The aroma grew increasingly rich, making Mu Yongnian feel his stomach cramping with hunger. Without thinking, Mu Haoxuan began walking toward the source of the scent, only for Mu Yongnian to yank him back.
"We should head back now," Mu Yongnian insisted, certain they couldn’t stay any longer—the tantalizing smell would be the death of him.
"But Sister told us to wait here for her," Mu Haoxuan protested, his eyes fixed longingly on the kitchen.
"We can come back later," Mu Yongnian said, pulling Mu Haoxuan toward the gate.
Though Mu Haoxuan couldn’t resist his brother’s grip, his nose remained busy, inhaling deeply as if the scent alone could ease his hunger.
"Where are you two going?" Song Nianchu stepped out of the kitchen holding bowls of egg noodles just as Mu Yongnian and Mu Haoxuan reached the courtyard gate.
"We… we’ve already troubled you for too long. We’ll return the borrowed clothes as soon as we change," Mu Yongnian replied, forcing himself to ignore the mouthwatering fragrance in the air.
"No need to rush with the clothes. Weren’t you hungry? I made egg noodles for you—come and eat," Song Nianchu called out warmly.
Mu Yongnian froze for a moment, stunned.
What… did she just say?
Who was the egg noodles for?
Before he could process it, Mu Haoxuan wrenched himself free and dashed over to Song Nianchu.
"Sister, is this bowl for me?" Mu Haoxuan asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Song Nianchu’s heart melted instantly. She bent down slightly.
"Yes, it’s for you," she said, handing him one of the bowls.
"Thank you, Sister!" Mu Haoxuan cheered, immediately plopping onto the steps and slurping up the noodles.
"So good! So delicious!" he mumbled between mouthfuls, beaming at Song Nianchu.
"Haoxuan!" Mu Yongnian hurried over, intending to take the bowl back, but before he could, Song Nianchu placed the second bowl in his hands.
His words died on his lips, replaced by bewilderment.
"Eat up, or your little brother might finish his and steal yours," Song Nianchu teased.
Mu Yongnian stared at the golden-brown eggs, his mouth watering uncontrollably.
In the end, he couldn’t resist. He picked up his chopsticks, took a bite of the egg, and—
His body seemed to awaken instantly. The next moment, he was devouring the noodles ravenously, even more messily than Mu Haoxuan.
Clearly, he had been holding back for a long time.
The two brothers polished off every last strand of noodles, even draining the broth.
Mu Haoxuan set his bowl aside and sprawled on the steps, rubbing his slightly rounded belly.
"I’m so full… I haven’t eaten like this in ages," he sighed, reminiscing about the days when food was always plentiful at home.
Back then, he never had to worry about going hungry or lacking clothes. A single call would bring servants running with meals.
But Third Brother had said those days were gone forever.
Mu Yongnian, too, felt warmth spreading through his body, strength returning to his limbs.
"Thank you," he said, handing the empty bowl back to Song Nianchu with both hands.
This time, his gratitude was far more heartfelt than before.
"Don’t mention it. As your sister-in-law, treating you to egg noodles is the least I can do," Song Nianchu replied with a smile.
Mu Yongnian’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
He hadn’t acknowledged her as family until now.
Second Sister had claimed Song Nianchu was a bad person—that she’d used her strength to steal their eldest brother away.
But now, Mu Yongnian saw her differently. She had saved them, given them clothes, and even cooked for them.
A bad person wouldn’t have done any of that.
Second Sister must have been wrong.
"Sister, can I stay with you from now on?" Mu Haoxuan, too innocent for complicated thoughts, turned hopeful eyes toward Song Nianchu.
"Stay with me?" She blinked in surprise.
"Yeah! I want to eat until I’m full every day!" He patted his belly.
"So you just want me for the food?" She pinched his cheek playfully.
"Not just that! You’re also really pretty," he giggled, unbothered by the teasing.
"Do you even know what ‘pretty’ means?" She laughed.
"Of course! Sister, if Eldest Brother doesn’t want to marry you, I’ll marry you when I grow up!" he declared with childish sincerity.
Song Nianchu burst out laughing.
"You’re barely taller than a bean sprout and already thinking about marriage? What a little troublemaker."
"I’m not trouble! I just like you!" Mu Haoxuan clung to her arm, completely smitten.
"More like you like my cooking," she teased, though she didn’t pull away.
In her past life, she’d been an only child, never experiencing sibling bonds. Now, looking at Mu Haoxuan, she thought having a little brother like him might not be so bad.
"I like both! Sister, please? Can I stay?" He gazed up at her, enchanted by her softness and kindness—so different from Second Sister, who always complained he smelled and pushed him away.
"That’s up to your parents, not me," Song Nianchu said gently.
"So if they say yes, I can?" His face lit up.
"Well…" She hesitated.
She’d never raised a child before. What did she know about parenting?
Seeing her reluctance, Mu Haoxuan’s smile vanished.
"I knew it. No one wants me. I’m just an unwanted kid."
"Don’t say that! You’re adorable," she protested.
"But Second Sister said Mom didn’t even want me—that she only had me because Second Sister begged her." His voice trembled with hurt.
Song Nianchu’s frown deepened. Her dislike for Mu Jingmei grew.
What kind of sister said such things to her own brother?
"Listen to me. If they ever say that again, you come find me. I’ll take you in," she promised firmly.
"Really?" His eyes shone.
"Really."
"Then pinky promise!" He held out his tiny finger.
"Alright, pinky promise." She linked her finger with his, sealing the vow.
Just then, Mu Shi’an stepped through the gate—and froze at the sight before him.
