Chapter 758: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 758: Beauty Lies in the Eyes of the Beholder (3)
Xiao Ruiyuan suddenly smiled and pulled the stunned girl before him into his arms. "I won't!" he said firmly.
Mo Yan found herself lost in his smile, unable to look away. It wasn’t until the mischievous howl of Xiao Hua, who had come back to watch the scene, broke the moment that she snapped out of it. Her cheeks flushed pink—not from embarrassment, but from anger at Xiao Hua’s antics.
She shot a glare at the tactless Xiao Hua, silently vowing to remember this.
Hmph! She had intended to help him in his pursuit of Da Bai, feeling sorry for how hard he’d been working at it. But now, seeing his foolish behavior, why should she bother? Let him remain single for life!
Xiao Hua, still rolling on the ground in laughter, completely missed the opportunity to impress Da Bai, yet again pushing his goal of winning her heart even further into the distance.
Still mindful of their surroundings in the Mo household, Xiao Ruiyuan reluctantly released Mo Yan after holding her for a moment. Yet as soon as she left his arms, an emptiness settled in his heart. Unable to resist, he reached out and gently brushed aside the strands of hair on her forehead. Then he brought up the proposal Chu Heng had mentioned the other night.
Mo Yan had initially planned to act reserved, but it wasn’t in her nature. She suggested instead, “The tenth day of the twelfth month is my father’s birthday. He’s planning a small gathering with family and friends to dispel the bad luck from his previous wrongful imprisonment. Coincidentally, you’re off that day, so why don’t you and your cousin come by under the pretense of offering birthday wishes?”
Her expression turned slightly troubled as she added, “My father doesn’t know about us and has already picked someone he sees as an ideal son-in-law. He’s even dropped hints to me, but I played dumb to brush him off. On his birthday, that person will likely show up, and there’s a chance my father will bring up the matter.”
She briefly explained Shen Ji’s background to Xiao Ruiyuan, giving him some context. She knew that compared to Xiao Ruiyuan, her father would likely favor Shen Ji. In terms of family background and personality, Shen Ji was undoubtedly the more suitable son-in-law in her father’s eyes.
Hearing that his future father-in-law had found him a rival—and a formidable one at that—Xiao Ruiyuan’s expression darkened. “Don’t worry, my cousin and I will definitely be there that day!”
It was rare for Mo Yan to see him this tense, as if preparing for a great battle. She couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re so nervous. Are you afraid he’ll outshine you?”
Xiao Ruiyuan’s expression turned solemn, and though he didn’t respond verbally, the pride in his gaze made it clear he didn’t see Shen Ji as a threat.
Mo Yan’s heart softened as she decided to subtly prepare her father for the truth. She worried that her father, shocked by the revelation, might not outright chase Xiao Ruiyuan away but would certainly not treat him kindly.
...
After enjoying tea with Mo Qingze, Xiao Ruiyuan joined him in the study for a few rounds of chess. They played until the last trace of daylight disappeared. Despite Mo Qingze’s insistence that he stay, Xiao Ruiyuan only stayed for dinner before reluctantly bidding farewell.
As much as he hated leaving, Xiao Ruiyuan didn’t dare linger for fear that Mo Qingze might notice something amiss. Mounting his horse, he rode away without looking back, vanishing into the moonlit night.
The winter nights were long and quiet, with little to entertain, so most households turned in early. The Mo family was no exception. After sending Xiao Ruiyuan off, the family gathered around the fire to warm themselves before bedtime.
Just as they settled in, the urgent sound of bells came from the eaves. Li Yan quickly got up to answer the door. Moments later, she returned, followed by a visibly distressed Da Nier.
Before anyone could ask, Da Nier rushed forward and grabbed Mo Yan’s arm, blurting out anxiously, “Yan girl, come with me quickly! My mother is about to beat my brother to death!”
Everyone was stunned. Seeing Da Nier’s panic, it was clear something serious had happened. Mo Yan didn’t have time to ask why Tie Tou, who usually stayed at the shop overnight, would be home and in trouble. She hastily informed her father before hurrying out with Da Nier.
(End of Chapter)
TRANSLATION COMPLETED To Read advance Chapters, Please read it on Patreon or Ko-fi. Your support helps us continue bringing you great content!
►►CLICK HERE FOR LISTS OF CHAPTERS◄◄
No comments: