Ch. 431..440

Chapter 431: You Want Me to Go? Inside the villa.

Jiang Peilan had been discharged from the hospital and was now recovering at home.

Lawrence’s condition had deteriorated, and he had been moved to the intensive care unit, but he was still insisting daily that Simon quickly bring Qiao Ruoxin back because the family in the United States was about to discover that Simon was not his biological son.

In the past few days, Jiang Peilan had been sitting idly in the garden, seemingly lost in thought, unwilling to meet or talk to anyone.

Simon had visited her a few times. She used to talk a lot with him, but now she didn’t want to say a single word.

Everyone thought that Jiang Peilan might be suffering from depression and needed to see a psychologist, but even the psychologist’s visit had no effect, as she simply wouldn’t cooperate.

Simon arrived at the back garden and saw Jiang Peilan sitting in the rocking chair, his tall figure approaching.

“Auntie Lan, father doesn’t have much time left, won’t you go see him in the hospital?”

Jiang Peilan stared expressionlessly at the flower sea in front of her, unmoved, as if all of this had nothing to do with her anymore.

Simon was dissatisfied with her reaction and walked up to Jiang Peilan, blocking her view and said condescendingly, “Auntie Lan, I said my father’s condition is very bad, won’t you visit him in the hospital?”

Finally, Jiang Peilan lifted her head and looked at the young and handsome man in front of her.

She had once gone to great lengths, regardless of whether Qiao Ruoxin was willing, stubbornly believing that only if Simon married Qiao Ruoxin could she keep Ruoxin tied to her side.

“Everyone dies eventually. This time, if I hadn’t been saved, I might have died before him.”

Jiang Peilan’s tone was filled with despair, as if she was disappointed with the world and nothing could arouse her interest anymore.

Simon stared at Jiang Peilan for a long time and, ultimately, said nothing more and turned away indifferently.

As he passed through the villa’s living room, the nanny stepped forward, “Sir, what should we do? Madam has been so listless all this time, refuses to see the psychologist, and doesn’t eat properly…”

Simon walked briskly towards the exit of the villa and said coldly, “Keep an eye on her, don’t let her attempt suicide again, ensure she eats three meals a day, and call me if anything unusual happens.”

“Yes!”

The nanny watched Simon’s retreating figure with a sigh, then walked back into the back garden, looking at Jiang Peilan’s lonely silhouette.

After a while, the doorbell rang.

The nanny went to open the door and was shocked the moment she saw who was there.

It was… Qiao Ruoxin!

“Miss Qiao, what brings you here…”

Ever since Qiao Ruoxin reconciled with Mo Chen, she had ignored the lady, so why had she suddenly come over? Could they have had another argument?

The nanny couldn’t help saying, “Are you here to see the lady? Miss Qiao, I advise you not to upset the lady anymore, her mental state has been quite poor recently.”

Qiao Ruoxin showed little reaction and said, “Having just attempted suicide, of course, she’s not in a good mood. I’ve experienced that feeling, I understand.”

Previously, she had spent a good half-year like this after her attempted suicide at Lawrence’s estate in the United States.

Qiao Ruoxin walked into the house and asked, “Where is she?”

“In the garden, Madam sits there every day, not seeing anyone, not willing to say a word, it’s honestly quite frightening.”

Without a word, Qiao Ruoxin headed straight for the back garden.

Indeed, she saw her mother sitting alone in the rocking chair, looking lonely and desolate as if the world had little to do with her anymore.

Even from a distance, Qiao Ruoxin could feel that Jiang Peilan had a sense of detachment from worldly concerns.

Could the failed attempt at jumping off the building have left a psychological shadow?

Qiao Ruoxin stared at her mother’s back for a few seconds before lifting her feet and walking over.

Jiang Peilan heard the footsteps and frowned unhappily as she turned her head to look.

When she saw her precious daughter come into view, a glimmer of light finally appeared in Jiang Peilan’s dull eyes.

“Xinxin…”

Jiang Peilan immediately straightened up and called out softly.

Qiao Ruoxin sat down on the wicker chair opposite, her face expressionless, “The nanny said your mental state has been poor recently.”

“No, it hasn’t.”

Qiao Ruoxin gave a faint smile, “Do you still remember when I attempted suicide at Lawrence Estate?”

Jiang Peilan’s gaze shook slightly, and her hands involuntarily gripped the armrests of the rocking chair, of course she remembered that bloody scene.

Qiao Ruoxin said with a smile, “So I understand how you feel right now, probably similar to what I felt back then. You don’t want to live anymore, but you were forcibly saved by others. Your heart is empty and uncomfortable, and you don’t have the desire to attempt suicide again, but the heart is dead, beyond resurrection.”

The breeze lightly ruffled the air, creating a stiff and eerie atmosphere.

At this moment, Qiao Ruoxin’s face was indifferent as if the stories she spoke of belonged to someone else, unrelated to her.

Jiang Peilan’s face, however, had turned extremely ugly, her lips pale.

“Xinxin, it’s mom’s fault…” Recalling Qiao Ruoxin’s expression of despair when she attempted suicide still suffocated her with heartache.

“It’s in the past, I don’t want to mention it again. I came to see you today for a reason.” She took out an invitation from her bag and handed it to her mother.

Jiang Peilan’s eyes filled with surprise as she took the invitation, which was gorgeously and delicately crafted, “An invitation?”

“Yes, the Mo Family has started sending out invitations. Given the wide network of the Mo Family that spans across the world, they need to send the invitations out half a month to a month in advance. Otherwise, many relatives and friends might not be able to come, especially to Mo Chen’s wedding, which is bound to be a sensation across the country.”

“Do you want me to go?”

Jiang Peilan thought she was being presumptuous. After all, she had caused Qiao Ruoxin and Mo Chen to misunderstand each other and be separated for two years, missing out on two years together.

Qiao Ruoxin nodded, “Yes, don’t misunderstand; it doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven you. I just want you to see how accurate my judgment is in choosing men. At least he’s nothing like the messy affairs of your life. Mo Chen will never disappoint me.”

Jiang Peilan felt a bitter taste in her mouth, her own choice in men…

Heh…

Perhaps she should have realized long ago that despite her years of living, her judgment of people wasn’t as accurate as her daughter’s.

