Chapter 1040: Mo Family Princess’s Marriage [42] Chapter 1040: Mo Family Princess’s Marriage [42] “Clang,” a sound echoed.

The wine glass in Xiao Yebai’s hand suddenly tipped over on the table.

The servant beside him, holding the decanter, had already turned pale with fright and started apologizing incessantly, “I’m so sorry, Young Master Xiao, it’s all my fault, I’ll clean it up for you right away…”

Mo Yaoxiong frowned, “What happened?”

The servant explained, “I saw that Young Master Xiao’s wine was almost finished, and I wanted to pour some for him, but I accidentally touched the glass… It’s all my fault, Young Master Xiao, I’ll clean it up for you right away.”

Fortunately, the red wine in the glass had already been finished, and even though the glass had toppled onto the table, no wine had spilled, which was a fortunate event amidst the misfortune.

Xiao Yebai’s face showed no signs of anger, as unruffled as ever, he only picked up the wine glass and placed it back on the table.

The servant hurriedly absorbed the mess with a napkin, desperate to clean the pristine white tablecloth.

“Enough,” the Old Master Mo said impatiently, “Put the wine down, all of you can leave.”

“Yes,” the servants nodded tremulously, following Aunt Zhou in an orderly retreat.

In the vast dining room, only the old butler remained at his post.

“Yiyi,” Old Master Mo looked at his granddaughter, “What you just said… you agree to marry Chu Xiuhuang? Is it true? I didn’t hear wrong, did I?”

Mo Yaoxiong also came to his senses, “Yiyi, are you joking? How come I haven’t heard anything about this from the Chu Family?”

Mo Weiyi was looking at Xiao Yebai across from her.

She held a wine glass in one hand and propped her cheek with the other, under the shimmering crystal lights; rays illuminated her soft, fluffy hair, casting an enchanting sheen. Her fair and delicate face was slightly smiling, her lips tinted in strawberry red curved upward in clear good spirits, her voice was particularly light and comfortable, “I’m not joking, this is a big event in my life, how could I possibly joke about it?”

The man sitting opposite her still appeared nonchalant, his handsome face betraying no outward expression from start to finish, not even when she had said she would marry Chu Xiuhuang. She had thought, at least, he would show some surprise, right? Even when his wine glass had tumbled onto the table, she fantasized that he finally had a reaction, wondering if he had been stirred or jealous to have accidentally knocked over the glass, but who knew…
“If it’s a matter of such importance in your life, why not discuss it with the family first?” Mo Yaoxiong asked.

Old Master Mo was also anxious, “That old man Chu, how dare he hide this from me, it’s outrageous!”

The curve of Mo Weiyi’s lips deepened, “Don’t worry, the reason I didn’t tell you guys is because…”
She dragged out her voice, smiling but not quite smiling, her gaze steadfastly unwavering.

She watched Xiao Yebai adjust his glasses and then reached for the crystal decanter beside him, pouring himself another glass of red wine…
He still had the mood to continue drinking?

Mo Weiyi’s spirits were far from pleased, yet the smile on her face became increasingly radiant and sweet, her voice tenderly continuing, “Because Chu and I have already discussed it privately, he respects me a lot, agreeing to let me inform the family first, to get everyone’s approval before it’s his turn to go back to the Chu Family to announce it. So Grandpa, now that you know, do you approve of our marriage?”

Old Master Mo naturally nodded, “Of course I approve, as long as it’s a man you, Yiyi, like, Grandpa will like him too! Definitely won’t oppose it!”

Mo Weiyi smiled, “Grandpa, you are so good to me.”

She remembered how it was when she wanted to marry Xiao Yebai, someone seemed to have had a very different attitude back then.

“`
But that’s no longer important…

She turned her face and smiled at her father beside her, “Dad, what about you? Do you also agree to my marriage with young master Chu?”

