Chapter 33

Chapter 33: Heartfelt Stirrings

Muchen, holding Ye Shi's hand, left the auction house. Suddenly, a familiar voice called out, "Muchen."

Spotting Zhuang Yu, Muchen frowned, "Him again? Why is Zhuang Yu so persistent?"

Upon seeing Zhuang Yu, Ye Shi couldn't help but tug at Mu Chen's hand. However, Mu Chen gripped her hand tightly, not letting her pull away. Ye Shi's cheeks flushed, and she eventually relented.

Zhuang Yu's expression shifted subtly as he noticed their intertwined hands, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Mu Chen, who is this?" Zhuang Yu inquired.

"My fiancée," Mu Chen replied confidently.

Ye Shi turned to look at Mu Chen, feeling an indescribable emotion in her heart.

Zhuang Yu recognized the dagger in Ye Shi's hand as the one Mu Chen had just acquired.

"That's a fine dagger," Zhuang Yu commented with a smile towards Ye Shi.

In Zhuang Yu's presence, Ye Shi always felt somewhat self-conscious. When Zhuang Yu's gaze focused on her, Ye Shi offered a small smile and subtly withdrew her hand.

"Do you need anything else, Zhuang? If not, we'll be on our way," Mu Chen said, boldly wrapping his arm around Ye Shi's waist.

Ye Shi felt a bit tense when Mu Chen held her so closely. She shifted uncomfortably under his touch but didn't break free from his embrace.

Zhuang Yu managed a strained smile, replying, "Alright."

Mu Chen smiled at Zhuang Yu and left with Ye Shi.

Watching their retreating figures, Chen Mo Ran couldn't help but comment, "What does Mu Chen see in her?"

"It seems he's genuinely interested," Sun Yu remarked.

"I believe he's just putting on a show," countered Chen Mo Ran, arms crossed.

"A show? To what end?" Sun Yu queried, puzzled.

"Mu Chen's engagement to Ye Shi was arranged by Elder Mu Ke. Given the deep bond between their grandparents, Elder Mu Ke holds Ye Shi in high regard. Perhaps Mu Chen's actions aim to please the family's respected elder," Chen Mo Ran stated with a hint of pride in his deduction.

Sun Yu raised an eyebrow, "Really? I can't believe Mu Chen would think so deeply, and it seems like a big sacrifice on his part."

"To gain something, there's always a price to pay, right?" Chen Mo Ran responded dismissively.

"Why would Mu Chen go to such lengths just to please the family elder? It's such a waste," Zhuang Yu commented with a hint of melancholy.

"It's Mu Chen's choice," Chen Mo Ran responded nonchalantly.

...

"Won't you come home with me?" Mu Chen asked, a hint of frustration in his voice.

Ye Shi shook her head, replying simply, "No."

"Alright then," Mu Chen sighed lightly.

Seeing Mu Chen's downtrodden expression, Ye Shi's resolve wavered, but she held firm.

"I might be secluding myself for alchemy practice soon and won't be able to visit," Mu Chen said with a touch of regret.

Ye Shi huffed, "Who said I wanted you to?"

"Take care of yourself and eat well," Mu Chen advised.

Clutching the dagger, Ye Shi retorted, "I've always eaten plenty without your meddling."

With a smile, Mu Chen said, "I'll be on my way."

"Go on then," Ye Shi replied, somewhat impatiently. Watching Mu Chen's retreating form, a sense of longing clouded her eyes.

"Is Shi back?" Chen Da inquired, stepping out.

Ye Shi nodded, a hint of blush on her face.

"Has Young Master Mu Chen left?" Chen Da asked.

Ye Shi nodded again, "Yes."

"He's a good man, isn't he?" Chen Da questioned.

Ye Shi blinked, "Better than expected, but not by much."

Chen Da detected the teasing in Ye Shi's voice and realized her true feelings.

Noting the gentle smile playing on Ye Shi's lips, Chen Da silently sighed in relief. Originally, he hadn't expected Mu Chen to genuinely like Ye Shi. He hoped that given the connection between their grandparents, Mu Chen would honor the marriage pact and grant Ye Shi a proper status. But now, it seemed things were turning out much better than anticipated.

"Did Mu Chen invite you to the Mu residence?" Chen Da suddenly inquired, as if remembering something.

Ye Shi nodded, replying, "He did mention it, but I'm not keen on going."

Chen Da furrowed his brows, looking at Ye Shi helplessly, "Why are you so stubborn?"