Qiao Ruoxin glanced at her mother, stood up and said, “That’s it, I have given you the invitation. It’s your choice whether to come or not.”

After she finished speaking, she turned and left without looking back.

Holding the invitation, Jiang Peilan’s fingertips trembled. This was her daughter’s wedding invitation, yet she hesitated about whether to go or not.

Because she feared that Lawrence would intervene. Would Lawrence just watch Qiao Ruoxin and Mo Chen get married?

Impossible.

But Simon had been plotting something lately, and in the hospital, no one knew to what extent Lawrence’s condition had worsened.

She always felt the wedding wouldn’t go smoothly.

Jiang Peilan was still hesitating whether to attend the wedding…

 

Chapter 432: Mo Family Estate.

After Qiao Ruoxin returned, she planned to have lunch.

Lately, her appetite had increased, and she wasn’t vomiting as much, guessing that the two little ones in her belly had finally started growing properly and weren’t planning to torment her anymore.

In the dining room.

She sat in her chair sipping congee with a good appetite and in a pleasant mood.

She didn’t even notice when Mo Chen appeared behind her.

Suddenly, the man’s large hand grasped her shoulder, startling her. She whipped around and, upon seeing Mo Chen, let out a sigh of relief.

“What are you doing? You always scare me. I’m pregnant and can’t take such frights.”

Qiao Ruoxin’s tone was full of playful complaint. Ever since she got pregnant, she had become the darling of the family, and her temperament had turned even more pampered.

Mo Chen’s lips curled into a smile as he sat down beside her. He glanced at her prenatal meal and took a taste of the congee with her spoon.

He frowned, “Too sweet.”

“It is a prenatal meal after all, not meant for you.” Qiao Ruoxin snatched the spoon back from his hand, then continued to eat.

At that moment, Grandpa Mo and Grandma Mo entered the dining room.

Mo Chen stood up and called out, “Grandpa, Grandma.”

Qiao Ruoxin also hurriedly put down her spoon, stood up, and in her gentle voice called out, “Grandpa, Grandma, have you had lunch yet?”

“Sit, keep eating, you. It’s good to see you finally having lunch on time. Your grandma and I just came to see how you’re doing,” Grandpa Mo said.

Grandpa Mo and Grandma Mo took their seats opposite them, pleased to see Qiao Ruoxin eating her lunch obediently.

Grandma Mo: “Not vomiting anymore, is your appetite better?”

“Yes, much better. I wasn’t deliberately skipping meals those days; I really couldn’t eat anything. What I ate, I threw up, but now I eat a lot every day.” She was actually worried about gaining too much weight.

Grandma Mo: “That kind of constitution is hereditary; probably the same as your mother. Now that you can eat, you should eat more, especially since you’re expecting twins. If nutrition can’t keep up, the babies will be born tiny like little mice, which won’t be easy to take care of.”

There was a hint of disdain in Mo Chen’s dark eyes as he said in a deep voice, “Grandma, how can my children be compared to mice?”

His children, Mo Chen’s children, being compared to mice?

Grandma Mo: “I’m just making a comparison; who’s saying your children are like mice? I’m telling Ruoxin to eat more, so it’ll be easier to take care of bigger babies when they are born.”

Grandpa Mo: “Alright, alright, no need to explain, you can’t talk these youngsters round. Let’s not worry about it; they know what they’re doing. Look, she’s eating her meal nicely.”

“You’re right, I’ll stop. We forgot what we came here for,” said Grandma Mo with a laugh.

Qiao Ruoxin laughed along.

Mo Chen: “Grandma, what’s up?”

“Are you two going to take wedding photos tomorrow?” asked Grandma Mo.

Mo Chen: “Yeah, we are.”

Qiao Ruoxin looked at the man beside her, surprised. He had arranged the photo shoot for tomorrow and this damn man had never even mentioned it to her.

Grandma Mo said, “Well, my friend’s son just started a bridal company, and he wants you to let their company shoot your wedding photos for advertising purposes. I’ve already said yes after losing at cards; if you don’t go, it’ll be a blow to my dignity.”

Grandma Mo felt somewhat embarrassed when she spoke, as she hadn’t obtained the consent of the two children.

Mo Chen was indeed a bit displeased, since with matters like wedding photos, he wanted Qiao Ruoxin to make her own choice. After all, this was supposed to be the woman’s delight, and he was just a mere accessory.

“Grandma!” The man’s voice was deep and serious.

Grandpa Mo gave an awkward cough, glanced at his wife, and his eyes seemed to say: I told you not to casually make such commitments, now look what’s happened.

Grandma Mo glared back at him.

Qiao Ruoxin took the man’s arm, her voice tender and sweet, “Mo Chen, brother, it’s alright, it’s just wedding photos. Maybe they’ll turn out really nice. I think wedding photos are all about the commemorative value. And since they’re for you, they will surely give their all.”

Her timely appeasement brought relief to Grandma Mo.

Grandma Mo smiled, “That’s right, the son of my friend who is quite skilled runs that bridal photo business. They have photographed quite a few celebrities, with many pictures featured in bridal magazines. I’ve seen their work, and it’s really not bad. Go on, my dear grandson, Grandma rarely asks you for anything. Please agree.”

Mo Chen looked into Qiao Ruoxin’s sparkling eyes, sighed softly, and gently patted her head, “As you wish.”

“You really are the best,” Qiao Ruoxin laughed, hugging his arm.

Seeing this scene, Grandpa Mo and Grandma Mo rose from their seats and quietly left, deciding to leave the space to the young couple. The atmosphere filled with love was not suitable for two old folks like them.

Qiao Ruoxin was the first to notice that Grandpa and Grandma Mo had left, and she called out, “Goodbye, grandpa and grandma!”

Grandpa Mo waved his hand and led his wife away.

But Mo Chen’s face remained clouded, seemingly still not happy, and he picked up a bowl of soup served by a maid and drank it in one gulp.

“Mo Chen, brother, are you unhappy?”

“Regarding the wedding photos, I wanted you to make your own choice, and now Grandma has meddled,” he said, his voice full of dissatisfaction.

