After Mu Ye finished speaking, the barrage was filled with half screams and half confusion.
[“If I understand correctly, “drunkard pairing with drunkard” is the meaning, right?”]
[“Ah, it’s me, it’s me.”]
[“Husband, look at me!! I’m so cute when I’m drunk!”]
[“May I ask what the criteria for “adorable” are? Does stumbling into walls after drinking count?”]
[“Where’s the alcohol?? Stinky treasure, quickly perform as a cute little drunkard for Teacher Mu!”]
Gu Jiaming was watching the live stream remotely from home, and his face turned pale when he heard this person spouting nonsense.
Has this person had too much to drink again? Do they want to be criticized?
Gu Jiaming quickly sent a message to Mu Ye.
[Gu Jiaming: This is terrible! What nonsense are you talking again! Explain yourself quickly! Are you tired of having a good life?]
Mu Ye took out his phone to check the message, and Song Jianchu, who was beside him, also saw the content.
His nerves immediately tensed, and he quickly took the phone to observe the barrage, checking if there were any coordinated attacks.
Fortunately, there were no negative comments in the barrage at the moment.
After a few seconds of reflection, he suddenly realized that the fans who find drunkenness adorable… could it be him?
Song Jianchu turned his head slowly, and after Mu Ye finished reading Gu Jiaming’s message without replying, he lifted his head from his own phone screen and calmly said, “However, drinking is harmful to the body, and one drunkard in the family is enough.”
Song Jianchu breathed a sigh of relief.
Mu Ye made eye contact with him, smiled ambiguously and mysteriously, then lowered his gaze.
Song Jianchu’s heartbeat started racing again, and he suddenly felt an indescribable sense of guilt, so he naturally looked away.
“That’s right.” Pei Shinian quickly helped to defuse the tension. “Don’t misunderstand, what my brother meant is that he likes girls who share common interests with him.”
Bai Xingyu sighed in exasperation. “It’s good that you know yourself.”
“Hahaha.” Kun Yu’an laughed. “Teacher Mu is still so humorous.”
[“Hahaha, we all know that, no need to panic like this.”]
[“Don’t worry, we all know what kind of person Teacher Mu is. We won’t think in strange directions.”]
[“I don’t care, my husband said he likes me!”]
[“Stinky treasure, did you hear Teacher Mu’s criteria for choosing a partner?? Mommy wrote it down for you in her little notebook!”]
Pei Shinian glanced at his watch and said, “It’s almost time to meet Jianchu. Hurry up, we’re about to celebrate the New Year.”
Song Jianchu took a screenshot of the barrage. “What’s your New Year’s wish?”
“That’s a good question.” Mu Ye smiled and said, “What’s your New Year’s wish, Chu Chu?”
“The New Year’s wish of becoming the richest person on Weibo definitely doesn’t mean overnight wealth,” Pei Shinian said.
Kun Yu’an propped his chin and looked over. “Curious.”
Song Jianchu held his phone and contemplated for a long time.
“There are ten seconds left until the New Year, still haven’t figured it out?” Pei Shinian urged, “Hurry up, if you don’t make a wish now, you won’t be allowed.”
“Is it that difficult to think of one?” Mu Ye chuckled, “Is there nothing you want or any wish you want to fulfill?”
[“That’s why being too wealthy is also a trouble, you can fulfill any wish yourself.”]
[“Does Stinky Treasure really have no wishes?”]
Pei Shinian began the countdown. “Five.”
“Four.”
“Three.”
“Two—”
Song Jianchu spoke up, “My New Year’s wish is…”
In a position invisible to everyone on the couch, Mu Ye quietly hooked his pinky finger with Song Jianchu’s, watching him expectantly.
“One!”
“May everyone be healthy and happy.”
Fireworks soared outside the French windows, and everyone smiled at the camera together, saying, “Wishing everyone a happy New Year!”
“In the new year, may dreams come true! May all wishes be fulfilled!”
On the morning of New Year’s Day, Mu Ye was bombarded with a series of phone calls. His phone rang by his pillow for a long time, but he didn’t answer.
Song Jianchu, with his head on Mu Ye’s arm, squinted his eyes and took the phone from him when he saw the caller ID showing “Ms. Wen.” He gently nudged him and said, “It’s a call from Ms. Wen.”
Mu Ye turned over and pressed him down, closing his eyes and kissing him.
