Chapter 58:

Hearing Xie Qichen’s icy tone, Tan Zhiwan tightly gripped the door frame, her red lips slightly trembling as she bit them, too embarrassed to utter a word.

Thinking back to the past when she had acted arrogantly in front of Tan Mo, humiliating her in various ways, now she was the one forced into a humble position, trying to approach willingly, yet Xie Qichen refused to even give her the chance to see Tan Mo.

An overwhelming sense of humiliation filled her heart.

Tan Zhiwan felt like a laughingstock at this moment. Bowing her head, she softly responded. Then she heard the man’s thin lips utter a few words, devoid of any false politeness, making one’s spine shiver:

“Tan Zhiwan, let me warn you—stop bothering my wife.”

“If you aren’t afraid of suffering more than now, just try it.”

Upon hearing this, Tan Zhiwan clenched her teeth tightly, a bitter sensation rising in her eyes.

Without sparing her any further, Xie Qichen shut the door.

Walking into the room, Tan Mo, peeking out from behind a small head, withdrew and looked at him in confusion: “What did Tan Zhiwan say to you?”

“Nothing,” Xie Qichen replied, sitting beside her and holding her hand. “She wanted to see you, but I told her you’re spending quality time with me and have no time.”

Tan Mo blushed slightly. “You really said that?”

“Problem?”

…Well, no problem.

It was enough to show how much this man disliked Tan Zhiwan.

Tan Mo tightened her grip on Xie Qichen’s hand. Xie Qichen leaned sideways, wrapping his arms around her from behind, suppressing his anger, his voice low and close to her ear:

“I told her to stay away from you. I don’t want you to be hurt by her again.”

How could he not guess why Tan Zhiwan had sought out Tan Mo? Ever since her actions had been exposed to their parents, for months now, Tan Zhiwan had never thought to apologize to Tan Mo. Now she came looking because of Ying Xiao—no one could predict what Tan Zhiwan was up to.

Hearing this, Tan Mo’s heart softened, and she smiled at him:

“Xie Qichen, with you around, who dares to bully me now…”

She said that even if Tan Zhiwan tried to provoke her now, she wouldn’t care anymore. Since she no longer lived at the Tan household and rarely met Tan Zhiwan, the latter wouldn’t dare cause her trouble either.

The two dismissed the matter and continued chatting on the sofa. A while later, the housekeeper’s voice came from the door, announcing that dinner was ready and inviting them downstairs to eat.

“Let’s go eat first.”

Xie Qichen stood up.

“Okay…”

Tan Mo lazily extended her hand. “You pull me up. I don’t feel like moving.”

The man raised an eyebrow. “How about I carry you downstairs?”

“No way!” she immediately refused.

“Didn’t I often carry you around at home?” Xie Qichen smiled more broadly.

Tan Mo blushed. “That’s different…”

In Jiayu Tiancheng, where only the two of them lived, Tan Mo could indeed be indulgent. Sometimes, she was too lazy to do anything, and Xie Qichen willingly pampered her.

Xie Qichen pulled her up, and Tan Mo, holding his hand, walked out of the bedroom and downstairs.

Arriving at the first-floor living room, her father Tan Fu had already returned from the group company.

“Dad, you’re back—”

Seeing the two, Tan Fu smiled. “I just got home. You two haven’t come back for dinner in a while. Mo Mo, your mom often mentions wanting to make you marinated beef.”

Tan Mo smiled. “I’ve been thinking about that too. But recently I was busy with the school anniversary events. I’ll have time soon.”

“Good. When you have time, come back to eat more often with Qichen.”

Tan Fu turned to Xie Qichen with a smile. “How has your father been since going abroad a few days ago? Is he adjusting well to the environment there?”

“He’s doing fine,” the man replied with a gentle smile. “He also said he hopes you can retire early, so the two of us can go on vacation and drink tea together.”

Tan Fu laughed. “Great, I’ll also try to retire in a few years. I’m getting old, so it’s time for you young people to strive.”

Tan Mu came out from the kitchen, pretending to be annoyed. “You three are just standing outside chatting. Aren’t you planning to come in and eat?”

