Shen Zhuohe stared at his smiling face, momentarily stunned.
His family background wasn’t considered top-tier in Pingcheng. The higher the social circle, the more closed-off it became, making it difficult for those from lower circles to fit in. The reason Shen Zhuohe was able to stand here today was because Mrs. Sheng, worried that Lu Qiao might feel awkward as the only man present, had invited him to keep the young man company.
Shen Zhuohe was used to such tasks and didn’t mind, but he couldn’t help feeling curious about what kind of person this Mr. Mo was, so he paid a little more attention.
However, after observing his words and actions for a while, along with that smile just now, he couldn’t help but feel. that this Mr. Mo seemed a bit too naive.
Could someone as guileless as him really avoid being swallowed up by the seemingly glamorous yet inherently corrupt world of fame and fortune?
Before Shen Zhuohe could fully process his thoughts, someone nearby spoke up:
“Sorry, Mr. Lu. We’ve been chatting about things like fashion, makeup, and jewelry. You must find it quite boring, right?”
“Not at all.” Hearing the question, Lu Qiao straightened his posture, placing his hands gently on his knees. His clear, bright eyes shimmered with a soft light as he replied in a tone as elegant as the ladies present:
“I find it quite interesting.”
“Really? That’s great. I was worried you might be bored.”
“By the way, besides tea, we also have an ikebana class here. Would you like to take a look?”
The teahouse had an exceptionally refined ikebana classroom, where a young female teacher was always present. Occasionally, servers from the front teahouse would come to help when there were guests.
When Lu Qiao entered, he saw several ikebana arrangements displayed on the low cabinet at the front of the room. Some were simple and elegant, evoking a sense of freedom and ease, while others were lush and vibrant, with buds ready to bloom. A few arrangements were accompanied by incense burners and exquisitely crafted tea sets, making the scene even more pleasing to the eye.
Seeing Lu Qiao standing before one of the arrangements, absorbed in admiration, the teahouse owner approached and asked, “Mr. Lu, are you familiar with ikebana?”
Lu Qiao shook his head gently and said, “I’ve never learned it, but it looks fascinating, and the arrangements are beautiful. May I learn it too?”
“Of course, you can start right now.” The owner called the teacher over and said:
“Mr. Lu is interested in ikebana. Please introduce him to some basic knowledge.”
The teacher guided Lu Qiao to a side table, where he sat down and began arranging flowers.
Seeing Lu Qiao settle in, the others also returned to their unfinished arrangements, continuing their work. During this time, Mrs. Sheng glanced over and saw the handsome man sitting beside a sliding wooden door, carefully trimming flower stems under the teacher’s guidance.
Occasionally, he would look up and offer the teacher a gentle smile. His serene and graceful profile seemed to overlap, in a fleeting moment, with all the noble ladies she had seen here before.
The ikebana teacher had taught many ladies and young women at the teahouse. Some treated it as a casual hobby, others merely as a social obligation, and only a few genuinely wanted to learn. When she first met Lu Qiao, she assumed he was just making polite conversation. To her surprise, he truly immersed himself in the art of ikebana, even showing considerable talent. Though still a beginner, his work was already taking shape. However.
“Teacher, look, I’ve finished. How is it?”
The boy held up a small, delicate bouquet, presenting it to the teacher.
The teacher praised him sincerely, “Excellent, Mr. Lu has a real talent.”
The refined guest beamed with joy, his eyes crinkling into a smile. “Really? That’s wonderful.”
But how could someone who looked so clever and obedient create such sharp, flamboyant, and almost arrogant floral arrangements?
After spending half the afternoon together, Lu Qiao had already blended into this circle of ladies. Although same-sex marriage had been legalized in the country for several years, he was the first proper “male wife” from a wealthy family. At first, the others weren’t sure how to treat him, but as they spent time together, they realized they could simply ignore his gender and treat him like any other lady.
The group idled away some time in the flower-arranging classroom before it was time for tea and snacks. When they returned to the room, Lu Qiao was no longer just listening quietly he occasionally chimed in with a comment or two.
Somehow,
The scene felt even more harmonious now.
However, Lu Qiao wasn’t particularly interested in small talk. After playing the “wealthy wife” game for half the afternoon, he was tired and began slacking off on the side. Coincidentally, President Mo also had a break around that time and sent him a message:
【Big_Husband: Having fun at the tea party?】
【Lu Qiao: Yes, it’s fun.】
Holding a piece of honey cake in one hand, Lu Qiao typed slowly:
【Lu Qiao: I’ve met many new friends, tasted delicious snacks, and learned flower arranging. I’m doing really well the teacher praised me for being quick to learn [cute]】
【Lu Qiao: [proudly throwing flowers]】
Half a city away, Mo Hanzhou stared at the words “flower arranging” and felt a momentary indescribable emotion. For him, if there were a hundred skills he absolutely had to master in life, flower arranging would undoubtedly be the last. Compared to painting, calligraphy, or even jewelry appreciation, flower arranging seemed too niche, and he had never expected his future spouse to take up this art.
