“Don’t worry. There’s nothing out of the ordinary happening on my side. You just have to take good care of Little Bean and yourself.”
Yan mumbled before she could stop herself, “You are obviously lying through your teeth. Why would you suddenly look for Song An if nothing’s wrong?”
“I’m merely looking for her because she is Moxuan’s family. I just want her to stimulate his memory. That’s all.”
Yan wasn’t very convinced with what she said. “Are you sure? Is that the only reason?”
Han Muzi sighed. “I am left with no choice. Do you have a better idea?”
Yan hesitated before answering truthfully, “No.”
The two of them chatted for a while, but Yan couldn’t help herself. “The New Year is just around the corner. Aren’t you coming home to celebrate with Little Bean and spend some time with us?”
Han Muzi was slightly moved when she heard that. I would love to go home. What kind of mother on earth wouldn’t miss her own child? However… I’m not sure if there might be any new development in the current situation. Nevertheless, Yan was persistent with her questioning, and so Han Muzi reassured her, “I’ll decide when the time comes. If it’s possible, I will return home for Chinese New Year.”
In the past, Han Muzi always rejected Yan straight away, but she was now stating a different opinion. Thus, Yan suddenly felt as if the situation at Han Muzi’s side might be better than she imagined. In that case, wouldn’t it be great if I can take Little Bean along to visit her during Chinese New Year?
Yan replied happily at that thought, “In that case, Little Bean, your brother, and I will all wait for some good news from you.”
“Mm-hmm.”
…
At the Yuchi residence.
“Where were you?” Yuchi Jin barked coldly once Ye Moxuan entered the house. He instructed the servants in the living room to leave the moment Ye Moxuan arrived home, whereas Yuchi Jin was sitting alone on the couch.
Ye Moxuan paused, and he recalled the scene where he was with Han Muzi. Then, he recalled the information and description he was given about Yuchi Jin over the phone call. It seems like it was all a lie. Ye Moxuan pursed his lips before making his way to the old man with heavy steps. “Grandpa.”
Yuchi Jin smirked at him. “Do you still think of me as your grandfather?”
Ye Moxuan pressed his lips together in a thin line, but he remained silent.
“Where were you? I thought you were working overtime in the company for the past few days. However, I found out today that you have been leaving work on time. You weren’t staying late in the company at all.”
Ye Moxuan looked up at him. “I am an adult. I should have my own life even if I’m not staying back in the company to work overtime. Are you saying that I should only stay at home if I’m not in the company?”
Yuchi Jin paused before snorting in disdain. “What is wrong with staying at home? I am getting old. Don’t you want to spend more time with me?”
In all honesty, I don’t have much affection for this grandfather of mine. The only thing I know is that he claimed to be my grandfather when I woke up. He fed me with some memories of my past, and I just went along and believed him. However, I don’t feel close to him at all. I just want to run as far away as possible, especially when he tried to control me by forcing my engagement with Duanmu Xue.
“Forget it. I can understand that youngsters like you wouldn’t want to accompany old folks like me. However, Xue is such a good girl. She is the apple of the eye of the Duanmu family. How could you reject her?”
Ye Moxuan’s expression turned frosty at the mention of Duanmu Xue. “In that case, do you think I should lead her on despite having no interest in her, Grandfather?” he asked icily.
Yuchi Jin shook with fury. “You are such a brat. Can’t you speak respectfully? Keep your mouth shut if you can’t!”
Ye Moxuan remained silent at that.
“What do you mean by leading her on? You are not interested in her because you haven’t realized what a good girl she is. Does Xue have any shortcomings? She is pretty and she’s multilingual. In fact, with her professional standing, being with her would only aid your career in the future.”
Ye Moxuan did not respond.
“Shouldn’t you say something?”
Ye Moxuan responded coldly, “Grandpa, didn’t you tell me to shut up?”
Yuchi Jin almost lost his temper, and he placed a hand over his chest. “You are a brat! I suppose you will only be satisfied after I die of anger,” he scolded while sounding out of breath. In fact, he looked as if he was in terrible pain.
Ye Moxuan felt helpless as he massaged his throbbing temples. “The housekeeper mentioned over the phone that you returned to your room. Why are you here now?”
Upon hearing that, Yuchi Jin realized with a start that he had exposed his own lies, and so he straightened up immediately. “What, now? Would you have come home if I hadn’t said that?”
Ye Moxuan stated firmly, “Grandfather, I will not get engaged with Duanmu Xue.”
“What did you just say? I’ve arranged the best marriage there is for you. Just look around you, and you’ll realize that Duanmu Xue’s background and social standing best suits you. Are you planning to be alone for the rest of your life if you don’t get married to her?”
Be alone for the rest of my life? No. Ye Moxuan thought of Han Muzi, and the hostility across his face softened significantly. “In short, I will not get engaged with her no matter how many times you try to convince me, Grandpa. Besides, I don’t need to rely on a woman for my career. If you think that I need to rely on a woman to strengthen my career, you should… seek for a new heir, Grandfather.” I’m just not interested in wealth and riches.
Yuchi Jin was stunned to silence, and his eyes bulged in disbelief while he stared at Ye Moxuan unblinkingly. Ye Moxuan had a blank expression when he made that statement, and Yuchi Jin felt as if he was staring at a figure of another person.
That figure was petite, and although her shoulders were thin and narrow, she held her back straight with pride. Her voice was soft but forceful. “I will not get engaged with that man. I don’t care how many times you try to convince me. I will not get engaged since I’ve decided. I don’t even love him; why would I get engaged with him? Father, I’d rather die in front of you right now than for you to force me to marry a man I do not love.”
At that time, Yuchi Jin was so angry at what she said that tears started brimming in his eyes. She is my daughter after all. How dare she mention the word ‘die’ in front of me, her own father! This is so frustrating!
“You are such a silly child. Would I ever harm you? I’m asking you to get engaged with him for the sake of your future. You do not have any male siblings, and so the Yuchi family will be yours in the future!”
“I don’t want it even if you leave me the entire Yuchi family’s inheritance if I’m not allowed to be with the person I love. Besides, I am able to fend for myself. Why should I rely on someone else?” All those years ago, Ye Moxuan’s mother, who was also Yuchi Jin’s daughter, Yuchi Xin, said that directly to him.
Who would have guessed that, after so many years, her son would have her exact temper? What sins have I committed in my past life for me to deserve this?
Thinking of Yuchi Xin made Yuchi Jin appear much older all of a sudden. Sometimes, I feel as though I should just let the child do as he wishes. I’m so old after all, and I can’t control so much anyway. However, I figured that, since I’m getting old, it is all the more reason I can’t let them keep going like this because I barely have a few years left in me. I have always regretted my choice for not stopping Yuchi Xin. Otherwise… my precious daughter wouldn’t have ended up dead.
When he was reminded of that, Yuchi Jin became even more determined not to allow Ye Moxuan to act in his willful and stubborn ways.
