Rebirth: My Reclusive Husband Helps Me Get Revenge!-Chapter 54: Yu Jia’s schemes(1)
"Mo Ran!" she exclaimed, rising from her seat. "You’re back? I thought you wouldn’t return so soon!"
"I finished early," he said simply, stepping closer. "I didn’t want to stay away longer than I needed to."
Relief and happiness washed over her, and she felt a lump form in her throat. She hadn’t realized how much she had missed him until he was right there in front of her.
Mo Ran reached and scooped her into his arms "What a naughty wife I have, you didn’t even call me once.."
Burying her face in his chest. The scent of him—a mixture of cedarwood and something uniquely him—was soothing.
"I’m glad you’re back" she said softly.
Mo Ran’s arms still wrapped around her, holding her tightly. "I missed you too."
When she pulled back, her expression shifted, the earlier tension creeping back into her features.
Lixue’s smile brightened as she gazed up at Mo Ran. "You’re back earlier than I expected. Did everything go well in Country C?"
Mo Ran set down his bag and stepped closer, his eyes softening as he took in her delicate features. "It went fine. I wanted to finish early so I could come back to you."
The warmth in his voice sent a comforting wave through her. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, keeping her expression light. "You didn’t have to rush. I would’ve been fine waiting."
Mo Ran raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "Fine, but lonely. Don’t think I didn’t notice you avoiding my calls. Busy ignoring your husband, were you?"
Lixue flushed, laughing softly. "I wasn’t ignoring you! I just... didn’t want to disturb you while you were working."
"Disturb me? Lixue, you’re the only disturbance I’ll ever welcome," he said, still pulling her gently into his arms.
Nestled against him, Lixue felt a momentary reprieve from the tension that had been clouding her mind since her encounter with Yu Jia. She let herself savor the moment, unwilling to let her worries taint his return.
"How’s everything been while I was away?" Mo Ran asked, his chin resting lightly on her head.
"Good," she replied quickly, not meeting his eyes. "Everything’s been peaceful."
Mo Ran pulled back slightly, studying her. "You sure? You seem a little tense."
Lixue forced a smile, placing a hand on his chest. "I’m just tired. I’ve been working on a new piece, and it’s taken a lot of my focus."
Mo Ran frowned but didn’t press further. "You work too hard. Maybe I should keep a closer eye on you."
"I’m fine," Lixue said, laughing softly. "I promise."
Mo Ran’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Alright. But if something’s bothering you, you’ll tell me, won’t you?"
"Of course," she lied smoothly, the weight of her secret pressing heavier on her chest.
For now, she wanted to keep this moment undisturbed. Mo Ran had just returned, and the last thing she wanted was to burden him with Yu Jia’s schemes. She convinced herself that she could handle it on her own, at least for a little while longer.
Mo Ran glanced at the darkening sky and gently squeezed Lixue’s hand. "It’s getting chilly out here. Let’s head inside."
Lixue nodded, her smile unwavering. "You must be tired from the trip anyway. I’ll make you some tea."
He chuckled as they walked back toward the house. "Are you trying to spoil me already?"
"Maybe," she teased, her tone light as she opened the door and stepped into the warm interior.
The house was quiet, with soft, warm lighting casting a cozy glow across the polished floors and tastefully decorated living room. Mo Ran shrugged off his coat, hanging it neatly by the door before turning back to Lixue.
"Home feels different when you’re here," he said, his voice soft as his gaze lingered on her.
Lixue’s cheeks flushed as she made her way to the kitchen, motioning for him to sit. "You’ve only been gone for a little while, and you’re already this sentimental?"
Mo Ran followed her into the kitchen, leaning against the counter instead of sitting. "Can you blame me?"
She tried to ignore the way his gaze made her heart flutter as she busied herself preparing the tea. The rhythmic clinking of cups and the soft hiss of the kettle filled the space.
Mo Ran watched her intently, his expression unreadable. Finally, he spoke. "Lixue."
She paused, turning to him with a questioning look. "What is it?"
"Are you sure everything’s fine?" he asked, his tone serious now. "You seem... distracted."
Lixue’s hands stilled for a moment, her back to Mo Ran. She took a deep breath and turned with a smile, carefully concealing the unease that had been eating away at her since her confrontation with Yu Jia.
"I’m fine, really," she said, brushing off his concern. "Just a lot on my mind with the new music I’m working on. It’s nothing you need to worry about."
Mo Ran stepped closer, his brows furrowing as he reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Lixue, you know you don’t have to handle everything on your own. If there’s something bothering you..."
Before he could finish, a set of footsteps descended the stairs, drawing their attention. Auntie Feng, entered the kitchen, her warm smile brightening the room.
"Young Master! You’re back so soon!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine delight. "You didn’t tell us you’d be returning tonight."
Mo Ran stepped back, letting his arm fall to his side, though his eyes stayed on Lixue for a moment longer before he turned to greet Auntie Feng. "I wanted to surprise everyone," he said with a small smile. "It’s good to be home."
Auntie Feng clapped her hands together. "It’s wonderful to see you, Young Master. I’ll prepare your favorite dishes for dinner tomorrow. Tonight, I’ll warm up what we have, so you and Young Madam can relax."
Lixue quickly chimed in, "Thank you, Auntie Feng. I just finished making some tea for us. Why don’t you join us?"
"Oh no, Young Madam, you two enjoy your time," Auntie Feng said with a knowing smile. "I’ll be in the living room if you need anything." She gave them a little nod before heading out, leaving the couple alone once again.
