NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Chapter 5: Xiao Yan: Xun'er, What Do You Think?
Chapter 5: Xiao Yan: Xun'er, What Do You Think?
"Cousin Mo Yu, congratulations."
Just as Mo Yu was about to leave, a voice made him stop in his tracks. Turning around, he saw a thin, lonely figure slowly approaching. The boy's face was expressionless, his mood clearly very bad, but when facing Mo Yu, he forced a smile.
"Cousin Mo Yu, I heard you've been in seclusion lately. I didn't expect you to surprise everyone today."
The speaker was Xiao Yan. Hearing his greeting, Mo Yu was initially taken aback but quickly understood. Though Mo Yu's parents were no longer alive, his mother had been a cousin to Xiao Yan's father, Xiao Zhan, so it made sense for Xiao Yan to call him cousin. Moreover, he remembered that the original Mo Yu had a decent relationship with Xiao Yan. They weren't particularly close, but Mo Yu was one of the few who hadn't mocked Xiao Yan during his difficult three years and had offered him encouragement instead. As a result, among their generation in the Xiao family, Mo Yu and Xiao Yan had the best relationship, excluding Xun'er.
"I didn't expect to become Xiao Yan's 'white moonlight,'" Mo Yu thought, amused by the original Mo Yu's actions. Since they already had a good relationship, and Mo Yu didn't dislike Xiao Yan, he didn't mind getting closer to him. After all, Xiao Yan was about to rise rapidly, becoming the 'Flame Emperor' who would shake the world.
"Hello, Cousin Mo Yu."
At this moment, a soft, clear voice like a lotus flower rang out, accompanied by a faint fragrance. It was Xun'er. Seeing Xiao Yan, she walked over to stand beside him, greeting Mo Yu with a touch of elegance.
"Hello, Cousin Xun'er." Watching the delicate girl up close, Mo Yu felt a moment of distraction but quickly composed himself. There was no denying that Xun'er was at the perfect age of budding beauty. However, having experienced so much in his past life, Mo Yu was not easily swayed. Despite Xun'er's beauty, she still lacked the mature charm he had seen in others.
Seeing Mo Yu remain calm and composed in front of her, Xun'er, who initially paid him little mind, was surprised. She knew her beauty was alluring to many young boys, but Mo Yu only glanced at her briefly, like one would admire a beautiful flower on the street, and then dismissed it. This was not something a fifteen-year-old boy could typically manage. Thinking of the tester's praise, Xun'er wondered if the Xiao family might have another genius besides Xiao Yan.
"Thank you, Cousin Mo Yu, for taking care of Brother Xiao Yan these past years. If I have the chance, I will find a way to thank you."
Xun'er had noticed Mo Yu's consistent encouragement and support for Xiao Yan over the years. For someone who valued Xiao Yan above all else, Mo Yu's kindness was significant. Hearing this, Xiao Yan's expression became complex, feeling deeply indebted to Xun'er.
Mo Yu raised an eyebrow at Xun'er's words. Unlike Xiao Yan, he understood the immense power behind this girl. If he could access the resources of Xun'er's ancient clan, he could restore a third of his Xuan Lei to full power. However, he knew better than to reveal his secrets without strong enough power to protect them.
Smiling, Mo Yu replied, "Thank you, Cousin Xun'er. If I ever need help, I'll be sure to ask you. I hope you won't refuse then."
Xun'er was surprised by Mo Yu's straightforward acceptance. "Does he know my identity?" she wondered but quickly dismissed the thought. Her mission was a secret even within the Xiao family. Mo Yu, a steward's grandson, couldn't possibly know her background. She could only conclude that Mo Yu was a straightforward person, though this trait wasn't evident in his demeanor.
Ignoring Xun'er's thoughts, Mo Yu turned to the still dejected Xiao Yan. He recalled an inspiring quote from his past life. Patting Xiao Yan on the shoulder, he said seriously, "Cousin Xiao Yan, your body may have issues, but that's no reason to give up. They say, 'The river flows east for thirty years, then west for thirty years; don't underestimate a young man's resolve!' You may be failing now, but that doesn't mean you'll always fail. I believe you will one day make the whole continent admire you."
Xun'er was the first to react, her eyes sparkling like diamonds. She smiled softly, thinking, "So Cousin Mo Yu believes in Brother Xiao Yan even more than I do... This should help him overcome his despair." She found Mo Yu's depth and composure intriguing, making him another interesting person in the Xiao family besides Xiao Yan.
"The river flows east for thirty years, then west for thirty years; don't underestimate a young man's resolve..."
Muttering this phrase, Xiao Yan's eyes gradually regained their spark. "Cousin Mo Yu, you're right. I'm still young. I'll find out what's wrong with my body and make sure I don't disappoint my father, Xun'er, or you!"
Seeing Xiao Yan's spirit revive, Mo Yu smiled and nodded, saying goodbye to the two before leaving the square. Watching him go, Xiao Yan's eyes were filled with determination. He turned to Xun'er and asked, "Xun'er, what do you think of Cousin Mo Yu now?"
Seeing Xiao Yan's earnest expression, Xun'er felt a twinge of jealousy but quickly dismissed it. Looking at Mo Yu's disappearing figure, she thoughtfully replied, "Cousin Mo Yu has changed a lot. He won't be someone who stays in the background. Brother Xiao Yan, you need to work hard, or you might not even see his shadow!"
(End of this chapter)