The first kiss landed on the corner of his mouth and then lightly brushed against his lips.
After a few seconds, Mu Ye opened his eyes and looked at him, smiling with their noses touching, and said, “Happy New Year.”
Song Jianchu looked into his eyes above and was mesmerized for a while. “Happy New Year,” he replied.
Mu Ye sat up, took the phone, and rubbed his forehead with his hand. He reluctantly answered the call and sighed, “Mom, happy New Year.”
Song Jianchu sat up with his messy hair, and upon hearing this address, he was stunned for a moment. His heart skipped a beat, and he nervously pursed his lips.
The room fell silent, and a not-so-soft female voice came from the phone, “When are you coming home? It’s okay if you don’t come home regularly, but on New Year’s Day, can’t you come home for a meal?”
Mu Ye looked at the obedient person beside him and couldn’t help but chuckle lightly.
He raised his hand and pinched the boy’s cheek, lazily saying, “I’m not going back. You and Dad have the meal, did you receive the seafood I ordered for you?”
“I received it. Come back for a visit, it’s been so long since you’ve been home,” Ms. Wen said helplessly. “Your sister has been looking for her brother every day and crying because she misses you. Mu Mu, come talk to your brother.”
Song Jianchu opened his eyes in surprise. Mu Ye has a sister? He had never heard about it online.
Mu Ye put the call on speakerphone, and a girl’s choked voice came through the phone, “Brother, Mu Mu misses you so much. Can you come back?”
Mu Ye said gently, “Okay, brother will come back. Mu Mu, be good and watch a few episodes of cartoons. Brother will be home soon.”
The girl asked anxiously, “How many episodes do I have to watch before you come back?”
Song Jianchu raised an eyebrow.
The girl’s voice sounded like a teenager, but her tone was like that of a young child.
Mu Ye thought for a moment and calculated an accurate time, then said in a gentle voice, “Ten episodes. After watching ten episodes, brother will be home.”
Song Jianchu was still thinking about Mu Ye’s sister when Mu Ye held his hand on the bed.
After hesitating for a moment, he tentatively asked, “Would you like to come home with me for a meal? It’s in a neighboring city, very close. After we finish eating, we can come back.”
He had never thought of visiting Mu Ye’s home before. Song Jianchu became a little flustered and opened his eyes wide. “…No, it’s okay. You go home for the holiday, don’t worry about me.”
“No.” Mu Ye frowned. “How could I leave you alone for the holiday?”
Song Jianchu firmly shook his head. “I really won’t go. I’ve always celebrated by myself before, it’s okay, you don’t have to worry about me.”
“Don’t be afraid.” Mu Ye observed the nervous expression on the boy’s face and smiled. “My parents are very nice. We can say you’re a friend, they won’t ask too many questions.”
How could he go to Mu Ye’s house with this kind of relationship?
Song Jianchu was about to firmly refuse.
“I’ve never brought anyone home before,” Mu Ye raised an eyebrow. “We can say you’re my boyfriend, they will be even happier.”
Was he the first person Mu Ye brought home?
As they locked eyes for two seconds, Song Jianchu lightly bit his lip, his ears turning red, and calmly said, “Let’s just say we’re friends. Are there anything your uncle, aunt, and sister like?”
Because they had promised to return home before watching ten episodes of cartoons, the two quickly changed clothes and left the house.
Mu Ye’s parents lived in a quiet suburban area of the neighboring city, and it only took forty minutes by car on the highway.
Mu Ye drove, passing by a shopping mall. Song Jianchu quickly got off the car and bought some suitable gifts, then ran back in just ten minutes, carrying gift boxes in his hands.
Song Jianchu fastened his seatbelt, looking as serious as if he was going to meet his mother-in-law. “Alright, let’s go.”
“No need to be so nervous.” Mu Ye drove the car out of the parking lot and smiled. “They will definitely like you.”
Song Jianchu wasn’t worried about that. He had always been well-liked by adults.
After a brief hesitation, Song Jianchu turned his head and asked, “You have a sister?”
“Yes.” With plenty of sunshine, Mu Ye reached out to pull down the sun visor to shield his eyes and calmly said, “Adopted sister, she’s twelve years old this year. She has a disability in her legs and her mental age is around seven or eight due to congenital intellectual deficiency. It’s unlikely to improve in the future.”
Song Jianchu was momentarily stunned but nodded.
No wonder he had never heard about it before. Mu Ye must have deliberately protected her.
