Volume One, Chapter 41: Yu Mo, I'm Sorry!

The Qin family, the most prominent clan in the city of magic, boasted nearly a century of legacy—something far beyond the reach of ordinary families. The Qin family had always maintained a low profile, never appearing before the media. Such a mysterious family was deeply rooted in this city, and to be able to form a marital alliance with them was no small feat.

Yan Kejia was immensely proud, afraid that others might not know, so she kept holding onto Qin Xiang's hand. Yu Mo cast a glance at the man called Qin Xiang. His features were quite handsome, and his posture and manner bore the mark of a child raised in a distinguished family.

As her chopsticks slipped from her hand, she bent down to pick them up. Suddenly, she noticed Qin Xiang’s legs under the table were unnaturally crossed. Rising, she looked at Qin Xiang once more. She understood that this man was perhaps not as calm and composed as he appeared. Still, she couldn’t be bothered to concern herself with these matters, reminding herself of the purpose of her visit.

With elegant high heels, she stopped beside Lin Hua. “Lin Hua, didn’t you come today to ask your classmates to vouch for you? There are so many classmates here—just pick one and they can prove you’re not the other woman.”

Back in university, although Fu Yanting often came to see Yu Mo, he never told anyone he was her boyfriend, nor had he ever given her any gifts symbolizing love. So, their classmates had always assumed Fu Yanting was Yu Mo’s brother. Later, as Fu Yanting began visiting Lin Hua more frequently, everyone thought he was Lin Hua’s boyfriend.

Before Lin Hua could respond, Xie Mengqi, standing beside her, seized the opportunity to speak first, her tone aggressive toward Yu Mo. “Yu Mo, do you live by the sea? Why do you meddle in everything? Does my cousin-in-law really need someone to vouch for her?”

Yu Mo gave a look of sudden understanding, folding her arms. “Oh? Then when are your cousin and cousin-in-law having their wedding? I’ll definitely come and bring a generous gift.”

“Why are you inserting yourself into this?” Xie Mengqi rolled up her sleeves, ready to confront Yu Mo, but Lin Hua quickly stopped her. “Mengqi, don’t be impulsive—so many people are watching.”

Reminded by Lin Hua, Xie Mengqi immediately composed herself. With so many wealthy young men present, she couldn’t forget her image. She straightened her clothes and glanced disdainfully at Yu Mo’s outfit. She couldn’t help but sneer, “Yu Mo, if you really don’t have any clothes to wear, I can lend you a couple of sets. You’re dressed so shabbily, like you walked out of a slum—it’s embarrassing for anyone to stand next to you.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than Lin Hua’s expression turned awkward. She pinched Xie Mengqi’s hand, signaling her to stop. How had the conversation turned to slums? Who was she trying to target here? That was the place she hated most in the world. She never wanted to go back there again.

Yu Mo curved her lips into a smile, glancing at Lin Hua. “Is that so? Well, I’m not from the same place as your cousin-in-law.” Xie Mengqi was about to retort when someone interrupted.

“Mo Mo.” At the sound of her name, Yu Mo looked up. Fu Yanting had just entered the private room and was walking straight toward her, ignoring Lin Hua and Xie Mengqi completely. His tone and demeanor toward her were gentle and caring. “Mo Mo, why didn’t you answer my calls? And you haven’t been home for so many days—where have you been?”

Yu Mo frowned. Where she went had nothing to do with Fu Yanting. “We broke up long ago. I don’t need to report my whereabouts to you,” she replied coolly, surprised that he sought her out instead of Lin Hua. She couldn’t help but remind him, “Fu Yanting, are you mistaking me for someone else? I’m not Lin Hua—she’s right here next to me.” As she spoke, she shifted aside, making space for him.

Fu Yanting glanced at Lin Hua, then quickly averted his gaze, as if he’d never known her. He spoke gently to Yu Mo, “Mo Mo, I came here today to find you. Where have you been these days? Why haven’t you come back to the apartment?”

Yu Mo looked at Fu Yanting again, sensing something was off. “Did you break up with Lin Hua?” “Yes,” Fu Yanting replied indifferently, as if answering an inconsequential question.

Yu Mo raised her eyebrows. Just as she’d suspected. She feigned regret. “Does that mean I won’t be able to attend your wedding? I was planning to give you a generous red envelope.” These two were separated now—more innocent souls would be caught in the crossfire of these heartless men and women.

She shook her head slightly. Lin Hua saw that not only did Fu Yanting ignore her, but he was also so attentive to Yu Mo. Bitterness welled up in her heart, and she pulled Xie Mengqi, intent on leaving. But Xie Mengqi refused to go, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Cousin, are you two having a spat? Or is it—” She looked at Yu Mo and voiced her suspicion, “Or is it that Yu Mo interfered? Yu Mo, you wretch!”

Yu Mo found herself an innocent scapegoat, speechless. She glanced at Lin Hua and Fu Yanting. “Whatever quarrel this couple is having, what does it have to do with me?” With that, she turned to leave, but her wrist was caught. Fu Yanting’s voice was tinged with agitation. “Mo Mo, I know I was wrong these past days. Please, hear me out. Let’s find somewhere to talk—it’s time we cleared the air…”

“I have nothing to say to you.” Yu Mo’s beautiful almond-shaped eyes lowered, her long lashes casting a shadow in the gentle warm light of the room. The indifference and distance in her gaze were plain to see.

Fu Yanting was clearly wounded by such a look. Yu Mo had never looked at him this way before. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly, the remorse in his eyes unmistakable, his tone sincere.

Hearing such a heartfelt apology, Lin Hua’s hatred for Yu Mo grew wild within her. Ever since she’d known Fu Yanting, never had he apologized to Yu Mo in this way. But now—why should Yu Mo receive his apology? She was the one who was supposed to be his girlfriend and fiancée, the one who should receive such words.

Unable to contain herself, she called out to Fu Yanting, hoping to draw his attention. “Yanting…” But Fu Yanting acted as if he hadn’t heard her, his eyes locked on Yu Mo. Yu Mo shook off his hand and spoke with a distinct chill. “Young Master Fu, please behave yourself. Your fiancée is right here; if you keep pulling me around, you may not care what people say, but I’m not the same. A tidal wave of gossip could drown me.”

The words had their intended effect—Fu Yanting stopped pestering Yu Mo and stood at a distance, his gaze fixed on her. As Yu Mo sat back down, Wang Hui, Yan Kejia’s sycophant, spoke up. Lifting her wine glass, she addressed everyone present, “Classmates and friends, today my dear Jia Jia has a wonderful announcement to make.”