Chapter 686: Extra: Mu Nian 6

Extra: Mu Nian 6

Early September.

Inside the studio, Yan Yuejiu held up a moon-white gown against a mannequin, her brows slightly furrowed as she murmured softly, "I always feel the waistline isn't quite right; I've taken it apart and reworked it several times, but it's still off by a bit."

Her friends, exhausted from looking, sighed lazily, "How many versions have you gone through now? Your little treasure hasn't even worn it yet, and you're being so picky!"

"You don't understand; for my sister, it has to be the best."

Her friend rested her chin on her hands, "Ohhh, then what about my treasure of a friend?"

"Just casually put something together for yours."

Her friend feigned heartbreak, waving her hand, "Fine, I'm completely done with love—just give me the 9.90 shipping fee to make up the number."

"Received."

"…"

The subsequent unveiling ceremony went smoothly. 【Details of the unveiling ceremony are in chapter 134】

On October 10th, Mu Nian and Yan Yuejiu's engagement banquet proceeded as scheduled.

Inside the banquet hall, lights blazed, guests gathered like clouds, and all the inner members of the nation's four major conglomerates and four prominent families attended, perfumes and silks swaying.

Yan Yuejiu wore a brilliant crimson gown, its full skirt accentuating her slender figure, her lips glossy, her brows and eyes captivating, stunning the entire crowd.

Mu Nian donned a dark-patterned red suit in the same color scheme, its tone subdued and luxurious, echoing hers from afar.

When the banquet time arrived, the host took the stage to deliver the opening remarks, and Yan Yuejiu gave a glance to Mu Youyu below the stage.

She understood, and quickly walked onto the stage.

Yan Yuejiu handed her the cake she and Mu Nian had cut together, saying, "The first piece goes to our family's treasure; may our treasure forever be happy and blessed, surrounded by our love."

As she finished speaking, the lights focused on Mu Youyu.

Yan Yuejiu couldn't wipe the smile from her face; she was always clear about Mu Family affairs, and she knew that this younger sister of Mu Youyu was the one Mu Nian held highest in his heart.

This younger sister was not only the Mu Family's cherished jewel, but also the sole eldest daughter of this generation of the Song Family.

She had made several outfits for her sister since childhood; seeing the sister twirl in front of her always made her want to take her home and raise her herself.

This is exactly the pretty, talkative, mobile, sister-calling real-life doll she had wanted since childhood—and she had practically watched her grow up.

Watching the maiden in the gray gown she had sewn overnight, Yan Yuejiu felt an indescribable satisfaction welling up, and she softly praised, "Truly beautiful."

After thanking her older brother and sister-in-law, Mu Youyu carried the cake down the stage.

Yan Yuejiu's gaze followed her all the way to her seat downstairs, the corners of her mouth lifting uncontrollably.

The proceedings on stage were nearly finished, and it was time for the couple's dance segment.

To the swaying melody, Yan Yuejiu caught sight of Mu Youyu and Jiang Liangjin also dancing a pair nearby.

She leaned a little toward Mu Nian, saying, "Don't let your sister marry too early, or I'll cry making her wedding dress."

Mu Nian slipped his arm around her waist, his tone light: "She decides for herself; no one is forcing her."

"I know, you treat Youbao the best."

"And you treat me well too."

Yan Yuejiu lightly shook her head, a sly smile playing on her lips: "Don't treat us all the same; I can't be bothered to get jealous over the treasure, it wouldn't be a worthy victory."

When the music ended, Yan Yuejiu patted his hand, "Go toast, let's go."

"Come on, fiancée." Mu Nian lowered his hand from her waist, changing to a gentleman's light support at her elbow, and they walked down the steps side by side into the guest area.

The toasting session was taken on by Mu Nian himself; he could hold his liquor well, and with a few glasses of red wine to make up the numbers, after a round his cheeks were only slightly flushed.

At the table, several gazes fell upon him, carrying the elders' characteristic affection and scrutiny.

Mu Nian was accustomed to those looks, and he and Yan Yuejiu clinked glasses in turn, their coordination seamless.

During the toasting, Song Yusui raised his cup and approached, laughing unrestrainedly, "Brother Nian, Sister Yan, let's have one! Wishing you a hundred years of harmony, early… uh, early noble son—I'll save that line for another day."

Mu Nian gave him a cool, sideways glance—this kid, he's come to tease him.

Yan Yuejiu, however, laughed and clinked cups with him, replying teasingly, "I'll take your lucky words; when you have happy news, I'll come ask for a cup of wedding wine."

"Sure, hoping your sister-in-law gets a chance to drink it." Song Yusui raised his brows; he had no plans to marry, so they probably wouldn't get to drink his wedding wine.

Having said that, he tilted his head toward Mu Nian, "Brother Nian truly is blessed—straightforward as he is, he found someone like Sister Yan who knows how to speak."

