As the private school’s bell rang, Mu Simiao withdrew her concerned gaze from Liu Haoxuan and turned toward the emerging crowd.
The crowd dispersed among various stalls, but Si Miao Cold Noodles consistently outperformed the others. The stall owner who had been smug moments ago instantly changed expression, and Mu Simiao chuckled softly, feeling secretly pleased at seeing her reaction.
Beside the price for Liangmian, Mu Simiao had added the words “Sour Jujube Drink – 1 coin.” Although customers had never tried it before, after tasting her cold noodles, they would try the drink out of goodwill alone.
“Boss, what kind of soup is this?” A woman briskly handed three copper coins to Liu Haoxuan while eyeing the dark brown liquid in the bucket.
Mu Simiao ladled a scoop from the bucket into a waterproof bag, then inserted a paper straw. “Sour Jujube Drink – sweet and tangy, both thirst-quenching and fatigue-relieving. It’s the perfect pairing with cold noodles.”
“Then I must give it a proper try.” The woman took the bag, clamped the straw between her lips and took a big gulp. The sweet-sour flavor filled her mouth, with a slightly bitter aftertaste that lingered delightfully.
Her face lit up as she turned to another woman behind her. “This drink is truly refreshing! You should buy a bag to try too.”
“Really?” The woman behind stepped forward, similarly tossing three copper coins to Liu Haoxuan.
Seeing how well the drink suited their tastes, Mu Simiao prepared another bag. Those waiting in line, observing the satisfied expressions of the first two customers, likewise produced three coins each.
The cold noodles and sour jujube drink sold as bundled pairs. By the time the noodles were nearly gone, the drink was almost sold out too. Mu Simiao handed the final portion of noodles to a customer, glanced at the empty wooden bucket, and slowly exhaled in relief.
“Business is quite good, isn’t it?”
Before Mu Simiao could fully relax, a woman’s voice sounded in front of her stall. She looked up at the owner of the “copycat stall” and curled her lips. “Thanks to your blessings. If you hadn’t set up competition, customers might not have been so determined to choose my cold noodles.”
“You!” The woman flushed with anger and snorted coldly. “I won’t let this rest. No single stall will be allowed to dominate this street.”
Mu Simiao watched her retreating back, not giving her a second thought. Instead, Liu Haoxuan muttered under his breath: “Serves her right for poor business, daring to steal Mu Jiejie’s ideas.”
“You’re quite the champion of my cause.” Mu Simiao packed away the unused items, covered the wooden bucket, then took ten coins from her purse and placed them in Liu Haoxuan’s hand.
His daily time with Mu Simiao lasted only through the noon hour, making Liu Haoxuan cherish every moment. Just when he thought it was time to bid farewell again, she stopped him.
“Come with me.”
Liu Haoxuan followed closely behind Mu Simiao, unaware of their destination but not questioning it. Merely being in her company was satisfaction enough for him.
The uneven rhythm of his footsteps behind her suggested his injuries were indeed not light. Treating his wounds had become the priority.
When the pull-cart stopped before a medical clinic, Mu Simiao set down the cart strap and turned to Liu Haoxuan, tilting her chin toward the clinic’s signboard. As she stepped forward, she noticed he hadn’t followed and urged: “Don’t just stand there. Come inside with me.”
“N-no, it’s unnecessary, Mu Jiejie. These are just superficial wounds. They’ll heal with a few days’ rest.” Liu Haoxuan remained rooted to the spot, his eyes darting nervously—a clear sign of unease.
“Don’t worry about the medical fees. Since you call me ‘Jiejie’, I treat you as my younger brother. The cost of this treatment is on me.”
After Mu Simiao finished speaking, Liu Haoxuan still refused to relent: “Thank you, Mu Jiejie, but it’s really not necessary.”
It seemed the issue wasn’t about money, but his injuries couldn’t be left untreated. With a stern expression, Mu Simiao grabbed his arm and forcibly pulled him into the clinic.
Having purchased dried wild jujube here yesterday, the physician still remembered Mu Simiao: “Have you used up yesterday’s herbs? What do you need today?”
