C29 He Was Deliberately Teasing Her

Moo Nuannuan had been playing dumb for so many years. In fact, for as long as she could remember, she deliberately tried her best to mess up their orders and even kept her conversations to a minimum. It was hard at first–to continually fail every test she had taken and to get every question wrong, but she had gotten used to it over time. For her, lying low was the only way to ensure her survival, and she wasn't going to let that go anytime soon. Now, it was her asset, and she was sure as hell going to use that to her advantage.

However, plans of continuing that habit to the Mu Estate have been disintegrated. Even the servants and bodyguards there were perceptive enough to see through her dull facade. Plus, Mu Tingxiao and Mu Jiachen weren't easily fooled too. There were just too many players in that estate, that to play a dumb role would not only get exhausting but also impossible.

That was why she had never intended to play stupid the moment she stepped into the estate the very first day of their union.

The moment she walked out of those gates, she didn't bother covering it up anymore. Her eyes shone with mischief and mistrust, one that Mu Tingxiao had noticed. And as she stared at the retreating house, she slowly relaxed in her seat. It was as if someone had finally allowed her to breathe.

The relieved expression on her face didn't escape his gaze.

She seemed to be very afraid of getting involved with Mu Jiachen, especially in front of her other family members. His fingers drummed against the steering wheel, and his eyes narrowed. Was she really that loyal to Mu Tingxiao? Even he couldn't decipher what went on in this ugly woman's head.

Although he knew it was because she hated 'Mu Jiachen' with a passion, he still couldn't help but feel a little annoyed. The silence was just far too unnerving.

Wanting to garner a reaction from her, he hurriedly slammed his foot against the break. The tires screeched in response as they drifted across the road. They had almost hit the rails if he hadn't turned it just in time. A smirk slowly made its way into his lips.

The force made Moo Nuannuan lean forward. She was then thrown to the side door from the sudden jerk; her upper arm slammed against the surface and she couldn't help but wince. Luckily, she had her seatbelt on. Otherwise, her body would've been thrown against the windshield.

"What the hell was that?" Suppressing her anger, she glared at him.

"My hands slipped from the wheel," he said calmly.

"You!" He didn't even bother trying to come up with a better excuse!

She had wanted to bash him on the skull or perhaps slap that arrogant look on his face! But she wasn't that stupid to offend the right-hand man of Mu Tingxiao. Even if the two of them weren't on good terms, offending one of the Young Masters of the Mu family would be stupid! There was no other choice she had but to endure this bastard's antics.

There was laughter hidden in his eyes as he stared at her. It was as if he was reading through her thoughts, knowing far too well that she couldn't do a thing.

Ever since she had arrived here a few days back, she and Mu Jiachen didn't get along. Not only had he insult her looks, but he had tried every alternative to get her to kiss him. After learning that the two cousins were on good terms, it only made her blood boil at the sight of him. Now, all she aimed to do was to get as far away from him as possible.

The car stopped at the gates of Mu Tingxiao's villa.

Moo Nuannuan didn't even bother to wait for him to say anything as she jumped out of the car. "Thank you," she said hastily before sprinting into the villa. The only thing she wished for right now was for him to finally be able to move far, far away from them.

Upon seeing the bodyguard standing by the front door, she tilted her head. "Is your Young Master here?"

If she drove back from the Moo estate on her own, she would still reach up the mountains safely. However, she still couldn't help but be grateful that Mu Tingxiao had actually thought of her. Perhaps, he really wasn't as bad as some had thought.

The bodyguard glanced at Mu Tingxiao, who was following her from behind and said with a deadpan expression, "Young Master went out to do some business. He's not back yet." Even he didn't know why the real master was covering up his identity as Mu Jiachen.

"I see." She paused before saying, "When he comes back, please inform me."

She wanted to thank Mu Tingxiao in person. It was the least she could do.

"Yes, Young Madame." The man bowed his head in response.

Upon seeing her retreat up the stairs, Mu Tingxiao glanced at the bodyguard with narrowed eyes. "What did she say to you?"

"Young Madame asked if you were at home," he relayed the information quickly. "And that if you come back, I'll let her know."

Moo Nuannuan sat in her bedroom, none the wiser of what was happening back in the entrance. She logged into her laptop and scanned through her emails to see if any companies had wanted to offer her a position. "Hmm," she hummed to herself, double-tapping through every single one of them.

There were a few small companies who had invited her out to an interview. "Great, they're all in different days," she murmured, typing out a 'thank-you' response before sending it to them. At least, she came up with something, and their position in the industry also wasn't that bad.

Ever since she had learned how to walk, she was given a rule–to never ask the Moo family for money. Besides, even if she did bother asking them, they wouldn't give her a dime! All their savings and excess were poured into her two older siblings. Even when it came to finding a job, they didn't dare extend a helping hand. Because of this, she managed to survive by working for a small company. Although the salary wasn't high, it was enough to support her simple lifestyle.