Laughing, Tan Fu hurriedly invited the two in front of him. “Come on, let’s eat. Today your mom cooked, so we should quickly go and support her…”

Entering the dining room, Tan Mo and Xie Qichen sat on one side of the table. The table was filled with a variety of dishes. Tan Mu pushed the marinated beef toward Tan Mo with a smile. “It’s just home-style food today, not as good as the five-star chef at your place. These crayfish were picked by me fresh at the market this morning, and I made them spicy for you.”

Tan Mo’s eyes lit up, and she sweetly said, “No, Mom’s cooking is the best. And it looks like your culinary skills have improved again.”

Tan Mu was delighted and sat down across from her. “Well then, let’s eat quickly. There’s also cheesecake in the fridge for you to have after dinner.”

“Okay.”

Seeing the empty seat next to Tan Mu, Tan Fu’s smile faded slightly. He coldly asked Zhang Ma, who had just brought in the soup:

“Where is Tan Zhiwan?”

Zhang Ma hesitated. “Wanwan just said she wasn’t feeling hungry and wouldn’t come down for dinner.”

Tan Fu’s face darkened. “What do you mean by not feeling hungry? Eating dinner is a rule! How can she skip meals so casually?”

Putting down his chopsticks, Tan Fu lost his appetite for dinner. “Go upstairs and tell her to come down immediately. Tell her if she isn’t afraid of me getting angry, she can keep staying upstairs.”

“Okay…”

Zhang Ma quickly left. Tan Mo and Xie Qichen exchanged a glance. Tan Mo lowered her head and took a sip of soup, saying nothing.

Tan Mu poured some juice for Tan Fu, trying to soothe him. “Don’t be angry. Drink some juice.”

“Just look at her. We’re all sitting here, and she won’t even come down for dinner. Who is she showing off her temper to?”

Recently, whenever Tan Mo and Xie Qichen returned home for dinner, Tan Zhiwan skipped eight out of ten times, not staying in the same space with them. Tan Fu had been very upset about this, and he was even more furious that she hadn’t shown any remorse after being scolded last time.

Though Tan Mu was upset with Tan Zhiwan, she still felt a pang of heartache for her daughter. “Zhiwan isn’t throwing a tantrum. She’s just been in a rough patch lately after breaking up with Ying Xiao. Speaking of which, didn’t you mention you’d ask Ying Xiao about it today? Did he give any reason for their breakup?”

Thinking of something, Tan Fu’s face turned even colder.

“She knows what she did herself.”

Tan Mu was puzzled, wanting to ask more, when there was a sound at the dining room entrance.

Tan Zhiwan walked in.

The woman’s face was pale and tired without any makeup, her expression devoid of any smile, as if she had just been crying.

Tan Zhiwan glanced at Tan Mo and Xie Qichen sitting together, quickly looked away, and clenched her palm tightly.

Tan Mu invited Tan Zhiwan to sit beside her. Seeing the tear marks on her face, Tan Fu suppressed his anger and said nothing, turning his gaze to Tan Mo:

“Mo Mo, eat. Qichen, help yourself to whatever you want. Don’t be polite.”

The two continued eating. Tan Mu asked Tan Mo about the school anniversary events.

In the past, during meals, it was mainly Tan Zhiwan who spoke with their parents. She would deliberately steer the conversation to herself, making the parents revolve around her, while Tan Mo often ate silently by herself.

But now, Tan Zhiwan’s ears were filled with the sound of Tan Fu, Tan Mu, and Tan Mo’s conversation.

She lowered her gaze to the rice in her bowl, her heart feeling constricted, unable to escape, and could only endure the inner bitterness.

Opposite her, Tan Mo and Xie Qichen acted as if she didn’t exist. Tan Mo continued eating, and after a while, Xie Qichen gently asked her:

“Do you want to eat crayfish? Let me peel it for you.”

“Okay.”

Xie Qichen put on gloves and started peeling for her. Tan Mu teased Tan Mo: “Now that you’re married, you’ve become really lazy. You can’t let Qichen take care of everything for you.”

Tan Mo giggled and turned to Xie Qichen. “Then can I peel a couple for you too?”

The man smiled. “You’re just pretending.”

“Am not…”

The two teased each other. Finally, the man placed the peeled crayfish meat into her bowl, hiding a smile and pretending to be serious: “I was just kidding. You don’t need to peel it. Just eat. I’m afraid your hands might get pricked.”

