C19 Don't Underestimate His Ability

Qiao Yiyi turned slowly and made her way toward the garden, a riot of colors against the backdrop of the castle. The Chinese-style garden, with its swing, stone table, chairs, and pavilion, seemed to complement the Western-style castle rather well, at least through the eyes of someone with a professional background in architectural design.

In the midst of summer, the garden was in full bloom. Even as evening approached, the scent of flowers filled the air, creating a sense of relaxation and joy.

As Qiao Yiyi strolled leisurely, a clear voice called out from behind her, "Hello, Miss Qiao."

Turning, she saw the man known as Zinuo.

"I am Mo Zinuo," he said, extending his hand with a smile.

Out of all the Mo family people, he was the only one who didn't intimidate Qiao Yiyi. Maybe it was his sunny smile that radiated warmth and goodwill.

She shook his hand, responding, "Hello, Mr. Mo."

Mo Zinuo's smile widened, reaching his ears. "Just call me Zinuo. Everyone here is a Mr. Mo; it's easier to go by first names."

Qiao Yiyi, unable to get the information she wanted from Mo Siyu, hoped to learn more from Mo Zinuo.

"Zinuo, are you Mo Xiling's brother?"

He smiled, raising an eyebrow. "You could say that."

Either he was or he wasn't—what did 'you could say that' mean? Qiao Yiyi gave him a sidelong glance. It appeared Mo Zinuo was just as evasive. Maybe he was the type to smile to your face and scheme behind your back.

Her initial fondness for Mo Zinuo halved instantly, and she grew cautious.

But Mo Zinuo, as if reading her thoughts, said with a smile, "You don't need to guard against me. I'm genuinely a good person."

"And Mo Xiling?"

"He's pretty decent too."

"Would a decent person keep me confined here?"

Mo Zinuo looked genuinely taken aback. "Confined? He's merely invited you to stay for a few days. Besides, you've just become intimate with him. Wouldn't you want to spend more time together?"

Qiao Yiyi spoke with an icy tone, "I have no intimate relationship with him, nor do I wish to be with him."

"Really?" Mo Zinuo's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean to say nothing happened between you two last night?"

"Nothing."

"My goodness!" Mo Zinuo gasped, covering her mouth in shock. "You shared a bed all night and absolutely nothing happened? What did he do then?"

Qiao Yiyi thought to herself that Mo Xize was a freak. He spent the entire night just looking and smelling her, even harming himself, which terrified her beyond belief.

But she was too embarrassed to voice these thoughts and simply shook her head, "He did nothing."

Mo Zinuo rubbed his chin, pondering the situation: He didn't sleep with her, nor did he send her away. What exactly is Xiling's intention?

Although Qiao Yiyi was unclear about the relationship between Mo Zinuo and Mo Xiling, she didn't want to let any chance slip by. Gathering her courage, she pleaded, "Zinuo, can you help me? I truly don't want to stay here. I want to go home."

"This is..." Mo Zinuo appeared troubled. "You belong to Xiling. Leaving would require his consent."

Qiao Yiyi hadn't formally discussed the matter with Mo Xiling, but her intuition told her the prospects were grim. If only someone would secretly set her free.

Her eyes cast downward, she spoke with a forlorn tone, "Never mind, he won't agree."

"Miss Qiao, why don't you like Xiling? Is it because he hasn't been intimate with you? You should know he's not very experienced in that regard, but practice makes perfect. With your cooperation, he'll excel. Xiling is a source of pride for us. Whatever he does, he excels at—including in the bedroom. Don't underestimate his capabilities."