Mo Jingshen stood there expressionlessly; his voice carried some iciness. His pupils were heavy and cold as he mildly looked outside.

The two guards about to pull Ji Nuan aside did not dare to touch her. Their forehead and back were filled with cold sweat upon meeting Mo Jingshen’s gaze.

The entire 33rd floor of the hotel, including the room, fell into pin-drop silence.

This was not the first time Ji Nuan had seen such a frigid Mo Jingshen. However, his gaze right now was sufficient to cause cold to seep into everyone’s bones. Looking at it, even her back felt slightly chilly.

Mo Jingshen’s gaze coldly swept by them. “Who dares to touch her?”

“CEO Mo, we were simply obeying Director Mo’s orders. He was worried about your condition in the room, so he had us…” The two guards were pale as they explained themselves.

Mo Jingshen’s brows and eyes remained cold as his line of sight shifted to one particular person. He smiled mockingly. “Obeying orders?”

Ji Nuan remained by the door, standing quietly.

From the beginning, she had known that Mo Shaoze had no way of controlling Mo Jingshen. If he did, he would not have resorted to such a coercive method.

Furthermore, Mo Shaoze’s actions last night would only serve to push Mo Jingshen even further away. This was clear from Mo Jingshen’s current attitude.

In his eyes, there would no longer be this father to consider.

Frigid, ice-cold.

Mo Jingshen walked toward Ji Nuan’s side. He lowered his eyes to look at her little fearless face and gripped her hand.

Seeing Mo Jingshen’s action after approaching the door, Mo Shaoze instantly became unfriendly. His expression was filled with unhappiness.

Ji Nuan thought Mo Jingshen was using such a method to reassure her. She lightly moved the hand he was holding and scratched against his palm in hopes of dispelling the tension-filled air.

Yet, in an instant, she was suddenly pulled forward by a large force. Her entire body fell into Mo Jingshen’s embrace. Before she could even stand firmly, Mo Jingshen’s arm shifted to hold her. It was as though he was announcing his possession of her as he unyieldingly held her in place.

Mo Jingshen’s cold and determined voice brushed past her forehead. “Ji Nuan is my wife. With me around, nobody can shake her position as Mrs. Mo.”

Mo Shaoze’s gaze was ice-cold. “Where is Shu Yan? She wasn’t with you last night?”

It was at this moment that a gentle voice came from the direction of the elevator. “Uncle Mo, my deepest apologies…”

Mo Shaoze abruptly turned around, looking at An Shuyan.

Without needing any explanation, everything became clear instantly.

Mo Shaoze’s expression darkened, and his astute eyes narrowed. “It seems like Shu Yan did not wish to use such a method to force someone. I can understand her hesitation. She’s such a good woman, considerate on your behalf in every way. Placed in such a situation, she would even give up her opportunity. Her feelings for you are clearly deep. What sort of thing can Ji Nuan be counted for? Jing Shen, take a good look at this!”

“I see it very clearly.” Mo Jingshen’s tone was slightly icy. “I won’t divorce, neither will I marry Shu Yan. In this life, marrying Ji Nuan alone is all I need.”

Shu Yan had stood afar without approaching. Although Mo Jingshen did not raise his voice as he spoke with a cold and apathetic tone, it was loud enough for her to hear his words clearly.

She lowered her gaze and did not speak any further. A flash of bitterness appeared in her eyes.

During the thunderstorm last night, when Ji Nuan had driven out of the Mo family home alone, she should already have known…

From the unshakeable faith in Mo Jingshen Ji Nuan displayed, she should already have known…

Mo Shaoze’s expression was heavy; filled with cold sternness and rage. He then turned back to see An Shuyan’s dispirited and quiet appearance. His eyes narrowed.

An Shuyan politely nodded to him and turned to leave. She did not wish to listen to this any further.

Mo Shaoze abruptly turned to focus on Ji Nuan with cold eyes. “Jing Shen, so what if you’ve set your heart on this Ji Nuan? Women are but accessories in one’s career. If not for the Mo family’s influence, how could this woman, who was once said to have her eyes fixed high, possibly agree to marry at the young age of twenty? Before your wedding, she didn’t even know what kind of person you were! Perhaps until now, she is still not clear of it!”

“Your mother’s utter bullshit!” Elder Mo suddenly scolded from the side. “Women are accessories for one’s career? If you are so capable, return to America and say that to Jing Shen’s mother’s face!”

Mo Shaoze’s brows knitted as he coldly glanced at the elder. He was clearly dissatisfied with how he was always against him.

