Too high to reach

Chapter 61 Too Perfect
At first, the others smiled at Wang's incessant chatter.

But as she improvised, Mo Rushan frowned, Mo Ruhai broke out in a sweat, Mo Da blushed, and Zhuang Shi coughed lightly.

But they were hesitant to stop her; the woman was in a good mood, and a little cold water wouldn't cool her down. If they splashed too much and Xu Ke noticed, it would be embarrassing.

Throughout the entire event, it was all up to Wang Shi. She greeted the Xu family elders, praised Xu Ke, her daughter, and her sister's family. Her eyebrows danced with excitement, and her mouth moved constantly.

Mo Wen felt extremely embarrassed and filled with regret. Mo Yuan covered her mouth with a handkerchief, her eyebrows curving into a smile...

Mo Yi knew what her mother was like and didn't care. Instead, she carefully observed Xu Ke.

The young nobleman was politely cooperating with his mother, nodding slightly and occasionally agreeing, his attitude serious, without the slightest embarrassment or impatience.

That perfect smile lingered for a long time...

His own family members' expressions changed, but Xu Ke remained as calm as a mountain. What a skill!

Mo Rushan also had this idea. For so many years, he had no connections in the court and couldn't go to places where there was money to be made.

My immediate superior is Consort Dong's father, Grand Tutor Dong. Grand Tutor Dong is old and doesn't do much, but I haven't made any moves; I've been keeping things under control, and he's probably going to die in this position. What should I do?
The job I applied for before the new year is still nowhere to be found... Can this young man be counted on?

Mo Yi's doubts deepened. She originally thought Xu Ke was just an ordinary-looking young man who lowered his standards to betroth Mo Wen because he was good-looking and talented.

But unexpectedly, he himself was so outstanding! So... what was he after?

Yes! The ink pattern is quite outstanding!
But I'm not good enough for him!
Far from it!
It's too perfect, but it seems to be too perfect!

This made her feel uneasy, then she gave a wry smile. Why was she being so suspicious? Was she jealous of her sister?
Over there, Mo Ruhai couldn't stand it any longer. He took a sip of tea and then found a suitable opportunity: "Madam, didn't you say you wanted to brew some freshly harvested tangerine peel today to cleanse your lungs?"

Wang suddenly remembered, "It really is! Qiu Hong, go and cook some!"

Mo Ruhai laughed and said, "I've been drinking that stuff for two days, and my throat feels much better!"

Mowen seized the opportunity to whisper in Wang's ear, "Mother, please let Uncle and Father say a few words to each other!"

Just then, the butler had a moment to spare and handed a list to Mo Rushan: "Master, this is the gift list from Young Master Xu."

Upon receiving the document, Mo Rushan looked at the long list of numbers and smiled, "Ruqing, you're too kind."

"It's my duty!" Xu Ke said, standing up and taking a long box from his servant. "I acquired a zither the other day. It's said to be very valuable, but I'm not knowledgeable about music and don't know if it's genuine. Perhaps Miss Mo could appraise it?"

Wang saw the gift list in Mo Ruhai's hand, and then she saw the zither that Xu Ke mentioned.

Her excitement, which had just been suppressed by her daughter, reignited: "Ruqing is so thoughtful! Our Wenwen started learning the piano at the age of six, and among all the families we know, no one can compare to her! Wenwen, come and take a look!"

Xu Ke opened the box and took out a zither.

Urged on by her mother, Mo Wen walked over quietly.

Mo Yuan, who was standing next to Mo Yi, actually wanted to follow... Mo Yi quickly pulled her back, but Mo Yuan rolled her eyes and didn't move.

The zither was taken out; its body was glossy black, adorned with beautiful tassels. It was unmistakably beautiful and valuable.

"Wenwen, come and see how it is!" Wang urged loudly again.

"Yes." Mo Wen turned around and replied, her smile unchanged, but she was truly regretting it in her heart. Why didn't she tell her mother?

Now that things had come to this, she could only accept the zither generously and examine it carefully. "It's made of paulownia wood, from Guangling. And it's a masterpiece by Master Chen Xiao! What a fine zither!" Her eyes and voice were filled with surprise.

Xu Ke's smile deepened. "I'm glad you like it, young lady!"

"The zither I bought for Wenwen was brought back from Yangzhou by her uncle. It was quite expensive! But it doesn't compare to this one. Wenwen, quick! Play a tune for everyone!"

“Mother…” Mo Wen was a little embarrassed.

Xu Ke nodded in agreement: "Even the most precious zither must be played to one's own comfort. I humbly request that you try the zither, young lady! Firstly, so that we may enjoy the music. Secondly, so that we may see if you find it suitable. If not, we can exchange it."