“But you don’t have to treat her specially,” Mu Ye said with a smile. “Mu Mu is very well-behaved, we’ll naturally get along.”
Song Jianchu replied, “Hmm.”
Normally, if the car journey exceeded half an hour, Song Jianchu would fall asleep, but this time he wasn’t sleepy at all. He watched as the distance on the navigation screen got closer and closer, becoming more alert.
Mu Ye’s parents lived in a quiet suburban villa area of the neighboring city, and they arrived right after exiting the highway.
Song Jianchu got out of the car with his things and took a deep breath in front of the villa gate.
Song Jianchu wore a very casual outfit, looking like a college student who hadn’t graduated yet.
Mother Mu opened the door to greet them, having seen him on variety shows before and was pleasantly surprised, “Hello, Leader! You brought so many things, you’re too polite. Come in quickly.”
Song Jianchu remained silent, maintaining a slightly stiff smile on his face, and politely greeted, “Hello, Auntie.”
Mu Ye suppressed a laugh, helped carry the things, and put his hand on Song Jianchu’s back to push him inside, saying, “Leader, don’t stand here, come in quickly.”
Song Jianchu hesitated for a moment and said, “…”
Mother Mu had features that resembled both Mu Ye and Mu Ye’s sister, young enough that one would believe she was Mu Ye’s older sister.
Mother Mu must have been cooking just now. She wore an apron and led the way through the courtyard, turning back with enthusiasm and smiling, “Xiao Ye didn’t mention bringing you here in advance, otherwise I would have prepared a few more dishes.”
Song Jianchu apologized, saying, “I’m sorry for the sudden visit.”
“It’s a warm welcome.” Mother Mu entered the house after opening the door, setting down two pairs of slippers. “Mu Ye never brings friends home as guests. This year, I thought he might bring a daughter-in-law, but he brought an even more important guest.”
Song Jianchu remained silent, silently changing his shoes.
Mu Ye helped him put his sneakers in the shoe cabinet and bent down, smiling as he glanced at him, “Being a leader is just like being a husband, both need to be pampered.”
“What nonsense are you talking about?” Mother Mu crossed her arms, shaking her head with an annoyed expression. “You’re not young anymore, why don’t you have someone serious? Always pestering the leader on the show every day, it’s only because our leader has a good temper. If it were someone else, they would be annoyed with you. Don’t take offense, Mu Ye has always had a playful personality since he was young, and it will continue to be like this in the future.”
Song Jianchu stood up straight, saying, “No, it won’t.”
The house was clean and cozy, with a table full of holiday dishes prepared. Walking through the entrance, a joyful voice came from the front, “Brother!”
Song Jianchu looked up and saw a little girl sitting in an electric wheelchair, wearing a sailor uniform cosplay of Mizuki from “Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon.” She held a magic wand in her hand and had adorable big eyes.
Mu Ye bent down and ruffled the little girl’s head, gently asking, “Which episode are you on? Has Mu Mu grown taller again?”
“The eighth episode.” Mu Mu looked up, her smile bright, and said, “Mu Mu has grown much taller. Mom said if I grow any taller, I’ll be taller than my brother.”
Mu Ye raised an eyebrow and said seriously, “Taller than your brother? Impossible. Your brother is the tallest and most handsome person in the whole world.”
Mu Mu worriedly said, “Brother, you’re lying again. Lying all the time will make your nose grow long.”
Mu Ye remained silent.
Curiously, Mu Mu leaned forward and peeked, “Brother, Mom said you were going to bring your sister-in-law. Is he my sister-in-law?”
“Do you think he looks like one?” Mu Ye also turned his head, smiling.
Song Jianchu stood stiffly in place and blinked.
Mu Mu’s gaze was captivated by the color of “his sister-in-law’s” hair, and she exclaimed in astonishment, “Sister-in-law is so handsome! Brother, sister-in-law is more handsome than you!”
Song Jianchu: “…”
Song Jianchu looked at Mu Ye in confusion, unsure how to explain that he was not the sister-in-law.
Mu Ye chuckled twice, finding it amusing and not intending to help him explain. He pinched Mu Mu’s little nose and said, “That’s because big brother is handsome, so he found a handsome sister-in-law.”
Mu Mu: “…”
Song Jianchu closed his eyes briefly and had to explain himself. With a calm expression, he said, “Hello, I’m not…”
“Call him big brother,” Mother Mu said helplessly.
