Urban Seduction: Housewives Club Chapter 1954 - 283: The Mistress of Xuan Nü Palace 4

Chu Kuo was deeply irritated by those words, largely because excuses like "emotions are uncontrollable" are the standard defense for those entangled in multiple affairs—whether men chasing various women or women with multiple lovers. In fact, Chu Kuo had used that very justification himself in the past.

If a person cannot even be truthful with themselves, how can they use such logic to demand sincerity from others?

It suddenly dawned on Chu Kuo that the seemingly naive Young Master of the Wang family was far more difficult to handle than he had anticipated. Despite being much younger than Zhang Qingtian, it was Zhang Qingtian who seemed like a mere child by comparison.

This realization sparked anger in Chu Kuo, yet he couldn't suppress a growing sense of respect for Wang Yue. Had he a second chance to choose—and if he didn't know about the mysterious backers behind the Zhang family—he would certainly have chosen Wang Yue as his son-in-law.

However, since the engagement between his daughter and Zhang Qingtian was already set in stone, regret was a useless emotion.

Furthermore, Chu Kuo wasn't entirely certain he wanted to back out. While Wang Yue outclassed Zhang Qingtian in every category, the Zhang family’s influence was overwhelming. If they were provoked into action, the three major families of Jinling could be wiped out in a heartbeat.

What value did Wang Yue’s excellence have if the three major families no longer existed to support him?

Firm in his decision to align with the Zhang family, Chu Kuo dropped his polite facade and spoke sharply, "To be brief, as Chu Mo’s father, I am telling you: all contact between you two must end immediately!"

"That isn't a decision I can make unilaterally," Wang Yue countered with a relaxed grin.

Fuming, Chu Kuo threatened, "Wang Yue, do not push me to escalate this; otherwise, neither of our families will emerge unscathed!"

"Go ahead and escalate it then," Wang Yue replied with total indifference. "I’m just a kid, after all. At worst, people will just say I have no manners."

Chu Kuo’s face went stiff. It was true; Wang Yue was only fifteen. Even if their houses went to war, the boy would only suffer a minor blow to his reputation for being rude. As long as the Wang family offered a public apology and promised to discipline him, the matter would fade.

But for the head of the Chu family, engaging in a public spat with a child would be a humilitating scandal that would stain his legacy forever.

After staring Wang Yue down for a long moment, Chu Kuo’s rage finally dissolved into a weary sigh. "My opposition isn't just for the Chu family’s sake, but for Mo Mo’s as well. If your feelings for her are genuine, stop pestering her so she doesn't get dragged down with you."

Wang Yue’s expression softened. "Uncle, what are you trying to say?"

Sighing again, Chu Kuo admitted, "For Mo Mo’s sake, I’ll share a secret. The Zhang family has secretly formed an alliance with powers from Tianhai. It won't be long before they arrive, and their primary targets are your three major families."

Startled, Wang Yue asked, "Why are you telling me this?"

"Though Mo Mo and I are father and daughter, she has kept her distance since she was little. She blames me for what happened to her mother, though there were reasons for my actions," Chu Kuo sighed. "Regardless, she is my eldest child; how could I not care for her? She has feelings for you, and if you meet an unfortunate end, she will be devastated. Take my advice: if your three major families step down and give up Jinling voluntarily, you might find a way to survive."

Wang Yue was stunned once more.

Due to his relationship with Chu Mo, he had always viewed Chu Kuo as a cold man, much like his grandfather—someone who would trade anything for family interests. He never imagined Chu Kuo possessed such paternal warmth for his daughter.

"If there are valid reasons for the past, why not explain them to Mo Mo? It would surely mend the rift between you," Wang Yue suggested.

Chu Kuo was the one caught off guard this time. He hadn't expected that after receiving such a dire warning, Wang Yue’s first thought would be about his family's reconciliation. His opinion of the boy improved slightly.

"That reason is quite difficult to discuss," Chu Kuo admitted. "And as her father and the Chu family head, I cannot bring myself to beg for my daughter's forgiveness."

So, while he wasn't a heartless patriarch, he was still a stubborn old man obsessed with his status.

Wang Yue laughed internally, finding Chu Kuo somewhat more likable now.

"Uncle, do you know which specific branch from Tianhai is backing the Zhang family?" Wang Yue inquired.

Chu Kuo shook his head. "I am unsure. However, Tianhai is home to many elites. Even a mid-tier power from there is more than the Jinling families can handle. You should return and consult with your grandmother."

"Uncle Chu, I appreciate the warning," Wang Yue said with genuine sincerity. "In return, let me give you some advice: I don’t expect you to join the three major families, but you should keep your distance from the Zhangs. Otherwise, when they are being destroyed, the Chu family might get caught in the crossfire."

"You... you intend to destroy the Zhang family?!" Chu Kuo was visibly shaken.

Wang Yue merely smiled, but his silence carried the weight of a serious threat.

"Our talk is over. Remember, I only spoke to you about Mo Mo; I said nothing else." Chu Kuo was in a daze, needing a quiet place to process this.

Even if Wang Yue didn't speak for all three families, what if he did? Before the Tianhai reinforcements arrived, the Zhang family couldn't survive an assault from the three major families, even with Chu support.

