Song Ning tried to suppress the anger in her heart. The angrier she was, the calmer she became. “Mu Chen and I have come to an agreement to be financially independent…”
Liang Zhou reacted as though she had heard a particularly funny joke. “Both of you are really following the trend, huh? In fact, Mu Qing and I used to say this as well. However, as the days passed and with love in the equation, how could we differentiate clearly between our things? Let me tell you: currently, what’s mine is mine, and what’s Mu Qing is also mine…” She sounded proud at the end of her words.
Song Ning was speechless.
Liang Zhou was not pushy. She said amicably, “I understand we can’t rush this matter. After all, being able to attend the reunion dinner for the new year is already a good first step…”
Song Ning felt chills running up her spine. She began to doubt her actions. Why did her good intention seem to have been twisted by the person in front of her? She suddenly wondered if she had caused trouble for Mu Chen.
Liang Zhou said, “Song Ning, it’s been a pleasure chatting with you. We’re going to be a family from now on. I hope you’ll take my words to heart and help me with the favor. Mu Qing and I will remember your kindness.” Then, she looked at her watch and said, “It’s getting late; I won’t bother you anymore. I’ll be waiting for good news from you…”
Song Ning was really speechless. When did she agree to help Liang Zhou? Liang Zhou had spoken in a way that brooked no argument. Although she was usually even-tempered, she was really infuriated by the lunatic in front of her. She exhaled and calmed down.
Jiang Jin, naturally, loved her only son, Mu Qing. Mu Chen hated his father to the bones, but for his grandmother’s sake, he chose to compromise. Song Ning supported Mu Chen’s decision to compromise as well since Jiang Jin was already advanced in age. However, what were Mu Qing and Liang Zhou’s thoughts? Did they have ulterior motives or did they only want to accompany Jiang Jin? She was sure Liang Zhou had ulterior motives, but she was not sure about Mu Qing.
Song Ning did not plan to tell Mu Chen about what transpired today; she did not want to add salt to his wounds. She would keep an eye on Liang Zhou and Mu Qing. She would not allow them to hurt Mu Chen and Jiang Jin who were her family now. It was now her responsibility to protect them.
…
In the morning.
Ever since Jiang Jin knew Mu Qing would be coming back for the new year, she was incredibly happy and in high spirits.
Song Ning could tell Jiang Jin’s good mood had affected her health positively as well when she checked Jiang Jin’s pulse in the morning.
Meanwhile, ever since Mu Chen decided to compromise and fulfill his grandmother’s wish, he had calmed down a lot. This was thanks to the comfort Song Ning provided. His mood had turned better as well and responded as he usually would when Song Ning and Jiang Jin teased him.
On the other hand, Cheng Che was on tenterhooks. He was not sure what would happen. Fortunately, there was Song Ning. At least, if something happened, she would be able to calm Mu Chen down. He fervently prayed that the new year would be peaceful this year.
…
New Year’s eve.
According to tradition, other members of the Mu family would visit the Mu family house to greet Jiang Jin, the Old Madam of the Mu family, and Mu Chen, the head of the family.
With the addition of Song Ning, the new Young Madam of the Mu family, and the return of Mu Qing and Liang Zhou, the new year was livelier than usual.
Jiang Jin gave the helpers who had families of their own days off while old helpers who had been in the family for a long time stayed behind since they had long treated the Mu family as their own.
Song Ning, Jiang Jin, and Sister Yu came up with the menu for the new year’s eve dinner. There were all kinds of delicacies on the menu.
When Mu Qing and Liang Zhou arrived, Song Ning and Sister Yu were pasting the new year’s couplets. The entire place looked very festive.
At the same time, Jiang Jin directed the duo, laughing and teasing. She was clearly very happy.
Meanwhile, Mu Chen and Cheng Che did not get much respite during this time. The duo was holed up in the study to work. All they had to do was show up to eat during dinner.
When Mu Qing greeted Jiang Jin, his smile was incredibly wide. “Mom, happy new year!” Following that, he greeted everyone as well.
Although Jiang Jin was clearly happy, she still feigned indifference. She said, “It’s the new year tomorrow; you can leave your greeting until then. Go and help out…”
“Alright!” Mu Qing readily agreed. He looked to the left and the right, not knowing what to do.
At this time, Liang Zhou called out affectionately, “Mom!”
Jiang Jin’s expression changed immediately, and the atmosphere turned cold in just an instant.
At this moment, Song Ning saw Mu Chen and Cheng Che standing at the stairs from the corners of her eyes.
Jiang Jin replied indifferently, “You should refer to me as Old Madam.”
Liang Zhou’s face paled immediately, and she turned to look at Mu Qing for help.
Jiang Jin said bluntly, “There’s only one Madam of the Mu family and that’s your sister, Liang Zhen. Since you’re her sister, I’m sure you can accept this for her sake.”
Liang Zhou’s expression changed a few times before she finally lowered her head and said, “Yes, Old Madam.”
While this was happening, Song Ning was watching Mu Qing. She discovered that there were no changes in his expressions.
At this moment, Mu Chen and Cheng Che finally stepped off the stairs.
Cheng Che asked excitedly, “Sister-in-law, when can we eat? We’re really hungry!”
When Cheng Che’s gaze finally shifted to Mu Qing and Liang Zhou, he only bowed slightly at Mu Qing and said, “Uncle.”
Mu Qing seemed delighted. “This kid is very promising!”
Jiang Jin’s smile resurfaced again. “He only knows how to eat all day long!” Then, she turned to Mu Chen and Cheng Che and said with mock anger, “Both of you didn’t even help out at all…”
Cheng Che wrapped his arms around Sister Yu’s shoulders and said cheekily, “With Sister Yu and sister-in-law around, there’s nothing for us to do! Brother and I will be in charge of eating. They’ll be happy if we finish all the food they prepared. Isn’t that right, Sister Yu?”
Sister Yu laughed happily.
Jiang Jin said with a smile. “Alright, you better remember your words and finish all the food today!”
Cheng Che saluted Jiang Jin and said, “Understood. I will complete this mission well, my dear Grandma!”
