Chapter 47: Haunting Shadows That Refuse to Disperse

The next morning, Mo Ran also rose at the crack of dawn. The sky was still shrouded in a gray haze as he rode off on his three-wheeler.

After finishing the marination of all the mutton, Mo Ran didn’t even stop to rest. Uncharacteristically, he took a shower, scrubbing away the lingering odor of lamb from his body, and then made his way towards the subway station. After all, vehicles like his three-wheeler weren’t allowed in the city center of Hu City.

Half an hour later, the two of them met in the underground shopping plaza at the metro station.

Looking at the vibrant, youthful girl before him, Mo Ran felt a long-forgotten emotion stir within him—a feeling called shyness.

“Hey, let’s get to know each other. My surname is Lin, with the water radical, and my given name is Mo. Back home, everyone just calls me Momo.” Seeing that Mo Ran had indeed kept the appointment, Lin Mo smiled and introduced herself.

“Hello, Lin Mo. My name is Mo Ran, the ‘Mo’ with the grass radical, and ‘Ran’ as in ‘natural.’” Facing the poised and gracious girl, Mo Ran scratched his head a little shyly as he spoke.

“Come on, the next stop is right at the company.” Lin Mo smiled, unconcerned, and pointed towards the subway security checkpoint.

“Alright.” Mo Ran nodded, and the two of them joined the crowd entering the subway station.

Standing at the entrance of Dahua Food Company, Mo Ran looked up at the large sign. He had assumed that this kind of company would simply manufacture and sell frozen foods, but was surprised to discover their operations were much broader. Besides frozen foods, they also supplied pre-made dishes and operated a fresh food wholesale business.

Mo Ran wasn’t particularly interested in the other areas, but the fresh food wholesale aspect piqued his curiosity. He’d been worrying about finding a stable supply of mutton. So, while Lin Mo went off to interview for a finance position, he approached the receptionist on the first floor to inquire about the situation.

The receptionist, remarkably perceptive, quickly grasped what Mo Ran was after and immediately dialed the sales department, calling over a salesperson.

“Hello, sir, here’s my card. May I ask your name?” The salesperson’s smile was as bright as a blooming chrysanthemum—a true professional.

“My surname is Mo, just call me Mo Ran.” Mo Ran responded in a friendly, unassuming manner.

“You can call me Xiao Lu,” the salesperson politely replied...

After a thorough discussion, the two sides had basically reached an agreement. However, Mo Ran now faced another problem: it seemed his small courtyard at the rented house wouldn’t suffice for handling such large quantities of meat; he’d need a bigger place. Still, this was an easy fix, and he didn’t dwell on it. After exchanging WeChat contacts, the meeting concluded.

“How did the interview go?” As soon as he reached the lobby, Mo Ran saw Lin Mo approaching and felt his heartbeat quicken, though he kept a smile on his face.

“It went great! I can start in five days,” Lin Mo replied with a grin. “The benefits are good—five thousand a month, insurance, a housing fund, and even a lunch allowance.”

“Really? That’s pretty nice.” Seeing her happiness, Mo Ran smiled too, genuinely pleased for her.

“Shall we go? Do you have any time now?” As they reached the door, Lin Mo lowered her voice and asked cautiously.

“Sure, what’s up?” Mo Ran nodded, a little puzzled.

“Want to stroll around and grab a bite? You’ve kept me company all this time—let me treat you.” As she spoke, a rosy blush crept onto Lin Mo’s cheeks. Though her looks couldn’t quite match those of Mo Ya or Xiao Xiao, she was undeniably cute.

“That’s not necessary. You just got the job, and living costs in Hu City are so high—let me treat you instead. You can repay me after you get your first paycheck.” Mo Ran thought for a moment before responding. After all, rejecting her outright would be awkward, so it was better for him to treat her.

“Um, is that really okay? You spent time with me, and now you’re paying for my meal—it feels a little embarrassing.” Lin Mo’s face grew even redder as she stammered, “How about we just grab some groceries on the way back? There’s a supermarket by the metro. You could come over and I’ll cook for you instead.”

“No need, no need. Cooking yourself is too much work. Let’s splurge a little—just treat me to a nice meal when you get your paycheck. It won’t cost much.” Mo Ran refused without a second thought, smiling.

What a wonderful girl—so thoughtful and considerate, truly rare in this world. Mo Ran was deeply moved.

“All right, then. Once I get paid, I’ll treat you to a feast.” Seeing how firm Mo Ran was, Lin Mo could only agree.

To her surprise, Mo Ran took her straight to a hotpot and barbecue restaurant. The place was tranquil, clean, and above all, served only the freshest ingredients—no frozen meat in sight.

“Mo Ran, isn’t this place a bit too expensive? A meal here must cost at least five hundred,” Lin Mo said awkwardly, sitting by the glass wall and gazing down at the bustling traffic below.

“I told you, didn’t I? Every now and then, we should allow ourselves a little luxury,” Mo Ran replied with a smile. For some reason, seeing her smile filled his heart with happiness.

“Look, pick whatever kind of broth you want. And all these seafood, meats, and vegetables—choose whatever you like.” Mo Ran scanned the QR code on the table, handed his phone to Lin Mo when the menu appeared, and smiled.

“Uh?” Lin Mo’s face blushed again as she took the phone.

How easily flustered she was, Mo Ran thought, watching her cheeks turn rosy. It was as if he could taste the sweetness of budding love in the air.

“Mo Ran, tsk tsk, you actually dare to eat here? Got enough money? Careful or you’ll be washing dishes to pay for your meal.” Just as the atmosphere between them began to warm, a shrill, spiteful voice rang out from behind. Mo Ran frowned instantly.

He didn’t even have to turn around—he recognized the voice of Su Sen and his wife. The Su family, like lingering ghosts, just wouldn’t go away. Even after the divorce, they still managed to cross paths.

“Tsk, you’ve even roped in a girl. Are you sure you can afford this? Don’t blow all your money just to look impressive and end up hungry tomorrow.” Seeing Mo Ran ignore her, Li Lan continued with her sarcastic jibes.

“Mo Ran, who are they…” Lin Mo, unsettled by their remarks, asked uncertainly.

“Just some irrelevant busybodies, don’t mind them. Go ahead and order.” Mo Ran smiled reassuringly.

...