“Putting on an act?”
Hearing that, Lin Yumo wasn’t angered. Instead, a faint smile tugged at her lips.
“I know you don’t need it. But I’ll turn your not needing it into needing it…”
Mu Linhan’s eyes suddenly widened.
“What do you mean?”
“Exactly what I said.”
Under his burning gaze, Lin Yumo’s slender fingers continued down his body. Then she gently took his hand and tucked it beneath the warm silk quilt.
At that, he laughed in anger.
“…Crazy.”
His voice was quiet, but if you listened closely, you could hear the gritted-teeth anger in it.
Lin Yumo calmly nodded. “You’re right.”
She wasn’t normal to begin with.
“Get out. Don’t let me see you again.”
The man’s low voice carried a warning.
“Fine. I won’t disturb your rest.”
Lin Yumo nodded. After making sure he was tucked in, she headed straight for the door.
When she opened it, a tall figure was leaning against the hallway wall. Mu Chen’an stood there with his arms folded, looking as though he’d been waiting for her.
“Little Sister-in-law.”
Seeing Lin Yumo come out, Mu Chen’an straightened.
“Finished talking with my brother?”
“Mm.” Lin Yumo’s smile faded. “Please keep showing me the way, Second Young Master. Sorry to have kept you waiting.”
“No need to be so polite.”
Mu Chen’an slipped his hands into his pockets, smiling. “We’re family now. If you don’t mind, you can call me Achen, or… little brother.”
“…”
Lin Yumo didn’t take the bait.
There was no way she could bring herself to use such a nauseating term.
Mu Chen’an didn’t seem embarrassed in the slightest. He asked, “How did things go with my brother? He didn’t scare you, did he? Don’t let the way he looks fool you—he’s not a bad person. He just has a bit of a temper. I’ll have to ask you to be patient with him from now on, Little Sister-in-law.”
“No, he was very nice.”
She replied mildly, her tone giving nothing away.
“Oh… really?”
He looked surprised.
“He didn’t snap at you? Didn’t tell you to leave?”
“No. He was quite gentle.”
Lin Yumo lied without batting an eye.
“…Gentle?”
Mu Chen’an chuckled. “That’s the first time I’ve heard anyone describe him as ‘gentle.’ My brother’s famous for having no interest in women. I thought…”
He slowed his pace, then suddenly turned around.
Lin Yumo looked up and met his gaze.
“You thought what?”
Mu Chen’an shook his head. “Nothing. It seems… my brother likes you quite a bit.”
“I’m honored.”
Lin Yumo smiled.
Downstairs, the reception room was still lively.
Lin Weicai was enthusiastically telling Gu Xinyue how outstanding the daughter he’d raised was, how worthy she was of becoming the Mu family’s daughter-in-law and how dutifully she would care for her in-laws. He sounded as if he were energetically pitching a high-value product.
Gu Xinyue had been cool and distant throughout. It was only when she saw Mu Chen’an that the hint of a smile appeared on her face.
“What did your brother say?”
She addressed her son, but the corner of her eye fell on Lin Yumo beside him, regarding her with an unrestrained sideways glance.
Mu Chen’an replied, “My brother seems to like Sister-in-law quite a bit. You arranged this marriage well.”
At that, Lin Weicai beamed, unable to keep the grin off his face.
“Looks like the fortune-teller was right. Our Yumo and the Eldest Young Master were destined for each other!”
Gu Xinyue gave a scoffing laugh.
There was a fair bit of mockery in her smile.
A mentally ill woman and a disabled man really were a perfect match.
“Even if the Lin family can’t compare with the Mu family, she’s my only daughter. She’s beautiful, and she’s absolutely a good match for the Eldest Young Master!”
Gu Xinyue finally relented. “In that case, choose a suitable time for her to move in. Linhan’s health is rather poor. He needs someone considerate to look after him.”
“Of course, of course!”
Lin Weicai’s face lit up. “Please let us know what time works for you, in-law. Or she can stay here right away. I can pack up her things and bring them over.”
“Why the rush? I still need to tell Master.”
“Of course. We’ll do whatever you arrange, in-law!”
Lin Weicai slapped his thigh, his face full of excitement.
Gu Xinyue stood, bringing the conversation to an end. “I’ll have someone notify you when the time comes. Butler Lu, show them out.”
“Yes.”
…
After the group left the Mu family estate, the ingratiating smile vanished from Lin Weicai’s face. He drew Lin Zhengze aside, lagging well behind the two women, then secretly took a brand-new bank card from his pocket.
“Son, there’s a hundred thousand in here. Take it.”
Lin Zhengze stared in surprise. “…What’s this?”
“Your sister’s bride price. The million the Mu family gave us paid off the debt, and there was three hundred thousand left. Take this and use it. Aren’t you seeing someone these days? Bring her home soon and give the Lin family a chubby grandson!”
Lin Weicai lowered his voice, his words full of affection for his son. “You’re the only heir to the Lin family. Once your sister marries out, she’ll be an outsider. Who else should I spend this money on? But keep it quiet. Once we’ve got the Mu family backing us, the good days will be ahead!”
Lin Zhengze’s eyes shone.
“Dad, I knew you were the one with foresight!”
“Hmph. Your sister’s going to be the Mu family’s Eldest Young Madam. Our family will be able to throw its weight around all over A City! I raised her, and I helped her marry into a wealthy family. She’d better show me some gratitude, wouldn’t you say?”
“Exactly…”
Just then, Li Yuan turned around.
“What are you two talking about?”
Lin Zhengze hurried over, grinning. “Dad and I were talking about my sister. Sis, our whole family will be counting on you from now on. I’m your only younger brother, so you have to help me and make sure I can get married soon.”
Li Yuan chimed in, “That’s right, Momo. Be a good daughter-in-law and take good care of your in-laws when you move in. The Mu family certainly won’t let you down. It’s a good thing.”
Lin Weicai said, “With the Mu family supporting us, the Lin family can make a comeback for sure. Lin Yumo, you’d better do your best and not embarrass us. Tomorrow, go with your mother to the hospital and get more medicine to take with you. You can take it at the Mu family’s place. Don’t get thrown out for being called a lunatic.”
Lin Yumo raised her eyes and slowly looked over the three people bound to her by blood.
Every word was another demand.
Her father was greedy, her mother weak, and her younger brother selfish.
Just like in her previous life.
A faint smile touched her lips as she spoke softly.
“Don’t worry. I won’t disappoint you.”
They thought they could use her as a stepping-stone?
They could forget it.