Chapter 37

The Mo family’s shares fell again, and Mo San Zhi…

He was completely left in the dust.

Known as a passionate and gentleman in his previous life, touching countless women’s hearts countrywide and Hua Xia’s visionary designer Mo San Zhi, was never to rise again.

Truly a delightful event.

Mo Di was in such a good mood that even Lai De Si could tell by just looking. He asked curiously: “Little Mo Di, what are you so happy about?”

“Oh, the results of the first elimination round in the game competition are to be announced soon. Of course, I’m happy.” Mo Di replied with a poker-face.

“Ok then….can you lend Suan Suan to me for a while? “ Lai De Si was coveting the white fluffy Suan Suan in Mo Di’s embrace.

“I’m afraid for now it’s not possible. Suan Suan is still not familiar with you, he’ll be scared if you hold him.”

“No that won’t happen. I’m just going to hug him for a little while. Just a short while!” Lai De Si came to Mo Di’s side.

“You just don’t believe me…” Mo Di sighed and tried to put Suan Suan next to Lai De Si. As it turned out before he even let go, Suan Suan’s tiny body shook and the furry little paws scratched his arms frenziedly, trying to drill back into his body.

Mo Di was quite touched. He quickly took Suan Suan back and rubbed his small head. He coaxed: “good Suan Suan, good boy, don’t be afraid. There’s nothing to be scared….” 

Then he turned to Lai De Si and said: “See, I wasn’t lying to you. Let’s give it a couple more days. After two days, when he’s familiar with you, you can try to hold him again.”

When Lai De Si wanted to say something else, Mu Tian Heng came over with a cup of fresh grape juice and passed it to Mo Di. He then fished Suan Suan up with his long arm and said: “I’ll hold him for a bit while you drink the juice.”

“!” Lai De Si was provoked. “Wait! Why isn’t Suan Suan afraid of him?!”

“Because Suan Suan is already familiar with me. Too bad he’s just unfamiliar with you.” Mu Tian Heng smiled and said.

Lai De Si was pissed. He pounded his head on the sofa.

“I can’t live out my days anymore. Everyone, including the dog, is bullying me!”

Mo Di finished his sweet and sour grape juice finally comforted him with some humane words: “He’ll open up to you sooner or later. It might even be tomorrow.”

“Wan woo~”

Suan Suan felt the familiar scent as he laid in Mu Tian Heng’s embrace comfortably. His paws curled up and his eyes narrowed, then he made a baby whimper.

“Look, Suan Suan is also comforting you.” Mo Di smiled.

Lai De Si raised his brows and sulked at Mo Di and Suan Suan: “Although I’m a big-hearted man, now I’m hurt. I don’t want to talk to you people anymore.”

“Ignore him.” Mu Tian Heng rubbed Mo Di’s hair lightly: “The host already started to announce the name list, let’s watch.” He then picked up the remote control and turned up the volume.

Mo Di quickly shifted his focus. The host on the stage was opening the envelope handed over by the staff. He then began to introduce the games that had passed the test one by one. Just like in the audition round, the HD screen behind the hosts will broadcast a short trailer for the game at the same time its title was introduced. 

But this time, the games received a better treatment with almost a minute of allocated introduction time.

Mo Di’s Xin Wei Dao passed without incident. It even received ninety seconds of screen time which could be considered a luxury treatment. In the one hundred games that passed, only eighteen games received such an honor.

“Brother, in your opinion, do you think that our game is safe from elimination even in the next round?” Mo Di asked Mu Tian Heng as he noted down the numbers of the other outstanding games along with their strengths and weaknesses. 

“If everything goes well, this should be the case. But it’s still hard to say. After the broadcast, the other competitors most likely won’t be sitting ducks. If they see that the other games are way ahead of them, they may make dramatic improvements. If you guys relied too much on your past achievements, it could be risky.”

Mu Tian Heng took a pen and jotted down several numbers on Mo Di’s notebook, “The elimination rate for this competition is particularly high. The audition alone only accepted less than one percent of the applicants which was two hundred titles. And this first elimination had knocked out another fifty percent with only one hundred teams remaining. The next round should cut off another forty to fifty percent which will result in roughly fifty to sixty teams left. And the one after that might only leave thirty teams around. Therefore, you have to constantly stay in the lead.”

“Isn’t the elimination a little too severe?” Lai De Si was lying on his back and snacking from the tea-table. “What are they planning? Leave behind a dozen or fewer teams then film a live broadcast of game making? Otherwise, this competition won’t last long.”

Mo Di glanced at Lai De Si and thought: You’re absolutely right.

In every Hua Xia Innovative game competition that was held, after the third knockout round, the remaining teams were invited to stay in a castle-styled villa where they would carry out their game making routines. From time to time, a camera crew would come in to film their everyday activities to broadcast, quite alike a variety show.

And thanks to this, there was a new wave of fans admiring the game makers for their appearance, character, or talent. This would also help to promote the game and competition as a whole.

Although the fandom alone would not be able to determine the team’s victory, it could sway the investors and the competition’s judging committee. After all, games were made for the masses and popularity is never a bad thing.

Mo Di closed his laptop and said to Mu Tian Heng: “I will continue to improvise the upcoming version of Xin Wei Dao and it has to be done by this month. We’ll start to work on the new game next month.”

“Good plan.” Mu Tian Heng looked at him with gentle eyes. He was very fond of the focused and enthusiastic Mo Di. The brilliance and passion in his eyes were truly alluring.

“But you have to pay attention to your health. You can’t stay up late like before.”

“En.” Mo Di smiled and nodded.

“Also, I have something important to tell you.” Mu Tian Heng said suddenly.

“What is it, brother?” Mo Di looked at Mu Tian Heng.

“It’s about Suan Suan’s name.” Mu Tian Heng rubbed Suan Suan’s tender belly and raised his tiny head towards Mo Di, “Don’t you think it’s missing something?”

“What’s missing?” Mo Di smiled at the round and glistening eyes of the puppy and the little legs that were waving at him. He reached out and hugged him. “Isn’t the name Suan Suan good enough?”

“No. The name itself is good but he doesn’t have a surname yet. Do you think he should be Mo or Mu?” Mu Tian Heng asked with a gentle smile.

“Mo…. Mu?” Mo Di gazed into Mu Tian Heng’s teasing eyes and somehow, there was ‘buzzing’ in his head and he blushed.

“What the hell?!” Lai De Si who was laying dormant all this time suddenly flopped like a fish and stood up. He grabbed Mu Tian Heng’s clothes: “Please have some dignity even if you’re a beast. Quickly get out of the kid’s sight!”

Mu Tian Heng did not retaliate Lai De Si’s tackle and let him drag him upstairs. As he was leaving, he smiled and said: “Truth is I saw that you were too uptight so I just wanted you to relax a little. Don’t bury your head in the competition all the time. Little one, don’t worry too much.” 

“…” Mo Di’s face turned a darker shade of red.

The following day, Mo Di returned to Jing Da.

Arriving at the classroom, Mo Di received several complaints from Xian Yu Chao and the gang.

“Xiao Di, did something happen? You didn’t come back last night. Did you have too much fun outside and forgot about us?” Xian Yu Chao put his arm around Mo Di’s shoulder.

“Exactly. This father is very upset. The child is all grown up, he doesn’t think about home anymore.” Lin Jun Feng shed invisible tears for the vicissitudes of life.

“My little uncle wanted to invite you for dinner yesterday but you never came back.” Chen Zhao interrupted: “Did you know my uncle came to the dorm yesterday?”

“Uncle Song came to our dorm?” Mo Di was a little surprised.

“Yes. One was to visit me, two was to see you so we could go out for a meal but it turned out to be an empty trip.” Chen Zhao shrugged.

“I’d like to treat Uncle Song to a meal whenever he’s available.” Mo Di said apologetically: “but in the next half month, I might not have the time.”

“Why? Didn’t your game pass the elimination round? The next round is in another half month.”

“I can’t be complacent. I have to constantly update and enrich the game. And also…” Mo Di’s voice was cut off and he cast an unobtrusive glance at the back door. 

“And what?” Xian Yu Chao patted Mo Di on the shoulder: “Xiao Di, don’t make me nervous, why did you stop halfway?”

“Nothing. I just had a sudden thought.” Mo Di smiled but his heart was heavy.

He certainly felt someone eyeing him and that the look was definitely ill-intended.

“Then go on.” the simple Xian Yu Chao did not sense anything wrong with Mo Di.

“Anyway, I’m very busy lately.” Mo Di did not explain much and took out his textbook, “I have to study, to make games, I even have to go home and raise a puppy.”

“Che….” Xian Yu Chao was speechless. “I thought you were going to say something out of the ordinary like dating or something.”

“You bad child stay away” Lin Jun Feng gave Xian Yu Chao a push. He pinched his throat and spoke in a shrill voice: “If you want to do bad things, do it yourself. Don’t drag our Xiao Di into it. Our Xiao Di is still a baby!”

Immediately after, Xian Yu Chao pulled up his collar and acted like a tyrant speaking to the common people: “Today I just have to make this baby do bad things!”

Mo Di: “…”

Thanks to the gang’s gags, Mo Di was a lot more at ease. However, when they went to the cafeteria after class, Mo Di once again noticed several watchful eyes on him.

This caused Mo Di to be in a very bad mood.

But he did not tell Mu Tian Heng about this. He was not certain whether the glare was from someone who simply did not like him or someone else was keeping tabs on him

He did not want to be paranoid and make a fuss over every little thing.

That said, he still had to keep his vigilance up.

Mo Di began to take Chen Zhao and the others to the self-study class, the library, then back to their dorm to make games and taught them some programming. Basically, he was never alone.

On the other hand, Chen Zhao and the others were in tears. School had only started and they had not had enough fun. But seeing Mo Di’s gaze towards them, they did not dare to refuse. After all, Mo Di was doing them a favor. He not only urged them to study but also taught them how to make games and allowed them to join his team.

If they were to refuse him, then they were too ignorant of his kindness.

With this, several days passed and Mo Di noticed that the watchful eyes had disappeared. 

Mo Di was relieved. He continued to wholeheartedly focus on his studies and game production, not daring to slack off.

…

This was Mo Di’s routine for the following two weeks. Other than going home on the weekends to accompany Mu Tian Heng and Suan Suan, the rest of his time was mostly spent on the computer.

And his efforts were not in vain. The game’s background was improved, more NPCs were added, and a new batch of playable characters was also introduced. On the day before the submission deadline, Mo Di uploaded the perfected new update for Xin Wei Dao on the competition’s official webpage. 

At the same time, Xian Yu Chao urged Mo Di to get out and have fun, and more importantly, stop staying in to supervise their studies.

Mo Di couldn’t help smiling: “Of course I’ll be leaving, but before that…” Mo Di fidgeted with his phone, “I have to send you guys some red packets to spend on snacks.”

“Woo! Red packets!” Xian Yu Chao released Mo Di immediately and went to grab his phone. “Forty!!” Chen Zhao screamed.

“Damn it! I only got ten! Why?! Why is it only a quarter of the Salted Fish.” Chen Zhao exclaimed.

“Hahaha … This father got fifty! The king of gambling!” Lin Jun Feng touched his stomach and chortled.

“Anyone in?” At this time, a sudden knock came from the door. “Excuse me, can I come in?”

“Come in.” Mo Di opened the door and standing outside was Zhao Chun Cheng whom Mo Di had previously spoken to.

“Sorry for the trouble but our dorm’s toilet is out of order, can I use yours?” Zhao Chun Cheng asked shyly.

“No problem.” Mo Di knew that Xian Yu Chao and the others wouldn’t mind and so he replied on everyone’s behalf. He then turned to his roommates and said: “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving now. You guys have a good rest for the next two days.”

“Go ahead and go. Xiao Di, you have a good break as well.” Xian Yu Chao waved.

Lin Jun Feng: “Son, remember to come back early. Don’t wait till Monday morning to come back like last time, this father will worry!”

“Xiao Di, if you’re free tomorrow, we can go visit my uncle.” Chen Zhao said: “We have to empty his wallet with an expensive meal!”

“You’re leaving school?” Zhao Chun Cheng saw Mo Di about to leave and asked with a smile: “Mo Di, where are you returning to?”

“I’m just going out to play, not returning anywhere.” Mo Di answered casually. “You should quickly use the bathroom.”

“Okay. I’ll get to it. Can someone give me some hot water? I want to wash my hair but there is no more hot water, and the heater in the water room is also broken.”

“You’re a big boy and still have to use hot water to wash your hair?” Xian Yu Chao was surprised.

“I currently have a cold.” Zhao Chun Cheng smiled. “I only need a small amount.”

Chapter 36

Mo Di couldn’t believe what he just heard. How can someone name a puppy garlic?!

But seeing Mu Tian Heng’s satisfied manner, Mo Di did not have the heart to reject him.

The name is quite… flavorful.

“What do you think, little one?” Mu Tian Heng was filled with amusement all the while paying close attention to the little guys’ expression.

“Haha…. That’s pretty good.” Mo Di let out a forced laugh and looked at the ‘garlic’ in his arms.

The ‘garlic’ was staring at him with its innocent and moist black eyes.

Mo Di: “…” No, he had to fight for the cute little ‘garlic’!

Mo Di raised his head and smiled at Mu Tian Heng: “Brother, that’s a good name but garlic is such a common ingredient that’s being eaten every day. Our Suan Suan is innocent.”

“Um, that makes sense.” Mu Tian Heng repressed his urge to smile, he would like to see how his family’s Mo Di steer this one.

“So little one, do you have any good suggestions?”

“Well…the name you picked is great. Suan Suan… it’s a solid and energetic name. And the reduplication is also very cute, cough…” Mo Di was not able to continue with his self-contradictory words anymore, “why don’t we switch up the word a little to give him a more unique name?”

Mu Tian Heng was about to burst out laughing but he kept his composure: “So what word would you like to use?”

“How about… Suan Suan (算算)! The suan from ji suan (计算 = computing/calculating). It still retains the name you gave but its meaning is closer to home since we’re both good at computing. It can be our mascot! That’s three birds with one stone! Brother, what do you think?”

“Suan Suan?” Mu Tian Heng who was racking his brains to think of a better name for the puppy to appease Mo Di was saved by his suggestion. His little one is just too cute, and also very quick-witted.

Mu Tian Heng could no longer hold back and reached out to touch Mo Di’s hair. He smiled and said: “Indeed, that’s a very good name.”

A smile spread across Mo Di’s face immediately. He pinched Suan Suan’s hairy ears.

Suan Suan, you should remember and be thankful to me, I’m the reason you managed to escape from that pungent name.

“Alright, let’s stop bothering Suan Suan for now. It’s time to eat, what do you want for dinner?”

“Anything will do.” Mo Di replied.

“Anything will do….that’s actually harder to deal with.” Mu Tian Heng at Mo Di with gentle eyes. After a moment, he smiled and said: “How about steak? We still have some left from the last time.”

