Tan Mo was dazed, “Are we going to pay New Year visits now…?”
“Mm, get in the car first.”
She was led by the man to the Rolls-Royce, and then the driver took them to the gate of the old house.
After getting out of the car, Xie Qichen took the purchased New Year gift boxes from the trunk and looked at Tan Mo: “Let’s go.”
Tan Mo nodded and followed beside him, somewhat nervously.
After all, this was the first time she brought Xie Qichen back home, which felt like she was visiting his family instead.
Upon entering the house, several relatives were chatting and laughing in the living room. Tan Mo’s father, who was sitting aside, spotted Xie Qichen and was surprised: “Oh, Qichen, you’re back!”
“Dad, Happy New Year.”
“Hurry, take the gifts from him.”
The maid, signaled by Tan Mo’s father, stepped forward to take the gifts from Xie Qichen. Tan Mo’s father welcomed him in. When the relatives in the living room saw the prominent Xie Qichen, their eyes lit up, and they greeted him warmly, instantly enlivening the atmosphere.
A maid went to the backyard garden and informed Su Fangyun, who was having tea with several other relatives:
“Madam, the second miss’s husband has arrived.”
The relatives were surprised: “Oh, the second miss’s husband? That would be the president of Aochuang Group?”
Tan Zhiwan, who was nearby, was also taken aback.
Xie Qichen actually came back?!
“Fangyun, your granddaughter has really married into a good family. It’s such a blessing to be connected with the Xie family…”
As Su Fangyun listened to the relatives’ teasing and compliments, she finally stood up smiling:
“It’s Mo Mo’s good fortune. Alright, help me go inside.”
Tan Zhiwan supported her, and several relatives followed them back to the first-floor living room, where they saw the lively scene.
Xie Qichen noticed Su Fangyun, remained composed, and politely greeted her. The latter looked at the handsome and upright man, instinctively showing more respect, and dared not act too much like a senior. She sat on the sofa and smiled at him: “I heard from Mo Mo that you were abroad. I was worried you wouldn’t make it back in time for the New Year. You must have had a tiring journey.”
Upon hearing this, Xie Qichen’s lips curved into a slight smile: “Not at all. I just couldn’t bear to leave Mo Mo alone at home on New Year’s Eve.”
The relatives all laughed upon hearing this and teased the newlywed couple for their affection. Tan Mo raised her eyes to meet Xie Qichen’s gaze, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Soon after, Tan Mo’s mother and Tan Yuanzhou also came downstairs. Xie Qichen introduced the health supplements he brought, giving them to Tan Mo’s parents and Su Fangyun. He even prepared seafood, delicacies, and bird’s nest gift boxes for the relatives present, all of which were tasteful and refined, earning endless praise from the relatives.
“Mr. Wenlin, you really have an excellent son-in-law. We’re all envious of you.”
Upon hearing this, Tan Mo’s father’s face broke into a wide smile as he patted Xie Qichen’s shoulder: “It’s mainly because he cherishes Mo Mo…”
Tan Mo, overhearing from the side, felt a surge of emotion in her heart.
Xie Qichen was truly a master at gift-giving and winning people’s hearts.
After chatting for a while, Xie Qichen said he needed to take Tan Mo back. Su Fangyun slightly furrowed her brows: “Why leave so soon? Stay for the New Year’s Eve dinner.”
“It’s mainly because Mo Mo has also prepared a lot of New Year dishes at home. It would be a pity to waste them.”
Beside them, Tan Yuanzhou smirked and held his mother’s hand: “Mom, just let Qichen and Mo Mo have their own New Year together. We’ll have plenty of time to reunite. Don’t you want the young couple to have some private time?”
Everyone laughed, and Su Fangyun had no choice but to let them go, asking them to come back for dinner on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
Tan Mo and Xie Qichen agreed. As the relatives gradually left, Tan Mo and Xie Qichen prepared to depart. Just before leaving, Tan Mo’s father suddenly called Xie Qichen:
“Hey… Qichen, come to my study with me. I have a box of good tea for you.”
Xie Qichen met Tan Mo’s father’s deep gaze and then patted Tan Mo’s shoulder: “You go back to the car and wait for me first.”
