Shu Lanzhou followed Mu Side all the way back to the Mu residence. Even as they stepped inside, Mu Side still hadn't let go of her hand.
"Big brother?" Shu Lanzhou gave his hand a slight tug, instinctively trying to pull away.
Though her heart was brimming with joy, the inferiority complex deep in her bones kept her from having the courage to walk into the Mu household holding his hand.
She was certain she wasn't the kind of ideal daughter-in-law the Mu elders would want.
But Mu Side didn't let her retreat. "Why panic?"
He stopped walking and leaned in closer. "You've already met the Mu family. Why are you still nervous?"
He reached up and gently brushed back a strand of her hair. "Don't be scared. I'm here."
He insisted on holding her hand as they entered the house.
Shu Lanzhou was a nervous wreck, terrified of being judged.
But to her surprise, the Mu family acted as if nothing were out of the ordinary—even as they walked in hand in hand.
"You're back?" Mu Rongxie appeared to have just come in from the garage—he was likely returning from work.
"Come in, let's eat first."
When the two of them entered the dining room, He Sixin's family of three and the Mu matriarch were already seated.
The elderly lady beckoned Shu Lanzhou over with a smile. "Sit beside me. I made your favorite—braised pork. Eat more today."
"Okay." Shu Lanzhou's eyes curved into crescent moons as her anxiety melted away, replaced by a warm sense of belonging that filled her with joy.
"Thank you, Grandma!"
She obediently sat next to the old lady, with Mu Side taking the seat beside her.
Halfway through the meal, Mu Yanning suddenly spoke up:
"There's a long-standing tradition in the Mu family. Every generation's medical heir formally takes on a single disciple. Unlike ordinary students, this disciple must go through a formal apprenticeship ceremony, following Mu family customs, and will be entered into the family genealogy."
"This disciple will be the sole apprentice of the family heir—what we call the 'last disciple.' They bear the responsibility of carrying on the legacy of Mu family medicine and will also enjoy the associated rights."
"As the 106th-generation heir of the century-old Mu medical lineage, I wish to pass down everything I have learned—including the complete Mu medical system—to Shu Lanzhou."
"Shu Lanzhou, are you willing to formally take me as your master and become the true inheritor of the Mu family's medical legacy?"
"I... I..." Shu Lanzhou jumped to her feet in a panic. "I'm willing! Master, what should I do?"
In her fluster, she grabbed the teacup from the table and held it up to Mu Yanning.
She was moving too quickly and was too nervous—tea sloshed all over her hand!
Pfft—
The entire table burst into laughter.
"Silly girl!" Mu Side quickly took her hand, grabbing a napkin to dry it. "Did you burn yourself?"
Shu Lanzhou's cheeks were bright red as she looked apologetically at everyone. "N-no... I'm fine."
"Sit down." Mu Side gently pulled her back into her seat. "Aunt just wanted to confirm your intentions. In the Mu family, taking on a disciple is always voluntary—no one's going to force you."
"As for what you need to do..."
He glanced at the Mu matriarch.
The old lady gave him a nod.
Mu Side cleared his throat and looked at Shu Lanzhou with a rare seriousness.
"The apprenticeship ceremony will be arranged. Before that, you need to learn the Mu family rules, understand our code of conduct, and know the rights, obligations, responsibilities, and mission that come with becoming the medical heir."
"The Mu family rules are strict. Once you formally become the heir of the Mu medical lineage, you'll be bound by them. If you don't think you can uphold them, you're free to refuse the apprenticeship."
Shu Lanzhou shook her head. "You're all good people, so I'm sure the rules are good too. I grew up wild, without proper guidance—rules are exactly what I need!"
"Master is willing to take me as a disciple, despite my ignorance and lack of manners. How could I possibly refuse? I'm willing!"
"Don't answer so fast!" Mu Side tapped her head gently. "Eat first. Once you're done, I'll take you to study the family code."
Shu Lanzhou could hardly wait and had no appetite, but with several elders watching her closely, she forced herself to finish the meal before following Mu Side to the study.
The Mu family code was bound in a thick book, but it boiled down to three core principles:
Never use medical knowledge to harm others.
Never profit unjustly or take lives in the name of medicine.
Always follow the healer's heart: treat illness, save lives, carry on the Mu medical lineage, and pass it on with pride.
Shu Lanzhou's eyes turned red, deeply moved.
The Mu family was a true family of healers. Their code demanded that every Mu descendant—and every disciple—live up to the integrity of a real doctor.
Aside from learning medicine from childhood, the family had never abused their lineage to accept disciples en masse or seek profit. Instead, they followed their conscience, only accepting one true disciple per generation.
All for the sake of passing on the Mu medical legacy.
"The Mu medical tradition spans a hundred years. It includes countless ancient medical texts, clinical journals, and case studies on difficult diseases. Not everyone in the family has access to these."
"Even though we've studied Mu medicine since childhood, we haven't learned the complete acupuncture methods. Only the heir can learn the full technique."
"There's a loft in the house filled with ancient medical manuscripts. The key is with Aunt. So far, only she's been inside. Once you've completed the apprenticeship ceremony, you'll gain access."
Mu Side stepped behind her and embraced her gently.
"Shu Lanzhou, I'm really happy you agreed to become Aunt's disciple. I know the Mu family's code won't be a burden for you—because you already have the heart of a healer."
He placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him.
"Starting today... will you be my girlfriend?"
That sentence came out of nowhere!
Shu Lanzhou froze. It took her a long moment to process—wait... was he confessing?
He wanted her to be his girlfriend. He wanted to be in a relationship with her!
Though everything that had happened hinted at his feelings, and she certainly liked him too...
Neither of them had said it out loud. That tender, unspoken affection had been enough to keep her heart racing.
But now—this direct confession—it nearly took her breath away.
Her heart felt like it might stop. She was stunned, mouth opening, but she couldn't get a word out.
She looked up at him, eyes wide with urgency.
Mu Side leaned down and brushed her lips softly with his, then pulled back. A heartbeat later, he leaned in again, deepening the kiss just a little.
He was gentle—like he was giving her time to prepare, letting her choose.
Whether she wanted to push him away or accept him, he would respect her choice.
And Shu Lanzhou felt cherished.
Tears began to stream down her cheeks uncontrollably.
Mu Side pulled back slightly, his breath quickened. "What's wrong?"
He brushed aside the strands of hair on her face, trying to read her expression.
Shu Lanzhou felt too embarrassed. She leaned forward, burying her face in his chest.
She pressed her cheek to his heart and listened to its strong, rapid beat. Her anxiety eased—turns out she wasn't the only one nervous. His heart was racing too.
She hugged him tightly, her voice hoarse and trembling.
"Okay."
From today on... being your girlfriend—okay!