“What are you glaring at? Years ago, if it wasn’t because your old man was astute and well-connected, allowing you to hold a beautiful woman, would you have been able to marry Jing Shen’s mother? Back then, she was also a wealthy young lady with her eyes set high. She completely was not taken to you, the little brat with a horrible temper. Afterward, didn’t the both of you still live your entire life happily? You even gave birth to Jing Shen, this wonderful grandson of mine!”

“…”

A fire of rage was ignited in Mo Shaoze’s chest. At this moment, he did not have the energy to argue with the elder. He only coldly glanced toward Ji Nuan. “Why aren’t you answering? Do you understand Jing Shen’s past? Do you know what sort of person he is?”

Mo Jingshen’s expression was extremely apathetic as he tugged Ji Nuan behind him.

Ji Nuan suddenly chuckled lightly as she walked out from behind him. She raised her eyes to meet Mo Shaoze’s. “Does Jing Shen’s mother know how old you were when you were weaned off milk? Does she know when you stopped wetting the bed? Does she know how many teeth you dropped when you were seven? Does she know how you kissed when you dated a girl for the first time? Does she know what sort of person you were before marriage?”

Mo Shaoze’s expression was cold and heavy. He instantly stared at her with rage.

“She definitely doesn’t!” Ji Nuan kept on smiling, but her lips were turned up coldly. Her gaze was clear and bright, meeting his ice-cold ones head-on. “Since she is so unaware of your past, I think it’s still all right for you to divorce at your age. Right now, pairing an old person with a young person is quite trendy. You can marry the outstanding An Shuyan, wouldn’t that suit your intentions well?”

“You’re being impudent!” Mo Shaoze sternly reprimanded, “At your age, your temper sure is amazing. Is this how the Ji family taught you to be respectful to your elders?”

“As your daughter-in-law, I can’t even address you as ‘father.’ I’m already beyond disrespectful to you. What differences can these sentences make?” Ji Nuan shot back.

“That’s right!” Elder Mo almost wanted to stand next to Ji Nuan and applaud her.

Mo Shaoze angrily closed his eyes, pointing at Ji Nuan before turning back to the laughing elder. “This is the granddaughter-in-law you picked?”

Elder Mo nodded immediately, smiling. “That’s right, this is the granddaughter-in-law I picked!”

Mo Shaoze: “…”

“Very good.” Mo Shaoze was filled with rage. “I look forward to seeing what sort of capabilities this Ji Nuan has to be able to have the Mo family’s elder be so taken with her!”

“She doesn’t need any capabilities. She just has to be Ji Nuan,” Mo Jingshen replied calmly.

Elder Mo immediately chimed in. “Likewise, this elder also wants to see what capabilities that An Shuyan actually has for you to employ underhanded ways and force your own son!”

Elder Mo glared at the dark-faced Mo Shaoze. “As the saying goes, ‘To each his own.’ Just because you like An Shuyan, don’t try to push her to Jing Shen! Everyone is their own unique person with their own interests. So long as Jing Shen likes Ji Nuan, so long as the two of them can live happily and beautifully as a couple, you shouldn’t let anyone get involved between them! How can you still call yourself Jing Shen’s father!”

Mo Shaoze smile coldly. “Such a disrespectful person like Ji Nuan, don’t expect me to accept her in this lifetime.”

“If you can take out the right attitude to treat one’s daughter-in-law, Ji Nuan would naturally be able to provide the respect one should offer to an elder.” Mo Jingshen’s tone did not hold any warmth. “This is the basic respect one should offer between people.”

Elder Mo nodded. “That’s right, it’s an equal exchange. Nitpicking from one side is not the attitude an elder should have. You’re being unreasonable!”

Mo Shaoze’s face was steel black. He abruptly glared at the two unmoving guards by the door. He wanted to shout the words ‘garbage,’ as they were unaware of when Ji Nuan had even entered the room last night. However, he was angered to the point where he did not even wish to speak. His expression was heavy as he abruptly turned to leave.

No one tried to stop him. The floor returned to its original peace.

Elder Mo glanced at Mo Jingshen and asked kindly, “Jing Shen, were you all right last night?”

“I’m fine. I’ve made you worry.” Mo Jingshen’s smile was light.

The elder nodded. “Your father’s foul temper has been like this since he was young. Since he was unsuccessful last night, his face most likely is struggling to be put down. He won’t be able to keep this up for longer than a few days. As long as there are no misunderstandings between you and our Ji brat, all is well.”