“Okay…”
Xie Qichen followed Tan Mo’s father to the first-floor study. The elderly lady nearby sensed something and said to Tan Zhiwan: “Wanwan, go to the kitchen and check if the steamed red date taro eight-treasure rice is ready yet.”
“Okay.”
After Tan Zhiwan left, Su Fangyun had a maid support her as she walked toward the study.
Meanwhile, the two men entered the study. Tan Mo’s father took down a black-gold gift box from the shelf and smiled as he handed it to Xie Qichen:
“Take this Pu’er back and try it. Someone gave it to me, and I tasted it and found the quality particularly good.”
Xie Qichen thanked him and accepted the gift: “Does Dad usually like Pu’er tea?”
“I drink a bit of both Pu’er and Longjing.”
Xie Qichen smiled slightly: “Next time I’ll also look for some good Longjing to bring you.”
“Alright.”
Tan Mo’s father smiled, then slightly changed the topic: “Oh, by the way, Qichen… The matter you asked me about on your phone this morning, I looked into it later and found out it was Wanwan who said it. Don’t worry, I will definitely talk to her about it clearly.”
At that moment, Su Fangyun, who had just walked in, heard this and curiously asked: “What matter?”
Tan Mo’s father didn’t expect the person involved to show up directly. He turned his head and saw Su Fangyun, his expression becoming awkward:
“What else could it be? It’s about what you said to Mo Mo at the birthday banquet that day.”
Upon hearing this, Su Fangyun’s face immediately stiffened.
Tan Mo’s father sighed and scolded her: “Mom, why do you always listen to Wanwan? You believe whatever she says without discerning right from wrong and then blame Mo Mo. You know how Wanwan is, taking advantage of your favor to act recklessly and often bullying her younger sister.”
Su Fangyun was scolded and felt her face lose, wanting to retort but found the words stuck in her throat.
This morning, Tan Mo’s father received a message from Xie Qichen, asking why Su Fangyun had unjustly blamed Tan Mo at the birthday banquet. Tan Mo’s father knew from Tan Mo’s personality that she definitely wouldn’t have gone to Xie Qichen to complain after so many years. Since the man had taken the initiative to come, it meant he must have cared a lot about this matter.
Tan Mo’s father, angry, turned to the maid: “Go call the eldest miss in here.”
After a while, Tan Zhiwan, upon receiving the notification, walked in. Seeing the three people inside, she felt a cold sweat on her back, somewhat guiltily:
“Dad, what do you want me for?”
“What do I want you for! Do you think I don’t know that it was you who spread rumors behind my back at Grandma’s birthday banquet, saying bad things about your younger sister?!”
Tan Zhiwan’s heart violently shook.
“I didn’t want to scold you on your grandma’s birthday, but afterward, you showed no remorse at all. You didn’t explain to Grandma nor apologize to Mo Mo,” Tan Mo’s father scolded her harshly, “Do you think I can’t see your intentions? You’re just jealous that Mo Mo married into the Xie family while you weren’t chosen, so you hold a grudge and spread nasty rumors everywhere. How could you be so malicious!”
Su Fangyun shielded Tan Zhiwan protectively, her heart aching: “Mr. Wenlin, how could you speak to Wanwan that way!”
“Am I saying anything false? You should ask your granddaughter yourself if she really thinks that way. Mom, you’ve been too indulgent with her, letting her act recklessly because she relies on your favor!”
Tan Zhiwan’s outer layer of gentle and kind appearance was publicly torn apart, revealing her dirty inner side. She never expected the matter to suddenly come up. She raised her eyes to look at Xie Qichen, who looked calm, bit her lip tightly, and felt fear and shame, never expecting him to stand up so firmly for Tan Mo.
Su Fangyun wanted to protect her granddaughter, but she also knew that this was entirely Tan Zhiwan’s fault for spreading rumors behind her back, which caused her misunderstanding, and she indeed acted improperly.
Su Fangyun originally wanted to act as a senior to let the matter pass, but she couldn’t do so in front of Xie Qichen, who held significant status in the upper class of Licheng.
Tan Mo’s father angrily scolded Tan Zhiwan and criticized Su Fangyun for being too soft-hearted. Su Fangyun couldn’t speak, her face turning red and pale alternately as she looked at Xie Qichen, wondering what he would do.