Mo Wen nodded generously: "Please wait a moment, young master."

She turned and went out to wash her hands.

Madam Wang smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, the last time you heard Wenwen play the piano was two years ago, wasn't it? In the past two years, her skills have improved a lot!"

Like her, Zhuang's two daughters were of average talent and nothing particularly outstanding. Faced with Wang's smugness, they could only laugh and say, "Yes! That's wonderful!"

The maids quickly brought over the small table where Mowen usually practiced and placed the zither there.

Mo Wen returned after washing his hands, first bowed to everyone, and then sat down.

To be fair, Mowen does have some talent in playing the zither. Although her family can't afford a famous teacher, she is very good at self-learning.

Now, as she sat down behind the piano, her earlier shyness vanished instantly. Calm and composed, she raised her hand to test the sound, making slight adjustments. Then, she lowered her hand, focused her mind, and began to play. Today, she was playing "Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon."

The music is neither difficult nor profound. But it fits the New Year's atmosphere perfectly, and it also reflects the mood at this time.

Her expression was focused, and her slender fingers played the piano smoothly and without any hesitation. Her movements were graceful, and she seemed to be enveloped in a halo.

Everyone was looking at Mo Wen, but Mo Yi was still looking at Xu Ke.

At this moment, his expression... was more surprised than appreciative. He seemed not to have expected that Mo Wen could play so well.

My confusion deepened! According to my mother, Xu Ke personally chose Mo Wen for this marriage. But what aspects of Mo Wen did he choose?
Judging from his current expression, it seems he didn't know much about Mowen before.

If you don't understand it, how can you say you like it?
Although my sister is beautiful, she can't be considered one of the top ladies among the well-bred women of the capital, can she?

There's no childhood friendship... The gap in family background and talent is so huge, how can it be easily overcome?
There is absolutely no such thing as a good thing without a reason in this world!
really weird……

Seeing this, Xu Ke suppressed his surprise, sat there, and smiled as he appreciated Mo Wen's performance.

Today, my mother, out of excitement and pride, went off the rails, behaving in a vulgar manner and speaking in a loud voice.

Even my eldest uncle acted cautiously and ingratiatingly.

Xu Ke, from beginning to end, was polite, sincere, perfect, and impeccable! She almost seemed unreal...

Thinking back to Liang You that day, in front of his parents: nervous, honest, at a loss, yet trying his best to show his best side...

Is this the difference in family background? I thought about it for a long time… then shook my head. Perhaps I'm overthinking it?

After Mo Wen finished playing, Xu Ke offered a few very appropriate compliments.

Seeing that it was almost noon, Mo Rushan invited her to stay for lunch, saying, "Ruqing, why don't you have lunch at my place? The immortal Taibai from my hometown is quite famous!"

Xu Ke smiled and said, "Uncle, I will certainly obey your invitation! However, it's the New Year, and many guests have come. My father and brothers are worried that they might not be able to entertain everyone properly. Before leaving, they instructed me..."

He looked somewhat embarrassed.

Both Wang and Mowen were somewhat disappointed, but today was already perfect.

Mo Rushan certainly wouldn't make things difficult for him. "Oh. Then next time!"

So, Xu Ke smiled and said goodbye to everyone, and then Mo Wen saw him out.

Stepping out of the living room, Xu Ke's face softened slightly: "I'd heard that Miss Mo was a skilled musician, but I never imagined she would be this good!"

Mo Wen remained unfazed by praise or criticism: "On a day like today, I can only play cheerful tunes. My teacher said that my sad pieces are the most moving."

"Hehe, such a bright and cheerful girl, how could she be in the mood to play a sad tune?! Is she just pretending to be sad?" Xu Ke joked naturally.

"You don't believe me?" Mo Wen asked playfully.

"I don't believe it!" Xu Ke replied seriously.

The two of them laughed again.

The front living room is just a few steps from the main entrance; even if you walk slowly, you'll reach the main entrance in the blink of an eye.

Mo Wen was somewhat reluctant to part, and murmured softly, "I wonder when I will be able to see you again, young master."

"At most, six months!" Xu Ke smiled, his eyes narrowing.

Six months later, they will get married.

Mo Wen blushed again.

"Alright! I'm leaving now. A whole house is waiting for you! Don't let the elders feel that I'm being rude on my first visit."

"Hmm..." Mo Wen was somewhat reluctant to leave, but she had no choice but to say, "Take care, young master!"

"Okay." Xu Ke bowed, turned and left.

Mo Wen stood still, waiting for him to turn around and look back, just like before!
But this time, they didn't wait...

That beautiful figure disappeared right through the gate.

Mo Wen, clutching her handkerchief, returned to her room, somewhat dejected.

(End of this chapter)