Chapter 11: The Full Moon Banquet (Part II)

Mo Ronghua, a cigar between his fingers, sat leisurely with crossed legs, scrutinizing Zhu Jia with a condescending gaze. The weight of his inspection was uncomfortable, a stark contrast to the other curious eyes she had endured earlier. His appraisal wasn’t of a father-in-law welcoming a daughter-in-law but of a patriarch evaluating an outsider—reductive and objectifying.

Truthfully, Mo Ronghua didn’t particularly care who his son married. In families like theirs, alliances weren’t necessary to secure power or wealth. Women were merely indulgences; whether to marry or spoil them didn’t matter. What truly mattered was their ability to bear children, as children represented the family’s legacy and future fortune.

Still, he smiled courteously at Zhu Jia. “Ah, Jia Jia, now that you’re part of our family, make yourself at home. Don’t be too reserved.” Without lingering, he shifted focus. “Now, where’s the baby? Bring him to meet his grandfather.”

“…Alright, Dad,” Zhu Jia replied reluctantly, her gaze briefly lingering on the cigar in his hand.

Zhu Jia went to the lounge where the baby, Xiao Wen, was resting. Aunt Liu was changing his diaper. Sensing Zhu Jia’s unease, she asked, “Madam, is everything alright?”

“It’s nothing. Xiao Wen’s grandfather wants to see him. I’ll take him over now,” Zhu Jia replied with a tight smile.

Assuming Zhu Jia was merely nervous about meeting the family, Aunt Liu said no more. “Alright, Madam.”

Pushing the stroller, Zhu Jia entered the large private room, drawing every gaze. After all, Xiao Wen was the Mo family’s first grandchild and, by their unwritten rule, the heir apparent. His status potentially outranked most present.

Mo Ronghua set aside his cigar, a smile breaking across his face as he approached. “So this is Xiao Wen?” Peering into the stroller, he saw the baby curiously gazing around with wide eyes. “What a sharp little one! He looks so bright!” He beamed. “Jia Jia, pick him up and let me have a closer look.”

Zhu Jia carefully lifted Xiao Wen, whose chubby hands waved excitedly as his head turned curiously. His antics drew hearty laughter from Mo Ronghua, warming the room as everyone crowded around to glimpse the “Mo family’s young master.”

“He’s the spitting image of Yichen as a baby!” exclaimed Mo’s second uncle. “I remember when Yichen was born, the three of us brothers took turns holding him. Even the youngest insisted on having a turn, right?”

The scholarly third uncle smiled. “I was only ten at the time but always found a way to sneak a moment with him.”

Mo Yichen, the center of their discussion, remained quiet, his gaze softening as he stared at Xiao Wen. The baby’s features vaguely reminded him of someone, stirring old memories.

Mo Ronghua finally extended his arms. “Jia Jia, let me hold my grandson. Help me out here.”

Carefully, Zhu Jia placed Xiao Wen in his grandfather’s arms, ensuring his neck was well-supported. Cradled securely, Xiao Wen babbled happily, his small fists punching the air. Mo Ronghua chuckled heartily, clearly smitten.

“Come now, let’s not let the little one go empty-handed. Bring the gift,” he called to his assistant, who promptly stepped forward with a carefully prepared present.

Assistant Chen, who had been standing behind the sofa, stepped forward and opened two boxes. One contained an intricately carved pair of gold bracelets, a traditional gift symbolizing blessings and good fortune from elders to younger generations. The other box revealed a luxurious jade rabbit figurine—a masterpiece clearly worth a fortune, fitting since Xiao Wen was born in the Year of the Rabbit.

Chen also handed a thick document to Zhu Jia. A quick glance revealed it was a high-value insurance policy designed to ensure Xiao Wen’s financial security well into adulthood without any restrictions. Zhu Jia thanked Mo Ronghua and carefully stored the document and gifts.

After spending some time in the private room, the Mo family moved to the banquet hall to entertain guests. The full moon banquet had attracted many of the Mo family’s friends. Mo Ronghua and his brothers busied themselves with socializing, while the women mingled with their respective cliques.

Zhu Jia and Mo Yichen took Xiao Wen back to the lounge for feeding. Xiao Wen, ravenous, finished his milk in just seven minutes, a stark contrast to his usual twenty minutes for 120 milliliters. Zhu Jia sniffed her own clothes and Xiao Wen’s, frowning in displeasure.

“What’s wrong?” Mo Yichen asked, puzzled.