“I meant your brother should bring a sister-in-law for you. Why are you talking nonsense?” Mother Mu sighed, “Why is everyone in this family like this?”
“Isn’t he the sister-in-law?” Mu Mu said sadly, “But yeah, my brother couldn’t find such a handsome sister-in-law.”
Mu Ye laughed in exasperation and held onto Mu Mu’s face. “Why can’t I?”
Mu Mu hesitated with her gaze and hesitantly said, “Big brother, one should have self-awareness, matching their own caliber.”
“…,” Mu Ye gritted his teeth. “You should watch fewer random TV dramas. Where did you learn that?”
Mother Mu laughed and said, “Alright, don’t block the doorway. Let’s go inside and have dinner.”
Mu Ye pushed his sister’s wheelchair to the dining table, lifted her onto a chair, pulled out a chair for Song Jianchu, and sat down himself, asking, “Where’s Dad?”
“He went to the orphanage to deliver holiday gifts to the children. The director asked him to stay and have dinner there since your father isn’t here. We don’t have to wait for him.” Mother Mu took off her apron and sat down, pouring freshly squeezed juice for Song Jianchu.
She smiled and said, “Today, Auntie is home for the holiday, but I’m not very good at cooking. My skills are average, so please don’t mind, Leader.”
Song Jianchu quickly held the glass, saying, “Thank you for your hospitality. You can just call me Jianchu.”
The polite and handsome young man was highly likable to Mother Mu, who kept serving him food. “Then I won’t be polite either, Jianchu, eat more.”
Song Jianchu felt a bit reserved in front of his elders. He ate whatever was served to him and smiled, saying, “It’s delicious.”
After finishing the holiday meal, Song Jianchu offered to help with the dishes but was shooed away by Mother Mu, who told him to sit on the sofa and eat fruits.
Subconsciously, she treated Song Jianchu like a child, “Let Mu Ye help me. You can play with Mu Mu.”
Mu Ye rolled up the sleeves of his sweater and tidied up the dishes. He smiled and said to Song Jianchu, “My mom doesn’t do housework. I’ll help. You can rest for now.”
“Who’s talking nonsense?” Mother Mu peeked out from the kitchen, “What do you mean she doesn’t do housework? Finally came home for a visit, and since your dad isn’t here, you make him help? You talk too much.”
Mu Ye looked helpless and took the empty dishes to the kitchen. “I wasn’t talking about you. I was talking about myself.”
The atmosphere in this house was so warm that Song Jianchu couldn’t quite adapt. He stood in place, unsure of what to do.
Mu Mu tugged at his sleeve. “Big brother, play with me!”
Song Jianchu could only sit down and awkwardly play with the little girl.
“Big brother bought you a toy. Do you like it?”
“Thank you, big brother,” Mu Mu opened the toy box and looked inside, smiling. “I already have this one.”
It was evident that they spoiled Mu Mu in this family. Her little trinkets could be found everywhere, and they had almost every popular toy on the market.
Song Jianchu took out his phone. “You can choose whatever you want. I’ll have it delivered urgently.”
Mu Mu stared at the young man’s hair without looking away. “No need, big brother. Your hair is just like Usagi’s.”
“Who’s Usagi?” Song Jianchu looked puzzled.
Mu Mu picked up the remote and continued playing the animated series on TV. “Big brother, you don’t know Usagi? It’s Sailor Moon! I love Usagi the most!”
Song Jianchu looked at the TV and stared at the girl with pink hair wearing a sailor uniform. His eyelids twitched involuntarily. “…”
Mu Ye finished helping with the housework and came out of the kitchen. He paused at the doorway for a while, his lips slowly tensing.
In the living room, a big and small figure played along with the background music from the TV.
They were holding magical wands with a strong girly vibe and playing a game, one of them wearing a poker face throughout.
“Moon Prism Power!” Mu Mu said. “Usagi, raise your hand like me.”
Song Jianchu had no expression on his face as he slowly raised his hand, which had been painted with pink nail polish. “…Moon Prism Power.”
“Transform!”
“Trans…”
He heard a restrained laughter, so Song Jianchu turned his face and locked eyes with the person at the kitchen entrance.
His pupils trembled.
“…form.”
So happy Jianchu got to spend New Year with someone. He’s no longer alone. 🙁 so happy for him!!!
This book gives me such warm vibes 🥺🩷