章 18: Chapter 18: Deceptive Tenderness 3

"Yes." Qu Tan'er moved gracefully, her skirt swaying as she walked to a nearby chair. She slowly sat down, placing her hands gently on her knees, fully displaying the demeanor of a noble lady. "Do you need something from me?" Mo Liancheng stood up slowly, turning around to face Qu Tan'er, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Yes—" Qu Tan'er lifted her head slightly, intending to respond, but froze upon meeting Mo Liancheng's gaze. Her eyes widened, then narrowed in disbelief. There was no mistake; she wasn't seeing things. It was indeed that face that made her gnash her teeth. Mo? Yes, she was a fool. That scoundrel also had the surname Mo! Mo Liancheng?! Qu Tan'er seemed calm as she averted her gaze, her expression unchanged. "I came here to ask if the Prince is available to accompany me back to the Qu Mansion tomorrow." "Don't you think I look familiar?" Mo Liancheng asked suddenly, avoiding her question. His gaze remained fixed on Qu Tan'er's face. There were no screams, curses, or impulsive reactions. It was a bit disappointing, or perhaps it wasn't what he expected? No anger, no changing expressions... "I'm not familiar with you. I never associate with strangers," she lied through her teeth. "Have you forgotten about me this quickly? I thought you would be pleased to see me, but it seems I was wrong." Mo Liancheng's noble bearing, steady and elegant steps, one by one approached Qu Tan'er. His eyes, filled with emotion, radiated a gentle light, more captivating than the moon in the sky. Qu Tan'er lowered her eyes into silence. Silence was the best response. "What, are you unhappy to see me?" Mo Liancheng's voice, as gentle as a spring breeze, carried a hint of seduction. "You misunderstand, My Lord. Of course, I am happy." Qu Tan'er smiled gently, playing along with a bit of flattery. "I have always admired the Prince. I heard the Prince is exceptionally handsome, more beautiful than the leading lady of Yi Xiang Court. Now that I've seen you today, it's indeed true." Her soft voice uttered words of utmost admiration. However, these words... seemed odd. Comparing a noble prince to the leading courtesan of a brothel? And comparing him, a man, to a woman? Mo Liancheng's lips twitched momentarily, then returned to his usual indifference. "It seems I've underestimated you." "I don't understand what you mean, My Lord." Playing dumb—this was certainly an art. "You know perfectly well." "I do not understand." "Pretending to be ignorant?" "I wouldn't dare. Please enlighten me, My Lord." "Why not call me 'husband' or 'beloved'?" Mo Liancheng changed the subject, vividly remembering the words he overheard on their wedding night. He knew she did it on purpose. Being rejected didn't feel good, and it always bothered him. "Doesn't the Prince like it? Then I shall call you 'husband' instead." Qu Tan'er deliberately chose her words. 'Husband' was what a wife would call her husband, while 'My Lord' was too formal for a noble prince. Calling him 'husband' might be more appropriate... right? "Never mind." Mo Liancheng appeared indifferent. "Oh, so will the Prince be free tomorrow, and could you..." "Is there something you need?" Mo Liancheng seemed to purposely interrupt her at that moment. "Yes, it's just—" "Oh?" Whether intentional or not, he always managed to speak up at the right moment.