Chapter 104: Night Winds and Fallen Petals - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

Chapter 104: Night Winds and Fallen Petals Fei Lingsnow eyed Xu Miaoyin suspiciously. Even though she didn't fully trust Xu’s words, she was willing to take a leap of faith, treating a dying horse as if it were still alive, just this once. "If you're deceiving me, understand that the consequences won't be pleasant." Xu Miaoyin, however, appeared more resolute than ever. Although she wasn't sure how Su Lang had run into this woman in her past life, the woman’s male attire did little to hide her ethereal beauty. Even Xu was taken aback by her allure. One couldn't fault Su Lang for succumbing to her charms; the woman’s radiance and figure rivaled her own, a temptation no man could likely resist. "Follow me, and you'll understand." "He's currently in a small city, but he might not recognize you." Hearing this, a thought struck Fei Lingsnow. Could it be? Had her Su Lang, like Sujin and the others, lost his memories as well? Yet, the remarkable beauty before her retained memories of the past life, much like herself, which explained her comments. But if memories were erased... What could their shared past possibly mean? Fei Lingsnow's eyes reflected a hint of sorrow. Though she knew they could rebuild their bond, it would never be the same person again... "Take me to him, but keep my identity secret. I don't know how to face him yet..." Xu Miaoyin was all too familiar with the grief in Fei Lingsnow’s gaze. Hadn't she herself endured similar turmoil? Nevertheless, one must always look forward. The past was irretrievable; it's this lifetime that must be cherished to amend the regrets from before. ... Linjing City, at Linjiang Spring Restaurant. Su Mo had gone through several simulations, yet each began as a passive scenario, unworthy of his direct participation. This failure to utilize the virtual reality simulation chances left him anxious. Unable to bear it any longer, he moved his bed into Chunzhu’s room. Now, they shared only a curtain as a barrier, sleeping within less than three meters of each other. Chunzhu offered no resistance... ... As the sun set, the flickering flames of oil lamps subtly illuminated their room, dissolving some of the shadows. Su Mo’s idle meditation continued. Chunzhu had just bathed, and the scent of a young woman lingered. This left Su Mo with a dry throat. Though the curtain kept her from sight, lamplight still revealed her graceful silhouette. "Chunzhu, how long have you been at the general's manor?" Su Mo’s sudden question startled Chunzhu, who was already tense. She replied softly. “Hmm, I’ve been at the manor for over seven years now.” "Seven years ago, I came as a dowry maid with the lady's marriage. But the general left for the frontlines after the wedding, without even entering the bridal chamber.” “I haven’t seen General Guo since.” "In a blink, seven or eight years have passed." "The lady has faced much suffering these years." Listening, Su Mo continued. “And how long have you been with the lady?” “Hmm, it’s been a long time. I was sold to the Huang family when I was five. Then Shaoyao and I became maids to the lady when she was twelve.” “We’ve grown up together—it’s been about fourteen years.” “That’s a long time. You must be like sisters.” “Hehe, of course. I never expected the lady to send me to care for you; she holds you in such high regard.” “And what are your plans ahead?” “Um, plans? Just taking one day at a time.” “You’ve got my first kiss; don’t you intend to be responsible?” Hearing this, Su Mo quickly replied. “Of course, I want to take responsibility.” Saying this, Su Mo suddenly got out of bed. Sensing Su Mo's movements, Chunzhu grew nervous, her voice trembling. “Mr. Su, what are you…” Su Mo approached the oil lamp. “Nothing, just blowing out the light.” With that, Su Mo extinguished the lamp, plunging the room into darkness. With partial night vision, Su Mo slipped into Chunzhu's bed, embracing her warm, tender form. “Chunzhu, you smell delightful.” “M-Mr. Su!” “Stop calling me Mr. Su.” Chunzhu’s heart beat rapidly. She had mentally prepared herself upon hearing Su Mo’s words. “Su… brother Su...” ... The next morning. Su Mo quietly climbed out of bed to prepare a restorative soup in the kitchen. The satisfaction bubbling within him was nearly overwhelming. How did he end up blessed with such a beautiful woman's heart and devotion? On Earth, women like Chunzhu were almost nonexistent. When Chunzhu awoke, she saw the soup Su Mo had prepared. Her mind replayed the memories over and over. Being with Brother Su was painful yet joyous. Seeing her awake, Su Mo tended to her needs and injuries until late morning, delaying the restaurant’s opening. It wasn't until a knock sounded that Su Mo reluctantly