Qiao Ruoxin chuckled lightly, “It’s okay. It doesn’t matter where the wedding photos are taken, right? Besides, the person Grandma knows can’t be too bad, as long as I’m photographed beautifully, that’s all that matters.”

The man’s tense expression did not ease, and looking at her, he narrowed his eyes slightly, “Little Ghost.”

“Hmm?” Qiao Ruoxin continued to eat her porridge.

“I’ve noticed that since you’ve been pregnant, you’ve been very patient with everyone but me. You’re the strictest with me.”

Qiao Ruoxin paused with her spoon in hand, looking puzzled. Had she been like that?

When had she ever been strict with Mo Chen?

“Don’t talk nonsense. When have I ever been strict with you? I’ve always been gentle with you…”

Mo Chen scoffed, “Gentle? You would agree to requests from anyone else, but only with me you keep refusing over and over again.”

Mo Chen felt like a man with unsatisfied desires, filled with resentment.

Everyone could make requests to Qiao Ruoxin, and she would agree.

But the only thing he, the Little Ghost, asked for was to help satisfy his physical needs, and she kept refusing, even special services were out of the question. It was just too much.

Qiao Ruoxin’s face turned somewhat awkward, vexed by this man’s excessive pettiness.

Always making those kinds of demands, how could she agree?

She definitely didn’t want the two little babies in her belly to receive that kind of ‘educational influence.’

“Why do you always make those kinds of demands? I’m pregnant now, can’t you just endure it a bit?” She didn’t feel at all wrong in her refusals.

 

Chapter 433: Taking Wedding Photos Mo Chen’s handsome face suddenly drew close, staring into her clear eyes, “Little Ghost, now your heart only has room for the child, and not me.”

“…”

She was slightly startled, looking at the handsome face that was only inches away.

What was this damn man talking about? Was he jealous of his own child?

“Mo Chen brother, are you being jealous of your own child over attention?”

The man slightly furrowed his brows, “Not really.”

“How not?”

“Hurry up and eat, I’ll deal with you after.”

The man sat up straight, supervising her eating. Despite his stern tone, his eyes were filled with indulgence.

Qiao Ruoxin made a face, then continued to obediently eat her meal. Her appetite had increased lately, becoming hungry if she didn’t eat for a while.

…

After dinner, Mo Chen accompanied her for a walk in the estate.

Qiao Ruoxin smiled unconsciously upon seeing the newly built fountain, having heard from the butler that Uncle Mo had it specially made for her, to lift her spirits every day.

Tsk tsk…

She truly understood how much Mo Chen had been doted on from childhood; this dad was simply a fanatic for pampering his children, and now he had begun to dote on the unborn grandchild.

Mo Chen wrapped his long arm around her waist and touched her abdomen, nodding with satisfaction, “It’s finally starting to show a little.”

She pouted unhappily, “My figure is all distorted now, my tiny waist…”

“It will go back to how it was, you’re still young.”

She snorted haughtily, “Of course, that’s a given.”

Suddenly, several cherry blossom trees caught her eye, making them sparkle.

“Hey? Cherry blossom trees!”

She instantly let go of the man’s arm and walked towards those cherry blossom trees.

Mo Chen looked down at his hand that she had let go and sighed helplessly. She still had the heart of a child, unchanged.

A smile played on his lips as he walked towards Qiao Ruoxin’s figure.

Qiao Ruoxin stood under the cherry blossom tree, looking up into the sky. It wasn’t the season for cherry blossoms, so there wasn’t much to see on the tree yet.

He came to stand beside her, looking at her profile, “It’s not the season yet. By the time you’ve given birth, it should be just about right.”

She laughed, “When the cherry blossoms bloom, it will definitely be beautiful. Can we put a swing here then?”

“Mhm.”

She turned and threw herself into the man’s arms, hugging his tall frame, “For tomorrow’s wedding photo shoot, can you smile?”

To smile is not difficult for most people, but for Mo Chen, it’s quite the challenge.

Mo Chen’s usual expression was either cold or irritable. He rarely had moments of genuine happiness unless Qiao Ruoxin deliberately teased him.

“How should I smile?”

A hint of confusion appeared in his dark eyes. He could smile, of course, but the key was how?

His smile indeed had only one sort to it.

And indeed, he hardly ever laughed; there wasn’t much to laugh about.

“…” Qiao Ruoxin had already begun to give up in her heart, no longer expecting Mo Chen to be able to smile happily. As long as he didn’t keep a cold face, that was good enough.

She looked up, “That is to say, can you be a bit more gentle in your eyes tomorrow? It’s our wedding photo shoot after all. Please don’t have that ‘in-a-meeting’ look, okay?”

Mo Chen looked down into her eyes, pondering for a moment, “Alright.”

He had agreed, but whether he could pull it off was another matter.

But she was still quite happy.

After becoming pregnant, Mo Chen was even more compliant to her every wish, feeling that the two little babies in her belly brought her endless adoration.

Would there be a sense of letdown after giving birth?

…

The next day.

The official wedding dress photoshoot began.

“Mo Chen, it’s my first time taking wedding dress photos, I’m a bit nervous,” she said.

The man, who was putting on his suit jacket, glanced at her and chuckled, “If it wasn’t your first time taking wedding dress photos, then you’d have a big problem.”

Qiao Ruoxin then realized the silliness of her comment. After all, who isn’t taking wedding dress photos for the first time?

But it really wasn’t like attending usual events or walking the red carpet; it felt sacred.

She looked at Mo Chen in his black groom’s suit and bow tie, handsome and tall, standing upright and slender.

“Go change into your wedding dress, alright?” he said, after changing his clothes and taking a look at her.

Only then did Qiao Ruoxin remember she hadn’t changed into her wedding dress yet, and turned to be surrounded by staff, heading towards the dressing room.

They had originally planned numerous overseas trips for photo shoots, but since Qiao Ruoxin was pregnant, it wasn’t suitable for her to travel abroad, so they had to pick locations in the capital instead.

While Qiao Ruoxin was changing into her wedding dress, Mo Chen went to make some work calls.

When he turned around, just as she was coming out in her wedding dress, his dark eyes shook slightly.

