Guessing Lantern Riddles

Noticing Lin Zhixiang looking over, Mo Yu smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.

Lin Zhixiang was slightly startled and returned the smile, but deep down, he understood clearly that he probably could no longer fuss over formalities and etiquette with this young girl. Otherwise, the young master would likely be the first one to object.

Yet, some confusion still lingered in his mind. Logically speaking, the girl's words were somewhat improper for such an occasion, and there was no reason for the young master to help her.

"Well said!"

Just as the venue fell dead silent, a voice suddenly and abruptly rang out with enthusiastic praise.

Lin Chuyi could not help but look toward the source of the voice, only to see a tall and robust man clapping his hands with a beaming smile. Taking a closer look, she realized it was none other than Mo Sang, the one who called himself Young Master Mo.

However, upon seeing this, she was dumbfounded. Mo Sang was standing quite far away; surely her voice couldn't have carried that far.

While she was still puzzled, she caught sight of that enchanting figure sitting at the very front smiling at her. It was truly... she could not find the right words to describe it. In short, at his smile, her face grew somewhat warm.

What an absolute enchantress of a man! Lin Chuyi muttered inwardly.

Suddenly, Mo Yu spoke up, "Miss Lin makes a very valid point."

With just these few simple words, he instantly stirred hundreds and thousands of people into action. Everyone began to cheer vyingly, and the atmosphere instantly became lively.

Lin Chuyi stared blankly at the immensely excited crowd, still failing to react. Just a moment ago, Brother Mo's voice had clearly and distinctly echoed right beside her ear.

Gazing from afar at the emotionally stirred crowd, Lin Chuyi suddenly figured it out. Her words from just moments ago had somehow been amplified manifold by Brother Mo. As for why she felt this way, she couldn't explain it herself, yet she firmly believed that Brother Mo possessed such an ability.

"Thank you," Lin Chuyi smiled brightly as she looked toward Mo Yu, expressing her gratitude in silence.

Seeing those expressive and spirited eyes fixed upon him, the corners of Mo Yu's lips curved upward. This girl was actually quite cute when she wasn't talking.

"Why aren't you stepping down yet?" Lin Zhixiang glared at Lin Chuyi, who was still standing motionless.

Lin Chuyi stuck out her tongue in a playful gesture, yet obediently returned to her seat. Catching sight of Mo Yu standing in the distance, her face grew warm once again.

A smile was imbued in Mo Yu's brows and eyes, his captivating and seductive gaze slightly narrowed as if he were deep in thought.

Yet Lin Chuyi was left utterly spellbound by his casual demeanor.

Amitabha, form is emptiness, emptiness is form...

After silently offering a repentance in her heart, she gradually calmed her emotions. During the time she spent repenting, Lin Zhixiang had already delivered numerous auspicious and congratulatory remarks, and the competition's first segment had officially begun.

The first segment was lantern riddle guessing. These riddles had all been prepared beforehand by the young ladies present. The purpose of this round was to allow the maidens to better understand the literary talent of the gentlemen.

Lin Chuyi had long since found a seat, watching with rapt interest as the first young lady stepped forward.

Catching sight of the familiar hair accessories on the woman's head, Lin Chuyi was slightly taken aback—this turned out to be the very same companion who had been with Lin Zishan back at the inn.

She was clearly rather shy, and her voice sounded timid and hesitant.

"The long river sets with the round setting sun; please," she announced.

With that, she retreated to the side, lowering her head and remaining utterly quiet.

Lin Chuyi's gaze then shifted toward the gentlemen opposite them. Each of them was lowering their head in serious contemplation, though exceptions always existed.

That exception was none other than Mo Sang. He stood leisurely in the middle of the crowd with a carefree and roguish posture, actually cracking melon seeds with an air of complete detachment, showing not the slightest intention of taking the riddle seriously.

What a scoundrel!

Smiling sweetly at Mo Sang, Lin Chuyi suddenly spoke up, "I hear that Young Master Mo is exceptionally talented, a rare and great scholar. How about you take the lead for everyone with this very first riddle?"