“Ok.” Mo Di nodded decisively. When he said ‘anything will do’, he really meant it, he was not going to refuse anything.

“Then I’ll go make it. You can stay in the living room and wait.”

“Brother, I want to be your assistant.” Mo Di refused to stay idle. He put down Suan Suan and went to the kitchen.

“There’s no need, it’s nothing complicated. I don’t need an assistant. And…” Mu Tian Heng looked at Suan Suan with a contemplating look, “if your name wasn’t changed, I might actually let you in to help improve the taste, but now, let’s just forget it.” “(TN: 算了吧 means something like forget it or nevermind. It is the same word as Suan Suan’s name)

Mo Di was so humored he let out a laughter. He held Suan Suan’s paw and said: “Ha ha, Suan Suan, did you get it? You’re seasoning!”

…

While Mu Tian Heng and Mo Di were basked in warmth and sweetness, the Mo family was in a turbulent state.

Mo Shi Guo looked at his son with a heavy expression. He picked up a stick and lashed at Mo San Zhi. “You disgraceful thing! This is just great. You stayed in America all these years and this is what you learned?! To be a pervert?! To like men?! To be a homosexual?! I’m going to beat you to death! You’re a disgrace! I’m going to kill you…”

“Uncle! Please stop! Please don’t hit third brother anymore!”

Seeing the cane landing on Mo San Zhi, Mo Liu Gui rushed over to block for Mo San Zhi. “Uncle, don’t hit him anymore. Brother didn’t do anything wrong.”

“He didn’t do anything wrong? How can this not be wrong?! Xiao Gui, stop defending him. I have to kill this shameless thing today! I can’t let him bring men back and disgrace our family!”

“Xiao Gui… Xiao Gui, stay away. You don’t have to defend me. If it were to hit you by mistake, I’ll be even more distressed.” Mo San Zhi was extremely moved. He looked at Mo Liu Gui and only felt that his sister was the best, no one else came close.

He would not allow her to be hurt by anyone.

“Third brother, I can’t just stand and watch you get beaten like this.” Mo Liu Gui’s eyes turned red as she looked at Mo San Zhi then at Mo Shi Guo. She pleaded: “Uncle, don’t hit him anymore. If this continues, he might be hospitalized. Then the one who’s hurt will be you.”

“That’s right, Shi Guo, don’t hit him anymore, please….” the second aunt was sobbing next to him. She held Mo Shi Guo’s hand and begged: “Please, Shi Guo, we can still correct his wrong but you can’t keep hitting him like this.”

Mo Liu Gui added: “Uncle, third brother was led astray by that Song Yu but he’s over it now. He doesn’t like that man anymore, why are you still punishing him? Doing this will only hurt him.”

“I don’t believe that he can change just because he said so!” Mo Shi Guo’s eyes were bloodshot with indignation. “I refuse to recognize this pervert as my son!”

“Dad, I’ve changed. I’ve really changed!” seeing Mo Liu Gui’s wink, Mo San Zhi got the cue and quickly expressed his regret and grievances: “Dad, I know that I was wrong but now I’ve gotten over it. At that time I was seduced by Song Yu. He made me like him. You don’t know this but he’s really good at seducing someone.”

“But when I came home, I realized that I was misled by him, I have no feelings towards him. I wanted to break up with him but I did not expect him to come here to look for me. He knew I was planning to break up with him, that’s why he said those scandalous words. Dad, he wanted to ruin me.”

“I don’t like him at all. Now I’m just disgusted with him. Dad, I don’t like men, I still like women!”

“Shi Guo! Shi Guo, look! Our son already knew his mistake, he’s changed. Don’t hit him anymore!”

The second aunt cried and grabbed the cane in Mo Shi Guo’s hand, “Sanzhi was under that vixen’s bewitching, he’s better now. He knows he was wrong before, he still prefers girls. Please forgive him, forgive him…”

Mo Shi Guo was infuriated: “You stay quiet! Spare the rod and spoil the child. I have to make him remember this day for life! I …”

“Enough!” Suddenly, the patriarch sitting on the main seat called out in anger. He placed his teacup on the side table.

Mo Shi Guo looked at the Mo patriarch: “Father…”

“Stop your shouting! Do you still think of me as your father?!” the Mo patriarch’s breathing was heavy as he raised his voice in anger: “He’d already repented, do you still insist on sending him to the hospital?! What happens when this spread and people started asking questions? Are you going to tell them that because he is homosexual that’s why you hit him till he was hospitalized? Do you know what shame is?!”

“Father, this…” Mo Shi Guo threw the stick in his hand but he was not soothed, “you’re just making up excuses for him. We can’t just let this slide.” 

“Why not? Isn’t it enough that he knew his mistake and changed? What else do you want him to do? He already said that he doesn’t like men, if you don’t believe him then what, you’re going to force him to say that he does?” The Mo patriarch stared at Mo Shi Guo.

The second aunt continued to cry.

“Alright, daughter-in-law, don’t cry anymore.” The Mo patriarch picked up the teacup and took a sip. His mood eased a little and he said: “San Zhi is already twenty-seven, he’s not young anymore. It’s time for you to find him a partner. Tomorrow, go have a chat with your peers, see if there’s a suitable girl. Set up a date for them and let him be in a relationship.”

“Yes, I understand father.” the second aunt wiped her tears and agreed.

Mo San Zhi who was still on the ground dared not say anything. He slowly got up but remained kneeling.

…

What happened in the Mo villa, Mo Di did not know for the camera they planted was not in the living room. But how things would turn out, he had long predicted it.

There was no way he would let the Mo family swindle a marriage.

Although their conversation was not recorded by Song Yu, it was caught on the camera. He only had to distort uncle Song’s voice and trim out his name, then he could put this on the internet.

However, there was something else he had to do. That was to take the audio file and the photos in Song Yu’s hands and mail it to the Mo’s circle of friends and the upper-class families of the capital. 

Of course, he couldn’t be presumptuous. This matter, he would have to ask for Song Yu’s permission before doing so.

Song Yu agreed on the spot. He was even happy to do so. 

“After I left that place, I really regretted not recording those words. I’m just worried those scums will try to dupe another poor girl. I wanted to put those evidence on the internet but without a good cause, it will just backfire and it’ll be harder to deal with that jerk if we don’t strike when the iron is hot.”

“We have the audio, coupled with your pictures, this should nail him good.” Mo Di smiled and replied. “Thank you uncle Song, I’ll send these to several families in the capital first. The second aunt’s disposition is extremely proud. No matter how bad her son is, in her heart, only the ladies from the noblest of families are worthy of her him. Therefore, we shall start with those.”

“This’ll be a good show.” Song Yu said: “Let’s see how they’re going to be crushed by those families.”

“This won’t be enough to crush them but they won’t be able to get out of this unscathed.”

When Mo Di and Song Yu ended their conversation, the files and documents were also neatly compiled into a package and sent out to the influential families in the city.

Prior, he had wanted to post this directly on the internet but thinking over, doing that would not be as effective.

In case the Mo family denied and claimed that it was falsified. Even were they to acquiesce this matter, they could still declare that although their child was homosexual, they would not deceive anyone into a sham marriage. This ending was not enough of an impact, after all, being gay is not wrong.

But once they expose their truthful and disgusting thoughts and plans, the scorn that awaits them is the truly rewarding outcome. 

By then, Mo San Zhi would’ve lost all his standing.

However, all these would still depend on whether his guess was accurate. In case the Mos change their spots, then … maybe the sky would fall.

At noon the next day, Mo Di knew that his guess was accurate.

As the saying goes, a leopard cannot change its spots, a dog can’t change its habit of eating dung. 

Um…the second part isn’t right, his family Suan Suan doesn’t even have that habit.

That very morning, the second aunt dressed up elegantly to visit the Li family, a second-class family in the capital. She wanted to matchmake Mo San Zhi with their third daughter. 

Madame Li was inevitably furious after she had seen the materials last night. She refused the proposal on the spot. And because they were a cultured family, even when angered, she still kept her temper in check. Besides, she did want to discuss this matter in the open and hence, did not tear off the second aunt’s face.

On the other hand, with the second aunt’s proud nature, she did not think too highly of the Li family. But one was that the Mo family had met with a large setback recently and they could not be considered as prestigious as before, the second was that the Mo patriarch had ordered her to swallow her ego and pick a second or third rate family’s lady to propose. This was why she suppressed her anger and reluctantly picked the second class Li, Zhao, and Sun family.

Never would she have thought that she would be rejected so quickly and adamantly. Her anger erupted, she stated that the Li girl was not worthy and that she really did not think anything of their family.

At this point, no matter how restraint madame Li was, she was not a clay doll. Seeing how the second aunt was not only shameless but even dared to despise their daughter, madame Li began to feud with her. The Li patriarch was not as patient, he ordered the security guards to collect the dirty things from the public toilet and chased the second aunt away with it.

What a nasty aftertaste….

In short, the second madame of the Mo family became the laughing stock of the whole upper circle of the capital in just one short afternoon. The Li family also took down the surveillance in their villa and spread it around, all the while denouncing Mo San Zhi and his mom.

The Li family’s deed saved Mo Di the trouble of having to intrude into their surveillance to retrieve the footage. He took it directly from the email that was sent out. Together with the previous batch of materials…

He posted them all on the internet and even helped it push into the top ten spots.

That afternoon, Mo San Zhi was on fire.

But what he gained was not fame but infamy.

There was no exceptions but an all-out abuse towards him:

“What kind of garbage is this? Isn’t it too f**king disgusting?”

“Sh*t! This Mo San Zhi’s character is degraded. He’s got a handsome face but the inside is just not human!!”

“God, what a scum! Not only did he lie to his boyfriend into becoming his closet lover, he even pretended to be heterosexual to deceive other girls! Sh*t! Disgusting disgusting!”

“Mo San Zhi’s boyfriend is pretty tough. Did he post these photos on purpose? Well, whoever posted this, thank you very much for letting everyone see clearly the scum man and his family. No girls will be deceived by him again!”

“Not just girls but boys should stay away from him. Don’t ever agree to be with him! This garbage is an animal, he’s not worth it!”

“The Mo family is really an eye-opener. Before this they abuse their own kid, now this… what a wonderful family! Boycott the Mo enterprise!”

“…”

Mo San Zhi’s name instantly became a stink bomb for the whole country. His photo was made into a sticker: “Wanna date? Men or women, I’ll be especially scummie”

All the business collaborations that Mo San Zhi was planning were rejected. No one wanted to work with him. The designers that once agreed to jump ship with him have all blacklisted him.

Even the Mo family was affected. In less than four hours, their stock value fell by nearly eight percent!

Witnessing the whole thing play out, Mo Di couldn’t help but applaud. He rubbed Suan Suan’s tiny head and gave him a piece of snack to celebrate.

What Mo Di did not know was that there was another happy event that he did not anticipate.

Li Zhao, Mo Liu Gui’s broker, wanted to help her gain some popularity since she had just finished with her filming. Even when he had already paid, after seeing the heated hatred for Mo San Zhi and the Mo family, he contacted Weibo again to pull down the hot search he just bought.

Li Zhao was infuriated! His previous artist had never caused him so much torment and dislike!

Some time ago, the hot searches he bought for her were always pushed down. Now, even when she had better backing from the Qin family and he was about to go all out to promote her, this had to happen!!

After the previous video with Mo Di, the Mo family and Mo Liu Gui’s popularity were already low. Now with this new event, with such a brother…

How is he going to promote her?! How?!

There was no way he could boost her popularity without being berated! 

He’d lost his resolve to take care of this artist!!!

Chapter 35

Mo San Zhi turned ghastly pale. 

“You…you, you’re lying!” The second aunt pointed straight at Song Yu, her expression was unsightly. She picked up the things on the table and smashed them at him.

“Nasty thing with the filthy mouth, get out of here! How dare you say my son is gay, You’re the one who’s gay. You disgusting pervert! Get out! Get out of here!” 

Song Yu dodged to one side and did not elaborate further. He said with a cold face: “Auntie if you hurt me, I will post the evidence that Mo San Zhi is gay on the internet. At that time not only will everyone knows that he’s gay, but also that he’s a coward!” 

“You!” the second aunt froze in place. The things in her hand were not thrown but her insults did not cease: “You slander my son. You’ll die a horrible death! Song Yu you’ll die horribly!”

“Are you sure you got the right yu this time?” Song Yu sneered, “Auntie, I had no intention of coming to your Mo house but Mo San Zhi he’s just too much. Not only was he playing with me, he even wanted to fool me into staying in America and become his closet lover… heh!”

“I think this matter, as his mother, you have the right to know. Otherwise you would arrange a blind date for him and make him unhappy, as well as ruining another girl’s life. Such a vicious thing, I think I should try to prevent it.”

“Shut up! You pervert! Shut up! You’re the one who likes men. My son is not like that at all! You vixen! You tried to seduce my son! He rejected you, that’s why you’re trying to ruin him! Let me tell you, I won’t let you off. The Mo family won’t let you off! You’d better be careful, I…”

“That’s enough!”

The Mo patriarch roared angrily and struck hard with his crutch. “Everyone, just stop talking!”

The second aunt was shocked and her screeching stopped for two seconds before she started to sob: “Father, father, this is definitely slander. This Song Yu is lying! He’s a pervert, he’s trying to ruin San Zhi. We can’t just let this go. Father…”

Mo grandfather snorted. With Mo San Zhi’s pale and frightened look on the ground, how could he not tell whether this was a lie or not.

But regardless, he would not admit that his third grandson was a pervert who liked men.

“Xiao Song, regarding this type of thing, you shouldn’t talk nonsense. It looks like there’s a misunderstanding between you and San Zhi. That’s alright, if there’s a misunderstanding, we can talk it through but you can’t spread this absurd claim around!” The Mo patriarch looked at Song Yu coldly, “Otherwise, you’ll only bring trouble to others and yourself.”

“That’s right. This is all a misunderstanding! A groundless accusation!” Hearing his grandfather defend him, Mo San Zhi’s sinking heart was emboldened: “Xiao Yu, I know that you like me but it’s impossible between us. I only liked your sister, but now it seems we’re not meant to be. When you returned to America, you…”

“Mo San Zhi!”

Song Yu interrupted his words and retorted calmly with disgust: “You’re more unbelievable than I thought. Lying without any hesitation, just like your brothers and sister when they tried to distort the truth. You guys are really …birds of a feather”

“What crap are you talking about?” Mo San Zhi regained his strength. He stood up and looked at Song Yu with a darkened face. “You can slander me, but you can’t behave like those trash on the internet and slander my sister all because of a bullsh*t video. That Mo Di has never been a good thing!”

Song Yu looked at Mo San Zhi and let out a laugh.

