The Serpent Woman (Part 4)

Ye Grandmother's recent condition has indeed been off. Not only has she become more easily fatigued, but her insomnia and frequent nightmares have also worsened. This has directly led to her declining mental state—sleeping more during the day but often waking up at night.

When Mo Qingqing and Ye Ning returned to the Ye household, they met Ye's Father and Ye's Mother. Ye Grandmother was lying in bed, having just been examined by the family's private doctor.

"She's getting older. Ye Grandmother suffered a major illness in the past, which left her physically weak," the doctor sighed. "Recently, she may have been overworking herself, and the old issues have resurfaced."

After a moment of thought, the doctor frowned slightly. "But I feel like her current state of weakness seems unusually severe this time..."

Mo Qingqing showed no expression on her face, but inwardly, she couldn't help but feel amused. The Ye family's private doctors were all trained in Western medicine and had only a superficial understanding of traditional Chinese medicine. Ye Grandmother's past illness had left her physically frail, but the Ye family's wealth had allowed them to provide meticulous care.

However, Ye Grandmother had a habit of drinking tea, unaware that while some teas were beneficial, others could harm her. (I specifically researched this point to ensure accuracy, though the details are exaggerated for the sake of the plot.)

Mo Qingqing had thoroughly reviewed Ye Grandmother's medical reports, conducted detailed investigations, and even paid for online consultations with doctors. Coincidentally, when Ye Ning had gone out of town, he had considered sending his grandmother some tea as a gift.

Mo Qingqing had indeed offered her advice, but in the end, she wasn't the one who made the purchase. As the CEO of a cosmetics company, how could she possibly know about such things?

Moreover, given Ye Grandmother's age, no amount of care could fully restore her health.

Mo Qingqing hadn't poisoned her. She had simply found a way to exploit the underlying issues in Ye Grandmother's body, using Ye Ning as the catalyst to bring them to the surface.

At her age and with her constitution, even if Ye Grandmother didn't die this time, she would likely suffer greatly.

Ye's Father was too mediocre, and Ye's Mother was merely a wealthy socialite with no real capabilities.

As for Ye Ning, Mo Qingqing had already manipulated him to a significant extent. Compared to his younger brother, Ye Ning was even more arrogant, and his growing resentment toward his grandmother had made him increasingly hostile toward her.

Sometimes, all it takes is a small crack for malice to flood through.

Ye Grandmother's condition was indeed far from ideal. She had spent her youth managing the Ye family's affairs, her middle years worrying over her son, and her old age fretting over her grandson.

After recovering from a major illness, she had finally regained some strength, but this recent ordeal had taken a heavy toll on her.

When Ye Ning and Mo Qingqing entered, Ye Grandmother was asleep, her face pale. Ye's Mother shook her head at them and whispered, "She just took her medicine and fell asleep. Don't wake her."

Mo Qingqing nodded without saying a word, and Ye Ning merely glanced at his grandmother before the two of them left the room.

In the living room, Ye's Father sighed as he saw them. "Your grandmother's condition isn't good. I plan to take her to the hospital when she wakes up. Qingqing, I've noticed you've been doing well at the company lately."

"Uncle Ye, it's just my duty," Mo Qingqing replied with a smile. "But with Grandmother in this state, many decisions still need her input."

"It's fine. Since she's unwell, the three of us can handle things," Ye's Father said with a bitter smile. "She's worked hard all her life. This illness might be a chance for her to rest."

Mo Qingqing said nothing more. She had already gathered a clear understanding of the Ye family's dynamics through Ye Ning.

Ye Grandmother, despite her age, remained overly assertive and sometimes interfered in company matters. While Ye's Father wasn't as resentful as Ye Ning, he too harbored some discontent.

Ye Grandmother was too sharp, and her dissatisfaction with her mediocre son, unremarkable daughter-in-law, and playboy grandson often led to harsh criticism.

Even when Mo Qingqing had first arrived at the Ye household, she had witnessed Ye Grandmother berating her son.

