Shu Lanzhou's voice came from right against Mu Side's chest, soft and trembling, making his whole chest feel like it was burning.
He exhaled lightly, taking a deep breath to calm himself. "Then… can I call you Shushu from now on?"
"Sure," she answered, rubbing her face against his chest, basking in the warmth.
To Mu Side, she felt like a gentle, docile cat that had tucked away its sharp claws, showing him only its soft, furry back—waiting for him to pet her.
"Only I get to call you that?" he asked, pushing his luck.
Shu Lanzhou chuckled softly. "Mm, only you can call me that."
"Shushu…"
"Mm." She hummed softly in response.
Mu Side couldn't hold back his emotions any longer. He tilted her chin up. "Can I kiss you again?"
"Mhm." She obediently rose on her tiptoes, completely compliant.
Mu Side's gaze deepened as he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her even closer. "How are you so damn sweet?"
He lowered his head and kissed her passionately—unable to contain himself…
Unfortunately, a knock at the door broke their entangled first kiss.
"Good thing…" Mu Side pressed his forehead to hers and let go. "I almost hurt you."
Shu Lanzhou's lips were sore, her face burning red. She didn't dare meet his eyes, her lashes lowered as she thought silently: Mu Side always seemed cold and aloof, but when it comes to kissing, he's unexpectedly intense!
So intense it made her chest throb with heat.
She had received coldness and disdain for most of her life. Even the slightest tenderness would make her yearn for more. Even after reliving life once, she couldn't resist this kind of burning affection.
"Big brother… will you ever hurt me?" she asked in a muffled voice.
Mu Side raised a hand and rubbed her head. "Why are you being silly? Still calling me 'Big brother'?"
"Ah… Side?" She looked up, slightly embarrassed.
But to Mu Side, "Side" still didn't sound as pleasing as "Big brother."
"Forget it. Call me whatever you want. None of them are what I really like anyway," he said, pulling her toward the door.
As he reached the door, he turned back to look at her, as if suddenly remembering something.
"Shushu, I will never hurt you."
Before Shu Lanzhou could respond, Mu Side had already opened the door.
Standing at the door was He Sixin, grinning mischievously.
"All the preparations for the ceremony are done. My mom sent me to ask—if Shu Lanzhou hasn't changed her mind, we can head over now."
Shu Lanzhou quickly shook her head. "No, I haven't changed my mind. I want to become the teacher's apprentice—and the successor to the Mu family's medical legacy."
"Then let's go. Time to officially become a disciple," He Sixin said, grabbing Shu Lanzhou's arm as the two girls walked ahead together.
She glanced at Shu Lanzhou's lips and smirked, lowering her voice. "Did Mu Side confess to you?"
"Mhm…" Shu Lanzhou nodded, her face burning.
He Sixin burst into giggles. "You said yes? Didn't even make him chase you a bit? I thought he'd wait until after the ceremony at least."
"Why?" Shu Lanzhou looked puzzled.
He Sixin blinked. "So you wouldn't reject him! He cares a lot about face—afraid of being embarrassed."
"I'd never reject him," Shu Lanzhou said with a small, embarrassed smile.
"Someone like him… how could anyone be heartless enough to turn him down? Whether I become the heir to Mu family medicine or not, I wouldn't reject him."
"you silly girl." He Sixin laughed even more. She couldn't help but feel a tender pity for how pure and innocent Shu Lanzhou was when it came to love.
After entering the ancestral hall in the back courtyard, He Sixin hung back for a moment and tugged Mu Side, who was following behind.
"Don't you dare hurt Shu Lanzhou. Be good to her. And some things—if possible—it's better she never finds out. Ever."
Mu Side's expression turned slightly cold. "Cousin, I don't understand what you're trying to say. I truly like her."
"You'd better mean it," He Sixin huffed and strode into the hall where the ceremony was being held.
The ceremony itself wasn't complicated. It was officiated by Second Uncle Mu, witnessed by the entire Mu family in attendance—and even relatives abroad joined via video call.
After reading aloud the Mu family rules and values, Shu Lanzhou signed a formal pledge. She then respectfully served tea to Mu Yaning, completing the official rites of apprenticeship.
"Alright, now that you've drunk the ceremonial tea, from this moment on, you are part of the Mu family. We are all your family—your closest kin. This is your home now," Mu Yaning said warmly.
Shu Lanzhou's eyes turned red. She knelt before Mu Yaning and respectfully bowed her head to the floor.
"There's no need for such formality these days," Mu Yaning quickly helped her up. "What matters more is respect in your heart than just gestures. Shu Lanzhou, I hope you can become a brilliant doctor—someone who helps bring the Mu family's medical art to more people, and uses our acupuncture to save lives."
"…"
After the ceremony ended, everyone made their way from the back courtyard to the front.
As they stepped out, a tall, elegant woman with refined features was standing in the front yard.
She looked to be just in her early thirties, with well-defined, beautiful features. Her figure was perfectly complemented by the cheongsam she wore, radiating both grace and softness.
It was obvious—this was a woman born of high status and excellent upbringing.
"You're back," said the Mu matriarch. "Come here, let me look at you. Have you grown even more beautiful?"
Long Xingyu walked quickly to the old lady's side. "Time spares no one. I've aged too. I wonder… does Teacher still love me the most?"
"Of course you're still my favorite." The old lady gently patted her cheek.
Long Xingyu glanced toward Shu Lanzhou. "But I heard Yaning has taken on an apprentice?"
"That's a different matter altogether," the old lady said, taking her hand and walking toward the main hall. "That brat owes you too much. We can't selfishly ask you to carry that burden anymore."
Once they entered the hall, Shu Lanzhou could no longer hear their conversation.
The old lady let out a quiet sigh. "Xingyu, the Mu family legacy isn't your responsibility. We can't bind you forever."
"But what if I want to?" Long Xingyu asked, unwilling to let go. "What is all this now, then?"
Mu Rongxie's expression darkened. "It's all my fault. If you're angry, take it out on me. Don't yell at Mom. And don't say anything to that girl."
Years of refinement allowed Long Xingyu to swallow her bitterness. She turned to look at the man she hadn't seen in so many years.
She'd heard he never married, and in all those years, hadn't even had a single woman by his side.
"Of course I'll take it out on you," she said, letting go of Gu Wan's hand. "Teacher, I'll respect your decision—but him…"
She pointed at Mu Rongxie.
"He's all yours," the old lady cut her off. "Since I promised Elder Long to let you return, I never planned to protect this brat. Whatever methods you want to use on him, go ahead. He deserves it."
"From now on, the Mu family is your home too. Come and go freely. As long as you leave him breathing, we won't interfere."
Gu Wan glanced at her youngest son, full of disappointment.
"It's getting late. You should all go. I'm heading to rest. Xingyu, don't tire yourself either. You just got back."
"There's a long road ahead. No need to rush your revenge on this brat," she added.
…
In the courtyard, Shu Lanzhou stared at the main hall. "Was that… the third Miss of the Long family?"
"Mm," Mu Side replied, taking her hand. "There's something I need to tell you."
His expression grew solemn, making Shu Lanzhou inexplicably nervous.
"What is it? What do you need to tell me?"