“And I thought what they said about your Mo family’s twisted principles when it comes to Mo Liu Gui was exaggerated, it’s actually worse than that. Slander? Mo San Zhi do you even know what that means?!!”

“Like what I said about your homosexuality is slander? What that video showed about your family is slander?! Your family’s mentality is twisted. You’re biased to the extent of having no morality or humanity and yet you still think of yourself as a highly virtuous family.”

“You people are ridiculous!”

Song Yu’s lecture made everyone in the Mo family burn with anger.

“Song Yu, shut the f**k up!” Mo San Zhi’s anger burst. He aimed a fist straight at Song Yu but was knocked away by Chen Zhao. “You jerk! Stay away!”

Chen Zhao’s rage which had been accumulating all this time erupted into that one shove, blasting Mo San Zhi away by about five meters and causing him to bump into the table edge.

Mo San Zhi’s mother burst into tears. She kept swearing even as she ran over to help her son. The Mo patriarch was also flaring, he directly called security to chase Song Yu and Chen Zhao out.

“Song Yu is it? Our family does not welcome people like you who sullies the reputation of others by calling them gay. You can get out now!” 

“Is that so? But I still haven’t shown you the evidence yet.” When the security guards were approaching them, Song Yu took out a stack of photos and splayed them in front of the crowd. 

“Chat logs, confession photos, and more! A few of the photos might be too stimulating in your opinion but you have the right to know.” Song Yu said contentedly, “But don’t think of using these against me. None of these has my information.”

Seeing that the guard was coming for him, Song Yu grabbed two photos and pasted it on their faces, “Hey you guys should have a look as well.”

The security guards stepped back and their faces turned red. They dared not look at the photos, the Mo family will kill them!

Out of curiosity, the eldest aunt picked up a couple of the photos and stared in bewilderment, her face then showed a look of disgust.

“Well, since you don’t want to see me anymore, I’ll be going then.” Song Yu smiled at the security guards and said: “Don’t have to see me off.”

Song Yu had just felt the vibration from his phone. This was the signal Mo Di designated in advance when he wanted them to withdraw.

The Mo patriarch’s face was red with anger and was on the edge of collapsing. The eldest aunt saw his declining state, threw the photos in hand, and ran to appease him. Not long ago because of that little animal Mo Di’s doing, the old man was sent straight to the hospital. He was only discharged recently. If he was to be hospitalized again…

Wouldn’t the Mo family fall apart?!

“Father, father, don’t be too agitated… I’ve already called Shi Qiang back, father…”

“Go put those photos away…put them away quickly!!” The Mo patriarch was red as a beet and his throat felt like there was a big lump lodged there. “Our family cannot afford to carry this shame!”

At this time Song Yu was already downstairs, running off with Chen Zhao.

In his hands remained a few provocative photos which he treated as his weapon, in case their path was blocked, those would go directly onto the guards’ faces.

But as they got to the gate, they met up with another Mo family member who was coming back.

Mo Liu Gui was surprised when she saw Song Yu. She then quickly greeted him with a smile: “Hello, you are…?”

“Since I just dumped your third brother…” Song Yu replied gracefully: “then I’m likely your third brother’s ex-boyfriend.”

After saying this, Song Yu ignored Mo Liu Gui’s ‘wonderful’ look, and dashed out the gate.

Chen Zhao picked up his pace to catch up. There was jittering in his heart when he saw the man standing next to Mo Liu Gui. Why are his eyes and facial expression that frightening? It’s like he wants to eat them alive!

They promptly found Mo Di’s rental car and scuttered inside. 

“That felt good.” Song Yu let out a long breath, then said to Mo Di: “Xiao Di, is it done?”

“Em.” Mo Di nodded. He had perfectly hidden any trace of connection the wireless camera would emit. And because he had seen clearly what happened in the Mo house, he was in quite a complicated mood.

When Uncle Song lets his mouth run loose, his soft and gentle image…was completely torn down. That mouth of his is a terrible weapon!

“Xiao Di, why did you signal us back so suddenly? Is it because of Mo Liu Gui?” Song Yu, sitting next to him, asked.

“Uhm.” Mo Di turned off his computer. “Especially the man next to her, Qin Cheng Yi. At present, we can’t afford to provoke him. He was the one who plotted against me in the college entrance exam case.”

“What?! He’s the one?!”

Chen Zhao immediately swore in surprise: “No wonder he looked evil. There is a strong anguish aura between his brows. He has the making of a mafia boss.”

“Anyway, turn around if you happen to meet them. Do not by any means confront them.” Mo Di advised.

“Uhm, we’ll listen to you.” Song Yu patted Mo Di on the shoulder and said in an elderly tone: “Thanks to you providing me with adequate information that your uncle, me, can lash out on them with my full potential. It’s a pity you had to do something else, otherwise, you could’ve joined us.”

“Even though I wasn’t there, I can still tell how handsome Uncle Song was.” Mo Di said with a smile, “now that everything is almost done, I’ll be getting off at the Chang Cheng road junction. I won’t be accompanying you guys after this.” 

“Xiao Di,  you’re going home? Uncle still wants to invite you for dinner.”

“Um. I have to go home. My brother is waiting for me.” Mo Di was oblivious that once he mentioned Mu Tian Heng, his mood would brighten and he would even want to smile.

“Brother? Which one?” Song Yu eyed Mo Di doubtfully, “Aren’t all your brothers a bunch of crazies?”

“Of course it’s not those.” Chen Zhao interjected. “It’s someone Xiao Di got to know outside. He’s super good and has helped him a lot. If Xiao Di isn’t this young and that guy isn’t that old, I would have thought that he had taken a fancy to Xiao Di. Isn’t that right, Xiao Di?”

Mo Di: “…”

“What’s more, he’s super handsome.” Chen Zhao bragged to Song Yu. “Uncle it’s true! That brother of Xia Di is super hot. He’s tall with long legs. I did not see his face clearly but I can tell he’s very good looking. Hundreds of times better than Mo San Zhi!”

Song Yu instantly gave out an “oh?”. Wanting in on the gossip, he asked: “Xiao Di, what does your brother do?”

But Mo Di at this moment asked the driver to stop: “Uncle, you can let me down here, I have to go.” Then he smiled and said to Song Yu and Chen Zhao: “Uncle Song, Chen Zhao, I’m leaving now. I can ride the subway from here. Let’s have a meal together when we have the chance.”

Then, Mo Di opened the door and ran off.

Chen Zhao and Song Yu: “…”

Why did Xiao Di suddenly act so strange? (TN: cause he’s running away from a potential love rival lol!)

After walking for some distance, he reached the subway station. As he was about to enter, he heard several weak whimpers coming from the sidewalk.

He turned to look and saw a cardboard box next to a trash can. Inside… is it a puppy?

The puppy had dirt all over and its white fur was clumped together. It could not open its eyes but could still sense the presence of someone approaching. Its tiny body moved forward with all its might, using the weak paws to scratch at the box and whimpered frailly.

When Mo Di saw the little puppy, he was slightly stunned. This little guy… why does he look like the one he tried to adopt before running away from home in his last life?

In his last life, after he failed to do well in the College Entrance Exam and had a broken arm and leg, his mood coming home after the hospital stay was gloomy. He wanted to retake the exam but no one supported it. Hence he ended up in a mediocre university.

After he enrolled, he only came back to the Mo house once a month. In fact, if Mo Liu Gui did not insist on wanting him to come back, and the Mos ordered him to do so to please Mo Liu Gui, he would not return at all. On his second trip back, he met the little puppy near the Mo villa. Although it was dirty, he could tell that it was white and had a brown spot, and also a broken tail.

Exactly the same with this one.

Back then, he saw the pitiful dog and he himself was quite lonely, so he brought the puppy to a pet store for a bath and treatment. He got some dog food and a kennel for it, thinking that he was going to have a companion in the future.

After getting the kennel for him and placing it near the Mo villa, planning to bring it back with him when he left for school, the dog disappeared the next day and even its kennel was thrown away.

According to what he overheard from the servants afterward, Mo Wu Hang had hit the dog and chased it away for scaring his sister.

Mo Di took a deep breath and exhaled the discomfort in his heart, then went over to pick up the box.

The puppy sensed that someone was close and that he was being held, his sobs became louder. The tiny paws continuously scratched the carton box’s wall, trying to climb out of the box with its soft body. It soon failed and tumbled backward.

Mo Di couldn’t help but chuckle. He said softly: “I’ll take you for a bath first, then to the vet for injection, and check up to see if you’re sick before I can bring you home.”

Mo Di hugged the carton box and walked to the nearest pet store three kilometers away. He let the puppy have its bath and also bought some dog food for it.

After the fluffball was washed and fed, Mo Di brought it to the vet and had them do several tests on it.

The veterinarian said that the puppy was fine, only slightly weak. He told Mo Di to bring it back the following weekend to have its vaccination shot. After Mo Di noted it down, he went to purchase a medicine box, a kennel, and a doggie toilet.

The little white-ball was a lot more energetic after being stuffed. It clawed at Mo Di’s clothes and looked at him with its black round eyes, incredibly adorable.

“What are you looking at?” Mo Di lightly touched its nose and said with a smile: “Later you have to behave well, if brother doesn’t like you, then we’ll both have to sleep on the street, got it?”

“Woo.. woo…” the little puppy gave two soft barks, as if saying that it understood.

Mo Di’s smile widened with delight. He rubbed the little head, “You’re so cute, let’s see…what name should I give you?”

But with his disastrous naming sense, even when he reached home and saw Mu Tian Heng, he still could not come up with a good name.

Mu Tian Heng was quite surprised seeing Mo Di return with a little puppy in his arms. He walked over and said: “Little one, how did you end up coming back with a puppy?”

“I picked him up. But I’ve let him take a bath and injections, he’s germ-free.” Mo Di said softy, then looked at Mu Tian Heng anxiously: “brother, let’s keep him, shall we? See, he’s cute and very obedient. He only needs a little space in the courtyard. That’s it.”

Mo Di stared at Mu Tian Heng nervously but unknown to him, Mu Tian Heng was laughing in his heart.

The little one probably did not know that his expression and the puppy’s were exactly the same, surprisingly consistent. The two pairs of eyes looked at him pleadingly, this picture …. is inexplicably effective.

When Mu Tian Heng did not speak, Mo Di called out again: “Brother, are you mad at me?”

“Of course not.” Mu Tian Heng was just at a loss for words. He reached out to rub Mo Di’s hair, “I’m trying to think of a name for it.”

“So brother, you agreed?” Mo Di beamed and his eyes bent. Apparently, his ‘sympathy act’ was still useful. 

That’s right, Mu Tian Heng did not know that he had once again witnessed a stage play.

“Thank you, brother!”

“That’s ok, don’t have to thank me. I actually also like dogs. Do you have any name in mind?”

Mo Di wanted to say that he was not done thinking but changed his mind and said: “I haven’t thought of it. I planned to let brother name it. Brother, please help him think of a name.”

The first step to cultivating affection between the master and pet: naming it!

But this time, Mu Tian Heng saw through Mo Di’s little routine immediately. He was laughing inside but went along: “Really? But I’m not good with names.”

“It’s ok it’s ok. I’m not good at naming things either. Brother, just randomly give him a name. Whatever name you give him, I’m sure he’ll like it.”

“Alright…” Mu Tian Heng agreed. He put on a thinking posture and said: “Uhm, I think a pet name should demonstrate spice, ferocity, and zest.”

Mo Di echoed: “That’s right!”

“And it has to be cute, and also not too strange.”

Mo Di once again echoed: “That’s right, That’s right!”

“So…” Mu Tian Heng laughed, “let’s call it da suan.” (TN: da suan 大蒜 = garlic)

Mo Di choked at the last ‘that’s right’ that he was going to say. His expression froze as he shouted a “ha?”.

Mu Tian Heng nodded with satisfaction, “Well, there is the spice and zest, but doesn’t sound very cute, let’s get rid of the da and call it suan suan.”

Chapter 34

Mo Di did not go with Chen Zhao and Song Yu to the Mo villa. He told them to meet up in half an hour near the compound. In the meantime, Mo Di hurried to Mu Tian Heng’s company. 

Mu Tian Heng did not expect Mo Di to come looking for him. He happily came down to the reception to fetch Mo Di. 

“Little one, you miss me that much?” Upon seeing Mo Di, Mu Tian Heng’s first reaction was to rub his hair. He said in a doting tone: “have you had your lunch?”

“Not yet.” Mo Di shook his head then shyly scanned the area. Seeing that no one was paying attention to them, he gave a sigh of relief and whispered: “Brother, I have something important to tell you.”

Seeing Mo Di’s secretive posture, Mu Tian Heng chuckled and said: “Come to my office.”

When they reached Mu Tian Heng’s office, Mo Di was about to say something when Mu Tian Heng gave him a flick on the forehead.

Mo Di was dumbfounded. He looked at Mu Tian Heng, completely oblivious of what he was being ‘punished’ for.

“Don’t know your offense yet?”

Mu Tian Heng looked at Mo Di’s confused and innocent expression and the slightly red forehead. Feeling somewhat annoyed for not controlling his strength, he reached to rub the pinkish spot for him. “It’s already past one. Why haven’t you had your lunch yet? Such an irregular eating habit, are you trying to ruin your body?”

Mo Di gazed into Mu Tian Heng’s eyes but felt speechless. His face was dyed red with embarrassment, but unlike the kind when he used to suffocate himself to create, this time it was beyond his control.

“Brother, I….I was too busy today.”

“No matter how busy you are, you still have to eat. I’ll tell Assistant Gao to get lunch for you. Try the roast duck I had before, it’s quite good. You can eat in my lounge later.” Connected to Mu Tian Heng’s office was another room with adequate facilities, a bed, a table, and even a simple bathroom, suitable to take a rest in.

“Brother, I can’t. I’m really busy today. And also I have something urgent.” Mo Di took a deep breath. When his face was less heated, he took a step back.

“My roommate’s uncle is back. We went to pick him up at the airport and later, we’re going to the Mo house.”

“You mean…the one named Song Yu has returned to Hua Xia?” Mu Tian Heng had a restrained look. “Is he going to confront Mo San Zhi now?”

“Um. He wants to settle this once and for all.” Mo Di looked to Mu Tian Heng and said: “Brother, we have agreed to meet up near the Mo house so I have to hurry. Previously I asked brother to help me get a special pinhole camera, do you have it now? I want to bring it along.”

“The kind with wifi charging? I just received it two days ago but it’s in the villa.” Mu Tian Heng frowned, “Little one, you’re planning to put it inside the Mo house?”

“Um. Uncle Song agreed to help.”

Mu Tian Heng’s gaze stayed on Mo Di for a few seconds but did not question him. He rubbed his hair and said: “Come, I’ll send you back to get it.”

Half an hour later, Mo Di took the items, got on a cab, and left for the appointed destination.

When Mo Di arrived, Chen Zhao and Song Yu had been waiting for twenty minutes.

