LOCAM 17

Chapter 17

The two of them walked out of the bedroom, one after the other. Madam Mo smiled at them, her gaze lingering on the red marks on Su Li’s neck, and her smile deepened.

“The housekeeper made some nourishing porridge. Come and have some.”

Madam Mo got up and went to the kitchen, personally serving it. She brought a bowl to Su Li. “You must eat well.”

“Thank you.” Su Li took it with both hands, obedient and considerate.

Madam Mo then looked at Mo Xingyuan and lightly patted his shoulder. “No matter what, make sure you eat well and rest well.”

“I know.” Mo Xingyuan sat down and picked up the porridge. “Today, your behavior—”

“There won’t be a next time.” Madam Mo smiled apologetically and quickly added, “First time, and last time.”

Mo Xingyuan glanced at her; she nodded sincerely. “Really.”

Su Li sipped her porridge and could clearly see that Madam Mo genuinely cared about Mo Xingyuan.

If he had a long life ahead, Madam Mo probably wouldn’t have taken charge of his marriage.

In a family like theirs, Mo Xingyuan would have married a girl he liked.

Seeing the two of them actually living together, Madam Mo felt reassured. She didn’t stay long before leaving.

After she left, Su Li continued to eat her porridge seriously. She glanced at Mo Xingyuan. “Have you ever thought about leaving them something to remember you by?”

She didn’t finish the sentence, but the meaning was clear.

Mo Xingyuan took the last spoon of porridge, wiped his mouth with a napkin. “No need.”

Su Li nodded. “I can understand you. Children should be born to people who love each other.”

“Is that what you think?” Mo Xingyuan leaned back in his chair, his posture lazy. “You could marry someone you have no feelings for and have children?”

“No.” Su Li answered firmly.

Mo Xingyuan raised an eyebrow. “Then what you told me before… was indeed a lie.”

Su Li looked up at him. “You’re different.”

Mo Xingyuan suddenly recalled what He Xinyan said yesterday—that she claimed he had saved her life.

Even now, he couldn’t remember when they had met, or what life-saving favor she was talking about.

His memory was sharp enough that he shouldn’t have forgotten something so significant.

“My parents should have given you plenty of benefits,” Mo Xingyuan said with a calm tone and expression. “Being pregnant with my child makes you a meritorious member of the Mo family. Even if I’m gone, you’ll still enjoy wealth and honor.”

Su Li had no words to argue.

She didn’t deny it.

A trace of sarcasm curled at Mo Xingyuan’s lips as he rested his arm on the chair. “Time is running out. Aren’t you afraid of letting the wealth that’s almost within reach slip away?”

“Right. So, will you let me sleep with you?” Su Li’s eyes sparkled.

Mo Xingyuan’s gaze narrowed; she had returned to that slightly mischievous, somewhat shameless look.

“No.”

“Then I guess I’m not fated for wealth.” Su Li stood up and began tidying the dishes, her tone tinged with helplessness. “If it’s not in my fate, I won’t force it. I accept it.”

Mo Xingyuan felt that she had never spoken a true word.

After she finished tidying up, she went to the bedroom to grab her things. She greeted him, “I’m leaving.”

Mo Xingyuan remained seated, unmoving.

Su Li walked to the door, changed her shoes, and then heard someone behind her say, “That person might bother you again.”

“Huh?” Su Li turned.

“Your ex-boyfriend.” Mo Xingyuan said, “He knows where you live. Aren’t you afraid he’ll come bother you again?”

Su Li didn’t care. “What’s there to be afraid of? I can always call the police.”

Mo Xingyuan’s fingers twitched slightly, his gaze darkening. “You don’t have to leave.”

“Huh?”

“I said, you can stay here.” Mo Xingyuan’s tone grew colder. “If there’s trouble, call the police. Don’t waste their resources on trivial things.”

Su Li froze, seeing the slight unease in his expression and the stiffness in his words. She smiled.

“You’re worried about me?” Su Li was the type who could take a hint and run with it. She changed her shoes back, smiling as she walked toward him. “Mo Xingyuan, could it be that you’ve already fallen in love with me?”

Mo Xingyuan pushed the chair aside, stood up, hands in his pockets, and turned toward the bedroom. “Are you kidding me?”