“Which do you think is more cruel: never having seen something and thus never longing for it, or having seen it but being unable to touch it?” Bai Yunxia asked him leisurely.
“The latter, I suppose~”
Mo Du felt quite guilty. “Ah, my brother is too intense. I thought a man who sits in the office all day and goes to social events at night wouldn’t have better stamina than me. I underestimated him. An elder brother is still an elder brother—he will forever be my god.”
The blush on Bai Yunxia’s face gradually faded. “A god who breaks divine laws by falling in love?”
“Sister-in-law, you’re so humorous.” Mo Du leaned down to meet her gaze. “How about you divorce my brother and marry me instead? I’m definitely not like him.”
Bai Yunxia: “…”
Being so beautiful, attracting admirers was an inescapable fate she couldn’t avoid.
But why couldn’t she attract that big ice block, Mo Yanzhou?
Mo Du wore an expression that said he was joking, so Bai Yunxia played along, “I never thought the second young master of the Mo family would be into forbidden love.”
If his brother heard this, he’d be kneeling in the study.
Mo Du nervously glanced around, confirming his brother wasn’t there. “No, no, it’s just a joke. I’ve reserved a restaurant. Go change into something pretty, and let’s go out to eat.”
“You… and me?”
“With my brother!!” Mo Du explained. “I shouldn’t have joked around earlier.”
“You do know some jokes shouldn’t be made. Although your brother and I don’t have feelings for each other yet, we’re still husband and wife—legally married, recognized by the state, and lawful.” Bai Yunxia stood up slowly. “What kind of women does your brother like?”
“My brother has never liked women. Of course, he hasn’t liked men either. So, sister-in-law, just do as you please. Whatever makes you comfortable is fine.” Mo Du now wished he could sew his mouth shut.
He was afraid of misspeaking and being punished if his brother heard.
An hour later, Mo Du was pacing back and forth in the hall. “Do girls really take this long to get ready? It’s been an hour already. Why hasn’t sister-in-law come down yet? Brother, shouldn’t you go hurry her up?”
Mo Yanzhou elegantly crossed his long legs while reading the newspaper. “Do you lack even that little patience?”
They used to wait for their mother to get ready often. Their father would play with them and teach them to be patient with women.
Mo Yanzhou remembered it all, though he could never see his mother again.
Just as Mo Du was about to sit down, he saw Bai Yunxia coming downstairs.
“She’s here, she’s here!”
Mo Du was so excited that his voice was rushed and flustered. Mo Yanzhou set down the newspaper and glanced over.
Bai Yunxia wore a white satin dress with pearl strap chains, her long hair tied back and adorned with a white bow. She looked both pure and alluring—gentle, elegant, and radiantly fair.
“No wonder it took so long for her to get ready. She looks as if she isn’t wearing any makeup, yet she’s so beautiful.” Mo Du frantically winked at his brother.
Praise her!
Look at her!
How can you just stand up coldly and walk out? Is your heart made of stone?
He felt that a gentle and sweet girl like his sister-in-law didn’t need a love coach—Mo Yanzhou was the one who needed it!
“You two ride together. I’ll drive.” Mo Du thoughtfully opened the car door for Bai Yunxia and gave her a meaningful look.
Bai Yunxia: “…”
Didn’t see it.
Even if you didn’t say anything, I’d still ride with Mo Yanzhou. Did you think I’d ride with my brother-in-law?
Bai Yunxia settled into Mo Yanzhou’s car, greeted by the familiar blast of cold air as the rear seat vent blew directly against her knees.
So cold.
She pressed her legs together and gradually shifted until her knees rested against Mo Yanzhou’s suit trousers. The contrast of black against white appeared strikingly harmonious.
Mo Yanzhou’s gaze fell upon her pale, smooth knees. “What’s wrong?”
“Cold.”
He reached over to adjust the vent, switching off the rear air conditioning.
As he leaned back, Bai Yunxia’s knees remained pressed against his leg, unable to withdraw now.
“If Mo Du said anything in front of you, pay no mind to him,” Mo Yanzhou remarked coolly. “He’s been spoiled since childhood and lacks propriety.”
Though unaware of their exact conversation, the betting proposal Mo Du had made by the swimming pool that morning was proof enough of his frivolous nature.
Truly brothers—Mo Yanzhou understood Mo Du perfectly.
Mo Du’s remarks about divorce and marrying him were utterly, completely absurd.
“Alright, I’ll ignore him. Is paying attention to you acceptable then?” Bai Yunxia clung to his arm. “Then talk with me more.”
Mo Yanzhou’s previously relaxed arm suddenly tensed. Accustomed to solitude, he was still unaccustomed to physical contact but was making an effort to adapt. In the confined space of the car, he didn’t pull away—nor did it seem necessary.
He understood his grandparents’ intentions: find a companion, have someone by your side, avoid loneliness—they feared he would grow old alone.
His resistance had softened compared to before; he was trying to get along well with her.
“What do you want to talk about?” Mo Yanzhou asked quietly.
“Can I ask about your preferences?” Bai Yunxia smiled sweetly, her clear, bright eyes fixed on his profile. “What do you like to eat? I’ll cook for you next time.”
“No need.”
Rejected so quickly!!!
Mo Yanzhou, you—
Ahhh!
So frustrating!
Truly infuriating!
Fine, if you don’t want it, she wouldn’t have to learn anyway!
Mo Yanzhou felt her grip tighten on his arm. Her eyes dimmed, and the corners of her mouth drooped.
She even seemed tempted to pinch his arm.
Where was her supposed gentleness?
Mo Yanzhou explained unhurriedly, “I meant there are chefs at home. No need for you to cook personally.”
“But you still haven’t told me.”
As her grip loosened slightly, she heard his steady voice: “My diet is quite bland. I don’t eat spicy food, fatty meat, or animal organs.”
“I don’t eat fatty meat either.” That was the only common ground Bai Yunxia could find.
She enjoyed both mild and spicy flavors and even liked organ meats—she found them quite delicious.
But for a domineering CEO, having peculiar tastes was normal.
Bai Yunxia pressed on, “What colors do you like?”
“Black, white, and gray.”
“Is it the white of my dress?” Her fair, lovely hand brushed over her skirt. “Or the white of my pearl straps, or perhaps… Bai Yunxia’s white?”
She leaned closer, her soft body pressing against him, her light, delicate fragrance drifting into his senses. Mo Yanzhou’s breathing grew unconsciously heavier.
Even a simple discussion about colors could somehow circle back to herself—Bai Yunxia certainly had her ways.
“Why aren’t you answering? Is the question that difficult?” Bai Yunxia knew Mo Yanzhou wouldn’t choose the last option.
She was just teasing him.
Mo Yanzhou remained silent as gold—getting him to speak was truly challenging.
Might as well stitch his lips shut with tape.
Hmph!
“I’m looking at the difference between plain white and pearl white on this dress.” Mo Yanzhou’s dark, cool gaze rested on her shoulders.
Each pearl was round, pale, and translucent, while the skin on her shoulders appeared even smoother and more delicate. Further down, a tiny red mole adorned her prominent collarbone, adding a touch of alluring charm to her appearance.
Bai Yunxia breathed softly, her voice gentle as she asked, “How about now? Can you see the difference?”