“Grandfather, don’t worry. I’m very clear headed.” Ji Nuan fluttered her lashes at the elder.

“Aiyo, you sure seem pleased with yourself now. Has the little figure that locked herself in Jing Shen’s room last night—curling up on the bed, hugging a pillow, and stifling her tears—disappeared?”

Ji Nuan’s face burned. “Grandfather, how can you laugh at me!”

Elder Mo laughed loudly. “Won’t laugh, I won’t laugh! Hahaha…”

The elder chuckled while smiling brightly at Mo Jingshen. “Jing Shen, you better watch this wife of yours tightly. Don’t you dare lose her. If you were to let her down, you better watch it. This old man will break your legs!”

Ji Nuan saw the elder raise his walking stick and instinctively moved to stand in front of Mo Jingshen.

Mo Jingshen smiled, tugging the little woman who had moved to protect him behind. His voice was clear, like a stream running down the river. “I know.”

Elder Mo finally harrumphed in satisfaction. His eyes flitted past Ji Nuan. “How exactly did you get in here last night?”

Ji Nuan winked at the elder with a smile. “It’s a secret.”

“Little one, you’re even keeping your grandfather in suspense! All right, most likely the both of you didn’t sleep well last night. Quickly go back and rest. I’ll think of a way to grasp hold of Jingshen’s father.” Elder Mo walked away with his walking stick as he muttered under his breath, “After staying in America for so many years, Shao Ze sure has become used to ordering people around. Everything has to be done his way; his desire to be in control is too strong. I think he must be sick of the position he is given…”

—-

Ji Nuan returned to the room on the 30th floor to retrieve the bag she had left behind. She then made a call for someone to quietly send that innocent secretary back.

She placed her phone down, raising her eyes to see Mo Jingshen standing in front of the windows.

The floor-to-ceiling windows were closed. He stood there, looking past the windows toward the balcony outside.

Ji Nuan walked over, reaching out to hold his waist from behind and pressing her face against his back. She breathed in the fresh scent of morning dew on him, felt the regular temperature of his body, and rubbed her face against his back with a smile.

“In the future, I don’t wish to visit this hotel anymore. You didn’t sleep very well last night. Let’s change places, you need to rest.” She pressed against his back as she spoke.

He grasped the hands that stretched toward his front. Mo Jingshen’s gaze remained fixed outside the balcony. The 30th floor overlooked the boundless ocean. Outside the window, the autumn wind was blowing, causing the trees downstairs to wave lightly.

He did not speak and only held onto her hands very gently and warmly.

The room was quiet for a long time. Ji Nuan decided to move in front of him. She cuddled in his embrace and raised her head, acting spoiled. “I know I was wrong to take such risk last night. I promise next time, I’ll definitely…”

“There won’t be a next time.” Mo Jingshen finally opened his mouth, but his lowered gaze was filled with sternness.

“All right, there won’t be a next time!” Ji Nuan raised her hand and made a swearing gesture. “I promise I won’t climb so high again! I promise!”

Mo Jingshen kept on watching her sternly. Ji Nuan tugged his collar down to lower his head. She pressed two kisses on his chin and acted adorably while smiling. “I’ve already promised! Don’t be mad anymore! Last night, if I kept waiting at home, I would surely have a head full of white hair by the time everything ended. This way is better…”

Mo Jingshen’s hand pinched her face, touching the small red mark left on her face last night. It was no longer as obvious. The warm finger gently rubbed that area. His brows and eyes were heavy and quiet as he focused on her as though peering into her soul.

He stared at Ji Nuan until her heart faltered. However, she remembered that this hotel was not suitable for them to stay in and immediately tried to retreat from his embrace.

The man’s arm suddenly tightened around her. He stared straight at her and leaned down to kiss her.

“Uu, don’t… dirty…” Ji Nuan hurried to move her face away after being kissed. “I haven’t properly showered. After waking up, I didn’t even wash my face or brush my teeth. I must be filthy, don’t kiss…”

Before she could even finish her words, her face was abruptly forced back by him. The man held the side of her face to prevent her from moving away. As he pressed another kiss on her, he pushed aside her teeth and moved his tongue in for a deep kiss. He did not give her the slightest opportunity to run away.

She stared at him with wide eyes.

In the next moment, the man pressed her against the wall. As she had yet to brush her teeth, Ji Nuan refused to open her mouth. Her entire body was uncooperatively stiff. Yet, his arms tightened to lock her in his embrace, as though wanting to press her into his body and become one with her.