You have no aristocratic blood

Mo Ran excused himself from his brother, brushing off the heaviness of the conversation. He made his way back to Lixue, who was still engrossed in conversation with Mo Youran. The frail young girl's laughter tinkled softly as she spoke, her admiration for Lixue evident in every word.

"Enjoying yourselves?" Mo Ran asked, slipping an arm lightly around Lixue's waist.

Lixue turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze with a small smile. "Your niece is very charming."

"Ran'er is a bit too charming for her own good," Mo Ran teased, earning a mock glare from Mo Youran.

"Uncle Ran, don't make fun of me in front of auntie," she pouted, though her lips twitched upward. "I was just telling her how stunning she looks tonight. She's the most beautiful person here."

"Is that so?" Mo Ran's voice was low, but there was an undeniable softness in his tone as his eyes swept over Lixue. "I agree."

Lixue felt her cheeks warm under his gaze, though she maintained her composure.

"Alright, Ran'er," Mo Ran said, ruffling his niece's hair gently. "Go find your father before he accuses me of stealing his daughter again."

Mo Youran rolled her eyes playfully. "Yes, yes. I'll leave you two alone." She gave Lixue a quick smile before disappearing into the crowd.

Once she was gone, Lixue looked up at Mo Ran. "She's very sweet."

"She is," he agreed. "But fragile, like her mother." His eyes darkened briefly, but he shook off the thought. "Come, let's step outside for a moment. It's getting crowded in here."

Before they could move, a server approached, whispering something in Mo Ran's ear. His expression shifted, the calm exterior giving way to a brief flicker of irritation.

"I need to handle something," he told Lixue, his hand lingering on her arm. "It won't take long. Stay here—I'll find you as soon as I'm done."

Lixue nodded, watching him stride away, his figure disappearing into the throng of guests.

Left alone, she decided to wander a bit, her steps light against the polished marble floor. The grandeur of the mansion felt overwhelming at times, its opulence almost suffocating. She paused near one of the towering windows, gazing out at the sprawling gardens.

"A bold choice of attire, I must say," came a sharp voice from behind her.

Lixue turned slowly, her calm demeanor betraying nothing as she faced two women who radiated the same aristocratic air as the rest of the Mo family. Their jewelry glittered in the soft light, their expressions cool and assessing.

"Thank you madammes," Lixue replied evenly, though she could sense the tension brewing.

"Who would have thought Mo Ran would marry so… quickly?" the older of the two remarked, her tone dripping with feigned sweetness.

"And so unexpectedly," the second added, her eyes narrowing slightly as they scanned Lixue from head to toe. "I'm curious, really. One would think a man of his stature would take more time in choosing a suitable partner."

Lixue's smile didn't falter, though her grip on her clutch tightened. "I can assure you, my husband made his choice with care."

"Care?" The first woman laughed lightly, though there was no warmth in it. "Dear, you'll forgive us for being skeptical. Mo Ran has always been… particular about his associations. And yet, here you are. No family background of note, no connections to speak of."

"Not even a hint of aristocratic blood," the second chimed in, her lips curling into a smirk.

Lixue met their stares head-on, her posture straight and poised. "It's true that I don't come from the same world as you," she said, her voice steady. "But Mo Ran chose me for a reason. Perhaps that's something you wouldn't understand."

The jab was subtle, but it landed. The women exchanged glances, their expressions darkening.

"You have quite the tongue for someone so… out of place," the older one said, her tone sharp.

"Confidence without merit is dangerous," the other added.

Before Lixue could respond, another voice cut through the tension.

"I see my aunties are as welcoming as ever," Mo Ran drawled, his sudden presence startling the two women.

The tension in their faces shifted to forced smiles as they turned to him. "Ran'er, we were just getting to know your wife," one of them said, her tone sickly sweet.

"Is that so?" Mo Ran's gaze was cold, his arm slipping around Lixue's waist protectively. "Then allow me to thank you for your hospitality. Though, I would advise showing a bit more decorum. After all, she is your family now."

The women's smiles faltered, their discomfort evident. "Of course," one of them said stiffly. "We meant no offense."

"I'm sure you didn't," Mo Ran said, his tone laced with warning. "Now, if you'll excuse us."

He guided Lixue away, his hand firm against her back. Once they were out of earshot, he glanced down at her.

"Are you alright?"

Lixue nodded, her calm mask still in place. "I can handle myself."

"I don't doubt that," he said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "But you shouldn't have to."

Her heart gave an unexpected flutter at his words, though she quickly dismissed the feeling. "I'll take that as your way of saying thank you for not causing a scene."

He chuckled softly, his usual aloofness melting away for a moment. "You're full of surprises, Mrs. Mo."

"And you, Mr. Mo, have quite the family," she replied, her tone light but pointed.

His smirk widened as they rejoined the gathering. "You have no idea."