The atmosphere dropped to freezing point.
After a while, the refined and cold man casually rotated his wedding ring, looked up at Tan Mo’s father, and finally spoke with his thin lips:
“Dad, this matter ends today, mainly because Mo Mo didn’t want to mention it, and I no longer care about it.”
Tan Mo’s father smiled at him: “Qichen, rest assured, I will definitely discipline Wanwan properly.”
The man nodded indifferently, his face calm:
“Today, in front of the two elders, I would also like to formally clarify—”
“I have liked Mo Mo for many years, and my marriage to her has nothing to do with anyone else. From today on, I do not want to hear any rumors coming from Tan Zhiwan’s mouth again, affecting Mo Mo’s reputation and also affecting the Tan family’s honor. I hope the old lady can discipline your beloved granddaughter properly.”
Xie Qichen raised his eyelids, his gaze fixed on Tan Zhiwan, his expression icy:
“I’m very protective of those close to me, and I can’t stand my wife being wronged anywhere.”
“Miss Tan, if there’s a next time, I will handle it directly. You should understand what I mean.”
Xie Qichen’s tone was calm, his words polite and gentle, yet they carried a strong sense of intimidation that sent chills down one’s spine.
Tan Mo’s father looked at Tan Zhiwan: “Did you hear that?!”
Tan Zhiwan’s eyes were red, her teeth clenched:
“…I understand.”
At this point, Su Fangyun had no rebuttal: “Wanwan, this matter was indeed your fault. Mr. Qichen, I hope this won’t affect the relationship between our two families. I will find a time to apologize properly to Mo Mo.”
“Alright.”
The matter ended here. Considering that Tan Mo was still waiting outside, Tan Mo’s father sent Xie Qichen out. Tan Mo’s mother, who had been silently listening outside, also followed.
Xie Qichen walked out of the old house, crossed the front yard, and saw Tan Mo sitting in the back seat of the Rolls-Royce by the gate. The girl pressed her face against the window, watching him. Her face was half-covered by a scarf, her bright almond eyes wide and sparkling, her soft features resembling a little rabbit waiting for its owner to take it home.
A gentle affection surfaced in his eyes. Finally, he turned to Tan Mo’s father and said: “Dad, please don’t let this matter affect your New Year mood. Mo Mo and I will go back first.”
“Alright, drive safely and have a good New Year when you get back…”
Xie Qichen nodded, took the dumplings and several dishes that Tan Mo liked, which her mother had packed for them, and got into the car.
Tan Mo waved at Tan Mo’s parents through the glass, then the car started. She looked curiously at the man beside her, her voice soft:
“You said you were just going to get some tea. Why did it take so long?”
Xie Qichen didn’t say much, just slightly lifting his lips: “Your dad insisted on chatting with me about tea, so it took a bit longer.”
Tan Mo smiled: “My dad is like that, he likes to chat about tea with people.”
She stretched lazily, leaning back against the seat, letting out a long breath as she watched the scenery passing by outside the window, her eyes and eyebrows curving into a bright crescent moon.
Noticing this, Xie Qichen smiled, “Are you really that happy to spend the New Year with me at home?”
Tan Mo’s ears slightly warmed, unwilling to admit: “I just feel more free without elders around.”
Today at the old house, she felt suffocated all day, as if she were a guest in someone else’s home.
“What if I wasn’t there? Wouldn’t you be even freer?”
Tan Mo pouted slightly: “Well, whether you’re there or not, it’s kind of the same for me. I can spend the New Year with anyone…”
Xie Qichen smiled helplessly, “Alright.”
Such an ungrateful little girl.
Half an hour later, the car arrived back at Jiayu Tiancheng.
Tan Mo had never felt such a sense of belonging returning to the villa. As soon as she got out of the car, she skipped happily inside.
Upon entering the foyer, Tan Mo was surprised to see a pile of items on the floor—various snacks, ingredients, drinks, and several buckets of fireworks. She turned her head to look at Xie Qichen: “Where did all these come from? Did you buy them?”
“Otherwise, if I gave so many gifts to others, wouldn’t our home need them too?”
Xie Qichen had someone buy these in advance, and after returning from the airport earlier, he had these items placed at home first.