“Sorry I’m late.” Mo Di said apologetically.

“No problem.” Song Yu looked at Mo Di’s backpack and asked: “You’ve brought it?”

“Um. But it’s not in the bag.” Mo Di pulled out two minuscule items and put them in Song Yu’s hand.

Chen Zhao, the ignorant party, was baffled. He did not know the secret plan they had hatched through WeChat and asked curiously: “What are those? Xiao Di, what did you give my uncle? Why don’t I get one?”

“It’s a secret.” In the half-month Mo Di spent interacting with Song Yu, he felt that he was more at ease with Song Yu than Chen Zhao. This was not only because Song Yu was more reliable, but also his status as a ‘cannon fodder’ gave Mo Di a sense of camaraderie.

“Thank you, Uncle Song.” Mo Di thanked Song Yu once again.

“Don’t mention it. Xiao Di, you’ve helped me a great deal. Doing you this little favor is nothing.”

A smile loomed on Mo Di’s face. He said to Song Yu: “Uncle Song, at this time, there will only be several daughters-in-law and the Mo patriarch at home. Are you going to wait for Mo San Zhi or go in to pay the others a visit first?”

“I actually have the same thought as you.” Song Yu looked straight at Mo Di and put on a devilish smile. “Of course it’s the latter.”

Mo Di smiled: “Um, that will be more exciting.”

Chen Zhao looked at both of them with a head full of question marks. What game are these two playing?!

After pinpointing the Mo house’s location to Chen Zhao and Song Yu, Mo Di rented a car nearby. He sat in and waited quietly with his laptop in hand. Once the pinhole camera was connected to the wifi, he could immediately hack into its data and store its information.

Chen Zhao followed Song Yu to the Mo house. He was worried that the unreasonable people of the Mo family would beat up his uncle on impulse.

The Mo members were not expecting an unidentified guest at their door, but, maintaining a hospitable front had always been their forte, and so, they were not chased away. After being asked several questions, the Mos realized that the person was Song Yu’s brother and quickly invited them in.

The second aunt was particularly enthusiastic. She kept inviting Song Yu to some tea and snacks.

“Aiya, so you’re Song Yu’s brother. Such a talented person. I can tell just by looking. That girl Yu Er must also be a beautiful and elegant girl with good virtue. Your names are also meaningful, one with jin(gold) and the other a pure jade. Why didn’t Yu Er come with you?”

“She’s busy.” Song Yu smiled and said: “Mo San Zhi…what did he tell you about my sister?”

“Hai…my son really likes your sister. A few months ago, he told me he fell in love with a girl named Song Yu and said she’s like someone from the heavens. We wanted him to bring her back but he kept saying that it was inconvenient for her. Ai, this boy has been like this since young. For the things and people he likes, he always wanted to hide and protect it. He was worried that we’ll bully her. Xiao Song, you don’t have to worry, my son knows best how to protect and pamper his girlfriend.”

“Indeed, I also feel that he’s very good at protecting.” Song Yu smiled.

Well, he did protect his existence with care, even his gender was changed.

“Cough…” The Mo grandfather cleared his throat abruptly and said: “Second daughter in law, call that kid San Zhi back. His girlfriend’s elder and younger brothers are here to visit, how can he not be around to host, what kind of behavior is this?!”

That’s right. Chen Zhao was pretending to be Song Yu’s younger brother who was now fuming mad at Mo San Zhi. But he still warned himself not to give the game away.

The second aunt said: “Yes father, I’ll give him a call right now. Isn’t he busy these days? He’s creating his own brand in Hua Xia, it’s not a simple task.” She took out her cell to dial Mo San Zhi’s number, then said to Song Yu: “Xiao Song, our family’s San Zhi is the most capable one. He would rather tire himself to death than let his wife suffer.”

Song Yu lowered his head to take a sip of tea, hiding his ironic smile.

Song Yu had not even been married to their house and yet, she was already jabbed at.

“Hello, mom?” when the phone got through, Mo San Zhi’s voice could be heard faintly from this side: “What is it? I’m still busy here.”

“Ai, big news! San Zhi, come home quick, your girlfriend’s brother is here.”

“What? What girlfriend’s brother? Mom, what are you talking about?”

“Auntie, let me talk to him.” Song Yu put down the teacup.

“Good good good. Xiao Song you talk to him.” She handed the phone to Song Yu.

“Wei? Mo San Zhi? I’m at your house right now. Why don’t you come back for a visit?” Song Yu said to the phone with a smirk: “I came to say hello to auntie on behalf of my sister.”

“Clang—!” The noise that came through sounded like the phone had dropped and someone hurried to pick it up.

“Mo San Zhi, I’m not in a hurry, I’ll wait for you to come back.” Song Yu did not wait for Mo San Zhi’s reply. He handed the phone back to the second aunt. “Thank you, auntie.”

The second aunt was actually dissatisfied with Song Yu’s attitude but she did not say anything. “Son, did you hear that? Stop your work and hurry back.”

“I.. I’ll be right back.” Mo San Zhi’s voice was tense and he hung up the phone soon after.

“The boy was too nervous.” The second aunt frowned, then turned to ask Song Yu: “Xiao Song, what do you do? Are you a doctor like your sister?”

…

Mo San Zhi came back in less than half an hour.

What he saw when he charged into the living room with sweat on his face was Song Yu chatting heartily with Mo grandfather. 

“San Zhi, you’re back.” The second aunt came to meet him but only saw him dashed over to Song Yu and grabbed his arm, “you…why are you here?”

“I can’t come here?” Song Yu smiled and looked at Mo San Zhi coldly.

“San Zhi, what are you doing…”

“Mom, I have something to say to Xiao Yu’s brother, we’re leaving first.” Mo San Zhi interrupted his mother. He held on to Song Yu’s arm and was about to leave when Mo grandfather stopped him.

“What is wrong with you?! Is this how you treat our guests? People will think our Mo family does not know how to educate their children.”

“Grandpa, we really have urgent matters to discuss, I….”

“How about this? We can discuss things in your room first. I still want to have dinner with auntie later.” Song Yu smiled as he retracted his hand from Mo San Zhi’s grasp.

“You…” Mo San Zhi was exploding with anger in his head but he knew that now was not the time to get physical and drag Song Yu away. He suppressed his anger and shifted closer, blocking any incoming sight. He then spoke to Song Yu in an affectionate tone: “Can’t we talk outside? There’s a cafe around the corner. Let’s go…”

“No. I’m not leaving until you give me an explanation.”

When the second aunt heard Song Yu’s words, she thought that Mo San Zhi had wronged Song Yu’s sister behind her back. Although in her heart, nothing her son did could be wrong, she still had to put on the act of a decent mother-in-law and said: “Aiya San Zhi, if there’s a misunderstanding somewhere, you have to clear it up with Xiao Song. Don’t let others think our Mo family picks on others.”

Mo San Zhi ground his teeth in anger as he stared at Song Yu, but things were out of his control, he had no choice but to take Song Yu upstairs. Chen Zhao was distressed, he called out: “Brother?!”

“It’s ok. Xiao Zhao, you stay here and have a good talk with auntie and grandpa.” Song Yu gave Chen Zhao a pacifying look, then followed Mo San Zhi upstairs.

Song Yu paused when he passed by Mo Di’s room. He raised his hand to touch the damage on the door and stayed there.

Walking ahead, Mo San Zhi saw that Song Yu had stopped following. He pressed down the anger and said: “Xiao Yu, hurry up.”

“Uhm.” Song Yu quietly withdrew his hand from the door and said: “This room looks different from the others. The door even has a crack, you guys don’t fix it?” And with one look, he could tell the damage was caused by someone kicking it open.

“That room belongs to that ani…” Mo San Zhi put on the brake in time and swallowed back his words: “That’s my cousin’s room. He doesn’t like us touching his stuff. He won’t let us fix it, so it’s better for us not to.”

“Oh.” Song Yu put on a fake smile and continued to follow Mo San Zhi to his room.

Immediately after Song yu entered the door, Mo San Zhi shut it tight. He turned and stared straight at Song Yu, lowered his voice and said: “Xiao Yu, what’s the matter with you? Why did you come to Hua Xia all of a sudden, and even came here? This matter cannot be…”

“Cannot be what?” Song Yu no longer wanted to look at Mo San Zhi lest he would feel nauseous. He turned to face the bookshelf and sneered: “Cannot be exposed to your family that the Song Yu you’re dating is a man?”

“Xiao Yu!”

Mo San Zhi frantically looked at the bedroom door. Fearing that someone might be lurking behind it, he ran over like a schizophrenic, opened the door, and quickly checked the corridor. Seeing that no one was there, he closed it and immediately looked at Song Yu with a sad face: “Xiao Yu, I know, I know I’m wrong. I know it’s wrong to hide your gender but I really have no choice. For our future, we have to plan this slowly. My family doesn’t understand the love between two men. If we tell them this, they will get mad.”

“So I’m just like any other girl?” Song Yu did not want to hear Mo San Zhi’s excuse. This type of excuse sounded noble and reasonable but in fact, it’s disgusting.

Moreover, Mo San Zhi’s every little move and expressions just further demonstrated to him what kind of person he was.

Before deciding to blow this matter up, Song Yu actually gave Mo San Zhi ample opportunities but…clearly, he did not cherish them. 

“Baby, I know I’m wrong. I really do.” Seeing Song Yu was not paying him any heed, Mo San Zhi concealed his anger and impatience, walked to Song Yu, and took his hand. Gently rubbing it, he said tenderly with some grievances: “All that I did was for us, I’m doing this for our future.”

“When my career is stable, no one can control me anymore. And you, you should stay in America for a few more years. Get American citizenship, then we can get married there. How good is that? We can live our own little lives in peace, no one will disturb us. But now is not a good time. We have to hide this from my family temporarily, otherwise, their opposition will be more severe in the future. It’ll be even harder for us to be together.”

“Really?” Song Yu suddenly smiled.

“Of course it’s true.” Mo San Zhi replied instantly when he saw Song Yu eased up, “That’s what I’ve been planning all along. But baby, your coming was too abrupt, it almost ruined my plan. Were you deluded by someone into doing this? That’s underhanded, I’ll have to deal with him!”

Song Yu ignored his words and asked: “What if even then, your parents still do not agree?”

“No, that won’t happen. I’ll persuade them with everything I’ve got.” Mo San Zhi assured: “They will understand.”

“Is that so?” Song Yu looked straight at Mo San Zhi’s handsome face and finally for the first time, he felt that a man can be this disgusting. “It’s a pity, I don’t believe you.”

“You…” Mo San Zhi saw Song Yu’s smile and finally understood that from the start, Song Yu was just mocking him, never intending to trust him. His face turned ugly but he held back his enmity and said in a warm voice: “Baby, what exactly don’t you believe?”

“It’s nothing. I just feel that those words of yours just now, your mom and the others should have a listen.”

“What? You recorded it?!!”

Mo San Zhi was in full-blown shock. His expression turned brutish. He reached out to grab Song Yu’s phone but missed. “Mo San Zhi, what are you doing?”

“Baby, give me your phone.” Mo San Zhi tried hard to keep his voice and temper in check: “Give it to me.”

“Why should I give it to you?”

The fear of being exposed as a homosexual and the anger of being played by Song Yu finally took over. Mo San Zhi lost it and went straight for Song Yu, grabbing his hand, and was even taunted to hit him: “I said give it to me!!”

“Mo San Zhi! You even want to hit me?!”

“Give me!!”

 The truth was there was no such recording. Song Yu just wanted to give it a last shot but Mo San Zhi’s reaction to this moment not only disappointed him deeply, but it also infuriated him.

When Mo San Zhi charged at him again, aiming for his neck, Song Yu suddenly remembered a little trick Mo Di taught him beforehand. At that time, he felt that it was too cruel but now, there was never a better time to use it.

Song Yu raised his feet and brutally kicked at Mo San Zhi’s third leg.

“Ah—!!!”

Mo San Zhi’s scream rang through the hall. His face was bleached and his lips were trembling. His legs gave in and he fell to the ground, covering a certain place, unable to lift his head.

Song Yu raised his hand and discreetly placed another pinhole camera in the crevice between the books on the shelf.

At this time, several sets of hectic footsteps could be heard coming from outside and before Mo San Zhi could even stand up, the door was forced open with a bang.

“Uncle! Are you all right?” Chen Zhao was the first to enter. He hurried to Song Yu’s side and took a-head-to-toe scan of him. “Did this garbage hit you?”

“He wanted to but wasn’t able to. Thanks to Xiao…” Song Yu stopped and swallowed back the word “Di”, “Thanks to your little classmate who’d taught me not only how to test his nature but also to defend myself.”

“What’s going on? What exactly is happening here?!” When the second aunt arrived at the scene and saw Mo San Zhi on the ground, writhing in pain, she was immediately enveloped in rage. She screeched: “Who hit my son?! Who did it?! It’s you, isn’t it? Song Yu, it’s you who hit him!! What kind of understanding do you have to use violence?! Ha?! Assaulting people is against the law, you’re going to jail! I’m going to call the police! You wait and see! The Mo family will not let you off. Just wait and see!”

“Mom…!” Mo San Zhi was the most anxious of them all. He reached for his mother’s clothes and said: “Mom, don’t make a big scene…”

“What are you afraid of? Are you still worried about that girlfriend of yours? Silly boy, wake up! I’m telling you, her brother is such a rotten thing, she’s definitely the same!”

After her scorn, she looked at Song Yu and said: “Pei! Your sister, tell her to never think about entering our Mo family! We will never accept such an ill-bred thing!”

“Sister?”

Song Yu laughed. His glance swept the room from the second aunt to the Mo patriarch and the others who had gathered at the door and said serenely: “Auntie, I’ll just tell you the truth then. I don’t have any sister. Mo San Zhi also does not have a girlfriend because from the start, the one named Song Yu, has always been me. The one Mo San Zhi went after, the one he repeatedly confessed his love to, there’s only me.”

“If you don’t believe me, I have proof.”

Chapter 33

“No. Nothing’s bothering me. These snacks are for you guys. You can have them later. 

Mo Di took out the large bag of junk food and placed it on the table, then retrieved his computer and said to Xian Yu Chao and Lin Jun Feng: “The game you guys made, I’ve tried it. It’s not bad but just wasn’t innovative enough. The programming is also too simple.”

“Ah, please don’t mention that! I don’t want to get hurt again!” Xian Yu Chao grabbed his blanket and snuggled under it. 

Mo Di sighed, “Alright then. I was just going to ask if you guys want to join my team and make games together.”

“Ha?!” Xian Yu Chao came out of his blanket at lightning speed and stared wide eye at Mo Di: “Xiao Di, is what you said true?!”

Mo Di: “Um. But not for the current game. It’s for the next one. I’ll need your help with some of the codings.”

