Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
After Wen Xinya sent out the invitations, an uproar broke out in the city, even though they were just the tip of the iceberg.
Furthermore, the concept of her coming-of-age ceremony was fresh, unique and unprecedented. Everyone was beyond stunned to see that the venue of the coming-of-age ceremony was Shande Mansion.
Wen Xinya ushered in her coming-of-age ceremony while enjoying the attention of everyone.
Old Mr. Mo was sitting quietly in the study and staring at the vines and roses outside the window. The beautiful rattan crept down the window and there were some red rosebuds on the emerald branches. Due to the warmer spring this year, Old Mr. Mo reckoned that the roses would bloom a month earlier than usual, in April.
In the blink of an eye, Wen Xinya had turned eighteen. That marked the 18th death anniversary of Mo Yunyao.
Back then, Mo Yunyao would sit underneath the tree and play her instrument, or memorize some books and do some painting. It was as if they had just happened yesterday.
Wen Xinya was now standing proud and tall with her head held high. The past fifteen years of her life did not erode her pride, neither did the change from Heaven to Hell change her intentions. Wen Xinya had a mind of her own and was decisive. Although she was not arrogant or haughty, she was confident in her own right and possessed grit and tenacity. She often knew what to do despite being faced with adversity.
Wen Xinya was far more outstanding than Mo Yunyao.
Knock, knock… Someone began knocking on the door.
“Come in! The door isn’t locked,” Old Mr. Mo said while pressing his forehead, snapping out of his trance.
Wen Xinya pushed the door open and entered slowly. “Grampy, did you ask to see me?”
It was her eighteenth birthday and Old Mr. Mo had given her a call bright early in the morning. He had rarely asked to see her in such a solemn manner. Hence, she could not help but take it seriously.
Old Mr. Mo stared at Wen Xinya in satisfaction. Heartened, he said with tears in his eyes, “Xinya, on this exact day eighteen years ago, I received news of you going missing before I even got to take a look at you. This is one of my greatest regrets.”
Back then, he was in the midst of attending a literature symposium when Mo Yunyao went through premature labor. By the time he rushed home after receiving a call from the Wen Family, Mo Yunyao had already passed away and Wen Xinya had gone missing. He felt as if the world had come crashing down on him.
“Grampy, let bygones be bygones. Don’t bring up the past again. I’m standing right in front of you alive and well, aren’t I?” Wen Xinya said, holding onto his arm. In this world, he was the only kin of hers who treated her the best. He did not have any intentions to plot against her, make use of her or exploit her. Instead, he taught her wholeheartedly and was kind and forgiving towards her. She was filled with love for him. It was kinship that she yearned to have in her previous lifetime.
Old Mr. Mo teared up and stroked his head gently. “Yeah, it’s all in the past now. In the blink of an eye, you’re already eighteen. You’re grown up now. Your mother will be happy to know this.”
It was not the first time that he had experienced the misery and happiness of his female kin growing up. However, he was incredibly emotional this time, because… this kinship was attained through painstaking means.
Wen Xinya could not help but feel miserable at the thought of her mother. She rubbed her Grampy’s arm affectionately and said, “Grampy, even if I’m grown up now, I’ll forever be your cute and tyrannical granddaughter.”
Feeling extremely proud of her, Old Mr. Mo caressed her head and said, “How are the arrangements for today’s coming-of-age ceremony?”
Wen Xinya smiled and said coquettishly, “Si Yiyan rushed there early in the morning. I don’t think there’ll be any problems.”
Annoyed at the mention of Si Yiyan, Old Mr. Mo remarked in displeasure, “Hmph! That rascal has really stood to gain.”
He had meticulously put in the effort to nurture and teach his granddaughter, thus shaping her into the marvelous person she was now, only to have her taken away by the rascal Si Yiyan. He could not help but feel as if his most precious gem had been stolen from him.
Wen Xinya felt a little awkward. For the past two years, Old Mr. Mo had been regarding Si Yiyan with disdain. She truly respected Si Yiyan for putting up with it and continuing to show up frequently at the Mo Family home. He would either have a game of chess with Old Mr. Mo or gift him with precious gifts like ancient paintings, manuals, books, antiques, jade pieces… and many others.
“No wonder everyone says that you can’t keep a girl at home once she’s grown up!” Old Mr. Mo said in disgruntlement. He hated the fact that he had to give his granddaughter away.
Wen Xinya blushed in embarrassment and tugged his arm. “Grampy, don’t make fun of me.”
“Fine, I’ll stop teasing you. When I told you to think about it carefully back then, it was because you were still young and I wanted you to take it seriously. However, two years have passed and you’ve already become an adult. Yet, you still stay firm in your decision. Si Yiyan treats you well too. I shan’t say anything else then,” said Old Mr. Mo, who had witnessed how well and genuine Si Yiyan was to her. Si Yiyan was so thoughtful and caring that Old Mr. Mo could not find any fault with him at all.
Wen Xinya teared up and said while sobbing, “Grampy, I know you’re just doing it for my own good.”
Old Mr. Mo caressed her head and gave her a calligraphy piece. “This is my gift to you.”
Staring at the impeccable calligraphy on the snowy-white paper, Wen Xinya realized that Old Mr. Mo had written the word “Xin” beautifully. The ink was dark and spread out like a blooming flower; each stroke was gentle, elegant and beautiful.
There was still a tinge of tenderness in Old Mr. Mo’s calligraphy. Wen Xinya exclaimed, “Thank you, Grampy!”
Old Mr. Mo said sternly, “You must remember clearly. Your virtue and morals are going to be your most attractive quality.”
It was his hopes for Wen Xinya.
It was easy for humans to build things and reap the benefits. However, it was difficult to possess strong morals and values.
Wen Xinya hung her head low and listened attentively. “I’ll possess good character and morals.”
Old Mr. Mo nodded in satisfaction and said in a mellower tone, “Becoming an adult means that you’ll have to conform to your morals and ethics, and be responsible for yourself. You have to respect the law, and every word you say and everything you do will be subjected to the scrutiny of others. At the same time that you gain independence and authority, you have to perform your duties and be responsible.”
Wen Xinya said, “I’ll remember your teachings, Grampy.”
Old Mr. Mo helped her up and said, “Xinya, I plan to formally hand your mother’s dowry as well as the property and assets under my name over to you today.”
“Grampy…” Wen Xinya began sobbing, unable to speak at all.