“The cigar smell is too strong. I’ll change Xiao Wen into a fresh outfit,” Zhu Jia replied. She dressed him in a light green onesie with a matching white hat.

Mo Yichen was momentarily surprised. He was so accustomed to the smell of cigars and alcohol in his daily life that he hadn’t considered whether it might bother the baby. It struck him that having a child at home meant rethinking many of his habits to ensure a suitable environment.

“You watch him here. I’ll go change as well,” Zhu Jia said, and Mo Yichen nodded.

In the lounge’s dressing room, Zhu Jia picked out a black gown made of subtly shimmering fabric. The dress featured a dramatic backless design with a large white bow that required tying. She slipped into the gown but struggled to tie the bow on her own, awkwardly twisting her body in vain until her eyes nearly welled with tears of frustration.

Outside, Mo Yichen noticed something was amiss. “Why is it taking so long?” he called out.

Letting out a deep sigh, Zhu Jia leaned against the wall, exhausted. She reluctantly admitted, “Mo Yichen, can you help me tie the bow in the back?” She opened the dressing room door.

Mo Yichen was taken aback. Standing before him, Zhu Jia looked completely different—her eyes glistening, the corners tinged with a faint red. Her breathing was uneven, her chest rising and falling, and her exposed back was like smooth, milky satin. A flicker of something unfamiliar stirred within him. His expression darkened slightly as he stepped closer and took hold of the ribbons.

Leaning in, his breath brushed against the sensitive skin of Zhu Jia’s nape. His rough fingers unintentionally grazed her smooth back, sending a shiver up her spine and raising goosebumps.

“All done,” he said, stepping back. A pristine white bow rested neatly on her back. Mo Yichen’s expression had returned to its usual calm, as if nothing had happened.

Zhu Jia turned to give him a dissatisfied look. “It took you that long?” she grumbled, scratching at her back. The spot where he had tied the bow itched slightly, leaving her feeling uncomfortable.

After freshening up, the two pushed Xiao Wen’s stroller into the banquet hall. Along the way, they encountered several acquaintances, including the Qian sisters Zhu Jia had met a few days prior. Their faces turned sour as they reluctantly greeted her. Zhu Jia, however, paid no mind to their petty moods. She wasn’t interested in competing with other women; she was just trying to navigate this fictional world.

As they strolled through the hall, Zhu Jia noticed a large open-air garden just outside. Most of the young guests had gathered there, enjoying the golden afternoon sunlight among lush greenery. Zhu Jia decided it would be nice to take Xiao Wen out for some fresh air.

Mo Yichen was busy entertaining a group of business executives, so Zhu Jia pushed the stroller outside alone. The garden, located on the 55th floor, felt like a breath of fresh air. She explored briefly, passing a charming wooden bar and an infinity pool, before settling in a sunny, wind-free corner.

The sunlight was warm and inviting. Zhu Jia picked up Xiao Wen, carefully angling him to avoid direct sunlight on his eyes. The baby squinted contentedly, drifting in and out of sleep, as their shadows intertwined on the ground like a single entity.

“Big Sister-in-law,” a soft, sweet voice called from behind.

Zhu Jia turned and was surprised to see Mo Yichen’s younger half-sister. The teenage girl, around fifteen or sixteen, looked at her with a mix of shyness and curiosity unique to girls her age.

“Hello, little sister,” Zhu Jia greeted with a smile.

The girl’s eyes sparkled. “Big Sister-in-law, you’re so pretty! And you seem really kind,” she said, leaning in to whisper. “Not like Big Brother. He’s so scary; we’re all afraid to talk to him.”

Zhu Jia couldn’t help but laugh. This little girl was adorable. Leaning closer, she replied in a conspiratorial tone, “I agree. Your brother is really scary. I don’t want to talk to him either.”

“Little sister!” A young man’s voice called out anxiously. Mo Yichen’s younger half-brother hurried over, his face pale with worry. Seeing Zhu Jia, he stammered, “I’m so sorry, Big Sister-in-law! Did my sister say anything inappropriate? Please don’t hold it against her; she’s just a kid!”

Zhu Jia: …

Was he that scared of her? Mo Yichen’s siblings clearly had a conditioned fear, likely a result of his usual cold demeanor toward them.

Feigning anger, Zhu Jia teased, “Why? Do I look that frightening? I’m actually very nice—nothing like your brother.” She flashed them both a bright smile, her teasing tone dispelling their tension.