Chapter 123

During Mu Mu's growing up, Pei Kuang and Song Anan had always protected him very well, paying great attention to his privacy.

Especially Pei Kuang, who rarely mentioned him in public.

So netizens only knew they had a son, nothing else.

In fact, there was an unspoken rule in the entertainment industry that even paparazzi would consciously blur photos of celebrities' children, unless with consent from the parents, would they publish clear photos!

Previously when Pei Kuang took Mu Mu out, paparazzi did take photos, but still blurred Mu Mu's face, so it didn't cause much impact.

On the contrary, afterwards they became even more careful when taking Mu Mu out.

Thus, from young till now, none of Mu Mu's photos were exposed online, until he was six years old, then his appearance was first known to netizens.

However, this matter was related to Song Linchuan.

When Mu Mu was four, Song Linchuan and Zhou Wei gave birth to a daughter, nicknamed Zhou Zhou.

Mu Mu really liked this "sister". Although Zhou Zhou was still a baby in swaddling clothes, one could see she also liked Mu Mu a lot.

Maybe it was the tacit understanding unique between children. Whenever Mu Mu came over, Zhou Zhou's gaze would be attracted by him, sometimes the adults couldn't understand.

Later when Zhou Zhou was learning to speak, the first word was mama, the second was brother.

Because of this, Song Linchuan was jealous for a long time. During that period Pei Kuang avoided him.

Nothing could be done, Song Linchuan couldn't bear to blame the young ones, and didn't want to scold his sister-in-law either. So in the end all his resentment could only be vented on Pei Kuang.

Pei Kuang also adhered to the principle of avoiding trouble when possible, thus passed that period safely.

As the two children grew up, their relationship became even better. During the day Mu Mu went to kindergarten, in the evenings before going home he would first visit Zhou Zhou.

On weekends, he would spend half a day to a full day accompanying Zhou Zhou, this was set in stone.

For this, when arranging interest classes for Mu Mu, Song Anan would keep this time slot open.

When Zhou Zhou turned two, Zhou Wei took part in a celebrity mom and baby variety show filmed at home. It was a very popular live streaming baby show.

Zhou Wei was already quite old when giving birth to Zhou Zhou. Compared to Song Anan, her entire pregnancy was much tougher.

Plus her body constitution was not very good either, so after Zhou Zhou's birth she hadn't taken up any work, mainly recuperating.

This show was Zhou Wei's first job after her postpartum recovery.

That Saturday morning.

Mu Mu tidied up his little backpack in his room, and packed the things he wanted to bring for Zhou Zhou. Then he went to the living room to look for Song Anan and Pei Kuang.

"Dad, Mom, I'm going over to brother's house to look for Zhou Zhou!"

Song Anan suddenly recalled something. She beckoned Mu Mu over, "Mu Mu, sorry I forgot to tell you, you can't go over today, they have something going on at home."

Last night Zhou Wei had mentioned they would be filming at home today. Song Anan had something on and forgot.

Mu Mu uttered "Ah", and asked "They're not home?"

Song Anan shook her head, "No, they're home."

"But, your sister-in-law took up a job, to film a show at home, so it may not be convenient if you go over."

Mu Mu scratched his head, his face showed disappointment.

Last week when Zhou Wei brought Zhou Zhou on a trip back to S City, the two of them hadn't met for a week already. Two days ago on video chat, Mu Mu promised he would go over to play today.

Mu Mu looked expectantly at Song Anan, and said "Mom, I really can't go over? But I already promised Zhou Zhou, I definitely won't disturb sister-in-law's work, I'll just accompany Zhou Zhou to play."

Song Anan ruffled the little guy's head. "Mu Mu, mom isn't worried you'll affect your sister-in-law's work. I'm afraid you'll appear on camera."

Mu Mu was a little confused, "Appear on camera?"

Song Anan pointed to the television not far away, and explained "Yes, you'll be filmed, show up on the TV."

