"What?! What did you say?! Why didn't you tell me earlier? Why didn't someone inform me?" Cheng Mo's eyes were fixed on Qiao Ziqiu, who wore a smug smile all morning. He slammed his fist on the tea table, grabbed the tablecloth, and threw all the cups and utensils on the floor. "Qiao Er, Qiao Ziqiu, you're doing great, paying a visit in person, making grand preparations. Don't you see how old you are? 'Late wife,' isn't she your elder sister-in-law? Are you trying to engage in incest? Miss Huo, a noble daughter from the Marquis Huo's mansion, have you forgotten that you married into the Tong family? Bei is surnamed Tong. She has a father and a grandfather. When did you become the one in charge? After being away for so many years, have you ever thought about how your daughter is doing? Why do you have the right to take my Beibei to offer sacrifices to your late husband's spirit? Wonderful, really wonderful. This Yunmeng belongs to the Shang family." Cheng Mo was furious and his words became incoherent.
"Young Master, calm down. This matter may not necessarily succeed. Perhaps it's just Miss Huo's wishful thinking. After all, Miss Bei's surname is Tong." Cheng Zhong understood his thoughts, but he didn't expect his young master to be so deeply involved.
"Yes, Zhong, I will go bring her back. She is Tong Xiangbei." Cheng Mo leaped out of the window, landing on the eaves of the adjacent second floor from the third floor. A few more leaps brought him to the street corner, catching up to the two figures before they reached the South-North Grocery. He took a deep breath and put on a forced smile. "You two walk so fast; luckily, I caught up."
"Cheng Mo, why are you here? Aren't you waiting for the goods at the store?" Listening to the bizarre story of this Mrs. Tong along the way, Tong Xiangbei sighed. Emotions are just like those in a top-tier TV drama – amnesia, national hatred, family revenge, even a young lady from the Marquis's mansion. Why did she bother hunting and planting grass here? Just directly wear gold and silver, call maids, and act like a noble. But Bei has no interest in those deep courtyards and high gates. The Tong family has hidden in the mountains, probably with no intention of meddling in that bustling and worldly life. The most satisfying aspect of this crossing for Tong Xiangbei is the tranquility of Zebei Town and the simplicity and beauty of the mountain households.
"Well, I just came from the store. Uncle Zhong had some urgent matters and was looking for you, so I followed him. Come with me quickly."
"Oh, um, okay. Brother Ziqiu, about what you just mentioned between us, is it urgent? If it's not very urgent, I'll go check on Uncle Zhong first. How is he?"
"It's nothing urgent, just regarding the Southern Ocean merchants."
"Alright, when the goods arrive later, we can discuss it in detail together? I have many ideas to share with you. Brother Ziqiu, I'll leave first; see you later."
"Sure, remember to have some food. See you later."
"Brother Ziqiu, Xiangbei has me; he won't go hungry. You're alone at such an old age; you really need to take care of yourself more. See you tonight." Cheng Mo's words were unusually caring. Qiao Er chuckled, and Young Master Mo looked stern, pure in character, and quite interesting.
"I didn't expect you to be quite caring, Cheng Mo. It's nice to have you as a brother." Tong Xiangbei teased.
"I think your Brother Ziqiu cares more about you. Is the Biyu Cake delicious? As your loyal younger brother, I haven't had a single bite. I got up even earlier than you; I've been waiting for you at the foot of the mountain since before dawn."
"You're getting jealous of Brother Ziqiu now? Who said that men forget loyalty when they see a beautiful woman?"
"Yes, Qiao Ziqiu is indeed a man who forgets loyalty when he sees beauty. So, you must not like such an old rogue."
"Hey, I'm just joking. Don't go for personal attacks. When did he become an old rogue? He's not old; is he?"
"So, you do like him? Qiao Ziqiu is not old; he's almost thirty. He's catching up with your father, but not old."
"Who said I like him? Yeah, he's like my real dad. I treat him as my dad."
"Don't like him, don't treat him as your dad. He's not really your dad, and others might misunderstand."
"I say, Cheng Mo, what's gotten into you today? Whether I like someone or not, I'm still young, and we're not that close. Is it appropriate to talk about these things? Seriously. Let's go; Uncle Zhong is looking for me, what's the urgency?"
"If we're not close, are you close to him?"
"You never stop, alright, enjoy your jealousy here. I'm leaving. Hey, Uncle Zhong?" Where is that aloof swordsman we met on the mountain just now? This guy must be acting up; his character setting has collapsed. xiangbei is annoyed by Cheng Mo's baseless jealousy, is he going through adolescence or something? He raises his foot to walk away, and as he looks up, he sees Uncle Zhong, who came in a hurry because he was worried about his young master. "Uncle Zhong, what's the matter? Why are you looking for me so urgently? Quickly tell me."