Even though this wasn’t the first time he had seen Little Ghost in a wedding dress, and this one paled in comparison to the one he custom-ordered, he was still astounded by her beauty.

Little Ghost indeed suited wearing a wedding dress; she had a natural goddess-like aura once she put it on.

She truly was the embodiment of the nation’s first love.

Qiao Ruoxin was adjusting a bow on the wedding dress, chatting with the staff, a smile lingering on her lips.

You could still see traces of her childhood self in that small face, but she had completely changed.

Now, Qiao Ruoxin is his lawful wife, the mother of his child, soon to be grandly wed as Mrs. Mo.

A curve formed on Mo Chen’s lips, then he saw Qiao Ruoxin walking towards him, lifting the hem of her wedding dress, like a ray of light entering his dark world, beautiful and pure.

“Does it look good?” she asked.

Qiao Ruoxin approached him, and seeing his expressionless face, couldn’t help but ask.

Although this wedding dress couldn’t compare with the high-end custom-made one, it was still quite nice, also crafted by a master designer.

After a long wait without a response from him, Qiao Ruoxin couldn’t help asking again, “Doesn’t it look nice?”

“No, it’s very beautiful, let’s go,” he replied.

This wedding dress perfectly concealed Qiao Ruoxin’s pregnant belly, dignified and atmospheric, noble and elegant.

…

After arriving at the outdoor photoshoot location, many bystanders gathered around, as Qiao Ruoxin’s explosive popularity was well-known.

Quite a few fans had come to see her, wanting to catch a glimpse of her taking wedding photos.

But the shooting area was closed off, preventing anyone from entering.

After getting out of the car, Qiao Ruoxin still waved to the fans outside, which drew a round of screams, since her wedding dress had also been exposed.

Then Mo Chen assisted her into the photoshoot area, with an unhappy expression, instructing Xiaowu following behind, “Do not allow anyone to take sneaky photos.”

“Yes, I understand,” Xiaowu responded.

After receiving the order, Xiaowu stepped back to manage the scene; after all, with Qiao Ruoxin pregnant, nothing could go wrong.

Under the arrangement of the wedding photography team, Qiao Ruoxin entered the midst of a vast sea of flowers. It was beautiful, but also full of insects.

Her greatest fear was little bugs.

Unable to stand by any longer, Mo Chen directly picked her up and walked towards the center of the sea of flowers. The photographer immediately began shooting as these candid moments often looked more natural than posed ones.

 

Chapter 434: What benefits do you want then? Qiao Ruoxin let the man carry her into the center of the flower field before he set her down.

Her eyes had been fixed on the man’s profile the whole time, her lips curving up unconsciously.

Suddenly, she reflected on the scene from a few years ago when Mo Chen confessed his love to her, never imagining that they were about to have their wedding now.

Mo Chen straightened the long train of her wedding dress and then noticed the smile on her lips, “Smiling about what?”

“Oh, nothing much. Just that it feels kind of magical.”

At that moment, the photographer began directing, “Mr. Mo, Ruoxin, please look at the camera, yes, right this way, thank you for your cooperation.”

However, Mo Chen kept a straight face and commanded, “Hurry up and take the pictures; there are too many mosquitoes here.”

“Yes, yes, we’ll only take a few shots for this scene, it won’t take long, Mr. Mo, please rest assured.”

The photographer was bowing and scraping, afraid of upsetting Mr. Mo and causing him to leave abruptly if he didn’t cooperate.

After all, Mo Chen’s fierce temper was well known.

Only then did Mo Chen turn to the little ghost next to him and continued the previous topic, “What did you just say was magical?”

“Oh… I was just recalling how, when you confessed to me, I never thought we would actually end up getting married.”

The man frowned and looked at her with some displeasure, “So when you agreed to be my girlfriend back then, you never thought about marrying me?”

Uh…

Qiao Ruoxin’s heart tightened, realizing she had inadvertently angered Mr. Mo again.

She laughed awkwardly, “How old was I back then? Of course, I hadn’t thought about marriage.”

“Don’t give me that!”

Mo Chen let out a disdainful snort, then wrapped his arms around her waist and looked at the camera.

Qiao Ruoxin clearly felt her waist tighten, the dog of a man was angry again.

At this moment, Mr. Mo’s expression looked more like he was facing an enemy, devoid of sweetness, tenderness, and happiness.

Although he had long known that the little ghost’s feelings for him came late, the fact she hadn’t considered marrying him from the start still annoyed him.

Was he really that uncharismatic?

This little ghost agreed to be his girlfriend, yet hadn’t thought about marrying him?

Even the photographer was a bit frightened, cautiously reminding, “Ruoxin, is it possible to get Mr. Mo to smile just a little bit? After all, this is a wedding photoshoot, and this…”

What’s the deal with looking so deeply wronged?

Of course, the photographer dared not say this last part out loud.

Qiao Ruoxin looked up at the man’s cold, handsome face, which was quite intimidating, but still handsome nonetheless.

Her slender fingers tugged at the corners of the man’s lips, “Brother Mo Chen, you promised me last night that you’d have a gentler expression for the wedding photoshoot today. I’m not even hoping for you to look too happy, just be a bit gentle, okay?”

Mo Chen let her turn up the corners of his mouth, removed her small hand, and suddenly made a demand, “What’s in it for me?”

“What’s in it for you? Hey, this is your wedding photoshoot, too; it’s not like it’s only useful to me.”

And he’s asking for benefits? This dog of a man is really something else.

Mo Chen: “Then let’s just take it like this. The expression isn’t important; what’s important is that I’m the male lead.”

“…”

Sure, you say that, but who has their wedding photos taken with such a sour face?

“So, what benefit do you want?”

The man’s lips curled up into a smirk, the little ghost had finally taken the bait.

He said, “Come closer to my ear.”

Qiao Ruoxin approached with a skeptical expression and leaned in with her ear.

The man whispered something into her ear, and her little face instantly turned bright red, even her ears became pink.

Mo Chen looked at her surprised expression and let out a low chuckle, feeling immediately pleased.

Qiao Ruoxin glared at him, “In public, watch your image!”

“The words I just said were only heard by you and me; what image is there to worry about?”

Once again, the man wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into his embrace, but this time with a touch of tender smile on his lips.