Mu Mu blinked, and said "That's okay, I'm not afraid."

Maybe because he often saw Pei Kuang, Song Linchuan and Zhou Wei on TV, he didn't feel there was anything bad about appearing on television.

Of course, he didn't think there was anything good about it either. To Mu Mu, this was just a very normal thing, he didn't yearn for it, but didn't reject it either.

Comparatively, he felt that being able to visit Zhou Zhou was more important, after all he had already promised, once promised he shouldn't go back on his word.

Seeing she couldn't explain it clearly to the little guy, Song Anan could only look to Pei Kuang at the side for help.

Pei Kuang patted her hand, signaling to leave it to him.

Then, father and son talked for a bit. Pei Kuang simply explained things to him. After hearing that Zhou Zhou would also appear on TV, Mu Mu felt it was even less of an issue.

In the little guy's opinion, Zhou Zhou was his sister and wasn't afraid, why should he be afraid?

Thus, under Pei Kuang's persuasion, Mu Mu became even more determined to go.

Seeing the little guy's firm stand, in the end Song Anan and Pei Kuang didn't have a way, and could only agree to his decision.

However, the two of them didn't go along. Same as before, they just stood at the door of the villa, watching Mu Mu walking towards Song Linchuan's villa, only turning back when they saw him enter the door.

After returning home, Song Anan still felt a little stunned, "Can't believe we really let him go, isn't that a little rash?"

Pei Kuang smiled and pulled her into his embrace, "Rash then so be it, he already went, even if we regret now it'd be too late."

In fact, over the years many baby variety shows had looked for them, but were all rejected by him. Before today, neither Song Anan nor Pei Kuang had ever considered this.

So now they both felt a little stunned, but not to the extent of regret either.

Song Anan hit him lightly, "What's with you just now? I asked you to persuade him, how did you end up persuading him to insist on going?"

Previously Mu Mu hadn't insisted on going. After being persuaded by Pei Kuang, he had an attitude of going no matter what.

Thinking of this, Pei Kuang also couldn't help but slap his forehead.

He also didn't expect the little guy's inexplicable competitive spirit to just flare up like that.

Facing his wife's disapproval, Pei Kuang desperately defended himself, "He's your own son, don't you understand him best? The little guy has his own opinions, how can you blame me for this?"

Of course Song Anan knew this wasn't Pei Kuang's fault. She was just casually complaining.

After all, from young their parenting philosophy for Mu Mu was to let him make his own decisions as much as possible. As parents they would analyze things for him, explain details, but the final decision still depended on him.

They also knew this time going over, Mu Mu was completely revealing his face.

But after gaining some realizations from the previous kindergarten parent-child event, the two of them also understood some matters.

The so-called freedom was to let the child follow his own wishes. If he himself didn't think much of it, then as adults they need not overly concern themselves.

Like now Mu Mu attended interest classes, and Pei Kuang would often accompany him. Occasionally photographed, they were no longer as anxious as before. When Mu Mu arrived, Zhou Wei was in the kitchen making baby food for Zhou Zhou. Hearing the knock on the door, the one who opened was a crew member.

Seeing the young boy at the door, the crew was also surprised for a moment.

Mu Mu was not very surprised to see a stranger. His parents had just told him earlier there would be colleagues here to accompany his sister-in-law's work.

"Sister, hello. I'm here to look for Zhou Zhou." He greeted politely.

The crew member was a young director girl. Seeing such a pretty young boy calling her sister, her heart instantly melted.

With her years of experience in baby shows, if this little buddy was on a show he would definitely become popular.

Not to mention his exquisite little face, and well-behaved manner, he would certainly be well-received.

"Little one, hello! Zhou Zhou is inside, come on in." The director girl let Mu Mu in.

Just then Zhou Zhou inside heard the sound at the door and ran over. Seeing it was Mu Mu, she instantly became happy.