Mu Nian raised his cup and clinked it lightly, simply replying, "Thanks, but you don't have that fortune."

"…" Song Yusui finished his drink and left.

Next, Lu Yuchu and Song Yan also came over.

Song Yan merely followed behind Lu Yuchu, clinked a glass with them, and his eyes darted back and forth between the two.

Lu Yuchu took a symbolic sip, saying, "Sister Yan, if Brother Nian ever bullies you, tell me—I'll go tell Grandma, and our whole family will back you up."

"Got it."

After seeing those brothers and sisters, Yan Yuejiu and Mu Nian then brought Mu Youyu to meet some elders.

After finishing the rounds of elder toasts, they were pulled aside to mingle with several important business partners.

Yan Yuejiu was observant of etiquette; she didn't let herself be taken advantage of by those old-timers, and occasionally she would deftly steer the conversation toward Mu Nian, prompting him to speak and make up for his reticence.

After the engagement banquet ended, life quickly returned to its ordinary rhythm.

Yan Yuejiu, as usual, dove into the studio to rush a few custom orders, while Mu Nian continued handling company affairs as before.

From dating to engagement, the two experienced no major upheavals; instead, they slipped naturally into each other's lives, as inevitable as water finding its channel.

So uneventful that their friends found it unbelievable, yet also felt it was perfectly natural.

"…"

Two weeks later on Saturday, Yan Yuejiu met her friend in a private café booth, the table piled with fabric swatches and color cards.

Her friend complained, "Look at you—dating has made you busier than before; are you planning to trade your life for work hours?"

Yan Yuejiu flipped through the color cards, her tone languid: "You don't understand—being busy is good; I'm not only handling my own orders, but also showing Youbao the new season's gown color schemes, as well as the wedding attire for next year."

She still has the energy to use her free time to draw a design, but having her sew stitch by stitch is not realistic.

Her best friend asked, "What about you?"

Yan Yuejiu looked up, "What's wrong with me?"

Her best friend rolled her eyes, "Which version of your wedding dress have you tried on?"

Yan Yuejiu's hand paused mid-action, and she actually forgot to ask Mu Nian, "Not tried yet."

Hearing her tone, her best friend instead became serious, "How?"

Yan Yuejiu shook her head, "I just haven't decided what to design it as; I feel this is too important, I need to think it through before drawing."

Her best friend understood her meaning, "That's you; if it were someone else, it would have been decided long ago."

Yan Yuejiu was made to laugh by her, "I'll go back and discuss it with Mu Nian."

Her best friend brought up another topic, "When are you two having the wedding?"

"Maybe next year or in a few years; we're not in a rush."

"I believe you're not in a rush, but I don't believe Mu Nian is not in a rush."

Yan Yuejiu smiled and waved her hand, "Even if he's in a rush, it's useless; I'm not ready yet."

As Yan Yuejiu said that, Mu Nian's usual gentle expression appeared in her mind.

If she told him she wasn't ready yet, he would probably just reply "Fine" as usual and then wait quietly.

That night, Yan Yuejiu went to Mu Nian's residence; after eating, the two sat on the sofa, with her sitting cross-legged leaning against the cushion.

Mu Nian was processing documents on his laptop when she suddenly leaned over and said, "Mu Nian, for our wedding, why don't you draw a version first?"

Mu Nian turned his head, somewhat expectant, "Shall I draw it?"

"Yes, you draw it, and I'll look and make changes later."

"Sure."

An hour later, Yan Yuejiu came out of the shower, saw that cartoon clothing design paper, fell silent, "... Alright, you can step back."

Mu Nian left silently.

Yan Yuejiu couldn't help thinking, Mu Youyu is so talented in art, yet looking at Mu Nian, who grew up watching Mu Youyu, he hasn't picked up any artistic talent at all.

After their engagement, the year was truly busy for both of them.

On Mu Nian's side, the Mu Clan Conglomerate had several overseas projects advancing simultaneously, with multiple international collaborations requiring him to personally fly over to oversee negotiations.

At his busiest, he flew to three countries in one month, boarding the next flight before the time difference had even worn off.

On the day he returned to C Shi, his assistant handed him a new schedule in the car; he glanced at it, then closed his eyes and leaned back in the rear seat to rub his forehead.

When will this grueling life ever end?

Yan Yuejiu's side wasn't any better; she took on several royal commissions, often staying in the studio until dawn, then falling asleep as soon as she got home, only to get up again at seven the next morning to go back.

Ahhhhh, she would never again overestimate her own abilities, taking on so many orders from acquaintances……

The two of them seeing each other once a month was already good; most of the time they could only stay in touch by phone.

One night, Mu Nian returned from abroad, landing already close to midnight.

He sat in the car, dialed Yan Yuejiu's number, and it rang a long time before being answered.

"Hey, Mu Nian." Yan Yuejiu's voice was thick with heavy fatigue.

