Ch. 291..300
Chapter 291: The video you destroyed is just what I wanted you to destroy. Mo Chen toyed with her slender fingers, revealing a hint of rascality, and nodded slightly, “Pretty much.”
Damn!
She suddenly felt like she had become Mo Dad’s plaything!
Although she had always been reminding herself not to become the plaything of those rich second generation kids, it seemed that she had still ended up as Mo Chen’s plaything.
Is this what they call boiling a frog in warm water?
“Mo Chen, big brother, your schemes are really heavy, you’re just a ruffian tyrant!” she glared angrily at the scoundrel of a man.
Mo Chen’s handsome brows raised, “That’s a fair assessment.”
???
This scoundrel actually had a pretty comprehensive understanding of himself.
Suddenly, the man’s long fingers touched her flat belly, and his voice became husky and ambiguous, “Little Ghost, it’s been a long time since I’ve worn a condom, are you pregnant yet…?”
Qiao Ruoxin’s ears turned pink, and she removed his hand, “It’s not that fast! What’s the rush, did you forget what your grandfather said, no pregnancy before marriage.”
The man rested his chin on her shoulder, his deep voice resonating in her ear, making her body tingle all over.
“Bai Junyan brags in my presence every day about his woman being pregnant, I also want to experience that feeling,” he spoke lazily and domineeringly.
“…”
“You men are really strange, isn’t it normal for a woman to be pregnant? What’s there to brag about.”
Mo Chen’s large hand clasped her head, tilting her chin up to meet his forehead, “It’s different.”
“How is it different?” She genuinely didn’t understand. It was normal for any woman to become pregnant.
He snorted with laughter, “Because the child you’ll bear is mine.”
Unwittingly, their gazes locked onto each other once more.
Qiao Ruoxin saw the extremely possessive look in his eyes and knew what he was planning to do…
She coughed twice, “Your mother said you’ve been quite exhausted lately, stop thinking about that kind of stuff, take care of your body.”
If Mo Chen looked at her with that gaze for just one minute, what followed would be unstoppable.
“Little Ghost, do you know why it has to be you?”
She looked puzzled, “Why?”
The man chuckled softly, “Because only you can see to my physical needs.”
“…”
Uh…
There was really nothing left to say, one couldn’t expect Mr. Mo to deliver any proper sweet talk.
The next second.
The man picked her up and carried her towards the bedroom, his tall silhouette betraying a sense of urgency.
…
The following week was very calm, and soon it was the end of the month, and Simon prepared to return to the United States.
Dusk.
Inside the villa.
Mrs. Qiao had already packed the suitcases, ready for the eight o’clock flight, to leave China.
She came downstairs and found Simon leisurely sitting on the living room sofa drinking coffee.
Until now, there was no sign of Qiao Ruoxin wanting to return to the United States with them, how could Simon remain so composed?
Mrs. Qiao sat down in front of the sofa and couldn’t help but speak out, “Until now, Ruoxin hasn’t said she wants to go with us, what shall we do?”
Simon leaned back on the sofa, “Tonight, she must go with us, she has no choice.”
“What’s your plan?”
Simon’s demeanor remained calm as he smiled, “There’s no other way, I just want to replay the events from two years ago.”
Qiao Ruoxin’s mother looked puzzled, “Two years ago?”
“Yes, I’m guessing it will still be very painful. If the pain is severe enough, she’ll want to leave, to escape from this place of heartache.”
Qiao’s mother fell into silence, unsure of what to say.
The usually gentle Simon now had a trace of ferocity on his face. There was no other choice but to use this tactic.
…
Six in the evening.
Today, Qiao Ruoxin’s job was to make a cameo as a vicious supporting female character, wrapping up promptly at six.
She changed clothes in the dressing room, ready to leave.
But the moment she opened the door, she saw Simon standing there, smiling and saying, “Baby, it’s time to go back to the United States, you’ve been out for too long.”
Without thinking, Qiao Ruoxin slammed the door shut with a ‘snap’.
Then she tried to call her bodyguard, only to discover the call wouldn’t go through!
The dressing room door was pushed open again, and Simon walked in: “Do you think that after destroying that video last time, you have nothing to worry about?”
A flash of surprise crossed Qiao Ruoxin’s clearly defined eyes—so he knew? No wonder things had been so quiet lately.
“So, you’re finally admitting that the video was your handiwork?”
Simon laughed, “I can admit that, but truth be told, it was Aunt Lan who told me to do it. She said that this would make Mo Chen give up for good.”
Qiao Ruoxin’s face registered shock, she could hardly believe it!
Her own mother could go to such lengths? She was destroying her own daughter!
If that video were made public, her life would be ruined.
Simon grabbed her wrist, “Let’s go home. You’ve caused enough trouble, and you’ve already spent quite some time reminiscing with your ex.”
“In your dreams! I’m never going back!”
She wrenched her hand free from Simon’s grip and moved toward the exit, but Simon behind her didn’t try to pull her back?
This inexplicable sensation.
As Qiao Ruoxin walked down the corridor, Simon’s leisurely voice came from behind her, “The video you destroyed was only what I wanted you to destroy. I still have the original, and it’s about to be sent to Mo Chen’s hands, let him relive the dream of two years ago! Fight poison with poison, this time it will surely restore his memory!”
Her face instantly turned pale, and with a sudden turn, she walked up to Simon and slapped him hard across the face.
But Simon touched his struck right cheek while smiling, “You want him to completely forget about that video, don’t you? If you come with me quietly, I might consider destroying it for good.”
Qiao Ruoxin let out a cold laugh, “Then just send the video to him! You think you can threaten me with anything? Get lost!”
With that, she turned and left without looking back.
She needed to find Mo Chen immediately!
A hint of surprise appeared on Simon’s face; he genuinely hadn’t expected Qiao Ruoxin to no longer fear the video. Why?
Simon quickly stepped forward, picked her up, and started heading outside, “This is father’s order, and it’s why I’ve come here. I have to take you back.”
“Let me go! Get away from me! You freak!”
Qiao Ruoxin struggled continuously, but she couldn’t overcome a man’s strength.
Simon looked down at her in his arms, “Are you really not afraid? Then I really will send the video?”
Her eyes filled with hatred, Qiao Ruoxin bit down hard on Simon’s shoulder, not letting go!
Unlike biting Mo Chen, now she wished she could tear off Simon’s shoulder. Blood soon seeped out!
Bearing the pain, Simon managed to carry her into the car and shut the door.
“Drive!”
He ordered the driver, then placed her aside and glanced at his mangled shoulder where the blood had soaked through the fabric of his shirt.
Chapter 292: If you take another step, I will send the video to Mo Chen. Qiao Ruoxin struggled as she pulled at the driver, “Stop the car! Do you hear me? Stop the car!”
Because of the pulling, the driver swerved wildly, which was very dangerous.
Simon directly pulled her back to her seat, angrily saying, “Qiao Ruoxin! You behave yourself! And don’t count on Mo Chen coming! If he sees that video, he probably really wouldn’t want to come, would he?”
Qiao Ruoxin suddenly became quiet.
She pushed Simon away indifferently and asked coldly, “I’d like to ask you, why does the woman in that video have the same face as me?”
Simon’s shoulder was still bleeding, but he laughed and said, “Take a guess, use your imagination, think hard about what this is all about? Could it be that you betrayed Mo Chen, but you’ve forgotten?”
She let out a disdainful snort and turned her head away.
Her brain was working fast, thinking about how to escape.
Along the way, Qiao Ruoxin didn’t say a word.
Simon’s face began to turn pale, after all, she’d bitten his shoulder quite badly.
She was forcibly taken to the VIP waiting room at the airport.
As soon as Qiao Ruoxin walked into the waiting room, she saw her mother sitting there, waiting anxiously.
As soon as she saw her come in, Qiao’s mother immediately stood up, her face full of joy, “Xinxin! You finally came! Will you come back with mom, please?”
She pushed away her mother’s body coldly, “Two years ago, I sincerely attended your wedding, wanting to wish you a happy marriage. But what about you? You schemed against me behind my back, sent Mo Chen a breakup text message in my place, and even sent that filthy video to him, provoking him, wanting him to despise me, to not want me at all! How could I have such a selfish mother like you!”
“Qiao Ruoxin! How can you speak to me this way!” Qiao’s mother felt somewhat hurt.
Qiao Ruoxin laughed out loud, “Always claiming to be doing what’s best for me, then blatantly hurting me, Jiang Peilan do you even have a heart! Could you use that kind of video to insult your own daughter? What if Mo Chen had killed me because of that video? Don’t forget his family status! He couldn’t bear that kind of humiliation!”
