"I quite like Haoxuan. If your parents are willing, I have no objections," Song Nianchu said.
"I'll talk to my parents. As long as you're okay with it, that's all that matters," Mu Shi'an replied immediately.
"Then it's settled," Song Nianchu nodded.
"Don’t worry, I’ll earn Haoxuan’s share of food!" Mu Shi'an said with determination.
"Sounds good. Then make sure to finish a few more weaving machines in the next three days—I have big plans for them," Song Nianchu chuckled.
"Got it!" Mu Shi'an agreed solemnly.
Originally, he had planned to bring up the idea of bringing Mu Haoxuan over once the weaving machines were done.
Unexpectedly, before he could even mention it, Mu Haoxuan had shown up on his own.
Seeing how obedient Mu Shi'an was, Song Nianchu was about to say something more when a childish voice called out from behind them.
"Sister, I’m done washing up."
Song Nianchu turned and saw Mu Haoxuan standing outside the kitchen.
He was wearing a pink dress she had discarded, looking utterly adorable.
He didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed, standing straight with perfect posture.
Behind him, Mu Yongnian, also dressed in a small dress, fidgeted uncomfortably, as if he wanted to vanish into the ground.
Song Nianchu bit back a smile, careful not to laugh too obviously—she didn’t want to upset the two little ones.
"Haoxuan, let’s get you to your room first." Song Nianchu gave Mu Shi'an a meaningful glance before leading Mu Haoxuan away.
She knew Mu Yongnian was shy and reserved, so it was better to leave him to his older brother.
Sure enough, as soon as she left, Mu Yongnian rushed to Mu Shi'an.
"Big Brother, can I stay here tonight too? I don’t mind sleeping on the floor!" His voice grew urgent by the end.
He really didn’t want to go home wearing this dress—even if no one saw him on the way, his second sister would mock him mercilessly.
"You’ll have to ask your sister-in-law," Mu Shi'an said, amusement flickering in his eyes as he took in Mu Yongnian’s awkward stance.
"...Sister-in-law?" Mu Yongnian struggled with the term.
"Yes, she’s your sister-in-law now," Mu Shi'an confirmed.
Mu Yongnian stared at him for a long moment before suddenly asking,
"Big Brother… are you happy now?"
"Why do you ask?" Mu Shi'an was taken aback.
"Second Sister says only the most useless men marry into their wife’s family, and that they all live miserable lives." Mu Yongnian hung his head as he spoke.
His brother had only married into Song Nianchu’s family to protect his second sister.
He didn’t understand why she would say such things about him, but he didn’t dare argue.
Their mother doted on his second sister—no matter who clashed with her, they were always the ones forced to apologize.
Mu Shi'an’s expression darkened briefly before he ruffled Mu Yongnian’s hair, forcing a light tone.
"Honestly, I think married life suits me just fine."
"Really?" Mu Yongnian sounded doubtful.
"You’ve spent time with your sister-in-law. Does she seem like the kind of person who’d mistreat others?" Mu Shi'an asked gently.
Mu Yongnian shook his head.
Song Nianchu had been nothing but kind—she’d saved them, fed them, and treated them well.
Mu Shi'an crouched down to meet his brother’s gaze.
"Your sister-in-law is a good person. Marrying her was my good fortune. You know our family’s background—people avoid us like the plague. But she doesn’t. She cooks delicious meals for me every day. A-Nian, you must always respect her, understand?"
After a long pause, Mu Yongnian nodded.
He could tell Mu Shi'an was genuinely happy—happier than he’d ever been at home.
"Alright, if you want to stay tonight, go ask your sister-in-law yourself," Mu Shi'an said, patting his head affectionately.
"...Okay," Mu Yongnian agreed.
At the doorway, Song Nianchu, who had frozen in place, quickly retreated when she saw them approaching.
She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop—she’d only wanted to check if the bathwater was ready. After a long day, she was sticky and eager to wash up.
But as she reached the door, she overheard Mu Shi'an and Mu Yongnian talking about her, and before she knew it, she’d listened to the whole conversation.
"Sister, why are you back?" Mu Haoxuan, already tucked into bed, blinked at her in confusion.
"Oh, I just forgot something," Song Nianchu lied, pretending to rummage through the wardrobe.
Just then, Mu Shi'an led Mu Yongnian inside.
With an encouraging nod from his brother, Mu Yongnian gathered his courage and stepped forward.
"Si-Sister-in-law… can I… stay here tonight too?" His words stumbled, but he managed to get them out.
"You want to stay as well?" Song Nianchu feigned surprise, though she’d already heard everything.
"...Yes," Mu Yongnian mumbled, tugging at his dress.
"Of course. Go ahead and climb into bed," Song Nianchu said, barely suppressing a smile.
Mu Yongnian’s head snapped up, as if shocked by her immediate agreement.
"What? Do you need me to carry you?" she teased.
"Third Brother, hurry up!" Mu Haoxuan scooted over to make room.
Mu Yongnian’s eyes stung. Without a word, he climbed into bed and burrowed deep under the covers.
Before their family’s downfall, everyone had treated them well.
Relatives and his father’s friends would call them "young masters" with respect.
But after the disaster, those same people sneered and called them capitalists who exploited the common folk.
Yet they had once praised his father as a great philanthropist.
It had been so long since he’d felt anyone’s kindness.
Watching the small figure trembling under the blankets, Song Nianchu sighed inwardly.
Children who grew up too fast rarely knew how to be truly happy.
She exchanged a glance with Mu Shi'an, and the two quietly stepped out, closing the door behind them.
Mu Shi'an still looked worried, lingering by the door.
Song Nianchu pulled him into the courtyard.
"Boys don’t like an audience when they cry. Don’t worry—kids bounce back quickly. A good cry will do him good," she reassured.
"I’m useless," Mu Shi'an murmured, lowering his gaze.
As the eldest brother, he couldn’t even protect his siblings.
But before he could dwell on it, warmth enveloped him.
Startled, he looked down—straight into Song Nianchu’s bright, clear eyes.
His heart skipped a beat.
