novelraw Chapter 517 - 240. Mu Jin Huan took nine months to understand what it feels like to miss someone to the marrow.
Chapter 517 - 240. Mu Jin Huan took nine months to understand what it feels like to miss someone to the marrow.
This year’s first snow fell on New Year’s Eve.Snowflakes drifted down from the night sky, and within less than two hours, a layer of snow had accumulated on the ground, blanketing the world in a vast expanse of silver.
Fireworks burst in the distance, casting red and green flashes on the snow, a dazzling display.
It was as beautiful as a dream.
In the living room of the Mu Family’s old house, a fireplace crackled gently. Compared to the swirling snow outside, the warmth inside felt like being nestled in a blanket.
After dinner, the Spring Festival Gala played on the TV. Everyone sat in the living room, drinking tea and playing chess, while the children played together, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Although Mr. and Mrs. Mu’s attitude toward Lu Yao remained indifferent, it was much better than the coldness they showed before.
In the entire living room, the only ones who remained silent were Mu Jin Huan and Lu Yao.
Returning to the Mu Family tonight, she wore a beige sweater with a bare face. Her delicate features were clean and gentle as she held a cup of tea, the steam rising and blurring her vision.
She no longer had the carefree demeanor she used to have, nor the bright, ostentatious smile that never reached her eyes, as if she had suddenly hidden all her thorns, becoming quiet... unlike herself.
Often, she would drift off, leaving others guessing about her thoughts.
In this house, aside from Mu Jinqian and Mu Qingqing, the only person who liked her was An Ge. Usually restless, climbing all over the place, the little one was surprisingly obedient in her arms.
Mu Qingqing was teaching Jiu Jiu to walk, but Jiu Jiu kept waving his arms, refusing to let her hold them, occasionally muttering ’no, no.’
Qingqing understood Jiu Jiu’s thoughts, her voice clear as she asked Lu Yao, "Mom, it seems brother wants to walk by himself, is that okay?"
The zoning-out Lu Yao was pulled back to reality by her daughter’s voice. After considering for a moment, she nodded and agreed, "You need to watch over him. Although there’s a carpet, if he falls, he might get scared."
"Okay, I will," Qingqing replied, carefully releasing Jiu Jiu’s arm and staying close to protect him.
Without support, Jiu Jiu’s legs trembled, yet he managed to stagger several steps all on his own.
Qingqing immediately widened her eyes, clapping excitedly, "Uncle, look, brother can walk by himself now!"
However, just as everyone’s attention was drawn to her voice, Jiu Jiu ungraciously fell into her lap. Except for Lu Yao, no one witnessed Jiu Jiu’s newfound walking skill.
"Oh no..." Qingqing was knocked to the carpet, with the round Jiu Jiu pressing down on her, making Lu Yao’s Pea in her arms giggle uncontrollably.
The laughter, filled with childlike innocence, was extremely pleasant to hear.
Just as a game of chess ended, Mu Libei won. Having drunk tonight, he could barely differentiate between horse and chariot, and Mu Jinqian knew exactly how he won.
Mu Jin Huan stood up and first picked up the endlessly laughing Qingqing from the carpet, then went to carry Jiu Jiu, "It’s getting late, let’s go home."
His voice was calm, devoid of much emotion.
It seemed as if the warmth and merriment of the room had never touched his world for even a second.
Cheng Shihong came out of the kitchen holding freshly cut fruit, wearing glasses and comfortable home clothes, trading her regal dignity for warmth.
She glanced at the clock on the wall, ten o’clock.
They had only been here for three hours.
"The snow hasn’t stopped. Why not stay the night?"
She wasn’t a qualified mother, but now wanted to be a loving grandmother.
"No, An Ge is fussy about sleeping arrangements. A change of environment will upset her," Mu Jin Huan said, taking the coat from the sofa and dressing Jiu Jiu, raising his eyes to glance at Pea nestled in Lu Yao’s arms, all cute and cuddly. "Once she starts crying, no one can sleep."
Cheng Shihong couldn’t utter too many sentimental words, "Anyway, your father and I will stay up, it won’t be a problem."
Returning to the North Shore Villa, he wouldn’t have anyone to talk to.
The whole country was reuniting, with fireworks and firecrackers creating a lively scene, yet that villa remained silently despairing.
While buttoning up Jiu Jiu’s winter coat, Mu Jin Huan slightly lowered his dark eyes, his voice steady as usual, "I have to go to the company tomorrow. The documents I need for the meeting are at home, so going back and forth wastes time."
People abroad don’t celebrate the New Year, and companies must operate every day.