Qiao’s mother’s face turned pale, “It won’t happen… He loves you so much…”
Suddenly!
Qiao Ruoxin completely lost her temper, throwing the fruit plate and flowers on the side to the ground, yelling, “You also know he loves me!”
Qiao’s mother was slightly shaken and fell silent.
“Why would you provoke him like that? If I provoked Lawrence the same way, would you agree?”
“You!”
“What ‘you’! Just because you’re my mom, do you think you’re so special? Just because you’re my mom, you can do whatever you want? I don’t want you as a mother anymore, okay? Can you just stop interfering in my life?”
The next second, in an impulse, Qiao’s mother slapped Qiao Ruoxin’s fair and tender cheek.
With a ‘slap’, the entire VIP waiting room fell silent.
Simon walked in just in time to see this scene and couldn’t help but cry out, “Aunt Lan!”
Qiao Ruoxin’s cheek felt a burning pain, but she coldly smiled.
Tears streamed down Qiao’s mother’s face, “How could you not want me? I carried you inside me for ten months, do you know how hard it was? Just for a man, you don’t want your own mother? How did you become as paranoid as Mo Chen!”
“Who is the real paranoid one! Aren’t you paranoid! Why do you try again and again to make me marry Simon! I’ve said I don’t want to, I don’t want to, I don’t want to! Why don’t you understand a single word I say!”
Qiao Ruoxin saw a glass tumbler on the table.
She picked up the tumbler and smashed it hard against the wall, the glass shattered instantly, its sharp edges like knife blades.
She pressed the broken glass against her wrist, “Either let me go or take my body back to the United States.”
“Qiao Ruoxin!” Simon finally lost his temper. She was using the threat of cutting her wrists again!
This move had truly scared him before, almost half a year he dared not get close to her!
Instantly, Qiao’s mother burst into tears, “Xinxin, please don’t do this, okay? Mom is begging you, you can’t cut your wrists again!”
Simon prepared to lunge forward and seize her wrists.
But Qiao Ruoxin seemed to have anticipated this, plunging the glass shard into her wrist and blood began to flow out rapidly.
“Xinxin!!!!” Jiang Peilan screamed in shock, not expecting to witness this scene again after two years.
Simon immediately halted in his tracks, shouting angrily, “Stop moving!”
“I told you, either let me go or take my corpse back to the United States, but this time I will not compromise!”
In Qiao Ruoxin’s bright and clear eyes shone determination and defiance, unshakeable by anyone.
She took steps backward, walking towards the exit.
Suddenly, Simon pulled out his phone, “If you take one more step, I’ll send the video to Mo Chen, your own choice.”
Qiao Ruoxin indeed stopped in her tracks, staring dead at the phone clutched in Simon’s hand.
If this video were sent to Mo Chen… would Mo Chen’s inner demons be roused again?
But if she didn’t leave now, she would have to go to the United States with them.
If she went to the United States this time, she might never return.
No!
She couldn’t leave Mo Chen again!
Seeing her hesitating, Simon composed a message, started uploading that video clip, then typed Mo Chen’s phone number, showing the phone screen to Qiao Ruoxin.
“See this? If I press send, Mo Chen will soon relive the nightmare from two years ago! It was this very video that nearly killed him in a car crash and left him with severe psychological trauma, leading to an intense disgust for women. Do you want to go through it all over again?”
A flicker of panic appeared in Qiao Ruoxin’s eyes.
Of course, she didn’t want Mo Chen to be agitated again!
Looking down at the blood seeping from her wrist, but if she compromised and went back to the United States with them, she might never see Mo Chen again in this lifetime.
A layer of mist formed in Qiao Ruoxin’s eyes, torn with indecision.
Because nobody knew what the consequences would be if Mo Chen revisited the video, awakening the memories he had lost two years ago!
Jiang Peilan burst into tears, “Xinxin, don’t do this, I truly don’t wish to see you hurt yourself…”
“What’s the use of saying that! Then let me go!” Her tears slowly sliding towards her jaw, she shouted at her mother loudly.
She cannot go to the United States! Absolutely not!
Without looking back, Qiao Ruoxin turned and left the VIP lounge.
Simon watched her resolute figure, lips tightly pursed, his fingertip pressed the send button.
“Xinxin!”
Jiang Peilan wanted to chase after her, but Simon blocked her, “Auntie Peilan, I want to see what Mo Chen looks like when he regains his memory.”
“This isn’t two years ago! Mo Chen will quickly find out the truth behind the video!”
“Of course, Mo Chen will find out the truth behind the video, but the damage has been done, and he will have to personally open up that festering wound and sprinkle salt on it himself. His psychological trauma might become even more serious.”
Jiang Peilan looked bewildered, “What do you mean?”
Simon sneered coldly, “It means that Mo Chen might not want Ruoxin anymore.”
It should be this way, and he hoped it would be this way.
One has to give up completely to go back to the United States with peace of mind to take over the family business.
But Simon ignored one thing, Mo Chen’s obsessive paranoia and his love for Qiao Ruoxin.
Chapter 293: Episode 293: Mo Chen has seen the video Qiao Ruoxin fled in a panic, bumping into quite a few people at the airport, and repeatedly saying, “I’m sorry.”
She looked back from time to time, fearing that Simon would catch up to her.
“Ah!”
In her carelessness, she once again bumped into someone’s embrace.
She hastily said, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”
Then, the man’s arms encircled her slender waist and pulled her into his embrace.
Qiao Ruoxin furrowed her brows as she looked up, meeting the man’s pitch-black eyes, his handsome face taut and overflowing with menace.
“Mo Chen, brother…” she couldn’t help but cry out, a tremble in her voice.
Mo Chen held her tightly, his large hand cradling her head, soothing her in a low voice, “It’s all right now.”
She suddenly remembered Simon’s words about sending a video!
She immediately pushed the man away, “Give me your phone!”
A trace of confusion crossed the man’s handsome face, but without overthinking it, he handed her his phone.
Qiao Ruoxin impatiently turned on the phone, glanced at the messages, and instantly breathed a sigh of relief, there were no messages from Simon.
Could it be that Simon didn’t send the video?
But she had totally forgotten to check the signal bars at the top of the phone screen, it was on airplane mode.
Earlier that morning, Mo Chen had been out of town, and as soon as he landed, Xiaowu, who came to pick him up, notified him of the news.
He simply had no time to turn off the airplane mode and immediately started looking for her at the airport.
Qiao Ruoxin handed the phone back to him, “It’s nothing, let’s go back.”
Suddenly!
Mo Chen grabbed her wrist and saw the wound that was still bleeding. His anger erupted like a volcano as he berated, “You fucking slit your wrists again!”
This outburst attracted the attention of many people at the airport.
She somewhat embarrassedly grabbed the man’s arm, “Mo Chen, brother, don’t be angry, let’s leave here first, I’ll explain everything outside.”
It took Qiao Ruoxin quite some persuading to drag Mo Chen out of the airport.
Once they were in the car, Mo Chen had a dark expression on his face as he held her wrist and hooked his forefinger under the collar tie, yanking it off.
Then he bound it tightly around Qiao Ruoxin’s arm, so tightly that it was very painful, and she was on the verge of tears.
Qiao Ruoxin said in a small, aggrieved voice, “Mo Chen, brother, it hurts…”
But this time, the man showed no sympathy and kept holding her wrist to prevent her from moving and aggravating the wound. He kicked the driver’s seat, “Aren’t you going to drive to the hospital!”
The driver was so startled that he quickly started the car and slowly left the airport.
Mo Chen looked at her dewy eyes and her pale face and said sternly, “Endure the pain, this is akin to a tourniquet.”
“Oh…”
So that was it.
She didn’t realize at first, Mo Chen had used the tie as a tourniquet on her arm.
Mo Chen’s eyes were fixed on the wound on her wrist, which didn’t seem to be caused by a knife cut, as the shape of the wound was irregular.
Qiao Ruoxin wanted to pull her wrist back, but the man’s grip tightened even more.
“Don’t move!”
“…”
They had hit rush hour traffic, and the road was severely congested.
Mo Chen’s mood was clearly becoming more volatile; he was forcibly suppressing the raging fury within him.
She, sitting beside him, naturally felt it too.
She gently patted the man’s shoulder with her other hand, “Mo Chen, brother, it’s okay, I can hold on.”
Her dismissive tone completely infuriated Mo Chen.
“Hold on my ass! Look at how much blood you’ve lost!” the man yelled at her furiously.
The inside of the car was instantly filled with the smell of gunpowder.