"You haven't rested yet?" Mu Nian said in an extremely soft tone.

"I'm drawing the design; I'll be done soon, you've arrived?"

"Just landed."

"Then you go rest first, don't wait for me."

Mu Nian paused for a beat, "Okay."

After hanging up, he had the driver circle around, parked the car downstairs of Yan Yuejiu's studio, didn't go up to disturb her, just sent a message telling her to rest early, then had the driver drive back home.

The next day, after hearing her little disciple's description, Yan Yuejiu only asked on her phone: 【Why didn't you call me down?】

Mu Nian: 【Didn't want to distract you】

Yan Yuejiu sent a speechless expression pack.

Mu Youyu occasionally calls to ask if they're too busy, why they never see each other.

Mu Nian coaxed her with a few words, saying he'd take her out to play once this busy period was over.

Yan Yuejiu joined in coaxing her.

Mu Youyu sent a rose expression pack.

The days just passed like that.

The following year, in June, the elders finalized the wedding venue: the lawn outside the second villa of Jingxi Estate.

In August, the two went to take wedding photos.

On the day of the shoot, the weather was fine, the lawn was filled with white flowers, and Yan Yuejiu's first outfit was a red dress with very fine silver thread embroidered on the hem.

Mu Nian wore a dark tailcoat, standing beside her, directed by the photographer to pose, his expression consistently unnatural.

The photographer told him to smile, he tugged at the corner of his mouth, and accidentally pulled it too wide.

Yan Yuejiu glanced at him and said, "I feel you've changed a lot, your face has changed; smiling like that is scarier than not smiling."

Mu Nian simply stopped smiling, and the photographer said that looked fine.

Yan Yuejiu covered her mouth and laughed out loud.

In September, all preparations entered the final stage, and Song Ningsheng and Mu Yunshuo also rushed back.

Mu Nian and Yan Yuejiu personally oversaw every detail of the venue setup.

On October 10th, before the sky was fully light, Mu Nian woke up and washed up.

When he went downstairs, the six groomsmen were already in the living room: Mu Xianqi, Song Yusui, Lu Yuchu, Song Yan, Mu Xi, and Zhou Shang.

On the other side, the bridesmaid team also picked six people, all at Yan Yuejiu's place.

Song Yusui leaned against the back of the sofa, yawning, "Brother Nian, you finally came."

Seeing him come down, several people turned their gazes toward him.

Mu Xi had just won a round of the game, in a good mood she called out, "Brother."

Mu Nian responded with a sound, "Have you all eaten breakfast?"

"We have." Mu Xi put down her phone.

Mu Nian didn't respond to that, headed to the restaurant, sat down and quickly finished his meal, then checked the schedule once more, confirming nothing was missed, before getting up and walking out.

The car was already waiting at the entrance.

Getting into the car, he closed his eyes and leaned against the seat; this wedding, from preparation to execution, he had gone over every step many times, and he knew all the details.

Logically speaking, Mu Nian shouldn't be nervous.

But thinking about what was to come, his heart started pounding uncontrollably.

The motorcade arrived at the Second Manor of Jingxi Manor; the lawn was filled with white roses and hydrangeas, the flower arches stretched from the entrance to the ceremony platform, and when the wind blew, the blossoms swayed gently.

Guests had been arriving one after another, and the staff were giving the final directions.

After Mu Nian got out of the car, the groomsmen followed behind; a few people had been chatting casually, but as they passed the reception area, their steps unconsciously slowed.

Song Yusui was the first to burst out laughing, pointing at the several huge posters standing on either side of the lawn, leaning back half a step, "Pfft, what is this?"

The others followed his gaze and looked over.

On each side of the lawn entrance stood five two-meter-tall rigid posters, arranged in a row, red background with gold lettering, floral patterned borders; the design was especially festive and extravagant, somewhat like an opening screen for a wedding venue.

"……" Mu Nian looked at all the posters with a blank expression.

The poster titles formed their own genre, namely——

"Falling for the True Heiress, Mu Ye's Palm Treasure"

"The Cold-Faced CEO's Contract Bride"

"The Overbearing Chairman's Hundred-Million-Dollar Darling Wife"

"The Regent's Beloved Long Princess"

"Immortal Sovereign, Your Tribulation Has Arrived"

"The Farm Girl Takes Charge: Top Scholar, Don't Run"

Each poster featured a different illustration.

The art styles varied wildly, but the female leads were always in skirts with pursed lips, while the male leads were always in formal wear with sharp jawlines……

Mu Youyu pulled Jiang Liangjin, pointing at one of them and laughing the happiest.

The poster image was an old photo of Mu Nian in a school uniform, with an incongruously ancient-style scholar boy figure clumsily Photoshopped beside it; the title read: "The Poor Scholar and His Lovely Lady"

Subtitle: Destitute, the lady daily forced him to study for the top scholar exam; later he became the most esteemed man in the entire dynasty.