Seeing the affection between the two, Tan Fu and Tan Mu were very happy.

Then Xie Qichen mentioned the wedding plans to them: “The wedding banquet we had was too rushed and not formal enough. I’m thinking of holding a proper wedding after Mo Mo graduates.”

Tan Fu and Tan Mu also felt it was necessary. As for the style and venue, the man said: “That’s up to Mo Mo. Whatever she likes is fine.”

Tan Mo smiled at him. Tan Fu said, “Indeed, a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event for you two, and it’s also a joyful occasion for both the Tan and Xie families. It should be grand.”

“Right, we can start planning slowly after Mo Mo graduates…”

Across the table, Tan Zhiwan listened, feeling the deep affection Xie Qichen had for Tan Mo. She never imagined the man could have such a side.

Thinking about Tan Mo’s current sweet life and comparing it to her own, she gripped her chopsticks, her eyes stinging more.

After a while, Tan Mo and Xie Qichen finished their meal. Tan Fu let them go to the living room first.

After the two left, Tan Fu’s gaze finally fell on Tan Zhiwan, who was looking down at her bowl. He had deliberately ignored her throughout the meal and finally spoke coldly:

“Your mother worked hard to prepare a whole table of dishes. Was having dinner so painful for you?”

Tan Zhiwan bit her lip and coldly retorted, “These dishes were prepared for Tan Mo and Xie Qichen. What do they have to do with me?”

“Say that again!” Tan Fu pointed at the dishes in front of him. “Aren’t these all your favorite dishes before? Your mother just thought you were in a bad mood lately, so she wanted to cook more for you. Look at yourself!”

Tan Mu gently squeezed Tan Fu’s hand under the table and sighed. “Okay, let’s eat. Zhiwan, hurry up and eat more.”

Tan Zhiwan angrily slammed her chopsticks on the table, her eyes welling up. “Can’t you stop blaming me at a time like this? Do you think I’m in the mood to eat now?”

“Zhiwan, are you still arguing with Ying Xiao…”

At the mention of Ying Xiao’s name, Tan Zhiwan’s emotions couldn’t hold back anymore. “Can’t you stop mentioning him…”

“I don’t understand. What exactly are you arguing about?”

Tan Zhiwan couldn’t speak. Tan Fu couldn’t help but say, “What for? It’s because of herself.”

“What do you mean…”

“I called Ying Xiao today. He knew about what Zhiwan did to Mo Mo. He said that she had always pretended to be kind in front of him, and he never expected her to be so selfish and jealous deep down.”

Upon hearing this, Tan Zhiwan’s tears rolled down. She begged her father, “Dad, can’t you talk to Ying Xiao for me? Ask him not to break up with me…”

“What can I do? If Ying Xiao insists on not liking you anymore, what else can I persuade him? You should have thought about this day coming and not done those things back then.”

Tan Fu stood up. “You have to bear the consequences of your actions yourself. I can’t do anything about it.”

Tan Fu left, and Tan Zhiwan couldn’t hold back her tears anymore, sobbing uncontrollably.

Her crying reached the living room outside. Tan Mo lowered her eyes, peeling a pecan, her hands pausing for a moment, and finally said nothing.

After dinner, Tan Fu invited Xie Qichen to his study, while Tan Mo accompanied her mother to take a walk in the park of the villa area.

Around nine o’clock in the evening, mother and daughter returned to the villa. Tan Mu held her daughter’s hand: “Tonight, you and Qichen shouldn’t go back. Stay here for the night, okay? Tomorrow is Saturday, you can stay longer. You know, you two haven’t come back for quite a while.”

Thinking she had nothing to do tomorrow, Tan Mo agreed. “Okay.”

She couldn’t avoid coming home just because of Tan Zhiwan. In the future, she should spend more time with her parents.

The two went upstairs. Tan Mu asked the housekeeper to help fetch some clothes for changing, while Tan Mo went to the study.

Pushing open the door, she saw Xie Qichen and her father playing chess inside. She winked at Xie Qichen: “Mom wants us to stay at the villa tonight and have dinner tomorrow.”

Tan Fu also said: “Yes, it’s already late. Don’t go back tonight. Stay for a couple of days.”

