Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Mu Jinyan felt helpless as Mu Chengxi refused to discuss anything. If Mu Chengxi were willing to share, he could offer help, but now he was at a loss.
“I can handle my own matters. You don’t need to worry about me. Just focus on your own issues,” Mu Chengxi said, head down, continuing his breakfast without glancing at Mu Jinyan. This was how they had always interacted since he was young, and he wasn’t used to his concern.
Mu Jinyan looked at Mu Chengxi for a while, sighed softly, and then stood up and walked out of the dining room. He had a brief conversation with Wei Manqing in the living room before they both left.
After Wen Xin and Mu Chengxi finished eating, only Mu Chengxu remained on the living room sofa.
As Wen Xin pushed Mu Chengxi out of the dining room, Mu Chengxi raised an eyebrow at Mu Chengxu. “Why are you still here? They both left. Why didn’t you?”
“Hey, what’s with that attitude? Dad and Mom came to check on you, but you just have to make things difficult,” Mu Chengxu said, clearly displeased with Mu Chengxi’s behavior. She understood the resentment from their childhood but couldn’t condone his attitude towards Mu Jinyan.
“What’s wrong with my attitude? Is it wrong? They left me alone for their freedom and ignored me. Were they right?”
“I’m long past the age of needing concern. It’s unnecessary and unwanted.”
Mu Chengxi’s expression was icy as he looked at Mu Chengxu. He had tried to let go of many things, but some still believed he wasn’t doing well enough. That was something he couldn’t tolerate.
Wen Xin parked Mu Chengxi’s wheelchair by the living room sofa and lazily sat down to play games on her phone, not participating in the sibling argument.
Mu Chengxu had wanted to explain on behalf of her parents but, seeing Wen Xin’s indifferent posture, sighed in resignation. Some things seemed beyond explanation.
“Those are things of the past. When Dad heard you were hurt, he rushed back. Even if you hold a grudge, you should at least soften up a bit,” Mu Chengxu pleaded.
“No need. I hold no grudge against him. I just want him to stay out of my business. I can handle my own affairs without anyone interfering,” Mu Chengxi retorted, his morning mood souring. He was in no mood to listen to Mu Chengxu.
“Why the bad mood so early? Is autumn’s dryness affecting your temper?”
An elderly voice echoed from the doorway as the formidable Old Madam Mu entered, supported by a cane. The housekeeper followed, carrying two bowls of dark herbal soup. The bitter smell was evident before they even reached the room.
“The housekeeper said your herbal medicine was ready, so I came to check on you. I heard you two yelling as soon as I walked into the yard!”
“Chengxu, he’s unwell, and his mood might be off. Don’t reason with him too much. He’s in his twenties and can decide for himself. No need to overtalk.”
Old Madam Mu approached Mu Chengxu, gently patting her arm to calm her. “I understand, Grandma,” Mu Chengxu replied. She wanted to add something, but the old lady patted her gently a few times. She understood the old lady’s intentions and decided not to continue.
The old lady then turned her attention to Wen Xin, who seemed to be in good spirits. “You look well. Any discomfort?”
“I’m fine now. I was just over exhausted before. I’ve recovered,” Wen Xin smiled softly. She had always liked the kind old lady.
“Good to hear. Drink your medicine while it’s warm. It’ll get more bitter if it cools. Aunt Fu is preparing some sweets for you both.”
Old Madam Mu took a seat, directing the housekeeper to serve the medicine promptly. Mu Chengxi took his bowl and downed the dark liquid in one gulp, recalling how Zhuge Jingming had tricked him.
Seeing Mu Chengxi’s fortitude, Wen Xin chuckled and followed suit, draining her bowl in one go. She then handed the empty bowl to Mu Chengxi, who returned it to the housekeeper.
Wen Xin drank a glass of warm water, handed it to Mu Chengxi, and then sat down more appropriately than before, not as slouchy but still comfortable.
“Xinxin, I called your university’s president this morning. Given your need for rest, I’ve arranged for you to take a break until after the upcoming holiday. How does that sound?”
Wen Xin was surprised by the offer and checked her phone calendar, realizing the Mid-Autumn Festival was near. She calculated and figured it would be acceptable to rest a bit longer.
“Okay, I’ll go along with your plan,” she replied gently, showing no objections.
“Great. On the fifteenth, we’ll have a family banquet. Many from the Mu family will attend, and I’ll introduce you to them.”
“I know you and Chengxi aren’t married yet, and this might seem rushed, but as the future mistress of the Mu family, it’s important for you to meet everyone.”
“Chengxi, what do you think?”
Old Madam Mu shifted the pressure to Mu Chengxi, her gaze expectant, hoping he would agree with her plan to introduce Wen Xin to the family.