A Day’s Rest and Dinner Table Discussions

“Do you need me to carry you?”

Minutes later, Mo Bai returned to the room with clothes in hand. He watched Bai Xia, who had already put on her nightgown, her legs trembling slightly after getting out of bed. A smile played on his lips as he spoke.

Such was the nature of the little one—her legs were so weak she could barely stand, yet she stubbornly clung to her pitiful pride.

Mo Bai’s smile deepened as he observed her leaning against the wall, her legs quivering, yet still trying to maintain a composed façade.

“I… I can go by myself,” Bai Xia retorted, her voice firm.

‘Let him carry me to the bathroom? No way…’

Who knew what might happen next?

Bai Xia could already imagine it—Mo Bai would definitely use the excuse of helping her wash to sneak into the bathroom, touching her here and there, and leaving her flustered all over again.

‘Last night was already bad enough… I’m not falling for it again.’

Alas, Mo Bai gave her no chance to struggle. In the next instant, he leaned down and scooped her into his arms. Startled, she let out a small gasp and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Mo Ge!” Bai Xia protested, her face flushed, her calves dangling weakly in the air. “Put me down…”

“The bathroom floor is very slippery,” Mo Bai said, carrying her steadily toward the bathroom, a teasing smirk on his lips. “I wouldn’t want my little maid to fall and then blame me.”

“You big bully! You just want to pick on me!” Bai Xia clenched her fists and lightly pounded his shoulder, though the force was as soft as a child’s complaint.

Mo Bai chuckled and deliberately loosened his grip slightly. The sudden shift made the girl tighten her hold around his neck.

“Good girl. Be obedient.”

****

“M-Move back a little… you’re poking me.”

“I can’t help it. I was helping you all night, after all.”

“Then why did you even come in?”

“What’s wrong with bathing with my own maid?”

“You…”

“Bai Xia… just once~”

“You’re just taking advantage of being my master to bully me!”

****

After emerging from the bathroom, Bai Xia felt as though her arms were completely useless.

The girl glared at the refreshed young man beside her, her expression a mix of shame and indignation. However, he merely smiled and ruffled her head, which only made Bai Xia want to bite him—though she lacked the strength to do so.

Mo Bai simply smiled, saying nothing.

To be honest, he didn’t even know why, but he found Bai Xia particularly adorable when she was clearly angry yet completely helpless against him.

Dressed in a pure white nightgown, her small feet in slippers, and her damp hair now dry, the white-haired girl—who had slept an entire day—finally made her way to the mansion’s living room, albeit unsteadily, with Mo Bai by her side.

After all that commotion, evening was approaching.

The last rays of the setting sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow over them as they walked. Bai Xia’s legs were still weak, forcing her to lean slightly on Mo Bai for support.

Mo Bai had initially wanted to carry her again, but with his parents present, Bai Xia had vehemently refused. In the end, he settled for supporting her.

“You two are finally up. It’s almost dinner time.”

In the living room, Mo Bai’s parents were seated on the sofa, sipping tea. Upon seeing them enter, they paused and looked over.

Bai Ruoxi set down her teacup, a faint smile in her eyes. “Little Bai Xia, did you rest well? We stewed chicken soup for dinner—make sure to have plenty later.”

“Get some rest early tonight. Don’t overexert yourself,” Mo Hongyi added calmly, though his tone carried a faint hint of criticism toward Mo Bai.

Though their words were directed at Bai Xia, the implication was obvious.

Bai Xia’s face instantly flushed crimson.

‘They definitely know…!’

Each sentence made it sound as if she had been completely… overwhelmed.

“U-um… good afternoon, Uncle, Auntie,” Bai Xia greeted awkwardly.

“Mm, have a seat. Dinner will be ready soon,” Mo Hongyi said, breaking the slightly tense atmosphere. He gestured for a maid to bring snacks and hot drinks.

“Okay…”

Bai Xia responded softly, sitting stiffly on the sofa. Unsure what to say, she stayed close to Mo Bai, quietly listening.

Although Mo Bai tried to draw her into the conversation, she only managed a few timid responses.

‘Why am I like this…’

In truth, Bai Xia didn’t want to act this way, but the pressure from Mo Bai’s parents was overwhelming.

A girl from the very bottom of society, suddenly facing one of the most powerful families in the imperial capital—how could she not feel nervous?

Years of hardship had worn her personality smooth. To survive, she had learned to bow her head, endure silently, and read others’ expressions.

So, in front of a family like the Mos, that ingrained humility made natural conversation nearly impossible. Combined with her naturally timid personality, she could only remain cautious.

“Little Bai Xia, how do you find the environment here? Is it acceptable?” Bai Ruoxi asked gently, pushing tea and snacks toward her.

Bai Xia nodded quickly. “Of course… it’s more than acceptable. It’s actually too good…”

“That’s good to hear,” Bai Ruoxi smiled.

‘She’s adorable… but far too timid.’

After resting for a while, dinner was served.

At the table, Mo Hongyi brought up another topic.

“Bai Xia.”

The sudden call startled her. She quickly responded, “U-Uncle, yes?”

“Since you’ve decided to participate in the selection test with Mo Bai, follow him to the Blade-Wielding Organization tomorrow. You can train there and also finalize your identity registration.”

“Y-Yes, Uncle,” Bai Xia replied immediately.

At this point, she had no reason to refuse.

‘Following Mo Ge is my best option…’

After all, this was a top-tier family in the imperial capital—far beyond anything she could reach. Being picky now would only seem ungrateful.

Bai Xia quietly ate her dinner, her mind filled with small, restless thoughts.