After the Reborn Young Master Embraced a Life of Wellness – Chapter 29

By the time Yang Zhi and Chen Mo arrived at their destination, the entrance was already bustling with a steady flow of guests.

The stars of the engagement ceremony were Sun Xiaoya’s cousin and the eldest grandson of the Zhou family.

A handsome man and a beautiful woman, dressed in elegant formalwear, standing side by side at the door to greet their guests—it was a picture-perfect scene.

Yang Zhi stepped forward, invitation in hand, then glanced at Chen Mo, who walked beside him.

The assistant had chosen a suit for Chen Mo that fit remarkably well.

Dressed in formal attire instead of his usual school uniform, there wasn’t the slightest hint of discomfort or awkwardness. If anything, he seemed even more at ease than usual.

Seeing that Chen Mo had slept the entire way, completely unconcerned about the real purpose of today’s event, Yang Zhi hesitated for a moment before saying—

“The Zhou family never thought highly of the Yang family. Even though my mother is the second daughter of the Zhou family, she has barely visited her family in recent years, and their relationship isn’t close. No matter what my father asks you to say or do today, don’t take it too seriously.”

Chen Mo smiled. “Wouldn’t that be a little disrespectful?”

To be honest, he had no idea what Yang Zhi was thinking anymore.

Logically speaking, the Yang family wanted him to serve as a bridge to mend ties with the Zhou family.

So shouldn’t Yang Zhi be encouraging him to play along—rather than telling him not to bother?

Back in his previous life, Yang Qi’an had come up with this exact same idea, for this exact same engagement banquet.

But what Yang Zhi had told him then…

Was completely different.

Memories of the Past Life

“Chen Mo,” Yang Zhi had said, “when Mom insisted on marrying Dad, she was strongly opposed by the Zhou family. She nearly lost her life giving birth to you. Because of this, she has been estranged from her family for many years. But now that you’re back, you are the most important connection between Mom and the Zhou family. Whether their relationship can be repaired depends on you.”

His words had been carefully crafted, appealing to both emotion and logic.

But Chen Mo hadn’t been naive.

Even though, at the time, he hadn’t known much about the major families of Suicheng, he had known that the Zhou family was influential, arrogant, and highly selective.

Zhou Yaoqing—his so-called mother—had been the biggest embarrassment to the Zhou family for years.

A rebellious and unruly daughter who never grew up, even after becoming a mother.

A daughter they never wanted to mention.

The “important connection” Yang Zhi spoke of?

That role had belonged to Yang Shule for years.

And he failed.

Because, in the end—the Zhou family simply didn’t care.

To them, Zhou Yaoqing had already been written off.

The Yang family was merely using Chen Mo as a pawn—a tool to appease Chen Jianli, while simultaneously trying to leverage him for their own gain.

How could Chen Mo possibly give them what they wanted?

In the previous life, this engagement banquet had ended in absolute chaos.

Why?

Because a fight broke out.

The youngest son and the adopted son—who had just been found—had a massive argument at the dinner.

It got so bad that the old lady of the Zhou family was hospitalized out of sheer anger.

Chen Mo remembered it well.

Yang Shule had pushed him straight into the towering celebratory cake at the center of the banquet hall.

As he stood there, covered in cake and icing, he had looked at every darkened face of the Yang family—

And felt nothing but satisfaction.

He had been clumsy, impulsive, and utterly reckless.

But he didn’t regret a single thing.

That was who he had been in his previous life.

The Present

Chen Mo looked around and asked, “Where are my parents and brother?”

The words came so naturally that Yang Zhi gave him a strange look.

After a brief pause, he finally responded—

“They already went inside.”

“Oh.” Chen Mo dragged out the syllable slightly.

Yang Zhi frowned. “Why do you ask?”

“No reason,” Chen Mo said casually. “Isn’t it nice when the whole family is together?”

For the first time, Yang Zhi was at a loss for words.

Inside the Banquet Hall

The engagement banquet was held in a grand hall, filled with elegantly dressed guests.

Because the engaged couple was young, the atmosphere wasn’t as rigid as a traditional business dinner.

Young people were drinking, eating, and chatting freely, making the event lively and relaxed.

When Chen Mo entered, many people turned to look.