She ran over and hugged Mu Mu tightly, "Locky, you came! Zhou Zhou missed you!"

Mu Mu held Zhou Zhou's hand and smiled, "I missed you too Zhou Zhou."

Two little friends walked in hand in hand, chatting nonstop all the while. Zhou Zhou kept calling out "Guo Guo" happily, clearly over the moon.

Just then, the cameraman also came over. As soon as Mu Mu appeared on camera, the livestream chat exploded with excitement.

【Wow! Whose little boy is this? He looks so delicate!】

【Oh my god! This little boy is so pretty, those features are amazing. Whose child is this?】

【Haha, I was just saying how rarely you see such a cute kid like Zhou Zhou, and now here comes another one right after, as if just to prove me wrong!】

【Waaa, of course the good looking people only play with other good looking people, even little kids can't escape this curse】

【By the way, whose kid is this? How did he just come over by himself, where are his parents?】

【He's probably a friend or neighbor's kid who came over to play?】

【A neighbor's kid is very likely. They live so close, it's normal for parents not to tag along. And he seems pretty close with Zhou Zhou, they probably play together often】

【Speaking of which, I have a bold guess - this boy looks around 6 or 7 years old, and Auntie Anan and Pei Kuang's kid should be around this age too right?】

【OMG you're right! Come to think of it, this boy does look a lot like Pei Kuang!!】

【Ahhhhh could he really be Auntie Anan and Pei Kuang's child?】

【I think you guys are reading too much into this, Zhou Zhou calls him brother, the relationship doesn't match up】

【That's true, if going by seniority Zhou Zhou should call Auntie Anan's son "uncle"】

【Alright alright, false alarm, let's move on】

...

Before Mu Mu arrived, Zhou Zhou was playing with new toys her dad bought for her in the living room.

Song Linchuan always doted on his precious daughter excessively. The house was overflowing with toys, but whenever he saw new ones, he'd still buy them.

Every time Zhou Wei told him it was useless, he'd agree on the surface but still buy them again next time.

This time after wrapping up filming, he had bought another pile of new toys from somewhere again.

The two kids were very close to begin with, and always shared anything fun, so this time was no different.

Zhou Zhou pulled Mu Mu over to the toys, waved her little hand, "Guo Guo, come play!"

Mu Mu smiled and said, "Okay, we can play in a bit. Let me show you the present I brought first."

At the mention of a present, Zhou Zhou's eyes instantly lit up, "Okay, okay!"

Mu Mu took off his little backpack, and took out some paper crafts he had made in kindergarten - folded paper planes and boats, along with some drawings he did.

Zhou Zhou was clearly very interested in the paper boats, picking them up and looking at them from all angles, reluctant to put them down.

Seeing her liking them, Mu Mu took out some colored paper from his bag, "Here, Zhou Zhou, let me teach you how to fold paper boats, okay?"

Zhou Zhou clapped her hands, "Okay!"

And so the two sat down head to head making paper crafts.

Because she was younger, Zhou Zhou always had trouble folding them. But Mu Mu was patient, guiding her step-by-step. Even when Zhou Zhou messed up, he didn't get mad at all, such a good temper.

【Ahhh these two are just too cute!】

【Wow this boy has such a good temper, so patient and calm, this is so rare for a child!】

【I know right, he has this little gentlemanly air about him, clearly very well-bred】

【Zhou Zhou is so well-behaved too, doesn't throw a tantrum even when she can't fold it right, not fussy at all】

【 clearly from a good family】

【The two words "childhood sweethearts" instantly came to mind!】

【These kids are just adorable, want to pinch their cheeks】

Just as the two were engrossed in their paper crafts, Zhou Wei walked out from the kitchen.

She was holding a plate of food - baby food for Zhou Zhou, and a small cake prepared for Mu Mu.

Hearing the sounds, Mu Mu turned his head. Seeing Zhou Wei, he looked up at her and sweetly called out, "Sister-in-law."

