Chapter 27: The Scheming of the Mo Family Patriarch

In the Mo family’s parlor, the old patriarch and the master of the house sat at the head of the table, with five juniors seated below them. Before each person was a cup of tea, a small slice of cake, and a plate of fruit.

Mo Lan lifted her teacup, sipping delicately, her eyes fixed on her grandfather. The weariness etched on his face told her all she needed to know—he must have been up late again last night. Otherwise, why would the chief of police arrive in such a hurry with Xiao Qi?

At this moment, the old patriarch regarded the two young men as if appraising future grandsons-in-law. His intense scrutiny sent a chill down the spines of An Feng and Lengxue, making them shift uncomfortably in their seats. They both feigned indifference, raising their cups to their lips.

“Grandfather, you called us back—if there’s something important to say, please don’t keep us waiting.” Mo Lan understood that these two had spent the entire day accompanying her and Qian Yin; it was time they returned to their own affairs.

It wasn’t right to impose so on others. Moreover, she’d noticed how her grandfather’s gaze grew ever more approving as he observed the two young men. Qian Yin, oblivious to these undercurrents, nibbled cautiously at her cake beside her, savoring its sweetness and idly wondering who had baked it.

“I must go to Nanjing. The journey will be perilous, and I hope the four of you will escort me. I’ve already discussed matters with the police chief—Officer An Feng and Xiao Lan, you’ll receive official notice soon. As for Xiao Yin and this young man, I trust you won’t refuse?” The old patriarch stroked his short beard, his eyes glimmering with calculation, his words laced with feigned frailty.

This, it seemed, was no ruse; both the master of the house and Mo Fan were composed, and when the patriarch finished speaking, their demeanor relaxed.

Qian Yin mulled over his words. She had received a mission that very day—also to Nanjing. Was this coincidence, or someone’s design? She was intrigued by the assignment, and since she had only just accepted it, nobody should know of it yet.

“I’ll stay with Qian Yin for now—wherever she goes, I go,” Lengxue said coolly, not bothering to look at anyone else, his gaze shifting only to Qian Yin.

Qian Yin nearly choked on her cake in exasperation. Was this man intent on sabotaging her business out of revenge for the failed mission? She hadn’t been the only one at fault last night—why single her out?

She shot Lengxue a frosty glare but noticed something strange flickering in his eyes as he looked at her.

Though Qian Yin didn’t grasp the instant infatuation gripping Lengxue, everyone else in the room saw it plainly, even Mo Lan, who’d never tasted love herself.

“Since our superiors have assigned this task, we’ll ensure grandfather’s safe arrival in Nanjing,” Mo Lan broke in, eager to dispel any awkwardness. She resolved to talk to Qian Yin about Lengxue afterward.

“Very good!” The old patriarch finally looked satisfied, taking a sip of tea.

“I’ll go as well—besides, I have business in Nanjing. But I’ll need some time for my own affairs and may not be with you every day.” Qian Yin lowered her head, intent on her cake, and made it clear she had no interest in further conversation.

“That’s perfectly fine—I won’t restrict your freedom. But you must protect this old man well, or if I die, no one will love you two anymore!” The patriarch’s voice was grave. Noticing Qian Yin still focused on her cake, he added, “Is the cake good?”

Qian Yin nodded, saying nothing more.

“Grandfather, we’ll keep you safe. We’d never let you leave us so soon. You must live to a ripe old age!” Mo Lan moved to her grandfather’s side, patted his shoulder, and affectionately nuzzled his weathered cheek.

Just then, the giant screen in the parlor flickered to life, displaying an odd scene: the police chief and Xiao Qi apologizing in the public square. Though Xiao Qi’s reluctance was plain, to bow and apologize in such a setting was no small feat.

A throng of reporters surrounded them, relentless and aggressive. Their questions cut deeper than necessary, prying and probing for more, broadcasting everything live.

Although Xiao Qi could remain at the station, her reputation was now in tatters. While her colleagues treated her with respect, the rest of the world would only gossip and point fingers. The price of staying at the station was steep.

Mo Lan and Qian Yin understood—this must have been the patriarch’s condition in his negotiations.

“Grandfather, you really are devious,” Mo Lan said with a smile, giving him a thumbs-up. She had to admire his cunning.

“That wasn’t my doing,” the old man quickly protested, waving his hands.

He truly wasn’t being modest; he’d merely struck a deal with the chief: let him take the two people to Nanjing, and everything else would be managed. The rest was, he suspected, a play staged by the police themselves.

Mo Lan stroked her chin thoughtfully, and soon pieced together what had transpired.

Soon, a lavish meal was served. As everyone took their seats, they noticed how curiously they’d been arranged: the old patriarch, Mo Fan, and his father on one side; Mo Lan and An Feng, Qian Yin and Lengxue, on the other.

Only Mo Lan and Qian Yin felt the oddity; the rest paid it no mind.

There were sixteen dishes in all—the finest from air, land, and sea. The food was exquisite, but everyone seemed distracted, picking listlessly at their plates, then preparing to stay the night at the Mo residence.

At that moment, the chief sent messages to An Feng and Mo Lan.

Chief: An Feng, you and Mo Lan are to escort the old patriarch to Nanjing. This is an order—no refusal.

Chief: Mo Lan, you and An Feng are to escort your grandfather to Nanjing. Be careful and stay safe.

An Feng and Mo Lan exchanged glances, then quickly looked away.

Meanwhile, Qian Yin dragged Lengxue out into the back garden. The night was enchanting, stars strewn across the sky. Moonlight spilled gently over the leaves, flowers carpeted the grass, and the water in the lake danced merrily.

“You’re so rough—aren’t you afraid no one will ever want you?” Lengxue complained, straightening his collar after being hauled along.

“Like I care! It’s not as if I want you!” Qian Yin shot back without thinking.

“Why are you following me? Is it because I cost you the deal?” When Lengxue didn’t reply, Qian Yin demanded, fuming.

“Because I like you,” Lengxue said curtly, striding away.

He left out a word—it was really “Because I like you.” Everyone understood except the little fool herself. Lengxue’s step was jaunty, but only he knew the bitterness in his heart.

Qian Yin stamped her foot in frustration. In the past, nothing could ruffle her composure, no matter how grave. But recently, her emotions had become unpredictable, and she hadn’t even noticed the change.