Chapter 008: The Second Capture

Meier, I am just a child too

Song Ao took a sip of soup, relaxed, and said, "Isn't that the big bird that can fly?"

However, Song Ao did not understand; he merely thought he had encountered a kindred spirit, and was just short of toasting with her, weeping bitterly, lamenting that they had not met before she was married

Meier looked at her flushed cheeks, charming and beautiful, yet without a trace of nervousness. She calmed her emotions, took a bite of the chicken leg, and shook her head, saying, "Thank you, Sir Xie, for giving Meier to you. From now on, she will be yours."

She showed not the slightest sign of nervousness, dressed in a delicate green gauze skirt, her complexion radiant, and though she was not very old, her air of ease was perceived by others as a lack of propriety, drawing subtly curious glances from onlookers towards Xiao Qian

The attendants outside the inn waited until they were drenched in sweat, yet they still did not see anyone come out

Song Ao grunted as he sat down, "You? Sending me a gift?"

In light of this, she took a sip of water at a leisurely pace, smiled, and said, "What’s the rush? It’s noon right now, the sun is blazing, and it’s easy to suffer from heatstroke on the road. Let’s have some tea, take a break, and discuss this case properly..."

Under the table, Wang Cai let out a "woof" and was hit again. Mo Jiu was not particularly fond of its master, but he still liked it very much. He stuffed a chicken leg into its mouth and then instructed Mei Er to pack up before heading outside

Song Ao felt a sharp pain in his chest and exclaimed, "You little widow, do you dare to curse me to death?"

When Mei Er saw Xiao Qian's gloomy face, she was filled with trepidation and followed closely behind Mo Jiu, not daring to make a sound. However, she saw Mo Jiu leave the inn and unceremoniously get into Xiao Qian's mint-green BMW, which was parked in the shade. This startled her so much that she stumbled and nearly fell, "Mo Jiu..."

Mo Jiu glanced at Xiao Qian and said, "Find him"

You certainly know how to choose a place

With a soft "oh," Mei Er did not dare to argue, and Mo Jiu smiled as he pointed to the sour plum soup he had left for her

Mo Jiu sneered, "Nonsense, your family insists that I marry no one but you, how could I possibly run away?"

Not only Xiao Qian, but all the men in the hall were looking at her

To "enjoy" is indeed a good thing

Mo Jiu knew that in order to avoid suspicion, he would not share a carriage with himself

Xiao Qian's gaze softened slightly as he fixed his eyes on her delicate face, as if trying to discern something different within it. "Then why don't you escape far away?"

Mo Jiu, what are you doing

Hahahahahaha

She remembers clearly that Mo Jiu sent the two gold ingots, which he obtained from Xie Bingsheng for the purpose of warding off evil spirits, to the villa. Currently, she does not have that much money on her.

She cast a flirtatious glance at Xiao Qian

The one who is laughing is certainly not Xiao Qian, but rather the onlooker Song Ao

Therefore, she was determined to follow Mo Jiu closely, to be obedient and not to speak much. However, as a child from a poor family, secretly observing the waiter, she still felt uneasy in her heart. Chewing on the chicken leg, it did not taste as good anymore. "Mo Jiu, we have no money, will we get beaten?"

After she had a fierce struggle with the tablecloth, Wang Cai was panting heavily, and the corners of his lips lifted slightly as he said, "We can go now"

"Xie Bingsheng is dead, you have a motive for murder"

Xiao Qian paid her no mind, turning to mount his horse with a clean and swift motion. His ink-black hair flowed in the wind, while the dark robe adorned with dark golden embroidery shimmered under the blazing sun, as if fragments of flame danced around him. Yet, his features were淡淡, his handsome face a blend of a gentleman's orchid and a snow lotus on an ice mountain, contradictory and difficult to fathom.

Since last night, she has been on edge. From fear and terror to escaping the wolf's den, this chance encounter with Mo Jiu made her feel as if she had met a fairy sister. Not only was she capable of taking her away from Xie Bingsheng, but she could even help her fly out of the house

"If I tell you to eat, just eat. Why waste words?" Mo Jiu shot her a glare, impatiently taking off her outer gauze garment, hoping to cool down a bit. However, her actions frightened Mei Er, causing her to turn pale as she quickly grabbed her hand to stop her.

Mo Jiu glared at her seriously, "When have you ever seen me lie? I am an honest person"

For Mo Jiu from modern society, this is unimaginable

She glanced at Mei Er's thin little face, waved her hand, "Forget it, since we are sending the Buddha to the West, I will find a good family for you to foster... Until I find one, you can stay with me for now"

Her stomach tightened, and she could no longer eat

Mo Jiu smiled as he handed her a chicken leg, "Even when enjoying a free meal, one must maintain a sense of style. Be good, be a bit more elegant, and relax a little."

