Chapter 34: Do Not Make Things Difficult for My Daughter

"Mmm, mmm," Lin Chuyi nodded her head frantically, her large, watery eyes looking pitiful enough to melt a heart.

Mo Yu's lips curled up. "Isn't your bottom hurting, Miss?"

Exactly! It was all because of you that it hurts, so hurry up and pay up!

"Ah, yes, yes, it hurts me to death!" Lin Chuyi wailed theatrically, her watery eyes darting toward his money pouch every so often.

Her intent was so obvious and blatant that she did not even need to speak for him to know exactly what she was after.

Mo Yu suppressed a laugh and said, "The young lady is right. Since your injury was caused by me, I would truly be uneasy if I did not do something to make amends."

Lin Chuyi nearly jumped up in excitement. This was the exact line she had been waiting for!

Seeing Mo Yu smiling, she coughed awkwardly and quickly sat up straight, composing herself.

I am a young lady, I must be reserved...

Although her face was already beaming with joy, she said with feigned hesitation, "Oh, how could I be so bold? I couldn't possibly let Brother Mo go to such expense... haha."

"Ahem..." Mo Yu coughed lightly, shielding his irrepressible smile behind his large hand.

She was already beaming with joy, yet she claimed to be embarrassed. Truly...

After composing himself slightly, Mo Yu said, "Ahem, Miss Lin."

"Call me Yiyi," Lin Chuyi interrupted.

"Yiyi," Mo Yu nodded and continued, "Rest assured, I won't spend too much. You don't need to feel embarrassed."

"What!" Lin Chuyi gasped, springing to her feet.

Mo Yu stood up as well. With a moved expression, he covered his mouth with a fist and said, "Yiyi, you are truly a kind soul. To spare me the expense, you have endured the pain to stand up. I am deeply touched by your consideration. Since you are so insistent, I will have to repay you another time. Do not worry, I will certainly hire the finest physician to treat you."

His words were delivered with such sincerity and thoughtful understanding.

Lin Chuyi stared at him, feeling completely undone. She was on the verge of tears; this 'injury' of hers didn't require money at all!

There went the silver that was practically in her grasp.

Lin Chuyi said anxiously, "Brother Mo, you misunderstood me. I... I am... Ugh!"

Unable to bring herself to say it, she stomped her feet in frustration and turned to run away.

Watching her retreat, Mo Yu's expression gradually returned to normal, shedding all traces of his earlier playful demeanor.

When Lin Zhixiang entered the main hall carrying a pot of premium Longjing tea, he found Mo Yu lost in thought.

Lin Zhixiang smiled and nodded, sitting down beside him. "Sorry to have kept you waiting."

"You are too kind, Magistrate Lin."

"Where are you from, Master Mo?"

"The Imperial Capital."

Mo Yu chuckled and picked up the teacup, gently brushing the lid against the rim. Every movement he made radiated an air of elegance and nobility.

Lin Zhixiang frowned imperceptibly. "Master Mo, you are my daughter's savior. Rest assured, I will certainly find the best inn for you to recover from your injuries."

Was this a dismissal?

Mo Yu smiled without a word; the statement was so polite that it left no room for rebuttal.

"This is a small token of compensation." Lin Zhixiang opened a box to the side, which was filled with ten gleaming silver ingots.

Mo Yu brought the cup to his lips and took a sip, sighing in satisfaction. "Sweet and fragrant without being sharp, the aroma lingers on the palate and refreshes the soul. An excellent tea."

He had completely ignored Lin Zhixiang's offer.

Lin Zhixiang was not annoyed. Instead, he pulled a bulging money pouch from his sleeve and said, "I hope you will not make things difficult for my daughter."

With that, he opened the pouch, which was filled to the brim with silver ingots, clearly prepared well in advance.