Chapter 115 The Smug Last-Place Car

So, Su Xiaoyu didn't go back to the manor, and her older brother took her out to fool around all day?

"I understand." Xiao Lingxi changed direction and instructed Zisu, "Go to Mother's courtyard first and tell her that I will change my clothes and then come over. I... I'll go to my elder brother's place first."

After saying that, without waiting for Zisu's reaction, she turned briskly towards Linfeng Garden.

"Brother, I'm sorry, I've come to apologize."

Upon arriving at Linfeng Garden, Xiao Lingxi went straight to Xiao Jingheng to apologize, bowing respectfully.

In her heart, she had already regarded her elder brother as one of her own, a reliable support, and someone who knew each other's secrets.

Therefore, whenever something happens, he can't help but come to his older brother for advice.

Xiao Jingheng looked up at her and, seeing that she was alright, asked, "You're in the wrong. You should go to your mother's courtyard. What are you doing here?"

"Big brother!" Xiao Lingxi's tone was pleading.

"Only you can help me with this. If my father finds out about what happened between me and Shen Moyan, I'll have my legs broken."

Xiao Jingheng remained unmoved: "Don't worry, you're a girl. Father only said he would interrupt Jingxuan, he definitely won't interrupt you."

"At most, it's just... finding someone to marry you off as soon as possible, so you can harm others."

Xiao Lingxi choked, realizing that her older brother was angry with her, and couldn't help but feel a little timid.

"Brother, it's not gentlemanly to stand by and watch someone die. I'm your own sister, are you sure you want to be so heartless?"

Seeing that Xiao Jingheng still didn't speak, Xiao Lingxi had no choice but to resort to her trump card.

"Big brother, I know you like Xiaoyu. I can keep this a secret for you. In exchange, can you help me resolve the matter of Shen Moyan in front of Father and Mother? How about it?"

Xiao Jingheng's hand holding the teacup suddenly paused, and he lifted his eyelids to look at her;

"Oh? Didn't you complain to your mother about this? What happened then?"

Xiao Lingxi recalled the last time she complained to her mother, her mother not only didn't believe her but also beat her up, and she immediately felt a little embarrassed.

"Times have changed, brother. I sent Xiaoyu to ask you for help, but she disappeared for a whole day. You two even returned home one after the other. Can you honestly say you weren't with her today?"

Xiao Jingheng then turned to look at her: "So? Xiao Lingxi, you've really grown up? You've learned to threaten people?"

Seeing that he was really about to get angry, Xiao Lingxi quickly lowered her tone: "Oh, brother, I didn't come here to be your enemy. I just..."

She sighed softly, her voice tinged with grievance: "I admit that I misjudged people before and was fooled by that hypocrite Shen Moyan, but I have really turned back now. If you don't help me, I really don't know what to do."

She gazed longingly at Xiao Jingheng, her bright eyes, which bore a resemblance to his, now brimming with dependence and pleading.

Xiao Jingheng had no intention of standing idly by. After a moment of silence, he said, "In the future, use your brain more and avoid causing trouble."

That means you've agreed to help.

Xiao Lingxi finally felt relieved, and her expression brightened. "Thank you, brother. I knew you were the best."

Thinking of something, her expression turned serious: "However, there is another matter. Today, the Third Prince clearly intended to win over Shen Moyan. He is now the top scholar in the imperial examination. If he really becomes the Third Prince's man, wouldn't that... be detrimental to His Highness the Crown Prince?"

Xiao Jingheng advised her: "The affairs of the court are not your concern. You just need to remember to be careful with your words and actions in the future, and stay away from those with wicked intentions."

Xiao Lingxi nodded readily, "Don't worry, brother, I'll remember. I'll definitely avoid the Shen family from now on."

Seeing that she had taken his advice to heart, Xiao Jingheng nodded slightly. "Yes, let's go. Let's go to Mother's. Don't keep them waiting."

...

On the other end, Li Mo was equally enthusiastic.

He also passed the exam, ranking one place lower than Xiao Jingxuan, who ranked seventeenth in the top three, while Li Mo ranked eighteenth.

