That evening at the Sheng Family estate, everyone also chatted about Cloud City properties—not rentals, but which one would make a suitable wedding house or whether to buy a new one.
“The apartment in Tower Shadow Sunny River is actually pretty good. A-Heng gave it to Xingran a couple years ago. It’s close to Longlong’s orchestra and performance theaters, convenient for her work,” Ni Xiaoying suggested thoughtfully.
“Tower Shadow Sunny River is great, of course! Sigh, I really am a bit reluctant. I’ve protected this child like the apple of my eye, and now she’s leaving my side.” Miao Ling’s expression showed genuine reluctance. “I’m definitely at ease with Longlong and Xingran together, but the child growing up and becoming independent makes me feel empty.”
“It’s just an engagement. On the wedding day, I bet you’ll be crying,” Ni Xiaoying teased Miao Ling.
“I bet you won’t fare much better,” Miao Ling retorted without backing down, her peripheral glance shifting to Miao Zhu.
Dinner hadn’t started yet. Miao Zhu was duo-queuing games with Sheng Xingran, the two chatting and laughing. Miao Ling satisfactorily withdrew her gaze.
Miao Zhu wasn’t much of a gamer and was terrible at it, getting eliminated early and spectating from the side.
At that moment, Sheng Xingran was being flanked by the other team, fumbling frantically with her controls.
Miao Zhu opened the WeChat chat.
The four words “Tower Shadow Sunny River” tugged at her heartstrings.
【Mia: Aren’t you coming?】
【Mia: I thought we’d see each other today】
【Mia: [Kitten begging.gif]】
Her messages had just been sent when Miao Ling, as if telepathic, asked, “Is A-Heng celebrating with Old Madam today, or coming here?”
Miao Zhu perked up her ears.
The messages transmitted in real-time to Mu Shanyi’s phone. The moment the screen lit up, Old Madam Mu said to her, “It’s about time. You should go first.”
“Okay.” Mu Shanyi responded.
The old madam thought for a moment, then called her back to state her position.
“It’s just dinner, chat with Simiao. Since the Zheng Family made such a grand visit, we have to give them face. A-Heng, we can’t be rude.”
“I understand. We can talk about her current research direction. I’m interested too—maybe a chance to collaborate in the future.”
The next part was trickier. Old Madam Mu eyed Mu Shanyi’s expression as she spoke.
“Your father brought little Ni over a couple days ago with Mid-Autumn gifts. He mentioned Xingran, said she’s getting engaged to Miao Zhu this month.”
“Mm.” Mu Shanyi’s expression cooled.
“Xingran is your sister. Have some sense of proportion in what you do.”
The words landed, and even a simple “mm” didn’t come from Mu Shanyi.
Seeing this, Old Madam Mu waved her off. “Go on. This old lady wants to live to a hundred. I won’t meddle in your affairs—you can torment yourself.”
Mu Shanyi stepped over the threshold and walked through the thinning dusk to the parking area. Lu Zheng spotted her figure and opened the car door for her.
Mu Shanyi flipped open her phone to reply to Miao Zhu.
What sense of proportion?
They’d already been to bed.
“I only found out a couple days ago when we went to Jinyuan to deliver festival gifts to Old Madam.”
In the Sheng Family villa, Ni Xiaoying leaned close to Miao Ling, mysteriously building suspense. “A-Heng’s been on business trips these two weeks. She wasn’t supposed to be back until after the holiday, but she rushed home today. Guess why?”
Miao Ling knew there was more to it and played along with a smile. “Not to reunite with family for the festival?”
The old lady’s exact words were “a dinner with the Zheng Family’s eldest daughter,” but on a special holiday like Mid-Autumn, rushing back not for elders but for someone of similar age and status—Ni Xiaoying had thought then—
“For a blind date.”
As she expected, Sheng Hong later confirmed that Old Lady Zheng had personally visited with clear intentions of marriage alliance.
“Who could make A-Heng rush back to meet?” Miao Ling’s eyes widened. She and Ni Xiaoying occasionally discussed Mu Shanyi’s marriage prospects. As stepmother, Ni Xiaoying had no say; with Old Madam Mu around, even Sheng Hong as father couldn’t decide for Mu Shanyi. Still, once or twice, they had asked if she’d meet suitable friends’ children, and Mu Shanyi refused every time.
“Yeah, who?” Sheng Xingran, having lost the game, quit playing and joined the gossip.
“The eldest princess of ‘One Tree.'” Ni Xiaoying revealed the answer. “Family background, looks—perfect match for our A-Heng.”
“Zheng Simiao, who left ‘One Tree’ to start her own robotics venture?” Sheng Xingran commented. “Definitely a match. Both workaholics.”
“Shoo!” Ni Xiaoying chided playfully.
One Tree dominated home appliances globally, but its foundation paled compared to the Mu Family. Miao Ling said enviously, “That’s great news. Double celebrations for us.”
Sheng Xingran playfully bumped Miao Zhu, who forced a smile.
Mu Shanyi’s reply arrived amid the group’s laughter.
【Mu Shanyi: Coming】
【Mu Shanyi: Later】
Miao Zhu had just been looking forward to seeing Mu Shanyi, but now it felt like being trapped in the heavy gloom before a rainstorm, a faint sourness spreading around her heart.
She recalled the last time, when Mu Shanyi had rushed back to Jinyuan to meet a guest surnamed Zheng.
“Old Lady Zheng and Mrs. Zheng.” Mu Qiren had said that to Mu Shanyi on the veranda.
So the two families had this idea from back then?
…Wasn’t accepting the old lady’s jewelry supposed to ward off these troubles? Did Zheng Simiao no longer count as “trouble”?
Dinner ended, and Mu Shanyi still hadn’t arrived. She must be having a pleasant time with Zheng Simiao. That “later” might mean very late.
Did Xiao Hui know about Mu Shanyi’s blind date?
Why wasn’t Xiao Hui doing anything about it?
The four elders perfectly formed a mahjong table. Sheng Xingran pulled Miao Zhu to nestle in the audiovisual room next to the game room to watch a movie.
“Longlong, here.” Sheng Xingran raised her phone. Miao Zhu quickly adjusted her expression as Sheng Xingran let her lean on her shoulder. “Let Li Zi, the single dog, see what Mid-Autumn reunion looks like.”
Sheng Xingran snapped the photo and sent it to Li Zi. The next second, her lazy posture straightened. “Sis.”
“Mm.” The belated Mu Shanyi stood by the celadon vase decoration at the audiovisual room entrance. Her silky long hair was tied back, and her flawless features shone brilliantly in the somewhat dim light and shadow.
She asked Sheng Xingran in an even tone, “How many days have you been back?”
“Two days. I almost forgot—Longlong and I prepared a gift for you. It was shipped back to the country a few days ago. I originally wanted Longlong to deliver it to you early, but…”
“Since it’s a gift from both of us, of course we should give it to you together.” Miao Zhu smiled and linked arms with Sheng Xingran as they turned to face Mu Shanyi together. “It’s a painting. Xingran spent a long time picking it out. Sister A-Heng, thank you for taking such good care of us. We hope you like it.”