“Not yet. I came today to ask you to examine his injuries.” Mu Simiao pulled Liu Haoxuan’s arm, bringing him forward so the physician could see clearly.
Noticing Mu Simiao holding Liu Haoxuan’s hand, the physician smiled understandingly before heading toward the inner room: “Follow me.”
Liu Haoxuan didn’t want to go with him. He glanced sideways at Mu Simiao with clear reluctance. Mu Simiao patted his shoulder and gently reassured him: “Don’t be afraid, it’s just applying medicine.”
Seeing no escape, Liu Haoxuan could only follow the physician into the inner room.
The curtain blocked the view of the inner room, and with vision deprived, hearing became more acute. Hearing the muffled groans coming from inside, Mu Simiao couldn’t help but remind the physician.
“Physician, please be gentler. He’s still just a child after all.”
“If these bruises aren’t properly treated, they’ll become sore and painful tomorrow, and the condition will only worsen. I know you’re concerned, but this is necessary.” The physician’s explanation was reasonable, so Mu Simiao fell silent, turning her back to try ignoring Liu Haoxuan’s cries of pain.
By the time her legs grew sore from standing, the sounds from the inner room finally ceased. Liu Haoxuan emerged pale, his forehead beaded with cold sweat, walking unsteadily.
Fearing he might collapse at any moment, Mu Simiao hurried over to support his arm while looking at the physician behind him: “How is he?”
“They’re all external injuries, but not entirely minor either.” The physician walked to the counter, searching through items as he spoke. “His back and arms are covered with bruises, and his right ankle is slightly sprained, likely from a fall. Here’s some Honghua Oil to disperse the bruising and Dieda Jiu for the sprain. The bruises need to be massaged, while the sprain requires rest. Apply twice daily, morning and evening.”
After receiving the instructions, Mu Simiao took the medicines with a grave expression. She helped Liu Haoxuan out of the clinic and handed him the bottles, but didn’t leave immediately: “Now, tell me what happened.”
Liu Haoxuan remained silent, apparently still wanting to conceal the truth. Mu Simiao had no choice but to threaten him with his job: “If you won’t tell me, I can’t keep you here. This would be a good time for you to rest and recover at home anyway.”
“No, please don’t! Mu Jiejie, I’ll tell you, I’ll tell you everything.” Liu Haoxuan urgently stopped her, his slender fingers clutching Mu Simiao’s sleeve. “It was Mother.”
“Mother was already worried because Sister got scolded by her teacher for her studies. Then I accidentally spilled tea. Mother just hadn’t cooled down from her anger yet, that’s why she hit me. She didn’t mean to do it.”
Typical domestic violence stemming from favoritism in a family that values daughters over sons – ultimately the parents’ failure to act properly. And yet Liu Haoxuan was still making excuses for her.
“Even so, Granny Liu shouldn’t take her anger out on you by hurting you. In this situation, you could even report it to the authorities.” Though unsure how exactly to resolve it, she thought official intervention might help.
But when she said this, Liu Haoxuan reacted even more strongly: “Mu Jiejie doesn’t know, the authorities don’t care about this. There was a similar case before where the son was beaten until he couldn’t move after the soldiers left, and was eventually sold by his parents to Qing Shu Pavilion.”
The name “Qing Shu Pavilion” sounded somewhat familiar. Mu Simiao thought for a moment before realizing – wasn’t this the brothel she had visited when she first arrived here?
She immediately understood what Liu Haoxuan meant, but was still somewhat worried: “Then what will you do these next few days? Could Granny Liu become emotionally unstable again and beat you severely?”
“It’s fine.” Liu Haoxuan shook his head, gripping the medicine in his hand as he gave Mu Simiao a bitter smile. “Mother has already calmed down, and with Mu Jiejie’s medicine, I’ll be completely recovered in just two days.”
Though he was smiling, Mu Simiao could detect a hint of sadness in his expression. She sighed softly and asked Liu Haoxuan to wait where he was, then turned and entered a shop selling writing materials.
