Chapter 36: Tang Mo: Risking His Life to Accompany His Wife

Chapter 36 Tang Mo: Risking His Life to Accompany His Wife

The two talked with increasing fervor, and the smiles on Xin An's face grew wider and wider. Eventually, she laughed boisterously and unrestrainedly, disregarding all decorum, as all her troubles were cast to the back of her mind.

Sensing someone's gaze falling upon Xin An, Tang Mo directly wrapped an arm around her shoulder and cast a warning look at those staring. Without Tang Mo needing to say a word, Xin An proactively leaned closer to him, giving the onlookers no attention at all, focusing solely on the situation on the pitch. It was Tang Mo who felt a hint of regret; he had forgotten that although this woman was fierce, she also possessed a captivating face, and he perhaps shouldn't have brought her to sit here.

"Quick, quick, quick, it's going in! Oh, what a pity!"

"Although Huntian Yuan is brave, how can he be as agile as the Blazing Lion? He's far too rigid."

Seeing her laugh so brightly and radiantly, Tang Mo smiled along with her. "He's retired from the military; he can't match the agility of a security bureau."

By the time they looked up, it was already noon. Ultimately, the Blazing Lion emerged victorious. Xin An clapped her hands until they were sore, feeling exceptionally refreshed. She turned her head and asked, "Is there more this afternoon?"

"There should be."

"Then shall we come again this afternoon?"

Tang Mo pressed a hand to his forehead. She was actually getting addicted to this. However, since they had already come out this early, there was no point in going back just yet. "Fine. I'll have Lai Lai go ahead and reserve a private room."

"Okay."

Only after the crowds around them had dispersed did Tang Mo escort Xin An away. On the way to eat, Xin An was still talking about the excitement from just now. "Don't tell me, but I feel so young right now. Just shouting loudly a few times feels like all the pent-up frustration in my heart has been shouted out."

"How do you play this? Do you need to place bets? Let's bet this afternoon too; it's part of the fun."

Tang Mo thought this woman might have gone mad, wanting to gamble even now. "It's settled then—we only watch one session this afternoon. Once we've watched, we go back, and you must keep this a secret once we return."

"I know, I know."

Xin An's eyes flashed with mischief. "If we get caught, I'll say you were the one who brought me. You'll be the one getting beaten."

"Can you please be a bit nicer to me?"

Tang Mo was moved to laughter by her audacity. "I kindly bring you here, and then you turn around and frame me. Where is your heart?"

"Hahahaha~~~"

Xin An laughed heartily, tears of mirth pricking the corners of her eyes. "Don't be angry. I'll treat you to lunch today. You can eat whatever you want."

"That's more like it."

The servants who had come along today were quite fortunate. Xin An was generous; after she and Tang Mo entered the private booth, she ordered several extra dishes for the driver, the two guards, and for Lai Lai and Chun Yang. They were all the restaurant's signature dishes, the same as what she was eating. Lai Lai ate until the oil glistened on the corners of his mouth, not forgetting to ask Chun Yang, "Is this the treatment whenever we go out with the Second Young Mistress?"

Chun Yang was gnawing on a chicken leg. "Our Young Mistress has always been this way. If you serve her attentively in the future, there will be no shortage of benefits for you."

Lai Lai beamed with joy. The driver and the two guards were simply devouring meat; they only had the chance to follow when the Young Mistress went out, but how many times a month did she actually go out?

"Old Sun, aren't you eating that chicken leg?"

The driver gave a simple smile and asked a waiter for some greaseproof paper to wrap it carefully. "I'm saving it for my old mother."

Chun Yang hadn't intended to interfere, thinking of Auntie Wang's advice about winning people over. She put down her chicken leg and wiped her hands. "Eat it. You drive the carriage well; consider it a reward."

"Waiter, bring another crispy chicken, wrapped in greaseproof paper to go."

The waiter nimbly went to pack it. Old Sun was very nervous. "Miss Chun Yang, this chicken isn't cheap. The Second Young Mistress will blame you; you shouldn't do this."

Chun Yang smiled. "I am the head maid by the Second Young Mistress's side; I can make small decisions like this. Besides, our Second Young Mistress is kind-hearted. She'll know you're packing the chicken to show filial piety to your mother and will only praise you. She won't be that petty. Eat up."

