The way Xiaoci looked so aggrieved…

how can I put it?

Well, if it was done by a grown woman, it might make people think that Mu Yunchuan was like those heartless men in dramas who climb to success and then abandon their lovers.

But when a six or seven-year-old child, especially the mischievous and naughty Xiaoci does it, it doesn’t make people think Mu Yunchuan did something wrong to him.

It just makes people think he’s being naughty again!

Xi Jiulu went to work, so the responsibility of dealing with Xiaoci, who couldn’t stop crying and being unable to say a word, became even more obedient, fell on Shen Cui.

She still dragged him to the table despite his constant tears.

Shen Cui couldn’t help but curve her lips, gesturing for the slightly pregnant Zhou Shi to sit down and speak.

After helping Zhou Shi to sit, Mu Yunchuan sat down on her other side and asked Shen Cui, “I wonder why Mother summoned us here?”

There was a hint of displeasure in his tone.

Zhou Shi reached under the table and gently pulled his sleeve, smiling as she continued, “Based on the kindness Mother showed me in the past, I should visit her regularly. Initially, it was difficult due to the timing being inconvenient. But it’s been over three months now, and I’m in good health. I should be more active. My husband is very cautious, so I hope you can be understanding.”

As she spoke, Zhou Shi smiled apologetically at Shen Cui.

Shen Cui didn’t mind at all. In fact, she found Mu Yunchuan’s slight displeasure quite appealing — it was much more genuine than the constant facade he used to wear, speaking in circles.

Seeing his genuine emotions, she realized how much he valued Zhou Shi and the child.

With her changed mindset, she felt genuinely happy for Zhou Shi, treating Mu Yunchuan almost like a son-in-law.

Seeing his reaction, she felt even happier for Zhou Shi.

Her efforts had finally brought her the sincerity she desired.

Lastly, the small interactions between the couple didn’t escape the notice of Xiaoci, who stood aside, staring at Mu Yunchuan.

Seeing the child crying even more intensely now.

Shen Cui reassured Zhou Shi with a glance, indicating it wasn’t a problem, and continued with a smile, “Actually, it’s not a big deal. I just thought, since you’ve been pregnant for over three months, it’s time to announce it. I wanted to arrange a banquet at home to celebrate and bring some joy. Plus, during pregnancy, there are many taboos, and there aren’t many experienced elders around. The doctors you find are usually men, and it’s not easy to discuss certain things. I’ve only had Er Pang, so I can’t claim to know everything, but isn’t your grandmother here? She raised three children and many grandchildren…”

Earlier, when Shen Cui mentioned preparing a banquet, Mu Yunchuan’s expression remained indifferent.

Obviously, celebrating this event with Shen Cui’s family was something he felt indifferent about.

But when he heard what followed, he became serious and involuntarily nodded along.

He hadn’t been having bizarre dreams lately, but ever since he found out about Zhou Shi’s pregnancy and the incidents with the doctor prescribing the wrong medicine and the servants buying the wrong supplements, he had an uneasy feeling.

So, he hadn’t been sleeping well lately.

Zhou Shi had been so preoccupied with joy that she might have been affected by him, and her sleep hadn’t been very peaceful either.

At this point, they really needed an elder to impart some wisdom and soothe their hearts.

Zheng Shi was even older than Shen Cui and getting on in years.

It made more sense for the two of them as a couple to visit her and seek advice.

So, Mu Yunchuan’s expression softened, and he slightly moved his lips, wanting to say some words of apology to Shen Cui.

But when the words reached his lips, he found it inexplicably difficult to say them.

Shen Cui paid no attention to him and went to invite Zheng Shi over.

After Zheng Shi arrived she was straight to the point, Zheng Shi spoke for a while, sipping hot tea to moisten her throat, and said, “Let’s stop here for now. I can’t remember anything else at the moment. Anyway, if you encounter any other problems, feel free to come and ask me.”

Zheng Shi looked at Mu Yunchuan, then carefully folded the papers and put them away.

Zhou Shi expressed her gratitude profusely, Mu Yunchuan also thanked subtly, then meticulously dried the ink on the dozens of pages, folded them carefully, and kept them close.

“There’s another thing,” Shen Cui smiled as she spoke to Mu Yunchuan, “You’ve seen this child. Although he cursed at you before, ever since you came in, his eyes haven’t left you. It shows he admires you a lot…”

Xiaoci hurried to argue, but Shen Cui preempted him, firmly covering his mouth.

And she wouldn’t really treat him as a child to be cherished, so she didn’t hold back in her actions.

With a light smack, it was like she gave him a big slap on the ear.

Immediately, he quieted down.

“Is Mother suggesting that I should instruct him?” Mu Yunchuan asked, glancing at Shen Cui as he spoke.

Shen Cui nodded, but her smile seemed somewhat insincere.

Mu Yunchuan pondered for a moment and understood her intention — when it came to educating others, Shen Cui had handed over many newly-qualified scholars without saying a word.

In terms of true talent and knowledge, there was also Mei Ruochu, whom he didn’t underestimate.

Was there really a need for him to step in and teach Shen Cui’s students?

Wasn’t it more likely that he was being asked to play the “villain,” to put pressure on this child and turn his resentment into motivation for studying?

“I see,” Mu Yunchuan said, then engaged in a silent exchange of glances with Shen Cui.

Seeing that he understood, Shen Cui’s smile brightened a bit.

She said, “That’s right.”

When their relationship was strained, Mu Yunchuan certainly wouldn’t have the patience to cooperate with her.

But now that their relationship had improved considerably, and she had specifically had Zheng Shi share her experience beforehand, Mu Yunchuan nodded slightly towards Shen Cui.

Xiaoci was short and had no idea about their private conversation.

He just lowered his head, kicking the tip of one foot with the other.

In his mind, although he couldn’t connect with Mu Yunchuan or draw energy from him in the special space of that foreign consciousness framework, if they could interact frequently in the future, he might be able to persuade Mu Yunchuan to take him out, giving him a chance, right?

Even though he really disliked the current Mu Yunchuan, if he could gather enough energy, he could subtly influence him to become like he used to be.

Plus, if there had to be a teacher, compared to Lao Buyu, the Mu Yunchuan he had personally cultivated, with no shortcomings, was obviously more satisfying to him.

In summary, if Mu Yunchuan were to be his teacher, he could reluctantly accept it!

Then he heard Mu Yunchuan saying, “In theory, I shouldn’t disobey Mother’s orders. But this matter is difficult to comply with.” He continued, “Conveniently speaking, I’ve only had Er Pang as my brother and I didn’t even teach him anything let alone teaching someone i personally don’t know.. My apologies but, No!”