The photographer also breathed a sigh of relief, “Yes, yes, that’s it! Hold that pose, almost done, just one more shot.”

In his arms, Qiao Ruoxin couldn’t help pinching him hard on the waist, while she still had to pretend to smile on the surface.

The man frowned slightly, enduring the pain, as Little Ghost pinched quite hard.

…

Meanwhile.

On the road crowded with fans, a black Maybach stopped at the curb.

Qiao Ruoxin’s fans were all waiting for her and Mo Chen to finish the shoot and come out.

In that black Maybach, Simon sat in the backseat, quietly observing the fans packed tight outside.

A trace of melancholy could be seen on Simon’s handsome face.

Despite so many people trying to stop her, Qiao Ruoxin still resolutely chose to marry Mo Chen.

He could never understand why Mo Chen was so special to Qiao Ruoxin. Was it really just because of a first love?

He had experienced first love too, but why didn’t he feel this kind of persistence?

He had always seen Qiao Ruoxin as a child, not understanding what love is. In the world of adults, love isn’t everything; it needs to be measured against reality.

And Qiao Ruoxin was so devoted to Mo Chen simply because he was her first man.

Without trying other men, she believed Mo Chen was the only one suitable for her in the whole world.

Thinking this, Simon let out a derisive laugh, “Naive. You’re marrying now, but what will you do if you regret it later? Can you just discard Mo Chen whenever you want?”

Once married into the Mo Family, it wouldn’t be that simple to get away.

Suddenly, a vibrating sound of a cell phone rang inside the car.

Simon answered the call, and the voice of a nurse from the hospital came through, “Mr. Lawrence, please come to the hospital right away. Your father’s condition is not very optimistic.”

Simon’s face changed abruptly; he hung up the call and glanced at the driver, “To the hospital.”

The driver immediately drove towards the hospital.

Back in the United States, the Lawrence Family was in turmoil, and here, Lawrence was so ill, he was nearly unconscious.

Qiao Ruoxin showed no concern whatsoever for the internal affairs of the Lawrence Family; Simon was overwhelmed, with too many decisions needing his attention now.

…

Hospital.

Intensive Care Unit.

Simon walked into the ward and saw Lawrence lying on the hospital bed, his face so pale due to the worsening illness that he had no color of life.

“Bring Ruoxin back as soon as possible, otherwise you are in danger,” Lawrence said weakly.

Because there were already people in the family starting to investigate Simon’s true identity, suspecting that Simon was not Lawrence’s biological son, if it were to be revealed, then once Lawrence died, his shares would surely be completely divided.

And Simon would be kicked out of the Lawrence Family. His life may well be suppressed by the Lawrence Family forever, with no chance of turning things around.

Of course, Simon knew he had to bring Qiao Ruoxin back, but under the current circumstances, how could Qiao Ruoxin possibly comply and return with him?

 

Chapter 435: Do you think I’m joking? Simon looked at Lawrence lying on the hospital bed and seemed to have already sensed death looming in the air.

For some reason, he had a feeling that his father was about to leave him.

“Father, take care of yourself, I will bring Ruoxin back home.”

Simon grasped Lawrence’s powerless hand; his father used to be strong, but now he was utterly weak, his hand even trembling slightly.

Using all his remaining strength, Lawrence held Simon’s hand, his voice hoarse and feeble, “Make sure to bring her back, I don’t want my years of hard work to fall into the hands of others, do you understand?”

“I understand, rest well.”

Simon withdrew his hand and then silently stared at Lawrence for a while before turning and leaving the hospital room.

…

Night fell.

After a whole day of shooting wedding photos, Qiao Ruoxin felt so exhausted she could cry; she hadn’t expected it to be even more tiring than her usual photo shoots.

The moment she entered the bedroom, she sprawled on the soft, cushy bed and didn’t want to move.

“I’m so tired… finally finished.”

Considering that she was pregnant, Mo Chen only made her pose for the necessary shots, skipping the usual variety of outfits.

She heard the sound of a man’s footsteps approaching from behind, and then she felt the bed dip as he sat down beside her.

The man’s large palm took hold of Qiao Ruoxin’s shoulders, gently massaging them, his deep voice coming from behind her, “Take a nap, I’ll wake you for dinner.”

“Mmm… but I can’t sleep.”

Qiao Ruoxin closed her eyes contentedly, enjoying the massage from the man behind her, and she had to admit, his technique had become more and more professional.

He used to accidentally hurt her, but now he did not at all, very gentle and very soothing.

Mo Chen, looking at her calm profile, curled his lips and said in a deep voice, “About what I said this afternoon, what do you think?”

As she lay on the bed, her eyes suddenly snapped open, and she couldn’t help but blush.

This damned man still remembered that thing?

During the day, when they were taking wedding photos, Mo Chen proposed a shameless condition: if he cooperated nicely with the shoot, Qiao Ruoxin would have to provide him with ‘special services’ tonight.

Although she had agreed at the time…

“You can’t be serious, can you? Is it appropriate?” She was indeed a bit apprehensive.

After all, she was pregnant.

Mo Chen lifted her up, cradled her in his arms, seated her on his lap, and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Do you think I’m joking? Do you know how long I’ve been holding back?” His low voice suddenly turned suggestive, his thin lips landing on her earlobe.

Qiao Ruoxin involuntarily dodged away, “But I’m pregnant, don’t go too far, the two little babies in my tummy are watching you.”

The man frowned displeased, “Might as well let them see how they came about.”

“…”

Qiao Ruoxin showed no mercy as she hit the man’s shoulder, “What nonsense are you spouting? Your mom makes me go to prenatal classes every day, and here you are corrupting our little babies.”

Mo Chen chuckled, then picked her up and headed towards the bathroom.

“Then feed me well, to shut me up.”

“…”

She felt she couldn’t escape, and it seemed that she really had starved Mo Chen for quite a while.

Oh well, after all, Mo Chen was now her lawful husband; she should be considerate and care about his feelings.

In the bathroom, Qiao Ruoxin obediently took off her clothes.

Mo Chen squinted his eyes, “Not resisting anymore?”

