Chapter Thirteen: Dining

In the evening, the family sat quietly at the long dining table, eating their meal in silence. In prestigious families, the rule of "no talking at the table, no speaking before bed" was strictly observed, and the only sounds were the occasional clink of cutlery against plates.

The girl beside them ate quietly, chewing her food slowly and gracefully. Every movement was gentle and refined, as if she had been privately tutored from a young age. Even Mr. and Mrs. Mu, along with Mu Zichen, had been a little surprised when they first saw her. They had been planning to hire an etiquette tutor for the little girl, only to discover it was unnecessary.

In truth, this elegance was deeply ingrained in her bones. She still remembered, in her previous life, when she was first brought to the Mu family, her manners had been crude and unrefined. Even though the Mu family had hired an etiquette tutor for her, and she had improved somewhat, her actions were still imitative, lacking the innate ease of those born into high society. Mu Tian had mocked her mercilessly for it. No one knew how she used to hide away in her room out of shame, practicing endlessly, sleeping just a few hours each night, tormented to the point she no longer wanted to stay in the Mu household.

Mu Zichen always sat beside her, quietly helping her with her food. By now, he had mastered all her preferences—what she liked, what she wouldn't touch, what she would only eat a little of—down to the finest detail, even more meticulous than Mu Qin herself.

Sometimes, Mu Zichen would be a bit strict with her, knowing she was still growing and couldn't afford to be too picky.

When that happened, the girl would cast him a soft, aggrieved look and complain in a gentle voice, "Brother Zichen, you're being too harsh," but it never worked. Under Mu Zichen’s stern gaze, she could only finish her vegetables.

But the effort was always rewarded: Mu Zichen would agree to any of her requests afterward—telling stories, singing, carrying her on his back, or putting her to bed.

This was, in fact, why the girl occasionally pretended to be picky: to earn rewards and endear herself further.

After dinner, everyone gathered in the living room. She nestled comfortably in Mu Zichen’s arms, eating fruit after the meal. She took a small bite of a bright red strawberry, savoring its sweet juice until her eyes narrowed in delight. "Thank you, Brother Zichen," she murmured.

After praising him, she took another bite of the remaining half of the strawberry, and her tender tongue accidentally brushed against the boy’s slender fingers. Unbothered, she continued eating, as lazy as a cat, only missing a tail waving in the air.

Mu Zichen’s eyes brightened, but he watched regretfully as the girl slipped away.

His favorite moments were when she nestled in his arms and ate, watching her nibble like a little hamster, feeling the soft touch when she accidentally licked his hand...

"Jiujiu, do you want to go to school?" Mu Qin asked suddenly. Both Mu Zichen and the girl looked up at her.

This was something she and her husband had just decided. At first, because Jiujiu was new to the Mu family and unfamiliar with her surroundings, they had hesitated. Then, her husband’s affairs had delayed things further. Today, she wanted to bring it up and hear the girl's opinion.

The girl didn’t mind either way. After all, from elementary to high school, there was no one she needed to win over; school was merely a way to pass the time. In her previous life, she had excelled academically but drew little notice, while Lin Yuexin, despite mediocre grades, was adored for her sweet looks.

She sneered inwardly. What was the use of being a top student? Appearances were far more beguiling, especially when paired with a perpetually innocent expression and a radiant smile...

"Auntie, you can decide. I’m fine with anything."

"Mom, let Jiujiu come to my school. That way I can look after her. Otherwise, I’ll worry," Mu Zichen interjected.

How ironic. In her past life, Mu Qin had wanted her to attend Mu Zichen’s school so he could watch over her, but he had refused. Now, he was volunteering of his own accord...

Things really were different now.

She couldn’t help but feel a touch of irony.

"That’s a good idea," Mu Qin nodded. It truly was; the school Mu Zichen attended was the city's most prestigious academy, with an excellent reputation, strong values, and an impressive track record. Graduates from there were always top students.

And so, it was settled: Jiujiu would go to school.

The days passed swiftly, almost bewilderingly so. Some might lament the time slipping by, but not the girl. She poured every little drop of warmth through her fingertips into Mu Zichen’s heart, becoming part of his very being—unconsciously, inevitably...