“I’m still pumped even if it’s not for now. I didn’t think that I could still participate in this competition. Ahh Ah Ah Xiao Di, you’re too good! Xiao Di, you’re my favorite younger brother!” Xian Yu Chao held out three fingers: “Forever love!”

Mo Di ignored him. This guy said yesterday that his love belonged to LeBron James.

Lin Jun Feng gnashed his mouth and said: “But both our skills are quite limited. Not to mention other, with just your Xin Wei Dao game alone, the majority of the programming is way above our league…sigh, although daddy wants to help, he’s not capable enough.”

Mo Di was determined to ignore the word ‘daddy’ and said: “That’s not true. There are still some programs you can work on. When it’s really helpless, then I can teach you guys.”

“Ai…our studies are so hard. The after class schedules are also tight, University is not easy.” Lin Jun Feng patted his tummy with a sigh and said firmly: “But I’ll still put effort into learning with you. Don’t worry Xiao Di, this father will not be a drag!”

“You’re in Jing Da, don’t even think about relaxing. And also, don’t take advantage of Xiao Di! Father my ass.” Chen Zhao opened his mosquito net and looked at Mo Di with puppy eyes: “What about me? Xiao Di, have you forgotten about your second brother?”

Mo Di smiled: “I don’t know what program you’re fluent with so I can’t designate a place for you. But when the time comes, you can also learn together with them and I’ll see what you’re most suitable with.”

“No problem! As long as I can participate!”

In his delirious state, Chen Zhao raised his hand to hit hard on the bed railing to bounce off his butt, very much unlike the handsome pose he used to make during the basketball game, “At that time, we’ll break through the frontline and straight into the finals. We’ll conquer every mountain and ….oww.”

Mo Di: “…”

The class meeting that Mo Di told Mu Tian Heng about was a lie. He did not go anywhere, just stayed in the dorm to code the whole morning. After which he went to have lunch with the others at the eatery behind their school. Then to the library to borrow some programming books to read.

Xian Yu Chao and the others decided to go have some fun before school started. They left and only came back in the evening to gather in the classroom.

There were three classes in the Computer Science and Technology department. Mo Di and the gang belonged to class one, or Ji Yi which they preferred to be called. There were forty students in their class, thirty-six boys and four girls, which nicely fit the number of dorms available.

Xian Yu Chao sat in his seat and complained angrily to Lin Jun Feng: “There are too few girls in our class. What kind of ratio is this, nine to one! How can I find a girlfriend in four years?!”

“It’s better than Ji Er and Ji San, do you know how many girls they have?” Lin Jun Feng held out one finger and flashed a smirk: “There are only three girls in their classes and they have more boys than us. The ratio is thirteen to one, they’re so much worse!”

“What?! There are only ten girls in our department?!” Xian Yu Chao scratched his head. I shouldn’t have enrolled in the computer department! I would’ve been so much happier with the Chinese department.”

“Oh please have some dignity. Even if you enrolled in an all-girls’ school, you’ll still be single.” Chen Zhao pulled down his collar and made a devilish expression: “real men will not restrict themselves within their class or department. You have to scan the whole school, the whole capital, the whole country, and …” Chen Zhao spread his hand forward: “the whole world!”

Mo Di: “…” I don’t know these people.

“Hi, can I sit here?” a boy in a white t-shirt walked up to Mo Di and asked politely. 

Mo Di raised his line of sight and looked at him, then nodded and said: “Go ahead. It’s not taken.”

“Thank You.” the boy unfolded the chair and sat down. He smiled and said: “my name is Zhao Chun Cheng. My room is across from yours. I actually wanted to come over to say hi but was worried to disturb you guys.”

“Don’t worry. You’re welcome to come over.” Mo Di had a vague impression of Zhao Chun Cheng. He had looked through their class list and remembered everyone’s name but some faces just did not match their photos.

“Junior! You’re here. Did you miss me?” When Zhao Chun Cheng wanted to say something else, Sun Ru Ru came in through the back door and went straight to Mo Di. She pulled out a chair and sat down. She smiled and said: “Do you want to be part of the classroom committee?” 

“Hello Senior, for now, I am not able to be part of the class committee.” Mo Di smiled: “I’m always busy and don’t have much time. I don’t think I can be of good service to my classmates.”

“You’re not in? What a pity. I and Zhao Qing Gong were planning to help you into the class committee, so I’ll have more chances to talk to you.”

“Even if I’m not part of the committee, I can still chat with senior. You can find me directly on WeChat. I promise I’ll reply when I get your text.”

“I’ll hold you to your words!” Sun Ru Ru stared at Mo Di and squinted: “When the time comes, don’t you ignore me.”

“Absolutely not.” Mo Di looked at the time: “Senior, when is the class meeting going to start?”

“It starts at seven. Another five minutes.”

“Then I’ll go to the restroom first.” Mo Di looked at Chen Zhao and the other. Seeing that they were busy talking among themselves, he did disturb them and went out alone.

After using the toilet, Mo Di went outside to wash his hands.

Two boys from another department came in and chatted in front of the urinal. 

“The Chinese department has a new flower. Do you know who it is?” 

“Who?”

“You’ve seen her before. You even praised her.”

“Who? Don’t leave me hanging. I praise so many beauties in a day, how do I know which one you’re talking about.”

“Ai, it’s that Mo Liu Gui girl. The one you keep complimenting whenever you see her picture on the internet.”

“F**k! Is that true?!”

“It’s true. She came to report this morning. So pretty. Our school forum already had pictures of her wearing a white dress, so pure, just like a princess. Definitely the most beautiful one in the department.”

“Then I have to quickly go have a look.”

“You only know how to lick faces. Don’t you remember how she is towards her little brother?”

“Ai, why do you care how she treats her little brother. We’re just talking about her looks. And don’t say it like you don’t like her, I know she’s your type.”

“Oi oi oi, you don’t have to out me like that.”

“…”

Mo Di shut the faucet and walked away. 

Unexpectedly, Mo Liu Gui only came to school today. Did she skip the military training?

He did not want to be bothered with Mo Liu Gui, but even thinking with his toes, he can tell that she will not leave him alone.

Therefore, it was better for him to get a head start.

It was just that the video had already been broadcasted on the internet, using it here would be ineffective. And hence, he had to come up with other means.

Mo Di returned to class and in a few minutes, the meeting officially began.

To start off, the seniors, Zhao Qing Gong and Sun Ru Ru, made a speech to rouse everyone’s enthusiasm and heat up the atmosphere before the election began.

Lin Jun Feng, Xian Yu Chao, and Chen Zhao all put their names up for election. Two competed for the class representative position, one for the entertainment committee.

In fact, Mo Di had no idea why Xian Yu Chao wanted to be in charge of the entertainment committee. Did he think that his silliness will give him an edge over the other contestants?

Mo Di felt worried for Xian Yu Chao.

Yet in the end, reality proved to Mo Di that nothing is impossible in this world. Xian Yu Chao was elected!

Mo Di was happy for Xian Yu Chao but at the same time, he began to have doubts about the duties of the entertainment officer for the class.

As for the two who ran for the class representative, Lin Jun Feng and Chen Zhao, there could only be one winner.

Chen Zhao was defeated and Lin Jun Feng won.

According to the only four girls in class, they chose Lin Jun Feng because of his reliable physique: tall, stout, and strong, which gives a sense of security. It was as if he would still be standing should the sky fall down.

Mo Di: “…”

The girls in their class are quite naive.

The loss was a big blow to Chen Zhao. One had to realize that he had been elected class rep for six years in a row in middle school. Never would he have thought that he could lose the election. Mo Di did not know how to comfort others. He patted on Chen Zhao’s shoulder and said: “Just use the time to learn coding from me and you can do more useful work.”

Chen Zhao was stunned and almost verbalized his cry.

On the third day after the allegation of the class committee, Jing Da’s classes finally began.

Lin Jun Feng had become a very busy person. Counselors, seniors, peers, teachers from various classes…everyone came to him whenever they needed anything. Of course, there was a secretary to help him cope. It was one of the four girls in their class, Li Lian Meng. She had short hair and a small figure, not even half of Lin Jun Feng’s size. Both of them standing side by side just gave a very sharp contrast.

The lecturers at Jing Da were humorous and had a vast accumulation of knowledge. Mo Di attended every class with great interest. And with that, five days of classes passed and it was finally Friday.

Even when it was just a short weekend, Mo Di still packed his stuff and prepared to leave school.

Chen Zhao stopped him on the way. He dragged him inconspicuously into the men’s toilet.

Mo Di eyed Chen Zhao suspiciously: “Chen Zhao, do you have a problem?”

“Of course I have a problem. It’s urgent! My little uncle is back in Hua Xia today, did you know that?”

“I do.” Mo Di nodded. He not only knew that Uncle Song was back in Hua Xia, but also that Mo San Zhi had returned just yesterday and had been buying hot searches. 

Unfortunately, it had been suppressed by him.

“Therefore, isn’t this a big deal?! Xiao Di, dear little brother, you have go pick my little uncle up with me. And then we can discuss the specific countermeasures. You’re our valuable tactician and mole, you can’t go offline now!”

Mo Di sighed, “But I’ve told Uncle Song everything that he needs to know, I really have no use now.”

“You do, you do! Absolutely need you. Aiya I’m begging you Xiao Di, please accompany your second brother this time. When my little Uncle and Mo San Zhi break up, you’ll be a great benefactor to our family!”

Mo Di was somewhat reluctant. He couldn’t possibly accompany them through every little thing.

But looking at Chen Zhao’s prostrating himself and the unrelenting posture, Mo Di agreed. “….alright. But this better be quick. I have to go home tonight. I’m still busy with things to do.”

“No problem, no problem. We’ll be quick.”

Mo Di and Chen Zhao hurriedly called a cab to the airport. To one side was Chen Zhao’s incessant chatter. Mo Di let his sight drifted outside the window.

He had not seen Mu Tian Heng for eight or nine days. He regretted that the last time, due to his guilt and unease, he went back to school early, and ended up not able to see him even until now. 

He felt that he was still dependent on Mu Tian Heng. Although not a romantic feeling, there was a feeling. Maybe it’s friendship?

Fifteen minutes later, they met up with Uncle Song.

Mo Di’s first impression of Song Yu was that his name really suited him. His visage was like a piece of jade, with a warm and gentle temperament. Just a bit skinny.

No wonder his third brother would rather live in fear of being found out than breaking up with him.

At this time, in Song Yu’s eyes, Mo Di was like a piece of landscape painting. This was the first time Song Yu saw a young man with the same charm as a portrait of ancient ink painting. Every stroke was clear and meaningful. His looks were unrivaled compared to those beauties online with eighteen layers of filter.

In conclusion, these two people had a good impression of the other.

“Uncle! Uncle! Over here!” Chen Zhao waved vigorously.

Song Yu saw his nephew’s enthusiasm and increased his speed towards them. “You guys took the trouble to come and pick me up.”

“No no no, it’s nothing…ah no, it was actually more troublesome for Xiao Di.” Chen Zhao grabbed Mo Di’s shoulder, “he’s a really good brother!”

Song Yu smiled and looked at Mo Di: “You’re Mo Di? Thank you. You’ve helped me a lot the past few days.”

“I’m glad to help. Uncle Song, you’re welcome.” Mo Di smiled, “let’s go. Where do you want to go first?”

“Xiao Di, you don’t have to be so polite with me, just address me normally.” Song Yu kept his eyes on Mo Di. He was quite fond of him, like a little nephew or brother. “Let’s see, our first stop is to take a look at the Mo family.”

“What?! Little Uncle, you….” Chen Zhao’s eyes widened: “You’ve just arrived and already decided to make a big scene?”

Song Yu had a sarcastic smile: “Isn’t there a great saying in Chinese ‘strike when the enemy is unprepared’? Although we’re not soldiers, to get the most realistic result, we’ll need to do this when they least expected. Don’t you think so, Xiao Di?”

Mo Di nodded.

This was the strategy he sent to Uncle Song in WeChat some time ago. He also told him to be decisive. To think that Uncle Song remembered his words so clearly.

“But… but we need a proper plan and script. We can’t just charge into the Mo house!” Chen Zhao looked at his uncle, then shifted his sight to Mo Di, giving him a ‘please persuade my uncle’ look.

But Mo Di said: “I agree with Uncle Song. Going now will yield the best result.”

“That’s right. I also do not want to be involved with Mo San Zhi for too long. I’d rather get this over with than having to face a long-term pain. I’m most disgusted with men who can’t even own up to their relationship. And if he’s not that type of person, I’ll transfer my work back to Hua Xia to be with him and you guys.” Song Yu looked at Chen Zhao, “but if he’s that type of person…”

“Even if he’s that kind you should still come back here. It’s great here! I and Mom miss you, isn’t this a good enough reason? What’s so good with your workplace in America, didn’t you meet a jerk like Mo San Zhi working there?” Chen Zhao held Song Yu’s shoulder.

Song Yu smiled: “Of course I’ll come back. Regardless of what he’s like, I’ll come back. Anyways, to me, you are much more important than him. Besides, I’m tired of living in America. When the contract expires, I’ll return home.”

Mo Di felt a discrepancy. He slightly frowned and said: “Uncle Song, when is your contract due?”

“In another three months. Something wrong?”

“…nothing. It’s just that you should contact the local hospitals in advance, they’ll all be scrambling to get you.”

“Thank you Xiao Di. I’ll keep that in mind.” song Yu patted lightly on Mo Di’s shoulder. “Alright, let’s go.”

Mo Di walked next to Song Yu with a heavy look in his eyes.

Since Uncle Song had already decided to return here after his contract expires, why did he delay and stay in America for so many years in his last life?

Was it because Mo San Zhi coaxed him with some excuse to make him stay out of concern that the Mo family would discover? He could’ve told him to stay there to get his citizenship, and when he got back, they could get married in America.

Come to think of it, that’s not impossible.

If so, then the Mo family and Mo San Zhi’s reaction should be pretty dramatic. Such a big play, maybe it won’t disappoint him.

Chapter 31

Xian Yu Chao raised his hand and threw his sweat-drenched t-shirt at Lin Jun Feng’s face, “Hey you! Who’re you trying to take advantage of?! We’re still calling Xiao Di little brother, why do you get to be the father? Shameless!” 

“I’m not the same as you guys. As the saying goes, a father’s love is like a mountain, and vice versa, a mountain is like a father’s love! Isn’t my physique mountainous enough?!” Lin Jun Feng compared himself from head to toe, “one point ninety-three meters, tall weighing two hundred pounds, isn’t it adequate to be called fatherly love.”

“Please have some shame.” Xian Yu Chao rolled his eyes.

“You two talk too much and you’re getting nowhere.” Chen Zhao was speechless, “it’s not what you think, don’t talk nonsense.”

“Ah, it’s not like that? That’s good, that’s good. Anyway, this father will also not agree. Good thing I don’t have to tear up love birds.”

