Married with the Silent Wolf

Chapter 10: He Dared Not Casually Accept Her Kindness

Ling Ye’s overly eager enthusiasm was plain to see—anyone with eyes could tell his lecherous instincts had resurfaced once again.

Just as Zeng Qian was about to remind him to behave, she was pulled back by Ling Yuan’s strong arm around her waist.

One glance from him, and she instantly understood: the old man wanted to observe how Mu Tianxing would handle this situation.

The eldest son, Ling Feng, strolled over to his wife, Fang Minzhi, with a faint smile, clearly enjoying the unfolding scene.

Ling Rui, the second son, stared at Mu Tianxing with an intense gaze. Even he hadn’t expected the Mu family’s young lady to be such a breathtaking beauty—so youthful, too. A girl like her should be cherished, pampered, held dearly in someone’s palm... to marry her off to a fourth son, a man who could no longer fulfill the duties of a husband—what a waste.

Mu Tianxing acted as though she hadn’t noticed the hand extended toward her. With effortless grace, she stepped back and circled around to stand behind Ling Lie’s wheelchair, gently placing both hands on his shoulders. A playful and radiant smile lit up her face.

“I’d rather call you Third Brother like he does,” she quipped sweetly. Otherwise, I’ll be fending off your dozens of sworn sisters lining up to give me grief. I’m not sure if I can handle that. ”

The moment her delicate hands rested on his shoulders, Ling Lie’s body noticeably tensed. But when the words “my man” slipped so naturally from her lips, his frame slowly relaxed.

His unfathomable eyes flicked briefly toward the hands upon him, yet his expression remained distant, calm as always—perhaps even tacitly permitting her quiet claim of closeness.

Ling Yuan, on the other hand, regarded the scene with thoughtful eyes. Over the years, aside from Zhuo Ran and Zhuo Xi, no one had ever been permitted near his youngest son. Even he, as the boy’s father, had been unable to so much as grasp his hand. Yet now, Mu Tianxing’s quiet presence beside Ling Lie seemed almost harmonious—unexpectedly so.

A laugh suddenly burst from Ling Rui. “Seems like Third Brother’s escapades are famous far and wide—even young Mu, still in school, is fully aware of his reputation.”

“Nonsense!” Ling Ye shot him a glare, then turned to Mu Tianxing with a wounded expression. “Miss Mu, those are just made-up stories from tabloid trash. You’re young, it’s easy to be misled by appearances. In truth, I’m a man of deep feeling and unwavering devotion. You’d understand if you spent time with me.”

He spoke while entertaining a bold idea: if such a beauty were to marry him, he wouldn’t mind turning over a new leaf and loving her alone for the rest of his life.

“There’s no need to explain, Third Brother,” Mu Tianxing replied coolly. I’m merely your sister-in-law. So long as the woman you truly want to marry someday doesn’t misunderstand you, that’s all that matters. As for me, I’m neither interested nor obliged to be. ”

Her voice was calm, but her expression had turned frosty.

She had initially wanted to handle things with civility, even humor, to deflect the awkwardness—but Ling Ye’s relentless flirtation in front of everyone had crossed a line. Was he truly trying to seduce her in broad daylight?

If so, he could go jump into the coldest river and cool off.

A shallow, fickle butterfly like him—she wouldn’t look at him twice, not in this life, not in the next.

“That’s enough,” Ling Yuan finally spoke, voice stern. “Say another word of nonsense, and I’ll have you sent to your room.”

With that, Ling Ye finally fell silent. Ling Yuan, supported by Zeng Qian, made his way to the sofa with a smile, the rest of the family taking their seats around him.

His gaze swept over Mu Tianxing’s flowing blue dress, and his smile deepened. “That must be one of Xingcan Textile’s new fabrics, isn’t it?”

At those words, all three of Ling Lie’s elder brothers—save for Ling Lie himself—turned their eyes toward Mu Tianxing’s gown.

The material fell somewhere between silk and chiffon: lighter and more breathable than silk, softer than chiffon, and completely wrinkle-free despite her sitting and standing. It draped smoothly, whispering elegance.

Under the soft lighting, the water-blue fabric shimmered with intricate hand-embroidered patterns—subtle but ever-shifting as the light struck from different angles, revealing layer upon layer of exquisite detail.

To weave silk this fine and embroider such luminous patterns while preserving the best qualities of both silk and chiffon—this was one of Xingcan Textile’s most coveted proprietary techniques.

Such craft skills undoubtedly require intricate procedures, and naturally, a piece of fabric of this quality would come at a significantly higher cost. Once tailored into a finished garment, its value would be even more considerable.

Ling Yuan, ever a seasoned business executive, wasted no time. True to a merchant’s instincts, he veered straight toward profit in his very first conversation with his new daughter-in-law.

Mu Tianxing glanced down at her dress, lips curving into a soft smile. “Yes, it's a new satin developed at Xingcan’s factory.” My mother had the master tailor there make this for me, tailored to my measurements. ”

Ling Yuan pressed further, his tone curious. “To weave satin of this caliber, is there anything particular about the silk or how the silkworms are raised?”

Mu Tianxing’s smile deepened, and she stuck out her tongue a little, almost sheepishly. “I’ve honestly never paid attention to that.” I’ve never had much interest in the family business. But if you're curious, Uncle, I’m sure my father would be glad to discuss it with you in detail. ”

Ling Yuan, sensing her gentle deflection, set aside his curiosity for the time being and gave a slow nod.

Second, young Master Ling Rui, clearly surprised, couldn’t help but speak. “You’re an only child, aren't you? With such a large enterprise to inherit, how can you afford not to learn?”

Mu Tianxing gave a casual shrug. “I really just don’t have any interest in it.”

Ling Rui paused, then smiled. “What did you study at university? Was it K University?”

A flicker of unease crossed Mu Tianxing’s face before she answered, somewhat shyly, “No, I didn’t attend K University. I went to Medical University.”

This immediately sparked another burst of excitement from Ling Ye. His eyes sparkled as he looked at her. “A lady doctor? That’s such a noble profession! You know, my chest’s been hurting lately, but I haven’t had time to go to the hospital. Maybe you could take me as your practice case?”

To his surprise, Mu Tianxing gave a soft, embarrassed cough before replying gently, “No matter what’s ailing you, I’m afraid I won’t be of much help. I majored in forensic pathology. Autopsies, to be specific.”

The room fell utterly silent.

Zeng Qian’s eyes widened in disbelief, staring at Mu Tianxing. “You… you’re a young girl studying forensics?”

Mu Tianxing nodded quietly, choosing not to elaborate.

Inwardly, she sighed. There it was—professional bias. Just because she chose forensics, everyone looked at her like she grew horns.

Wanting to salvage a bit of her image, she lifted her gaze and added, “But I’m not entirely devoted to just forensic studies. I took on a second major as well. When I graduate, I’ll have a double degree.”

Ling Rui, who moments earlier had been half-jokingly considering stealing his younger brother’s bride, gave a helpless smile. The notion was already starting to feel far less appealing. What if, one night, this delicate-looking girl suddenly had the urge to pull out a scalpel and start tracing anatomy lines on her body just for the thrill of it? The image alone was enough to make him shudder.

Still, intrigued, he asked, “And your other major?”

Mu Tianxing replied with sincere brightness, “Criminal psychology.”

The entire room: “…”