But
【Big_Husband: As long as you’re happy, baby.】
At the table, Lu Qiao looked down at the word “baby” and broke into a sweet smile.
My husband loves me so much!
If today marked Lu Qiao’s debut as a wealthy wife, the results were undoubtedly satisfying.
Lu Qiao’s gentle, sensible demeanor, free from vulgar interests and dedicated to the pursuit of high art, perfectly fit the image of a proper lady from a wealthy family. He had deeply won the approval of the other ladies. As the gathering was winding down, one of the ladies, surnamed Lin, extended a new invitation.
“This Sunday, some friends and I are organizing a charity event to deliver gifts to children at a welfare home. If you have time, Mr. Lu, why not join us?”
Lu Qiao replied with delight, “Of course I have time! Children are the future of society no matter how busy I am, I’ll always make time to care for them!”
Seeing Lu Qiao’s heartfelt enthusiasm, the lady nodded in satisfaction.
A little later, the teahouse owner mentioned that a new batch of tea sets had arrived and invited the ladies to take a look. The group chatted and laughed as they made their way outside…
The inner hall was separated from the outer area by a Suzhou-style garden and a long circular corridor. Passing through the corridor led to the teahouse’s main lobby. As they approached the door connecting the inner and outer areas, they heard voices from the entrance several guests were slowly making their way from the outside toward the inside.
Lu Qiao looked up, his eyelids suddenly fluttering. Among the group walking toward them was a tall, handsome, and mature man. He had been chatting with a friend, but when he noticed Lu Qiao’s gaze, he glanced over almost imperceptibly, the corners of his elegant and handsome lips curling slightly, revealing a hint of nonchalance.
Lu Qiao hurriedly lowered his eyes.
The man’s smile deepened.
Lu Qiao bought a set of moon-white Ru kiln tea ware. While waiting for it to be packaged, the group sat back down, and Lu Qiao got up to use the restroom.
The restroom carried a faint scent of sandalwood, mixed with a touch of jasmine, making even a trip to the bathroom feel genuinely pleasant. He turned on the faucet to wash his hands, the warm water flowing gently over his palms before slipping quickly through his fingers.
Footsteps sounded behind him, and soon, someone stood at the sink next to him.
The water flowed faster. Lu Qiao pulled out a paper towel, hastily wiped his hands, tossed the used towel into the trash, and prepared to leave.
“Sister-in-law ”
The man at the sink turned sideways, smiling as he looked at the flustered boy before him.
“What’s wrong, Sister-in-law? Why so nervous when you see me?”
Isn’t it because I’m afraid I might accidentally lose control and beat you to a pulp?
Lu Qiao bit his lower lip, turning around with a look of panic. His gaze swept over the man’s teasing smile as he stammered out a hoarse and helpless greeting.
“Mr. Mo.”
“Mo Hanzhou is Mr. Mo, and I’m also Mr. Mo. How can I tell who you’re calling, Sister-in-law? Why don’t you just call me by my name?”
The man took a step forward, puffing out his chest as he closed in on Lu Qiao.
Lu Qiao mumbled, “Mo… Mo?”
Huh, what?
The man waited a moment, but Lu Qiao didn’t manage to say his name. Seeing Lu Qiao lost in thought, his face darkened slightly, and he gritted his teeth, emphasizing each word:
“My name is Mo Yunchong!”
Oh, who can remember that?
It’s not important anyway.
Mo Yunchong brushed past the awkward moment and returned to the atmosphere:
His gaze roamed over Lu Qiao with a wicked glint. “Have you missed me, Sister-in-law?”
Lu Qiao avoided the question. “I am Hanzhou’s wife. Please step aside and stop harassing me.”
“How can this be called harassment? That useless Mo Hanzhou can’t make you happy. I’m doing this for your own good, Sister-in-law.”
You’re wrong about that. Sir is fully functional and has excellent stamina. Even when not in use, he can stay on standby for a long time.
Lu Qiao was already considering whether to tell this illegitimate son to stop daydreaming and reaching for what he couldn’t have, or to directly show him the “evidence” to make him face reality.
Thinking of Mo Hanzhou’s concerns about his own health, Lu Qiao regretfully dismissed the latter option.
