章 9: VISITING THE MO MANSION

Yue Ling's car pulled up to the grand entrance of the imposing grey mansion, its sheer size and opulence momentarily lost on her as anxiety gripped her heart. She was supposed to arrive at the Mo mansion by 5:00 pm, but now the clock ticked away at 6:30 pm. Self-reproach washed over her as she berated herself for oversleeping, a consequence of her late-night studies on the Mo corporation. Her phone's dead battery only added to her distress, knowing Grandpa Mo must have tried to reach her.

Still seated in the car, Yue Ling pleaded with herself to come up with a plausible excuse. "Oh God, please help me think of something to tell Grandpa Mo. I can't possibly admit to sleeping in late or wasting time shopping and running errands. Nor can I blame it on retrieving my car, even if that's the truth." Her mind raced as she struggled to concoct a convincing explanation for her tardiness.

Yue Ling took a deep breath, stepped out of the car, and adjusted her fitted peach-colored gown. She approached the massive front door, her heels clicking on the pavement, and rang the doorbell. The door opened to reveal a middle-aged man, who ushered her in, announcing that the elderly master had been expecting her.

As she followed him, her heart raced with anticipation. Upon entering the room, she was met with a chilly atmosphere. Grandpa Mo sat flanked by two women: Mrs. Zhao Lifei, who appeared to be in her late forties, and a younger woman with fair skin, resembling her mother - Mo Lin. Yue Ling's instincts sensed something was amiss as they gazed at her with cold, unforgiving eyes. Sweat trickled down her back, but she pressed on, her feet carrying her closer to the trio, her smile faltering for a moment before she regained her composure.

Yue Ling's polite greeting was met with a barrage of angry words from Mo Shen, Zhao Lifei, and Mo Lin. They rebuked her for her tardiness, their faces dark with displeasure.

Yue Ling's eyes widened as she tried to apologize, but they didn't let her get a word in edgewise.

The trio's harsh words and stern expressions left her feeling attacked and belittled. Her face paled, and tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she backed away, still facing them, her retreat a silent admission of defeat.

The atmosphere was tense and hostile, leaving Yue Ling feeling vulnerable and alone.

The sudden burst of laughter from Mo Shen, Zhao Lifei, and Mo Lin caught Yue Ling off guard, leaving her frozen in disbelief. Their merriment was infectious, but Yue Ling's shock and confusion prevented her from joining in. Mo Shen's apology and explanation only added to her bewilderment.

"We were just trying to scare you a little, dear," Mo Shen said with a chuckle. "We were worried about you when we couldn't reach you on the phone."

Zhao Lifei nodded in agreement. "I can't let anything happen to my best friend's daughter. We were worried sick."

Mo Lin took Yue Ling's hand, guiding her to sit beside her. "We're not angry with you at all. We just wanted to play a harmless prank on you."

Yue Ling's face still wore a mix of shock and confusion, her mind struggling to process the sudden turn of events. She couldn't help but wonder if this was some kind of test or a genuine attempt at humor. As she sat down, she couldn't help but laugh nervously, still trying to wrap her head around the situation.

Mo Lin had always longed for a genuine friend and sister figure, someone who wouldn't befriend her just for her wealth or connections. She had been disappointed by past relationships, where people only sought to exploit her generosity and gain access to her fashion house or her brothers. Tired of these superficial connections, Mo Lin was drawn to Yue Ling's kind and humble nature.

As they conversed, Yue Ling felt at ease with Mo Lin, Mo Shen, and Zhao Lifei. Despite their vast wealth, they showed no airs, only warmth and humility. Yue Ling found herself opening up to them, sharing stories and laughter. She began to see the family's sincerity and authenticity, qualities she had rarely encountered in her life.

Mo Lin and Yue Ling discovered they shared similarities, from their height to their passion for fashion. Mo Lin's snow-white skin and striking features only added to her elegance, a trait she shared with her brothers and mother. As the evening unfolded, Yue Ling felt a sense of belonging, a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time. The Mo family's warmth and acceptance enveloped her, making her feel like she had finally found a home.

Yue Ling opened up to the Mo family, sharing her story from her return to China to her discovery of the Mo corporation. She bravely revealed the painful truth about her parents' betrayal and the Yue family's sinister plans. Grandpa Mo listened intently, impressed by her intelligence and diligence. He thought to himself, "My grandson couldn't find a better secretary than Yue Ling."

The Mo family's warmth and support enveloped Yue Ling as they listened to her tale. They were outraged by the Yue family's cruelty and Grandpa Mo was ready to take action. However, Yue Ling calmed him down, determined to handle her situation step by step. Grandpa Mo understood and offered his support, promising to be there for her whenever she needed him.

As the evening progressed, they moved to the dining table, sharing a meal together. The Mo family's kindness and acceptance filled Yue Ling's heart with gratitude. She felt a sense of belonging, finally finding a family that truly cared for her. The dinner table was filled with laughter and conversation, a stark contrast to the cold, calculating world she had left behind. In this moment, Yue Ling knew she had found a new family, one that would stand by her through thick and thin.

Zhao lifei: my dear don't hesitate to always come here, it feels so good having you around.

Yue Ling: thanks aunt I really appreciate, I really can't say how happy I am to have you all, you have given me strength to move on I can't thank you enough,

Zhao lifei: no thank you okay, consider us your family now, this mansion is also yours from Now onwards, and please stop calling me aunt call me mother okay.

she is already having the thought of matching her with one of her sons,when she is married into the family she will always call her mother so there isn't any need for her to call her aunt.

" I will make sure to get her married to Mo Jihnu if Mo Shira doesn't want her, that son of hers is always so difficult to handle, she only prays that someone captures his heart very soon."

after thinking about it she started smiling and thought again that Yue Ling will be working close to Mo Shira from now, maybe she will find a means on getting them closer.

Mo Lin: mother what are you thinking about?

Zhao lifei got out from her thoughts and smiled widely at Mo Lin,

" nothing much my dear, I'm just thinking that Yue Ling is a very nice girl.

Mo Lin: oh! that was it, I thought you were thinking of something else, hmm Yue Ling, you know you will be working with my brother from tomorrow, he is a bit too cold and annoying sometimes but he is a very nice person at heart I promise you okay so don't get too frightened by him.

Zhao lifei: yes yes my son is really very impatient and stubborn but his heart is very neat okay

grandpa Mo:"hey_" both of you stop painting that brats picture to white in front of Ling, she will definitely find out about that immoral, and careless attitude Mo Shira has, so it is okay stop disturbing her.

Yue Ling couldn't help but laugh, the three of them looks like little kids fighting for one thing.

Yue Ling: grandpa, mother and Mo Lin I should be heading home now, it is already late now.

Zhao lifei: yes my dear, you should be going, please drive safe, and inform us once you've reached home.

Yue Ling: yes mother I will make sure of that.

she gives everybody a hug and headed for the door, with Mo Lin seeing her out.

A/N: don't forget to review and comments on this chapter and I'll continue to post more chapters.