Song Anan had called Zhou Wei beforehand, so she was not surprised to see Mu Mu now.

"Mu Mu is here." Zhou Wei walked over with a smile.

Mu Mu smiled obediently, "Mm, I promised Zhou Zhou I'd come see her, can't break a promise."

As if recalling something, he quickly added, "Sister-in-law, you're busy, I'll just keep Zhou Zhou company, don't let me disturb your work."

Zhou Wei smiled and ruffled his hair, "It's no trouble."

【Wow! The boy is called Mu Mu, what a cute name!】

【I know, Mu Mu and Zhou Zhou are such adorable names, matching their adorable looks!】

【Hey, aren't you guys missing the point here? Since when was the name the focus?】

【If not the name, then what is?】

【*facepalm* Didn't you guys notice the boy calling Zhou Wei sister-in-law?】

【Oh crap you're right, he did call her sister-in-law!】

【Ah...what's going on here, Mu Mu calls Zhou Wei sister-in-law, Zhou Zhou calls Mu Mu brother - what kind of messy relationship is this?】

Just as the livestream viewers were trying to make sense of things, Zhou Zhou suddenly waved the little paper boat she was holding excitedly at Zhou Wei.

"Mommy, mommy, look, the little boat Guo Guo gave me!"

Zhou Wei tapped Zhou Zhou's forehead, a little exasperated as she said, "Silly girl, he's not your brother, he's your uncle." She then looked at Mu Mu with a smile, "Mu Mu, next time she calls it wrong, you can flick her on the forehead."

Mu Mu waved his hand, "It's okay, sister-in-law. Zhou Zhou will understand when she's a little older."

After all, he had called Zhou Zhou little sister before too, but started calling her by name now right?

Hearing their exchange, whether it was the livestream viewers or the staff present, they had more or less guessed at Mu Mu's identity.

The assistant director tentatively asked, "Zhou, is this boy a friend's child?"

Zhou Wei didn't beat around the bush and directly replied, "He's my younger sister's child, his name is Mu Mu."

【OMG it really is Auntie Anan and Pei Kuang's son, I'm shook!】

【I knew it, this boy does look a lot like Pei Kuang, especially those eyes】

【Speaking of which, earlier some netizen photoshopped a picture of what Auntie Anan and Pei Kuang's child might look like. Looking at it now, that picture doesn't hold a candle to Mu Mu!】

【Of course! Back then I thought the photoshopped face looked pretty decent already, but after seeing Mu Mu I can only say I was too shallow】

【On a side note, how is every member of the Song family so good looking? Not just the adults, with looks like Zhou Zhou and Mu Mu they'd beat out so many celebrity kids】

【Waaa, the heavens are so unfair! Unlike my family where the ugly ducklings congregate!】

【Hahaha stop dissing yourself like that, we don't do that here】

...

People are often first interested in others' looks, and only later every other aspect.

Viewers were even more so. At first they marveled at Mu Mu and Zhou Zhou's looks, but after a morning, they suddenly discovered that the two kids' personalities and upbringing were the most endearing part.

Especially Mu Mu. At such a young age, everything he said and did was well-mannered. He was so obedient and polite, truly hard not to like.

At noon, Song Linchuan came back. When he returned, Zhou Wei had taken Zhou Zhou to the bedroom to change her diaper, leaving only Mu Mu in the living room.

Seeing Mu Mu, Song Linchuan did not seem surprised either, he was probably informed beforehand that Mu Mu was coming over.

Mu Mu greeted him politely, "Brother."

Song Linchuan ruffled his hair and casually asked, "What's your dad up to at home?"

Mu Mu replied, "Mom worked a night shift yesterday. Dad said he'd stay home and let mom sleep in."

That was what his dad had told him before coming over anyway, so Mu Mu just relayed it verbatim.

Song Linchuan's mouth ticked imperceptibly.

