Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Internal and External Troubles

Zhuang Yu watched Mu Chen's departing figure without any lingering sentiment, a peculiar look flashing in his eyes.

Seeing Zhuang Yu's expression, a surge of indignation rose in Chen Mo Ran's heart.

"A-Yu, what's wrong?" Chen Mo Ran grabbed Zhuang Yu's hand, concerned.

Zhuang Yu gave a faint smile, noting, "It seems Mu Chen's attitude towards me has changed. Perhaps he won't bother me anymore."

Zhuang Yu felt conflicted. He had always been bothered by Mu Chen's advances, but now, Mu Chen's distant demeanor left him feeling somewhat empty.

Chen Mo Ran scoffed, "A-Yu, do you still not understand Mu Chen? He clings like an adhesive plaster; extremely hard to shake off. Today's act might just be a ruse, hoping to catch your attention."

Zhuang Yu glanced at Chen Mo Ran, asking, "A ruse?"

"Of course. I've known that guy for over a decade. Every little twitch of his eyebrow, and I can tell what he's up to," Chen Mo Ran declared confidently.

After hearing Chen Mo Ran's words, a touch of disdain flickered in Zhuang Yu's heart as he gazed in the direction Mu Chen had departed, eyes filled with loathing.

...........

Mu Yuanhai furrowed his brows, hearing the report, "You're saying Mu Chen and Chen Mo Ran had a disagreement, but they didn't actually fight?"

"Yes," the shadowy figure replied, who had been watching Mu Chen.

Mu Yuanhai squinted, musing, "Has Mu Chen really changed his ways?"

"It seems Qi Si has fallen out of favor with Mu Chen," the shadow remarked.

"Indeed," a touch of resentment flashed across Mu Yuanhai's heart.

That useless Qi Si couldn't even handle someone like Mu Chen and has even brought Ren San back. Hopefully, he hasn't given any hints that could lead Mu Chen to suspect him.

"You may leave," commanded Mu Yuanhai.

The shadow nodded and quietly retreated.

...........

As soon as Mu Chen returned to the courtyard, he was greeted by an unexpected visitor, Mu Yuanhai.

"Uncle," Mu Chen greeted, knowing that the original owner had a good relationship with Mu Yuanhai, who had always doted on him.

"Chen'er, you're back," Mu Yuanhai greeted with a smile.

Mu Chen nodded in acknowledgment, "Yes."

"Have things been going well for you lately?" inquired Mu Yuanhai.

"It's been alright," Mu Chen replied casually.

"You are a scion of the Mu family. The family will always be your strongest support. Whatever you wish to do, just do it, and the family will always have your back. You need not be overly cautious," reassured Mu Yuanhai.

Mu Chen smiled shyly, saying, "I'm aware."

An inner cold laugh surged in Mu Chen's heart, thinking: He probably knows about my decision to avoid Chen Mo Ran today. Mu Yuanhai must feel that I should've fought with Chen Mo Ran and by not doing so, I have shamed the Mu family.

"I heard you called Ren San back. Didn't you dislike him?" Mu Yuanhang inquired.

Mu Chen shrugged nonchalantly, "Although I find Ren San unpleasant, he's at least durable. Unlike Qi Si, who always hides during fights. Does he expect me, a young master, to protect a servant like him? What does he even amount to?" By the end, a look of distaste adorned Mu Chen's face.

Qi Si, who had been hiding on the side, turned pale upon hearing Mu Chen's words, his face alternately flushing and paling.

Several people nearby appeared to be busy, but were really eavesdropping, silently calculating their next move.

"Qi Si is young after all, a bit timid," Mu Yuanhang remarked casually.

Mu Chen snorted, saying, "If he's too scared, replace him with someone braver. Am I, a young master, to accommodate a mere servant?"

Noting Mu Chen's displeasure, Mu Yuanhang smiled and said, "As you wish."