Xian Yu Chao: “Ha Ha. You’re pretty strict.”

Mo Di sighed and turned around. He picked up his phone to message Mu Tian Heng: “Brother, I’m doing well. My roommates are also good.”

It’s just they can be a little silly.

After two days of a life that Mo Di was completely unfamiliar with, his military training started. 

The group of silly roommates was no longer as enthusiastic as before. Every day, they were tortured with deadly drills and were breathlessly on the verge of escaping.

Not to mention Xian Yu Chao and Lin Jun Feng, even Chen Zhao who paid a lot of attention to his appearance and manners, laid paralyzed on the floor after the dismissal whistle was blown. His controlled expressions and movements were thrown to the wind, leaving behind a red face and heavy heavings like a gorilla. 

The other male and female students were about the same.

Only Mo Di did not change much. No matter how tiring it was, he still had a calm face and at most would take two quick gasps but they were very subtle.

Chen Zhao and the others were amazed. They laid on the ground almost dying while expressing their dissatisfaction: “What is with that body of yours? Isn’t it too extraordinary? After all this and you’re only wheezing a little. You’re already good looking, now you’re just making the boys here look like gorillas. You didn’t take dope behind your brothers’ back, did you?”

“No.” Mo Di smiled. “You guys are sweating so much, better not to drink cold beverages, it’s not good for your health. I’ll go get you some water.”

With that, Mo Di grabbed everyone’s water bottles and went to the stall.

Looking at Mo Di’s back, Lin Jun Feng covered his stomach and said: “This father is very happy. My family’s Xiao Di is just too good.”

“Lin Jun Feng you’re stinky and shameless. Shut up!” Xian Yu Chao yelled at him. 

“Exactly.” Chen Zhao agreed.

Mo Di took the bottles and went to line up for water.

What Chen Zhao asked him a moment ago was quite intriguing. How could he not be exhausted? The exercises were even more tiring for him. 

It was just that the experience from his last life in the asylum slowly helped him enforce the mental prowess that no matter how torturous, how painful, how tormenting it was, his ugly side will not be shown.

Back then, he was imprisoned and had to face the various means of torture, eventually, he ended up looking less human and more ghastly. The grace that a person should have was long lost but to show the ugly agony and grievances on his face would further take away any dignity that he had left.

And thus, with time, he managed to develop this seemingly useless ability.

Regardless of what was being said, this had already become a habit.

…

The military training lasted ten days. By the end of ten days, all the students were relieved but still a little sentimental, after all, they had to send off the instructor. Even Xian Yu Chao and the others lost their energy and were listless.

The whole class was restless after seeing off the instructor. The acting class rep and secretary, Zhao Qing Gong and Sun Ru Ru, gave them a break, saying that they could have a day off. And also during this time, decide whether to join the student council or not and which position they wanted. Tomorrow evening there would be a class meeting to decide on who to be the class rep, assistant etc.

Mo Di had a quick talk with Zhao Qing Gong and Sun Ru Ru before going back to the dorm with Xian Yu Chao and the others.

When they arrived at the dorm, Xian Yu Chao did not stay quiet, “Xiao Di, let me tell you, the senior sister is good but children can’t start dating yet. You’re only seventeen.”

“Yes, this father agrees. More importantly, you have to let this father have a go first.” Lin Jun Feng stroked his non-existent beard.

Chen Zhao quickly snapped at him: “Lin Jun Feng, your face is crying again, asking why you threw it away!”

“I’m leaving later. I’m not staying in the dorm tonight.” Mo Di jabbed in before the playful bickering began. 

“Ha? Where are you going?” Xian Yu Chao asked immediately.

“I want to go back…” Mo Di paused, then said: “back home. My brother said he will come back early from work to take me for a ride.” 

“Oh. The brother that came here with you before?”

Lin Jun Feng used a book to fan himself, nodding as he went, “What brother is he? He doesn’t look like someone from the Mo family.”

“That’s right. Who is he? Why is he so handsome? With that body and that face, my god, if I have that kind of hardware, how can I not have a girlfriend?” Xian Yu Chao wiped his tears.

“He’s not from the Mo family. But he is indeed an extremely good brother. And to me, he’s way more important than the Mo family.” Mo Di smiled, “what are you guys doing tonight?”

“Sleep!” Chen Zhao said: “I’m dead tired these past few days. I need a good sleep and rest for two days or I’ll be withered when school starts.”

“Me too. I don’t feel like doing anything.” Xian Yu Chao nodded.

“This father…..also feels the same.” Lin Jun Feng laughed and was beaten brutally by Xian Yu Chao and Chen Zhao. 

“I’ll be leaving then. I’ll bring good food back for you guys. If there’s anything, just contact me through the group chat. I’ll be back by before night time tomorrow.” Mo Di waved his hand at them and was sent off the dorm with a tear-jerking farewell. 

When Mo Di’s cab reached the villa, it happened to coincide with Mu Tian Heng coming back.

“Brother!” Mo Di did not realize that the moment he saw Mu Tian Heng, behind the sudden burst of joy was also an untraceable bit of sweetness.

And this feeling was completely different from when they met before.

Once Mu Tian Heng saw Mo Di standing at the door waving at him in high spirits, the emptiness, and restlessness that had accumulated over the past few days dissipated instantly. As if they were washed away by a wave of uncontrollable joy, filling him from head to toe with happiness.

“I was just about to go pick you up.” Mu Tian Heng ordered the car to stop. He came out and walked towards Mo Di, looked a him gently, and said: “Little one, you came back earlier than I thought.”

Mo Di smiled: “Brother, you also came back earlier than I thought.”

“Then we’ve given each other a pleasant surprise. This can be considered a tacit understanding between us.” Mu Tian Heng rubbed Mo Di’s hair lightly and said in his usual warm tone: “Brother is going to take you out for dinner.”

“That’s good. But let’s go to the restaurant at Chun Xiang road. And this time, I want to pay.”

Mu Tian Heng turned soft immediately. The little one still remembered his words from last time and also what he liked to eat.

“Ok. Let’s go to that one.”

On the way, Mo Di chatted with Mu Tian Heng from his boisterous roommates to the military training, to the school facilities, cafeteria, the food stalls behind their school, and back to his roommates again. 

“Your roommates are quite interesting. That’s good. You can be friends and buddies with them.” Mu Tian Heng said with a smile: “You can also see for yourself their proficiency with programming, if it’s good, you can ask them to join your team. Doing it by yourself is just too tiring. This competition cannot consist of only you, Pang Qiang Lang, and Han Chao. Even if the rest can be outsourced, that’s not a long term solution.”

“En. I’ll consider that. But it’ll have to wait till after the results are announced.”

“The results should be out tonight. Your game is absolutely flawless. Let alone the audition, it should be more than enough to pass even the next two rounds of elimination. But…” Mu Tian Heng paused awhile, then said: “it’s going to be a little rough getting through the third round. You probably will have to refine it. Either improvise the world, expand the map, add more characters etc. After all, the characters available for the players now are still quite limited.”

“En, before the third round of elimination, I’ll upgrade the game. Widen the character selection, and add more play styles. The core gameplay will also be improvised and more possibilities will be added. But I’m eighty percent sure that this game will not make it to the finals. So the next step besides perfecting this game, the main focus will be on producing another game.”

“Oh?” Mu Tian Heng was interested. “Little one, what’s the next game you’re planning to make like?”

“I have not fully thought it out yet. I’ll tell brother right away when I’ve decided.”

“Good. I’ll be waiting to hear about it.”

Traffic was a little congested in the evening. Mo Di opened the window to feel the wind. The warm breeze against his face carried the peculiar flavor of the late summer air, both soothing and comforting, a feeling that he had hardly experienced in his last life, giving him a small sense of happiness.

“Brother, I have something else to tell you.”

Mo Di enjoyed the breeze and let it brushed the soft front hair back, revealing his bright forehead.

“What is it?”

Mu Tian Heng said a very common response but his good mood could not be hidden. Inwardly, he was wondering if his feelings were a little wild. All it took was for the kid to sit next to him, opened the window to feel the wind, and him casting a few glances over, and this would satisfy his heart. 

And when the little one started talking to him again, he was uncontrollably happy like honey had filled his heart.

“Umm…” Mo Di thought mulled over his next words then said: “Brother, do you know about my third cousin? His name is Mo San Zhi, he’s a very famous designer.”

“Mo San Zhi?” Mu Tian Heng instantly knew who Mo Di was talking about. In fact, before Mo Di moved in, he had done a background check on everyone in the Mo family and now was familiar with them by heart.

“I know him. Something wrong with him?”

“He pursued someone in America who happened to be my roommate’s little uncle. My roommate thinks that Mo San Zhi is not worthy and wanted his little uncle to not be blinded by him and quickly break up with him. His little uncle is still indecisive and so I took the initiative to contact him and…”

Up to this point, Mo Di was somewhat embarrassed. After all, he had just broken up a pair, and now he was going to tear off another. He glanced at Mu Tian Heng, seeing that he was indifferent, felt relieved, and continued: “Anyway, I’ve been chatting with him and the result was quite obvious.”

Mu Tian Heng could not hold in his laughter: “I did not notice this but little one, you’re quite the breakup artist.”

“Oh brother, don’t make fun of me. Mo San Zhi is definitely not a good match. No one in the Mo family will agree for him to have a male lover.” Mo Di had a great urge to talk about the events in his past life but he couldn’t.

“Anyways, Uncle Song… he asked me to address him as such, he said that the design competition is coming to an end and Mo San Zhi will return to Hua Xia in two weeks. At that time, he will also come back here to have a look.”

“Uhm, that’s alright.” Mu Tian Heng nodded lightly. “He should see for himself what the Mo family is like and also Mo San Zhi’s true color before making his decision.” 

Mo Di let out a hm in agreement and did not say anything more. In fact, Uncle Song should witness how Mo San Zhi would react towards him in front of the Mo family when they found out that he was his lover. Only then would Mo San Zhi’s true nature be exposed. 

However, this would still depend on whether Uncle Song was too soft-hearted and easy to be swayed or not.

Mo Di and Mu Tian Heng had their big meal and returned home to nest in front of the television. 

The results of the First Hua Xia Innovative Game Competition would soon be announced and broadcasted on live television. The huge HD screen on stage made the hosts in the front look small. 

The program began with the lively opening ceremony. The three hosts were frank and outspoken with each other, it was quite an interesting watch. After some polite remarks, they commenced with the announcement of the teams that passed the audition.

Each time a title was announced, the screen behind them would flash a short footage of the game. Viewing the game on the large screen with added sound effects was really exciting. However, each game was only given roughly thirty seconds.

The hosts spoke speedingly through the introduction and when one was out of breath, another would relay in immediately. 

Mu Tian Heng took a glass of juice for Mo Di and sat on the sofa next to him, “How many have been announced?”

“Thank you, brother. It’s over sixty games already.” Mo Di received the juice and said: “Still haven’t seen our game yet.”

“It’s all right. Don’t be nervous. The best is always at the end.” Mu Tian Heng reached out to rub Mo Di’s hair. The soft and smooth feeling on his hand was enticing. “There’s definitely no problem with your game.”

“En.” Mo Di nodded and said: “Just now, the host stated that there were more than twenty-one thousand entries and only less than one percent passed the audition. Which means there are only about two hundred groups, that’s a really high elimination rate.”

“That’s quite normal. The game-making competition is quite different from other talent shows. The later stages of the competition will consume a lot of time and the requirements will need to be meticulous. Too many games will drag out the competition unnecessarily. And the ultimate goal of this competition is to select a few that can be invested and promoted on a global scale, so naturally, the elimination rate has to be high.”

“En. But even if we only got to the third knockout round, is it still possible to get an investment?”

“Of course. As long as there is enough exposure, allowing the game to enter the scope of interested investors, it is all possible.” Finishing his sentence, Mu Tian Heng suddenly paused and smiled: “Well, here it is.” 

Mo Di turned around and saw on the HD screen were the characters he could not be more familiar with. There was the graceful female fairy and the dignified male fairy and behind them were three large words: “Xin Wei Dao”. Below was the introduction of their game in smaller font.

It was only a half minute presentation and although Mo Di did not expect it to fully demonstrate his game, he was still ecstatic.

“It passed!”

Mo Di quickly wrote down the number on the screen and said to Mu Tian Heng: “Our number is zero, six, three. This is the team’s number which will be used throughout the competition.”

“Congratulations.” Mu Tian Heng looked at Mo Di’s blushing face and lips painted the color of the juice and the gentleness in his eyes couldn’t help but deepened. He quickly dispersed the impulse that was arising from inside by standing up and said: “I’ll go get a can of beer to celebrate with you.”

“Brother, I don’t drink.”

“I’ll drink the beer, you can have the juice.” Mu Tian Heng smiled, then left the living room.

At the same time, Mo Di’s WeChat group was about to explode.

Instantly, There were over ninety-nine plus messages in the group chat. 

Han Chao: Haha I knew we can make it!

Pang Qiang Lang: Of course, just look at who made the game. Brother Pang is ready to earn money!

Han Chao: …. that’s true but more importantly, it’s Xiao Di who made the game so well.

Pang Qiang Lang: Hey old Han, can’t you let me blow my trumpet for two minutes?

Pang Qiang Lang: Compared with the games that passed, I think our game is one of the excellent ones. The first elimination will be a cinch! 

Han Chao: I think even for the next round, we should be fine.

Pang Qiang Lang: Hey where’s Xiao Di? Why isn’t he saying anything?

Han Chao: I don’t know [expression pack]

Pang Qiang Lang: What’s your use? [expression pack]

…

Great, the group chat is bombarded with expression packs again.

Mo Di sent a message to cease the endless emoticon contest: We passed the audition, not bad, but we shouldn’t let our guard down and let our arrogance get carried away. We still have a lot of battles to fight.”

Pang Qiang Lang immediately sent over a bunch of question marks: ???? Why do I feel like you’re the same as my high school teacher? You’re reminding me of that ghastly feeling that I feared.

Mo Di: …

“Actually, I have something important to tell you.”

Han Chao: What is it? Xiao Di, you can tell us.

“En. This’ll be a bit of work for you guys. Get the playback of the broadcast from the internet. Pay attention to the games that were well made and also the sound effects. Note it down. Especially the storyboard and graphics. As artists, you guys should have a better understanding in this aspect. Also, note down those with good character design and background and send them to me.”

Han Chao: Ok. no problem. But why do you want this?

Mo Di: Wait till after the first and second elimination rounds, among these, there should be some that will be eliminated. Their contact information should also be released through the introductions. At that time, we’ll go dig up some of these people to join us ahead of other teams!

The chat group was quiet for three seconds before Pang Qiang Lang exploded with his messages.

“Damn! Xiao Di, you look young but your thinking is very treacherous….I mean smart!”

“Was this taught by that beast?!”

“That’s such a good idea.”