Auntie needing to sleep in after a night shift requires him to keep her company?

This guy is getting more and more clingy.

【Ahhh I can't believe I'm being fed Auntie Anan and Pei Kuang dog food here】

【Hahaha Song Linchuan didn't say anything outright but that disgusted expression says it all】

【LMAO he has the gall to judge Pei Kuang when he's no better fawning over Zhou Wei】

【Exactly, don't laugh at your brother-in-law when you're just as whipped】

[It's kind of funny how such a young child calls Song Linchuan big brother. If I didn't know their relationship beforehand, I would have thought Song was intentionally trying to act cute!]

[Hahaha, it's pretty amusing that such a little kid calls Song Linchuan brother. He does seem out of place.]

[The whole "gaining a younger brother in old age" joke comes to mind again. I can't help but laugh.]

[...]

Not long after, Zhou Wei came downstairs holding Zhou Zhou.

It was just around lunch time, so Song Linchuan and Zhou Wei quickly brought Mu Mu and Zhou Zhou to the dining table.

Mu Mu sat right next to Zhou Zhou. They each had their own utensils and food placed in front of them.

After lunch, as they had just gotten up from the table, Song looked at Mu Mu eagerly, "Mu Mu, will you play a round with me?"

Sitting next to Mu Mu, Zhou Wei said helplessly, "Mu Mu, you don't have to play with him if you don't want to."

Looking at Song Linchuan, Mu Mu seemed to give in with a sigh, "Just one round."

[Play what? I'm confused about what they're talking about.]

[Maybe chess? I can't think of anything else.]

[That's probably right. I remember seeing Song Linchuan post on Weibo that he likes playing chess.]

[No way, isn't Mu Mu only 6 years old? Do 6 year olds know how to play Chinese chess?]

[It could also be Go, or kids games like hopscotch.]

[Some children start learning chess, Go, etc. at 4 or 5 years old. But they would usually just be starting out. If they played with adults, they would definitely get crushed.]

When Song Linchuan came back from the study with a chess set and board, everyone realized they were going to play Go!

Good grief, the livestream chat started blowing up, with people calling out Song for bullying a little kid.

[Now I see why Mu Mu didn't seem too happy about it. Song is going too far bullying a child like this!]

[Hahaha Song, just keep bullying your little brother! Watch out or your sister-in-law and brother-in-law will come get you!]

[Mu Mu: Brother, don't you feel bad at all!]

As the chat unanimously 'condemned' Song for bullying a child, the game board was already set up.

The two brothers sat across from each other, Mu Mu taking the black stones and Song the white. The battle officially began.

Next, the audience originally thought Mu Mu would get crushed. But the reality was the complete opposite.

In fact, Mu Mu was very talented at Go. He started learning it at 4 and a half, and had been studying for almost 2 years now.

As for his skill level, let's just say he had no issues facing Song Linchuan.

The game ended swiftly, even after Song tried to cheat and take back moves several times. In the end, he still lost to Mu Mu, and the livestream chat burst out laughing.

[Hahaha, I'm dying. Song, you lousy player, you can't even beat a 6 year old kid.]

[I can't stop laughing. Song, not only did you lose the game, you lost your integrity.]

[I saw news reports before that said Song had a nasty temper when playing games with other actors on set. I guess it was true.]

[My god, I was stunned when Song tried to take back his move. I've got to say, Mu Mu really has a good temper.]

[Now I finally understand why Mu Mu was so reluctant earlier. Too funny.]

[Wahhh, Mu Mu's helpless yet indulgent little expressions towards Song just now were too cute!]

[I know right, he looked just like a little adult. Makes me want to rua him.]

[Song, what kind of lucky fate do you have? First your sister-in-law dotes on you, now even your sister-in-law's son dotes on you. I'm officially jealous.]

[Mu Mu: What can I do, I have to dote on my own brother!]

[...]