Chapter 2: Misty Mountains and Sea of Clouds Part 2

That detour had delayed Mu Shanyi quite a bit, but the little girl was well-behaved, sitting quietly beside her with hands folded on her knees, staring blankly at the back of her hands without looking around.

Miao Zhu: “Running into you again today, Sister A-Heng. You always seem to bring me good luck.”

—Miao Ling, who had missed pickup due to cards, had searched for nearly an hour before Miao Zhu finally returned home. Without asking questions, she started berating her. But the next moment, she noticed Mu Shanyi hadn’t left yet. Miao Zhu still remembered Miao Ling’s shocked expression to this day.

So similar to today.

The car passed the checkpoint and entered the villa complex. The Sheng Residence was just ahead.

Mu Shanyi turned to look at Miao Zhu. Miao Zhu met the gaze behind her lenses and curved her lips into a smile.

The car pulled into the Sheng Residence and parked. Miao Zhu got out following Mu Shanyi.

From the moment Mu Shanyi’s car appeared at the Sheng Residence, Miao Ling had been watching intently. As they stepped out, Miao Ling could barely contain herself, but she knew who the hosts and guests were here. She hung back a few steps behind Sheng Hong and Ni Xiaoying, not stealing their spotlight.

The Sheng couple went up to greet Mu Shanyi and warmly asked Miao Zhu, “How did the accident happen? Glad you’re alright.”

Miao Zhu: “Uncle Sheng, Aunt Ni, just got rear-ended. Nothing serious.”

Ni Xiaoying: “All Xingran’s fault. I told her this afternoon to go pick you up. If she had, this wouldn’t have happened—so dangerous!”

“How come the second someone looks away, I’m getting badmouthed?” A light laugh sounded as Sheng Xingran emerged from under the eaves. She wore a ginger-yellow off-shoulder halter top with a matching hair ribbon, paired with wide-leg royal blue pants that trailed the ground. The vibrant color clash was eye-catching.

She finished greeting Mu Shanyi first, then turned and pulled Miao Zhu along. “You’re really okay?”

“Really.”

“I specially made you a fruit drink. The elders need to talk—let’s sneak off.”

“Huh?”

They whispered as Sheng Xingran hooked her arm through Miao Zhu’s to dash inside. Ni Xiaoying laughed and scolded, “Xingran, we’re starting dinner now that your sister’s here. Don’t drag Longlong off running around!”

They had already bolted. As they brushed past, a stray lock of Miao Zhu’s hair floated up and softly grazed Mu Shanyi’s arm.

A fleeting itch. Mu Shanyi’s gaze followed their intimate backs as she heard Sheng Hong ask, “Gone to see your in-laws yet?”

Mu Shanyi refocused. “I have. The old lady’s been craving rice cakes lately, but they upset her stomach. Yesterday when I visited, she was snapping at Grandpa over it.”

The topic of Miao Zhu’s accident and Mu Shanyi picking her up had fizzled out, but food was Miao Ling’s forte. She seized the chance. “Rice cakes are made with glutinous rice flour—hard to digest.”

“Indeed.” Mu Shanyi removed her sunglasses and asked Miao Ling, “No sign of Uncle? Busy?”

Her attitude was casual, and Miao Ling beamed. “In Su City. Thought he’d make it, but something held him up at the last minute.”

As the four headed inside, Sheng Hong teased, “A-Heng, your Uncle Wang’s been so busy he’s a ghost these days. That industrial park in Cloud City South District is already a billion-yuan megaproject, and he just snagged the Dream Lake site in Su City for a second one.”

Miao Ling bristled inwardly but kept her face neutral. “Good luck, really. Thanks to everyone’s help.”

Sheng Hong raised his right hand, flashing a “1” gesture. “This one, right?”

The company had indeed been lobbying that newly appointed top official for the past two years; otherwise, the Dream Lake land in Su City wouldn’t have been attainable. Miao Ling sensed the subtext—Sheng Hong implying they’d sided with others and neglected the Shengs.

Alarms rang in her head. “He did help a bit, but Dream Lake’s far from shovel-ready. I’m banking on the first phase of the South District park delivering early so I can give the kids bigger red envelopes for New Year.”

Cloud City was Mu and Sheng territory. The South District project had Sheng backing, and the bank loans sailed through on their account—otherwise, such massive financing wouldn’t approve easily. Miao Ling’s words subtly elevated them, and Sheng Hong dropped it.

By then, they’d entered the living room. Sheng Xingran and Miao Zhu sat chatting at the water bar counter.

“Then let’s go see the movie. I know the soundtrack’s by Emma—your good friend. Gotta support it.”

Sheng Xingran propped her chin, watching Miao Zhu sip the fruit drink.

Miao Zhu swallowed the juice with a furrowed brow. “Sure, it releases next week.”

“Not good? Too sour?” Sheng Xingran snatched Miao Zhu’s cup and took a sip naturally.

“It’s clearly sweet!” Sheng Xingran realized she’d been pranked and reached to swat Miao Zhu.

Miao Zhu dodged with a light laugh.

Mu Shanyi looked away.

Ni Xiaoying and Miao Ling exchanged amused glances.

Ni Xiaoying had watched Miao Zhu grow up. Over the years, Miao Ling had hinted at matchmaking the two girls, but she hadn’t committed.

In this family, many things were out of one’s control—especially choosing a partner. She hoped Xingran faced no pressure. If Xingran liked Miao Zhu, she’d respect her daughter’s wishes.

Everyone was present, so they took seats in the dining room.

The family banquet’s dishes were exceptional. Ni Xiaoying had hired two head chefs, plus Miao Ling’s personal additions. Dinner stretched until nine.

Mu Shanyi stayed overnight. Miao Zhu left with Miao Ling in the family car.

Miao Ling rubbed her temples and closed her eyes for a nap. Entertaining wasn’t easy, but Miao Zhu had performed well today—no need for extra reminders.

Miao Zhu leaned against the car window, staring blankly at the colorful night outside.

Halfway home, her phone screen lit up in the dim interior.

[Mu Shanyi: Lu Zheng will contact you tomorrow.]

Mu Shanyi’s profile pic was a landscape: lush green meadows in the foreground, snow-capped mountains standing tall in the distance.

Miao Zhu’s fingertip slid back and forth on the screen.

Her chat history with Mu Shanyi was sparse but spanned years. She sent holiday greetings like clockwork—Mu Shanyi replied sometimes, sometimes not.

Lu Zheng was probably about the car. Miao Zhu tapped into the input box.

[Mia: Okay, thanks Sister A-Heng.]

Polite and distant, signaling the end of the exchange.

Author’s Note:

So pretentious, some people.