Substitute Bride's Husband Is An Invisible Rich Man Chapter 3 - All Belongings

They were seated across from one another, consuming their noodles in an atmosphere of quietude. Mo Yan would steal furtive glances at Luo Tao periodically, observing his exceptionally refined noodle-eating technique. He made no sound, his movements possessing an elegance that suggested a young noble rather than a rustic country lout.

“Luo Tao appears to be a respectable individual,” Mo Yan mused internally.

Yet, the sight of her bleak surroundings—the humble dwelling and the tell-tale signs of a leaking roof—prompted her to dismiss such fanciful notions.

Upon finishing his noodles, Luo Tao calmly surveyed Mo Yan, whose dining style reminded him of a busy hamster, a sight that lifted his spirits. He patiently awaited her completion of the meal.

Mo Yan set down her bowl, finding Luo Tao regarding her with an unreadable expression, which made her feel somewhat uneasy.

“Um, is there something on my face?”

Mo Yan awkwardly touched her cheek, her nervousness escalating under Luo Tao’s gaze.

She harbored a strong desire to understand Luo Tao’s intentions for their future together—how, as a married couple, they would manage living expenses and sustain themselves.

Noticing Luo Tao shake his head, Mo Yan nibbled her lip and cautiously inquired, “Um... What are your plans for today?”

“Exercise. Why?” Luo Tao slid his chair back, rising and stretching his body.

His physician had mandated daily exercise to aid his body’s recovery and mitigate lingering complications, deeming it highly beneficial for his overall health.

“Oh, alright. I’ll head to the city later to return the wedding dress.”

Mo Yan’s spirits visibly dampened. Catching Luo Tao’s glance, she managed a weak smile and reached for the two sets of tableware.

While Luo Tao seemed indifferent to their wedding arrangements, he remained unaware of the considerable effort Mo Yan had expended to rent her wedding dress.

Despite his initial disinterest, Luo Tao’s brow furrowed slightly at the sight of Mo Yan’s dejected demeanor. He stopped her, saying, “Wait a moment.”

“What is it?” Mo Yan appeared perplexed.

Luo Tao approached the dilapidated mahogany lacquer cabinet, retrieved a small, intricately carved wooden box from the lowest drawer, and presented it to Mo Yan.

“What’s this?” Mo Yan accepted it, feeling its weight. Confused, she opened the lid to reveal a luminous jade bracelet nestled within.

While Mo Yan lacked expertise in jade appraisal, the bracelet's color and apparent quality instantly signaled its considerable value.

Luo Tao briefly observed the jade bracelet, recalling his assistant mentioning it was acquired through a lucky draw. Presenting it to Mo Yan now felt like a gesture of respect.

“These are all our possessions. Since we are married, this bracelet is now yours.”

Mo Yan, stunned, wondered how Luo Tao, whom she believed to be destitute, possessed such a valuable item. She clutched the wooden box, her voice filled with astonishment, “Ah, such a precious bracelet…”

“Take it.” Luo Tao departed the house without another word.

This must be the Luo family’s final valuable possession, Mo Yan resolved, vowing to safeguard it for Luo Tao’s sake.

Mo Yan exhaled softly, closing the wooden box and carefully replacing the bracelet.

By the time Mo Yan had washed and dried the wedding dress and journeyed to the city via a rattling rural bus, midday had arrived.

Her stepmother and father had provided nothing for her wedding. Furthermore, having exhausted her funds on her mother’s medical treatment, she was severely lacking in money, leaving her with no choice but to rent a wedding dress.

The shop where she rented the gown was situated within a shopping mall. It wasn’t overly luxurious, but its appealing selection and reasonable prices had led Mo Yan to choose it.

As Mo Yan struggled into the shop, carrying a large bag containing the wedding dress, the female shop assistant, engrossed in her phone behind the counter, look up lazily. After a dismissive inspection of Mo Yan, she pinched the hem of the dress between two fingers and remarked disapprovingly, “Really, you just got married. How did you manage to ruin the wedding dress like this? And what’s that smell?”

Mo Yan dabbed sweat from her brow, quickly interjecting, “I washed it with soap. It’s very clean. There’s no damage!”

“You were married for only one day. Did you go farming or tend to pigs while wearing this? Besides, wedding dresses require dry cleaning. Do you understand that? Can you even afford to pay for repairs?” The employee rolled her eyes before muttering under her breath, “Where did this country bumpkin crawl out from?”