Mo Yaoxiong’s expression was complicated, and he seemed to hesitate, “Yiyi, didn’t you say last time that you didn’t like him at all…”

“You just said last time, it’s all about last year, and I was only 17 years old then, still a high school senior, how could I think about marriage at that time? Besides, back then I didn’t understand what true feelings were. And I remember you telling me that feelings can change over time, someone you liked before, you might not like later, and someone you didn’t like, you might suddenly fall for…”

Weiyi smiled and continued, “Ever since I finished my college entrance exams, every time I went out for fun, I would run into him. To be honest, it felt quite fated, and with more opportunities to meet, I discovered I know him better now. Maybe I really misunderstood him before. In fact, young master Chu is a pretty good person. He’s not as despicable as the news says, and in terms of appearance, height, or family background… we are quite a suitable match. Don’t you think we’re well-matched, Dad?”

Weiyi was very serious, and the old master Mo listened with satisfaction, “It’s good that you think this way. After all, it takes getting along and understanding each other to build a relationship. I’ve always thought that young master Chu was very good, and you should trust your grandfather’s judgment. Marrying him, you’ll definitely be happy in the future.”

Weiyi nodded, “Hmm.”

Mo Yaoxiong’s brows were still furrowed, “So you mean, you have only been getting to know each other for just a month, are you really…”

“Dad.” Weiyi frowned slightly, “I remember last time when Grandpa Chu came over, weren’t you quite supportive of this marriage? Why do you seem so unhappy now that I’ve agreed…”

Mo Yaoxiong: “I’m not unhappy, I just feel that…”

“Enough already.” Old Master Mo was too lazy to listen to his explanations, “As long as Yiyi likes it, I have no objections to this marriage. Let’s settle it this way, no need to say anything else.”

“Dad…”

Mo Yaoxiong wanted to say more, but under his father’s gaze, he swallowed his words back.

“So, Grandpa and Dad both agree?” Weiyi smiled and nodded, “Then now…”

Her eyes shimmered, “What about Xiaobai?”

The person being called out finally showed a reaction. He put down his wine glass and leaned slightly back against the cherrywood chair, his dark and profound peach blossom eyes sweeping over coldly through his glasses.

Weiyi looked at him with a smile, “Xiaobai, do you agree to my marriage with young master Chu?”

Perhaps not expecting her to ask Xiao Yebai’s opinion, the other two men at the table had different expressions, and the dining room fell silent once again.

In this quiet atmosphere, Xiao Yebai parted his lips, his voice exceptionally calm, “This matter has nothing to do with me.”

“How can it have nothing to do with you?” Weiyi blinked, her face tinged with a naive and innocent blush, “Ever since you came to our home seven years ago, we’ve lived under the same roof for so many years. Although you’ve always treated me like a sister, I really liked you before… Now I’m getting married to another man, don’t you even want to say a word of consent?”

Xiao Yebai pressed his lips together slightly, staying silent.

“You’re not still angry with me, are you?” Weiyi hummed twice, “Alright, it was my fault before, I shouldn’t have clung to you like that… Now I’m getting married, I promise not to cling to you anymore and I won’t disturb your work. Isn’t that enough?”

“…” Xiao Yebai’s gaze was heavy as he looked at her.

“Really? I’ve made such a promise and you still won’t forgive me, you’re too petty, why are you so small-minded?” Weiyi was about to continue acting spoiled when Old Master Mo’s voice rang out.

“Alright, alright, Yebai is your brother, he won’t mind those past matters with you.”

“Is that so?” Weiyi chuckled, “That’s good then, a brother shouldn’t mind his sister’s past actions, and when you get married, brother, I will also bless you.”

Watching her radiant smile, Xiao Yebai still didn’t speak, his expression remaining unchanged from beginning to end.

“`
“Shi Kang.” The Mo Family patriarch called out.

The butler quickly arrived with servants, holding several large and exquisite gift boxes in his hands.

The Mo Family patriarch said, “Yiyi, these are the birthday gifts Grandpa has prepared for you. Open them and see if you like them.”

