild rabbits was greater. Soon, she left with a servant.
Liu Xing'an smiled, "There's still some time before dinner. Are you tired, Madam? Shall I help you back to rest for a bit?"
"With He'er here, I feel more energetic than usual," Mrs. Liu said with a smile.
But Liu Xing'an had already walked up to her and helped her arm.
Mrs. Liu looked at Liu Xing'an in surprise. After decades of marriage, she saw Liu Xing'an subtly wink at her, then looked at Qin He, and her heart instantly understood.
As soon as she understood, she immediately appeared a little weak.
"He'er, I suddenly feel a bit dizzy. I'll go back to my room to rest. You mustn't leave later; you have to stay for dinner."
Qin He worriedly got up. When she had taken her pulse earlier, she had felt that Mrs. Liu's condition was very stable. Why had she suddenly become so weak?
"Auntie Shi, let me help you back to your room to rest."
Mrs. Liu waved her hand hastily, "No need. Your Master is here."
Watching Liu Xing'an help Mrs. Liu away, Qin He looked at Gu Qishen.
They stared at each other, the living room now occupied only by the two of them.
Qin He sat for a while.
When Liu Xing'an hadn't returned after ten minutes, and Di Shishi had gone to hunt for wild rabbits, Qin He started to feel a bit awkward.
Gu Qishen looked at Qin He and said, "It seems your Master won't be back for a while. How about we go for a walk?"
Qin He thought for a moment, "Alright, but I probably can't walk too far. Why don't you take me to the place with the wild rabbits you mentioned?"
This way, she could also look for Di Shishi, to avoid any awkwardness of them being alone together.
The two of them went out.
The villa was nestled by the mountains and water, with a mountain path behind it. Fortunately, it was paved and easy to walk on.
This area of the forest belonged to Gu Qishen's private estate, with no outside visitors. The two of them walked side-by-side on the mountain path.
As they walked a short distance, they could see some of the scenery of the villa. The trees on the mountain grew lush, and even the air felt fresher.
Gu Qishen said as they walked.
"We received news from abroad today. Wilson has indicated that the cooperation will continue, and he's willing to concede another point of profit on top of the original agreement."
Qin He frowned slightly, "Concede another point?"
The profit was already something Gu Qishen had obtained after almost falling out with Wilson, considered the absolute limit of their concession. This sudden voluntary concession of another point was likely for the matter concerning Pearson.
"Did you agree?" Qin He asked.
"No," Gu Qishen's expression was calm. "The plan I proposed earlier was actually the most suitable. If Wilson wants to express his gratitude to you, it shouldn't be in matters of cooperation."
Qin He's gaze softened. Having interacted with Gu Qishen for this period, she understood what a profound person he was.
But she had only been performing grooming for Pearson. It wasn't for profit, and she didn't want such matters to be entangled with too much financial dealings.
He actually understood her.
"Wilson's intention is that he won't be able to come to China again anytime soon. Pearson's passing has left him exhausted, and Amy is also ill," Gu Qishen said slowly. "He requests that we go to country Y to sign the contract."
Qin He said, "That's indeed the most suitable solution. The Wilson couple has no intention of returning to Qingcheng anytime soon, let alone the fact that this place will be a site of painful memories for them for a while."
However, going abroad—
Qin He caressed her lower abdomen.
Although the contract would be finalized and signed relatively quickly, once in country Y, this was a business involving royalty, and there would inevitably be numerous social engagements. It would likely take at least ten days to half a month to return, and her condition would make travel inconvenient.