Xie Qichen nodded in agreement.

“Okay.”

After a few more words with Xie Qichen, Tan Fu said they could continue the game tomorrow and told Xie Qichen and Tan Mo to go rest. The man agreed and stood up. Tan Mo told her father to rest early as well and walked out of the study with Xie Qichen.

As the two were walking out, Tan Zhiwan came out of her room. Seeing Tan Mo, she spoke and called her again:

“Tan Mo… can we talk?”

Tan Mo slightly paused her steps and looked up at her.

Xie Qichen slightly frowned his eyebrows. Just as he was about to speak, Tan Mo gently squeezed his hand and smiled at him:

“It’s okay. You go back to the room first. I’ll come back soon.”

Seeing the girl’s smiling face, the man could only agree. “I’ll wait for you in the room.”

“Okay.”

After Xie Qichen left, Tan Mo turned to look at Tan Zhiwan and said in a calm voice: “Let’s go to the balcony.”

Tan Mo walked outside, and Tan Zhiwan followed.

Arriving at the empty balcony, the two stood facing each other. Tan Mo looked at Tan Zhiwan, who had been trying to find her all day, and asked emotionlessly:

“Talk. What do you want from me?”

Looking at Tan Mo, Tan Zhiwan gave a self-mocking smile: “Seeing that I’m now disliked by my parents and my boyfriend has broken up with me, you must be very happy, right? You and Xie Qichen are so happy, and he truly loves you.”

Tan Mo curled her lips into a faint smile: “Xie Qichen and I are doing just fine. And you’re overthinking it. I couldn’t care less about your situation—it’s none of my business.”

Tan Zhiwan’s eyes reddened. “Then why are you so happy now? Why did you have to ruin my relationship? I finally met someone I liked…”

Tan Mo found it absurd. “I ruined your relationship?”

“If it wasn’t for Xie Qichen saying those things about me to Ying Xiao…”

“Wasn’t what he said the truth?”

Tan Mo’s cold gaze fell on Tan Zhiwan. “Tan Zhiwan, do you remember how you treated me back then? You exposed my relationship with Xie Qichen in front of our parents, deliberately showed me photos of Xie Qichen with other women, and mocked me with your words.”

You now also know how difficult it is to meet someone you truly like. Back then, how could your heart not feel uneasy when you ruined someone else’s relationship? How can you now so easily shift the blame onto others?”

Tears streamed down Tan Zhiwan’s face as she heard this. “Tan Mo, can you accept my apology? I shouldn’t have treated you that way back then. I promise I won’t do it again. Please, would you help me…?”

“What do you mean, help you?”

“Tan Mo, whatever compensation you need I’ll agree to. Would you please ask Xie Qichen to talk to Ying Xiao and say that you’ve already forgiven me?”

Tan Zhiwan, like someone desperately seeking help, panicked and stammered, “Tan Mo, I was wrong. I promise I won’t, never again hurt you. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you. Just please help me…”

Tan Mo silently observed her desperate appearance, then finally spoke after a while:

“Tan Zhiwan, do you really think you’re in the wrong? You’re apologizing to me now only because you’re afraid of losing Ying Xiao. You’re just panicking.”

A sharp pain flickered in Tan Zhiwan’s eyes.

“Actually, in your heart, you still feel that I’ve taken everything away from you. You’ve treated me however you liked, thinking I should just endure it.”

Tan Zhiwan lowered her head: “I just felt that my being kidnapped and sold was so painful, while you, originally an abandoned child, were adopted by my parents and your life changed completely. So when I saw you, I instinctively felt disgusted.”

“Tan Zhiwan, I’ve never wronged you. Although this might sound selfish, why should I be held responsible for your past misfortunes? You transfer the injustice you’ve faced onto others, so then, who should I transfer my resentment toward for being abandoned by my birth parents?”

Tan Mo chuckled softly: “These past ten-odd years, the various oppressions and bullying I’ve endured from you should more than balance out those few years you were kidnapped, right? If it’s not enough, how many more years do you think it would take?”

Tan Zhiwan was stunned at her words, memories of all the things she’d done to Tan Mo flashing through her mind.

