Mu Shuanghua: The House of Yu came looking for me. Be careful.

Mu Yue Ran stared intently at the message from Mu Shuanghua on her screen. After a long pause, she slowly typed back: "Are you alright?"

Mu Shuanghua: I’m fine. Friends are with me. Where are you? We should meet. I can help you...

Mu Yue Ran’s expression softened slightly. Ji Yueyi, who had been holding her breath beside her, sensed the shift in atmosphere. She ventured cautiously, "Sister Yue Ran, what’s wrong?"

Just moments ago, as Ji Yueyi was about to get out of the car, she’d noticed Mu Yue Ran’s face go rigid. Her hands had gripped the steering wheel so tightly that veins stood out on her knuckles.

Mu Yue Ran took a deep breath, relaxing. She turned to Ji Yueyi, smiling as she ruffled her hair. "Just a small matter. Hurry off to school now."

Ji Yueyi hesitated, then threw her arms around Mu Yue Ran in a sudden hug. Mimicking Mu Yue Ran’s past gestures, she gently patted her back. Warmth filled Ji Yueyi’s eyes as her fingers softly tangled in the strands of Mu Yue Ran’s hair resting on her neck and shoulders. Mu Yue Ran wouldn’t tell her what happened—so she wouldn’t ask. As long as her Sister Yue Ran was safe, Ji Yueyi wanted nothing more.

Startled at first by the embrace, Mu Yue Ran gradually calmed as the girl’s warmth seeped into her. Like a spring breeze melting winter’s chill, it soothed her. She patted Ji Yueyi’s head reassuringly. "I’m truly fine. Just some family issues to sort out. Don’t worry."

Ji Yueyi nodded, half-convinced. She released her hold, opened the car door, and walked toward the school gates, glancing back three times. Mu Yue Ran stayed put, waving until Ji Yueyi vanished inside. The moment she disappeared, Mu Yue Ran jerked the handbrake up, floored the accelerator, and shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.

Driving home, Mu Yue Ran’s mind raced. She hadn’t underestimated the House of Yu’s reach. That night she’d taken Yuchuge, she’d been meticulous—even using a rare cheat opportunity to cover her tracks.

She’d thought she’d bought herself time. But she’d overestimated their patience. She’d miscalculated—they’d gone after Mu Shuanghua.

Honestly, Mu Shuanghua wasn’t entirely uninvolved. Yet she knew nothing beyond Mu Yue Ran’s own actions. She probably still thought Mu Yue Ran was some kind of master thief.

Mu Yue Ran frowned, a headache brewing. She hadn’t wanted to drag Mu Shuanghua into this. With her temper, she’d likely rush in recklessly.

The priority now was to draw the House of Yu’s attention away from Mu Shuanghua. She had to shield her from this mess.

She knew—even if this blew over, the House of Yu wouldn’t swallow this insult quietly. They’d only grow more suspicious of Mu Shuanghua.

Just as Mu Yue Ran feared, Madam Yu wasn’t letting go. She glared at her bruised, bandage-wrapped subordinates before her. Fury practically steamed from her scalp. For half an hour, she raged at their incompetence, only stopping when her throat turned dry.

The butler seized the pause. Stepping forward, he blocked her view of the men and bowed deeply. "Madam, Miss Park’s interest in that club—or that woman Mu Shuanghua—is far deeper than we anticipated. This..."

Madam Yu slammed her teacup onto the table, scattering leaves across the floor. Her face darkened. "A girl with matching build and skills. She attended our banquet. The staff logged her invitation entering the villa district."

"What are the odds?"

She recalled questioning the attendant who’d handled guest registration that night. A week later, his memory was hazy. But when shown Mu Shuanghua’s photo, he’d hesitated—same short hair, same frame, even similar features around the eyes and nose.

His uncertain testimony only deepened Madam Yu’s suspicion. And when she heard Miss Park fiercely defending Mu Shuanghua? She began to wonder if the Park family was pulling strings behind the scenes.

Madam Yu tapped a finger on the table. After a long, icy silence, she spoke. "Tell the master to probe the Park family’s stance at the joint conference. Gauge their reaction."

The butler bowed and retreated. Madam Yu’s cold gaze swept over her battered crew. She ground her teeth. "As for you—"

"Find that girl! This time, be smarter. Grab her discreetly. Understood?"

"Yes, Madam!"

The men staggered out, supporting each other. Madam Yu remained alone in the vast villa, refilling her teacup again and again.

……

Mu Yue Ran unlocked the door. There, cross-legged on the sofa, sat Yuchuge—still that quiet, wooden doll. But her eyes held a flicker of light now.

Yuchuge’s ears twitched at the sound. She sprang up, darted to the shoe cabinet, and placed slippers by Mu Yue Ran’s feet. As Mu Yue Ran changed shoes and straightened, Yuchuge wrapped her in a bear hug.

She’d learned this from Ji Yueyi. After seeing it once, she’d treasured the gesture, now competing with Ji Yueyi every time Mu Yue Ran left or returned.

Mu Yue Ran’s lips quirked. Sometimes Ji Yueyi was right—she really had brought home a little animal.

Though its owner was getting impatient.

Mu Yue Ran supported Yuchuge’s waist with one arm, set the pastries on the table with the other, then settled her on the sofa’s edge before sitting beside her.

Before Mu Yue Ran could steady herself, Yuchuge wriggled her hips, climbed onto her lap, and sat perfectly upright between her arms, hands folded neatly on her knees.

Mu Yue Ran was numb to it by now. In this pose, she always felt like a puppet show performer—only missing the strings and ventriloquism.

Noticing Yuchuge’s rapt gaze on the TV, Mu Yue Ran parted her silvery strands to see. The screen showed a seaside guesthouse—one not far from their own home.

Sunlight and waves reflected in Yuchuge’s eyes. The tide rolled over golden sand, carrying away pebbles and shells, leaving only shimmering traces behind.

She… had never seen the sea. Or so many other places.

After a long while, Mu Yue Ran spoke softly.

"Let’s go."

"To the seaside."