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Under the sparse starlight of a clear night, most families had long since retired after sunset, but the Xiao family mansion was still brightly lit.
It was a family banquet, and this wasn't Mo Yu's first time attending, so he was familiar with the process. However, upon arrival, he spotted someone unexpected—his grandfather, Steward Mo.
As an elder who had worked for the Xiao family for decades, Steward Mo held a respected position, managing many of the family's affairs. Despite this, his status as a servant meant he was typically not eligible to attend family gatherings like this.
Yet, here Steward Mo was, seated among the family members, and surprisingly, his seat was next to the family's Grand Elder!
As Mo Yu entered, the two elderly figures shifted their attention toward him. His grandfather's gaze remained gentle and kind, though there was a hint of pride and emotion, as if he were watching his grandson mature before his eyes. The Grand Elder, who normally had a cold and indifferent demeanor, now looked solemn, his hawk-like eyes scrutinizing the young man. After a moment, the Grand Elder slowly nodded, a trace of satisfaction in his eyes.
Feeling the weight of their gazes, Mo Yu's sense of unease intensified. This can't be good...
"Ahem, Xiao Yu, you're here! Come, have a seat." Sensing Mo Yu's discomfort, Xiao Zhan, the family head, coughed lightly and gestured for him to sit, his face betraying a faintly odd expression.
At his words, Mo Yu nodded politely toward his grandfather, then glanced around the hall, only to be surprised that the only available seat was next to Xiao Yu.
Seeing this, how could Mo Yu not understand the family's intentions?
"It seems today won't be easy to get through," Mo Yu thought, a slight smile curling on his lips. But he wasn't one to back down easily.
With that thought, Mo Yu calmly walked over and sat beside Xiao Yu. As soon as he did, he caught a faint, delicate fragrance in the air. His eyes moved slightly, noticing that Xiao Yu seemed to have dressed up today. Her usual academy attire was replaced with a luxurious blue gown. The gown clung to her curvaceous figure, her long, slender legs barely concealed beneath the fabric, radiating an alluring charm in the warm light, sparking a flicker of heat within him.
Xiao Yu's body stiffened as Mo Yu sat down beside her, and the normally lively girl fell unusually silent.
At the dinner table, Mo Yu occasionally glanced at the girl opposite him, who was quietly eating her food. Her delicate white teeth made an audible crunch as she chewed, her face showing a slight hint of dissatisfaction. Yet, if one looked closer, a faint blush of embarrassment could be seen on her cheeks.
The others in the hall also began to observe this pair. One couldn't help but admit that Mo Yu and Xiao Yu made a striking couple—a perfect match.
Xiao Yu's beauty spoke for itself. Her tall, graceful figure and enchanting face, accentuated by the mature charm of her blue gown, made her the center of attention. As for Mo Yu, his handsome features never disappointed—his youthful face, sharp brows, and clear eyes, combined with his simple blue robe, gave him the appearance of a finely carved statue.
Most importantly, the young man had an aura that was both calm and extraordinary. His black eyes were as deep as the night sky, full of mystery and allure.
There were even those in Wu Tan City who jokingly bestowed upon Mo Yu the title of "The Most Handsome Man in Wu Tan City." While the title of "Dragon of the Xiao Clan" might draw sneers from the city's other families, no one who had met Mo Yu could deny the validity of his title as the city's most handsome man.
As the heat of their gazes intensified, Mo Yu remained calm, while Xiao Yu's face grew redder by the minute.
"Ahem." Xiao Zhan, seated at the head of the table, cleared his throat. He cast a glance around the hall before finally settling his gaze on Mo Yu and Xiao Yu. With a smile, he spoke.
"Today's family gathering has a special announcement to make."
As Xiao Zhan's words fell, the eyes of the entire hall turned toward Mo Yu and Xiao Yu, as if everyone had already guessed what was coming.
Without further ado, Xiao Zhan continued, "After careful discussion between the Grand Elder and Steward Mo, it has been decided that our two families will formally become in-laws from today onward!
"And Mo Yu and Xiao Yu will now be officially engaged!"
Mo Yu froze, a bitter smile forming at the corners of his mouth. He had been planning to find a way to resolve this situation, but it seemed they had acted faster than expected, having already reached an agreement with his grandfather.
On the Dou Qi Continent, it was customary to follow parental arrangements in matters of marriage. He couldn't help but recall how the previous patriarch of the Xiao family, Xiao Yan's grandfather, had arranged a marriage with Nalan Jie, leading to the complicated engagement with Nalan Yanran. That engagement had only been dissolved after Xiao Yan personally tore up the marriage contract three years later.
Now, like Xiao Yan, Mo Yu found himself burdened with an engagement that had been arranged without his knowledge.
Yet, Mo Yu bore no resentment toward his grandfather. The old man's intentions were simple—no matter how much his grandson achieved, he was still considered part of the Xiao family. Marrying the Grand Elder's granddaughter was seen as a blessing.
After Xiao Zhan made the announcement, all eyes in the hall focused on Mo Yu and Xiao Yu. The boys looked at Mo Yu with envy and jealousy—after all, the radiant flower of Wu Tan City, Xiao Yu, had been plucked by Mo Yu.
The girls, on the other hand, gazed enviously at Xiao Yu, especially Xiao Mei. Her delicate hands clenched into fists. Once upon a time, she had dreamed of marrying the handsome and gifted Mo Yu, only to lose out to Xiao Yu.
With the patriarch's official declaration, the atmosphere in the hall quickly grew lively again.
"Brother Mo Yu, who would've thought you'd end up marrying this tigress?" Xiao Yan walked over, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he teased.
At these words, Xiao Yu's eyes immediately flashed with anger. She was about to retort, but when her gaze met Mo Yu's, for some reason, a wave of panic washed over her. Her face flushed red, and she stammered, unable to come up with a proper response.
"Tsk tsk tsk…" Xiao Yan clicked his tongue in amusement. The normally fearless tigress had finally met her match. Could it be that his cousin Mo Yu had some secret technique for wooing women? Maybe he should ask him for advice.
As Xiao Yan entertained these thoughts, Xiao Yu, unable to bear the embarrassing atmosphere any longer, glanced at Mo Yu with a complex expression before biting her lip and saying, "One hour from now, meet me at the back of the family mountain!"
With that, before anyone could react, she lifted the hem of her gown and fled the hall, leaving only a lingering fragrance in her wake…
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