Chapter 017: The Most Mysterious Second Young Master

“Good morning, Second Brother.”

The first to react was Mu Qingcheng. She smiled and nodded slightly at the man before her—his hair was a cascade of gold, his skin pale and almost translucent, his frame so thin it seemed he might collapse at any moment.

“Lao Ji, help Mu Qing sit down.”

“Yes! Someone, quickly, assist the Second Young Master.”

In truth, even before the old master’s command, a servant had already stepped behind Mu Qing, ready to support the frail young man the moment the word was given.

But—

“No need. I’m not that fragile.”

Mu Qing brushed the hand away, his brow furrowing slightly.

He truly disliked being treated like a delicate glass ornament. Yet everyone around him was perpetually cautious, speaking to him in hushed tones as if a loud sound might shatter him to pieces. After many failed attempts to prove he could live a normal life, Mu Qing, drained in both body and spirit, eventually decided to move out. Against his family’s protests, he left resolutely.

His determination caught the old master off guard, but considering his health, he ultimately relented.

Mu Qing had always been aloof by nature, and the family’s special treatment had made him even less inclined to seek company. Since then, he had rarely appeared before the others, and before anyone realized it, he became the most enigmatic of the Mu family’s young masters.

Now, Mu Qing let out an almost imperceptible sigh and glanced at Mu Qingcheng, who was sitting beside him. Though they had met only a few times, this sister who had entered the family halfway through had quickly won his favor. At least, she didn’t treat him like some rare panda to be pampered and displayed like the others did.

Today, Mu Qing had come specially upon hearing she was to participate in that tedious equestrian friendship competition, intending to offer her a few words of advice.

Meeting his gaze, Mu Qingcheng smiled and took the initiative to speak. “Second Brother, is there something you need?”

“You’re going to the equestrian competition?” Mu Qing’s voice was gentle and cool, carrying an ethereal quality untouched by the world.

“Yes, I’m about to leave.”

“Qingcheng, Third Brother still thinks—”

“Mu Jingchi, shut up!”

Everyone fell silent.

Mu Jingchi, sitting nearby, was visibly restless, anxiety etched across his face as he watched Mu Qingcheng. His agitation, however, only served to further irritate the old master. Thus, his sentence was cut off by the old master’s stern rebuke, and the words died in his throat. Grandfather and grandson exchanged a glance before launching into another heated argument.

Mu Qingcheng frowned, shook her head in helpless resignation, then quietly leaned closer to Mu Qing and whispered, “Second Brother, could I trouble you to take me instead?”

“Didn’t Grandfather say—”

“He did, but he wants to go personally, and that’s just too much of a scene.”

In fact, the old master had told her last night that he would escort her himself today. The very thought made Mu Qingcheng’s head ache—she had no wish to become the center of attention before even entering the racetrack. It would make everything far more inconvenient.

Fortunately, Mu Qing seemed to understand her perfectly. He nodded. “Very well. Let’s go.”

“Thank you, Second Brother.”

Mu Qingcheng beamed, slung her bag over her shoulder, and, glancing at the still-arguing grandfather and grandson, called out, “Grandfather, Third Brother, I’m leaving with Second Brother. Bye-bye!”

With that, she grabbed Mu Qing’s wrist and dashed out in a flash.

By the time those inside reacted, Mu Qing’s car had already vanished from sight.

Moments later, the argument within the room resumed, even more heated than before…