Forget it, let’s just get rid of him first. Otherwise, the ladies might start to suspect something.
The boy bravely lifted his face to confront the man. “If you don’t step aside, I’ll call for help.”
“Go ahead, Sister-in-law. If you call for help, everyone will know we’ve been meeting in secret. I don’t mind people knowing, but what do you think Mo Hanzhou will think?”
Lu Qiao was indeed threatened by his words, timidly taking a step back, which conveniently placed him in a position where Mo Yunchong could easily wrap his arms around him. As expected, Mo Yunchong reached out to block his little sister-in-law.
Lu Qiao stretched one hand toward the soap dispenser, quickly scooped out some soap, and flung it onto the floor near Mo Yunchong’s feet. Then, gripping the edge of the sink tightly, he pushed Mo Yunchong with all his might.
“Get out of my way ”
With Lu Qiao’s petite frame, it was absolutely impossible for him to push him. Mo Yun Chong was completely confident. However, Lu Qiao’s raised elbow happened to slam right into his face. To avoid taking a direct hit, Mo Yun Chong had no choice but to take half a step back. But as his foot landed on the ground, he suddenly slipped, losing his balance.
Lu Qiao, still unaware of the situation, shook his head and raised his hand a solid slap landed squarely on Mo Yun Chong’s face.
The force from the slap sent Mo Yun Chong’s body completely off balance. With a loud “thud,” he crashed heavily to the ground. The pain of his buttocks feeling as if they had split into four instantly surged through his entire body.
“Fuck ” he blurted out a curse.
Lu Qiao stared blankly at the scene before him, as if he didn’t understand what had just happened. It wasn’t until Mo Yun Chong let out a pained groan that he suddenly snapped back to reality. He lifted his foot and immediately bolted toward the exit.
“Where are you going?!”
Mo Yun Chong reached out a hand to grab Lu Qiao’s ankle, only to grimace in pain the very next second.
Panic-stricken, Lu Qiao flailed like a drowning person desperately clutching at a straw only to be dragged back down, or as if he had fallen into a horde of zombies.
A look of terror flashed across his face. He lifted his foot and brought it down hard, stomping on the back of Mo Yun Chong’s hand.
“Let go of me!”
“Fuck ”
The two voices rang out simultaneously. The dual agony from his buttocks and hand made it impossible for Mo Yun Chong to hold on any longer. Lu Qiao broke free and immediately dashed toward the door, his retreating figure cold and merciless.
Mo Yun Chong clutched his hand and curled up on the floor:
How could someone so small be so strong?
Ahhh, his hand, his butt!!
Only after stepping out did Lu Qiao realize that Mo Yun Chong had closed the bathroom door when he entered. Well, he might as well kindly close it again to prevent anyone from seeing Mo Yun Chong’s embarrassing state.
Ah, what a gentle person he was.
Lu Qiao had been in the bathroom for quite a while, but for refined ladies, such a duration was nothing out of the ordinary. No one noticed anything amiss. Lu Qiao nonchalantly rejoined the group and quickly blended back in.
In the front hall, everyone’s gifts had been packed up. Several guests picked up their presents and prepared to leave.
The gathering had been a joyous occasion for both hosts and guests. Most importantly, it had introduced the future Mrs. Mo, who would hold significant influence in Pingcheng’s high-society circles.
Before leaving, Lu Qiao also arranged with Mrs. Lin the time for their visit to the welfare center and their next tea house flower-arranging session.
He had smoothly integrated into this circle.
The group parted ways at the entrance of the tea house. Lu Qiao maintained a flawless smile until he got into the car, where it slowly faded.
The driver in front asked, “Madam, heading home?”
Lu Qiao glanced out the window at the gradually graying sky and nodded. “Home.”
Resting his elbow on the window frame, he couldn’t help but sigh. In just one day, he already missed Mo Han Zhou.
He missed that face of his, and the way he spoke and moved without a hint of pretentiousness a refreshing sight for sore eyes.
That evening, Mo Han Zhou had a business dinner. It was past ten at night when he returned home. The lights were on in the room, and his little wife was lying on the bed, watching something on a tablet screen, still awake.
This was normal for young people, so Mo Han Zhou didn’t find it strange until he approached his delicate spouse and caught a glimpse of the flashing images on the screen.
Mo Han Zhou: ?
In front of the massive teaching screen, the broadcaster’s clear, resonant, and powerful voice slowly spread through the air:
“Article 234 of the Criminal Law: Whoever intentionally injures another person shall be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not more than three years, criminal detention, or public surveillance.”
Mo Hanzhou: ?