Again, she heard Ying Xiao’s words echo in her ears: “Tan Zhiwan, I regret ever liking someone like you.” Silent tears streamed down her face. “Tan Mo, can I apologize to you…”

Seeing her like this, Tan Mo shook her head helplessly:

“Tan Zhiwan, I never expected that while Dad’s words left you indifferent, Ying Xiao could bring you to this state.”

A bitter ache rose in Tan Zhiwan’s nose.

A few seconds later, Tan Mo spoke again: “Tan Zhiwan, I don’t hate you, because life is too beautiful for me to waste my time and energy on you. But the pain you’ve caused me over the years cannot be soothed by just a single apology. Why should I smile generously and say ‘let bygones be bygones’ and forgive you? Sorry, I can’t do that.”

Finally, Tan Mo added lightly:

“Deal with your own matters with Ying Xiao. It has nothing to do with me.”

Everyone must take responsibility for their own actions.

No matter how much Tan Mo says, the past cannot be changed. All of this is exactly what Tan Zhiwan has brought upon herself.

Panicked, Tan Zhiwan called out: “Tan Mo…”

“I’m going back first.”

Tan Mo turned and left directly.

A gust of wind blew, stinging Tan Zhiwan’s eyes. Watching Tan Mo’s retreating back, tears welled up in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Tan Mo returned to her bedroom.

Xie Qichen was sitting on the sofa handling some documents. Hearing her, he looked up and walked over. “How was it? Did Tan Zhiwan cause you any trouble?”

Smiling, Tan Mo hugged the man and looked up at him:

“Don’t worry. Your wife wasn’t bullied. She just chatted with me for a bit.”

Tan Mo told Xie Qichen about their conversation, pouting slightly:

“She did all those things to me back then, and now she still wants me to go to Ying Xiao and plead for her. I’m not such a saint. Let Tan Zhiwan hate me all she wants. I’m just not a broad-minded person.”

The man smiled, his hand gently rubbing the back of her head:

“It’s okay. Sometimes you don’t need to be too forgiving.”

Tan Mo’s sparkling eyes met his: “Thankfully, I didn’t really misunderstand you back then because of Tan Zhiwan’s provocation. Although, at that time, mostly I was just overthinking.”

“It’s fine. We’re together now, aren’t we?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“So you’re not angry anymore?”

“I’m not angry at all. What do I have to be angry about?”

Tan Mo reached up and hooked her arms around his neck, smiling sweetly: “Seeing my husband makes me feel so good.”

The man raised an eyebrow: “Your mouth’s gotten so sweet, huh?”

She stood on tiptoe: “Wanna taste?”

The girl had offered herself, and Xie Qichen immediately captured her neck, his lips descending with a crisp, minty breath to seal hers.

Tan Mo closed her eyes, obediently nestling into his arms, tilting her head to accept his deepening kiss.

After a while, his hand on her waist gently caressed her, pulling her even closer, his voice hoarse:

“I want to carry you to take a bath.”

Tan Mo’s face flushed red, softly replying: “Mm…”

As she finished speaking, she felt his kiss stop. Then he scooped her up in his arms and carried her toward the bathroom.

Eventually, Tan Mo was set down, and as he reached for the zipper on her dress, she clearly felt his movements carried an aggressive intent. Her face flushed red, and she hurriedly stopped him:

“Xie Qichen, don’t mess around…”

He leaned down, placing both hands on either side of her, saying nothing, his dark eyes filled with emotion staring intently at her.

Tan Mo felt as if he were a wolfhound eyeing its prey, ready to pounce. Her heart raced, and she shyly scolded him: “We’re at my parents’ house. What if someone hears us…”

This was the first time they had stayed overnight at Tan’s house since their marriage. It wasn’t like their home in Jiayu City where they could do as they pleased. Tan Mo knew how intense this man could be. She couldn’t possibly hold back her sounds, and if the soundproofing was poor, she’d be so embarrassed she’d want to hide underground.

Tan Mo, in a huff, grabbed his collar: “Can’t a certain someone hold off just a little longer? It’s only been three or four days without…”

His expression darkened further: “Only three or four days?”

He had been busy these past few days, letting her off every night.

Tan Mo couldn’t suppress a giggle, and her waist was lightly pinched. He whispered fiercely in her ear: “Did you plan on staying here tonight on purpose?”