left Chunzhu's side, dressed, and headed to the entrance. Expecting a visitor for the restaurant, he discovered Shaoyao standing there instead. Shaoyao, slim and willow-like, had a delicate Lin Daiyu aura. Though attractive, Su Mo wasn’t fond of overly slender women. “Shaoyao, what brings you here?” Seeing Su Mo, Shaoyao was puzzled. “Mr. Su, are you really leaving the restaurant closed during the day?” “The lady sent me to bring you to her, and I wanted to check on Chunzhu.” Learning Lady Huang Qingwan wanted him, Su Mo nodded. Fearful Shaoyao might notice signs of Chunzhu's current state, Su Mo urged quickly. “I understand, Shaoyao.” "I was just in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes." “Besides, there were no customers, so I didn’t open.” "Plus, Chunzhu hasn't gotten up; she’d be embarrassed if you saw her now." Shaoyao appeared envious upon hearing this. “Mr. Su, you treat Chunzhu so well.” “In all these years, I've yet to sleep luxuriously even once.” “Hehe, it's not that special.” “But we should head off, there’s plenty of time ahead for get-togethers.” “Okay, fine.” Following this exchange, Su Mo accompanied Shaoyao back to the general’s manor. Absence had made him nostalgic after nearly two months away. On their way, they encountered Little Wang; spotting Su Mo, he hurried over. “Su Bro, has no one filled the procurement role at your restaurant?” Su Mo instantly grasped Little Wang's intent. Clearly he had set his sights on the procurement position. "Ah, Miss Guo handles the accounts." “I merely assist; I can’t make such decisions.” “I’ll discuss it with Miss Guo later and see her thoughts.” Hearing this, Little Wang seemed disappointed. “Maybe it’s best not to mention it. Thanks anyway, Mr. Su.” Su Mo chuckled. “No need for formalities, Little Wang. Come visit when you’re free.” “Sure thing!” After this brief interlude, Su Mo followed Shaoyao to Huang Qingwan’s courtyard. The lady awaited him not in the courtyard but as sunlight softly illuminated her room. Shaoyao spoke, “Mr. Su, the lady is inside. I’ll prepare her some bird’s nest porridge.” “Oh, okay.” Su Mo leisurely approached the door to Huang Qingwan’s room. Inside, she lay half-reclined on a lounge chair, dressed in a tight crimson robe, engrossed in a book named *Lanzhi Collection*. Golden silk shoes adorned her feet, elegantly displayed with silk stockings visible. Su Mo’s entrance caught her attention, and she looked up. Upon seeing him, Huang Qingwan’s eyes sparkled with joy, rising quickly from her seat. Her gaze was filled with tender affection. “Su Mo, you’re here.” “Yes, my lady, I am.” “What does the lady require my presence for?” Su Mo behaved prudently. Not yet sure of Huang Qingwan's feelings toward him, he proceeded cautiously, avoiding any actions that might overstep boundaries as he had previously done. "Come here." Huang Qingwan, bolder than before, took Su Mo's hand and led him to her dressing table. She presented two hairpins of differing styles. One was crafted from pure gold, featuring a phoenix in mid-flight. The other was made of silver, its body adorned with swirling filigree and pearl accents at the tail. “Which one looks better?” Su Mo was momentarily captivated by her youthful demeanor. “The gold one is beautiful.” "Then put it on for me." Huang Qingwan sat at the dressing table, handing Su Mo the phoenix hairpin. Seeing her actions, Su Mo finally understood her intentions. If he remained oblivious now, it would indeed be considered obliviousness to the extreme. “As you wish, Madam.” He took the phoenix hairpin and gently placed it in her coiffed hair. With the hairpin in place, Huang Qingwan's elegance and grace were further accentuated. Unable to resist, Su Mo began massaging her shoulders; even through the smooth fabric, he felt the intense warmth beneath. Huang Qingwan seemed entranced, showing no resistance to his touch. "How is the restaurant business these days?" “Hmm, not so good.” "The demon rumors have stirred trouble; the streets are nearly empty.” “If that’s the case, then perhaps the restaurant should remain closed temporarily..." Suddenly. Huang Qingwan blushed fiercely. Su Mo’s audacity grew as his hands greedily advanced, feeling through her silk jacket. "Mother, I heard Mr. Su is here." At that moment, Guo Lin's voice echoed from the courtyard. Startled, Su Mo quickly withdrew his hand, stepping several feet back to maintain a respectable distance. A hint of disappointment flickered in Huang Qingwan's eyes as she rose. “Yes, he’s here.” Guo Lin entered. Seeing Su Mo and Huang Qingwan standing a good three meters apart, she exhaled in relief. However, Su Mo noticed Guo Lin looked pale, with residual tear stains. His heart ached for her. Could it be she has discovered the truth about her father? (End of Chapter)