Chapter Twenty-Four: The Gift

"It's alright, Uncle Tingye, just a little won't hurt," she murmured softly, pursing her lips. She reached out, bringing the glass to her lips, her delicate pink mouth resting on the rim as she tilted her slender, fragile neck and took a small sip.

Setting the glass aside, she looked at the man. "I've had some," her voice gentle and light, letting everyone know she'd made the gesture, done her best.

A rosy flush bloomed on her cheeks, a delicate contrast to her fair complexion, her eyes shimmering with liquid light, carrying a hint of bewilderment—innocence wrapped in allure, a tangled beauty that unsettled the heart.

From Mu Tingye’s vantage, he could clearly see the sheen of moisture on the girl's lips, glossy and captivating.

Her lips pressed together, a slight bitterness lingering. "Mm," he said, his gaze fixed on her, unmoving, until she licked away the trace of wine and suddenly dropped her eyes.

"Alright, alright, everyone sit down, let's eat," Mu Junze stepped in to smooth things over.

Everyone took their seats, eating in apparent harmony, though their minds wandered elsewhere.

Before the meal was finished, Mu Tingye received an urgent call, excused himself, and left.

His departure lightened the atmosphere considerably. Mu Zichen was the first to voice his displeasure about what had happened. "Dad, you knew Jiujiu had never drunk before, and you still made her drink."

Mu Qin looked at him, displeased—how could he be so disrespectful to his father?

"It's Jiujiu's birthday today; a little wine is fine. Besides, your third uncle rarely comes by, a toast is a matter of respect," Mu Junze explained earnestly, though inwardly resigned. He knew he was no match for his brother and had to rely on him. After years in business, he wasn't as perceptive as Tingye, but he noticed the special way his brother looked at Jiujiu, even if it was well concealed.

He glanced at his son and the girl, and felt certain they would never be together.

He had just observed the way the little girl looked at his son—it was the dependency of a sister upon a brother, no hint of love. And if his brother had set his sights on someone, would he easily let go? A man who could navigate the marketplace with such ease, whose methods were formidable—if he chose, he could master the girl effortlessly. Moreover, Tingye’s status, appearance, capability, and devotion were unmatched; few could rival him. If the girl were with him, she would surely be happy.

He sighed for his son, casting him a bittersweet glance. Well, let the young people sort out their own affairs. Everyone must taste the bitterness of love.

After dinner, everyone went back.

Once the girl returned to her room, she planned to rest a bit before washing up, but someone knocked at the door.

Thinking it was Mu Zichen, she adjusted her expression and opened it.

Unexpectedly, it was Mu Junze and Mu Qin standing at the doorway, holding a box and a card.

"Uncle, Aunt," she greeted sweetly. "Please, come in."

"No need, you must be tired, we won't come in," they said, handing her the box and the card. "This is the birthday gift your uncle and I prepared for you, we hadn't had a chance to give it yet."

She was about to decline politely, when Mu Junze added, "You're about to leave for City B to study, and your aunt and I won't be able to take care of you. There's two million in this card. Take good care of yourself there, don't let us worry."

"Thank you, Uncle, Aunt. I'll take care of myself, you don't have to worry." Tears of gratitude fell from her eyes. Mu Qin hugged her tenderly. "Good child, don't cry. Take care of yourself, Aunt will miss you," she soothed, gently patting her back.

Her husband had just told her about his brother’s feelings for Jiujiu, and she could hardly believe it—Tingye hadn't seen Jiujiu many times, so how could...

And now, she and her husband knew, yet were still sending Jiujiu to him. What would become of them? Would it be good or bad...

Mu Qin knew it wasn't fair to Jiujiu, but hoped it wouldn't bring her too much pain.

They chatted affectionately for a while, then went to rest.

The girl had just set the gift on her table when there was another knock.

She tucked a stray lock behind her ear and went to open the door.

Radiant and charming, she wrapped her arms around Mu Zichen's, swaying playfully. "Brother Zichen, I knew it was you! Aren’t I clever?"

"Clever, my Jiujiu is the cleverest!" His voice was filled with indulgence.

He walked straight into the room, closing the door behind him.

"If Jiujiu is so clever, then guess what this gift is?" Mu Zichen smiled gently, producing a small box.

So tiny!

"This... is..."

Seeing her habitual scratching at her head, Mu Zichen quickly grabbed her hand, his expression helpless. "Alright, stop scratching, or you’ll go bald. Just open it and see."

She stuck out her tongue shyly and opened the box. Inside was a dazzling diamond necklace; the stone was large and brilliant, its shine nearly blinding her. She quickly averted her eyes, blinking in astonishment as she looked up. "It’s beautiful! Is this really for me?"

Seeing her eyes filled with uncontainable delight, Mu Zichen smiled happily.

"Yes, for my little princess!" When she was younger, he could only give her cute dolls and toys. Now that she was grown, and could appreciate jewelry, a diamond necklace was perfect to pair with her clothes. Besides, when she wore it, she would think of him—how wonderful.

Watching her unable to part with it, he said, "Come, let me put it on for you."

He stood behind her, gently sweeping her hair to one side, revealing her slender, fair neck. Mu Zichen’s gaze darkened slightly, but his face remained calm as he fastened the necklace.

"Brother Zichen, is it done yet?"

Why was he taking so long to put on a necklace...

"Done."

As soon as he spoke, she hurried to the mirror.

In the mirror, her long hair fell softly down her back, her slender neck exposed, the necklace accentuating its length and grace. The diamond was a finishing touch, radiant but unable to outshine her porcelain skin.

Beautiful!

Truly beautiful!

She herself felt she looked lovely, let alone Mu Zichen, whose heart pounded furiously.

"Thank you for the gift, Brother Zichen. I love it," she said, turning to smile at him, her brows arching like a crescent moon.

"As long as you like it."

As long as you’re happy, my little girl!

"It’s late, you should rest," Mu Zichen noticed the hint of fatigue in her eyes. She must be exhausted from today.

"Alright, Brother Zichen, I’ll come find you after my bath, okay?"

He gently patted her head. "Okay!"

He was eager for it.

Once Mu Zichen left, the girl unclasped the diamond necklace and tossed it casually onto the table. The joy she had just displayed vanished, replaced by a deep sneer.

Lin Yuexin had worn this nearly every day in her past life—how could she not recognize it?

But in this life, even if she owned it, she no longer cared...