“That’s wild! [expression pack]”

“…”

Mo Di instead had a question mark in his head. A while later he typed: What beast?

The question was like a silencing spell. For a moment, the world was quiet.

In contrast, Pang Qiang Lang on the other was panicking. He slid up the chat log and saw the message he sent in his ecstatic state. How stupid! He quickly tried to delete it.

Turned out, it could not be deleted. Pang Qiang Lang cried and slapped his thigh.

What to do? He accidentally sent out his inner thought of Mu Tian Heng.

Chapter 30

After suppressing Mo Liu Gui’s hot searches for a few days, Jing Da’s school term began for Mo Di. 

Mo Di packed his luggage, carried his backpack, and sat in Mu Tian Heng’s car to school.

Pang Qiang Lang and Han Chao wanted to send Mo Di as well, but seeing that Mu Tian Heng was coming along, they both retreated.

Forget it….let’s wait till the military training is over to visit.

The last time they saw Mu Tian Heng, there was a foreboding feeling that Mu Tian Heng was carrying ulterior motives, quite like a beast. But after knowing how much he had helped Mo Di, they felt a small sense of guilt for thinking so. Yet each time they met Mu Tian Heng, the feeling emerged again….

So it’s better not to see him for the time being.

When Mo Di arrived at Jing Da, he was welcomed by two seniors. The female senior student, Sun Ru Ru, was sunny and had a smile on all along, while the male senior student was a little cold but all in all, they seemed like good people.

“Junior, don’t judge Zhao Qing Gong by his looks. He has a paralyzed face but he’s very nice, you don’t have to fear him.” Sun Run Run gave Zhao Qing Gong a pat on the shoulder. She then looked at Mo Di: “He’s just nervous. In front of good-looking juniors, whether boy or girl, he’ll get nervous.”

“Stop with your nonsense.” Zhao Qing Gong glanced at Sun Ru Ru.

“Oh? You’re done with your face paralysis?”

“Seniors seem to get along well.” Mo Di laughed, “where shall we report?”

“See that long table? Go over there and sign, then you can pick up your bedding and other stuff. Afterwhich, just go to your designated dorm to report.” Sun Ru Ru looked at Mo Di, then at Mu Tian Heng in a pair of sunglasses. She came forward to whisper: “Junior, is that your brother?”

“En.” Mo Di held back his laugh and nodded.

Many students in Jing Da were more concerned with current affairs and things like the world’s richest list, even if they did not care, they were still familiar with it. So Mu Tian Heng had to put on a little disguise. With his figure and looks, even hiding behind a pair of sunglasses and wearing a suit, was still mesmerizing, like someone from a movie poster.

“Your brother is so handsome. He looks even better than movie stars! Of course, you’re very handsome too, but you two have different styles.” Sun Ru Ru couldn’t help but sighed, “this must be some powerful genes.”

Mo Di smiled and said: “Senior, you’re pretty too. There must be a lot of students going after you.”

“Oh you’ve got a sweet tongue. The juniors this year are so glib.” Seeing Mo Di done with his signature, Sun Ru Ru whispered: “Do you and your brother have girlfriends? I’m just being gossipy, no other intentions.”

“No. My brother is always busy. As for me, I want to study, no time for love.” Mo Di replied seriously.

The female student handling Mo Di’s administration burst out laughing: “No wonder you’re the No. 1 scholar. This’ll be fun.”

Other seniors also looked his way and said: “Now you’re a university, it’s ok to start dating. Don’t worry.”

“That’s right! It’s time to fall in love, don’t worry too much!”

“Although in the computer department, not many are girls, the accounting, language, and art departments have a lot of them. If there’s someone you like, just go for it bravely!”

“Little Junior, you’re not eighteen yet?”

“Aiya you bunch of bad examples, stop leading my junior astray!”

…

Mo Di did not know what to say, he just smiled at the seniors. After finishing the registration, he took the bed sheets and his belongings to the dorm with Mu Tian Heng.

Zhao Qing Gong wanted to guide Mo Di but several other new students arrived and he had to help them first. “Sorry junior,” he then pointed the way to Mo Di and told him to go there first.

“It’s no problem. You’re too busy, I can get there myself. Thank you for your help.” Mo Di said with a smile. Zhao Qing Gong and Sun Ru Ru went to greet the new juniors, while Mo Di and Mu Tian Heng went to the dorm.

Mu Tian Heng finally spoke: “Little one, you’re not an adult yet, don’t start dating too early. Understood?”

“Ha?”

Mo Di did not expect Mu Tian Heng to bring this up. He was a little embarrassed but nodded and let out a soft “hm.”

“When you’re an adult, if there’s someone you really like, then you can start dating. But at the same time, you can also tell brother about it, I’ll help you do a background check.”

Mu Tian Heng put on a smile but deep down, this was not the case. After the pain he had gone through to wait for his little one to turn eighteen in two months, if someone else got ahead, there was no way he could be happy.

Mo Di was a bit confused. Mu Tian Heng…what did he mean by that? Did he say that because of their friend status, or…

Mo Di felt that his brain was useless regarding this matter. He was never in a relationship before and had no experience. Hence, many things were not to his comprehension. And every time he tried to analyze it, it always felt like there was a layer of fog in his head, making him incapable of thinking clearly.

Mo Di decided to put this aside for now. Anyways, there was something else that mattered.

When Mo Di arrived at the dorm, two other students were already there. One was a white, tall, and plump boy, while the other was a striking opposite. He was skinny with protruding bones and had wheat-colored skin. 

“Hello.” Mo Di greeted first.

“Hi there.” the wheat skin boy raised his head and resulted in a shock. “You! You’re Mo…?”

“My name is Mo Di. What’s yours?”

“My name is Xian Yu Chao(咸与超). You’re really that Mo Di?!” Xian Yu Chao sprang to his feet. “Buddy, you’ve got it rough. Are you living by yourself now?”

Mo Di understood that this must be someone who had seen the video clip. He shook his head, smiled, and answered: “No. The yu and chao in your name, how are they written?”

“The yu from xian yu(咸鱼=salted fish) and chao from chao shui(潮水=tide water). You can call him salted-water fish.” The boy packing his things beside Xian Yu Chao answered with a snort.

“Lin Jun Feng! Less nonsense!” Xian Yu Chao glared at Lin Jun Feng, then said to Mo Di: “this guy is in the same class with me since high school so we’ve known each other for a while. Don’t listen to his crap! The yu from my name is from yu er tong xiao wan gu chou (与尔同销万古愁 words from a famous poem), and the chao is from chao ji ying xiong (超级英雄 superheroes).”

“You two get along well.” 

“No way! He keeps calling me by that nickname. Besides, his name does not suit him at all! Lin Jun Feng is such a beautiful name but look at him!”

“Salted fish, you got a problem with me? Don’t mess with me or I’m gonna crush you.” Lin Jun Feng pulled Xian Yu Chao aside and said to Mo Di: “this guy is particularly talkative. Ignore him or else he won’t stop talking.”

Mo Di looked at the two of them, felt a little funny and envious, “have you known each other for many years?

“Six years.” Xian Yu Chao continued: “Mo Di, my mom is really fond of you. She also sympathizes with you. She said if only you were her son. If she hears that you’re my roommate, she’s gonna want to come to visit.”

Mo Di smiled in surprise, “if aunty comes then we’ll go welcome her. Then he turned to Mu Tian Heng and said: “brother, you should go back now, I can do it myself.”

Mu Tian Heng was relieved when he saw that Mo Di’s two roommates were quite alright. He said: “Call me if you need anything, got it?”

“Em. I know.” Mo Di excused himself and went to send Mu Tian Heng off, “brother, I’ll be able to go back after the military training. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“How long is your military training?”

“I think it’s ten days.”

“Are phone calls allowed?”

“I don’t know. If we’re in the training grounds, then maybe not. If we’re back in school then it’s ok.” Mo Di said: “brother you don’t have to worry. In such a short time, nothing’s going to happen to me.”

“Ok. Take good care of yourself.” Mu Tian Heng gently rubbed Mo Di’s hair, “you can go back now. Have a good time with your roommates. But of course, if you don’t think they can be good friends, then don’t bother with them.”

“Em.” 

Mu Tian Heng drove away. Mo Di looked at the car disappearing at the corner and felt a sinking feeling of emptiness

But in the next moment, he shook his head and gave himself a smack on the head, trying to press down this feeling.

Too much dependence on someone is not a good habit. 

More so if that person is Mu Tian Heng. 

Mo Di went back to the dorm room and busied himself with cleaning and tidying up his space. When he was almost done, their final roommate arrived. 

“Am I the last one?” A good looking boy in sportswear cast them a sunny smile, “and I thought I was early.”

“Call me Chen Zhao. And you guys?”

“I’m Xian Yu Chao, that one is Lin Jun Feng, this is Mo Di.”

“Nice to meet you.” Chen Zhao looked a little surprised when he heard Mo Di’s name. He turned around and gave out orders: “Uncle Wang, Uncle Li, you can put the luggage here. I’ll pack them myself.”

“We can’t have that. Young master, let us do it for you. We’ll make it quick.” After Uncle Wang came in, he gave Mo Di a courteous smile and said: “Sorry to disturb, this won’t take long.”

“It’s no problem, uncles, please go ahead.” Mo Di got off his bed and gave Chen Zhao a nod, then went to sit beside Xian Yu Chao. “Are you coding? Is this for a game?”

“Oh, bro, you have a good eye!” Xian Yu Chao’s eyes shone, “how did you know?”

“It’s a guess.” Mo Di smiled: “did you take part in the competition?”

“Bro, are you a fortune-teller? How are your guesses so accurate?” Xian Yu Chao turned his head excitedly, “did you also join?”

“En.” Mo Di nodded when he saw Chen Zhao and Lin Jun Feng also looked his way.

“What kind of game did you make?” 

“Cultivating kind.” Mo Di looked at Lin Jun Feng and Chen Zhao, “are you guys also in?”

“Not me. I went abroad to hang out with my little uncle.” Chen Zhao shrugged. “I played the whole summer and got this tan.”

“I participated with Salted Fish.” Lin Jun Feng pointed at Xian Yu Chao.

“Dunno if we can get past the audition. I’m kinda worried! When we finish our training, the results will also be out. Just hope it won’t hit me too hard.” Xian Yu Chao wailed.

“I believe you can pass.” Mo Di comforted Xian Yu Chao. “Let’s not think about the competition anymore. It’s twelve, let’s go for lunch. After lunch, we’ll take a look around the school and go get our training uniforms as well.”

All three agreed.

After Uncle Wang and Uncle Li finished packing Chen Zhao’s things and left, they locked up and went to the canteen.

In one afternoon, the four students chatted and found that their affinities were quite matching. Under Xian Yu Chao’s proposal, they decided to address each other as brothers. Xian Yu Chao was the oldest, Chen Zhao was the second, Lin Jun Feng who was the tallest but had just barely turned eighteen was third, and Mo Di as the youngest was the fourth.

At night, while Mo Di was brushing his teeth in the bathroom, Chen Zhao knocked twice and entered: “Xiao Di are you done?”

“You want to use the bathroom?” Mo Di turned to look at him.

“No, no. There’s something I want to tell you.” Chen Zhao squeezed in next to Mo Di and whispered: “Do you have a third brother named Mo San Zhi?”

Mo Di stopped his movement: “…yes. What is it?”

“Is he just like the other …family members? The way they treat you? The way their brains work?”

Mo Di was getting confused, “exactly what is it? Just say it.”

“Ai…” Chen Zhao raised his hand in agitation and pulled at his hair.

“I told you about going abroad to have fun with my little uncle right? My little uncle is a doctor. He once did a check-up for Mo San Zhi. According to his friend, Mo San Zhi fell in love with my little uncle at first sight. After that, he made his intentions clear and used all sorts of tactics to court my little uncle. Now… it can be said that he had succeeded. When I was in the States, my little uncle would keep talking about him.”

“If it weren’t for that Mo San Zhi being involved in the latest fashion design competition these past few months and couldn’t spend time with him, I’m afraid my little uncle would’ve fallen for him a long time ago!”

Mo Di’s expression changed a little. He suddenly recalled a certain person. “What’s your uncle’s name?”

“Song Yu. What’s wrong?”

“Song Yu?” Mo Di’s heart jumped. “Which yu?”

“Yu from yu shi (玉石 jade). Originally, it was supposed to be the yu word with a jin (金) attached to it (which is this 钰), but my grandmother was superstitious. The fortune teller she went to said that my uncle needed a softer word to his name so he can have a good life, and so the jin was removed. But my little uncle is not feminine at all, he’s just a little skinny.”

Mo Di unconsciously frowned and said: “Mo San Zhi is the same as everyone else in the Mo family.”

“Ha?” Chen Zhao did not respond in time, and when he did, he let out a shout, “This is not good! I can’t let my little uncle be with this type of high-grade weirdo!”

Chen Zhao yelled as he sped out of the dorm clutching his phone, about to make a call.

Mo Di looked in the mirror and spat out the toothpaste foam. He frowned again.

How unexpected, Song Yu was actually a man.

In his last life, Mo San Zhi was an outstanding designer. He built his career in America for about six years where he won in a prestigious design competition. A thoroughly devoted brother, he returned home to establish the brand “MLG”.

If he was not mistaken, Mo San Zhi should be coming back sometime the following month. In his last life, he did not bring back a girlfriend, much less a boyfriend. He only mentioned that he had a lover in America named Song Yu and was of Chinese descent, omitting the fact that Song Yu was male.

Even when the second aunt asked him to bring the girl named Song Yu back to meet the family, he did not contradict her. He only replied that the time was not right and that Song Yu had a job in America and refused to marry him for the time being. Even when Mo Liu Gui wanted to get a glimpse of ‘her’ photo, Mo San Zhi said that he did not have one because Song Yu did not like to take pictures.

Unfortunately, after half a year, when Song Yu decided to visit him in Hua Xia, his plane crashed and he died.

But this tragedy only helped Mo San Zhi gain publicity as an affectionate man.

Even until his death(Mo Di’s), Mo San Zhi had rejected the blind dates his second aunt set up for him. He said that he could not forget Song Yu and therefore, was unable to start a new relationship. He also claimed to regret that he did not bring Song Yu back earlier.

But even so, he never admitted that Song Yu was a man, fearing the prejudice the Mo patriarch and Mo Liu Gui might have towards him.

How laughable.

Mo Di thought that Mo San Zhi was just like the Mo family who treated Mo Liu Gui as the core of their universe, seemingly indifferent to any other individuals, but that was not the case. Look like Mo San Zhi was also quite good at being a romantic and affectionate….

…coward. 

For now, he felt that it was prudent to let Song Yu see Mo San Zhi’s true face. At least help him avoid the fate of even until his death, he still thought that Mo San Zhi was a worthy man.