 

Chapter 436: He is Waiting for the Right Moment She hummed lightly, “We are legal now, why should I resist? Besides, it’s not like you haven’t seen it before.”

Mo Chen chuckled and touched her head, then helped her undress.

“Hmm, right.”

“Right about what? You can’t wait, can you?”

“Hmm…”

The man’s slender fingers continued to undo her buttons, a sensual curve forming on his thin lips.

Qiao Ruoxin watched his expression, “You’re still hmm’ing? You have the nerve to hmm? Do you have any humanity? You can lay hands on a pregnant woman.”

Mo Chen just chuckled lowly, without speaking.

“Why aren’t you talking?”

“Probably because you’re right.”

“…”

Qiao Ruoxin felt like she was about to laugh from annoyance; it seemed she had kept this damn man hungry for too long, to the point where he didn’t even want to argue anymore.

The bathroom door was tightly closed, the sound of running water came from inside, mixed with suggestive sounds and the man’s muffled groans.

No one knew exactly what was happening inside, but the sounds fuelled endless speculation.

An hour later.

The bathroom door opened, Mo Chen in a black bathrobe, cradling the drowsy Qiao Ruoxin, carefully placed her on the bed, and tucked her in.

Qiao Ruoxin lay hazily in bed, grabbing the man’s bathrobe collar, slowly opening her eyes, “Are you content now? No more stern looks?”

The man’s dark eyes slightly widened, his lips curving up, “Hmm, you’re tired, sleep.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going to the study to deal with some things.”

Mo Chen put her hand under the blanket and then prepared to stand up and leave.

“The wedding date is approaching soon, we can carry on with the ceremony smoothly, right?” She herself felt unsure as she spoke; it seemed calm now, but she feared what chaos might come on the wedding day.

The man looked down at her furrowed brows and said in a deep voice, “Don’t worry about these things, just focus on taking care of yourself.”

“Hmm.”

Mo Chen turned and left the bedroom.

At this moment, Xiaowu stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall as if he had been waiting for a long time.

Seeing the bedroom door open, Xiaowu immediately straightened up, “Master Mo.”

Mo Chen turned and closed the door, the trace of tenderness on his handsome face vanishing without a trace, returning to his usual indifference.

“With the wedding drawing near, send more people to protect that ‘Little Ghost’. There must be no mistakes at the wedding.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Keep an eye on the Lawrence side,” Mo Chen walked towards his study.

Xiaowu followed behind him, “I found out that Lawrence seems to be hospitalized, and the outlook is grim; he’s already in ICU. Moreover, there’s a struggle for the inheritance within the Lawrence Family in the United States.”

Mo Chen’s handsome face tensed as he pushed open the door to the study, walked in, took a seat behind the desk, opened a drawer, took out a pack of cigarettes, put one between his lips, and lit it.

His gaze was deep, thoughtful.

After a long while, the man said in a deep voice, “Also, keep an eye on that trash; don’t let him pull any tricks behind our backs.”

“I’ve always had people watching. Simon has been very low-key recently, not sure what he’s been up to. He’s probably unsettled by the situation in the United States. With Lawrence hospitalized here, and Mrs. Lawrence’s attempted suicide… he must be pretty overwhelmed right now.”

Mo Chen let out a cold laugh, “He’s waiting for a suitable opportunity to take Qiao Ruoxin away and return to the United States to claim his inheritance.”

The man exhaled a puff of smoke, blurring his handsome features, squinting his eyes.

Two years ago, Qiao Ruoxin vanished from his world in the Human World; this time, he won’t allow such a thing to happen ever again.

 

Chapter 437: Simon’s Plan Cocktail party.

In a corner, Simon sat on a single-seater sofa, holding a glass of champagne in his hand, yet his gaze constantly lingered on a slender figure within the crowd.

He was staring at Mo Zhizi.

In the midst of the crowd, Mo Zhizi, in her nude pink strappy evening gown, was like a glistening, translucent peach, tempting one to commit sins.

Mo Zhizi, indeed, was a perfect tool to use, one that wouldn’t arouse Mo Chen’s suspicion.

Simon put down his champagne glass and stood up, walking towards that graceful silhouette.

After Mo Zhizi finished greeting her friends, she turned around and met Simon’s gaze—both gentle and sinister.

In that instant, she felt as if her heartbeat had skipped a beat.

“You are…” Mo Zhizi hesitated for a moment, then asked.

“Simon Lawrence, just call me Simon.”

Mo Zhizi suddenly realized, “Oh… so you are the Little Lawrence of the Lawrence Family.”

“Nice to meet you, Miss Mo.” Simon’s lips curled up into a smile as he extended his hand to Mo Zhizi.

Mo Zhizi looked at the man’s slender hand, hesitated for a moment, then reached out to shake it.

Simon was the perfect gentleman, merely shaking her hand briefly before letting go, knowing exactly how to measure the propriety of an initial encounter between man and woman.

“You know me?”

Simon smiled, “If a man is interested in a woman, then learning all about her isn’t that difficult, especially for a man like me.”

Mo Zhizi couldn’t help but smile, “What kind of man are you?”

“A man who finds you interesting.”

The smile on Mo Zhizi’s lips grew broader, though she remained silent, she couldn’t help but glance at Simon’s face—it was indeed very handsome.

He wasn’t the same type as Gu Mocheng, but he was pleasing to the eye, and his mannerisms were quite gentlemanly.

Unconsciously, Mo Zhizi compared Simon with Gu Mocheng in her mind.

Simon then said, “I also happen to know your brother.”

Mo Zhizi frowned, “I just remembered, the media used to say you pursued Qiao Ruoxin. Do you also like Qiao Ruoxin?”

“Beauties are always coveted, but now it’s nothing. She’s about to get married, isn’t she?”

When he spoke the words “get married,” there was a slight sourness in Simon’s tone.

Mo Zhizi let out a soft sigh and laughed, “Ruoxin is really lucky, having so many men like her. My brother likes her, you like her, and even he…”

He… Gu Mocheng also liked her.

Qiao Ruoxin was a girl Mo Zhizi had envied since childhood. With her sweet and cute looks, she didn’t have to do anything to attract men’s affection.

Simon: “Miss Mo is too modest; you also have quite a few suitors.”

