Dinner ended smoothly, and Zhong Chuping expressed interest in Cheng Mo, even suggesting a visit to the Cheng Family the next day. She intended to refuse, but her father readily agreed on her behalf, leaving her quite displeased.
The father and daughter sat in the car, one at ease and the other sullen.
“Dad,” Cheng Mo bit her rose-colored lips and asked, raising her eyes, “why did you do that? I’ve told you that my heart belongs only to Shaoyi. What do you mean by introducing Mr. Zhong to me?”
Cheng Yi smiled slightly, looking at her flushed cheeks from irritation. “It’s nothing personal; it’s just to give you another option. This Zhong Chuping is a diplomat valued by the government, comes from a powerful family, and graduated from Saints An University at just nineteen. His future is limitless.”
Cheng Mo lowered her eyes, her lip corners showing no sign of movement. Her voice was weak but particularly firm. “He is great, but I just don’t like him.”
Cheng Yi observed her snow-like profile, which revealed a hint of stubbornness. After a moment, he heard her whisper, “And Shaoyi is even more outstanding than him.”
Cheng Yi turned his gaze forward quietly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Another sleepless night passed, filled with complex emotions that bubbled up inside her.
She opened the window and looked at the garden outside; everything remained unchanged yet was about to change. The fountain had not yet begun to spray water, and the birds were silent. A ray of white light broke through the clouds and warmed her skin.
Where is he? Is he feeling as melancholic as she is?
She softly descended the stairs without waking anyone. Pushing open the door, she walked through the green brick corridor to the front entrance.
The entrance was empty; she felt a bit disappointed until she turned around and saw Shangguan Shaoyi leaning against the wall. Dressed in military uniform, he stood tall in the morning light, exuding confidence, with jet-black eyes fixed on her and a smile on his lips.
“Shaoyi!” She smiled brightly as he reached out his hand to grasp hers, his gaze lingering on her fair face. She looked up at him with a clear and graceful smile. “How long have you been here?”
He ruffled her hair gently and replied softly, “Just arrived.”
“What a coincidence.” Cheng Mo leaned against his shoulder, watching his upward-curving lips; her previously poor mood brightened slightly.
Shangguan Shaoyi affectionately kissed her forehead and looked into her eyes. “Why do you look unhappy?”
It seemed nothing could escape his keen observation. Cheng Mo shyly smiled. “Dad still hasn’t agreed to our marriage; he introduced another gentleman to me yesterday.” He listened quietly without any change in expression, which made her feel extremely uneasy. “But don’t worry; I won’t like him. I only like you, Shaoyi.”
Shangguan Shaoyi chuckled and tousled her hair. It was then she realized she had made a bold declaration of love; her cheeks flushed deeply as she lowered her gaze, unable to meet his eyes. He stopped teasing her and said seriously, “When does your father get up? I’d like to visit again.”
"I'll get up in a moment." Cheng Mo Su glanced at her pocket watch and nestled into his arms, smiling lightly. "But today there's something else I need you to accompany me to do." Seeing Shangguan Shaoyi looking at her in confusion, her smile deepened, revealing two shallow dimples. "It's Huang Wei! I haven't had the chance to see her since I came back, and we must go today; otherwise, she might not pay attention to me anymore."
The two did not drive but instead called for a rickshaw. After being away from Shanghai for so long, the scenery that she had once grown tired of now made her feel particularly nostalgic—the sound of the old clock, the colorful Qipaos on the streets, the occasional drifting scent of rouge, young men with their hair styled in a side part, and the familiar calls of small vendors—all of it suddenly gave her a sense of coming home.
Before she could fully savor the charm of the city, the rickshaw stopped in front of the Hang Wei Family.
Shangguan Shaoyi tipped the two rickshaw pullers and took Cheng Mo Su inside.
"Cheng... Miss Cheng?" The butler of Hang Wei Family was naturally taken aback upon seeing her. He was also momentarily stunned by Shangguan Shaoyi beside her but quickly regained his composure and said, "Miss Cheng has come to see our young lady? She is still sleeping; I'm afraid..."
"It's okay. We'll wait for her in the Living Room. When she wakes up, don't tell her I've come; I want to surprise her." Cheng Mo Su blinked playfully, her water-like eyes shining with childlike mischief.
In the Living Room, Cheng Mo Su sat gracefully, taking a sip of tea while glancing intentionally at Shangguan Shaoyi on the other side. Shangguan Shaoyi held a newspaper, his deep gaze fixed on it as sunlight streamed through the slightly open window, casting a golden outline around him. She quietly approached him, intending to poke his handsome face with her delicate fingertips, but he understood her intention without blinking and wrapped her hand in his large palm.