After washing, Mo Di exited the bathroom and said to Chen Zhao who just came in: “What did your little uncle say?”

“My little uncle said he still finds it hard to believe. That Mo San Zhi is such a good actor!” Chen Zhao was frustrated, “but my little uncle also said that he believed me as well and now he was feeling overwhelmed. I can tell he was not in a good mood.”

“Give me your little uncle’s WeChat, I’ll have a word with him.”

“Yes yes yes, that’ll work.” Chen Zhao unlocked his phone and sent Mo Di his uncle’s contact information. He said in a serious and heavy tone: “Bro, my little uncle’s happiness and future are in your hands!”

Xian Yu Chao who removed his headphone just in time to hear this gave a ghastly look and howled: “What what what?! Your little uncle takes a fancy to our little brother?!!!!”

“What?” Lin Jun Feng who just arrived at the door was frozen in place, he asked with a face full of confusion: “Is that true? But I don’t care if it’s true or not, our fourth brother is still young! This father does not agree with the marriage! Absolutely not!”

Mo Di: “…”

What kind of roommates did he get?

Chapter 29

Due to the organizers’ sincere acknowledgment of its oversight and was reasonable in its explanation and ‘punishing the scapegoat,’ public opinion was gradually diminished.

The next evening, the official rules and regulations for the Hua Xia Innovative Game Competition were released along with the list of tentative rewards.

The reason the rewards were more lucrative was that the amount of public interest in the competition had increased tenfold thanks to the previous travesty. There was also an increase in the number of sponsors and the golden masters and daddies’ interest was also spiked.

The original prizes of five to ten million were now eight to twenty million, not to mention the influx of investors.

Mo Di went back to his hardworking days, coding and programming.

…

In the blink of an eye, half a month passed. Mo Di finally completed the majority of the coding and division of his storyboard. With some fine-tuning, the game could start its test run.

Currently, there were only five days left to sign up for the competition. Mo Di was not in a hurry as there would be an allowance of fifteen days before the audition round. That said, he only had twelve days to finalize the work because after which, Jing Da’s school term was going to start.

Pang Qiang Lang and Han Chao, whose work was only to draw, were finally liberated. After a ten hours long sleep, both of them were fully energized. They wanted to visit Mo Di and watch his game-making process, and at the same time, to be the first testers for the game. Because after learning of the game’s overall gameplay and settings, their eagerness was at its peak.

Although the game bore resemblance to the ‘Immortal World’ online game, there was an extra unique function called “were your wishes granted today?”

It was a special ability that the player would get when their character reached level twenty. There are different rankings to this ability and to rank up, the currency needed was ‘liver’ or ‘krypton’. And these two items, compared with the current large-scale online games in the market, were much more accessible.

This ability allowed players to use every NPCs (including the ones in dungeons) in the game world. The lowest level of the skill can be used three times a day and the success rate was thirty-five percent. By using this skill, the player can obtain information by reading the NPCs’ inner voices, opening new quests and secrets. Furthermore, by doing this, players were also able to obtain items including but not limited to weapons, weapons materials, potions, secret maps, armor, magic, pets, etc. The rarity and success rate was proportional to the level of the skill. Infinite possibilities and interesting features were possible depending on which character the skill was used on, the players’ affinity, and the level of the skill. 

In other words, the gameplay not only involved doing the typical dungeon exploration, boss fighting, looting, etc with other players, there was also an incentive for players to familiarize themselves with the NPCs and be immersed in the gameverse. 

This not only attracted players who liked treasure hunting but also those with a more relaxed playstyle and just wanted to unfold a certain storyline.

The skill may seem commonplace but it was a very interesting and unique function. This, however, was just the icing on the cake because Mo Di had also optimized other aspects of the game such as quests, upgrades, infrastructure, etc. All in all, the game was both conventional yet innovative.

From this, it can be seen how much work was put into the game. Not only were the concepts had to be well thought out but the vast amounts of programs to be written. Even with Mo Di’s talent, the effort he invested in this was undeniably admirable. 

But as long as his efforts paid off and the game was completed, it was all worth it.

The people who were involved all knew the hard work Mo Di had done. 

Every day, Mu Tian Heng tried his best to improve his already outrageous work efficiency just to come back and give Mo Di a hand. Pang Qiang Lang and Han Chao both pitched in their ten thousand yuan salary to get Mo Di a high-end notebook as his college entrance gift.

At the same time, they also decided that if the game managed to gain popularity and investors, they would only take seventy percent of their dividend and the remaining will be put aside for Mo Di to hire more programmers and illustrators for the next game. If not, their conscience was really hurting. 

What they did not know was when they made this decision, they had passed Mo Di’s final test.

On the third day after the registration period started, Mo Di finally completed the last few maintenances for the game and commenced the testing process.

This time, aside from Pang Qiang Lang and Han Chao, Mu Tian Heng and Lai De Si would also join them when they came back. It took several people a week to find three minor bugs while the rest of the gameplay went smoothly. At this point, everyone agreed that the game was ready to be registered. 

Mo Di spent another day writing the game’s introductions, tutorials, hints and tips, and also the storyline which he used beautiful language and literary style to arouse emotions.

Pang Qiang Lang was deeply moved after reading the script. He felt that Mo Di was just too talented. He was certain that the game would pass the auditions and Han Chao was sure that they could even get through the first and second elimination rounds. Their game was more conscientious than many others currently on the market.

Pang Qiang Lang and Han Chao exclaimed to their heart’s content, then turned to look at Mo Di. They suddenly realized that they were holding on to a big thigh.

After finishing the registration process, Mo Di slept for a whole night and morning.

For the first time, Mu Tian Heng felt this useless. He felt as if all he did was gnawing on the grass, and not much of anything else.

Hence, Mu Tian Heng decided to bring Mo Di out for some fun before he left for his military training.

The busiest period for his company was already over as his first large scale project in Hua Xia had finally taken root. Mu Tian Heng decided to hand out the bonus to his staff and also give himself a half day’s rest.

Mo Di woke up in a daze, not knowing the time of day. He walked out of his bedroom with messy hair and pajamas. Seeing Mu Tian Heng put him in a state of confusion.

“Brother, you didn’t go to work?” 

“I’ve just come back from work.” Mu Tian Heng looked at Mo Di tenderly, “it’s already noon.”

“Ah? I’ve slept for so long?” Mo Di, still confused,  scratched the back of his head, “Brother, why are you back at noon today? Aren’t you always back late at night?”

“The crucial part of the project is over so I give myself half-day off.” Mu Tian Heng walked over and gave Mo Di’s hair a rub, making it even messier. “Go wash up, brother’s taking you to lunch and have fun. We’ll come back at night.”

“…oh.” Mo Di nodded, turned around, and went to freshen up. Only when he finished washing his face did he finally digest Mu Tian Heng’s words.

Mo Di raised his head: “…”

It’s quite harmful to stay up late for so long.

At noon, the sun was shining bright. When they reached the parking lot, Mo Di realized that Mu Tian Heng had driven him to the authentic Beijing restaurant they had dined before. 

“There are a lot of dishes here that are to your liking, just right to help you get your strength back.” Mu Tian Heng got out of the car and slightly turned to block Mo Di from the glaring sun, then said: “Little one, don’t mind me using your favorite place to hang out.”

“Of course not.” Mo Di shook his head, feeling warm in his heart, he smiled and said: “then next time let’s go to the restaurant in Chun Xiang Road. Brother, you like the food there.”

Mu Tian Heng laughed and rubbed Mo Di’s hair: “Aren’t you a smart little one.”

“Of course!”

They both entered the restaurant in a good mood. Mu Tian Heng picked a piece of Lu Da Gun and took a bite then said: “last time I bought some of these and had Lai De Si bring them back to my parents, they both liked it very much.”

“Really! Then should we buy some and mail to Uncle and Aunty?” 

“Let them finish the old batch first or it might expire.” Mu Tian Heng looked at Mo Di and remembered one thing. He put down his chopsticks, “there’s something I haven’t told you yet.”

“What?”

Mo Di stuffed a piece of yellow pea pastry into his mouth. The delicate, sweet, and soft flavors were truly delightful.

“I’ve already found out who proposed the previous ban on minors participating in the game. I was worried that it would distract you so I did not tell you before.”

“Who is it?” Mo Di was indeed curious about the person who made such a suggestion.

Mu Tian Heng: “it appears he was called…Ye Guo Sheng.”

“What?!”

Mo Di stopped his chewing midway, looking at Mu Tian Heng in surprise.

“Ye Guo Sheng? Brother, you’re sure it’s him?”

“Yes. what’s wrong? Little one, you know him?” Mu Tian Heng noticed something’s wrong with Mo Dis reaction.

Mo Di did not answer but he sure knew who Ye Guo Sheng was: the father of the supporting male, Ye Cheng Feng.

Although Ye Guo Sheng was old-fashioned, his focus was never on gaming. He was not interested in it and therefore did not pay it any heed. Why would he get involved with this?

This is not right at all!

Mo Di ground his teeth as a conjecture formed in his head, making him both outraged and sick.

Did Mo Liu Gui also meet Ye Cheng Feng ahead of time? And this….did she have something to do with this?

But this did not make sense. Mo Liu Gui at this moment couldn’t have known he could make games.

Seeing Mo Di’s pale-looking face, Mu Tian Heng asked again: “What’s wrong, little one? You knew this Ye Guo Sheng?”

“Well, strictly speaking not really. It’s the Mo family that’s acquainted with him. And their relationship is… not bad.”

“A good acquaintance with the Mo family?” Mu Tian Heng’s brows kneaded together and his expression was heavy, “do they know that you can make games?”

“I don’t know. I remember that they don’t.” Mo Di was also curious about this point. Was this just a coincidence or the Mo family’s handiwork? If it was the Mos, then how did they know that he could create games?

“Forget it. Brother, let’s not talk about them. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Things won’t go their way.” Mo Di intentionally tried to bypass the topic: “I haven’t had a good rest for almost two months. Today I’m going to have a good meal and a great time!”

“No problem.” Seeing Mo Di not wanting to talk about it, Mu Tian Heng went along with him, “where do you want to have fun?”

“How about the amusement park?” Mo Di said: “no one has ever taken me to one before, now it’s finally time to make up for it.”

Mu Tian Heng glanced at Mo Di’s smiling face and his heart melted. He said gently, “alright, we’ll do whatever you want today. I’ll accompany you no matter how many times you play.”

“You better not regret that! It’s a promise then!”

Mu Tian Heng smiled: “Cross my heart.” 

And thus, after their meal, they went to the largest amusement park in the capital.

Both men played on every attraction available and only came out when it was almost dark. Each had a hotdog in hand.

“Brother, this is also delicious.” 

Mo Di took a bite of his hotdog which was overloaded with cheese and other toppings, feeling a small sense of bliss.

“Are you going to eat dinner? You’ve eaten so much junk food.” Mu Tian Heng shook his head helplessly and indulgently at Mo Di, “no more after this lest you upset your stomach. We’ll have some soup for digestion tonight.”

“No more meals. I’ve eaten so much. Egg tarts, sausages, waffles, pancakes, fruits, and hotdog. Too much food, I won’t eat dinner anymore.” Mo Di seriously and decisively shook his head.

“So you do know how much you’ve eaten.” Mu Tian Heng laughed at Mo Di, “alright let’s go home. Make sure to drink some soup for digestion.”

“En.” Mo Di nodded.

When they returned to the villa, Mo Di drank two large bowls of hawthorn soup and turned lethargic. He immediately said good night to Mu Tian Heng and went to wash up.

Mu Tian Heng also bid him goodnight and finally let him go back to his room.

Mo Di went to take a shower, brush his teeth, changed into his pajamas but did not go to bed. Instead, he went to his desk and turned on his computer. With a heavy heart, he strewed his ten fingers across the keyboard and ten minutes later, a report came back.

It was Mo Liu Gui’s WeChat account.

To check if Mo Liu Gui was indeed messing with him, her chat records would probably give out some clues.

There were a myriad of contacts in Mo Liu Gui’s WeChat but they were very well organized. Mo Di was able to quickly find Ye Cheng Feng under the ‘C’ heading.

Just as he thought, Mo Liu Gui had met with Ye Cheng Feng ahead of time. But what they talked about, he would need to restore their chat records to find out.

When Mo Di finished retrieving the chat log between Mo Liu Gui and Ye Cheng Feng, it was already twelve midnight. He could hear Lai De Si coming back like a drunk because he was singing in a tone-deaf manner. 

At this moment, Mo Di was not in the mood to go greet Lai De Si. The chat log in front of him had proved a situation that he dreaded the most in his heart.

“I did not expect that those internet mobsters would oppose your good suggestion. Xiao Gui, don’t be upset by it.”

“It’s nothing. It seems I gave this too much thought, unlike everyone else. I don’t blame them. Cheng Feng, You don’t have to take this matter too seriously either.”

“How can I not take this seriously….”

…

It was indeed Mo Liu Gui’s meddling, but why?

Mo Di’s mood was dreary. He recognized that he was too reliant and constrained by the knowledge from his last life. In his last life and even the beginning of this life, Mo Liu Gui was still the pure and innocent little princess who never took the initiative to harm others. Even if she wanted to step in, she would do it cleanly with her subtle words which always sounded harmless on the surface. She would not actively do anything by herself.

Now it seemed the situation had changed. 

Mo Di closed the page and shut down the computer.

In that case, his previous plans would have to be altered.

Mo Di then created a little algorithm that would monitor the hot search and each time there was news regarding Mo Liu Gui, he would be notified.

If he sees one, he will suppress one, sees two and they will have to face the same fate.

He will suppress it to the lowest! Don’t even think about showing up in the top twenty or thirty!

Was this method too crude and underhanded?

Sorry, but for the time being, being a gentleman had never crossed his mind.

In this life, he refused to let Mo Liu Gui become the national goddess like before where she gained countless more supporters.

In less than two days, Mo Liu Gui’s newly assigned broker and Sun Yi Lun’s staff felt that something was amiss. Every time they bought a hot search for Mo Liu Gui, in less than ten minutes, it would slide down the list or get overtaken by some other random news! As if the internet was trying to bury their hot search, this was just too mysterious!

Mo Liu Gui’s agent, Li Zhao Cai, was frustrated. He called and questioned Weibo’s management but the feedback he got was all bullsh*t. It was either they had a problem with their internal programs or that coincidentally, the other topics were also getting a lot of popularity. They guaranteed to fix the problem as soon as possible and compensated them with a free hot search with their next purchase.

Li Zhao Cai was angered beyond reconciliation but he did not know that Weibo’s staff were also at their wit’s end. They suspected that a hacker was eyeing their network and had been thinking of ways to deal with it.

After throwing a tantrum, Li Zhao Cai managed to restrain from smashing his phone. He then bought another two hot searches and when it did not even reach the top twenty, he decided to abandon the idea of buying heat for Mo Liu Gui.