Forcefully Doting On You - v6c4

Chapter 129

Note: I apologize for the delay. I meant to finish translating this book last weekend, but real life got in the way. Anyway, enjoy the last few chapters! ( ˶ˆᗜˆ˵ ) Thank you again, Sakuradahl, for the Ko-Fi donation! 

Upon hearing the request of his beloved, Mu Cai agreed without hesitation. His partner wanted to carry his name, to be intimately entwined with him in everything — this idea filled him with immense joy.

Who wouldn't want to be a little closer to the person they love?

Thinking about this, Mu Cai's worries about his family arriving in the evening diminished. He excitedly reached for his lover's hand and led him upstairs towards his study.

His room housed dictionaries that could definitely aid in choosing the best name for his beloved!

The planet ruler felt his hand being taken by Mu Cai. Mu Cai's hand was soft and noticeably smaller compared to his own. The moment their palms brushed together, the ruler took the initiative and firmly clasped Mu Cai's hand.

Hand in hand, they headed to the study. Mu Cai helped his lover sit down and took a thick, brick-like dictionary from the shelf, pushing it towards the planet ruler.

Mu Cai's eyes curved into smiles, flashing his small, sharp canines from behind his rosy lips, "Just about every character is in here. Check to see if there are any you like - pick a couple and combine them, and that can be your new name!"

The planet ruler didn't immediately open the dictionary, instead gazing at the face of his partner. Suddenly, he broached the subject, "Do you recall the world where I was called Li Yu?"

Mu Cai wasn't sure why his partner brought that up and was left a bit puzzled. Regardless, he obediently nodded.

The planet ruler smiled and said, "I remember in that world, the name I initially saved for you on my phone was 'Mu Cai'. 'Mu' is from 'admiration'."

Upon hearing this, the young man sitting across him froze for a moment. Soon after, a blush climbed up his fair cheeks, "Why bring that up all of a sudden?"

He looked a bit bashful, but his sparkling eyes gave away his happiness, putting an enchanting glow on his face.

Resisting the urge to pull him close and shower his partner with kisses from head to toe, the ruler of the planet simply lifted Mu Cai's delicate hand to his lips, lightly pressing a kiss, "I want to choose a similar name. 'Mu' (穆) is a homophone of 'Mu' (慕), showing my admiration for you. How about 'Mu Qing'?" (穆卿)

Given the profound richness of Chinese characters, 'Qing' (卿) could mean a term of endearment between spouses. It could also mean 'you' in ancient Chinese.

Regardless of its meaning, both definitions were quite explicit, making Mu Cai feel shy. He couldn't help but try to withdraw his hand, only to have it held more firmly by his partner.

In the end, Mu Cai could only surrender. He lifted his gaze to meet the other's and said, "Since you've already made up your mind, why bother asking me?"

As he spoke, his slightly reddened cheeks seemed puffier, making him appear as if he was feeling particularly coquettish.

The planet ruler, known as Mu Qing, could no longer resist. He extended his hand and directly pulled his young lover onto his lap. Given that he was the planet itself, even though Mu Cai was an adult male, lifting him seemed effortlessly easy.

Surprisingly, Mu Cai did not resist. He moved over willingly, even wrapping his arms around Mu Qing's neck for more stability.

As he was adjusting his own seated posture, he felt a breath fan over his ear. As Mu Cai subconsciously turned his head, he heard his lover laugh and say, "If anything, your surname will be added to my name. One day, I'll join your family's graveyard too. Even though I've already decided on the name, I still need your agreement."

At these words, Mu Cai felt a pang in his heart.

Meanwhile, a sense of nervousness stirred within him. Although he had no objections — was even quite pleased — about Mu Qing wanting to adopt his surname and join his family's graveyard, it was different for the current head of his family.

His older brother was already fuming. His older sister, although friendlier, was not necessarily easier to deal with.

Both of them had been in power for a long time and were not ones to easily change their minds.

The thought of his family coming to dinner that evening sent Mu Cai's mind into a whirl. He didn’t want to upset his lover nor hurt his family's feelings. For the moment, he couldn't think of any viable solutions — he figured he would just have to adapt to the situation as it evolved.

The person nestled in his arms creased his brow, resembling distant mountains, revealing a hint of distress on his face.

Mu Qing, a bit discontented with his lover's distracted state, lightly bit the younger man's small earlobe.

The slight pain in his ear snapped Mu Cai back into the moment. Before he could fully react, the person holding him nuzzled his head into his chest. It was as if a big dog was attempting to recapture its owner's attention, prompting a gentle petting.

His lover whined, his voice laced with grievances, like an eternal child: "What are you thinking about? Why aren’t you paying attention to me?"

Mu Cai found his lover's actions slightly adorable and couldn't resist stroking Mu Qing's head. He pondered for a moment before tactfully saying, "I’m not thinking about much. You know, the family is coming over for dinner tonight. They are coming to check on us. I was just thinking about what to prepare for dinner so that they can enjoy the meal. And then we can talk about us."

In the end, he decided not to mention his brother's attitude to Mu Qing. If his lover learned about his family's disapproval, Mu Cai felt that it would upset him. Perhaps he would foster some resentment towards his family. This wouldn't contribute positively towards their transition in the long term.

Listening to these words and recalling Mu Cai's previous expression, Mu Qing could hazard a guess of his little lover's thoughts.

It was clear that his family was unhappy about their relationship.

It was like in their small world, with Mu Cai's elder brother.

However, regardless of how much they opposed, he wouldn't let go of Mu Cai's hand. He suggested, "Why don't you tell me what they like to eat, and I’ll cook the meal?"

