Chapter 145: Awakening a Thousand Voices (Part Three)

Fresh air filled the courtyard, accompanied by the songs of birds, the fragrance of flowers, and the scent of green grass. It was far better than the stuffy room, warmed by gentle sunlight. Determined not to let Qian Yin bask in too much sun, Dong, Nan, Xi, and Bei insisted she remain under the shade of the trees in the yard.

Qian Yin looked helplessly at the group bustling around her. Were they really in such a hurry? She could stand and walk on her own—why insist on helping her here?

Each face wore a serene smile, like blossoms in a garden, each radiating their own beauty. They said little, choosing instead to quietly keep her company, a presence more comforting than anything material.

Everyone was laughing happily together when suddenly Qian Yin’s stomach rumbled loudly. Embarrassed, her cheeks flushed red as she lowered her head, silent.

Their laughter grew even more joyful. That sound clearly meant Qian Yin was hungry—after all, she hadn’t eaten for two or three days. Bai Bai gently pulled Qian Yin’s hand and said, “Let’s go to the kitchen auntie and find something to eat.”

Dong, Nan, Xi, and Bei stepped forward, blocking the way. “Sister just woke up not long ago and is hungry again. It’s not good for her to walk too much. Let’s buy some of her favorite snacks instead.”

Qian Yin nodded. She was tired of drinking medicinal soups every day and didn’t want any more tonics—some snacks would be a welcome change.

Elder Xian said nothing, silently agreeing. Indeed, it wasn’t suitable for her to walk much yet; her body hadn’t fully recovered. Sunbathing was a good choice. Boss Jin accompanied them, smiling quietly. His own matters could wait—at such an important moment, it was right to share joy, not worries.

Inside the room, the atmosphere between the two was slightly awkward. Mo Lan glanced at An Feng’s sulky eyes, blinking a few times before taking the initiative to speak. “You left me here—do you have something to say? I want to spend a little more time with Qian Yin.”

An Feng exhaled heavily, released his grip, and turned Mo Lan’s body to face him directly. He looked into her eyes seriously and asked, “Why don’t you cherish yourself? I admit Qian Yin means a lot to you, but what about me?”

Mo Lan found his gaze frightening. Lowering her head, she fiddled with her fingers, then after some thought, lifted her head to meet his eyes. Biting her lip, she whispered, “You’re both equally important. She’s my sister, and you’re my boyfriend. That’s not a contradiction.”

“My point is, why do you do so many life-threatening things for her? Can’t you consider yourself, consider me?” An Feng’s frustration grew as he saw Mo Lan pretending not to understand. He grabbed her shoulders, shaking her, his eyes as if about to devour her.

Mo Lan said nothing and did not resist. She quietly watched this side of An Feng. At this moment, she admitted he truly cared for her, but he was too rash, lacking consideration for others. Would this lead to endless quarrels between them?

Seeing the confusion and near-abandonment in Mo Lan’s eyes, An Feng suddenly felt panicked. Was he too impulsive, making things difficult for her again?

Mo Lan turned to the window, a faint smile touching her lips. Calmly, she said, “Qian Yin has done so much for me, and you’ve done a lot for me too, but I owe Qian Yin more. My life belongs to her—she has saved me more than once. She is truly important, very important. Please, don’t force me to choose between you two anymore.”

An Feng said nothing after hearing this. He turned and left, expressionless, leaving it unclear whether he was angry. His departure was for their own good—to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

After hearing his footsteps fade, Mo Lan glanced back once, then slowly lay down on the bed. Closing her eyes, she prepared to rest a while. She was tired; she wanted a few days to recover.

Love was truly tormenting. Before she met Leng Xue, Qian Yin was decisive and happy. Now, the pain hidden inside was known to no one.

Mo Lan did not want to be trapped in this emotional whirlpool. She hoped never to lose An Feng and dreaded that he might do something foolish for her. Deep down, she was gentle; she did not wish harm upon anyone in the Mo family.

The matter of Mo Fan needed to be settled soon. Recently, the elder Mo’s health had declined, and he was burdened with his son’s affairs. He felt heartbroken that capable people within the Mo family would not help him. So, he spent a large sum hiring people to find Mo Fan, hoping they could bring him back.

After a whole day, the elder Mo finally received news. Someone demanded five million in cash to safely return Mo Fan and had confirmed they had taken him.

The elder Mo was tempted. He felt abandoned by the capable ones in the family who neither supported him nor Mo Fan. Secretly preparing the money, he was about to leave through the main gate when those who had just finished their walk saw him and called out, curious.

“Elder Mo, what are you carrying and where are you going?” Boss Jin asked, wary of the old man’s unlikable nature. If he did anything to harm Qian Yin, they would not hold back. From the moment he entered the Mo family estate, the elder Mo had seemed strange.

The elder Mo found it odd too. Such a case was usually for carrying money, but why so much cash? What was his son planning?

The others quietly watched, unwilling to interfere in family matters. Qian Yin looked at the elder Mo, wondering if something unknown had happened. She knew she must not let emotional troubles burden those still by her side. She should focus on training to avenge Leng Xue, not blame everyone.

“There’s a company matter. I’m taking some money to help out,” the elder Mo said hurriedly, striding outside without giving them a chance to speak again.

“Such a big company in the Mo family—do they still deal in cash?” Boss Jin questioned, confirming his suspicions. It seemed impossible. Most transactions were simpler and safer, as cash was easily stolen.

The elder Mo touched his chin, smiling. “Everyone, sit down and chat. Mo Fan is missing, and I’m worried. Don’t blame me for being impatient.”

Elder Xian gave the elder Mo a knowing look: Just keep pretending, keep up the act.

Hearing this, Qian Yin suddenly understood—Mo Fan was missing. He was the elder Mo’s beloved son, so it made sense he was so restless.

After sitting and talking, Qian Yin decided to have Dong, Nan, Xi, and Bei escort Bai Bai and Mu Mian back to their classes. She was fine now; staying longer was pointless and would only delay their studies.

Though Bai Bai was reluctant, after bidding farewell, they hurried back to the northern principal’s residence.