Of course.

Good.

Good.

The two of them stayed silent afterward.

Mu Wansheng actually felt rather guilty because she was the one who was supposed to marry Luo Xing. However, an innocent girl ended up having to replace her because she did not wish to marry him.

Although Mrs. Mu repeatedly tried to convince her that five hundred dollars was more than enough, Mu Wansheng insisted on giving her cousin 20 thousand dollars for the wedding red packet.

She handed the red packet to Mu Qixing personally during the wedding banquet.

Mu Qixing knew that the red packet contained lots of money the instant she realized how thick it was. Despite her repeated refusal, Mu Wansheng insisted that she take it and even stuffed it inside her hand. She also told Mu Qixing to look for her whenever she needed help.

Touched to see how sincere Mu Wansheng was, Mu Qixing sad softly, Cousin, theres actually no need for you to do this. The person Im replacing is Wu Pingyang.

Its just a little token of mine. From now on, youll be on your own and you must be very careful all the time. This is my mobile number, Mu Wansheng said, sliding her a piece of paper. Youre really beautiful today, she added.

Mu Qixing smiled courteously and said, Its all just the makeup.

Your features were beautiful, to begin with. Women ought to treat themselves better. Only when you love yourself will others dote on you and love you as well.

Mu Qixing did not carry any hopes in leading a blissful life with the person she loves at all.

She knew that her life was unfortunate. Ever since her father passed away, she knew that she had lost her mother together with her father.

After her fathers passing, her mother dumped her in the countryside and left her to fend for herself. To make matters worse, the man whom she loved had even married another woman. Having suffered such great blows, she felt that marrying into the Luo family was not too bad of a thing.

She had nothing to lose, especially since the wealthy Luo family was willing to accept a country girl like her.

After having figured it all out, she stopped feeling uneasy.

Mu Qixing did not see Luo Xing ever again after completing the toasting ceremony and the registration of their marriage.

Just like she had expected, her husband did not consummate their marriage with her or return to their nuptial home.

Instead of calling Luo Xing, she proceeded to sort out her dowry and count the money from the red packets, after which she put them away and lay down on the bed.

She heard her parents-in-law questioning her husband as soon as she reached the stairwell when she was making her way downstairs for breakfast.

She slowly walked down the stairs and greeted in a gentle voice, Good morning, Father and Mother.

Mrs. Luo smiled and said, Youre up. Come here for breakfast.

Yes, alright.

Mr. Luo glared at Luo Xing, after which the four of them sat down by the dining table.

Mr. and Mrs. Luo did not wish to mention a word about Luo Xing staying out last night in front of their daughter-in-law. Mrs. Luo said, Qixing, weve never seen you before, and yesterday was the first time that we met. Hence, we barely know each other. However, weve still got a long way to go and well definitely get to know each other better in due time. Apart from Luo Xing, we also have another daughter, but shes already gotten a divorce. She frequently comes home with her children. Due to the fact that Luo Xing is our only son, we really hope that you two can give us a grandson soon. You two must buck up. Your father-in-law and I have decided to forbid Luo Xing from leaving the house from today onwards. Hes not allowed to leave the bedroom at night either. Well return his freedom to him once youre pregnant.

Luo Xing screeched, Mother, what are you saying!?! Are you grounding me? I have to go to work every day. How am I supposed to do that if you ground me?

Your father and I will be around to manage the company. The business is not going to fold without you. Just focus on making a baby and ignore the rest.

Not only was Luo Xing on the verge of despair, Mu Qixing was also flabbergasted. She was at a complete loss for what to do because she did not expect that from her mother-in-law.

I thought I could finally have some peace and still have a private life of my own even after marrying him. Yet

They were forced to put a square peg into a round hole.

She dared not speak a single word and instead waited to see how Luo Xing would react.

To her surprise, Luo Xing stopped after throwing a fit for a while.

Mr. and Mrs. Luo became even more adamant.

Hence, they decided to drop the subject.

However, they had also begun grounding him for real.

After breakfast, the newlyweds proceeded to visit Luo Xings ill-stricken grandmother.

The senior Mrs. Luo was rather pleased with Mu Qixings looks. However, her constant nagging and urging for them to give birth made Mu Qixing feel rather awkward.

She hurriedly returned to her room once they got home.

As soon as she entered, Luo Xing followed suit.

The first thing he did was to warn her, Ill never let you have my children.

I dont plan to bear you any children either, but what do we do now? I cant persuade Father and Mother. Youll have to do it instead, she said, staring at him.

I would have done so if I could. Why dont we put on an act for them?

What act? Mu Qixing asked, staring at him.

Tell my mother tomorrow that we got intimate tonight. Shell feel much more relieved and relaxed that way. Just pretend to get pregnant.

Mu Qixing immediately shot his idea down. I can tell your mother that we got intimate tonight but we cant keep it from her forever. Well have to undergo prenatal checks if Im pregnant. By then, our lie will be exposed. Even if you can bribe the hospital staff, what happens next? Forget about it.

Luo Xing remained silent.

He sat on the bed, feeling extremely frustrated. At this untimely moment, his girlfriend gave him a call.

He still answered, nonetheless, despite not knowing what to say to her.

Banqin, whats the matter? he asked.

Are you still going to come over tonight?

Luo Xing answered unrestrainedly, I want to but I cant my mother has grounded me and Im not allowed to go out at all.

Xia Banqin panicked upon hearing his words. Why is she grounding you? Did she force you to consummate your marriage with that woman?

Yes, but Im not going to get intimate with her. Dont worry.

How can I put my mind at ease? No, I must go look for you, she said, biting her lip.

Dont come over. If you do, youll be chased out by my mother and she might even call the cops on you. Just be obedient and wait at home. Dont go elsewhere, Luo Xing answered.

Luo Xing, lets have a baby. Im afraid that youd dump me. Your mother detests me so much and is so against our relationship.

I wont. Dont be worried. If you really want a baby, we can only make one when I can leave home. Ill come up with a way to get out of the house. Alright?

Xia Banqin expressed assent and said, Okay, but youre not allowed to get intimate with her. You cant share the same bed as her either!

Okay, I wont. Ill listen to you. Im hanging up now.

He placed his mobile phone on the table and held his hands together. Resting his forehead against his hand, he felt vexed and troubled. There was nothing he could do to retaliate and defy his mothers orders.