Chapter 46: First Encounter VS Love at First Sight

The progression of events was only to be expected.

In the end, under the scrutiny of everyone present, Mu Qingcheng went upstairs to retrieve from her backpack the ointment Si Qingchen had given her. Her delicate face was faintly flushed, every movement betraying an awkward self-consciousness. It was clearly nothing more than a tube of ointment, yet at this moment, holding it in her hand felt exactly like being caught with a lover’s token—scalding hot and impossible to ignore.

“Someone, come and help the young lady apply the medicine.”

“Yes, sir.”

No sooner had Mu Qingcheng taken her seat than the old master of the Mu family gave a hurried command. At his words, a maid immediately approached, preparing to tend to Mu Qingcheng’s wound.

But she refused directly.

“No need, I can do it myself.”

“Very well, you may go.”

The old master, knowing his granddaughter’s independent nature, did not press the matter. He merely nodded and let her have her way.

Si Qingchen, seated just to Mu Qingcheng’s right, noticed the awkward way she gripped the ointment. Paying no heed to the watchful eyes around them, he leaned in and said quietly,

“Here, let me.”

Mu Qingcheng was struck dumb, frozen in place. By the time she registered what was happening, the ointment was already in his hand. With long, deft fingers, he unscrewed the cap, his tone calm and steady as he spoke,

“Your hand. Open it.”

Neither Mu Qingcheng nor anyone else present moved. An unusual quiet settled over the room, thick with subtle, indecipherable emotions that gave the moment a peculiar tension.

Si Qingchen seemed not to notice. Glancing at the girl, who was clearly reluctant, he patiently coaxed her in a low, gentle voice,

“Qingcheng, your hand.”

“I…”

“Be good and listen.”

With that, the entire Mu family was left utterly astonished.

After all, who would have thought that the eldest son of the Si family—renowned yet enigmatic, famed for his reserve—could ever reveal such a side of himself? He tended to Mu Qingcheng with such effortless care, without a trace of hesitation or awkwardness.

Even the old master of the Mu family watched their interaction in surprise, a flicker of doubt rising in his heart.

‘Perhaps these two children have met before?’

But before he could ask, Mu Qingcheng, as if eager to clarify, explained,

“I’ll manage the rest myself. There’s no need for such concern, Young Master Si, especially since this is our first meeting.”

“No trouble at all. I’m happy to help.”

No sooner had the tension begun to abate than Si Qingchen’s reply sent ripples through the room once more.

Mu Qingcheng frowned, glaring fiercely at him through thick glasses, but he only responded with a faint, unhurried smile. And in that smile, she seemed to glimpse a hint of indulgence.

‘This is madness!’

When both open hints and subtle signals failed to work, Mu Qingcheng was left exasperated. She simply withdrew her wrist, applied the ointment herself, and ignored him completely.

Yet Si Qingchen showed no sign of irritation. After screwing the cap back on the ointment, he pressed it gently into her hand once more.

He even took the time to smooth down her rolled-up sleeve for her—

The gesture was so natural, so practiced, that anyone unaware would surely have assumed the two were lovers or perhaps husband and wife.

By now, the old master of the Mu family could no longer suppress his doubts. He looked at them with a complicated expression, words hovering on his lips.

Si Qingchen, unhurried and composed, clearly had everything under control. As he wiped the residual ointment from his fingers, he spoke,

“There’s no need to worry, Grandpa Mu. This really is my first time meeting Qingcheng.”

At these words, Si Nan and Si Bei exchanged a knowing glance, silently echoing in their hearts,

‘Indeed, it’s your first meeting! But it’s also a case of love at first sight for our young master…’

On this side,

Hearing Si Qingchen’s explanation, the old master nodded, his expression easing somewhat. He consoled himself silently,

‘Surely the eldest Si is merely showing concern for a junior. After all, the age gap between them is… rather considerable.’

At that moment, Si Qingchen continued,

“I came so suddenly today for two reasons. First, because I was worried about Qingcheng’s injury and needed to see for myself. Second, I wanted to give Grandpa Mu an account of how she came to be hurt.”

But just as Si Qingchen finished speaking, a chilling voice sounded from behind. Si Bei called out loudly,

“Miss Ran, where do you think you’re going?”