After all, his return to the Yang family had been a public spectacle.

Not to mention—just that morning, the Yang family had dominated the headlines for an entire day.

People were used to seeing Yang Shule by Yang Qi’an and Zhou Yaoqing’s side.

So who was this person walking in with Yang Zhi?

The answer was obvious.

But Chen Mo ignored the countless glances and reached for a bottle of champagne from a waiter’s tray.

Before he could take a sip, Yang Zhi immediately snatched it away.

He placed a glass of orange juice in front of Chen Mo instead, frowning.

“You’re underage—why would you drink?”

Chen Mo glanced at the cup in his hand, arched an eyebrow slightly, then chuckled.

Yang Zhi frowned. “What’s so funny?”

Chen Mo took a sip of juice.

“It’s just amusing.”

His tone was light, but before Yang Zhi could press further—

A group of business elites who knew Yang Zhi quickly gathered around.

They were direct, passionate, and unrestrained.

“Yang Zhi, is this your brother?”

“Come on, introduce him properly!”

“Hey, kid, I heard you’re still in high school. How’s that going for you?”

Chen Mo smiled politely at these people—

The same people who, in his past life, had spread all sorts of rumors about him behind Yang Zhi’s back.

Yet now—

He was impeccably well-mannered.

He clinked glasses with orange juice and called everyone who greeted him “Brother.”

To them, he looked like a polite, obedient, and well-raised young man.

Yang Zhi watched as another person threw an arm around Chen Mo’s shoulder.

Then, he heard Chen Mo’s naturally smooth response—

“Of course. From today onward, you’re my real brother. If I ever need help, I’ll come straight to you.”

Yang Zhi suddenly felt short of breath.

But upon closer inspection—

It wasn’t because Chen Mo had won over the people around him.

It was because he realized—

Chen Mo was treating these strangers better than he treated him.

Chen Mo had no interest in why Yang Zhi had suddenly gone silent.

Soon, Yang Qi’an himself came over, looking for him.

And just like that—

Chen Mo had his first real meeting with the Zhou family.

The Second Floor Lounge

This was where many of the elders had gathered.

As discussions about the engagement buzzed around the room, someone whispered—

“Madam, the Second Young Lady is here with her family.”

The room fell silent.

Everyone turned toward the door.

For the first time in two lifetimes, Chen Mo took a good look at the most powerful woman in the Zhou family.

An elderly lady in her seventies, her silver hair neatly tied back. She wore a traditional cheongsam, a jade bracelet on her wrist.

Age had taken her youth, but not her dignity.

Zhou Yaoqing stepped forward.

“Mother.”

But when the old lady ignored her, she awkwardly grabbed the person next to her and pulled him forward.

“You haven’t seen Shule in years. Last time, he was still in middle school. Shule, greet your grandmother.”

Yang Shule clenched his fingers so tightly that his knuckles turned blue and white.

He was actually a little afraid of the old lady.

It was completely different from how he felt about his grandfather, Yang Congxian.

Because he knew—

His mother had always been cautious around this grandmother.

His father had once had to beg the Zhou family for help.

And ever since he was a child, he had never liked visiting the Zhou family.

But now?

He had no choice.

His situation was already humiliating enough.

His father had pinned his hopes on Chen Mo.

And if he failed to win the old lady’s favor tonight…

Then in the Yang family, there would no longer be a place for him.

Yang Shule took two steps forward, bent slightly, held the old woman’s hand, and forced a smile.

“Grandmother, it’s been a long time. How have you been?”

The old lady did not pull her hand away.

Her upbringing prevented her from showing outright rejection.

But her tone was distant.

“I’m doing well.”

Then, she added lightly—

“No need to stand. Find yourself a seat.”

Yang Shule exhaled slowly.

The thing he feared most—

Was that the old lady would refuse to acknowledge him because of his current status.

But she didn’t.

Which meant—

He had already won.

Sure enough, both Zhou Yaoqing and Yang Qi’an smiled in relief.

But the next second—

The old lady suddenly turned to her daughter and said—

“I heard you brought your whole family to see me today. Why? Do you only have this one son?”

Zhou Yaoqing’s face stiffened.

The Dilemma

Zhou Yaoqing had originally planned to let Chen Mo meet her family—

But only because her husband asked her to.