Tan Mo’s eyes lit up: “I was just thinking about buying fireworks. You actually bought them already.”
“Didn’t you say you like these?”
Tan Mo, like a satisfied child, was so happy she felt like she would bubble over with joy.
The two carried the items inside together. Knowing that the girl loved hot pot, Xie Qichen had bought a lot of hot pot ingredients, and all the snacks were Tan Mo’s favorites.
After sorting and placing the items, Tan Mo went to pour water when she heard Xie Qichen say:
“A few friends want to come over for dinner.”
“Huh? Who?”
“Just a few good friends of mine. They said they were bored and wanted to come over for a meal. They asked if I would agree, and I said I needed to ask you first.”
Xie Qichen looked at her, raising his eyebrows: “You shouldn’t mind, right? After all, you just said it’s the same spending the New Year with anyone.”
Tan Mo suddenly found herself at a loss for words: “I…”
“Then I’ll let them know I’ve agreed.”
Seeing him about to make a call, Tan Mo couldn’t hold back any longer and rushed in front of Xie Qichen: “Can’t you ask them to come another day…”
“Hmm?”
Tan Mo blushed, unable to help herself, softly murmuring: “I just want to spend it with you alone. I don’t know those people well, and I’m afraid it’ll be awkward.”
Xie Qichen looked at the flustered girl, his lips curving slightly without a word: “Didn’t you just say it’s the same with anyone?”
“You can’t tell I was joking…”
Seeing the girl’s anxious and annoyed expression, Xie Qichen’s smile deepened. Finally, he leaned down to look at her:
“Alright, I won’t let them come. It’ll just be the two of us, okay?”
Tan Mo’s heart raced slightly, and she softly responded: “Then I’ll prepare the New Year’s Eve dinner. Can you put up the couplets and window decorations?”
“Alright, come here first.”
The man sat on a high stool, his posture refined and slightly lazy as he leaned against the table. Tan Mo walked over and stood a meter away from him: “What is it…”
Xie Qichen slightly spread his long legs, picked up the apron from the table, pulled her in front of him, and said with a helpless tone:
“How can I tie it if you stand so far away?”
He put the strap over her head. Tan Mo stood between his legs, feeling him suddenly leaning closer to her. His two hands reached behind her back, as if embracing her, tying the apron behind her back.
The two of them were almost pressed together. Tan Mo’s nose was filled with the faint fragrance from the man’s body. She dared not move, her small face subtly flushed, her long lashes fluttering, even her breathing slowed down.
Why wouldn’t he let her turn around to tie…?
Was he doing this on purpose…?
The ten seconds felt unusually long. Finally, he let go.
“It’s done.”
Xie Qichen’s calm tone made it sound like the most ordinary thing, as if she had simply imagined too much.
She quickly turned her face away, its hue resembling a delicate blush. “I’ll go get busy.”
As soon as she spoke, she fled like a little rabbit.
The man watched her, the corners of his eyes gradually softening into a smile.
Tan Mo went to the kitchen to prepare dinner, while Xie Qichen, after pasting the Spring Festival couplets, joined her to help.
Since Tan Mo had already prepared the ingredients for several dishes in the morning, it was convenient and quick to cook them at night. The hotpot required minimal effort—just washing the ingredients and arranging them on plates, which was soon completed. Combined with the dishes her mother had packed for her, the table was fully set.
In the evening, the two of them enjoyed an especially sumptuous New Year’s Eve dinner. Xie Qichen then sliced fruit and brought it to the living room, watching the Spring Festival Gala with Tan Mo.
If it were in the past, he would have spent the Lunar New Year’s Eve buried in work, but with her around, he suddenly felt the festive spirit.
The fireplace burned warmly, creating a rare moment of leisure and warmth.
Tan Mo also made a video call to Yang Xialan, greeting her with New Year’s wishes together with Xie Qichen. On the other end, Yang Xialan was having dinner with her girl friends, the atmosphere particularly cheerful. She told the young couple to enjoy their New Year without worrying about her.
Later, Tan Mo sent New Year greetings to Ji Shu and several other friends, and logged into her account to send wishes and red envelopes to her followers.
