Chapter 33

Back when it was first built, he had specially brought Mu Bochuan here for a visit. The old man's face had immediately lit up with a wide smile, declaring that after his retirement, he would live here a peaceful and carefree life like a wandering crane among the clouds.

Pity that before he even had the chance to move in, he was confined to the old family estate by his relatives.

Visiting again now, Mu Bochuan could not possibly be happier, wandering around everywhere.

Mu Mingshu had already given advance notice before coming, so the servants had been waiting for them early on.

Su Nanzhi instructed Mu Yicheng, "Eldest, go and keep an eye on your grandfather. Your aunt and I will go sort out the rooms."

Mu Yicheng, who was restricted to living in an apartment: "..."

The young lady of the Mu family had spoken: this villa was exclusively for Grandpa to live in, and Su Nanzhi and the others were only able to move in thanks to the old man's light.

Mu Yicheng, however, was different. He had arrived early and enjoyed no such privilege.

Mu Yicheng followed Mu Bochuan into the courtyard.

The old man gazed at the unique garden landscape and nodded.

With a grand wave of his hand, like an emperor surveying his domain, he pointed at the flowerbed and issued a command, "This spot is not bad, quite suitable for growing vegetables."

Mu Yicheng's lips twitched slightly, "Grandpa, Third Sister put a lot of thought into designing this flowerbed back then. Doing this wouldn't be very appropriate, right?"

"That's true."

Mu Yicheng originally thought the old man would abandon the idea of farming, but unexpectedly, the conversation took a turn: "Then I'll just have a word with little Xingxing and ask her to grow some vegetables inside it. It'll look nice and be practical at the same time."

Mu Yicheng: "..."

He could never quite fathom his own grandfather's way of thinking.

"Third Sister is holding a fashion week in a little while and has been completely tied up with clothing design lately. She probably won't have time to help you design a vegetable garden."

Mu Bochuan: "..."

Sometimes, having a granddaughter who was too accomplished could also be a source of trouble.

He turned his head to look at Mu Yicheng, "Your younger siblings are all busy, so how is it that you're just lingering here looking like you have nothing at all to do?"

His own father had issued a strict order forbidding him from returning home, leaving him no choice but to help look after his younger sister, while that very sister suspected him of harboring malicious intentions.

——Mu Yicheng silently grumbled to himself.

The silence was deafening.

Mu Bochuan let out a soft sigh and gently patted his shoulder, "Rest assured, this family estate will definitely be yours to inherit in the future."

Mu Yicheng, realizing his grandfather had misunderstood but choosing not to correct him, felt touched by his grandfather's trust.

The very next second, however, he heard him say, "After all, none of the others have their minds set on the family business."

Mu Yicheng: "..."

……

After getting everything settled, Mu Bochuan paid a visit to the study and brushed out a piece of calligraphy to commemorate this outing.

Having finally gotten out, his entire persona had become much more lively, and even his handwriting had grown fluid and unrestrained.

Mu Mingshu and Su Nanzhi enthusiastically praised the piece and hung it in the most prominent spot.

"Just scribbled casually," Mu Bochuan said with surface-level modesty, though inwardly he was brimming with pride.

The old man had many hobbies throughout his life, with writing calligraphy, appreciating fine wine, and drinking tea being his absolute favorites.

In this regard, Mu Yicheng was a textbook example of skipping a generation to inherit traits.

After all, ever since his birth, Mu Bochuan had groomed him by his side specifically as the heir.

The grandfather and grandson shared a good relationship as well, and Mu Bochuan wrapped an arm around Mu Yicheng's shoulder.

"My big grandson, since you're staying in Jin City during this period, do you know of any good restaurants? Why don't you take your grandfather to go try them out?"

Mu Yicheng's expression flickered, "Go out to eat?"

Mu Bochuan took it for granted, "Since we've come out on a trip, who stays at home to eat?"

The old man had a stubborn streak, and since Mu Yicheng couldn't win against him, he could only drive them out to a restaurant once again.

……

Water Pavilion Pavilion was located right in the bustling center of Jin City, an inch of land worth an inch of gold, where failing to build a towering skyscraper felt like a financial loss.

