Chapter 24
Editor: Princess
Mo Siyuan was, after all, only a six-year-old child so after a full day of fun at the amusement park and then experiencing such a thrilling scene at night, even though he wasn’t frightened by the bloody scene, his energy was starting to give out. Hence sitting on Qin Huanxi’s lap and listening to the adults talking, his little head soon began to nod drowsily.
Qin Huanxi noticed that Mo Siyuan who was nestled in his arms had become unusually quiet.
Looking down, he saw that his little treasure had already closed his eyes and was breathing steadily, clearly asleep. He smiled and picked up the baby in his arms, saying to Mo Shaoheng, “Xiao Yuan has fallen asleep. I’ll carry him to his room first.”
Standing up as well, Mo Shaoheng accompanied him upstairs.
After Mo Shaoheng and Qin Huanxi left, Mo Shanshan thought that Su Yang had gone to check on Guan Yi and hadn’t returned, so she grew somewhat worried, so she also got up and left the hall, intending to check on Guan Yi.
Earlier, she had seen him bleeding so much that almost his entire sleeve was soaked. Guan Yi was the type who wouldn’t make a sound even if his entire arm was ruined, and this time he was probably seriously injured again.
Qin Huanxi placed Mo Siyuan on the bed, removed his baby’s coat and shoes gently, covered him with a blanket, and then went to the bathroom to get a towel. After soaking it in hot water, he returned to the room and carefully yet tenderly wiped Mo Siyuan’s face and limbs.
Mo Shaoheng sat on a nearby sofa, quietly watching Qin Huanxi’s every move. Those attentive and meticulous actions seemed so natural, as if they had long been deeply ingrained in his soul and marrow, becoming a bodily instinct. His gaze gradually darkened.
After a while, he stood up and said, “I’ll go take a shower first.”
Qin Huanxi looked back at him, nodded in response, then continued wiping Mo Siyuan’s body.
Mo Shaoheng looked at Qin Huanxi, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly, then he turned and left Mo Siyuan’s room.
After Qin Huanxi finished wiping Mo Siyuan’s body, changing his pajamas, and covering him with a blanket, he let out a gentle sigh and sat down on the sofa where Mo Shaoheng had been sitting to rest.
His attentive gaze, however, remained fixed on Mo Siyuan’s peaceful sleeping face as his thoughts gradually drifted away. Eventually, estimating that Mo Shaoheng should have finished his shower by now, he got up, took some clean clothes, and went to Mo Shaoheng’s room to shower.
After finishing his shower and walking out of the bathroom, he saw Mo Shaoheng leaning against the headboard with his eyes closed, resting. And thinking that everyone was tired today, he said goodbye and left Mo Shaoheng’s room. Last night he had already broken his promise, and his little one had been keeping it in mind. Besides, he was also concerned about his little one, worried that he might have nightmares.
Returning to Mo Siyuan’s room, he lay down on the bed and took his baby’s small body into his arms. Looking down at the peaceful sleeping face in his arms, he couldn’t help but raise his hand to gently stroke his baby’s tender white cheek. A sense of satisfaction filled his entire heart, the corners of his mouth gradually widening, his eyes extraordinarily tender.
Qin Huanxi recalled the dangerous scenes from earlier, and his eyes grew cold. No matter who the target was, if anyone tried to use his baby as leverage, he would never forgive them easily. Mo Siyuan’s birth had already destined him to a life that could never be ordinary. With enemies like the Ning family who had killed his father, and a father like Mo Shaoheng who had a dual identity, Mo Siyuan no longer had the freedom to choose his future life.
He didn’t actually want Mo Siyuan to learn about the Ning family affairs too early and bear too much hatred, because being Mo Shaoheng’s son was already enough burden on his tiny shoulders. He would rather Mo Siyuan’s life be simple, at least until he grew up, living simply and happily.
And it seemed that Mo Shaoheng also didn’t want Mo Siyuan to be filled with hatred at such a young age. Otherwise, with his connections and skills, investigating his and his parents’ deaths would have been as easy as flipping his hand. But Mo Shaoheng hadn’t done that, probably considering how Mo Siyuan would feel when he grew up.
Qin Huanxi also didn’t want Mo Siyuan to be burdened with the overthrow of an entire family from birth. His feelings were quite contradictory. Although he hoped Mo Siyuan’s life could be simpler, he also didn’t want him to become a naive young master living in an ivory tower, knowing nothing, as being a child of the Mo family, without sufficient awareness and vigilance, would make future steps difficult.
At this moment, he was extremely grateful that although he had died, he had been given another chance. Some hatreds no longer required Mo Siyuan to make a choice when he grew up, to avenge his “deceased” biological father and grandparents. He would settle all accounts, with interest, before Mo Siyuan grew up.
Qin Huanxi lay in bed with his eyes open, his thoughts somewhat chaotic, unable to fall asleep. Worried that tossing and turning might wake Mo Siyuan, he gently lifted the covers and got out of bed, intending to go to the open-air balcony for some fresh air. Just as he opened the door, he saw the door to Mo Shaoheng’s room next door open as if by telepathy.