Knowing he wouldn’t dare to be reckless at Tan’s house, she had deliberately tempted him just now.

Tan Mo smiled: “I didn’t think about it that much. How about tomorrow night back home? I’ll make it up to you then.”

“Fine, you said it.”

The man kissed her lips again to calm himself down. Eventually, after bathing, Xie Qichen wrapped her in a towel and carried her out of the bathroom.

Tan Mo was placed on the bed and began giving orders:

“Xie Qichen, go to the wardrobe and get me a nightgown.”

Xie Qichen walked over and opened the wardrobe: “Which one do you want?”

Tan Mo pointed: “That pink dress over there. It’s the nightgown I wore back in high school.”

Xie Qichen handed the dress to her, and Tan Mo asked him to go back to the bathroom to retrieve her hair clip.

He went to get it, and when he came out of the bathroom, he saw the towel placed aside. She was wearing the nightgown, her fair, smooth skin like milk partially revealed, her curves more pronounced, yet she wore a pink bunny nightgown over it, creating a striking contrast with her mature figure.

One look was enough to reignite the fire in Xie Qichen’s heart.

After changing clothes, Tan Mo saw him approach.

“My hair clip…”

She reached out to take it, but unexpectedly, a warm touch landed on her lips.

The man kissed her again.

Caught off guard, Tan Mo stiffened. She felt his fiery tongue probe into her mouth, prying her lips open. She let out a soft whimper and instinctively closed her eyes.

Xie Qichen’s knee pressed against the bed as he leaned forward, pinning her in his arms and stealing her breath.

After a while, he barely managed to stop, his dark eyes burning as he looked at her, his voice completely hoarse: “Jujue, I want to take it back.”

Her burning earlobe was captured by his lips, his hot breath whispering against her skin:

“If I wait until tomorrow night, I’ll go mad.”

“Mm…”

Her entire face turned red as she heard his hoarse whisper: “Can I have you?”

Tan Mo could feel how much he truly needed it. Her face flushed crimson as she softly bit her lip:

“But there’s nothing in the room…”

They hadn’t brought anything with them.

Xie Qichen was silent for a few seconds before asking, “Where’s the nearest place to buy it?”

She spoke shyly: “If you walk out and turn left, there’s a convenience store about five minutes away…”

His kisses rained down on her as he whispered soothingly:

“Just wait for me. I’ll go buy it, okay?”

Going to buy it would be faster than ordering delivery.

Tan Mo saw the expression on his face wasn’t joking. She hadn’t expected this man to be so impatient that he’d rush out at night to buy it. Her face flushed crimson.

But she was also aroused enough to agree. She buried her face in the pillow and softly replied:

“Mm, come back soon…”

Xie Qichen responded with a hum, smiled slightly, and loosened his arms around her.

He quickly changed clothes and walked out of the room.

Just as he was about to head downstairs, the master bedroom door opened, and Tan’s mother walked out.

Xie Qichen was slightly taken aback, halting his steps. He cleared his throat and spoke: “Mom.”

Tan’s mother had wanted to go downstairs to fetch something. Seeing Xie Qichen fully dressed, she was surprised and asked:

“Qichen, are you going out?”

The man’s Adam’s apple moved slightly as he naturally replied: “Yes.”

“So late, is there something urgent?”

Xie Qichen coughed lightly: “I’m going out to buy something.”

He paused slightly, his tone calm: “Mo said she’s hungry. I’m going to get her some late-night snacks.”

“Late-night snacks? Is she craving those grilled skewers from Mingda Food Street again?”

There was a food street outside the villa area, which had been around for many years. In the past, Tan Mo often secretly went there at night to buy snacks.

Xie Qichen knew of this street and nodded accordingly: “Yes, Mo said she hasn’t had it in a while and wants to try some.”

Tan’s mother immediately frowned: “That street is full of junk food. The environment isn’t even hygienic, and she often gets diarrhea after eating there. I scolded her many times before.”

Sighing, Tan’s mother gave him a command:

“Go back to the room and don’t go out. What’s there to crave? Let her endure it. It’s not proper for her to be up to such mischief so late at night.”

The man who suddenly felt scolded for no reason: “…”.