At dusk, the Mo Family estate lit up with thousands of lights.
Outside the estate, layers of private guards armed with live ammunition stood watch. A cold, murderous aura silently permeated the air, isolating all prying eyes beyond the high walls.
Inside the estate, however, was an entirely different scene of extreme luxury.
Political dignitaries, military giants, and financial magnates—all figures powerful enough to make the Southeast Asian land tremble—were present in full attire. Amidst the clinking of glasses, whispers of power and exchanges of interests flowed.
Yet, the focus of everyone’s attention invariably converged on the spiral staircase at the far end of the banquet hall—
Ruan Chaoxi stood bathed in the light.
She wore a custom-made champagne-colored strapless gown, its hem adorned with delicate diamonds that shimmered brilliantly with every step. Her long hair was elegantly swept up, revealing a slender, fair neck. An exquisite pink diamond necklace rested gracefully between her collarbones, reflecting a soft, lustrous glow that harmonized with the delicate pink diamond earrings adorning her ears.
Set against the jewelry and opulent attire, she exuded astonishing beauty and the poised demeanor of a young woman coming of age.
Mo Xiaohan escorted her slowly down the spiral staircase, and the entire hall fell silent.
“Thank you all for attending my daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony,” his voice was not loud, yet each word carried a profound weight and absolute authority. “Tonight, we speak only of celebration, nothing else.”
As his words concluded, the band struck up a dance tune.
Following tradition, the first dance was opened by the father and daughter.
Mo Xiaohan’s steps were steady and powerful, while Ruan Chaoxi moved as lightly as a butterfly. The father and daughter twirled gracefully at the center of the dance floor, a scene so beautiful that many momentarily forgot the bloodshed and power these two represented.
As the song ended, the banquet transitioned into free socializing time.
Ruan Chaoxi mingled among the guests, effortlessly switching between Thai, Burmese, and English, her words and actions impeccable.
“Xixi has truly grown up,” Ruan Xingchen said, holding Mo Xiaohan’s arm as she gazed at her daughter, who was handling the crowd with ease. Her eyes were filled with pride and emotion.
She leaned close to his ear and whispered with a light laugh, “After tonight, I wonder how many families will start scheming on how to marry our little princess.”
Mo Xiaohan’s sharp gaze swept over several young scions from prominent families who were enthusiastically conversing with Ruan Chaoxi. He let out a soft, dismissive snort but said nothing. Yet, his expression spoke volumes—anyone wanting to pluck the pearl of the Mo Family would have to ask for his permission first.
Ruan Chaoxi finally managed to extricate herself from the overly attentive guests and slipped quietly to the edge of a secluded balcony. Just as she breathed a sigh of relief, Ruan Xingchen approached, holding a glass of champagne.
“Tired?” she asked gently, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her daughter’s ear. “Take your time adjusting. There will be more occasions like this in the future. Now that you’re an adult, you’re not just the daughter of the Mo Family but also an undeniable presence in Southeast Asia’s social scene.”
Ruan Chaoxi leaned against her mother’s shoulder in a playful, affectionate manner. “I know, Mom. I’ll learn to handle it.”
Ruan Xingchen looked at her daughter’s delicate profile and suddenly felt a teasing urge. Lowering her voice, she chuckled, “Speaking of which, Xixi, now that you’re an adult, you can start thinking about romance. Among the young men here tonight, a few are genuinely impressive—good family background, capability, and looks. Should I keep an eye out for you?”
“Mom!” Ruan Chaoxi immediately straightened up, her pretty face etched with polite refusal. “Men only get in the way of me drawing my gun… ahem, I mean, they’d only slow down my enjoyment of freedom!”Her eyes sparkled with mischief, her tone half-joking yet carrying a hint of seriousness as she said, “But if I really had to find someone… at least it would have to be someone like Miya, right? Handsome, capable in a fight, reliable, and who listens to me!”
She spoke naturally, as if stating an obvious fact, completely unaware of the deeper implications her words might hold.
As soon as she finished speaking, a teasing voice chimed in, “Someone like Samia? My little princess, I’m afraid you’ll have a hard time getting married in this lifetime.”
Mo Jinchen had arrived.
He had just rushed back, still bearing the dust of his journey. Dressed in a black tuxedo that accentuated his tall, straight figure, his handsome face bore a seventy percent resemblance to Mo Xiaohan, though his eyes held a touch more roguish defiance than his father’s.