Lai Lai gave her a thumbs up and, in a fawning manner, refilled her tea. "Please look after us more in the future, Miss Chun Yang."

"It's easy, it's easy."

Old Sun received a whole chicken and couldn't stop smiling. The two guards picked their teeth, contemplating how to build a connection so they could follow the Second Young Mistress more often.

After eating, they went for tea; after tea, they continued watching the Cuju matches. By the time they finished, it was already evening. They decided to have another meal before heading back.

By the time they finished dinner, the stars were out, and they happened to encounter a night market. How could they go back now?

"Let's go, let's wander!"

Tang Mo followed behind, resigned to his fate. In less than half an hour, he was carrying a large pile of bags. There was no helping it; Xin An was in high spirits today, finding everything interesting, and if she found it interesting, she had to buy it. The two guards were also laden with various large and small items.

When another item was hung around his neck, Tang Mo groaned in misery. He knew this woman was fierce, but he hadn't expected her to be even more fierce once they stepped outside. Wasn't she tired?

"Don't tell me, some things in this night market are actually quite good. We should come here often."

"What are they doing up ahead? Fire breathing! Come on, let's go see."

Tang Mo rolled his eyes. After a few steps, he saw Yan Shimao and his brother-in-law, Liu Mingyuan, coming out of a teahouse. The moment their eyes met, Yan Shimao smiled. "Have you become a laborer?"

Tang Mo wanted to wave his hand, only to realize his hands were occupied. "Risking my life to accompany my wife."

Xin An turned her head, saw them, and doubled back. "Second Young Master Yan is also wandering the night market?"

"Sister-in-law."

Yan Shimao was very polite. "I was accompanying my brother-in-law for tea and was just about to head back."

Liu Mingyuan nodded politely, knowing that this was the person who had come to petition for Tang Yaoming's official position. Xin An said, "If you have things to discuss, I shall head back first."

"No need."

Yan Shimao did not avoid her and said to Tang Mo, "My brother-in-law has agreed to help. We just need to wait for news."

Tang Mo wanted to cup his hands in respect, but in the end, he could only bow. "Many thanks, Lord Liu."

"Since you are my brother's companion, just call me Brother Liu."

He could not fail to give face to his wife's brother, so Tang Mo took the opportunity. "Thank you, Brother Liu."

He conveniently stuffed the items in his hands toward them. "These were all picked from the night market just now. They aren't precious, but they are interesting. Brother Liu, take them back for Sister Yan to play with."

"No need for such politeness."

Tang Mo stepped forward and lowered his voice. "Brother Liu, please help me. My arms are about to break. My wife's shopping habits are terrifying; I truly cannot bear it anymore."

Yan Shimao laughed on the side and turned to complain to Xin An, "Sister-in-law, Second Brother Tang can't carry any more. He wants to give your purchases away."

Xin An laughed merrily. "Well, what can be done? I can only let him be. If he breaks his arms from exhaustion later, won't he come to me for compensation?"

"Brother Liu, please take these. They are just little trinkets that girls like; they aren't worth much. Take them back for Sister-in-law to enjoy. If she likes them, I'll arrange for her to come wandering with us personally; it's quite fun."

Liu Mingyuan smiled as he accepted the pile of trinkets. His wife loved these little knick-knacks; it would be good to bring them back to please her. "Thank you, Second Brother Tang."

Tang Mo swung his arms exaggeratedly. "I am finally saved."

"Forget it, I'll take her back first. If we keep wandering, won't I lose half my life?"

"Brother Liu, Brother Yan, we shall take our leave. I will invite you for tea another day."

After a few polite exchanges, Tang Mo led Xin An forward. Watching their retreating backs, Liu Mingyuan found it quite amusing. "They say that by changing wives, Second Brother Tang took a great loss, but from what I see, he seems quite happy."

Yan Shimao smiled. "Perhaps this is fate. I think he and the Lady of the Xin family are a very good match."

"Brother-in-law, you must help him well. Second Brother Tang is a very honest man; it's just his luck is poor. He didn't get his father's affection; it hasn't been easy for him."

(End of Chapter)