Love is as vast as the Milky Way, impossible to cross.

Chapter 271 Her mother has passed away.

The moment Xu Zhiyuan heard the name "Liu Qin," it was as if he had been struck by a sudden storm. The knife and fork in his hand slipped from his grasp and crashed heavily onto the delicate porcelain plate, producing a crisp yet jarring metallic clang that echoed through the quiet restaurant.

He paused for a moment, then looked down at the fallen knife and fork, a flicker of panic in his eyes, which he quickly concealed. He picked up the knife and fork again swiftly and gracefully, trying his best to appear nonchalant, and continued cutting the steak on his plate.

However, each piece of meat he cut seemed haphazard, his mind clearly no longer on the food in front of him. His expression was somewhat blank, as if he were lost in some kind of memory and complex emotions.

Huo Muchen sat opposite him, keenly noticing the subtle changes in Xu Zhiyuan's demeanor. He already understood that there must be some connection between Xu Zhiyuan and Liu Qin.

As for whether Liu Shiyin was their child, Huo Muchen had some guesses, but wasn't entirely certain. He quietly observed Xu Zhiyuan, trying to find more clues from his reactions.

"To catch the eye of young Mr. Huo, this girl must be extraordinary. Her mother must be an remarkable woman to have raised such a well-behaved and sensible daughter."

Xu Zhiyuan spoke softly.

"Yes, Shishi is wonderful, I love her very much, but it's a pity I've never met her mother."

Xu Zhiyuan was taken aback, a sense of foreboding rising within him. He quickly asked:

"Haven't you been dating for many years? Why haven't you met her mother?"

Huo Muchen sighed softly and said:

"Her mother has passed away,"

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhiyuan felt as if struck by lightning. He abruptly stood up, but the sudden shock made him dizzy and unsteady, as if the ground beneath his feet was spinning. He quickly rubbed his forehead and slowly sat down.

Seeing this, Huo Muchen quickly asked with concern:

"Uncle, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Should I call a doctor?"

Xu Zhiyuan waved his hand, trying to calm himself down, and took a deep breath, saying:

"No need, Mr. Huo. I'm not feeling well today and I'm afraid I can't continue dining with you. I'll take my leave now. Please make yourself at home and enjoy your meal."

Although his voice was somewhat weak, he still maintained his composure.

"Okay, Uncle, please go back and rest, and please take good care of yourself."

Xu Zhiyuan stood up, shook hands with Huo Muchen to say goodbye. His hand trembled slightly, but he tried his best to remain calm. He then turned and hurriedly walked out of the restaurant.

Inside the restaurant, Huo Muchen's gaze followed Xu Zhiyuan's departing figure, a strange heaviness welling up in his heart.

He noticed that when Xu Zhiyuan heard that Liu Shiyin was Liu Qin's daughter, his composed face did not show any joy, but rather seemed to be shrouded in gloom.

When Xu Zhiyuan learned that Liu Qin had passed away, all he could feel was an indescribable sense of guilt.

Huo Muchen's heart couldn't help but ripple. He knew all too well that the passing of his mother, Liu Qin, was an irreparable wound for Liu Shiyin.

If Xu Zhiyuan is not her biological father, then in this world, Liu Shiyin is truly like a rootless duckweed, without a single relative.

However, what worries Huo Muchen even more is that if Xu Zhiyuan really is Liu Shiyin's father, his attitude and reaction would undoubtedly be a heavy blow to Liu Shiyin.

Will she feel disappointed and sad because of this? Will she experience the bitterness of being abandoned again?

Huo Muchen was filled with struggle and hesitation regarding his plan to investigate Xu Zhiyuan in depth.

He didn't want Liu Shiyin to suffer the pain of being abandoned again, and he didn't want her to suffer any more grievances or harm.