LOCAM 28

Chapter 28

On the first day of the New Year, Madam Mo planned to go up the mountain to pray for blessings.

Su Li wanted to go as well.

So Madam Mo took Su Li with her to the temple on the mountain to pray. Mo Xingyuan went with Mr. Mo instead.

On the way there, Madam Mo looked somewhat sorrowful. It was supposed to be a joyful New Year, but the thought that her son’s time was running out only deepened her helpless worry.

Su Li felt the same.

Although she didn’t have romantic feelings for Mo Xingyuan, she still hoped he would be safe and well.

When they arrived at the temple gates, there were quite a few people there to pray, most of them women.

Su Li followed behind Madam Mo. Kneeling on a cushion, she pressed her palms together, closed her eyes, and devoutly prayed to all the gods to grant the wish in her heart.

After quite a while, Madam Mo stood up, her eyes already moist.

Su Li understood the sorrow in her heart. Breathing in the temple’s distinctive scent of incense, she found that it calmed her mind somewhat.

After leaving the temple and getting into the car, Madam Mo looked into the distance and asked, “Do you think our wish will come true?”

“It will,” Su Li said firmly. “He’s a good person. Good people receive good fortune.”

Madam Mo withdrew her gaze and looked at Su Li, doubt in her eyes. “You prayed for him too?”

“Yes.”

For once, Madam Mo revealed a faint smile and gently patted her hand. “Whether you mean it sincerely or not, the fact that his well-being is something you prayed for—I thank you.”

Su Li looked at Madam Mo. “Of course I mean it.”

Madam Mo smiled in relief.

.

At noon, Madam Mo took Su Li to a private restaurant. Today, it was reserved exclusively for the Mo family.

This was also the place the Mo family chose every year for their gatherings.

“Auntie, is it really appropriate for me to go?” Su Li hesitated before getting out of the car.

“You’re our daughter-in-law. You’re part of the Mo family. What’s inappropriate about that?” Madam Mo said. “It’s a good chance to meet the family.”

Wishing for Mo Xingyuan’s well-being was one thing, but Su Li had never thought about interacting with the rest of his family.

On top of what had happened to Lu Jing, she still felt some resistance in her heart.

“It’s fine. They don’t bite,” Madam Mo reassured her. “You don’t need to do anything. Just stay by Mo Xingyuan’s side. As for recognizing everyone, that can’t be done in a day. There’s still plenty of time. You’ll get to know them gradually.”

Madam Mo’s words steadied Su Li.

As they walked through the main gate, they entered a quaint courtyard—arched bridges over flowing water, pavilions and towers—it felt as though they had wandered into a grand household from ancient times.

The moment one stepped inside, restless thoughts seemed to be soothed.

Madam Mo led Su Li down a long corridor. At the arched doorway at the end, they saw Mo Xingyuan standing there.

He was dressed in a long black overcoat, standing beside white walls and dark green tiles, tall and slender, quiet and refined.

“Mom,” Mo Xingyuan called out to Madam Mo.

She walked closer. “Why are you standing outside? Aren’t you cold?” She reached out to touch his hand.

“Not cold.” Mo Xingyuan glanced at Su Li; she was looking at him.

“Has everyone arrived?”

“Yes.”

“In a moment, keep Ah Li by your side,” Madam Mo instructed him. “Don’t let her end up alone.”

Mo Xingyuan cast Su Li a sideways glance. “Mm.”

Rarely did he agree so readily.

Su Li was still somewhat nervous.

This marriage had never begun with genuine feelings. She had never thought she would be with Mo Xingyuan for the long term, nor had she imagined how long she would carry the title of the Mo family’s daughter-in-law.

Meeting relatives and friends like this made everything feel different.

Once Madam Mo walked ahead, Su Li tugged gently at Mo Xingyuan’s sleeve.