Chapter Six: An Unexpected Encounter with Third Uncle

The girl, seeing Mu Qin so happy, also broke into a sweet smile. After Mu Zichen caught sight of Jiujiu’s radiant face, a sudden realization dawned on him—it seemed that ever since Jiujiu had come to their home, everything had improved... Was it really as he imagined?

Meanwhile, the girl was thinking: Love is mutual. Since you treat me well, I will do my utmost to repay your kindness.

Overjoyed, Mu Qin didn't forget to inform her siblings, which led to a large group coming to visit Mu Junze.

Inside the hospital room, sitting next to Mu Junze was his elder brother, Mu Junwei, who was six years older. Beside him were his wife and daughter. Speaking of his daughter, Mu Tian, she was known for her domineering, willful ways, always expecting those around her to indulge her caprices.

Back then, because everyone doted a little more on herself, Mu Tian took a particular dislike to her. As children, Mu Tian would snatch her things; as they grew older, she even sided with the female lead against her...

Recalling those moments of being bullied by Mu Tian, the girl couldn’t help but chuckle. Yet, as her gaze wandered, she noticed a figure standing at the back of the room, and her smile faltered. That was Uncle Tingye, someone she considered unattainable. Rumor had it he was Grandpa Mu’s illegitimate son, but he was only four years older than Mu Zichen. His face, chiseled as if carved from ice, exuded a rugged, cold handsomeness; his deep, glassy eyes shimmered with a dreamlike luster, framed by thick brows, a high-bridged nose, and perfectly shaped lips. Despite his youth, he had already established his own company, gifted beyond compare. Such an arresting man, yet he became utterly obsessed with the female lead... The girl felt both bitterness and envy—she too wished to be the object of such all-consuming passion.

Mu Tingye had been standing aloof, waiting for his brothers to finish speaking, when he sensed someone watching him. He turned, and their gazes collided.

His dark, icy eyes were proud and unfathomable.

The girl froze, her heart skipping a beat, but quickly mustered a sweet smile.

The boy took in every nuance of her reaction. At first glance, she had a classic oval face, gently arched willowy brows, large, luminous eyes like jade, a dainty nose, a cherry mouth—altogether strikingly pretty. A faint blush colored her cheeks, dimples deepening as she smiled, her hair falling softly over her shoulders, adding to her well-behaved sweetness.

So obedient!

This must be the child his second brother’s family had taken in—she looked quite lovely.

The conversation turned to Mu Tian, with Mu Junze and the others showering her with praise, making Mu Tian beam with pride. Just as Mu Junze was about to ask after Jiujiu, he turned to see his precious girl grinning foolishly at his third brother and laughed, “Tingye, this is Jiujiu. It’s her first time meeting you, and she’s completely starstruck.”

He waved her over. “Jiujiu, come here—greet everyone. This is also your uncle and aunt, and here’s your cousin, Tian, who’s two years older than you. Call her Sister Tian.”

The girl greeted each person in turn, her smile never fading, leaving a sweet impression on everyone—everyone except Mu Tian, whose face was dark, as if Jiujiu had stolen all the attention that should have been hers.

The girl knew exactly what she was thinking, but didn't care, and kept greeting everyone cheerily. When it came to Mu Tingye, Mu Junze glanced at the young man, his expression slightly unnatural. “You can call him Tingye—” he paused, “Uncle.”

He may have been young, but he was, indeed, her uncle!

Her smile grew even sweeter. “Hello, Uncle Tingye~”

Her voice was crisp and clear, her smile sweet enough to melt the hardest heart. It seemed no one had ever addressed him so before. As an illegitimate child, others only made perfunctory gestures; no one had ever truly treated him kindly. But this little girl seemed different from the rest.

Still, being called “uncle” was a bit grating.

Mu Tingye looked down at her for a long moment before replying coldly, “Mm.”

The girl, intimidated by his icy tone, bit her lip in confusion.

The adults were deep in conversation, not noticing what was happening. Mu Zichen, seeing her at a loss, quickly went over, pulled her into his arms, and greeted, “Third Uncle.”

The light in Mu Tingye’s eyes shifted, then returned to normal as he looked at his nephew, only a few years his junior. “Mm,” he acknowledged.

The silence grew heavy and tense.

The girl looked uncertainly from Brother Zichen to Uncle Tingye, wanting to speak but not daring to.

Just then, Mu Junze asked Mu Qin to take everyone back home, easing the atmosphere. The group followed her to the second brother's house.

Knowing they would be coming, Mu Qin had already asked the butler to prepare a meal, so they went straight to dinner upon arriving.

The Mu family’s dining room was designed in a European style, with a long Western table and chairs. The kitchen was right beside the dining area, and soon, at Madam Mu’s instruction, the maids began bringing out the dishes.

At the table, Jiujiu sat between Brother Zichen and Mu Qin, directly across from Uncle Tingye. Every time she looked up, their eyes would meet, and she responded each time with a bright, open smile.

Even though Mu Tingye treated her coldly, she sensed that his heart was starved for affection, yearning for a ray of sunshine. If Lin Yuexin could be that light, why couldn’t she? After all, she had the advantage of being first...

In fact, her intuition was correct. Even now, Mu Tingye felt a faint warmth, because he noticed the little girl wasn’t afraid of him like the others. It made his impression of her even better.

The girl kept her head down, eating quietly. If anyone looked her way, she’d immediately offer a sweet smile—exemplary behavior.

In truth, she was thinking: How annoying—doesn’t the food taste good? Why are you all staring at me...

The system praised her in her mind for her excellent emotional control—it was so flawless that even the men across the table, seasoned veterans of the business world, couldn’t see through her.

Essential skills for a “green tea” girl—truly effective!

While the girl was inwardly displeased, Mu Tian on the other hand was openly upset, especially seeing the girl’s impossibly sweet smile. Jealousy twisted her face, and she forgot all about managing her expression.

But what irked her even more was what came next.

The adults chatted about family matters; the elder brother picked up dishes for his young sister, who responded with a sweet, obedient grin. The scene was harmonious—perfect, really.

Why did everyone treat her so well?

On what grounds?

With a huff, Mu Tian threw down her chopsticks and demanded, “Brother Zichen, why do you only serve her food? Why don’t you serve me?”

Her outburst interrupted the adults’ conversation, and all eyes turned their way.

Startled by Mu Tian’s sudden outburst, the girl nearly choked. Mu Zichen, sitting beside her, immediately patted her back and poured her water to soothe her throat.

Once she had recovered, the others at the table shot Mu Tian reproachful looks; even Mu Junwei’s expression was stern as he scolded, “You’re old enough to know better! Don’t be so reckless—you frightened your sister. If you want food, get it yourself. Unlike you, she can’t reach the dishes. What business is it of yours?”

“Dad!” Mu Tian protested.

Even if her father was right, she couldn’t stand how Brother Zichen treated that girl so well. He had never even served his own cousin food like that.

Hmph! From the moment she first laid eyes on her, she had disliked her—no, despised her.

“Apologize to your sister, now!” Mu Junwei ordered, seeing his daughter still refusing to admit her mistake. He was both angry and helpless—he had spoiled her too much, letting her become so unruly.

“I won’t!” Mu Tian retorted, shooting Jiujiu a glare.