Upon hearing this, Mu Cai was surprised. "You know how to cook?"

He, himself, could only muster up the skills to cook noodles and eggs, and he could barely manage to fry an egg, let alone being mindful of the fact that his lover was a celestial entity that hadn't likely ever even touched a pot or stove before.

Mu Qing chuckled, "I've cooked for you so many times in the dream world, does it mean I can’t cook in reality?"

Mu Cai figured this made sense.

Even though his lover was a celestial body, this celestial body was capable of engaging him in fluent conversations and could also extort a large sum of wages from shrewd officials.

So, perhaps the ability to cook in the dream world could be carried over to reality?

If Mu Qing really prepared a full table of food for the approaching family members, his elder brother and sister’s attitude would certainly soften, or at least, they would not openly display their displeasures.

As long as they both worked hard, with an initial step towards easing the tension with his family would surely lead to more progress. The day when he and Mu Qing would receive the blessing from his family surely wouldn’t be far off!

Embracing this thought, Mu Cai cheerfully said: "I’ll order some food for delivery right now! We can cook together!"

Even if the cooking plan fails, it didn’t matter, he could always order more food!

________________________

That evening.

Six people suddenly showed up at Mu Cai's house. There were his parents, his elder brother, sister-in-law, nephew, and his newly engaged elder sister.

Fortunately, Mu Qing had moved the foldable dining table from the warehouse. Otherwise, the dining room wouldn’t have been able to accommodate everyone.

As Mu Cai had guessed, faced with a table full of lavish dishes, and his declaration that it was the result of his and Mu Qing’s efforts, his big brother's stern expression indeed relaxed. He started eating without saying anything.

After all, it was food that his younger brother had personally made!

As for Mu Qing, his presence was selectively ignored by his big brother.

Contrarily, his elder sister, parents, and sister-in-law started bubbling with questions for Mu Qing. They had watched the live broadcast in the morning and knew that Mu Qing was a celestial entity. Therefore, they didn't ask about his parental or familial background. Instead, their inquiries revolved around Mu Qing's experience of meeting Mu Cai and his adjustment to human society.

This kind of familial questioning and harmonious atmosphere were common during family meals, apart from Mu Guang, who remained silent while eating his meal.

Once the meal was finished, Mu Cai and Mu Qing both went to the kitchen to clean up the dishes, leaving the remaining seven people conversing in the living room.

Mother Mu was the first to show signs of softening: "Although Mu Qing is not a human, he does have a sense of human warmth, and he seems to quite like Cai Cai. This is the first time I've seen Cai Cai in a relationship and he seems happy. Maybe we should just let him be."

Father Mu nodded: "Indeed, and since Mu Qing is a planet with a long lifespan, he can look after Cai Cai indefinitely without any accidents. They won't be able to have children, but as long as someone can care for Cai Cai consistently, I would feel at ease."

Upon hearing this, Mu Guang's expression became more solemn. His brows furrowed as though he could crush a fly between them: "No way! Precisely because he is a planet, I can't agree! My assistant has done some research. This Dawn can negotiate with countries; it's extremely astute and doesn't seem to be good news. This is only when he first enters human society. What more when his knowledge expands in the future? With Cai Cai being so naive, how can he play by his rules? The laws of human society are irrelevant to him, and our family holds no importance in his eyes! He won't have any reservations, and if he changes his heart, he won't show mercy towards Cai Cai! I disagree!"

Wen Rui Xue rarely saw her husband saying so much in one breath, which caused her to frown as well: "Actually, I also disagree, just like what Mu Guang said. The relationship between the two lacks security. The planet is not bound by law, morality, and various rules; what if he mistreats Cai Cai? Cai Cai is so naive. If he gets hurt physically or emotionally, recovery won't be easy! However, our disagreement is pointless at this moment. It might even put Cai Cai in a difficult position. We need to find a way to make this Dawn withdraw voluntarily."

Upon hearing the opinions of their son and daughter-in-law, Father Mu and Mother Mu also found it tough to make a decision. As such, everyone turned their attention towards Mu Ru who had been off to the side.

Mu Ru, with her curly hair and upright posture, had a serene facial expression. After a brief contemplation, she said, "I'll meet him alone."

As a powerful businesswoman known for her negotiation skills, everyone trusted her capabilities, including Mu Guang, whose emotions had begun to stabilize. He nodded at Mu Ru and said, "I'm leaving it to you."

Mu Ru nodded back at Mu Guang and then flashed a smile at Wen Rui Xue, saying, "Sister-in-law, could I borrow little Hongye for a bit?"

Upon realizing Mu Ru's intention, Wen Rui Xue picked up her son and said, chuckling, "At last, it's time for my little Hongye to contribute, go ahead."

The little nephew looked at his aunt with wide eyes.

Wen Rui Xue squatted down and said, smiling, "Hongye, shall we go play with your uncle?"

Thinking of his handsome uncle whom he hasn't seen for more than a year, Mu Hongye nodded eagerly, "Yes!"

He felt aggrieved that his uncle, sitting with another person today, didn't say much to him.

That's the response Mu Ru needed. She took her little nephew by the hand and marched towards the kitchen, like a female general about to head into battle, "Hongye, when you see your uncle, just rush up and hug his leg. Then, aunt will create an opportunity for you two to play alone, does that sound good?"

The little nephew puffed out his chest and lifted his chin. His chubby cheeks even quivered, making him look like a soldier on the battlefield hearing orders:"Okay!"

________________________

Author's Note: 

Little white rabbit, charge on! Protect Uncle! Rescue Uncle from the clutches of those awful carrot devils.

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