Shortly after, Mu Simiao emerged from the shop holding two pieces of rough paper. After shaking them dry, she folded them and placed them in her bosom: “Let’s go, I’ll walk you home.”
The two walked together to the entrance of the alley. Just as Liu Haoxuan was about to wave goodbye to Mu Simiao, he saw her put down the carriage strap and step into the alley. Liu Haoxuan was momentarily stunned before immediately following, not knowing what she intended to do.
Granny Liu was sitting on a stone stool making hairpins with Liu Laohan, while their daughter sat nearby doing homework. The family of three appeared quite harmonious.
Mu Simiao curled her fingers and knocked twice on the door. Hearing the sound, Granny Liu looked up and immediately walked toward the entrance upon seeing her: “Simiao’s here, why didn’t you let us know in advance? Xuan’er, why aren’t you getting some water?”
Liu Haoxuan lowered his head and instinctively moved toward the kitchen, but was stopped by Mu Simiao as soon as he took a step. Before Granny Liu could say anything about Mu Simiao’s hand on Liu Haoxuan’s wrist, two hairpin designs appeared before her.
Mu Simiao unfolded the freshly drawn rough paper. Holding Liu Haoxuan’s wrist, she smiled at Granny Liu and said: “Granny Liu, these are two hairpin designs. I came today specifically to discuss something important.”
Even without Mu Simiao saying it, Granny Liu had some idea from her actions. Remembering how righteously she had refused yesterday, and now she was actively coming to ask for Liu Haoxuan – Granny Liu immediately straightened her back. It seemed Liu Haoxuan was still somewhat useful after all.
“Granny Liu, my stall has been quite busy these past few days. How about exchanging these two hairpin designs for Haoxuan to come help me at my place? If you need anything later, you can contact me.”
Mu Simiao’s words essentially told Granny Liu that she could obtain future hairpin designs for free. Upon hearing this, Granny Liu’s smile nearly overflowed from her face as she hastily took the rough paper: “Oh, we’re all family here, no need for such formal talk. It’s just a few days of help – feel free to order him around as you like.”
“Then I won’t stand on ceremony.” Mu Simiao returned her smile. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she led the silent Liu Haoxuan beside her out of the alley.
Mu Simiao had walked the road from the market to home many times, but Liu Haoxuan was in high spirits. Staying close to Mu Simiao’s arm, the curve of his smiling mouth never dropped throughout the journey: “Mu Jiejie, thank you.”
“No need.” Mu Simiao had never tolerated domestic violence back in modern times, and felt the same in ancient times. But since they were Liu Haoxuan’s parents after all, Mu Simiao couldn’t use money to redeem him. She could only do her best to give him time to recover properly.
The sound of carriage wheels came from the gate. Qi Yuze, holding Yue’er in his arms, squinted with a smile as he looked toward the entrance. But the moment he saw Mu Simiao and the man beside her, his smile froze abruptly.
Though Mu Simiao had always been fond of fun, she had never brought anyone home before. A dull ache tightened in Qi Yuze’s chest, and his nose tingled with unshed tears. Yet, in the presence of outsiders, he had to feign composure. With red-rimmed eyes, he carried Yue’er and stepped out into the courtyard.
“Mu Niang is back.”
Mu Simiao was just pondering how to explain Liu Haoxuan’s presence to Qi Yuze when she heard his choked voice. Instantly flustered, she asked, “What’s wrong? Did Mother come to trouble you again?”
Qi Yuze had managed to suppress his grievances, but upon hearing Mu Simiao’s concerned words, tears streamed uncontrollably down his cheeks. He lowered his eyelids and shook his head, looking utterly pitiable.
Mu Simiao immediately released the carriage strap, strode over to him, and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, drawing him close. “Later, we’ll go reason with Mother together. I won’t let you suffer unjustly.”
“It’s not Mother.” Qi Yuze lifted his head after a long silence, his voice still hoarse. “I just felt inexplicably sad.”