Ye Grandmother had been right—Mo Qingqing was indeed similar to her, but their upbringings were vastly different.

Ye Grandmother had enjoyed a smooth life, being the only daughter in her family. She had always been in charge, handling both major and minor matters within the Ye household.

Mo Qingqing, on the other hand, had learned to endure and disguise her true feelings from a young age. Her parents were self-serving, and their blind favoritism had forced her to navigate a treacherous environment.

Moreover, Mo Qingqing had once underestimated Mo Xuan, failing to investigate his relationship with Luo Muqi at Capital University. Since then, she had grown more cautious.

They were alike, but Ye Grandmother's overconfidence was her downfall.

"Qingqing, I've been thinking. Since your grandmother is in this state, why don't we move up the engagement party?"

Ye's Mother smiled as she took Mo Qingqing's hand. She was very pleased with Mo Qingqing, believing that since she had come into Ye Ning's life, he had become more settled and focused on his work.

Of course, she had no idea that this was merely an illusion. In reality, Ye Ning might have become even more reckless, with Mo Qingqing covering for him.

"But..." Mo Qingqing feigned hesitation. "With Grandmother in this condition, wouldn't it be inappropriate to hold an engagement party?"

"Not at all. It could be a way to bring good fortune," Ye's Father chimed in, seemingly in agreement. "She's always wanted you and Ye Ning to marry sooner. She was the one who chose you, after all. I doubt she'd object."

Mo Qingqing glanced at Ye Ning, who appeared indifferent. For him, marriage made little difference.

"Alright, then I'll leave it to you and Auntie," Mo Qingqing said with a nod. "Just let me know when the engagement party is so I can make arrangements at the company."

"Work will always be there," Ye's Father said with a laugh, shooting a reproachful look at his son. "Learn from Qingqing. If you were even half as responsible, I'd have less to worry about!"

Ye Ning, however, remained unfazed. He didn't care about any of this. A beautiful fiancée who didn't interfere with his lifestyle and solved all his problems? After marriage, he could continue living as a carefree playboy. What could be better?

"The engagement party can be held soon. Just pick a good date," Ye's Mother said with a smile. "Everyone already knows about you and Ye Ning. Once the party's over, you two can get your marriage certificate."

Mo Qingqing remained silent, simply nodding. Only by officially becoming part of the Ye family could she proceed with her plans...

When they left the Ye household, Ye Ning accompanied Mo Qingqing, but while she headed back to the company, he excused himself, claiming he had other matters to attend to.

"Go ahead. I still have some documents to handle," Mo Qingqing said.

She knew exactly where he was going but chose not to confront him.

If Ye Ning were to die now, Mo Qingqing would only regret that he hadn't waited until after they were married. That way, she could more easily claim her share of the Ye family's wealth.

As Ye Ning drove away, Mo Qingqing took out her phone and dialed a number. After a moment, the call connected.

"Tell your people that Ye Ning is likely heading to his usual bar at this time. Keep an eye on him and send the photos to my email," Mo Qingqing said calmly.

She never assumed she could achieve her goals with absolute certainty. The Ye family wasn't the Mo family. She could manipulate her own relatives using blood ties, but the Ye family was a different story.

That was why she needed to gather as many cards as possible, and Ye Ning was her best target.

Ye Ning probably had no idea that Mo Qingqing was fully aware of his every escapade. On several occasions, the women who approached him had been instructed by Mo Qingqing, and their encounters had been recorded.

Mo Qingqing had slept with Ye Ning a few times, but she had since avoided him. Ye Ning, who never turned down an opportunity, had no shortage of willing partners. After ensuring she hadn't contracted any diseases, Mo Qingqing had found excuses to distance herself from him.

As long as he had his own outlets, Mo Qingqing didn't interfere, and Ye Ning was more than happy to indulge in nightlife.

Just as she returned to the office, Mo Qingqing's phone buzzed with a new email notification. She smiled faintly and tucked her phone away.

With Ye Grandmother no longer able to manage affairs, Mo Qingqing was certain she was one step closer to her goal...