Chapter Twenty-Two: Celebration

At Mu Junze’s suggestion, everyone took their seats together.

As soon as they sat down, Mu Qin smiled and praised, “Jiujiu looks so beautiful today.”

Mu Junze nodded in agreement, “Our Jiujiu has always been beautiful.”

Look at that—Uncle Mu was getting better at saying nice things!

The girl blushed at the compliments, smiling shyly.

“Don’t keep praising her, or our little birthday star will duck under the table,” Mu Zichen chimed in, swept up by the light atmosphere, rare laughter in his voice.

“Brother Zichen~” The girl protested, pouting in mock displeasure.

Mu Zichen helplessly curled his lips, eager to change the subject. Suddenly he noticed the dishes hadn’t been served. “Why isn’t the food here yet?”

“Your third uncle will be joining us, let’s wait a bit longer.” Mu Junze’s words landed like a heavy stone, making both Mu Zichen and the girl look at him in surprise, searching his expression for confirmation.

Mu Tingye? Uncle Tingye?

Her eyes, clear as a spring, flickered, rippling with anticipation.

Mu Zichen, too, was surprised. His third uncle was notoriously aloof; for him to attend a little birthday gathering for someone unrelated—it was unusual.

Had he overlooked something? He glanced discreetly at the girl and saw she was just as surprised, which reassured him. It had nothing to do with her, so it must concern his parents...

Unable to figure it out, he let it go; he’d take things as they came.

He lowered his gaze, shifted his mood, and began chatting with the girl. She listened obediently, sometimes responding with a sweet smile.

Mu Qin and Mu Junze watched with smiles. Mu Qin seemed to notice something, suddenly turning to her husband.

Was their son in love with Jiujiu?

She knew her own son well—look at those eyes. Was that how one looked at a little sister?

But feelings often grew over time, especially since they’d grown up together...

Jiujiu as her daughter-in-law... That would be wonderful!

The more Mu Qin thought about it, the more excited she became, her eyes shining as she watched the two, wishing they’d marry right then and there.

Mu Junze, catching the message in his wife’s gaze, only replied with a meaningful smile.

He’d long noticed his son felt differently about Jiujiu. But he wouldn’t interfere too much with the children’s affairs. If it worked out, he’d happily accept it; if not, he wouldn’t force it. Matters of the heart couldn’t be compelled; let things take their own course.

The girl, chatting with Mu Zichen, was startled by Mu Qin’s intense gaze. Her cheeks reddened slightly, and she pretended to rise, saying she needed to visit the restroom.

“Come back soon,” Mu Zichen’s gentle voice sounded.

“Alright.” The girl nodded obediently, her hair trembling along with her movement.

As soon as she closed the door, the room erupted.

“Son, do you like Jiujiu?” Mu Qin asked directly, not leaving room for hesitation.

“Yes,” Mu Zichen replied calmly, unfazed by his mother’s question. If his parents hadn’t noticed by now, they wouldn’t really be his parents.

“What about Jiujiu?” Mu Qin pressed, eager to know how things might develop.

“She…” Mu Zichen hesitated—or rather, he didn’t know.

Did the girl like him? He’d asked himself that before, but now he wouldn’t merely wonder; he would act and prove it.

Mu Qin exchanged worried glances with her husband.

This child had fallen deeply…

But whether that was good or bad, who could say?

In the restroom, the girl touched up her makeup in front of the mirror, then tucked her cosmetics into her bag, zipping it up. She composed herself a little, adjusted her expression until—

The girl in the mirror wore a pure, innocent smile, her rosy lips curled gracefully, dimples forming and adding warmth to her delicate features. She looked bashful and charming, a thousand moods in her gentle eyes.

Satisfied, she let the smile fade, picked up her bag, and headed back.

The system, scribbling quietly in its notebook, noted: “Green Tea Tactics, third main point: When facing an important target, always present your most beautiful side. Aim for breathtaking perfection. Jiujiu’s completion: 99%. Nearly flawless!”

She was about to meet Uncle Tingye; excitement fluttered inside her.

Meanwhile, outside the restaurant—

Suddenly, a black Maybach pulled up at the entrance. Its sleek lines and understated luxury gave off a powerful aura without ostentation.

The man in the passenger seat got out first, bent down, and opened the rear door, then stood respectfully aside.

A long leg stepped out—slender, straight—then the whole man emerged.

He wore a tailored black suit, a classic soft-collared shirt buttoned to the top, a fine white-check tie, and only a clean Adam’s apple showed. He was tall and strong, with sharp features, his face sculpted like marble, and icy, deep-set eyes as dark as ancient wells. Every movement radiated an effortless nobility.

Dangerous, intimidating!

The intensity of his presence was suffocating.

In the fading sunlight, he seemed like a figure stepping out of a vintage oil painting, the dazzling sunset a mere backdrop behind him.

The man entered the restaurant, guided by a waiter straight to the private room Mu Junze had mentioned on his phone.

The door opened.

“Tingye, you’re here!”

Mu Junze, who’d been discussing matters of the heart with Mu Zichen, turned to see his third brother entering and quickly smiled in greeting.

“Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law.”

His voice was low and rough, deep and subdued.

Mu Zichen stood as well, “Third Uncle,” his voice cool and emotionless.

Mu Tingye didn’t mind, a simple “Mm” marking his response.

His cold gaze swept the room; today’s protagonist wasn’t present, but the seat between Mu Zichen and Mu Qin was empty, so…

“Come, Tingye, sit here.” Mu Junze invited him to sit, then called for the waiter to bring the dishes.

Mu Tingye, whether by chance or intent, took the seat directly opposite the girl’s place, making Mu Zichen’s heart skip and his brows knot.

Just then, the girl returned.

As the private room door opened, a delicate-featured girl appeared in sight: a slender neck, skin white as snow, eyes sparkling as if holding the night sky. Her gaze swept over him, curious and innocent, and her hand on the door slowed unconsciously.

The girl was still dazed—was this Mu Tingye?

Wow! He was tall!

By estimation, nearly six foot two.

Mu Tingye pressed his lips into a thin line, forcing a slight curve: was she stunned?

“Come on, Jiujiu, this is Uncle Tingye. It’s been so long since you’ve seen him—are you starting to forget him?” The girl stood silly at the door, her manner a bit amusing, lost in wonder.