Mo Weiyi put down her wine glass and stood up from her seat.

The servants opened the boxes.

There were a total of seven or eight boxes, all filled with jewelry made of rubies, rings, bracelets, necklaces… and so on.

Under the light, they were dazzling and beyond beautiful.

Mo Weiyi’s gaze swept across the jewels, and the corners of her mouth curved slightly, “Thank you, Grandpa, I really like them.”

The Mo Family patriarch nodded with satisfaction, “I had the Ming Family custom make these. The designs were also exclusively authorized by the designer. When you get married, I’ll have them make you a whole set of jade…”

Mo Yaoxiong also presented his gift.

It was a set of property ownership documents for a villa in Lishui Bay, as well as the keys to a red luxury sports car.

The Mo Family patriarch glanced at them, “Has the house been selected already?”

Mo Yaoxiong nodded, “Yiyi chose it herself. It’s in Lishui Bay, not too far from the old house, and it will be convenient to get to Nancheng University once school starts.”

The Mo Family patriarch nodded, “If the Chu Family has no objections, I think it would be best to have the wedding at the end of August. There will be time to prepare properly, and after the wedding, the young couple can move to their new home. That should do.”

He immediately made up his mind, “I’ll call Old Chu and discuss the wedding details…”

“Wait a minute!” Mo Weiyi interrupted.

Everyone at the scene looked at her, including Xiao Yebai.

Though he still looked cool and indifferent.

Mo Weiyi blinked her eyes and calmly explained, “Grandpa, can’t we talk about this tomorrow? It’s my birthday tonight. Can’t I just have a good meal? It’s almost nine o’clock and the dishes haven’t been served yet…”

“Right, right, right.” The Mo Family patriarch smacked his forehead, “Okay, then I will discuss it with Old Chu tomorrow. Yiyi, rest assured, Grandpa will give you a wedding like no other!”

Mo Weiyi smiled sweetly, “Mm.”

“Alright, then let’s eat.” The Mo Family patriarch commanded, “Shi Kang, we’re ready for the hot dishes.”

But Mo Weiyi spoke again, “Wait a minute.”

The Mo Family patriarch frowned, “What now?”

Mo Yaoxiong also looked confused.

Mo Weiyi looked across, “Xiaobai.”

Xiao Yebai’s thin lips curved slightly in ridicule, and his eyebrows raised a bit too.

The little girl in red, with cunning cat-like eyes, looked at him beamingly, her face full of sweetness and happiness, “Today is my eighteenth birthday, and Grandpa and Dad have given me gifts. What about my gift from you?”

Hearing this, Xiao Yebai’s lips tightened, and after a few seconds of silence, he finally spoke, “I’ve been quite busy these few days…”

“You’ve got to be kidding,” Mo Weiyi pouted, a little huffy and exaggeratedly interrupting him, “You didn’t prepare a gift for me? It was okay not to prepare in the past, but today is my eighteenth birthday, a once in a lifetime event! You’re really stingy, not even willing to give me a birthday gift. Even if you’re busy, can’t you even spare the time to prepare a gift…”

She was getting a bit excited.

Mo Yaoxiong looked at the patriarch and tried to mediate, “Yebai has been busy with a case, and there was an unexpected issue, so he might have forgotten…”

The case being taken over was also known to the patriarch.

As expected, when he heard this, the Mo Family patriarch’s expression darkened but he did not get angry.

“Let Yebai make up a birthday gift for you later.” As the butler and servants began to serve the dishes, Mo Yaoxiong stood up, “Move these gifts to the room upstairs.”

“Yes…”

Mo Weiyi seemed satisfied, “Then tomorrow, Xiaobai, remember to make up a gift for me, okay?”

After finishing, she smiled and raised her wine glass, “I’ll toast everyone again.”

“Yiyi, you should drink less…”

Dinner ended in such a lively atmosphere.