When she married into the Mu family, she knew that her family must've accepted a ton of benefits. However, she had not received even a twinge of them. Not only that, but she had also lost her job because of this union. Now, she had no other choice but to search for another job.

Luckily, the companies who had invited her for an interview weren't that bad. In fact, to her knowledge, they had created a few blockbusters in their time as well, so it would be a great experience to work for them. A slow smile slid into her lips. Perhaps, things were starting to turn around.

After turning off her computer, she walked out of her room and headed down the stairs. There was still no one in the hall.

Mu Tingxiao still wasn't back.

With a sigh, she headed back to her room and continued to wait for him. After all, even if he was disabled, he was still the Young Master of the Mu family. He must have a ton of responsibilities on top of his shoulders, so it was only right that he was busying around.

The skies had gradually turned dark, and he still hasn't returned.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to her. Slipping into her slippers, she went straight to the kitchen, eyeing all the utensils available.

Even if he was late, he'd surely be back here for dinner, right? She might as well cook up a meal to properly thank him.

From the time she had stayed in the villa until now, she noticed that only a few bodyguards were going in and out of the villa. Although she rarely ate here, she couldn't help but wonder if all the meals Mu Tingxiao had eaten were made by these bodyguards. It was a weird sight.

This was the first time she had ever seen such a thing. There really weren't any maids in his house. Did he hate women in general?

Sure enough, as soon as she had entered the kitchen, a bodyguard walked in to stop her. "Is Young Madame hungry? If you are, I can prepare you a meal–whatever you want to eat," he offered almost robotically, but she quickly shook her head in response.

"It's fine. I'll cook for your Young Master." She opened the refrigerator.

"All right." He nodded. "Just let us know if you need anything."

Moo Nuannuan smiled. "I will."

The fridge was stacked. With different kinds of red meat and white meat properly placed and labeled in the freezer, she noticed how complete everything was. It was like shopping in a supermarket. Even all the vegetables and fruits were there. Whatever she could've wanted, this kitchen could definitely provide.

However, just as she scanned the fridge's contents, she realized that she didn't know what dishes Mu Tingxiao liked to eat. As if the fates had read her mind, a deep voice sounded behind her. "Stewed beef–with fresh chili. Make sure to lessen the use of oil. He likes that."

Turning her head, she saw that Mu Jiachen was standing behind her.

He had changed into more casual clothes, and his hands were shoved into his pockets. He was leaning against one of the countertops. Although he didn't say a word after that, it was still hard to ignore him.

"Oh, and make sure to add steamed egg," he added. "That one doesn't need any chili."

What?

Did he think she was some kind of waiter?

Just as he was about to leave, Moo Nuannuan waved her hand to stop him. "That's what your cousin likes to eat?"

"Yes. Everything I said just now."

"You're sure?" Why did it feel like it was his favorite meal rather than Mu Tingxiao's?

Mu Tingxiao narrowed his eyes before reaching out his hand to brush the corner of her face. Before she could protest, his fingers slid down, forcing her to look up at him. They were centimeters apart now, and his eyes flashed at her surprised expression.

Matching her height, he tilted his head. "Do you think I'll lie to you about this?"

His hot breath fanned against her face, and she could feel her cheeks burning up almost immediately.

They were so close that she could see her shifty image reflected in his ink-black eyes. There was something about the way he drew close to her that made her feel hypnotized. All the words at the back of her mind collapsed into rubble, and she found herself at a loss of what to say.

Back then, she didn't really care much about her looks, but in this situation, she couldn't help but feel ugly and stupid at the same time.

Mu Jiachen was either blind or strong-willed to kiss someone who looked just like her, especially with other beautiful women surrounding him.

Seeing the dazed look on her face, he grinned. "The way you're staring at me–makes me think you want to get rid of that cripple and live with me instead. Should I start asking my cousin to sign you off to me instead?" His voice dropped to a whisper.

His fingers were cold to touch, but they seemed to carry a current of electricity. It was enough to make her tremble under him.

Snapping out of it, she pushed him away. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Mu Tingxiao took a few steps back before he could completely get a hold of himself. However, he didn't look flustered at all. His expression was placid and calm as if they were just talking about the weather. "Trust me," he reassured. "That's Mu Tingxiao's favorite dish. Besides, I have dinner tonight. Why would I let you cook for me?"

Shooting her one last look, he headed out of the kitchen.

As soon as he disappeared, Moo Nuannuan held onto the refrigerator door. It seemed to be the only thing that could stabilize her now, as she exhaled shakily. What the heck was that? Her fingers shook as she grabbed the meat from the freezer.

She used her other hand to touch the side of her neck, only to retract it almost immediately–looking as if she had just been electrocuted. What the hell was happening to her?

Gritting her teeth, Moo Nuannuan stared up at the ceiling. It was obvious that Mu Jiachen was deliberately teasing her, but as to why, she still didn't know.