"Ten minutes."
His words were still few and far between, delivered in that deep, magnetic tone that exuded a unique charm. Honestly, if it weren't for the widespread rumors about his hidden ailment, Wen Ran would never have believed such a man could exist…
"I'll be quick."
Mo Xiuchen noticed the caller ID and a cold glint flashed through his deep eyes. Without replying to Wen Ran's words, he simply waited until she got out of the car. Then, with his long fingers, he pressed the answer button. His voice, cold and detached, slipped out: "Hello!"
"…"
"I don't have time right now."
Whatever was said on the other end, Mo Xiuchen curtly responded and then abruptly ended the call. Less than a minute later, the phone rang again—this time from Uncle Liu, the butler:
"Young Master, the Second Young Master had a huge fight with Master and Madam this afternoon. He refused to marry Zhou Lin, saying that the one he loves is the Young Madam and that he won't let go. He even claimed that the person who set him up that night was you…"
Mo Xiuchen's eyes narrowed coldly, and a sardonic smile curled at the corner of his mouth as he replied with ambiguous meaning, "Then let him investigate. The fact that he won't let go makes it all the more interesting!"
Wen Ran, fearing that Mo Xiuchen might be getting impatient, quickly packed a few changes of clothes and grabbed a photo album before heading out.
As she closed the door behind her, her eyes stung with emotion, and her vision blurred. Leaving behind the home in which she had lived for so many years filled her heart with an indescribable sorrow.
Once in the car, Mo Xiuchen noticed the reddening of her eyes. His handsome brows furrowed slightly as the car set off. Then, in a soft tone, he said, "If you miss home, you can always come back and stay for a day or two."
Deep in her sadness, Wen Ran was startled by his words. She lifted her head in surprise, gazing at his handsome profile. A swirl of complex emotions arose within her, and after a long moment, she softly replied, "Thank you."
Mo Xiuchen simply murmured an "Mm," accepting her thanks.
A little over half an hour later, the Aston arrived in the outskirts.
In the fading light, the European-style villa was bathed in the afterglow of the sunset—a quiet, pristine beauty, like that of an innocent maiden.
"Young Master, Young Madam, you're back! Dinner is ready."
As soon as they stepped out of the car, Housekeeper Zhang and Uncle Liu rushed forward. Uncle Liu helped carry the luggage while Housekeeper Zhang beamed with joy. No matter what the outside world said, she had always believed that the Young Master was healthy—and now, with him finally willing to marry... in the future, should a child be born, even after her passing she wouldn't be too ashamed to see the late Madam again.
"All matters in the villa are managed by Housekeeper Zhang and Uncle Liu," Mo Xiuchen briefly explained to Wen Ran. Being as perceptive as she was, Wen Ran could tell from his expression that he had a good rapport with them.
"Young Madam, if you ever need anything, just let me know," Housekeeper Zhang said with a warm smile, her features radiating kindness and enthusiasm.
"Mm!"
Wen Ran smiled in return. This environment, although surprising, also felt warmly welcoming. At first, she had worried that everyone around Mo Xiuchen would be as cold as Qin Mu.
Once inside the living room, Housekeeper Zhang happily went into the kitchen to serve the dishes. Wen Ran was about to help when her phone rang urgently. Seeing the incoming call, her expression changed slightly. When she answered and heard the words on the other end, her face instantly turned pale.
"I'm coming right away!"
Her hand trembled as she clutched the phone, and her voice quivered as well.
At the bathroom door, Mo Xiuchen turned his head upon hearing the commotion. Seeing her face as white as snow, his expression softened for a moment before he calmly asked, "What happened?"