"Mo Su, stop messing around."
She pouted and looked at the slight smile on his lips. "If I’m not messing around, then I’ll go drink tea." Just as she was about to turn away, he spun her around and pulled her into his embrace. Her fragrance immediately filled his chest as his breath enveloped her.
Her face flushed red; she initially wanted to break free but found him holding her tighter. Lowering her gaze, she scolded softly, "This is someone else's house; let go."
Shangguan Shaoyi smiled with amusement in his eyes. "This is your punishment; if you mess around again, the punishment will be even worse."
"Worse punishment?" She raised her eyes curiously. "What is it?"
He met her gaze and felt that her smile resembled sweet flower petals. With a slight smile, he leaned down to seek out those rose-colored lips.
"Ahem." Both paused at the sound that interrupted their moment. Huang Wei stood there with crossed arms, still in her pajamas and casually draped in a shawl as she entered the Living Room. The maid had just informed her of visitors, and for some reason, she instinctively knew it was Cheng Mo Su and Shaoyi.
"Huang Wei!" Cheng Mo Su quickly walked toward her, embracing each other.
"I'm really not showing up at the right time," Huang Wei teased without caring about Cheng Mo Su's flushed cheeks. Her gaze then shifted to Shangguan Shaoyi in military uniform behind them. "Mr. Shangguan, it's nice to meet you; please take care of me."
"Miss Huang Wei is too polite," Shangguan Shaoyi replied as he shook hands with her. "I couldn't disclose my identity before; I hope Miss Huang Wei understands."
"It doesn't matter whether I understand or not; what's key is our Mo Su has really fallen for you and can't get out anymore. You must treat her well; if I find out you mistreat her even a little bit, do you believe I'll rush to Northeast overnight?" Huang Wei playfully waved her fist at him while Cheng Mo Su smiled shyly, prompting Huang Wei to pinch her slender waist lightly. "You're still smiling! I'm speaking up for you here! Look at this—she's not even married yet and already leaning toward your family! What will happen once she's married?"
Cheng Mo was about to respond when he heard an exaggerated male voice, "Oh, isn't this Sister Su? Finally willing to come back?" His gaze shifted and landed on Shangguan Shaoyi, momentarily stunned, "Is this... Northeast's Shangguan Lin?"
This was the first meeting between Shangguan Shaoyi and Hang Tai, so naturally, there were pleasantries and introductions. Once he understood the situation, he said, "So that's how it is. You're the one who kidnapped Sister Su! I rarely saw your photo in the Newspaper recently; you look even more handsome and dashing in person."
Shangguan Shaoyi was about to express his gratitude when Huang Wei coughed from the side, "Brother, I remember someone saying we should avoid gossiping, and even mentioned that Shangguan Lin might be a bald man with buck teeth..."
Before she could finish, her mouth was covered by Hang Tai. "Haha, when did I ever say that? My sister has no other hobby than to talk nonsense. Young Master, please don't take it to heart."
"I won't," Shangguan Shaoyi replied, but noticed Cheng Mo Su covering her mouth and giggling on the side, which made him a bit curious.
"Of course not. What could Young Master take to heart?" Huang Wei pulled away Hang Tai's hand and continued, "Even if he's not in a Military Uniform, he's still extraordinary. Meanwhile, brother here is in a suit but looks rather mediocre."
"Hey, why are you opposing me today?"
Huang Wei stuck out her tongue and pointed at the clock not far away. "Brother, if you don't go soon, your Diana will start making a fuss again." Hang Tai turned to look at the time, quickly tidying his hair and smiling, "If you hadn't reminded me, I would have forgotten. Sister Su, Young Master Shangguan, I won't keep you company any longer. You two catch up slowly; let's listen to a play together another day."
Once Huang Wei watched her brother walk away, she pulled Cheng Mo Su down to sit. The ring on her hand sparkled under the Sunlight. Looking at that ring, Huang Wei exchanged ambiguous glances between Cheng Mo Su and Shangguan Shaoyi. "Quickly confess the whole story; otherwise, you'll face severe punishment. Which of you two will speak?"
Cheng Mo Su looked at Shangguan Shaoyi for help. He smiled helplessly and gently ruffled her hair. "I'll explain." His voice was long and calm, unlike his usual cold demeanor; it resembled the sound of a piano, bringing Cheng Mo Su's thoughts back to the stories they had experienced together one after another.
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