Chapter 23: The Beauty in the Cheongsam

Lily of the Valley's lips curved with a faint smile. "Mr. Mo, you really like to joke with me! But..."

"But what?" he asked.

"Would you consider giving us a raise, so that those of us under you might actually afford such things?"

Mo Zhicheng gave a slight smile but deftly sidestepped her words, looking her over with an unhurried air. "Put it on," he said, his tone carrying a subtle command. Lowering his gaze, he glanced at his watch, his eyes making it clear the meeting was over for the day. Lily of the Valley could not refuse further; she took the garment he offered and followed him out of the bespoke shop.

—How I long to ask you if you have ever truly cared for me!

Not far away, a phone rang. Mo Zhicheng paused and turned to look back at her. She stood momentarily stunned, did not answer, and quietly ended the call.

The storm had nearly passed, leaving only a few scattered drops. Lily of the Valley looked up at the sky. "Mr. Mo, the rain has eased," she said, hinting at her wish to leave alone. The chill outside made her shiver; she hugged herself tightly. From the side, the tall silhouette of Mo Zhicheng was even more striking. He glanced back and, seeing her trembling, took the coat from her bag and handed it to her. Though he said nothing, she understood—he was lending her his coat.

She hesitated, but at last Mo Zhicheng spoke. "Put it on."

"—"

"Don't make me repeat myself."

"Thank you," she whispered.

The driver was waiting outside. Seeing her and Mo Zhicheng emerge together, he hurried to open the car door. Mo Zhicheng walked to the Bentley, and at the moment he stepped in, he looked back at her.

"Mr. Mo, I know you're busy. I won't trouble you any longer. And... thank you for the coat," Lily of the Valley said politely.

He gave no reply, withdrew his gaze, and got into the car. The Bentley sped off, vanishing at the end of the street. Only when he was truly gone did Ye Lily of the Valley sigh softly and look down at the coat draped over her shoulders. Lost in thought, she picked up her phone. It had been Ye Shenghan calling earlier; with Mo Zhicheng present, she hadn’t dared answer, lest she arouse suspicion.

Casting a wary glance around, Lily of the Valley dialed back.

"Young Master Ye—"

The line connected after just a single ring. The man's voice came through. "Why did you hang up on me just now?"

"It was inconvenient," she replied quietly. "Young Master Ye, has something happened?"

"I thought you were on the night shift today and would be at home during the day, so I went over without calling first, but you weren't there. Where are you?"

He went to her house?! Lily of the Valley hurried to ask, "Young Master Ye, where are you now?"

"I should be asking you that," came his reply.

She explained, "There was a heavy rain. I happened to run into Mo Zhicheng's car."

"You were with him?" Ye Shenghan's voice was tense, almost urgent.

"He's just left. I'll come to you, Young Master Ye."

"I'll pick you up! Tell me where you are now!"

Looking around, she realized this was a place Mo Zhicheng frequented, and the old tailor had seen her here as well; it would not do for her and Ye Shenghan to meet here. After thinking for a moment, she suggested, "Let's meet at Muqing Garden!"

Ye Lily of the Valley hurried to Muqing Garden, only to find Ye Shenghan had already arrived. She recognized his car at once. As she slipped into the passenger seat, she noticed that Brother Yuchen was not there—he had come alone.

"Young Master Ye," she murmured.

He turned to look at her. She was wrapped in a black overcoat—clearly a man's garment. The heater was on inside the car; she quickly took off the coat, revealing the cheongsam beneath that outlined her graceful figure. He stared, his hand on the steering wheel unconsciously tightening.