Mo Zhizi smiled somewhat helplessly.

There were quite a few, but none that she could take a fancy to.

She envied that the quality of Qiao Ruoxin’s suitors seemed quite high.

Mo Zhizi picked up a glass of champagne and took a few sips, then got ready to leave, “Mr. Lawrence, please excuse me for a moment, I need to visit the restroom.”

Just as she was about to step away, her high-heeled shoe slipped, and her body involuntarily tilted to one side; Simon instinctively caught hold of her.

The moment Mo Zhizi looked up, she met the man’s eyes, shimmering and nearly seductive.

“I’ll take you back, you’re drunk.”

“I just slipped, I’m not drunk,” Mo Zhizi tried to stand up.

But Simon had already taken her wrist, walking towards the exit of the party, “Let’s go back, you don’t have to do this even if you’re short on money.”

Mo Zhizi’s face turned slightly embarrassed—how did Simon know she was in need of money?

 

Chapter 438: That’s the woman I’m into! Outside the hotel.

Simon supported Mo Zhizi, guarding her head as he helped her into the car.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed Mo Zhizi’s arm, and a low, domineering voice rang out, “Don’t go!”

Mo Zhizi’s body stiffened, and when she turned back, she miraculously saw Gu Mocheng’s face.

In a daze, she thought she really was drunk.

Then, with a face of indifference, she shook off Gu Mocheng’s hand, “It’s none of your business, Young Master Gu should go and care about those who need his attention.”

As her words fell, Mo Zhizi gave him a faint glance, then entered the car.

Simon smiled and closed the car door.

Even the towering dignity of Gu Mocheng had been wounded, the first time his pride was trampled by a woman, almost making him laugh with anger.

“Young Master Gu’s way of chasing women is quite unique.”

“Are you deliberately opposing Mo Chen, or do you just fancy Mo Chen’s women? First setting your sights on his woman without success, now you’ve taken an interest in his cousin?”

As Gu Mocheng spoke, his eyes were still fixed on the car window, as if he could see the woman inside through it.

What exactly was going on in this fool’s head? Could it be that he really had taken a liking to Simon?

Simon replied with a laugh that was not angry, “Ruoxin is about to get married, can’t I pursue other women?”

“You can’t! Is Mo Zhizi someone you can chase? She’s the woman I’ve set my sights on!” Gu Mocheng instantly assumed the role of boyfriend, as if he had already become Mo Zhizi’s rightful partner.

“To my knowledge, Miss Mo has not agreed to your pursuit.”

Having said that, Simon also opened the car door and got in.

Gu Mocheng watched as the car slowly drove away, his face disgruntled, he flicked his tongue against his back teeth, then turned and got into his own car.

He started the vehicle and pressed down on the accelerator, chasing after them.

…

Inside the car.

Simon glanced at the rearview mirror and saw the black Maybach persistently following, probably Gu Mocheng’s car.

“It seems Young Master Gu is deeply infatuated with you, don’t you feel moved at all?”

Mo Zhizi looked back and frowned slightly, “Don’t bother with him.”

“Young Master Gu has quite good conditions on all fronts, why not give him a chance to pursue you?” Simon asked.

Mo Zhizi’s gaze flickered slightly, “I don’t want to like someone a second time once I’ve liked them.”

Simon asked again, “Is Young Master Gu your ex-boyfriend?”

“No.”

“Then how is he someone you’ve liked before?”

Mo Zhizi scoffed, “Ridiculous, isn’t it? He doesn’t even know that I liked him, he completely failed to see my existence back then.”

“As a man, my understanding is, his attention must have been on another woman back then.”

Mo Zhizi was slightly startled, “You’re right, his eyes were all on the dazzling Qiao Ruoxin.”

Qiao Ruoxin?

Hearing this name, Simon frowned displeasedly, this girl was even more of a man-magnet than he had imagined.

The car fell silent, no one spoke again.

Mo Zhizi, however, laughed, “How did you convince yourself to give up on Qiao Ruoxin?”

Simon pressed his lips tightly together.

Give up? He had never thought about giving up, and his father had already given the order to bring Qiao Ruoxin back to the United States to fight for the family inheritance.

After he brought Qiao Ruoxin back this time, he would not give her any chance to escape again.

Last time, it was his negligence and too much trust in Jiang Ruolin that allowed Qiao Ruoxin the opportunity to escape.

“Why don’t you speak? Or are you just saying you’ve given up, but never really let go in your heart?” Mo Zhizi couldn’t help but ask.

Simon laughed, “No, time will dilute everything, just like that.”

 

Chapter 439: Are you willing to sacrifice your sister for the sake of love? Mo Zhizi was momentarily stunned. Time would fade everything?

She laughed softly, “Indeed, it does.”

Back then, the first heartbreak of her girlhood had also been slowly eroded by time.

And the man from her girlhood was none other than Gu Mocheng, who was at this moment chasing after her in his car.

Throughout the trip, no one spoke again, and Simon drove Mo Zhizi back to her place.

The car slowly stopped outside the complex, and Mo Zhizi unbuckled her seatbelt: “Thank you, Mr. Lawrence. I will go now.”

“Good night.” Simon didn’t say anything more. There was no need for an enduring impression on a first meeting.

Mo Zhizi gave a slight smile and then pushed open the car door to leave.

As soon as Mo Zhizi turned around, she saw Gu Mocheng’s car firmly parked in front of her. Then, with an aura of anger, he pushed open his car door and walked up to her.

“Are you serious? You want to get involved with that trash?” Gu Mocheng’s eyes showed nothing but disdain as he glanced at Simon’s car.

Simon, however, lowered the window and said sternly, “It’s quite late. Let Zhizi get some rest. Whatever it is, it can wait until tomorrow.”

Gu Mocheng snorted with contempt: “Zhizi? In just a short while, you two have grown this close?”

Simon smiled without a word, looking towards Mo Zhizi: “If you truly cannot resolve this, I suggest you just call the police.”

Mo Zhizi nodded, “I know. Goodbye, you should go.”

Simon rolled up the window and drove slowly away.

Now, Gu Mocheng and she stood in the night wind, facing off, neither willing to back down.

