Wen Ran blinked blankly, her eyes clouded with confusion. "Weren't you at the pharmaceutical factory? That morning, you brought Qin Mu with you and said you were willing to help me."
That was the moment when she had been most helpless.
Of course, she remembered it.
A fleeting shadow of disappointment flickered in Mo Xiuchen's eyes, though he had expected her response. A self-mocking smile touched his lips, his deep voice laced with an almost imperceptible melancholy. "No. The first time we met was at a banquet four months ago. You were there with your father and your brother. You even did me a small favor…"
"Four months ago?"
Wen Ran tried hard to recall but failed. With a tinge of guilt, she said softly, "Perhaps my memory isn't very good, so I can't remember. So… you helped me because we had met before, and you felt grateful?"
"Of course not."
Mo Xiuchen dismissed her assumption without hesitation. "I'm not some kind-hearted, innocent person like you. I don't have time to play the hero. I helped you because you left a deep impression on me that day."
He paused, his figure leaning slightly toward her, his gaze intense and unwavering.
Wen Ran's heartbeat faltered. His sudden nearness and burning gaze enveloped her in his cool, masculine scent.
He said she had left a special impression on him.
Her heart tightened in a flutter of unease. Was he about to confess that he had fallen for her at first sight? But the thought was quickly dismissed as absurd.
What kind of man was Mo Xiuchen? Though indifferent to women, he had surely seen all kinds of them. How could he fall for someone as naïve and inexperienced as her at first glance?
"You reminded me of a little girl from many years ago."
"That's impossible…"
Wen Ran stared at him in astonishment. Something flickered in her mind, and her expression shifted slightly. Mo Xiuchen didn't miss the change, his gaze tender as he asked, "Ranran, what's wrong?"
She shook her head. "It's nothing. Maybe because I'm around the same age as the girl who saved you, I give you a similar feeling."
She remembered the dream that had haunted her for years. As a child, she had once mentioned it to her parents. They had told her it was nonsense, and if she stopped thinking about it, she wouldn't dream of it anymore.
She had asked her brother recently whether it was possible the dream was a memory. He had said she was their precious girl, sheltered since birth—how could she have experienced such a thing?
Lately, she had longed to dream it again—but it never came.
Mo Xiuchen smiled faintly, his slender fingers gently caressing the back of her delicate hand. "Maybe so. But Ranran, I'm very glad to have met you. No matter what Cheng Jia or anyone else says, don't believe them. Just believe in me. After witnessing my mother leap to her death as a child, I would never treat marriage as a game."
His tone grew solemn as he gazed into her eyes, voice low and sincere. "I didn't marry you to retaliate against Mo Zixuan, nor with the intention of divorcing you someday. Even if I were to find that little girl again—I would never let go of your hand."
Wen Ran pressed her lips together, fighting to calm her chaotic emotions. His words weren't a confession, but they surpassed one in their weight and sincerity. She had always believed him to be a man of his word. She also believed that if she treated this marriage with earnest devotion, and gave him her sincere heart, even if it had to end one day, she would have no regrets.
"So, promise me—you'll always believe in me."
What Mo Xiuchen feared most was her doubt and distrust, sown by others' words.
In any marriage, trust is the foundation. Even the deepest love can wither in the absence of it.
Looking into his deep, fervent eyes, Wen Ran felt a strange enchantment overcome her. She nodded instinctively. "Alright, I believe you."
At her words, Mo Xiuchen's eyes lit up. He lowered his head and, unable to resist, kissed her lips once more.
The taste of her was intoxicating—soft and sweet like rose petals, impossible to resist. Especially when she melted beneath his touch, soft moans slipping from her lips, his restraint shattered. He pressed her down onto the sofa.
"Ranran…"
His voice, husky as if scraped from raw emotion, rang in her ears, jolting her back to reason. She weakly pushed against his firm chest, her voice trembling with alluring softness that surprised even herself. "Xiuchen… the herbal suppliers are still waiting."
Mo Xiuchen stared into her pleading eyes, took a deep breath to quell his rising desire, and planted a heavy kiss on her lips before grumbling a demand. "Then tonight—help me bathe."
"…!"
Wen Ran stared at him in disbelief.
Help him bathe? He wasn't a child!
All this while, he had been the one bathing her—more than happy to serve, especially at night, before and after their moments of passion.
"Will you?" he coaxed, seeing her hesitate. His fingers teasingly slipped toward her thigh…
"Yes!"
Startled, Wen Ran blurted the word without thinking.
Pleased, Mo Xiuchen pulled her up from the sofa and smiled. "Tonight I'll accompany you to meet the suppliers. With Ah Kai by our side, they won't dare make any demands."
Wen Ran turned away from his charming smile and rose to her feet, her voice soft. "Let's go, we shouldn't keep everyone waiting."
Alone in the office with him, she feared for her safety. Lately, this man had become increasingly outrageous—not only clinging to her every night at home, but even daring to make moves outside.
She had never imagined that a man so cold and aloof could harbor such fervent desire.
"I'll call Ah Kai to see if he's done for the day. He can meet us at the hotel," Mo Xiuchen said, pulling out his phone.
Wen Ran stood quietly by the sofa, watching him make the call. The flush that had colored her cheeks from his teasing began to slowly fade.
The meeting with the herbal suppliers took place in a lavish private room at a hotel arranged by Qin Mu, on Mo Xiuchen's orders.
Mo Xiuchen, Wen Ran, and Gu Kai sat at the head of a large round table. Three suppliers, each with an assistant, sat on the other side, joined by Li Qian, Qin Mu, and the ever-curious Luo Haofeng.