Mo Shaoheng came out in a white bathrobe, and seeing Qin Huanxi, he didn’t seem surprised as he asked softly, “Can’t sleep?”
Qin Huanxi nodded lightly: “Thought I’d get some air on the balcony.”
“Would you like some wine?” Mo Shaoheng asked.
Qin Huanxi was silent but ultimately couldn’t resist the temptation. He nodded and said, “Alright.”
“You go to the balcony first, I’ll join you shortly.” Mo Shaoheng said as he went to get the wine.
A smile lit the corners of Qin Huanxi’s lips as he watched Mo Shaoheng’s figure disappear at the staircase.
Actually, he was quite interested in Mo Shaoheng’s wine cellar, but since Mo Shaoheng didn’t seem inclined to invite him to visit, he had to let it go.
In his previous life, he enjoyed having a drink when idle, not only because he liked the mellow flavor of fine wine but also because alcohol could numb him and temporarily make him forget all pressure and discomfort.
However, everything had to be done in moderation. He wasn’t a heavy drinker, as alcohol could most easily cloud the mind. Otherwise, that night with Mo Shaoheng would have become a joke. Although it was already an awkward situation, it was alcohol that caused the trouble. Afterward, he didn’t dare let himself drink carelessly.
He walked up to the open-air balcony. The large balcony was filled with flowers in full bloom, making for a beautiful scene. The night breeze carried a faint floral fragrance, and in the center of the balcony was a set of tasteful table and chairs, and near the railing were two lounge chairs—indeed, a perfect place to calm one’s mind.
Qin Huanxi sat down on a chair by the table, resting his elbow on the table and his palm on his chin, admiring the beautifully maintained scenery of the Mo residence. The night breeze gently caressed him, the night scenery enchanting.
His mood gradually tended toward tranquility, like the bright moon breaking through dark clouds, illuminating the black night road, instantly finding the lost direction.
The corners of his lips rose, his mood suddenly clearing. He waited patiently for Mo Shaoheng’s fine wine.
Before long, steady footsteps came from behind.
Qin Huanxi turned his head to see Mo Shaoheng holding a bottle of red wine in one hand and two wine glasses in the other, with a windbreaker draped over his wrist. He looked at the windbreaker in confusion, wondering if perhaps…
Mo Shaoheng placed the wine and glasses on the table, then draped the windbreaker over Qin Huanxi’s shoulders. And as he poured the wine, he said, “The wind is strong at night, and the open-air balcony is a bit cold. Your body has just recovered, and you’ve expended quite a bit of energy tonight. Don’t catch a cold.”
Qin Huanxi lowered his head and tugged at the collar of the windbreaker, his emotions complex, but more than anything, there was an irrepressible thrill in his heart. With his eyes downcast, he said softly, “Thank you…”
Mo Shaoheng just smiled, placed a glass of wine in front of Qin Huanxi, sat down in a chair beside him, and drank his wine silently.
Qin Huanxi picked up the wine glass, took a small sip, and felt the strong wine flavor spread in his mouth, slip down his throat, and slowly sink into his stomach, rippling with a faint warmth.
His performance today might fool Su Yang and Mo Shanshan, who didn’t know him well, with his clumsy lies, but it might not fool Mo Shaoheng’s eyes.
He sighed inside. Perhaps he himself couldn’t believe that subconsciously, he didn’t want to deceive Mo Shaoheng. In fact, he even hoped Mo Shaoheng would see through him. Before, it was for Mo Siyuan’s sake, but now it seemed there were some additional thoughts and expectations that even he couldn’t articulate clearly.
“Little Uncle, Huanxi, you’re still not asleep?” As the atmosphere grew silent, Mo Shanshan walked over. She circled around the two and sat down on the other side of the table. And looking at the red wine on the table, she propped her chin on her hands and said hesitantly, “I haven’t had a drink in a long time. I want some too.”
Mo Shaoheng looked at her and said flatly, “Go get your own glass.”
Mo Shanshan, hearing this, made a rare show of petulance by pouting. However she knew that asking her cold little uncle to run errands for her was more far-fetched than daydreaming. Which meant that if she wanted to drink, she had to resign herself to getting her own glass.
Mo Shanshan quickly returned with a glass and, not expecting Mo Shaoheng to pour for her, unceremoniously poured herself half a glass. Then she enthusiastically clinked glasses with Qin Huanxi and sighed contentedly, “Little Uncle’s collection is really unparalleled. No wonder Little Uncle always likes to sit on the balcony alone before bed, admiring the night view while having a couple of drinks. How delightful.”
Qin Huanxi nodded in agreement, then turned to ask her, “Where’s Su Yang? How is Guan Yi? Is his injury serious?”
