Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The books on the lowest shelves in the study room had already been torn up by the little guy. Xi Xiaye had to install a door for the shelves so that they could stop the little thing from continuing his destruction.
Mu Xiaocheng usually liked staying close to his father.
Perhaps because of the chemistry between father and son, every time the little guy was with Mu Yuchen, he would always have so much fun. Especially now that he could recognize people, he would stick to Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye all day.
What made Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye glad was that even though the little guy was very mischievous, he rarely had crying fits. He would merely cry a little when he was hungry, and once they fed him, he would immediately stop. Even Sis Wang and the rest said that Mu Xiaocheng was the easiest child to take care of though he was just mischievous.
With one hand carrying his son and the other stirring the food in the wok, Master Mu called out towards the door, “Xiaye, come and bring our son out. The kitchen’s too oily.”
When she heard that, Xi Xiaye rushed in. Seeing Mu Xiaocheng in Mu Yuchen’s arms, she was relieved. She walked over to carry him and could not help but pat the little guy’s butt with two mini spanks.
“Naughty kid! I’ll manage you! He crawled over just as I was in the washroom. I was looking all over for him! He’s quite quick, isn’t he?!” Xi Xiaye complained with a headache.
Mu Yuchen chuckled as he reached out to pinch Mu Xiaocheng’s little face. “You deserve it, you mini devil! Let’s visit the old residence tomorrow, grandfather misses him.”
“Mmm, bring him over tomorrow. I’m meeting Detective Zhang.”
“Alright, go on out then. It’s oily in here. Don’t come in.”
As long as he was home, Mu Yuchen would not usually let Xi Xiaye into the kitchen since it was too oily and smoky. Based on what Su Chen said, women would age easily if they were always in touch with such things.
Ever since Su Chen got married to Ji Zitong, he had practically become a loyal dog to his wife in Zhou Zimo’s words!
Zhou Zimo had asked him out quite a few times, but he did not go. As a result, Zhou Zimo was so angry that he cursed Su Chen for prioritizing his wife over friends. He would always complain to Mu Yuchen. Right then, dinner had just been prepared when there was a sound from outside the door, and Mu Yuchen could hear Sis Wang greeting someone.
“Hello, Master Mo!”
That was right!
Zhou Zimo was there to leech at dinner!
“Good evening! I’m guessing that dinner’s just been prepared?”
Zhou Zimo had just walked in when he saw the dishes ready on the dining table. He sat down and took a wet towel to wipe his hand as he excitedly picked up the chopsticks.
When Mu Yuchen brought the last dish out, he shot him a side look. “Why are you here?”
“Why can’t I come? Bring another set of cutlery. I’m starving!” Zhou Zimo said as he shouted into the kitchen, “Xiaye, bring me another set of cutlery!”
Mu Yuchen glared at him, then sat down on a chair while Xi Xiaye quickly brought a set of cutlery over.
“I was just going to ask you out for a drink. Su Chen’s not coming and Qi Lei seems to be quite busy recently. I’m the only lonely one, so I can only come to your place to leech at dinner.” Zhou Zimo got up and walked to the drinks cupboard. He took out a bottle of whiskey and poured some for himself and Mu Yuchen.
“I think you’re just hiding from your family here. I know that Mother Zhou’s been nagging you recently.” Mu Yuchen carelessly pinpointed what was on Zhou Zimo’s mind.
Zhou Zimo looked up at him and replied unhappily, “There really is nothing I can hide from you. My old man’s already said that if I still don’t get anyone by the end of this year, I’m not allowed to go home. Why is it that elders now love to threaten us so easily? How annoying!”
As he finished the drink in his glass, he said gloomily, “They even signed me up for some car club and a comic exhibition meetup. How about you talk to my parents for me?”
“I can’t help you out with this. You aren’t young anymore, and you’re the only one left among the three buddies. I understand how Mother Zhou feels.”
“Right now, I kind of regret being so content when we were studying. Otherwise, I could’ve had a girlfriend to go through many years of hardships. That kind of love is one that I envy,” Zhou Zimo cleared his throat and lamented sadly.
Upon hearing that, Xi Xiaye instantly laughed gently as she handed the chopsticks to the man beside her. “Zimo, the depth of a relationship has nothing to do with the length of time actually. Chen always tells me about you, and I do think that among the three buddies, you’re the most genuine one.”
“Xiaye, you’re my friend! I think so too! No one loves a man who’s overly genuine!” Zhou Zimo beamed at her.
“Your head’s full of tricks. If you were really genuine, then there’s no such thing as innocence in this world anymore,” Mu Yuchen objected.
“Chen, that’s pure slander! To act on those thoughts is true sincerity. I’m being outwardly flirtatious, not like you, cold on the outside but passionate on the inside! I must express it. I’m destined to be flirtatious!”
“Can you keep quiet while eating? With the way you act, even good women would be frightened away. Could you be more chivalrous? Did you really think she was complimenting you?”
Then, the few of them smirked at one another before holding up their drinks for a toast.
After dinner, Xi Xiaye brought their son to shower while Mu Yuchen and Zhou Zimo went to the study room.
…
The next morning, Mu Yuchen woke up early. After packing up, he was planning to return straight the old Mu residence, but Mu Yinan had already gone over, and Ah Mo and Mu Lingshi were with him too.
Xi Xiaye left early that day because she had a morning meeting. Breakfast was also rushed as she ate a little before going straight to work. In the afternoon, she was meeting Detective Zhang.
Compared to a few days ago, Mu Yinan was now in a much better state.
When he saw Mu Xiaocheng, he could not help but carry him up to play with him while Mu Lingshi went to the backyard with Mu Yuchen.
“Gu Qiwu’s hospitalized because of gastrointestinal bleeding. He didn’t respond to this either. Do you blame me for leaking out this news on my own accord?”
At the table in the pavilion in the backyard, Mu Yuchen leaned slightly against the handrail behind him as he watched the slightly pale Mu Lingshi.
Mu Lingshi still looked a little weak right now. Despite having faced such a huge blow, Mu Yuchen actually admired her for being strong and not breaking down. He could understand her anguish.
She had always been a strong sister that he quietly protected. After the incident with Mu Lingtian, he seemed to have compensated all of his guilt towards her.