Did you know I would come?

Mo Jiu pulled the curtain and, with a serious expression, said, "I understand you, even without saying it explicitly."

Mo Jiu looked at the two of them with a knowing gaze, smiling ambiguously

Meier is a country girl who has never interacted with the nobility. The first time she entered Zhenyuan Mountain Villa, she was forced in by someone. The second time, she sought an audience through the main gate, and the pressure can be imagined. However, being able to return smoothly added a few more points to her confidence in Mo Jiu, and she hurried to tell her about the events at the villa

Mo Jiu is innocent, "Don't let the dog bite Lü Dongbin! Do you think such auspicious locations are easy to find?"

Mo Jiu observed that the courtyard was filled with tables for cooling off, and there were indeed many men present. However, even without this layer of gauze, it was still much more conservative than in later generations, and it did not hinder the atmosphere at all. Yet, Mei Er was stubborn and did not allow her to resist, hurriedly helping her to get dressed. It was at this moment that Xiao Qian entered the cooling courtyard with a large yellow dog.

Xiao Qian felt a slight tightness in his chest, yet he remained poised and composed, his expression calm.

Song Ao felt that her gaze was off, "What are you laughing at?"

She shamelessly sighed and said "small," but Mei Er pouted and said, "Mo Jiu, I can do everything. I can gather firewood and cook, I can wash and mend clothes, I can take care of you." At this point, she quickly placed the chicken leg on the table, wiped her hands on her clothes, and said nervously, "I only need to eat a little, just one meal a day... Mo Jiu, will you let me follow you, okay?"

This inn is located by the official road leading from Zhaoxin to Xuyi, backed by a lush tree, providing a cool and tranquil environment, ideal for escaping the summer heat. Naturally, the expenses are quite high, and the clientele consists of wealthy individuals. When Mei'er entered, Mo Jiu was leisurely lying on a bamboo chair, sipping the sour plum soup brought by the waiter, completely unconcerned about the scrapes on the back of his hand and arm from the landing of the "simple glider," feeling as comfortable as a deity

Mo Jiu pulled open the curtain of the carriage, "What is it? You have gone to great lengths to find me, and I graciously set aside past grievances as you wished and took a seat in your carriage. This is to give you face. Of course, you need not be polite; it is a hot day, and since this carriage is spacious, I will not mind you."

Meier bit her lower lip and said softly, "We have no money on us. After this meal, we might not have another one... I'm used to being hungry; missing a meal is nothing for me. You should eat your fill, and we can pack up the leftovers later."

He merely regarded it as unknown, abruptly yanking the tablecloth from the neighboring table and draping it over Mo Jiu's body.

Mo Jiu is currently battling the sweltering heat, reminiscing about modern conveniences such as air conditioning and fans, contemplating ways to improve his living environment. He furrows his brow and says, "If you are afraid, you may leave first. Go ahead, take some food with you"

Are you sick

Meier was overjoyed and hurriedly bowed her head. After getting up, she no longer touched the food, merely swallowing her saliva and obediently standing by, watching her eat. That pitiful appearance made Mo Jiu laugh, "Why aren't you eating?"

Mo Jiu was covered with a burlap sack, feeling so hot that he wanted to curse, but he was startled by his words

Mo Jiu sat in the corner, initially inconspicuous, but there were very few people dressed like her

Mo Jiu smiled and nodded, saying, "Unique and unparalleled." After speaking, she glanced at the composed Xiao Qian, instructing the waiter to bring a clean porcelain bowl, personally pouring sour plum soup for Song Ao, and presenting it before him, gently saying: "Originally intended for the young master of the Xiao family, but since your relationship with him is extraordinary, he should enjoy it with you..."

Meier : `` ... ... ''

Mo Jiu lifted the curtain again, her eyes curving into a smile, "Then why don't you talk to the Xiao family and let me be your princess?" Observing the increasingly gloomy expression on Xiao Qian's face, she felt that this marriage proposal was not as simple as it seemed, yet she smiled with ease, "I’m afraid my little uncle might not be willing, right?"

Mo Jiu smiled and said, "Not bad," then turned to ask him, "Young Prince, how do you feel about following such an ambiguous creature all day?"

Mo Jiu believed that this person had previously demanded a double refund of the gift money to coerce her mother, certainly to achieve some purpose. However, she and *Tu* *Shu* presented the money in full, thereby cutting off his intentions. If he did not want to easily let her go, or rather, if he did not want to abandon his objective, then the simplest method would be to exploit the case of Xie Bingsheng to create trouble.