Qiao Ruoxin could only obediently lower her head, letting Lord Mo throw his temper, after all, no one could control this damn man when he was angry.
“You feel wronged? Are you fucking brain-damaged? Is slashing your wrists fun?”
She bowed her head, not wanting to speak, but tears couldn’t stop flowing out.
Seeing her tears, Mo Chen, who had been as furious as a wild beast, suddenly froze, and a clear panic could be seen in his dark eyes.
The man held her in his arms, his large palm cradling her head, and his deep voice softened a bit as he coaxed her, “Don’t cry, Big Brother won’t scold you anymore, okay?”
Qiao Ruoxin didn’t speak, just silently shedding tears.
Mo Chen frowned deeply, looking down at her tearful face, and sighed deeply.
His long fingers helped to wipe away the tears on her cheeks, and he coaxed her in a low voice, “Or do you want to curse at me a few times?”
Suddenly, Qiao Ruoxin let out a chuckle.
The handsome man’s face darkened a few shades, as he grabbed her chin, “What are you laughing at?”
“Brother Mo Chen, if you hadn’t used that trick just now, I wouldn’t have been able to escape at all. I didn’t want to…”
Mo Chen’s arms tightened around her, his voice becoming somewhat hoarse, “They wanted to take you to the United States?”
“Mhm…”
The car slowly entered the hospital’s parking lot.
As soon as Qiao Ruoxin got out of the car and stood up, the man behind her picked her up again and hurried toward the emergency building of the hospital.
…
An hour later.
Qiao Ruoxin’s wound had been treated, and it wasn’t serious, but she had lost a considerable amount of blood.
Therefore, she needed an IV to replenish some fluids.
She lay on the bed and unknowingly fell asleep, and Mo Chen stayed with her the entire time.
In her deep sleep, Qiao Ruoxin seemed to be having a nightmare, sweating profusely and furrowing her brow.
The man also furrowed his brows, taking a tissue and wiping the cold sweat from her forehead over and over again.
Suddenly, Qiao Ruoxin murmured in her dream, “Don’t look… Mo Chen, don’t look…”
Mo Chen, standing by the bed, furrowed his brows tighter and tighter. What exactly was Little Ghost dreaming about?
After he stood by the bed for a while, he went outside the ward, planning to make a phone call.
Just as he reached for his phone, he discovered it was still in airplane mode.
After he turned off airplane mode, a message quickly popped up on his phone; it was a video from an unfamiliar number.
Mo Chen’s brow furrowed slightly, with a hint of confusion, he opened the message and the video.
Then, his pupils contracted sharply, clutching his phone tightly, almost crushing it.
His dark gaze was fixated on the phone screen, watching the video until he saw Qiao Ruoxin’s face!
Suddenly, a splitting headache! The phone fell to the floor, his face turned as pale as paper, eyes full of shock, and his breathing became rapid.
Images that he had never been able to remember clearly began to emerge in his mind and slowly overlapped with the video on the phone.
His head felt like it was about to explode!
The next second, his body fell backward with a heavy thud, and everything went black as he fell into a complete unconsciousness.
In the moment before he closed his eyes, he clearly saw the face of the woman on the phone screen overlap with the female lead in the video in his mind…
Could it be that the woman he hadn’t been able to forget for these two years in that video… was Qiao Ruoxin?
Suddenly, the sound of Xiaowu’s running footsteps echoed in the corridor, shouting loudly, “Doctor! Doctor! Doctor!”
Chapter 294: The woman in that video is not me at all! In the VIP ward.
Qiao Ruoxin slowly opened her eyes and realized she had actually slept for three hours!
There was also nobody else in the ward.
Hmm? Where was Mo Chen?
Strange…
She lifted the blanket off herself and got out of bed. Just as she reached the door of the ward, it was suddenly pushed open.
Xiaowu looked at her with an ugly expression, his breathing rapid as he said, “Miss Qiao, hurry and see Master Mo! He…”
Qiao Ruoxin’s heart skipped a beat!
She had been having a bad feeling all this time; could it be that her premonition was coming true?
Her voice trembled slightly, “He… what happened to him?”
“Just now, Master Mo suddenly fainted in the hospital corridor and then developed the same symptoms as before: a low fever, vomiting… He woke up an hour ago and has been throwing up, almost vomiting out bile!”
Qiao Ruoxin’s face was full of shock, and she pushed Xiaowu aside and ran out in an instant.
Xiaowu followed behind her, saying as they ran, “And during this hour, he has been staring at his phone, I don’t know what he’s watching, but he’s been looking at it for an hour!”
Qiao Ruoxin suddenly stopped in her tracks.
Panic filled her eyes!
Staring at his phone? Could it be that Simon had still sent that video over???
The thought turned her face instantly pale, and she ran straight for Mo Chen’s ward!
She stood outside the ward, out of breath, and didn’t even have the courage to knock and go in.
Her slender fingers touched the doorknob, and she ultimately pushed the door open and went inside.
The moment she walked into the ward, she felt as if she had walked into a morgue, a silence like death, suffocating.
Qiao Ruoxin took step by step inside and saw the man leaning on the bed, his face as pale as paper.
Tears streamed down her face!
At that moment, Mo Chen’s tall body leaned against the hospital bed as if his soul had been extracted, his whole body exuding a sense of desolation.
She was a bit scared to walk over.
“Mo Chen brother, you’re okay, right…”
Her soft voice broke the silence of the room.
The moment Mo Chen looked up, his eyes were full of resentment, as if he wanted to strangle her.
She was frightened by his gaze and stood frozen in place.
The man stared at her for a full minute before his hoarse voice suddenly asked, “Did you… sleep with someone else…”
Qiao Ruoxin almost immediately followed his last syllable, shouting loudly, “I didn’t! The woman in that video isn’t me at all!”
She wanted to walk over, but the man angrily rebuked, “Don’t come over! Just stand there!”
Her heart felt as if it was tearing apart in pain as she looked through her tears at the man on the hospital bed.
Even though there were only a few steps between them, why did it feel like they were as far apart as an ocean?
“Mo Chen brother, the woman in that video really isn’t me, even though I don’t know why she has the same face as mine…”
Mo Chen suddenly let out a disdainful sneer, “You don’t know, but I do.”
She was briefly stunned, looking perplexed, “You… know?”
“I’ve watched this video over and over again, ten times.”
Qiao Ruoxin’s eyes widened in panic, watched it ten times?
Her fingers hanging by her sides slowly curled up, what did this mean?
So that’s why Mo Chen couldn’t stop vomiting, almost throwing up bile?
Her tears flowed unrestrained, relentless.
Actually, not only had Mo Chen watched the video over ten times, but he had also scrutinized the details again and again, meticulously.
The memories he had lost two years ago were gradually coming back.
It turned out that two years ago, he had driven to the mid-hill because he was chasing another car.
He thought the woman driving was Qiao Ruoxin, with sunglasses covering most of her face, but the Starfish Earrings reminded him of Lin Xi.
It was Lin Xi who had induced him to drive away from the capital two years ago.
Afterward, he had an accident due to driving while exhausted and fell into the woods, lost for two days and a night.
And it was this perfect lapse in time that allowed the real Qiao Ruoxin to leave the country smoothly, without any hindrance.
Indeed, it was Lin Xi who had saved him, and yet it was also Lin Xi who had indirectly caused the car accident.
Qiao Ruoxin stood rooted to the spot, staring intently at the man on the hospital bed, at his pale complexion, wanting to move closer, but not daring to do so.
“Brother Mo Chen…”
She was about to speak when Mo Chen harshly cut her off, “Have you really never slept with anyone else?”
“No! No matter how many times I say it, it’s the same! The woman in the video really isn’t me!”
Mo Chen said with a deep voice, “Then it must be AI face swapping, replacing your face with Lin Xi’s.”
Qiao Ruoxin’s severe panic was quickly replaced by shock, and she involuntarily repeated that somewhat unfamiliar term, “AI face swap?”
“Lin Xi’s facial structure and yours are identical, and your figures are somewhat similar, swapping her face for yours isn’t difficult. But to achieve such realism, it must have been the handiwork of your stepbrother.”
Despite the pain in his body and heart, Mo Chen was still able to think clearly and calmly.
Qiao Ruoxin had an epiphany, pausing for a few seconds, “How did I not think of that, the Lawrence Family’s special effects company dominates the global film post-production effects, their technology is also top-notch, but it’s too realistic… When I first saw it, I almost thought it was myself.”
Mo Chen’s complexion turned uglier, and he muttered through gritted teeth, somewhat feebly, “You knew all along why didn’t you tell me!”
