Chapter 1606: Beyond Saving

She didn’t really put much effort into it and was rather indifferent. Instead, it was Mo Tingshen who took care of it more.

He didn’t know that she’d wake up in the middle of the night to tend to the flowers and plants.

He also didn’t realize that those potted plants weren’t destined to live long. She was just acting on a whim, not considering whether they’d survive.

Just like her carefree and indifferent personality.

Since childhood, Mo Tingshen always wanted to hold onto her but didn’t dare to grip too tightly. Whatever Chu Yao wanted to do, he’d follow her, expanding territories for her. When she wanted to act, he started a company to support her. She wanted a good script, so he stayed up late everyday socializing to get her the best ones. When she became famous, he started a PR company just for her. Under his Shengjing, she was the only artist.

He always thought he was the one grounded while Chu Yao soared high, believing as long as the string was in his hand, he could pull her back anytime.

But in reality, it was he who was being led by the string.

She no longer wanted him and cut the string without hesitation.

No concern, no questioning, no contact.

With ease, she retreated completely from his world.

Mo Tingshen kept deceiving himself, but he’d long stopped believing his own lies.

“Mr. Mo?”

The gardener cautiously suggested, “Shall we think of a way to save them? If not, we can buy a few more, what do you think?”

Mo Tingshen snapped back to reality.

The vacant look in his eyes gradually sharpened, focusing on the handful of soil in his hand, and he suddenly gave a self-deprecating smile.

He loosened the soil, dusted his hands, and stood up, “Forget it. If they’re dead, they’re dead. Just handle it as you see fit.”

The two gardeners exchanged glances, not quite understanding what he meant, nor did they dare to guess. They followed Mo Tingshen out, escorted him a bit, and then returned to carefully inspect the plants again, afraid of upsetting him further.

He hadn’t slept all night and, as dawn approached, called Bo Yanching for a drink, getting scolded as a lunatic. Undeterred, he had the kitchen prepare a few dishes, packed them in food boxes, and personally carried them to Feisheng.

Bo Yanching opened the door with a scowl, blocking the entrance to prevent him from coming in, impatiently pointing him downstairs, “You got the wrong address. The place you’re looking for is below.”

“I’m not mistaken; I came to see you.”

Mo Tingshen lifted the food boxes as a peace offering, “Jiaojiao likes to eat this. I had the chef make it early this morning.”

Bo Yanching instinctively glanced at his wrist; his watch was removed. He scowled, tapping on Mo Tingshen’s watch face, “Look at the time yourself. It’s early morning, you want to play night owl, don’t cause trouble for me. Don’t you have any conscience?”

“Ungrateful, huh? Have I ever been this considerate to anyone else!”

Mo Tingshen forced his way in, found some slippers to wear, and quietly placed the food boxes in the dining area.

Bo Yanching couldn’t be bothered with him, simply tossing out, “No smoking.”

He then went straight to the bedroom.

At this hour, waking Nan Jiaojiao was something he couldn’t bear to do. He climbed back into bed, gently holding her as she slept. When her alarm went off, he refused to turn it off himself, lying face down on the pillow. He groped a few times under the pillow, growing frustrated, and grabbed the phone, throwing it aside with his eyes closed.

Bo Yanching turned off the alarm to cajole her, “Time to get up. It’s gone off three times.”

Nan Jiaojiao muttered a couple of curses, her body snuggling deeper into the covers.

“Should I call the production team to get you a day off?”

Nan Jiaojiao instantly popped out, pouting with displeasure, “Don’t ask for a leave; I need to get up.”

He patted her head, “Get up then. Mo Tingshen is here, brought breakfast.”

Nan Jiaojiao became alert immediately, “Doesn’t he have anything better to do?”

Bo Yanching chuckled, “Probably not. He came before dawn and won’t leave, such a bother for you.”

What’s there to be bothered by when there’s food?

Nan Jiaojiao threw back the covers, quickly washed up, changed, and headed out. Her eager steps slowed as she opened the door, her expression showing a hint of hidden curiosity.

She sat down at the dining table, picked up chopsticks, and in a faux-casual tone, asked, “Did one of you cheat?”

Mo Tingshen almost knocked over a dish.

He reflexively glanced at Bo Yanching, who couldn’t be bothered to look back, busy serving food to his darling, the bowl practically overflowing.

“Sister, are you teasing your brother?”

Nan Jiaojiao wasn’t buying his ‘charming smile’ act at all. She didn’t speak, but her mouth was busy shoveling food in, her eyes bright and fixed on him.

Mo Tingshen sat down, “Nobody cheated. I’m doing fine with Qiao Man. I just woke up early, went out for a walk, and brought you some food.”

Nan Jiaojiao blinked, “You’re getting married tomorrow. Shouldn’t you be busy?”

He shrugged, “I’m not busy.”

Nan Jiaojiao quickly understood; the Qiao Family had taken over all the responsibilities. Even if he had opinions, he couldn’t interfere.

“You’re not busy, yet here you are early in the morning. For what?” Bo Yanching retorted.

Mo Tingshen’s expression was almost comedic, as if pleading innocence, “Others don’t get this treatment. I’m not here for you, I brought these treats for Jiaojiao.”

Bo Yanching scoffed indifferently.

He truly wasn’t interested in the breakfast.

Who starts the day with candied pork knuckles? It’s just too greasy.

Mo Tingshen didn’t touch any of the rich dishes, only serving himself a bowl of fish soup, slowly stirring it with a spoon.

He casually said, “Director Chen’s new movie, I’ve invested in it. I’ve already seen the source material for ‘The Empress’s Killing’. I’ll be going to talk with Director Chen in person, you know, visit the set. Since I need to go anyway, might as well go with Jiaojiao.”

“Cough…”

Nan Jiaojiao was taken aback, “What did you say?”

Her expression was amusing, so Mo Tingshen put down his bowl, crossed his hands on the table to tease her, “I said, I’ll take you to the set.”

Nan Jiaojiao shivered. Being used to Bo Yanching’s circle, she’d forgotten they were all big shots.

Everyone in the entertainment industry is so astute. Mo Tingshen had been spotted several times with Chu Yao, and his identity wasn’t hidden. Online, he’d been exposed almost completely. If Nan Jiaojiao sat in his car, the production crew didn’t even have to be nearby; even from a mile away, they’d pick up on the scent, especially since there were always paparazzi lurking around. It would be foolish of her to get involved with him.

“Go bother someone else. I’m just a small stylist, just want to work peacefully. You go by yourself; I definitely won’t take your car.”

Mo Tingshen chuckled, “So ruthless! Your brother wants to support you. What a great opportunity, why push it away?”

Nan Jiaojiao waved a hand dismissively, almost poking it in his face like Er Kang.

“Thanks, but no need. Keep your distance.”

Mo Tingshen burst out laughing, though not too wholeheartedly. A flying red bean bun hit the corner of his mouth, and he reluctantly glanced at a certain man.

“You think she needs your backing? Am I just decoration?”