"Alright." Mu Shi'an nodded with a smile and got up to leave the room.
Song Nianchu lay exhausted on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, her thoughts still scattered.
She had never known a kiss could be so intense.
Especially Mu Shi'an's reaction—it completely shattered the image she had of him in her mind.
He always seemed so refined and scholarly, yet when it came to kissing, he was unexpectedly fierce.
If things escalated further, he might just tear her apart.
Song Nianchu pulled the blanket over herself, wrapping her entire body like a cocoon.
By the time Mu Shi'an had settled Mu Haoxuan and Mu Yongnian, taken a shower, and returned, he found Song Nianchu bundled up like a silkworm.
"What are you doing?" Mu Shi'an asked, amused.
"Nothing, just testing how sturdy this blanket is," Song Nianchu replied awkwardly, rolling out from under it.
Mu Shi'an didn’t quite understand but respected her odd behavior.
"You’ve showered already?" Song Nianchu noticed his change of clothes and slightly damp hair.
"Mhm." Mu Shi'an nodded and sat down on the bed.
"Oh, right—you still haven’t told me whether your father agreed to be the accountant for our village," Song Nianchu suddenly remembered the important matter.
"Only now you remember to ask?" Mu Shi'an chuckled.
"Just tell me, did he agree or not?" Song Nianchu pressed urgently.
If he hadn’t, she’d have to find someone else, which would mean more wasted time.
"He agreed." Seeing how anxious she was, Mu Shi'an decided not to tease her further.
"Really?" Song Nianchu grabbed his arm excitedly.
"Mhm." Mu Shi'an glanced at her hand gripping his arm.
"That’s wonderful! I was afraid your father might refuse because of our relationship. Now I can finally relax." Song Nianchu took a deep breath and flopped back onto the bed, relieved.
"Did you offer this job to my father because there really were no other candidates, or was it because of me?" Mu Shi'an turned to face her, his gaze serious.
"A bit of both," Song Nianchu answered after a moment’s thought.
"A bit of both?" Mu Shi'an was slightly taken aback.
"Well, we couldn’t find anyone more qualified than your father. But of course, since he’s capable, I’d naturally prioritize him." She explained.
"Why?" Mu Shi'an’s eyes darkened slightly, his gaze growing intense.
"Because you’ve helped me so much," Song Nianchu stated firmly.
Mu Shi'an: "..."
"I’ve… helped you a lot?" His voice stiffened slightly.
"Of course! You not only designed the net-weaving machine for our village but also carved the printing template for the labels. You’ve done so much for me—it’s only fair I repay you." She smiled.
She was always someone who believed in returning kindness.
"So, hiring my father as the accountant was just to repay me?" Mu Shi'an repeated the question.
"Yes." Song Nianchu nodded.
Hadn’t she already answered that? Why ask again?
Mu Shi'an studied her large, innocent eyes, confirming she wasn’t hiding anything, before slowly looking away.
He lay down calmly, pulled the blanket over himself, folded his hands over his chest, and closed his eyes.
"Mu Shi'an? Are you going to sleep already?" Song Nianchu turned to face him.
"Mhm."
"But… it’s still early…" she hinted.
"I’m tired." His tone was flat.
Song Nianchu: "???"
Since when did sleepiness hit so suddenly?
Just moments ago, they were chatting animatedly—now he was ready to sleep?
Song Nianchu had hoped to continue the pleasant atmosphere and maybe discuss their plans for having children, but it seemed he was already drifting off. Dragging him back awake would be inconsiderate, wouldn’t it?
With a quiet sigh, she resolved that next time they got intimate, she’d remember to lock the door—and the windows too!
With that lingering frustration, Song Nianchu eventually fell asleep. Unbeknownst to her, Mu Shi'an opened his eyes moments later.
He turned slightly, gazing at her peaceful face so close to his, the tension in his expression softening.
It seemed Song Nianchu only wanted a live-in husband to continue her family line.
So all her previous actions toward him… were just for the sake of having a child?
What would happen after the child was born?
Would she discard him like a used tool?
Mu Shi'an reached out, tracing the outline of her features in the air.
This bright, unexpected presence had stormed into his world, and he desperately wanted her to stay a little longer.
---
Song Nianchu slept soundly through the night and woke up refreshed.
As expected, Mu Shi'an was already gone when she turned to look.
She got out of bed and found Mu Haoxuan and Mu Yongnian brushing their teeth by the water vat in the yard.
"Jie-jie…" Mu Haoxuan mumbled through a mouthful of foam.
"Where’s your big brother?" Song Nianchu asked.
Mu Yongnian pointed toward the kitchen.
She walked over to find Mu Shi'an preparing to light the stove.
"You’re awake," he greeted her softly.
Song Nianchu studied him for a moment. His expression was as composed as ever, with no trace of distance.
So he really had just been tired last night.
"Mhm." She smiled, pushing aside her earlier thoughts.
"What are we making for breakfast?" Mu Shi'an asked.
"Let’s do egg pancakes—quick and delicious," she decided after a brief pause.
"Alright." He started the fire.
Song Nianchu washed her hands, grabbed four eggs, and scooped out some flour.
Egg pancakes were simple—in less than ten minutes, a fragrant stack was ready.
Mu Haoxuan and Mu Yongnian wandered in, drawn by the smell.
"Go ahead and eat. I’ll go wash up," Song Nianchu said, patting their heads.
The two boys nodded obediently.
But when she returned after brushing her teeth and washing her face, the plate of pancakes remained untouched.
"I told you to start without me. Why hasn’t anyone eaten?" she asked, puzzled.
"Big brother said we should wait for you. You made them, so you should eat first," Mu Haoxuan announced.
Song Nianchu glanced at Mu Shi'an, her eyes crinkling with amusement.
"No need for formalities like this in the future." She took the first pancake, and Mu Haoxuan eagerly grabbed the next.
His eating habits were a bit wild—these past few days at home had been torture for him.
Before tasting Song Nianchu’s cooking, he could tolerate his mother’s meals, but now they were unbearable.
"You two eat up. I’ve got a lot to do in the kitchen today, so I should head over early." She grabbed another pancake to take with her.
"Do you need help?" Mu Yongnian immediately offered when he heard she was busy.