Perhaps because of the upcoming happy event, Mo Weiyi was in a great mood, incessantly clamoring to drink.

Despite being stopped, she still drank three or four glasses of red wine.

And clearly, that was her limit.

In the span of an hour, she hardly touched her dinner and was already beginning to talk nonsense with a flushed face.

The Mo Family patriarch shook his head, “This girl seems to be drunk, send her upstairs to rest.”

Mo Weiyi waved her little hands, “No, no, I’m not drunk, I want to keep drinking…”

The Mo Family patriarch dared not let her continue.

“Housekeeper Zhou.” Mo Yaoxiong called out.

Housekeeper Zhou and another maid hurried over, supporting the Little Princess from both sides as they left.

Xiao Yebai sat there, his gaze lifting slightly, watching her from behind through the lenses.

Mo Weiyi walked with her head down, supported toward the stairs.

She appeared truly drunk, her beautiful, voluminous, curly hair loosely hanging down and covering her entire face.

She swayed gently with the support of the servants, and faint whimpers could be heard from her lips, along with the servants’ gentle words of persuasion…

Once they ascended the stairs and disappeared around the corner, Xiao Yebai withdrew his gaze, brought the wine glass to his lips, and slowly emptied it.

Mo Weiyi left, and the atmosphere in the living room became much quieter.

Xiao Yebai was never one to speak much, and Mo Yaoxiong seemed to be harboring his own thoughts, only drinking without a word.

It was the old patriarch who kept a smile on his face the entire time; his precious granddaughter had successfully gotten into the best university in Nancheng, and she was about to marry the talented young man he had taken a liking to. He was very happy.

“Elder…”

After the Mo Family elder took another sip of red wine, the butler stepped forward to remind him, “Your blood pressure is high, the doctor said, drink less wine…”

“I know,” the Mo Family elder put down the wine glass, “I’m just so happy tonight… Shi Kang, Yiyi’s wedding must find the best hotel and church in Nancheng, and her wedding dresses must be three… no, at least six sets! One for the groom’s arrival in the morning, one for the wedding ceremony, and at least three for the toasting attire… Also, I like a traditional Chinese wedding, Yiyi has fair skin, she would look beautiful in embroidered traditional Chinese wedding dress, and a cheongsam would suit her too…”

Shi Kang smiled and nodded to each point, “Don’t worry, Elder, leave it to me. I’ll make sure the princess has a grand wedding.”

“Right.” The Mo Family elder added, “Check which day next month is an auspicious day with good symbolism. If it really can’t be done, we can push it back and I’ll speak to the Chu Family; they wouldn’t dare to have objections…”

“We are relatives by marriage, I believe the Chu Family should be reasonable to negotiate with,” said the butler.

“Sigh…” The Mo Family elder suddenly let out a sigh, “I can’t believe Yiyi is getting married so soon. I’ll tell you, although I hope she finds a good husband early on… I didn’t expect it would be this fast…”

“The princess is already eighteen, she’s quite the young lady now. Since she and the young master of the Chu Family are fond of each other, they will surely be happy,” the butler reassured.

The Mo Family elder nodded, “Yes, yes…”

While the two were leisurely discussing wedding arrangements, Mo Yaoxiong furrowed his brows and looked towards the man sitting opposite.

Xiao Yebai had been entertaining guests at the clubhouse that evening, and had already drunk quite a bit. It seemed he had a few more glasses of red wine after returning…

Seemly aware of his gaze, Xiao Yebai looked up and set down the wine glass in his hand, then got up, “I’ve finished eating, I’ll go back to my room to work.”

The Mo Family elder was happily discussing wedding details with the butler; hearing this, he didn’t pay much attention and waved him off.

Mo Yaoxiong watched him enter the room, and then checked the time.

It was already 10 P.M.

“Dad.” Mo Yaoxiong spoke up, “It’s getting late, how about… I take you back to your room to rest?”

