Chapter 17: Teasing Miss Mo
Although his mother had "passed away," the fact that he could still retrieve her soul gave him hope. As long as he became powerful enough, overturning mountains and emptying seas would be no problem at all.
[翻山倒海 (fān shān dǎo hǎi): lit. overturn mountains and empty seas; fig. accomplish something immensely difficult or earth-shaking.]
"Brother..." When Mu Xiaolin heard about the death of the Mu family’s matriarch, he was secretly thrilled. This meant his own mother could now become the new matriarch of the Mu family. As for that so-called "eldest brother," he could just step aside.
Mu Xiaolin wore a face full of "grief." He knew that sometimes, one had to play the part convincingly
Otherwise, people might grow suspicious.
"Please accept my condolences. I believe Auntie’s spirit in heaven wouldn’t want you to grieve like this," Mu Xiaolin comforted him, his voice soft and slightly hoarse, clearly from crying.
"Thank you for your concern," Mu Lichuan replied before falling silent, obviously unwilling to engage further.
Mu Xiaolin offered a few more words of comfort, but seeing that he still refused to speak, he had no choice but to leave. Though resentment burned in his heart, there was nothing he could do about it at the moment. Thus, he missed the mocking look Mu Lichuan gave his retreating figure.
In his past life, his grandfather had rarely involved himself in worldly affairs. Now, it seemed he valued upholding tradition. Moreover, after the earth-shattering changes in Mu Lichuan himself, both his great-grandfather and grandfather held high expectations for him. No matter the situation, "strength" was what commanded respect.
The funeral of the Mu family’s matriarch was far more lavish than expected. The Zhang family members wore grim expressions, but when they saw Mu Lichuan, the family head’s expression softened considerably. "Lichuan, for your mother’s sake, you mustn’t drown in sorrow."
If Mu Lichuan wallowed in grief, it would only give certain people an opportunity to strike.
"Grandfather, I understand," Mu Lichuan said firmly, his deep eyes filled with determination.
Zhang Hanyu, the Zhang family head, was momentarily taken aback, not expecting his grandson to be so resilient. A look of approval crossed his face. "Good, as long as you think that way."
On the surface, the death of the Mu family’s matriarch caused no major upheaval. The media reported on it, but out of fear of the Mu family’s influence, they dared not speculate recklessly about why she had taken her own life. As for the behind-the-scenes negotiations, Mu Lichuan was unaware. However, the Mu and Zhang families hadn't completely severed ties.
Life seemed to return to its normal course. Gradually, everyone moved on from their grief - even Mu Changnian. Mu Lichuan couldn’t help but sigh at his father’s cold-heartedness. But then again, if his father had truly loved his mother, would an illegitimate child like Mu Xiaolin even exist?
"Eldest Brother, Eldest Brother... Don’t walk so fast!" Mu Xiaolin called after him.
Mu Lichuan didn’t stop. He had a rough idea of what Mu Xiaolin was up to. Half a year had passed, which meant his father would soon remarry, and Bai Ping was the most likely candidate.
Mu Xiaolin watched as Mu Lichuan disappeared from sight, his eyes burning with hatred.
Once my mother becomes the Mu family’s matriarch, let’s see if this bastard can still act so arrogantly!
So much time had passed, yet he still hadn’t been allowed to undergo the Mu family’s assessment. Something must have gone wrong, he had clearly been deliberately delayed. Even many of the Mu family’s business affairs had been dumped on him. There was no way this wasn’t a setup.
"Lichuan! Lichuan! Mu Lichuan! Stop right there, you—!" The young lady’s beautiful face twisted in fury as the boy completely ignored her.
Mu Lichuan halted. "What do you want?" His tone was calm and indifferent. Even though he knew this girl was his fiancée, recalling their past life made him feel like vomiting.
"You- Mu Lichuan, you’re too much!" Mo Shanshan was so angry she could kill someone. If not for her grandfather’s orders to get close to Mu Lichuan, she would never chase after an ice block like him.
She prided herself on her looks, many boys pursued her. But as the Mo family’s legitimate daughter, she knew her duty was to contribute to the family, and the best way was through marriage.
Mu Lichuan’s expression didn’t change. "Miss Mo, as a young lady, it’s better to be more reserved."
By now, a crowd of students had gathered around them, watching the spectacle. Everyone knew Mo Shanshan was the school belle of Chuan High, who had even publicly declared she would win over Mu Lichuan. While "a man chasing a woman is like climbing a mountain, a woman chasing a man is like peeling a thin veil," everyone thought it would be easy. Yet, after nearly half a year of pursuit, the guy remained as cold as a corpse.
[男追女隔重山，女追男隔层纱 (nán zhuī nǚ gé chóng shān, nǚ zhuī nán gé chóng shā): lit. a man chasing a woman is separated by mountains, a woman chasing a man is like peeling a thin veil; fig. it’s harder for men to pursue women than vice versa.]
"Mu Lichuan, don’t go too far! If not for... if not for... do you think I’d even care about you?" Mo Shanshan’s face flushed red with anger. Her grandfather had said Mu Lichuan was extraordinary, marrying him would bring great benefits to the Mo family. But as for how he was extraordinary, her family refused to explain.
Mu Lichuan narrowed his eyes slightly, observing the dark aura hovering over the girl’s forehead. "Since Miss Mo doesn’t care for me, why chase after me, then?"
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