He expected Mu Simiao to press further, but she merely smiled as if it were nothing unusual. “It happens. Probably just stress. Crying it out will help.”
Mu Simiao had seen such moods often—after all, emotions could be hard to control at times.
Once Qi Yuze had composed himself, Mu Simiao took Yue’er from his arms and turned to introduce Liu Haoxuan. “Didn’t I mention I hired help at the market? This is him.”
Qi Yuze understood but had no intention of greeting him. Instead, Liu Haoxuan stepped forward boldly, grasped Qi Yuze’s hand, and said, “Hello, brother! I’m Liu Haoxuan. I’ve heard Mu Jiejie speak of you often. Finally, I get to see you in person.”
Having his hand held felt unfamiliar to Qi Yuze. He tried to withdraw, but Liu Haoxuan tightened his grip, leaning in slightly to whisper, “Brother really is as dull as Mu Jiejie said.”
Unaware of the tension between them, Mu Simiao took Yue’er’s hand and led her out of the courtyard. The child’s steps were nearly steady now—it seemed she would soon be walking independently.
After a stroll around the courtyard, Mu Simiao carried Yue’er back inside and only then noticed the awkward atmosphere. Qi Yuze was busy in the kitchen preparing her lunch as usual, while Liu Haoxuan stood aimlessly in the yard.
“Why stand there? Sit and rest awhile,” Mu Simiao gestured for Liu Haoxuan to sit, then carried Yue’er into the kitchen and approached Qi Yuze. “Haoxuan will be staying with us for a few days.”
Her tone was matter-of-fact, a mere notification. Already upset, Qi Yuze responded with a sullen hum. Sensing his displeasure, Mu Simiao explained further, “His mother doesn’t value him at home, and he’s covered in bruises from beatings. I couldn’t bear to see it, so I invited him to recuperate here for a few days. If you’re unhappy, I can have him stay at an inn instead.”
Her reason was mostly truthful—after all, her own cousin had once been beaten and berated by his uncle and aunt right in front of their relatives.
“Don’t.” This was the first time Qi Yuze heard Mu Simiao’s explanation, and it seemed she still had him in her heart. His cheeks flushed instantly as he denied, “This humble one isn’t unhappy.”
Since he wanted to save face, Mu Simiao didn’t press further. She said softly, “Thank you.”
Qi Yuze didn’t respond, but his hands added an extra portion of pancake to the wok. This stir-fried pancake was something Mu Simiao had taught him, and he had mastered it with ease.
He cut the pancake into small pieces and set them aside, beat eggs in a bowl until smooth, heated oil in the wok and scrambled the eggs, then added the pancake pieces along with salt and various seasonings. The stir-fried pancake was ready in no time.
A heaping bowl of stir-fried pancake was placed on the table. Mu Simiao brought out two bowls of plain soup from the kitchen, setting one in front of Liu Haoxuan and handing him a pair of chopsticks. “Try it and see if it suits your taste.”
Liu Haoxuan accepted the chopsticks with thanks, hesitating over the unfamiliar pancake dish. Noticing his uncertainty, Mu Simiao picked up a piece of pancake first and put it in her mouth, chewing as she looked at him. “Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned.”
Hearing her words, Liu Haoxuan carefully picked up a piece of stir-fried pancake and slowly chewed it.
The savory crispness outside and softness inside burst in his mouth. Liu Haoxuan’s eyes widened in surprise as he looked at Qi Yuze and praised, “So delicious! Brother’s cooking is really wonderful.”
Qi Yuze instinctively wanted to deny it, but Mu Simiao stopped him. “I’m glad you like it. From now on, consider this your home. Just tell your Brother Yuze what you’d like to eat, since I’ve accepted being your sister after all.”
These words both informed Liu Haoxuan that she only saw him as a younger brother, while also explaining to Qi Yuze that there was no other relationship between them.
“Really?” Whether Liu Haoxuan genuinely didn’t understand or was pretending not to, he looked at Qi Yuze and pouted slightly. “If I come often, I wonder if Brother will mind?”
Author’s note: