Chapter 13

Chapter 13: The Visitor

Ren San knocked and then entered Mu Chen's study, announcing, "Young Master, there's a visitor."

"Who?" Mu Chen inquired, tilting his head.

"Young Master Chen Moran and Young Master Zhuang Yu," Ren San replied.

Mu Chen arched an eyebrow, asking with puzzlement, "Them? What are they here for?"

Ren San shook his head, replying, "I'm not sure."

Mu Chen caressed his finger thoughtfully and said, "Well, since they're here, let's meet them."

Ren San nodded and responded, "Alright."

Upon seeing Mu Chen emerge, Chen Moran's expression shifted. He remarked sarcastically, "Looking good, Mu Chen! No missing limbs, and it seems you've even put on some weight."

Chen Moran had assumed that after being rejected by Zhuang Yu, Mu Chen would be devastated. Yet, Mu Chen appeared to be in high spirits and strikingly different from before.

Mu Chen calmly retorted, "If you hoped to see me maimed, I'm sorry to disappoint."

Observing the escalating tension between the two, Zhuang Yu gave an awkward chuckle and interjected, "Mu Chen, Moran didn't mean it that way."

Mu Chen shrugged, saying indifferently, "It doesn't matter."

Zhuang Yu pursed her lips, saying, "I apologize for what happened last time."

Mu Chen shook his head, reassuring her, "Matters of the heart are mutual. It was right of you to reject me if you didn't feel the same way."

A shadow of sadness passed through Zhuang Yu's eyes.

Chen Moran frowned, remarking, "Mu Chen, Zhuang Yu has been worried about you since you've been absent from the Martial Academy for so long. Don't be so cold towards her. You're ungrateful."

Mu Chen: "Cold? Have I really been cold? At most, I just haven't treated Zhuang Yu with the same warmth and flattery as before."

Zhuang Yu, looking a bit helpless, glanced at Chen Moran and took his hand, saying, "Moran, please don't."

Chen Moran gave Mu Chen a warning glance but smiled reassuringly at Zhuang Yu.

Zhuang Yu, with her beautiful eyes, looked towards Mu Chen, "Mu Chen, are you aware of the auction at Ziyue Auction House?"

Mu Chen nodded, responding, "Yes, the annual grand auction of Ziyue Auction House? I've heard there will be many valuable items this time. However, given my tight budget recently, I'll likely be just a spectator."

Zhuang Yu smiled, her lips curled slightly, "There's nothing wrong with broadening one's horizons."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Zhuang Yu's eyes. Mu Chen had changed. Before, he would have eagerly inquired about her preferences at the auction.

Chen Moran looked at Mu Chen and remarked, "Short on money? Come on, your father is an alchemist. You can't possibly lack spiritual stones."

Mu Chen gave a wry smile, replying, "My father is my father. I am me. What's so strange about me lacking spiritual stones?"

Chen Moran scoffed, "You're really something, aren't you? No money? Why not find a way to earn some?"

Mu Chen looked directly at Chen Moran, inquiring, "Mr. Chen, any suggestions?"

Chen Moran laughed it off, saying, "Your father is an alchemist and has crafted so many elixirs. Sell a couple, and you'll have money."

Zhuang Yu's expression shifted, saying, "Moran, what are you talking about? One can't just casually sell elixirs."

"Indeed, Mr. Chen, you must be joking. How could I casually sell my father's elixirs?" Mu Chen said, feigning innocence.

Chen Moran laughed it off, "I was just kidding."

Mu Chen lowered his head, a cold glint in his eyes. Was Chen Moran's statement a mere coincidence, or was it a carefully orchestrated comment? It all seemed too calculated.