"Cousin Mo Yu, congratulations."
Just as Mo Yu was about to leave, a voice called out, making him pause. Turning around, he saw a thin, lonely figure slowly approaching. The young man had a blank expression on his face, clearly in a bad mood, but when he saw Mo Yu, he forced a smile.
"Cousin Mo Yu, I heard you've been in seclusion for a while. I didn't expect you to surprise everyone today," said the young man, who was none other than Xiao Yan.
Mo Yu was momentarily stunned by the familiar address and congratulations, but quickly realized the situation. Although Mo Yu's parents were no longer alive, his mother had been a cousin of Xiao Yan's father, Xiao Zhan. So it was not wrong for Xiao Yan to call him cousin.
He also remembered that his original self had a good relationship with Xiao Yan. While they weren't particularly close, during the past three years, Mo Yu was one of the few who didn't mock or belittle Xiao Yan. Instead, he offered him encouragement. As a result, their relationship was among the best in the Xiao family, apart from Xiao Yan's bond with Xun'er.
"I didn't expect to become the 'white moonlight' in Xiao Yan's mind," Mo Yu thought, amused by the idea. However, since they already had a good relationship, and Mo Yu held a favorable opinion of Xiao Yan, he didn't mind maintaining the connection. After all, Xiao Yan was on the verge of an incredible rise, set to become the 'Yan Emperor' who would dominate the world.
"Hello, cousin Mo Yu."
Another voice, elegant and crisp like a lotus in bloom, reached Mo Yu's ears. A faint fragrance, delicate and pure, accompanied the voice. It was Xun'er, who approached gracefully, standing beside Xiao Yan like a devoted partner, and greeted Mo Yu.
"Hello, cousin Xun'er," Mo Yu responded, suppressing the slight daze that came over him when he saw her up close. At this moment, Xun'er was undoubtedly at the peak of her youthful beauty, innocent yet blossoming. However, Mo Yu, having experienced countless enchanting women, witches, and divine fairies in his previous life, wasn't easily swayed. Although Xun'er was beautiful, her youthful innocence lacked the mature allure he was accustomed to.
Moreover, he knew that Xun'er's heart and mind were entirely devoted to Xiao Yan. Compared to her, Mo Yu preferred the original protagonist of his past life.
Xun'er was slightly surprised by Mo Yu's calm and composed demeanor. She was aware of her own beauty and knew how irresistible it was to most young men. Yet, Mo Yu looked at her with only mild appreciation, as if she were just a beautiful flower on the street. His indifference was not something she expected from a fifteen-year-old.
Considering the tester's earlier praise, Xun'er, born into an ancient and powerful family, couldn't help but wonder if there was more to Mo Yu than met the eye. Perhaps, aside from Xiao Yan, the Xiao family had another true genius in their midst. With this thought, her attitude toward Mo Yu became more serious.
"Thank you, cousin Mo Yu, for taking care of Brother Xiao Yan over the years. If there's ever an opportunity, Xun'er will make sure to repay your kindness."
Xun'er, always considerate and thoughtful, had noticed and appreciated Mo Yu's support for Xiao Yan during these difficult three years. Xiao Yan's well-being was of utmost importance to her, so anyone who treated him kindly earned her gratitude.
Hearing her words, Xiao Yan's expression grew more complicated, reflecting his deep feelings for Xun'er. Mo Yu, however, remained focused. While Xun'er's acknowledgment was nice, he was well aware of the girl's immense power and the ancient clan backing her. If he could tap into that power, it might help restore a significant portion of the black thunder in his body.
But Mo Yu knew better than to reveal his secret. Until he gained more strength, he had to keep his possession of the black thunder hidden. The last thing he needed was to become a target of the ancient clan, which could imprison him for life, even out of respect for Xun'er.
Still, earning Xun'er's favor was valuable. Mo Yu nodded and chuckled, "Thank you, cousin Xun'er. If I ever need your help, I'll be sure to ask. I trust you won't refuse."
Xun'er was a bit taken aback by Mo Yu's straightforward acceptance. Could he possibly know her true identity? But she quickly dismissed the thought. Her presence in the Xiao family was a well-guarded secret, and Mo Yu was just the grandson of a housekeeper. How could he know the extent of her influence? She concluded that Mo Yu was simply a straightforward person, even if his calm demeanor suggested otherwise.
Ignoring Xun'er's musings, Mo Yu turned to the still-dejected Xiao Yan. He recalled an inspiring saying from his previous life and decided to share it.
Placing a hand on Xiao Yan's shoulder, Mo Yu spoke earnestly, "Cousin Xiao Yan, your current situation is difficult, but it's not a reason to lose hope. Remember, don't look down on someone just because they're struggling now. You may have failed today, but that doesn't mean you'll always fail. I believe that one day, the entire continent will recognize your greatness."
Xun'er was the first to react. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Xiao Yan and Mo Yu, and she smiled softly, thinking, "The whole continent will admire him... Cousin Mo Yu believes in Brother Xiao Yan even more than I do. Maybe now, Brother Xiao Yan will finally shake off his despair."
As she observed Mo Yu's calm, unfathomable expression, a playful smile appeared on Xun'er's lips. In addition to Brother Xiao Yan, it seemed there was another intriguing person in the Xiao family.
"Thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west, don't despise the young and poor..."
Xiao Yan murmured these words repeatedly. Gradually, the young man's eyes regained their spark.
"Cousin Mo Yu, you're right. I'm still young. I'll find out what's wrong with my body, and when I do, I won't let my father, Xun'er, or you down!" Xiao Yan declared solemnly.
Seeing Xiao Yan's spirit return, Mo Yu smiled, nodded, and, after bidding farewell to the two of them, turned and walked out of the square.
As Mo Yu left, Xiao Yan's gaze remained determined, and he asked the girl beside him, "Xun'er, what do you think of Cousin Mo Yu now?"
Seeing the 'reluctant' look on Xiao Yan's face, Xun'er felt an odd twinge of jealousy but quickly brushed it aside. Following Xiao Yan's gaze, Xun'er looked at the figure of Mo Yu disappearing into the crowd. Her expression became serious, but then she mischievously replied, "Cousin Mo Yu has changed a lot. He's not someone who will be outshone by others in the future. Brother Xiao Yan, you'll need to work hard; otherwise, you might not even be able to see Cousin Mo Yu's back!"