Fearing that the old patriarch would refuse…

“We have over a month to prepare for the wedding; there’s no need to rush. It would be better to discuss with the Chu Family tomorrow before making a decision,” he advised gently.

To his surprise, the Mo Family elder’s expression darkened, “My granddaughter marrying into the Chu Family is their eight lifetimes’ worth of good fortune! The wedding must go as I say, we’ll just inform them later…”

Mo Yaoxiong felt awkward, “Dad, haven’t you drunk too much…?”

“Shut up!” The Mo Family elder thumped his cane, “You don’t even know your own daughter is getting married. If it wasn’t for Yiyi speaking up tonight, would you ever bother to care about her feelings?”

Mo Yaoxiong: “…”

The old patriarch was getting on in years, his health was not good, and his temper became severe after drinking…

He endured silently without a word.

After venting for a while, the Mo Family elder’s mood seemed to improve, “Shi Kang, help me back to my room to rest.”

The butler hurriedly came forward.

Once the two had left, Mo Yaoxiong instructed the servants to clear the dining table.

Five minutes later, he knocked on Xiao Yebai’s room door.

The door was quickly opened.

Just as Xiao Yebai said, he had returned to his room to work, thus still wearing his work clothes from earlier, glasses on, handsome and fair-skinned, refined and reserved.

“I thought you had drunk too much just now? Why… are you still working?”

Xiao Yebai nodded and stepped aside.

After Mo Yaoxiong entered the room, he closed the door and walked over to stand by the desk, reaching to undo the buttons of his cuffs.

The computer on the desk was turned on, displaying various complex spreadsheets and formulas…

Mo Yaoxiong glanced over, “The elder has returned to his room to rest. He was very happy tonight and drank a bit too much.”

Xiao Yebai nodded.

Silent still.

“In this house, the elder loves no one more than his granddaughter Yiyi. You know that anything involving Yiyi always gets extra attention and care from him,” Mo Yaoxiong chuckled, “I still remember eight years ago, when you first joined the Mo Family, you had several conflicts with Yiyi. But whenever the elder came over to punish you, Yiyi would desperately stop him, refusing to let him touch you… ”
Xiao Yebai’s expression remained unchanged, still not speaking.

Until…

“Right.” Mo Yaoxiong asked, “Has Yiyi spoken to you about marrying the young master of the Chu family?”

Xiao Yebai said, “I only found out tonight.”

“Is that so…” Mo Yaoxiong started to frown, “Before… She really never mentioned it to you?”

Xiao Yebai: “No.”

Mo Yaoxiong looked at him, “Then when did you refuse her proposal?”

Xiao Yebai’s eyebrows lifted slightly as he answered, “The night before last.”

“You refused to marry her the night before last, and then a day later she agreed to marry another man?” Mo Yaoxiong raised his voice, “That girl… Indeed, just as I thought, she’s been willful and unreasonable since childhood, always acting on a whim without considering the consequences. Even with something as important as marriage, she’s acting rashly, it’s complete nonsense!”

Xiao Yebai listened quietly, without retorting.

“Yebai.” Mo Yaoxiong looked at him, “I know you don’t have romantic feelings for Yiyi, but no matter what, she’s almost like your half-sister. You should know that for many years, she’s always been fond of you, just because of a word from you, I didn’t expect her to work so hard to study and even got into Nancheng University. She cares about you greatly, otherwise, she wouldn’t have tried so hard…”

“It was my fault.” Xiao Yebai nodded, but his tone remained calm, without any emotional fluctuations, “When I first returned to China and started working at the Mo Family company, I just didn’t want her to bother me anymore.”

Mo Yaoxiong sighed, “I guessed it…”

But at that time he didn’t really think Mo Weiyi could actually get into Nancheng University and make Xiao Yebai honor their agreement.