Thanks to Mo Xiuchen and Gu Kai, the once-stubborn suppliers were now obliging, treating the two men like deities deserving reverence.
Meanwhile, at another residence, Cheng Jia had prepared an exquisite meal and set the table with fine wine, awaiting Mo Xiuchen's arrival.
Having failed to seduce him at the Mo residence, she had resolved that tonight—she would become his woman.
She knew he was a man of discipline, untouched by the many women around him, with only Wen Ran by his side. Though powerful in business, Cheng Jia believed he lacked experience in love—making him easy prey.
She had cooked with care, dressed in a low-cut red dress that hugged her curves, and dabbed on a sensual perfume.
She wasn't even wearing underwear.
As she waited, she imagined Mo Xiuchen falling under her spell. His physique was magnificent, masculine, and strong. Just seeing the marks he left on Wen Ran's neck was enough to imagine his prowess.
Since she had secretly repaired her hymen, she hadn't dared seek another man. Just thinking of it made her flush with anticipation.
Suddenly, her phone rang, jolting her from her fantasy. Seeing the caller ID, her smile faded instantly. She pressed the answer key, lips tight. "Hello, Madam Mo."
"I heard you invited Mo Xiuchen tonight?"
It was Xiao Wenqing. Cheng Jia wasn't surprised. She had run into Zhou Lin earlier that day while shopping and had mentioned she would be cooking for Mo Xiuchen.
"Yes, I did," she answered calmly.
"Then tonight, no matter what, you must keep him there. Tomorrow morning, I want his scandal splashed across every headline."
Her voice dripped with venom.
Mo Jingteng was set to announce Mo Xiuchen's succession tomorrow. All of Xiao Wenqing's recent attempts to obstruct him had failed, and with Mo Zixuan skipping out on his duties, her only hope now was Cheng Jia.
Cheng Jia frowned slightly but agreed, "I'll do my best. But whether I can actually keep him—I'm not sure."
"I've taught you every trick to seduce a man. How can you still fail with just Mo Xiuchen? Remember, only if you become his woman can you steal him from Wen Ran."
She knew Cheng Jia had real feelings for Mo Xiuchen, and she was playing on that vulnerability.
The words ignited the burning jealousy in Cheng Jia's chest. Her grip tightened around her phone. "I know. Tonight, I will become his woman. If he steps into my home, I'll make sure he ends up in my bed."
"Good. I'll wait for your good news."
"Have the reporters come to my house tomorrow morning. I might not have a chance to contact you again."
If she wanted Mo Xiuchen, she would have to seduce him completely—and be ruthless with herself.
After a moment's pause, Xiao Wenqing replied coolly, "Alright. I'll bring the reporters to your house at first light. Don't worry. Tonight, you're not fighting alone. While you're keeping Mo Xiuchen, I'll make sure someone else keeps Wen Ran occupied."
Wen Ran was pleased with the outcome of the evening. With Mo Xiuchen and Gu Kai's assistance, the suppliers not only sold them the herbs at the original price, but also provided evidence of Zhou Mingfu's attempted bribery.
It was only a small piece of the puzzle, but combined with the evidence her brother Wen Jin held, it would be enough to remove Zhou Mingfu from the company.
And once he began to panic, he might slip up further—perhaps even revealing the truth about her parents' deaths.
As they left the hotel, the suppliers expressed their desire to visit Wen Jin at the hospital. Luo Haofeng, Qin Mu, Gu Kai, and Li Qian led them ahead. Mo Xiuchen lingered, keeping pace with Wen Ran.
"I've got something to take care of," he said softly. "Let Ah Mu and Ah Feng accompany you to the hospital."
Gu Kai would be returning too, so he felt assured.
Wen Ran nodded. "Alright." She didn't ask what he needed to do.
After watching them leave, Mo Xiuchen got into the car driven by Xiao Liu. "To Cheng Jia's house," he instructed, reclining in his seat and closing his eyes.
Xiao Liu glanced at him in the rearview mirror, startled. "Young Master, is it really appropriate to go to her place this late?"
He remembered well—last time at the Mo residence, Cheng Jia had drugged herself, forcing Mo Xiuchen to spend the night in cold water. If he went there tonight, she'd surely try something again.
Mo Xiuchen didn't open his eyes. "Stop talking. Drive."
What Xiao Liu could anticipate, he had already prepared for. That was exactly why he had to go.
Cheng Jia had said too much to Ranran this afternoon. He had no intention of letting it go unpunished.
Sensing his displeasure, Xiao Liu fell silent and started the car.
Halfway through the drive, Mo Xiuchen suddenly spoke.
"Xiao Liu, isn't it time you found yourself a wife?"
The unexpected words startled Xiao Liu, sending a chill down his spine. He shook his head quickly. "Young Master, I haven't really thought about it."
He wasn't handsome like Mo Xiuchen, nor did he have his talent or status. Just a humble driver who hadn't even graduated high school.
What woman would want him?
Except for the loud, pig-like woman next door to his family's house, he couldn't imagine anyone else.
Mo Xiuchen smirked, his mood lifted. "What if I find you a woman—beautiful, well-educated, with a respectable job—who's willing to marry you and obey you?"
Xiao Liu laughed nervously. "Please don't tease me, Young Master. A woman like that… she'd have to be blind to want me."
He knew his place all too well.
Mo Xiuchen's smile deepened mysteriously. "She'll come. Just do as I say, and I promise—you'll get the girl."