Mo Shanshan’s expression turned worried as she thought of Su Yang: “She’s already asleep. The events tonight gave her quite a shock. Guan Yi’s wound, although not life-threatening, bled a lot. He lost quite a bit of blood. After Uncle Shen bandaged him, he passed out. Su Yang was actually very worried about him, extremely anxious. It was only after seeing that Guan Yi was alright that she really relaxed.”
Qin Huanxi thought about Guan Yi and asked curiously, “Who exactly is this Guan Yi?”
“Guan Yi is a killer trained by Su Wentian.” Mo Shaoheng suddenly spoke.
“A killer?” Qin Huanxi was very surprised. “Then how did he become Su Yang’s exclusive bodyguard, and Su Yang seems… to care about him a lot.”
Qin Huanxi put it very diplomatically, but from Su Yang’s awkward attitude toward Guan Yi earlier, although she was verbally dismissive, her brow was filled with concern.
He was quite certain that Miss Su had developed genuine feelings, but for some reason, Su Yang seemed irritated, as if she was sulking with Guan Yi.
Mo Shanshan thought for a moment and said, “I only know that Guan Yi is an orphan. When Su Yang’s father found him, Guan Yi was at most seven or eight years old. Later, he stayed at Su Yang’s house, trained with Su Yang’s father’s subordinates, and started taking missions in his teens. Guan Yi could endure hardship and was persistent. Su Yang’s father values him highly.”
Qin Huanxi thought of that ordinary yet resilient face. No matter how plain this person’s appearance, he carried a unique aura of death—a kind of resolute person who placed life and death outside of consideration, completely treating himself as if he were already dead. One look was enough to know he was no ordinary person.
Such a person was like stagnant water; even stirring up the slightest ripple would be difficult to achieve. Even for a hot-tempered young lady like Su Yang, trying to move him would probably require quite some effort. Moreover, the more such a person was, the more he had principles he adhered to—dogmatic and stubborn.
“The summer Su Yang was in her third year of middle school, she was kidnapped. The perpetrators were enemies of her father from the underworld, desperate like cornered beasts wanting revenge at all costs. Guan Yi was severely injured trying to save Su Yang, nearly losing his life. The scar on his face is from that time. From that day on, Guan Yi rarely went on missions and was assigned to Su Yang’s side, responsible for her safety.” Mo Shanshan said with some emotion.
Qin Huanxi understood. The third year of middle school was when a flower was about to bloom. Given Su Yang’s status, she was accustomed to people flattering her. If she wanted to throw a tantrum and smash things, people would have to present the items with both hands for her to vent her anger. However, that was also when she was most sensitive.
Su Yang wasn’t a fool. She naturally knew who was genuinely good to her and who merely couldn’t complain due to her status, wishing they could devour her alive once they turned their backs. If at this time, in her most vulnerable and desperate moment, someone was willing to risk their life for her, then that person would be like a cinnabar mole, deeply imprinted on her heart, becoming the most unique, indispensable, unshakable, and irreplaceable existence in her life.
“Su Yang… she really cares about Guan Yi.” Mo Shanshan said with a sigh.
She and Su Yang had grown up together. Even though the Mo and Su families were mortal enemies, she and Su Yang were like sisters. She knew Su Yang’s personality better than anyone. Simply put, Su Yang was just used to hiding her inner vulnerability with arrogance. No matter how privileged her birth, she was still just a girl who had just turned 20.
“I think what matters isn’t whether Su Wentian would approve of their relationship, but rather Guan Yi himself.” Qin Huanxi said directly. “Leaving aside whether Su Wentian would object once he finds out, given Guan Yi’s personality, he probably wouldn’t allow himself to like Su Yang, right? In his eyes, Su Yang is the young lady, the target he must protect at all costs.”
Mo Shanshan smiled bitterly at his words: “That’s not even the hardest part. The hard part is that even if Guan Yi really falls in love with Su Yang, with his personality, he would still restrain himself with all his might. He wouldn’t consider whether he is worthy or not. He would just feel that having such feelings would be breaking the rules. He would believe that he cannot and should not have these feelings. Su Yang’s anger stems from his stubbornness.”
Qin Huanxi could understand. If he encountered such a person—one he had put aside all his status and identity for, only wanting to be wholeheartedly with the other person regardless of everything else, but the other person avoided it for all sorts of imaginary reasons—even though they clearly cared for each other, even going as far as to suppress it desperately, he would definitely be so angry that he’d want to beat the person up and then open their head to pull out all those infuriating stubborn reasons and throw them away.
Although sometimes, liking someone didn’t necessarily mean one had to be together, nor did it mean that they could necessarily be together, as people often encountered many things that were beyond their control. A person’s life wasn’t just about love; there were too many things that had to be sacrificed when both couldn’t be satisfied, and love was just one of them.
But when one really met someone who was willing to go through fire and water for them without hesitation, then one should definitely strive with all their might to possess that love. Otherwise, once lost, such regret would haunt them for a lifetime, with them never finding peace.