Mo Xiuchen hung up the phone but did not immediately get out of the car. Sitting in the driver's seat with a dark expression, he exuded a cold and oppressive aura.
Inside the confined space of the car, the air felt stifling and suffocating.
Looking at his frosty, emotionless face, Wen Ran couldn't help but feel a trace of sympathy for him. She pursed her lips slightly and asked softly, "Mo Xiuchen, are you okay?"
He had been staring straight ahead, but upon hearing her voice, he turned his head. Perhaps it was the dim lighting, but his deep-set eyes seemed to be filled with an unfathomable chill.
Wen Ran's heart skipped a beat, and her pupils shrank slightly.
"Get out of the car."
After staring at her for a moment, Mo Xiuchen suppressed the emotions surging within him and spoke calmly.
As the luxurious European-style Mo family mansion came into view, Wen Ran keenly noticed Mo Xiuchen's grip on the steering wheel tighten slightly. She looked up at him, seeing his thin lips pressed into a firm line and the sharp angles of his face looking even colder.
"Mo Xiuchen!"
She called his name softly.
Mo Xiuchen glanced at her before turning his gaze back to the road, slowing down the car.
"If you don't want to have dinner with them, we can still turn back now."
At her words, Mo Xiuchen's body tensed slightly. This time, he didn't look at her but responded in a firm, almost indifferent tone, "It's fine."
The reason he had agreed to come back for dinner was because Mo Jingteng had mentioned holding a wedding for him and Wen Ran. Mo Xiuchen had no interest in having his father arrange a wedding for them, but he was well aware of the Mo family traditions.
More importantly, he knew that because of Wen Ran's past relationship with Mo Zixuan, Mo Jingteng had never truly accepted her. Now that he was willing to acknowledge their marriage, Mo Xiuchen was willing to make this small compromise.
As the car drove through the Mo family gates, Mo Jingteng was already approaching from the left pavilion, walking beside Cheng Jia.
Seeing Mo Xiuchen's car, his eyes brightened, and a smile appeared on his face—clear proof that, despite everything, he still cared about his son.
"Chairman, Young Master Mo is here," Cheng Jia said excitedly.
She lowered her gaze to check her outfit, subtly clutching the hem of her dress before tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. A bright smile graced her lips as she eagerly watched the Aston Martin roll to a stop.
Mo Xiuchen stepped out of the car, walked around to the passenger side, and politely opened the door for Wen Ran. Although his expression remained cool, his gaze toward her carried a rare warmth. "Come on out."
"Thank you."
Wen Ran smiled slightly, bending forward as she exited the car. Just as she straightened up, a strong arm wrapped around her waist.
A low, warm voice whispered in her ear, "Stay close to me tonight. Don't wander off."
She looked up into his deep, unreadable eyes and responded softly, "I understand."
Not far away, Cheng Jia's eyes lingered on Mo Xiuchen's possessive hold around Wen Ran's waist, jealousy flickering in her gaze. However, she maintained a gentle smile, her eyes brimming with affectionate admiration for the man standing tall and handsome in the evening light.
Mo Xiuchen, still holding Wen Ran by the waist, walked up to Mo Jingteng and greeted him politely, "Dad."
Beside him, Wen Ran also followed suit. "Dad."
Mo Jingteng smiled, his expression giving nothing away, though he carefully concealed any displeasure he felt toward Wen Ran. Gesturing toward the villa behind him, he said, "You were the last two to arrive. Your Aunt Xiao is in the living room chatting with Zhou Lin. Let's head inside."
Mo Xiuchen gave a neutral "Mhm" in response.
At his side, Cheng Jia noticed how his arm never left Wen Ran's waist. Maintaining her smile, she turned to him and asked, "Young Master Mo, may I borrow Miss Wen for a few minutes? I'd like to have a little chat with her in private."