Deep down, even Yang Shule couldn’t do it, so she didn’t believe for a second that Chen Mo could win the old lady’s favor.

What’s worse—

Chen Mo hadn’t even returned home in weeks.

She had no idea what he was thinking.

What if he said the wrong thing?

What if he offended the old lady?

Then…

Just thinking about the consequences made Zhou Yaoqing’s hands turn cold.

But she had no choice.

She hesitated for a moment, then turned back and called out—

“Xiao Mo, come in.”

The Entrance of the Lounge

Most of the people in the room were relatives of the Zhou family.

Now, their gazes were fixed on the doorway.

The young man at the entrance stood there—neither timid nor arrogant.

And at the sound of Zhou Yaoqing’s voice, he simply walked in.

The murmuring started immediately.

“This child is quite good-looking.”

“He does look a bit like his parents.”

“Honestly, the biological son still seems better. Didn’t you see the news today? The other one was hugging and crying with his real father. What is the Yang family even thinking?”

“Hush, don’t say that. Zhou Yaoqing was desperate to marry into the Yang family. Yang Qi’an only started favoring the younger son after he was born. Why do you think she cherishes the one who isn’t even hers?”

…

Chen Mo heard everything.

And so did Yang Shule.

Standing in front of the old lady, Chen Mo could feel the burning gaze from beside him, sharp enough to drill a hole through his back.

Chen Mo tilted his head slightly and smiled.

“Brother, what’s wrong?”

Yang Shule froze.

Pulled out of his emotions, he glanced at the old lady watching him, lowered his gaze, and shook his head.

“Nothing.”

Then, he stepped aside.

Gaining Favor

The old lady had observed everything carefully.

When she looked back at Chen Mo, there was now a hint of approval in her eyes.

The first thing she said was—

“Your mother was foolish. I spoiled her. And because of that, you have suffered over the years.”

Chen Mo blinked, slightly surprised.

But soon, he laughed softly.

“Grandmother, you’re exaggerating. I’m living a good life now.”

The old lady nodded and gestured for him to come closer.

Chen Mo stepped forward and crouched down naturally.

The old lady reached out and gently patted his hair.

Then, she said—

“You carry Zhou family blood in your veins. The Zhou family does not bow to others, nor are they ever forced into situations they don’t want. If you are unhappy living with the Yang family… why not come to the Zhou family instead? Stay with Grandmother.”

Chen Mo immediately understood.

The old lady knew exactly what the Yang family was trying to do.

But instead of insulting him, she had chosen a protective stance—

Essentially telling him that he did not have to be a Yang while simultaneously threatening Yang Qi’an.

In his previous life, Chen Mo had been too focused on his own revenge.

He had missed out on Old Master Yang’s kindness—

And he had never heard the old lady’s words.

It was… a pity.

But this time, he simply smiled and replied—

“I’d love to, but I’m afraid you’d get tired of me if I stayed too long.”

Then, as if playfully shifting the topic, he added—

“Besides, tonight is Cousin’s engagement. If I pester you too much, you might miss the event. Wouldn’t that delay your dream of having a great-grandchild?”

His lighthearted joke effortlessly steered the conversation.

And just like that—

The room erupted in laughter.

A Favorable Impression

“How dare you tease your cousin at your age?”

“Old lady, you better discipline him!”

“You must come visit Grandmother during the New Year—we’ll teach you a proper lesson then!”

The atmosphere in the lounge had completely shifted.

No one in the room was stupid.

Everyone could see that Chen Mo was deliberately trying to win favor with the old lady.

And since she was willing to accept it—

The people around her naturally followed suit.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room—

The Yang family was being utterly ignored.

Even Yang Shule, who had been the first to greet the old lady, was now in an awkward position.

Leaving the Lounge

As they stepped outside, Yang Qi’an stared at Chen Mo for a long time.

He wanted to say something.

But in the end, he simply turned and walked away.

Because—

While Chen Mo had indeed won the Zhou family’s favor…

It was not the kind of favor he had wanted.

And there was nothing he could do about it.

This unexpected outcome put Chen Mo in a great mood.

As he walked down the stairs with Yang Shule, a quiet voice sounded behind him—

“You did that on purpose.”

Chen Mo didn’t even pretend to deny it.