Without a word of farewell, Chu Kuo hurried out of the study.

"Wang Yue, what did you talk about?" Chu Mo asked, her voice filled with worry.

Wang Yue chuckled. "What else? Your father tried to use logic and emotion to convince me to leave you."

"And?" Chu Mo grew more anxious.

"Then I tried to do the same to him—persuading him to let us be together," Wang Yue said. "Sadly, he’s incredibly stubborn. No matter what I said, I couldn't sway him."

Chu Mo let out a long breath. "That’s expected. As long as he didn't convince you, I’m happy."

"Never. As I’ve said, I will never abandon you in this life," Wang Yue promised seriously.

Chu Mo beamed with joy.

"Ugh, the goosebumps!" Su Xiu teased. "Please, if you’re going to feed us 'dog food,' could you do it somewhere else?"

Su Jiaojiao began to sing jokingly, "Cold 'dog food' is hitting my face; goosebumps are breaking out all over me..."

Xu Yanran, however, looked on with a satisfied smile. Seeing her daughter with a loyal, sincere boy made her far happier than any political alliance ever could.

Su Jiner interjected, "Mo Mo has been cooped up for so long. Now that she's free, why don't we go out and have some fun?"

"Yes, let's!" Su Jiaojiao was the first to agree, her hand shooting up.

"Aunt Xu, you should join us," Su Jiner added.

Xu Yanran was tempted by the invitation, but after a moment, she shook her head. "No, I’m just an ordinary person. I might take the excitement out of your trip."

Wang Yue spoke up immediately, "That’s no problem; we’ll just pick a place that’s fun for everyone."

"I know, let's go to the amusement park!" Su Jiaojiao shouted.

Another amusement park?

Wang Yue was at a loss for words. Chen Feng was basically a child at heart, so it made sense for him.

But Jiaojiao, you’re only a month younger than me—a fifteen-year-old girl. Why are you still obsessed with these places?

To his surprise, everyone except him immediately agreed to Su Jiaojiao’s plan.

With the four of them plus Xu Yanran and Chu Mo, they were a group of six.

Their usual suspended car was too cramped, so they opted for the Chu family’s seven-seater instead.

With Xu Yanran there, they avoided the extreme rides at first. They started with a scenic tour of the park before moving on to some relaxed group games.

Eventually, Su Jiaojiao’s patience wore thin, and she demanded they try bungee jumping.

The jump here was nearly 300 meters high. Even for a martial artist, falling from that height was incredibly risky unless they had reached the Tianyuan realm.

Chu Mo was the first to volunteer.

After being trapped in her room for three days, she needed a high-adrenaline release for her pent-up stress.

As her best friends, Su Jiner and Su Xiu naturally joined her.

Xu Yanran declined, saying, "Go ahead, I’ll wait down here." Wang Yue also opted out, saying, "You girls go. I’ll stay here with Aunt Xu."

"Oh, let him stay; give him a chance to butter up his future mother-in-law," Su Xiu joked, waving as they left. "Let's go!"

The four girls headed for the platform while Wang Yue walked with Xu Yanran to the edge of the deep lake below the jump site.

Soon, Chu Mo was the first to plunge into the air.

Hearing her daughter’s scream echo through the sky, Xu Yanran turned to Wang Yue. "Even though Mo Mo is growing up, she still has her childish moments. Please be patient with her."

"Auntie, you're too modest. If anyone is childish, it's me. I actually find that side of her very endearing," Wang Yue smiled, then pivoted. "Did you know? She actually wants me to show up at her wedding to the Zhang family and 'kidnap' her in front of the whole world."

Xu Yanran didn't find it funny; she only sighed. "It isn't the 'kidnapping' she wants; she wants something grand and unforgettable."

"What do you mean?" Wang Yue asked, confused.

"You are already engaged, which means she can never be your legal wife," Xu Yanran explained. "Because she loves you, she accepts that, but there must be some lingering resentment. She hopes for a legendary moment between you to compensate for what she’s losing."

Wang Yue finally grasped the truth. It wasn't about being influenced by dramas. His heart ached, and he made a silent vow: If she wants a legend, I will give her one!

Changing the subject, Wang Yue asked, "Auntie, I can tell Uncle Chu loves Mo Mo. Why is there so much friction between them?"

"Does he really love her?" Xu Yanran looked surprised. "I never noticed."

"He admitted it himself, though he hides it to maintain his 'fatherly authority,'" Wang Yue said. "He mentioned having his reasons. Forgive me for asking, but is there a misunderstanding between you two?"

"There is no misunderstanding, but he does have his reasons," Xu Yanran said, her cheeks flushing slightly. She paused before adding, "But we aren't close, and we rarely talk. That lack of communication is likely why Mo Mo feels the way she does. Since Chu Kuo never shows her any warmth, the relationship just withered."

Wang Yue wondered what kind of "reasons" could be so sensitive that a couple couldn't even talk to their daughter.

He couldn't help but speculate—was Chu Kuo perhaps unable to perform his duties as a husband?

But that seemed unlikely. Rumor had it that Uncle Chu had several mistresses and other children as well.