He is a prince and does not particularly value any precious items; his only interest lies in the "great bird" that can carry people and fly. However, Mo Jiu shook his head and smiled, saying: "The scenic mountain behind the Xie residence is a place of excellent feng shui. In the future, when you both pass away, you can establish your tomb here, buried in one place, which will surely bless your descendants with wealth and prosperity for generations to come"

The blazing sun shone down, and the heat enveloped him. Xiao Qian gently squinted his eyes, his expression indifferent, yet it made those around him feel a sense of gloom. It was not cold, yet it penetrated the heart; it was not a needle, yet it pierced to the bone. However, upon closer observation, his emotions showed no change; he merely watched as Mo Jiu approached with an utterly pure smile, giving a cool smile in return.

Thus, seeing him scorched by the blazing sun, his stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, and kidneys all felt refreshed

Is this to be done after having dinner?

Satisfying hunger is the most fundamental need of the common people today

Mei Er's face flushed red, "A woman's body is precious, how can it be shown to others?"

Xiao Qian came out after settling the bill, looking unwell, "Come out."

Mei Er blushed and said in a childish voice: "My mother passed away last year, and my father beats me when he drinks too much. If I go back, he will sell me again. I don't want to go back."

Meier's hand trembled slightly, and she handled the bowl with great care

Song Ao pondered and said earnestly: "Shivering without the cold."

The sun was scorching, and Mei'er hurried along the road, her body drenched in sweat. The sour plum soup was both refreshing and thirst-quenching, and she certainly would not be polite about it. However, just as she picked it up, she noticed that not only was there sour plum soup, but the table was also filled with exquisite delicacies.

Song Ao let out a "pfft" and sprayed tea all over his mouth

So many items? How are we going to pay for them

The young prince was accustomed to being bullied by him, but now, watching the cat catch the mouse, he found that the cat was actually being teased by the mouse. This brought him an unexpected sense of exhilaration, as if a refreshing breeze had suddenly arisen in the sweltering summer, making him feel incredibly comfortable. "Little widow, I have decided that from today onwards, I like you."

However, Mo Jiu was unconcerned, "The mouth is meant for eating, hurry up and eat."

Eat now, or it will not taste good once it gets cold

Not only was she stunned, but the driver was also taken aback

Meier was taken aback, "Isn't it you who deceived him about the evil spirit?"

The waiter hurriedly approached with a smile, "Sir, you haven't settled the bill yet?"

Mo Jiu saw him and smiled with eyes curved like those of an old acquaintance, "This proposal is excellent, truly the young prince; your thinking is indeed not comparable to that of ordinary people. Since you are so friendly, I have a gift to present to you"

Mo Jiu paused his hand that was tugging at his collar, "Have you become dependent on me?"

Mo Jiu gently patted Mei Er reassuringly, sitting firmly like a mountain, while casually pulling the gauzy garment outward, revealing her neck, collarbone, and a patch of fair skin beneath the collar, smiling without any sense of incongruity. "If someone is paying the bill, of course, we should choose the expensive one. Would you like a bowl of chilled sour plum soup?"

Except for birds, Mei Er has never seen any person or chicken that can fly in the sky

Mo Jiu did not shy away from his gaze, and his tone was exceedingly gentle, "It's so hot, aren't you tired from walking? Moreover, it's quite a distance from here to Xuyi. Am I foolish enough not to take a ride if there's a lift available?"

To prevent another incident of bloodshed, she discarded the tablecloth, tidied her clothes, and then sat upright, glaring at him

It is said that Xie Bingsheng has died. Mo Jiu raised an eyebrow and could only sigh, "Those who commit numerous injustices will surely bring about their own demise! Xie Bingsheng has committed many evils, and the malevolent energy has long lingered in his home, bound to cause trouble sooner or later. Now it seems to have fulfilled the omen of the feng shui."

Meier let out a sigh of relief, "You nearly scared me to death"

Mo Jiu squinted his eyes and said, "Haven't you seen that I am very hot?"

Mo Jiu blinked and said, "I am magnanimous, repaying grievances with virtue"

Haha! Song Ao laughed heartily as he approached the carriage, "Little widow, how do you feel inside the carriage?"

Mo Jiu is a free-spirited person who dislikes constraints. Initially, he saved Mei Er merely to ensure a good beginning and end, not expecting that she would be mistreated at such a young age. However, she never considered taking on such a small child—wasn't that akin to prematurely stepping into motherhood?

Mo Jiu turned his head and smiled at her, "What are you scared of?"

Mo Jiu said that thing is called "gliding chicken"

When the sun was shining brightly, Mei Er returned to the inn

Song Ao could no longer hold back; he wiped the sweat from his brow as he entered and saw the two individuals chatting idly, which inevitably stirred his anger