“I… I was scared to tell you.”
“Qiao Ruoxin! Have you ever considered me your man!”
“…” She had nothing to say, she was just afraid that Mo Chen would feel even worse if he knew, she didn’t want to see him suffer.
After a few seconds, the man coldly said, “Besides, the woman in the video has a mole on her thigh, you don’t.”
How intently must he have watched to notice the mole on the leg?
Qiao Ruoxin’s tears once again slid down to her chin, falling to the ground with a sense of grievance.
At this point, Mo Chen felt another bout of nausea surge up, and he instantly got out of bed and dashed into the bathroom.
Qiao Ruoxin unconsciously walked over, standing outside the bathroom, then heard the sound of retching from inside.
He must be feeling terrible.
To watch that video more than ten times with his own eyes, and that woman wearing her face.
Time passed, and eventually, the bathroom door opened.
Mo Chen’s tall figure emerged from inside, and she rushed over, wanting to embrace the man’s body, to comfort him.
But!
The second she touched the man, she was pushed away without any hesitation.
Qiao Ruoxin stood there, dazed, looking at Mo Chen, who felt as unfamiliar as when she had first returned….
A trace of embarrassment swept across the man’s handsome face, avoiding her gaze, “Don’t touch me.”
She suddenly burst into tears, “Why is this happening…”
She had finally cured Mo Chen, allowing him to touch women again, but now it was back to the way it used to be!!!
“Brother Mo Chen, you…”
Mo Chen seemed to be enduring the torment both physically and mentally, saying in a heavy voice, “I don’t know! Just don’t touch me!”
Chapter 295: Can I hug you? Jiang Mansion Number One.
Mo Chen had become like a completely different person, his indifference chilling her to the bone.
The man’s tall figure leaned against the living room sofa, two buttons of his shirt undone. With closed eyes, his handsome features were shrouded in a layer of irritability.
Qiao Ruoxin stood at a distance from him, watching him immersed in that dark world.
But she just couldn’t go over…
She really wanted to go over and hug him, but she couldn’t.
“Mo Chen, if you know the woman in the video isn’t me, why do you reject me so…”
The living room was silent.
Mo Chen slowly opened his eyes, staring at the crystal chandelier above him. After a few seconds, he spoke in a low voice, “Go to sleep, I will go see a psychologist tomorrow.”
Psychologist…
Qiao Ruoxin’s heart tightened.
“Don’t get the wound wet,” the man added.
She stood motionless, staring at the man’s profile: “And you?”
“I’m not sleepy.”
That same sentence again!
Why did she feel like all her previous efforts had been in vain?
Had Mo Chen reverted to the state he was in those two years ago?
He knew the woman in the video wasn’t her, so why was he still like this?
Qiao Ruoxin mustered her courage and once again walked up to Mo Chen, stopping just five steps away from him.
But the man’s dark eyes stared at her as if warning her not to come any closer.
“I want to hug you, may I?” Her voice was soft and wronged, with a hint of pitifulness.
It seemed they had entered a stalemate.
About ten minutes later, the man slowly stood up and walked toward her step by step.
The distance was only a few steps, but it felt like she could never reach him.
Mo Chen stopped in front of her, close enough to breathe in her scent. He looked down at the expectation in her eyes.
Pulling Qiao Ruoxin into his embrace, the moment he held her, images from that video flashed through his mind. Unlike the past two years, now he could clearly see that the face of the woman in the video was Qiao Ruoxin!
The man’s face grew incredibly somber as he fought and suppressed the discomfort inside him.
But the nauseous feeling was like a caged beast rampaging within him.
Qiao Ruoxin raised her arms, wanting to embrace the man’s tall body.
The faint fragrance from her body invaded his nostrils, making him feel as if thousands of ants were gnawing at him!
Mo Chen pushed away Little Ghost once more, and although he was much gentler, the repulsion was still unmistakable.
“Little Ghost, I… might be a bit unwell, I’ll keep you company tomorrow,” he said.
After speaking, he turned without looking back and headed upstairs.
Qiao Ruoxin was left standing there, tears slowly streaming down, falling to the floor from her chin, just like her heart seemed to have shattered.
It hurt so much…
At that moment, she really wanted to kill Simon, that pervert!
What now?
Who could tell her, what should she do now?
Thus, Mo Chen did not return to the bedroom that entire evening, spending the whole night in the study.
And she waited the entire night until she fell asleep from exhaustion.
The next day, when she opened her eyes, she realized it was already daylight.
Qiao Ruoxin threw off the quilt and rushed out of the bedroom toward the study.
After just a few steps, she encountered the housekeeper coming out from cleaning the study and couldn’t help but ask, “Is Mo Chen still inside?”
“Mr. Mo left the house very early,” Xiaowu said. “He ordered me not to wake Miss Qiao and to wait for you, to have breakfast before leaving.”
A hint of loss appeared on Qiao Ruoxin’s petite face.
She looked down at her wrist, which was still wrapped in gauze.
Had she done something wrong yesterday?
She really shouldn’t have let Simon send over the video.
She knew that Mo Chen would find the content of the video unbearable, yet she selfishly chose to run away, causing him such distress.
She thought she could explain it clearly, but things didn’t turn out as she expected…
Mo Chen indeed believed that the woman in the video wasn’t her, but it also awakened the lost memories in his heart, as well as his true inner demon.
…
The psychologist’s office.
Mo Chen lay on the couch with a tight and expressionless face, his deep, ancient-well-like eyes showing no ripples, like a pool of stagnant water.
“Mr. Mo, your psychological issues have truly surfaced,” said the psychologist. “It means you understand everything on a rational level, but your emotions are hard to control.”
The man stared at the blank white ceiling above, his voice ice-cold, “I can’t even get close to her now.”
The psychologist looked at the case file and said, “It might take some time to adapt, especially since you’ve just learned the truth from two years ago.”
Mo Chen’s eyebrows furrowed, and his deep voice became slightly irritated as he gritted his teeth and said, “I can’t wait!”
With his current ghastly appearance, how could he get married?
After pondering for a while, the psychologist said, “Then hypnotherapy is the only option, but I’m not sure if you’re willing to try it?”
Hypnotherapy…
A trace of hesitation appeared in Mo Chen’s dark eyes.
Seeing him silent, the psychologist continued, “Hypnotherapy might be the fastest way to see results, of course, there are certain risks.”
“What risks?”
“If it’s successful, your psychological issues will be completely removed, Mr. Mo. But if it fails, it might exacerbate your paranoid disorder.”
“…”
Mo Chen’s jawline tensed as he pressed his lips together.
…
After finishing breakfast, Qiao Ruoxin had her bodyguard take her to the psychologist’s studio.
She sat in the reception area, waiting for Mo Chen to come out.
It was her first time in the psychologist’s studio, she looked around, her worry growing as he seemed to be taking too long.
“Xiaowu, how long has Mo Chen been in there? Why hasn’t he come out yet?”
Xiaowu, sitting on a sofa nearby, spoke gravely, “About three hours, I guess.”
“That long?”
Qiao Ruoxin felt like she was sitting on pins and needles and stood up, noticing some brochures about psychological disorders nearby.
She randomly picked up one and found it was an introduction to the symptoms of paranoid disorder.
She read out softly, “Overly sensitive, jealous, suspicious, possessive, often accompanied by delusions, suspecting the partner’s loyalty without evidence, having a paranoid and irritable character, being obstinate, and struggling to control emotions…”
Qiao Ruoxin’s heart skipped a beat.
Why did it all seem to match Mo Chen?
She continued to read many items and felt that Mo Chen exhibited these symptoms.
Just then, the door to the psychologist’s office opened.
Mo Chen came out looking weary, his long fingers pressing against his temples.
She immediately put down the brochure and approached him, “Brother Mo Chen, are you alright?”
The man looked up at her, “Why are you here?”
“I… came to pick you up. Let’s have lunch together,” she said.
Mo Chen’s expression was somber, but he still responded with a “Hmm.”
Chapter 296: Brother Mo Chen, Are You Coming Back to the Room to Sleep Tonight? Qinxian Garden, inside the private room.
Mo Chen sat opposite at the dining table, flipping through the menu page by page.
She had always been cautiously observing the man’s expression.
She wondered what Mo Chen had talked about with the psychologist and whether he felt better now.
“What do you want to eat?”
Qiao Ruoxin’s drifting thoughts were pulled back to reality by the man’s deep voice.
“Ah? Oh… I’m not picky, you choose for me.”
“Hmm.”
Mo Chen responded indifferently and then ordered dishes with a server.