After a while, Tan Mo leaned on the table, munching on popcorn, then turned to glance at the man on the sofa behind her and teased softly:
“Xie Qichen, as the big boss of Aochuang Group, didn’t you give your employees any holiday benefits? They might call you a cold-hearted capitalist.”
He cast a glance at her with lowered eyelids. “I am one, indeed.”
“You’re actually proud of it, huh?”
Tan Mo couldn’t help but laugh. “You won’t win the hearts of the people this way, President Xie.”
Xie Qichen smirked. “How do you know Aochuang’s employees didn’t receive holiday gifts and bonuses?”
“Okay, I mean, what about Wen Cheng and those personal assistants around you? Did you give them extra red envelopes?”
He tapped her head. “What personal assistants?”
“Just kidding…”
Eventually, Xie Qichen took out his phone and specially sent an extra red envelope to several employees who had worked hard recently, including Wen Cheng, with the message: [This is from the president’s wife.]
On the other end, Wen Cheng was so delighted upon seeing the red envelope that he nearly flew:
[Thank you, Madam! Mr. Xie, wishing you and Madam happiness, unity, eternal love, and everlasting togetherness!!!]
These words struck a chord with someone, so Wen Cheng received another red envelope from Xie Qichen: [This one is from me.]
Wen Cheng: Turns out flattery smells so sweet!!!
After a while, Tan Mo accidentally saw this chat history, her face turning red.
What “eternal love and everlasting togetherness”…
That night, Tan Mo watched the Spring Festival Gala until quite late. After a tiring day, she felt sleepy before twelve o’clock. Xie Qichen asked her:
“Planning to sleep anytime soon?”
She immediately lifted her head. “I’m not sleepy. Who sleeps this early on New Year’s Eve? I still want to have some wine.”
“Wine again? Your eyelids are about to fall to the ground. Go take a shower and sleep first.”
“No way. It’s the first day of the New Year—I’m staying up all night.”
Xie Qichen stepped forward and scooped her up from the carpet, turning to head upstairs.
Tan Mo’s waist was tightly held in his arms. Startled, she clung to his neck, her cheeks flushed. Thinking back to how he used to boss her around in high school, she puffed up angrily:
“Xie Qichen, put me down! You’re not my brother anymore, why are you still controlling me!”
He looked down at her calmly, his voice low and alluring:
“Mm. I was never your brother. I’m your husband.”
“…”
Tan Mo blushed so deeply she couldn’t speak.
Xie Qichen carried her upstairs and directly pushed open his bedroom door. Tan Mo was shocked: “My mom’s not even home…”
Placing her on the bed, his dark eyes burned as he stared at her:
“Sleep here tonight.”
“Umm…”
He spoke logically: “You haven’t fully recovered from your cold, and I’m afraid you’ll kick off the covers again.”
Tan Mo’s heart raced, yet she found no will to refuse. Xie Qichen placed his phone down and said: “I’ll go take a shower first.”
“Okay.”
Xie Qichen took his clothes and walked toward the bathroom, while Tan Mo raised her hands to cover her flushed face.
Oh no, oh no. Why did it feel recently like there was some growing intimacy between her and Xie Qichen?
She leaned back and fell onto the bed, blushing and rolling around in confusion. As she was lost in thoughts, she suddenly heard her phone vibrate.
She casually glanced sideways and saw Xie Qichen’s phone screen lighting up beside her head, a message coming in.
The sender: Song Ranxia.
This was a name she hadn’t heard in a long time, yet it was deeply rooted in Tan Mo’s heart—a name that could easily stir up bitter feelings within her.
Seeing these three characters, her mind momentarily went blank.
Suddenly, her mind flashed back six years ago—to the gentle, radiant girl standing beside Xie Qichen, smiling brightly, the girl who seemed most compatible with Xie Qichen in the eyes of others.
And then a few years ago that night at the villa, Tan Mo had accidentally overheard Xie Qichen talking to a friend through the door—those words from the man’s mouth, so softly tender:
“Yeah, I’ve liked her for a long time.”
A string in her mind was violently plucked. Tan Mo couldn’t help but shift her gaze downward, seeing the message content in the phone:
[Happy New Year, Achen. How have you been lately? I’ll be back in Licheng in a few days.]
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