Chapter 319: This Year, Nobody Can Say for Sure

"Second older brother!"

Mu Youyu wore a festive bright red cotton jacket, its collar embroidered with delicate patterns; on her head she wore a fluffy little hat whose brim had two tufts of soft fleece, swaying lightly as she pattered down the stairs.

Mu Xi stepped forward first, reaching out to catch her running sister, "Baby, you're awake."

She lifted her fair little face and asked, "Good morning, second older brother, are you leaving now?"

Last night the elders said they were going to Grandfather Jiang's.

"No rush," Mu Xi said, rubbing the top of her head as she led her from the courtyard to the gate, "Grandma and Uncle are still finishing up in the yard; after Grandfather gives his instructions, we'll go together."

"Okay," Mu Youyu nodded, her eyes already secretly looking forward to the person waiting for her at the Jiang residence.

Beside them, Song Huaiyu watched his sister's carefree expression with reluctance, "Our Youbao is still just a baby; how could Grandma bear to lay a hand on her?"

Song Huaixian slapped him on the back, "Grandma won't let A Jin make a move; all those demons and monsters outside have already set their sights on the treasure—will you dress as a girl to stop them?"

Mu Xin gave him a sideways glance, "Does Huaiyu-brother want her to find a kappa guy?"

"Of course not!" Song Huaiyu almost blurted out, instantly picturing his sister being tricked, defying family opposition to marry far away; he stiffened and shook his head repeatedly.

"No, no, absolutely not! Xinbao's right—A Jin is fine just as he is."

After a few sentences, their positions shifted faster than flipping a page, making Song Yusui, Lu Yuchu, and the others unable to suppress a low laugh.

Song Huaiyu hesitated, "If I treat him like that before, will he tattle on me?"

"Don't worry," Song Huaixian waved a hand, casual, "At most you'll just ignore him; nobody else is over the line—just prepare a few red envelopes for him."

"Fine, I'll listen to you."

As they spoke, Grandfather Mu's laughter came from the courtyard, along with Grandmother's reminders.

Uncles and aunts each tidied up the New Year goods and gift boxes they'd brought, servants moved things in an orderly fashion, spring couplets and fu characters covered the courtyard, everywhere filled with New Year's festive warmth.

Mu Nian stood in the courtyard; outside, a motorcade had already been arranged, a dozen luxury vehicles lined up, specially escorting the whole family out.

"Youbao's awake? Come over so Grandma can take a look."

Grandma spotted the little granddaughter standing at the main gate, immediately waved, holding a red pouch embroidered with a peace pattern, "Come, Grandma prepared a New Year's peace charm for you—keep it in your pocket for safety year after year."

Mu Youyu ran into the courtyard, greeting grandfather, uncle, younger uncle, and all the uncles one by one.

Her soft, timid manner made the elders smile, and they hurriedly shoved a hand warmer into her palm, afraid she'd feel even a hint of cold.

"Everything's packed, let's go!" Grandfather Mu waved his hand, smiling broadly.

Everyone gathered around Grandfather Mu and Grandma, boarding the cars in turn, with Mu Youyu shielded between Mu Xi and Mu Xin in the middle vehicle.

Her little head rested against the window, gazing at passersby beneath strings of red lanterns, her eyes full of anticipation.

Last year she went from A City to B Shi, spending New Year's at Song Huaixian's place.

Mu Youyu traced the windowsill with her fingertip, already thinking of the person waiting for her at the Jiang home.

Even when Mu Xi beside her spoke, she was somewhat absent‑minded.

Mu Xin looked helpless, took a red envelope from his pocket, and handed it to her.

Mu Youyu looked at the pretty pink cover, her heart instantly returning, "Wow, thanks, brother—I love you the most!"

Mu Nian, in the driver's seat, chuckled at that without turning back, "Don't let the other brothers hear that."

"Got it, got it!"

The motorcade had driven less than half an hour before reaching the Jiang family's old residence.

The Jiang family's old residence is a retro‑style Chinese compound, with flying eaves and upturned corners hung with lanterns, the main and side gateways posted with gold‑threaded spring couplets, and the trees in the courtyard draped with colorful New Year ornaments.

From afar one could hear the laughter inside.

Grandfather Jiang had already brought Jiang Su and Shen Ningmu to the main gate, with a line of servants waiting behind them.

As the car came to a stop, Jiang Liangjin stepped forward first in quick strides, his deep‑red cotton jacket setting off his neat appearance, save for a tiny red pin on the collar, matching the New Year's cheer.

His gaze fell directly on Mu Youyu, who was being helped out of the car by Mu Xin; the boredom in his eyes melted away instantly, and he hurried forward.

He reached out as if to steady her, but in fact pulled her close without a hint of movement.

Mu Youyu lifted her head, saw him, broke free from Mu Xi's hand, and ran to his side in small steps, "A Jin."

"Here," Jiang Liangjin said, lifting a hand to gently brush her hair and touch her hand, "Was it cold on the way?"

"Not cold."

"Shall I first introduce you to everyone?"

"All right, let's go," Mu Youyu said, pulling his hand, eager.

Seeing that, the brothers behind felt a pang of reluctance rise again.

But upon recalling what had just been decided in the living room, they could only turn their faces away silently, pretending not to have seen.

Considering he was the best solution, they endured it for now.

Grandfather Jiang saw the grandson‑shielded Mu Youyu, like stars surrounding the moon, and smiled until his eyes narrowed into slits, "A You has finally come—hurry in, hurry in, we've prepared everything you love to eat!"

Jiang Su also stepped forward, thrusting a heavy red envelope into her hand, "New Year's money—buy whatever you like."

Shen Ningmu hurried forward, taking her small hand, his palm warm, "Our Youbao keeps getting lovelier—truly a little lucky star."

Mu Youyu thanked each of them politely and replied in turn.

The Jiang family's extended elders had all arrived; the clinking of cups, elders' chatter, and the youngsters' play blended together, lively yet not noisy.

As soon as everyone saw the Mu and Song families entering together, their gazes locked on the Mu Youyu protected in the center, all filled with astonishment.

Everyone knew she was the sole little princess cherished by the Mu and Song households, and also the person the Jiang family heir held closest to his heart.

Now that the two families are gathering for New Year's Eve, anyone can see the deep meaning behind it.

……Even though that "deep meaning" had been collectively blocked by the two families a few years ago and never carried out.

But, as the saying goes, a new year brings a new beginning.

This year, nobody can say for sure what will happen.

"A You's here!" the Jiang elders laughed as they came forward, each clutching a prepared red envelope, rushing to stuff them into her hand, "Hurry and take it—may the new year go smoothly, and may you be healthy and strong!"

Mu Youyu obediently took each one, speaking softly; her clear, sweet voice made all the elders' hearts melt.

Red envelopes were stuffed one after another into her hands and pockets; soon her small pocket bulged, and both pockets of her cotton coat couldn't hold them.

Jiang Liangjin always stood at her side, quietly introducing the elders she didn't know.

Seeing her pockets full, he silently helped her gather the red envelopes into his own pocket.

The Song and Mu families' elders also stepped forward; the three families' elders quickly warmed up to each other, and the brothers on the side came forward one by one to greet.