“Let’s talk about whatever it is tomorrow; I am going to sleep,” Mo Zhizi said as she tried to walk past the man to enter her complex.

But Gu Mocheng grabbed her wrist: “Are you sure tomorrow I can get you to come out?”

He knew he couldn’t; he didn’t understand why this woman was always avoiding him. Was he really that unbearable?

Mo Zhizi looked at his profile and coldly uttered two words: “You can’t.”

Then, without any hesitation, she shook off Gu Mocheng’s hand and quickly headed towards the complex’s gate.

This time, Gu Mocheng didn’t stop her. Instead, he let out a cold laugh and then took out his phone to dial Mo Chen’s number right away.

Beep…

It connected after just one ring.

Gu Mocheng said, “Simon came looking for your sister. Are you going to risk your sister for love?”

…

In the bedroom of the Mo Family Estate.

Mo Chen had just gotten back to the bedroom and was lying in bed, preparing to sleep, when he received Gu Mocheng’s call.

“You saw it?”

“I saw it with my own eyes! I’m telling you, you have to look after my woman, too, or else this isn’t over between us!” After speaking, Gu Mocheng cut off the call.

Mo Chen, however, fell into deep thought, turned off his phone, and placed it on the bedside table. He was about to turn off the bedside lamp next to Qiao Ruoxin but found that the Little Ghost had woken up.

“Was that call from young master Gu? Simon went to see your cousin, Mo Zhizi?” Qiao Ruoxin asked.

Mo Chen’s brows slightly furrowed; it seemed the Little Ghost had heard everything.

“Yeah.”

Qiao Ruoxin sat up, leaning against the bed, and sighed, “What on earth does he want! Is he trying to force me to see him?”

“Don’t go!” the man exclaimed angrily.

She paused, then leaned into the man’s embrace: “Of course, I know I shouldn’t, but what about your cousin Zhizi?”

“I will talk to her tomorrow.”

Mo Chen’s gaze deepened as he tightens his hold around the woman’s shoulders in his embrace.

At this critical moment, he absolutely could not allow this Little Ghost to meet Simon, or the situation might spiral out of control.

 

Chapter 440: Or is it because Simon liked you that I can’t like you anymore? Mo Family Estate.

The next day, early morning.

When Qiao Ruoxin opened her eyes, the man beside her had already left, probably for the company.

She got out of bed, went to the bathroom to wash up, then changed into a set of clothes for going out and headed downstairs to the dining room.

Seeing her dressed to go out, the butler couldn’t help asking, “Miss Qiao, are you going out? Master Mo said for you to rest in the estate.”

Qiao Ruoxin sat down at the dining table, and the maid quickly served her breakfast.

“Where is Mo Zhizi now?”

She couldn’t go see Simon, but she should still be able to see Mo Zhizi.

After all, Mo Chen was a man and also played the role of a brother, which meant he wouldn’t necessarily be able to discuss certain matters with Mo Zhizi.

It would be more appropriate for her to talk to Mo Zhizi.

“She’s living in one of Master Mo’s properties, Miss Zhizi seems to have fallen out with the family, so she’s staying outside recently,” the butler answered truthfully.

As Qiao Ruoxin daintily sipped her porridge, she said, “Arrange it for me after a while, I want to go see Mo Zhizi.”

“This…” The butler appeared to be in a dilemma.

She frowned slightly and looked up at the butler, “What’s the matter? I can’t even go see Mo Chen’s cousin? She’s part of the Mo Family too.”

“We need to check with Master Mo first.”

“No need, he won’t mind, let’s settle on that. Go prepare the car.”

Qiao Ruoxin lowered her head to continue eating her porridge. Now that she was pregnant, she was the most important, and there weren’t many in the Mo Family who would dare to defy her, knowing that Mo Chen was about to spoil her to the heavens.

…

An hour later.

Ding-dong, the sound of the doorbell rang.

After getting up, washing up, and preparing to make breakfast, Mo Zhizi heard the doorbell.

She walked to the entrance with confusion, and then saw Qiao Ruoxin standing outside through the video.

“Qiao Ruoxin?”

Mo Zhizi inadvertently uttered the name.

She hesitated for a few seconds before opening the door.

Qiao Ruoxin stood outside, revealing a smile: “Zhizi, may I talk with you?”

Mo Zhizi was slightly startled, “Please come in.”

…

The living room.

Mo Zhizi poured a cup of warm water for Qiao Ruoxin, “Because you’re pregnant now, I didn’t know what to offer you to drink; warm water seems to be the safest.”

“Thank you, I was a little thirsty,” Qiao Ruoxin said, as she took a sip from the cup of warm water.

Mo Zhizi, sitting on the sofa beside her, asked, “Did you come to see me for something?”

“Hmm… nothing much. I just came to see how you were doing.”

Mo Zhizi awkwardly started, “I know I’m living in my brother’s house. Once I earn some money after some time, I will move out.”

“Then you misunderstand. I’m not here to drive you out. This is a matter between you and your cousin, it’s none of my business.”

Mo Zhizi furrowed her brow, “Then why have you come…?”

“I want to ask you, do you like Simon?” Qiao Ruoxin went straight to the point, as she didn’t have time to beat around the bush.

“I wouldn’t say I like him, but he’s quite gentlemanly.”

Qiao Ruoxin smiled faintly, “That’s good. Actually, Young Master Gu is quite nice and seems to fancy you a lot. You might consider him a bit, a well-known elegant scion in the capital, very good at caring for women.”

It was Gu Mocheng again.

Mo Zhizi frowned in displeasure, “What’s wrong with Simon? Why must I consider Young Master Gu?”

Qiao Ruoxin paused for a moment, “You make your own decision when it comes to matters of the heart, but I think Young Master Gu suits you better.”

“Just because someone is suitable doesn’t mean I like them. Or are you saying because Simon once liked you, I can’t like him now?”

In a flash, the atmosphere grew tense; it was clear that Mo Zhizi was now hostile towards her.

Could it be that she truly had feelings for Simon?

Qiao Ruoxin laughed softly, “I understand. I’ll be leaving now.”

As her words fell, she got up to leave, but left one more comment: “If you have any difficulties, you can go to your brother. I just came to see how you were, nothing else.”