057 is an exceptionally fine young woman.

After that farcical episode, Mu Qingcheng experienced a relatively peaceful time at the Mu residence. Apart from her hot-tempered third brother, who was still dissatisfied with how Ran Siya was dealt with and would occasionally argue with the old master, everything else was tranquil.

During this period, Mu Qing began to come home more frequently. Yet he still preferred silence, hardly ever speaking unless it was a few words exchanged with Mu Qingcheng herself, his quiet presence nearly invisible.

One day, they were all dining together when, as usual, Mu Jingchi began quarreling with the old master. The servants nearby were already used to this scene; even Housekeeper Ji could only give a helpless smile, making no move to intervene. Though the third master was impulsive, he still knew his boundaries; his arguments with the old master never crossed the line. In truth, his temper was a clear inheritance from the old man himself.

The two of them went back and forth, neither willing to yield. The old master, as if to strengthen his position, stuffed another mouthful of rice, drank half a bowl of soup, and, once he’d swallowed, launched a new barrage at Mu Jingchi. Housekeeper Ji, attentive as ever, quietly added another half bowl of rice and soup to the old master’s side. These days, the old man’s appetite had only grown as he argued through his meals; his complexion looked much healthier.

Meanwhile, Mu Qingcheng watched the childish antics of the two men and could only shake her head in helpless amusement. Beside her, Mu Qing glanced at his younger sister, a glint of clarity in his eyes. He said nothing, but silently placed a piece of chicken drumstick in her bowl.

“Thank you, Second Brother,” she said.

The girl turned her head. On her always calm and obedient face appeared a gentle smile. Behind her thick glasses, her eyes blinked, unconsciously revealing a soft, endearing side. Mu Qing was momentarily stunned, gazing at her intently, then quickly looked away—yet at that same moment, a sudden smile blossomed on his lips.

Mu Qingcheng found this a little odd but chose not to ask. Just then, she heard Mu Qing speak softly: “Eat your food before it gets cold.”

“Oh,” Mu Qingcheng replied, nodding as she lowered her head to eat obediently.

The meal was lively and warm. Perhaps it was Mu Qingcheng’s return; the once quiet Mu household seemed to have come alive again.

Later, Mu Qing and Mu Qingcheng went upstairs to rest. At the landing on the third floor, Mu Qing suddenly stopped, looked at his sister, and said with meaning, “Qingcheng, have you noticed that these days you’ve been smiling more and more?”

Mu Qingcheng looked up in astonishment, suppressing her surprise as she tried to discern any hint of motive on Mu Qing’s face.

All she saw, however, was her second brother’s ethereal, almost otherworldly features, now softened by a rare warmth and unmistakable fondness.

She dared not speak. Before she understood Mu Qing’s intentions, even a single word felt dangerous.

But then Mu Qing leaned down, gazing straight into his sister’s eyes. He reached out, gently ruffling her hair, and spoke in a tender voice: “Second Brother knows it hasn’t been easy for you. He also knows you’re a good child, a good girl… the very best kind.”

“Second Brother…”

“Qingcheng, sometimes, giving others a chance is also giving yourself a chance.”

Behind her thick glasses, her clear eyes stared back without blinking, but a long-forgotten ache welled up in their depths.

“Be good, go rest now,” Mu Qing said with a smile. He straightened up and turned back to his room.

Mu Qingcheng remained rooted to the spot, lost in thought, when suddenly she heard Housekeeper Ji’s voice floating up from the stairs below: “Fifth Miss, someone is here to see you.”