Mo Ran led her through the mansion's wide halls, his stride purposeful yet unhurried. Lixue trailed behind him, her mind racing with questions. She wasn't sure what to expect, and his refusal to elaborate only heightened her unease and curiosity.
They arrived at a room she hadn't been to before. Mo Ran opened the door and stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter first.
"What is this?" she asked, hesitating.
"Go in and find out," he replied with a faint smirk.
Lixue narrowed her eyes but stepped inside, her breath catching as she took in the sight before her. The room was filled with racks of elegant dresses, each one more exquisite than the last. Rich fabrics in every shade imaginable hung neatly, the craftsmanship impeccable.
"These…" she murmured, trailing off as she moved deeper into the room.
"Are yours," Mo Ran finished, stepping in behind her.
She turned to him, her brows furrowed in confusion. "Why?"
"My grandparents have very specific expectations," he explained, his tone neutral. "They value presentation, especially when it comes to family. You'll need to make an impression."
Lixue frowned. "So this is about appearances?"
"Partly," he admitted, walking past her to gesture at a particular gown—an elegant, deep blue dress with intricate beading. "But I also want you to feel confident when you meet them."
His words caught her off guard. She didn't know how to respond, so she focused on the dress he'd chosen. It was stunning, and she could imagine how it would look on her. But the thought of wearing it in front of his grandparents made her stomach twist with anxiety.
She didn't want to care if they liked her or not but Mo Ran's words and behavior made it seem like them liking her was a big deal.
"I don't need all this," she said, turning back to him. "I can manage with what I already have."
Mo Ran raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "And what you have is suitable for a casual lunch, not a formal ballroom event."
She crossed her arms. "I don't need to impress anyone…do I?"
He stepped closer, his gaze locking onto hers. "You're my wife, Lixue. Whether you want to impress them or not, they'll be scrutinizing you. I'm just making sure you're prepared. Besides though I don't care if they like you or not but being prepared isn't also bad…is it?"
His words held a weight she couldn't ignore. As much as she disliked the idea of conforming to anyone's expectations, she understood his point. This wasn't just about her—it was about representing the Mo family and representing Mo Ran himself.
"Fine," she said reluctantly, turning back to the dresses. "But don't expect me to enjoy this."
Mo Ran chuckled softly, the sound low and almost teasing. "I wouldn't dare but you'll come to enjoy yourself as well. I'm sure my grandparents will make sure to treat their first granddaughter-in-law well. You have nothing to worry about."
Later that evening, after choosing a dress and accessories, Lixue found herself in the mansion's small practice ballroom again. It was nothing like the grand spaces she'd seen in movies, but it was elegant enough to make her feel out of place.
Mo Ran was already waiting for her, his suit jacket discarded and his sleeves rolled up. He looked every bit the composed, confident aristocrat, but there was a certain ease in his posture that made him seem more approachable.
"Ready?" he asked, extending a hand to her.
"For what?" she replied warily.
He smirked. "Your waltz lesson. My grandparents love ballroom dancing, remember?"
Her heart sank. "I thought the etiquette lessons were enough."
"Etiquette won't save you if they ask you to dance," he said, his tone light but firm. "And they will ask. You already know the basics and you'll be dancing with me only, not even my grandfather will touch you."
"…"
Lixue sighed, reluctantly placing her hand in his. "Let's get this over with."
He led her to the center of the room, his movements smooth and assured. As he guided her into position, she couldn't help noticing how effortlessly he carried himself.
"Relax," he said, his voice softer now. "You'll do fine."
"Easy for you to say," she muttered. "You're not the one who might trip and embarrass yourself in front of your in-laws."
Mo Ran chuckled, his grip on her hand tightening just slightly. "If you trip, I'll catch you. Now, follow my lead."
The music began, a soft, lilting melody that filled the room. Mo Ran moved with practiced ease, guiding her through the steps with surprising patience. Lixue stumbled at first, her nerves getting the better of her, but his steady presence helped her find her rhythm.
"See? Not so bad," he said after a few minutes, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
She glared at him. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Maybe a little but that doesn't mean you're not doing well." he admitted, spinning her gently.
Despite her annoyance, Lixue found herself relaxing as the dance continued. There was something oddly calming about the way he moved, his confidence was contagious.
By the time the music ended, she was breathing hard but smiling faintly.
"Not bad," Mo Ran said, releasing her hand. "You'll impress them." Reaching to brush the strand off her face and placing a kiss on her cheek.
"…"
"What the heck are you doing?!" she replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face as she took two steps away from him.
"I'm a man and not just any man.. a man who has a beautiful wife. I can't resist.."
"…"
Lixue's face reddened and she muttered a quiet thank you before turning to leave. But he called after her.
"Lixue."
She paused, glancing back at him.
"You looked beautiful tonight," he said, his tone quiet but sincere.
Again?
Lixue pursed her lips, was he expecting a compliment this time?
"You looked handsome as well and you're a good dancer.."
Mo Ran chuckled taking less than 4 steps to get to where she was and said.
"Those are not the only moves I know, shall we head to the bed..món amour.."