"You're just the eldest brother. Your parents are still alive, and since they're of the same generation as you, taking care of them is primarily their responsibility. More importantly, you’ve already been more than good to them—you even sold yourself to me for your sister’s sake. How much better can you possibly treat them?" Song Nianchu’s tone was firm.
Mu Shi'an was momentarily at a loss for words.
"Mu Shi'an, sometimes you shouldn’t just think about others. You need to consider yourself too." Though she hadn’t known him for long, Song Nianchu could tell he was someone who took immense responsibility for his family.
People like him were practically flawless—except for the fact that they didn’t treat themselves well enough.
Mu Shi'an gazed at the lovely face so close to his, his already erratic heartbeat accelerating further at her words.
An inexplicable atmosphere enveloped the two of them.
"Eww, so embarrassing!" Just then, a clear child’s voice shattered the intimate moment.
Snapping out of his daze, Mu Shi'an instinctively took a step back.
Song Nianchu looked up and saw a small figure standing at the doorway.
It was Mu Haoxuan.
He had his hands covering his eyes, but his fingers were spread so wide that not a single inch was actually hidden. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he stared at them.
"Didn’t I tell you to go to sleep? Why are you up again?" Song Nianchu huffed, walking over.
All those treats she’d fed him were wasted—he’d deliberately ruined her moment.
If not for him, she might have kissed Mu Shi'an just now.
"I needed to pee," Mu Haoxuan said sheepishly.
"Go pee in the vegetable patch then." Song Nianchu sighed and led him to the small garden nearby.
Mu Haoxuan immediately lifted his little skirt and relieved himself.
Song Nianchu naturally turned her back—even if he was just a child, he was still a boy.
"Big sis, I’m done," Mu Haoxuan said, tugging at her sleeve afterward.
"Then go back to bed by yourself," Song Nianchu replied.
"Big sis, aren’t you coming to sleep with me?" Mu Haoxuan blinked up at her pleadingly.
"I haven’t showered yet. Go wait for me in the room—I’ll come after I wash up." She ruffled his hair.
"Okay!" Mu Haoxuan agreed instantly and dashed inside.
Song Nianchu shook her head helplessly at his retreating figure.
"Um… I’ll go shower now," she said, glancing back at Mu Shi'an, who still stood frozen in place.
"...Alright." His voice was noticeably huskier than usual.
After showering, Song Nianchu returned to the bedroom to find Mu Haoxuan and Mu Yongnian already asleep.
The two were curled up against the wall, leaving just enough space for one person on the outer side.
But since there was only room for one, Song Nianchu hesitated before heading to the adjacent room.
This had been her late father’s room, left untouched since his passing.
She quickly tidied up, then pulled out a fresh set of bedding from the closet and made the bed.
Once everything was ready, she stepped back into the courtyard.
"Mu Shi'an, I cleaned up the other room for you. There’s no space left in our bed."
"Alright." He looked up at her.
"Don’t stay up too late—this isn’t urgent," she reminded him.
"I’ll go soon."
"Okay, then I’ll head to bed."
"Mm."
"..."
Only after Song Nianchu left did Mu Shi'an slowly lower his gaze.
He stared at his fingers, as if the warmth of her touch still lingered there.
She… really was too good.
"..."
Since she had to deliver vegetables to Manager Li that day, Song Nianchu woke up early to prepare.
Twenty servings weren’t too many, but making them all in one morning was still a rush.
Mu Shi'an, likely hearing the commotion, got up to help in the kitchen.
With his assistance, Song Nianchu worked much faster.
And with his handsome face beside her, the work didn’t feel as exhausting.
No wonder the old saying went, "Men and women working together never tire." It was absolutely true.
"..."
Mu Haoxuan and Mu Yongnian were roused from sleep by the rich aroma of food.
Their stomachs growling, they threw off the blankets and scrambled out of bed.
Mu Haoxuan followed the scent straight to the kitchen.
Spotting Song Nianchu busy at work, he didn’t approach her immediately—instead, he marched up to Mu Shi'an.
"Big brother, this is my job! Go do your own work—don’t steal mine!"
Mu Shi'an was momentarily speechless at his bold declaration.
Since when had tending the fire become his little brother’s duty?
"Big brother, hurry up and move!" Mu Haoxuan urged impatiently when Mu Shi'an didn’t budge.
What if Big Sis thought he was useless and sent him away?
"You just woke up—you haven’t even washed your face or brushed your teeth. Why are you rushing to work? Go clean up first," Song Nianchu called out.
"I don’t need to wash my face for this—it’ll just get dirty anyway," Mu Haoxuan insisted, eyes locked on Mu Shi'an.
Under his little brother’s intense stare, Mu Shi'an finally relented and stood.
Mu Haoxuan immediately plopped down in his place and began stuffing firewood into the stove with gusto.
"Big Sis, I’m really good at tending the fire!" he declared proudly.
"You certainly are. But the fire doesn’t need to be that big," Song Nianchu replied with a smile.
"Okay, I’ll make it smaller." He obediently stopped adding more wood.
"Since when did you become so well-behaved?" Mu Shi'an couldn’t hide his surprise.
His little brother had always been mischievous—even their parents couldn’t control him. Yet here he was, docile as a puppy around Song Nianchu.
If he had a tail, Mu Shi'an suspected it would be wagging furiously at her right now.
"I’ve always been this well-behaved. Big brother, just because we’re love rivals doesn’t mean you can slander me in front of Big Sis. She’s too wise to fall for your tricks!" Mu Haoxuan retorted solemnly.
"Did you just say we’re… what kind of relationship?" Mu Shi'an wondered if he’d misheard.
"Love rivals, of course!" Mu Haoxuan repeated matter-of-factly.
Mu Shi'an: "..."
"Mu Haoxuan, have I been too lenient with you lately? Do you need a reminder of discipline?" Mu Shi'an frowned.
"Big Sis, look! Big brother’s trying to hit me again!" Mu Haoxuan darted behind Song Nianchu and clung to her leg.
Mu Shi'an: "..."
"Big Sis, if you’re looking for a husband, you should pick someone gentle, caring, and obedient—preferably one you raise yourself. Someone like Big Brother who likes to hit people is no good. Send him home now, and I’ll stay to be your husband!" Mu Haoxuan looked up at her with hopeful eyes.
