Su Yunmo tilted her head, "But looking closely, you don't seem to be a fortune teller. Mòmo asked in vain, but don't worry, you'll still get food."
Last time at Miaoshan, she was too preoccupied with the Empress Dowager's affairs to pay much attention to this person. It was only today that she noticed his extraordinary aura, suggesting he was capable. She just didn't understand why he resorted to trickery and deception.
The old beggar was stunned. Surprised that Su Yunmo didn't expose him and was even offering him food, his gaze gradually became complex.
As they spoke, the waiter came in from outside, "The food is ready."
"Then take him there," Su Qingtian waved his hand, not recognizing the man.
Xie Zhengping beckoned the little dumpling to go back and eat.
As Su Yunmo was getting up, the old beggar suddenly spoke, "It's not that this old man intentionally doesn't offer blessings, but the young lady's destiny is fixed. Only you yourself can change it."
Su Yunmo paused, frowning as she turned back.
The old beggar shook his head, a sigh of helplessness appearing on his dirty, disheveled face, "Dark clouds shroud the young lady's head. I fear a great calamity is imminent."
This child should have been buried long ago, but a rare treasure saved her life and extended her fate. Yet, it was a pity that defying heaven's will for longevity was ultimately futile.
Su Qingtian's expression immediately tensed. He glared with his tiger-like eyes, "Hey, hey! Who are you calling destined for calamity? Believe it or not, I'll throw you off this floor!"
This old fellow was ungrateful. Mòmo kindly gave him food, and he dared to curse her?
The old beggar didn't reply, but stood up and looked at Su Yunmo seriously, "You are destined to not escape this calamity, unless a savior descends from the heavens. Otherwise, all past connections will be severed."
Zhou Wanyou frowned. Although beggars' words couldn't be trusted, it was still unsettling to hear someone speak of Mòmo like this.
Seeing his wife's displeasure, Su Qingtian slammed the table, "What are you all standing around for? Drag this old fellow away!"
He gave him food, and this was his thanks?
The waiter moved to apprehend the old beggar, who offered no resistance, only sighing inwardly.
"Wait a moment," Su Yunmo stopped the waiter, turned back to face the old beggar directly, her face showing a maturity and rationality beyond her years.
"Since what is destined cannot be escaped, then I have no fear. Since ancient times, man has conquered fate."
The old beggar was taken aback by her resolve, but his regret only deepened.
While she said that, this calamity was her karmic debt, and she couldn't avoid it no matter what.
Xie Zhengping's gaze lingered on the old beggar for a moment, then he lowered his brows and said in a deep voice, "Since the food is prepared, please accompany us, elder."
This old man didn't seem like an ordinary beggar. Although he didn't believe in gods or buddhas, there were some things he couldn't help but pay attention to.
Su Qingtian glared, expressing his displeasure. In his opinion, the old fellow was speaking nonsense and should be thrown out.
"Mòmo, come here," Zhou Wanyou called the little dumpling.
Su Qingtian glanced at his wife's expression and swallowed his scolding.
Su Yunmo took two short steps and ran over, nestling into Zhou Wanyou's embrace.
The old beggar sighed, shook his head again, bowed, placed his hands behind his back, and mumbled something as he walked out.
Zhou Wanyou picked up the little dumpling and placed her on her lap, kissing her forehead, "Mòmo, be good. Don't be afraid. No matter what happens, Mother will protect you."
No matter what calamity it was, she would shield this child from it.
Su Yunmo raised her head, her expression resolute, "Mòmo will protect Mother too."
This was the path she had chosen, and no matter what lay ahead, she was determined to walk it!
Su Qingtian looked at the mother and daughter, his gaze also becoming firm.
Only Xie Zhengping pursed his lips, his brows furrowed as if with worry.
With the old beggar's sudden appearance and his unclear words, the three adults didn't enjoy their meal.
Only Su Yunmo ate her fill without much concern.
After the little dumpling finished eating, Su Qingtian had a carriage prepared to return to the manor.
It was the little dumpling's nap time, so as soon as they returned, Zhou Wanyou sent Ah Cai to take her back to her room.
Su Yunmo rubbed her round little belly, yawning as she walked towards the courtyard. The moment she stepped into the courtyard, she saw Su Siqi standing by the door.
He had one hand behind his back, his gaze fixed on the entrance. From his posture, it seemed he had been waiting for Su Yunmo for a long time.
Su Yunmo's eyelids twitched. Almost instinctively, she turned to run, but after only a few steps, she bumped into the mute servant.
"Mmmph~" The little dumpling covered her bumped nose and grunted, tears almost welling up from the pain.
Her collar was grabbed, and Su Yunmo's feet left the ground.
Su Siqi's dissatisfied voice came from behind, "Little one, is your second brother a tiger? You run at the sight of me?"
Su Yunmo sniffled and turned back with a hint of fear, denying it, "No, no. Second brother is the best, so gentle and considerate. Mòmo likes second brother the most."
"Heh, you know what's good for you." Su Siqi put the little person down and pinched her cheek, "You don't need to be afraid. Second brother isn't looking for you about the last incident."
He leaned down, smiling like a fox.
"How could second brother hold a grudge against our Mòmo? Second brother just wants to say that tomorrow is a big day. If Mòmo can give second brother a surprise, then second brother will be very happy."
Su Yunmo blinked.
What kind of big day would make the foxy second brother forget his grudges?
Seeing her lack of reaction, Su Siqi frowned slightly, "Little girl, you don't know, do you?"
Su Yunmo immediately felt a chill down her spine and straightened her back, patting her chest.
"How could that be? Mòmo certainly knows what day it is tomorrow. Don't worry, second brother, Mòmo has already prepared the gift. You'll definitely like it!"
"That's more like it. Then second brother will await your good news." Su Siqi beamed, pinched her cheek again, and walked away humming a tune.
The moment he left, Su Yunmo darted into the room and grabbed Luoluo, asking, "What day is it tomorrow?"
Luoluo was surprised, "Miss doesn't know? Tomorrow is the second young master's birthday. The manor has already sent out invitations."
Su Yunmo's mouth twitched.
No wonder second brother was so secretive; it turned out to be about his birthday gift.
She had been quite busy recently and hadn't paid much attention to matters in the manor.
She sighed, rubbing her temples with a headache. It should still be enough time to prepare a birthday gift.
Su Yunmo sent someone to buy some good quality bamboo with roots and planted it in the glazed lock overnight.
After a night, she got up before dawn the next day to busy herself.
Guests began to arrive one after another. Someone from the front hall came to ask for her, but she had kept herself locked in her room, busy.
Luoluo called out a few times but received no response. She had to make up an excuse to send away the people from the front hall.
It was almost noon when Su Yunmo finally emerged from her room.
Luoluo, seeing her open the door, hurried over, "Miss, you're finally done. The banquet is about to begin, and the second young master has been waiting for you."
The little dumpling was still wearing yesterday's clothes, which were wrinkled and draped over her. Her hair was messy, and she hadn't even washed her face. She was about to run to the front hall.
Luoluo said, "Miss, you should change your clothes first."
"No need. It's more important to deliver the gift to second brother first."
This was a hard-won opportunity. If she didn't appease second brother this time, he would eventually find a chance to torment her again.
She really didn't want to be locked up and forced to recite books again.