After the server took the menu and left, the private room fell back into awkward silence.
Qiao Ruoxin tried to speak several times but didn’t know what to say.
Seeing through her thoughts, Mo Chen said gravely, “I’m fine, don’t worry, okay?”
“Really?”
“Perhaps I just haven’t come to terms with everything yet. Give me some time, I will be okay,” the man said seriously, his expression solemn which added a repressive atmosphere to the private room.
In a soft voice, Qiao Ruoxin said, “Mo Chen Brother, the woman in the video is definitely not me!”
“Hmm, I’ve already had someone work on restoring the video.”
But the thought of having been deceived by Lin Xi for two whole years filled him with the urge to kill the woman!
So, two years ago, when he was trapped in the woods for two days and nights, close to death, Lin Xi’s sudden appearance wasn’t coincidental, it was deliberate.
Heh…
The mastermind behind all this must be that Simon, he guessed.
Apart from that piece of trash, he couldn’t think of anyone else with the leisure to weave such a meticulous trap.
During this lunch, Qiao Ruoxin had no appetite at all, it was like chewing wax, she couldn’t even remember what she had eaten.
Mo Chen also just ate a few bites and kept staring at her.
“Little Ghost.”
“Ah?”
She thought Mo Chen was about to say something important, her heart pounding and inexplicably nervous.
Unexpectedly, the man only said in a nonchalant way, “The wedding will proceed as planned.”
She was stunned for a full minute, then let out a light laugh, “Okay!”
…
After leaving Qinxian Garden, Mo Chen went to the company, and she was taken back to Lu Family Number One.
Because of her injury, she didn’t dare to attend any events. If the media photographed her, there would be a whole bunch of gossip news claiming she attempted suicide for love.
She sat on the swing in the garden, swaying slowly, her mind elsewhere.
For some reason, she felt Mo Chen was too calm, eerily calm.
Given Mo Chen’s volatile temper, how could he be so uncharacteristically serene?
She lifted her head to look at the azure sky and couldn’t help but sigh…
…
Soon, night fell.
She personally cooked a table of dishes and sat in the dining room, patiently waiting for Mo Chen to come home.
Finally, at eight o’clock, there were low footsteps outside the dining room.
Qiao Ruoxin’s dim gaze suddenly lit up; she stood up sharply and turned around, “Mo Chen Brother!”
She collided with the man’s gloomy and tired eyes; he just responded faintly, “Hmm.”
Mo Chen’s suit jacket was in his hand, two buttons of his shirt undone, his tie hanging loosely, and his handsome face carried a trace of irritation.
He pulled out a chair and sat down, glancing at the table of food and frowning slightly, “Didn’t I tell you to rest well? Who let you cook?”
There was a bit of reproach and displeasure in his tone.
Qiao Ruoxin smiled gently, “It’s fine; I saw you didn’t eat much at noon.”
The man’s brows remained furrowed as he spoke in a deep voice, “You’re not allowed to mess around these next few days, understand?”
“Mm-hmm, got it, let’s eat now!”
She served him a lot of food onto his plate, hoping that he would eat more.
Mo Chen had been in bad shape these past two days, looking haggard and as if enveloped by the darkness of hell itself, his disposition exceptionally irritable.
Testing the waters, she asked, “Brother Mo Chen, will you come back to sleep in the room tonight?”
The hand he used to pick up his chopsticks paused, and after three seconds of silence, he said, “I’m a bit busy these days, you sleep on your own.”
At this moment, Qiao Ruoxin felt particularly frustrated.
Usually, he couldn’t fall asleep without holding her, but now he was quietly distancing himself, preferring to stay in the study overnight rather than return to the bedroom to sleep.
And he was sleepless in the study as well, unable to catch a wink of sleep!
After dinner, Mo Chen took a shower and then went straight to the study, locking the door behind him.
After her bath, Qiao Ruoxin stood alone on the balcony, lost in thought.
What was he doing in the study? Smoking, perhaps? That must be it…
As far as she knew, Mr. Mo only chain-smoked when he was extremely agitated.
Meanwhile—
In the study.
As expected, Mo Chen sat in his chair by the desk, a cigarette dangling from his lips, his gaze defeated and distant.
Hypnotherapy was scheduled for a few days later, they had arranged for a psychologist from abroad, and he would have to make the trip personally.
He exhaled a plume of smoke, which spiraled around him, then leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes.
His phone on the desk started vibrating.
The man suddenly opened his eyes, snubbed out the cigarette, and answered the call, “Speak.”
“Mr. Mo, this video has been perfectly manipulated, it will take some time to restore it to its original state, as nearly every frame has been altered with special effects.”
“How long do you need?”
“About a month or so, I need to restore it frame by frame.”
Mo Chen hung up the phone abruptly, and before he could place it back on the desk, it began to vibrate again,
It was a call from his father.
He picked up again, “Dad, what is it?”
“Son, the Lu Family has returned, come with me to meet them tomorrow, let’s get together, it’s been many years, your Uncle Lu mentioned the last time he saw you, you were five years old.”
The man frowned in displeasure, “I’m busy, I’ll be going abroad and coming back in four days.”
“You this brat, even your old man’s words don’t matter to you? Be careful, I might not agree to your marriage, without your father’s consent, you can’t get married!”
Mo Chen didn’t want to waste any more words with his father and hung up the phone.
He scoffed, his eyes filled with disdain.
He had never listened to his father’s words!
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door of the study.
Just by the rhythm of the knocking, he knew it was Little Ghost.
He got up and went over to open the door, and sure enough, Qiao Ruoxin stood outside wearing a thin nightgown.
“Why aren’t you asleep?”
“Can’t sleep… Give me your cigarettes, I want to smoke too.”
A hint of surprise swiftly crossed Mo Chen’s handsome face before turning into annoyance, “Are you looking to die? What smoking, you’re looking for a beating! Go to sleep!”
After speaking, he moved to shut the door, but Qiao Ruoxin instinctively resisted, “Don’t close the door, I… can’t sleep.”
“What’s wrong with you?”
“I… just can’t sleep.” She had gotten used to sleeping with that damn man, and now, suddenly alone on that cold, vast bed, she couldn’t fall asleep no matter how much she tossed and turned.
“…”
He stared at her for a few seconds, then said, “Let’s go watch a movie in the garden. You’ll be sleepy after that.”
Qiao Ruoxin’s lips turned up slightly, “Okay!”
Chapter 297: Mo Ye Undergoes Hypnotherapy In the garden.
Qiao Ruoxin looked at the movie screen hanging in midair, which was playing her favorite film, Spirited Away, but she couldn’t focus on it for even a second.
Her gaze kept irresistibly drifting to the side.
Damn!
This jerk of a man was actually sitting so far away from her.
Why not just sit inside the villa for that matter!
Mo Chen leaned on the sofa, his right arm propped on the armrest, his slender fingers supporting his arrogant chin.
“Why are you looking at me instead of watching the movie?” he said.
During his words, his glance shot towards Qiao Ruoxin.
She said, somewhat sullen, “Do you have to sit so far away from me? Do you dislike me now?”
“No.”
The man spoke again in a casual tone, “I’m not feeling well.”
“…”
Qiao Ruoxin couldn’t say anything more and watched the movie with resentment—of course, she couldn’t focus on it for a second.
But still, she forced herself to watch the entire film, gradually realizing that Mo Chen seemed to have gotten used to watching this movie, and he was watching it more seriously each time.
The movie ended.
Mo Chen stood up immediately, looked at her sitting there, and said in a deep voice, “Tired? Let’s go to sleep.”
She felt too embarrassed to be willful any longer—Lord Mo had already accompanied her through an entire movie.
“Yeah, let’s go back.”
She also stood up, sighed, and then walked towards the villa.
She didn’t wait for Mo Chen because she knew he didn’t want to be close to her at the moment.
…
The next day, early morning.
When Qiao Ruoxin woke up, it was already past ten in the morning; since she was resting these few days, it didn’t matter how long she slept.
After getting ready, she came downstairs and casually asked the nanny, “When did Mo Chen leave?”
The nanny replied, “You don’t know? Lord Mo had a seven o’clock flight, so he left at five, I heard he’s going abroad for four days.”
Qiao Ruoxin immediately felt somewhat more alert, as if doused with a bucket of cold water.
Going abroad? For three days?
Why didn’t he tell her?
She turned around and went upstairs, returned to the bedroom, picked up her phone, and dialed that jerk’s mobile number directly.
It was only then she remembered, at this time he was probably still flying, the phone must be switched off.
She hung up the phone again.
