Chapter 277: For you, it

Mu Family.

When Mu Youyu stuffed the round, glutinous rice into Aunt Qing's arms, the little one also rubbed its head against her palm, making a soft, whimpering sound.

She smiled, rubbed the rice ball's ears, and went back to her second-floor room.

Her room was painted in a bright colour, with several finely framed paintings on the walls.

The largest one is a painting she made together with Jiang Liangjin when she was young.

In the picture, both hold half‑melted ice cream, with a backdrop of flowers covering the hills, colours vivid.

Besides the two manga volumes of 《When Rain Falls on the Fingertips》 on the desk cabinet, there are only a few textbooks.

The most conspicuous spot on the top of the cabinet is filled with photos of her with all her brothers and Jiang Liangjin.

On the bedside table sits a three‑person photo of Mu Xin, her, and Jiang Liangjin, taken at the Duke's Mansion.

Mu Youyu sat cross‑legged on the bed, opened the tablet on the nightstand, and tapped the game icon.

The screen popped up a gilded announcement: "Official service now live on all platforms," with background music being the piano theme composed by her second brother, Mu Xi.

It is completely different from the "Lone Walk" she practiced during the day, yet equally catchy.

She tapped out a team message on the screen and sent it to Jiang Liangjin: "Game game! The official service just went live today for second brother—let's climb the ranks!"

Song Yan and Lu Yuchu had previously dubbed it together.

The piano theme written by Mu Xi, as well as the song Lu Yuchu sang back then.

Even during the trial play, it left her amazed.

Before she could get a reply, the other end initiated a voice call.

Mu Youyu answered; the other side deliberately lowered their voice: "Wait for me to log in."

"Okay." She lay on the soft bed, chin resting on the fluffy pillow, her voice sweet and soft: "Wow, second brother gave me all the skins!"

Jiang Liangjin logged in, stared in surprise at the automatically unlocked full skin set, and said, "I have them too."

In the game, besides Mu Youyu, his only friend is Mu Xi; Song Lujing hasn't had a chance to be added yet.

They chatted on and off, from game characters to the rehearsals for the school cultural festival.

Mu Youyu said this with a weary tone: "Teacher Tan said he'd return to personally guide me; he's probably arriving tomorrow. It's such a fuss over just a school arts festival."

Jiang Liangjin cleared the friend requests with a swipe, saying, "You haven't touched the piano in ages; Teacher Tan must be thrilled, and furthermore…"

His tone indulgent: "For you, it's worth it."

"Baby, are you asleep?" A light knocking suddenly came from outside the door, accompanied by Song Yan's pleasant voice.

Mu Youyu told the phone, "Just a moment, Brother Yan is coming," then picked up the tablet and got up to open the door.

As soon as the door opened, she saw Song Yan wearing a black hoodie with simple silver lettering on the chest.

The boy's face lit up with a proud smile as he held a crystal fruit platter; the strawberries looked exceptionally fresh.

Without waiting for her to speak, he reached out, pinched the largest strawberry, and held it to her lips: "Are you still on the phone with Jiang… A Jin? He's monopolizing your time and never comes to keep me company."

Jiang Liangjin paused for a second, then drawled, "Good evening, Brother Yan."

Song Yan raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "Young Master Jiang is so idle—he doesn't have to deal with family affairs and can spend all day with our precious one."

Their words, both overt and implied, carried a hint of rivalry.

Jiang Liangjin's tone unchanged: "For Youbao, family matters are nothing."

Song Yan: "Detestable."

Mu Youyu didn't interrupt their mutually caring exchange, bit into the strawberry, winced at its sourness, and said, "So sour."

Song Yan shoved the fruit platter into his mouth bite after bite, eating with relish, and said, "Really? I find it super sweet—try another."

As he spoke, he reached to pinch another and offer it.

Mu Youyu turned her head away: "No, no—the strawberries from A Jin's family orchard taste the best."

Jiang Liangjin went along: "I'll bring you some tomorrow."

Song Yan has been busy lately with the promotion and awards ceremony for his new film, working nonstop for several days.

Having finally found a break, he rushed to the Mu Family right away, just wanting to spend more time with the sister he's pampered since childhood.

Seeing them harmonize now, his jealousy flared: "I haven't seen the baby in ages—want to come downstairs and keep me company for a while?"

Mu Youyu shook her head: "No, I'm about to sleep. Brother Yan, you should rest early too. Good night."

Where has it been so long since we last met?

"It's only eight o'clock now!"

Song Yan looked displeased, grabbed her wrist and gave it a gentle shake like a child seeking attention, his voice tempting: "Qing An is still downstairs watching a drama; he's all alone and pitiful—shall we go keep him company?"

Mu Youyu shook her head: "I don't like palace intrigue dramas."

Song Yan's eyes shifted, and he proudly announced: "Little Xi is back; he's probably taking a bath and said he'll come downstairs later."

Mu Youyu paused in her actions: "Second brother came home this early today?"

Mu Xi lately has been busy with who knows what; sometimes he returns later than Mu Nian.

Seeing her waver, Song Yan quickly added: "It seems Mu Xin is back too—I heard his voice just now when I went upstairs."

As soon as he said that, Mu Youyu lost all desire to play the game.

Mu Xin usually returns only after ten o'clock; she's adjusted her schedule, and they haven't seen each other for several days.

Today he actually came back at eight, which delighted her greatly.

She put the tablet on the bed, told Jiang Liangjin, hung up, and threw on an outer garment.

Song Yan inwardly gloated, about to speak and claim credit, when he saw the girl pattering in her little fur shoes toward the stairwell.

There was no trace of her earlier intention to sleep.

"Wait for me, baby!" Song Yan hurried after her, fruit platter in hand, looking aggrieved but quick‑stepping behind her, afraid she'd run too fast and fall.

In the downstairs living room, Mu Xin saw his sister running down, his expression instantly softening as he opened his arms: "Run slowly, don't fall."

Mu Youyu flung herself into his embrace, looked up at him, voice soft and sweet: "Brother, why did you come back so early today? Did you finish the project?"

Mu Xin raised his hand and ruffled her hair: "Hmm, finished, can finally relax for now."

He lowered his head to look at the sister in his arms, eyes full of affection: "I heard you've been preparing a performance for the school cultural festival? How's the practice going?"

"Still practicing, Teacher Tan said he'd rearrange the score for me! He's on his way back to the country now." Mu Youyu grabbed his hand and sat on the sofa, chattering excitedly about rehearsal anecdotes.

Song Yan sauntered downstairs, still holding that crystal fruit platter.

Watching the two affectionately snuggled on the sofa, he sat on the single sofa beside them with a look of "fallen out of favor."

Qing An curled up on the opposite sofa, eyes glued to the TV screen.

Seeing his state, he couldn't resist teasing: "Tsk tsk, poor Consort Yan, you've completely lost the little princess's favor, huh?"

Song Yan heard that, glared at him fiercely: "Get lost."

His gaze unintentionally swept over the TV screen, and he happened to see the subtitle: "Consort Xian has been banished to the cold palace."

His mouth twitched, and he unconsciously thought of Song Huaixian.

Several of his close brothers call him that.