C3 Let The Games Begin

Sunlight crept from the balcony at the other side of the room, shining over the blanket wrapped around Moo Nuannuan's thin frame. It was already the next morning, and she could hear the birds chirping from the glass windows. Somehow, everything that had happened last night felt like a dream (or perhaps, a nightmare), at least, until her hands slid across the silky sheets around her. That wasn't a dream, but her own cruel reality. ​

As soon as she opened her eyes, she quickly peered to her bedside to see that it was empty.

Mu Tingxiao didn't come to sleep with her last night.

Although a part of her was relieved, she couldn't help but feel a little uneasy by his absence.

It felt like a knife was hovering over her head with its blade trailing across the edges of her skull. A part of her had wanted to see him get it over with, but another part of her wanted to leave things as it was. Besides, she may feel pity for the scarred man, but she wasn't ready for a relationship either. Now that they were placed in this difficult situation, perhaps it was best to get some space–even just for a little while.

After Moo Nuannuan washed up, one of the bodyguards came up to greet her with a bow. He didn't bother to speak as he led her towards the dining hall. It was no secret that the Mu family was rich. With glistening chandeliers hanging from every corner and antique vases gleaming along the corridors, they could render anyone speechless. She wasn't the type who was easily amazed by material possessions, but this was all too much. There was something about this mansion that reminded her of a museum–where every little artifact was meant to impress and sometimes even intimidate.

The dining room and kitchen were adjacent to one another–separated by a sleek countertop. Just as she walked in, she noticed a tall figure carrying a plate of food from the kitchen. When he turned around, she noticed that the man was none other than Mu Jiachen–the man who had tried to kiss her the night before!

Just her luck! She was about to turn around and stomp right out of the room when he called, "Sister-in-law, good morning!"

His light voice was far different from the twisted tone he had used on her the other day, but it was still enough to make her feel uncomfortable. She took a step back, assessing his seemingly warm features. She didn't know if it was the daylight that made him seem even brighter or if he was simply amused by her reaction. What the hell was going on? Why the heck was he here?

The bodyguard, however, couldn't help but furrow his eyebrows at their interaction. Why was Young Master acting this way? Was he trying to play a role for Young Madame? Not wanting to ask, he simply watched and continued with his assessments.

As soon as Moo Nuannuan had comprehended his words, her face contorted to disgust. Didn't he have his own home? Why did he have to be here?

"Morning," she staid stiffly, pushing up her glasses. Without another word, she glanced at the bodyguard. "Is your Young Master not here?"

The bodyguard glanced slightly at Mu Tingxiao, who appeared expressionless by the question. Seeing this, he gazed back at the young woman and forced a lie out of his lips, "The Young Master isn't feeling well recently." He bowed. "He's in the hospital right now to go over the procedures that the doctor had required him to do."

It was almost impossible to lie to her, he soon realized as he stared at her spotted face. The young woman looked funny with the way her dark hair flattened all over her forehead and thick-rimmed glasses, but he failed to see the true extent of her intelligence and beauty. Ever since she was young, Xiao Chuhee had always insisted on pushing her into the shadows, making sure that she'd never get to steal the limelight from her siblings. That was why she acted the way she did, and even looked the way she did. It had grown out of habit and will to survive.

It was obvious that the bodyguard was lying, but Moo Nuannuan didn't question him any further.

Instead, she nodded understandingly. "When can I see him?"

"He–he's very busy..." he lied through his teeth.

Hm. It seemed that Mu Tingxiao didn't like her. That's why he didn't want to see her, she later concluded with a shrug.

"Breakfast is ready," Mu Jiachen said lightly. "You should eat."

It was then when she noticed that there weren't any maids in the villa. Moo Nuannuan blinked in confusion, before she glanced at the plate being placed before her. If there weren't any maids, then was he the one who had prepared this plate for her? Her eyes narrowed. Although it looked delicious, she still couldn't help but feel a bit cautious. After all, she had no idea who this man was.

"What? Are you afraid that I'll drug you?" At her silence, he leaned even closer, showcasing his gloomy eyes.

She staggered back. "It's not that...I'm just not hungry."

Not wanting to say anymore, she whirled around and left. The last thing she needed was to interact with that sicko again! If there was a cripple in this villa, then it certainly wasn't his cousin with the way he was acting! Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, she stomped out of the villa and down the long, winded staircase.

Just as she was about to walk even farther, she spotted the same bodyguard who had dropped her last night. "Hey, do you mind if you do me a favor?" A hesitant smile weaved its way into her lips. "There are a few bags I need to get from the Moo family, so I'd need to be driven there. It would just be quick."​

When the bodyguards had fetched her back at the Moo family villa, she hadn't brought anything along, so she'd need to head back and pick up some of her clothes and toiletries. That was what she had planned to do today on her own, but as soon as she had walked out, she realized that the villa they now lived in was built halfway up the mountain top. Although it had a few perks given its beautiful view, it certainly didn't do much for accessibility. Even if she were to call a taxi, it wouldn't be able to arrive till a few hours. She'd need faster transport. ​

He was about to respond, but as soon as he saw the shadowy figure behind her, he immediately bowed his head.

"Hello?" Blinking, Moo Nuannuan followed his gaze to see Mu Jiachen leaning against the staircase.

His hands were shoved in his pockets, and his eyebrows were raised. "If you need to go home, then I'll drive you there," he offered, flashing her a smile. "It wouldn't make any sense to order anyone else if I'm around to help you, you know." ​

Encouraged by her silence, he slung his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. ​

"I can do it myself." Her nose wrinkled in disgust, and she pushed his hand away.

It was just yesterday when he had the audacity to call her ugly, and now he had been pestering her nonstop. Was he crazy?

"Young Madame, why don't you let Young Master send you off?" The bodyguard suggested. "I have other errands to run, so I might not be able to drop you off."

"I..." She sighed. It wasn't as if she had no other choice. "Fine."

"See? Was that so hard?" Satisfied by the outcome, Mu Tingxiao leaned in a bit closer to whisper in her ear, "You know, your skin's pretty soft too."

"Don't touch me!" She stomped towards the parking lot, not bothering to look him in the eye. She didn't want a recap of what had happened last night, especially with so many people watching them!

Once they were inside the car, Moo Nuannuan didn't say another word as she pulled the seatbelt across her chest. It was as if she was sitting next to a stranger with how stiffly she had been seated and how silent she was throughout the entire carried. In fact, she didn't even glance to her side, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing her irritated. After all, wasn't she married to his cousin? Wasn't this improper? ​

Seeing her so cold towards him, Mu Tingxiao's eyes flashed with interest.

Although she was ugly, her personality was quite decent–definitely a spitfire.

At first, he had intended to tease her with his appearance yesterday, but after her reaction, he decided to keep up with the charade. There was definitely more than meets this eye with this woman, and he was determined to find out what. 'Let the games begin,' he thought with a smirk.