Chapter Forty-Three: The Gathering Storm

Because both Mo Qinghan and He Zheyu were sporting visible injuries on their faces, Mo Qinghan took a few days off from school, claiming she needed to deal with matters concerning Mo Qingyu at the hospital. He Zheyu, on the other hand, granted himself a few days off as well, conveniently keeping Mo Qinghan company. In truth, neither of them stepped outside; whatever they needed, He Zheyu simply called Han Mo to deliver. Their secluded world for two was indeed quite pleasant.

Just as Mo Qinghan was asking He Zheyu what he planned for dinner, He Zheyu suggested she change her clothes, intending to take her out to eat. Hearing this, Mo Qinghan hesitated for a moment before saying, “First, your face hasn’t fully healed yet—are you sure you want to go out? Second, are you certain you want to so blatantly take me out for dinner? If we run into Zhao Yiya, how should I present myself?”

“First, I’m certain I want to take you out. Second, if we run into Zhao Yiya, you’ll present yourself as Mrs. He.” He Zheyu flashed Mo Qinghan a roguish smile and asked, “Are you satisfied with that answer?”

Mo Qinghan rolled her eyes at him, then retreated into the bedroom to change.

Mo Qinghan assumed that He Zheyu would take her to some upscale restaurant. To her surprise, he brought her to a private kitchen. There wasn’t a single other guest in sight, yet the décor exuded an inexplicable warmth and intimacy.

A kindly gentleman in his sixties, impeccably dressed and carrying an air of elegance that hinted he must have been quite the charmer in his youth, spotted He Zheyu entering with a young woman. He hurried over, smiling broadly, and said, “Ah, Zheyu! Everyone’s waiting for you inside.”

He Zheyu turned to Mo Qinghan and said, “This is Uncle Lin—Lin Mo’s father.”

Mo Qinghan’s face was filled with surprise. “You mean Dr. Lin Mo?”

“Who else did you think?” he replied.

Mo Qinghan immediately greeted, “Hello, Uncle Lin. I’m Mo Qinghan.”

Lin Xuanqing smiled kindly. “Hello, Mo. Go inside with Zheyu—everyone’s waiting.”

He Zheyu responded with a simple “Alright,” then instinctively reached out and took Mo Qinghan’s hand in his own as they walked toward the inner room.

That subtle gesture brought a blush to Mo Qinghan’s cheeks.

From the backyard, Lin Xuanqing’s wife approached with a radiant smile, addressing her husband, “Did you see that?”

Lin Xuanqing feigned ignorance, “See what?”

“That little girl Zheyu brought—she’s as lovely as a fairy.”

“I saw, but just pretend you didn’t. If anyone from the Zhao family finds out, it could be a real problem,” Lin Xuanqing said with concern.

“I know. The young ones come here precisely for the peace and quiet. I know what to say—and what not to say.”

Lin Xuanqing sighed. “We’re getting old; it’s best we stay out of the affairs of the younger generation.” With that, he took his wife’s hand and led her inside.

At the dinner table, Mo Qinghan only recognized Lin Mo; the other two were strangers to her.

Gu Yan and Zhang Yu both stared unabashedly at Mo Qinghan, seated beside He Zheyu. Gu Yan, with his usual carefree manner, exclaimed, “Damn! Zheyu, when did you start hiding such a fresh-faced beauty? No wonder you’ve been dodging our invitations lately. If it were me, I’d never want to leave her side either.”