After dinner, Mu Shi'an instinctively moved to wash the dishes, but Song Nianchu snatched the bowls and chopsticks from his hands.
"You go see your father first. I’ll handle the dishes." Song Nianchu was eager to recruit a reliable accountant for her team as soon as possible. That way, she could devote all her energy to expanding their market.
"There’s no need to rush. It only takes a few minutes to walk home. I can wash the dishes and still make it in time." Mu Shi'an took the dishes back. Though Song Nianchu hadn’t said it, he could tell she didn’t enjoy washing dishes.
When cooking, her face was always lit with a smile, but the moment she started washing dishes, her brows would furrow slightly—perhaps without her even realizing it.
"The hot water should be ready soon. Take a bath and rest. I’ll be back shortly." After finishing the dishes, Mu Shi'an turned to remind Song Nianchu before leaving.
"...Okay." Song Nianchu nodded obediently.
"I’m going now."
"Mm." She wanted to walk him out, but Mu Shi'an stopped her.
"No need. Go take your bath."
"Alright."
"..."
Watching Mu Shi'an leave the kitchen, Song Nianchu felt as if she had swallowed a piece of candy—so sweet it made her heart bubble with joy.
Mu Shi'an was truly the perfect homemaker—obedient, clever, skilled with his hands, capable of crafting all sorts of unique items.
And most importantly, he doted on his wife!
Song Nianchu decided she ought to bring Wu Zhenggui two catties of meat tomorrow. Otherwise, she’d feel guilty for not properly thanking him for finding her such a wonderful husband.
Humming a tune, she carried the hot water to the washroom.
Meanwhile, Mu Shi'an had already arrived at the Mu family’s doorstep.
The Mu residence was enclosed only by a simple fence, with no lock on the gate. Pushing it open, he stepped inside.
The weeds in the yard had been cleared, and the space was neatly arranged—likely his father’s handiwork.
Entering the main hall, he found the Mu family in the middle of dinner. A pot of indiscernible stew sat on the table. Mu Haoxuan and Mu Yongnian both wore pained expressions as they forced spoonfuls into their mouths, as if swallowing medicine.
In contrast, Mu Jingmei had a small plate of salted fish in front of her, while Mu Deyi’s bowl held the same unappetizing fare as the others.
Mu Shi'an’s brows knitted together.
"Big Brother!" Mu Haoxuan was the first to notice him, leaping from his seat and throwing himself into Mu Shi'an’s arms.
Back home, Mu Haoxuan had been somewhat afraid of Mu Shi'an. After all, there was a significant age gap between them, and his eldest brother was known for his stern demeanor.
His second sister had told him that Mu Shi'an would one day become the head of the Mu family, and they all had to obey him—or risk being cast out.
So he had always kept his distance. But after staying in Qinghe Fishing Village for a few days at Song Nianchu’s place, he realized his big brother wasn’t scary at all.
In fact, he was much nicer than his second sister, who constantly scolded him.
"Shi'an, why have you come back?" Mu's mother stood up instinctively upon seeing him.
Since Mu Shi'an had stormed off in anger days ago, he hadn’t returned home or sought her out.
"I need to talk to Dad about something," Mu Shi'an replied calmly before his tone hardened. "Dad just got out of the hospital. His health hasn’t fully recovered yet. How could you let him eat this kind of food?"
"I—" Mu's mother faltered, unsure how to explain.
Mu's father spoke up instead. "I insisted. There’s no need for special treatment in this family."
No special treatment?
Mu Shi'an’s gaze lingered on the plate of salted fish in front of Mu Jingmei.
Nearly every household in Qinghe Fishing Village preserved some salted fish, but it was usually saved for special occasions like the New Year.
"Your sister hasn’t been feeling well these past few days. I just wanted to give her something nutritious," Mu's mother quickly explained.
"Brother, why did you really come back?" Mu Jingmei’s tone carried a hint of displeasure.
Her brother rarely visited, and when he did, it was always to interrogate them. If their father didn’t complain, why should he?
Mu Shi'an glanced at her, easily catching the poorly concealed resentment in her eyes.
"Dad, let’s talk in your room." Though he had intended to speak openly, Mu Shi'an decided it was better to avoid his mother and Mu Jingmei.
"Fine." Without further questions, Mu Deyi set down his chopsticks and prepared to follow.
"Big Brother, we’re family. What could you possibly have to discuss with Dad alone?" Mu Jingmei’s eyes flashed with suspicion.
"Yes, we’re family," Mu's mother chimed in.
She had noticed Mu Shi'an’s growing distance lately. While he had always been reserved, he used to show more concern for her in his actions.
A flicker of impatience crossed Mu Shi'an’s face, but before he could respond, Mu Deyi cut in sharply.
"Either finish your meal properly or go to bed!"
Mu Deyi’s word was law in the household. His stern tone silenced both women immediately.
"Shi'an, come with me." With that, Mu Deyi turned and headed to his room.
Ignoring his mother and sister, Mu Shi'an followed.
"What is it? Are you here to convince me again to let you marry into that girl’s family? Let me tell you—" Mu Deyi sat on the edge of the bed—the only place to sit in the sparse room.
But before he could finish his reprimand, Mu Shi'an interrupted.
"It’s not about that."
"Then what else would bring you here so late?" Mu Deyi frowned.
"Nianchu mentioned the village needs an accountant. She wanted me to ask if you’d be willing to take the position. The job only involves bookkeeping—no heavy labor—and it pays full work points daily."
Mu Deyi was stunned into silence for a long moment before finally snapping back to reality.
He stared straight at Mu Shi'an. "Is that girl trying to bribe me? I’m not the kind of father who’d sell out his son for an easy job!"
Mu Shi'an sighed at his father’s reaction.
"No, this is purely a work arrangement."
"Hard to say. She might call it work now, but once I agree, she could go back on her word. That girl’s sharp—I can tell she’s no ordinary fishing village girl." Mu Deyi’s eyes were shrewd. Though he hadn’t interacted much with Song Nianchu, he could see she was anything but simple.
"Dad, why overthink it? It’s not like I’ll divorce her. Why pass up a good opportunity for nothing?" Mu Shi'an pointed out.
"You brat! Are you trying to piss me off?!" Mu Deyi grabbed a pillow and hurled it at him.
Mu Shi'an caught it effortlessly, smoothing out the wrinkles with deliberate calm.
"Dad, you like Nianchu too, don’t you?"
"Who said I like her?!" Mu Deyi retorted loudly.
"If you didn’t, why were you worried about her carrying heavy things? Why did you check if she was home when we passed by?" Mu Shi'an hadn’t planned to expose his father, but since he was being stubborn, he had no choice but to play the role of the blunt son.
