Chapter 976: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 976: Stirring Up Mischief (1)
Although the two recognized each other and felt a mutual affection, neither brought up that night at the entrance of the restaurant. After expressing her gratitude once more to the Mo family, Cui Qingrou took Cui Ping’an and left.
Mo Qingze and his daughter stood at the doorway, watching the Cui family’s carriage drive away. Only when it had completely disappeared from sight did Mo Qingze retract his gaze. He looked at Mo Yan, puzzled, and asked, “Yan’er, didn’t you say we’d send the Cui boy back only after properly nursing him back to health? Why inform the Cui family in advance?”
Mo Yan, clearly disapproving of Yan Junyu’s actions, replied, “Wasn’t that thanks to that rascal Yan Junyu!” She then explained how he had taken it upon himself to notify the Cui family of Cui Ping’an’s whereabouts.
Mo Qingze couldn’t help but laugh after hearing it: “Still a child at heart—but a rare kind of child, at that.”
Mo Yan wasn’t interested in dissecting Yan Junyu’s temperament. What she really wanted to know was—what exactly had her father been thinking when he had stared absentmindedly at Cui Ping’an’s aunt.
A strong wave of gossipy curiosity surged toward Mo Qingze like a tide.
Luckily, she knew her father’s character well. Just as she was about to probe directly, she bit her tongue and asked a seemingly unrelated question instead: “Father, what do you think of Cui Ping’an?”
Mo Qingze, oblivious to his daughter’s hidden motive, nodded and said, “The boy’s not bad—simple-minded but not clueless, resilient and with a mind of his own. If well-taught, he might become something quite impressive.”
Mo Yan hadn’t expected such high praise from her father. But upon reflection, she realized the boy really was like that. Nodding in agreement, she deliberately attributed these traits to the Cui family’s upbringing. “The Cui family is indeed a house with deep roots. Even though Cui Ping’an didn’t grow up in their household, the people around him are competent and reliable. He must’ve been influenced to some extent. And his aunt—she’s the very model of a noble lady. I’ve never met a woman with more poise or substance than her.”
Upon hearing this, Mo Qingze seemed to hear a gentle and clear voice echo in his ears, and the graceful figure of Cui Qingrou slowly formed in his mind.
Mo Yan had been watching her father’s expression the whole time. Seeing his dazed look return, she couldn’t help but cover her mouth and chuckle—loudly enough that it startled Mo Qingze back to his senses.
Realizing that his daughter might have seen through him, Mo Qingze’s face flushed red. He reached out and flicked her on the forehead, pretending to scold her sternly: “You dare mock your own father? Where are your manners?”
Mo Yan hugged her head in mock pain and countered: “I didn’t say anything! You’re the one jumping to conclusions and accusing your poor daughter. I’m heartbroken!”
She even squeezed out two tear drops on the spot to make her protest look more convincing.
Mo Qingze felt a headache coming on. He wasn’t sure whether to argue back or just remain silent.
But Mo Yan wasn’t going to let it go. With certainty in her voice, she said, “You were totally thinking about Cui Ping’an’s aunt. You were staring at her so hard you zoned out. Don’t take your daughter for a fool—I saw everything.”
“You little brat, don’t spout nonsense! If someone hears that, how is your father supposed to face anyone?” Mo Qingze finally lost his composure. He scolded her with a serious tone—but that deeply flushed face of his, red as a boiled shrimp, really undermined the effect.
Mo Yan wasn’t afraid in the slightest. In fact, she was quite enjoying her father’s flustered reaction. She continued poking at him: “Father, when you explain like that, it just makes you look guiltier. If you weren’t hiding anything, why are you raising your voice?”
Mo Qingze felt his head ache even more. He admitted to himself that he had taken a liking to that woman the moment they first met. But it was just a mild affection—nothing so serious as to make him consider remarrying. If he said that out loud, his daughter would definitely launch into another long-winded speech, and he could kiss peace and quiet goodbye. So he chose to shut his mouth and say nothing.
(End of chapter)
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