Yet Water Pavilion Pavilion was the sole exception; not only was it expansive in area, but it stood merely three stories tall.

Situated right in the prime, prosperous district, it nonetheless boasted vast stretches of landscaped gardens.

Amidst such a clamorous metropolis, it uniquely appeared serene and secluded.

Every detail flaunted the owner's lavish extravagance.

Wanting to dine here was no easy feat either.

Aside from being wealthy, reservations had to be made a full three months in advance.

As for why Mu Yicheng could walk right in without a reservation and head straight into a private dining room, it was simply because this restaurant belonged to the Mu family enterprise.

A waiter approached to lay out the tableware, and Su Nanzhi handed the menu over, consulting the elderly patriarch for his preferences.

"Dad, take a look and see if there's anything you'd like to eat."

"Alright, let me see." Mu Bochuan took out his gold-rimmed glasses to examine the dishes listed.

He had always been satisfied with this daughter-in-law; she was not only attractive but also well-mannered, keeping the Mu household in immaculate order ever since she married into the family.

This time, with them sneaking out on their own, that rascal Mu Minghong must be worried sick!

Thinking of his son's frantic expression upon returning, Mu Bochuan felt secretly triumphant and ordered a couple of extra dishes.

The waiter bowed slightly and withdrew to make the preparations.

Even now, Mu Yicheng still couldn't quite fathom it. He looked toward his aunt, whose eyes and brows were filled with merriment.

"Don't you have to practice the piano every day? How is it that you're the one bringing Grandpa out on a trip?"

Mu Mingshu, who had become a world-renowned pianist at a tender young age, owed her success to far more than just raw talent.

When she first touched the piano at the age of four, Mu Bochuan discovered her exceptional gift in this domain and immediately decided to let her study music.

Ever since then, Mu Mingshu maintained an intensity of practice unattainable by ordinary children, logging no less than five hours of piano practice daily, with weekends, winter, and summer vacations seeing even doubled efforts.

Even after achieving fame, she never dared to slack off, maintaining her original rigorous practice regime.

Mu Mingshu countered with a question of her own, "Can't I practice the piano here?"

The trip was just a cover; finding their little niece was the real objective.

Mu Bochuan waved a hand, "Your aunt is far more self-disciplined than you; I haven't had to worry about her once since she turned eight."

Mu Yicheng: "..."

The private room was equipped with an incense burner, releasing different scented aromas according to the guests' preferences.

Considering the old man's medical condition, Su Nanzhi had instructed the waiter to arrange for an incense that calmed the nerves and enhanced concentration.

To one side was a miniature indoor stream with a stone bridge, highlighting the restaurant's distinctive character while also signaling its exorbitant price tag.

In another private room nearby, Ye Chunxi couldn't help but lightly sniff the aroma drifting from the side as she listened to Gu Qiang. "Right, it's really just an ordinary meal."

"It's just that the environment is a bit nicer, the prices a bit higher, the food tastes good, and the service is up to par, that's all."

Such offhand remarks were enough to make most people feel deeply self-conscious.

Ye Chunxi: "..."

Fortunately, she wasn't one of those majority people, or else she wouldn't even have dared to keep sitting there.

Gu Qiang sensed her unease and explained, "This restaurant is notoriously difficult to book. Even after studying in Jin City for this long, I've only managed to come here three times. Since I finally managed to secure a reservation this time, of course I had to come eat with a friend."

Ye Chunxi looked at her.

Gu Qiang's phoenix eyes upturned, rippling with smiles, and her gaze sparkled with genuine warmth like scattered starlight. It seemed she truly regarded her as a friend.

She asked, "Didn't you say it was just an ordinary meal?"

"Is it just the two of us?" Ye Chunxi asked her.

Gu Qiang enjoyed quite a prominent reputation at school; her appearance and talents were one thing, but what mattered most was her "clout."

Throughout Jin City University, regardless of grade level, she never lacked supporters.

Word had it that her family background was formidable, yet she herself broke every mold of the stereotypical wealthy heiress.

"That fellow Chu Wang is busy today," Gu Qiang said offhandedly. "Bringing anyone else along would just embarrass me."