"Young Marshal, you flatter me," Cheng Yi did not take the hand extended to him, his gaze drifting towards the window. "I am just a small merchant; how could I be honored by a meeting with someone as distinguished as you?"
Shangguan Shaoyi's expression remained unchanged, his tone calm and steady. "Mr. Cheng is being too modest. Your status in Shanghai is significant. I have only just inherited my father's business in Northeast China, and if it weren't for your daughter’s help this time, I might not even be alive to discuss anything about being a prominent figure in the Northeast."
Cheng Yi smiled knowingly without showing it too much, nodded, and then turned to Cheng Mo Su, reproaching her. "Su'er, you really are reckless. When I returned and saw that the household was being managed by Zuo Wei's younger brother, Xiao Yue, I was truly alarmed, thinking something had happened to you. It was only after Xiao Yue explained everything that I learned what had transpired and that you had gone to the Northeast. That’s why I wrote to urge you to come back. Tell me, were you planning not to return at all?"
"Who said that? I had planned to come back in a few days," she said, linking her arm with Cheng Yi's and smiling.
Cheng Yi shook his head with a bitter smile. He had prepared a lot of scolding for her, but now seeing her standing before him safe and sound, he found he couldn't say anything harsh.
Shangguan Shaoyi quickly added, "Mr. Cheng, please do not blame Mo Su; it all started because of me. I came here with two purposes: one is to apologize sincerely, and the second..." He glanced at Cheng Mo Su with a smile in his eyes, causing her face to flush red as she lowered her head.
Shangguan Shaoyi chuckled lightly and continued, "The second matter is to propose marriage to Mr. Cheng. Mo Su and I have gone through hardships together and share mutual feelings; I hope Mr. Cheng can grant us this wish."
Cheng Yi frowned; everything was as he expected. He glanced at Cheng Mo Su, whose eyes were cast down low, her fair cheeks already flushed with color. He understood their intentions, took a puff from his cigarette, and slowly said, "I understand. You come with me to the study; I have some questions for you."
Shangguan Shaoyi nodded firmly, his steps strong and purposeful. As he passed by Cheng Mo Su, he quietly held her small hand. The colors in his eyes were particularly sincere and calm, easing her anxious heart gradually. Watching them close the door to the study, she slowly sat down on the steps to wait for news.
"Miss, don't sit here; it's cold," Feng Yin hurriedly advised.
"It's fine," Cheng Mo Su smiled lightly, her brow clear and serene, her lips forming the usual graceful smile. "Feng Yin, tell me what happened while I was away." She needed to hear something to distract herself from becoming overly tense.
Feng Yin thought for a moment before replying, "On the day you left, we still didn't know what had happened. The next day Shangguan Shaoyi... oh no, Young Marshal Shangguan disappeared. I hurried over to Miss Huang Wei's house looking for you but found you weren't there. Miss Huang Wei was frantic and was preparing to contact her father and brother to search for you. At that moment, Young Master Xiao Yue arrived and said he had found you; I rushed home immediately. Then he took out a telegram and explained everything that had happened while advising me not to let anyone else know about it. So I told everyone in the household that you were staying at Miss Huang Wei's house for a short visit; then I told Miss Huang Wei that you went north to find Young Master Xiao Yue—this calmed both sides down."
A faint smile appeared on Cheng Mo Su's lips as she held Feng Yin's hand sincerely thanking her.
Feng Yin smiled back and continued, "Until that day when the Young Marshal regained control of the Northeast government; this news made headlines and caused quite a stir in Shanghai. Miss Huang Wei came looking for me again; we could no longer keep it hidden in the household, so I finally told them the truth."
Su nodded, her face full of apology. "I'm sorry, you must be under a lot of pressure lately, dealing with matters inside and outside the residence, and worrying about me."
Feng Yin shook her head and smiled. "I am willing to do it. It was you who chose me at the orphanage, and both you and the master have always treated me well, never seeing me as just a maid. At that time, I could tell that you liked Young Master Shao. I didn't know his noble status then and was afraid that you wouldn't have a future together. When Young Master Xiao told me everything, I actually felt relieved. Now seeing you and Young Master Shao so affectionate, I'm truly happy for you both."
"Thank you, Feng Yin," Su said sincerely, but she felt a bit worried inside. "However, it's still uncertain. I wonder how my father and Shao Yi are discussing things."
"Miss, why don't we go eavesdrop?"
Su lightly bit her lip and nodded. The two of them tiptoed to the study door, pressing their ears against the cold wall, listening to the voices inside, their hearts racing.
She leaned against the wall for quite a while, her ankles starting to ache. The chill of the wall touched her soft ears, while on the other side, her father's calm voice mingled with Shao Yi's firm tone.
"You say you want to seize this world, but in today's society, with old customs still in place and numerous problems persisting, what will you do?" This was her father's question. Without hesitation, Shao Yi replied resolutely, "If old customs remain, we shall clarify them with justice. If numerous problems persist, we shall eliminate them with law and propriety."
Cheng Yi nodded as wisps of blue smoke rose from his pipe. He waved his hand dismissively. "I understand your thoughts now. You can go back for now. Oh right, do you have a place to stay? If not, please stay at my house for a while."
"No need," Shao Yi smiled. "I've already troubled you too much recently; I feel guilty about it. If I continue to impose on you now, it would be unreasonable."
"Since you've made up your mind, I won't insist," Cheng Yi replied.
Shao Yi opened the door and stepped out but saw a pair of water-colored eyes looking at him with clarity and expectation. He simply smiled without answering. Inside the room came Cheng Yi's voice: "Is Su outside?"
"I'm here," Su quickly replied.
"Mr. Shangguan is leaving; see him off for me."
"Oh." She responded softly, her wrist resting on Shangguan Shaoyi's arm. Shangguan Shaoyi felt that delicate hand, like tender petals, softly and weakly draped between his arms. This hand, so fragile, always gave him endless strength.
Neither of them spoke as they quietly walked to the door. The gentle breeze of Jiangnan brushed against them, particularly refreshing, while petals danced in the air. She reached out to catch them, her fair hand grasping the delicate flowers, a beautiful smile gracing her lips like an ethereal orchid. "What did Dad say to you just now? In the end, did he..." She lowered her eyes, her smile serene. "Did he agree?"
He held her hand and smiled, saying, "He didn't express his stance."
Her heart sank slightly, seemingly resentful. "Then why are you so happy?"
Shangguan Shaoyi ran his hand through her flowing hair. Under the rain of petals, her eyes appeared even clearer and brighter, her skin flawless like fine jade. He smiled gently and said, "I never do things without confidence."
She was taken aback, her face flushing deeply. Her small hand weakly tapped against his chest. "You just enjoy teasing me."
He grasped her hand, his pitch-black eyes gazing into her heart. "Because only you can make me happy."
The blush on her face deepened. Before she could react, his lips covered hers with a warm, moist touch. She closed her eyes, feeling his every breath; her delicate eyelashes fluttered gently, casting a soft glow over her tranquil features.
He slowly released her, watching the smile blooming at the corners of her lips with reluctance. "Mosu, I have to go now. You should catch up with your father; you haven't seen each other for a long time and must have a lot to talk about. I'll come see you again tomorrow."
She nodded quietly, her eyes filled with pure beauty.
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