Sitting on the bed angrily, how could he do this?
To go abroad all of a sudden without even saying a word?
…
It wasn’t until the evening that she received a call from Mo Chen.
The moment she answered the phone, her anger burst out, “Mo Chen, what do you mean by this? Going abroad without telling me! What are you trying to do?”
The background noise on the other end seemed to be from an airport.
“I’ll be back in four days. You stay home and recover, if you want to go out have the bodyguards accompany you,” he said.
After hearing his voice, Qiao Ruoxin felt a little softer, “What are you doing there?”
“Work stuff, I’ll be back in a few days, okay?”
“Then… make sure you take some time to sleep every day, eat well and sleep well.”
“Yeah.”
After hanging up the phone, Qiao Ruoxin’s restless heart settled down a bit.
But she really found it strange, feeling like something wasn’t right.
Mo Chen seemed to be hiding something.
Although everyone has their own little secrets, the feeling was too uncomfortable.
She couldn’t figure out what Mo Chen was thinking, nor what he was doing.
…
United States.
As soon as Mo Chen got off the plane, he went straight to the mansion in the United States—a villa bought by his grandfather in his early years.
Sitting in the car, Xiaowu in the passenger seat handed him a file, “Master Mo, Dr. Daisy said of your head injury from two years ago that you cannot become emotionally agitated or suffer too much stimulation, otherwise you will suffer from persistent headaches.”
But over the past two years, Master Mo’s temper had grown increasingly volatile, which made the headaches worsen.
The man glanced at the file but didn’t pay it much attention.
“Is her schedule arranged?”
“All set. Dr. Daisy is currently in the villa waiting for you. All preparations for the hypnotherapy are ready; we’re just waiting for your arrival.”
“Mmm.”
Mo Chen looked out the car window. The sky was overcast, and a drizzle fell lightly against the glass.
In fact, he had undergone hypnotherapy two years ago, but the results were unsatisfactory and he gave up halfway through.
He wondered how it would go this time…
The car slowly entered the residential area then drove into the garage.
Xiaowu, holding an umbrella, opened the car door; he stepped out, his tall and indifferent figure chilling to behold, particularly blending with the gloomy wet weather.
“Master Mo, Dr. Daisy is waiting for you in the bedroom.”
“Do not allow anyone in to disturb us.”
“Yes!”
Inside the bedroom.
A blonde, blue-eyed American woman, Daisy, a top psychologist,
elegantly sat in an armchair, waiting for Mo Chen.
The bedroom door was pushed open.
Daisy stood up as Mo Chen walked in.
“Mr. Mo, you’re here.”
Mo Chen’s handsome face was grim as he walked straight to the bed and lay down, then asked in a deep voice, “How confident are you?”
Daisy smiled, “It depends on whether you’ll cooperate with me. The reason for last time’s failure was partly because you, Mr. Mo, didn’t cooperate. You were too guarded.”
The man stared at the white ceiling, silent for a few seconds, then closed his eyes and said, “Begin.”
Daisy sat on the armchair beside and pressed the timer.
Her voice was calm and gentle, “Mr. Mo, I remember you said the car accident two years ago happened in the rain, right?”
“Mmm.”
Daisy played a recording of rain she had prepared in advance.
The entire bedroom seemed to be enveloped in the rainy day, with the pitter-patter of rain.
Mo Chen’s brows furrowed, his handsome face tense, his lips tightly pursed, and his clenched fists resting by his sides.
Daisy slowly spoke, “Now, I am going to count to three, and then I’ll take you back to the day of the car accident. 3, 2, 1”
She snapped her fingers, and the man lying in bed furrowed his brows even more tightly, as if he were truly back to that day two years ago.
“It’s raining heavily today, you’re feeling very irritable, and then you received a USB drive…”
The man’s breathing became hurried and chaotic, his complexion grew worse.
…
Two hours later.
“Get out!!!”
A roar emanated from the bedroom.
Xiaowu, who had been standing outside the bedroom, immediately straightened up, wanting to rush in, but the bedroom door was locked from the inside.
“Daisy! Daisy! Open the door!”
Suddenly, the bedroom door opened, and it was Daisy who had opened it.
“What happened to Master Mo?”
“Nothing, he fell asleep. It’s just that the hypnotherapy has failed again. Mr. Mo’s paranoia has reached a pathological level. He is too guarded to undergo deep hypnosis.”
Daisy sighed and left the bedroom.
Xiaowu entered the bedroom to find it pitch dark, the air oppressively heavy.
Master Mo lay on the bed motionless, his complexion slightly pale, brows tightly knitted, a heavy malevolence shrouding his handsome features.
Chapter 298: Has Mo Chen’s Misogyny Completely Disappeared? Evening.
The television station’s backstage.
Today was the fourth day since Mo Chen had left the country, reportedly landing by plane tonight.
She had received a last-minute invitation to a variety show, so she couldn’t decline and had to wear a long-sleeved shirt to participate in the variety show.
At the moment, she was getting her makeup and hair done.
She glanced at her phone from time to time to see if there were any calls from Mo Chen.
Four days without seeing that damn man, to be honest, she really missed him a bit.
“Ruoxin, are you ready? It’s time to go on stage.”
“Coming!”
Qiao Ruoxin took one last look at her phone, then handed it to her assistant and turned to leave backstage.
Tonight she wore a white off-shoulder blouse and an A-line short skirt, those slender, fair long legs drawing attention.
…
After a recording session that lasted three hours, it was finally over.
She left backstage only to see Xiaowu waiting there.
Qiao Ruoxin’s eyes brightened, “Xiaowu? You’re back? Where’s Mo Chen?”
“Master Mo is outside waiting for you. He sent me to escort you out to avoid being surrounded by fans.”
She was now eager to see Mo Chen.
Escorted by Xiaowu and dodging throngs of fans, she made it to the back door of the television station.
From a distance, she saw the man’s tall figure leaning against the car, his head slightly bowed, his handsome face cold, seemingly a bit bored from waiting.
A smile unconsciously appeared on her lips.
“Mo Chen!”
The man looked up, the coldness on his face instantly melted into a tender indulgence, his lips curved up, and then he started walking towards her with his long strides.
Suddenly!
A female staff member, carrying a cardboard box, bumped into Mo Chen’s arms.
“Ah! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!”
“It’s okay.”
Mo Chen just glanced indifferently at the woman and then continued walking towards her.
But the smile on Qiao Ruoxin’s lips gradually froze.
Something was wrong…
That woman had bumped right into Mo Chen’s arms! And he hadn’t reacted at all? No repulsion towards women now???
If it had been before, he would have felt nauseated right away!
Qiao Ruoxin stood in place, her eyes filled with complex emotions.
She watched as the man walked step by step in front of her, then pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.
“Little Ghost, I’m back.”
That deep, sexy voice had finally returned.
Qiao Ruoxin slowly lifted her arms, embracing the man’s body, and whispered, “Are you better now?”
“Hmm…”
But she couldn’t see the expression on Mo Chen’s face at that moment, his dark eyes as deep as ancient wells, hiding the indifference in their depths, though his embrace was so gentle.
“Mo Chen, did you really go abroad for a business trip?”
She looked up at the handsome face of the man.
“Yes, and I also went for some psychological therapy.”
Qiao Ruoxin’s body stiffened slightly, “So the therapy was successful?”
Mo Chen’s arms tightened around her slender waist, his voice deep, “It should be, I guess.”
“What do you mean ‘it should be’? Is it or isn’t it?”
“Do you think I’m not normal right now?”
Uh…
He seemed pretty normal, but it was weirdly normal.
How come Mo Chen seemed to have better temper now? Before, if anyone bumped into him, he would surely lose his temper violently, but now he barely reacted.
Mo Chen took her small hand and turned to walk towards the parked car, “Let’s go, I’ll take you for some late-night food.”
…
Mo Chen brought her to a restaurant, choosing a seat by the window.
While the man was still looking through the menu, Qiao Ruoxin was still thinking about what had just happened…
Was Mo Chen really completely cured? His gynophobia too? He did not even react when a strange woman bumped into his arms?
She couldn’t help but glance at the waitress in front of her, who was also quite attractive and kept stealing glances at Mo Chen.
“That will be all.”
Mo Chen handed the menu to the waitress, who took it with a bashful face, “Okay, sir. Please wait a moment.”
Then, the waitress turned to leave.
However, Qiao Ruoxin deliberately stretched out her own ankle, tripping the waitress, and even gave her a push.
“Ah!”
The waitress fell into Mo Chen’s embrace as a result.
Looking annoyed, Mo Chen quickly caught the waitress and pushed her away to steady her.
