122 Content and Satisfied (Fourth Update)

He was always draped in ink-like black.

It was a richness so profound it seemed impossible to dissolve, shrouding the unfathomable depths within and casting a veil of untouchable taboo. Yet, it was precisely this that made him so dangerously captivating, stirring an urge to rush toward him like a moth to a flame.

At this moment, as Mu Qingcheng saw him appear before her eyes, she felt no overwhelming surprise. But the realization of this very sentiment left her—startled.

'Have I... actually grown accustomed to his presence?'

This man, who moved with the grace of a magician, seemed to appear by her side the instant she faced any danger, no matter the time or place. Never once had he faltered or been absent. Thinking of this, she was certain that the events of today were surely orchestrated by him from behind the scenes.

By now, Si Qingchen had reached Mu Qingcheng’s side. After offering a hurried greeting to the Mu brothers, he reached out without hesitation to steady her by the shoulders, pulling her to her feet.

Si Qingchen scrutinized her carefully for a long moment. Only after confirming she was unharmed did he nod and ask, "Are you alright?"

In return, the young girl narrowed her eyes and retorted, "Whether I am alright... don't you already know?"

"Mm, indeed I do."

Si Qingchen admitted it with effortless grace. Not only that, but he reached out to stroke her hair, soothing her as one might calm a kitten. His words were filled with a tenderness that stood in stark contrast to his rugged, masculine aura.

"Be good, don't be angry. I'll explain everything to you later, alright?"

"...Whatever."

Mu Qingcheng turned her head away in a huff, completely unaware of the unique side of herself she had just revealed. And yet, this, it seemed, was her true nature—feisty and adorable, willful and entirely unreasonable.

But this demeanor was exactly what captured Si Qingchen’s heart. The man’s eyes flickered, and he leaned in close to whisper, "What should you call me?"

"You... there are so many people here."

Mu Qingcheng bristled immediately, her brows furrowing as an unexpected blush flooded her face.

The scene left Ran Siya, who had been crying incessantly, so stunned she forgot to wipe her tears, watching in a daze. The man who usually occupied such a lofty position—a man whose very shadow was rarely seen—was now acting so deferentially before this wild girl. He disregarded his own image entirely, looking for all the world like he was trying to curry favor.

What could possibly be the reason for all this?

At that moment, Si Qingchen, seemingly "mindful" of Mu Qingcheng’s shyness, "grievously" leaned over, bringing his ear close to her lips as he whispered, "Is this better?"

"...You’re old enough to know better, have you no shame?"

"Be good, quickly now, just one word."

Mu Qingcheng could see the man’s ulterior motives clearly; he was obviously trying to assert his claim, much like a great dog marking its territory for all to see.

Yet, to her own frustration, she found she could not refuse him from the bottom of her heart.

'Fine, I’ll just grit my teeth and get it over with.'

After a long pause, she obediently lowered her voice, her tone trembling like a kitten’s as she murmured, "Chen-gege..."

As soon as the words left her lips, she shoved Si Qingchen away with all her might. She took a step back, biting her lip and offering an unnatural cough. Mu Qingcheng felt her face burning; she looked everywhere but at the people around her.

Having gotten his way, Si Qingchen straightened up, entirely satisfied. Seeing the way Mu Qingcheng carried herself like a bashful young woman, he naturally had no intention of letting anyone else witness it. He stepped forward, shielding her behind him, while his hand—unseen—reached behind his back, beckoning her with a crook of his finger.

Staring at his broad, waiting palm, Mu Qingcheng hesitated for a heartbeat before finally placing her own hand into his.

At that same moment, as he tightened his grip around her delicate hand, the man’s smile vanished. His gaze fell sharply upon Ran Siya, and he spoke, word by measured word, "Miss Ran, I have someone here... whom you might just happen to want to see."

Ran Siya: "..."