Chapter 26: Not Just Flirting with You—He Treats Everyone with the Same Irreverence

“The Second Young Master of the Chu family provoked first, and the Eldest Young Master of Chu acted first. Naturally, the instigating party should pay compensation. No matter what grievances the two Chu brothers may have, my stance remains unchanged wherever I go.”

“You!” Chu Ming raised his hand, pointing at Mo Chuan, but Chu Yu immediately pushed him aside and scolded, “Do not be rude!” Then, he stepped forward, clasped his hands respectfully, and said, “Master Mo, there is no need to escort us to the Chu residence. I shall bear the compensation this time.”

“Go and tally up the losses,” Mo Chuan said calmly.

Ji Yin observed Mo Chuan, sensing no fluctuations of soul power, yet the mere presence of this man exuded the air of a formidable figure. Why was that? Moreover, Chu Yu seemed to be quite wary of him.

“Master, the calculation is done. The total loss amounts to one hundred and four thousand, three hundred and twenty-seven taels!”

This sum left the two Young Masters of the Meng family utterly stunned! Those nearby were equally astounded.

How could it be so expensive?

“These tables and chairs aren’t worth much! How could the price be so high? Are you trying to extort us? Let me warn you, the Chu family isn’t easily bullied! How dare you attempt to swindle me!”

“Chu Ming, hold your tongue!” Chu Yu, equally shocked by the exorbitant figure, hurried forward and inquired, “Master Mo, may I ask how this sum was calculated? It seems excessively large.”

Mo Chuan walked over to a table, picked up a shard of porcelain, and remarked, “This is a superior imperial item from the palace, bestowed upon my father by the late emperor.”

The Ninth Princess, who had remained silent, immediately stepped forward, took the fragment, and glanced at it. “Indeed, it’s from the palace.”

All knew that Mo Chuan’s father often entered the palace to offer delicacies to the late emperor; it was only natural he received such rewards.

“Such precious items, yet you display them so casually?” Chu Ming demanded angrily.

“That is precisely to prevent incidents like this,” Mo Chuan replied with composure.

Chu Ming and Chu Yu both wore the expressions of men who had lost their fathers.

“I must trouble you, Master Mo, to escort us to the Chu residence,” Chu Yu requested.

He could at most produce three thousand taels from his person—already his limit!

Ji Yin was thoroughly satisfied with Mo Chuan’s handling of the situation, her opinion of him soaring. Suddenly, she leaned in toward Mo Chuan, slinging an arm around his shoulder like an old friend.

“Hey, Master Mo, do you need a good friend? One who’s just been forced to awaken?”

Chu Yu: stabbed in the heart, once!

Mo Chuan lowered his gaze to Ji Yin. This little fellow, forcibly hooking his arm, looked for all the world like a mischievous monkey.

“It is my honor to know you, Master Ji!” Mo Chuan gently removed Ji Yin’s hand, stepped back, and offered a polite salute.

In Chiyu Dynasty, etiquette was highly prized—among gentlemen, the clasped-hands salute was both common and respectful.

Ji Yin grabbed Mo Chuan’s hand, declaring, “From now on, we’re friends! If anyone bullies you, just tell me—I’ll stand up for you! I’ve awakened, you know!”

Chu Yu: stabbed in the heart, twice!

A hint of amusement flickered in Mo Chuan’s eyes. “Thank you for your favor.”

“Waiter, are there any buns left?” Ji Yin turned to ask the shop boy.

“There are, young master. How many baskets would you like?”

“Two! Pack them up. Shuang’er, pay the bill.”

Mo Chuan took the buns from the shop boy and handed them to Ji Yin. “Brother Ji, whenever you come to Baiwei Pavilion in the future, you need not queue or pay.”

Ji Yin accepted the buns without pretense, smiling and nodding. “This friendship is indeed worth having!”

...

Wu Yan watched the harmonious scene downstairs, feeling a sudden sense of relief.

“Master, I admit I was prejudiced against Seventh Young Master. He’s not only flirtatious with you—he’s equally unrestrained with everyone.”

The nobleman gazed down toward the lower floor, the superior white jade cup in his hand slowly developing a fine crack.