“I’m so sorry, sir, so sorry…” the waitress, startled, quickly apologized.
The man replied indifferently, “It’s fine. Go on.”
The waitress quickly turned and left.
Qiao Ruoxin stared intently at his handsome face. Had Mo Chen’s gynophobia truly disappeared? Was he no longer averse to any woman?
Why did she feel a strange sense of loss deep within?
Had her special treatment disappeared as well?
The modern Mo Chen can not only hold her but also any woman too.
A hint of sadness dimmed Qiao Ruoxin’s gaze, and she felt a bit uncomfortable inside.
Suddenly, the man opposite her spoke up, “Little Ghost, what’s your deal?”
“Ah?”
Leaning back, Mo Chen narrowed his eyes slightly and said in a deep voice, “Why did you push her into my arms?”
“…”
So he had seen it all.
She laughed awkwardly, “It wasn’t on purpose.”
In fact, it was on purpose. She wanted to see if Mo Chen’s gynophobia had really been cured!
Was the psychological treatment he underwent abroad that successful?
The long-untreatable gynophobia was cured? And it seemed that he wasn’t as irritable as before, the whole person was very calm, unnaturally calm.
“Don’t let it happen again.”
She nodded, “Mm, I got it.”
She really wanted to know what exactly Mo Chen had experienced abroad. He seemed to have become a completely different person.
Was this still the irascible Divine Beast, Master Mo?
During the meal, Mo Chen didn’t utter a single word, truly practicing the art of ‘eating without speaking.’
By the time they returned to Jiang Mansion No. 1, Qiao Ruoxin still felt uneasy all over.
As the man was about to enter the bedroom, Qiao Ruoxin held his hand from behind, “Brother Mo Chen…”
He turned his head to look at this Little Ghost, cracking a smile at her pitiful little eyes, “What’s wrong?”
“Are you really okay? Completely cured?”
The man frowned slightly and after three seconds of silence replied, “Perhaps.”
“…”
It was another vague and evasive answer.
Qiao Ruoxin smiled lightly, “Go take a shower.”
…
Late at night.
After taking a shower, Qiao Ruoxin returned to bed and turned off the bedside lamp.
The man beside her, like a beast that had been starved for a long time, turned over and pressed her down, kissing her lips fervently, as if besieging a fortress.
“Mmm… you…”
Just as Qiao Ruoxin was about to say something, the man suddenly stopped all his movements, his complexion grew darker, and then he turned over and lay back down beside her.
“…”
A deep voice rose in the darkness, “Go to sleep.”
He didn’t hold her, as if the heated kissing just a moment ago had never happened.
Her eyes widened in surprise. Since when had Mo Chen become so restrained?
In the past, if Mo Chen initiated contact with her, he would definitely not stop!
And now, he actually stopped???
Why was there a strange sense of alienation between them?
Chapter 299: Xiaowu, did something happen while you were abroad? Qiao Ruoxin gazed at the man’s broad back for a long time before she moved closer and embraced him from behind.
She felt the man’s body stiffen for a second.
Then, Mo Chen turned around and pulled her into his arms, kissing her smooth, fair forehead lightly, and whispered to her, “Go to sleep, goodnight.”
“Brother Mo Chen, are you really okay?”
“I’m fine.”
She closed her eyes, her eyelashes trembling slightly, but soon she heard the man’s even breathing.
Asleep?
It seemed he was indeed very tired. Perhaps he was still suffering from jet lag? Is that why he stopped all of a sudden?
It must be that…
Qiao Ruoxin also gradually drifted off into sleep, where she dreamed that the wedding dress was ready, stunningly breathtaking, and everyone in the dream was blessing their wedding.
The next morning.
With a sweet smile on her lips, she slowly opened her eyes, only to realize it had all been a dream.
The man beside her was nowhere to be seen.
Qiao Ruoxin sat up, rubbed her eyes, reached for her phone, and then turned it on.
As soon as she turned it on, her agent’s call came through.
She answered the phone in a languid voice, “Hello…”
“Ruoxin, there’s a brand event this afternoon. Get ready, and we’ll come to pick you up.”
“Alright.”
After hanging up, she patted her cheeks to wake herself up a bit more.
Then she got out of bed and went to the bathroom to wash up.
After changing clothes and going downstairs, Qiao Ruoxin saw the nanny approaching, “Miss Qiao, would you like breakfast?”
“No need, has Mo Chen gone to the office?”
“I heard Xiaowu say Master Mo had to accompany the Chairman on a visit to Imperial Capital University today, so he set off very early.”
“Oh…”
Everything seemed normal, yet there was a faint hint of something odd.
…
Imperial Capital University.
The executives of Hengzhong Group toured the university in a grand manner, with Mo Tian at the forefront, while Mo Chen, dressed in a suit, walked on his father’s left.
The media cameras followed, filming material for tonight’s news highlights.
Mo Tian glanced at his son and deliberately lowered his voice, “There’s a dinner engagement tonight, and the Lu Family will be there. You must go.”
A flicker of displeasure crossed Mo Chen’s handsome face, “Must I?”
“You must!” Mo Tian’s tone was firm.
He simply responded with a terse, “Hmm.”
His tense jawline was proof of his inner displeasure.
…
Evening.
Qiao Ruoxin had finished the brand event that afternoon and returned to her car.
She leaned against the car window, looking worn out, yet she noticed that the driver was Xiaowu.
“Xiaowu?”
“Miss Qiao, Master Mo asked me to pick you up to accompany him to a dinner engagement.”
A flash of light appeared in Qiao Ruoxin’s eyes, and she sat up straight, asking, “Xiaowu, did something happen while you were abroad? Why do I feel like something is off with Mo Chen?”
Xiaowu replied calmly, “Nothing.”
She wanted to ask more, but decided against it.
Xiaowu clearly didn’t want to tell the truth.
An hour later.
The car slowly stopped outside Shenghao Hotel, and the doorman came up to open the door.
She got out of the car and went into the hotel, then took the elevator.
Xiaowu escorted her to the rest area on the fifteenth floor.
Qiao Ruoxin caught sight of the man standing by the window, his back to her, at once.
“Brother Mo Chen.”
The man turned around at the sound of her voice, a trace of warmth appearing on his indifferent, handsome face as he smiled.
Mo Chen, tall and striking, walked up to her and took her small hand with a frown, “Why are your hands so cold?”
“It’s a bit chilly outside tonight.”
He tightened his grip on her hand and said in a deep voice, “We’ll just make an appearance, no more than half an hour, okay?”
She nodded obediently, “Okay.”
…
The private room was lavishly decorated and quiet.
But peals of laughter and cheerful voices were occasionally heard.
Mo Tian laughed, “Xingxing has become even more beautiful now. I recall the last time I saw her she was just four or five years old.”
“Your Mo Chen isn’t bad either, I often see his news abroad. The kid is quite accomplished at a young age,” Lu Ming chuckled.
Sitting beside Lu Ming was his daughter Lu Xingxing, a pampered and willful little princess.
At that moment, someone interjected, “Hey, didn’t your two families arrange a marriage for your children back in the day?”
The atmosphere turned awkward…
Mo Tian just laughed without speaking, lifting his glass to drink.
To ease the atmosphere, Lu Ming said, “Back then, I thought I had a say, but I’ve realized now that when it comes to the kids, we can’t intervene at all.”
“Exactly, Dad, what era are we in? You’re still arranging marriages for us…” Lu Xingxing complained in a low, reluctant voice.
Lu Xingxing had long heard that Mo Chen had a temper as fierce as a wild beast. She disdained such a man! Even if he had a high status and was handsome, she didn’t find him appealing!
Seeing Lu Xingxing’s attitude, Mo Tian actually breathed a sigh of relief.
As they spoke, a series of footsteps came from outside the private room.
Mo Tian was the first to speak up, “It must be that little rascal from my house.”
Consequently, everyone looked over unanimously.
The next second, Mo Chen walked in with Qiao Ruoxin, greeting nonchalantly, “Dad.”
Then, he turned to Lu Ming, “Uncle Lu.”
He briefly greeted the other uncles and acquaintances as well.
After that, he took Qiao Ruoxin with him and sat down at the dining table.
When Lu Ming caught sight of Mo Chen, he was genuinely stunned—Mo Chen was much taller and more handsome than he had imagined… but why was there a woman with him?
“Mo Tian, this Mo Chen of yours is indeed more impressive in person, rightfully considered the most handsome among the second generation elite,” someone exclaimed.
Mo Tian couldn’t stop grinning, “It’s mainly because of my good genes as a father.”