He stopped on the stairs, turned back slightly, and smiled.

“I really had no intention of helping the family. But…”

His eyes gleamed with amusement.

“Do you want to know why you had to acknowledge your biological father?”

Yang Shule’s eyes widened.

Chen Mo leaned in, lowered his voice, and said—

“Because I did it on purpose.”

Yang Shule froze in place.

And Chen Mo?

He casually continued down the stairs—

Just in time to be dragged onto the dance floor by Sun Xiaoya.

“He didn’t show up?”

“He said he was stuck in traffic! Can you believe it? Stuck in traffic?! He’s obviously lying!”

By this point, Sun Xiaoya had already dragged Chen Mo onto the dance floor.

She glanced at the person in front of her, recalling his wealthy family background, and held onto a last glimmer of hope.

“You know a little bit about this kind of social dance… right?”

Chen Mo chuckled.

“Is it too late to ask now?”

Then, flashing a confident smile, he added—

“I’ll try not to let you fall.”

As soon as the words fell, the music began.

Chen Mo politely placed his hand on her waist and made a gentleman’s leading gesture.

Sun Xiaoya froze.

From the moment Chen Mo took her into the dance, she knew—tonight, she had found a treasure.

It wasn’t just the way the surrounding gazes gradually focused on them.

It was the fact that—

For someone who had trained in ballroom dancing for years, she was still being effortlessly led.

A Dance to Remember

Kick, twist, spin.

The music changed and their bodies naturally flowed with the rhythm.

Tango.

Rumba.

Latin.

Every movement was precise, sharp, and captivating.

It was a spectacle.

Warm applause erupted from all around them.

As they finally stopped, Chen Mo spoke first.

“You danced really well.”

Sun Xiaoya was still catching her breath when she heard the compliment.

For the first time, she felt her ears burning.

She stared at Chen Mo’s slightly sweaty chin, and in a daze, she blurted out—

“Can I chase you?”

She wasn’t expecting an answer.

But—

Chen Mo laughed out loud.

For some reason, Sun Xiaoya instinctively reached out—

She wasn’t sure why. Maybe she just wanted to wipe the sweat off his chin.

But just as her fingertips were about to touch his skin—

Chen Mo’s laughter abruptly stopped.

The next second—

He took two steps back.

His expression changed subtly.

Because at that moment, the man who was supposedly ‘stuck in traffic’ finally showed up.

Xi Siyan.

With one hand, he grabbed Chen Mo’s arm.

But his gaze was locked onto Sun Xiaoya as he spoke bluntly—

“What nonsense are you spouting all day? There are so many men in the world, and now you’re not even sparing the homosexuals?”

Sun Xiaoya suddenly remembered.

Oh right.

Chen Mo was gay.

Her face flushed red in embarrassment.

But she quickly snapped out of it, remembering who had caused this entire mess tonight.

Her expression darkened.

“It’s none of your business, you straight man!”

Tension Between Brothers

Chen Mo suddenly felt the grip on his arm tighten.

He patted Xi Siyan’s hand lightly and teased—

“Brother Yan, I saved you tonight. Are you really going to risk your life by scolding her like this?”

Xi Siyan didn’t respond to Sun Xiaoya.

Instead, he frowned slightly, lowered his gaze, and asked—

“Are you okay? You’ve been dancing for a while.”

Chen Mo moved his shoulders slightly and assessed his body.

“Not bad.”

Xi Siyan nodded.

Tonight, he was also wearing a black suit, but he had taken off his jacket.

With his waistcoat neatly tucked, his figure looked tall, lean, and perfectly proportioned.

Chen Mo clicked his tongue in regret.

“You didn’t dance?”

Xi Siyan, calm as ever, replied—

“I didn’t. I never liked it anyway.”

Chen Mo sighed dramatically.

“What a pity.”

He leaned back slightly, adopting a thoughtful tone—

“With a butt like that, I bet you’d look amazing dancing.”

A Sudden Silence

The man who had captured everyone’s attention tonight seemed completely unaware of the excessive gazes now directed at him.

But Xi Siyan did not let it slide.

He immediately snapped Chen Mo’s head back into place.

His tone was half-exasperated, half-speechless—

“Get out of here first. Stop standing around.”