For Li Mo, this was an exceptional performance, and he was very satisfied with his ranking. It was enough for him to brag about to his friends.

Of course, the first thing he thought of was sharing it with his fiancée, Lin Wan'er.

The next day, Li Mo wrote an invitation to Lin Wan'er to meet.

He even specifically chose a private room at Zuixianlou.

The candlelight was bright, the dishes were exquisite, and Li Mo also ordered a pot of fine pear blossom wine, his face beaming with excitement and anticipation.

"Wan'er, try this. The Eight Treasure Duck at Zuixianlou is the most famous."

He diligently served food to Lin Wan'er, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

Lin Wan'er thanked him and then asked, "I wonder if Young Master Li invited me out this time because... you've already figured out how to deal with Su Xiaoyu?"

After all, when they parted ways last time, Li Mo had vowed to help her deal with Su Xiaoyu.

Several days passed, and it was said that Su Xiaoyu was perfectly fine, without even a single hair missing.

Lin Wan'er couldn't help but feel annoyed by Li Mo's incompetence.

"Wan'er, I have good news for you. I passed the imperial examination this autumn."

"The top three, eighteenth place!"

Seeing Lin Wan'er stunned, Li Mo assumed she was too shocked by the sudden news, scratched his head, and continued:

"Although... this ranking isn't the very top, it's still worth all the hard work I've put in these past few days!"

After he finished speaking, his eyes were fixed on Lin Wan'er, as if he was waiting for her to show surprise and approval.

However, Lin Wan'er was first taken aback, and then her expression changed several times.

Shock, anger, bewilderment, confusion, and mixed with... a hint of disappointment.

Yes, it was disappointment.

Li Mo immediately tensed up, his tone becoming humble and somewhat ingratiating: "I know that this ranking... is still far behind those true talents and outstanding individuals, but Wan'er, don't worry, this is just the beginning. I will definitely work harder in the future to earn a good future in the court, and I will never let you down."

Lin Wan'er used a great deal of effort to force herself not to lose her composure on the spot. At the same time, she sneered inwardly.

However, he was lucky enough to pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). He became arrogant and boasted that he was only ranked eighteenth in the third class.

If it weren't for keeping him in check and using him to get rid of that troublesome Su Xiaoyu, why would she have come to this pointless appointment?

She sneered inwardly, but forced a gentle smile onto her face, while pouring Li Mo a glass of wine and saying softly:

"Really? Then congratulations, Young Master Li."

“It’s good that Young Master Li is ambitious. Wan’er… will wait and see.”

Li Mo was still immersed in his self-righteous joy and his vision of the future, unaware that the 'understanding flower' in front of him had already frozen his heart.

Li Mo received Lin Wan'er's "blessing" that she was eagerly awaiting, and although she felt it wasn't very enthusiastic, she was somewhat relieved and felt that the future was promising.

Feeling relaxed, I drank a few more glasses of wine. In addition, I ate some greasy food in the evening. Not long after, I suddenly felt a stomachache and had an unbearable urge to urinate.

"Wan'er, please sit for a moment, I... I'll be right back."

Li Mo stood up somewhat awkwardly, his face flushed and slightly embarrassed.

Lin Wan'er's contempt deepened.

They make no attempt to conceal even such indecent acts; they are truly not fit for public display.

She maintained her gentle and magnanimous demeanor, nodding slightly: "Young Master Li, please make yourself at home. I will wait here."

Li Mo happily agreed and hurriedly left.

As soon as the door closed, Qingdai couldn't wait to lower her voice and complain, "Miss, this Young Master Li is too much! I thought he invited you out today because he had a plan to deal with that wretched maid, but who knew... he was just bragging!"

"A mere 18th place in the top three, and a bottom-ranked one at that, is actually so smug and showing off in front of you? It's utterly absurd!"

Outside the door, Li Mo returned after leaving.

He had gone the wrong way and was reminded by the waiter to turn back. Just as he was about to push the door open, he heard Qingdai's complaint and froze in his tracks!