At That Moment, I Was the Only One in Her Eyes

Bai Peilan hurried to her feet and went over, her heart aching as she pulled Bai Mo tightly into her arms. She comforted her softly, "My child, it wasn't hard on me, and it wasn't hard on your uncle either. Don't apologize. If anyone should apologize, it's me. I haven't amounted to much, and I've dragged you down."

Seeing her younger sister and niece like this, Bai Jingyao wiped away tears as well.

Tang Xin saw that it was getting late and that Elder Xiao's expression was less than pleasant, so she hurriedly brought the conversation back on track.

"Momo, since you and the Shen family's young master aren't fated to be together, your aunt advises you to let the matter rest. Compose yourself. I have something important to discuss now."

Bai Mo drew back from her mother's embrace. Knowing when to stop, she composed herself and looked at Tang Xin earnestly.

"Please go ahead, Aunt."

"Are you willing to take the Xiao family's young master as your husband? Today, the two of you had intimate physical contact under everyone's watchful eyes. Muzhi's purity has been ruined. Do you understand?"

Tang Xin's expression was grave, and her tone was stern. This was an elder reprimanding a junior, but it was also a conversation between two women.

Bitterness welled up in Bai Mo's heart, but her mind was perfectly clear. "Aunt, I didn't mean to take liberties with Muzhi. Besides, he's a good friend of mine. There are no romantic feelings between us."

Bang!

Elder Xiao slammed her palm on the table and said angrily, "Bai Mo, do you know what you're saying?"

"Teacher, I know what I'm saying. I meant no offense. If I forced Muzhi to marry me, that would be a humiliation to him. I won't do it."

Seeing that the two sides could not reach an agreement, Bai Jingyao hurried forward and took hold of Bai Mo, earnestly trying to persuade her. "Momo, don't say such nonsense. Don't you know how important a man's purity is? Muzhi is such a fine young man. Marrying him would be marrying above your station. Are you trying to drive him to his death with such irresponsible words?"

Bai Mo was stunned by his words. She had never really considered that aspect before.

Xiao Muzhi had only changed his outer robe before hurrying back. He had heard Bai Mo's refusal, and his chest felt unbearably tight. Clenching his fists, he stepped into the room and went straight to Bai Mo.

"Bai Mo, are you really unwilling to marry me?"

Bai Mo saw that his eyes were full of tears, as though pleading, as though hoping...

"Muzhi, it's my fault for drinking too much and dragging you into this. You don't have to give yourself to me over something like this. I'm not worthy of you."

Xiao Muzhi closed his eyes for a moment. He couldn't accept it. Did Bai Mo really have no feelings for him at all?

"What's done today is done, but I love you. I'm willing to marry you."

Bai Mo froze. How could this be? Xiao Muzhi was a person as serene as the wind and clouds, like an immortal descended to earth. And he knew she liked Shen Qing, so why would he...

Tears glimmered at the corners of Xiao Muzhi's eyes. Casting aside all his pride, he said softly to Bai Mo, "I hope you'll cherish me."

"All right."

Everyone paused when they saw Bai Mo agree so readily.

Her expression was as calm as ever, without the slightest ripple of emotion...

But here and now, in these circumstances, she had to take responsibility as she should.

"Good, good, good. This is how a true woman should be. In word and deed, there are things one may do and things one must not do."

"Mm."

Bai Jingyao eagerly chimed in as well. "Momo, now that you've agreed, marriage is a matter for parents and matchmakers. Leave everything else to us."

Bai Mo was a reserved person to begin with, and now she suppressed all her emotions.

When she raised her head again, a faint smile played on her face. "All right. I'll leave everything to Mother and Uncle."

Xiao Muzhi's gaze had never left Bai Mo for an instant. No matter how well she concealed her emotions, he took in her every move, his heart filled with endless bitterness.

Seeing that Bai Mo knew what was good for her, Elder Xiao gave a cold snort. Her expression softened, and she sat back down in her chair.

Tang Xin's eyes were full of relief. Momo was a clever girl.

"Momo, your aunt will choose another auspicious day to ask the Xiao family for his hand on your behalf."

"Sorry for the trouble, Uncle, Aunt."

"It's late, and Teacher is advanced in years. I'll escort Teacher and the two youngsters back to the Xiao residence. A-Yao, you stay here with Peilan and give her a good hand."

Bai Jingyao nodded to his wife. With one worry finally settled, he was delighted. "Don't worry, leave everything here to me. I'll have Uncle Fu handle the betrothal gifts first thing tomorrow. Anything that can be bought anew, I'll buy anew. I'll make them as generous as possible. Muzhi certainly won't be slighted."

Bai Peilan echoed his words and respectfully saw Elder Xiao off.

Seeing the Bai family's good attitude, Elder Xiao was satisfied.

After the others had left...

"Uncle, Mother, I'll return to my courtyard first."

Bai Peilan's heart ached for her daughter. "You were just drunk. Go back and rest. Don't let your thoughts run wild. You have me to take care of everything, understand?"

"Mm."

Bai Mo did not linger. She took Lichun and returned to her courtyard.

Bai Mo had the maids prepare a tub of very hot water and immersed herself completely in it.

She held a jade pendant tightly in her hand. It was the lovers' pendant Shen Qing had given her. That damned man had even said it was for his wife, but as soon as his health improved, he acted as though he didn't know her.

Forget it. She put the jade pendant into her space and didn't spare it another glance.

She would return it to him when she had the chance.

Elder Xiao and Tang Xin rode in the same carriage.

Only Xiao Yiliu and her younger brother were in her carriage. As an outsider, she had watched everything that had happened over the past two days.

Her heart ached for her younger brother, but she didn't know where to begin.

Xiao Muzhi kept his head lowered. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

"Eldest Sister, do you think I'm foolish?"

"Little brother, you didn't have to put yourself through this."

"Eldest Sister, you don't understand. If I didn't seize this chance, I wouldn't have another."

"Sigh..."

"Eldest Sister, you probably don't know. The first time I met her, I didn't pay her much mind. She was both coarse and interesting.

"The second time I saw her, there was only one person in her eyes: Young Master Qingya. It was as though she couldn't see anyone but him. I was curious, and my eyes kept following her.

"I watched everything she said and did. She was quick-witted and had a flair for words. She was devoted to those she cared about and loyal to her friends. When I learned something had happened to her, I wanted to rush to her rescue without a thought for myself.

"She held me that day. At that very moment, I was the only one in her eyes. How laughable—I fell for her just like that."

Xiao Yiliu didn't know how to answer, but Xiao Muzhi didn't need her to. He spoke to himself, as though trying to convince her and himself.

"Eldest Sister, she knows how to respect men and their feelings. As long as I marry her, she'll surely come to love me, won't she? I'm not bad."

"Mm, my little brother is the finest young man there is. Sister Bai isn't a heartless person. I'm just afraid she won't be able to let go of Shen Qing, and you'll be hurt..."

Xiao Muzhi smiled and shook his head. "I don't mind. As long as there's a place for me in her heart, I'll be content."

The group soon arrived at the Xiao residence, where the old servant who attended Great Master Xiao was waiting outside the gate.

After entering the residence, Elder Xiao told her younger sister that Bai Mo and Xiao Muzhi were to be betrothed. Great Master Xiao was surprised, but she was very fond of Bai Mo and agreed without a second thought.

Some rejoiced while others grieved...