Chapter 20: This cold, demanding world.
Mo Ran sighed, all that coaxing and he still couldn't get anything out of her.
"Sigh, women really are the best players.."
He thought to himself inwardly as he pushed Lixue away. Gripping her waist, he knew he wasn't going to get anything out of her and he wasn't willing to force her. He'll just continue to watch her movement until she spilled the tea on what she was doing.
"Alright, its obvious I can't keep you locked up. I do wish you'll take the car. It's for your safety, my driver is skilled. I won't ask him to report your movements to me.."
"…"
Lixue's ears perked up as she looked at Mo Ran, wanting to confirm if he was serious.
"You mean, I can go out without being spied on?"
"…"
"Yes." Mo Ran lied smoothly, he wouldn't get reports of her movements from his driver, that was the only truth in his words.
"Thank you and I'm not doing anything dangerous or cheating.."
"..!!!"
"What man in this country can be compared to me Mrs Mo?" Mo Ran replied distastefully.
"None Mr Mo, no one reaches your caliber.."
Lixue figured buttering him up with some sweet words would grant her freewill, she knew it wasn't easy to throw off a man like Mo Ran.
Mo Ran smiled, he guessed it was his turn to be coaxed and he liked it.
"My eyes are on you, don't think you're completely off the hook…" Mo Ran stood up as he grabbed his jacket, wanting to go on a night stroll. He turned back to Lixue who had also gotten out of the bed. "And remember, be home before 7pm, you can go to wherever you like but be home by 7pm, that's my only condition.."
Lixue nodded, she only spent the mornings and afternoons at dream entertainment. But she didn't know how long she'll be able to keep it up after her debut.
"Then where are you going to?"
Mo Ran grabbed his keys before turning to Lixue, he paused and walked up to her.
"Grabbing a drink with some friends. Don't wait up and don't skip dinner. Auntie Zhang will notify me if you do.."
Lixue nodded his dealings weren't her business and she hoped he wouldnt meddle into her's too much.
"I don't skip dinner, I need to grow.."
Mo Ran chuckled and raised her chin, stroking it gently, he uttered "it would be nice if you fatten up, a good stamina is an added bonus in bed..."
"!!"
Lixue blushed as she took a step back "Mr Mo please be on your way.."
Mo Ran chuckled as he headed to the door, he turned back again with a smile Lixue had never seen in her past life "It would be nice if we go sleep together tonight…i meant cuddle if you thought otherwise..Mrs Mo.."
"!!"
"I did not!"
Mo Ran chuckled and walked out of the room, waving goodbye. Lixue made sure Mo Ran had left the house completely before leaving the room.
Heading out, she meet auntie Zhang at the start of the hallway, auntie Zhang had a smile on her face, she had a feeling Mo Ran had told her something before he left.
"Young Madam," Auntie Zhang greeted, bowing slightly. "Stepping out at this hour?" She asked seeing the robe wrapped tightly around her.
Lixue stopped, smoothing the hem of her nightear to steady herself. "Yes. Just for some fresh air." She kept her tone light, trying to hide any nervousness. "I won't be long."
Auntie Zhang's eyes twinkled with a knowing gleam, the kind only someone as experienced as her could possess. "Young Master told me to remind you—be home before seven tomorrow," she said, pausing for emphasis. "And… to make sure you don't skip any meals."
Lixue swallowed hard, recalling his parting words about stamina and "fattening up." Her cheeks heated, and she quickly waved a hand. "Of course. I wouldn't dare disappoint him."
Auntie Zhang chuckled softly, her voice laced with amusement. "Young Master seemed in high spirits tonight. It's been a long time since I've seen him smile like that."
Lixue feigned indifference, hoping to steer the conversation away. "He's always teasing. Nothing new."
The older woman tilted her head, her smile deepening. "Perhaps. But there was something different about tonight… And he did mention how lovely it would be if you two could sleep together—just to cuddle, of course."
"!!!"
Lixue's face flared bright red. "I-I'm sure he was just joking!"
Auntie Zhang nodded thoughtfully, stepping aside to let her pass. "Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, it warms my heart to see the Young Master this relaxed."
Feeling trapped in the conversation, Lixue forced a tight smile. "Goodnight, Auntie Zhang."
"Goodnight, Young Madam," Auntie Zhang replied, her tone gentle but laced with amusement. "Be careful."
Lixue walked briskly down the hallway, each step echoing louder than her pounding heart. The night air greeted her as she stepped outside, cool and crisp, finally calming her racing thoughts. She drew a deep breath, lifting her gaze to the star-studded sky.
"Mo Ran…" she muttered, shaking her head. "Impossible man."
But as much as she wanted to push his words aside, they clung to her—those tender, teasing words that made her chest ache. She couldn't let her guard down. Not yet.
Lixue strolled quietly through the estate grounds, the cool night air wrapping around her like a cloak. The path was dimly lit by the faint glow of garden lanterns, their soft light guiding her steps. She didn't know where she was headed at first, only that she needed to be somewhere away from the house, away from Mo Ran's lingering presence.
After a few minutes, she found herself standing before a small, hidden garden tucked between towering trees. It was serene, almost forgotten, with wildflowers growing untamed and a wooden bench nestled beneath a sprawling willow. The faint scent of jasmine and earth hung in the air, and above her, the stars twinkled like scattered diamonds in the inky sky.
Lixue took a deep breath and sat on the bench, letting the quiet embrace her. She tilted her head back, gazing at the stars, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed her thoughts to wander freely.
Her mother's face came to mind—soft, kind, and blurred at the edges by time. The memories were faint, like wisps of smoke, but they were warm and comforting. She remembered sitting in her mother's lap as a child, listening to the gentle hum of a lullaby, her tiny hands clasped in her mother's as they pointed at the stars together.
"See that one, Xue'er?" her mother's voice echoed in her mind, delicate and soothing. "That's your star, the one that watches over you."
She clenched her hands in her lap, the bittersweet ache of longing tightening her chest. Her mother had been her only source of warmth in a cold, demanding world, and losing her had been like losing the last piece of her heart that felt whole.
"I wish you were still here, where are you mother?" she whispered, her voice trembling as she stared up at the vast sky.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone