Chapter 5: The Substitute for Her Fiancé

“Momo, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” Mu Bai asked with concern, reaching out to touch Lin Mo’s forehead.

Lin Mo turned her face to the side, avoiding his touch.

A flicker of disdain briefly crossed her eyes.

But soon, her expression returned to normal.

“Sorry, I suddenly had a headache just now.”

She sat on the sofa, her gaze somewhat indifferent as she looked at Mu Bai.

Mu Bai was exceptionally outstanding—an academic prodigy from a top university.

Lin Mo had met him during a competition; he was handsome, capable, and of good character.

Unlike others his age, Mu Bai was calm and considerate.

His pursuit quickly captivated Lin Mo, a naive girl who had seen little of the world.

She once believed that Mu Bai was her only salvation.

That only he would love her unconditionally beneath Lin Wan’s shadow.

But sadly, four years later, on the night everything was exposed,

She realized that her perfect fiancé was no different.

Mu Bai’s heart belonged to Lin Wan as well.

It was truly terrifying...

“Momo,” Mu Bai urged, “take a look at the necklace—I’m sure you’ll like it.”

“I carefully picked these out for you; they must suit you perfectly.”

Lin Mo examined the two necklace boxes and noticed that the one given to Lin Wan was far more exquisite and thoughtfully chosen.

Mu Bai used to take advantage of her ignorance about luxury brands.

But now, having endorsed countless haute couture brands, she could instantly tell hers was a cheap imitation.

While Lin Wan’s was undeniably a top-tier luxury brand!

“You’re really thoughtful. Every time you give me gifts, you always give two, never neglecting Lin Wan.”

Mu Bai said, “Don’t overthink it. I just want you two to get along. That’s just how I do things...”

“Is that so?”

In her previous life, Lin Mo had been blinded by love.

Now she saw that she had only been foolish.

Many details, upon reflection, were clearly off...

She curled her lips in mockery. “This expensive one you gave me—why not just give it to Lin Wan instead?”

Lin Mo lifted her eyes to look directly at Mu Bai. “She didn’t do well this time; I heard she’s feeling down.”

“Receiving such an expensive gift will surely make her happy and grateful to you.”

Mu Bai frowned. “Momo, the expensive one suits you better.”

“Don’t you have so few valuable accessories? You need to have something expensive.”

A trace of guilt showed on Mu Bai’s handsome face. “Besides, the one for your sister was just a casual purchase. You’re my fiancée—I naturally want to give the best to you...”

As he spoke, his gaze grew increasingly tender and affectionate.

Lin Mo was blunt. “Is that so? But I want Lin Wan’s.”

Mu Bai’s expression darkened.

He stared at Lin Mo for a long moment, speechless.

Yet inwardly, he felt deep resentment toward her ingratitude.

Lin Mo raised an eyebrow. “Don’t want it? Weren’t you hoping to see me happy?”

Mu Bai snapped, “Lin Mo, Lin Wan treats you well. Why do you have to compete with her in everything? Aren’t you tired?”

“Even fighting over a necklace with her—this is too much.”

“No wonder your family dislikes you. Instead of feeling insecure here, why don’t you reflect on yourself?”

His tone was harsh now.

After saying this, he realized he had spoken his true feelings.

For a moment, he didn’t want to placate Lin Mo anymore.

She should recognize her place. The reason he chose her was simply because she could be a substitute for Lin Wan.

A compliant, obedient replacement who didn’t require much money, time, or effort.

More importantly, being with her allowed him to openly get close to Lin Wan.

Lin Mo laughed bitterly, finding it ironic. “You should have just said what’s on your mind long ago—you’ve never respected me.”

“Enduring this long must have been quite the hardship.”

She had no intention of beating around the bush with Mu Bai anymore.

Taking out her phone, she snapped a photo of the so-called “expensive” imitation necklace he intended to give her.

Quickly, she found its price.

Her eyes darkened. “288 yuan? This is your ‘valuable’ gift to me?”

“When did you become so poor that 288 counts as expensive?”

Mu Bai’s face darkened; being exposed like this was infuriating.

Lin Mo then took the other necklace and looked up its price. “Oh, it’s last week’s new release from De’s luxury jewelry line.”

“‘Moonlight for a Lifetime’—that’s quite a lovely name, isn’t it?”

“Value... 180,000 yuan.”

Lin Mo stood up, the last trace of patience gone from her face.

She looked down coldly at the fiancé from her past life.

This face now seemed utterly unfamiliar.

She stared Mu Bai down. “All those days of pretending affection—don’t you find it disgusting yourself?”

Mu Bai was stunned, about to argue back.

But then he saw the clarity in Lin Mo’s eyes.

He thought to himself, Lin Mo came from the countryside and truly wasn’t worth spending tens of thousands to please.

This time, he’d been careless, thinking some cheap trinkets would still fool Lin Mo into gratitude like before.

He regretted only that his lies had been uncovered.

If he could do it again, perhaps he’d give a 2,000-yuan necklace.

Still, in his heart, Lin Wan was the heiress who deserved the best.

More than 200 yuan was already a considerable amount for Lin Mo.

He didn’t think he was being too unreasonable.

Mu Bai deliberately said, “You weren’t so materialistic before, Lin Mo. You really should learn from your sister.”

If it were Lin Wan, even a 20-yuan hair tie would make her happy.

Not like this, accusing him in a way that made him feel ashamed.

Mu Bai felt a profound sense of regret. Looking at Lin Mo, he increasingly believed she could never compare to Lin Wan.

Lin Mo sneered, “Take your things and get out.”

At that moment, Lin Wan appeared at the doorway.

Hearing Lin Mo’s harsh tone toward Mu Bai, she felt sorry for him.

“Brother Mu Bai, Momo just got out of the hospital and isn’t feeling well. Please don’t be angry.”

She smiled sweetly as she approached. “I’ll cook dinner myself. You have to stay for it, okay? Consider it my apology on Momo’s behalf.”

Lin Wan then glanced coldly at Lin Mo but maintained a gentle tone. “Momo, don’t speak to Brother Mu Bai like that. He has a good temper. If you have any complaints, you should talk to him calmly.”

Qin Lian shot Lin Mo a glare. “A country girl really has no manners!”

“How dare you speak to Young Master Mu like that? After all, he is your fiancé.”

“Being able to marry him is a blessing you’ve earned over eight lifetimes. Apologize to Young Master Mu immediately!”