C12 Qian Is Yours

Mo Ziyu's lips curled into a faint smile as he reached for the money hidden beneath the newspaper, only to be stopped by Mo Zinuo's firm hand.

"She hasn't been sent away yet; there's still a chance," Mo Zinuo said.

"If you're not ready to give up, then let's wait and see what happens," Mo Ziyu replied, withdrawing his hand and settling back into his seat with ease.

Mo Siyu shook her head, "No, Qiao Yiyi has violated a major taboo of Xiling's, and she will be sent away without delay."

Mo Zinuo smiled confidently, "I'll concede the moment she steps out of the Mo family's gate."

Mo Qingze entered the room and inquired of Mo Ziyu and Mo Zinuo, "Which one of you will escort Qiao Yiyi away?"

"I will," Mo Ziyu volunteered, lifting his hand. "Has Xiling given his consent?"

"He's in contemplation, but a decision should be forthcoming."

As the seconds ticked by, Mo Xiling's decree remained absent. The room fell into a hushed stillness, with even the usually jovial Mo Zinuo sitting in silence.

"Has he had a change of heart?" Mo Siyu eventually broke the quiet.

"I doubt it, but I'll go check," Mo Qingze said, striding out briskly.

Mo Ziyu gazed pensively into the distance.

Mo Zinuo, however, was all smiles. "Xiling is becoming increasingly enigmatic."

Mo Siyu, arms folded, observed the two men, "Shall we wager once more?"

"There's no need," Mo Ziyu said, flipping the newspaper and nodding slightly towards Mo Zinuo. "The money's yours."

"Ziyu, what are you implying?" Mo Siyu asked, confused.

"Don't you see? He's won."

"Do you mean Xiling will allow Qiao Yiyi to remain?"

"Xiling is known for his decisiveness; it's not like him to waver. I believe he will choose to keep Qiao Yiyi," Mo Ziyu stated sternly. "However, if she tries any tricks, I'll take matters into my own hands."

Mo Zinuo pocketed the money, addressing Mo Ziyu, "I think you're right; Xiling will keep Qiao Yiyi."

Mo Siyu exhaled deeply, "A woman who has broken the rules being forgiven is unprecedented. What's gotten into Xiling?"

"Do you still not understand?" Mo Zinuo said with a smile, "He's taken an interest in Qiao Yiyi."

"Because Qiao Yiyi turned him down?"

"Perhaps," Mo Zinuo replied, "Men tend to harbor grudges against women who reject them."

Just then, Mo Qingze entered, his face stormy as he sat down without a word.

Mo Zinuo gave Mo Ziyu a pat on the shoulder, chuckling, "Looks like you were right."

"Big Brother, is Xiling really planning to keep Qiao Yiyi here?" Mo Siyu inquired.

"Xiling never had any intention of letting her go," Mo Qingze said, clearly frustrated. "I went to ask him, and he ended up giving me an earful."

"Let it go, Big Brother. There's no point in getting upset with Xiling," Mo Zinuo advised. "He's always been this way."

Qiao Yiyi, alone in her room, was determined not to fall asleep. Surrounded by danger in a den of thieves, she couldn't afford to be careless.

Yet, sleepiness was overwhelming her. Her eyelids were fighting a losing battle, her head nodding off, her body leaning forward until she finally toppled over. Luckily, her quick reflexes saved her from hitting the floor as she grabbed the edge of the bed.

Jolted awake, Qiao Yiyi bounced around the room and stretched out her limbs. She had no idea what time it was, but it felt very late; otherwise, she wouldn't be this exhausted.

She couldn't fathom why Mo Xiling hadn't sent her packing after she'd disgusted him. Why was he leaving her here?

Bored, she retrieved the sword from beneath the mattress and practiced a few swings in the air. It felt good, though the target was somewhat large. If only she could swap it for a small knife, then she could strike at Mo Xiling when he least expected it and give that creep a bloody lesson he'd never forget!