Listening to the elders’ exaggerated praise, Lu Xingxing looked disdainful. With such a temper, how handsome could he be?
But after a casual glance, Lu Xingxing’s eyes widened in shock. How could it be him!!!
Qiao Ruoxin also noticed Lu Xingxing’s gaze and leaned towards Mo Chen’s ear, “Why is that woman staring at you?”
The man glanced indifferently and said in a deep voice, “Maybe she thinks I’m handsome?”
She couldn’t help but chuckle and gently slapped Mo Chen’s long leg under the table.
So for the next half hour, Lu Xingxing kept her eyes fixed on Mo Chen, unblinkingly, as if transfixed.
Mo Chen glanced at his wristwatch and slowly spoke up, “Enjoy your meal, uncles. I have some matters to attend to and must leave now.”
After speaking, he stood up, and Qiao Ruoxin also stood up and nodded with a smile.
“Could you give me a ride? It’s quite boring for a youngster like me to stay here,” Lu Xingxing suddenly said.
Mo Tian laughed, “Of course, we’re on the way.”
Mo Tian got up and whispered into his ear, “I’ve always treated you well, give me some face. All the uncles are watching.”
Disdain in his eyes, Mo Chen yet considered the bigger picture and responded, “Hmm.”
Mo Chen took Qiao Ruoxin’s hand and turned to leave.
Lu Xingxing also picked up her purse and followed, with a hint of malice flickering in her eyes.
Chapter 300: Mr. Mo’s Explanation “Mo Chen, I need to use the restroom.”
“Hmm.”
Mo Chen stood outside the restroom, waiting for her to come out.
At that moment, Lu Xingxing walked toward the man’s figure with a suspicious look.
“Don’t you remember me?”
Mo Chen lifted his eyes to glance at her, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, his voice icy and emotionless, “Who are you?”
Lu Xingxing felt a little hurt, like a shining princess such as herself, Mo Chen actually couldn’t remember who she was?
“Then let me kindly remind you, three days ago, New York, the golf course, locker room.”
The man narrowed his eyes slightly, “Is it you?”
Lu Xingxing let out a cold laugh, “Remember now, you pervert!”
“…”
Mo Chen cast a cold glance at the woman, turning to look in the direction of the restroom, waiting for Qiao Ruoxin to come out.
But Lu Xingxing wouldn’t let it go, threatening him, “Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell your girlfriend about this?”
The man’s attitude was indifferent, a hint of impatience showed in his brows as he lifted his wrist to check the time, “Up to you.”
This dismissive tone!
He really didn’t care?
“You might still not understand women very well, you might think this is no big deal, but if your girlfriend finds out, she’s definitely going to be angry!” Lu Xingxing moved in front of him, furious.
Mo Chen looked at her as if she were nonsensical, his expression calm, “So?”
“So you’d better seek my forgiveness, or else I’ll stir up trouble between you and your girlfriend!”
Mo Chen suddenly laughed out loud, the mockery in his laughter extremely thick.
At that moment, Qiao Ruoxin walked out of the restroom.
“What are you doing?”
Coming out and seeing this scene, Qiao Ruoxin felt somewhat baffled.
But Mo Chen simply walked past Lu Xingxing, went over to wrap his arms around her slender waist, and said, “Nothing, let’s go.”
“Oh…”
Qiao Ruoxin couldn’t help but look back at Lu Xingxing, who stood there with a face full of anger.
What the hell were they doing?
They arrived at the underground parking lot.
Mo Chen opened the passenger door, ready to let Qiao Ruoxin get in.
Unexpectedly, Lu Xingxing suddenly spoke up, “I want to sit in the front.”
Qiao Ruoxin finally got annoyed and raised her eyebrows, smiling slightly, “You mean my man drives, you sit in the passenger seat, and I sit in the back?”
“Yep, in private, I usually sit in the front, it’s my habit, I can’t change it, you’ll just have to accommodate me.” Lu Xingxing lifted the corners of her mouth.
Damn!
This brazen tone, she was clearly here to make a scene!
Just as Qiao Ruoxin was about to argue with this woman, the man pulled her behind him.
The parking lot fell silent.
Mo Chen sized up Lu Xingxing from head to toe, internally labeling her as a madwoman.
His voice was deep as he asked, “You must sit in the front?”
Lu Xingxing nodded firmly, “I have to sit in the front!”
“You really need to sit in the front?”
“Absolutely!”
Lu Xingxing’s smile grew deeper, thinking she was about to win, Mo Chen was going to compromise, huh…
“Fine, then you drive, we’ll sit in the back.”
The smile on Lu Xingxing’s face instantly froze, “What… what? You’re telling me to drive?”
The man’s face was indifferent, “Either you drive, or get in the back, you choose.”
At his words, Qiao Ruoxin behind him couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
This guy really knew how to infuriate people best.
…
Eventually, it was Lu Xingxing who ended up sitting in the back seat, her face ugly with displeasure.
Mo Chen drove away from the parking lot at a slow pace.
Lu Xingxing looked at the profile of Qiao Ruoxin’s face and, malicious thoughts brewing, deliberately said, “Has Mo Chen ever told you how we met? It was quite thrilling.”
Suddenly!
A sharp brake, and the car stopped at the roadside.
Lu Xingxing almost hit her head and held her forehead, “What are you doing!”
Mo Chen could no longer tolerate, he glanced at the woman in the rearview mirror and said coldly, “Get out.”
Lu Xingxing almost thought she had heard wrong!
Was this man too ungentlemanly? Leaving her halfway? She had never been treated like this in her whole life!
The next second, the man pushed open the car door, fury emanating from him as he walked around to the back, opened the door, and harshly dragged Lu Xingxing out.
“Are you even a man, Mo Chen! How can you treat someone like this! Can’t you be more gentlemanly!”
Lu Xingxing was thrown to the roadside, dumbfounded; could a man actually treat her this way?
She had been adored by all men since she was young, when had she ever suffered such humiliation?
Mo Chen slammed the car door, turned back to the driver’s seat, and drove away.
…
Qiao Ruoxin looked back to see Lu Xingxing standing in the distance, so angry she was practically fuming.
“Brother Mo Chen, was that okay?”
The man replied indifferently, “It’s the city center, catching a taxi isn’t hard.”
Forty minutes later, they arrived back at Jiangfu Number One.
In the living room.
Qiao Ruoxin couldn’t help but ask, “What was that Miss Lu talking about when she said how you two met was very exciting?”
The man’s handsome features darkened slightly, he was silent for three seconds, then picked up Qiao Ruoxin horizontally.
He walked over and sat down on the living room sofa.
Qiao Ruoxin sat in his embrace, their movements as intimate as ever.
The man’s arm held her slender waist, and his other hand grasped her chin, his expression serious, “Although I don’t think it matters, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, I still need to explain to you.”
Qiao Ruoxin didn’t speak, just quietly looked at him.
After a few seconds, Mo Chen spoke in a deep voice, “Three days ago, at a golf course in New York, playing golf with a partner. In the afternoon, when I went to the changing room, I saw Lu Xingxing in the men’s changing room, with no clothes on, just like that.”
His account was very calm, as if it were but a trivial matter.
Qiao Ruoxin’s eyes widened, after a pause, she said, “You mean, Miss Lu entered the wrong changing room, and you accidentally saw her body?”
The man’s brows furrowed, he responded with a grunt, “Yes.”
Even though she felt slightly uncomfortable, since Mo Chen admitted it proactively, it seemed the issue wasn’t so serious.
Besides, it was Lu Xingxing who had entered the wrong changing room.
Still feeling a bit sour, Qiao Ruoxin asked, “So… is Miss Lu’s figure very good?”
She hadn’t looked closely before, but Lu Xingxing’s figure seemed quite voluptuous.
Mo Chen, sensing her jealousy, chuckled, his long fingers caressing her waist, “Nothing special.”
Her eyes narrowed, she grasped his chin, “Your tone sounds like you’ve seen a lot of women’s bodies.”
“…”
Mo Chen was silent for a second, then seriously asked her, “Does AV count?”
“…”
Qiao Ruoxin further inquired, “Have you watched a lot of AV?”
“Gu Mocheng and Bai Junyan watch more,” he said without a change in expression.
True friends are those you can sell out at moments like these.
Her face turned red, and she couldn’t help but laugh, “Don’t try to exclude yourself, you’ve definitely watched your fair share.”
“No, not that much time.”
Qiao Ruoxin hummed softly, the excuse seemed reasonable.
After all, Mo Chen used to be a workaholic, the kind that could stay in the lab for a month without coming out.