Shu Lanzhou understood instantly and obediently crouched down in front of the old Madam Mu.
"What a good girl, you've grown even prettier in just a few days!" The old lady reached out and gently patted her cheek. "Tell Grandma, what have you been eating lately? How did you become so beautiful?"
Shu Lanzhou's cheeks flushed slightly, and she shyly lowered her gaze. "Grandma, you're teasing me again!"
"Oh my, can't a person speak the truth anymore? If you don't believe me, just ask Aunt Liu. Hasn't she gotten prettier?" The old lady chuckled, winking at Shu Lanzhou.
Shu Lanzhou pouted and lifted her chin. "Who goes around asking others if they've become prettier?"
"Haha... Miss Shu, the Madam isn't joking—you really are more beautiful!" Aunt Liu, who had been accompanying the old lady, smiled kindly.
"This young lady changes every day—when she's happy, she looks prettier; when she eats well, she looks prettier; when life goes smoothly, she's even more radiant."
"Seems like Miss Shu's been doing well lately. Now our Madam can finally be at ease!"
The old lady laughed. "Whether I'm at ease doesn't matter. That rascal Muside…"
"Grandma!!" Mu Side walked in quickly. "What are you saying that's making you so happy?"
"Oh? Why are you back, you brat? Weren't you supposed to attend a banquet?" The old lady squinted at her eldest grandson.
Few of the Mu family's younger generation stayed close to her. The family had never fully recovered from a major incident over two decades ago. Her children's lives and careers had been drastically impacted—some drifted away, others disappeared completely.
Her second son still weighed heavily on her heart to this day.
On the surface, the Mu family appeared united, but deep down, the scars of the past had never truly healed.
Even the younger generation, like He Sixin and Mu Side, rarely showed any cheerfulness. One had been forced into rebellion and precocious independence by her mother, eager to escape the cage of the Mu family.
The other was cold and distant, brought up by the old man from a young age, made to shoulder the future of the Mu family before he was even grown.
After her husband passed, the laughter on the two children's faces dwindled. Her own life, too, became increasingly bleak and bitter.
Until Shu Lanzhou appeared.
This girl was like a star born in darkness. Despite the hardships she'd already endured, she still radiated warmth, determined to light up those around her.
She was sweet and obedient, always wearing a gentle smile. Her large, clear eyes sparkled with purity—impossible not to like.
No wonder that rascal treated her differently!
Even she, an old woman, found her days a little brighter because of the girl. For the first time in years, she began to look forward to the future of the Mu family.
Mu Side crouched next to Shu Lanzhou, mimicking her posture as he looked at the old lady. "We're heading out soon, taking Lanzhou with me. Once we're back, we'll come keep you company!"
"Look at you!" The old lady smacked Mu Side's shoulder with a grin. "Already learning how to trick a girl into going out with you, huh?"
"Grandma!" Mu Side looked anxiously at Shu Lanzhou, afraid she'd be startled again.
Shu Lanzhou's cheeks turned crimson, even more nervous than Mu Side. After all, her feelings for him were no longer innocent!
"It's not like that!" she blurted, her face red. "We have business to attend to—he didn't trick me!" All that "always together" talk—she wouldn't dare think about it!
Mu Side deserved the best of the best: the perfect family background, beauty, talent—he needed to have it all. And she... she wasn't!
Couldn't be!
Madam Gu chuckled, finding the girl utterly amusing. She couldn't resist pinching Shu Lanzhou's cheek.
"Silly girl! Aren't you afraid of being sold off? Be careful out there, always stay by Mu Side's side. Protect yourself, alright? You're so adorable—it'd be too easy for someone to snatch you away!"
"I won't!" Shu Lanzhou didn't catch the deeper meaning behind the old lady's words. Thinking it was just concern, she nodded obediently.
"I'll stick close to Brother. We'll finish what we need to do and come right back. I won't run off with anyone!"
"…"
Oh my, she's such a sweetheart. Now if only her grandson could really bring her home—then she could finally be at peace.
Unaware of the old lady's thoughts, Shu Lanzhou followed Mu Side to the front hall.
Just then, her outfit was delivered: a darling little princess dress.
Puffed sleeves, a voluminous skirt—absolutely adorable.
The moment Shu Lanzhou laid eyes on it, stars lit up in her gaze.
She loved it!
What girl didn't secretly dream of being a princess?
She'd never even dared to dream of wearing something this beautiful before. It was too pretty.
Even after two lifetimes and hardships beyond imagination, deep down, she was still a pure, sweet girl.
All she'd ever wanted was to be cared for, protected—to have family and friends, and to receive the same sincere love she gave to others.
Tearing up slightly, she looked to Mu Side. "Is it... for me?"
"Mm." Mu Side handed her the dress. "Want to try it on?"
Shu Lanzhou clutched the dress and headed to the inner room, leaving Mu Side to swallow the second half of his sentence.
He'd been worried she might not like it, but clearly he was overthinking.
He'd guessed right—Shu Lanzhou might be sharp and composed when it came to her studies and research, but in life, she was still an adorably naïve little girl.
The dress fit perfectly, and on Shu Lanzhou, it looked too good.
When she came out, Mu Side was briefly stunned—had a fairytale princess just stepped into reality?
"Brother?" Shu Lanzhou waved a hand in front of his face. "Does the dress look okay?"
"It does." Mu Side took her hand. "You look beautiful. Let's go."
His calm heart was suddenly in turmoil. He had no choice but to take her hand and lead her out, not daring to look at her again—for fear that his eyes would give him away.
Shu Lanzhou tugged lightly at her skirt, her gaze drifting to their interlaced fingers.
She paused in surprise.
Why could she so easily accept Mu Side holding her hand? When Yi Ming touched her, she instantly felt uncomfortable.
Thinking back, this wasn't the first time Mu Side had held her hand. He'd done so long ago.
He'd even held her in his arms before. What had she felt back then?
She didn't remember feeling like it was wrong.
Her heart gave a jolt—did this mean... she had liked Mu Side for a long time now?
And simply hadn't realized it?
She was done for. Completely done for!
She'd unknowingly fallen for someone she absolutely shouldn't love!
The bitter taste of love wasn't reserved for just Zhang He, it seemed—she would have to experience it too!
A mix of anguish and a strange sense of relief filled Shu Lanzhou's heart.
She was heartbroken because there was likely no future between her and Mu Side.
But she was relieved—because if she had to fall for someone…
She was glad it was him.
—
The car sped toward the hotel where the banquet was being held.
"It's a business cocktail event," Mu Side explained as they neared. "Many of Shen City's top magnates and elites will be there. Today marks Luo Jialin's first public appearance as the heir to the Luo Corporation."
"The Dong family is also a big name in Shen City. Dong Anlan has attended events like this before. As a well-known socialite, she's quite respected in these circles."
"So you and Senior Ke have known her for a while then?" Shu Lanzhou was a little puzzled. "Have you two attended events like this before?"
Mu Side shook his head. "I don't know if Ke Beichen has, but me... this is my first time too."
"I'm just like you—also a first-timer. So don't be nervous, and don't be afraid. I'm here. Just do what you want to do."