Female-dominated society: My husband is clingy and I can't shake him off

Li Mo'er looked up and saw that it was Young Master Shen, and was stunned for a moment.

She looked him up and down, and seeing his scholarly air, she knew he wasn't Ah Cen.

Shen Ziche looked at Li Mo'er, unsure of how to begin, and each time the words reached his lips, he swallowed them back.

She looked at Shen Ziche, who seemed hesitant to speak, and noticed the strange atmosphere between them. She casually asked a question.

Why didn't Ah Cen come out?

Given his carefree nature, he should go out for a stroll whenever he has free time, and with such a big commotion here, he should come and see for himself.

When Shen Ziche heard Li Mo'er mention A Cen, his eyes dimmed slightly.

“Ah Cen, he…”

Just as Shen Ziche was about to speak, he saw someone walk past the alley entrance and quickly stopped talking.

Li Mo'er also noticed that something was wrong with Shen Ziche. "A-Cen, what happened to him again?"

Shen Ziche didn't notice the word "again" in Li Mo'er's words. He just looked around warily, afraid that a passerby might walk by.

In the end, he still brought Li Mo'er back to the Shen residence without saying a word the whole time.

Upon entering the Shen residence, Li Mo'er realized that she hadn't told Su Yanli and the others yet.

But the opening ceremony is almost over, and I believe they can handle it.

She followed Shen Ziche into the study. Shen Ziche didn't speak, and neither did she.

After hesitating for a long time, Shen Ziche finally spoke, his voice choked with emotion, "A-Cen, he... he was..."

His throat tightened, and he could no longer speak. However, the resentment in his eyes made Li Mo'er realize that things were not simple.

Seeing that Shen Ziche was so emotionally agitated, she walked over to him and gently patted the back of his hand.

Shen Ziche composed himself; now was not the time for him to be sad. He wanted to persuade Mo'er to go see A-Cen.

"Wang Xian, she,"

Shen Ziche uttered the name through gritted teeth, a gesture that was utterly inconsistent with his image as a scholar and artist.

Upon hearing the name "Wang Xian," Li Mo'er knew what Shen Ziche was about to say and quickly covered his mouth.

She stared intently into his tear-filled eyes and nodded solemnly, "I know."

Li Mo'er's voice was hoarse. She had always thought that since no news had come out of the Shen family, A-Cen was alright. But looking at Shen Ziche's appearance, it didn't seem like he was alright.

Li Mo'er told Shen Ziche that she knew, just to stop him from bringing up this painful matter, but unexpectedly it made Shen Ziche even more agitated.

His heart tightened, and he gripped Li Mo'er's wrists tightly with both hands. "How did you know?"

Does that mean everyone else knows about this?

Li Mo'er knew that Rang was afraid of others finding out, so she patted his arm reassuringly, "Don't worry, no one else knows."

Hearing this, Shen Ziche finally felt relieved. If A-Cen's matter had become a big fuss, given A-Cen's personality, she probably would have...

Upon learning that no one knew about this, he felt as if all his strength had been drained away. His emotions, which had just gone through a rollercoaster ride, were now completely relaxed.

Tears welled up in his eyes and streamed down his cheeks. Li Mo'er gently wiped away his tears with a handkerchief.

But Shen Ziche stopped her, staring intently at Li Mo'er, "You...you won't dislike him, will you?"

Li Mo'er was a little confused. How could she possibly dislike A-Cen? He was just...

Wait, this isn't modern times; men here place great importance on chastity.

She only realized the problem now, and a sharp pain shot through her heart, as if countless needles were pricking it. "A-Cen, how is he?"

She deserves to die; she actually thought Shen Zicen wouldn't care.

Shen Ziche recalled A-Cen's appearance, and tears streamed down his face. "Doctor, the doctor said that if this continues, he will be ruined."

He was almost sobbing, but he still managed to finish speaking in fits and starts.

Wasted?

Li Mo'er's mind went blank after hearing those two words. Ah Cen, he...

He's so mischievous and active, how could this be...?

The scene of her meeting with Shen Zicen flashed through Li Mo'er's mind. Although some time had passed, it was still exceptionally clear.

She grabbed Shen Ziche's hand anxiously, "Take me to see him."

As she spoke, she pulled Shen Ziche out of the study. At that moment, she was truly afraid that the spirited young man would never exist again.

At this moment, Su Yanli and her colleagues were busy at "Li's Fine Salt". The customers were all there for the day's discount, and almost everyone would buy ten coins' worth of salt.

Even if it was only ten coins, their attitude was still respectful. This was all taught to them by Li Mo'er: all visitors are guests and should not be neglected.

Su Yanli was in charge of keeping accounts and giving change behind the counter, while Li Lin weighed salt for customers. Uncle Li and Aunt Li were responsible for maintaining order and serving customers.

The shop was small, but it was very orderly. People lined up to buy salt, but no one cut in line or showed any impatience.

Then a haughty woman walked into the shop, looked at the people in line with disdain, slammed her hand on the table, and shouted to Su Yanli in a boastful manner, "I want 100 jin."

Upon hearing that it weighed 100 jin, Li Lin's eyes lit up. She was about to put down the 10 liang she was weighing for the customer and go to greet the "distinguished guest".

Su Yanli shook her head at her, her tone calm but with a hint of warning, "Mo'er said that doing business requires integrity and respect for the principle of first come, first served."

"But she..."

Li Lin had no way to refute it, but should he just let this big business opportunity slip away?

"Let Aunt Li take care of this lady."

Su Yanli whispered to Li Lin that Li Mo'er should be here at this time, but she hadn't seen her since the beginning.

If he went, no one would record these accounts. Li Lin was too impatient, so he could only ask Aunt Li to take care of things.

All he can do now is pray that Li Mo'er will come back soon; he's already overwhelmed with work.

"Madam, this way please."

Upon receiving the news, Aunt Li immediately welcomed the distinguished guests inside. Fortunately, Li Mo'er had left some space for everyone to eat in order to make it easier for them to have a meal, with tables and chairs placed inside.

Aunt Li brewed her some tea. "Madam, please wait a moment, the master will be here shortly."

The woman glanced disdainfully at the cup in Aunt Li's hand, didn't take it, and simply looked around the small space.

"Is this how your employer treats guests? Do you expect me to wait for her?"

Aunt Li sensed the hostility in her tone, but there was really nothing she could do now, as Li Mo'er wasn't around.

That girl has gone off to wander around somewhere again.

Aunt Li silently complained in her heart, but still patiently explained to her, "I'm sorry, our little shop didn't expect such a distinguished guest as you to personally grace us with your presence. We really haven't been able to entertain you properly."

"However, our shop has just opened today. Why don't you come back tomorrow? It's a bit rushed today."

However, the woman refused to back down, saying, "I've come all this way, do you expect me to leave empty-handed? My time is precious, hurry up and bring your boss to see me."

Her tone was forceful, as if she wouldn't give up until she got what she wanted; her temper was about to explode.

Aunt Li was also good at reading people's expressions, so she quickly smiled and said, "Please wait a moment, Madam. I will go and find someone who can manage things for you right away."

Turning around, Aunt Li's face immediately fell with worry. Where could she possibly find Li Mo'er?