The heir of the Mo Family was known for his unpredictable and elusive style, often completing breathtaking deals amidst casual conversation. His appearance immediately drew the attention and hushed whispers of many in the room.
“Brother!” Ruan Chaoxi turned around in delight and rushed over to give him a hug. “You really made it back!”
“How could I miss such an important day for our little princess coming of age?” Mo Jinchen ruffled his sister’s hair and casually slipped a small velvet box into her hand. “A gift. See if you like it.”
Ruan Chaoxi opened it to find a pair of exquisitely crafted blue diamond earrings. Upon closer inspection, faint electronic glimmers flickered within the diamonds.
“Built-in tracking and emergency communication functions. Nanotechnology, undetectable by conventional scans,” Mo Jinchen explained quietly.
“Thank you, brother! I love you the most!” Ruan Chaoxi’s eyes curved into crescents.
Mo Jinchen glanced at his mother, then at Samia, who appeared to be conversing with someone not far away but whose attention had remained fixed on Ruan Chaoxi. He raised an eyebrow at his sister. “So, what were you saying earlier? Looking for someone like Samia? You certainly have high standards.” His tone was teasing, carrying an implication only those close to them would understand.
Ruan Chaoxi’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she refused to back down. “I was just making a comparison! Miya is the benchmark! The benchmark, understand!? The highest, almost unattainable benchmark!”
Mo Jinchen watched her righteous yet faintly embarrassed expression, the amusement in his eyes deepening. “Alright, benchmark it is!”
“Brother!” Ruan Chaoxi caught the teasing in his words and lightly punched his arm.
Ruan Xingchen shook her head with a smile nearby, just as a noblewoman approached to speak with her.
Seeing this, Ruan Chaoxi tried to slip away but was also pulled into conversation by a few familiar young ladies from prominent families.
The balcony suddenly grew quiet, leaving only Mo Jinchen and Samia, who had just finished his conversation and walked over.
“Heard our little princess is going to China to ‘experience life’?” Mo Jinchen leaned against the railing, lighting a cigarette, his tone casual.
“Mhm.” Samia took a sip of his drink, the spicy liquid sliding down his throat as his gaze settled on the graceful, smiling figure inside the banquet hall.
“You’re really letting her go?” Mo Jinchen tilted his head to look at him, a playful smile curling at the corner of his mouth. “Can you bear it?”
Samia didn’t answer, merely swirling the glass in his hand, the ice cubes clinking softly against the sides.”Don’t play dumb with me.” Mo Jinchen exhaled a smoke ring, his gaze sharpening. “The way you look at her—even a blind man could tell something’s off. It’s been over a decade. Are you planning to keep guarding her like this forever?”
Samia’s fingers tightened slightly around his wine glass. After a long pause, he finally spoke in a low voice, “I support her decision.”
“Just support?” Mo Jinchen raised an eyebrow, leaning half a step closer and lowering his voice to a tone laced with brotherly teasing and a hint of seriousness. “China is a place full of hidden talents and deep waters. Especially with her personality—she seems obedient on the surface, but deep down, she’s strong-willed and curious. What if… she really brings back a ‘surprise’ from there…” He deliberately paused, watching Samia’s reaction.
Samia turned sharply to look at him, the air around him seeming to drop several degrees in an instant. Darkness churned in his eyes, with an undercurrent of obsession swirling deep within. He didn’t speak, but his gaze said everything.
Mo Jinchen understood the unspoken resolve in his eyes and shook his head with a wry smile. “Alright, I know you have your plans. I’ll have my people keep an eye on things too. I’m just waiting to see when this ‘benchmark’ of yours will turn into a ‘home.'”
With that, he stubbed out his cigarette and patted Samia on the shoulder. “Let’s go. The birthday girl is about to cut the cake. Remember, don’t scare the guests tonight.”
Samia lowered his gaze, and when he looked up again, his usual cold severity and restraint had returned. He adjusted his cuff and walked with Mo Jinchen toward the center of the banquet hall.
There, Ruan Chaoxi was smiling as she blew out the eighteen candles amid the blessings of her parents and all the guests. The moment the candlelight went out, she seemed to sense something and looked up in Samia’s direction, giving him a graceful smile.
That smile seemed to cut through all the noise and calculations, reaching straight into the softest corner of Samia’s heart.
He raised his wine glass slightly and gave a faint nod.
But deep inside, a voice roared silently, etching itself over and over again:
You are mine, and only mine.
No matter where you go, in the end, you must return to my side.