And the result…

Mo Weiyi took an unconventional path, but Xiao Yebai backed out…

“Actually…” he slowly said, “although you are the child I brought back from Tongcheng, in my heart, over the years… I have always treated you as my own son, grooming you. You have never let me down, not in school, and now as a part of the Mo Family. Your abilities are evident to all, and I’ve discussed with the old man about grooming you to become the future heir of the Mo Family…”

Xiao Yebai’s eyes were pitch-black.

“It just so happens that Yiyi likes you very much, and over the years, she has not felt the same way about any other man except you. I was thinking that if you could get married in the future, it would be only right and proper to pass on the Mo Family to you to inherit.”

Mo Yaoxiong sighed deeply, “But I didn’t expect Yiyi to actually accept Chu Xiuhuang’s marriage proposal. If she truly marries the young master of the Chu Family, we will become relatives by marriage. Yiyi is the Mo Family’s only child; she is not made for business, and the old man wouldn’t really let her into the company, so you should know that the Mo Family will eventually fall into the hands of her husband… that is Chu Xiuhuang.”

After listening to everything, Xiao Yebai nodded, “I understand.”

His expression was still that same unchangeable indifference, revealing no sign of happiness or anger.

Mo Yaoxiong’s gaze flickered slightly, “Yebai, you are a smart kid. Some things… I don’t want to say too clearly, but I believe you should know what to do.”

He spoke with deep earnestness, “In this life, opportunities to choose are few, but if you fail to seize them at the critical moment, you may regret it for a lifetime.”

…

When Mo Yaoxiong left, it was already past 11 o’clock at night.

After an evening of festivities, the villa had completely quieted down.

Apart from some streamers, balloons, and various gift boxes, the living room and dining room had been tidied up by the staff.

Aunt Zhou checked everything, then dismissed the staff.

Not feeling reassured, she went upstairs, knocked on the door, “Princess, have you fallen asleep?”

The door was tightly closed, and no one replied.

Aunt Zhou gently pushed open the door.

In the vast room where only a dim light was on, one could see the figure of Mo Weiyi lying under the covers on the elegant and luxurious princess bed, quiet, as if already asleep.

The Little Princess had a bit too much to drink tonight; she had gone straight to bed after being helped to her room, refusing to bathe or change her clothes…

Aunt Zhou frowned.

After pondering for a while, she finally closed the door and quietly went downstairs.

She and the staff had been busy all day preparing for the birthday banquet, and she was exhausted both physically and mentally.

And so that night…

She slept deeply.

So deeply that she did not hear any sounds at all…

**
Midnight, 12 o’clock.

Xiao Yebai closed his laptop, his pale, slender fingers resting on it for a moment before he stood up from his chair.

Perhaps it was because the meeting negotiations had gone on too long, but he suddenly felt a bit of blurriness before his eyes.

He closed his eyes, raised his hand, and took off his glasses.

Every day, he woke up before seven in the morning, ate breakfast, then went to the company, arriving at his workstation before nine, and meticulously completed the previous day’s work plan.

His daily work and rest schedule was already fine-tuned to the minute and second.

Efficient work required the clearest, calmest mind, and sufficient sleep was naturally essential.

Xiao Yebai put his glasses on the desk and turned towards the bathroom.

…

Fifteen minutes later when he reemerged.

It was already past twelve o’clock at night. Pushing the bathroom door open, Xiao Yebai, dressed in a dark, casual pajama, stood there for several seconds without moving.

He remembered…

When he left, the light in the bedroom was on.

Now, it was pitch black.

The white light from behind him in the bathroom shone through, casting his long shadow on the floor.

The faint scent of cleaning supplies wafted in the air, and vaguely, he detected a hint of other smells.

Xiao Yebai’s brows furrowed deeply.

For a good while, the room was completely silent.

Then, he lifted his hand.

With a “click,” the bathroom light went out, and the bedroom was instantly engulfed in darkness.

Xiao Yebai took a step forward, moving step by step towards the bed.

When he arrived, he bent down, pulled back the thin covers, and lay down.

Almost at the same time, a soft, cold little hand reached out from under the blankets.

“Xiaobai…”